Week Ending - 2025/11/01

WARREN THE WARRIOR AT MONSAL MASH

Anyone who knows Danny Warren will understand the passion and devotion he has towards the Club; the devoted husband and father will always be written in Badger Folklore for his many outstanding performances, whether that's on the road or in country. He has been a main contributor to the Men's team over many years, whether it's helping towards Leicestershire Road Running League, or Cross Country League triumphs. There was no suprise to see him prevailing this weekend in the Monsal Mash Fell Race in the wonderful setting of the Peak District that combined fast trails and very steep climbs, Warren braved the 9.5km, course that inlcluded 1,900 feet of elevation to come 9th Overall in a field of nearly 200, with a time of 59:49. The result prepelled him to 2nd V40 in the league series, and with just two races to go in the competition he's on course to pick up an individual award. Nobody would be surprised given the superb form he's in at the moment. He only recently finished on the podium at the first Derby League Cross Country Race at Ravenstone last week, so there's certainly a lot of excitement for the Badgers ace, who goes above and beyond in all aspects of the club. 

Elsewhere we had two 7 Mile Events; first off was the local Shepshed 7 where Yvonne Faulkner-Grant was in action and she came away with a time of 66:00, and to the Marlow 7 where the tenacious Rob Crow was in action, where he ran 58:40. Crow was just 3 minutes shy here of the V60 Club Record that is currently held by Mick Bailey, albeit on a tough course with heavy undulations. The Birmingham City fan has shown great strength once again this season, with a lot more to come for certain.

Crossing the Pond to America, where we had Dave Purvis in action at the widely stacked New York Marathon, known for its tough undulating course, the Badgers man came home in 3:37:28, a truly good pace maintained and a wonderful showing in the Big Apple. 

At the Centurion Grand Prix series we had Adam McElhone in action, and he ran 41:25 in the most recent of races, beating his own Course best that he last set in 2018. 

On to Parkrun action at Nottingham Pierrepont, where we had four Badgers in action, in 1st position was our very own Chris Horton, who ran 16:42 for the V50 allcomers record on the course. Mark Cox finished 8th for a very solid run in 18:37, but certainly the performance of the day went to 65-year-old Adrian Parkes, who ran a quite stunning 22:01 in his 280th career parkrun. A top 40 position to boot as well. Tanya Murphy completed the roster in 32:59. At Upton Court Parkrun in Slough we had the two club captains in action; Glyn Broadhurst won overall in 18:47. Megan Griffiths was second lady home in a solid 22:38. The pair have now visited over a century of different parkruns around the country, and these were another two solid displays. At Brocks Hill Parkrun it was a fun dressed-up affair as David Grant ran a solid time of 24:23, as did Yvonne Faulker-Grant in 29:27. 

Closer to home at Kingsbury Water Parkrun we had 16 of the club in action; first back for the club was the talented up-and-coming Dan Ash, who ran an overall course best of 21:21 to come in the top 20. Dave Jenkinson continues his stunning season into the winter with a top 20 finish in 21:28. Matt Green was our next one home in a solid 22:37, and Bill Gutheridge continues his solid form back with a 22:58 Clocking. Leon Millership was next home for the club in 26:07, and just a click behind was Thomas Ash in 26:08. Mark Reynolds was next back over the line in 26:52, and not far behind was David Craig in 27:00. Janey Barrett & Jill Miller were our first ladies back in 27:11 and 27:14 respectively. Carla Boardman ran a course best of 28:12, and Mick Bailey was a few clicks behind in 28:19. A trio of the club were next home, as Rachel Boardman ran 32:15, Megan Church 32:18, and Peter Boardman 32:22. David Ash completed the round up here with 35:24. 

Over at Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun, we had 9 in action; marathon man Mark Repton was first home in 20:40, grabbing a top 20 finish. Keir Hardy was next home in 22:31, and not far behind was Jim Cottom in 22:42. Wayne Repton was next home for the club in 23:58, and not too far behind was Neil Rose in 24:04. Rachael Browne ran a solid 24:55, and Baggies fan Paul Grubb came back next in 28:20. Matt Smith was next in 30:36, and Michael Moulton finished off the Llist for the club in 40:38.