Blackpool Marathon and Half Marathon

Whilst all eyes were on London last weekend a trio of GRC members were in Blackpool competing in the Fylde Coast Runners race weekend which saw various distances ran but for our travellers the main focus was the marathon and half marathon. Ben Mason was first in for the club in a respectable time of 3:55:09 a little slower than hoped but with a brisk wind of the sea and warm conditions a good result never the less. Yvonne Buckley also running the marathon came home in 5 hours 35mins 43secs  having completed the first 20 miles in under 4 hours but then falling victim to injury and fatigue. Yvonne's husband Brendon opted for the half marathon and came home in 2 hours 25 mins. 44 secs 4th position in his age category’

Full

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
182	3:55:09	Ben Mason		MS		53.99%
463	5:34:29	Yvonne Buckley		FV55		52.13%

Half

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
673	2:26:10	Brendon Buckley		MV65		53.58%

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Run Nottingham Easter 10k

The mass start in front of the mansion: Nev and Martin highlighted (Click on pic to enlarge)

Nev, Suzanne and Martin

Three members of Grantham Running Club joined over 600 other runners to compete in Nottingham AC's Easter Multi-terrain 10k held in Wollaton Park. Suzanne Britz, Martin Carter and Nev Chamberlain found the cool temperature ideal for tackling the 2 laps of the x-country course. First of the trio over the line in this early season tester was Nev in a time of 48.43, followed just over a minute later by Martin in 50.16. Next was Suzanne in 53.43 who used the race as preparation for forthcoming triathlons.

Boston Marathon

Full report to follow;

Brighton Marathon

Liam Vincent

cooling down

On 9th April, 12,000 runners took to the streets of Brighton in East Sussex for the city's eighth annual marathon, which saw an undulating course of loops in, out and around the towncentre taking in local landmarks and a beach front finish. Grantham Running Club member Liam Vincent made his marathon debut, fundraising for the charity Diabetes UK at the event, which due to unseasonably hot weather presented an added challenge for participants. Liam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 3 years ago but continues to run as part of his management of the condition and has, through training with the local club, increased his capacity to achieve this personal milestone. "Because exercise and hot weather can have an adverse effect on maintaining good blood sugar control whilst running, I initially opted to concentrate on being able to finishthe 26 miles in 4 ½ to 5 hours. But as I felt good during the run I managed to make my way through the field and was delighted with a finish time of 4 hours 8 minutes. Knowing that I was raising money and awareness for the charity, plusthe fantastic support of the spectators with their endless encouragement meant that I really enjoyed the challenge. I'm continuing to train, as of course I now want to finish in under 4 hours!"

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
2848	4:08:28	Liam Vincent		MV40		53.26%

Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon

Chris Limmer

While other runners from GRC were sweltering in Paris running the marathon, another runner from the club chose to enjoy the sun in the Yorkshire Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile race takes place in Sheffield and heads up out of the city to the edge of the peaks before descending back into the city. Chris Limmer was running in his final race before the London Marathon and was hoping to be within a few minutes of the 1hr 20mins he ran at the Newtons Fractions half in March. The first 10km were a glorious struggle and the long drag out of the city was really worth it for the stunning views into the countryside to one side and looking down on Sheffield from the other. Chris kept up with a pack of runners containing the leading lady and was able to up the pace as the course began its descent. The lack of shade meant he wasn't able to completely free wheel down to the finish. Every water station counted and provided much needed cooling. Thankfully though Chris kept going and let gravity do its bit, he over took the first lady and nearly caught a couple of other competitors but didn't quite have it in his legs to pull himself in front. This did mean that rather than a 1:19:00 he had to settle for a time 1 second faster than he ran at Newtons Fractions of 1:20:04 and one that was a real confidence booster ahead of London Marathon. Finishing in 28thout of over 5000 competitors Chris was really pleased and thoroughly enjoyed the course. On reflection it is maybe not a race for newer runners because of the climbs but one of the best supported and most scenic city half marathons surely anywhere in the UK.

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
28	1:20:04	Chris Limmer		MS		73.96%

Belvoir Half Marathon

2nd half marathon in two weeks

First race of 2017, 94:00 minutes

Two athletes from Grantham Running Club tookk part in this year's Belvoir Half Marathon at Hose. Tom Fowler chose his local race for his first outing of 2017 and Andrew Spencer continued with his policy of racing himself into shape with his second race in eight days. He has run Folksworth, Stamford, Ashby along with the Belvoir Challenge, Liverpool HM and Belvoir HM all (a little) slower than last year but with a much fresher feel at the end of it! He  doesn't know where this will leave him at London as he would like to bow out on a faster time (than 3:53:09) as he has each year but he tends to think that he will probably pace slower

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
72	01:34:00	Tom Fowler		MV35		64.15%
183	01:46:23	Andrew Spencer		MV50		65.16%

Zürich Marathon

Think of Switzerland and you probably picture snow-capped mountains, cuckoo clocks and chocolate. The 15th edition of the Zurich marathon took place on April 09, 2017. The event comprises 3 races, the Marathon, a Team Run (4x 10km) and the City Run (10km).

Neil had a "brilliant time"

At 08.30 there wasn't a cloud in the sky as we set off, followed in precise Swiss timing by the Team Runners (08.37) and the City Runners (08.43). 10,000 runners in total, with 2,300 marathoners and not a deep-sea diver's suit in sight.

The course comprises 10km around the city of Zurich followed by an out-and-back route along the lake to Meilen. Elevation is minimal and the scenery is breathtaking with the mountains overlooking the lake. Allegedly, 70% of runners achieve a PB and I couldn't fault the organisation. The only minor annoyance was the Team runners whizzing by on fresh legs on changeover.

I crossed the line at 4.18, but that's not why I do it. What drives me is the energy and emotion of these challenges - the sense at the start that anything is possible, the view on the way round and the sense of accomplishment and celebration at the finish.

My only question is why so few runners run this incredible event. Maybe it's the typical Swiss 'low key' approach to sport (everyone just does it) or perhaps the eyewateringly expensive cost of accommodation and food. Whatever, I'm please to have had the opportunity to experience this hidden gem.

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
1531	4:18:20	Neil Emerson		MV55		57.59%

Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris

Pasky flies the flag for Wales

Number collected and ready to go

Grantham Running Club's Andrew Pask joined 55,000 runners on the famous Champs-Élysées for the start of this year's Paris Marathon. In an international field, Andrew opting to wear a vest with his native Welsh colours was cheered on with shouts of 'Allez Pays De Galles' and 'Come on Wales' throughout the 26.2mile course. On an unusually warm day, Andrew took every precaution to keep cool, utilising any bit of shade available and even a fire hose next to the Eiffel Tower. Feeling strong at half way in 1:33:33, Andrew sensed it was his day. With other runners slowing around him he held on to the pace for the last few miles for a strong finish in front of thousands of supporters at the Arc de Triomphe. Finishing in the top 4%, Andrews time of 3:07:34 was a big personal best earning him a UK Athletics ranking over the distance.

Position	Time	Name		Category		Grading
1726	03:07:24	Andrew Pask		MV35	PB	66.66%

Grantham Cup

Full report to follow