Weekend review: September 13 & 14, 2014

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Alice Holt Forest Races

Photo: Winner of 10km Dominic Smith crosses the line

The 20th Anniversary of Farnham Runners 10km race in Alice Holt Forest was billed a huge success. Started in 1994, under the long term directorship of Charles Ashby the event has grown to include 5km, 3km, 1km and even an under 5’s “Dash”. This year Craig Tate-Grimes bravely stepped in to take over as race director and all agreed he has done a truly splendid job.

The races could not go ahead without sponsors and Farnham Runners are indebted to the main sponsors, local Andrew Lodge Estate agents and Whiteoaks Consultancy, as well the running shop, Sweatshop and to Stoke Fitness. A huge turn-out of Farnham Runners, their relatives and friends, to help with all the myriad of tasks to be done before and after the race helped the day run smoothly. St John Ambulance were in attendance in case of any medical problems but happily there were none! Commemorative 20th Anniversary T-shirts, designed by club member Ian Carley were on sale. The weather was ideal for a day in the open air, though on the warm side for running. The Running Clinic from Farnham were on hand for pre and post-race massages, while a tea and cake stand raised funds for CSSEF, a local charity aiming to improve the education of deaf children in mainstream schools by providing equipment, resources and materials. Said founder Karen Jackson, “This money will provide 100 deaf awareness books to schools in Surrey and Hampshire.”

Farnham Runners chairman, Richard Sheppard, ably took on the role of commentator for the day, at times injecting humour into the proceedings!

While most of the runners were local a few were registered with clubs as far afield as Orpington, Glasgow, and even Norway! Stoke Fitness provided a very useful warm-up session before the races.
Andrew Lodge presented the 10km prizes and Suzanne Griffiths, managing director of Whiteoaks Consultancy gave out the 5km awards. At the front there were some strong competitors, yet the day still provided an ideal start for those new to racing. Farnham Runners won three of the team awards, the fourth going to Aldershot, Farnham and District A.C. (AFD).

A clear winner of the 10km race was Dominic Smith who came home over 90 secs ahead of the next runner in an impressive time of 36 minutes 11 seconds over the challenging course. Previously in a University Athletics club he will look to join a new club once he has moved from this area, he said.  Runner up was Farnham Runners’ James Clarke in 37:49 and a minute later in 38:50, Fleet and Crookham A.C’s Ben Raggett, who also took the first M40 place. Second in that category was fourth placed Tom Frost from Liss Runners in 39:02. On his heels was first M50 Steve Low from Blackwater Valley Runners in 39:02, while Farnham’s Stuart Morel was 3rd M40 in 39:52.

The ladies also coped well with the hills and were led in by local Hart Road Runners’ athlete Lesley Locks in 40:18 (1st F35). Dawn Goodwin in 41:51 took second place (2nd F35), while third placed Laura Hales from Woking A.C. in 43:27 was first in the F45 category. Tina Nairn (3rd F35) came fourth in 45:46.

Other prizewinners: M60 Richard Bacon 46:14, M70 Douglas Blyth 61:18.

First men’s team, Farnham Runners: James Clarke, Stuart Morel, Charlie Hill-Venning, John Hill-Venning. F 16-34 1st Karoline Sohlberg 49:57, 2nd Sophie Crathern 52:12, 3rd Celine Duraffourd 52:57. F55 Susan Holliday 54:11 (Pewsey Vale RC).

First ladies’ team Farnham Runners:  Billy McCulloch, Tara Hunt, Sue Taylor, Kay Copeland.

High in National Rankings local Under 15 runner Harry Boyd of Guildford and Godalming A.C. showed his class in the 5km race, first to cross the line in an amazing 17:58, but he was surprised to be pushed every step of the way by Farnham Runners’ star runner Sarah Hill who clocked exactly the same time as last year in 18:02 (first senior lady). Third and fourth to finish were Michael Try (18:56, AFD) and James Fleming (19:15, Camberley and District A.C.)

The following three took the senior men’s prizes: Simon Carson-Jones (20:52), Martin Billett (21:25), Tom Blacknell (21:56).

Lizzie Squibbs was first under 16 girl in 20:27 with Ruby Conway of AFD (22:36) and Grace Carley (23:09) 2nd and 3rd.  Second and third Senior ladies were Susie Chan (21:08) and Molly Pocock (22:07, AFD).Team prizes for the ladies 5km were won by Farnham Runners  (Sarah Hill, Susie Chan and Grace Carley) and byAFD for the men: Michael Try and Joe Blacknell (no complete teams).

There was a superb performance and a new course record from AFD member Luke Van Oudtshoorn in the 9-12 year olds’ 3k, his time an astounding 10:43. Team-mate Daniel Weston (11.52) and Richard Sutton (11.56, BMHAC) also recorded under twelve minutes. In eighth place overall, Phoebe Smith led in the girls in 12:56, followed by Florence Hancock (13:56) and Anna Buckmaster of AFD in 13:55.

The boys were beaten in the 1km for 5-8 year olds, as first to appear at the line in was Katie Roberts in only 5:14. Many in exciting sprint finishes included Oscar Taylor who just squeezed ahead of Billy Sheppard, both given 5:19.  Thomas Buckmaster got the better of Joshua Boxell for third boy’s place, both in 5:21. Alice Hawkins sixth overall was second girl in 5.28 while seventh placed Amelia Boxell was third in 5:31. Further back one young lady carried her toy squirrel, Samson to compete in his first race.

Patiently waiting their turn were the under fives, some as young as 18 months, who proudly sported race numbers as they lined up for the last event of the day - a “Dash” of some 60 meters. Those who made the finish first were determined from the start and did not deviate from their line, but all were winners, rewarded with a medal and sweets.

Results are available via the Farnham Runners website: www.farnham-runners.org.uk

Photos:   Lady Winner of 10k, Lesley Locks receives her prize from Sponsor Andrew Lodge. Men's 10km Winning team of Farnham Runners (l-r): James Clarke, Charlie Hill-Venning, (Sponsor Andrew Lodge), John Hill- Venning, Stuart Morel

Men's 10m results

1	Dominic Smith	Unattached	36:11
2	James Clarke	Farnham Runners	37:49
3	Ben Raggett	Fleet and Crookham AC	38:50

 

Women's 10km results

1	Lesley Locks	Hart Road Runners	40:18
2	Dawn Goodwin		41:51
3	Laura Hales	Woking AC	43:27

 

Men's 5km results

1	Harry Boyd	Guildford and Godalming AC	17:58
2	Michael Try	Aldershot Farnham & District AC	18:56
3	James Fleming	Camberley and District AC	19:15

 

Women's 5km results

1	Sarah Hill	Farnham Runners (2nd overall)	18:02
2	Lizzie Squibbs	Aldershot Farnham & District AC	20:27
3	Susie Chan	Farnham Runners	21:08

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Yeovil Montacute parkrun

Photos: Martin and Liz Yelling - photobombed by Mixy the Gorilla! Men's Points winner Steve Wakeman and ladies points winner Lesley Matthews

Saturday was the first birthday run of the Yeovil Montacute parkrun (Number 43, taking the January and February cancellations into account) and the organisers were very pleased to be joined by running celebrities Martin and Liz Yelling who were on hand to help present various awards. Event Director Matt Warr, given the “glory leg” of Run Director for the day, was able to introduce the celebrities – Martin Yelling, who has now run 88 parkruns, with a parkrun PB of 16m12, and who has in the past run for England, both on the road and cross country and competed for Great Britain in both duathlon and triathlon; Liz lags behind with 38 parkruns but in running Top Trumps does have a Commonwealth Bronze medal and two Olympic marathon finishes in Athens and Beijing to fall back on!

The Men’s Points Winner for 2013/2014 was Steve Wakeman, with the Women’s Points Winner 2013/2014 award going to Lesley Matthews. Hosts, the National Trust, have kindly donated a parkrun bench which will be installed at the top of the Avenue – do have a look if you come to Montacute House, it is a work of art!

Bridge and Sam Sommerville race for glory!

Now to the run itself . This weeks event had a record number of runners, with 261 finishers, plus a few who joined in and ran a part of the course so that they could tell their Grandchildren in years to come “I was there”! Since the first run on 7th September 2013, there have been  1,386 different runners, including participants from 123 athletics clubs, who have completed 5,608 runs, covering a total distance of 28,040 km, and there have been 1,471 new Personal Bests.

Representatives of 17 different athletics clubs took part this week. The Crewkerne runners were prominent, but then their running vests are red, so fitted the theme. Members of most of the other local clubs were also present: Maiden Newton Runners were there for the first time and members of Yeovil Town RRC, Yeovil Olympiads, Wells City, Mendip AC, Taunton AC and Running Forever were amongst them (and Chris Cussen from the other side of the border – Dorset!). 

There was a good tussle at the front between former record holders Sam Sommerville and Phil Bridge, who were running together so fast at the half way point that they caught the back markers at the top of the Avenue – and Sam was victorious on this occasion, crossing the line in 17m21 to Phil’s 17m28.  Jason Scott, crestfallen that he wasn’t the running celebrity of the day, finished third in 18m13.

In the Ladies run there was another battle at the sharp end and (proving once again why gambling is a mug’s game), it wasn’t Liz Yelling who took the honours, but rather local legend Lin Lascelles! Lin, in the colours of Maiden Newton Runners, finished in 19m37 on her first (long-promised!) appearance at Montacute, smashing the previous Age Graded record (hers was 85.47% ) in the process – so a crumb of comfort for Liz, who finished just behind in 19m38!

Full results and a complete event history can be found on the Yeovil Montacute parkrun Results Page.

Men's results

1	Sam SOMMERVILLE	Yeovil Olympiads AC	00:17:21
2	Philip BRIDGE	Wells City Harriers	00:17:28
3	Jason SCOTT	Unattached	00:18:13

 

Women's results

1	Linda LASCELLES	Maiden Newton Runners	19:37
2	Liz YELLING	Bedford & County AC	19:38
3	Caitlin CARNEGIE	Yeovil Olympiads AC	20:16

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

2 Rivers Run

This approximately 8 mile off-road run along forestry and farm tracks is organised by Presteigne Pacers.

The 2014 winner in a time of 1:00:28 was Sam Maygothling. Fellow Croft runners Dave George and Glyn Williams took second and third place respectively.

Claire Bunce of Red Rose Runners was the winning woman in a time of 1:09:37. Just eleven seconds behind Clare Gilbert of Malvern took second place and Jo Meadowcroft took third place in 1:12:22.

Men's results

1	SAM MAYGOTHLING	CROFT	1.00.28
2	DAVE GEORGE	CROFT	1.01.34
3	GLYN WILLIAMS	CROFT	1.04.26

 

Women's results

1	CLAIRE BUNCE	RED ROSE RUNNERS	1.09.37
2	CLARE GILBERT	MALVERN	1.09.48
3	JO MEADOWCROFT	U/A	1.12.22

 

Click here for full results in due course

 

 

Ashbourne Half

213 runners completed the tough Half Marathon course this year from as far afield as Blackburn, Wolverhampton, Tamworth, Wisbech, Didcot and Southend as well as club runners and unattached runners from Ashbourne and the surrounding areas.

Ben Fish, on his first outing in the Ashbourne Half, came in over six minutes ahead of the field in an impressive time for a hilly course. Chris Patterson  of Ashbourne Running Club improved on his time of last year by two minutes but could not quite overcome the challenge from last years winner Dale Annable from Heanor   The first female was Rebecca Harrison of Cheadle Running Club making a successful defence of her title from last year. 

There was an additional team trophy awarded this year. The three similarly tough, hilly, half marathon races of Eyam, Leek and Ashbourne formed the Peak Half Marathon Series and the Team Trophy for the first time this year was won by Matlock AC.

The runners were rewarded with perfect conditions, some of the best half marathon scenery in the UK and for the first time a goody bag to add to their finishers medal. The goody bag organised by Pete Dale, proprietor of The Dining Room was put together with contributions from Fairtrade Bananas and other local businesses supporting the event including Dove Fitness; Cheddar Gorge; Stubbs Sports and National Trust Ilam Hall tea rooms. Trophies were presented by the Lisa Bartlett, President of the race organisers Ashbourne Lions Club.

The Fun Run also gave the youngsters, mums and dads and runners of all ages and abilities taking to the streets and burning up energy in support of the event – who knows, winners of future Half Marathons could be amongst them?

All funds generated from this years race were donated to Derby City Hospital Renal Unit.

Men's results

1	Ben Fish	Blackburn Harriers	1:10:46
2	Dale Annable	Heanor Running Club	1:17:11
3	Chris Patterson	Ashbourne Running Club	1:18:23

 

Women's results

1	Rebecca Harrison	Cheadle Running Club	1:26:59
2	Geraldine Tutty	Unattached	1:35:25
3	Christine Howard	Matlock Athletics Club	1:36:41

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Bugatti 10k

Hot on the heels of the Cheltenham Half, the Almost Athletes returned with another delightful race.

Over one-hundred eager competitors took to Prescot for the revamped Bugatti 10k.

The race was won by Harry Bishop for Severn AC in exactly 34 minutes. Cheltenham Harriers' Anthony Bailey and Elliot Prince followed suit. Almost Athletes' own Petra Vymetalova was first back for the ladies in 41:21, ahead of Tanya Patient and Liza Barry.

In his first road race of 2014, Evan Stanley happily returned with a bang to grab a brisk 46:23 on a warm September's morning.

Having accepted his son's challenge to race next month's Bournemouth 10k, Steve Wallbridge enjoyed an active weekend's preparation. Taking a fine one hour and two minutes, Wallbridge shone just a day after equally great work at the Apperley Quarter-Marathon.

Dave McGrath again finished first vested Almost Athlete in 40:23, just behind Josh Hand. Dale Midwinter, Vymetalova and Matthew Hampton pushed McGrath all the way, with Edward Collier in pursuit of the leading pack.

Mike Kennedy's stirring performances continued, as he battled for 43:31, with Paul Thomas, Karen Galpin, Greg Hollingworth and Helen Goodfellow all contributing commendable runs. Dave Garnett, Gerry Carroll and Rachel O'Bryan made equal haste.

Dominic Lyes and Dunc Mounsor beat 50 minutes, with Andrea Hardy, fast-improving Mark Conway, Dawn Carroll, John Galpin and Phil Wilkinson next home. After carefully warming up, Jules Jameson took 53:41, just in front of Graham Davis.

Steve Yarnold, Mariel Chretien, Graham Philpott, Jean Bryan, Kate Houston and James Clay finished within the hour-mark, as in-form Sandra Stuart and Adrian Courtenay gave chase. Daniel Magovern, Phil Withers, Sarah Fennell and Lindsay Morrison completed the club's campaign.

Having offered loyal support at the previous day's Apperley 10k, pals Jeanette Gullick and Debbie Minett took to the track in style, with Minett encouraging her brother Keith around the undulating route.

Men's results

1	Harry BISHOP	Severn AC	00:34:00
2	Anthony BAILEY	Cheltenham & County Harriers	00:34:30
3	Elliot PRINCE	Cheltenham & County Harriers	00:37:05

 

Women's results

1	Petra VYMETALOVA	Almost Athletes	00:41:21
2	Tanya PATIENT	Unattached	00:41:59
3	Liza BARRY	CLC Striders	00:43:08

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Erddig 10K

The Erddig10K,organised by Expedition Wise Ltd (www.expeditionwise.com), was held in the grounds and surrounding area of the National Trust Erddig Estate near Wrexham where the route is mixed terrain, taking in woodland trails, cross country and undulating ground.

With 300 people taking part in either the full 10K, 5K or 2km Fun Run it had a fantastic atmosphere, had lots of people turning up to support and was challenging yet enjoyable for those participating. The 10K winner was again Daniel Weston who beat his time from last year’s event.

Conditions were great, with not too much mud on the woodland trail and the weather was perfect, with warm temperatures yet enough cloud cover for the majority of the race to swerve the heat of the sun that came out later on in the day. A great event where many beat their PBs and also saw lots of people complete their first 10K or 5K whilst raising money for many local charities.

Find out more at Twitter: @ExpeditionWise or the Expedition Wise Facebook Page  

Men's 10km results

1	Daniel Weston	35:14.0
2	Kyle Williams	40:44.8
3	Harry Arnull	42:11.1

 

Women's 10km results

1	Donna Macloskey	49:02.3
2	Frances Clayton	50:14.5
3	Emma Preston	50:49.0

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's 5km results

1	Matthew Willis	17:00.9
2	Samuel Sussex	19:33.8
3	Gareth Chaloner	20:40.0

 

Women's results

1	Sophie Paxton	21:52.8
2	Rachel Hodgkinson	23:41:2
3	Sydney Johnson	26:39.6

 

Click here for full result

 

 

Forest Of Dean Duathlon

A fantastic day in the beautiful Forest of Dean with the Long course athletes starting at 10.00 and the short course five minutes later.

Alex Sobolewski led from the front on the short course coming in after the first 5k run over 30secs ahead of eventual second place Russell Weaver. Alex extended his lead to 4 mins with an impressive bike split and eased home to first place. Russell Weaver came in a comfortable second with Steven Hacking 3rd holding off Chris Gallimore despite an impressive bike leg.

Linda White was a very comfortable short course winner and seventh overall finishing almost nine minutes ahead of second place Maria Richards and Sarah Cudlip in third.
 
The long course was definately a day for the old guard with the top six places going to the veterans. Christian Jones came in first with a lead of five mins over supervet Bob Pearce who despite a terrible fall on the bike managed to continue to claim second. Stuart Penny also a supervet (50+) took third place with the fastest second run split of the day to hold off Jonny Wright (4th)

Amy Tweedie was clear winner in the female long couse with a very impressive second run split putting her 8 mins ahead of second place vet Ann Lonie and nine minutes ahead of Emma Harris who claimed a well earned third.
 
Overall a very enjoyable day in one of the most scenic spots in The Forest of Dean.

Men's long course results

1	Jones Christian	02:33:45
2	Pearce Bob	02:38:59
3	Penny Stuart	02:42:07

 

Women's long course results

1	Tweedie Amy	03:05:13
2	Lonie Ann	03:13:16
3	Harris Emma	03:14:22

 

Men's short course results

1	Sobolewski Alex	01:18:08
2	Weaver Russell	01:22:14
3	Hacking Steven	01:25:36

 

Women's short course results

1	White Linda	01:30:50
2	Richards Maria	01:39:27
3	Cudlip Sarah	01:40:36

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Hogweed Cotswold Challenge

63 hardy runners took up the challenge at Horton in the South Cotswolds, to compete five, ten or 15 miles over this very scenic and tough course incorporating two ancient forts on the Cotswold escarpment..

The multi terrain course started on the muscle straining Horton Hill and onto the Cotswold Way for the undulations and three exhausting hills. At four miles Hogweed Trotters' Jaroslaw Motyka was fifty yards in front of Andy Dunn of Marlborough Runners and Alex Copping, Team Bath, with Chris Stockdale Southville RC just behind.

As Andy and Alex battled out the end of the five miles they were amazed to see Jaroslaw disappearing up the hill starting his second lap to eventually win the 15 miles whilst Chris completed two laps to become the 10 mile Champion.

In the ladies' positions Aimee Lawrence of Bitton RR won the 5 mile ladies. Niki Morgan Chepstow took the 10 and Liz Jones Hogweed Trotters the 15.

With a substantial prize list of over £600 plus place medals with a free cake and drink to all finishers, all competitors returned home tired but very happy.

  Men's 5 mile results

1	Andy Dunn	Marlborough Runners	00:33:24
2	Alex Copping	Team Bath AC	00:33:36
3	Mark Thompson	Unattached	00:34:17

 

Women's 5 mile results

1	Aimee Lawrence	Bitton RR	00:50:07
2	Caroline Alliston	Unattached	00:52:25
3	Jenny Dickson	Hogweed Trotters	00:52:37

 

Men's 10 mile results

1	Chris Stockdale	Southville RC	01:10:28
2	Chris Baker	Unattached	01:16:20
3	John Curtis	Hogweed Trotters	01:18:17

 

Women's 10 mile results

1	Niki Morgan	Chepstow Harriers	01:20:03
2	Sara Currie	Unattached	01:24:39
3	Pat Curtis	Hogweed Trotters	01:25:36

 

Men's 15 mile results

1	Jaroslaw Motyka	Hogweed Trotters	01:44:07
2	Martin O'Conner	Stroud	01:55:20
3	Martin Croucher	Cirencester AC	01:58:29

 

Women's 15 mile results

1	Elizabeth Jones	Hogweed Trotters	02:20:14
2	Jill Hadland	Cirencester AC	02:22:29
3	-	-	-

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Hoylake 10k Coastal Run

Hundreds of happy runners took part in the 2014 Hoylake 10k Coastal Run, organised by Wednesday Special Needs Club (WSNC). Race day was a lovely day for running, with brilliant sunshine.

Esther MvVey (Wirral West MP) started the run and presented the winners cups at the end.

Phil Walton of Wallasey AC was the first of the 561 starters on the day to complete the course, with a time of 34:13. He was followed by club mate Greg Jones in 34:18 and Trevor Morris of Wilmslow RC in 35:18.

First woman in a time of 38:51 was Charlotte Mason of City Of York AC. Pensby Runners' Sarah Roberts took second place in the women's competition with a time of 39:04 and Lisa Grantham of Chester Tri was third woman in 39:54.

The event helped to raise over £7500 for a special Soft Play Sensory Resource for special needs at Hoylake Community Centre. Visit www.wsnc.co.uk for more information about the WSNC.

Men's results

1	Phil Walton	Wallasey AC	34:13
2	Greg Jones	Wallasey AC	34:18
3	Trevor Morris	Wilmslow RC	35:18

 

Women's results

1	Charlotte Mason	City Of York AC	38:51
2	Sarah Roberts	Pensby Runners	39:04
3	Lisa Grantham	Chester Tri	39:54

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Ingatestone 5

The 30th running of the Ingatestone 5 took place on a dry morning, with little wind; the number of runners again reflected the popularity and challenge of this course. 

Starting from the Anglo-European School, using the same route as last year, the runners took the road up to Fryerning and on to Beggar Hill, before heading back via Blackmore Road to the finish.

133 competitors completed the course.

Men's results

1	Ryan Prout	Chelmsford AC	26.27
2	Tom Cammack	Springfield Striders	26:57
3	Matthew Woodman	Orion Harriers	27:19

 

Women's results

1	Nikki Brockbank	Springfield Striders	30:59
2	Laura Shewbridge	Colchester Harriers AC	31:26
3	Amanda Henry	Colchester Harriers AC	31:33

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Northampton Half Marathon

In the shadow of the imposing Guildhall in the town centre the second running of the Northampton Half Marathon starting on a nice sunny morning. The increased field from the 2013 running completed two short laps in the town centre before heading off to the banks of the Nene via the Museum and the Derngate theatre.

Ahead of this Bannatyne’s gym in Wellingborough had provided the warm up while the Old Bank Pub opposite the Guildhall had provided the hospitality for the registration.

Having negotiated the White Water Centre, runners headed towards Hardingstone and its tricky hill via Brackmills and then onto Great Houghton; which at its highest point provides a panoramic view of the town.

After Great Houghton it was back to Brackmills via Pocket Park and into Delapre for the final 1.1 miles and the finish. The race was won by Jacob Allen (579) from Rugby and Northampton AC in a stunning time of 1:12:46 with David Green (175) from Northampton Road Runners in second in 1:13:15 and Martin Bateman completing the mens podium in 1:16:03 from Hillingdon AC.

The ladies were led in by Rebecca Mayles from Redway Runners in in 1:22:10 with Kelly Barnett from Wellingborough and District AC second in 1:27:31 and Debbie Channer, who also won the W40 category third from Vale of Aylesbury in 1:30:15.

Other age category winners were Tricia Harrison from Wootton Road Runners in the W50 and Dianne Lang from Northants in the W60.

Male category winners were Tony Letts in the M40 from Northampton Road Runners, Andy Green from Team East Haddon won the M50 and Michael Williams took the M60.

Wellingborough and District AC won the Team prizes for both Men and Women. Thanks to the parish councils of Hardingstone and Great Houghton, the members of Treads cycling club who provide the lead and sweeper bikes and the Friends of Delapre Abbey for their support.

In particular massive thanks to the marshals around the course who were, as ever, incredibly supportive of the runners and frankly as with the bikes from Treads simply allow the event to take place and run smoothly.

Men's results

1	Jacob Allen	Rugby & Northampton AC	1:12:47
2	David Green	Northampton Road Runners	1:13:06
3	Martin Bateman	Hillington AC	1:16:04

 

Women's results

1	Rebecca Mayles	David Lloyd Redway Runners	1:22:02
2	Kelly Barnett	W&DAC Women (Northants)	1:27:33
3	Debbie Channer	Vale of Aylesbury	1:30:20

 

Click here for full results

 

 

NTS Crathes half marathon

It was an emotional day at the NTS Crathes half marathon, sponsored by Aker Solutions, with men's champion Ron Gauld and women's race winner Tammy Wilson both dedicating their victories to the memory of Metro Aberdeen runner Neil Jaffrey.

Neil was fatally injured after being involved in a collision with a vehicle when cycling in Aberdeen the previous weekend.

As a mark of respect, Gauld, a member of Stonehaven Running Club, wore a Metro Aberdeen club vest for the race which was held in perfect running conditions with overcast skies, a comfortable temperature and no wind.

Gauld led all the way, eventually breaking  the tape in a personal best 1hr 13min 40secs, the second quickest time in the four year history of the race. Aberdeen's Stuart MacDougall (Bellahouston Harriers) was a lonely runner-up in 1:18:41 while Stornoway's John MacAskill was first veteran when finishing third overall in 1:22:23.

Tammy Wilson took the women's prize when finishing ninth overall from a field of 520 in 1:26:11 and she led Garioch Road Runners to a clean sweep of the top three positions. Her clubmate Marie Baxter was second in 1:28:48 while Carolyn Milne was third in 1:30:55.

Wilson, who has recovered from the injury which ruled her out of action for much of the spring and early summer, is now planning to run in the New York City marathon.

Further down the field, Buckinghamshire's Steve Gill completed the latest stage of his bid to set a record cumulative record for completing 52 half marathons in 52 weeks. His aim is to raise £25,000 for the RNLI and Crathes was the 21st race of his series and he completed the course in 1:52:25.

Men's results

1	Ron Gauld	Stonehaven Running Club	1:13:40
2	Stuart MacDougall	Bellahouston Harriers	1:18:41
3	John MacAskill	Stornoway	1:22:23

 

Women's results

1	Tammy Wilson	Garioch Road Runners	1:26:11
2	Marie Baxter	Garioch Road Runners	1:28:48
3	Carolyn Milne	Garioch Road Runners	1:30:55

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Pangbourne 10k

Photos © Binn's Photography

The 5th Pangbourne 10k was a great success with over 400 entries and more than £5k raised for Pangbourne Primary school.  Over 50 parents and school children were marshalls and helpers on the day

The good weather and strong field saw both the male and female course records broken.

The female winner (pictured below in no. 169) was Laura Woodley with a time of 38:19. The male winner (pictured below in no. 72) was James Savage (a previous winner) with a time of 35:28.

Find out more on Twitter: twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=Pangbourne10k or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pangbourne10k

Photos © Binn's Photography

Men's results

1	James Savage	35:28
2	Heath Bampton	36:24
3	David Jackson	37:32

 

Women's results

1	Laura Woodley	38:19
2	Rebecca Campbell	43:19
3	Laura Forshaw	44:35

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Purbeck Marathon

Photos: Matthew Bennett and Steve Way © Gavin Gardner

The Purbeck Marathon goes from strength as it celebrated its highest number of entries and highest number of finishers for its unique race. A strong wind at the start meant that no course records were broken although the sun shone on the runners for most of the day.

Matthew Bennett from Southampton AC won the men’s race in 3.00.50 beating defending champion Steve Way of Bournemouth AC who was less than one minute behind. Third place went to Poole Runners’ Anthony Clark. It was a tight finish in the ladies race which was won by Lisa Hale of Sandhurst Joggers in a time of 4.03.16 ahead of Melanie Jewett of Eastleigh and Anna Douglas. Overall, there were 324 starters and 319 finishers, only five failing to complete the course.

Despite the challenging route the runners were full of praise for the event due to its organisation and beautiful scenery. The patience of the marshals, many of whom had to stand for hours in remote locations, along with their cheeriness and encouragement was noted and they were a credit to the people of Purbeck.

The runners enjoyed a very stunning route that takes in Durlston, Worth Matravers, Kingston, passing above Kimmeridge to the deserted Tyneham Village, Creech, Corfe Castle and back to finish on the seafront at Swanage. Sharp-eyed runners and spectators would have also spotted the last ocean-going paddle steamer Waverley calling at Swanage as part of its trip along The Jurassic Coast.

A new finish line on Sandpit Field, looking out to sea, also worked very well with far more space available and more runners staying behind for the presentations.

Rose Clarke, Race Director for The Purbeck Marathon, praised the efforts of the runners: “The Purbeck Marathon is a very tough event and is certainly not for the faint-hearted. However, so many of the runners were still smiling when they crossed the line and were quick to thank the organisers and other volunteers. One runner who had travelled all the way from Northern Ireland noted that The Purbeck Marathon was not the best in the UK but the best in Europe. We made a number of improvements for 2014 and we will be looking to improve further next year.”

The organisers have already started planning the next event, which is scheduled for Sunday 16 September 2015. Entries will be available from 15 October 2014 trough www.thepurbeckmarathon.co.uk.

The marathon is a community event, put on by volunteers in order to share our favourite runs with you and to raise much needed funds for local charities and good causes.

Men's results

1	Matthew Bennett	Southampton AC	3.00.59
2	Steve Way	Bournemouth AC	3.01.41
3	Anthony Clark	Poole Runners	3.08.07

 

Women's results

1	Lisa Hale	Sandhurst Joggers	3.03.16
2	Melanie Jewett	Eastleigh Running Cub	4.03.33
3	Anna Douglas		4.04.07

 

Click here for full results

 

 

 Run for it

This was the third Run For It! race, hosted at Thruxton Circuit, and each year numbers are increasing. The run is organised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), but participants can choose to run for the charity of their choice, with all sign up fees going to HIOWAA.  

The event is held at Thruxton because this is where the Air Ambulance is based, so runners were able to see the helicopter as they ran round.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is called out to an average of two incidents involving children every week, both medical and trauma.  Treating young babies to children of up to 16 years of age, the Air Ambulance can reach anywhere within Hampshire within 15 minutes and the Isle of Wight within 20 minutes. 

On a mild, at first overcast, but then sunny day with a slight breeze Trevor Baggott was the first of aproximately 100 runners home on the six lap course (22.68km) in a a time of 1 hour 50 mins. Second, and first woman was Sabrina Gregory  1:57. In third place was Dean Weymouth  with a time of 1:59.

One the one lap course (3.8km), special mentions must go to youngest participant who was just three years old, and to Andrew, a youngster who had been in the air ambulance after a serious accident and who last year completed the one lap in his electric wheelchair and walked four steps over the line, this year he walked much further, which was amazing to see.

For more information visit: www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk or join HIOWAA on Facebook or Twitter @HIOWAA

 

 

Truro Half Marathon

Wins from both Ken Walker and Eleanor Davis ensured a great morning for Newquay Road Runners, at this year's Truro Half Marathon.

In perfect conditions for distance running, Cornwall's regular club runners were joined in the race by visitors from as far afield as Lancashire and East Anglia, as well as hundreds of unaffiliated runners, taking part for charity or personal achievement.

Davis stood out among the field of 444, eclipsing the women's course record by some eight minutes. Her 1:23:33 finish, just ahead of Hayle Runners' Emma Schuck (1:24:58), was good enough for tenth place overall. The third placed woman, Kathryn Burgess of Cornwall AC, was almost ten minutes further back.

By contrast, just 43 seconds separated the first three runners in the men's race. Walker emerged victorious from a small breakaway group with second-placed Paul Whear of Carn Runners (1:19:37) and Hayle Runner Jordan Morant (1:20:02).

But the double win was not enough to stop Cornwall AC pipping Newquay to both men's and ladies' team titles. Hayle Runners claimed third place in the men's competition, while Truro RC ladies' third place ensured the home team were not left empty handed.

At the other end of the pack, partially sighted runner Sofie Morant of Moorhaven RC battled hard for a time of 3:36:26, and was duly rewarded by becoming the first escorted woman to complete the Cornwall Glass & Glazing Grand Prix series.

Race director Diane Boardman thanked race sponsors Goundrys Estate Agents, Skinners Brewery, Brian Etherington Meat Company, Charles French Solicitors and the Cornwall Property Paper. She also paid tribute to the people of Truro for their support.

"Once again, we've had a wonderful atmosphere for the race," she said. "In particular it seemed to work really well, having the Martin Jennings Memorial Motorcycle Run starting in the same part of the city, once the runners were out of the way. There was a real sense of occasion. As ever, drivers, pedestrians and homeowners alike gave the runners some brilliant support, and we hope to tempt a few of them to take part next year!"

Men's results

1	Ken WALKER	Newquay Road Runners	1:19:19
2	Paul WHEAR	Carn Runners	1:19:37
3	Jordan MORANT	Hayle Runners	1:20:02

 

Women's results

1	Eleanor DAVIS	Newquay Road Runners	1:23:33
2	Emma SCHUCK	Hayle Runners	1:24:58
3	Kathryn BURGESS	Cornwall AC	:34:06

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Victory 5 mile Road Race

The race winner was Ben Siwa of Uganda in a time of 23.30. The women’s race was won in a course record of 26.34 by Gladys Yator of Kenya.

The race also featured the Gerry North Memorial Cup award to the first City of Portsmouth AC runner. Gerry North, an ex-international runner and former race director of the Victory 5, was a great servant to athletics. The cup was won by Matt Smith.

Conditions were warm with a slight breeze. The 5 mile and the associated ‘Run for Fun’ 10k attracted an entry of 750.

Men's results

1	Ben Siwa	Uganda	00:23:30
2	Elliot Robinson	Aldershot Farnham & District AC	00:25:00
3	Daniel O'boyle	Stubbington Green R & AC	00:25:26

 

Women's results

1	Gladys Yator	Kenya	00:26:34
2	Erica Fogg	New Forest Runners	00:29:49
3	Hannah Howard	Eastleigh Running Club	00:30:02

 

Click here for full results