THE first weekend of September saw ample opportunity for Bourton Roadrunners to test their endurance in a number of different events, although the sunny conditions were more favourable to supporters than runners.

Athletics

Bourton Roadrunners

Cheltenham Half

Seven Bourton Roadrunners opted to stay close to home, joining nearly 3,000 runners taking part in the Cheltenham Half-Marathon. Chris Krzywiec was first home for Bourton, storming around the course in 1:23.32, with Darren Long also having an excellent run in 1:25.51.

Lucy Walmsley had a great race, finishing third lady in 1:26.16.

Then came: Kate Krzywiec (1:39.11); Andrew Evans (1:46.56); Kerry Taylor (1:54;51) and Ed Rozier (2:05.46).

Wolverhampton Marathon

THE Wolverhampton Marathon and Half-Marathon provided an opportunity for Bourton's marathon-running contingent to record some fast times, with a group of club-mates showing their support by running the first lap of the course and completing the half-marathon, before cheering the marathon runners in on their second lap.

Steve Edwards finished in 3:17.45 (his 648th marathon and his 398th sub-3:20).

Claire Harrison's recent high mileage paid off as she completed the race in 3:27.02 and found herself on the podium, taking the second lady prize.

Ewen Smith had been training hard and looked on target for a much-anticipated sub-three-hour finish but sadly his race was scuppered by a foot injury at 15 miles. Determined Ewen managed to complete the race, limping home in 3:58.59.

In the half-marathon, Tony Goodwill was third Vet 55 with 1:29.42, Steph Holton was first Vet 50 (1:41.49) and Susan Hunt was second Vet 45 with a personal best time of 1:43.13.

Great North Run

THE highest-profile race of the weekend was the Great North Run.

John Gibson beat around 34,000 of his fellow competitors in a time of 1:44.25.

Zoe Sellek finished in 2:07.23 and Linda Edwards completed the race in 2:14.:22.