Darren Fagg’s Ultra-Impressive Performance
Dedicated training and thorough course reconnaissance meant that Darren Fagg was justly rewarded on his first ultra distance event. Darren was first to cross the line in the 55 mile Cliff Top Challenge running for just over 12 hours.
Club-mate Paul Brasington completed the half marathon distance in 4hrs and 40 minutes.
Meanwhile in East Sussex the popular Rye Ancient trails 30K race was well attended by the A&D distance runners. Paul Ridley showing his experience at running trails finished in 2:26:53 and a very impressive 8th place. In an event he always looks forward to, Mark Attenborough completed the course in 2:50:32, with training partner Richard Baker finishing in 3:24:44. Chris Costiff finished 4th lady and first in her age category with a superb time of 2:57:21. Not to be deterred by a nasty fall leading to a broken collarbone, Gill O’Connor finished 12th lady and 3rd in her category in a time of 3:24:44.
The Great North Run is one of the classic races in the running calendar and the A&D representatives provided outstanding performances. The ever impressive Michael Davies ran the half marathon in a time of 1:35:52, finishing 1st in his age category. A truly stunning run in a world class field. Andrew Noble put in a trademark solid performance in a time just over the 90 minute mark. Dave Chappell made the trip to the north-east worthwhile with a personal best time of 1:42:08. Simon Jackson once again beat the 2 hour mark with 1:51:56. Tremendous efforts all round on a course described by the elite athletes as challenging.
Chris Francis and Alison Waters traveled to Bowood to take part in the Outlaw Half Ironman Triathlon. Chris completed the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and half marathon on 5:47:41, Alison closely following in 6:09:45.
The Brighton Marathon is a must do event for the A&D marathoners. An occasion always well attended by runners and supporters and the 2021 race did not disappoint. A mistake with cone placement led to the course being over 300 metres longer than the recognised marathon distance, an extra challenge in an already challenging race.
Julius Samson justified his decision to run even though he has been struggling with injury and put down a time of 3:13:08. James Booth ran yet another impressive marathon with a time of 3:22:42. As it is the weekend Rik Holden is running a marathon! He took on pacing duties for Linda Jean Delport and was rewarded for his efforts with a pair of ruined running shoes due to a digestive issue from Delport. Not to be beaten by an adverse reaction to a gel Linda Jean crossed the finish line with Rik completing her 10th marathon in 3:49:28.
Mark Harrison beat the 4 hour mark in his first marathon with a time of 3:59:17.
In his first year with A&D and first marathon Richard Boakes was very impressive with his time of 4:01:19. Another newcomer to the club, Matt Hardwick put down a good marker with a time of 4:09:27. Ingvild Drake ran a personal best marathon time of 4:23:14, reward for the long training miles Ingvild puts in. Also running a 4:23 marathon was Massah Cooper. Ed Roger completed the course in 4:32:07.
Steve Hickman running his 168th marathon finished in 4:47:28. Lucy Ellen Johnston building on her solid training miles posted a time of 5:14:01
To underline how challenging the marathon is, club captain Adrain Beresford was unable to complete the marathon. Adrain’s meticulous preparation was scuppered and he required medical attention on the course. We all wish him well and know he will be back stronger and wiser.
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