Dave Blenkharn Memorial Time Trial

Race Reports

June 7th 2021 was the anniversary of Croft Runner Dave Blenkharn. To mark the occassion Croft had a memorial running of the Summer Bircher time trial. Runners could either take part the same as last year – by self timing and posting their run on facebook or come along to our Tuesday night training session where it would be timed.

The Tuesday session was opened up to guests who were welcome to come along to share a few memories of Dave before setting off on the run. We had guests from the Tenbury running group who Dave ran with and the Builth and District runners whose relay event Dave was taking part in when he passed away.

Elaine, Dave’s wife sent along a lovely card and a cup which she has donated to the club in his memory. Sam read out Elaine’s words which among other things told us about how Dave fell about the club, what a supportive runner he was and of her last memory of him running off at the start of his relay leg of the relay wearing his Croft vest. Every year the cup will be given to the Croft runner who during the previous year has been the most supportive and encouraging to all runners. This year the cup was awarded to Suzanne Field for all the support, kind words to others and enthusiasm for the club since she first joined. It is hoped in future that all members will vote on who is the most deserving recipient of the cup. I would like to thank Elaine for her lovely words to us in her card, for the donation of the cup and wish her and her family all the best in the future.

38 runners took part in the run for Dave over the course of the week. Angus, his nephew took part in his own virtual run in Dave’s memory wearing a Croft vest in Glasgow. I hope one day that Angus can come and join in one of our runs/training sessions if ever he is staying locally. Christine Shepphard and Leigh Turner came on the Tuesday evening but ran their own route in memory of Dave, so while included in the result chart, do not have a time.

Myself (Sam) and Suzanne were on the timing in the absence more experienced people. It was our first time, but I think it all went ok. Any descrepancies on self timing to that on the final table, please get in touch and let me know and I will amend them.

Eric was first runner home in 23.08, knocking 1min 11 off his PB, followed by Richard Gwilliam and Simon Norwood.

Kelly was the first lady home in 27.39, knocking over two minutes off her PB, second lady Alice Godding, third Jess Aston.

Also knocking time off their PB’s – Roland Preece 1.45, Bronwyn Preece 24secs and Rob Wood 10.

Well done to everyone who ran and thank you to everyone who shared their memories about Dave. He was a lovely man who always had a friendly word to say and encouraged all runners of all abilities. I feel as a club we have said our goodbyes now as we were unable to get together last year during lockdown, but he will never be forgotton especially on Bircher Common where so many of us have happy memories of him running there.

 

 

PositionRunnerTime Mins off PB
1Eric Apperley23.081.11
2Richard Gwilliam (guest)26.58
3Simon Norwood27.01
4Kelly Bowen27.392.02
5Haydn O'Reilly (guest)27.4
6Alice Godding28.13
7Dave Barrett31.25
8Jess Aston (Guest) 31.32
9Christian Prynne (guest)31.43
10Roland Preece31.561.45
11Kate Jones (Guest)32.33
12Jo Marriott34.21
12Sue Powell34.21
13Rob Wood34.44
14Gary Gunner34.55
15Sam Harper35.10
16Flora Gunner35.26
17Steven Aston (guest)35.31
18Jo Tilby36.47
18Suzannah Quill (guest)36.47
19Liza Austin37.21
20Steph King37.36
21Thea Preece37.48
21Bronwyn Preece37.48
22Sue Wood40.02
23Louise Reeves40.56
24Hayley Colebatch41.01
25Lisa Gray41.03
26Tory Dickinson41.16
27Gemma Davies41.32
28Jean Marchant (guest)42.50
29Tim Wain-Hobson43.07
30Clare Preece43.49
31Theresa Jones44.47
32Tom Davies44.47
33Alison Apperley58.28
Angus Gray (Virtual guest, virtual route)25.04
Christine Sheppard (guest )own route, own time
Leigh Turner (guest)own route, own time
[

table id=398 /]

 

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