Saturday, September 10, 2011
Marple 10k
The day started off overcast and a light drizzle in the air, which could have put a lot of people off. However the clouds parted and when the sun started shining plenty of willing runners turned out for the 6th annual Marple 10k Trail Race.
The course as usual followed the Middlewood Way down to Middlewood Train Station then veers off up to the Macclesfield Canal and ends at the Ring O’ Bell’s public house for a well earned butty and a pint.
The heat was getting to some of the runners, but despite that some very good times were posted.
The day once again was a success, and approx £2,500 has been raised for the Firefighters Charity.
Men's results
| 1 |
Jack Morris |
35:45 |
| 2 |
Stephen Rowe |
36:10 |
| 3 |
Michael Cooke |
36:15 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Sue Morris |
44:22 |
| 2 |
Miriam Apsley |
46:16 |
| 3 |
Sarah Jones |
47:22 |
Click here for full results
Alice Holt races
A couple of short sharp showers did not dispel the enthusiasm for the now traditional full set of races in Alice Holt Forest, organised by Farnham Runners. Although the event switched to a Saturday this year to avoid a clash with National Forest Day, the total numbers of entrants was slightly up on last year with a significant increase in the junior races’ numbers, perhaps showing one reason why Waverley is reported to have the lowest rate of childhood obesity in the country!*
The Mayor of Farnham was in attendance and started the main races, warning participants of hazards they could encounter along the way. She stayed to add gravitas to the prizegiving ceremonies.
This year finishers were given an instant print out of their result as well as seeing it up on a screen. Once the main races and prizegiving were over, the under fives, a few only one year old, had their turn. Sporting numbers just like the grown-ups, these athletes of the future dashed 60 metres for a suitable reward.
Even for the many of the adults it provided a first experience of racing, including a beginners group of Farnham Runners who tackled the 5km.
A well-known name in running circles Julian Manning repeated his victory of last year to take the honours in the 10km race in a superb time of 34 minutes 27 seconds. A team mate from Denmead Striders, Nick Baker was not far adrift in 35-13 to take the M40 title, while third to cross the line was Farnham’s own Ian Carley (36-39, 2nd M40). Chris Ness (38-22) of Walton AC was third in this category. The winning men’s team comprised Ian Carley, Charles Ashby, Jason East and Steve Kitney, with Liss Runners 2nd and Haslemere Border AC 3rd.
Laura Bartlett of Guildford and Godalming AC won the ladies race in 41-57, while a new member of Farnham Runners, Sandra Norwood came 2nd in 43-11, with Cheryl Foot of Chineham Park Running Club 3rd (43-35). Cheryl also took the first F35 place, ahead of Helen Purchase (45-03) from Liss Runners and Clair Maskery (46-02).
Photo l-r: Jason East, Ian Carley, Steve Kitney and Charles Ashby of the winning men's team from Farnham Runners © David Georghiou
*Department of Health, Health profiles data, as reported in Sunday Times 11/09/11
Men's 10k results
| 1 |
Julian Manning |
Denmead Striders |
34:27 |
| 2 |
Nick Baker |
Denmead Striders |
35:13 |
| 3 |
Ian Carley |
Farnham Runners |
36:39 |
Women's 10k results
| 1 |
Laura Bartlett |
Guildford and Godalming AC |
41:57 |
| 2 |
Sandra Norwood |
Farnham Runners |
43:11 |
| 3 |
Cheryl Foot |
Chineham Park Running Club |
43:35 |
Full results and official photos are available via the Farnham Runners website: www.farnham-runners.org.uk
Click here for a full report
Honeystreet Ultra
The first staging of the Honeystreet Ultra saw a small but determined field lining up at the start line next to Honeystreet Power Station. Conditions were blustery with a scattering of sometimes heavy showers as the runners set off along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath on a self navigated route.
A flat ten mile run along the historic and picturesque canal lay ahead of them and the first runners reached Clifton Locks and the site of Checkpoint One in little over 1 hour 30 minutes, just in time to see a modern day working narrowboat and it’s accompanying barge negotiate the top lock.
The next stage would see runners pass through Savernake Forest following an arrow straight Roman Road and the start of some gruelling hills. All took the hills in their stride before running through Marlborough and up onto the chalk downs towards Avebury. It was here that the runners who had taken the organisers advice and invested in the OS 1:25,000 map of the area really benefitted and the soon left the Sarsen Stones standing as the sped past the ancient burial mounds, stone circles and prehistoric avenues that make this area so special.
Fully refuelled at Checkpoint Two, the field which had spread out considerably had the remainder of their energy cruelly sapped away from them as they climbed over the edge of Cow Down, a 780ft hill. Though this was a blessing in disguise as the final couple of a mile were down hillT In the final few hundred metres this resulted in an impressive sprint finish for 4th, 5th and 6th with Sally Lovell of Hastings Runners being the faster of the trio that were separated after 51.5km by just 22 seconds!
Photo: Richard Kell and Jason Burke as they approach the finish line
Results
| 1 |
Phil Barnes |
5.53.01 |
| 2 |
Bernard Genge |
6.23.38 |
| 3 |
Nicholas Barlow |
6.38.32 |
Click here for full results (to follow)
Brueton parkrun - Event number 60
This week there were 121 runners, of whom 20 were first timers and 16 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 14 different athletics clubs took part.
Andrew KAAR of Birchfield Harriers, was first in 17:04 - his seventh win in nine appearances. Second place went to Stuart UNDERWOOD of Sparkhill Harriers in 18:13.
Richard MAYES of Hayle Runners, was third in 18:40 in his first appearance at the Brueton parkrun.
In the women's competition Monica GREEN of Knowle and Dorridge Running Club, achieved her third win in 21:17. Samantha BARRETT of Solihull & Small Heath AC was second in 22:46, and Joanne DEVITT of Knowle and Dorridge Running Club, was third in 23:04.
Brueton parkrun started on 24th July 2010, and since then 1,123 different runners, including participants from 86 athletics clubs, have completed 5,223 runs covering a total distance of 26,115 km, and there have been 1,395 new Personal Bests.
Photo: London 2012 Paralympic hopeful Andrew Kaar on his way to winning the event
Men's results
| 1 |
Andrew KAAR |
Birchfield Harriers |
17:04 |
| 2 |
Stuart UNDERWOOD |
Sparkhill Harriers |
18:13 |
| 3 |
Richard MAYES |
Hayle Runners |
18:40 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Monica GREEN |
Knowle and Dorridge Running Club |
21:17 |
| 2 |
Samantha BARRETT |
Solihull & Small Heath AC |
22:46 |
| 3 |
Joanne DEVITT |
Knowle and Dorridge Running Club |
23:04 |
Full results and a complete event history can be found on the Brueton parkrun Results Page
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Lichfield 10K road race and 2K fun run
Over a thousand runners and literally hundreds of local supporters from Lichfield and beyond turned out to compete in Lichfield’s Running Club’s 16th annual Lichfield 10K road race and 2K fun run, which helped to make this event one of the best yet.
Perfect weather conditions and uplifting music not to mention the dulcet tones of Touch FM’s popular DJ Mark O’Sullivan helped to attract a record number of runners of wide ranging ages and abilities. Sponsors from Staffordshire County Council turned out to support the event, with County Councillor Terry Finn starting the races at 10:30am from King Edward Leisure Centre.
An impressive 150 runners signed up this year for the 2k fun run and for the second year running Jordan Barratt came storming in first again at 8 mins 6 seconds as the overall winner and first boy and Zara Lane at 9 minutes and 50 seconds was the first girl to cross the line. There was plenty of fun along the way – even family pets joined, putting their owners to shame!!
Mary Morris of Lichfield Health & Fitness commented that “We are proud sponsors of the Fun Run event. Everyone can join in and we really hope that the race inspires our younger runners to become our athletes of the future.
Next year we hope to see even more runners from our local schools; it’s a great way to get fit and also raise money for the community.”
Photo: Family 2k run start © IMG photography and Katie Whirledge Papillon PR
The 10K race also achieved a record numbers of entrants with 948 runners completing the event.
First male across the 10K race line in an impressive was James Trollope from Birchfield Harriers who came in at an impressive 31:41 mins and the first woman home was Mandy Veron from Trentham AC at an impressive 39:18 mins.
All competitors were presented with a medal, a goody bag and a high quality commemorative race T shirt (with every registered runner’s name printed on the back).
A professional event such as this is only achieved by an exceptional team effort and a lot of support from the local community. Race Director Bob Houghton, from Lichfield Running Club, said he was delighted; “in 2009 this race achieved gold grade standard from BARR which represents the highest quality for road races of this kind. A lot of runners have commented how much they enjoyed the course today and how much they appreciated the encouragement from Touch FM, marshals, officials and Lichfield residents along the way.
A big thank you must go out to all of our sponsors, everyone who helped on the day and all of the members, friends and relations of Lichfield Running Club who work tirelessly to ensure that the day is a success. Bob was one of the founders of the Lichfield 10 k sixteen years ago. His wife Janet has supported Bob in his endless mission to make each event better than the last and to this end has taken on the role of chief photographer, administrator, logistic manager and reporter throughout the years.
The 2011 10K race and fun run will be held on Sunday 11th September.
Men's results
| 1 |
Trollope James |
BIRCHFIELD HARRIERS |
0:31:41 |
| 2 |
Whitehouse Martin |
NOTTS AC |
0:32:59 |
| 3 |
Corea Orlando |
BOURNVILLE HARRIERS |
0:34:48 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Vernon Mandy |
TRENTHAM RC |
0:39:18 |
| 2 |
Holmes Christine |
|
0:41:26 |
| 3 |
Thomas Deborah |
TRENTHAM RC |
0:41:53 |
Click here for full results
Stratford’s Big 10K
With entries up a staggering 50% on last year and a new course record, the third outing of Stratford’s Big 10K, sponsored by Lodders Solicitors and organised by Threshold Events, proved to be a record breaker all round.
The many runners were delighted to see past Olympian David Moorcroft OBE start the race and just 32 minutes and 45 seconds later, Roberto Busi cruised over the finish line, setting a new course record.
A long way from home, Roberto – a native Italian who lives in Perth, Australia - had only been in the UK a few days when he realised the race was on, so took his chances to enter on the day and put in a fantastic performance.
No stranger to running, the 35 year old is member of the Western Australian Marathon Club and is the 2010 Western Australian half and full marathon champion.
Speaking after the race, Roberto said: “I had looked up last year’s winning time and knew I had it in me to beat that, so I was hopeful I could do well – I’m really happy to have won, it was a great race.”
In second place, almost a minute behind Roberto, came Harvey Speed of Coventry Godiva Harriers, with a time of 0:33:44, and following close behind him was last year’s winner Richard Simpkiss of Kenilworth Runners, at a time of 0:34:04 – three seconds quicker than his 2010 winning time!
The first woman to come through the finish line was a second claim member of Stratford Athletics Club, Sophie Williams (first claim Birchfield Harriers) with a time of 0:39:19. She was closely followed by Linda Powell at a time of 0:39:38 and Dawn Compton of Stratford AC at a time of 0:41:52.
Everyone who took part received a goody bag and as well as the top three male and female prizes there were prizes for the first male and female teams, both taken by the local club Stratford AC.
Another local winner was the race’s chosen charity The Heart of England Foundation, who worked very enthusiastically to help raise the profile of the race, in turn encouraging people to run for them. Sam Barrow, from the charity said “we estimate that we have raised somewhere between two and three thousand pounds, which is fantastic”
Steve Baker, of Lodders, who also took part in the race said: “We’re seeing many more businesses encouraging employees to get active and involved in sport as they become more health aware. The team challenge provided the perfect opportunity for businesses aiming to improve workplace health to get on board and take part.
“We had a Lodders team and they all had a great day and put in a fantastic performance.”
Men's results
| 1 |
Roberto Busi |
|
32:45 |
| 2 |
Harvey Speed |
No. 1 Shakespeare Street |
33:44 |
| 3 |
Richard Simkiss |
|
34:04 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Sophie Williams |
Birchfield Harriers |
39:19 |
| 2 |
Linda Powell |
Bournville Harriers |
39:38 |
| 3 |
Dawn Compton |
Stratford AC |
41:52 |
Click here for full (provisional) results
Wooburn Park 10K Run
The Wooburn Park 10K Run was held on Sunday 11th September with over 220 runners participating. This is the ninth time this annual event has taken place. The overall winner was James Davis in a time of 35 minutes 36 seconds. The fastest lady was Tamsin Neale in a time of 41 minutes 6 seconds.
The proceeds from the run have in previous years been donated to individuals or local schools to promote sport. This year they have been pledged to assist in the much needed refurbishment of the Wooburn Park sports pavilion. The organisers are hopeful that they will be able to contribute at least £4000 to the building fund.
In addition to the 10K race there was a 3K race for children and parents round the park and also a 100 metre race for tots. Tea and cakes were on sale, in addition to BBQ and beer tents, and despite an uncertain weather forecast the day was sunny and many spectators turned up to support the runners.
Photo: Runners preparing for the start and the overall winner James Davis
Men's results
| 1 |
James Davis |
Vale of Aylesbury AC |
35:36 |
| 2 |
Guy Bowles |
|
36:15 |
| 3 |
Frank Fulcher |
Handy Cross Runners |
36:19 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Tamsin Neale |
Burnham Joggers |
41:06 |
| 2 |
Lucy Mayer |
Bearbrook RC |
43:42 |
| 3 |
Kirsten Lawton |
Bearbrook Joggers |
45:55 |
Click here for full results
Great Bardfield Charity 10K
Men's results
| 1 |
Shaun Pickering |
Braintree |
34:26 |
| 2 |
Dave Cox |
Woodford Green AC |
36:29 |
| 3 |
Jordan Kennard |
Exeter Harriers |
38:44 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Anita Cox |
Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners |
41:42 |
| 2 |
Rhu Cayford |
Unattached |
44:50 |
| 3 |
Jo Bisset Smith |
Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners |
45:26 |
Click here for full results
Kielder 10k
A small but select field came to this race today. Kevin led for the first three kilometres and then David Tangey took the lead up the long hill to finish first. Angela led as first woman through the whole race.
Men's results
| 1 |
David Tangey |
UA |
39.43 |
| 2 |
Kevin Lister |
NEVAC |
40.37 |
| 3 |
David Salmon |
Blaydon H & AC |
42.22 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Angela Telford |
Blaydon H & AC |
46.37 |
| 2 |
Lyne Valentine |
Sunderland Strollers |
43.32 |
| 3 |
Louise Wilkinson |
NFR |
48.46 |
Check out www.allterrainevents.com for further information
Goodrich 10k
Photo: Second placed Richard Harper (101) of Leamington C & AC and Dave Evans (116) of Wolves & Bilston who placed third
Men's results
| 1 |
Gordon LEE |
Leicester Corinthian |
0:32:33 |
| 2 |
Richard HARPER |
Leamington C & AC |
0:33:03 |
| 3 |
Dave EVANS |
Wolves & Bilston |
0:33:40 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Tess PARKINSON |
Wolves & Bilston |
0:39:29 |
| 2 |
Tracey GREENWAY |
Derby AC |
0:39:53 |
| 3 |
Steph SPENCER |
Derby AC |
0:42:33 |
Photo: Women's winner Tess Parkinson (62) of Wolves & Bilston, Tracey Greenway of Derby AC (106) finished second and her club mate Steph Spencer from (2) placed third
Click here for full (provisional) results
Waseley Wobbler
Sunday saw the 29th running of the Waseley Wobbler (previously known as the North Worcestershire 8) with 110 runners testing themselves against the challenging and beautifully scenic Waseley Hills.
The weather was fantastic and the rain held off allowing warm and dry conditions throughout the race. It was great to see many of the regular faces and a few new ones ready for the challenge.
Matt Hawcroft was the first finisher home beating the course record (the one he set last year) in a very impressive 53 minutes 25 seconds beating the second placed finisher over 6 minutes. He set out from the start to beat the course record ran really hard to ensure he did.
The first place female finisher was Jane Collins in 67:48 who was understandably very pleased with her performance and time. A great day was had by all with all starters finishing, well done all.
Photos: The start and first male finisher Matt Hawcroft
Men's results
| 1 |
Matt Hawcroft |
Bromsgrove & Redditch AC |
53:25 |
| 2 |
Adam Lloyd |
Unattached |
59:55 |
| 3 |
Jonathon Aust |
East Cheshire Harriers |
60:18 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Jane Collins |
Bromsgrove & Redditch AC |
67:48 |
| 2 |
Amy Arnold |
Cobra AC |
69:57 |
| 3 |
Helen Tromans |
Dudley & Kingwinford |
71:07 |
The FORCE & Francis Clark 10k
Over 400 entrants in the 10k and over 75 in the family run helped to make the 2011 event a great success. The weather was kind and conditions were great for running.
First across the line in 35:00, with a substantial lead over second place, was Peter Monaghan. In second place Paul Thomas and Del Pitcher in third.
Karen Cook similary dominated the women's results, finishing in 41:12, with Catherine Evans-Martin in second in 43:21 and Alexandra Cutts in third.
Men's results
| 1 |
PETER MONAGHAN |
00:35:00 |
| 2 |
PAUL THOMAS |
00:37:40 |
| 3 |
DEL PITCHER |
00:38:25 |
Women's results
| 1 |
KAREN COOK |
00:41:12 |
| 2 |
CATHERINE EVANS-MARTIN |
00:43:21 |
| 3 |
ALEXANDRA CUTTS |
00:43:58 |
Click here for full results
Dream Trail Race
The inaugural Dream Trail Race organised by St Helens Sutton AC and The Steve Prescott Foundation took place on the former site of Sutton Manor Colliery in St Helens. Now redeveloped and landscaped, the park is the site of the iconic Dream landmark and the Trail course wound it’s way around the site and included many of the natural features of the park including some challenging inclines.
Over 100 runners took part and the main adult race was run by St Helen Sutton’s John Ashcroft in an impressive 30.59 just under a minute from the 2nd placed runner James Allen (unattached). The event was deemed a huge success by all who took part and helped to organise the race and there are already requests for a follow up in 2012.
Men's Senior Trail Race results
| 1 |
John Ashcroft |
30.59 |
| 2 |
James Allen |
31.50 |
| 3 |
Tony Smith |
32.32 |
Women's Senior Trail Race results
| 1 |
Amanda Clarke |
39.26 |
| 2 |
Julia Eccleston |
42.35 |
| 3 |
Sue O Brien* |
43.29 |
Click here for full results
London to Brighton 2011
Torrential rain greeted the runners as they quietly made their way to the London race HQ for the start of this year’s famous London to Brighton Trail Race organised again by the (old) boys of Extreme Running. The solemnity with which the competitors and their massed supporters marked a minute’s silence for the 9/11 victims was magnificent and contrasted sharply with the smiles that shone through the pre-dawn gloom as they started their 57 miles with a steady run across Blackheath.
Matt Mahony was a clear winner this year, looking completely relaxed, despite some stomach problems during the race, as he came over the last ridge on the slow ascent to the finish, overlooking the sea at Brighton, in a time of 8:51:58. Trevor Hughes was next home in 9:31:57 and Steve Scott third, leading the Brighton contingent, with a time of 9:46:13. Kim Masson of Girton was the winner of the Lady’s race with a time of 11:14:34 and the runner-up was Jennifer Leslie, who came over from Chicago, in 12:30. All the competitors in this gruelling event are heroes and have a great story to tell, but a special mention goes to Liam Chessell who had his head patched up by the medics after hitting a tree, finished the race and was promptly taken by the crew to A&E for stitches. Tom O’Connor of Essex also deserves to be noted for raising £20,000.00 for a children’s hospice by his effort and commitment.
Only 120, of the 200 expected, started this year’s race, the remainder victims of training injuries, illnesses and other vicissitudes that kept them from what runner after runner described at the finish as a really tough but thoroughly enjoyable and expertly managed event. It was a truly international field this year with a large contingent of South Africans competing with Portuguese, Spanish, American, Swedish, Irish, Polish, German and others to make it a thoroughly enjoyable and, as ever impressive, ultra- thanks to the combined attitude of runners, their tireless supporters and the professional crew.
Eighty-six finished within the required thirteen hours on a blustery, damp day to the roars of family friends and crew who competed manfully with the wind to cheer them home. As the sun set over Brighton, the finish camp was slowly dismantled with the crew and a small gathering of supporters left to welcome the determined last few who refused to be beaten by the distance. What a wonderful sight.
Men's results
| 1 |
Matt Mahony |
8:51:58 |
| 2 |
Trevor Hughes |
9:31:57 |
| 3 |
Steve Scott |
9:46.13 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Kim Masson
|
11:14:34 |
| 2 |
Jennifer Leslie |
12:30:00 |
| 3 |
Enya Elswood |
13:28:00 |
Click here for full results
