15/12/2025
There's already a LOT to discuss in terms of achievements and experiences in December, so watch this space on those, and let's pick up where we left off...
Last month continued to be a busy one for Ivanhoe Runners, and mid-month, we had we had five, very different, events happening over one weekend.
First up, we had a great morning 'taking over' at Conkers parkrun. Taking over meant that we helped out with filling important volunteering gaps and roles, as well as arranging a pretty huge team of 22 pacers (and an Ivanhoe 'barkwalker' of course!). It's always a great morning- giving the warm, fuzzy volunteering feels, helping fellow runners achieve their desired times and a bit of healthy competition on the side. Thank you to committee members, Matt and Laura for organising us, with the team at Conkers parkrun (and thank you for having us!). 🌳
Whilst most of our members were together at Conkers parkrun, George was already many hours into putting his physical and mental endurance to the test in another return for him to Beyond Marathon's Escape from Meriden event. Escape from Meriden, a very unique 24-hour event, begins at midnight and the aim of the game is for participants to reach the furthest distance (the distance measured 'as the crow flies') away from the start point, a 500 year old cross marking the centre of England. George navigated the challenges that he'd been presented with incredibly well; contending with floodwater and continuing heavy rainfall during those night-time hours, which added to the challenge of the event itself. An awesome feat, George! 💪
The following day had runners representing at three events (and four distances!). Over thirty of the team represented at the second The Derby Runner XC league fixture of the season at Bagworth Heath. A good helping of mud must be an expected requirement from a cross-country event and runners were 'treated' to plenty, with thanks to what had been left behind from Storm Claudia. A top job done by the team there and our XC Captains, James and Sarah. 💦
Despite the huge number at Bagworth, 23 club members also toed the line at Derby 10. The Derby 10, a ten-mile road race, is well-known for being flat and fast - perfect for our standard and PB chasers, plus notching up those final points in our club Grand Prix competition. There were plenty of excellent times achieved towards standards awards, club distance debuts from Gordy, Liam, Craig, Chloe, Jonathan and Sarah B and at least eight new, shiny PBs. Some of these were well and truly smashed out of the park - congratulations to Ellen, Sarah M, Nancy, Vic, Clare, Jamie, Matt P and Mark P. A great race ran by the whole team, including Damon, Matt, Laura, Jane, Sue, Louis, Ian, Mark H and Alistair too. 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Elsewhere on the continent again, Emily, Andrea, Rob and Fiona ran the events at the Eurospin Verona Run event, with Emily using the half-marathon in part to tick off an important training run, and Rob, Fiona and Andrea adding another marathon to their count. An impressive location passing by historic and UNESCO world heritage sites, plus being regarded as a flat and fast event - another incredible event to add to their counts. Well done to the four of you! 🇮🇹
After a very busy mid-month, Matt, Ian and Ellen just about sealed the racing month by participating in the Running GP Oulton Park events, organised by RunThrough. All three, again, put their mental endurance to the test as well as the physical, with Ellen completing the 16 mile event and Matt and Ian completing 20 miles on the motor racing circuit, with Matt coming away with his previous PB being smashed too. Amazing work done by Ian, Ellen and Matt. 🏎🏁
Throwing it back to the beginning of November, Paul C, Paul W and Ramzi took on the Roaches Fell Race, organised by Mow Cop Runners. All three of the guys are at home taking on the Peaks and fells, however, navigating the misty terrain and course, which clocks up over 3750ft of elevation gain over 15+ miles continues to be so impressive to many of us. 🤩
