Plodders record fine times at Dorney Lake and Ardingly

Four very enthusiastic Polegate Plodders took advantage of lockdown restrictions easing to compete in their first races.

Chris and Kirsten Pullinger participated in the Dorney Lake Easter Marathon in Windsor, Berkshire. The lake was used for the rowing events at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Chris has completed a number of marathons in the past and finished in a time of 3hr 29min. For Kirsten it was her first and she finished in 4.48.

“It felt good to be back racing and it is great to see the Plodders featuring in many key events as lockdown restrictions ease,” Chris said.

“I am currently training for the 100km South Downs Way Ultra at the end of May. It starts in Arundel and finishes in Helen Gardens near Bedes School. We are also both taking part in the Manchester Marathon in October.”

Forty-eight hours later, Patrick Marsden smashed his PB at the PB5K Event at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.

In an event regularly attended by many of the best runners from the south, Marsden finished in a time of 16min 46sec for the first time.

“My goal was sub 17 so I was pleased to do it very comfortably in the end,” hesaid. “I have been running 60-70k per week throughout lockdown in the build-up and this will slowly increase going forward.

“My next goals are for sub 17 again when parkrun returns in the summer and I also hope to run well at the Eastbourne 10k and Brighton Half Marathon at the end of June.

“I really enjoy running, the post run feeling and the steady improvements I am making so motivation is not a problem.”

Experienced Plodder and one of the club’s coaches, Ian Weston, also participated at Ardingly. He finished in a very respectable time of 19 minutes 58 seconds.