ABBIE’S NOT LION – SHE’S HAVING A GIRAFFE

BADGERS globe-trotting long distance ace Abbie Liddle chalked up another marathon last weekend on safari in Kenya. The Grendon-based speedster is one of the most well-travelled members of the club and when the opportunity arose to take part in the Safaricom Marathon in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, she jumped at the chance. Internationally acclaimed and rated by Runner’s World as one of the Top Ten “must-do” marathons in the world, the 26.2-mile route took runners through some unbelievable scenery, with athletes running alongside numerous wild animals along the way, although spotter-planes and numerous armed guards were on hand to protect against any danger. Despite searing heat and uneven surfaces, the hard-working Liddle finished in a hugely respectable 4:32:16 and with it seventh female overall in the marathon event in a running festival that attracts over 1000 participants across both marathon and half marathon distances.

There were many other BADGERS battling warm conditions at the weekend, closer to home too. Sun-loving Justin Haywood ran 96:28 and youthful veteran Gavin Crockwell 2:08:49 in a sweltering Leamington Spa Half marathon. Colin Lees was also there in action running 1:47:25. The venerable Professor of pace, Liz Peel, tackled another full marathon managing an industrious 5:48:44 in the Peak District set Ladybower Trail Marathon. Jonathan Vardy picked the wrong weekend weather wise to take on the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon as he ascended Fairfield on his 26.2-mile route emerging with a top 50 placing to boot, although the views were clear if nothing else.

Sam Starkey bravely endured the warm temperatures in the Black Country Road Run 10K clocking 40:28 and a creditable 14th place for the Tamworth man who continues to enjoy a super first season for the club. Stephanie White clocked 25:39 in the Derby 5K Summer Series while nine BADGERS made the trip to the Severn Valley to race against a steam train in the annual 3.5-mile Steaming Down The Valley event. Men’s captain Adi Payne romped to a superb 3rd place overall thanks to his speedy heroics while Nicki Bowman showed real athleticism as she also scooped a prize, this time for 2nd vet lady in 29:22. Colin Lees made it a brilliant hat-trick for the club as he bagged the V50 men’s prize in a terrific time of 27:12. Without doubt it was as popular a win as you will see this season for the avid Atherstone Town FC fan. Leesa Dennis put in an inspired performance to finish in a time of 39:44. Other runners included the indefatigable Jenna Shaw, the gutsy Kerry Clover, Yvonne Faulkner, the esteemed Paul Restall and club coach Mark Williams (not the snooker player).

At parkrun, a stellar cast assembled at Conkers on another warm Saturday morning. Dad-to-be Chris Baxter was third back in a rapid 16:59 as the Ashby-based flier once again approaches his very best form. Key man Chris Horton is another currently on the up as he recorded his fastest time in a year running 17:08 in fifth in a field that saw an incredible nine runners break 18 minutes in stifling heat. Keir Hardy weighed in with an impressive 20:39 while his two older sisters, Sam Klucis (27:36) and Lisa Barnes (34:10) both helped themselves to personal bests. Young Cameron Barnes ran 22:32 with veterans John Devenney, Anne Devenney, Jason Husselbee-Orwin, Terry Argyle, Alan Argyle and Polesworth-based tennis ace Paul Grubb all getting round.

Neil Clemons joined the sub-20 club thanks to his determined 19:54 at Kingsbury Water Park, just a second behind team-mate Mark Repton who again impressed. Veterans Tim Gould and Colin Lees performed well as did Pete Coogan, Dave Jarvis, Chris Upton and Stefan Martin. The pacy Rachael Shelton was first female BADGER back in 24:39 and Sarah Vine marked her 50th appearance with a PB of 25:54. Other runners included Sam Starkey, David “DC” Craig, Paul Restall, John Dulson, Evie Whitehead, Dave Bailey, Nicola Stanley, Amanda Gould, Karen Missen, Mandy Hanson, “Mr KWP” John Hanson, Tracy Piper and Claire Bradford.

On the road, Stuart Youngs produced the goods at Braunstone parkrun in 24:19. John Restall tried out the Jersey parkrun in 24:29 and Matt Green clocked 20:41 at Rutland Water. Super fit Monika Lampart was the quickest lady BADGER of the weekend running 22:12 at Belton House parkrun while Ian Orton grabbed a 5K personal best in the Stratford upon Avon event. Finally, at Bedworth, the in-form Leesa Dennis led the club home in 27:48 with the glamourous Clare Whetton, Rachael Hudspith, Judy Parkes, Michelle Carter and Vicky Cawley all following through collectively just behind her.