BADGERS ON THE PODIUM AT WORTHINGTON 5

BADGERS speedsters Aaron Chetwynd and Chris Baxter made the midweek trip to Ashby de la Zouche on Tuesday evening to take part in the famously fast Worthington 5 race. The five mile course traditionally attracts a good standard of runner and as part of the Burton and South Derbyshire League programme, this year was no exception. Chetwynd’s prolific season continued apace as he gave hearty chase right to the race’s conclusion, ultimately being beaten into second spot by in-form local star and 2018 Gate Gallop winner, Alun Thomas, his time of 27:53 testament to just how far he has come since the start of the season. Baxter too produced some impressive goods as he also clinched a podium spot thanks to his tremendous time of 28:37. One additional runner may have given the club further honours via the team prize route but veteran Chris Horton had already opted to hit the north as he successfully tackled the pancake flat Skirlaugh 8 mile race near Hull. The 43 year old ran a fantastic race to bag third place on the night in another decent quality league event. His time of 46:02 was not only a personal best but eclipsed his own V40 club record for the distance by over a minute, set at the same event 12 months prior.

Five days later, Horton was back in action once again, tackling another event but this time in Chipstead, Surrey. Starting mid-afternoon on Saturday in the scorching sun, the Elmore 7 drew another classy field as part of the local South London league. The temperatures along with the challenging gradients made it a health and safety nightmare with no end of first aid being administered post race. The Atherstone man endured one of his toughest races to date as he crossed the line in a highly creditable 42:11 and with it 15th place, his second fastest time over the distance too.

Mr Durable Adie Kirkham battled his way through the heat and back-to-back marathons in Harlow, Essex taking his tally up to an incredible 96 events as he rapidly closes in on a ton and becoming only the second BADGER after Matt Tonks to chalk up three figures for the iconic 26.2 mile distance. At Stoke on Trent, Gavin Crockwell helped Yvonne Faulkner clock a determined 2:28 for the annual half marathon in scorching temperatures while Andy Smith and Holly Matts found the heat sufficient to thwart their sub 3:30 aims in the Piece of Cake half marathon in Shropshire, although they did complete the 13.1 mile race.

There was the usual plethora of 5K parkrun action too as Chris Baxter led the club home at a fast and dry Conkers course, his time of 17:05 amazingly only good enough for second place on the day. Darryl Johnson (24:24) came through in good time with Sarah Vine, Cameron Barnes, Leesa Dennis, Jenna Shaw and Lisa Barnes all doing well. Richard Hill was the sole representative at Rosliston clocking a respectable 25:27 on the scenic course there while fellow vet Dave Jarvis showed his finesse running a brisk 23:53 at Newtown. Newlyweds Pete and Hannah Coogan both ran at Fritton Park in Norfolk with husband Pete earning early bragging rights in lieu of potential brownie points.

Kingsbury Water Park saw a large turnout of members in action, led home by Sam Starkey in 4th place with another rapid time of 19:02. Matt Green edges closer to sub-20 territory as he banged in a solid 20:51 while old solider Colin Lees again impressed running 22:01. Ashley Taylor, new-dad Ian Orton, Adi Payne and David Craig all ran well as did the club’s latest recruit Ratko Bulginic. The athletic Rachael Shelton was once again first back for the ladies in a speedy 22:51. Charlene Dunn also looked good clocking 26:27 with the experienced John Devenney, Adam McElhone, John Dulson, Liz Peel, Paul Restall and John Hanson all following in hot pursuit.

Young Evie Whitehead showed real courage in the early morning heat recording a fine 28:43 before Yvonne Faulkner, Gavin Crockwell, Dave Bailey, Nicola Stanley and Amanda Gould came home. Other runners included Karen Missen, Anne Devenney, Pam Bridgwood, Karen Draper, Eileen and Lucy McElhone. Teresa Buck also went.

Glyn Broadhurst finished first in the annual charity fundraiser the Polesworth to Warton fun-run with Nicki Bowman finishing second lady. Other BADGERS involved included Keir Hardy, Dave Bailey, Richard Hill, Ian Orton, Luke Husselbee-Orwin and his dad Jason, Kerry Clover, Sarah Vine, Ashley Taylor, Colin Lees and Cameron Barnes.