Berrington Blitz

Race Reports

Not strictly a Croft race but a lot of help from the club went into helping the National Trust set up this new run which was a fundraiser for the National Trust – aiming to raise money to transform what was once a round garden but has been used for many years as farm buildings.

The route was a very scenic 5k loop around the park and lake or which 20 ran the 5k and 47 ran the 2 loops to do the 10k. The weather could have been kinder but the thunderstorm promised on the forecast failed to materialise and the start did set off in a heavy down but for most of the time the runners were out it was just a bit showery.

Ana Vaughn of the National Trust welcomed all the runners and Neil Taylor from Croft described the route to the runners. It was not flat but with the route taking in fields, woodland and looping around the lake before an ascent across some fields it was a lovely route. The 10k runners branched off around the haha for spectators to see at the finish line, while the 5k finishers raced to the finishing arch just in front of the steps of Berrington Hall.

We had some lovely comments at the finish line from the runners who had taken part. Despite the weather everyone seemed to enjoy it.

There were some great Croft performances. Katie Ayres, preparing for a marathon the following weekend, opted for the shorter 5k, but was not taking it easy to finish as first runner back in 22mins 12. Tom Davies, and Bryan Markham who had both helped with the planning of the race were first and second males 32.28 and 32.59 respectively. A great run by Claire and Bronwyn Preece running most of the time together and crossing the finish line only six seconds apart.

Richard Williams of Wye Valley Runners was the first runner home in the 10k in 40.45. At the halfway point Crofts’ Will Gore had been in the lead but suffered a bit with stitch and finished in second place in 41.35, a great time for an off road 10k. Addy Carter was first lady home (46.39) but not to be outdone by her sibling Robyn Gore also came home in second place in 49.11.

Whenever I see John Jaspers (52.34) he is smiling, a great recent recruit to Crofts numbers. Not such a recent recruit is Nicky Turvey (54.05), running the 10k in preparation to joining in the winter league – great to see you Nicky!

Steph King with her amazing sprint finish came in 61.06 and another recent recruit who is improving all the time is Thea Preece (65.53) – Well done Thea! Suzanne Field and Heather Powell again in true Croft style looking like they were enjoying themselves in the rain, ran together and finished together in 77.47.

A huge thank you from Croft as well as the National Trust team to everyone who helped out with the setting up of the run and on the day from Croft. A lot of work takes place behind the scenes and it couldn’t have taken place without all the volunteers who give up their time to help out in this sport that we love.

Full results here

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