West Norfolk athletes step up marathon preparations

With several West Norfolk members currently training for spring marathons, the return of the popular Ryston Mad Hare 15 miler was a chance to clock some miles at a similar pace.Hosted by Ryston Runners, the Mad Hare 15 is a friendly 15-mile road run that starts in the village of Beachamwell and traverses the local country roads in a 15-mile loop.Ryston runners provided marshals, cycle support, timing and refreshments on what was a great morning for all the runners involved.A clear, bright day with low temperatures made for almost perfect running conditions.The first home for the club and overall was Callum Stanforth, enjoying a first crack at pace over distance as he steps up training for this year’s London Marathon.Stanforth finished the undulating 15-mile course in 1:25:22Next home was Ryan Oakes who finished third overall with an impressive time of 1:32:14. The fact Oakes cycled 19 miles to the start of the race and back home afterwards makes it all the more impressive. Arran Reeve was next over the line and was placed fourth, running 1:34:39.A satisfying run for Reeve as he ramps up training for the Newport marathon the spring.Oliver Foxwell enjoyed a very strong and assured run and was placed ninth overall with a time of 1:37:13. Marathon veteran Neil Stapleton enjoyed another solid outing, running an impressive 1:37:59 for the 15 miles and was placed 11th overall.Darren Easter enjoyed a great run, running 1:39:40 and was placed 12th overall as he prepares to take on the Manchester marathon again this year. Martin Sheldrick was also amongst the impressive displays, clocking a time of 1:39:51 placing 13th.Cassie Moden and Mitchell Bunn ran together, clocking times of 1:47:05 and 1:47:06 respectively with Moden finishing as the fastest female on the day. Rob Gosnell enjoyed a great run as he also prepared for the London Marathon, running a time of 1:59:38.Mark and Helen Garrett also ran the 15 miles together, both clocking times of 2:31:14.