Race Reports from 2004
LRRL 2004 Final Results
Congratulations to our big cheeses Phil Douglas, Theresa Coltman and Vicki Lowe who completed all eleven of the LRRL races and can be declared 100% Stilton.
And well done to all Striders who took part in the 2004 LRRL. For the first time in many years we had full men's and ladies' teams in each race.
Striders results from the six summer LRRL race are here and our results from the five winter LRRL races are here.
The LRRL tables showing club standings after all eleven league races are on the OWLS website.
Placings
for the men in the LRRL summer league are also on the Owls website. Amongst
the top 20 in each category were:
Senior 3 Chris Southam, 14 Darren Glover, 19 Tim Legge
v40 17 Tim Hicks
v50 1 John Cresswell, 7 Stewart Owen
Ladies results are not available.
Millennium Runs on 10k
Three Striders ran the 10k at Southwell on 28th Dec in very cold and icy conditions, but it was a well supported race on a flat course. Chris Southam finished 6th and 1st V40 in a 33.35 (a pb by 43 secs). Darren Glover was 14th in a pb of 35.02. John Creswell was 25th in 36.09 and 1st V50 (not a bad result after a slight injury). Chris was very keen to report that his little brother Nick, visiting for Christmas, also ran and finished 205th in a pb of 44.55. Results on the Southwell website.
Barrow Boxing Day Handicap
Sun 26th December. Theresa Coltman 53rd in 43:45. Results here.
Gaddesby Gallop
Sat 18th December. Darren Glover 11th in 38:10. Results here.
Keyworth Turkey Trot
Striders
finishing the 1/2 marathon on Sun 12 December:
5 Chris Southam 73:55
165 Alastair Eperon 96:13
397 Gail Warner 109:28
Swithland Cross-Country Relay
With Niel Jaggard succumbing to a bout of the man-flu, Chris Southam stepped in at the last minute to complete the men's 4x4k relay team on Saturday 4th December. Despite this 'set-back', the team of Tim Hicks (15:44), Steve Dewick (17:16), Chris (14:40), and Tim Legge (15:39) performed well, but the competition was too tough for them to get in amongst the leading teams. The team finished 9th out of 30. The course proved fairly fast and flat with about the right mix of mud, fields, ditches, hurdles, and woodland. And it was a great team event. Not wanting to miss out, Anne Brindley found a ladies' team one short and sped round the course in 19:27 in a team that finished 6th out of 17. The results are on the Barrow website.
Hereward Relay
Sadly,
the Stilton Striders assault on the 2004 Hereward relay went up in smoke
early on Sunday morning (28 Nov). The team living up to their name "OLD
& INFIRM" had to be withdrawn 20 minutes into the race when first
leg runner Chris Genes pulled up injured. But, although out of the race,
the rest of the team battled on into the early afternoon through worsening
cold and wet fenland weather. Andy Robinson, who had not run as far as
11.6 miles for some time, had a terrific leg finishing in 1:24:30. With
grey skies closing in, Gary Christmas took over to run from March to Welney
covering the very muddy 10.3 miles in 1:24:18 before handing over to Neil
Jaggard to head off for Ely and the finish. A route change to avoid the
floods made the last leg slightly longer with Neil covering the 10.5 miles
in 1:26:44.
Despite the early setback it was an excellent day's running with a great
spirit amongst the teams at the change-over points.
Results here.
Leicester Marathon and Half Marathon
On Sun 21 November, the club's in-form runners competed in the testing Leicester Full and Half Marathons. Starting and finishing at the Caterpillar Plant at Desford, the hilly course took in both Markfield and Newbold Vernon as well as three testing climbs at the 12, 13 and 20 mile mark. In the full marathon, Chris Southam finished in 4th position in 2:46:19. Peter Majer was 54th in 3:31:11 out of 169 finishers.
Darren Glover's 1:19:16 also took him to 4th position out of 551 finishers in the half marathon, where his youthful legs gave him the slight edge over veteran John Cresswell (1:19:33) who finished a very creditable 5th position, taking the top V50 award.
Wreake Challenge
Stilton Striders romped to victory over Barrow and Wreake in the Wreake Challenge at Thurcaston on 14 November. A fine turn out of 24 Striders took on what turned out to be a challenging mixed-terrain magical mystery tour of almost eight miles.
Chris Southam took the honours as first across the finish line, and he was well supported by Darren Glover (3rd), Nick Brown (6th) and John Cresswell (7th) amongst the leaders. It was good to see such a strong club turnout, as well as the dazzling display of club jackets.
Full results are on the Wreake website.
Shepshed 7
Some fine running by Stilton Striders' leading men resulted in an excellent team victory in the Shepshed 7 on Sunday 7th November - and that's without Chris Southam. Darren Glover took the opportunity to lead the Striders home in 11th place in 41:08, very closely followed by John Cresswell 41:17 in 12th place (and first V50). And there was a rare siting of Nick Brown finishing 20th in 42:26, making up the team. Next home in 21st place and breathing down Nick's neck was Tim Legge (42:47).
Amongst a good turn out of 535 runners, Andy Robinson was next Strider home, finishing 68th in 47:36. Ron Grove was 97th in 49:17, Steve Dewick 119th in 50:27, Gary Christmas 154th in 51:53, Anne Brindley 178th in 52:45, Hazel Younger 188th in 53:13, Clive Wright 190th in 53:18, Martin Miles 214th in 54:21, and Richard Cox 225th in 54:47.
Full results are available on the Shepshed website.
Before the main event a one mile fun run has held over the undulating grassed parkland. With just over 100 runners, Junior Striders 'Loz' Robinson finished in a competitive race in 2nd spot with Joseph Carnell in 19th position.
Worksop 1/2 marathon
Chris
Southam had a great race in the Worksop 1/2 marathon on Sunday (31 October)
on a fantastic day for running.
Chris finished 9th, 1st V40 in 1.13.53, a pb by nearly 2 mins. John Cresswell
was 29th, and 1st V50 in 1.19.35 (a quicker time than last year). Peter
Majer was 323, 1.35.41 - a pb by 1 min, and Zoe Philips was 672, in 1.44.52.
There were 1480 finishers in a very well organised event.
Enzo Ferrari Memorial Marathon
Peter
Majer competed in the Enzo Ferrari Memorial Marathon in Italy on the 17th
October. The marathon was based in the region around
the Tuscan hills. Around 1000 entrants started the race including over
20 British runners. Peter finished in a time of 3hr 32m 28s in 360th position
and 3rd Briton home.
Ropsley Classic 10
Sun 10 October
37 Clive Wright 1:14:03
Bestwood 10k
Chris Southam and John Creswell ran the Bestwood Country Park 10k on Sunday 10 October. Chris finished 3rd (35:40) and first vet in a large field of 510 finishers. John finished 19th (38.44) and first V50. John almost running cross country? What next? Results are here.
Waltham Winder
Sat 9 October, 10 Mile race
2nd, Chris Genes, 1 hr 31 mins
Sandstone Trail
Latest
report from Neil Jaggard:
"On Sunday 3 October I travelled to Cheshire to run in the 28th Sandstone
Trail. This was my third time in the race but this year I entered the
long one - 17.5 miles with 2000 feet of climbing with stunning views of
the castles at Peckforton and Beeston and also down the River
Mersey towards Liverpool. Conditions on the day were ideal although heavy
rain during the previous week made for heavy going and although I had
a good first half of the race I struggled in the latter part to finish
in 3 hours and 2 minutes (it seemed longer) and although I was a long
way from being last I was a lot further away from being first."
East Retford 1/2 Marathon
John Cresswell ran the Retford Half Marathon on Sunday 26 September, finishing in 10th place in 1:20:05. John retained the Notts AAA Half Marathon Vet 50 title, completing the hattrick with the Notts AAA 10k and 10 mile titles won earlier this year.
Chris Ingram Memorial 10k and Fun Run
Sunday 19 September 2004
Stapleford Park
The
start of the 10k and 5.35k races
Nick
Rose (3rd), Tim Hartley (1st), and Chris Southam (2nd)
A field of 220 runners turned out on a warm and sunny mid-September morning to compete in the Chris Ingram Memorial 10k Race at the Stapleford Park Hotel near Melton Mowbray.
The runners set off at a brisk pace from outside the stable block, completing the first kilometre within the formal grounds before heading out onto the road to tackle an incline towards Whissendine. The leading group broke away as they passed through parkland leading back to the grounds of Stapleford Park to commence a second lap.
The race was won by Tim Hartley (34:11) from Charnwood AC, who led almost from the start. Stilton Striders' Chris Southam (34:49) took second position and was first V40, with Mark Rose (35:26) of Shepshed finishing in third place.
In the ladies' section Huncote's Nicki Nealon (38:10) secured top spot followed by Tanya Taylor (40:03) from PAC and Sarah Haynes (41:24) from Harborough.
Additional category winners were V50 John Cresswell (36:52) of Stilton Striders, V60 John Thompson (40:27) of Corby, F35 Jo Copeland (44:39) of Huncote, F45 Gina Vaughan (42:23) of Beaumont Leys and F55 Jane Collingham (58:44) from Wreake. The first Men's Team was Stilton Striders (Southam, Cresswell, Darren Glover and Nick Brown) with Huncote taking the Ladies' Team award (Nealon, Copland and Amy Smith).
Full results are here.
A single lap 5.35k race was held at the same time as the 10k race, with Craig Robinson (22:04) from Stilton Striders taking first place. Earlier, two children's races were run over 1000m in the grounds of Stapleford Park, with over 50 runners completing the under 9's event and some 25 finishing the over 9's race.
You'll find some photos from the races here. Photographs were also taken during the day by Natural Expressions Photography. These are available to purchase online from www.naturalexpressions.co.uk.
Great North Run
Peter
Majer (1:35:38pb)
Kate Kaczmatczyk (1:41:00pb)
.Dark and White Mini Mountain Marathon
Latest
report from Neil Jaggard: "At the weekend I travelled to Hope
Valley in the Peak District to compete in the dark and white mini mountain
marathon along with former Strider Simon Mepsted and Dave Anderson, both
of Rutland Runners.
The event is a navigational points scoring fell run which involves competitors
using the map provided to visit as many check points as possible to accumulate
points. The course can be run in any direction you choose with the highest
scoring markers furthest away from the base. It is a timed event and must
be completed in three hours with penalties deducted for late returns.
This was the last event in the four race series with Simon and Dave lying
second in the vet men's team combined age 80plus they scored 115 points
to finish seventh on the day. This was my first event and it was a bit
of an eye opener, map reading not a strong point but still managed to
score 130 points to finish sixteenth. There were plenty of hills and we
covered around sixteen miles during the three hours."
Robin Hood full and half marathons
On Sunday 12 September several Striders competed in the Robin Hood full and half marathons. Tim Legge was first strider home in the half marathon in 62nd position (1:20:10), followed by Alistair Eperon (1:35:29), Peter Majer (1:37:55), Anne Brindley (1:38:56), Vicki Lowe (1:49:22), Hazel Younger (1:54:13), Adrian Knightall (1:59:03) and Suzzane Burley (2:31:00).
Just before the finish along the trent Embankment the runners competing in the full marathon turned off across Wilford Toll Bridge to begin the second half of the course which took them out to and around the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. It was around this section the conditions became very difficult for the runners as they headed into a very strong headwind. Despite the conditions Chris Southam (2:46:07) put in an excellent race to take third position overall and first V40 in his first outing in the category. Also completing the marathon were Clive Wright (4:03:53) and Alison McBride (4:11:32).
Full results here.
Chelmorton Low 5 mile fell race
Report from Neil Jaggard: "Just back from the peak district where I am pleased to report that the home cured bacon butties and the locally produced sausage sandwiches received rave reviews, once again all were included in the £4 entry fee as were the teas and coffees to competitors and spectators alike. There was also a race, THE CHELMORTON LOW A 5 MILE FELL RACE, (of course) billed as one of the toughest races in the peak district. The race was started by the Lady of Holinsclough waving an enormous Union Jack and she was still there at the end waving the flag and cheering everyone home. Despite the windy conditions throughout, especially on the top of the 1000 foot Chelmorton Low I managed to knock more than 6 minutes off last year's time (am I dreaming?) to finish in 44minutes and 42 seconds for 42nd place."
OWLS John Fraser 10
Running ten miles on a day such as we had on Sun 5th September is generally not a good idea. All the same, 351 runners made it round the scorching and hilly course under their own steam. Chris Southam was one of the few who didn't seem bothered by the heat, treating the run as an easy preparation for the Robin Hood marathon and finishing a casual 6th in 57:53. Darren Glover 24th (1:03:02) and Tim Legge 34th (1:04:40) also ran well, but John Cresswell found the going tough and struggled to finish 45th in 1:06:39. Tim Hicks was next Strider to complete the race in an utterly exhausted 61st position (1:07:59). Anne Brindley ran impressively under the conditions to finish first female Strider home in 160th place (1:18:11). Other mad Striders out in the mid-day sun were Steve Dewick (175th, 1:19:30), Phil Douglas (193rd, 1:21:17), Stewart Owen (199th, 1:22:26), Sarah Manning (212th, 1:23:43), Theresa Coltman (229th, 1:25:22), and Vicki Lowe (305th, 1:36:54).
Full results are on the OWLs website.
Grimsthorpe 10k
Two Striders were amongst the 301 who ran the Grimsthorpe Castle 10k on a blustery bank holiday Monday (30 August). The mixed terrain of rough grass and gravel paths came as a bit of a shock to road-runner John Creswell, but he still managed to finish 8th and first V50 in 38:36. Tim Hicks was 18th in 40:20.
Ricky's Race
On Thursday 12th August Neil Jaggard competed in Ricky's Race from the Three Stags Heads in Darley Bridge near Matlock. The race was 5 miles in heavy conditions with 750 feet of climbing including the very steep Olker Hill in the last mile. Neil finished in 44mins 10 secs for 50th place which included a blistering sprint finish.
Huncote 5
A strong team of Striders ran the penultimate LRRL race on Wed 4th August - the Joy Cann Memorial 5. Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Stilton challenge did not melt, with the ever-impressive Chris Southam finishing 7th in 27:03. John Cresswell was 30th in 29:09, and again took the V50 prize. Tims Legge (45, 30:17) and Hicks (52, 30:47) made up a men' s team that finished fourth - an effort rewarded with chocolates all round. Close on the heels of the Tims was Oliver Wilson (55, 30:58). Mick Jelly was 70th in 32:09 and Stewart Owen's efforts (84th in 32:44) earnt him the second V55 prize. Steve Dewick put in an improved performance to finish 87th in 32:46, followed by Steve McGarry (102, 33:29), Phil Douglas (118, 34:23), Danny Keightley (121, 34:30), Peter Majer (138, 35:21), and Ron Grove (153, 36:23).
Theresa Coltman was 35th lady in 36:32, followed by Sarah Manning 37th in 36:41, and Vicki Lowe 42nd in 37:40.
Results here.
Notts 5
Chris Southam ran the Notts 5 miler on Fri 30th at the Embankment, finishing fifth in 26.59, just 3 secs outside his best.
Cock & Pullet fell race
Neil Jaggard, the Stilton Striders fell running section, ran in the Cock & Pullet fell race on 22 July. He enjoyed another excellent evenings entertainment with all his mates from up north. Plenty of torrential rain on the journey to Sheldon but the night was dry but extremely muggy. The race itself was 4 miles with a very precise steep rocky climb of 527 feet through Great Shacklow Wood from Lee's Bottom. Neil finished well down the field as usual 82nd out of about 120 but improved by 27 seconds on last years time to finish in 37minutes 17 seconds.
Langton 7.5
The latest LRRL summer league race was held at Church Langton on 18 July, with the strong field completing a 7.5 mile single loop, the last mile testing endurance over some steep climbs. Chris Southam (41:44) showed that his autumn marathon training is starting to kick in and he powered home to finish a very creditable 4th position. Darren Glover (44:38) and John Cresswell (44:45) kept changing places with each other around the course. However, Darren proved the stronger of the two on the final climb. Next Strider in was Tim Hicks (47:39), to make up the men's four that finished 2nd on the day. Following were Stewart Owen (51:32), Steve Dewick (54:31), Peter Majer (55:35), Ron Grove (56:28) and Phil Douglas (59:17).
The ladies' race had started 10 minutes earlier than the men's, which allowed the runners to keep track of their overall race position. Theresa Coltman (55:12) was first Strider home, with Sarah Manning (56:38) and Vicki Lowe (60:11).
Results here.
Hungarton 7
Wed 7th July saw the Hungarton 7 mile LRRL road race run over a testing loop from Hungarton village. The combined times of the top four male Striders gave them second team position for the event, with Chris Southam (39:13), Darren Glover (41:46), John Cresswell (42:31), who also top first male V50, and Adrian Dawson (44:01), making his debut for the club. Also completing the line up were Tim Legge (44:32), Danny Keightley (48:30), Phil Douglas (48:59), Peter Majer (51:06), and Steve Dewick (56:23). In the ladies section Theresa Coltman finished in (51:51), with Sarah Manning (53:10), Anne Brindley (54:35) and Vicki Lowe (54:55). The ladies team finished in ninth position.
Full results here.
Whissendine
6
Also on 7th July, a few Striders took part in the Whissendine 6 mile race.
Cameron Young led the Striders in, supported by Stewart Owen, Clive Wright,
Richard Cox and Del Ashberry. In the ladies section Kate Kaczmarczyk ran
the race of her life finishing third lady.
Black Rocks Fell Race
When
Neil Jaggard heard there was a league race at Hungarton or a road race
at Whissendine on 7th July he thought it would be best if he nipped to
Cromford Meadows near Matlock to get out of the way and also to avoid
the temptation of doing another road race.
The race was the BLACK ROCKS FELL RACE, described as 5.5 miles of rough
terrain with an 850 foot climb to the BLACK ROCKS trig point. On a very
windy night he was well pleased to finish in 52 mins 24 secs for 60th
place (93 finishers).
Notts Grand Prix
Three Stilton Striders entered the Notts Grand Prix series of four races run over ten days in late June/early July from different venues around Nottingham. The first was a 10k race around the exposed Holme Pierpont National Rowing centre, followed by the 5k grass and track hill climbs around Wollerton Park, with Ruddington Park providing the 4 mile route and finally the series ended with a 5 mile race around Colwick Park. The series saw almost 500 runners turn out for each race, with John Cresswell (36:14/18:16/23:35/29:39) taking the top prize in the V50 category. Danny Keightley (42:03/20:15/26:37/34:16) making a welcomed return finished in 26th position in the V40 section. Chris Genes (41:02pb/20:38pb) was reduced to competing in only the first two legs due to an injury half way around the third race.
Results here.
Barrow Classic 10
27th June 2004
3
Chris Southam 58:13
28 Darren Glover 1:05:34
106 Richard Cox 1:17:23
126 Clive Wright 1:19:02
Results on the Barrow website
Swithland 6
On Sunday 13 June, a large contingent of Striders competed in the Swithland 6 mile LRRL Summer League race. Starting and finishing in Swithland, the challenging single loop race was made all the more testing for the 490 runners in the very hot and humid conditions. Chris Southam had to withdraw at the two mile mark allowing John Creswell (35:37) to continue his dominant V50 form to lead the Striders home in 25th position overall. Next Strider home was Tim Legge (37:31) 51st, followed by Darren Glover (37:41) 54th, Tim Hicks (37:45) 55th, Oliver Wilson (37:55) for a fine 60th debut finish, Mick Jelley (39:34), Stewart Owen (39:45), Chris Genes (40:38pb), Phil Douglas (40:49), Steve Dewick (42:31), Richard Cox (43:17), Clive Wright (43:36),Gary Christmas (44:08), Theresa Coltman (44:45), Ron Grove (45:13), Sarah Manning (45:23), Vicki Lowe (48:44) and Del Ashberry (55:05).
Results here.
Following
the race, the league made a presentation to individual trophy winners
from the winter section with Chris Southam 6th overall male, Theresa Coltman
4th lady and John Cresswell 1st Male veteran 50.
Theresa, John and Chris
The class of 2004
Notts 10
Personal bests fell in the Notts 10 mile championships on Fri 4 June, with Chris Southam (59:19pb) taking 7th place and Theresa Coltman (70:24pb) 9th lady. John Cresswell (60:05) was first v50 and took the Nottinghamshire Championship medal for this catergory. Cameron Young (63:21) finished a respectable 45th place with Ron Grove finishing in 73:04.
Lake Vyrnwy Marathon
On Sun 6 June, Gary Christmas made his debut over rhe marathon distance by completing the Lake Vyrnwy Marathon in mid Wales in under the magic four hours (3:57:00).
Lyth Valley 10k and the Wincle Trout run
Obviously suffering from the effects of swallowing too much water whilst swimming in Lake Windermere, Neil Jaggard decided to enter a ROAD RACE - the Lyth Valley 10k (Wednesday June 2nd). He should have known better. On for a PB at 21.15 after 5k, but nobody told him that the next 3 miles meandered uphill through the Brigsteer fells. It's all downhill from 6 miles said some local wiseguy. Hang on thought Neil, there's not much left after 6 miles, but he managed to hang on to 54th place (90 finishers) in 45.33.
Neil took the scenic route home, crossing into the Cheshire Hills for his annual visit to the Wincle Trout race. It was a new course this year of roughly 9k which included the usual river crossing, marsh land, stinking mud and the 500 foot climb to Hanging Rock. A big improvement on last year's position saw Neil finish in 105th place (222 runners) in a time of 55.55. Neil didn't bother to collect the prize of a fresh local trout - he didn't fancy her. Actually he didn't eat it 2 years ago and last year's is still in the freezer.
Ropsley 6
Striders Stewart Owen and Tim Hicks took to the country roads around Ropsley on a cool June evening (Wed 2), ideal for a quick anaerobic workout over 6 miles. Tim Hicks ran at a good even pace just behind the leading group for most of the race and was able to move up over the last mile to finish in third place in a pb of 36:05, so close to that magical 6 min-mile pace. Stewart Owen also put in a very strong run with conditions to his liking as he finished in 14th place with one of his best runs in recent times at 39:27. And the hot dogs tasted good too after a friendly and enjoyable event. Results expected here.
Arthur Bowden 5
Theresa Coltman ran in the Arthur Bowden 5 mile road race on Thursday 27th May at Peterborough and finished 3rd lady in a time of 33 mins 07 secs taking over 1 minute of her PB.
Results here.
Rockingham 5
Tim Hicks enjoyed a sprint around the fast and flat speedway circuit at Rockingham on Wed night (26 May). A rare excursion under 6-min-mile pace produced a satisfying 5 mile time of 29:36 (48th). Results here.
Gaddesby 1/2 marathon and 10k
On Saturday 22 May a number of Stilton Striders ran the Gaddesby half marathon. The weather was a little warm, which tested the runners over a number of challenging hills, the first being the long climb up to Burrough. After running down and back up through Great Dalby village past the cricket pitch, runners were faced with three further testing climbs before the final mile run back into Gaddesby. This wasn't a course to set personal bests. Last year's 10k winner Chris Southam took up the challenge to win the event in 1:17:37 almost two minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Next Strider home was Chris Genes (1:35:43) finishing second V50, followed by Alistar Eperon (1:38:28), Richard Cox (1:40:55), Clive Wright (1:41:52), Steve Dewick (1:42:37), Sarah Manning (1:45:12), Vicki Lowe (1:56:00) and Alison McBride (2:00:54).
Chris Southam on his way to victory in the 1/2 marathon
In the 10k event, which was discovered to be 600m short due to an error in the course, Stewart Owen (39:37) took 10th place with Theresa Coltman (40:07) picking up a bouquet of flowers for being second lady home.
Results are here.
Rutland Marathon
Tim Hicks ran the Rutland Marathon on Sun 16 May. Marathon runners and relay teams had a good send off from Market Square in Oakham at 9:30am, and the first half of the race went well with few hills, comfortable early morning temperatures, and good cheering through Exton and Empingham. Tim ran with a group chasing the leader for the first ten miles, but settled into fourth place by the halfway mark near Edith Weston. The race then began to get extremely tough as the temperature rose and the course followed a series of long hills through Lyndon, Wing, Glaston, and Preston. Tim began to struggle from 20 miles with the only respite from the heat being a welcome hose down at 22 miles. The last three miles were interrupted with numerous stops to ease leg cramp, but Tim eventually managed to get going again and hold on to fourth place (first v40) in 3:36:45 arriving to a good reception at the finish in Braunston. Tim raised £500 for the Prince's Trust, with many thanks to all sponsors.
The heat is on through Exton
Hinckley half marathon
On Sun 9th May, a large contingent of Striders turned out to compete in the first leg of the Leicestershire Road Running League summer races, the Hinckley half marathon, starting and finishing at Bosworth Water Park. Being an open race, competitors entered from throughout the country to swell the finishing numbers to almost 700, with Coventry Godiva's Deacon winning in 1:09:34. As usual, Chris Southam (1:15:50) was first Strider home in 7th position ably supported by Tim Legge (1:24:09), Phil Douglas (1:33:18), Sid Tinsley (1:33:48), Stewart Owen (1:37:15), Peter Majer (1:40:16), Clive Wright (1:41:39), Steve Dewick (1:41:45), and Derek Ashberry (1:56:33). In the ladies section Theresa Coltman (1:33:57) came home in 9th position followed by Anne Brindley (1:45:41), Gail Warner (1:46:07), Sarah Manning (1:46:55) and Vicki Lowe (1:49:59).
Caythorpe Canter
On Saturday 8 May, two hardy (some say foolish) Stilton Striders took part in the challenging Caythorpe Canter, a 12.5 mile multi-terrain cross country event made even more difficult and testing by the torrential rain making the muddy sections extremely difficult under foot. Neil Jaggard (1:48) who thrives in these conditions powered his way around to finish in an excellent fifth position, with Gary Christmas (2:02) hanging on to 18th place.
Barrow Bruiser
Three Striders risked life and limb as they tamed the mighty Barrow Bruiser on Sat 1st May. Well, a slight exaggeration, but a good challenging run over numerous hurdles and hay bails nonetheless, with a waist-deep stream wade - twice in case you escaped a soaking the first time. For Gary, Christmas came early as he relished the mud, and great care was taken by Neil, jagged rocks and stones proving a hazard in the stream. The course was found tricky by Tim, Hicksted coming to mind as he fell twice at the water. Final positions were:
9
Tim Hicks 27:42
30 Neil Jaggard 32:31
33 Gary Christmas 32:57
Full results here.
Madrid Marathon
On Sunday 25 April Nick Steans completed the Madrid Marathon in 25 degrees of heat in 4:59:30
Ranby 10
Three Striders competed in the Ranby 10 mile road race on Sunday 25 April over an undulating course and in hot and humid conditions, with John Cresswell (60:59) finishing in 6th position and first Vet 50, Theresa Coltman (72:05pb) was fourth lady and Peter Majer racing only one week after the London Marathon recorded 77:24.
Shakespeare 1/2 and full marathon
On Sunday 25th April, in very difficult conditions, Chris Genes (1:37:50) finished in 138th position amongst over 2000 runners in the Shakespeare Half Marathon which had a 1.00pm start making the conditions more trying. Steve Dewick (4:10:50) completed his first Marathon over two laps of the same course.
London Marathon
Six Striders completed the damp London Marathon on Sunday 18th April, with Chris Southam leading them home:
397
Chris Southam 2:47:24
4587 Sid Tinsley 3:30:07
4864 Peter Majer 3:31:53
8681 Zoe Phillips 3:50:56
11180 Gail Warner 3:59:50
30750 Susan Whittaker 6:21:06
Full results here.
Hose Belvoir 1/2 marathon
Results
from the Hose Belvoir Half Marathon held on 4th April:
Theresa Coltman 1:32:36
Phil Douglas 1:32:38
Steve Dewick 1:34:21
Clive Wright 1:39:22
Gary Christmas 1:40:35
Vicki Lowe 1:49:07
Del Ashberry 1:56:06
The full results are here.
Desford 10k
Desford on Sunday 28 March saw the final race of the winter Leicestershire Road Running League. The 10 k course was challenging for all competitors as the early downhill sections were aggregated by long uphill sections, especially in the final third of the course. Chris Southam (34:49) finished in 10th position and John Cresswell (36:45) continued his dominance in the Veteran 50 section, finishing 20th overall, just ahead of Darren Glover (36:51) in 21st place. The two Tim's ran a competitive race against each other and their positions swapped throughout the race, with Hicks (38:20) just getting the better of Legge (38:26) over the final 200 metres. Following them were Phil Douglas (41:47), Sid Tinsley (41:49), Stewart Owen (42:56), Chris Genes (44:18), Peter Majer (44:25), Clive Wright (44:38) and John Stares (53:03).
In the ladies' section, Theresa Coltman (42:11) again was first Strider home in 7th position, supported by Sarah Manning (48:25) 31st, Vicki Lowe (49:09) 35th and Anne Brindley (49:21) 36th.
Neil Jaggard's Midshires Way Run - Sat 27 March
The Midshires Way run went extremely well in perfect running conditions. Gary Christmas and I set off from Sutton Bassett at 8 am and reached Cranoe at the end of leg one in 42 mins. A steep climb and a scenic run across the hill tops before descending into Tugby at the end of leg 2 with a quick drink before crossing the A47 heading for Tilton. All off road all undulating and very muddy, this turned out to be the toughest leg but Tilton and 12 miles were reached in 1 hour 50 mins. I said good bye to Gary and was joined by Sue Cuishing and Steve Dewick for the longest single leg and the most picturesque all off road to Ashby Folville, 20 miles in 3 hours 2 mins.
At this point I was joined by Chris Genes who would run the last 3 legs with me. I now had the benefit of a satellite tracking device to give an accurate course measurement. After a tough climb outside Gaddesby this leg took us to Brooksby College (4.75 miles) in 3 hours 45 mins and still inside my overall 10 minute mile target.
On to Shoby next. On this leg, marathon distance was reached in under 4 hours and the leg was finished at 4 hours 13 mins. 6 down 1 to go. The final leg - Shoby to the Notts border and still running well. However, as we turned the corner from Shoby to Grimston there was a nasty climb, just what you want at 29 miles and I have to admit to having a little walk for around 200 yards before being joined by my son Jed to run the last 2 miles to finish in 4 hours 55 mins. The whole run from start to finish was around 32 miles and was the most enjoyable run I have ever had.
A big thank you to Gary, Sue, Steve and Chris for joining me.
Asfordby 7 Miles
On Sunday 14 March, Stilton Striders hosted the fourth Leicestershire Road Running League race which started and finished on Asfordby Hill. The seven mile race covered two laps of a very demanding route that took in some difficult hills made even more challenging by the very strong wind and driving rain that set in towards the end of the race. In the ladies section Theresa Coltman continued her recent good form to record a personal best of 47:36 and take sixth position, a result which maintains her overall second position in her age category for the season so far. Theresa was supported by Louise King (54:65) who changed sports in this race from her normal cycling, Vicki Lowe (56:15), Sarah Manning (55:05), Gail Warner (55:12) and Sui Cushing (56:40). In the men's section first Strider home was John Cresswell (41:44), followed by Darren Glover (42:01), Nick Brown (42:52), Tim Hicks (44:09), Phil Douglas (47:47), Steve Dewick (48:58), Clive Wright (50:00), Gary Christmas (52:04), Neil Jaggard (53:15) and Vic Phillips.
Striders results are here. Full results and league tables are on the OWLs website.
Ashby 20 miles
Three Striders travelled to Ashby to run the 20 mile road race as part of their London Marathon preparation, with Chris Southam (2:04:36) taking 7th position, Sid Tinsley (2:30:41) and Peter Majer (2:35:02) making up the trio. This race was made even more challenging by the adverse weather conditions with all three striders recording excellent times which should set them up in good form for London in four weeks time.
Full results are available on the Ivanhoe Runners website.
Wreake
Stomp
Sun 7 March
21 Andy Robinson 54:36
28 Steve Dewick 56:28
Mini
Stomp:
4 Daniel Shaw 7:31
5 Laurent Robinson 8:21
22 Marie Shaw 11:53
Full results on the Simply Running website.
Inter-Counties, Nottingham
Sat 6 March
U17 Men 231 Craig Robinson 24:36
Full results are available on the UK:athletics website.
Ashby 5 miles
On
Sunday 29 Feb, a large contingent of Striders ran the demanding Ashby
5 mile Leicestershire Road Running League race in cold conditions around
a single lap course. First Strider home again was Chris Southam (28:28)
in 14th position out of 231 male starters, followed by John Cresswell
21st, again first V50, Darren Glover 22nd, Nick Brown 33rd, Tim Legge
45th, Tim Hicks 61st, Andy Robinson (32:13 debut) 78th, Mick Jelly 87th,
Sid Tinsley (32:52 debut) 93rd, Phil Douglas 99th, Chris Genes 109th,
Stewart Owen 113th, Steve Dewick 122nd, Danny Keightley 127th, Clive Wright
134th, Ron Grove 142nd, Peter Majer 157th and John Stares 216th. With
the eight counters finishing in the top 87 striders scored well and finished
the event in 4th position, with the vets team in 2nd place.
Following on from a superb performance in her last race, Theresa Coltman
(33:01pb) took one and a half minutres off her previous best to record
a fantastic 3rd place in the ladies section of 66 runners. Theresa was
supported by Vicki Lowe 29th, Anne Brindley 36th, Gail Warner 40th and
Zoe Philips 41st.
Full results are on the OWLs website.
Belvoir Challenge
On Saturday 28 Feb, five hardy Striders took part in the Belvoir Challenge, a 15 mile cross counrty race starting and finishing at Harby, and taking in the challenges of the Vale of Belvoir, which included a biting wind and the last two miles run along the canal towpath in ground similar to treacle. First Strider home was Steve Dewick (2:10:18), followed by Neil Jaggard (2:14:53), Alistar Eperon (2:15:03), Steve McGarry (2:17:30) and Gary Christmas (2:33:16).
Markfield 10k
Stilton Striders competed in the second LRRL race, the Markfield 10k, on Sunday 8 Feb. Run in blustery conditions over an undulating course, John Creswell (37:14) who for the second sucessive race finished first in the 50+ section and 16th overall was heard to say "the courses do not come much tougher than that, especially as the wind was aginst you in all the wrong places, especially the uphill sections". Chris Southam (35:50), struggling with a niggling ankle injury, came home in 8th position. The men's section was supported by Tim Hicks (58th), Tim Legge (97th), Phil Douglas (103rd), Steve McGarry (114th), Ron Grove (127th), Clive Wright (134th) and John Stares (219th).
In the ladies section Theresa Coltman (42:07pb) ran a storming race to break into the top ten, finishing in a superb 6th position. Vicki Lowe (35th) and Anne Brindley (47th) completed the ladies' team.
Full results can be found at the OWLs website.
Charnwood Hills Race
Three
Striders were amongst the 335 runners who took on the Charnwood Hills
Race on Sun 1 Feb:
20 Chris Southam 1:30:53
148 Steve Dewick 1:51:21
243 Neil Jaggard 2:04:24
Full results can be found at the OWLs website.
Wolvey 5
PICTURES OF THE RACE HERE
On Sunday 18 Jan, a large turn out of Striders competed in the first of the 2004 Leicester Road Running League races, the Nuneaton 5 miler. Starting and finishing at Wolvey, the 341 competitors ran over slippery roads before the bright sun made the conditions easier underfoot around the single lap undulating course. The final climb into Wolvey saw the breakaway leader and eventual winner Paul Richardson, from Charnwood AC, increase his margin to record 24:28. Chris Southam (26:54) again was the first Strider home in 8th postion, recording another personal best. Following behind were John Cresswell (28:37) 25th, Darren Glover (29:41) 45th, Tim Hicks (30:27) 64th, Greg Pettingill (30:28) 65th, Phil Douglas (32:25) 104th, Steve McGarry (33:49) 140th, Francis Sykes (34:25) 151st, Clive Wright (35:04) 166th, Ron Grove (36:26) 187th and John Stares (43:45) 246th.
The men's section finished 5th in Division One, with the vets 3rd in Vets Division One.
In the ladies' section, Therea Coltman (33:35) came home in 12th position supported by Vicki Lowe (36:28), taking almost three minutes off her personal best in 30th place, with Zoe Philips (41:08) 61st, starting her London Marathon preparation well and Julie Dooley (45:28) in 77th position. The ladies team finished on 105 points to finish mid table.
Results are on the OWLS website. Striders results table here.
PICTURES OF THE RACE HERE
County Cross Country Championships
Grey skies and snow flurries greeted those who found their way to Beaumont Park for the xc championships on Sat 3rd Jan. Anyone looking for a mudbath would have been disappointed as the course was flat and the ground was firm and fairly easy underfoot. Tipton's Simon Cotton was triumphant in the 10 km Men's race, while Tim Hicks found himself an unlikely first Strider to complete the course in 66th place (29th vet) in a sluggish 40:15, with screaming hamstrings and all the usual excuses after many weeks away from competition. Soon afterwards, Steve Dewick emerged from the trees to finish in 72nd place in 41:09. No other Striders competed in this race. Tara Krzywicki won the women's event, in which there were, alas, no Striders.
Earlier, the U13 girls had set the championships in motion. Emma Brown was first Strider to navigate the 3.5 km course, finishing in 20th place in 20:44. Rachel Adams was next to finish in 21:26. The U13 boys race was run over the same distance and Striders' Eliot Hart finished in 16th place in 15:58.
The air had turned cold and damp for the later races. But Craig Robinson ran well to finish 6th in 21:40 in the U17 6km race, and Alison Macdonald was a fine 3rd in 22:31 in the junior women's race, and so qualifying for a place in the county squad for the intercounties championships.
And finally, at the very start of the day, ten-year-old Strider Iman Al-Rabiah had seized the opportunity to compete in the fun run, and she finished in an excellent 2nd place.
Full results can be found at the OWLs website.
Further afield, Strider Daniel Shaw competed in the Notts County Championships, finishing 9th in the U15 boys race.