The Three Spires Challenge

This time of year most people frown at a cloudy July morning but those lined up on the start line for the Three Spires Challenge in Adderbury (near Banbury), breathed a sigh of relief as the sun disappeared behind a thick cloud cover.

This (almost) half marathon is run mainly off road with some short trips through some beautiful Oxfordshire villages and takes in a narrow canal towpath, man styles and kissing gates and one or two playful climbs. The marshals all around the route offer a smile and plenty of encouragement to those brave enough for the challenge. As well as the "half", there is also a "10K" and a "half marathon" walk too.

It was the boys’ day out with four NRR runners making the short trip.  Mark Garrett crossed the line 1:40:10 and Ronnie Ambrose finished strongly in 1:43:08.  Close behind was Mark Kennedy in 1:44:11 and Jim Anderson completed the team in 1:56:10.

31^st Mark Garrett 1:40:10

42^nd Ronnie Ambrose 1:43:08

45^th Mark Kennedy 1:44:11

82^nd Jim Anderson 1:56:10

MK 10K

The East Midlands Grand Prix Series drew to a close at Milton Keynes on Tuesday 5th July.  Another great run from Tony Letts saw him finish in a time of 37:05, 8th M40 overall too.  Lynton Dawson also completed a fine series with 38:58.  Paul Smith was next home and broke the 40 minute barrier in 39:33. 

Gary McDaniels maintained his good form since returning from injury with 40:55 and Richard Franks rounded off his campaign in style, getting quicker by the week, 41:55.  Peter Moor couldn't quite catch Richard was was pleased with 43:01 and Steve Prior was close on his tail in 43:55.  Charlotte Yarker finished 9th in her category overall and recorded a time of 45:24. 

Mick Clarke and Jim Anderson have enjoyed a couple of inter-club battles recently but Mick was just in front this time in 50:17 with Jim in 51:10.  Robert Bateman and Colin Bricher were next home in 51:22 and 52:04 respectively followed by Tom Sullivan in 53:13.  Elaine Palmer finished in 53:58 and Claire McDaid in 54:15.  Mark Glenn made his return in club colours with a 54:45 finish only seconds ahead of Mary Kingsnorth (54:50).  Jo Cummings and Mary Davies were next home with identical times of 57:30 and Dave Solomon completed a great turnout in 58:38.

Results

41^st Tony Letts 37:05

62^nd Lynton Dawson 38:58

74^th Paul Smith 39:33

94^th Gary McDaniels 40:55

115^th Richard Franks 41:55

142^nd Peter Moor 43:01

163^rd Steve Prior 43:55

207^th Charlotte Yarker 45:24

297^th Mick Clarke 50:17

318^th James Anderson 51:10

321^st Robert Bateman 51:22

334^th Colin Bricher 52:04

348^th Tom Sullivan 53:13

355^th Elaine Palmer 53:58

358^th Claire McDaid 54:15

362^nd Mark Glenn 54:45

363^rd Mary Kingsnorth 54:50

383th Joanna Cummings 57:30

384^th Mary Davies 57:30

390^th David Solomon 58:38

Overall Series Standings (based on five races)

	Senior Women
9	Charlotte Yarker
	F35
7	Claire McDaid
	F55
6	Mary Kingsnorth
9	Mary Davies
	Senior Men
21	Lynton Dawson
34	Peter Moor
	M40
8	Tony Letts
	M50
8	Richard Franks
25	Alan Hackett
	M70
3	Mick Clarke

More Colworth Pictures