Dry weather makes for fast times in Rushmere

For the first time since the free weekly 5k was launched in November the forest trails around the country park were dry underfoot, making for fast times.

In addition to 28 first-timers, 55 of the 82 returning participants recorded their best time on the two-lap circuit that starts and finishes on the meadow by the visitor’s centre.

Among the big improvers this week was Pauline Green who was more than two minutes faster in 35 minutes 36 seconds. Brenda Sedgwick improved by a similar amount to 33:18, while Angela Hollands bettered her previous mark by exactly one minute to come home in 36:59.

Sarah Dunsterville also reduced her best time, finishing in 34:14 while Emma Ellis broke the elusive 30-minute barrier for the first time by the narrowest of margins in 29:59.

Not to be outdone, Sian Lane recorded her fourth consecutive PB as she crossed the line in 35:40.

In the men’s field, Simon Cooper (32:19), Simon Angood (32:01), and James Worlock (30:10) all recorded big improvements.

In the juniors, Spencer Digby was eight minutes faster than the PB he set back in January, while Bailey Danskin was five minutes quicker than his first attempt, stopping the clock at 32:21. Joseph Bidlake-Hull also made a significant improvement to 27:52.

At the pointy end of the field, Sophie O’Sullivan was the fastest woman in 24:09, closely followed by Katherine Wells in 24:21 and Ruth Rutt in 24:30.

Glen Turner led the men in a new course record of 18:13, ahead of Paul Williamson (18:50), Justin Fowler (19:13) and Stephen Buckle (19:57).

Rushmere parkrun is coordinated by local volunteers. It is open to runners and walkers of all abilities and takes place at 9am each Saturday throughout the year. Registration is free at www.parkrun.org.uk/rushmere