A celebratory shout out to all Wreakies who took part in marathons and half marathons over the weekend…
Rhiannon took on the ‘Great Welsh Marathon’ in Wales. This is known as a flat coastal route, despite the windy weather, and feeling unwell towards the end, Rhi smashed her previous best by over 5 minutes, finishing in 3hrs 13mins and 22 seconds, 4th lady finisher. Paul completed the Peterborough Marathon in 4hrs 55mins 51s, despite having leg cramps he kept on going to the finish (114th male finisher). And Mukesh returned to the fabulous Paris marathon, despite a slip on a bottle he finished in a super 4hrs 49m 30s.
Meanwhile two big half marathons took place more locally. At Hose (north edge of Leicestershire), seven wreakies took on the Belvoir Half marathon, a fairly flat course (though there are some inclines in the 2nd half!), this race often produces fast times, and the Belvoir 7 didn’t disappoint. Of 295 finishers, Matt Franklin was the first Wreake home (and 9th overall!) in 1:22:18, next was John White with a massive PB of 1:22:56 (12th overall), Bruno Nikoloff was next in 1:23:31 (14th). Jason Weetman followed in 1:27:48 (33rd), Gavin Speed in 1:28:38 (43rd), Scott Beasley in 1:32:12 (67th), and Andy Carmichael in 1:33:37 (74th).
Another half marathon took place in the scenic setting of Rutland Water, where four Wreakies took on a tough route with trail sections, hills, and great views of the reservoir around the peninsula. Of 795 finishes, Dave Rose was first Wreakie back in 1:37:18 (51st), Jane Rose was next with 1:45:59 (107th, and 4th lady), David King followed in 1:56:21 (272nd), and Richard Palmer followed a few seconds later in 1:56:27 (274th).
Great effort all!