Did someone say “Sunday?!” They did indeed! Welcome to your Weekly CARC Update!
It was a warm one for our Junior runners on Monday evening during their training session at Wigmore School. This week they took part in either 100m or 50m (for our younger ones) relays in teams of three, all before their favourite game of Bulldogs. We also had a couple of new youngsters join us for this session, including Gwen who, this weekend, ran a kids 1k beach run!
Our Seniors also had to contend with the warmer temperatures for their sessions this week. On Tuesday it was over to Bircher Common for some Short Intervals with Sam H at the helm. On Thursday it was all about Sprints at Croft with Tim!
Onto Parkrun Saturday and Ludlow Parkrun’s 400th event, where around 20 Sky Blues took part. Eric was first runner and first Croftie to cross the line in a time of 17:44. Steve and Toby would join him in the Top 20. Naomi and Liv were our first females. Several of our Juniors also turned up on the day including Caspar who finished 19th and Ted who ran with dad, Oliver. Angus, Paul L and Jamie volunteered. Over in Hereford, Sam J finished 1st with a time of 16:41. Sue F was doing some Parkrun tourism this week, running at Abbey Park Parkrun in Leicester. She finished in 39:00.
As for races this weekend, it’s been another great one, with many ultra races and triathlons.
Jim took part in the Abersoch Triathlon. He finished in 02:42:33, placing 6th in his age category and 53rd out of over 200 participants. Vanessa, his partner, told us: “It’s a brilliant day of events; 2 different triathlons, the kids 1K and a run-SUP-run all starting and finishing on the beach. Thankfully the weather was good so we could play on the beach for most of the day. Yesterday was also part of the Abersoch triple crown series so if you fancy a holiday by the seaside later in the year there’s a 20K or 10K trail (and for the kids a 2K beach blast). For the kids to have little mini events like this is as part of the event is a real buzz as they make it feel as important as the other events. Really friendly though as parents can run with the little ones if they need to.”
Simon also took part in a triathlon this weekend – Cardiff Standard Distance Triathlon. This includes a 1500m swim, 40km on the bike and a 10km run. Simon would finish in 02:21:39, finishing 4th in his age category alongside bagging a 4th in World Triathlon qualifier.
On Saturday it was Sky Run Eryri which consists of 4 separate races up in Snowdon. Ireland took part in the Copper Sky Trail; a 17 mile, 7,500+ft of technical and rocky trails. Flora also ran the Fairy Trail race which is 10 miles and 3,000+ft of fast, grassy trails. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, results are yet to be published. We’d also like to give a shout out to Croft runner; Tim J, who was also up in Snowdon, helping set out the courses and running as a sweeper.
Next up is the Epona 100. This race is described as “three amazing trails, one incredible 100 mile adventure; 100 miles, 17,000ft elevation, 50 hours.” This race started at Abergavenny on Saturday and, as of writing, is still on going. This year, 5 brave (or maybe a little crazy!) Croft runners took to the Epona 100 start line – Nigel, Paul, Ali B, Jo M and Howard. Unfortunately for Howard, based on medical advice, he had to pull out due to a heat stroke at 45 miles, a decision that must be disappointing for him, but ultimately the right one. We wish him the best as he recovers. For our other 4, they are still pushing on through, with several other Sky Blues appearing on the route (and running alongside) giving as much as encouragement as they can! Way to go Crofties!
Last week we told you about Greg who was taking part in this year’s Montane Summer Spine Race – “a non-stop, 268 mile race along the most iconic national trail in Britain; the Pennine Way.” We can now confirm that he has completed the 268 miles, coming across the finish line on Saturday evening, just after 7pm. His overall finishing time was 155:05:36, which translates into just over 6 days and 11 hours. We’re yet to hear a full race report from Greg – understandable, of course! Absolutely incredible week you’ve had, Greg!
Rounding out the week is Eric, who ran at The 2025 Blade Runner – “a 7-mile multi-terrain race that starts and finishes at wind turbines on the Oakdale plateau and uses the lanes to loop the village of Manmoel. (South Wales)” Eric crossed the line in 2nd position, with a time of 40:59. He said: “That is a mad race up down up down up and down again. Strong on the hills pushing from the start but not that good descending still put myself out there and came away with 2nd.”
We’d also like to wish Gemma a massive well done on getting a place at London Marathon through the ballot! The only Croft runner to do so, thus far!
Well done all for another fantastic week. The upcoming training schedule will be live on our Facebook on Monday morning. 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).