A BUSY weekend for Chard Road Runners saw them produce some excellent performances as they took on Langport Runners SLaMM (Somerset Levels and Moors Marathon) on Saturday and the Shepton Beachump 10k, Bridgwater Half and the Great North Run on Sunday.

The SLaMM marathon and half marathon are off road races criss-crossing the Somerset Levels but with the inclusion of a couple of significant hills over the last four miles of the race.

Chard fielded six runners in the marathon with Richard Clifton heading the way home in a very creditable third place and first in the 50+ category in 3hrs 26m 2s.

He was followed by Jeremy Taylor, running his 30th Marathon, who was seventh in 3hrs 42m 43s and second in the 40+ category.

The inspiring Bernie Genge (4hrs 4m 59s) lent support to Paul Masters (same time) as they crossed the line in 20th and 21st.

Next over the line in her debut marathon was Helen Baxter (5hr 09m 48s), aided by the inspirational Maria Wadey. They crossed the line together in 60th and 6lst place respectively.

The half marathon was feature two Chard runners – Nick Daniels and Richard Cave.

Despite the blazing sun Daniels was more that up for the challenge with a winning run in 1hr 39m 22s.

Cave, returning from injury, also delivered by finishing eight of the 21 runners in 2hr 07m 14s.

Sunday’s Shepton Beachamp 10k and 3k Fun run were good tests for the Runners crew over a multi-terrain course.

Leading the way was the club’s speed merchant, Wayne Loveridge.

Running on fresh legs, Loveridge Wayne kept a level head to pace the course and achieve an excellent second of the 45 runners in 35m 31s.

Three runners were taking part having run the marathon the day so were understandably concerned about their performances.

But they needn’t have worried as they all ran well with Richard Clifton finishing 12th, Chris Wadey 13th, Helen Baxter 23rd, Philip Hudson 28th, Gary Whenton 29th, Bernie Genge 30th, Tim Dismore 39th, Caroline Dismore 40th and Melanie Boarder 41st.

The 3k Fun Run was well supported by both locals and visitors.

CRR had three runners setting a pace with Alex Wadey crossing the line in fourth.

A real star in the making, he was followed by Oscar Wadey putting in a very strong performance, pipping mum Maria, a marathon runner the previous day, with an excellent finish.

The Bridgwater Half Marathon took runners Addie Douglass and Andy Mear a littler further north of the county.

This road race was well supported with over 300 runners taking part.

The CRR duo enjoyed great runs in a competitive field, supporting each other in the heat and still air to achieve very creditable results.