Race Reports from 2002

Southwell 10k

On 29 Dec, six Striders entered the Southwell 10k road race. An out-and-back route starting and finishing at Caythorpe Cricket Club and following the Trent Valley. Despite heavy, rain over 500 runners lined up at start. First Strider in was Chris Southam (34:15 pb) to record a top ten position. Following behind were Peter Majer (42:25), Neil Jaggard who produced his best 10k run of the year in 43:23, Gary Christmas (47:54) running on his birthday and Neil Southam making his first run for the club in 49:10. Chris Genes was unable to complete the course due to injury.

Gadesby Gallop

On Saturday 21 Dec eight hardy Stilton Striders competed in the inaugural Gadesby Gallop - a 5.6 mile cross country race starting and finishing in the village of Gadesby. The run took in bridleways and footpaths and included numerous stiles and fields heavy with mud. First Strider home was Ron Grove (38:28) followed by Steve Dewick (38:55), Richard Cox (40:35), Chris Genes (42:16), Clive Wright (45:07), Gary Christmas (45:44), Adrian Parcell (48:33) and Paul Parcell (50:05).

Wreake Challenge

Striders hosted the Wreake Challenge, between Stilton, Wreake and Barrow, on 15th December. The 5.2 mile course ran from Long Clawson along the Vale of Belvoir towards Hose, then towards Pasture Hill, a short but very steep incline, before a downhill finish. Defending champion Ian Pradmore (Barrow) and Chris Southam (Stilton) battled for first place, with Pradmore winning in an exciting sprint finish. Following were Darren Glover (S), Dave Hillman (B), Sally Newman (W), John Cresswell (S), Glen North (B), Mark Bush (W), Toby Miles (B), John Rees (B). Other Stilton runners were Tim Hicks (11th), Phil Douglas (13th), Francis Sykes (14th), Steve Dewick (15th), Ron Grove (20th), Steve McGarry (22nd), Danny Keightley (24th), Peter Majer (25th), Clive Wright (26th), Teresa Coltman (27th), Neil Jaggard (32nd) and Vicki Lowe (34th). Stilton's first twelve counters did enough overall to reclaim the trophy, finishing with 181 points to Barrows 255 and Wreakes 257.

Keyworth Turkey Trot

On Sunday 8th Dec, three Striders ran the Keyworth Turkey Trot - a half marathon run over undulating open countryside. First Strider home, in 12th position out a field of 1000, was Darren Glover in 1:18:38. Chris Genes, 1:35:28, finished within 10 seconds of a personal best over the distance even though he pulled a calf muscle at the seven mile mark. However, the top performance was from Vicki Lowe, who produced a superb run to return a personal best of 1:50:10.

Runners World Cross Country

In appalling conditions, two Striders competed in the Scraptoft leg of the Runners World Cross Country series on 1st Dec, run over 5.5 miles of open countryside. Darren Glover finished 17th in 36:10 with Steve Dewick finishing in 40:20.

Ropsley Raid

Neil Jaggard was the only Strider hardy enough to run the leg-sapping 15 mile Ropsley Raid on 1st Dec. The course ran through woodland and ploughed fields, made especially difficult following heavy rain. However, Neil completed the course in 2:27, finishing 73rd out of 170 starters.

Leicester Marathon

On 24th Nov, Peter Majer ran the Leicester Marathon, starting and finishing in Mallory Park. Peter finised in an excellent debut time of 3:44:10. Three Striders ran the Half Marathon race - Darren Glover finished in a superb 14th position in 1:19:46, Aidey Knighthall recorded 1:38:23 with Vicki Lowe finishing in 1:54:10.

Worksop Half Marathon

Chris Southam ran the Worksop half marathon on 17th Nov through scenic Clumber Park. He finished in 10th place in a time of 77:01, knocking almost 6 mins off his previous best for the distance.

Shepshed 7

Great runs from Chris Southam (10th in 40:28), Daren Glover (12th in 40:56) and Tim Legge (16th in 41:31) gave the Striders fourth place in the Shepshed 7 on 3rd Nov. The two lap course, run from Hind Leys college and including part of the Garendon Estate, proved as popular as ever with some 500 finishers. Other Striders competing were Tim Hicks (46:39), Phil Douglas (47:39), Chris Genes (52:42) and Anne Brindley (53:00pb).

Conker's Forest 5

(The impressive) Chris Southam conquered the 5 mile off-road race at Swadlincote on 29 September. He cruised to a fine third place in 27:51.

Robin Hood Half Marathon

On 15 September, in almost perfect running conditions, six Striders took to the streets of Nottingham to compete in the Robin Hood Half Marathon. The course this year had been changed to route itself away from the major roadworks. All six had excellent runs with three producing personal bests over the 13.1 mile course. First Strider in was the impressive Tim Legge 1:18:05 (pb) followed by Aidey Knightall 1:30:12 (pb) and Anne Brindley 1:39:48 (pb). John Legge, who had competed in a marathon the previous Sunday used the race as a training run and recorded 1:39:48. Next home was Peter Majer 1:41:40 who used the race as part of his Leicester marathon preparation. Vicki Lowe recorded the same time as last year, 1:55:00.

Crome Hill Fell Race

Aidey Knightall and Neil Jaggard competed in the Crome Hill Fell Race in Derbyshire on 8 September- a 700 foot climb run over 4.5 miles. Aidey ran well finishing in 35th place in 42:15. Neil finished in 47th place in 45:20.

LRRL John Fraser 10

Eight Striders turned out for the OWLS John Fraser 10, the final LRRL race of the year on 8 September. Traditional warm weather was provided for the race, but Chris Southam made extremely light work of the undulating course, finishing in an impressive 7th place in a time of 58:44. Not far behind were Darren Glover (59:40) and Tim Legge (60:50). Tim Hicks struggled over the distance in the heat of the late morning sun to a disappointing 71:10. Next home was Anne Brindley achieving a pleasing pb of 76:10, helped by a cool pair of shades. The sociable Clive Wright was relieved to complete the race in 78:05, despite stopping for a natter at the drinks station. He is to be congratulated as the only Strider this year to have competed in each of the 11 races in the winter and summer leagues, and is much deserving of the 100% award. He says he now plans to "spend more Sundays with my family!" Vicki Lowe (81:56) was next Strider to finish, followed by Sui Cushing (82:41), who found her first attempt at this course extremely challenging. Well done all for turning out.

Chris Ingram Memorial 5

Results of the Chris Ingram Memorial 5 race are here and there were great wins for the Striders men and ladies teams.

Round Leicester Relay

On 11th August, Stilton Striders were one of 28 teams competing in the Round Leicester Relay - 88 miles of road and x-country over 13 legs, starting and finishing at the Tudor Centre in Leicester. Darren Glover recorded the fastest time for the second leg, Ratcliffe to Ashby Folville, where he handed over to Mick Stevens who continued over Borrough Hill to Somerby in the leg's second fastest time. Chris Southam ran the tough 12th leg from Markfield to the top of Beacon Hill, in the second quickest time for the leg. Overall Stilton finished in 7th position. Other team members were Mick Jelly, Gary Christmas, Neil Jaggard, Phil Douglas, Tim Hicks, John Cresswell, Peter Majer, Aidey Knightall, Ron Grove and Chris Genes. Huge thanks to Ron Grove for organising and following the team from start to finish, as well as competing.

LRRL Joy Cann memorial 5

Chris Southam (14) got the better of Nick Brown (16) at the Joy Cann memorial 5 at Huncote on 7 August. Other Striders competing were Tim Legge (36), Steve Dewick (89), Phil Douglas (119), Tim Hicks (120), Ron Grove (121), Chris Genes (167), Peter Majer (176), Clive Wright (188), Anne Brindley (219), and Theresa Coltman (222). See OWLS AC website for full results and times.

Notts 5

On 26 July, three Striders travelled to Nottingham to compete in the Notts 5 road race. Darren Glover was first Strider home in 29:10 followed by Chris Genes (34:22), with Gary Christmas finishing in 36:22.

LRRL Hungarton 7

Fine runs by Nick Brown (8) Chris Southam (9) and Tim Legge (12), won Stilton Striders the Men's team prize at the Hungarton 7 on 17 July. Other Striders running were Steve Dewick (71), Francis Sykes (78), Ron Grove (85, first over-60),Tim Hicks (99) returning from injury, Chris Genes (112), Peter Majer (124) and Clive Wright (130). In the ladies' section Theresa Coltman (17) was first Strider home, followed by Anne Brindley (20) and Vicki Lowe (36). See OWLS AC website for full results and times.

London Marathon 2002

All three Stilton Striders performed well in the 2002 London Marathon and collectively they took almost a full hour off their personal bests. First Strider home was Tim Legge (2:55:09pb) finishing in 754th position out of almost 33,000 starters. Next in was Phil Douglas (3:05:50pb) in 1652nd place, with Chris Genes (3:32:24pb) in position 5242. Tim and Phil used each other as pacers for the first 17 miles at which point Tim pushed on to take 8 minutes off his previous London time. Phil, at one point, began to feel the effects of his pace and the heat but pushed himself through this spell with determination and became stronger towards the end, taking 5 minutes off his previous best time. The previous day, Chris had been on the point of withdrawing from the event. On Saturday morning he pulled a muscle in his shoulder showering before the drive to London. During the day it became unbearable with running very uncomfortable. However, a pain relieving cream eased the discomfort and he was able to run. "The thought of withdrawing did cross my mind on Saturday. But the idea of wasting 14 weeks of hard training spurred me on and the discomfort took my mind off my aching legs during the race".

LRRL Asfordy 7 Miles

On a blustery Sunday morning, Stilton Striders held a seven mile road race around Holwell Works, Welby Church and Asfordby Hill on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray. The hills and weather conditions made the going especially tough for the runners. Over 220 competed and, amonsgt them, Nick Brown and Darren Glover battled to be the first Strider home. Nick (41:14) eventually proved the stronger, finishing in 16th position overall, 34 seconds and 3 places ahead of Darren. Following behind were Chris Southam, Danny Knightley, Mick Jelly, Phil Douglas, Ron Grove, Francis Sykes, Steve Dewick, Chris Genes, Gary Christmas, Clive Wright, David Slater and Vic Philips. In the ladies section, Nicola Rowland recorded 48:24 for 7th position with Vicki Lowe taking 29th spot. Results are here and photographs from the race are here. The league standings, and results of other LRRL races, are available on the OWLS AC website.

Welcome to the Stilton Striders 2002