Runners from Beverley Athletic Club made their annual trip to the Lake District at the weekend to take part in the Coniston 14+ race.
Although some of them had run the race several times before, this year was very different. A bridge on the race route is still closed due to serious damage caused by extensive flooding in November and organisers decided to lengthen the course rather than cancel the race.
The new distance was 16.7 miles and the extra section included another long climb to test the stamina of runners.
Brian Richardson, a veteran of twelve Coniston races, quipped that the extended race was “better value for money with 20% extra free.”
With Margaret Richardson and Steve Farrow cheering them on up a very steep hill at the fourteen-mile point, all Beverley runners took the extra distance in their stride, particularly Steve Peacock. He was the first Beverley athlete to finish, completing the course in 1 hour 47, in 19th position overall and 8th in his age category. A Coniston veteran, Peacock was thrilled with his Cumbrian slate trophy and admitted that he preferred the extended route.
Lucy Stamford, Andy Grainger and Kay Farrow are all training for marathons and used the race as part of their preparations. Stamford was the third Beverley runner to finish and the first Beverley lady.
Other notable achievements were: Darren Rodmell finished in the top fifty; Lucy Stamford was 18th in her age group and 42nd lady; Brian Richardson was 14th in his age category; Gordon Kitchen returned to racing after a gap of eight years and finished in 20th position in his age group; Dianne Coleman completed her first race at Coniston and was 35th in her age category.
1,291 runners finished the race which was won by unattached runner John Herbert in 1.33.48. Eleanor Greenfield of Nuneaton Harriers was the first lady to finish, crossing the line in 1.53.33. 1291 runners completed the race
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Steve Peacock 1.47.20; Darren Rodmell 1.53.40; Lucy Stamford 2.12.32; Brian Richardson 2.22.33; Alex Guymer 2.27.58; Gordon Kitchen 2.29.38; Dianne Coleman 2.31.16; Andy Grainger 2.36.35; Kay Farrow 2.44.07; Frank Harrison 2.58.19; Pete McNally 3.06.44; Jacqui Dickinson 3.12.59; Sarah Tock 3.16.06; Ivor Roberts 3.16.07.
HU17.net Picture Gallery: Click on the thumbnail picture below to enlarge the image to full size
[nggallery id=551]
HU17.net Picture Gallery: Click on the thumbnail picture below to enlarge the image to full size
Reported by Kay Farrow, Photos by Gill Duff and Margaret Richardson of Beverley Athletic Club.