With an overall 1,2 and 3 and League wins for both men and women and the overall team prize, BAC can certainly count the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon, run on 2 February 2014, as a success! For the second year in succession course record holder Steve Way was the overall winner, followed closely in second place by Jacek Cieluszecki. The pattern then altered slightly as this year it was Jon Sharkey, in third place, ensuring a clean sweep for the team prize. Jez Bragg also had an excellent run to finish 7th, and well done to Paul Consani, whose contribution was invaluable in ensuring BAC fielded a complete Dorset Road Race League team. Having achieved promotion to Division 1 of the Ladies’ Road Race League this year particular congratulations are due to Gemma Bragg, Nikki Sandell and Caroline Rowley for winning the League race – had it not been for the fact that Nikki’s ‘change of club’ has not yet been cleared by EA BAC would also have won the ‘open’ team race – well done! Gemma is also to be congratulated on her trophy as second lady U35.
Results (BAC): 1. Steve Way 1.11.17;  2. Jacek Cieluszecki 1.15.03; 3. Jon Sharkey 1.17.06; 7. Jez Bragg 1.18.38;  57. Gemma Bragg 1.31.08;  68. Nikki Sandell 1.32.33;  81. Paul Consani 1.34.15; 138. Caroline Rowley 1.40.14.  There were 428 finishers.

BAC were also winners at the Parkruns the day before. Rob McTaggart was the outright winner of the Poole Parkrun (with Simon Munro third) and at the Bournemouth Parkrun Emma Dews again won the ladies’ race (2nd overall). The Bournemouth race was something of a family affair for the Kirks, with Jud and Pauline Kirk joined by their offspring Katie and Matt, and also running in Bournemouth were Roy Long, Ian White, Steve Cox, Joe Price (returning from injury) and Joe’s Dad Will Price.