Nice in Nice

Paul Grey recommends the Nice Half Marathon which he completed on Sunday 17th April.  He can't remember his time as he was too busy taking in the scenic views on the beach and looking for a glass of wine.

Sue Storms The Duston Tri

Sue White took part in the Duston Sprint Triathlon on Sunday 17th April and came home in an impressive 1:26:07 which was good enough to secure 6th in her age category.  This was Sue's first ever triathlon and she races the bike section on a mountain bike.

Sue White 1:26:07 6th in age cat

17th April - London Marathon

17 NRR heroes descended on the Nation’s capital to take on the challenge of the “biggest and best” marathon in the world. Hot conditions later on made the course a bit harder but everyone crossed the finish line in one piece.

Andy Blaize had a storming run breaking the magical three hour barrier with a superb time of 2:57:44. Maree Jesson continued her amazing form with a 3:02:37 finish. Mark Nightingale’s hard work and training paid off as he clocked a good for age time and a PB with 3:11:10. Steph RUSSELL made her London debut and knocked over 30 minutes off her previous marathon best with a stunning 3:11:17.

Another man flying in 2011 is Mark Garrett who also recorded a PB and a good for age time with an amazing 3:12:25. Andy Thomas made his full marathon debut with 3:28:20.

Next to cross the line at the Mall was Jo Windrum in 4:06:41 and close behind was Mick Clarke in 4:09:53 a time which saw him finish 12th in age category. Ronnie Ambrose clocked a very respectable 4:15:47 and Mark Kennedy grabbed a PB with 4:32:49. Pauline Horne was delighted with her time of 4:46:41 and Chris Down completed his first marathon for six year in 4:54:17 (and then biked home from club).

Dave Solomon brushed aside his injuries to come home in 5:34:48 and Patrick (Spike) Breydin came home in 5:40:17 complete with his hotdog fancy dress costume in one piece.

Helen Blackburn was running her first (and last) marathon which she completed in 6:02:31 (she’ll be back for more) and Jodie Mortern-Davies also completed her first ever 26.2 in 6:18:10. Alan Hackett also donned fancy dress for the day and “Tigger” finished in 6:18:33.

As well as the seventeen runners on the day, a large crowd of supporters from the club travelled down to London to cheer everyone on. Their cheering and encouragement was heard by the NRR runners on the course and they were on hand to welcome those tired legs home at St James Park offering refreshments and congratulations. Thank you very much to all of them and well done to everyone who ran.

Andy Blaize 2:57:44
Maree Jesson 3:02:37
Mark Nightingale 3:11:10 PB / Good for Age
Steph RUSSELL 3:11:17 PB
Mark Garrett 3:12:25 PB / Good for Age

Andy Thomas 3:28:20 1st marathon
Jo Windrum 4:06:41
Mick Clarke 4:09:53 12th in Age Category / Good for Age
Ronnie Ambrose 4:15:47
Mark Kennedy 4:32:49 PB
Pauline Horne 4:46:41
Chris Down 4:54:17
Dave Solomon 5:34:48
Patrick Breydin 5:40:17
Helen Blackburn 6:02:31 1st marathon
Jodie Mortern-Davies 6:18:10 1st marathon
Alan Hackett 6:18:33

Flitwick 10K

Three NRR runners took part in the Flitwick 10k on Sunday 10th April.  Richard Franks clocked an impressive 42:49 and Jocelyn Granger crossed the line in 50:13.  Mick Clarke was extremely close behind in 50:39.

Richard Franks 42:49
Jocelyn Granger 50:13
Mick Clarke 50:39

Claire's Marathon Debut

Claire McDaid made her marathon debut in Brighton on Sunday 10th April and completed the challenge in 4:33:43.  Conditions were extremely hot on the day and when Claire was asked would she do it again, she replied, "Ask me when the pain has gone!"

4235th Claire McDaid 4:33:43

Paris Marathon

Two ladies from NRR decided to to take an alternative look at one of the world's most romantic cities by running around it.  The Paris Marathon was on Sunday 10th April, Catherine Slater completed the challenge in 4:09:38 and Mary Kingsnorth crossed the line in 4:38:58. 

Catherine Slater 4:09:38
Mary Kingsnorth 4:38:58

NRR Win Cross Country Trophy...

...although not for running! 

The NRR Team of Sally Garrett, Lynn Johnson, Ronnie Ambrose, Jim Anderson and Mark Garrett stromed home with the first place trophy.

Lincoln 10K

Andy Blaize clocked up a lightning time at the Lincoln 10K on Sunday 3rd April in 37:34.  Steph Russell also completed her final speedwork before her London Marathon debut and clocked a PB of 40:10.

Andy Blaize 37:34
Steph Russell 40:10

Belvoir Half...

Mark Nightingale continued to impress at the Belvoir Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd April.  He finished 39th overall in a stunning time of 1:26:30.

39th Mark Nightingale 1:26:10

A Run By The Sea...

Mark Kennedy recorded his second fastest half marathon time at the Bournemouth Bay Run on Sunday 3rd April.  The festival includes a half marathon, 10K and 5K fun run as well as a children's race and is extremely well organised (only £12 to enter the half too).

The run starts at the pier in Bournemouth and heads out along the promenade towards Durley Chine.  There is a tough climb in the first mile to the cliff road through Middle Chine and the a descent back to the beach through the woodlands at Alun Chine.  A long stretch by the beach to Southbourne before another climb and turn back along the coast road back to Bournemouth.  The sun was out too!

195th Mark Kennedy 1:37:34

MK Park Run

Maree Jesson completed the MK Park Run on 2nd April in 20:32

25th Maree JESSON 20:32

Park Run 26th March

On 26th March, Maree Jesson continued her good form at the MK Park Run again winning the female race category in a time of 19:22.


11th Maree JESSON 19:22