Before we get on to parkrun and races I am pleased to report that Jen Garner, Tori Guy and Ian Bickers all completed the final piece of their LiRF qualification under the watchful eye of VC Andy. I look forward to reporting on 3 more qualified run leaders in the coming weeks.

parkrun day!

Saturday came which meant it was parkrun day! It wasn’t just any parkrun day, it was our LFR takeover at Dunstable Downs parkrun day. Up in the Downs it was like being on a mountain, heavy fog ruined the views and the mist felt like light drizzle, however LFRs spirit brightened up the morning. Anna Mead was RD for the morning and a further 15 LFR's covered the various positions, with another 13 running the course.  Jim Buttleman led the team home in a none too shabby sub 21 minutes, which was a new course PB. Post parkrun, Emily led an enthusiastic group on a challenging 10 mile trail route to Totternhoe and back.

We had a further 45 runners taking part in 15 other parkruns around the land with many of you still doing your tourist runs. Gavin Prechner and Nic Dimmock were away in Bicester and just down the road in Buckingham were Dawn Kennedy and Will Langdon. Over in Dublin Alex Nixon did well to get a parkrun in after a night in the brilliant Temple Bar, though at least it was a 9.30am start time! At Rushmere we still had a great turnout with Team Sugars putting in great runs. Steve was placed 10th and Julie wasn’t far behind being the second lady home.

Races!

I thought it was a quiet weekend for races but I was wrong! LFR seemed to be scattered about at various races.

It’s been many months since JK completed any long distances but on Saturday JK was at the XNRG Humanity Direct Tring ultra, where he was “sweeping”, 33 miles in the legs across the Chilterns. Meanwhile, Lesley Wes Barnard and Helen Crossland finished yet another marathon, this time in Shropshire. They got a very interesting looking medal for their fabulous efforts! Debbie Elborn and Caroline Clabburn took the LFR brand to Windsor where they raced in the 10k.

On Sunday, Sally Dickinson raced in the sun at one of her favourite races, the Standalone 10k. Jo Giliberti also ran a 10k and claimed a PB at Race For Life in Stockwood Park. Next month Jo is starting a charity 100km running challenge, I’m sure you will pass that target with ease Jo!

Andy Griggs found the sun in the north in Manchester where he raced a 10k bagging a PB in the progress at the Great Manchester Run. I’m sure Eilish McGolgan was getting some handy tips, when she grabbed a selfie with him afterwards! Coach Matt was in Sheffield where he ran his home town’s half marathon, considering Matt has been suffering from some post MK marathon niggles recently he still ran at an impressive pace!