Terrific Tokyo

AVR’s Kerry Board travelled over to Tokyo to take part in the marathon, one of the Abbot World Marathon Majors.  Despite suffering from a virus just before travelling she finished in a very pleasing 3:48.11, 1467th woman from more than 9000 women.  With more than 37000 finishers it is a disappointing gender ratio.  With temperatures rising during the race and the after effects of the virus Kerry took the decision to enjoy the event rather than push on for a time.

Tadese Takele of Ethiopia won the men’s race in 2:02.23 with Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede successfully defending her title in the women’s race finishing in 2:16.31.  For the first time in ten years former world record holder Paula Radcliffe ran the 26.2 miles crossing the line in an impressive 2:57.22.

Full results

 

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a beautiful sunny but chilly morning for Seaton parkrun on Saturday and, after a fitting tribute to one of the event’s loyal spectator’s Ernie Stock who passed away this week, 289 parkrunners set off on the pebbles.

AVR’s Matt Hewer was first finisher with a fantastic PB of 17:54. After a great battle with former AVR, Ellie Dominey, Debbie Whiston was pipped into second female spot in 19:44.  Ryan Snell was third male finisher in 18:26.  It was a clean sweep for AVR on age-grade with Eleanor Wood achieving a remarkable 90% for her 23:56; Debbie Whiston, 82% and Karen Eyre, 81.8% for her 21:32.

Conditions were excellent with no wind so there were also PBs for Mark Parsons in 22:28; Lee Brooker in 24:40; Matt Chenery in 25:25; and Ann-Louise Childe in 28:28. AVR provided many of the pacers who supported Saturday’s event.

Out on the road Simon Dimmock took part in Hogmoor Inclusure parkrun in Hampshire while Jon Day enjoyed Netley Abbey parkrun in Southampton.

And finally …

Congratulations to Innes Fitzgerald on her selection for the GB team at next weekend’s European Indoor championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Her first senior call up will see her compete in the 3000m with heats on Saturday (0920 hours GMT) and the final on Sunday (1636 hours GMT).