This was the inaugural running of a fantastic half marathon from Eye Kettleby Lakes, just outside Melton Mowbray. There was a great showing from the Stilton Striders and our MRC and parkrun friends running, volunteering and supporting. The route started in the campsite and followed quiet country lanes to Great Dalby, where there was enthusiastic support and another water stop, before heading off on an undulating loop round to Little Dalby and past (not up!) Burrough Hill to rejoin the road back to Eye Kettleby. Some great views and perfect running conditions, slightly breezy and overcast to start and brightening later.
Jay Barton won the race and so was first Strider home in 1:19:25, followed by Luke Eggleston who also got onto the podium in 3rd place in a PB time of 1:26:05. Also well placed were Stuart Shaw (6th, 1:27:49), Matt Gayton (8th, 1:29:26), Darren Glover (10th, 1:30:59), and Mark Stoneley (12th, 1:34:50). Natalie Teece was 15th overall and first lady home in 1:35:14. Michael Cooke was 20th (1:39:58), followed by Andy Nicholls (1:40:23), Greeba Heard (2nd lady in 1:43:18), John Houghton (1:44:06), Alan Thompson (1:46:37), Michelle Farlow (4th lady, 1:48:15) and Vicki Lowe (8th lady, 1:49:35), Abi Arnott (1:52:28), Simon Proctor (1:54:51), Mike Brighty (1:56:36), Mike Williams (1:56:55), Helen Plant (1:57:16), Jon Wilson (1:57:30), Matt Chalmers (1:58:30 PB), Sarah Lawrence (1:59:53), Vanessa Walker (2:08:31), Nicholas Smith (2:12:57), Celina Silver (2:13:01), Kaye Mead (2:13:49 PB), Charlotte Allen (2:14:15), Lou Houghton (2:20:07), Alison Wilson (2:22:28) and finally, dressed as cavemen Clive Kent (2:27:25), Jenny Kent (2:27:27) and Laura Pickard (2:27:28), chased home by best-dressed dinosaur Ben Pickard (2:27:28).
Unfortunately we had a few injuries and Ray Walker and Debs Wilson weren’t able to finish the half. Despite injuries, Liz Parkinson completed the 5k run that was held at the same time. They also took lots of great photos.
Many thanks to Shane Sharkey, Theresa Coltman, Helen Benzie, Nina Snowling, Wendy Piesley and all the other volunteers for their cheerful support on the course.
Following the race, there was lots of catching up over tea and cake, a hog roast and some amazing ice cream. All sat outside admiring the beautiful views across the lakes and listening to George Simpson doing a lovely acoustic set. An ideal way to spend a Sunday and we’re all hoping that it’s on again next year. For more details keep an eye on: www.claireschallenge.co.uk [Jenny]
