Black Dogs in half-marathon

The Great Yarmouth Road Runners organised half marathon took place recently. On a blustery but warm day a good field of 191 took part, with seven entries from Bungay Black Dog Running Club.

Chris Chorley was the first Black Dog to finish in a very good time of 1hr 34.52 in 39th overall with Mark Fawbert, taking part in his first race for a while due to parenting responsibilities, just behind Chris in 1-35.58 in 45th. Richard Dye, consistent as ever, finished in a time of 1-37.43 in 52nd place with ladies' captain, Bobbie Sauerzapf, finishing strongly to take first Female V45 trophy in an excellent time of 1-48.21 in 91st. The last four Bungay finishers had a good tussle, with Colin Whale just ahead of Neil Thomas in 1-58.17(136th) and 1-58.58(137th) respectively. Neil just edged past Karen Gedge and Robin Farrar who finished in 141st and 142nd in 1h-59.26mins.

Bungay Black Dog runner Ian Taylor has been affected by the heat and humidity of recent weeks, which has caused a downturn in race times. He was therefore pleased to complete the latest in the summer series of 5k races in Hove Park, Sussex in 18m 47s which earned him seventh place out of about 50 runners. This was his fastest time achieved in this year's series, but was 13 seconds away from his PB for this distance.

In diabolical weather on Sunday, six Black Dogs got soaked running in the Reepham 10k race along with 211 finishers. A multi-terrain course meant all finishers were wet and muddy but hot tea and cakes at the finish made their efforts worthwhile. Again first Black Dog was Chris Chorley in 42.52 mins (36th) with Bobbie Sauerzapf next in 49.54 (94th). David Punt was next in 50.56 (108th) just ahead of Colin Whale, who finished in 51.51 (115th). Star of the day was Gill Petts-Hannant who, in the awful conditions, knocked three minutes off her previous best time to finish in 64.34 in 190th place with Ivan Lees just behind in 64.37 in 191st place.