RUNNING Forever were on a day trip to Dorset this weekend for the second running of the White Star Running-organised Dorchester Marathon and Casterbridge Half.

It was a hot day, which certainly challenged the athletes on this hilly course.

The first marathoner home was Bev Collins, who collected the huge medal in only 4:06, which is a cracking time for an up-and-down route in high temperatures.

Rob Murr, on his fifth marathon for May, finished in 6:23, with tutu-clad Claire Allison romping her way round in 6:44.

The club’s three half-marathoners were Trevor Stow, Marina Tomsett and Mary Rousseau, who crossed the line in 2:04, 2:49 and 3:04, respectively.

Georgina Brice headed east to take on the Neolithic Trail Marathon, which she completed in 5:45.

Three members set off to the beautiful city of Wells for their 10k.

First home was Ray Tutton in 46:03, with Peter Stretton (1:00:05) and Chris Higgins (1:00:08) turning in good performances in the heat.

Lara Bolduc travelled to Sidmouth and completed her second Women Can Marathon, which this year was celebrating the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage.

On Monday, Louise Mills headed for London to take on Mo Farah (and a few thousand others) in the London 10k.

Mills finished in dead on one hour but didn’t manage to beat Mo, perhaps unsurprisingly (though only because they let him start right at the front!).

The Tiverton Harriers hosted a Bampton to Tiverton 7-mile race attracted a quartet of Running Forever athletes.

Carl Moppet was the club’s first runner over the line in 1:01:53.

There was another PB and first place in the M65 category for Goff Welchman for his 1:05:37 time, with John Allaway finishing in 1:07:34 and Cathie Welchman in 1:17:44.

Gavin Clegg had a weekend of orienteering events in Exeter and at Barnton Burrows, getting first V60 in one race and third V60 in his Monday race.

Several members took part in the Taunton Triathlon on Friday night.

Tanya Lewis was second female finisher in 1:12, with Rob Simon finishing in 1:15, Sarah Capstick in 1:23, Chris Higgins in 1:30 and Ron Foord in 1:31.

This weekend’s Parkrun tourists went to Killerton, Southsea, Shepton Mallet, Abingdon, Lydney, Exmouth and Tamar Trails, where Malcolm Hutchings completed his 50th different parkrun course; 26 members took on the Longrun Meadow course.

Somerset County Gazette:

MEDAL: Georgina Brice at the Neolithic Trail Marathon.

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THE past two weeks have once again seen Just Run, Taunton, out and about locally and regionally.

As the group continues to grow each week, runners headed to Plymouth, Dorchester and to Minehead.

Ashley Stewart made his way to Britains Ocean City Half Marathon in Plymouth and, with a time of 1:43:03, managed to take three minutes off his PB.

Chris Poole headed to Minehead to not only take on the heat, but the small matter of a very scenic West Country Ultra Hilly 50-miler.

Heading out on the South West Coast Path, the route took in North Hill and Bossington Hill before dropping down to almost sea level.

Another climb of 519 metres and then some downhill miles saw the route reversed back to the college at Minehead.

With 5,700 calories burnt, Poole finished in a time of just over 12 hours and 20 minutes.

One week later, Poole ran the Dorchester Marathon in just over four-and-a-half hours; hopefully his feet will be rested over the next week!

Also in Dorchester, but running the more friendlier distance of 13.1 miles, was James Pither, who completed the course in 2:11:38.

Closer to home, at Longrun Meadow parkrun, results are as follows:
Run 243 - Joe Shaun 20:07, Julie Gilbert 25:27, Maria Richards 29:35, Rachel Nicholls 30:50 and Alison Davidson 48:40.
Run 244 - Joe Shaun 19:49, Ade Marchment 25:13, Jon Raynor 29:45 and Rachel Nicholls 30:16.

Just Run meet every Tuesday, 6.30pm, at Tangier Car Park, catering for all running abilities.

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IAN Salter was the first Hydro Harrier home at Longrun Meadow Parkrun last Saturday, in 19:48, followed by Chris Jones in 20:11.

Meanwhile, Rowland Lyons was comfortably under a 24:30 pacer time, at Barking (Essex).

A full team of five Hydro Harriers turned out for the last of this year’s 5-mile Weston Prom runs.

The order of finishing was Ian Salter, Chris Jones, Mark Foss, Rowland Lyons and James Wright, with Wright having completed all nine races this season.