Saturday, September 20, 2014
Balsall Common Fun Run
History was made in Balsall Common on Saturday 20th September when the first ever Fun Run in the village took place as part of a Festival of Fun for residents, that also included a fete and a party in the park.
500 runners, aged from 11 to 82, pounded the streets of Balsall Common in the Run that was organised for the Festival by The Lily Mae Foundation (www.lilymaefoundation.org), a local charity that supports parents and families who have lost babies to Stillbirth or Neonatal Death.
Junior runner Alex Smith was the fastest over the 5k course in a time of 17:46. Fastest adult was Martin Hitchman in 21:00. Fastest female was junior runner Bethan Hinett in 18:55, while Rupa Morris was the fastest female runner in 21:16.
Winner of the 10k was Stuart Brown in a time of 33:42. Fastest woman was Lorraine Hobbs in 44:00. Liam Perkins took the male junior honours in 39:00 and Daisy Vucevic was fastest female junior in 55:01.
Tim Stimpson, ex England and British Lions rugby player, joined in the fun alongside the Hollywood Monster.
Amy and Ryan Jackson, Founders of the Charity, said "After eight months of hard work by the Foundation's Trustees, who are all volunteers, the Run was an amazing success. The feed back that we have received so far from the runners, marshals and spectators, who lined the route or watched at the start and finish line at the Heart of England School, has been exceptionally positive. We have already been asked for the date for next year's Run!
"We would like to thank all those who helped us to plan, organise and deliver the Run. We have had so much help, support and encouragement from the Heart of England School and Assistant Principal Andrew Livingstone, from our sponsors, our volunteer marshals, the Festival Chair, Craig Burgess, and his Team and from family, friends and supporters of The Lily Mae Foundation. Here's to next year!"
Equinox24
After the success of the first race in 2013, numbers had trebled for last weekends Equinox24, based in the stunning grounds of Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. The 10km route around the castle estate is a mix of tarmac and off-road with an additional off-road hill being added this year making the course tougher than before.
The event had a real festival atmosphere with food and trade stalls, music playing and a free bouncy castle and a climbing wall to keep the kiddies happy.
On the start line were returning champions, walkers and numerous new large teams who helped make the event bigger and better and added to the atmosphere and support out on the course. There were also some inspirational fundraisers, the kilt wearing “Marathon Man” Robert Young, who is trying to break the record for marathons run in a year (HERE) and the famous Morphsuit wearing Sid, to name a few. After running to the event from the local train station Robert did six laps before heading off to another event on the Sunday.
The organisers try to make sure that every athlete is greeted across the finish line to be handed their medal.
In the Large team category, Stilton Striders were back after finishing second last year and took the win with 35 laps which was three more than the 32 they managed in 2013. Second place went to another local team, Grantham Running Club with Insomniacs with running Problems rounding off the podium.
The Small team category was a close affair with both the all female Har Kiss Honeys and 4 men and a Kiwi both managing an impressive 34 laps (only the Large team winners ran more laps!). It was the talented Har Kiss Honeys though who took the win by a 24 minute margin. Burnden Road Runners took third place.
In the Pairs category it was Raf Lossimouth dominating, taking first and third with last years winners two pints of Stella splitting them in second place.
With 74 solo runners taking to the start line, including both of last years winners, there was sure to be some great racing. In the female race Kate “I’m not a good runner” Jayden completed 17 laps to take the women's title, showing that she definitely is a good runner. Alexia Melling in second and Sarah Gardner-Hall in third both managed 16 laps.
In the men's race the top 10 all managed 17 or more laps and it seemed like the win could go to a number of people. The strongest on the day was returning athlete Steve Salter who kept going to clock 20 laps and take the win. Second David Rowe with 19 laps and third Michael Scandrett with 18 laps. Last year's winner also completed 20 laps so it will be interesting to see whether anyone can go one better next year!
Skechers Performance Division again was the headline sponsor and the winners of every category won a new pair of trainers. Many athletes were wearing the range over the weekend, with both men's and women's Solo winners wearing the Skechers Ultra shoe, a real sign that the Skechers Performance shoe range is perfect for endurance running.
The organisers would like to thank their amazing marshals, who did an amazing job keeping spirits high and supplies topped up, especially the massage therapists who raised over £500 in donations for the charity partner Hope Against Cancer. A big thanks also goes out to ther event partners who also provided prizes and products: Ashmei, Sundried, Nordic Oil, Re:activ Bodycare, H2Pro, Rocktape, Teapigs and Yurbuds.
For more information please visit www.equinox24.co.uk or join the Facebook group
Beauty and the Beast
This year’s Beauty and the Beast was preceded with two days of bright blue skies, glorious sunshine and temperatures reaching 25ºC. Participants may have been thinking that they would have an easy ride come race day but the Beast had other ideas. Torrential rain on race morning till 8:30am saw an already technically demanding course become even tougher, cementing Beauty and the Beast’s status as one of the toughest off road marathons in the UK.
The course itself takes in the beautiful rolling countryside surrounding West Wycombe House whilst also finding a barrage of brutal hills, so brutal in fact that even our Helly Hansen Ambassadors found it hard going!
Hard going yes, but proving they can be ‘confident when it matters’, Jules Roberts completed the half marathon distance in first place, in just over an hour and a half. This left him just enough time to change into his Kilt, complete his media interviews and drive two hours to make it to his friend’s wedding as an usher. Ambassador Matt Williamson travelled down from Scotland to compete and proved he was a true Helly Hansen Hero by completing the full marathon course in third place, his first time at Beauty and the Beast. Massive congratulations to Majel, who won the full marathon in just over 3 hours!
Whilst providing elite level athletes for the event, Helly Hansen was also represented by staff from Head office in Oslo, Norway and our UK office. This band of slightly less elite but devilishly attractive runners completed the course in an undisclosed time but with smiles on their faces showing that runners of any ability can have a great day at the event.
The end of the day saw hundreds of runners with smiles on their faces and finishers medals around their necks. A really great day out for all of them and their families.
If you’d like to know more about the event or would like to enter next year visit: hellyhansenbeautyandthebeast.co.uk
Men's marathon results
|
1 |
Majell Backhausen |
03:10:26 |
|
2 |
Scott Forbes |
03:18:48 |
|
3 |
Matt Williamson |
03:19:12 |
Women's marathon results
|
1 |
Sharon Daw |
04:26:18 |
|
2 |
Paula Downing |
04:26:55 |
|
3 |
Laura Appleby |
04:29:41 |
Men's half marathon results
|
1 |
Jules Roberts |
01:34:03 |
|
2 |
Rob Patterson |
01:37:00 |
|
3 |
Douglas Chrystie |
01:44:51 |
Women's half marathon results
|
1 |
Elaine Armour |
01:59:15 |
|
2 |
Isabella Yuen |
02:06:23 |
|
3 |
Kate Jacka |
02:07:52 |
Click here for full results
Yeovil Montacute parkrun
At this week's Yeovil Montacute parkrun there were 130 runners in the run, with another 18 first timers and 33 new Personal Bests. The course was looking fabulous in the morning and there was a good run in the park with friends (definitely not a race!) between Edward Donovan of Les Croupiers RC and Jason Scott, who rounded the last corner together and sprinted shoulder to shoulder down the home straight, Edward shading it in 17:55. Tim Hawkins was third, beating Neil Biss into fourth in 19:00.
In the Ladies run, Annie Arnold of Wells City Harriers, was first over the line in 22:16 on her second appearance at Montacute, ahead of Yeovil Town RRC’s Rose Appleby (23rd overall) in 22:43 and third placed Joey Callender-Wood who overcame the Hill o finish in 22:56.
Amongst the new runners here today were mother and daughter Cilla Owen (46:00) and Tanya Owen (31:25), who usually run at Longrun Meadow in Taunton and Poole respectively, but were both chuffed with their performances and had their photo taken in front of the House afterwards – and it was really nice to see Craig Purchase and his little lad Oscar running round together; that’s what parkrun is all about – Oscar was smiling from start to finish!
Full results and a complete event history can be found on the Yeovil Montacute parkrun Results Page.
Men's results
|
1 |
Edward Donovan |
Les Croupiers RC |
17:55 |
|
2 |
Jason Scott |
Unattached |
17:56 |
|
3 |
Tim Hawkins |
tbc |
tbc |
Women's results
|
1 |
Annie Arnold |
Wells City Harriers |
22:16 |
|
2 |
Rose Appleby |
Yeovil Town RRC |
22:43 |
|
3 |
Joey Callender-Wood |
Unattached |
22:56 |
Click here for full results
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Big Stockport 10k
Photos: More than 300 runners line up for the start, women's winner Susan Clapham and the winning team (Anchor Pub) with Ian Dixon from Life Leisure
Hundreds of runners crossed the finish line at last Sunday’s Big Stockport 10k Run in the town centre. For the serious runners the weather was perfect for producing a good time. Participants’ times and several personal bests were recorded with the race chip technology however, for the majority of the runners it was all about taking part, enjoying the challenge and raising money for a favourite charity.
First across the line in the men’s race was Stephen Crook who finished in a time of 35.44 in an exciting sprint finish just ahead of Paul Brooks who finished on 35.46. The ladies title was taken by Susan Clapham who finished in a time of 42.54. The men’s over 50’s race was won by Glenn Savage in a time of 38.10 and Joan Jackson on a time of 44.13 took the ladies title in the over 50’s race.
This year, for the first time there was a team competition and this was won by the eight strong team from the Anchor Pub, Hazel Grove.
Event organisers Life Leisure, who run sports and leisure facilities across Stockport, were delighted with the turn out. Neil Bardsley, Sport Development Manager said: “This is the third annual Big Run and it just gets better and better. There were some impressive runs on the day but I would like to congratulate everyone who took part for making it a success. We must thank our sponsors Orbit Developments and Electricity North West for their fantastic support; Orbit Developments not only sponsored the event but got together a team of 24 employees and friends to take part, encouraging even more people in Stockport into sport. They raised a superb £1,830 for Milie’s Trust. Well done to everyone who took part on the day and made the event so much fun."
He added, “We would also like to thank the many volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning to make the event a resounding success. Stockport has a great history of volunteering and without such wonderful people we would be unable to host Stockport’s Big Event Series.”
For more information about Life Leisure visit www.lifeleisure.net
Photos: A sprint finish for winner & runner up Stockport Harriers Stephen Crook (812) and Paul Brooks (1856)
Men's results
|
1 |
Stephen Crook |
00:35:44 |
|
2 |
Paul Brooks |
00:35:46 |
|
3 |
Mike Dixon |
00:37:20 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Susan Clapham |
00:42:54 |
|
2 |
Joan Jackson |
00:44:13 |
|
3 |
Louise Morgan |
00:44:51 |
Click here for full results
Bishops Park 10km
Men's results
|
1 |
Jamie Thom |
34:47 |
|
2 |
Michael Ridley |
35:21 |
|
3 |
Jason Jones |
37:09 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Lucy Woolhouse |
41:40 |
|
2 |
Monika Newton |
41:46 |
|
3 |
Amy Capper |
44:13 |
Click here for full results
Chislehurst Chase
The sixth annual 10k Chislehurst Chase on Sunday 21 September was run in perfect weather. There were 301 runners. Pics of the 3 winners of the Ladies' race are attached.
Ellie Dolby,was first in the ladies’ race, completing this, her first 10k in 44 mins 42 secs. As she is only 10 years old she started the race in the company of her father, but soon left him far behind. Clearly a name to watch out for. Second place in the Ladies’ race went to Jenny Cowper, who clocked 48 mins 10 secs. Third place went to Huizhi Ewe, number 111, who clocked 48 mins 26 secs
Photos (l-r): First three women, Ellie Dolby (212), Jenny Cowper (184) and Huizhi Ewe (111)
First in the men’s race was Daniel Pink, with a time of 37 mins 21 secs. Second was Stuart Penman in 38 mins 5 secs. Third was Steven Groom in 38 mins 19 secs.
Photos (l-r): First three men, Daniel Pink (201), Stuart Penman (098) and Steven Groom (178)
Men's results
|
1 |
Daniel Pink |
37:21 |
|
2 |
Stuart Penman |
38:05 |
|
3 |
Steven Groom |
38:19 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Ellie Dolby |
44:42 |
|
2 |
Jenny Cowper |
48:10 |
|
3 |
Huizhi Ewe |
48:26 |
Click here for full results
Devil Run
Photos © Grzegorz Skorka
The 'Devil Run' is an annual event held at the Devil’s Punchbowl to help raise awareness and funds for small charities out there doing good deeds for local communities.
Over two hundred runners attended this year’s 'Devil Run' event at the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead, Surrey. The race is becoming one of Surrey and Hampshire biggest outdoor events. Approximately five hundred people turned up at the National Trust Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The event, which was organised by Three Counties 10k Ltd for Age UK Surrey’s End Loneliness Now appeal as part of giving back to the community.
Age UK Surrey is an independent local charity supporting older people across the whole of Surrey. Each week the charity visits older people at home and for people living alone this may be their main form of social contact, but because local authority funding was cut in March, the service is at risk. The End Loneliness Now appeal is aiming to raise £3,000 to help keep the befriending service running and the Devil Run has raised around £700 towards that total. The befriending service is available in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley, where the Devil Run took place so there is a strong local connection. Kay Gilmore Fundraising Co-ordinator commented "We are very grateful to everyone who took part in the Devil Run and especially our sponsored runners and the money raised it will make a big contribution towards the appeal target."
Competitor numbers continue to grow each year. This year saw 110 runners taking on the 15K 'Devil Run' course, 76 the 10K Cross Country Run and a further 52 the 5K Cross Country Walk/ Run a total of 238 runners completing the varied and beautiful traffic free course around Hindhead Commons and Devil’s Punchbowl. Taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Surrey Hills.
The weather (bright and sunny) held out giving perfect running conditions for some fun and serious running. For the third year since it’s been run, the 15K 'Devil Run' record was smashed by Nigel Cowan and he did that under an hour, 00:58:27 to be exact.
All in all it was a great atmosphere filled with music, laughter, cheers and fun.
Entries open for next year's events on 1st of October 2014. See www.3counties10k.co.uk or just Google the Devil Run for details.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Counties10k-Limited/368892189798577
Twitter: twitter.com/3CoUNtiES10kLtd
Men's 15km results
|
1 |
Nigel Cowan |
00:58:27 |
|
2 |
Rory Spicer |
01:04:26 |
|
3 |
Adam Osbourne |
01:07:30 |
Women's 15km results
|
1 |
Julia Bleasdale (2nd overall) |
01:00:26 |
|
2 |
Sarah McDonald |
01:13:03 |
|
3 |
Susan Arbuthnott |
01:14:03 |
Click here for full results
Men's 10km results
|
1 |
Daniel Hull |
00:38:19 |
|
2 |
Robert Fox |
00:44:11 |
|
3 |
Cameron Gibson |
00:45:36 |
Women's 10km results
|
1 |
Elizabeth Cox |
00:48:10 |
|
2 |
Angel Padilla |
00:53:28 |
|
3 |
Georgie Furze |
00:55:30 |
Click here for full results
Men's 5km results
|
1 |
Gary Peach |
00:29:32 |
|
2 |
Daniel Titcomb |
00:31:50 |
|
3 |
Matthew Jones |
00:32:47 |
Women's 5km results
|
1 |
Olivia McDonald (3rd overall) |
00:32:12 |
|
2 |
Charlotte Griffiths |
00:33:26 |
|
3 |
Katherine Ibbotson |
00:38:28 |
Click here for full results
Kirkham Kricket Klub Klassic
The early morning mist and hazy skies cleared for the 10:30 start of the second Kirkham Kricket Klub Klassic race, a joint venture by the Kirkham and Wesham Cricket Club and their bi-weekly tenants, Wesham Road Runners, to promote both the clubs and provide some funds for proposed upgrade of the club house and pavilion.
A multi-terrain course of paths, fields, tracks and quiet country lanes the 6-mile route took the runners through town parkland past the tall spire of the imposing Kirkham Church and heading out across fields to Mowbreck Lane past dozing cows lapping up the mid morning sunshine.
Young Dan Whitlock of Preston Harriers, son of Wesham coach Chris and his wife Lisa headed off from the start and soon had an impressive lead. Once through the unmade undulations of Mowbreck Lane the course hit a two-mile rectangle of lanes through Treales before a return along the outward route. Whitlock completed the race in an impressive 36:51, 40 seconds clear of second placed M55 Alex Rowe. Both runners had run the Senior Men’s 6-Stage Northern Relays at Risley in Birchwood the previous afternoon. Third placed was Wesham’s Steve Myerscough picking up first M40 place in a time of 39:59 just holding off emerging club-mate Paul Hetherington second M40 finishing three seconds behind.
By this time the sun was well and truly out and it was a very pleasant location among a quadrangle of silver birch and beech trees at the start/finish area. Martin Herd and James Darkin were 5th and 6th in 40:13 and 40:19, with top M60 John Collier of Wesham seventh with 40:50.
Leading woman was Carmel Sullivan finishing strongly in a time of 43:23 with a gentlemanly finish by Lee Barlow just one second behind. Michaela Dempsey, international civil servant athlete, was second woman and second W45 in 48:44 with Kate Lake third in 52:21.
First M50 was Mick Edge in 45:54, 12th overall, and top M55 outside of the top three was John Sharples who ran a time of 49:08 for 16th place overall. Dave Jones was the first M65 in 52:47, the oldest competitor. Bernadette Dickinson was the first W55 in 52:40, also 4th woman with Blackpool’s Tanya Barlow first W40 in 53:10. First W35 was 8th placed woman Eleanor Jarvis in 54:58. Kim McGuire was 1st W55 in 67:36.
Although the overall turnout was only 47 runners this reflected concurrent events in Blackpool, Lancaster and Chorley on a busy weekend for running in the North West, a slight reduction in numbers over 2013 with an altered date in the calendar moving from July to September. Coupled with changing and shower facilities and pie and peas and the cheap bar in the Cricket Club this was an all round event. To round off the event Wesham Road Runners and Kirkham and Wesham Cricket Club had a friendly game of cricket through the afternoon.
Men's results
|
1 |
Dan Whitlock |
Preston Harriers |
36:51 |
|
2 |
Alex Rowe |
Wesham |
37:31 |
|
3 |
Steve Myerscough |
Wesham |
39:59 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Carmel Sullivan |
Wesham |
43:23 |
|
2 |
Michaela Dempsey |
Wesham |
48:44 |
|
3 |
Kate Lake |
Preston |
52:21 |
Click here for full results in due course
Longworth 10k
There were 82 participants running in glorious and near-perfect weather conditions: sunny, fresh, and despite recent rain, still fairly dry underfoot, even on the section running alongside the river. The scenic off-road course this year involved avoiding obstacles such as a wedding party and an angling competition!
The winner, who was also the fastest male junior, was Nat Jones from Abingdon School Cross Country Club, in a time of 36.38. Fastest senior male was Alex Mott in 38:30, and fastest male veteran was Graham Ferris of Witney Road Runners in 39:17. Simon Woods of Longworth Runners was the fastest local in a time of 41:45.
Fastest female was Clare Norrish of White Horse Harriers in 43:55. Fastest female veteran was Sarah Senior in 45.06, and fastest female junior was Cassia Mielle-Harvey of Radley Athletics in 49:10.
Men's results
|
1 |
Nat Jones |
Abingdon School |
36:38 |
|
2 |
Ewan Gault |
St Edwards School |
36:42 |
|
3 |
Jonty De La Harpe |
Abingdon School |
37:02 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Clare Norrish |
White Horse Harriers |
43:55 |
|
2 |
Sarah Senior |
|
45:06 |
|
3 |
Victoria Richardson |
Longworth Runners |
46:32 |
Click here for full results in due course
Shardeloes 10k
This multi-terrain race starts and finishes at the spectacular setting of Amersham Cricket Club at Shardeloes. From Shardeloes the route then takes participants along the Misbourne valley towards Little Missenden and then up one of the wonderful Chiltern Hills. Access to part of the course is with kind permission of Shardeloes Farm.
Chiltern Harriers AC's Allan Stewart and Simon Beedell were first and second respectively in a time of 37:29. Ben Davies of Vale Of Aylesbury AC was third in 37:43.
First woman across the line was Fay Cripps of Chichester AC in a time of 42:16 11. Ali Young of Chiltern Harriers AC / Team Parkfit was second in 44:11 18. Sophie Green of Tring RC took third place in 44:43 21
Men's results
|
1 |
Allan STEWART |
Chiltern Harriers AC |
37:29 |
|
2 |
Simon BEEDELL |
Chiltern Harriers AC |
37:29 |
|
3 |
Ben DAVIES |
Vale Of Aylesbury AC |
37:43 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Fay CRIPPS |
Chichester AC |
42:16 |
|
2 |
Ali YOUNG |
Chiltern Harriers AC / Team Parkfit |
44:11 |
|
3 |
Sophie GREEN |
Tring RC |
44:43 |
Click here for full results
Wimbledon 10K
Men's results
|
1 |
Tom Bowerman |
35:36 |
|
2 |
Edwin McCormack |
36:24 |
|
3 |
Lewis Banner |
36:31 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Fiona Ford |
42:03 |
|
2 |
Joanna Fitch |
47:42 |
|
3 |
Tessa Watson |
50:08 |
Click here for full results
Worcester City 10k and Run-Bike-Run
Thousands of people turned out on the streets of Worcester yesterday as the Worcester City 10k and Run-Bike-Run events took place through the historic streets of the West Midlands city.
The event, which was organised by British athletics legend Steve Cram as part of a new, exciting series of races throughout the UK, also saw current women’s road 10k world-record holder and iconic Great Britain athlete Paula Radcliffe return to athletics for the first time since the Vienna half marathon in 2012.
Reuben Chumba and Jenny Nesbitt took the honours in the men’s and women’s 10K respectively, while Ben Price and Alison Carr were winners of the Run-Bike-Run race, which comprised of the 10k run, a 35k bike ride and a further 5k run to finish. Network Reds won the Run-Bike-Run team event.
The Worcester City Young Athletes Runs also took place over one mile for those under the age of 11, and 3K for those athletes aged between 11 and 15 years.
Steve Cram, whose company Events of the North delivered the event, said: “We were confident that the people of Worcester would make this an event to remember and they delivered. The enthusiasm for the event from spectators and competitors alike was infectious and helped produce a fantastic day for everyone involved.
“We wanted to stage races in Worcester as part of our ambitions to get people active, and that coupled with the picturesque nature of the city made it a perfect venue, and that’s exactly what people said to me throughout the day – that it was the perfect venue to race across.
“To have Paula Radcliffe return to action here has made it extra special as well, and we hope to return again at some point in the future.”
Radcliffe, whose seven-year-old daughter Isla also took part in the Young Athletes Run, added: “It feels amazing to have returned to competing again and it was a joy to run, thanks to all the people who supported us, it was great to see.
“But today wasn’t about me, it was about the people of the city coming together and challenging themselves for a variety or reasons, and I’m delighted myself and my family could be part of what has been a great event.”
Winner of the women’s 10K, 19-year-old Jenny Nesbitt from Barbourne, commented: "I am ecstatic to have won. I had no expectations in terms of times as this is my first ever 10K race."
Men's 10k results
|
1 |
Reuben Chumba |
30.37 |
|
2 |
Adrian Holliday |
30.44 |
|
3 |
Tommy Davies |
31.53 |
Women's 10k results
|
1 |
Jenny Nesbitt |
34.21 |
|
2 |
Nicola Sykes |
35.38 |
|
3 |
Paula Radcliffe |
35.48 |
Click here for full results
Run-Bike-Run Individual Men's results
|
1 |
Ben Price |
1.58.34 |
|
2 |
Matthew Hallam |
1.58.38 |
|
3 |
Daniel Geisler |
1.58.39 |
Run-Bike-Run Individual Women's results
|
1 |
Alison Carr |
2.25.17 |
|
2 |
Marianne Scott |
2.28.34 |
|
3 |
Sharron Manders |
2.28.19 |
Click here for full results
Run-Bike-Run Team results
|
1 |
Network Reds |
2.07.12 |
|
2 |
WCLSC |
2.10.17 |
|
3 |
Runaround Sports |
2.10.32 |
Click here for full results
