The conclusion of the Spring Treble, was with the “Barlaston Ups and Downs” race. Starting and finishing at Oulton Cricket Club, just north of Stone, this 5-mile race features a mile-long steep downhill section that runners must later run back up to finish, but not before completing two very hilly laps of Barlaston Downs, to make a race that features around 225 metres of climbing. Seven members of Newport & District RC took on the challenge this year.
Alex Millington was 9th overall, and took first in his age category for the whole series, with a time of 33 minutes, 37 seconds. Peter Johnstone was next, finishing 37th in a time of 39:54, followed by Graham Rogers, who ran a time of 42:58 to finish 60th. Ollie Stokes was 105th with a time of 50:58, whilst Selwyn Plant finished 114th in 52:07. Nick Wylie crossed the line 117th with his time of 52:53, and Ralph Humphries was 126th in 57:44.
After the race, all runners who completed all three races were given a bottle of beer and a packet of Haribo, and afterwards, the NDRC runners all went to the pub for beer, chips and more!
Photo (left to right): Ollie Stokes, Alex Millington, Nick Wylie, Peter Johnstone, Selwyn Plant, Ralph Humphries, Graham Rogers
London Marathon
Four members of Newport and District Running Club took part in the London Marathon, probably the most famous road race in the world.
Starting in Greenwich, the world-famous route takes runners east towards Woolwich, before heading east back through Greenwich (via the Cutty Sark), following the river before crossing Tower Bridge. Runners then complete a loop which includes the Isle of Dogs, Blackwall and Ratcliff, before heading towards the centre of London where they are greeted by the famous finish line on the Mall.
David Clarke was the first of the Novaportan runners to complete the course, coming in 2,683rd place, in a very rapid time of 2 hours, 55 minutes, 58 seconds., a new personal best. Simon Yap was next, in 25,400th position, recording a time of 4:14:30. Louise Patterson also set herself a new PB, finishing 43,738th with a time of 5:24:42. Louise Heath completed the Newport set, running a time of 5:37:06 for 45,845th place.
David Clarke said afterwards: “This was my third Marathon in as many years for me, however there is something a bit special about the London Marathon. The crowds were out in force and the weather was a bit chilly but perfect for running 26.2 miles.
We are all pretty familiar with the route I’m sure, but my personal highlight was Tower Bridge. The atmosphere here was phenomenal and my next few miles were quicker than they should have been.
I managed to clock 2 hrs 55, a pb for me but most importantly an unforgettable experience and I envy anyone running it for their first time next year. I have also raised over 800 pounds for Huntington's Disease and would like to thank all those that have kindly donated.”
Louise Patterson said: “Despite feeling unwell between miles 6-16, and then a very sore left hip/knee from mile 18 onwards,I managed to get a PB of 5:24:42 which is a new best by 2 minutes and 13 seconds. Not the race I had hoped for but still managed to get that PB I was after.”
