Delightful Dalwood
After almost 12 hours of continual rain on top of the already soaked ground the terrain at the Dalwood Three Hills was always going to resemble a mud fest. Add in three, or perhaps, four hills with a total of 1600 feet of elevation as well as river crossings on very swollen rivers and you knew Sunday’s race would be exceptionally challenging. The ten mile race returned for the first time since 2020 following the break due to the Pandemic.
There was a great turn-out of AVRs amongst the 167 competitors in the ten-mile race around the beautiful countryside between Axminster and Honiton. Matt Clist was first AVR home in third place overall in 1:08.24 and Karen Eyre, an excellent fourth female in 1:34.37. Matt Hewer, back after a long injury, was 12th in 1:18.50 with Rob Collier in 15th in 1:19.05.
All results are here
Seville – oranges are not the only fruit!
In sunnier climes, Tim Sibley took part in the Seville marathon, a fast, flat race in the beautiful Spanish city famous for its orange trees. The race was targeted by several British would-be Olympians aiming to get the qualifying time ahead of the first selection taking place today (19 Feb). It was an early start to avoid the heat and the course circled the city providing plenty of shade from the tall buildings and trees so perfect conditions.
Despite allegedly being beaten by a man with a pineapple on his head, Tim finished in a brilliant 3:20.30, a huge personal best for him. He describes the last 5k as tough on the cobbled streets in the old city and big crowds. His pacing on the day was superb with a negative split and finishing 3146th from almost 10,000 finishers.
Phil Sesemann finished in 2:08.10, narrowly inside the Olympic qualifying time and going fourth on the British all-time rankings so can be confident of making the Team GB team.
On Saturday with no parkrun in Spain, Tim and Amie Sibley both ran the Seville Marathon 5k Breakfast Run.
Wombling free
When Liz Slade spotted a womble race T-shirt she knew she wanted to take part in the Wimbledon Common Half-marathon. She and husband, Jeremy, completed the race together, across the trails of Wimbledon Common, which were very muddy after so much rain, in 2:51.30.
Seaton parkrun
It was a misty Saturday morning with drizzle starting just as the parkrun began. First home was Luke Reed in 17:39, also second on age-grade. Carol Austin was third on age-grade with 79% for her 24:58. Shirley Goy got a PB in 40.07.
