Challenges can come in many forms and in the case of the Belvoir Challenge this is especially true. The annual 15 or 26 mile trail race around the Vale of Belvoir is organised by Hareby village to raise funds for the local primary school is always one event that many of our club members look forward to. This year the event was held last Saturday (27th February) and attracted its largest ever entry with around 1300 entrants to either run or walk the picturesque cross-country course that includes the delights of Knipton Reservoir and some stiff climbs on and off Belvoir Escarpment with stunning view across the Vale of Belvoir.
In previous years the challenge has included dealing with not only the distance but also the weather and especially the mud. This year the conditions could not have been better with the weather gods providing a gorgeous sunny if initially chilly day and with little rainfall in the lead up to the event there was noticeably less mud to deal with and much firmer ground.
Hence this year the challenge was more to do with resisting the temptation at the various feed stations along the course as well as completing the distance. The good people in the surrounding villages always provide a good spread that involves plenty of cakes and assortment of other delicacies for the entrants to enjoy.
However it does seem that the healthy turnout from the club managed to resist the food temptation and record some very good times this year comparing to previous years. Most members opted for the 15 mile race although it was actually nearer to 16 miles in distance. First home for the club was Helen Pape who was 3rd lady who as it turned out was a mere 23 seconds ahead of Richard Evans.
The final club results were:
| Pos | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | Helen Pape | 2:12:59 [3rd lady] |
| 50 | Richard Evans | 2:13:22 |
| 62 | Saya Sheridan | 2:16:15 |
| 80 | Martin Gordon-Kerr | 2:22:54 |
| 92 | Chris Jones | 2:25:21 |
| 145 | Paul Rogerson | 2:41:07 |
| 150 | Emma Potter | 2:42:22 |
| 162 | Helen Duncan | 2:45:18 |
| 171 | Sue Fulbrook | 2:47:46 |
| 208 | Steve Griffiths | 2:58:13 |
| 259 | Claire Adams | 3:07:21 |
| 376 | Megg Humphrey | 3:38:00 |
| 377 | Simon Murton | 3:38:01 |
| 438 | Tracey Poole | 4:16:30 |
Dawn Morris and Damian Wilkins were not really competing but instead opted to walk and enjoy the scenery of the 15 mile route and completed the course in 4:49:30
Special mention goes to Bryan Clary who was the sole club representative in the 26 mile option finishing in a fantastic time of 3hours 48minutes.
Fantastic results everyone and despite the weary legs I think everyone had a great time.
This was the second race in the Club Championship and after age grading, Helen Pape is leading the Ladies Championship followed by Helen Duncan and then Megg Humphrey. In the Men’s Championship, club president Paul Rogerson leads the way followed by Martin Gordon-Kerr with Simon Murton in third spot
