Jamie Barnett travelled to Wales to take part in the Cheshire Elite Marathon, formerly the Wrexham Elite Marathon. This race was open to athletes capable of running sub 02:40 or quicker for a marathon. The 7.59 lap race was on flat, well maintained roads, in a predominantly rural area.

The race took place on Sunday 25^th April, with a 08:30 am start time. Jamie started ramping up his training after Xmas in preparation for this race. Jamie came into the race in good form having put in the hard work needed to perform at this high level. The weather was dry, cool and sunny at race time.

Jamie ran superbly well and did his family proud. He finished in 34^th position, clocking a fantastic time of 02:28:23. Jamie also smashed his previous best by 02:18 secs. Congratulations Jamie.

The race winner was Jake Smith, formerly an Axe Valley member, posting an Olympic qualifying time. Jake's winning time was 02:11:00.

Helen Anthony and her back up crew set off to north-east Cornwall on Saturday 24^th April, to compete in the Bude 43 mile Ultra.

This race was not for the feint hearted, with wild and rugged terrain to negotiate. Steep climbs & descents tested not only the competitor’s strength, but also their concentration levels. Each runner was provided with a personal GPS tracker & navigational mobile phone app to allow them to accurately navigate the course and receive real-time position of the other participants and themselves.

Although the weather conditions were dry and sunny, the temperatures soon rose as the race progressed, making the elevation gain of over 10,000 feet even tougher!!

Helen didn’t let this extreme event stop her, taking the title in a staggering time of 09:59:00. Her nearest rival was 00:45:00 behind her, which made her achievement even more remarkable.

Graydon Widdicombe travelled north to Gloucestershire to compete in the Shepperdine Marathon, organised by Rogue Runs. This was Graydon’s first marathon for 13 months, part of his Dartmoor Discovery Ultra training.

The course was situated on flat country lanes amongst very picturesque country side. There was a 5.5 mile slightly undulating start, before the field had to run 3, 5 mile laps, before the 5.5 stretch back to the finish. The course was certified/measured and was eligible for GFA times. The conditions were dry and bright, but there was a fresh breeze, which proved to be quite a handicap on certain stretches.

The start lists were based on times that entrants had stated for their predicted 5 mile time, so as to limit the need to over taking on the course. Each athlete started at 5-10 seconds intervals.

Graydon ran a really solid race up to the 19 mile point, before quad pain started to hamper his progress. The last two miles really tested his resolve, as he battled against the headwind and the small inclines, which now felt like Everest! Graydon clocked a great time of 03:22:52 to finish in 67^th place.

Each finisher received a pottery medal and a ‘T’ shirt. Great value for money.

On Sunday 25^th April, Phil Dunning took part in the Run Tatton Half Marathon. There was also a 10K on offer.

Phil, one of the Club’s newest members, was making his racing debut for the Trotters. Phil performed fantastically in the royal blue vest, as he set a new PB while clocking a hugely impressive time of 01:28:13 to finish in 127^th place. He beat his previous best time by 00:2:46. Congratulations Phil.

There were 931 entrants.