Weekend review: October 1 & 2, 2011

Saturday October 1, 2011

Coniston Trail Race 15km

Local Windermere athlete Rebecca Sheffield won her first ever Lakeland Trails event in Coniston on Saturday 1st October. In warm and sunny October weather, Rebecca had a real tustle with Accrington Road Runner Sarah Ridehalgh, proving the stronger over the testing 15km off road route.

Photos: Trail Challenge competitors on the course and Trail Race winner Rebecca Sheffield

GB Ironman Triathlete Philip Graves (City of York AC), the youngest ever winner of an international Ironman, dominated the men's race, winning in 59.48. Harrogate Harrier Chris Miller finished runner up in 60.15 with Scotland's international Marcus Scotney making the podium in third in 60.34. A big field of 1000 runners from all over the UK, including a large group of 40 competitors from London's Serpentine Running Club, competed in this 7th running of the event, which was supporting the local charity Coniston Mountain Rescue, along with Cancer Care and North West Air Ambulance.

International visitors from USA, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland were treated to incredible balmy, warm October sunshine, making for a great atmosphere at the finish, with performances throughout the day by Milnthorpe Steel Band and Pete Lashley. Oldest competitor, 78 year old Malcolm Ball, from Norfolk, won the Vet 70 category.

Sponsors and partners include PUMA, R and R Photos, Pete Bland Sports, Wilsons Kendal Mint Cake, Trailrunning.co.uk, Sleepmonsters.com and VO2 Max Events

The final 2011 Lakeland Trails event at Ullswater on 5th November, including a half hour cruise to the start aboard the Ullswater Steamer "Lady Pembroke" has only a few places remaining. Further details and full results from the event website www.lakelandtrails.org

Photos: The start of the Trail Challenge and Trail Race winner Philip Graves

Men's results

1	Philip Graves	City of York	59.48
2	Chris Miller	Harrogate Harriers	60.15
3	Marcus Scotney	Dumfries Running Club	60.34

 

Women's results

1	Rebecca Sheffield	Windermere	68.52
2	Sarah Ridehalgh	Accrington RR	69.18
3	Judith Turner	Carnegie Harriers	73.28

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Round Ripon Ultra

There were a few changes to the Round Ripon Ultra on it’s return to North Yorkshire. But the mixture of fantastic scenery, well stocked checkpoints and some astounding times and performances shone through once again. Paul Peacock finished strongly closely followed by Colm McCoy and William Foreman who, having claimed second place last year, must surely have his sights set on the top rung of the podium in 2012.

The race started in overcast and slightly chilly weather as the clear overnight skies resulted, initially at least, in a cool autumn morning. By the first checkpoint 6 runners had established a strong lead of over 4 minutes as Paul Peacock, Colm McCoy, William Foreman, Nick Thomas, Derek Parrington and Craig Anderton arrived together. Shortly after this as the temperature started to rise the early pace started to tell for many runners. The lead group of 6 was whittled down to 4 by 16 miles as Derek and Craig lost contact with the leaders, and William Foreman also lost contact as the race continued arriving at the fourth checkpoint 3 minutes adrift of Paul, Colm and Nick.

By now these four were nearly half hour ahead of the field and with only 7 miles to go a course record looked odds on. By the finish in Studley Roger however the unseasonably hot conditions had contrived to keep the course record intact as Paul Peacock finished 56 seconds outside the benchmark set by Dave Jelley in 2010. Behind him Colm held on to claim second place with William Foreman overtaking Nick Thomas in the last few miles.

In the ladies race the early pace was set by Steph Scott and Wendy Marks both arriving at 7½ miles well under the hour mark. Steph maintained her speed through the second checkpoint at one point extending her lead to over 15 minutes. On the day however it was not meant to be, Hannah Douglas passed her on the hill up to Ilton. Having taken the lead Hannah went from strength to strength building a strong lead over the second half of the race to finish in a commanding first place in 7:08:55. Hilary Farren also moved through in the latter stages to take a well deserved second place pushing Amanda Carter down into third in the last few miles, all three ladies running this race for the first time.

New for 2011 a relay format accompanied the full ultra allowing teams of 5 runners to savour the splendid scenery and the relaxed atmosphere of ultra running without the need to take on the full individual distance. The relay lead swapped hands several times throughout the day. Ripon Runners used their local knowledge well to finish the opening leg in first place before team Decad fought back setting the fastest second leg and held this lead until the final 7 mile section. Ultimately Ripon Runners team of Karen Jones, Victoria Clayton, Jackie Turner, Tracey Stainthorpe, & Mel Dukta led the relay field home posting a combined time of 6:35:22.

With temperatures in excess of 28°C and bright cloudless skies the views from the highest points of the course were breathtaking as runners were treated to extensive views across North Yorkshire’s moors towards the coast.

Men's results

1	Paul Peacock	5:11:59
2	Colm McCoy	5:16:29
3	William Foreman	5:19:59

 

Women's results

1	Hannah Douglas	7:08:55
2	Hilary Farren	7:27:20
3	Amanda Carter	7:29:57

 

Click here for further information and full results

 

 

May Hill Challenge

The first May Hill Challenge took place on Saturday 1st October from Newent Community School and Sports Centre. This 9.5 mile multi-terrain running event incorporated quiet country lanes and paths which took the runners over the summit of May Hill with a total elevation of 1140 feet. The event was run in glorious weather conditions, maybe a little too hot.

The favorite for the event, Lee Rankin from DB Max, lived up to expectations and led from start to finish, completing the testing course in a time of 1:02:56. In second place was Luke James from Monmouth with a time of 1:04:48. Completing the 1st three was Clifford Berry from Ledbury Harriers in 1:06:02.

The first Lady home was Fiona Turner of Forest of Dean Athletic Club, with a time of 1:17:10.

Men's results

1	Lee Rankin	1:02:56
2	Luke James	1:04:48
3	Clifford Berry	1:06:02

 

Women's results

1	Fiona Turner	1:17:10
2	Jenny Jones	1:22:53
3	Emma King	1:24:06

 

Age group results

MV40	David Adams	1:10:05
MV50	David Jones	1:16:34
FV35	Michelle Sterry	1:24:55
FV45	Sarah Coggins	1:29:14

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Brueton parkrun - Event number 63

This week there were 104 runners, of whom 10 were first timers and 35 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 14 different athletics clubs took part.

Andrew Walker of Reigate Priory AC, was first in 16:57 in his first appearance at Brueton. Patrick Roddy of Kenilworth Runners, was second in 17:45 and Stuart Underwood of Sparkhill Harriers, was third in 17:56.

In the women's competition another first timer, Rachel Ward of Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club, was first (12th overall) in 20:07.
Orla Spencer was second in 22:22 and Caitlin McDonald was third in 22:31 - 2 previous wins.

Men's results

1	Andrew WALKER	Reigate Priory AC	16:57
2	Patrick RODDY	Kenilworth Runners	17:45
3	Stuart UNDERWOOD	Sparkhill Harriers	17:56

 

Women's results

1	Rachel WARD	Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club	20:07
2	Orla SPENCER	Unattached	22:22
3	Caitlin MCDONALD	Unattached	22:31

 

Full results and a complete event history can be found on the Brueton parkrun Results Page.

 

 

Sunday October 2, 2011

Destination Basingstoke Shire Half Marathon

The first Destination Basingstoke Shire Half Marathon took place on Sunday – it was a very hot day for runners but 1,300 runners took part supported by an enthusiastic crowd that lined country lanes and villages for a spectacular and challenging, traffic free route around the Hampshire countryside, finishing in the town’s War Memorial Park.

Winner and course record setter was Toby Lambert from Winchester and District Athletics club in 72mins 32 seconds. First woman home was Fiona Mattheson from Falkirk Victoria Harriers.

First time race organisers, Destination Basingstoke were delighted by the turn out of runners and spectators and the feedback from runners who enjoyed the challenge, the scenery and the organisation of the race.

Men's results

1	Toby LAMBERT	WINCHESTER & DISTRICT AC	01:12:32
2	Matthew KING		01:16:13
3	Sean HOLMES	OVERTON HARRIERS & AC	01:18:52

 

Women's results

1	Fiona MATTHESON	FALKIRK VICTORIA HARRIERS	01:21:46
2	Kate TOWERTON		01:29:35
3	Sarah TWIST		01:32:01

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Mablethorpe Marathon & Half Marathon

On a hellishly hot day, nearly 600 competitors took part in the 2011 Mablethorpe Marathon and Half Marathon. Amongst those 600 were over 50 police runners competeing in their national championship race. This years race was run over a new 2 lap course and also from a new venue which was well received by all. This was the 5th running of the event and it goes from strength to strength each year.

Men's marathon results

1	Robert Grantham	Cheshire Police	2.38.55
2	Carl Allwood	Sutton in Ashfield Harriers	2.42.09
3	Malcolm Fowler	Cheshire Police	2.46.14

 

Women's marathon results

1	Lin Lascelles	Maiden Newton Runners	3.00.19
2	Sarah Hill	Hampshire Police	3.03.32
3	Polly Randall-Johnson	Devon/Cornwall Police	3.13.41

 

Click here for further half marathon results

 

Men's half marathon results

1	Gavin Felton	Barnsley AC	1.14.45
2	Gary Thomas	Wolds Veteran RC	1.21.00
3	Robert Hawse	Mablethorpe RC	1.22.23

 

Women's half marathon results

1	Natalie Farrow	Lincoln Wellington	1.22.58
2	Jessica Smith		1.31.05
3	Amy Wheeler		1.34.57

 

Click here for further half marathon results

 

 

Titsey Trail 10K

There was a record entry of 358 runners for the Titsey Trail 10K race organised by Oxted Runners.

The event, based in east Surrey, is a single-lap run through the lovely woodlands of Limpsfield Common and the High Chart of Surrey and Kent. The route is mostly off-road and follows a combination of public footpaths and bridleways and private paths and tracks, most of the land being owned by the National Trust or the Titsey Estate.

The unusually hot and sunny conditions meant that the course record of 37.06 was unlikely to be broken although the winner came close, with Steve Bishop of local club Holland Sports AC finishing in 37.24. The first woman was Mel Frazier of Gravesend Road Runners in a record time of 41.53.

The next edition of the race will take place on Sunday, 7 October 2012.

Men's results

1	Steve Bishop	Holland Sports AC	37:24
2	Kev May	Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC	39:20
3	Declan Flynn	26.2 Road Running Club	40:04

 

Women's results

1	Mel Frazier	Gravesend Road Runners	41:53 (course record)
2	Lisa Page	Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC	45:32
3	Anne Davidson	Dorking & Mole Valley AC	45:33

Click here for further details and full results

 

 

Geoff Moulden Wimbledon 10k

Belgrave's Pascar Owor (32:42), led from start to finish in the uncharacteriscally hot weather.The order of the first three never changed after the first mile and Owor gradually pulled away from Basil Wallace (36:00) and the first woman Lucy Macalister (36:06) was in third position overall. She remarked afterwards "It is good to support the race as Hercules have done a great job hosting it again."

However, there were so many races round the country in the weekend with several local Wimbledon one's on the day. That was the reason organiser Richard Xerri' was robbed of many entries he could have had. The annual race dates back to 1961 and last year five internationals took part in the race. For that reason alone it is unlikely to fade away.

Owor, who twice made the Uganda Olympic team was following up his third place of last year. He had, the previous week run the third fastest time at the Southern Six Sage road relays at Aldershot plus running the fastest leg at the Biggleswade relay the day before his run in the Geoff Moulden.

Basil Wallace of Herne Hill Harriers, who was pleased with his position of second said "it was very hot and generally a slow course with the hill."

Fifth in the race was first veteran 50 year old Knut Hevgold in 37:47 and he was ahead of the first two who from Vets AC Paul Sanderson (39:00) and Nigel Burnell (39:14).

Men's results

1	OWOR, Paskar	Belgrave	00:32:42
2	WALLACE, Basil	Herne Hill Harriers	00:36:00
3	MCMAHON, Rory	Hercules Wimbledon	00:36:12

 

Women's results

1	MACALISTER, Lucy	Thames Hare & Hounds	00:36:06 (Women’s record)
2	GRIMA, Claire	Hercules Wimbledon	00:39:52
3	GARNIER, Anna	Thames Hare & Hounds	00:44:40

 

Click here for full results

 

 

Asics Seaside 10K

There was an excellent turnout for the 7th Annual Seaside 10k and fun run. The weather wasn’t as kind as last year, with a bit of rain on and off for most of the day, but it wasn’t cold so conditions were good for running. The scenic course includes the Kings Gardens and Marine Lake and gives spectators an ideal opportunity to see the runners pass by at different stages of the run.

First home was Daman Nicholls from Wilmslow Running Club in a time of 33:09. Second was Gethin Butler in 33:18 and third was Gary Pennington of the Preston Harriers in 33:55. First lady was Kirsty Longley from Liverpool Pembroke and Sefton, in a time of 38:54. Kirsty also won the Seaside 10k a few years back in 2008. Second lady this year was Natalie Palin of Liverpool Running Club in a time of 41:27 and third lady was Clare Constable in 42:14.

There was lots of positive feedback from runners saying how much they enjoyed the event and the excellent facilities provided by the Ocean Plaza pub after the race.

Men's results

1	Daman Nicholls	00:33:09
2	Gethin Butler	00:33:18
3	Gary Pennington	00:33:55

 

Women's results

1	Kirsty Longley	00:38:54
2	Natalie Palin	00:41:27
3	Clare Constable	00:42:14

 

Click here for full results

 

 

The Friston Forest 10K Charity Trail Run

Men's results

1	Matthew Southam	Multisport-Management	00:40:46
2	Joshua Rudd	Seaford Striders	00:41:10
3	Daniel Sumner	Tonbridge AC	00:42:26

 

Women's results

1	Sue Fry	Seaford Striders	00:46:50
2	Liz Lumber	Seaford Striders	00:47:52
3	Sharon Clay		00:53:35

 

Click here for more information

 

 

 

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running

Over 8300 runners from 45 countries entered this weekend’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, the UK’s most scenic marathon.

The mild start to the day gave way to rain during the morning but the skies were clearing as the winners crossed the finish line, leaving the Event Village bathed in sunshine for the prize giving. The Festival of Running welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, River Ness 10K, HSBC 10k Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5k, and, for pre-school age children, the Wee Nessie.

Tomas Abyu of Salford Harriers won the tenth Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, with a time of 2 hours 20 minutes and 50 seconds. It is Tomas’s third win in as many visits to Loch Ness. Runner up was Ross Houston of Central AC (2:21:05) (who also won the Men’s Scottish Marathon Championships) and in third place was Chris Wilson of Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers (2:25:15).

Lisa Finlay of Dumfries Running Club won the women’s Baxters Loch Ness Marathon course in a personal best of 2 hours 59 minutes and 14 seconds. Crossing the finish line in second place was Carole Setchell of Shettleston Harriers, clipping almost 15 minutes off her personal best with a time of 3:02:56. Third was Gail Murdoch of Carnegie Harriers (3:09:37).

Photos: 2011 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon © Paul Campbell

Winner of the Baxters River Ness 10K was Kyle Greig of Forres Harriers with a time of 32:55. Second was Keith Hood of Corstorphine AAC with a time of 33:11, and third was Graeme Campbell of Stirling (34:10).

First woman home in the Baxters River Ness 10K was Inverness Harriers’ Melissa Whyte with a time of 35 minutes and 45 seconds. Second was Sarah Styles of Metro Aberdeen Running Club (39:18) and third was Vivienne Bruce of Aberdeen (39:33).

Photos: Tomas Abyu, winner of the 2011 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon © Paul Campbell

Men's marathon results

1	Tomas Abyu	Salford Harriers	2:20:50
2	Ross Houston	Central AC	2:21:05
3	Chris Wilson	Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers	2:25:15
4	Kerry-Liam Wilson	Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers	2:31:06
5	Grant Wilkie	Corstorphine AAC	2:42:55
6	Richard Watkinson	Princes Riseborough	2:43:00
7	Roger Van Gompel	Dundee Hawkhill Harriers	2:46:12
8	Stefan Simms	Griffithstown Harriers	2:46:18
9	Paul Holley	Newmarket Joggers	2:47:41
10	Jim Clark	London	2:49:16

 

Men Over 40: 1: Roger Van Gompel, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers (2:46:12); Men Over 50: 1: Gary Hetherington, Sedgefield Harriers (2:50:58), Men Over 60: 1: Nicholas Fickling, USA (3:17:23)

Photos: Lisa Finlay, winner of the 2011 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon © Paul Campbell

Women's results

1	Lisa Finlay	Dumfries Running Club	2:59:14
2	Carole Setchell	Shettleston Harriers	3:02:56
3	Gail Murdoch	Carnegie Harriers	3:09:37
4	Claire Thompson	Victoria Park City of Glasgow	3:11:54
5	Jane Purchase	Doncaster AC	3:12:00
6	Stephanie Ilsley	Belper Harriers	3:12:44
7	Joan Henry	Wick	3:14:47
8	Erica Christie	Bellahouston Harriers	3:18:29
9	Helen Lawrenson	Wesham Road Runners	3:18:52
10	Helen Lees	Glasgow	3:20:32

 

Women over 40 1: Joan Henry, Wick (3:14:47); Women Over 50: 1: Stephanie Ilsley, Belper Harriers (3:12:44); Women Over 60: 1: Ann Rollings, Rugby and Northampton AC (4:04:07)

Click here for full marathon results

 

Scottish Marathon Championships:

Male Team Champions	Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers
Female Team Champions	Carnegie Harriers
Male Champion	Ross Houston, Central AC
Female Champion	Lisa Finlay, Dumfries Running Club

 

GORE RUNNING WEAR™ Runners Club Award 2011 (for fastest running club member male): Tomas Abyu, Salford Harriers

GORE RUNNING WEAR™ Runners Club Award 2011 (for fastest running club member female): Lisa Finlay, Dumfries Running Club

HSPC Gerald Cooper Memorial Cup (for first person resident in the Highland area): Harley Davidson, Inverness Harriers

 

Men's 10k results

1	Kyle Greig	Forres Harriers	32:55
2	Keith Hood	Corstorphine AAC	33:11
3	Graeme Campbell	Stirling	34:10
4	Stephen Mackay	Inverness Harriers	34:12
5	Callum Martin	London	34:12
6	Jack Trevelyan	Castletown	34:13
7	David Patton	Corstorphine AAC	34:15
8	Niku Millott	Metro Aberdeen Running Club	34:23
9	Forbes Reid	Metro Aberdeen Running Club	34:28
10	Zachary Delaney	Fife Athletic Club	34:33

 

Men Over 40: 1: Callum Martin, London (34:12), Men Over 50: 1: Alastair Dunlop, Isle of Lewis (35:08), Men Over 60: 1: Mike Gage, Beauly (42:29)

 

Women's 10 results

1	Melissa Whyte	Inverness Harriers	35:45
2	Sarah Styles	Metro Aberdeen Running Club	39:18
3	Vivienne Bruce	Aberdeen	39:33
4	Suzanne McMahon	Bellahouston Harriers	39:43
5	Liz Thomson	Aberdeen	40:39
6	Marie Baxter	Aberdeen	40:42
7	Jackie Mair	Inverness Harriers	41:17
8	Maria De La Torre	Inverness	41:21
9	Roma Davidson	Inverness Harriers	41:23
10	Fiona Macritchie	Inverness	41:40

Women over 40: 1: Suzanne McMahon, Bellahouston Harriers (39:43); Women Over 50: 1: Sarah Houston, Moray Road Runners (43:34); Women Over 60: 1: Shirley Hay, Inverness (53:14)

Click here for full 10k results

 

Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run

Male	Luke Shaw, Ross-shire	17:44
Women	Catriona Allan, Kilmacolm	21:29

 

HSBC 10K Corporate Challenge

Fastest Overall Team and Fastest Public Sector Team	Rowantree Randoms, University of Aberdeen, cumulative time 3:01:37
Fastest Accountancy and Finance Sector Team	Johnston Carmichael
Fastest Legal and Property Sector Team	CKD Galbraith
Fastest Energy and Engineering Sector Team	Wood Group
Fastest Jack of All Trades Sector Team	Baxters Team A

 

Click here for a full report

Visit www.lochnessmarathon.com for more information

 

 

The Gin Pit 5

The Gin Pit 5 was completed by 180 competitors and James Kevan of Horwich RMI won the race in an amazing time of 25.56.

First back for organising club Asley & Tyldesley Roadrunners and taking second place was Lewis Eccleston with 27.29. Colin Rigby (28.14) followed him home, being chased down by Simon Ford (28.19). The ever consistent Shaun Moran (29.30) finished next and claimed the V50 prize for the trip out.

Maria Lowe (31.12) was back racing after a recent illness took the prize for first lady home. Second lady home was Josie Maley (33.02) with Jean Mann (35.28) third lady home.

Men's results

1	James Kevan	Horwich RMI Harriers	00:25:56
2	Lewis Eccleston	Astley & Tyldesley RC	00:27:29
3	Gareth Booth	Horwich RMI Harriers	00:27:38

 

Women's results

1	Maria Lowe	Astley & Tyldesley RC	00:31:12
2	Kirsty Preece	Burnden Road Runners	00:32:45
3	Josie Maley	Astley & Tyldesley RC	00:33:02

Click here for full results

 

Manuden Fun Run

223 runners, including 2 all the way from Antwerp in Belgium, braved the unseasonal temperatures to complete the Manuden 10k run. The hill at 1k is always a challenge and helps to spread out the field on this "there and back" run with beautiful views over this part of Essex. Even with the dehydrating heat the 10k winner came in at 37.45.

The popular run also features 5K and 1K runs for the less experienced and younger runners and all entrants receive medals and t-shirts. This year 35 ran the 5k and 99 completed the 1K.

A real family event with many runners returning year afer year.

Photos: The male & female 10k winners and the start of the 10k

Men's results

1	Paul Game	Haverhill Running Club	37.45
2	Kevin Murphy		38.40
3	James Murdoch		39.18

 

Women's results

1	Kathryn Chapman	Bishop's Stortford Running Club	42.34
2	Deborah Rushman	Walden Tri	42.47
3	Fiona Halls	Saffron Striders	42.55

 

Full results can be found on the website www.manuden.org.uk

 

 

Martlesham 10K and Fun Run

Men's results

1	Kieran Clements	32.28
2	Robert Reason	34.36
3	James Powley	34.53

 

Women's results

1	Marion McCall	43.36
2	Vicky Preland	44.11
3	Lucy Barnes	44.25

 

Team Prize: Ipswich Harrier 13 points

Click here for full results

 

 

Light up the City 5k

237 runnners took part in the first Light up the City 5k in Canterbury’s historic city walls and medieval streets in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.

This was a unique route and the first time that the city has staged a running event at night. The race was started by Mel Clewlow, Canterbury Hockey Player and Former Olympian.

The course took the runners over cobbled streets, past the Cathedral Gate, the brand new Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Castle. In addition 69 ‘strollers’ took part in a 1 mile route before the 5k started.

A notable mention also goes to Beau Jones, aged 8 who completed the 5k route in 22 minutes.

Men's results

1	Robin Butler
2	Richard Ausin
3	George Daly

 

Women's results

1	Debbie Jackson
2	Theresa Johns
3	Tracy Moon

 

Click here for full results

 

 

4th Annual White Swan Road Races

Sunday 2nd October 2011 saw the fourth running of the White Swan Road Races (1k, 6k and 10k). Thankfully the heat wave subsided slightly to provide perfect running conditions – dull, cool and some gentle rain to cool runners down (not so great for the marshals and spectators). However, after last year’s drenching, this year was positively tropical.

Races kicked off at 10:30 with the 1K race around the grounds of the Rectory behind the school. Megan Woollons showed a final burst of speed along the back straight to pip Ruth Mensa to the line. Ruth had led from the start but perhaps exhausted any reserves of energy earlier in the race. Matthew Coe showed great form coming in First for the boys.

The main events started at 11:30 when 134 runners (a slightly smaller field from last year) set off from the school field gate, up high street on the first leg of the 6k and 10k distances. By the time they returned to Thornton Le Clay a fair gap had opened between the lead runners. They continued to Foston around Blue Coates farm and returned to finish in the school field. No record breaking times this year though.

There was a fantastic spread of teas, cakes and sandwiches provided by PAFFS (Parents and Friends of Foston School) in the village hall.

Men's results

1	Jeremy Rogers	35.14
2	Ben Hamilton	36.44
3	Nigel Ramsden	37.00

Women's results

1	Zoe Plummer	42.41
2	Katie Coulson	44.29
3	Rebecca Hair	44.42

 

 

 

Chilham Castle Duathlon 2011

The Chilham Castle Duathlon returned to Chilham Park near Canterbury, Kent, for it’s second running, and this year it attracted some of Britain’s top duathletes.

The unseasonally hot temperatures made for some incredible racing, with the course records for both men and women being well and truly smashed.

There was a very strong field of age groupers in the men’s race, with Ashley Howes returning for a second year, and Jon Bond and Nick Kinsey, all highly respected athletes, competing for the title.

The event started with a challenging 10K cross country run in the grounds of Chilham Park before the duathletes headed onto local roads for a 40K bike, which included an uphill section for nearly 13K at the start of the ride to sap the legs. Then the duathletes returned to the park for the final 5K run.

The men’s race panned out in style. Ashley Howes, Larkfield AC, entered T1 in just under 40 minutes, with Jon Bond of Team Solo hot on his heels in 40.14. Nick Kinsey, an eight-time competitor at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and a Tri UK sponsored athlete was just 45 seconds back on the two leaders.

The biting 13K uphill start to the bike section tested the riders’ legs, but there was plenty of flat and fast downhill for the competitors in the remainder of the 40K. Howes had dropped back slightly on the bike, but Kinsey had pushed hard and had a bike split of 1.05.44, just behind the fastest split of the day, which went to Stephen Castle in 1.04.10

Kinsey is an incredible triathlete, and produced a run split of 20.42 for the last 5K. He overtook Bond and came across the finish line in 2.08.37 smashing the previous course record by four minutes. Bond followed just one minute behind in 2.09.38. Howes held onto 3rd place, coming home in 2.14.35.

The ladies race was a duel between Nicola Groom, Larkfield AC and local triathlete Victoria Kenny of Tri Spirit Team. The ladies battled it out on the first 10K with Groom leading by two minutes at the first transition. But Kenny made a big fightback on the bike, pulling back those two minutes on the bike and both ladies entered transition almost neck and neck.

Heading into the last 5K, Groom managed to extend the small gap she had, finally crossing the line in 2.29.12, destroying the previous course record by eight minutes.
Kenny, racing her first ever duathlon, finished second in 2.32.28 despite receiving a 2-minute penalty. Erica Martin, Brighton Phoenix Tri came home 3rd in 2.38.07. All three ladies smashed the previous records.

Many of the competitors were racing a duathlon for the first time and found the hot conditions even more of a test. The triathlon spirit held true with the eldest competitor John Brown in the 70-74 age group finishing in a great time of 3.31.32.

Event organizer Liz King of Tri Spirit Events, said: “We had hoped for good weather, but we could not have predicted it feeling like summer at this time of year. This is a tough course, and the heat made it all the more difficult for some competitors, but it clearly helped most duathletes to go faster.
“We hope to hold a shorter event alongside the standard distance duathlon next year, which will offer an additional choice for those who would like to have a go.”

Men's results

1	Nick Kinsey	Tri UK	2.08.37
2	Jon Bond	Team Solo	2.09.38
3	Ashley Howes	Larkfield AC	2.14.35

 

Women's results

1	Nicola Groom	Larkfield AC	2.29.12
2	Victoria Kenny	Tri Spirit Team	2.33.28
3	Erica Martin	Brighton Phoenix	2.38.07

 

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Chilham Castle 5k & 10k

Tri Spirit Events also offered a 5K and 10K run separately in the afternoon, which was well received by the runners who took part.

First home for the men on the 5K was Rolf Schatzmann in 22.46, followed by Adrian Waters in 23.34, and third place went to Kevin Dowling in 29.59.

The ladies’ event was hotly contested for second and third, with Kerry Walker beating Julie Bradford into third place by just two seconds, with 28.41 and 28.43 respectively. But the ladies winner Georgina Twist was streets ahead of the rest of the field, coming home in a fabulous time of 24.47.

The 10K was a gruelling challenge for many with the temperatures soaring in the afternoon, but the top times were still very impressive.

Torren Peakman of Deal Tri Club was the men’s winner, with a blistering time of 47.28 for the course. Daniel Blowman finished second in 47.41, and Alan Bennett came home in third place in 49.18.

The ladies’ 10K was won by Kathy Lockwood in 1.01.38, followed closely by Louise Sarah Pomeroy Dash of Deal Tri Club in 1.02.04, and Katie Marchant finished third in 1.07.14.

King added: “This was the first time we have put these events on at Chilham Castle, but the feedback we got was very positive. We plan on making the 5K and 10K much bigger events next year.”

Men's 5k results

1	Rolf Schatzmann		22.46
2	Adrain Waters	Thanet Road Runners	23.34
3		Kevin Dowling	29.59

 

Women's 5k results

1	Georgina Twist	Ashford AC	24.47
2	Kerry Walker	Invicta East Kent AC	28.41
3	Julie Bradford	Tri Spirit Team	28.43

 

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Men's 10k results

1	Torren Peakman	Deal Tri	47.28
2	Daniel Bowman		47.41
3	Alan Bennett	Bexhill Runners	49.18

 

Women's 10k results

1	Kathy Lockwood		1.01.38
2	Louise Pomeroy-Dash	Deal Tri	1.02.04
3	Katie Marchant		1.07.14

 

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