Weekend review: June 27 & 28, 2015

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Bewl Water Series

The weather was very warm, and the dry packed trails made the course conditions pretty testing all round.

The winning times were fantastic, the honour in the men's half marathon went to Adrian Perkins (Maidstone Harriers) who set a blistering pace and finished the race in 1.30.08. In the ladies half marathon, Jennifer Howland  stormed to victory in a time of 1.52.10.

The marathon men's winner was David Thompson (Billericay Striders) who had a cracking run, completing the race in a time of 3.24.28. The winning lady in the marathon was Tracey Ranson (Springfield Striders) who posted a time of 3.37.54. 

The Ultra 37.5 mile mens winner was Gareth Williams in 5.47.15, who had a great run and the ladies winner was Caroline Farren (Clapham Chasers) in 6.38.38.

With the Ultra 50 the sun certainly took it's toll on the runners and the victor in the mens race was Stephen Hobbs (Canterbury Harriers) in a superb time of 8.28.08. Unfortunately there was no ladies winner, despite some valiant efforts. 

The next event from the organisers is the North Downs Way Marathon & Half, which takes place on the 19th July. There are just 10 places left for the marathon and 30 for the half marathon, so if a nice tough, hilly race appeals to you then please refer to www.hermesrunning.com for all the race details. 

Men's Half Marathon results

1	ADRIAN PERKINS	MAIDSTONE HARRIERS	01:30:09
2	CHRISTOPHER SMITH	Unattached	01:33:55
3	MARK SCOTT	Unattached	01:34:22

 

Women's Half Marathon results

1	JENNIFER HOWLAND	Unattached	01:52:14
2	LIRIA WILLIAMSON	Unattached	01:58:15
3	SAMANTHA MILLS	Unattached	02:00:15

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's Marathon results

1	DAVID THOMPSON	BILLERICAY STRIDERS	03:24:33
2	DAVID BARKER	TUNBRIDGE WELLS HARRIERS	03:31:36
3	SIMON HASSETT	DARTFORD ROAD RUNNERS	03:42:30

 

Women's Marathon results

1	TRACEY RANSON (3rd overall)	SPRINGFIELD STRIDERS	03:37:58
2	MERILYN DAVIS	ELMBRIDGE RRC	04:14:05
3	ELLAN IAQUANIELLO	LARKFIELD AC	04:39:03

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's Ultra 37.5 Mile results

1	GARETH WILLIAMS	Unattached	05:47:17
2	ANDY COOKSEY	Unattached	06:38:11
3	PAUL MASON	Unattached	06:56:34

 

Women's Ultra 37.5 Mile results

1

CAROLINE FARREN (3rd overall)

Clapham Chasers

06:46:48

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's Ultra 50 Mile results

1	STEPHEN HOBBS	CANTERBURY HARRIERS	08:28:10
2	ALEX WILLIAMS		08:29:59
3	WILL BRACKENBURY		09:18:13

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Appleby Rotary 10k & Eden Valley Fun Run 2015

This year’s event saw a record turnout for both races with almost 400 runners taking to the streets of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria. The weather could have been better for the spectators but it made for ideal running conditions for the competitors.

Kurt Heron of Tyne Bridge Harriers destroyed the men’s 10k course record coming first with a time of 34:18, whilst Hannah Horsburgh of Keswick AC, won the women’s race with an incredible time of 37:30 and also broke the women’s course record. Both athletes received a £100 cash prize for their efforts in addition to their trophies.

In the 4k fun run 12 year old local boy, Harry Chambers, was victorious with an incredible time of 15:34. He will be one to watch for the future!

The shields for the first local male and female were presented to Tom Fynn of Howgill Harriers and Kathleen Gough, unattached.

Thanks must go to 1st Appleby Scouts, Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue, Howgill Harriers and Appleby Rotary Club who all contributed to the efficient running of the event.

Men's results

1	Kurt Heron	Tyne Bridge Harriers	00:34:18
2	Dan Fisher	Valley Striders AC	00:35:25
3	Blain Rooney	Derwent AC	00:35:36

 

Women's results

1	Hannah Horsburgh	Keswick AC	00:37:30
2	Heidi Dent	Howgill Harriers	00:38:33
3	Georgia Campbell	South Shields Harriers	00:41:09

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K

Photos © Clive Lawrence

Big-hearted runners raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity when they took part in today’s [Sunday 28th June] Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K.

It was the third running of the event in Burnley, a highlight on the region’s sporting calendar.

It once again attracted fantastic support as runners transformed the streets of Burnley as they made their way around the course featuring three of the town’s attractive parks – Rowley, Towneley and Thompson Cheering crowds helped create an electric atmosphere along the route, which took the field from the start line outside the Mechanics Theatre in Manchester Road, along Church Street towards Thompson Park. It continued along Netherwood Road and on to Brunshaw Road, Deer Park Road, Towneley Park, Todmorden Road and passed close to Turf Moor Stadium before arriving back in Manchester Road and the finish line. 

First across the finishing line was Christopher Holdsworth in a time of 32mins and 59secs. He was followed by Matthew Lalor who took second spot in 33mins 42secs. Danny Collinge was third in 35mins 07secs. It was a role-reversal for Christopher and Matthew – Christopher finished second last year when Matthew took the top spot.

Louisa Powell-Smith was the first woman in 38mins 54secs, finishing ahead of Emma Yates in second who clocked 39mins 13secs. Laura Hesketh took third place in 40mins 26secs.

The event forms part of the Asda Foundation 10K Series that also includes runs in Lincoln, Hull, Leeds and York. It is organised by Run For All and is part of the lasting legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, who raised nearly £2m for charity by completing a series of gruelling challenges despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Photos © Clive Lawrence

People ran to take raise funds for one of the event’s partner charities or a good cause of their own choice. The official partner charities are Pendleside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Shine and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The Pennine Lancashire 10K is supported by the Asda Foundation, Burnley Council, Burnley Leisure, Motorpoint, Burnley Express, 2BR, Runner’s World, Run247 and bananakick.

Photos © Clive Lawrence

For more details on Run For All's full programme of events, go to www.runforall.com

Men's results

1	Christopher Holdsworth	32:59
2	Matthew Lalor	33:42
3	Danny Collinge	35:07

 

Women's results

1	Louisa Powell-Smith	38:54
2	Emma Yates	39:13
3	Laura Hesketh	40:26

 

Click here for full results

 

 

CPM Thame 10k

The long established Thame 10k has gained a reputation over recent years for taking place in seriously hot weather, which almost grilled the runners alive as they made their way along the slightly undulating town and country course. Not so this time as runners were greeted by heavy cloud and an unseasonal temperature. Luckily the race started in dry conditions but very soon the 829 runners were being hit by light but steady rain which persisted throughout the morning.

The rain was enjoyed by the majority of the runners but back at the start spectators and race officials were getting slowly soaked before the first runner back entered the field.

The winner of this race on the last two occasions, James Bolton of Woodstock Harriers had been playing cat and mouse with his nearest rival, Karl Spielman of Midhurst Milers as the two of them made a quick break from the pack in the early stages of the race.

It was Spielman who made the decisive break shortly after the 9k. mark and his superior strength up the final climb towards the finish enabled him to open up a five second gap by the time they entered the school playing field approaching the finish mats. Bolton was slightly peeved to have missed out on the hat-trick but vowed to return in 2016 to gain back his title.

For the ladies it was another victory for Sophie Carter. The Belgrave Harrier very soon established a firm grip on the race and never looked likely to be given any trouble from her nearest challenger, Diane Moore from Headington Roadrunners. Carter’s emphatic performance of 36.57 broke the ladies course record by a slim three seconds, quite amazing given the increasingly soggy conditions.

Headington Roadrunners took the men's and women's team prize.

Men's results

1	Karl Spielman	Midhurst Milers	33.18
2	James Bolton	Woodstock Harriers	33.23
3	Matt Taylor	Belgrave Harriers	34.04

                 

Women's results

1	Sophie Carter	Belgrave Harriers	36.57  (Course Record)
2	Diane Moore	Headington Roadrunners	37.49
3	Nadine Lewycky	Marshall Milton Keynes AC	38.54

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Cross Bay Challenge

The 10th annual Cross Bay Challenge saw nearly 500 participants run, walk or cycle across the sands of Morecambe Bay in aid of local cancer support charity CancerCare. With three events on offer - a half marathon, a family friendly 7 mile walk and new for 2015 - a cycle challenge for anyone who has their own ‘Fat Bike’, the Cross Bay Challenge offered a truly unique way to experience the stunning scenery of the Bay and nearby Lake District.

The Cross Bay Half Marathon Challenge, the only known tidal race in the world, saw close to 300 competitors taking part.

Photos (l-r): Veteran category winner Philip Lowery. Second placed Luke Beresford and overall winner Lewis Banton.

The first half marathon finisher was 37 year old Lewis Banton from Clowne in Derbyshire who completed the course in 1:22:12, followed by Luke Beresford (32) from Rippley in 1:25:15.

Ladies winner and local girl Caroline Baxter finished in 1:33:01 with Kerry Oldfield aged 38 taking the second place spot in 01:51:57.

This year's veteran category winners were Philip Lowery aged 51 (time of 01:30:24) from Carnforth and Vicky Murphy aged 41 who finished in  01:51:57.

40 year old Irene Frezzini travelled all the way from Pisa in Italy to take part after reading about the event on Runners World!

Photos (l-r): Irene Frezzini, second placed Kerry Oldfield and women's winner Caroline Baxter

Conditions were very good despite a wet and grey start to the day and the sun made a welcome appearance just in time for the start. A strong head wind added to the challenge as runners took on Morecambe Bay's unique terrain making for a very sandy and wet afternoon!

This year’s event started and finished at the Flookburgh foreshore in Cumbria, for the first time with a beer tent, hog roast and refreshments ready to welcome runners, walkers and cyclists. Everyone who took part also received a Cross Bay Challenge medal.

The Cross Bay Challenge event has raised over quarter of a million pounds to date for CancerCare, whose free support services include professional Counselling and a Children & Young People's Service. CancerCare has two dedicated centres based in Kendal and in Lancaster and also provides outreach services in local hospitals.

For more information about CancerCare visit www.cancercare.org.uk, follow CancerCare on Twitter @CancerCareLocal or on Facebook at ‘CancerCareCharity.

The CancerCare Cross Bay Challenge event 2015 is sponsored by: Ghyllside Cycles, Reid Hamilton Insurance, EDF Energy, Peter Bland Sports, Willow Water, Lingwood Security Management, Booths Ulverston and Fletcher’s Fruit & Veg.

 

 

Hadrian's Wall Half Marathon

Hadrian's Wall Half Marathon took the 414 participants on a circular route, close to a section of Hadrian's Wall, with outstanding views of this World Heritage Site. The route is of mixed terrain of grass path, forest track and approx 4.4 miles of road. 

Sam Stead of Keswick AAC was the winner in a time of 1:19:05, a new record. This means Sam will be collecting the bonus that was put up for anyone breaking the old mark of 1:21:38, which was set in 2013 by Conrad Franks. Conrad of Gateshead Harriers & AC had to settle for second place in this year's race, with a time of 1:21:00. Mike Jefferies was third in 1:22:28.

The first woman and twelfth overall was Philippa Wakefield in another record breaking time of 1:33:29. Catherine Maclaine was second in 1:41:46 and Lucy Stobbart of Cumberland AC third in 1:42:00.

Men's results

1	Sam Stead	Keswick AAC	1:19:05
2	Conrad Franks	Gateshead Harriers & AC	1:21:00
3	Mike Jefferies	Unattached	1:22:28

 

Women's results

1	Philippa Wakefield	Unattached	1:33:29
2	Catherine Maclaine	Unattached	1:41:46
3	Lucy Stobbart	Cumberland AC	1:42:00

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Isle of Wight Round the Island 70 mile ultra

99 people started on Saturday, 44 Ladies and 55 Men. The oldest entrant was 67 and the youngest a mere 19 years of age (and she completed the full 2 days, 70 miles).

The weather was superb with just a couple of light showers on Sunday afternoon. The course was dry and hard with excellent signposting.

Nathan Montague broke his own record by 13 min and 10 sec.

Mens Results

1	Nathan Montague	09:11:20
2	Ian Benge	09:54:58
3	Alistair Watson	10:12:25

 

Women's results

1	Hannah Turner	11:48:06
2	Karon Shipton	12:24:09
3	Angie Sadler	12:37:35

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Milton Keynes Urban Race

Urban Orienteering involves racing in a city centre, choosing your own route between points marked on a detailed map.  It offers a few advantages over road racing: you have a lot more to think about (indeed, the moment you stop concentrating, you go wrong); you can get better as you get older, as improved technique compensates for slower legs; and you can bring children who can enjoy a safe, competitive course of their own while parents compete on a longer route.

The Milton Keynes Urban Race was run at Great Linford, an area which combines picturesque parkland with a variety of complex modern housing estates. Light rain had mainly cleared by the start.  The race formed part of the UK Urban League and South East Urban Orienteering League (www.oxfordfusion.com/ukul/index.cfm) and attracted participants from Scotland, Humberside and Norfolk as well as more local.   

The electronic technology used, combined with GPS, allows competitors to compare route choices after the event (www.smoc.routegadget.co.uk; www.splitsbrowser.org.uk/splitsgraph.php?eventId=8243) demonstrating the importance of route choice - and not getting lost - as well as raw speed.

Men's class winners

Open	7.0 km	James Hoad	DRONGO	30:03
M40+	6.2 km	Martin Ward	SYO	35:29
M55+	4.9 km	Alun Jones	TVOC	30:32
M65+	3.9 km	Peter Carey	OD	30:25
M16-	3.2 km	Alfie Bullus	OD	20:26
M12-	2.1 km	Michael Paterson	CLYDE	17:57

 

Women's class winners

Women Open	6.2 km	Fiona Bunn	TVOC	44:14
W40+	4.9 km	Tanya Taylor	LOG	35:02
W55+	3.9 km	Carol Edwards	TVOC	28:02
W65+	3.1 km	Mary Nixon	SOC	31:43
W16-	3.2 km	Bethany Kippin	TVOC	23:21
W12-	2.1 km	Sarah Darley	GO	17:59

 

Full results are at www.smoc.info/Results/2015/MKurban.htm

 

 

North Devon AONB Marathon & Half Marathon

The North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the most challenging and visually stunning events in the UK.  The coastal route is tough, which is part of the appeal, and the scenery is incomparable, taking participants through the breathtaking North Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The winner of the marathon was Andrew Abraham of University of Cambridge in a time of 03:15:57. The women's winner was Mary Menon in a time of 03:45:52.

Ronnie Richmond of Bideford AAC was first in the half marathon in a time of 01:21:16, and the first woman in the half was Jessica Rosa of Clapham Chasers in a time of 01:40:50.

Men's marathon results

1	Andrew Abraham	University of Cambridge	03:15:57
2	Rob Weekes	North Devon Road Runners	03:19:45
3	Gareth Stephens	Unattached	03:22:01

 

Women's marathon results

1	Mary Menon	Unattached	03:45:52
2	Vicky Skelton	Unattached	03:57:18
3	Holly Symons	Unattached	04:12:58

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's half marathon results

1	Ronnie Richmond	Bideford AAC	01:21:16
2	Brendan Patton	Bideford AAC	01:29:03
3	James Gillanders	London Frontrunners	01:30:18

 

Women's half marathon results

1	Jessica Rosa	Clapham Chasers	01:40:50
2	Sarah James	Unattached	01:44:24
3	Sarah Sheppard	Unattached	01:44:48

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Samaritans’ Run 5K and 10K

Photos: Sally Armstrong led a pre-race warm-up. Up and coming young boxer Sniper Sam Smith (left orange and blue vest)

Nearly eight to nearly 80 was the age range for the 34th annual Samaritans’ Run 5K and 10K, held in the grounds of Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire on Sunday morning, 28th June 2015.

The runners numbered 536, with 60 entering on the day. Though never very sunny, the temperature stayed around 17C with a light wind and the rain stayed off until towards the end of the 10K.

The course was praised, especially areas in the woods which have been cleared so making the path wider and easier for runners to overtake. The course is over two laps of an accurately measured course with a few gradients, through woodland on a mixture of hard surface and woodland track. 

The event is popular for the family atmosphere, for being good value with the entry fee and “goody bags”, and for supporting a worthy cause, namely Samaritans, who support people in times of distress. It suits both the keen runners wanting to beat their personal best, as well as those for whom running is fun and the best way to spend part of a day. Clubs represented included Aldershot Running Club, Bracknell Forest Runners, Brighton Phoenix, Cruisers Running Club from Woking, Datchet Dashers, Purple Patch Runners, Reading Roadrunners and Sandhurst Joggers.

Photos (l-r): Karen Page, from Yateley and a member of the Sandhurst Joggers, ran her first 5K, and now aspires to a 10K and then a half-marathon.. Fergus O’Kelly, who played Father Barty Dunne (The Laughing Priest) in TV series Father Ted, with Helen Johnson, Bracknell Forest Runners, who won the 10K Women 50-plus in 45:19)

Among the runners was Sniper Sam Smith, 22, a light heavyweight amateur boxer about to turn professional. He trained with Pinewood Star Boxing Club, near Crowthorne and while under 18 won three amateur national championships, as well as representing England in the European Championships as a youth boxer. Sam has now joined Fitzpatrick Gym, Swindon, where he will be trained by Paddy Fitzpatrick, and this boxing stable includes boxers such as George Groves, a world championship contender. Sam was keen to support Samaritans and ran with Tim de Meyer, a regular supporter of the Run and former member of Pinewood Star.

Some were running for the first time. Feven Wakgari-Genis ran her first 5K to raise money for research into Tuberous Sclerosis, and Karen Page, from Yateley and with the Sandhurst Joggers, ran her first 5K, and now aspires to a 10K and then a half-marathon.

Ryan Martin, aged 11, from Bordon and with Aldershot Running Club, said he not only liked the flat course but loves coming through the magnificent College gates. He won the 5K boys under 16 in 19:53. At the other end of the scale, Dave Hooker, 63, was running his third Samaritans’ Run in a row and was pleased yet again to shave off another second, coming in at 53:48 for the 10K.

This Run is the main fundraising event for the local branch, Samaritans of Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts, and is expected to have raised more than £8000.

Shields were presented by Fergus O'Kelly, who played Father Barty Dunne (The Laughing Priest) in TV series Father Ted and who was a volunteer with Putney Samaritans in the 1980s-90s.

Men's 10k results

1	James Samson	Datchet Dashers	36:35
2	Ian Gosling	Reading Roadrunners	37:54
3	Pedro Upton	Unattached	37:57

 

Women's 10k results

1	Natasha Mansell	Bracknell Forest Runners	40:45
2	Minoda Zak	Unattached	42:28
3	Emma Card	Unattached	42:11

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's 5k results

1	Liam Campbell	Unattached	18:10
2	Daniel Black	Aldershot Farnham & District	19:10
3	Simon Bennison	Bracknell Forest Runners	19:23

 

Women's 5k results

1	Katie Hopkins	Woking AC	20:09
2	Martha Collings	Woking AC	21:42
3	Joy Noad	Purple Patch Runners	22:16

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Sherborne 10k

The fifth annual Fun Run and 10k race took place through the National Trust village of Sherborne in Gloucestershire last weekend.  This fundraising event for Sherborne C of E Primary School is always popular with families and the 10k race once again attracted a field of high calibre runners. In spite of overnight rain, the conditions were good and feedback from runners was very positive, enjoying the run through the stunning Sherborne estate parkland as well as being challenged by the undulating course!

Tegs Jones from Witney RRC crossed the line in first place in a fast time of 36.04 minutes, 30 seconds off the course record, followed by Tim Hughes (White Horse Harriers) in second place on 39:45 and first lady Shona Crombie-Hicks in 40:19.

A packed field of entrants for the all-terrain Fun Run enjoyed the safe course through beautiful Cotswold scenery.  Local juniors Dylan Williams and Joshua Angus of Bourton Roadrunners came home in first and second place in 9:44 and 9:51 minutes respectively. 

The runners and their families were then able to relax in the extensive school grounds and enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of Sherborne School.  Race organiser Inka Norden thanked the committee, community and sponsors for their support and in particular the expertise from local running clubs including Bourton Roadrunners and Witney RR.

Men's results

1	Tegs JONES	Witney RRC	00:36:04
2	Tim HUGHES	White Horse Harriers	00:39:45
3	Graham FERRIS	Witney RRC	00:40:24

 

Women's results

1	Shona CROMBIE-HICKS (3rd overall)	Unattached	00:40:19
2	Jenny HANNAH	Banbury Harriers	00:43:46
3	Stephanie LANE	Bourton Roadrunners	00:43:53

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Welwyn 10k

Photos: 471 runners tackled the scenic 10k course that meanders through the beautiful countryside around Welwyn village. Race winner Daniel Davies

On Sunday 28th June Garden City Runners hosted the second Welwyn 10k and 2.5k fun run. Sponsored by HRJ Foreman Laws and Clockhouse Gardens by Developing London it proved to be a great success with proceeds going to the four local primary schools of Oaklands, St. John's Digswell, St. Michael's Woolmer Green & Welwyn St. Mary's.

The Welwyn 10k now appears to be a popular event with entries selling out a week before race day. 471 runners tackled the scenic 10k course that meanders through the beautiful countryside around Welwyn village.

First male runner home was Daniel Davies in 35.10 and first female runner home was Lizzie Bird in 39.00.

Other Vet Categories were won by Charlene Jacobs-con-radie (FV35, 44:41), Janet McDonald (FV45, 46:31), Virginia Bird (FV55, 50:37), Shaun Mills (MV40, 38:27), Mick O'Sullivan (MV50, 37:38), Peter Fitzpatrick (MV60, 43:59), & Trace Allen (MV70, 53:43). The male team prize went to  Garden City Runners of Chris Jones, Richard Somerset & Andy Holt. The female team prize again went to Garden City Runners of Cath Harris, Virginia Bird & Anna Lillie.

The Olympic legacy seems to be thriving in the borough of Welwyn Hatfield with some fantastic results by budding athletes in the 2.5k fun run. First boy home was William Hughes in 9.08. First girl home was Ellie Hume in 10.48. The boys team was won by Applecroft school (William Hughes, Ben Crooks, Morgan Hume). The girls team was won by Oaklands school (Ruby Colville, Sarah Williscroft, Grace Blacket). 

For more information please check out @GC_Runners/@Welwyn10k for Twitter and The Welwyn 10k for Facebook.

Photos: The first female runner home was Lizzie Bird (525) in 39.00

Men's results

1	Daniel DAVIES	Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers	0:35:10
2	Craig BROWN	Biggleswade AC	0:35:32
3	Matthew WOODMAN	Stafford Harriers Running Club	0:37:19

 

Women's results

1	Elizabeth BIRD	Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers	0:39:00
2	Charlene JACOBS-CONRADIE	Unattached	0:44:41
3	Lizzie PARRY	Herts Phoenix	0:45:06

 

Click here for full results