Seven take on five-miler

SEVEN Black Dog Runners competed in the Worstead five-mile race last Friday.

This popular race was part of the village festivities and was well supported with plenty of spectators along the peaceful lanes.

Of the 372 finishers. Chris Chorley was 42nd (32:30), Neil Thomas 154th (38:07) and

Bobbie Sauerzapf 167th (39:01). Philip Neave was 278th (45:05), and Karen Waters and Bruce Rayner finished together in 294th and 295th (46:04, 46:05).

Judy Potter in 187th position, had an inspired run, finishing two minutes inside her diamond target time (39:53). Age grading is a system that allows runners to compare their finish times with others of different genders and ages.

For each age and gender there are target times to beat. These are graded bronze (easiest/slowest) to platinum (hardest/fastest).

Most mortals can manage bronze. Only the chosen few can reach diamond. This was a remarkable performance, considering that 18 months ago Judy could hardly get out of bed because of rheumatoid arthritis.

Two days later on Sunday, July 26, the new March Spud Run was a pleasant multi-terrain route of 5.25 miles near Whitemoor Prison.

Chris Chorley ran a terrific race and in 26th place (35:20) came third in the Male Veterans' 45 group. Bobbie Sauerzapf was 71st (41:02). There were 156 finishers - all of whom were given a 5kg sack of Maris Piper spuds!

Bungay Black Dog runner Robin Farrar also took part in a challenging seven-mile multi-terrain race on the same day in the Welsh borders.

Ironically named the Kymin Dash, the route circles the town of Monmouth and then ascends and descends the Kymin.

This tough course involves a total of 1,650 ft of climbing and luckily the Welsh rains did not arrive until after the finish. Robin was well satisfied to finish in a time of 1-07:02, being 141st out of a strong field of 148 finishers.