Its MARCH so it must be Marathon Time. Members of West Coast Runners will be out in force on 12th March either running or manning the water stations on route. The week before we will also have a large team of volunteers preparing and issuing the goody bags to all the runners. We are all praying that the weather Gods will be kinder this year, not too hot but dry. Good luck to everyone participating but particularly to our members, Claire Rinkes – Marathon, Neil Bithell, Steve Radford and Jo Stevenson – Half Marathon and Linda Hesketh, Suzie Burke, Gerry Rock and Ruth Poole – 10KM.
Riyadh Marathon
Marc Slatter one of our overseas runners once again competed in the Half Marathon, he lined up with a couple of thousand others running the Half. Marc was keen to get started in the cool morning breeze. All went well for the 15k round the streets of Riyadh but the finish was up hill and up wind and cramp struck 2k from home reducing Marc to a crawl. He limped across the line in a respect time of 1:58. There are no age categories placings but Marc was somewhere in the middle. However Marc stated that, “he can claim a moral victory as the winner in the barefoot category but only because there was no competition!” Well done!
Although the recent weather has had an impact on our running schedule with last minute changes needed, we have had a good turnout for our 4 weekly runs. Saturday is the most popular session and due to the work going on at the Lighthouse walkway we have relocated to our new meeting place of Tea for Two. Runners choose their own mileage and direction and then we all meet for a hot drink and maybe a bacon butty or toast. It’s a great social time so why not join us – 8.00 a.m. every Saturday, you would be very welcome.
This month also sees the start of our new 10-week New Runner’s Course, Couch to 5K, commencing on Monday 13 March at 6pm starting from “Tea for Two”, Poseidonos Avenue 56, Paphos. Whether you have never run before or are returning after a break, West Coast Runners promise you a warm welcome and lots of help and encouragement. We’ve held very successful C25K courses over previous years, so you’re in good hands. The cost of the course is €5.00 which will include weekly mentoring sessions, so join us for a fun and supportive way to your first 5K!
For further information please contact Diana, Course Leader on 97761015.
Monthly Handicap
The 2023 handicap has started with a great turnout for the 5km time trial. The competitive element has gone up a notch – will Di win again this year – watch this space.
New Members
We are pleased to welcome new members this month, Sarah & Richard Holden and Jean Cadnam. We look forward to running with you all.
If you would like to join us at any of our session you will find our schedules on our Facebook page or call Christine on 97757159 or Gerry on 99926291 for any further information.
