Worcester Beacon Race

Malvern

Saturday 11th October 2008

Four B&R athletes travelled to Malvern to take part in this years Worcester Beacon race, an old established race which has been going for over 50 years.
It was an unseasonally hot day for early October and I remarked that in the many times I have done this race in the last 30 years it has varied between hot and snowing.
As the start quickly hits a 'bottleneck' it was a fast and furious sprint with Richard Shardlow, James King and I all setting off with the leaders.
The course soon meandered upwards through narrow trails between the trees which, although it gave a welcome shade from the sun made passing very difficult.
As we neared the open spaces of the hills after a long steady climb Richard surged ahead of me into the sunshine which made me fear I was going to be 'had by Shad'.
It was hard going in the heat up and down the hills and was very pleasant to get back into the trees for some shade but a perfect day for spectators who lined the route to the beacon.
The race was won by Matthew Collins of Cardiff AC in an impressive time of 43.21.
B&R results were:
 
18 Ian Keyte 50.56
32 Richard Shardlow 52.53
33 James King 53.07
84 Martin Aspley-Davis 57.54

There were 310 finishers.
 
Martin was running nearly 6 miles (in a 6 mile race!) over distance and impressed with a blistering sprint finish!

(Ian Keyte)
 
Click for full results