Weekend review: October 31 & November 1, 2015

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Halloween Oaks Park 10 km Fun Run

The weather conditions were nice and mild and with the "heat wave" that had been experienced during the day, the event was fortunate to have really clement weather for the duration of the fun run.

There was a fantastic array of Halloween themed costumes running the trails. The winning times were superb, with the honour of the fastest time overall going to Peter Bell who won in a time of 41:57. Tthe ladies winner was Ashley Smith who had a great run too, finishing in 59:45.

A heartfelt thanks goes to local councillor Moira, the marshals, sponsors, first aiders and the race photographer.

Men's results

1	Peter Bell	Unattached	41:57
2	Mark Bayliss	Striders of Croydon	46:53
3	John Banks	Unattached	48:45

 

Women's results

1	Ashley Smith	Unattached	59:45
2	Andrea Glen	Sutton & District	1:00:51
3	Linda O'Sullivan	Collingwood AC	1:03.07

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Yeovil Montacute parkrun

Photos: Halloween parkrun at Montacute House

It was a bit spooky down at Montacute House this week as parkrun and Halloween combined, and 275 runners lined up at the start line ready to take on the course – back to running the right way round after last week’s reverse run.

In the run, visitor James Denne had a commanding performance to finish in 17m27, some 45 seconds ahead of second placed Jason Scott (18m46), with Graeme Jones of Harrow AC third over the line in 19m00.

In the Female placings, Nina Hampshire was first lady (15th place overall) in a time of 20m52, holding off Kirsty Norman of Gillingham Trotters RC, who was second (27th overall)  in 21m42. Chrissy Smith was third lady (55th overall) over the line in 23m48.

There were some good PB performances, including that of Nathan Baker who finished in 19m28 on his 40th parkrun. There were personal bests for returning tourists Reuben Pardoe and David Graham, whilst Andrew Robinson’s 27m07 was a PB and Sue Cox of Wessex Canicross got hers, and Emma Sale ran a time of 36m31 in her tenth run there.

The Mayes family were there from Southend and it seems that about half of Bath Skyline were there – Russell Bradford, Vicky Young and Sophie Scott were all in attendance. Isabel Abrahall reckoned that the course was a brilliant challenge for someone used to running round flat Osterley in West London! Helen Maisey was another who enjoyed the beautiful setting – it’s a bit hillier than Bracknell parkrun apparently – and Louise Jamieson enjoyed her first run here with her sister.  Thanks too tourist Laura Conway who is volunteer coordinator at Peterborough parkrun – she let Lee Whitton run round but offered to help as barcode scanner, a role she carried out with aplomb!

Photos: Boo! Rounding the fallen tree; second lady Kirsty Norman;

Men's results

1	James DENNE	Unattached	17:27
2	Jason SCOTT	Crewkerne RC	18:46
3	Graeme JONES	Harrow AC	19:00

 

Women's results

1	Nina HAMPSHIRE	Unattached	20:52
2	Kirsty NORMAN	Gillingham Trotters RC	21:42
3	Chrissy SMITH	Unattached	23:48

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Abergele 5

Abergele Harriers held the annual Abergele 5 Mile road race on Sunday 1st November. This is the 29th time the race has been held and, for the second year running, sunshine and blue skies greeted the 198 runners competing for individual, team and corporate prizes. The race was also an inter-regional competition.

The men's race was won by Mark Dalkins from Cheadle Running Club in a time of 26:43.  He was followed by Ricky Challinor from Liverpool Harriers in 27:10 and Owen Haswell from Cardiff Athletics Club in a time of 27:40.

Lucy Holt from the City of Stoke Athletics Club won the ladies race in a superb 29:39 and became only the seventh woman to beat the 30 minute barrier in the history of the race. Second place in the ladies race went to Mandy Vernon from Trentham ion Staffordshire in a time of 30:04. Sharleen Hollinshead of Cheadle was placed third in the ladies race in 32:25.

Eryri Harriers retained the men’s team trophy with North Wales Road Runners Club securing the ladies team prize.

North Wales won the men's inter-regional competition whilst Staffordshire were winners in the women's competition.

The Spillane & Co Wealth Management Corporate Team Challenge was won by the Kinmel Arms St George.

Men's results

1	Mark DALKINS	Cheadle RC	0:26:43
2	Ricky CHALLINOR	Liverpool Harriers	0:27:10
3	Owen HASWELL	Cardiff A.C.	0:27:40

 

Women's results

1	Lucy HOLT	City of Stoke AC	0:29:39
2	Mandy VERNON	Trentham/ staffs	0:30:04
3	Sharleen HOLLINSHEAD	Cheadle RC	0:32:25

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Bideford 10 Mile

The weather could hardly have been better with dry conditions, unseasonably warm autumn temperatures, very little wind and an overcast sky.  There were just short of 300 runners on the day, a slight increase over the past couple of years which might have been partially down to the fine weather as a considerable number of entries were taken on the day.

The course is relatively flat and comprises 5 miles of roads and another 5 to return on the scenic Tarka Trail so is a good race for a PB.

The winner was Bideford AAC's own Brendan Patton with a time of 56:54.  Allister Bristow of Erme Valley Harriers came second with a time of 57:16 and third was Kevin Squibb with a time of 58:22.  

Serane Stone of Tiverton Harriers led the women's times with 1:02:16, second was Alison Mcewing of Erme Valley Harriers in 1:02:42 and third was Ami Yetton of Plymouth Harriers in 1:03:41.

Prizes were also awarded for senior and vet teams as follows: First Senior Male Team: Bideford AAC (Brendan Patton, Jamie Blackman, James Jewell, Dan Manning); First Vet Male Team: Bideford AAC (Martin Colwill, Kelvin Groves, Nick Sturtridge, Mike Bishop); First Senior Female Team: Okehampton Running Club (Katie Littlejohns, Charlotte Radnor, Louise Pengelly); First Vet Female Team: Bideford AAC (Jo Bedlar, Helen Colwill, Sam Barnbrook).

Find out more via the Bideford AAC Twitter page @bidefordaac or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/BidefordAAC

Men's results

1	Brendan Patton	Bideford AAC	00:56:54
2	Alllister Bristow	Erme Valley Harriers	00:57:16
3	Kevin Squibb	Tiverton Harriers	00:58:22

 

Women's results

1	Serane Stone	Tiverton Harriers	01:02:16
2	Alison Mcewing	Erme Valley Harriers	01:02:42
3	Ami Yetton	Plymouth Harriers	01:03:41

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Billericay 10k

The fog didn’t stop nearly 600 runners finding their way around the very misty 10k course in this year’s popular Billericay Striders 10k road race.  There were some notable performances from the county’s elite athletes and fun runners alike.

Local athlete Paul Whittaker (Southend AC), 26 years old, broke the course record for a second time.  Paul took a huge 46 seconds off his own record, which he set last year, achieving a new record time of 30:31. Leading from the gun, Paul’s plan to run hard from the start paid off with a £150 cash prize and a bottle of champagne! Paul is presently being coached by one of Britain’s top distance coaches, Alan Storey.

In second place was Owen Cima of Thrift Green Trotters in 33:07 and in third place was Stephen Strange of Basildon AC in 34:32.

The ladies race resulted in a sprint finish between Rebecca Davidson of Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners and Gemma Russhard, with only three seconds between the winning time of 40:29 and second place 40:32.  In third place was veteran runner Emily Smith of Springfield Striders in a very respectable time of 43:05.  Rebecca won £50 and a bottle of champagne.

The Male Waitrose Youth Award for young runners under 21 years old was won by George Elliott, 17 years old, of Basildon AC, in a fantastic time of 35:48. The Female Waitrose Youth Award was won by Hannah Kane of East Essex Triathlon, 17 years old, in 50:21.  George and Hannah will have their names engraved on the perpetual trophy sponsored by Waitrose, Billericay.

Veterans continued to defy their age with amazing performances by Matibini Matibini (M+40), Terry Knightley (M+50), Jeff Fenton (M+60) and John McAvoy (M+70).  The veteran ladies Wendy Aldridge (F+45); Sue Spong (F+55) and Sheila Macauley (F+65) continue to beat much younger rivals to prove that this race is truly one for all ages.

There were nearly 600 finishers completing this very popular event, which is organised and marshalled by Billericay Striders Running Club members.  Race Director, Dave Sweet, was full of praise for his team of over 80 enthusiastic marshals who made the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Photos: Ladies winner Rebecca Davidson (614) and second lady Gemma Russhard. Race winner and new course record holder Paul Whittaker

Men's results

1	Paul Whittaker	Southend AC	30.31
2	Owen Cima	Thrift Green Trotters	33.07
3	Stephen Strange	Basildon AC	34.32

 

Women's results

1	Rebecca Davidson	Grange Farm & Dunmow	40.29
2	Gemma Russhard	Unattached	40.32
3	Emily Smith	Springfield Striders	43.05

 

Team results (four to score)

Male	Springfield Striders
Female	Havering ’90 Joggers

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Cop Hill Fell Race

Winner Rob James, of Royton RR, covered the approximateley seven mile multi terrain trail, two lap course in 39:58. Ed Hyland of Stainland Lions was second in 41:08 and James Clark of Pudsey Pacers was third in 41:14.

Helen Berry of Holmefirth Harriers was the winning woman in a time of 43:24. Caitlin Rice of Glossopdale was second in 45:09 and Fiona Davies of Rotherham was third in 46:40.

Men's results

1	Rob James	Royton RR	39:58
2	Ed Hyland	Stainland Lions	41:08
3	James Clark	Pudsey Pacers	41:14

 

Women's results

1	Helen Berry	Holmefirth Harriers	43:24
2	Caitlin Rice	Glossopdale	45:09
3	Fiona Davies	Rotherham	46:40

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Derwent Water 10

The 56th running of the Derwentwater 10 mile road race took place in perfect autumnal conditions with the fells and valleys dressed in stunning colours of golds, browns and yellows, not to mention the bluest of blue waters as the centrepiece. Conditions could not have been better.

Under clear skies and with temperatures hovering above 17C over 400 runners left the Moot Hall in vests and shorts, to enjoy a brisk 10 mile race around the lake.

Times were comparable to the previous year, with the winner, Russ Best from New Marske Harriers scorching around in 51:53, 20 seconds quicker than last year.  Russ was being chased down by top mountain runner, Chris Steele (Border Harriers), who clearly transferred his mountain speed to the road by clocking 52:30.  Having finished 4th, 3rd and now 2nd, it looks like 2016 could be Chris’ chance!

World class obstacle racer, James Appleton (Keswick AC), clearly didn't encounter any nets, tunnels or walls to hinder his progress getting round in 53:39.  James is a professional photographer who has recently relocated to Keswick to further his career and fitness and proved integral in helping team mates, Sam Stead and Peter George secure the team prize for Keswick  Another superb result for Keswick to add to the recent success in the National Fell Relays and Ian Hodgson Relay.

The ladies were lead home by Dumfries based GP, Jo Zakrzewski in 1:00:44. Jo has represented GB in trail running, so was no stranger to running at pace, with a few hills thrown in!  She was chased to the line by Sarah Cumber (Halifax Harriers AC) and Sarah Bulman (New Marske Harriers).  Royton Road Runners won the team prize.  Royton have been wonderful supporters of the race in previous years and this year was no different with 2 coach loads making the trip from Oldham, a total of 76 runners!

Sponsorship by Cotswold Outdoors, Kong Adventure and Mountain Fuel was greatly appreciated.  Lastly, thanks go to all the members of Keswick AC who turned out to support the race, without whom the race would not be possible. 

Men's results

1	Russ Best	New Marske	00:51:53
2	Chris Steele	Border Harriers & AC	00:52:30
3	James Appleton	Keswick AC	00:53:39

 

Women's results

1	Joasia Zakrzewski	Dumfries Running Club	01:00:44
2	CSarah umber	Halifax Harriers AC	01:03:05
3	Sharon Bulman	New Marske Harriers	01:03:49

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Lode Half Marathon

The conditions were still, dry but foggy for the 2015 Lode Half Marathon. The field of 203 runners all finished and over £4000 were raised for the National Kidney Federation. Thank go to the runners and the race sponsors for their support.

Men's results

1	Chris Darling	Cambridge & Coleridge club	1:13:04
2	John Winkler	Birmingham Run & Tri club	1:21:53
3	Lester Allen	Cambridge Tri club	1:23:02

 

Women's results

1	Juliet Nayler	Biggleswade AC	1:25:32
2	Hannah Cooke	Cambridge Tri Club	1:30:54
3	Yvonne Scarrott	Nene Valley Harriers	1:23:02

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Men’s 10K Edinburgh

After its overwhelming success in Glasgow earlier this year, the Men’s 10K staged its debut event in the Scottish capital this weekend and it certainly didn’t disappoint.  

Thousands of men created a positive impact of their health and wellbeing, tackling a stunning city centre route in beautiful sunny conditions which took them past many of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. The event acted as a perfect catalyst for addressing the issues of men’s health and wellbeing. The participants have also raised thousands of pounds for a variety of good causes.

While every man that made it to the start line achieved a personal win just by getting there, the event was won by Andrew Douglas from Inverclyde in a time of 30:27, second was Murray Strain from Hunters Bog Trotters in 31:17 with Bryan Mackie from Edinburgh AC completing the top three in 31:33.

Behind the lead runners, there were countless stories from ordinary men doing extraordinary things.

In addition to the event, the Men’s 10K ‘Man Cave’ had been located on Mound Precinct over the days preceding the event, just off Princes Street in Edinburgh. The Man Cave Dinosaurs and cavemen braved the elements to distribute over 1400 man bags filled with information from the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Prostate Scotland.

Race Director Neil Kilgour added: “We are delighted to have been able to reach out to normal guys on their lunch break or on their way home to put valuable health information in their hands - this is what the Men’s 10K is all about.  A huge congratulations to everyone who took part today - you all fully deserve your finisher’s medal and t-shirt and should wear them with pride.  Walk tall knowing that what you have achieved today that will shape your future for the better.”

For more info vist www.mens10k.com

Men's results

1	Andrew Douglas	30:27
2	Murray Strain	31:17
3	Bryan Mackie	31:33

 

Women's results

1	Lisa Mitchell	49:25
2	Lynne Watt	49:19
3	Adele Cowan	50:19

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Nightingale Nightmare 10k

Southville RC's Nightingale Nightmare 10k returned for its third running on Sunday 1st November and was bigger, better and spookier than ever before. The event sold out weeks in advance, and 182 runners completed the course for a record turnout.

Marshals and runners alike wore an array of amazing costumes and the competitors braved graveyards, vampire lairs and spider grottos on their way through Leigh Woods - in addition to the mud, trails and the lung-sapping hill that gives the event its name. Everything from the Grim Reaper's health and safety briefing to the mass Thriller dance as pre-race warm-up made it a Halloween event to remember. There was once again an abundant supply of free cake to greet the runners back at our new HQ, Ashton Park School.

Congratulations go to all runners and many thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, marshalls, cake-bakers and everyone else who made the event happen. Next year's race is expected to sell out again, so watch this space!

Men's results

1	Andy Hickman	Southville RC	37:16
2	Jim Plunkett-Cole	Town & Country Harriers	38:54
3	Neil Williams	Bristol & West AC	39:01

 

Women's results

1	Verity Leach	Unaffiliated	42:35
2	Amy Collender	Unaffiliated	46:31
3	Lauren Luscombe	Burges Salmon	47:05

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Norton Priory 5

A little under 400 runners braved the early morning fog to take part in the inaugural Norton Priory 5 Mile Race hosted by Interval Races. The talk before the race concerned the nature of the course primarily where there hills?

Flat with undulating sections was the description yet any undulations on the course certainly didn’t hold back the eventual winners. Josh Lilly and Andy Nixon fought it out over the five mile loop which took in the local area of Astmoor and Sandymoor, even a final sprint couldn’t separate them with both men crossing the line in an impressive 24:51, only a lean for the line meant Josh Lilly took the victory with Andy ending up second. Not far behind and securing 3rd place Nathan Kilcourse of Salford Harriers came home strong in a time of 25:46. There was some great running in the women’s race as well Elinor Kirk of Swansea Harriers wrapped up victory in 27:22 finishing 5th overall in the field. Close behind Liverpool Harriers runners Sophie Whiteside and Rachael Burns who secured 2nd and 3rd in 29:49 and 30:35 respectively.

The rest of the field flowed in behind the front runners, surviving the rapidly rising fog and even the final ‘undulation’ on Sandymoor Lane! Runners finished with tales or completing a race for the first time, running for charity, personal bests  and  returns  to fitness and  the race seemed well received by the competitors with  the marshals complemented for their enthusiasm on the course.

Find out more at Intervalraces
F acebooks:  www.facebook.com/iraces
Twitter:  @intervalraces
Instagram: intervalraces

Men's results

1	Josh Lilly	Stockport Harriers	24:51
2	Andy Nixon	Stockport Harriers	24:5
3	Nathan Kilcourse	Salford Harriers	25:46

 

Women's results

1	Elinor Kirk	Swansea Harriers	27:22
2	Sophie Whiteside	Liverpool Harriers	29:49
3	Rachael Burns	Liverpool Harriers	30:37

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Stevenage Half

There was glorious sunshine in sunny Stevenage as 507 runners raced round the town on the town’s annual half marathon which was organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. The race incorporated the county championships for veteran runners.

The overall winner was Stephen Harrison from Team Trisports in 1 hour 14 minutes 23 seconds while the fastest woman was Rachel Doherty from Higham Harriers in 1:22:58. 

Mark Vaughan from North Herts Road Runners was second in 1:14:34 and Tom Stephenson from London Heathside third in 1:15:14.  Karen Murphy from Barnet & District was second woman in 1:29:12 and Wendy Walsh from St Albans third in 1:29:50.

The race was almost all on cycleways.  It started at Ridlins Athletics Track at 10a.m. and went up Gresley Way, then Six Hills Way and into Fairlands Valley Park for a loop round the lakes and then down to the showground before continuing down Broadhall Way, picking up Gresley Way back to Woodcock Road.  That’s one lap.  Now all the runners did it all again before finishing on the 400 metre track in front of the stand.

Men's results

1	Stephen Harrison	Team TriSports	01:14:27
2	Mark Vaughan	North Herts Road Runners	01:14:39
3	Tom Stephenson	London Heathside	01:15:19

 

Women's results

1	Rachel Doherty	Higham Harriers AC	01:23:03
2	Karen Murphy	Barnet & District AC	01:29:21
3	Wendy Walsh	St Albans Striders	01:29:57

 

Click here for full results