A SPEEDY Malvern Buzzards runner who had only recently joined the club became the first woman to win overall the Seven Sins race in its history.
Anne Kenchington completed the seven-mile, seven hills course in the Forest of Dean on New Year’s Eve in an impressive 52mins and was two minutes ahead of second place and the first male.
She said the hills and mud made the course very tough but found the race particularly exciting as it was her first outing as an official Malvern Buzzards member.
“Whilst this may sound like a nightmare to many, these are the conditions and terrain that I love most and I couldn’t wait for the race to begin.”
After a Buzzards team photo, the runners were told those who completed the course in under an hour would receive a Seven Sins t-shirt and £5 for each one would be donated to The Charlie Walker Trust. Four Malvern Buzzards made the grade.
Anne added: “The race started quickly and was particularly challenging given the large fallen tree crossing our path – some runners effortlessly hurdled the obstruction.
“I took a less graceful approach and at 5ft 2ins barely cleared the obstruction.
“Whilst I enjoyed the steep up hills, getting into my rhythm and driving my arms, it was the technical downhill sections I found difficult.
“My main focus during the descent was avoiding falling over (which thankfully, I managed to do successfully).
“The support on the course was fantastic and I ran the whole way with a smile on my face.
“Running through a beautiful woodland as part of the brilliant Malvern Buzzard Team, I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my Saturday.”
She said by the end she was caked in mud and had enjoyed herself so much she ‘wanted to do another lap’.
“The most special part of the race was cheering fellow Buzzards across the finish line. Everyone gave it their all and ran so well.”
Neil Warne was third overall and a second place MV40-49 with a time of 56mins and 20secs, Henry Walker was next with a time of 58mins, 56secs and then Andy Kenchington (59mins, 20secs), Oliver Elliot-Williams (1hr and 17secs), Sam Burnage (1hr, 2mins and 24secs) and Sim Foreman (1hr, 3mins and 20secs).
The Seven Sins Run 2022, organised by Trimax Events, was a breathtaking, very muddy, chip timed, technical trail run and took place on a very mild day for the last race of the year.
