Liverbird Double Marathon for North Wales Road Runners Club duo!

Both events, well organised by GB Ultras, included the full marathon distance run on consecutive days, with the first race held on New Year’s Eve, quickly followed by the second race on New Year’s Day.

The ultra-enthusiastic pair braved gales, and heavy rain, during their first encounter which followed an out and back lapped course from the Merseyside Police Club at Aigburth, Liverpool, and followed a relatively flat course adjacent to the windswept River Mersey.

Despite the conditions and this gruelling challenge, they were both pleased with their day one results, with Ben finishing 19th overall, and he was third in his M45-49 age category in 3 hours 49 minutes and 42 seconds.

Sarah ran home as the fourth female finisher in a very respectable time of 4.04.25, and she also won her F45-49 age cat!

After the first marathon Sarah confirmed: “The marathon went up and down the prom from Otterspool, but it went from fun, to being absolutely horrific every three miles. I was actually the 4th lady in the double marathon.

“I was not overly pleased with the time, but I was trying to be a little bit sensible with tomorrow in mind.

“We came across the other night, and we go back on Tuesday, so we can celebrate New Year tomorrow night instead… although I’m not sure I will be able to walk let alone celebrate.

“One down, and one to go! It was great fun if a wee bit breezy. Bring on day two.”

Sarah also admitted to some fatigue shortly before and after this first marathon, which was not too surprising considering the fact that both Sarah and Ben have recently returned from Spain where they took part in the Malaga Marathon, and just before that, they also ran in the extremely tough Eryri Marathon.

On day two, Ben and Sarah maintained their excellent form and recorded similar results to New Year’s Eve.

Ben finished 17th overall in four hours, 10 minutes and 54 seconds, and he was fourth this time in his F45-49 age cat, while Sarah repeated her top performance to retain first place in her F45-49 age cat, and she was the fourth female finisher once again, recording a good time of 4.15.15.

Other results:

*Wirral: Kevin Higgins also ran in two unique Liverbird Double 5k trail races, the first on New Year’s Eve, where he finished well in 28.48, and on New Year’s Day he completed the same distance in the second race in 27.47 and he won his M60 age cat.

*Newborough Forest: Four members of NWRRC ran on New Year’s Day at the Newborough Forest parkrun, with all recording good times.

Will Williams claimed a new course PB of 18.56 in 10th place overall, with Steve Mason 30th in 20.58, whilst Harry Driscoll was 36th in 21.24, and he was 3rd in his SM20 cat, and Jamie Tharme finished 62nd on his course debut in 23.46.

*Ruthin: Steve Mason ran on Christmas Day at the Ruthin Memorial playing fields parkrun with his dog Coco. Steve was 65th overall in 25.25, and he was 3rd in his VM45 age cat, with Coco the lead runner and the first canine finisher!

Top marks for student trio at a wet and muddy Conwy parkrun

It was another good turnout for the final parkrun of the year at Conwy last Saturday morning (December 30), where a trio of talented students received full marks for a great tussle, with the first two finishers both claiming new personal best times.

NWRRC entered eight members and claimed three age cat victories with Steve Mason leading the team home in 14th place overall in 20.46, and he won his VM45 age cat.

Adam Lemalle was the next man back, and he finished 53rd in 24.22, with Carla Green 70th in 25.34, and she won her VW50 cat.

Veteran Karen Butler ran well in 79th place, and she won her VW65 age cat in 26.00, whilst Martin Green made a welcome return to parkrun with a steady run finishing 96th in 26.46, whilst Helen Hannam claimed 3rd place in her VW45 cat in 127th place in 28.20.

Another veteran John O’Shea was 149th overall, and he was 2nd in his VM65 cat in 29.52, whilst Rachel Morris celebrated her 100th parkrun in 181st place in 34.21.