Fourteen members of Biddulph Running Club (BRC) have recently enjoyed marathon success in Manchester, London, Milton Keynes, and Leeds.
Running a marathon is tough, it takes grit and determination. The committed runners prepared by following a challenging training plan during the winter months. They ran in all weathers, most often in the dark, to train their legs and minds for the big event. By the time race day came, the hard work had been done and the 26.2 miles race was a celebration of their dedication.
The marathon season began on 14 April in Manchester. Darren Mottram (3:26:30), Mark Parker (3:50:49), Sam Cross (3:53:14), Becki Stringer (4:10:03), Helen Clayton (4:14:41), Ruth Shepherd-Cole (04:36:28), Amy Carney (4:46:40) and Karen Murphy (4:47:54) took on and completed the route around Manchester and Trafford and enjoyed the roar of the crowds willing them on.
The following week, five members of BRC ran the elusive London Marathon. Jem Brookes (04:27:05), Dave Bailey (4:28:09), Lynsey Pace (4:32:09), Jo Bailey (4:40:22) and James Trace (04:49:26) ran with the best of the best and nothing could prepare them for the elation they would feel as they passed Buckingham Palace, and the finish line was in sight.
Next up was Amy Carney again who made a last-minute decision to put her long-distance training to good use by running the Milton Keynes marathon on 5 May (4:49:24).
Then it was time for the Rob Burrow Marathon in Leeds on 12 May. Sam Cross dusted off his trainers from Manchester for his second marathon of the year (3:42:15) while Marc Lawrence completed his first ever in a fantastic time (4:29:57).
People are motivated to run for many reasons and for some, testing themselves to the maximum was also an opportunity to raise money for charities close to their hearts including Mind, Gingerbread, MNDA and Young Lives Vs Cancer. Collectively they raised thousands of pounds for these well deserving causes. BRC are proud of each and every one of them.
Marc Lawrence (left) and Sam Cross (right) at BRC's "marathon tree" after the Leeds Marathon.
(left to right) Jem Brookes, Lynsey Pace, Jo Bailey, Dave Bailey, and James Trace celebrating their success at the London Marathon.
(left to right) Sam Cross, Karen Murphy, Becki Stringer, Helen Clayton, Ruth Shepherd-Cole and Amy Carney proudly wearing their finishers medals after the Manchester Marathon.
At BRC we race all distances from the Killer Mile upwards and we meet twice a week for social runs. If you have been inspired and would like to find out more, please visit our website www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk or find us on social media @biddulphrunningclub.
A record amount of money was raised for local charities by Biddulph Running Club at their 19th Annual Knype Pools five-mile charity race and fun run back in February.
Race Directors Dawn Addison Moss and Gareth Fisher were thrilled to meet with the Mayor of Biddulph, Councillor Ken Harper, to hand over a cheque for an incredible £2136.28 to support his chosen charities.
Image left to right: Graham Fisher, Mayor of Biddulph Councillor Keith Harper, Sheryl Baker, Dawn Addison Moss, Councillor Nigel Yates, Jon Horne
The fundraising would not have been possible without the 220 runners who took part in the races that were expertly organised by the Race Directors. Graham reflected on the race held on 25th February: "The event was a great success, this is because of the time, effort, and support given by many people and companies". Dawn added; "We would like to thank our sponsors, Hollinshead Coaches who provided the popular Park & Ride facility, medals sponsored by Priory Property & Lettings Services, photography by Bryan Dale, toilet facilities by Roy Beech and race numbers by PAU Run & Ride, Trentham. The buzz in the Race Village was provided by Debra Fothergill's charity cake stall and 1st Biddulph Moor Scouts who supplied hot food and drinks."
All in all, it was a great local success story. If you missed the race this year, then worry not for Graham would like you to know that: "Next year is our 20th Anniversary and we're planning something special...save the date of Sunday 23rd February 2025...see you then."
Biddulph Running Club meets on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6.30pm. New members are always welcome.
AC
On Sunday 25 February, Biddulph Running Club hosted their 19th Annual Knype Pools five-mile charity race and Fun Run. Over 220 daring runners signed up to take on these challenging routes and by doing so support the Mayor of Biddulph's chosen charities.
The weather on the day was picture perfect, unfortunately the constant rain in the run up to the race meant the ground conditions were far from ideal, but that added to the fun of the occasion.
The event began with a family friendly Fun Run. 21 entrants, with ages ranging from U15 down to U5, ran the mile long route around the scenic reservoir. Each runner received a medal to reward their efforts.
Then Town Crier, John Robinson, called the runners to the start line for the main event. Following the countdown by the Mayor of Biddulph, Councillor Ken Harper, the intrepid runners set off. The five-mile multi terrain route goes around the reservoir, up through the woods, down through the fields, and around the pool before finally crossing the finish line in the Race Village.
Local running clubs were well represented, and their runners took all the top spots.
The winner of the men's race was Harry Bond from City of Stoke Athletics Club (time 28:57) quickly followed by Eammon Clowes from Newcastle Tri Club (29:07) and then Tobias Miller from Boalloy Running Club (32:27) who lamented halfway round the route that he should have worn trail shoes! That would most definitely have been a good idea.
The winner of the women's race was Kristy Gill from Macclesfield Running Club (time 36:59) then Amanda Kelly of City of Stoke Athletic Club (37:22) and in third place was Hannah Harding from Congleton Harriers (39:16).
The successful community event was supported by many local groups, individuals and businesses without whom the race could not take place.
Runners were given free Park and Ride from Wharf Road Car Park thanks to Hollinshead Coaches. Race medals were sponsored by Priory Properties and Lettings Services and chip timing was provided by Andrew Vickerman of AV timing. Volunteers and marshals were predominantly current and ex members of Biddulph Running Club who were proud to support their Club Race.
The buzz in the Race Village was provided by the PAU Run and Ride's running accessory stall (who also sponsored the race numbers), Debra Fothergill's charity cake stall and 1st Biddulph Moor Scouts who supplied hot food and drinks.
The race was organised by Race Directors Dawn Addison Moss and Graham Fisher. Graham reflected on what a superb event it was: "The event was a great success, this is because of the time, effort, and support given by many people and companies". Dawn added that, "We would like to thank our sponsors, Hollinshead Coaches who provided the popular Park & Ride facility, medals sponsored by Priory Property & Lettings Services, photography by Bryan Dale, toilet facilities by Roy Beech and race numbers by PAU Run & Ride, Trentham." If you missed the race this year, then worry not for Graham would like you to know that: "Next year is our 20th Anniversary and we're planning something special...save the date of Sunday 23rd February 2025...see you then."
Members of Biddulph Running Club with Town Crier John Robinson, Biddulph Town Mayor Councillor Ken Harper, Councillor Nigel Yates and Race Directors Dawn Addison Moss and Graham Fisher. Image by Graham Fisher
The buzzing Race Village before the race started. Image by Graham Fisher
And they're off. Image by Graham Fisher
Mow Cop Runners. Image by Graham Fisher
The perfect day for a run around the reservoir. Image by Bryan Dale
Biddulph Running Club meets on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6.30pm. New members are always welcome.
AC
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