Ilkeston Running Club

After a quieter bank holiday weekend, Carsington 7+ (part of the Run Derby race series) saw 6 members tackle the undulating and in some parts, windy 7.5 mile course around the reservoir. Congratulations to Lewis our first runner home.

Across the border in Leicestershire, Ray collected 1st in age group for the Bosworth Half Marathon in 01:37

And finally, over in the heart of the Lake District Corinna embraced the Fred Whitton Sportive, considered one of the UKs most revered and gruelling. Cycling 112 miles of punishing terrain in breathtaking scenery!

Only one winner this week in the Parkrun tourism race (it's probably a winner for many weeks to come!) and that's Laura who ran at Moussette in Quebec, Canada. A not nearly close second was Craig in Roundhay Park, Leeds who seemed to have got the worst of the weather.

Some notable achievements were PBs for Bridget and Liz H at Shipley and Black Rocks respectively, 3rd place for Craig at Leeds and winner, winner, chicken dinner for Andy at Leicester Victoria Park. Well done to them and all of Saturday's parkrunners.

Tuesday night was the second of 5 races in the Derby Runner Summer League and was excellently staged by Heanor Running Club in Shipley Park. The testing 5.5 mile course included two climbs up Shipley Hill and the equally arduous Parkrun hill: despite that there were smiling faces all round after. Roll on now to June and the 3rd race a new venue at Middleton Top and using the High Peak Trail.

Not too much Parkrun tourism activity this week. Darran went to try out Waverley Lakes Parkrun near Rotherham for their 3rd ever event. Natalie B didn't use her previous weeks London Marathon escapade as an excuse for a rest as she was was at Black Rocks. Pete did his 251st Parkrun at Vicar Water Country Park having achieved the incredible 250 milestone the week before at Shipley: very well done Pete.

Locally, Andy was at Beeston, Ben and Lorna at Brierley Forest, Lewis, Alex and Dave M at Alvaston, Gregory, Craig, Rich H, Kev B, Heather and James at the speedy Victoria Embankment and finally Ian, Elisabeth H, John Mc, Sarah, Tania, Lee and Ju were enjoying the fun at Wollaton Park.

Tuesday saw members from Ilkeston RC, alongside several other club runners, enjoying the annual "Bluebell Run" to Oldmoor Woods, in memory of Simon Davis.
It was a lovely sunny evening and the emphasis was definitely on a social/chatty run, sharing memories and enjoying each others company.
Many thanks to all the clubs that supported the event
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London Marathon weekend - Wow what a historic event. Natalie Braisby did us proud running a superb 3:25 on the club's ballot place, in what looked like rather warm conditions.

Meanwhile, Jay Hollis took on his first marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon

Horsley 4 mile Race saw seven club members donning a bib, with Jack & Hollie picking up trophies for 1st Male/Female - Fantastic work

And a very secret mission from Rasselbock for Jenni W, covering 73 miles!......... (to be continued)

Don't forget it's our Annual Bluebell Run on Tuesday 28th, meet at Tesco Ilkeston 7pm.

You know brighter days are just around the corner when the Derby Runner Summer League starts as it did last Tuesday evening on a 4.5 mile course on the Teversal Trails. 400 enthusiastic runners, men and ladies of all abilities from 12 clubs turned out including a healthy contingent from Ilkeston RC. The next race in the 5 run series is at Shipley Park.

Not wishing to leave anyone out (least of all our Chairman/Mens Captain), Paul Whittleton was one of the 30,000 runners of the 130th Boston Marathon on Monday. Possibly not the race he'd hoped for, due to injury, but "without doubt the best race experience I've ever had by a country mile".

Held annually on Patriots' Day the first Boston Marathon in 1897 had only 15 starters (10 finishers!) and it took another 67 years before the controversial first woman completed the course! (Women were officially allowed to enter from 1972).

For those fast enough to meet qualifying time standards, next year's date is Monday, April 19th 2027

Tuesday 28th April sees the return of our annual "Bluebell Run" to Oldmoor Woods in memory of Simon Davis.

This is an open invitation to anyone who would like to join us.
The run is around 6.5 miles (can be shortened to

It wasn't all about marathons this weekend, but 4 Ilkeston Club runners completed Manchester Marathon on Sunday, including Jess Babcock (1st marathon), Sam Waddingham (3:09:24), John McCurdy (2:55:10) and Andy Aiston (2:50:38)

Slightly more under the radar, but by no means less impressive Dave Litchfield's achieved 1st place in the Canix 2 dog National Championship after a final weekend of racing for this season (a huge commitment in both training and distance travelled over the season!)

And Ryan Ball raced his 2nd 10k in 2 weeks, this time at Dronfield, finishing in 41:30.

Busy week ahead, 1st League races on Tuesday (DRL) and Wednesday (AAA) and not long now until our Annual Bluebell Run on Tuesday 28th April

Who was chasing the Parkrun alphabet challenge on Saturday, that would be Heather as she bagged a Z in Holland by doing the Zuiderpark Parkrun. Lewis proved hills (big ones) are no barrier to running fast as he took first place at Bestwood Village. Andy and John warmed for the Manchester Marathon on Sunday with a saunter around Alvaston and Penny sneaked a Parkrun PB at Wollaton.

This Tuesday we start the Derby Runner Summer League season on the nice and flat Teversal trails against 11 rival clubs from across the North Mids. That means our weekly social run moves to Thursday with groups at 8, 9 and 10 mins per mile with the emphasis being on easy paced running and enjoying the local scenery.