Radley Lakes – Circular Walk

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Radley Lakes
Anybody who has not been to Radley Lakes for the last couple of months – like me – will have missed some important developments. There is now a circular walk round both Thrupp Lake and Bullfield Lake. This picture of a sky blue lake in October is taken from the far side of Thrupp Lake – somewhere I have never been before. The circular walk is very well signed and about a mile long.
Radley Lakes
There are still signs of the attempt to destroy these lakes…
Radley Lakes
but other signs of hope for the future.

The Earth Trust has done wonders since taking over. Find out more at their Thrupp Lake Page.

The Runaway Fair

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The Runaway Fair
A week after the Michaelmas Fair the High Street is closed again for the traditional Runaway Fair. This is one of two annual Abingdon events that divert the 35 bus (and the X2 X3… ) down East St Helen Street and up West St Helen Street.

Can you name the other?
The Runaway Fair
In the days when people looked for employment at fairs the Runaway Fair was the chance to escape a bad employer taken on at the Michaelmas Fair, and try to find another.
The Runaway Fair
During the Michaelmas Fair,  last week, the Tattoo Parlour on High Street was doing a lively trade late into the evenings. They have not attempted to stay open late for the Runaway Fair.
The Runaway Fair
Nowadays the runaway fair has children’s rides and amusements that carry on through the afternoon and early evening.

Abingdon Marathon – The Pack

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Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
Mike Scholes, from Haywards Heath Harriers, aged 58 and nearly blind, ran 3 hrs 13 in the marathon today. Here he is going down East St Helen Street with his guide.
Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
Then along St Helen’s Wharf. Thumbs up to the camera from 483 (I think) Richard Stones of Black Country Triathletes, who finished in 4 hrs 14 with 782 Darren Gillman of Spa Striders who finished in 3 hrs 39.
Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
Mick n Phil Marathon Lads were running as they do most years. They are easy to recognise. Visit their website to find out more.
Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
First time we have been honoured with a Roman Emporer running the Abingdon Marathon. 1174 is Julius Ceasar I believe.
Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
These youngsters were offering cakes.

Amber Phillpott lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at just 18 months old. James Phillpott (Ambers father), and good friend Justin Marah were running the marathon to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphona Research.  They both did it in 5 hrs 44. Near the bottom of Preston Road there was a lively garden party, with family and friends – and cakes on offer. I must see if I have any pictures of James and Justin (83 and 1123)
Abingdon Marathon - Everybody Else
There were a lot of marshalls on duty doing a fantastic job. The Marathon was complicated by the Runaway Fair being set up at the same time. The start time was brought forward to 8:45 as a result.

Abingdon Marathon – the leading men

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Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
10 seconds into the race and last years winner Colin Paton had the lead.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
At the Abbey Gateway, after about five miles, there was a leading group of three … 646: James Pearson from Beverley AC, 464: Stephen Male from Oxford City AC, and 89: James Bolton of Woodstock Harriers.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
At about the half way point 464 and 646 had built up a lead over the following runners.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
24 miles into the race 464 and 646 were still running together up West St Helen Street.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
They were still running together back onto the Tilsley Park athletic track, but then Stephen Male pulled away, and finished with 2 hrs 31.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
The first Abingdon Amblers AC athlete to cross the line had an amazing time of 2 hrs 36.
Abingdon Marathon - Leading Men
Here he is at the halfway point: Paul Fernandez. I think he finished third but am a bit worried I missed somebody in the 5 minute gap between 2nd and 3rd.