Massive achievements at Comrades Marathon and South Downs 50K

Three Heathsiders achieved outstanding results at the  Comrades Marathon at the weekend, and Rebecca Bunting was 1st woman at the South Downs 50k. Other races varied from a trail marathon, 5000m at Battersea, a 7 mile trail run, 10ks and half marathons. And of course parkruns.

Comrades Marathon, Durban, South Africa, 14.06.26

Jamie Morris sent in this report: “Three Heathsiders took on the mighty Comrades Marathon in South Africa this weekend. This year's edition of the world's oldest and biggest ultramarathon was an "Up Run" of 54 miles with 6000 feet of elevation gain in searing heat.

Rob Shulman, after five previous runs over twelve years, decided it was time to try running with a conservative target. He was rewarded with a 16 minute PB, his first sub 8 hour run and an incredible 10th place in his age category. 

Jamie Morris achieved a back to back silver (sub-7:30 hours) medal finish and claims that completes the set so he never has to run this stupid, wonderful, horrible, amazing race ever again. We'll see how long that sentiment lasts. 

Tony Shearer also achieved his back to back medal for consecutive up/down finishes, getting a 44 minute PB for a sub-8 finish and proving that ultramarathons are somewhat easier when you don't line up at the start with a case of COVID.

625 Jamie Morris 07:22:24 pb

1397 Rob Shulman 07:57:19 pb 10th MV60

1414 Tony Shearer 07:58:05 pb

South Downs Way 50k, 13.06.26

6th Rebecca Bunting 3.49.37 (1st woman)

54th Francisco Sanchez  5.03.42 (9th V40)

LGT Alpine Marathon, Bendern, Liechtenstein, 13.06.26

95th male Phil Hogg 5.12.36 (12th in age)

36th woman, Rebecca Marshall 5.51.29 (3rd in age)

Coombe Hill Trail Race, Wendover, 07.06.26

Andy Owen reported: “Picking up a previous outing. On Sunday 7June six Heathsiders travelled up to Wendover for the Coombe Hill Race for a sunny and hilly trail race. Hosted by Tring Runners.

Like a dry cross country race over 7km with a big hill, fun was had by all, and Rebecca used it as a warm up for her Austrian marathon this weekend. Jackie won a bottle for finishing 1st v60.

27 Martin Potter 

40 Oliver Murray

51 Dave Browne

68 Andy Owen

106 Jackie Wastell (1st V60)

122 Rebecca Marshall

All finishers received a free drink at the local pub, which doubled as race HQ

Cheltenham Running Festival 10K and Half marathon, 14.06.21

10K

256th Ben Cooper        Men      V40       59:45

Half marathon

61st Steve         Jones    Men      V55       1:42:50

334th Jo            Green   Women             V45       2:36:08

350th Ashley    Williams             Men      V35       2:43:42        

Compton 10K, Compton 14.06.26

17thJo Green   Men      V60       43:03

234th Claire      Roberts              Women             V40       1:17:33

Woodhall Spa 10k , Woodhall Spa, 14.06.26

880th Sarah      Farrington         Women             SEN                     59.22

Battersea Park Track, 5000m Battersea, 13.06.26

10th Victor       Tanguy Men      SEN       T01 Race 4 (Mixed)      17:11.39

6th Francesca  Stocco Women             SEN       T01 Race 2 (Mixed)              18:49.74

22nd Julia          Kelk      Women             V45       T01 Race 2 (Mixed)              20:45.66

5th David          Pang     Men      SEN       T01 Race 1 (Mixed)      19:32.24

Parkruns

86 Heathsiders took part in parkruns at the weekend – full results are here. Congratulations on first places go to: Lily Woolcock (Finsbury Park), Chloe Wilkinson (Ally Pally) and James Haynes and Lucy Browne (Walthamstow)

Compiled by Caroline White, with thanks to Andy Owen, Jamie Morris and Francisco Sanchez for contributions