We all love to run and run – then run some more… 2022 Endure 24
Farnham Runners were once again well represented at the ever popular Endure 24 race at Wasing Park. Set within the beautiful Berkshire countryside, near Reading, the event involves running as many 5 mile laps of a tricky trail course through the surrounding woodlands as possible in 24 hours.
Sarah Hill and Emma Pearson represented the club in the pairs category. Despite recovering from recent injuries, Team Menopausal Morphs managed an incredible 125 miles and finished third out of 22 female pairs. Sarah said:
“There was such an awesome atmosphere, and the organisation and marshalls were spot on – we will definitely be back.”
Competing in the male small team category, team Distance Matters comprising Rob Gilchrist, Mark Maxwell, Keith Marshall, Richard Strode and AFD runner Richard Lovejoy, completed a total of 39 laps to come third out of 39 teams in their category. Keith really enjoyed the challenge:
“I fell only once – I have bruised ribs and a swollen knee. I need to pay more attention to tree roots!”
The Synchronised Swimming B Team comprising Helen Farrell, Craig Tate-Grimes, Harvey Wickham, Emma Dawson, Sue Taylor and Paul Mackie managed a total of 32 laps and did really well in a very competitive category to finish 28th out of 134 mixed large teams.
There were two teams from the club in the female large team category. The Dream Team were back for the third time at Endure.
Unfortunately, because of Covid, Gill Iffland was unable to take her place, but the remaining members – Linda Tyler, Kate Townsend, Linz Bamford, Vicky Goodluck, Marisa Luttrell and Ali Falkiner – completed 32 laps to come a very close fourth in their category. Kate summed up the conditions over the weekend:
“It was more about endurance than usual as it was brutally cold and windy. I couldn’t have done it without my fabulous crew and friends from Farnham Runners. It was such an amazing weekend.”
In the same category was team The Happy Hobbits Go Round Again. Team captain, Nicola O’Connor was forced to retire after just one lap due to illness, although her teammates Julia Tagg, Jackie Wilkinson, Alison Yearsley, Carolyn Wickham and Rachel Morris completed 23 laps to come 22nd out of 29 teams in this category.
“Running and hanging out with some of the best.”
was how Carolyn summed up the weekend.
Her words were echoed by everyone in the Farnham camp and we are all saving the date for next year!