As you may be aware, every Sunday on our social media pages, I share what our runners have been up to in the week that has just gone by. This week, however, I have decided to not only post this on our Facebook and Instagram pages, but also here, on our website. Shall we get started?
Training on Tuesday was held by Sam H in Croft Woods, with a focus on out and back efforts along the fire tracks up at the cross roads, before heading to High Vinnalls on Thursday where our runners could practice their pacing before Saturday’s takeover of Ludlow Parkrun. It was also here, on Thursday, where Huw would present Alison D with her trophy after winning our annual Handicap Series.
On Saturday it was our turn to “takeover” Ludlow Parkrun. As a club we provided the race director, marshals, pacers, timers etc, and, had a brilliant turn out of runners of all ages and abilities. Some even managed new PB’s with the help of our fantastic pacers and brilliant volunteers. Thank you to all Croft runners for making it such a successful event. Mark T finished first with a time of 19:39. Mia and Naomi finished 1st and 3rd female, respectively – both on their first ever Ludlow parkruns.
After receiving her trophy on Thursday and marshaling Parkrun on Saturday morning, Alison D ran the Worcestershire Beacon Race on Saturday afternoon, alongside Bryan D. A brilliant effort by both saw Alison finish in 1:27:23 and Bryan in 1:37:12.
Sunday comes and the main focus is on the first race of the Winter Cross-Country league. Despite this, we still have runners racing elsewhere across the country and beyond.
Beginning down South, three Crofties took part in the 2023 Bath Half Marathon. Mark T, who celebrates his birthday, finished in 1:15:06, with a first place in his age category. Bella crossed the line in 1:45:47 and Craig in 1:53:37.
Over in The Netherlands, Nikki F was running the TCS Amsterdam Marathon – her first road marathon. Her finishing time was 5:27:53.
Running The Brieddon Hill Race, much closer to home, was Tim J and Flora, who finished in 1:29:24 and 01:41:36, respectively. Flora also won her age category!
There was also an incredible effort by our Sky Blues at the Winter XC in Fforest Fields, hosted by Builth and District Running Club. Eric crossed the line in 2nd place, after an intense battle for first, just missing out on the top spot. Roxy was our first female. Jo M, Tim W-H and Tom D finished 2nd in their age categories, while Steph M and Ian won theirs. Also, a special mention to our Juniors, with the majority of them running in their first ever XC races.
A fun yet busy week for Crofties, it seems. We look forward to what the next week will bring. 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).
So, what do you think of this little segment? Is it something you’d be interested in reading on a weekly basis? Let me know!