November notables:
The inaugural Mallard Cake Dash (it’s amazing what folk will do for cake…) saw a 5k and 10k option around Westwood Lakes and Jenny’s Wood Wyberton, near Boston.
Winning the women’s race overall was Holly Durham in a fantastic time of 21:02 – a time that would see her tie for the second fastest 5k for ladies on the whole year.
Alton Towers 10k
Rachel Hamilton made mincemeat of the lumpy course to score a PB of the distance of 45:14.
Derby Ten
On 19th November, fourteen took to Derby to take on the well received 10-miler. Thankfully rain held off and with just a slight wind, the temperature perfect for racing.
Simon Allsopp enjoyed the race securing himself a new PB of 1:25:57 and said he will be back again next year. Tommy Napier really enjoyed the race, finding the event well organised. To top it off he achieved a PB time of 1:27:17.
Gainsborough 10k
A 10am start saw the runners head out of Morton and into the countryside on the fast course. The wind stronger than most competitors would have liked, becoming more evident at the two-mile mark when the runners took a left turn and ran along the river.
Clive George caught the eye with a 43:36, smashing his old PB by more than 2 and a half minutes. He was challenged by constantly improving Kevin Wallace who next home in 43:59 30 seconds plus knocked off his previous best.
Winners
Having a breakthrough year in 2023, this runner, may have slipped under the radar to some, but it’s been a quiet delight to watch with each month the improvements.
She’s not one to blow her own trumpet or shout from the rooftops of her running exploits… So I’ll take on the mantle of town crier (shock!).
Her first November foray was at the Derby 10 mile, in which she was making her official ten mile debut, but having raced further distances in the past, it wasn’t completely unchartered territory.
After, she remarked that she was really happy to achieve a sub two-hour time – however, it must be stated that it wasn’t a surprise to see her decimate the sub two clocking with a great time of 1:49:23.
It was the Doncaster 10k a week later that saw the culmination of the hard work of late and one that cemented her share of the spoils. I mentioned the growth in April she clock 01:04:14 at the Lincoln 10k – attacking Doncaster in a more measured way she was thrilled to break the 60-minute barrier and clock a wonderful 59:12!
The first winner of November Member of the Month is Judi Allsopp!
So, to the Second winner. (note: The MoTM group couldn’t split them apart).
Kicking us off at Gainsborough and Morton 10k, he showcased his talent and guts despite the windy conditions, placing 24th overall in an incredible time of 35:54 which garnered him a big PB, beating his previous best set at West Pinchbeck earlier in the year.
Amazingly, lightning does strike twice as a week later at the Doncaster 10k he matched the exact same time – the fastest 10k of the year with another 35:54. This time more consistently paced, utilising the balmy conditions to full effect.
A warning signal to the quick boys. This lad is dangerous!
If you haven’t already; put some respect to the name – the second winner of November Member of the Month is Gavin Potter.
They say the Postman Always Rings Twice… and now he PBs too!