**The Longhorn 2021 (5k, 10k, HM, Marathon, 50k and 60k Ultra)**

Sarah coming in at 2:02:07 and Nev (2:04:14) in the half

The lifting of lockdown restrictions fell perfectly for ‘The Longhorn 2021’ race events to take place on Sunday 18th April. Held in the beautiful grounds of Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire, the lap event allows for many distances to take place including 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, 50k or a 60k Ultra trail run.

Running over old military roads, cleared tracks through ancient woodland and grassed paths around the country estate, the route involves ‘laps’ of the course depending on the distance selected, which includes a few hills to offer a small challenge in the scenic course. A dry week before meant the trail route remained firm for all those taking part.

13 members of GRC made the journey, taking part in the 10k, half marathon and marathon.

The only member to enter the 4-lap marathon was Warren Stark, who was pleased with his time of 4:08:12, he was especially pleased as with the nature of trail courses saw it measure slightly longer than the famous marathon distance, at 27.2 miles. Had the course been 26.2 miles, it would’ve seen him record a sub 4 hour time.

Sarah High, Nev Chamberlain and Claudette Joint took on the half marathon distance with 2 laps of the course, Sarah coming in at 2:02:07 and Nev (2:04:14) and Claudette (2:04:27) separated by just 13 seconds.

The most popular distance was the 10k, involving 1 lap of the course with 9 members taking part. Again most measured the course long with distances anywhere up to 10.3k.

Sam Dodwell 49:35

Stuart Baty 50:52 *course pb

Dale Towning 53:18

Vicki Ball 53:30

Sylv Hull 55:51

Martin Carter 56:06

Yvonne Buckley 1:10:07

Sammi French 1:10:07 *course pb

Vicky Honey 1:14:53

Vicky unwittingly provided some humour to end proceedings, as her race drew to a close she was mistakenly guided to complete another lap, a quick correction courtesy of help from the Marshall’s saw her end without having to face the possibility of a unplanned half marathon or longer!

With no one speaking a negative word of the day/event and organisation, all who attended were glad to be out ‘racing’ again, it was all rounded off with calorie replenishing cake after! 

Warren finished in 4:08:12