Gary Smart sets new Club MV55 record at North Dorset Village Marathon

On Sunday 5^th May, The Dorset Doddlers staged The North Dorset Village Marathon and Relays.

Sixteen Teignbridge Trotters made the trip to Devon’s neighbouring county to take part in the 7^th round of the Club Championship. The race was also a Dorset County Championship fixture.

The race start was held at Sturminster Newton High School, and the picturesque route led the runners along country lanes through the villages of Hinton St-Mary, Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber, Stour Row, Margaret Marsh, West Orchard, Farrington, Child Okeford and Hammon.

Gary Smart ran a superbly judged race, finishing in 18^th place overall, recording a time of 3:05:16. In doing so, Gary broke the MV55 Club record, held by Wilf Taylor back in 2006. The previous record was 3:06:22, so Gary has taken 1 minute, 6 seconds off the previous best time!!

Peter Kirby also ran a great race, clocking a time of 4:10:34, to finish in 111^th position, more than good enough to win the 70+ age category award.

Our ladies team comprising of Sarah Pike, Eleanor Taylor and Caroline Clark won the female team prize. Well done to all three of you. A special mention must go to two of the team members, Sarah and Caroline.

This was Sarah’s second marathon, having completed her first on the Club trip Lanzarote in December 2018. Sarah eclipsed that run by creating a new personal best by 11 minutes 54 seconds!! How much lower can Sarah go?

Caroline is still on the comeback trail, so to be part of the winning team will be a huge confidence booster for her. This was Caroline’s first marathon for 7 years, and also a new PB? She finished in 116^th place in a great time of 4:12:48. Look out all you Trottetes, Caroline is fast improving!

Here are the other Trotters positions and times:

Lance Mason (24, 3:12:36), Roger Hayes (33, 3:19:22), Derek Skinner (66, 3:39:56), Christian Robinson (85, 3:52:01), Stephen Barker (86, 3:52:38), Neil Rutley (99, 4:00:00), Paul Sharples (100, 4:00:23), Eleanor Taylor (110, 4:09:38), John Tweedie (132, 4:23:59), Lucy Evans (145, 4:35:33), Eamon Crowe (147, 4:37:28), Sue Tremlett (164, 4:57:36).

Race winner was Richard Swindlehurst representing Poole AC. The winning time was 2:46:59.

There were 186 runners.

A hog roast or a vegetarian alternative was part of the entrance fee, which was gladly accepted by our hungry Trotters. They certainly earned it!!

Allen Taylor took part in the 2^nd running of The ABP Newport Wales Marathon on Sunday.

The race route was designed by Steve Brace, a double Olympic champion, and is arguably one of the flattest and fastest courses in the UK.

The start and finish was held on the vibrant riverfront. The runners headed out on a single loop, passing The University of South Wales, before crossing the SDR Bridge into the east of the city. From here, the runners passed through the village of Magor in Monmouthshire, where a carnival atmosphere greeted them. The field then ran through the medieval town of Redwick, before heading back to the city centre. The final stretch was a fast sprint along the River Usk to the finish line.

Allen Taylor ran superbly well to complete the 26.2 mile race in 3:05:31 to finish 124^th. Conditions were ideal up to the 11 mile point, but for the next 10 miles the runners had to endure a strong head wind. At this point, any chance of a sub 3 hour marathon had evaporated for Allen. From mile 21 to the finish, Allen had to really dig deep, which he duly did. The ultra-marathon Allen ran the week end before was still in his legs he felt. Allen shouldn’t feel to disappointed, as he still ran his second quickest marathon to date!

Chris Bird flew around the course to win in 2:31:31, and create a new course record.

There were 2106 finishers.

On Bank Holiday Monday, The Rightmove Milton Keynes Marathon took place.

Natalie Clare, Joe Hornsby and Kurt Read travelled east to take part.

The MK Marathon started from one of its fabulous Milton Keynes landmarks, the stadium MK. The first five miles were run on wide roads and tree lined boulevards, giving the runners a chance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some enthusiastic spectator support.

The marathon route then continued through picturesque Woughton-on-the-Green and Woolstone parishes, where the half marathoners split from the full marathon course at the mile seven point.

The marathon runners then passed through the original Milton Keynes Village, renowned for its picture postcard thatched cottages and then on to enjoy the beauty of Willen Lake and the tranquillity of the Peace Pagoda, before looping back to join the meandering and historic Grand Union Canal. The route then took in St Andrews, a 13^th Century church, before passing the Bradwell Windmill, built in 1810 at around mile 18.

The route continued west to Bancroft where it passed the remains of an ancient Roman Villa. The racers then headed south, following the brook, passing the famous Concrete Cows and then Bradwell Abbey, built in the 14th century.

The race then followed the brook further south, through the fertile Loughton Valley Park, passing Lodge Lake and then Teardrop Lakes before heading back for a victory lap of the stadium MK football pitch and that magical stadium finish!

Joe and Natalie ran superbly well. This was Joe’s second competitive marathon and set a new PB by 2 hours 45 minutes! Quite an improvement? His new mark is 3:41:29. Joe helped pace Natalie who also clocked the same time and crossed the line together in 416^th place. This time was a good for age time for Natalie,for next years London marathon. They both loved the stadium finish.