Buxton Athletics Club runners out in force across country events

On the road at Blackpool Half Marathon, Kevin Mottram shaved a full two-and-a-half minutes from his personal best time for the distance, finishing in one hour, 30 minutes and 23 seconds, 46th overall finisher from a sizeable field of over 900 runners, and in windy conditions is an even more creditable personal best.

Bakewell Parkrun attracted over 150 runners, a challenge along the fairly narrow Monsal Trail from Hassop Station. The field soon spreads out, as runners head towards Great Longstone, before returning the same way and finishing back at Hassop, a slight downhill which comes as a relief after the climb of the first 2.5K.

Junior Elliot Meylan was first of 10 Buxton runners home in sixth place overall in a great time of 18.20, followed by Terry Fowler in 19.37, 13th placing and a personal best at the event.

Annette Fowler smashed her PB, finishing in 22.11, as did Pete Bailey, just behind in 22.18.

The short but brutal Herod Farm fell race – three miles with 1,100 feet of climbing – drew in 110 runners, 18 of whom were Buxton AC athletes.

The Glossop-based race is mostly off-road and covers narrow paths and uneven terrain, with steep grassy climbs and descents, a test for even experienced fell runners.

A mixture of both senior and junior Buxton runners took part, with senior Bryan McKenna leading his club mates home in 10th place in 28 minutes, 21 seconds, and junior Helen Thornhill taking the 12th place overall in the race and fantastically being first female home in 28.33.