Squirrels Tame the Beast!

Sunday saw the very popular but challenging Baldock Beast Half Marathon take place on the rolling countryside to the east of Baldock. 23 squirrels from North Herts Road Runners were up for the challenge in a field of nearly 300 runners.
 
In excellent running conditions, there were some amazing performances. First home for the local running club was James Deneslow in an excellent 1:23:27, first male vet 40 and 5th overall. First lady home for the squirrels was Katie Harbon in 1:29:06 and 2nd lady overall. Also taking home a prize was Sue Foot who was first vet 70 female in an amazing 2:15:38.
 
However, the Beast is much more than the prizes. For many, it's just about finishing and having the bragging rights to having tamed the Beast. Others take part for a variety of reasons.
 
Many ran the Beast for the first time. Paula Holm was celebrating her birthday and chose to run with her friends, all crossing the finishing line together. Others such as Caroline Thrussell and Lindsay Cook ran the event in the buildup to the London Marathon in April. Both ran  excellent times of 1:49:03 and 2:36:08 respectively.
 
All in all, it was another great day for both North Herts Road Runners and the Baldock Beast, where all the monies raised go towards putting on events for the communities of Baldock.
 
Photos courtesy of Dave Braybrook
 
NB:- If you look closely at the First photo. There is a deer in mid air between the runners. They were buzzed by a large herd in Roe Green.

Baldock Beast Results

5, James DENSELOW, MV40, 1:23:27
15, Katie HARBON, FS, 1:29:06
22, Craig CARTIER, MV40, 1:33:59
24, David BREWER, MV50, 1:34:48
30, Ben SNOWDEN, MV40, 1:39:03
33, Adam FISHER, MS, 1:40:21
40, James DALTON, MV50, 1:41:56
41, Rachel ARNOTT, FV40, 1:42:04
45, Sarah HARTLEY, FS, 1:43:08
67, Tracy PITCAIRN, FV40, 1:47:07
68, Ian DATLEN, MV50, 1:47:07
69, Paula HOLM, FV40, 1:47:07

75, Dervla DOWNING, FV40, 1:48:58
76, Tom BENNET MAKIN, MS, 1:49:09
77, Caroline THRUSSELL, FV60, 1:49:03
88, Richard WEBER, MV60, 1:50:55
90, Grace CLEARY, FS, 1:50:39
110, Michael OVER, MV50, 1:55:18
176, Andrew COATES, MV40, 2:11:19
191, Susan FOOT, FV70+, 2:15:38
234, Lindsay COOK, FV50, 2:36:08
237, Carina QUAYLE, FV60, 2:39:11
246, Tracey MCCREATH, FV50, 2:54:34

Parkrun Roundup

​Leamington John Russell

Bedford Park Dave Braybrook

Killerton Paula Holm

Stevenage Verity Hague, Ellie Scott, Ben Snowden, Craig Snowden, Bob Davis, Barbara Sayers, Andrew Cooper, James Poulton, Vanessa Rolfe

Gunpowder Darren Matussa

Rockingham Oliver Babik
​
Ormea Joe Barker-Sherry

Great Notley David Brewer

Victoria Glasgow Georgina Quayle
​
Hastings Alice Noakes

Letchworth Martin Jackson, Laura Fairbanks, Jon Hunt

Water Meadows Kris Whitmore, Sam Whitmore

Sunny Hill Daniel Wright

Marshal Estate Tracey Palmer

Quaker Walk Greg Bowie

Cockermouth Greenway Tom Barclay, Emma Sandham