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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

Wet weather tyres would have been more appropriate than running shoes last Sunday at Rockingham Speedway Circuit, Corby for the Brass Monkey 10k. The annual race in support of Lakelands Hospice is held at the end of the January and as the name suggests, the Weather Gods can be unkind for the competitors. This year may not have been as bad as previous years, but there was still a fine misty rain, a stiff breeze and cold temperatures to provide the runners (and spectators) with challenging conditions.

Before the main event there was a 1.5 mile Family Fun Run which comprises a single lap of the circuit. Andrea & Martin’s son, 11-year old Samuel Gordon-Kerr, from Ketton Panthers Triathlon Club was the first to cross the line in this event. So an excellent Rutland start to the morning’s racing.

There was a healthy turnout from our club for the main 10k event with 15 members pounding round just over 4 laps of the race circuit. There was certainly a strong female contingent from the club. Hopefully this bodes well for another year of friendly rivalry within the ranks. Lara Kristiansen was first home for the club and 8th lady in a time of 43:18. Helen Pape was next to finish in 44:45 with the first gent home in the form of Martin Gordon-Kerr not far behind in 45:05. The final club standings were:

Pos	Name	Time
59	Lara Kristiansen	43:18
77	Helen Pape	44:45
81	Martin Gordon-Kerr	45:05
144	Paul Rogerson	49:26
166	Helen Duncan	50:49
176	Megg Humphrey	51:26
205	Andrea Gordon-Kerr	52:50
223	Simon Murton	53:55
275	Jenny Pearson	57:20
287	Felicity Crotty	57:53
316	Jo Smith	60:00
325	Celia Bloor	60:57
341	Kate Howes	62:21
405	Tracey Poole	70:43
406	Amanda McPherson	70:43

Congratulations everyone – you were all awesome!

This was the first race in the annual Club Championship and after age grading Lara Kristiansen is leading the Ladies Championship with Paul Rogerson heading up the Men’s