From the Pennine Way to Spain: A Weekend of Epic Squirrel Achievements

Through Snow and Darkness: 
Anna Gibson Conquers 108 Miles at the Spine Challenger South
An absolutely outstanding achievement from Anna Gibson, who completed the Montane Spine Challenger South in an astonishing 51 hours and 5 minutes, spending two full nights out on the trail in some of the most demanding winter conditions the race has seen.
The race covered 108 miles along the Pennine Way, from Edale to Hawes, and was entirely self-supported, meaning competitors had to carry and manage all their own kit, food, navigation, and safety equipment. With deep snow, ice underfoot, and prolonged exposure to cold and darkness, this was a true test not only of physical endurance but of resilience, decision-making, and mental strength. The difficulty of the conditions is reflected in the statistics: just 82 of the 152 starters completed the race, giving a finish rate of 53.9%.
The Spine Challenger is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance races in the UK, demanding sustained effort, self-sufficiency, and exceptional mental strength, and completing it in such harsh winter conditions makes this an extraordinary performance and one of the most impressive endurance achievements the club has seen. For those familiar with the ultra-running world, the scale of this achievement is underlined by the fact that even John Kelly, famous for completing the notoriously difficult Barkley Marathons, was forced to withdraw due to the conditions.
Huge congratulations to Anna on an exceptional and truly inspiring achievement that reflects the very best of endurance, courage, and determination.
 

Flying the Squirrel Flag Abroad: 
Vanessa Rolfe storms Santa Pola Half Marathon
Vanessa Rolfe took on the Santa Pola Half Marathon in Spain and finished in 2:41:39, placing a fantastic 4th in the FV70 category. Racing overseas always brings its own challenges, from travel and climate to unfamiliar courses, making this an especially impressive achievement.
A wonderful example of age-group excellence and consistency on the international stage, this result reflects both dedication and strength of performance, and is a proud moment for the club.

Fred Hughes Fever: Squirrels shine at January’s Run of the Month
 A small but mighty crew headed to St Albans for the Fred Hughes 10 Mile, run this year on closed roads and a flood-friendly alternative course – which many declared even better than the original!
 
Conditions were perfect, spirits were high, and the squirrels delivered:

Shahab Ahmad – 56:48
Andrew Leach – 57:53 🥇 1st MV60
Matthew Sayers – 59:17
James Denselow – 1:00:01
Rhia Botha – 1:06:10 🥈 2nd FV35
Mark Larwood – 1:06:42
Tracy Pitcairn – 1:08:50
David Edwards – 1:09:06
Ben Snowden – 1:11:54
Mike Phillips – 1:13:02
Katherine Burr – 1:14:15

Dervla Downing – 1:17:13
​Natalie Phillips – 1:17:30
Caroline Thrusell – 1:18:36
David Weston – 1:23:13
Hannah Gardner – 1:24:14
Greg Smith – 1:24:34
Richard Barker – 1:34:37
Frances Stanton – 1:35:19
James Godfrey – 1:35:20
Bev Rimmer – 1:58:19

A special shout-out to Richard Barker, who combined racing with coaching – helping his friend Tony take over 5 minutes off his 10-mile PB. That’s squirrel spirit right there!

Birthday Hills and Finishers’ Vests: Lucy O’Connor celebrates in style at Folksworth 15
Marking her final day in the F60–64 category, Lucy O’Connor chose the Folksworth 15, a scenic but demanding double-loop course on country lanes, featuring long hill climbs and a particularly cruel ascent at mile 14. It was a fittingly bold way to celebrate a milestone, taking on a race that tested both stamina and determination right to the finish.
 
Lucy recorded a chip time of 2:25:32, a strong and well-earned result on such a testing course. As a finishing reward, runners received a running vest instead of the usual T-shirt, a very welcome and much-appreciated upgrade that added an extra touch of celebration to the day.
 
A lovely blend of challenge, celebration, and resilience, this was a memorable way to close out an age category and a strong performance to carry forward into the next one.

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Parkrun Round-Up: From Sub-19s to Strong First Timers: 
​Our squirrels were out in force across the country:

Albert Melbourne: Anna Priestley (29:57)

Aldenham: Charlotte Hannah ()

Ally Pally: Bev Rimmer (38:27)

Brookleys: Joseph Barker-sherry (26:14)

Claphamcommon: Tracey Palmer (35:22)

Dunstable Downs: Chris Powell (28:21), Ben Snowden (28:22), Craig Snowden (28:22)

Great Denham: Kris Whitmore (19:00), Barbara Sayers (25:07), Andrew Coates (25:30), Ellie Scott (27:07), Matthew Sayers (28:13), Amanda Greig (32:45)

Letchworth: Katie Harbon (22:12), James Dalton (25:01), Ian Harvey (26:42), Laura Fairbanks (27:06), Viv Lucas (29:27), Andrew Grudzinski (32:05), Michelle Grudzinski (32:16), Paul Bowal (32:19), Jo Harbon (32:55)

Henlow Bridge Lakes: Chris Stokes (24:28), Jon Hunt (26:15), Bob Davis (31:44)

Jubilee Bedford: Brian Judkins (37:42)
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Lochneaton: David Brewer (23:27)

Maidenhead: Karen Shaw (31:59)

Pocket: Michael Over (22:07), Paula Holm (23:17)

Rockingham: Oliver Babik (19:34)

Stevenage: Daniel Wrigley (23:56), Sarah Millhouse (28:10), James Poulton (32:24)

St Marys: Linda Aird (29:08)

Suttonpark: Eva Mccabe (25:32)

Wimpole Estate: Philippa Hardcastle (28:37), Lucy Hurley (30:58)