Report by Anna Harrison
Club champs Coastal Half Marathon – or a 10K for some of us – including me!
To start with very strange being in Palm Bay school to be collecting a bib – rather than being part of the volunteer team! Also, weird thoughts buzzing round as I should have been here in December. But those thoughts were soon gone when the lovely cheery Chris Pascoe and Jay Bailey came to join myself and Mark Croucher and we joked about all sorts. Whilst there were few TRAC kits in sight, we spotted Olie and knew we would be seeing great things from him for the 10k (more about that later). Jon Holt popped up as adjudicator – and a reminder, in case members don’t know, you can apply for a free race with Sporting Events if you volunteer for them (when it’s not a TRAC event)!
Not a bad effort on the photo front for the club – thank you captain Jo for turning up to take it. Sadly, despite effort we didn’t find Phil Morton and Cathy Beddoes for it. Perhaps we need to work out where to meet just before to get that inclusive club photo – maybe between us (and not another role for the captains) we can take the TRAC flag if going to a club champs…..anyway I digress….
For some of us at Margate parkrun the day before it was so windy we had fingers and toes crossed it wouldn’t be the same! Great to see some sun as we headed to the turn point at the light house for the 10k and others headed to the turn point past the Granville theatre (top of Nero Road) for the half. Whilst there was some wind coming back, thankfully it wasn’t as brutal as it can be.
We had three waves, with the dreaded reminder that you have to pass the finish on the way back and keep going to the turn point – and lots of us kept wondering where that loop/turn point was! I recall Phil Stevens saying last year how hard that was – and you certainly needed some cheering to help (thank you OverRun Project marshals and fellow Margate parkrunners you helped me).
As I headed out for the 10k, from the Digby up the hill to Kingsgate Castle there was Olie coming back – storming ahead in front of everyone. I’m in awe of his speed. Then I did get a bit confused when I thought I saw a white bib coming back not long after him, as I was heading to the lighthouse. It was Dan Grech, but not in TRAC kit – and I saw him later coming back from the Margate turn point- I was thinking blimey I know he is fast but seriously….(To Alex, Lee and Dan – you keep making me think I am hallucinating with your training as we run)!
Grateful when I got to the turn point at Margate (tempted to pop into the farmers market but didn’t). I did find it a bit unclear if it was the top or lower (Prince’s walk) path just after Palm Bay café to the loop. (I followed others doing the slightly longer lower path twice – thinking they may think I was a cheat if I did the top path). When I saw others on the top path as I returned, I was tempted to go back that way, in the hope I got a quicker time, but thought I would keep with my fellow runners (to be fair compared to the speedy ones I don’t think it would have made that much difference LOL)!
I heard from those doing the half that they were juggling with those who had buggies, dogs and pedestrians as they headed onto Viking Bay walkway and tackled Dumpton Gap Slope. (I know from our marshals covering those posts last year it was certainly a challenge managing the public)! As ever our club members did a great job – and lovely to find out who Steve Evans was (pictured between Jay and Mark). I know he said his race didn’t’ quite go according to plan – as did Phil Morton – however they did it and more points for their club champs!
Whilst I had planned to do the half, and excited to have that option as we weren’t volunteering for it, sadly I realised it wasn’t going to be so swapped. However, I did enjoy being out there today for the 10k – seeing fellow TRAC, other club members, parkrunners and cheering ours in and seeing some get trophies!
Results Club Champs half
Jay Bailey – 3rd – 01.25.49
Mark Croucher – 5th – 01.29.42
Chris Pascoe – 8th – 01.30.56
Phil Morton – 11th – 01.32.35
Steve Suttle – 38th – 01.44.48
Dave Winch – 83rd – 01.57.15 (only 80 years young)!
Steven Evans – 134th – 02.17.02
Results 10k:
Olie (Oliver) Regan 1st – 00.36.21
Craig Thake 16th – 00.47.19
Anna Harrison 52nd – 00.59.07
Cathy Beddoes 57th – 01.00.04
Faye Palmer 77th – 01.04.17
Sorry if I missed anyone from the results, but currently they do not show by club names (soon to be changed). Do add your details to Facebook when the report goes on.
Olie receiving another trophy to add to his amazing collection! Craig Thake also received a medal for first in his age category (60) for the 10k. Super stuff!
Well done all – and to Faye for getting your PB despite the hills, and Cathy coming back to running after a period of ill health. A joy to see you all!
Remember our club captains do so much, but I didn’t realise they felt they had to do news reports for club champs. I’m hoping between us we can take that task away (or there is no report). If you fancy writing one (it doesn’t have to waffle like mine!) it would be great to have your perspective and also taking a moment to check the results for TRAC members (and we will check with Sporting events about searching for club results). Do let them know for next time.
PS: I checked with Harry from OverRun Project (which if you don’t know is a mental health and wellness running club) for a few names of local projects supporting men’s mental health – to put in the mix for a charity next year….
Well, that’s me done and ready for a roast and glass (or two) of red wine later!
Anna Harrison x
Current standings in the Club Championships
