Jolly cold for the Jolly
There was a very festive start to the 7.5 mile Jolly Run at Escot Park with the snow falling. Seven Elf Valley Runners joined the fun which included lots of hills, mud, ice and snow although no-one wanted to brave the 30 metre slide this year!
Suzi Blackett was first elf in 1.39:29 running with Kirsty Farrington just behind in 1.39:30 with the rest of the elves: Maxine Sweetman, Denise Burges, Gill Day, Rachel Hiscock and Shirley Salter, finishing together in 1.54:20.
Mapperton Muddle
Five hardy AVRs together with 220 others braved sun, snow and frozen ground to participate in the inaugural running of the Mapperton Muddle Half Marathon organised by White Star Running. A 10k race was also available. The races started and finished within the country estate of Mapperton near Beaminster, Dorset and owned by the Earl and Countess of Sandwich with the course including hills; a mixture of woodland and forest trails; open fields and quiet country roads.
Kerry Board finished a terrific year of running by taking second female (15th overall) in a great time of 1.57. Andy West was next AVR in 47th in 2.16 with Ragnhild Richards and Sarah Herfet running together and finishing in 2.57 and Mandy Harris just behind in 3.19.
It was a very tough, tricky course especially in the conditions but runners were rewarded with beautiful scenery and afterwards a medal and goody bag.
Icy parkrun
A beautiful morning in Seaton meant the parkrun was able to go ahead despite the freezing temperatures unlike many local events that fell to the weather. However, a short sleet shower turned the Esplanade to ice during the latter stages so there was a bit of unplanned pebble running for many! Thankfully quick-witted marshals and careful, sensible parkrunners meant everyone (who wanted to) completed the course safely, even if a tad slower than hoped.
First finisher was Joel Seward in 17:22 with Richard Hardy second in 17:39. Eleanor Wood was second female in 22:39 and top on age grade with an incredible 90.88%.
Congratulations to Kevin Feeney who celebrated his 300th parkrun on Saturday.
