Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Harbour Wallbanger
The Harbour Wallbanger is a unique race yet to be discovered by the masses. Competitors run on a course on the beach between Viking Bay, Broadstairs and Ramsgate Harbour, where the runners bang the wall before returning to the finish line in Broadstairs.
This year’s race on Saturday drew 65 entries and was won by M40 Paul Tomlinson of host club Thanet Road Runners in 28min40sec, followed by Andrew Fletcher (Folkestone, 29.04) and James Constable (Wimbledon, 29.16).
The higher age group winners were M55 Alan Newman (Paddock Wood, 31.03) and M60 Terry Brightwell (Thanet, 36.56).
The women’s winners were Clare Mullenger (Wimbledon, 31.49), W35 Sarah Hinton (Jelly Legs, 36.33) and unattached W45 Lorraine Thorley (36.37). W60 Sue James (Paddock Wood, 37.02) from Maidstone won the top age group prize in fourth place overall.
Photos: The winner Paul Tomlinson approaches the finish. Philip Kinnille gives out the Team Prize with the Paul Tomlinson on his left
Men's results
| 1 |
Paul TOMLINSON |
Thanet Roadrunners AC |
28:40 |
| 2 |
Andrew FLETCHER |
Folkestone Running Club |
29:04 |
| 3 |
James CONSTABLE, |
Wimbledon Windmilers |
29:16 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Clare MULLENGER |
Wimbledon Windmilers |
31:49 |
| 2 |
Sarah HINTON |
Jelly Legs |
36:33 |
| 3 |
Lorraine THORLEY |
|
36:37 |
Click here for full results
The 4th adidas Thunder Run
The fourth adidas Thunder Run 24 took place on July 28th and 29th at the fantastic venue of Catton Park in Derbyshire. The course is a beautiful 10k loop and the idea of the event is that you do as many laps as you can within 24 hours. It would be a fairly testing 10k course even if you were doing it once but to keep doing it for 24 hours, well that’s just silly. You can do it as a solo, a pair, or a team of 5 or 8 which makes it suitable for all runners. Some teams really go for it and this year one team managed an incredible 33 laps (or 330 km/205 miles), while other teams treat it as a fun weekend away.
There’s definitely something for everybody at the Thunder Run.
The weather was kind at this year’s event with a fair bit of sun and only a tiny bit of rain. It was a sell-out this year and it certainly showed, with all three camping fields completely full and queues out of the door for the food tent for pretty much the full 24 hours. The organisation was fantastic though and the atmosphere makes for a very special event. The sponsors, adidas, had kindly laid on a huge screen and a grandstand so that runners and supporters could keep one eye on the Olympic action. Marshals literally camped out at their stations for 24 hours, which sums up the ethos of this event.
In the solo men’s category Paul Oliver led for most of the event and managed a total of 20 laps (200km). Last year’s winner, Kevin Doyle, was a strong contender again but he suffered with sleep deprivation and ended up having to rest for a few hours under doctor’s orders. Despite this he still managed to finish an incredible third with 18 laps, just behind Mark Bissell.
Last year’s runner-up in the women’s competition, Sarah Gardner-Hall won this year with 18 laps, with Kirsty Reade in second with 170km and Claire Spencer third another 10km behind.
Photos: "I'm in for the long run... ...24:00". The women's podium
Men's results
| 1 |
Paul Oliver |
200km |
| 2 |
Mark Bissell |
180km |
| 3 |
Kevin Doyle |
180km |
Women's results
| 1 |
Sarah Gardner-Hall |
180km |
| 2 |
Kirsty Reade |
170km |
| 3 |
Claire Spencer |
160km |
Click here for further information and full results in due course
Click here for a link to full results
Madeyarun around the Reservoir
For two consecutive days runners where taking on the 26.2 mile off road course around Brackmills Resevoir. 23 participants completed the double, racing on both days.
Paul Davies, third on the first day and second on the next, took the overall title. In the women's rankings it was Diane Roy who topped the overall standings with a first and second place.
Men's Saturday results
| 1 |
Jamie Bird |
03:23 |
| 2 |
Matthew Tonks |
03:33 |
| 3 |
Paul Davies |
03:42 |
Women's Saturday results
| 1 |
Diane Roy |
03:43 |
| 2 |
Ellen Cottom |
04:22 |
| 3 |
Sharon Nettleton |
04:34 |
Click here for full results from Saturday
Men's Sunday results
| 1 |
Mark Carwadine |
03:02 |
| 2 |
Paul Davies |
03:29 |
| 3 |
Sean Gregg |
03:42 |
Women's Sunday results
| 1 |
Janet Cobby |
03:54 |
| 2 |
Diane Roy |
04:32 |
| 3 |
Sarah Thorne |
04:35 |
Click here for full results from Sunday
Men's Overall results
| 1 |
Paul Davies |
03:42/03:29 |
07:11 |
| 2 |
Sean Gregg |
03:54/03:42 |
07:36 |
| 3 |
Tiago Dionisio |
03:48/03:53 |
07:41 |
Women's Overall results
| 1 |
Diane Roy |
03:43/04:32 |
08:15 |
| 2 |
Ellen Cottom |
04:22/04:39 |
09:01 |
| 3 |
Heather Mcdonald - Hamilton |
04:38/04:36 |
09:14 |
Click here to check out the Madeyarun Facebook page for further information
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sturminster Newton Half Marathon 2012 (The Stur Half)
Sunday 29th July saw the 22nd running of the ‘Stur Half’, organised by local running club the Dorset Doddlers. The race started in the centre of Sturminster Newton and finished on the High School playing fields. As usual this was a very popular event attracting hundreds of runners from the local area as well as a good number from further afield.
It was an early start for the organisers and volunteers to get the last of the jobs completed, marking the route, setting up water stations and placing the race marshals. It was a bright and sunny morning which threatened challenging temperatures to run in, but luckily the dependable British weather was true to form and it wasn’t long before the clouds and showers started coming past keeping all the runners cool. I’m not sure the supporters and marshal and helpers were quite so appreciative!
At about 10.15 the runners were led by the Town Crier from Race HQ to the start on Station Road where final instructions were given before the race got underway. The all-road route took the runners through Manston, Rams Hill, Margaret Marsh, Stour Row, Todber and Hinton St. Mary before a fast finish on the High School Field.
As has become tradition for the Stur Half the numerous water and sponge stations were manned by volunteers in various themed costume which always manages to bring a smile to the face of even the most fatigued runner. The highlight this year had to be the lady dressed as the Olympic Torch.
Once again Honeybuns sponsored the event, providing much appreciated post-race fuel for the runners in the form of their ‘Honeybuns Halfs’. A number of runners were heard discussing going round again just to get more cake.
Once the Half Marathon was underway the 5k fun run and children’s races got underway, helping to entertain the friends, families and other supporters.
There were 410 finishers in the Half Marathon. The Men’s race was won by Steven Way of Bournemouth AC in a time of 1hour 9 minutes and 10 seconds, with teammate Ian Habgood as runner up. Bournemouth AC also won the men’s team prize.
Susanne Enhard of Compton Harriers won the ladies’ race in a time of 1hour 27 minutes and 46 seconds, with Rebecca Hayward of Bitton Road Runners as runner up. The ladies’ team prize was won by Littledown Harriers.
Despite the ever changing weather through most of the day, spectators and runners alike enjoyed a great day, many already making plans to return next year.
Men's results
| 1 |
Steven WAY |
Bournemouth AC |
01:09:10 |
| 2 |
Ian HABGOOD |
Bournemouth AC |
01:10:07 |
| 3 |
Pete ROPER |
|
01:15:13 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Susanne ENHARD |
Compton Harriers |
01:27:46 |
| 2 |
Rebecca HAYWARD |
Bitton RC |
01:29:31 |
| 3 |
Juliet CHAMPION |
Cheltenham |
01:29:53 |
Click here for full results
Leigh Sports Village 10k Legacy Event
The Leigh Sports Village 10k Legacy Event and fun run starts and finishes from the prestigious £83 million Leigh Sports stadium; it then follows beautiful routes around Pennington Flash Country Park. This nature reserve is centred on a huge lake; this watery wonderland is abundant with natures finest.
The Leigh Sports Village 10k Legacy Event is without a doubt considered as a tradition to the people within the borough. Held for the first time in 2010 with over 750 runners and then in 2011 Runners World magazine considered it to be one of the best up and coming 10k runs in the North West.
The Legacy Event Series is all about allowing the public to leave a Legacy in their local community; the organisers do not charge charities to be a partner and the decision of who to raise funds for is completely down to the participant, who can run, jog or walk the event.
Steven Boyton of Deeside AC was the first finisher in 33:41, Daniel Weston of Wrexham AC second in 34:40 and David Hamilton of Southport Waterloo AC third in 35:54.
Heather Jackson was the first woman in in 40:09, followed by Louise Blizzard of Belgrave Harriers in second in 40:59. Sarah Mackness of Altrincham AC was third in 43:13.
Men's results
| 1 |
Steven Boyton |
Deeside AC |
33:41 |
| 2 |
Daniel Weston |
Wrexham AC |
34:40 |
| 3 |
David Hamilton |
Southport Waterloo AC |
35:54 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Heather Jackson |
Unattached |
40:09 |
| 2 |
Louise Blizzard |
Belgrave Harriers |
40:59 |
| 3 |
Sarah Mackness |
Altrincham AC |
43:13 |
Click here for full results
Mic Morris Torfaen 10k
Torfaen Sports Development held the Mic Morris Torfaen 10k race on Sunday, 29 July 2012. With excellent weather, the participants had a good race down to Pontypool Park.
The Mayor of Blaenavon, Councillor Gareth Davies started the run in Blaenavon and joined other civic dignitaries including the Mayor of Torfaen, Councillor Wayne Tomlinson in Pontypool Park to give out the medals.
This race attracted first time runners as well as seasoned athletes. PB’s all round with the fastest time being 30 mins 17 secs. From humble beginnings, this event has attracted more people this year with over 200 registered; it promises to go from strength to strength.
Comments were very positive. One such comment was ‘my friend and I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning, and it was great to run against so many club runners! I look forward to running the course again next year'.
At the end of the race, a presentation took place and the following collected their prizes from the Mayor of Torfaen:
Click here for full results
Idle Trail Race 29th July 2012
On a warm morning nearly 250 runners took to the start of the Idle Trail Race, local runner, Quentin Lewis (Baildon Runners) in a time of 37.24 repeated his win of 2011 in the men’s race. Rachael Pilling (Pudsey & Bramley AC) was first female in a time of 44.50.
There were close finishes behind the winners in both men’s and women’s fields with Will Kerr (Saltaire Striders) in 38.06 just piping Colin Walker (Pudsey & Bramley) who finished only 3 seconds later in a time of 38.09 for second in the men’s race and Anna Anderson (Pendle AC) running 47.11 just getting the better of Stephanie Wilson (Saltaire Striders) in the women’s with her time of 47.13
Pudsey & Bramleys Colin Walker, Niall Bourke & James Wilkinson picked up the male team prize whilst the women’s team winners were from Keighley & Craven, the trio of Sarah O’Sullivan, Diane Macdonald & Tina Kelly.
This popular, well organised race is now an established race in the running fixture list with runners, including running legend Ron Hill, coming from all over the North of England to take part.
The scenic course offered something for everyone - a flat towpath section at the start, a middle section with some hills, quiet paths & tracks and a downhill section at the end. The event in the stunning grounds of woodhouse Grove School included homemade cakes & refreshments with proceeds going to two charities –Neuro Foundation & Mind (Bradford).
Race Director, Davina Smith said “The race went really well and I’d really like to thank all those who took part, the marshals who provided fantastic support and our sponsors who included, Up and Running & Paul Verity Opticians – who provided designer sun glasses for the winners. I also delighted that Dixie, presenter from Real Radio was also able to support us by giving out the prizes at the prize presentation. Dixie was one of the torch bearers, also brought along his Olympic torch. Its brilliant that in Olympic year we were able to have a torch for people to see but also to have a former Olympic runner, Dr Ron Hill, MBE, running the race.”
Men's results
| 1 |
Quentin Lewis |
Baildon Runners |
00:37:24 |
| 2 |
Will Kerr |
Saltaire Striders |
00:38:06 |
| 3 |
Colin Walker |
Pudsey & Bramley AC |
00:38:09 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Rachael Pilling |
Pudsey & Bramley AC |
00:45:06 |
| 2 |
Anna Anderson |
Pendle AC |
00:47:11 |
| 3 |
Stephanie Wilson |
Saltaire Striders |
00:47:13 |
Click here for full results
Jim Dingwall Elloughton 10k
271 runners finished the 2012 Jim Dingwall Elloughton 10k, with a further 63 participants taking part in the fun run. Mike Burrett of Leeds City AC won in a time of 32:39.
Carl Ryde of Doncaster AC took second place, 20 seconds behind Mike and 12 seconds ahead of third paced Steve Bateson of East Hull Harriers & AC.
In the women's competition it was Cheryl Oakshott of City of Hull AC who finished in first place in 41:05, ahead of club mate Katie Dunn and Danielle Gloyn of East Hull Harriers & AC.
Men's results
| 1 |
Mike Burrett |
Leeds City Athletic Club |
32:39 |
| 2 |
Carl Ryde |
Doncaster AC |
32:59 |
| 3 |
Steve Bateson |
East Hull Harriers & AC |
33:11 |
Women's results
| 1 |
Cheryl Oakshott |
City of Hull AC |
41:05 |
| 2 |
Katie Dunn |
City of Hull AC |
41:24 |
| 3 |
Danielle Gloyn |
East Hull Harriers & AC |
42:26 |
Click here for full results
