May kicked off with the Bury to Clare Challenge on the 5th. This is a linear 18 mile trail route taking runners over the gently undulating countryside of West Suffolk. We had seven Hares who took on the challenge and endured the heat. Fantastic finishing times from Joel Bamsey, Ryan McNeil, Katrina Rigby, Rachel Bodsworth, Samantha Cooper, Lucy Jay and Adam Chamberlin.
What else to do on the bank holiday Monday but run a race. Nathalie Hooper ran the first race in the Breckland 10k Thetford AC Anniversary on 6 May. A lovely scenic route along country lanes which was relatively fast and flat and well supported.
Steve Hunt ran in the first of the Harwich 5k series. This is a series of 5 races run under a timed handicap with 4 out of the best 5 results counting for the series title. Steve kicked off with a time of 24:24:84.
11 May was the evening of the Ipswich Twilight 5k. Kevin Carpenter, Claire Jacobs, Harriet Simm, Rory Hanley, Stuart Hunt and Joel Bamsey laced up their shoes to take part. The course takes the runners around the Ipswich waterfront passing the University and crossing the Island. It was warm and sunny and our runners put in some exceptional times.
Claire running in a loaded women’s race finished 5th in a time of 16.35, only losing 3rd place in the last 50m, following a titanic struggle with the talented Jordan-Lee twins Millie & Maddie. Such was the quality of the race Claire was only 30 seconds behind the winner GB track international Holly Archer! Claire was yet another Hares club record, taking 1 minute & 16 seconds of the old club mark held by Vic Riches.
The next morning was the Colchester 10k road race. Stuart Price, Ben Roper, Eleanor Langridge Brown and Steve Hunt representing the Club. Stuart Price stormed over the finish line in a time of 35:29 and put him in 4th position overall. An amazing achievement.
We held the first of our own Club 5k series which we run once a month from May to September on 13 May. With 19 members taking part, each member contributes £2 which the Club donates to our chosen charity. This year it is the Red Rose Community Farm in Lindsey, which is part of the Befriending Scheme. It provides friendship and learning opportunities for vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, mental health needs and other isolated groups.
Joel Bamsey travelled down to Bristol for the half marathon on the 19 May. It proved to be a hot one and a well deserved drink was had afterwards.
Meanwhile, in Woodbridge, Nikki Vince, Steve and Stuart Hunt were tackling the well attended Woodbridge 10k. The race follows an undulating course through the streets of Woodbridge that brings the whole town out to line the streets in support. All three finished well under the hour.
Nathalie ran the second of the Breckland 10k races and found it tough going with the heat. Now the proud owner of the two special medals that celebrate Thetford AC’s 50 years.
As always, the British weather decided to completely change for the next Bank Holiday weekend and mostly comprised of rain. Ryan McNeill, Laila McNeill and Adam Chamberlin took part in the Framlingham Gala Fest Duathlon. With a strong start from Laila for the first 2k leg, them Adam shooting off like a lightening bolt on the bike and finishing off with Ryan for a trail 5k. They came 5th overall and were the 1st mixed team.
Geralding Suckling travelled up to Edinburgh for the marathon. She had to endure, torrential rain, wind and lightening. Not the best conditions, but as always Geraldine had a smile on her face and finished with a fabulous time of 4hrs 39 min.
Massive kudos to Adam Chamberlin who completed the Norfolk 100km on the 1 June. He has now completed the Positive Steps Grand Slam earning himself a bespoke glass tankard and only has two races left to complete the Ultimate Grand Slam!
Finally, The Club ran a 9 week Couch to 5k programme with the runners having to contend with unseasonable weather, bringing wind, rain, flooding and lots of mud to challenge them. But they more than rose to the challenge and we are very proud of their hard work, resilience and determination and thank them for their commitment and sense of humour, which made our sessions a joy to be part of.
They finished their last session running a continuous 5k and being cheered across the finish line by a crowd of Hares members, before they were presented with well deserved medals to commemorate their achievement.
Congratulations to our graduates Gina Giddings, Roberts Giles and Christine Curran.
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