Weekend review - July 10 & 11

Sunday July 11, 2010

Soapbox Spectacular

After the thrills and spills of the morning’s soapbox derby, and against the background noise of a lively lunchtime in the open air, 35 runners set off from Hanway Common, with views to the Shropshire Hills to the north, the Welsh mountains to the west and Clee Hill to the east, with the Malverns visible a little further south.

After a mile and a half over meadowland, the runners turned into Mortimer Forest, to emerge again at the top of the Common, run down past the soapbox event before climbing back past the old church and the castle up to the south end of the common and a return to the finish.

Stacey Morgan (Croft Ambrey) held his lead throughout to win this 5 mile cross country event in 31.54, a lead of 24 seconds over clubmate, Simon Norwood. Third was 17 year old Tim Lefroy (Ludlow Runners), in 33.27, just ahead of the first lady, Amanda Wright-Smith (Birchfield Harriers) who set the ladies’ record at 34.07.

Second (junior) lady was Suzanne Turvey (Croft Ambrey), returning to running after a lengthy injury lay-off, in 40.31, just 40 seconds ahead of her mother, Nicky, who claimed the third ladies’ place.

Croft Ambrey won both the men’s and ladies’ team events.

Men's results

Women's results

The eccup 10 mile road race

536 runners finished this popular 10 mile road race. Andrew Pearsons was first to cross the line, completing the undulating course in 52:15. Susan Partridge, selected to run the marathon at the European Championships in Barcelona, was the women's winner in 1:00:15.

Men's results

Women's results

For more information on the race and results check out the Abbey Runner's website

ASICS British 10k London Run

Over 25,000 runners, including top athletes and celebrity runners, took part in the tenth annniversary ASICS British 10K London Run on a beautiful summer's day. Support for the hundreds of charities involved was strong, as groups of supporters lined the course to cheer on their runners on.

The race was won by Ruben Iindogo in a time of 29.32, followed by Hicham Ettaichmi with a time of 30.39. The first female was Getenesh Tamirat, finishing in a time of 35.20.

For more information on the race and results check out the ASICS British 10k London Run's website

Radcliffe A.C 3 Day Challenge

Radcliffe A.C. held their inaugural 3 Day challenge over the 8th, 9th & 10th July.

Race 1, was the well established Bull Hill fell race from Hawkshaw near Bury. A record turnout of 152 runners competed on a dry humid night around the fells. The race was won by Darren Kay, Pudsey & Bramley A.C in a record time of 35.49, the 1st lady was Debbie Campbell, Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers in a time of 46.14. The 1st home in the 3 day series was Rob Jackson (Horwich RMI) in a time of 39.58 he was closely followed by Paul Dalton (East Cheshire Harriers) and Danny Brocklehurst (Trafford AC). 1st lady in the series was Ginny Willey (Middleton Harriers) followed by Lauren Marsden (Swinton R.C.).

Day 2 saw the brand new Summer Cross country take place from Giant Seat Campsite, where the runners had to race 4 laps around the hilly wooded terrain of the camp. Danny Brocklehurst ran in 1st closely followed by Rob Jackson and Paul Dalton, 34.32 , 34.46 and 34,55 respectively. 1st lady was Ginny Willey who was clear of her nearest competitor Lauren Marsden. Danny Brocklehurst having fallen twice on the final lap was now only seconds behind the leader Rob Jackson and seconds ahead of Paul Dalton.

Day 3 saw the weary 33 competitors endure a fast 5 mile race along the Outwood trail, paths of Ringley and the canals of Radcliffe coming to a finish on Radcliffe A.C’s “Nellie Halstead” track on Cams Lane. Race leader Rob Jackson was optimistic of adding the title to his recent success in the Rochdale 3 day event as Danny Brocklehurst was competing with an injured ankle from his falls the previous evening. Dannny took the initiative and set off at a fast pace, he was overhauled by Rob who finished in a credible time of 30.14 and was followed by Paul Dalton in 30.26. Danny finished 4th on the day in 30.50.

The strong consistent running of Jackson meant he was the winner of the series, 2nd was Paul Dalton and 3rd was Danny Brocklehurst. In the ladies race Ginny Willey retained her position as series leader coming in 2nd lady on the day. 2nd lady for the series was Lauren Marsden followed in 3rd place by Maggie McClelland. Ginny’s consistently strong running over the 3 days was the key to her success.

Radcliffe A.C. Chairman Mark Emmett said “ This was a great start to a new event for the club, the support of club members was superb and made the event the success it was, kind sponsorship by Polyflor, Radcliffe Building Supplies and VLA Events enabled all competitors to receive a unique “T” shirt in addition to the race prizes.”

The Seventh Annual Didcot 5 and Fun Runs

The Seventh Annual Didcot Fun Runs saw 300 runners taking to the streets of Didcot. Serious athletes competing in the Oxfordshire Road Race Championships ran alongside local Didcot residents.The 5 mile road race saw 200 entrants and the fun run saw 140 entrants.

The winner of the Didcot 5, Steve Naylor, narrowly missed the race record, set on the second running of the race. The Race Director, Claire Shorrock, thanks nPower for sponsoring the race ensuring that it was a successful event and all finishers went away with a water bottle as a memento. The Mayor was in attendance to present medals and trophies to the winners.

Local Charities, including The Will & Grace fund, will benefit to the tune of £1000. The Race Director said, 'It is fantastic to see so many local and national runners taking to the streets of Didcot and with this race now being part of the Oxfordshire championships, we feel that this really puts Didcot on the map for runners. The race would not have been possible without the generous support of npower and without hard work from DTC and Didcot Runners. We also thank the Willowbrook for allowing us to use their facilities.

Didcot 5 - Men's results

Didcot 5 -Women's results

Wyre Forest Half - Promoted by Amazing Feet R.C ( Kidderminster)

Sunday July the 11th saw the 10th running of the Wyre Forest Half. Sunny but cooler conditions than the previous few days greeted the runners for the 10:30 am start. The course this year was the same as the previous 3 years following an undulating single circuit route on forest tracks,trails and bridleways around the Wyre Forest (Worcestershire).

This years race was won by Ashley Miles of Sphinx A.C in a new course record time of 1:22:35. Second home was Simon Link of Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers in 1:24:06 a regular at the event and 2 times previous winner. Third male home was Daniel Young Unattached in 1:26:45.

The Ladies race was won by Alison Cooke of Hereford Couriers, 24th overall in a time of 1:39:52. Second Lady home was Charlotte Halford of Bromsgrove and Redditch, 34th overall in a time of 1:45:14. Third Lady was Shelley Oliver Unattached,45th overall in 1:47:02. The race attracted runners from all over England and Wales ,as well as the usual local clubs. 180 finished this year's race.

Amazing Feet R.C, would like to thank this years sponsors Banbury Doors and Windows , The British Red Cross and all club members,friends and family who helped make the 10th running of this race a great success.

Men's results

Women's results