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Provisional results…  the ladies were 7th, the men 8th, and overall we were 8th.

Full results here

Jon Elliot reports:

Tough Guy: an insane race across the Staffordshire countryside over a run and then two miles of the most fearsome obstacle course known to man and beast. Along the way competitors encounter barbed wire, fire, and icy water aplenty.

After watching a review of last year’s race, Wifey thought it would be fun to go and watch. I misheard and accidentally entered myself into this post apocalyptic test of mental and physical endurance. Accompanied to the race by a paassing blizzard it was soon that we saw the lakes were frozen solid and having to be broken through. Within an hour I was off on the course along with several Spartans, mankni wearers and a Rubik’s Cube. The next three and a bit hours were spent with one task; I just wanted to get round. With nearly 5000 competitors the biggest problem was standing waiting to get on obstacles as the cold really got to you. Still I got round in one piece and can officially call myself a “Tough Guy”…

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted that most of the photos on the website have stopped working! This is because we moved them to another host, and are in the process of updating the old links to point to the correct location.

Keep an eye on the photo gallery  if you’re after something in particular

Found at the end on one of the benches – one black Nike headband. If this is yours please let David Priddy know.

David Priddy ventured north to the Telford 10k and entered the elite race for sub-40 runners, hoping he wouldn’t finish last. He at least justified the elite race entry with a 39:52 clocking and thankfully didn’t quite finish last. When the times for the elite and mass start races were combined the time was good enough for 80th overall.

A great time for a first black park run from Jackie

Simon Black reports:

As Britain freezes, the temperature in Barcelona was predicted to be a balmy 4 degrees, but on the day rose to a wonderful 12 degrees in the seaside town of Sitges. With nearly 2500 starters, this race is not as hilly as Swanage, but a 2km hill from 8-10k should have put paid to any PB’s…… but not for Kathryn who took nearly 3 minutes off her PB!!!!
 
                     Place    Cat position  10k time   Gun Time   Chip time 
Kathryn Black 1746       100/230     53:47       1:50:39    1:49:45
Simon Black    179        176/2216    41:50       1:24:54    1:24:17
 
To give some idea of the quality of the race, the top 6 all ran sub 1:10 and the top 60 all beat 1:15. You also got a technical t-shirt and a free ruck-sack all for €15.
 

A good start to the new year of running from all those who ran:

1st Jan

2nd Jan

Brent says: I always like to start my year with these two races – especially the New Years Day one. 1st January absolutely freezing in Hyde Park. Lovely.

Tadworth 10 miles

Serpentine 10K

Rob Lane reports;

I ran a pleasing 36:40min 4.74 mile race in Porthcawl, South Wales on Boxing day Morning. This apparently is the only 38 furlong race in the world (as advertised), so I think I think I should hold the Dashers 38 furlong record!! - The race was followed by a dip in the very cold Welsh sea !

Well done to all those who ran this tough course, next up is Reading in the new year.