Bryn Smith (green t-shirt) was one of several Bournemouth AC members competing at a somewhat soggy Maverick New Forest Gravel event
The runners gather on the start line for the ‘Half Marathon’
The Maverick New Forest Gravel served up exactly what it promised this weekend – and then some. Following heavy rainfall through the preceding day and night, the Forest trails were left thoroughly waterlogged, with standing water, churned-up mud and slippery gravel ensuring that this was very much a race of strength, balance and judgement rather than pure speed.
And they’re off, with Bryn leading the way!
As ever, Maverick delivered a superbly organised event across three distances, and it was encouraging to see a strong Bournemouth AC presence spread right across the Short (6km), Middle (12km) and Half Marathon (22km) races.
Half Marathon – Bryn battles for the win
It was set to be a close battle between Bryn and Rob Wood for the race win
In the longest of the three races, Bryn Smith produced a superb performance to finish 2nd overall in 1:21:38, after a closely fought battle with eventual winner Rob Wood. On a course that grew more attritional with every mile, Bryn ran strongly throughout and showed excellent composure over the closing stages, confirming his growing reputation as a formidable off-road racer.
There was plenty to reflect on for Bryn as he finished a close 2nd
Also tackling the Half Marathon was Helen Beddoe, facing a tough route featuring 675 feet of elevation over 13.72 miles. Helen finished 107th overall out of 452, 16th female out of 169, and an excellent 4th Female Vet 40 out of 46 in a time of 1:54:05, negotiating the slippery conditions with characteristic determination.
Helen Beddoe was also competing in the ‘Half Marathon’ race
Helen carefully negotiates the waterlogged ground
Adding further quality to the front end of the race were the familiar multicoloured outfit of Precision Fuel & Hydration, who once again turned out in force at a Maverick event. Chris Harris finished 3rd in 1:24:46, while Andy Blow claimed 9th place in 1:30:23, both coping admirably with the increasingly churned-up terrain.
Chris Harris was one of the Precision Fuel & Hydration crew
Helen ran well to finish the 22km route in 1 hour 54 minutes
Chris finished 3rd in the ‘Half Marathon’
Middle distance – strong runs and shared miles
Sian McIlwaine was in the 12km race
The 12km Middle race saw another competitive field and a range of impressive performances. The race was won by Jamie Still in 53:26, with Elizabeth Joyce finishing 2nd overall and 1st female in 53:34.
Max Yao ran well in the ‘Middle’ distance race
For Bournemouth AC, Sian McIlwaine produced an excellent run to finish 50th out of 383 overall and 8th female out of 199 in a time of 1:03:10, a strong result on a course that demanded constant concentration underfoot.
Max Yao also lined up for the Middle distance, accompanied by her husband Chris Fay, who is currently back in the UK from China for a short stay. Max finished 102nd overall and 30th female in 1:10:27, while Chris crossed the line 264th overall and 18th Male Vet 50 in 1:24:09. Max has been putting Chris through his paces since his return with a series of training runs, and the effort clearly paid dividends on race day.
Max’s husband Chris also did the 12km race
Elsewhere in the Middle race, Laura Rothwell ran alongside her dog Oaks and partner James Phillips, with the trio completing the course in 58:57. That placed them 20th and 21st overall, with Laura finishing as first runner with a dog, adding a distinctive Maverick flourish to the results.
Laura Rothwell looking pensive in the event village
Laura ran the 12km race with her dog Oaks
James Phillips also used to run for Bournemouth AC
Short race – juniors shine
The 6km Short race produced some particularly eye-catching performances, especially from the junior ranks. Finley Hurst Atkins ran superbly to finish 3rd overall in 25:25, behind race winner Finn O’Mahoney, another junior, who took victory in 24:13.
Finley Hurst Atkins was featuring in the 6km race
Finn O’Mahoney won the ‘Short’ race by over a minute
Ellie Taylor was hoping to log a good run in the 6km race
Ellie ran brilliantly to finish 5th overall and 1st female
Ellie was over three minutes ahead of her nearest female rival
Ellie Taylor delivered one of the standout runs of the day, finishing 5th overall out of 197 and 1st female in 26:24. Her dominance in the women’s race was underlined by the fact that her nearest female rival, Lucie Chetwynd, finished some way back in 15th place in 29:40.
Jacob Taylor was struggling with a leg injury
Jacob’s intention was to pace Ellie but he had to drop back
Ellie’s brother Jacob Taylor had intended to pace her, but an emerging leg issue forced him to back off significantly. Showing admirable resilience, Jacob still made it to the finish in 38:25 joining a couple of the other Taylors, Charlotte and Matthew.
Leon Atkins ran the 6km race with his dog Halle
Rounding off the Short race for Bournemouth AC, Leon Atkins ran with his dog Halle, finishing 9th overall and 1st Vet in 28:02. Leon also claimed top honours as first finisher with a dog in the 6km race, combining speed, experience and canine assistance to good effect.
Final thoughts
With saturated ground, deep mud and tired legs all playing their part, this year’s Maverick New Forest Gravel was a true off-road challenge. Bournemouth AC athletes rose to the occasion across all distances, producing podium finishes, age-group success and a host of gritty, well-earned results.
It was a great morning for Finley, Leon and Halle
Mud-splattered, thoroughly tested, and smiling at the finish – exactly how a Maverick race should be.