With another week comes another marathon for a small group of Crofties. But, what’s the rest of our Sky Blues been up to this past week?
After a little break, our Juniors were back to it with their Monday evening training session at Wigmore High School. There was also plenty of cake to go around afterwards as they celebrated Coach Kelly’s birthday!
As for our seniors, their training took place at Wapely Hill on Tuesday where they focused on Sprints, followed by a Short Interval session near Shobdon on Thursday.
Croft Junior, Taite, got his first taste of fell running on Wednesday evening at the Caradoc Classic Fell Race – part of the Shropshire Junior Summer Fell Series 2024. He had an amazing experience, finishing 2nd in the Under 9 age category. Brilliant running, Taite!
Saturday was a day of celebration as we descended on Ludlow Parkrun to celebrate the life of our one and only Bryan Markham. We were also joined by members and friends from other local running clubs including Hereford Couriers, Ludlow Runners, Wye Valley Runners, among others; as well as some of Bryan’s own family members and friends. And, in fitting scenes, it was Sam J, Bryan’s grandson, that brought it home in first place with a time of 17:25. Fellow Crofties, Scott and Mark, would complete the top three. There were also plenty of PBs on the cards. Well done to Sam J, Scott, Mark, Emma, Owen M, Taite, Mike H, Louise P and Hayley M (with grandson Teddy, also with a PB). Croftie, Clare P, took on the role of Race Director, with others volunteering. There was an amazing effort from our runners to remember a very special member of the Croft and Herefordshire running communities. We did him proud! Lisa Juson, Bryan’s daughter, has set up a Just Giving page in memory of Bryan. Click here to go to Lisa’s Just Giving page to make a donation to a very worth charity – St Michael’s Hospice at Home.
There was Croft success at Storm the Castle on Sunday with awards a plenty. Starting with the Junior Storm the Castle, young Taite was at it again, completing a week full of running! As for the main duathlon, Neil T finished 3rd overall on the Short Course, Simon finished 2nd in his age category on the Full Course and Jo Tilby finished 2nd overall in the Full Course Relay. Great job, Crofties!
Well done to Sue and Amy Purvin for taking part in the Wrexham 10k on Sunday morning. Sue finished in 58:06 and finished 3rd in her age category. Amy finished in 58:49.
This weekend marked the 44th running (pun intended) of the London Marathon, and three lucky Croft runners got the chance to participate. Bella was first Croft home in 03:43:40, with Ali B in 05:01:34 and Michele in 05:47:09. Well done all! If you’d like your chances in getting next year’s London Marathon, the ballot is now open!
And, that’s it for this week. Please remember that our upcoming training sessions will be available to view on our Facebook page every Sunday evening. In the meantime, don’t forget, we’re always on the look out for your race reports for the website, so get posting them on Facebook or send them to either Sam H, Huw or myself (Bronwyn).