Robin Hood 29th September 2013
Bright and early Long Eaton running club pitched the tent with our flag flying in the usual spot on the field, welcoming our members running or supporting as a gathering point, dropping kit off prior to the race. It was a cool start to that day but the sun was shining down with a race start of 9.30am for the half and full marathon runners. One by one runners appeared in their club vests apart from Gavin Kennedy who was running in pigtails dressed as a lady, in a LERC St Trinian’s outfit flashing some very pink undergarments!. For many of our runners hoping to run a good time, making a comeback, just here for a run, 1st half marathon or marathon this was a welcome distraction from the task ahead!
With moments to the start the toilets were as busy as ever and then the rush to get into the pens for the start, which was set off in waves this year to try to improve the congestion at the start. The mayor of Nottingham and Richard Whitehead were there watching the runners cross the line with Gem FM radio interviewing runners as they passed. Many for charities and club runners a like all with one aim to complete either the half or full marathon.
With the winning time for the half was ran by an runner from Notts AC in 1.06, 3 of our runners were in the top 100, our 1st Long Eaton runner was Anthony Batty achieving a course best and a pb 1:17:35. Gavin Kennedy aka Kenno dressed as a St Trinian finished in 1:20:01. Ian Chant 1:22:26 6th in his age category with a not bad performance as he described it and Dave Boot running his first half for over 10 years in 1:25:59. Richard Howe running for charity in 1:27:29 followed by Rob Allen with a course best of 1:28:52 both fairly close to their personal bests. Richard Halloran made his debut in 1:32:38 with Martin Tilling just behind him in 1:32:48.
Lisa Reddish was our 1st Long Eaton lady with a personal best in 1:36:20. Adam White with his marathon a week away was pacing in a time of 1:38:29.
Then come the 1:40 something’s. John Oleshko with a pb of 5 minutes and course best 1:40:23 closely followed by Matt Weightman making his robin hood debut with a pb of over 12 minutes in 1:40:49. Mark Harrison 1:41:54, Richard Syson 1:43:56, Tony Perry 1:44:46 and our 2nd lady Catherine Rowe in 1:48:41.
Being at the start line with her eye focused on the 1:50 pacer, Leanne Smith 3rd lady in a great time of 1:50:06, running a course and personal best of 25 minutes from last year. Ash Patel next in for the men, 1:52:17 followed by Timothy Peveritt making his debut 1:53:13. Shaun Burton who was originally taking part in the marathon finished it in the quickest time 1:55:08 missing the turning point and completing the half. Chris Wood 1:58:10, Paul Milner 1:59:50 and Nathan Barnett 2;00:35 all within a minute of each other. Not long after having a baby and getting back into running, Nicola Greensmith did her 1st half marathon post baby with an awesome pb in 2:05:27.
Kevin Barry 2:01:34 was pacing the ladies round, both achieving pb’s, Casey Trueman 2:02:41 and Aanna Mulligan-Freeman 2:03:50. Kathy Crockford with a course best completing in 2:04:59 and for her 1st half marathon debut raising for charity, newer member Sarah Edmonds completed with all smiles in 2:10:14.
Then it was down to the ladies running the full marathon, Rachel Argent completed the marathon in 4:08:27 followed by the birthday girl Jane Hudson in 4:10:16. Then out of nowhere Melanie Taylor who wanted to do a 22 mile run decided to take part in the marathon, her 1st marathon debut in a great time of 4:34:55 looking fresh at the end. With the marathon being in the Nottingham County championships, in the open category Rachel Argent achieved 2nd place with a silver medal and Jane Hudson 3rd place with a bronze medal. Jane also achieved a 2nd place silver county champs medal for her category V45.
At the end, most half marathon runners waited to cheer marathon runners in and for the birthday girl Jane to arrive for some cake and bubbles in the sunshine, catching up on the race events.
Just over 30 of our runners taking part, I would just like to mention a unfortunate incident, whereby Jackie Mather was requiring medical attention after collapsing during her marathon, when something goes wrong it’s great to have that support and was looked after immediately, members expressed care and concern, sending her best wishes so glad to report she is doing well now and we wish Jackie a speedy recovery.
We had some great support round the course to name a few, with Stephanie Catelain on his bike near the tax offices. Paul Burchell, Damian, Dean Hardman, Vicky Parker, Laura & Charlie on the bridge out of Boots with the LERC flag flying high and Sam Fryer with the boys & friends just after. Sarah Priestley, Mike Lockwood, Dawn (& bump) & Neil Blatherwick cheering just before the Trent building and Cath Benson by the café on the lake. Paul Lewis, Chris Robson and Pat Allen also on the exit onto university boulevard. Further support was welcomed for the marathon runners from Aaran Kirk and Mark Hudson around the course. Paddy out on his bike, Damian & the ladies moved across the city to holme pierrepoint with now Maria with Seth & Honor to cheers us on. Also thanks to Sarah and Mike who also re appeared at the Forest ground to cheer the marathon runners in the last couple of miles.
Well done to our runners, but also thank you to runners and supporters for making this another great race event in the calendar, to continue.
This report was brought to you by woolly
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