Last weekend saw a hive of race activity with many of the senior Biggleswade AC members taking part in various running events around the country.
As part of the Bedford Running Festival weekend, Biggleswade AC had Jennie Day and new member Phil Rowlett compete in the 5k on Saturday. Jennie achieved a time 26:43 and a very respectable 7th place in her age category, whilst Phil recorded 20:38 to come 8th in his category. The following day was the half marathon where Kishan Modi secured a superb 1:30:37 and a PB to boot. The Bedford Running Festival offers not only 5k and half marathon options but also a family mini miles race, Twilight 10k and a 20 miler, with all race routes incorporating the Bedford embankment and Priory Marina (and Park).
Remaining in Bedfordshire, Andy Hedley made his way to Leighton Buzzard to run the Leighton 10k last Sunday. A mostly off-road race, this took in parts of another local event course familiar to Biggleswade AC - the Greensand Ridge Relay. Andy came away with a time of under an hour at 59:30. Although slightly slower than his 10k time at the Asics LDNX 10K in Wembley at the end of August, that course was in contrast all on road (without the need to negotiate uneven ground and gates to go through unlike Leighton!)
Journeying over into the Cambridgeshire border, Maria Merridan and Shani Giddings also ran on Sunday, participating in the Sawtry 10 mile. Headquartered at Sawtry Village Academy, this race goes from Sawtry out along quiet country roads to Hamerton and Coppingford. A gently undulating course has a rather welcome downhill before runners make their way back into Sawtry to finish. Maria completed the race in 1:57:13 and Shani 2:15:32. Maria had also recently achieved a Parkrun milestone of 100 different Parkrun locations to complete the Parkrun Alphabet. Congratulations Maria!
Heading a little further afield, Louise Pike and another new BAC member, Felicity Wall were in the Big Smoke for the Big Half this past weekend. Starting from the distinctive London landmark of Tower Bridge the course winds itself through South London to finish by the famous Cutty Sark. Felicity, who had family and friends running too, crossed the line in 2:01:02, with Louise following with 2:31:47.
Travelling even further to the North East of England, Biggleswade AC couple Jake and Amy Genever ran the AJ Bell Great North Run. This was the 44th edition of this popular event, with approximately 60,000 runners taking part – the biggest ever turnout for the renowned race. Starting from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, passing through Gateshead to finish in South Shields, the race attracts runners of all abilities and is one of the largest half marathons in the world. Jake finished in a time of 2:10:32 and Amy 2:55:14.
Well done everyone on your racing achievements!
This coming weekend is also action-packed as Biggleswade AC once again will be fielding a team for the Round Norfolk Relay. Seventeen runners accompanied by support crew and a timekeeper will be running the Norfolk border, starting and finishing at King’s Lynn. We wish them the best of luck 🍀