Just up the A17 through Sleaford the Rauceby Ripper is a trail run of almost 9 miles and is a very popular event that sells out early. This year the course was rock hard and icy in places after the sub zero temperatures. Snow was still sitting in the more sheltered parts of the course. It was cold but with no biting wind the runners soon warmed up as the sell out race got underway. Eighteen members of Boston Community Runners took part and it was Dan Clark that led the black and yellow stripes home in a time of 1.02.10, just 6 minutes off the winning time. Rob Cross was the second club runner back in 1.04.28 with John Burton not far behind in 1.06.53. Nathan Saw put a strong finish in clocking 1.15.11 just ahead of Jake Fountain in 1.17.49. Simon Pickwell continued the flow of Boston runners crossing the line in 1.18.15 followed by Matt Tunnard crossing the line in 1.22.07. Tanya Knight was the first BCR lady back in 1.26.58 closely followed by Rachel Conway who had a storming run in 1.27.03. Dan Simpson put in a solid performance and finished in 1.28.07. Lesley Buswell enjoyed every moment coming home in 1.38.00 along with team-mate Dianne Houghton who clocked 1.38.01. Fran Mills was just one minute behind in 1.39.00. Sarah Burton finished strongly in 1.43.34 with Samantha Cross the next club runner back in 1.48.40. Kerry McCrainor was having her longest run since August last year and was very pleased to put in a solid performance finishing in 1.49.34 along with training partner Steve Langford who recorded the same time. Carole Page was just a few seconds further back in 1.49.43 rounding off a superb set of results for Boston Community Runners.
Boston Community Runners continue to take the clubs colours far and wide. Heading down to London to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was Boston runner Dan Clark to take part in the very first Half Marathon treading in the footprints of Olympians!
The road closed half marathon started and finished at the Park and on route the runners passed the iconic attractions and venues such as the Arcelor Mittal Orbit, Lee Valley Velo Park and of course London Stadium.
Each mile of the run was marked out with distance flags and there was plenty of helpers to keep everyone on track and to encourage the runners on the way to the finish. The race included a unique themed medal, limited edition finishers t-shirt, water, official race photographs and goody bag for all competitors.
The route took in all the landmarks made famous during the 2012 Olympics and had more twists and turns than a Roller Coaster! “I don't think there was a straight line the whole race!”, laughed Dan. “It was certainly and experience and I couldn't believe I'd managed a new PB”.
With over 4000 runners taking part Dan had a perfect run and finished in 79th position in an official time of 1.26.09 and was thrilled with his achievement. “That's setting me up nicely for my Marathon and the training is going well”.
The Stamford Striders' St Valentine 30K (18.6 miles) Race is the flagship event organised by the Club. It is run each year on the Sunday closest to St Valentine's Day, 14 February. It is recognised nationally as one of the toughest events in the UK running calendar, providing a good training run for those planning a spring marathon.
The route of the Stamford 30k also avoids the town, heading north, undulating its way into rural Rutland and Lincolnshire and back. With an elevation gain of nearly 300 metres the hills on the course were almost relentless and certainly a good test for the Boston Community Runners! Six club runners flew the flag for Boston and everyone put in great performances and there was some personal best times and distance records set.
John Burton and Tanya Knight had another good run together as they continue their training for their upcoming marathons and ultra marathons during 2019. They crossed the line in 2.52.52. Just behind them, Kim Pittam ran the hills superbly with friends Katie Cooper and Karen Hindle and all had very strong runs coming home together. Kim crossed the line in 2.54.32 smashing the 3hr barrier. Next club runner back was Emma Cook who was tackling her furthest distance to date in her London Marathon training and had a real confidence boosting run as she came home in a time of 3.22.21 giving her a course and personal best record. Sarah Burton and Samantha Cross were the final club runners back, setting themselves a target time of 4 hours on the course they crossed the finish line together in 4.04.29 after a sprint finish. Like Emma it gave them both a course and PB record for this distance.
Meanwhile over in Nottinghamshire at Wollarton Hall club runner Andy Leates wore the colours at the Winter Warmer 10K held in the grounds. Standing on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, Wollaton Hall is set in five hundred acres of spectacular gardens and parkland. The hall was used as the setting for Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman film, Dark Knight Rises. The course was muddy and slippery as over 400 competitors raced round the lake and beautiful grounds. Andy was pleased with his performance considering the conditions on the day and raced across the finish line sub 60, coming home in 58.06.
Jo Heron and Jessica Bland took part in a new race at the weekend just over the border in Peterborough. A hard-standing surfaced course took the runners through the beautiful Ferry Meadows. The course was relatively flat in the main, with a few ups and downs but it allowed the runners to take in the varied and beautiful landscapes of meadows, lakes and woodland in one of the largest country parks in the region. Ferry Meadows is situated at the heart of Nene Park, all less than three miles from Peterborough city centre but you'd never know it! Jo and Jess ran the course together and enjoyed every moment. Although as the morning progressed it actually got quite hot, not what you'd expect in February!! “It was a beautiful day”, said Jo. “Just lovely to be out there having a run and the views were stunning”. Crossing the line together in 1.12.34 the Boston ladies both said they'd love to do the run again and would be back later in the year when the promoters hold another 10k in the series.
