A Lot of Races
Released On 27th Feb 2026
Chocothon and Cakeathon Double
From Lindsay: A lovely weekend for a bimble along the Thames 16 times. So this weekend was the chocothon and cakeathon double marathons (no 25 and 26 for me) and 15 in 15 months. The chairman and I headed to walton on Thames to run with Phoenix Running Ltd who really are a great running family and do fantastic medals at a great price. Look at the designs and size of them lol.
Yesterday was an out and back 8 times marathon with the same today, but the other way up the Thames. Thank goodness I brought 4 pairs of trainers as it was a tad muddy and wet in places. It was a tough weekend really with a bit of a dicky tum, hips hurt, legs felt tired and a knee niggle. Luckily Steve brought some knee supports which really helped.
It was also great to share in Vanessa's 60th birthday (part of the 100 marathon club) so we had booze and food all supplied, great way to celebrate no 25 and 26 marathons and to receive my 12 marathons in 12 months tshirt. I felt a sense of worth this weekend as I always just say it's just another marathon but it felt great to get my tshirt and wear it for the second half of the marathon today and show everyone I passed lol
It was a good weekend to be a runner.
Darevally Birthday Run
From Ann: Today was darevally birthday run with my daughter bethany and martin . We started at 9am and to say it was a wet start was an understatement it rained for most of our run but had such a good time it wasn't a fast run it was a fun run. Martin done a half marathon and to say im extreamly proud of my daughter bethany for doing her first half marathon is an understatement she done amazing and I done a few laps with her and finished her half with her . I went on to do a marathon and totally enjoyed it and met some lovely people.
The Brave 10k at Exmouth
From: Eleanor: Got to the start line as they were starting, the coffee shop took so long . Quickly I realised I wouldn’t be able to keep up with Katie so we said our goodbyes. 2k uphill battle with mud, through the caravan park then down onto the beach for a head wind 5k that zapped all of my energy, round the harbour and back along the promenade to the finish where Katie ran in the last bit with me. I wasn’t last Good event with a descriptive race name.
Taunton Half Marathon
From Margarita: Taunton Half Marathon today, with the normal Yeovil spotting and trying to get everyone for a photo, yep that went well back for it's 40th anniversary, a lovely but hilly run out to Norton Fitzwarren, over to Oake then down to Bradford on Tone before coming back via some hills around Bishops Hill then up the hight street to the finish.
From Andy: Really enjoyed this run, this was the 40th anniversary of the event and was partly organised by the legend Dave Urwin. I managed a time of 1:34
Hameldown Hammer Half
From Jo: Character building - more like character breaking!!!! So that’s my February half marathon done - The Hameldown Hammer Half across Dartmoor. What can I say - brutal!!!! 2353ft of elevation & going down wasn’t any easier. Yes I did fall over, too many times to count but all down hill sliding thankfully. People were too polite to let me know I had mud in my forehead . Made the 9.5 mile cut off with 7 minutes to spare & just finished within the 3.5hrs cut off. Yes I came last, no I couldn’t take in the spectacular views & no, I wouldn’t do it again. My toughest run (well a lot of walking) ever but pleased completed & soooo grateful for the sunshine.
Weekend Running
From Amanda: Hilly 10 mile route but happily the rain stayed away. Well done to Emily, first time in our group and welcome back Malcolm.
From Tim: The Saturday Cavity trays run took us 10 k of the Yeovil half route through Montycute and then Balls Hill. Andy Hale joined us just after the photo. The weather was perfect and we all went for breakfast afterwards.
From Helen: Well done all, especially those doing an extra 6 miles before or continuing to do another 9 miles after! Hats off to ya all, especially as I chose a particularly hilly route for today! Nice little social after with cake for Lawrie’s upcoming birthday.
From Tracy: Sunday 10k jeffing group. Well done all.
From Rachael: A lovely, almost dry 17 miles completed with Chris and Rachael this morning around the lanes. A huge well done to Lauren who absolutely smashed 15 miles when she was only going to do 10!
From Mags: It was good to be back running with the gang, miles go quicker with a good company.
SOCIAL HIKE - SHERBORNE - SUNDAY 8TH MARCH - REMINDER - TIME AND PLACE
From Mark: The walk starts 10 am from the front of the abbey in Sherborne. The walk will not be cancelled due to bad weather. The walk clashes with the Larmer Tree races, if you are doing that.
ROUTE
To avoid possible off-road mud and water, the route will stay on roads, mostly quiet country lanes.
We will head north to Sandford Orcas, then climb and cross the Bristol road, and continue to Poyntington. We will then head onto Oborne. For those needing a shorter walk (just over 8 miles), you can head straight back to Sherborne via the A30, Oborne road, and Long Street. For the rest of us we will climb up to the golf club, and return to Sherborne via Redhole lane. I estimate an extra two miles for this.
PUB MEAL AFTERWARDS
After the walk, there will be an optional meal at the Britannia Inn in Sherborne. This will be a Sunday roast dinner.
Alison is organising this, and will put out a separate post for food orders.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST SO FAR
Chris Holt, Lindsay, Sarah Davies, Alison, Rob, Denise, Sue Mallinson, Helen, Ann, Martin, Daphne, June, Adam, Steve Lye, Paul Card, Mike Kendrick, Gareth, Rachael, and myself.
I believe some people who are not walking, are coming for the meal afterwards.
Park Runs
From Kev: Road trip to Fordingbridge parkrun. Steve Lye and I ventured into Hampshire for event #30 the first event in February since flooding cancelled consectutive events. It was 4 laps of mostly hard packed gravel and tarmac , wonderful marshalls. Steve ran exceptionally well following treatment this week for back injury , he was 5th place in 20:44 , 1st in AG. I was happy with 22:43 10th place 1st in AG following lurgi all week We then headed into historical Fordingbridge town for well earned breakfast.
From Louise: Not sure why I haven't done this Parkrun before. Really enjoyed this super friendly 3 lapper. The downhills more than compensated for the uphill sections and great to finish with a downhill. Lovely to see Terry who also chose to do this Parkrun today.
From Taryn: Tourist visit to st Matthew’s field prior to a little recce of the flat West Country ultra as part of our 100m prep.
From Margarita: A lovely day for Tailwalking with Andy Fielding at Weymouth parkrun. Nice to bump into Trevor Strelley as well and to park walk with Adam Hawkins. Pancakes for breakfast as well.
PUB RUN – Mosterton ADMIRAL HOOD– (26TH FEBRUARY 2026)
From Ann: Well what an evening the admiral hood pub run there was myself , Stephen Warren and bungy in the faster group we done just over 8 miles . I do believe Robert Adams got lost tonight but done a very respectable 4 miles and Alison Griffiths and Phil Mac Quaid went off as always on his own. Adam and corin hope i haven't spelt that wrong sorry if I have joined us for the meal after. The first part of the run was dry and amazing uphills that we love to moan about every time , the rain didnt really hit proper till the last mile or so , I think it was more dodge the pot holes than worry about the hills. And of course a bit slippy along the way and of course we had the pep talk from Bungy before we started don't talk to me till we get up the first hill lol. But what a great evening with great company and great food as always. We did miss JC and Mark Larcombe .
