North Coast 55km
On Saturday, Shaun Fryett competed in a very windy North Coast 55km Ultra, from Combe Martin to Minehead on the coast path, traversing the entire length of the Exmoor National Park, finishing in 9th place in 7:25.
Tucked away in the Bristol Channel, it is more sheltered than other parts of the 630 mile South West Coast Path. It has the longest stretch of coastal woodland in England and Wales, highest point on the coastline at Culbone Hill (433m), and highest sea cliff, Great Hangman (244m).
Cardiff Half Marathon
On Sunday, Ben Wood and Ian Ripper competed in the Cardiff half marathon. Luckily Storm Amy passed in the night, leaving a lovely sunny morning in Cardiff. Both said it was a really great event, happy vibes and huge crowds around the course which started and ended at Cardiff castle.
Both did great times, Ian coming in in 1:42, which was 2 minutes outside his goal, and Ben finished in 2:12, which he was also very happy with.
This year’s Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon was celebrating community and connection, shining a light on the strength we find in running together and the bonds that carry us to the finish line.
Chester Marathon
On Sunday, ORC Mark Peck ran his first marathon alongside 7000 other runners with another 3000 doing a ‘metric marathon’. Conditions were better than the forecast predicted, but it was still a little gusty thanks to Storm Amy. Mark said it was a nice route out into the Cheshire and Welsh countryside – a multinational course!
He said it was quite undulating with a couple of the inclines doing enough to slow him down but for his first time at the distance he was pleased. Mark finished in a very impressive 3:25:43, especially for a first marathon.
Quantock Half Marathon
On Sunday, Pearl Barnes ran what she described as a brutal, but beautiful Quantock Half, organised by Prosper Events, with nearly 3,000ft ascent, and tricky terrain taking in several Combes. Far reaching views towards South Wales, Lundy, the Bristol Channel and Exmoor.
Having lived in Somerset for 35 years Pearl said it was a trip down memory lane, visiting all the hills and combes. A wonderful, well organised event. The official times are yet to be released, but her time was roughly 2 hours 55mins.
