Let’s hope, weather-wise, 2014 didn’t start as it means to go on!  In appalling conditions 246 athletes completed the annual New Year’s Day Broadstone Quarter Marathon, organised by Poole Runners, in doing so battling against driving rain and a strong wind on a course which can’t be described as easy.  The race was the first of the Dorset Road Race League for 2014, and the noteable feature for BAC was the strength of the Ladies’ Team consisting of Gemma Bragg, Janie Chapman and Cherry Sheffrin.  Poole AC were the clear winners of the Ladies’ League race but, subject to confirmation, it may well be that the BAC Ladies were the second League team – and of course we are now talking about Division 1.  What a start – well done!  Turning to the men, congratulations to Jon Sharkey on winning the race outright, and also to Jez Bragg who ran strongly to finish fifth.  Graeme Miller in 14th position and Simon Munro (who is contending with a knee injury) in 18th gave the Mens’ Team a solid foundation and although we could have done with a fifth scorer in the top 20, Steve Cox ensured that we finished with a League position from which we can progress.

Results (BAC):

1. Jon Sharkey 37.28;  5. Jez Bragg 38.14;  14. Graeme Miller 40.23;  18. Simon Munro 41.37;  54. Gemma Bragg 45.37;  58. Janie Chapman 45.56;  63. Cherry Sheffrin 46.44;  67. Steve Cox 47.19;  87. Caroline Rowley 48.45;  115. Helen Ambrosen 50.55;  150. Ian Graham 55.25.