Cliveden
We made sure to start the year as quickly and as speedily as we could. For the Cliveden 10k on Sunday 6 January, 68 Dashers entered, making up almost 10% of the field, surely that in itself deserves a medal. The race is described as 6 miles of scenic but testing terrain in the beautiful grounds of Cliveden House – after running the dreaded steps, would you agree?
It certainly didn’t prove any major obstacle for some runners, we had 5 Dashers in the top 10 positions. James SAMSON came in 2nd, closely followed by Rob BAYLIS and David LEE in 4th and 5th respectively. Chris BRADFIELD crossed the line in 7th position and Robert MCHARG in 10th. In addition, both James and Rob were first in their age categories. Another notable finisher was Robin SMITH who was first in his age category. It was a great day for the ladies team with Stephanie MUZZALL finishing in 8th place and Emma TWOMEY in 13th place, slightly ahead of Alison JESSOPP in 16th. Definitely a successful day.
Cross-Country League
Dashers won all three leagues, ladies, men’s and overall league table. Well done to all those who ran. The ladies were pushed hard by Windle Valley, but eventually won by 3 points. Reading pushed the men’s team with Dashers eventually winning by 8 points. Reading also pushed the club in the overall table, but dashers won by 7 points. This is all the more impressive as these were the results after 7 races (unfortunately, due to the snow and ice, the last race at Bracknell was cancelled). Huge thanks to all those who competed, marshaled and supported.
Events Near and Far
Dashers continued to work on their personal goals. Helen JONES ran the Farnborough Half Marathon on 27 January in a time of 1:37:55 - a new PB. The Dashers reach is not only regional or national but international, Bella SHAH ran the Mumbai Half Marathon and was first in her age category. She loved running through familiar streets and said the event was very well organised.
Parkrun
We've been celebrating some impressive parkrun milestones this month, with our Chairman, Bryony TRAFFORD-SMITH celebrating her 350th and Ali ALLEN completing her 400th event. (that’s 2000km - Amazing!)
Dashers News
Last but not least, wishing Sarah and Jonny HOLLAND a huge congratulations as they welcomed our newest Dasher, Isabelle Violet HOLLAND into the world at the end of December.
v Picture below - The Annes, having too much fun at Cliveden.
Photo credit with thanks to Christine Fox.
