Nicely Done

On the club’s annual away trip, ten Trotters went international, taking on the Nice - Cannes Marathon event on 30 October. The group enjoyed a spectacular weekend away with the French Riviera being notably warmer than its English counterpart this time of year.

Club stalwart Derek Skinner was one of six who took on the full marathon route. He reported: “More of an undulating course than expected and tough with the heat but fantastic support along the way from the public and our very own Trotters.

“Every Trotter got home in one piece in their chosen distance and big mention to Phil Norden on his first marathon!” Indeed, Phil made his bow on the classic distance on French soil, coming home in 5:30:53 in 4157^th place.

Roger Hayes led home the visiting contingent placing 863^rd in a solid 3:42:19. Other finishers were Derek Skinner (1969^th, 4:12:05), Graydon Widecombe (3459^th, 4:54:10), Neil Rutley (2446^th, 4:24:40), and Tamsin Cook (4262^nd, 5:40:21).

In the marathon relay, Domique Harcourt and Deb Hart buddied up, clocking a combined 4:20:16 for 385^th. Both ran 21k, Deb’s split was 2:08 and Dominique 2:11. There was no official timing for John Skinner, with partner John Tweedie a late call off. In the 20k race, Travis Wood was 966^th in 02:01:08.

Also on the road this weekend were Phil Dunning and Kurt Read, who completed the Leicester Half Marathon on Sunday. On a flat course with a steep final mile, both made it home, Phil in a very respectable 1:28:27 to finish 99^th. Kurt has been battling hip pain, but got home in 2:04:12 to place 1195^th.

Meanwhile, in Somerset, Ruth Johnson ran the Herepath Half Trail near Taunton and clocked 2.37.59 for 126th. There were 168 finishers. Afterwards, she said: “Tough but beautiful route through woods and trails. Great event, all proceeds to charity.”