Bramley Newspaper Articles

Early Spring Challenges for Southwell Runners.

The Belvoir Challenge is a popular event with Southwell Running Club members. This year the 26.3 mile challenge of hills and mud along byways, tracks and minor roads throughout the beautiful Vale of Belvoir was met with enthusiasm by Kat Hall, Penny Durance, Brendan Parkinson, Julie Stafford and Gillian Tivey. Katy Simpson, Michelle Hall and Helen Jones took on the 15 mile challenge along part of the route. The day was clear and bright with no sign of rain and to Brendan’s surprise the course was decidedly lacking in its usual large quantities of mud. The new route with short sections around the Belvoir Castle grounds and along canals was enjoyed by all and provided a course PB for Brendan and very good times for all other runners. Katy Simpson was second lady overall in the 15 mile challenge in a time of 2:05:41.

In other club news Penny Durance took part in the 49th Notts AAA 10mile road race and County Championships, the oldest race in Nottingham, which was held at The National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. Penny, who came second in her FV65 category crossed the finish in 1.24:50.

Stewart Lenton and Michelle Hall both took part in the Burghley 7; a seven mile road race through Stafford and the beautiful Burghley Estate. Both Michelle and Stewart finished the course in just over 1 hour.

As always we encourage new runners to join us on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings for a variety of different running activities.

Ruby Runner

For Southwell Running Club

European Duathlon Championships

Southwell Running Club member Pam Dutton is a keen cyclist and swimmer alongside her running and in recent months has competed in a number of triathlons and duathlons (run bike run).

Late last year having participated in a duathlon held on Darley Moor race track Pam qualified for the European Duathlon Championships in Venice in March this year. Pam’s training included cross country race and weekly track sessions alongside intervals and social running with Southwell Running Club. Much of Pam’s winter biking was on her indoor bike trainer, and local trails. Pam commented that closer to the event she frequently practiced hopping on and off her bike whilst moving, to try to speed up the transitions between run-bike-run.

Arriving in sunny Venice and noting that the temperature was just right, Pam was excited and ready for the event. The sprint duathlon event began with a 5K run through the little town of Venice-Carole followed by a 25k bike ride through the fenlands over quirky little wooden bridges, and finished with a 3.5k run. Pam’s overall time was 1hr 22mins placing her first in her FV65 age category for the event and gaining her a European Championship gold medal. An amazing result!

Ruby Runner

Southwell Running Club