Asian Games – Men’s Marathon, 25 August

Tony Payne did himself proud at the Asian Games Marathon in Jakarta on Saturday. Representing Thailand, his mother’s home country, he finished 8th in 2:24:52 against world class competition. Big up Tony!

Triathlon England Club Relay Championships, 25 August

On Saturday, 12 Super Serpies ventured to Nottingham for the Triathlon Relays Championships, where teams of four take part in what is appropriately known as “organised chaos”. It’s an amazing event that anyone who has ever thought of dabbling into multisports should try at least once: whether an experienced pro or a complete novice.

Although we may not have won the competition, we all had a great time. We also got a special mention from the race commentator who stated that he loved commenting on Serpentine so much because “their kit can be seen from outer space.”

We tripled the numbers from last year and it would be amazing to get even more Serpies involved in 2019 – so put it into your diaries now for the August Bank Holiday! (Report: Laura Hamilton; photo: team)

British Masters Championships, 25/26 August

In his first race back after a knee operation and 18 months out injured, Graeme Harrison totally surprised himself by becoming the British Masters M45 400m Champion. Not only that, his time of 52.71 is top of the club’s M45 all-time list. Congratulations on your gold medal Graeme, what a comeback! (Thank you for flagging Sally!)

Leeds & Liverpool 130 Mile Canal Race, 25 August

Phil Bradburn headed up to Liverpool for the final race in the Canalrace series. Having already completed the Grand Union Canal 145 miles, and Kennet & Avon Canal 145 miles, he just had to complete this “fun run” of 130 ish miles. So off he trotted in uncharacteristically normal sub 20c temperatures. These canal races are so beautiful and full of heritage and warmth from the canal users and the event so low key and perfect with zero razzmatazz. It ended up being the toughest of the three races and he finished in 34h15 and 13th place out of 21 finishers and 36 starters. (Report & photo: Phil Bradburn)

Llantwit Major Trail 10k, 25 August

Doing one’s pre race drills, as you do, I turn to see the leader returning to finish the 5k race at the annual August Bank Holiday Llantwit Major 10k trail. Squinting, as one might when you think you could just be hallucinating but no, it was a Serpie vest approaching! And none other than my fellow ‘Sheffielder’, John Franklin. John quickly finishes, about turns and arrives at the 10k start – there’s attitude for you! 

My second return to this race hosted at the family village home, a take it easy approach to this trail challenge results in a quicker race than last year, 37th out of a respectable field of 290. As for Mr Franklin? Well, one knows he was in third given brother reported him being so but around 8k, spotted coming back towards me, someone somehow went off route – marshal? Real shame as John, running as he does so often, sublimely, eventually to finish in 17th. Well, that’s the nearest I’ll ever get to the man. Another very enjoyable outing, wonderful running conditions and all just before the rain storms arrived! (Report: Lloyd Bevan)

>>Your report here<<

Did you achieve a new personal best, compete in your first ever race, hit a milestone or especially enjoy a particular race? Then please get in touch. Whether you are a competitive athlete or take part for the sheer pleasure of it, everybody’s contributions are welcome. Deadline: end of Monday; 130 words max. If you send photos, please ask for permission if you use somebody else’s and confirm the source. 

Good things come to those…

…who persevere and work hard. Triathlete Brit Tate shares how she went from not being able to run at all for 6 months to qualifying in style for the 2019 European and World champs. Read the full story here.

Parkrun results for 25 August 2018 (84 runners)

Top 5 by time and age-graded performance

Podium Finishers

1st: Andy Greenleaf (Winchester) – 16:05, Chris Wright (Firenze) – 16:22, Andrew Reeves (Tilgate) – 17:47, Isabel Clark (Millom) – 18:52, Ahlem Ben Gueblia (Firenze) – 20:35
2nd: Joost Vogel (Finsbury) – 17:17
3rd: Jonathan Bradford (Cannon Hill, Birmingham) – 17:22, Gideon Reid (Wormwood Scrubs) – 19:36

Milestones

Darren Till – 150th parkrun, celebrated at Victoria Dock

Busiest parkruns (3+ Serpies)

Hampstead Heath (8), Victoria Dock (7), Burgess (6), Finsbury (5), Bushy (4), Fulham Palace (4), Ally Pally (3), Gladstone (3), Wimbledon Common (3), Wormwood Scrubs (3)

Full consolidated Serpentine results. Can’t see yours? Updating your parkrun profile with Serpentine RC as your club should do the trick. (Results: Alex Jeffreys)

Serpentine results database

Check the results database on the club website for other performances not covered here. If your result is missing, you can add it yourself or, if the race isn’t listed in the dropdown menu, contact the Results Elves at results@serpentine.org.uk. Even better, add your name to the Race & Event Planner in advance and name SERPENTINE as your club when you enter races to ensure your results can be more easily added to your profile.

With thanks to everyone who contributed to this week’s edition!

Eda Korkmaz
communications@serpentine.org.uk