Weekend review: December 17 & 18

Saturday December 17, 2011

Saltwell Ronnie Walker 10K

Racing conditions were excellent once the ice and snow had been cleared from the course. This enabled Ryan McLeod and Alyson Dixon to break the respective course records. Ryan continued his good form after winning a silver team medal for GB at the European XC in Slovenia the previous weekend.

Alyson was delighted with her first race since recovering from injury after running in the Marathon at the World Championships in Daegu, Japan.

Special guests at the presentation were past winners bringing a bit of nostalgia to the centenary running of Britain's oldest road race. Ernie Slaughter winner 1949, Bill Robinson winner 1969 and Mike McLeod winner on 16 successive occasions from 1974 to 1989, who presented the winners trophy to his son Ryan.

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

Relish Running Bath Skyline 10km

Relish the Great Outdoors continued their Winter series in the magnificent snow of Bath Skyline. The setting was perfect – beautiful blue skies highlighting the stunning views of Bath and Sham Castle. It was a joy to see over 100 runners return with huge grins on their faces and mud up their legs! The muddy terrain proved a fun challenge but sparkly white trainers would have definitely demonstrated a lack of commitment.

Georgia Wood continued her dominance of Relish Running Races series, following her wins at Dyrham in the Summer. A strong male category was headed by local elite triathlete Doug Hall, with many others posting impressive times on a hilly course. The route took in the impressive Bath Uni campus, quick open fields, challenging intricate trails through the woods and some of the most stunning sights of Bath’s Skyline. The speedy kids' race was enjoyed by all with a fun downhill sprint finish to collect their much-deserved medals!

Many familiar faces returned to enjoy the series and a great community atmosphere post-race was boosted by the presence of Skyline Tents, who provided post-race mince pies and shelter. As always, the race was fantastically supported by Running Bath and we know many runners will be popping in for some new off-road shoes before the next race in January! The launch of exciting new clothing and accessory brand O2 Creation proved a huge success with runners particularly interested in the innovative flashing running lights and ingenious clothes designed with those who really relish running in mind.

As 2011 draws to a close, Relish the Great Outdoors have loved reflecting on the successes of their first year as event organisers. The Summer series in Dyrham Park was such a wonderful chance to get families together to enjoy time in the sun and we can’t wait to return there next Summer, with similar events in other wonderful National Trust properties planned. The Bath Skyline series has proved what we already knew about our runners… they love the outdoors, take on any challenge with a smile on their face and just relish running! Thank you to everyone who has supported us – the marshals, sponsors, National Trust colleagues, St John’s Ambulance; but most of all thank you to the runners. We do it for you and love to see how much you enjoy it!!

Here’s to a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2012. We look forward to Relishing the Great Outdoors with you on January 29th and throughout the year!

Men's results

Women's results

Male Veteran = Richard Barrett, 43:12, Female Veteran = Sarah Jordan-Whittaker, 57:37

Click here from full results

Sunday December 18, 2011

Stanwick Lakes Santa Run

A frosty start in Northamptonshire welcomed the third running of this event; the counties largest Santa Run. Scarlet clad Santa’s lined up alongside elves and fairies in preparation to run 5km, 10km or a half marathon through the stunning scenery of the Stanwick Lakes site. The race started at 10am during a very well timed and appropriate snow shower that had been specifically requested by the organisers, Ultramarathon.

The traffic free route proved ideal for the runners as they made their way rapidly through the site of special scientific interest where some three thousand birds are currently spending the winter. The 5k race was won in tremendous style by Chris Brown who finished a full three minutes ahead of Graham Higham and third placed runner Steven Black.

The 10k race was won by Sam Blakeman who was closely followed by Neil Shorten and Craig Wilson. Dicky Biddle finished in 43.40 ably led home by his three huskies as the first canicross runner to finish the 10k; all three tails wagged happily as the dogs enjoyed their well earned Dentastix.

The half marathon was completed in 1.26.42 by Robert Alston who was followed home by Jason French and Ashley Clayborne.

Lloyd Clark, Race Director stated that it was a pleasure to see so many happy and athletic runners encouraging the back of the pack runners which made the whole event a pleasure to organise.

Ultramarathon would like to offer special thanks to the marshals on the day particularly Team Jarvis, Team Priddy and Team Lister without whom such events could not be staged; well done to all! The next event at Stanwick will be held on New Years Day, entry details can be found at www.ultramarathon.org.uk.

5k results

10km results

Half marathon results

Click here for more information and full results in due course

Waveney Valley Athletic Club Turkey Trot

Following the disappointment of last years race being cancelled due to very icy conditions, this years 10mile Turkey Trot, organised by Waveney Valley Athletic Club, was successfully stageddespite a few concerns after the previous nights frost.

But the race went ahead, and 158 runners braved the freezing temperatures and occasional snow showers, to make it safely to the finish with no mishaps reported. It was the highest finishing total since 2006.

The race, which started near St.John Leman High School, Beccles took the runners through Ilketshall St.Andrew and Ringsfield village and back to Beccles.

For Luke Allen of Waveney Valley and Daniel Bradley of Tonbridge A.C. the race was a close contest from the start for first place with the Kent athlete ahead till near the half way point, then Allen took the lead and held on to it to win in a time of 54:13, just 17 seconds ahead of Bradley.

First lady to finish was Marie Shirley of Colchester Harriers, clocking 1:04:42 in 18th place overall, with Rebecca Jordan of Stowmarket Striders second. City of Norwich A.C. took the mens team prize and Stowmarket Striders won the ladies team prize.

Winning Christmas vouchers in their veterans age groups were Neil Davison, Angela Mann, John Christopher, Sandra Roberts, John Moore, Bobbie Sauerzapf, Terry Epps, Lynda Moore, Arthur Whiston, Veronica Manly and Jim Hayes.

Due to organising and marshalling duties by Waveney Valley club members, just two other runners from the host club competed. Nigel Herrod clocked a respectable 1:16:54 for 71st place and Tracy Mayne, overcoming another injury setback after recently tripping on a manhole cover, finished 157th in 1:54:10 and confidently predicted her planned half marathon in Florida next month was back on.

Race Director David Pimlott thanked everybody who helped to make the event go smoothly, especially on such a cold winters day.

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

Derby Runner Bolsover 10k

The weather was a far cry from last year when the icy conditions forced a postponement. This year it was very cold but the sun came out as the 750+ runners set off around the fairly flat 10k course. Race HQ was the newly built Bolsover School which offered excellent facilities. Race winner Richard Weir set a new course record with a time of 30:43 beating the old record by 7 seconds and earning himself a £100 bonus. last years winner Andy Ward, Clowne RR, ran Richard close early on but had to settle for second place this time but also picked up 1st vet 40 prize. Finishing in 7th was another former winner Hallamshire's Carl Thackery who finished 1st vet45 and is also father of the ladies winner Callie Thackery. Calli was pushed all the way by Derby AC's Abbey Norman but prevailed by 15 seconds at the finish. £rd place Nicola Clay was also the first vet35 winner.

Photo: Race winner Richard Weir © www.runner-photos.co.uk

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for further information and full results in due course