We were blessed with a beautiful sunny evening for this years running of the Dave Blenkharn memorial run on Bircher Common.
The time trial route, set up in the height of lockdown as an incentive to keep competitive Croft Ambrey Runners Running, was a route that Dave had competed in and a place that many members of Croft saw Dave for the last time.
This 3.7mile run takes in some steep climbs up from the bottom of Bircher Common up to and around the Coppice twice before heading back down to the start point.
All runners were timed and were encouraged to do their own thing – either run competively and aim for a PB or make it more of a social event by chatting to fellow runners and sharing memories of Dave. To make it extra special Elaine, Davids wife had supplied us with refreshments, so Tyrells Crisps, doughnuts and biscuits were on hand while the results were worked out.
42 runners – from Croft and friends from other clubs took part. Eric was first runner home in a course record equalling time of 22.25, knocking 43s off his PB, followed by Sam Butler in second – 23.17 (PB by 5s) and third place went to Simon Norwood in 26.36. Charlotte Broadchurch debut on the course saw her set the female course record in 26.52, second lady home Kelly 30.44, third lady Laura Perratt.
Knocking time off their PB times (some very impressive chunks of time off were Thea (4.59), Suzie Quill (3.49), Bronwyn (3.14), Max George (2.06), Gary Gunner (23s),
The all time PB list can be found on the club records page. https://www.croftambreyrunningclub.co.uk/club-records/
Photos on the photo page – thanks to Steph, Kelly and Jo T
| Position | Runner | Time | Time off PB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Apperley | 0:22:25 | 43s |
| 2 | Sam Butler | 0:23:17 | 5s |
| 3 | Simon Norwood | 0:26:36 | |
| 4 | Dave George | 0:26:37 | |
| 5 | Nigel Taylor | 0:26:50 | |
| 6 | Charlotte Broadhurst | 0:26:52 | |
| 7 | Steve Partridge | 0:27:38 | |
| 8 | Max George | 0:30:31 | 2.06 |
| 9 | Kelly Bowen | 0:30:44 | |
| 10 | Laura Perratt | 0:31:19 | |
| 11 | Thea Preece | 0:31:32 | 4.59 |
| 12 | Graham Clarke | 0:31:56 | |
| 13 | Paul Parker | 0:32:09 | |
| 14 | Roland Preece | 0:32:58 | |
| 15 | Suzie Quill | 0:32:58 | 3.49 |
| 16 | Tim Jones | 0:34:09 | |
| 17 | Gary Gunner | 0:34:19 | 23s |
| 18 | Bronwyn Preece | 0:34:34 | 3.14 |
| 19 | Howard Verron | 0:34:35 | |
| 20 | Dave Millichap | 0:34:51 | |
| 21 | Lee Monks | 0:34:52 | |
| 22 | Max Tomlinson | 0:35:05 | |
| 23 | Sam Harper | 0:35:52 | |
| 24 | Jo Marriott | 0:35:52 | |
| 25 | Kirsty Hatcher | 0:35:55 | |
| 26 | Saul Phillips | 0:36:09 | |
| 27 | Charlotte Hart | 0:36:58 | |
| 28 | Gosia Bronisz-Handley | 0:37:20 | |
| 29 | Sue Purvin | 0:37:37 | |
| 30 | Olli Cameron-Swan | 0:38:31 | |
| 31 | Flora Gunner | 0:38:38 | |
| 32 | Emma Stewardson | 0:39:19 | |
| 33 | Paul Baskeyville | 0:39:21 | |
| 34 | Huw Williams | 0:39:52 | |
| 35 | Rob Martin | 0:40:15 | |
| 36 | Sue Wood | 0:40:28 | |
| 37 | Nikki Ferguson | 0:40:29 | |
| 38 | Hayley Millichap | 0:45:29 | |
| 39 | Sybil Marsh | 0:45:35 | |
| 40 | Gemma Davies | 0:48:02 | |
| 41 | Mike Powell | 0:48:05 | |
| 42 | Carol Powell | 0:48:06 |
