CHARD Road Runners enjoyed an extremely busy week, competing at several venues across the South-West.

The first event was the Atlantic Coast Challenge in Cornwall, second to tempt the Runners was the Minster Challenge 10k, next was a little trip to the Burnham-on-Sea Half marathon, then an early start start for the Clarendon Marathon to Winchester.

A few more road miles took Runners to the Bournemouth Festival of Running Full and Half Marathon.

The club’s final travel log saw a trip across the water for the Jersey Marathon.

Jeremy Taylor and Bernie Genge took on the three full marathons in three days which comprised The Atlantic Coast Challenge which starting in Padstow and finishing at Lands End.

This tough race follows the South-West coastal path, that is a very hilly, off- road run. There was a hot start on day one contrasting with near storm conditions for day two. On day three had the sun was in full glow warming up tired muscles and joints.

Taylor managed a fine third place overall – finishing third each day – while Genge recorded a brilliant average of 35th place out of 147 runners. Maria Wadey led the way with a first in age category result at the Axminster, Minster Challenge.

This was hard-hitting, multi-terrain run, with streams, rough tracks, hills and mud all adding to the runners’ experience.

Second home for Chard was Julie Bindon, demonstrating a firm race commitment across the rough terrain. Gary Wheaton followed her in with a real push for the line. The Burnham-on-Sea Half Marathon, picked as part of the Somerset Series, was well supported.

CRR’s series contender Wayne Loveridge produced a storming performance. knocking three minutes off his 2013 time to achieve sixth position.

Richard Clifton was the second Runner home, also beating his 2013 time by a large margin.

Fine runs also came from Helen Baxter and Claire Gibbs who finished just one second apart.

The Clarendon Marathon, a race from Salisbury to Winchester, was the choice for CRR’s Paul Masters.

This mainly off-road race, while hilly, provided some superb views to take his mind off the challenge.

Masters managed a very creditable 3hr 51m 36s.

The Bournemouth Festival of running attracted Kirsti Ball who ran the marathon in 5hr 06m 10s, finishing a respectable 1,697th of the 3,750 runners.

Running the Half Marathon was Matt Baker and Chan Chant. Baker was in his first race under CRR's colours and along with Chant acquitted himself well in this increasingly popular event on the south coast.

Travelling to Jersey Addie Douglas took her place for their annual Marathon around the main island areas.

The heat on the island really made this a supreme challenge from which Douglas did not flinch, finishing 200th out of 363 in a time of 4hr 10m 10s.