Hi All,

London Marathon is often a highlight for the club, as many members not only take part but also travel down to support their friends and family in the World’s Best Marathon (IMO..). This was no exception and although the weather was slightly warmer than most would like, the runners performed extremely well.

First Pacer home was James O’Brien who received a new PB of 2.27 and an age category club record, what a way to spend a birthday! On the ladies side, Katie King followed her 2.49 at Manchester last week with a 2.56 – an amazing effort. Well done to you both. There were PBs for Mike Greener (2.58), Aidan Elmore (2.59), Josh Clarke-Davis (3.14) and George Allen (3.39) congratulations to you all!

Other Pacers who took part included Alastair Angus (3.00), Aden Bell (3.02), Ollie Bingham (3.49), Gem Carter (3.10), Owen Gledhill (3.41), Emily Gooderham (4.23), Jessie Gooderham (3.02), Matt King (3.37), David Loomes (3.05), Natasha Michael (3.20), Chris Mower (4.35), Denys Olefir (3.21), Jenny Steedman (3.24), Ollie Schofield (3.35) and Nigel Schofield (4.01). What a brilliant group of amazing runners, well done to you all and I hope you enjoyed the celebrations.

The ballot for next year is open until Friday, and our Club Ballot will take place in December giving you some chances to get in alongside the time qualification.

Earlier in the week we had two members take on the Boston Marathon, one of the six World Majors Marathons where the majority of the field need a qualifying time to enter. Mark Stratton ran a superb race to finish in 3.09 and receive a new PB whilst Howard Beasley has had a disrupted training block and also ran amazingly to finish in 3.45. Well done both!

Sarah Price
Some sad news I am afraid with the passing of Sarah Price, who was awarded the Fisher Trophy earlier this year for all that she had done to support our club despite not being a runner herself. We are so lucky to have people like Sarah, who get involved with Pacers and support us runners as well as our endeavours in the local community. On behalf of all at Pacers, we send condolences to Sarah’s family, include her husband Robert who has been a member for many years.

Track Challenge Ipswich
We still have a few spaces left in each race for the first Track Challenge of the year at Northgate Athletics Track, Ipswich. Junior entries are being organised via the Whatsapp groups so please do check there or speak to coaches. Please use the entry forms below:

Seniors sub 20mins
Seniors between 20mins and 23mins
Seniors 23mins plus

This race is part of the Senior Pacers Grand Prix. Entries are open for many of the following races

Sudbury Friday 5
Brantham Fun Run
Newmarket Trail Marathon (entries open soon)
Saxon 5

You can still volunteer or run at our own two races this summer:

Stephen Williams 10k – Sunday 10th May
Bury Friday 5 – Friday 19th June

Sunday Socials
Thank you to those who have offered a venue this summer, we have a schedule coming together nicely. If you would like to organise a route, and coffee stop, then do let myself or Ian know.

3rd May – Thurston – Ian hosting
10th May – no social run due to Stephen Williams 10k
24th May – Brockley – Izzy hosting
7th June – Stansfield – Anna hosting
14th June – West Stow – Lara hosting
28th June – Pakenham/Great Barton – Fran hosting
5th July – no social run due to Ekiden Relay
12th July – Drinkstone – Sophie hosting

Have a great week.

Lara