Weekend review: September 27 & 28, 2014

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Running4Women Windsor 10K

Photos (l-r): The Long Walk. Generation Game winners Julia and Alanna Rayfield. Winner Ellie Gosling © marathon-photos.com

The Running4Women Windsor 10K took place in Windsor Great Park, with just under 500 women crossing the finish line on The Long Walk in unseasonably warm weather conditions.

One of the first women-only events in the UK, the Running4Women events attract women of all levels and all ages including novices, charity runners and club runners from the surrounding areas. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the Official Charity for the Running4Women Windsor 10K.

Ellie Gosling from Reading Road Runners was part of a small group of runners who took the lead straight from the start and she kept extending the gap on the undulating course, claiming the win in a time of 41:14. Runner up and club mate Sarah Urwin-Mann crossed the finish line in 41:27, and Collette Callanan from Sandhurst Joggers came third in 43:45. Hannah Morris (U17) from Dorking and Mole Valley AC, who was in third place for most of the race, finished in overall 4th position and is one to watch for the future.

Julia and Alanna Rayfield, both from Reading AC, were the fastest team in the Generation Game by achieving the lowest aggregate time as mother and daughter. Julie Rayfield finished in overall fifth position in a time of 45:37 with daughter Alanna finishing in overall 17th place in 50:03.

The full results and images will be available on the event website www.running4women.com on Monday.

Joanne Tranter (Manager, Special Events) from Running4Women commented: “We would like to thank all the runners who took part, as well as all the spectators, supporters, and of course our volunteers and marshals. We have received some great feedback, with everyone loving the beautiful surroundings and the iconic finish on The Long Walk with an amazing view of Windsor Castle. There was a great atmosphere in the race village, and lots of runners celebrated their achievements with picnics in the park after the race.”

Jeni Nugent, Running Events Fundraiser for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, commented: "It's great for us to be involved with a women's only event, especially as lung cancer is the third most common cancer in women with more than 4000 women dying of lung cancer every year than any other cancer. The Running4Women Windsor 10K is set in beautiful surroundings, and we would like to express a big thank you to the 250 women who took on the 10K challenge today to raise valuable funds our charity." 

Go to www.running4women.com for further details and to sign up to the Running4Women newsletter, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/running4women and follow @Running4women on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news.

Women's results

1	Ellie Gosling	Reading Road Runners	41:14
2	Sarah Urwin-Mann	Reading Road Runners	41:27
3	Collette Callanan	Sandhurst Joggers	43:45

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Baxters Loch Ness marathon

Manchester-based Tomas Abyu returned from a lengthy spell of training in Ethiopia to claim his fourth Loch Ness Marathon title in fine style today (Sunday 28th September)

The African athlete looked composed throughout the 26.2 mile race which started on the high ground between Fort Augustus and Foyers and followed a route along the south shores of Loch Ness before finishing at the Bught Park in Inverness.

Abyu, who is a former Great Britain international, sprinted strongly through the finishing tape in 2hr 22min 41sec to add to his previous victories in 2003, 2010 and 2011.

He said: “I’ve been training in Ethiopia for a long time and I only returned last week when I decided to do the race. I felt quite easy for the first 16 miles, then it got tougher, but I had been able to pull away from the others before halfway so I just kept it going.

“I like running here. The countryside is very nice and it’s a good course. I certainly want to come back again next year to defend my title. In the meantime I hope to recover quickly so I can do the Yorkshire marathon in a couple of weeks from now.”

Edinburgh-based Polish athlete Patryk Gierjatowicz (Hunters Bog Trotters) collected the Scottish title for the second year in a row when finishing in the runner-up position in a personal best 2:24:17, while last year’s Loch Ness champion Tarus Elly (Salford) was third in 2:25:37.

With neither Abyu nor Elly being eligible for Scottish medals, the national silver went to Kerry Liam-Wilson (Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers), who was fourth overall in 2:28:58 and the bronze was collected by John Sharp (Inverclyde AC) who was fifth in 2:32:00. Wilson also won the over-40 age group title.

There was a dramatic finish to the women’s race in which Jen Emsley (Central AC) held off a late challenge from title-holder Megan Crawford (Fife C) to take the top prize in a new course record time of 2:46:10, knocking 27secs off the previous standard.  Crawford was also inside the old record, which she set twelve months earlier, when finishing just 15 secs behind, while Shona McIntosh took the bronze in 2:53:15.

Emsley was delighted with her day’s work which in addition to the record  yielded a Scottish title, a personal best time and a winner’s cheque for £1,500. She said: “I am very happy but surprised to have run a quicker time than I did at the London marathon, as I think Loch Ness is a harder course. But my training had been going well and I feel I’ve finally justified the hard work I’ve been doing.”

“There were four of us for the first 10 miles then the Romanian runner, Alina Nituleasa, dropped back. Megan then seemed to drop back and I eventually pulled away from Shona. Then, near the end, I could see that Megan was beginning to close up on me again so it was just a case of keeping going and not getting caught.”

Crawford had mixed feelings about her performance which was admirable given that she suffered from stomach problems throughout the race. She said: “I’m a bit annoyed but at the same time I’m really happy for Jen. I had to stop so many times during the race because of my dodgy tummy and every time I got going I was trying to make up ground. I eventually got past Shona and then began to close on Jen. I am convinced that if there was another mile I might have caught her.”

Terry Forrest (Cairngorm Runners) won the HSPC Gerald Cooper Memorial Cup, presented to the first Highland runner, for the third year in a row when he completed the course in 2:39:13. This was an impressive performance given that he started at the very back of the field.

Erica Christie (Bellahouston Harriers), who has competed in all 13 Baxters Loch Ness marathons, maintained her fine record of consistency by winning the over-50 women’s title in 3:14:20.

Men's marathon results

1	Tomas Abyu		2:22:41
2	Patryk Gierjatowicz	Hunters Bog Trotters	2:24:17
3	Tarus Elly	Salford	2:25:37

 

Women's marathon results

1	Jen Emsley	Central AC	2:46:10
2	Megan Crawford	Fife	2:46:25
3	Shona McIntosh	Hunters Bog Trotters	2:53:15

 

Full results will be on www.lochnessmarathon.com on Monday

 

 

Baxters River Ness 10K

Andy Douglas (North Highland Harriers) won the Baxters River Ness 10K for the second time in three years when powering through the finishing line in 30min 10secs.

The Great Britain mountain running international always looked to be in control before making his decisive move just after the halfway point.  He finished 36secs ahead of Scotland road running international Neil Renault (Edinburgh AC) while the 2013 winner, John Newsom (Inverness Harriers), had to settle for third position in 31:11, with the 2011 champion Kyle Greig (Forres Harriers) taking fourth spot in 31:26.

Douglas said: "There was a good bunch of us together in the early stages but I was eventually able to pull clear. I got away from Neil around the 6Km point and just battled my way to the finish from that stage onwards. I wanted to get a time around the 30min mark, so I'm happy enough with the result. It's a great way to end the season. I'll now take a short break then begin building up for the cross country campaign."

Renault was also satisfied with the outcome, saying: “My aim was to try to stay with Andy but I couldn't do that and for the last few kilometres I was on my own. I could see him in the distance so I kept pushing on. I'm happy with the time as I haven't really eased up for the race."

Title-holder Newsom admitted to being a little disappointed with his performance. He said:"The last few races I've done haven't gone as well as I'd hoped. I won last year and I was hoping to give Andy a decent challenge but it just wasn't there today."

Jenny Bannerman came close to her personal best time when leading Inverness Harriers to a clean sweep of the top prizes in the women's division of the race. The North 10Km series champion recorded 35:52, which is just 15secs short of her quickest time recorded at the Scottish championships at Stirling recently. Sarah Liebnitz was second in 37:11 and Jodie Lynch took third spot in 37:40.

Bannerman said:"I am happy with the win and my time as that’s twice I've been under  36 mins now. I think my Stirling run was still in my legs because although I started off feeling fine, I was hanging on for dear life over the final four kilometres and the wheels were certainly coming off at eight kilometres. It was great that Inverness runners filled the top three places but it's a shame there wasn't a team prize."

North of Scotland schools 1500m track champion Liam Barnsby (East Sutherland Running Club) held off a strong challenge from the Inverness Harriers duo of James Geddes and Cameron Young to win the Baxters River Ness 5Km. Barnsby,16, took top spot in 17min 19secs while Geddes,16, was runner-up in 17:26, one sec ahead of his clubmate Cameron Young,16. Emily Andrew (Inverness Harriers),12,  was the first girl in 21:06  while Joanne Graham was second in 22:10 and Claire McGarvey third in 22:29.

Aberdeen's Lucas Pilichos won the Wee Nessie childern's 400m run.

Men's 10km results

1	Andy Douglas)	North Highland Harriers	30:10
2	Neil Renault	Edinburgh AC	30:46
3	John Newsom	Inverness Harriers	31:11

 

Women's 10km results

1	Jenny Bannerman	Inverness Harriers	35:52
2	Sarah Liebnitz	Inverness Harriers	37:11
3	Jodie Lynch	Inverness Harriers	37:40

 

Full results will be on www.lochnessmarathon.com on Monday

 

 

Big Dipper 10K

Seventy-three runners attempted the Big Dipper this year. An additional loop passing Upton Bishop Church has extended the course to a full 10K.

With very little flat and a few steep sections it is not a course to attempt a personal best especially on a very warm autumn day. Most preferred to enjoy the scenery and look forward to the tea and cakes at the finish with the final family of four crossing the line in 1hour 27mins.

First home was Andrew Stephens of Monross Trailblazers closely followed by local 16-year-old Felix Rusby and Jon Newey. Malvern Joggers always send a large contingent and they were rewarded with a number of prizes including Megan Judge as first lady ahead of Claire Bunce of Redrose Runners and Belinda Tull from Reading Roadrunners.

Upton Bishop Sports and Social Club are grateful to their sponsors: Bailey Farms, R P Joinery, Newent Auto Centre, Chicory Crops, Chaseview Veterinary Clinic and Westons Cider.

Men's results

1	Andrew Stephens	Monross Trailblazers	38:26
2	Felix Rusby	Wells City Harriers	38:40
3	Jon Newey	Malvern Joggers	39:25

 

Women's results

1	Megan Judge	Malvern Joggers	43:47
2	Claire Bunce	Redrose Runners	44:39
3	Belinda Tull	Reading Roadrunners	44:46

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon & Rotary 5k

The dry conditions and bright still morning probably helped the first three finishers to beat the course record but Jarlath Mckenna put on a storming performance to beat his nearest rival by over three minutes. The field of nearly 500 coped admirably with the course which has a worrying elevation profile with very little level running. For those with time to look around the Forest was beautiful. There also was a 5k fun run.

Photo: winner Jarlath Mckena running past Mallard's Pike at 9miles

Men's results

1	Jarlath McKenna	Bristol & West AC	1:15:12
2	Gary Burnett	Charnwood AC	1:18:29
3	Sean Taylor	Michelmores Running Club	1:19:03

 

Women's results

1	Marianne Britten	Unattached	1:33:05
2	Sue Thorndyke	Unattached	1:34:08
3	Katie Ball	Southville Running Club	1:36:00

 

Click here for full results

 

 

ECF Monster Running Festival

Photos © Ian-Green Photography

The Eastern Counties Finance Monster Racing Run Fest sponsored by PWR+ took place on Sunday, 28th September.  As Monster’s Ultra event was so popular in 2013, the Run Fest was created for this year. For the crazy Ultra runners, that 68km race returned. And those not quite so keen had the choice of a Marathon or Half Marathon.

A total of 209 athletes started the races outside Ely Cathedral. All athletes followed the same route on cyclepath 11 along the river bank of the River Great Ouse. Where the runners turned around and headed back depended on the race. The Half Marathon athletes turned just before the village of Wicken. The Marathon and Ultra athletes continued along the path through Wicken Fen, the first ever National Trust site, and onto White Fen. They continued through desolate Fens. The Marathon athletes turned around at the village of Lode. The Ultra athletes carried on to take up the path along the River Cam, following the river to the outskirts of Cambridge. Here they turned around and started the long journey back!

First across the line in the men’s Ultra race was Craig Holgate (Centurion Runners / Ely Runners) in a time of 4h and 45mins Second male was Russell Pixton, 5:39, and third male was Benjamin Letzer (Coltish all Jaguars),5:59.

The women’s Ultra race was won by Susie Chesher in a time of 6h and 11mins. Second female was Jennifer Sangster (David Lloyd Redway Runners), 6:25, and third female was Johanna Marsian, 7:07.

First across the line in the men’s Marathon was Alan Darby (Ely Runners) in a time of 2h and 50mins. Second male was Martyn Taylor (Newmarket joggers), 3:07, and third male was Ed Fuller, 3:23. The women’s Marathon race was won by Clare Fleming (Newmarket Triathlon) in a time of 3h and 39mins. Second female was Paola Perono (Tri-Spoke), 4:17, and third female was Janet Cobby (100 Marathon Club), 4:21.

The women’s Half Marathon race was won by Claire Hallissey (Bristol & West) in a time of 1h and 22mins. Second female was Melanie Allen 1:33, and third female was Maxine Lane (Newmarket Cycle and Triathlon Club),1:38. First across the line in the men’s Half Marathon was Ian Hall in a time of 1h and 23mins. Second male was Daniel Pluck (KLTC), 1:36, and third male was Aurelien Bancel, 1:38.

First and second placed athletes won cash prizes donated by Eastern Counties Finance and PWR+, third place athletes won vouchers donated by Ultra Runner. Other partners ensured all athletes were fuelled. Tasty race nutrition was provided by Hammer Nutrition and 9Bar. The athletes were kept well hydrated by local Iceni Water. Race day logistics were assisted thanks to Practical Van Hire Ely.

Ian-Green Photography was out on the course capturing the action as well as capturing the finish to the spectacular back drop of Ely Cathedral. All pictures are available from www.ian-greenphotography.co.uk.

A Monster Racing spokesman said: “The first Monster Run Fest was a great day! The aim of the Run Fest is to provide a low key friendly event and we have succeeded. The Ultra event sold out for the second year running and the Marathon and Half Marathon were close to capacity. Next year we will increase the capacity of all three distances to meet demand for these cracking events. 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, East Cambs Council, The National Trust and Practical Van Hire Ely for their support and access to facilities.”

Monster Racing are already busy planning the 2015 events and hope to make that their biggest and best season yet! Check out their events at www.monsterracing.net.

Men's ultra results

1	Craig Holgate	Centurion Runners / Ely Runners	4:45
2	Russell Pixton	Unattached	5:39
3	Benjamin Letzer	Coltish all Jaguars	5:59

 

Women's ultra results

1	Susie Chesher	Unattached	6:11
2	Jennifer Sangster	David Lloyd Redway Runners	6:25
3	Johanna Marsian	Unattached	7:07

 

Men's marathon results

1	Alan Darby	Ely Runners	2:50
2	Martyn Taylor	Newmarket joggers	3:07
3	Ed Fuller	Unattached	3:23

 

Women's marathon results

1	Clare Fleming	Newmarket Triathlon	3:39
2	Paola Perono	Tri-Spoke	4:17
3	Janet Cobby	100 Marathon Club	4:21

 

Men's half marathon results

1	Ian Hall	Unattached	1:23
2	Daniel Pluck	KLTC	1:36
3	Aurelien Bancel	Unattached	1:38

 

Women's half marathon results

1	Claire Hallissey (1st overall)	Bristol & West	1:22
2	Melanie Allen	Unattached	1:33
3	Maxine Lane	Newmarket Cycle and TriathlonClub	1:38

 

Click here for full results in due course

 

 

Macclesfield Half Marathon and 5K

The 2014 race took place on a beautiful, sunny and warm late summer’s day on Sunday 28th September. There was a total of 685 finishers in the Half Marathon and 119 finishers in the 5K race. There was a real buzz and party atmosphere at the Macclesfield Athletics Track as hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the race and enjoy the sunshine. The positive feedback and smooth organisation is down to the hard work and dedication of over 130 volunteers from Macclesfield Harriers.

The winner of the Half Marathon was David Webb from Telford who cruised home in 1:10:23, over 6 minutes ahead of second placed runner Rob Downs from Wilmslow in 1:16:46 who broke the MV50 record that had stood since 2009. Rob now holds both the MV45 and MV50 records. 3rd man was James Noakes from Macclesfield in 1:18:00

Diane McVey won the ladies Race in a time of 1:23:14 and finished 10th overall. 2nd and 3rd places were Hayley Ashley of Sale Harriers in 1:28:04 and Amy Green of Keighley and Craven AC in 1:28:50

There were three new records set in 2014; Rob Downs MV50, Grant Walker MV75 in 2:11:49 and Alexis Dinsmoor FV65 in 2:06:55.

The 5K race attracted 119 runners, many of whom were taking part in their first ever race after completing couch to 5K courses. The race was won by Ben Light from Buxton in a time of 17:39. Katie Lowery moving up an age category to FU17 broke her own record set last year and finished 2nd overall in a time of 18:17. The ladies race was a family affair with sisters Ellen and Juliet Downs finishing 2nd and 3rd and and Emily Lowery younger sister to Katie winning the FU15 category.

In the fun run there were 39 youngsters who completed the course to be awarded well-deserved medals.

All the profits from the race are donated to charities and the race committee hope to donate over £5,000 to the East Cheshire Hospice.  The committee would like to thank main sponsor Simon Carves Engineering for their continued generous support of the Half Marathon and the support from Spire Regency and Paul Smith Dental.

Men's results

1	David Webb	Telford	01:10:23
2	Rob Downs	Wilmslow Running Club	01:16:46
3	James Noakes	Macclesfield Harriers & AC	01:18:00

 

Women's results

1	Diane McVey	Wilmslow Running Club	01:23:15
2	Hayley Ashby	Sale Harriers	01:28:04
3	Amy Green	Keighley & Craven AC	01:28:50

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's results

1	Ben Light	Buxton & District AC	00:17:39
2	Paul Williams		00:18:42
3	Andrew Whittingham	Wilmslow Running Club	00:18:51

 

Women's results

1	Katie Lowery (2nd overall)	Macclesfield Harriers & AC	00:18:17
2	Ellen Downs	Stockport Harriers & AC	00:18:54
3	Juliet Downs	Stockport Harriers & AC	00:19:11

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Paradise and Back 10km & Almost Paradise 5km

The second Ellis Brigham backed Paradise and Back trail run in Bristol's Leigh Woods, took runners on a lap of the forest paths overlooking the Avon Gorge, past an ancient hill fort and down Forestry Commission cycle tracks, the portentously named Paradise Bottom.

The leaves had turned the forest floor blood red and tangerine orange, to reflect the sunny skies, as runners crunched around the fast but by no means PB course, which included two short but sharp ascents and two sections of technical descent. The organisers Wild Running and Clifton based gym Oakfields PT were a little concerned, after learning at the eleventh hour of a 100-year-old birthday celebration, mid course, but this did not affect proceedings, aside from the odd vehicle doing u-turns on normally carless tracks.

Over 100 entrants, many of whom were relative newcomers to trail races, entered the 5km Almost Paradise and the 10km main event, with the aim of raising money for Above and Beyond, Bristol Children's Hospital's Paedeatric Unit appeal. The organisers had hoped to encourage newcomers to try their first trail run and on the day, few entrants were affiliated to clubs, which leant the athletes village an informal feel, despite the presence of sponsors Ellis Brigham, Salomon and Bristol's Tri Shop.

In the 10km, spectators were taken aback to see Tom Southern emerge from Paradise Bottom, ahead of Graham Wadsworth, who had led him by over a minute at the half way point. However, when Tom conceded he had taken a wrong turn, Graham was given the winners time of 36.17. David Gray was third in 41.41. Malinder Myers won the women's race for the second year running in 46.34, followed by Jill Wring and Eleanor Ross.

The 5km, which was largely a fun run, saw junior Hugh Tarren finish ten seconds ahead of ahead of Nicholas Suarez and a further 90 seconds clear of Leon Dallyn in 25.07. Clare Bosman won the women's race in 27.34. 

Men's Paradise and Back 10km results

1	Graham Wadsworth	00:36:17
2	Tom Southam	00:37:31
3	David Gray	00:41:41

 

Women's Paradise and Back 10km results

1	Malindi Myers	00:46:34
2	Jill Wring	00:50:57
3	Eleanor Ross	00:51:25

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's Almost Paradise 5km results

1	Hugh Tarren	00:24:07
2	Nicolas Suarez	00:24:15
3	William Aczel	00:24:15

 

Women's Almost Paradise 5km results

1	Clare Bosman	00:26:23
2	Christine Greig	00:27:45
3	Annie Jenkin	00:27:58

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Portishead Multi-Terrain 10k

Portishead Multi-Terrain 10K Race and Children’s Fun Run

The sun shone and the marshals cheered as a 150 runners completed the Portishead 10K Multi Terrain event.

Despite the heat and a tough course consisting of woodland, trail and coastal path, runners showed great determination to complete the race which started and finished at the Lake Grounds. A number of local clubs were well represented, including Bristol and West AC, Westbury Harriers and Clevedon AC, along with many other individual runners.

First male finisher was Andrew Code of Bristol and West AC in 37:28 and first female was Nicola Brooklyn (also of Bristol and West AC) in 39:26. Details of all the results can be found on the club website.

This year the event was delighted to receive sponsorship from Sainsbury’s, with staff from the soon-to-open Portishead store on hand at the finishing line handing out much needed water, bananas and flapjacks. There were also a number of staff competing.

Now in its twelfth year, the multi-terrain race provides the opportunity for the running club to share some of its favourite local routes and raise money for charity. Club members and local Rotarians help to organise, marshal and bake cakes to help with the smooth running of the event, and part of the proceeds are donated to the Portishead Rotary Club.

Portishead Running Club are a local, friendly group who welcome new members of all abilities. Club nights are Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, and on Wednesday there is a Ladies Only session also at 7pm. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page. www.portisheadrunningclub.co.uk

Men's results

1	Andrew Code	Bristol and West AC	37:28
2	Robin Phillips	WESTBURY HARRIERS	39:13
3	Andy Sparks		39:36

 

Women's results

1	Nocola Brooklyn (third overall)	BRISTOL & WEST AC	39:27
2	Jane Colman	Bristol and West AC	45:11
3	Laura Meech	CLEVEDON AC	47:48

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Solent Half Marathon

On an unseasonably hot morning over 400 runners tackled this very scenic half marathon, which is part of the Hampshire Road Race league. 

The route starts in Blackfield at the Gangwarily Recreation Centre and takes in the New Forest with its ponies and cows, goes past Exbury Gardens and winds it's way down to the sea, past Lepe Beach.  The second half is hillier and takes in Fawley village before winding its way back to  the finish at Gang Warily.

The race winner was James Knight who is with Overton Harriers and his time was 1:12:40. Daniel O'Boyle of Stubbington Green Athletic Club was second  in 1:12:55 and Stubbington's Lewis Chalk was third in 1:14:56.  

First woman was Ellie Monks, who is with Southampton Athletic Club and her time was 1:24:27. Valerie Sesto of New Forest Runners was second woman in 1:26:22 and Jackie Lloyd of Victory Athletic Club third in 1:29:29.

Photos: The race start and winner James Knight and first lady, Ellie Monks

Men's results

1	James Knight	Overton Harriers & A.c	01:12:40
2	Daniel O Boyle	Stubbington Green Runners	01:12:55
3	Lewis Chalk	Stubbington Green Runners	01:14:56

 

Women's results

1	Ellie Monks	Southampton Athletic Club	01:24:27
2	Valeria Sesto	New Forest Runners	01:26:22
3	Jackie Lloyd	Victory Athletic Club	01:29:29

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Switchback 5

The Switchback 5, organised by Striders of Croydon, took place in lovely sunny weather on a firm, dry course. This year, the challenging annual cross-country race over Lloyd Park and through Addington Hills was tackled by 101 runners.

Striders’ own runners did very well this year, with first and second places going to Striders: Bill Makuwa the winner in 29:31, followed by Ernie Hann in 29:49, with Sam Clayton of Croydon Harriers third in 31:15.  First male Veteran 40 was Lee Flanagan (Striders of Croydon) in 31:22 (fourth overall), first male V50 was Mark Constantinou (Collingwood AC) in 31:50 (seventh overall) and first male V60 was Norman Hemming (Croydon Harriers) in 43:02 (50th overall). Bill Makuwa, Ernie Hann and Lee Flanagan made up the winning team for Striders of Croydon.

Ola Balme of Dulwich Runners) won the women’s race in 34:16 (18th overall) and was also first V45; Serena Stracey (Striders of Croydon) was second, and first V35, in 34:34 (20th overall), while Jenny Leng (Petts Wood Runners) was third in 36:46 (30th overall) and Maggie Statham (Oxted Runners) was first V55 in 38:19 (37th overall). The team prize was won by Jenny Leng, Kathryn Suckling and Yolanda Martinez for Petts Wood Runners, with the Collingwood AC team just a single point behind.

After the race, runners collected their memento mugs (featuring the old oak tree near the finish line) and then enjoyed tea/coffee and lovely home-made cakes back at the Striders of Croydon clubhouse.

Photos: The top three men, winner Bill Makuwa (224), second placed Ernie Hann (202) and third placed Sam Clayton (217)

Men's results

1	Bill Makuwa	Striders of Croydon	00:29:31
2	Ernie Hann	Striders of Croydon	00:29:49
3	Sam Clayton	Croydon Harriers	00:31:15

 

Photos: The top three women, winner Ola Balme (208), second placed Serena Stracey (234) and third placed Jenny Leng (152)

Women's results

1	Ola Balme	Dulwich Runners	00:34:16
2	Serena Stracey	Striders of Croydon	00:34:34
3	Jenny Leng	Petts Wood Runners	00:36:46

 

Click here for full results

 

 

West Pinchbeck 10k

It was a warm, sunny, calm, autumn day, so perfect conditions for a few PB's on the course. 224 runners completed the course.

Nene Valley Harriers' Lloyd Kempson was the winner in a time of 35:15. In second place was Anthony Johnson of Werrington Joggers 35:25 and Andrew Richardson of Sleaford Striders third in 35:41.

First woman was Charlotte Taylor of Nene Valley Harriers with a time of 35:45. Philippa Taylor also of Nene Valley Harriers was second in 37:56 and Sleaford Town Runners' Katja Eravisto was third in 39:23.

Men's results

1	Lloyd Kempson	Nene Valley Harriers	00:35'15"41
2	Anthony Johnson	Werrington Joggers	00:35'25"15
3	Andrew Richardson	Sleaford Striders	00:35'41"71

 

Women's results

1	Charlotte Taylor	Nene Valley Harriers	00:35'45"94
2	Philippa Taylor	Nene Valley Harriers	00:37'56"68
3	Katja Eravisto	Sleaford Town Runners	00:39'23"03

 

Click here for full results