Bovey Valley Runners always tries to support local services, and last week they handed over a cheque for £500 to the Ashburton branch of Dartmoor Search and Rescue. This is an organisation that relies on so many volunteers and BVR were keen to show their thanks for all they do.
We also held a small presentation evening where Maurice Raymont, Club Chair, handed out over 100 medals to club members who had completed the 5k/10k/Half Marathon virtual challenge.
For our small club it is quite unusual to have Marathon runners competing, but in Brighton we had two taking part – Amanda Hemelik and Andy Kemp (in his first ever marathon).
The course starts in a Brighton Park with plenty of cheering spectators, but then heads out onto the sea front for a long trek to Rottingdean before heading back towards the Pier.
The last 10km was a tough slog, zig zapping through a housing estate and a loop of a power station made it hard not to stop thinking about the effect pounding tarmac was having on the joints. However, many local residents had used the marathon as an excuse for a street party and the music and dancing (and occasional jelly baby) helped to lift spirits!
It was then back to the sea front for the last 500m to finish through all the cheering crowds.
Amanda’s time was 3:45:15 and Andy 3:51:41.
Meanwhile up in London there were a few BVR taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. This has become an event that raises a lot of money for many charities and had over 17,000 runners taking part.
It was a cool start to the day as the course winds it’s way from Trafalgar Square through many of the local attractions in Westminster and the City – including St Paul’s Cathedral, Bank of England, Tower of London, Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.
The crowds were out in force, along with many charity supporters, bands and singers – it was a real party atmosphere.
Victoria Latham finished in 1:53:49, followed by Rob White 1:57:24, Kathryn Carroll 2:16:24, Jill Bishop 2:16:29 and Sally Mansfield 2:58:35.
