Despite late nights watching the football, Pacers have been keeping plenty busy creating sporting headlines of our own.

Local Events  

A hot Friday evening saw 17 Pacers lineup at the Brantham 5-Mile Fun Run, while another 8 took to the start line at Thetford’s 5-mile Wibbly Wobbly Log Jog. There were some standout performances worthy of a Match of the Day highlight reel, with Scott Williams taking the tape at Thetford by almost a minute and a half, whilst at Brantham, Katie King took 1st Female and Andrew Southwood topped his age category.

Longer Distances 

For those who believe anything under 10 miles barely justifies putting on their trainers, there’ve been some remarkable performances over recent weekends. 

Dean Hearn completed the 70.3 Triathlon at Outlaw Holkham Hall in an impressive 6:35:17, while Luke Senior somehow covered 100 miles in 23 hours at the Thetford 24-Hour Event – get your head round those!

Further west, Natasha Michael and her sister completed the gruelling 50km Race to the Stones across the Ridgeway. Considering the recent heat wave we’ve all been experiencing, these are all some phenomenal achievements.

Lastly in the Europe Duathlon Championships in Banyoles, Spain, Haley Suttle came 5th in her age group – some achievement. 

Masters Events

Who needs the World Cup when Jenny Morgan is out there representing her country? Jenny pulled on the England vest for the Masters International England v Wales 5km and once again delivered on the big stage, earning bronze in her age category. Some athletes simply know how to perform when wearing the national colours.

As mentioned last week, the third round of the Eastern Masters Track & Field League took place in King’s Lynn at the beginning of July. After three matches, the ladies’ team sit proudly in 1st place, while the men remain in a competitive 4th. A full report is attached, highlighting a scattering of PBs and some sterling performances across the board.

The fourth match takes place in Peterborough on 28th July, with the ladies looking increasingly likely to secure a place in the finals at Bedford in September. Well done to everyone involved. As always, if you’d like to take part, please contact Christine Anthony. The Masters squad are a welcoming bunch, and everyone who attends seems to have a great time.

Further Afield

The Saucony London 10k proved rich pickings for the two Pacers who made the trip to the capital. Both Phil Crutchlow and Blake Hall returned with new 10k PBs.

Finally at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 5k, Chris Poulding and Aden Bell came 1st & 2nd respectively & Elissia Bell won her age category and came in 2nd female.     

Club Socials

Sunday’s social run was led by Ian and Ady and featured the ever-popular Lavenham Ice Cream Run, one of the most scenic routes on our fixture list. 

If you missed it this year, make sure you put it in the diary for next time. These runs usually offer a choice of 10km or 10 miles, are taken at a relaxed conversational pace, and most importantly ensure nobody gets left behind. 

The Schofields are hosting the next event around Shimpling (I’ve no idea where that is either).

Abbeycroft Leisure Centre

Just a reminder that Abbeycroft Leisure Centre will be closed from Wednesday 19th August until Tuesday 25th August. The track will remain open, but facilities will be limited to the toilet by the hut.

Lastly…

Whilst it’s inspiring to hear about medals, victories, PBs and incredible endurance feats, it’s worth remembering that the true heartbeat of our club doesn’t belong solely to the podium finishers.

It belongs to everyone who runs simply for the love of running – the early morning miles as the world wakes up, the conversations and friendships built on shared runs, the encouragement freely given to fellow runners, and the unwavering determination of people like Martin Tilley who, at 87 years young, still runs three times a week and is chasing a 50‑minute parkrun. Above all, it belongs to the Pacers community – always there to support, celebrate and welcome each runner across the finish line.

Well done everyone for showing up and getting out.

Matt