Saturday, September 28, 2013
Devil’s Dyke XC
It was perfect weather for the Devil’s Dyke Cross Country Run, with sunshine all day and a pleasant breeze to cool the runners.
There were a total of 40 runners in the U8 (0.5K distance) and U13 (1.3K) children’s runs, held within the Ellesmere Centre Playing Field. This created a great atmosphere before the main races, and enjoyment for children and parents alike. The children posted some remarkable times.
The main cross country races kicked off with a total of 78 runners completing one lap for the 3 mile event (13yrs +) or two laps for the 9K (5.6 mile for 15 yrs+). The runners clearly enjoyed the weather and the scenic route, which crossed over the Devil’s Dyke and circled around it on public footpaths and through woods.
A number of experienced Newmarket Joggers were kindly helping at the event to make sure everything went smoothly and that times were recorded accurately. Some impressive times were set for the cross country races, with top local club runners competing. These times will take some beating!
The event entry fees raised a total of £679, to be shared between The Ellesmere Centre Stetchworth and Kettlefields PTFA Dullingham. Extra receipts from the bar, refreshments and barbecue will have boosted this total significantly for both of these charities.
Many thanks to all the volunteer marshals and helpers from the local villages, Newmarket Joggers and The Ellesmere Centre and Kettlefields School PTFA, who ensured the success of this event.
Men's 3 mile results
|
1 |
Denys Olefir |
Newmarket Joggers |
17:12 |
|
2 |
Gareth Lewis |
Ely Runners |
20:00 |
|
3 |
Karl Wright |
Thetford AC |
22:20 |
Women's 3 mile results
|
1 |
Rachel Cawley |
Unaffiliated |
22:15 |
|
2 |
Jane Duncan |
Unaffiliated |
23:57 |
|
3 |
Shannon Hind |
Unaffiliated |
31:00 |
Men's 9km results
|
1 |
Paul Holley |
Newmarket Joggers |
32:36 |
|
2 |
Kieran McMorran |
Bungay Black Dog RC |
33:08 |
|
3 |
Tom Kingsnorth |
St Edmund Pacers |
34:21 |
Women's 9km results
|
1 |
Claire Somerton |
Cambridge & Coleridge AC |
37:58 |
|
2 |
Laura Greenham |
Unaffiliated |
39:34 |
|
3 |
Ursula Ransom |
Newmarket Joggers |
40:05 |
Click here for full results
The ECHO Challenge
The ECHO Challenge event was set at the Polesden Lacey National Trust property in aid of the charity ECHO.
The tough cross country route had athletes exploring the grounds of Polesden Lacey and beyond into Ranmore Common. The stunning views across the Surrey Hills made up for the climbs!
Men's results
|
1 |
Brennan Browning |
40:22 |
|
2 |
Anthony Wilson |
45:30 |
|
3 |
Miles Savage |
45:35 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Nicky Savage |
45:35 |
|
2 |
Margarita Rodriguez Lens |
46:27 |
|
3 |
Jodi Mills |
49:48 |
Click here for full results
Men's results
|
1 |
Stuart Penman |
40:45 |
|
2 |
Jonathan Kennedy |
42:36 |
|
3 |
Stuart Prentice |
42:38 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Katie Wills |
Phoenix Tri Club |
48:53 |
|
2 |
Lisa Hale |
Sandhurst Joggers |
50:14 |
|
3 |
Mary Stevenson |
|
50:55 |
Click here for full results
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of running
Kenyan Tarus Elly was in commanding form as he cruised to an impressive victory ahead in yesterday's Baxters Loch Ness marathon. The Manchester-based athlete, who comes originally from the western Kenyan village of Eldoret which has produced so many world class distance runners over the years, was making his marathon debut.
The 28 year-old never looked to be in any danger of losing and although his winning time of 2hr 27min 21sec was more than seven minutes outside the course record set by his compatriot Simon Tonui in 2009, Elly looked as though he is capable of running faster in the future.
Edinburgh University's Patryk Gierjatowicz picked up the Scottish marathon title when finishing runner-up in 2:30:49. Ross Clark (Hunters Bog Trotters) smashed his previous best time to finish in third position overall and second in the national championship.
Megan Crawford (Fife AC) enjoyed a marathon debut to savour by setting a new course record of 2hr 46min 37secs to win the Baxters Loch Ness marathon women's title and the Scottish championship gold medal. The Edinburgh-based runner shaved two secs off the previous leading mark for the course set by Ethiopia's Dinknnesh Mekash Tefara in 2010. Crawford pulled away from Romanian favourite Alina Nituleasa after the halfway mark and went on to win by more than three minutes.
Nituleasa was well below her best when finishing second in 2:50:21. Lisa Finaly (Dumfries), who won in 2011 and was runner-up last year, finished in third position in 2:52:25, but she was delighted with the outcome. She said:"I've got to be pleased because it's a personal best time by more than two minutes." Lisa was also first in the over-40 age division of the Scottish championship and second overall.
Carole Setchell (Shettleston Harriers), who was second in 2011, set a personal best time of 2:57:10 to take the Scottish bronze medal when finishing fourth overall.
John Newsom gave his Commonwealth Games marathon qualification hopes a major boost by winning the Baxters River Ness 10K in impressive style. The Nairn-based runner, who competes for Central AC, raced home in 30min 35secs to defeat Dermot Cummins (Corstorphine AAC) by 15 secs while the 2011 race winner, Kyle Greig (Forres Harriers), was a further 51secs seconds behind in third position.
Great Britain international Rhona Auckland (Banchory Stonehaven AC) retained the women's title when recording 34min 34secs. Nicola Gauld (Aberdeen AAC) occupied the runner-up position for the second year in a row and her time of 35:15 is the second fastest she has run this year. Sarah Liebnitz (Inverness Harriers), who won the Buckie 10Km earlier this month, finished third in 37:51, an improvement of 68secs on her previous best time for the distance.
Men's marathon results
|
1 |
Taurus Elly |
Salford |
02:27:21 |
|
2 |
Patryk Gierjatowicz |
Edinburgh University |
02:30:49 |
|
3 |
Ross Clark |
Hunters Bog Trotters |
02:36:05 |
Women's marathon results
|
1 |
Megan Crawford |
Fife AC |
2:46:37 |
|
2 |
Alina Nituleasa |
Romania |
2:50:21 |
|
3 |
Lisa Finlay |
Dumfries |
2:52:25 |
Click here for full results
Men's 10km results
|
1 |
John Newsom |
Central |
00:30:35 |
|
2 |
Dermot Cummins |
Corstorphine AAC |
00:30:50 |
|
3 |
Kyle Greig |
Forres Harriers |
00:31:41 |
Women's 10km results
|
1 |
Rhona Auckland |
Banchory Stonehaven AC |
00:34:34 |
|
2 |
Nicola Gauld |
Aberdeen AAC |
00:35:15 |
|
3 |
Sarah Liebnitz |
Inverness Harriers |
00:37:52 |
Click here for full results
Ealing Half Marathon
The second Ealing Half Marathon took place in warm, sunny weather conditions with 4,000 runners crossing the finish line and all the communities based around the route showing their support and spurring on the runners around the streets of West London.
Bob Fletcher, Headteacher of North Ealing Primary School, started the race at 9.15 am, sending the runners on their way around the single lap course which took in Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, St Stephens, Hanwell and West Ealing before finishing in front of cheering crowds in Lammas Park.
Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai from Run-Fast was a favourite contender for the winning title and after leading from the start he was indeed the first runner to cross the finish line in an impressive 1:04:33, which is also a new course record. Colin Leak secured second place with a sprint line finish in a time of 1:07:58, beating Paul Martelletti from Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC into third place by one second.
Photos: The second Ealing Half Marathon took place in warm, sunny weather conditions © Dan Tsantilis. Male winner Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai ©Sussex Sport Photography.com
It was a similar story in the women’s field where Run-Fast’s Gladys Ruto was dominating from the start, crossing the finish line in an excellent 1:15:28 and coming 12th overall. Katy Webster from London Heathside Runners AC was the runner-up in a time of 1:18:15 with Rebecca Moore from Worthing Harriers claiming 3rd place in 1:19:21.
The Ealing Mini Mile took place for the first time this year and saw just under 200 young runners aged 6 – 11 running 1 mile around Lammas Park with Charlotte Buckley from Thames Valley Harriers storming to overall victory in a time of 0:05:43. Oscar Jones from Clifton Lodge School was the fastest boy in 0:06:29.
The Corporate Challenge was incorporated into the main race, with corporate teams from Mercedes-Benz Brentford, National Grid, Kobalt, Ealing Council, Dunnhumby and Aston Rowe Estate Agents battling it out for the winning trophy.
Photos: 4,000 runners crossing the finish line © Dan Tsantilis. Female winner Gladys Ruto ©Sussex Sport Photography.com
The Ealing Half Marathon took place for the first time in the Olympic year and was introduced to bring a mass participation sporting event to the Borough that would be a legacy to the Games, which certainly seems to have been achieved.
For further info, results and photos go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ealinghalf and follow @EalingHalf on Twitter.
Men's results
|
1 |
Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai |
Run-Fast |
1:04:33 |
|
2 |
Colin Leak |
|
1:07:58 |
|
3 |
Paul Martelletti |
Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC |
1:07:59 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Gladys Ruto |
Run-Fast |
1:15:28 |
|
2 |
Katy Webster |
London Heathside Runners AC |
1:18:15 |
|
3 |
Rebecca Moore |
Worthing Harriers |
1:19:21 |
Click here for full results
Eastern Counties Finance Monster Racing Ultra
This was the first staging of the 72.5km Eastern Counties Finance Monster Racing Ultra!
32 Athletes started their race outside Ely Cathedral, following cyclepath 11 along the river bank of the River Great Ouse. They followed the path through Wicken Fen, the first ever National Trust site, and onto White Fen. They continued through desolate Fens to take up the path along the River Cam, following the river to the outskirts of Cambridge to Jesus Green – the halfway point. The race did not end there; the athletes turned around and followed the same route back to Ely.
First across the line in the men’s race was Craig Holgate (Centurion Running) in a time of 5h 22mins and 35secs. Second male was Alan Darby, 6:11:20, and third male was Ewan Dunlop (Steyning AC), 6:15:14.
The women’s race was won by Tracey Dutton (Wigan Harriers) in a time of 6h 36mins and 8secs. Second female was Sarah Jackson (Serpentine RC), 7:58:28, and third female was Samantha Collins-Shirley (Ely Runners), 9:20:01.
First and second placed athletes won cash prizes donated by Eastern Counties Finance, third place athletes won goodies donated by Ultra Runner. Tasty race nutrition was provided by Hammer Nutrition, 9Bar and local company PWR+.
Ian-Green Photography was out on the course capturing the action and as the athletes crossed the finish line. The finishing photos have the spectacular back drop of Ely Cathedral. All pictures are available from www.ian-greenphotography.co.uk.
A Monster Racing spokesman said: “It was good to see many athletes take part in the very first ECF Monster Ultra, the event was so popular that it sold out. Next year we will increase the capacity of the event! We would like to thank everyone who helped marshal, all competitors, all safety and ‘behind the scenes’ crew as well all our sponsors. Thank you also to Ely Cathedral, Kings School and The Lamb Hotel for allowing us to use their facilities”
Monster Racing are already busy planning the 2014 events and hope to make that their biggest and best season yet! Entries will be open on 1st November at www.monsterracing.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Monster-Racing/126662267389402
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/MonsterRac1ng
Men's results
|
1 |
Craig Holgate |
Centurion Running |
5:22:35 |
|
2 |
Alan Darby |
|
6:11:20 |
|
3 |
Ewan Dunlop |
Steyning AC |
6:15:14 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Tracey Dutton |
Wigan Harriers |
6:36:08 |
|
2 |
Sarah Jackson |
Serpentine RC |
7:58:28 |
|
3 |
Samantha Collins-Shirley |
Ely Runners |
9:20:01 |
Click here for full result in due course
Horsforth 10k
Runners experienced a fleeting and perhaps final glimpse of summer for the 29th running of the Horsforth 10K. It was another bumper entry for the popular local race, which must have pleased Horsforth Harriers’ Race Director Bob Foulkes, stepping down after over five years at the helm of both of the club’s annual 10K races.
Earlier this year at the 10K’s sister race, the Apperley Bridge Canter (ABC), Woodhouse Grove School’s Director of Music Phillip Tedd romped home in 33:06. Proving this was no fluke, he was also victorious in the Horsforth 10K, completing an impressive double win for the year in 33:18. He was closely followed by local running stalwart Ian Fisher of Otley AC in 33:52, with Harrogate Harriers’ Chris Miller third in 34:13.
In the ladies race, Keighley and Craven’s Amy Green was triumphant in 38:29, she previously won the race in 2009. Runner-up was Donna Edmondson-Booker of Idle AC in 39:29, who also finished in second place at the ABC earlier in the year. Third placed was Skyrac’s Jenny Beaumont, 41:38, a mere seven seconds ahead of Kirkstall’s Shamiso Sisimayi.
This year saw the introduction of team prizes and the men’s team prize was claimed by Valley Striders, while Bingley Harriers took the ladies team prize.
543 runners completed the 2013 race and full results can been viewed on the Horsforth Harriers website at www.horsforthharriers.co.uk.
Thanks to the continuing generosity of the running community a sizeable sum was raised for the race’s designated charity, the Joint Activities and Motor Education Service (JAMES). JAMES has operated in the Bradford and Keighley district for nearly 30 years. The charity works with disadvantaged young people and their families, providing a caring environment where young people can achieve their full potential through the delivery of education, training and leisure opportunities.
Horsforth Harriers would also like to thank the race’s main sponsors Horsforth based medical software company TPP. 2013 marks five years of TPP’s sponsorship. Bob Foulkes said: “We are most grateful for TPP’s continuing sponsorship of our race. It is very important for us to work with and have the support of a local company”.
Provisional dates have been set for both of Horsforth Harriers’ annual races next year. The multi terrain Apperley Bridge Canter (ABC) is planned for its traditional Thursday evening running on May 22nd and the Horsforth 10K road race is set to take place on September 28th. Further information and entry details will be available in due course via Horsforth Harriers website.
Photos: Race winner Phillip Tedd, Horsforth 10K runners ©Anne Akers
Men's results
|
1 |
Phillip Tedd |
Woodhouse Grove School |
0:33:18 |
|
2 |
Ian Fisher |
Otley AC |
0:33:52 |
|
3 |
Chris Miller |
Harrogate Harriers |
0:34:13 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Amy Green |
Keighley and Craven |
0:38:29 |
|
2 |
Donna Edmondson-Booker |
Idle AC |
0:39:29 |
|
3 |
Jenny Beaumont |
Skyrac |
0:41:38 |
Click here for full results
Ikano Robin Hood Half Marathon & Marathon
With Robin Hood, Maid Marian and Friar Tuck in tow, 9,181 runners laced up their trainers and took to the streets of Nottingham yesterday for the Ikano Robin Hood Half, Full and Mini Marathon.
University Boulevard and Victoria Embankment was transformed into a festival of medieval folklore as runners of all ages and abilities took to the fast and flowing course. The Sheriff of Nottingham Cllr Ian Malcolm, Lady Mayoress Cllr Merlita Bryan, and double Paralympic gold medal winner, Richard Whitehead officially kicked off the festivities on Sunday.
6,585 runners took on the half marathon. Aaron Scott, from Notts Athletics Club, was crowned winner of the men’s half marathon with a course time of 1:06:54. Top position in the female category was awarded to Kenyan, Polline Wanjiku Njeru crossing the line in 1:16:10.
The new 26.2 mile marathon course hosted 918 runners with first place in the men’s event awarded to Neil Renault crossing the line in 2:27:08. This year’s female winner was Melissa Pritchard in a time of 2:59:15. Melissa says: “The race was fantastic! Brilliant support along the course, I’m so pleased to have won. I’ve been running for 20 years and this is one of the best scenic, fast and flat courses I’ve run.”
1,534 families and school children took part in the 1.5 mile Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon. In a gun time of 10:10, the winner of the fun run was Daniel Carter, Abbey Road Primary School. Lizzie Edge, fellow Abbey Road student, led the girls’ pack with a winning time of 10:39. Charlie, aged 6 from West Bridgford Infants School ran the race with his best friend Sam, 6 ½, and Dad, Robin, 37. “I loved it, it was so cool to run with my best friend Sam, he’s the fastest in our class, but I did beat my Dad! I want to come back next year and win it.”
Race organiser, Sweatshop, had set its sights on a new record for the largest number of runners in Robin Hood fancy dress costume. And that they did - Robin Hood stole the show with over 500 runners donning the heroic outlaw’s green robe.
Photos: Marathon winners Melissa Pritchard and Neil Renault
Men's half marathon results
|
1 |
Aaron Scott |
NOTTS AC |
01:06:54 |
|
2 |
Alastair Watson |
NOTTS AC |
01:06:58 |
|
3 |
Darren Deed |
|
01:07:16 |
Women's half marathon results
|
1 |
Polline Wanjiku Njeru |
RUN FAST |
01:16:10 |
|
2 |
Perendis Lekapana |
RUN FAST |
01:16:44 |
|
3 |
Nicki Nealon |
HUNCOTE HARRIERS |
01:22:10 |
Men's marathon results
|
1 |
Neil Renault |
|
02:27:08 |
|
2 |
Stuart Spencer |
NOTTS AC |
02:35:27 |
|
3 |
James Moles |
MANCHESTER FRONTRUNNERS |
02:43:36 |
Women's marathon results
|
1 |
Melissa Pritchard |
|
02:59:15 |
|
2 |
Candice Mcdonald |
SERPENTINE RC |
03:05:05 |
|
3 |
Vicky Jackson-Nocker |
WILMSLOW RC |
03:17:12 |
Click here for full results
Joydens Wood 10k & 5k
If you were to measure the strength and success of a 10k run by how much money was raised for the charity and attendance, then it can be safely said that the Joyden's Wood 10k is growing from strength to strength!
Organised by Kellystore Fun-Raisers for local charity The Parents Consortium, over 250 runners, walkers and spectators arrived in the glade at the centre of the ancient forest, which is only 13 miles away from the centre of London.
The course like previous years was a challenging mixture of sandy bridleways, shady single track and a couple of cheeky climbs!
So it was impressive to see the time of the 10k winning man Victor Cianflone at 40.21. Second was Ruediger Meyer in a time of 40.47 with Steve Cable third in 43.27.
Equally impressive was first woman Renate Blacker who finished in a time of 51.13. Second place went to Jennifer Pritchett in 51.38 and third was Folly Golding in 58.41
The 5k was won by Mark Hawking in 23.56. Second was Dave Sherman in 24.19 and third was Andy Burgess in 31.19.
The 5k womens was won by Jordan Lacey in 26.26, 2nd was Jodie Tennant in 27.54 and third was Christina Arnold 30.13
Men's 10k results
| 1 |
Victor Cianflone |
40.21 |
| 2 |
Ruediger Meyer |
40.47 |
| 3 |
Steve Cable |
43.27 |
Women's 10k results
| 1 |
Renate Blacker |
51.13 |
| 2 |
Jennifer Pritchett |
51.38 |
| 3 |
Folly Golding |
58.41 |
Men's 5k results
| 1 |
Mark Hawking |
23.56 |
| 2 |
Dave Sherman |
24.19 |
| 3 |
Andy Burgess |
31.19 |
Women's 5k results
| 1 |
Jordan Lacey |
26.26 |
| 2 |
Jodie Tennant |
27.54 |
| 3 |
Christina Arnold |
30.13 |
Click here for full results
12th Macclesfield Half Marathon and 5K races
The Half Marathon had 583 finishers. The men's winner was James Noakes from the home club Macclesfield Harriers in a time of 01.16.45. The women’s s winner was Olivia Walwyn Bush (City of Norwich AC) 01.21.17 who is the course record holder from 2012 and was 5th overall in 2013. The oldest finisher was Brian Scully aged 77 from Accrington Road Runners 02.24.32
The 5K race had 97 finishers. The men's winner was Karl Webber (Matlock AC) 17.28. The women's winner was Katie Lowry from Macclesfield Harriers 18.20 who was an incredible 3rd overall and also the fastest U15 girl.
The race is run and organised by volunteers mainly from Macclesfield Harriers and all profits from the race, which are yet to be finalised but hoped to be in excess of £10,000, will be donated to charity and the main beneficiary will be the local charity The East Cheshire Hospice, whose volunteers were out in force supporting on race day. The organiser's thanks to their main sponsors PZ Cussons, Simon Carves and Informed and all the local business supporters who help in covering our costs.
The post race comments on the Facebook page unanimously reflect the race as a great success, well organised and marshalled with plenty of challenging hills and lovely countryside.
Men's results
|
1 |
James Noakes |
Macclesfield Harriers & AC |
01:16:45 |
|
2 |
Tim Natrajan |
|
01:20:01 |
|
3 |
Tim Greenald |
East Cheshire Harriers |
01:21:03 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Olivia Walwyn |
City of Norwich AC |
01:21:17 |
|
2 |
Sarah Ridehalgh |
Accrington Road Runners |
01:25:52 |
|
3 |
Karen Erlandson |
|
01:31:32 |
Click here for full results
Run Together in Medway
Mid Kent Swans are a local committee for Cancer Research UK, who run small events and awareness days in Medway and Maidstone. Their flagship event is www.runtogetherinmedway.co.uk.
The event offered a 5km or 10km course in a Green Flag park in Medway, and challenged runners with a variety of terrains, whilst also offering beautiful scenery. All runners donated their entry fee to CRUK and we were delighted with the timings made! Our leading runners did exceptionally well, one being accompanied by her dog.
The weather held out, and the chilly breeze kept them cool and everyone was smiling as they finished and collected their medals. One first time runner came 2nd in the 10km and he has now signed up for the 2014 Berlin marathon!
Photos: Second placed in the 5k, Kelly Payne (42) and Paul Newell (24)
Men's 5km results
|
1 |
Mick Miles |
26.54 |
|
2 |
Paul Newell |
28.25 |
|
3 |
James Bedwell |
35.52 |
Women's 5km results
|
1 |
Ruth Brameld |
27.55 |
|
2 |
Kelly Payne |
32.23 |
|
3 |
Laura Cann |
33.25 |
Photos: Second in the 10km Aaron Johnstone (40) and winner Rees Hales (34)
Men's 10km results
|
1 |
Rees Hales |
44.58 |
|
2 |
Aaron Johnstone |
45.01 |
|
3 |
Nigel Moss |
51.25 |
Women's 10km results
|
1 |
Alison Chapman |
54.54 |
|
2 |
Sarah Bassett |
58.22 |
|
3 |
Krystina Barrett |
58.57 |
Click here for full results
Saxilby 5K
226 runners took part in a sun soaked Saxilby 5K on Sunday with representatives from many of Lincolnshire’s athletics clubs and visitors from as far afield as Indiana, USA.
First to cross the line to fantastic support from the local residents and spectators in the Wheelchair Race was Team GB Paralympian Jamie Carter setting a blistering pace of 15.49.
Tom Straw of Lincoln Wellington AC was the first past the post in the main event in 15:29 beating last year’s winning time of 15.47 set by West Lindsey Run Series stalwart Pumlani Bangani.
Nicola Curtis of Scunthorpe & District AC claimed the women’s race with a time of 18.30, a slightly slower winning time than 2012 with a windswept incline across Church Lane at the 2.5K mark denying many of the runners a much deserved P.B.
There are plenty of photos availanble on our Facebook page, search “West Lindsey Run Series”.
Men's results
|
1 |
Tom Straw |
Lincoln Wellington AC |
00:15:29 |
|
2 |
Anthony Whiteman |
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers |
00:15:34 |
|
3 |
Shane Robinson |
Lincoln Wellington AC |
00:15:38 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Nicola Curtis |
Scunthorpe & District |
00:18:30 |
|
2 |
Beverley Wilson |
Cleethorpes AC |
00:18:34 |
|
3 |
Laura Wilkinson |
Lincoln Wellington AC |
00:20:16 |
Wheelchair results
|
1 |
Jamie Carter |
00:15:50 |
|
2 |
Stephen Kent |
00:34:03 |
Click here for full results
Switchback 5
Photos: The start and race winner Neil Reissland (42)
This year’s Switchback 5 cross-country (five miles), organised by Striders of Croydon, took place in almost ideal weather conditions - much appreciated after last year’s very wet weather. There had been just enough rain over the past days however to soften the ground a little, straightening out some of the ruts and making for pleasant footing. On-the-day registrations brought the field to 123 runners, setting off in Lloyd Park and winding their way to the far end of the park, then up into the woods of Addington Hills, emerging on the grass top and along to the viewpoint, which provides glorious views out over Croydon and London, before dropping back down to speed through the woods, cross back into Lloyd Park and divert past the allotments before finishing by the old oak tree - which is immortalised on the yearly memento of the race, this year a useful mug.
There were many positive comments from runners on the great marking of the route (no risk of going wrong on the trails through the woods), the encouraging marshals and of course the fantastic home-made cakes, made by club member Karen Connor and her mother, and greatly enjoyed after the run.
This year, Neil Reissland (Collingwood AC) won in 29.17 with Matt Taylor (U/A) second in 30.40 closely followed by Edwin McCormack (U/A) third in 30.49. Clare Elms (Dulwich Runners) was first woman with 31.36, Rachel Lindley was second in 32.51 for the home team Striders of Croydon and Melanie Edwards (Dulwich Runners) was third in 33.42.
Mv40 went to Roger Bryant (Collingwood) in 31.16, with Mv50 Victor Maughn (Herne Hill Harriers) in 31.06 and Mv60 Michael Mann (Dulwich Runners) in 35.01; the winning male team was Collingwood AC (Neil Reissland, Roger Bryant and Gordon Hennessey). The women’s veterans’ trophies went to Katie Crowe (v35, 37.18), Ola Balme (v45, 33.48) and Carolyn Tuskin (v55, 45.43) while winning women’s team was Dulwich Runners (Clare Elms, Melanie Edwards and Ola Balme).
This year’s race organiser, Debra Bourne said “all the helpers were fantastic and I can’t thank them enough for everything they did to make this race a success.”
No doubt many of the runners will be back for the Croydon Half Marathon organised by Striders of Croydon, which will be held on Sunday 30th March 2014 in aid of Nightwatch - a local Croydon charity that cares for homeless people in the town (online entries are open now), and involves two laps of a road course encircling the Switchback route.
Men's results
|
1 |
Neil Reissland |
Collingwood AC |
29.17 |
|
2 |
Matt Taylor |
U/A |
30.40 |
|
3 |
Edwin McCormack |
U/A |
30.49 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Clare Elms |
Dulwich Runners |
31.36 |
|
2 |
Rachel Lindley |
Striders of Croydon |
32.51 |
|
3 |
Melanie Edwards |
Dulwich Runners |
33.42 |
Click here for full results
Upton Bishop Big Dipper
Fifty-five runners took up the Big Dipper challenge this year and the top three men were all local runners from Ross-on-Wye.
David Setchfield just edged out Gavin Jones in a sprint finish with Ian Smith close behind. For the ladies fifty-six year old Beryl Sampson was an impressive winner followed by Ross veterinary surgeon Isobel Rosie and then Michelle Sterry in third.
It was good to see local recreational runners mixing well with representatives of at least ten running clubs. The weather was kind and the tea and cakes at the finish were very welcome. The organoser's thanks go to their sponsors, including Newent Autos, Chicory Crops, RP Joinery, Chaseview Veterinary Clinic and Westons Cider.
Jeremy Jehan of Wye Valley Runners was first in the male Vet 40 category in a time of 36m09s. First male vet 50 was David Jones of Forest of Dean in 39m51s and first male vet 60 was Steve Herington of Hereford Couriers in 39m40s.
First female vet 40 was Beverly Bishop of Hereford Couriers in a time of 44m12s and first female vet 50 was Jan Edwards of Wye Valley Runners in 46m16s.
First men’s team were Penbryn Plodders and forst women's team were Newent Runners.
Men's results
|
1 |
David Setchfield |
Unaffiliated |
35:31 |
|
2 |
Gavin Jones |
Wye Valley Runners |
35:35 |
|
3 |
Ian Smith |
Severn AC |
35:53 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Beryl Sampson |
Gloucester AC |
41:12 |
|
2 |
Isobel Rosie |
Unaffiliated |
41:42 |
|
3 |
Michelle Sterry |
Newent Runners |
42:13 |
Click here for full results
West Pinchbeck 10K Mike Barnsdale Memorial Race
It was a beautiful autumn day for the West Pinchbeck 10k 2013, however it was quite windy! Although the course is fast, with being extremely flat, it is also very open, so the wind meant that times were not as fast as they could have possibly been.
Ben Livesey of Birchfield Harriers led from a very early stage, holding on to a 58 second lead by the end. Although the wind was tough, it did not stop Ben Livesey from setting a new course record of 31.50 from a previous 32.24.
Rebecca Hall of Corby AC was the first woman in 37:41.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpaldingTri
Twitter: twitter.com/SpaldingTriClub
Men's results
|
1 |
Ben Livesey |
Birchfield Harriers |
31.50 |
|
2 |
John Pike |
Newham & Essex Beagles |
32.42 |
|
3 |
Iain Bailey |
Sleaford Town Runners |
33.35 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Rebecca Hall |
Corby AC |
37.41 |
|
2 |
Sian Thomas |
Chiltern Harriers |
39.09 |
|
3 |
Grace Mullins |
Nene Valley Harriers |
40.44 |
Click here for full results
Zip Fit 10k
Justin Walker and Katie Holmes were the forst man and woman respectively out of the 62 participants in the 2013 Zip Fit 10k.
Men's results
|
1 |
Justin Walker |
39:52 |
|
2 |
Peter Ranyard |
40:04 |
|
3 |
David Hayes |
41:11 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Katie Holmes |
46:54 |
|
2 |
Becky Power |
50:11 |
|
3 |
Andrea Gallia |
50:54 |
Click here for full results
