Janice Anderson and Barbara Castle, along with a few other Medway Fit members,  ran the Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday 17th October. The pair helped each other through the run and, despite Barbara having an ankle injury, they both really enjoyed it. 

A real sense of team spirit was in the air as both Janice and Barbara supported team mates, Sarah Coleman and Carole Pinder round the course. It was Sarah's longest race and says she is over the moon with what she has achieved. 

Janice said: "The atmosphere was great! I loved getting Sarah to the end as well, she was awesome on the day, as was Barbara and Carole, they did really well. I love when you run with other people who get the best out of each other."

Ayshen and Graeme Rouse also completed the Great South Run, just a week after completing their first marathon in Manchester. 

As one of her favourite races of the year, Janice has already rebooked to run again next year. 

Two of our runners have been chosen to run the Great South Run this weekend, taking place on Sunday 17th October. The 10 mile run takes place along Portsmouth's coast line and events run across the weekend, with the Great South 5K and the Junior Mini Great South Run happening on the Saturday. 

Janice Anderson and Barbara Castle are running the Great South Run on Sunday. They have both run the race before so they know what to expect on the day and what the route is like. 

Janice said: "The last two we have done were brilliant and the weather was good too. Been doing some decent training, including club run last night and hill training this morning. I will also try to run on Friday and do Parkrun on Saturday so will be in a good place to enjoy the Great South Run on Sunday."

Barbara is also looking forward to the run: "I have a bit of an ankle injury at the moment so I'm hoping that won't slow me down - it certainly won't stop me! It's all about crossing the finishing line on Sunday rather than beating times. Being part of such a large running club, there's always brilliant support from them. I'm really looking forward to helping Sarah Coleman round too (she is a new LiRF at Medway Fit) who is also an inspiration for me." 

Look out for Janice and Barbara (and of course, Sarah!) at the Great South Run on Sunday and give them a cheer! We look forward to reporting how they got on next week. 

The biggest marathon in the UK’s running calendar was back on the streets of London this weekend just gone and it was amazing to see so many runners taking part, whether in London or virtually. On my way to a separate race on the day of the London Marathon, we saw so many runners up and out proudly wearing their race numbers taking part in their own virtual race.

The weather was good (unlike the day before) – not too hot, not too cold, gentle breeze and a mix of sun and clouds. I hope you all enjoyed your race and were proud of all your achievements if you took part on Sunday.
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We are super proud to say that some of our Medway Fit runners took part in the London Marathon too! A huge congratulations to each and every one of them. 

​Wendy Black completed the marathon in London in a time of 4:54:28. She ran to raise money for disabled children’s care charity, Demelza and has raised an incredible £1,563 so far. Wendy’s friends surprised her by spectating at Tower Bridge and supplied hugs and loud cheers to keep Wendy going. She said: “The crowds and atmosphere were fantastic. They really get you around the course.”

Kim Harrison, Claire Louise, Vicky Wentworth, and Ash Rudd also ran the marathon but virtually. They planned a route together along the Saxon Shore way from Rainham to Faversham and it was Claire and Vicky’s first marathon. All four of them said they loved the day and that it was a hard but fun route. Kim said: “Great friends, lots of laughs and a well deserved pint and pile of food in a pub at the end!” Just to make it even more interesting, they had to herd a few ponies and sheep out of the way along the route… you don’t get to do that in London! 

​Back in London, Andrew Walker ran his first ever marathon with the masses. Excellent running! Tracey Daniel tackled the Medway towns with her running buddy Amanda on their virtual marathon. And Colin Lewis got up at 3am to start his marathon virtually in Preston, Lancashire!

Running along the Herne Bay and Whitstable coastline, Mandy Watkins, Steven Timcke and Tia Jarvis also completed their virtual London Marathon with a group of friends. 

​And it wasn’t just the London Marathon that took place this weekend, Chester Marathon also went ahead and Chi Hung Sung, known to some as ‘The Slug’, ran his second marathon there after vowing “never again” when he completed it last year. Knocking an incredible 22 minutes off last years’ time, Chi finished in 4:10:19 – definitely a speedy slug! We look forward to seeing a sub 4hr finishing time next year because he’s bound to sign up again! 😉

​Just a few weeks ago, Brighton Marathon also took place, with Sarah Dykes, Colin Lewis, and Ian Knight (the three amigos) finishing the race together, holding hands over the finishing line. Congratulations also go to Philip Trebill, Brian Culver and Andrew Burgess who also completed the Brighton Marathon. Andrew was actually persuaded to take over as the 5hr pacer 10K into the race! 

Huge congratulations to everyone who has completed various marathons and other running achievements over the last few weeks. And good luck to Ayshen and Graeme Rouse who will run their first marathon this weekend in Manchester! The following weekend, I will be attempting my first marathon in Chelmsford. Good luck to anyone else running any races over the next few weeks! Go out there and smash it!

Amy Wallington - LiRF
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See more photos in this slideshow below: