Westbury running success continues, with local runner, Fiona Price, becoming Wiltshire 10k Champion after running the Corsham 10k on Sunday 19th April, and with several local runners completing the London Marathon.
Over 1,000 people lined up for the prestigious 10k race to commemorate St George in Corsham last month. Fiona Price from Westbury, finished in a personal best time of 39:26 running for her club Avon Valley Runners. The time was also a club FV40 age record.
Fiona, pictured, took second place in the women’s race and was only beaten by an athlete from Bristol and West. That made her Wiltshire Champion and she was duly crowned.
Fiona also led home the Avon Valley Runners’ female team of Vanessa Lucas, Fiona Gibbs (also from Westbury) and Sarah Jewers to take the ladies’ team title.
At the age of 47, Fiona, mother of four, has been in training for her next race which will be the European Masters 10k Road Race championship in Grosetto, Italy. That will take place on Friday 15th May. In August Fiona will be at the World Masters Championships running 5000 and 10000 metres on the track.
There were also several local runners taking on the challenge of the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April including Bryan Parkinson, Diane Hier, Robin-Mark Schols and Sam Duggins.
Bryan Parkinson regularly runs the London Marathon and this year ran it in 5:13. He said, “It’s done and dusted. My slowest ever marathon by nearly an hour and a quarter, I know I am getting older but my PB is under 3:30 so I was hoping for a quicker time.
“I was rather sore for a few days, but out running again now. The crowds and the atmosphere were amazing and I salute the people who ran it in fancy dress.
“A big thank you to all those who donated and to my partner Karen and her friend Val who came to support me on the day.”
Diane Hier secured 7th place in the 50/54 female age group by completing the race in 3:15:10. She reflects on the day.
“The weather was perfect for the runners but possibly a little chilly for thousands of spectators that lined the route. The race gets better every year and the organisation is incredible.”
Westbury local and keen runner Robin-Mark Schols was very happy to have completed the marathon inside the top 1,000 men in 987th position overall.
Robin-Mark said, “I ran it in 2:53:21 which I am very pleased with as it was 5 minutes and 20 seconds faster than last year, so a new PB for me.”
A second record was achieved by Robin-Mark as he was 38th in his category from over 2000, this earned him a new club record that has stood since 2009.
“At mile 24 I was excited to run with Jenson Button and his running partner Tom Dudden, before I eased off a little to ensure I made it to the finish. All in all a great thrill to do so well.”
Sam Duggins says the marathon was a surreal experience. He said, “The support and setup was unreal. Starting next to a marine, a dinosaur and a cheesestring is something I doubt will happen again!
“I wanted to beat my PB of 4:04 and would have been ecstatic to get 3:45, however I exceeded all my expectations and somehow did it in 3:26. Next up is the new Bristol to Bath Marathon in October.”
