Vamos Valencia!
Six AVRs travelled to Spain to tackle the famously flat and fast marathon Trinidad Alfonso Valencia. Taking place just a few weeks after the city was devastated by flooding the race began with a period of reflection and the anthem of Valencia. Runners, supporters, families and friends all bringing much needed income and support to the region in the race, branded “Valenica runs 4 Valencia”.
Making his marathon debut, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe took the victory in 2:02.25. There were mixed emotions for the six AVRs. First AVR in a huge PB was Joel Seward in 2:35.56 in 846thplace, from 28721 men; a brilliantly paced run with a negative split. There was also a tremendous PB for Matt Frost in 2:47.50, 2266th male.
Terry Emmett struggled with a tight calf finishing in a still impressive sub-3; 2:55.57; Matt Hewer, suffering from the effects of a virus, finished in 3:06.07; while Ryan Snell had to pull out at 14 miles and David Cull completed it in 4:04.56.
Molly Smith finished 28th female and second British woman in a brilliant four minute PB of 2:31.46 while Jake Smith had an impressive day at the office pacing the fourth group at 2:10 pace to 30KM.
Glorious Goodwood
A bit closer to home and a group of AVRs headed to the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit to take part in the marathon and half marathon, which uses the racing track so fast, flat circular racing! They faced wet and windy conditions but came away with some excellent results.
In the marathon Rich Hardy not only got a podium finish, taking second place but also a shiny PB in 2:38.24 and first M40. Rob Collier finished in 3:03.16, 28th and first M55.
Max Richardson, coming back from a long knee injury, had an outstanding race in the half-marathon finishing in 1:24.56 in 18th place. Adrianne and Anthony Mullins ran together and finished in 2:01.10 and 2:01.12, PBs for them both.
A mudfest at the Full Montycute
It was a tough and very muddy affair at Yeovil Montecute in Somerset for the 10-mile off-road race, the Full MontyCute. The race starts and finishes at Ham Hill with runners facing ten hills during the ten-mile scenic route around the Ham Hill Country Park. Twelve AVRs enjoyed the Grizzly’esque conditions to complete the race, organised by Crewkerne Running Club.
The race was won by Chard Road Runners’ Wayne Loveridge in 1:15.43. First AVR home was Will Campbell in 1:30.40 in 12th place. Kerry Board was an impressive sixth female and first F45 scooping a trophy and bottle of wine. Also going home with wine and a trophy was Eleanor Wood, first F55 in 58th, 1:46.25 while Ian Kinnersley was second M60 in 1:46.26, 59th. AVR were also the third mixed team with Jeremy Larcombe (227th in 1:40.11) and Sue Hayes (95th in 1:44.16) completing the team with Will Campbell and Kerry Board.
Full results with 236 completing the race.
Seaton parkrun and beyond
Sadly there was no parkrun in Seaton on Saturday with a late cancellation due to a police incident.
Out on their travels Craig Tiley took part in Lydiard parkrun in Swindon; Jeremy Norcombe ran Highbury Fields in London; Tim Sibley and Alan Morbey completed Porthcawl parkrun in Wales; and Canny Hart ran The Old Showfield parkrun in Frome.
And finally …
Congratulations to Eleanor Wood who finished third female in the InStep Devon Series for 2024 and also first F65. Also to Ron Seward who retained the M70 crown. AVR also finished third in both male and female team categories. Prizes will be awarded at the First Chance 10k event in Exeter in Januray.
