Weekend review: September 24 & 25, 2011

Saturday September 24, 2011

The Wolf Run 2011: Running Wild in Warwickshire

The inaugural Wolf Run kicked off with the first wave of 150 runners heading up a track towards the first of ten obstacles in the 10km course. Living up to its acronym of Woods,Obstacles, Lakes and Fields, the innovative course provided a unique mix of running trails through woodland, open ground and water, alongside a series of challenging natural and man-made obstacles that tested runners strength, ingenuity and determination to the max!

The 700 Wolf Runners climbed huge fallen trees, waded through waist high water, pulled each other up near-vertical mud slopes and crawledunder dense vegetation through thick mud. The course had been devised to encourage participants to help each other over, under and through each obstacle, so that they participated with a true sense of camaraderie rather than an emphasis on competition.The runners really got into the 'pack' spirit of the Wolf Run, helping other runners with obstacles and through mud, with some packs of runners stopping forminutes at a time to help and encourage other runners through some ofthe more difficult sections. Every runner finished the course - a testament to determination and collaboration between the runners -with the last pack home cheered on by every runner and escorted by anhonour guard of runners who ran with them for the last hundred meters: an image that really summed up the fantastic teamwork and amazing atmosphere of the day.

The design of the course was overseen and tested by a fitnessprofessional with a Masters in Sports Science and years of experience in functional fitness training. In practical terms, this meant lots of very tired runners crossing the finishing line along with lots of very grateful recipients of the free leg massage at the end of the run!

Wolf Runners and their supporters finished the day in blazing late summer sun, beers and hot food and ice-cream in hand, enjoying the fantastic atmosphere and camaraderie that had built up around the course. Organiser Charlie Moreton said, "Today could not have gone better - all our Wolf Runners came back in one piece and very happy, covered in mud and sweat and buzzing with energy and laughter. We look forward to challenging them again with new obstacles in April!"

The next Wolf Run takes place on April 7th 2012. For more information,please go to www.thewolfrun.com.

 

 

Brueton parkrun - Event number 62

This week there were 110 runners, of whom 9 were first timers and 37 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 12 different athletics clubs took part.

Photo: Simon Bentley (right in picture) on his way to winning the event

Men's results

1	Simon BENTLEY	Knowle and Dorridge Running Club	16:55
2	Eoin CORR	Solihull & Small Heath AC	18:01
3	Stuart UNDERWOOD	Sparkhill Harriers	18:27

 

Women's results

1	Caitlin MCDONALD	Unattached	21:32
2	Corinne FOX	Unattached	21:55
3	Alison Jane TAYLOR	Unattached	23:19

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Brueton parkrun Results Page.

 

 

Sunday September 25, 2011

Run Preston (10k, 5k and 2k Fun Run)

Preston city centre saw large crowds of runners and spectators gather to mark the 6th annual Run Preston event, sponsored by Forbes Solicitors and NHS Central Lancashire. The ever popular event drew approximately 1500 runners of all ages to participate in one of 3 courses set up across the city.

At 9:30am, the 2km Fun Run kick started the day with approximately 100 participants, many of whom junior athletes enjoying a taste of marathon madness. Next saw the 10k, the most popular event of the day, which comprised a scenic route taking runners through the city, across parks and over a river. This category included a host of prizes for the taking, ranging from the 1st five male and female individuals and the top 3 running clubs to the highest placed veterans. Finally, the 5k saw the last batch of runners leave Market Street at 11:30. This group also included a work place challenge, a category in which corporate teams fort to complete the course in the fastest time.

At 12:30, to mark the end of the event, winners were awarded with prizes during a presentation ceremony in the covered market. Earlier in the day, the market had also housed a range of exiting attractions which interested crowds throughout the day. They included a plethora of running stalls, trampolines and even a mobile climbing tower.

Unlike other years gone by, 2011 saw the introduction of chip timing. This enabled race times to be measured more accurately, as well as improving the efficiency of result taking and processing. Once completed, the results were then displayed on UK Race Results for individuals to digest.

All in all, the day was a huge success, bringing fine weather conditions and a record breaking turn out. Such was owed to the excellent planning and on the day delivery from Preston City Councils Guild Team and the Sports and Health Development Unit.

Men's 10k results

1	Gary Pennington	Preston Harriers	33.32
2	David Rigby	Preston Harriers	33.39
3	Iain Quinn	Barrow & Furness Striders AC	33.50

 

Women's 10k results

1	Gemma Adams	Preston Harriers	40.25
2	Helen Lawrenson	Wesham Road Runners	41.06
3	Sue Coulthurst	Unattached	41.31

 

Click here for full results

 

Men's 5k results

1	Luke Betts	Chorley AC	16.14
2	Paul Freary	Foot Traffic Preston	16.25
3	David Rigby	Preston Harriers	16.45

 

Women's 5k results

1	Florie Mcleish	Foot Traffic Preston	19.18
2	Jodie Ferguson	Blackpool Wyre & Fylde AC	19.46
3	Tracey Peters	Southport Waterloo AC	20.35

 

Click here for full results

 

Fun Run

Male: 1st Gary Walmsley (09.38). Female: 1st Ebony Lee Kings (10.46) Preston Harriers

Click here for full results

 

 

The Saffron Walden 10K (in Newport)

More than 200 runners lined up for the Saffron Walden 10K on Sunday to tackle a brand new course at the race's temporary home in Newport.

Due to building works at the County High School, race organisers the Saffron Striders had to find somewhere new to base the event and thanks to the generosity of Newport Free Grammar, the race was able to go ahead.

For the third year running, Michael Salt from Cambridge and Coleridge AC won the 10K, this year in a time of 35 mins 36 secs. Just 10 seconds behind was the Saffron Striders' Andrew Mynott for second place. Third and fourth places were claimed by a pair of runners from Orion AC - Colin Read in 36 mins 44 secs and Neil McGoun in 36 mins 56 secs.

The first female over the finishing line was Fiona Halls from the Saffron Striders who ran a 41 mins 58 secs race while the second and third females were Emily Woodfield from Cambridge Tri in 43 mins 37 secs and Caroline Thompson in 43 mins 47 secs. The first three women were 21st, 27th and 29th overall.

Prizes were also given for the first men and women in age categories, with Lorraine Taylor, Louise Graham and Cambridge and Coleridge's Diana Braverman claiming the over 40, over 50 and over 60 awards respectively. In the men's competition, Gary Chandler from Springfield Striders claimed the male over 40 prize, a John Oakes from Cambridge and Coleridge took the over 50 award and Jim Stocker was the first male over 60. In addition, Michael Miller's 54 mins 31 secs run saw him the first male over 70 to finish.

And finally, after several years of trying, the team from Kevin Henry Estate Agents finally won the coveted team prize. The new course proved a challenge for everyone who entered, with much of it off road on tracks and plenty of hills to test the legs of even the most practised runners.

For the second year, the Striders also organised a children's fun run immediately after the main event which once again enjoyed superb support with dozens of young runners aged up to 16 taking part.

The Striders once again enjoyed the support of its sponsors, without whom it would not be possible to stage the race. Water was supplied by Iceni and the continued commitment from Chesterford Research Park, Holroyd Components Ltd, Kevin Henry Estate Agents and UK Tapes meant this year's race was once again a great success.

Photo: race winner Michael Salt with Henry Rowe, from event sponsors Kevin Henry Estate Agents

Men's results

1	Michael Salt	Cambridge & Coleridge AC	00:35:36
2	Andrew Mynott	Saffron Striders	00:35:46
3	Colin Read	Orion AC	00:36:44

 

Women's results

1	Fiona Halls	Saffron Striders	00:41:58
2	Emily Woodfield	Cambridge Tri	00:43:37
3	Caroline Thompson	Unattached	00:43:47

 

Full results are available at the Saffron Striders' website www.saffronstriders.org.uk

 

3rd Chislehurst Chase (10 k), part of the Chislehurst Festival 2011

In perfect weather over 300 runners took part on Sunday 25 September. With the traffic stopped, the first 300 metres are run on Royal Parade, Chislehurst, then entering St Paul’s Cray Common and remaining off-road for the rest of the 10 kilometres. The course is undulating, taking in woodland paths and open fields.

Time lost on the steep slopes may or may not be regained on the sharp descents, so it is not a perfectly designed course for notching up PBs, but it is scenically attractive and we had lots of positive feed-back on the course and the organisation.

Photos: l-r, Catherin Linney, women's winner in 46.09 and David Gonzalez, the overall winner in 38.49

Men's results

1	David Gonzalez		38.49
2	Lauris Rakickis	Cambridge Harriers	40.26
3	Andy Blackwell	Strictly Bootcamp	40.30

 

Women's results

1	Catherine Linney	Sevenoaks Triathlon Club	46.09
2	Suzy Yates	Orpington Road Runners	48.08
3	Carly Jane O’Hara	Kent AC	48.36

 

 

 

Swinton Ten Mile

The second running of the Swinton Ten went well with over 200 entries and just under 180 finishers. The men’s winner was James Kevin of Horwich RMI Harriers in a time of 54.02, 1.33 faster than Martyn Bell’s winning time in the inaugural race last year.

Anthony Valentine of Bolton United Harriers was second in 54.36 and Simon Ford from Astley & Tyledesley 3rd in 57.27.

The women’s winner was Rachael Tewkesbury of Northern AC in 66.27, Kirsty Preece of Burnden Road Runners was second in 67.28 and Alison Sedman of Belle Vue Racers 3rd in 67.36.

The men’s team winners were Horwich and the Women’s Burnden. The first Swinton runners were Danial Bird who came 13th in 62.14 and Louise McLoughlin who came 20th women in 80.01.

Men's results

1	James Kevan	Horwich RMI Harriers	00:54:02
2	Anthony Valentine	Bolton United Harriers	00:54:36
3	Simon Ford	Astley & Tyldesley RC	00:57:27

 

Women's results

1	Rachael Tewkesbury	Northern AC	01:06:27
2	Kirsty Preece	Burnden Road Runners	01:07:28
3	Alison Sedman	Belle Vue Racers	01:07:36

 

Click here for full results

 

Kingsclere Autumnal 10K

With the sun beginning to warm the day a small but determined field set off running round the county roads of North Hampshire from Kingsclere Village.

It was clear from the outset that the early pacesetter was going to win the male category as by 2km there was a gap forming between no. thirteen, Nick Bates, and the rest of the field. As the race progressed through half way the gap was widening with Nick establishing a solid lead.

Meanwhile behind the leader the pack had strung right out across Watership Down as the undulating course was taking its toll on the legs.

In the womens category there was a gap developing between Hannah Keogh and Mary Allen (Team Kennet) in second.

As the lead runner approached Kingsclere Village for the finish, it was clear that a lot of effort had been spent in developing a lead. This paid off as Nick Bates crossed the line in 36.11 to set a new course record and win the race by over 4 mins from Tom Frost (Liss Runners) and Ashley Cox in third.

After a short wait the finish was graced by a determined Hannah Keogh who appeared over the last drag to finish first in the womens category in a time of 50.36. This was followed by Mary Allan (Team Kennet) with Karen Hodkin (Chineham Park Running Club) in third. It was a good day for Chineham Parking Running Club whose members took 4th and 5th Place in the Womens Category as well.

A fantastic result for all competitors and the organisers would like to extend their thanks to all volunteers and spectators for giving up their time to help put on the race.

Men's results

1	Nick Bates		36.11
2	Tom Frost	Liss Runners	40.19
3	Ashley Cox		40.54

 

Women's results

1	Hannah Keogh		50.36
2	Mary Allan	Team Kennet	51.59
3	Karen Hodkin	Chineham Park Running Club	53.42

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Cirencester Park 10K

A field of just over 400 enjoyed the superb surroundings of Cirencester Park for Cirencester AC's annual 10k race. Remarkably the first five positions were the same as last year with Shaun Antill (Bristol & West) crossing the line in 32m26s, 20 seconds slower than last year. He was a comfortable half minute ahead of John Parker (CLC Striders) and first vet, Mike Smith (Bourton RR).

The ladies race was won by Cirencester's former international Wendy Nicholls in 37m27s, just under a minute ahead of Shona-Crombie-Hicks who led Bourton RR to the ladies team prize.

Men's results

1	Shaun Antell	Bristol & West	32:26
2	John Parker	CLC Striders/Gloucestershire Uni	32:55
3	Mike Smith	Bourton	34:25

 

Women's results

1	Wendy Nicholls	Cirencester/Ranelagh	37:27
2	Shona Crombie-Hicks	Bourton	38:18
3	Lucy Walmsley	Bourton	39:02

Click here for full results

 

 

6th Folkstone Rotary Half Marathon

Over 550 runners registered and 459 completed the 2011 Folkstone Rotary Half Marathon, which was a slight increase on last year. Weather conditions were ideal and there was a terrific atmosphere at the event.

Photo: The start of the 6th Folkstone Rotary Half Marathon

The male course record was smashed. The winner was Phil Anthony who completed the run in good weather conditions in 1:08:00 – the previous record that he broke was 1:11:10 from the 2009 run.

The first female home was Rona Loubser, from the Folkestone Running Club who came in at 1:29:34. Also, Folkestone Running Club had a good result with winning the ladies team prize. The last person through at 5:16:00 was Margaret Hart who was fantastic by being determined to complete the race in aid of the Folkestone Rainbow Centre. Many Kent clubs participated and runners came from London, Essex and as far as Wales. We already have an entry for next year’s race!

It was particularly pleasing that there were so many spectators along the whole route which gave tremendous encouragement to the runners – there must have been thousands providing support!

First indications are that the event has raised in excess of £26,000 and we are hopeful that we can beat last year’s record of £33,000. Since the race first started in 2006, over £160,000 has been raised for very worthwhile causes. This year’s chosen charity is Demelza although many runners were raising funds for various causes including Saga Charitable Trust who had a good crowd of runners and primarily Rotary which distributes funds to local and international good causes.

This year’s event photographers were Lee Robinson Studios and runners can visit their website at www.leejorobinson.com to have a look at the race pictures which are available to purchase.

Open male results

1	Phil Anthony		1:08:00
2	David Thompson	Barnsley AC	1:16:55
3	Robert Latala		1:17:10

 

Open female results

1	Rona Loubser	Folkestone Running Club	1:29:34
2	Annette Oakman	Colchester Harriers AC	1:30:13
3	Annabelle Stearns	Gravesend RR & AC	1:30:38

 

Age category results

1st Vet40 Male	Gavin Kitchingham	Orpington Road Runners	1:20:37
1st Vet35 Female	Annette Oakman	Colchester Harriers AC	1:30:13
1st Vet 50 male	David Smyth	Folkestone Running Club	1:26:52
1st Vet45 Female	Vicky Talbot Rosner	Invicta East Kent	1:43.23
1st Vet60 Male	Kenneth Saffery	The Veterans Athletic Club	1:42:58
1st Vet55 Female	Alison Jelly	Folkestone Running Club	2:03.03
Winning Team: Male: Ashford & District Road Runners, Female: Folkestone Running Club

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Garden City 10 Mile Race

The 2011 Garden City 10 Mile Race around Welwyn Garden City was fortunately blessed with fine weather, which did make the going rather hot for the 300 plus runners.

The two-lap course provided little difficulty for the first men home:- 1st Paul Molyneux (Springfield Striders) 53:44; 2nd Jonathan Stead (Herne Hill Harriers) 54: 26; 3rd Mark Newton (Springfield Striders) 54:58 and not far behind the winning ladies :- 1st Victoria Webster (Shaftesbury Barnet) 1:00:33; 2nd Sharon Morris (Bedford & County AC) 1:03:48 and 3rd Nicola Froud (Barnet&District AC) 1:09:02.

The race also incorporated the Hertfordshire County 10 Mile Veterans Championship and the ARC 10 Mile Championship.

Photos: A group of runners on the course. At the prize giving - the mayor and a bunch of spot prize recipients

Men's results

1	Paul Molyneux	Springfield Striders	53:44
2	Jonathan Stead	Herne Hill Harriers	54:26
3	Mark Newton	Springfield Striders	54:58

 

Women's results

1	Victoria Webster	Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers AC	1:00:33
2	Sharon Morris	Bedford & County AC	1:03:48
3	Nicola Froud	Barnet&District AC	1:09:02

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Switchback 5

111 runners completed the annual Switchback 5 hosted by Striders of Croydon on Sunday 25th September. This low-key event attracts local club runners building up to the cross country season, plus runners stepping up from a local parkrun. All runners enjoyed free tea and cakes at the Striders' clubhouse after the event.

Photos: l-r, Switchback 5 winners Ola Balme and Mike Cummings

Men's results

1	Mike Cummings	Herne Hill Harriers	28:31
2	Jim Addison	Beckenham RC	28:58
3	Stephen Thackeray	Beckenham RC	29:02

 

Women's results

1	Ola Balme	Dulwich Runners	33:42
2	Helen Furze	Striders of Croydon	34:12
3	Phyllis Flynn	Stragglers	34:14

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Bourn to Run 10km Charity Race

25th September 2011 was the third year of 'Bourn to Run'; a 10km and 3km charity run in the village of Bourn, Cambs. Approximately 700 runners turned up on the day across both races, an increase in almost 200 on the previous year.

Despite the unusually hot weather for September some great times were achieved. The fastest man over the line was Paul Vernon, coming in at 35.19. Kye Liddle from local running club. Cambridge and Coleridge just sneaked in to second position at 35.38 with Ian Turner just behind at 35.39.

The fastest women performed exceptionally well coming in at 5th overall; giving the men an real run for their money at 37.47. Madelinie Boardman. also from Cambridge and Coleridge, took second place not far behind at 41.28. The third woman was Victoria Heffer at 45.13.

The organisers would like to thank everyone for taking part and making the day such a success. It is too early to give an accurate figure of funds raised but early indications would suggest cira £6000 has been raised for local charitable causes.

Men's results

1	Paul Vernon	Pactrac	00:35:19
2	Kye Liddle	C&C	00:35:38
3	Ian Turner		00:35:39

 

Women's results

1	Vicky Knight	Cambridge & Coleridge Ac	00:37:47
2	Madeline Boardman	Cambridge & Coleridge Ac	00:41:28
3	Victoria Heffer	Unattached	00:45:13

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Upton Bishop Big Dipper

A record ninety-five runners enjoyed the challenge this year in a refreshing drizzle. The circular 5.6 mile course follows country lanes from the Millennium Hall and men’s winner James Rose left the rest of the field after one and a half miles to finish comfortably ahead.

The lady’s winner, Nikki Morgan, was one of a large contingent from Chepstow Harriers who had made The Big Dipper one of their club championship races. Oldest competitor was 73 year old Syd Wheeler and the youngest were Felix Rusby and Gareth Lloyd both 15 years.

Tea and cakes and a memento rewarded all finishers. Children’s races on the playing field were also well supported with competitors as young as three years all receiving a medal. Upton Bishop Sports and Social Club are grateful to all their sponsors including Westons Cider, Chaseview Veterinary Clinic, Watsons Petroleum, FAB Recycling, Chicory Crops, RP Joinery and Frontier.

Men's results

1	James Rose	Severn AC	33:XX
2	Paul Murrin	Chepstow Harriers	34:24
3	Luke James	Unaffiliated	35:18

 

1st Male Veteran 40 Clifford Berry of Ledbury Harriers in 35mins 22secs; 1st Male Veteran 50 Paul Dodd of Chepstow Harriers in 35mins 45secs; 1st Male Veteran 60 Neil Grant of Chepstow Harriers in 40mins 14secs; 1st Team Chepstow Harriers

 

Women's results

1	Niki Morgan	Chepstow Harriers	38:24
2	Lu Summers	Chepstow Harriers	39:23
3	Alison Cook	Hereford Couriers	40:22

 

1st Lady Veteran 40 Robyn Perkins Unaffiliated in 42mins 37secs; 1st Lady Veteran 50 Jenny Hughes of Arena 80 AC in 42mins 43secs ; 1st lady Veteran 60 Brenda Avery of Chepstow Harriers in 46mins 12secs; 1st Team Chepstow Harriers

Click here for full results

 

 

The Hursley Multi Terrain 10k 2011

With 600 runner entering this event, which closed some weeks ago, the team were looking forward to another great Hursley 10k. 494 runners completed the course and over 200 kids took part in the fun run.

Men's results

1	Ant Gritton	00:36:51
2	Andrew Griggs	00:37:21
3	Luke Moseley	00:37:59

Women's results

1	Sue Sleath	Hardley Runners	00:44:27
2	Paula Moseley		00:45:04
3	Clare Prosser	Wells City Harriers	00:46:15

 

Click here for full results

 

 

West Pinchbeck 10K Mike Barnsdale Memorial Race

The promise of good weather ensured a good turnout, however, the wind was determined to ensure that runners did not have too easy a time, with the last part of the race being run into head wind.

Paul Butcher and John Pike raced the majority of the race in each others company, pushing each other around the course, but Paul proved too much for John in the end, with just two seconds between them. Sam Hunt from Nene Valley Harriers was third in 35:35.

First woman in 43.16 was Maggie Skinner of Stamford Striders, with her club mate Victoria Old second in 43:32. Jane James of Sleaford Striders finished third in 44:33.

Men's results

1	Paul Butcher	Southwell Running Club	32.52
2	John Pike	Newham and Essex Beagles	32.54
3	Sam Hunt	Nene Valley Harriers	35.35

 

Women's results

1	Maggie Skinner nee Purr	Stamford Striders	43.16
2	Victoria Old	Stamford Striders	43.32
3	Jane James	Sleaford Striders	44.33

Click here for full results

 

 

Rushden Higham’s 5 mile Road Race

The Rotary Club of Rushden Higham’s 5 mile Road Race in aid of Help for Heroes took place again last month. The fun run was a 5 mile race starting and finishing in Rushden Hall Park, open to all abilities.

On the sunny morning of Sunday 25th September, over 50 keen competitors put on their running shoes to attend the event and raise money for charity. The course left Hall Park and led up the hill into Wymington, around the village and then back into Rushden finishing in the Park. It was a close competition, with John Saw finishing first in a time of 00:29:37, Bruce Lovell was close behind with 00:30:02 and Richard Fowler came in third with 00:30:20. The fastest woman to finish was Kim Lowden in 00:33:07.

Rachel Thompson, President of Rushden Higham Rotary Club said, “ We were really pleased with the attendance on the day, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we hope to raise lots of money for Help for Heroes”.

This is the second year the Rotary Club has run this event and they are hoping to make it an annual feature of the Hall Park Calendar. The revised route was well received by the runners, and the club have had very positive feedback about the race.

For further information on the club or the Road Race please visit www.rushdenhighamrotary.org

Men's results

1	John Saw	Rugby And Northampton	00:29:37
2	Bruce Lovell	Team Balancise	00:30:02
3	Richard Fowler	Wootton Road Runners	00:30:20

Women's results

1	Kim Lowden		00:33:07
2	Amanda Allen	Wellingborough & District AC	00:44:55
3	Jenny Millman		00:46:55

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Ashridge 5

Runners at the Ashridge 5 were treated to the ancient forest resplendent in the first flush of Autumn colours on a beautiful sunny morning. Running conditions were ideal, bright and dry but not too warm.

The first male Mark George crossed the line in 33.37. Second and third males were Owen Byrne (34:23) and Jamie Marlow (35:07), excellent times for a scenic but challenging course. Runners reported that the views along the ridge across the Vale of Aylesbury were magnificent and well worth the climbs.

The first Lady home was Michelle McCarthy (37:19), followed by Sarah Paradine (38:57) and Catherine Davies (39:20).

The Awards Ceremony (which included the presentation of a birthday cake to a fit young man running the race in celebration of his 65th birthday) also included prizes for MV40, MV50, MV60, FV35, FV45, and FV55, full details can be found at www.dirtrunning.co.uk.

The first male and female to cross the finish line won vouchers worth £75 off running shoes and Up & Running stores and all participants found £10 shoe voucher on the back of their race numbers. A t-shirt and a medal completed the list of runner’s perks although most reported that the feeling of satisfaction at completing the challenging run and the glorious views were the best features of the race.

Men's results

1	Mark George	0:33:37
2	Owen Byrne	0:34:23
3	Jamie Marlow	0:35:07

 

Women's results

1	Michelle McCarthy	0:37:19
2	Sarah Paradine	0:38:57
3	Catherine Davies	0:39:20

 

Click here for full results