On Sunday 22 March, around 1,500 runners toed the start line for the Ashby 20 mile road race in Ashby de la Zouch. Organised by Ivanhoe Runners, the Ashby 20s proudly describes itself as “organised by runners, for runners” — and it’s hard to argue with that.
With support from volunteers from Odyssey Explorer Scouts, Ashby SPSA WI, LeicSAR, Castle Rotary Club of Ashby and Conkers parkrun, the event ran like clockwork. The organisers made sure runners were well rewarded at the finish, with a hoody to commemorate the day and a very welcome cheese cob.
GRC was represented by just one runner this year, with Jo Grace flying the flag. Jo is a big fan of the event and recommends it as the most enjoyable way to get a 20 mile training run done during a marathon training block. She ran comfortably for most of the race before tired legs caught up with her over the final two miles, where her pace began to dip. All in all, Jo was pleased to cross the line in a time of 2:55:10.
At the front of the field, Ian Allen took the men’s race in 1:51:46, while Alice Bourne claimed the women’s win with an impressive time of 2:10:28.
Report by Jo Grace