Race Reports from 2008

Desford 10k - Sun 16 Mar

The last winter league race saw the smallest number of runners turn out for the club as 14 in total ran the Desford 10k. With the undulating course and strong winds, times were a bit down. The men's team missing a few top runners have gone from 4th to 5th place in Div 1. First in for the club was Nick Brown in 12th place 35-16. Darren Glover was 31st 36-50. Next Martin Booth who is a great asset to the club since joining this year and won the vet 50 section 39th in 37-10. Christian Davidson was 42nd 37-42, John Cresswell 93rd 40-34, Steve Dewick 42-01, Stewart Owen 43-07, Phil Douglas 43-10, made up the counting eight. Supporting them were Clive Wright 46-22, Harvey Hopwood 49-34 and John Stares 49-47.

The ladies were let down again and only had three runners to count which means they finished last in this race but stay in 7th place in the league. The Striders ladies are the only team in Div 1 not to field a full team on two out of five races. However the three that turned up did themselves proud. 1st in for the club was Nicola Clay in 2nd place overall in 37-10 next the ever improving Kirsty Ainscough in 23th place 44-05 (pb) and 3rd was Vicki Lowe 41st place in 46-31.

RUNNERS SO FAR COMPLETING ALL 5 RACES

KIRSTY
VICKI
DARREN
JOHN C
JOHN S
CHRISTIAN
HARVEY
CLIVE
PHIL

NEXT LEAGUE RACE IS THE HINCKLEY 1/2 MARATHON SUN 11TH MAY.
WE DO A BLOCK BOOKING SO NAMES TO JOHN STARES OR PHIL.
ALSO PHIL HAS A FEW ENTRY FORMS.

Ashby 20 - Sat 9 Mar

5 Chris Southam 1:55:25 (club record)
169 Natalie Fryer 2:35:06
226 Laura Ackers 2:41:20
233 Wayne Hackett 2:42:02
247 Kirsty Ainscough 2:42:42
295 Vicki Lowe 2:46:59

Melton Myre - Sat 8 Mar

Another chance for Neil to Ramble On:

"March the 8th saw the first (hopefully not the last) running of the Melton Myre from the VET Camp. As there was not much to report I thought by way of a change I would do a little competition and include as many song titles as I could get away with, see how many you can get. Hopefully (over used word) some of you will have a go, you can give me your answers via e mail, verbally!! or on the notice board. So its time to start making your mind up, do you want to be hyperactive or inactive. I know words don't come easy but have a go.
If I get one reply then my old man's a dustman.

On arrival I was directed to the car park but told to avoid the space where General Macarthur Parks and also the the one for Major Tom. Then we were told to walk this way to registration, blimey all these instructions its like being in the army now. Looking across the arena I was disappointed not to see a lovely sun arise, it was quite misty and it hung over the pond like smoke on the water and I thought even though there is no sun it will be a fantastic day.

Only 14 entries and no females, there was a lady in red but she was only a spectator. There were actually more marshalls than runners. There must have been at least 19, but a quick count up revealed there was just 17.

5 minutes before the start and we felt a few spots of rain. The commander shouted its raining men take 5 everybody inside. One of the runners remarked that it was a good job we've got shelter because I just can't stand the rain. The shower soon passed and we lined up for the start. We were counted down 5 4 3 2 1 and we were off. The faster runners decided to run away quickly down hill towards the first obstacle which was a big log, onto the high point of the course to a platform which you had to jump over (about 40 obstacles over the 3 laps) down hill to a combination fence of a log and one step beyond, the wall. Through the river, over the course of three laps there were many rivers to cross ( i know what your thinking, this is a good chance to mention The rivers of Babylon, river of dreams etc but that would be just playing silly games and I am not in the mood).

With so few runners by the third lap we were well strung out and I was all alone towards the back, I looked at my watch thinking how long has this been going on its a long way home. If I think I am going to win now I must be dreaming.

We gradually crossed the line one by one the winner finishing in just over 36 minutes, Simon Maggs 4th in 41mins, Tam Nichol, new strider and race organiser 9th in 43mins and Me (Neil just in case you weren't sure who is writing this rubbish) 12th in 44mins. Billed as a 12k event we think its was more like 9k, if it was 12k all three of us broke the club record.

Back to the finishing line for the obligatory soup and a roll, surely English Athletics should make this compulsory at all events, I am sure I have a recipe for Leek and Nandrolone Consomme.

Really well organised event, food at the finish and great trophies. Here comes the moan, as a club we should try and support local events we are proud of the fact we have fifty members and yet we only get 3 out for an event on mother kelly's doorstep. Its a shame.

How many did you get, I will give you the answer in a couple of weeks."

Wolvey 5 - Sun 24 Feb

20 Striders made the short trip [sic] down the M69 on Sunday for the 4th race in the Leicester Running League, The Wolvey 5. The men did not improve and stay in 4th place in Division 1 as five of the top eight runners were missing due to running on Saturday!!. Places were 1st Strider Martin Booth 29.05, Christian Davidson 29.48, John Cresswell 31.39. Steve McGarry 33.23, Danny Keightley 34.00, Phil Douglas 34.05 and Wayne Hackett 34.37(pb) who made up the Striders team, followed by Clive Wright 34.53, Neil Jaggard 36.20 (who also ran 15 miles on Saturday in the Belvoir Challenge) next in was Darryl Woolward 36.44, Ian Mason 36.55, Adi Knighthall 38.12, Sam Ellis 36.20, Harvey Hopwood 38.53 and John Stares 39.01.

The ladies' team of only four runners did well as three of them had great runs to get pb's. 1st was Nicola Clay 29.01pb and CLUB RECORD, next pb was from Kirsty Ainscough who went under 35 min for the first time in 34.57, thanks to Clive. Vicki Lowe 37.12, 4th counter Julie Jaggard had the run of the day gaining 17 places and a (pb) by two minutes came in at 46.49. In the league we are short of ladies to run so come on girls support and run for YOUR CLUB.

Standings are Ladies 7th in Division 1
Men 4th in Division 1
Men Vets 4th in Division 1

The 2008 National Cross Country Championships, Alton Towers - Sat 23 Feb

U13 girls
200. 13:49 Jasmin Southam
335. 15:27 Amelia Coltman

U13 boys
308. 13:50 Joseph Carnell

Junior women
110. 19:12 Pippa Hicks (representing Rutland AC)
124. 21:31 Samantha Brough

Senior men
188. 37:28 Chris Southam
388. 40:17 Nick Brown

Belvoir Challenge - Sat 23 Feb

These are exciting times, as not one but two reports have come in on the same race. Both are here for you to compare and contrast. First from our colourful Fell runner Neil:

"Eight Striders tackled the 18th Belvoir Challenge on Saturday 23rd February. Performance of the day came from Natalie Fryar in the 15.9 mile event she was the first Strider home in 2-16-41 for 6th lady and 33rd overall. Next home was Steve Dewick who after a 2 week lay off ran well to finish in 2-17-28 for 31st male (37th). Had a job finding his name in the results as he was down as a Werrington Jogger, does anyone know a story behind this. Third Strider was Neil Jaggard was 56th male (65th) in 2-26-38 claiming a notable scalp in overtaking Simon Maggs near the finish who came in in 57th (66th) with a time of 2-26-43. Three of our ladies started together with Joanne Shore (I think she is one of us, apologies to our Joanne if this is wrong) who was 67th lady (250th) in 3-10-03, Sue Birley was 83rd (298th) in 3-25-46, and Elaine Garton 84th (299th) in 3-26-34. All these times were taken from the official results page.

Gary Christmas ran in the 26.5 mile event and was very happy with his time of 5-1-11 for 34th male (47th).

Well done to everyone who completed this gruelling endurance event."

And from strait-laced marathon man Gary:

"Several striders took part in the Belvoir Challenge, starting from Harby in the Vale of Belvoir. Conditions were very good underfoot for cross country running, although it was quite windy in places. Times for the 15 mile route were: Natalie Fryer 2hrs 16min (6th Lady), Stephen Dewick 2hrs 17min, Neil Jaggard 2hrs 26min, Simon Maggs 2hrs 26mins, Susanne Birley 3hrs 25min and Elaine Garton 3hrs 26mins. Gary Christmas completed the full 27 mile route and was pleased with his time of 5hrs 01mins (Finished 47 out of 159)."

Chatsworth Chase fell run

Report from Neil:

"Following my recent attempt at road running during my ironic anti protest event from which I am well on the way to recovery it was nice to get back across the fields as part of the Stilton Striders fell running team which travelled to Chatsworth in Derbyshire to run in the Chatsworth Chase fell run, a 7 mile race with around 900 feet of climbing.

Three fifths of our entire squad were among 135 runners on the start line on a beautiful if slightly chilly morning (minus 6 is not cold to us only slightly chilly). The race began with an immediate climb of around one and half miles before emerging out of the mist onto open moorland affording fantastic views of the area. Dropping down through woods and a short road section before a steep zig-zag climb past a frozen waterfall. We later found out there was a spot prize on this climb for artistic impression, this was won by a lady and her donkey fantasy, the mind boggles. I am just sorry to have missed it. A further steady climb before a descent onto open park land and a two mile finishing straight along the river before crossing the line by the old mill and waterfall.

First Strider home was Christian in a terrific 20th place in a time of 47.55 (winning time 40.29). This time was achieved whilst wearing running shoes made for smaller feet which left him with horrible blisters. Next in was Neil in 93rd in a time of 1 hour 51 seconds just ahead of Alf Tupper (you had to be there). Third in was Ian in 103rd in 1hour 2 mins 29 seconds, we suspect he ran on the road as his new trainers were still spotless at the finish.

A really well organised low budget event £3.50 entry, registration in a community bus by 2 lovely old dears knitting. A great selection of prizes, winners could choose a prize from each of 4 boxes of home made cakes, jams chutneys and port - brilliant we could learn a something from this. Ian won a spot prize of a fruit cake which resembled a brick and Christian won a bottle of home made port which he drank to dull the pain of his blisters and was incoherent all the way home. I was offered a jar of radish and banana chutney which I politly declined as I was expecting tea and bacon rolls with the Duke.

We hope to expand the fell running section with some more interesting runs coming up soon."

Stamford St. Valentines 30k - Sun 10 Feb 2008

1st lady and 16th overall, Nicola Clay, 1:57:50 in a ladies' course record by almost two minutes.
206, Natalie Fryer, 2:22:27
317, Wayne Hackett, 2:34:45

Ashby 5 - Sun 10 Feb

The third race in LRRL series was the best result for the men's team this year with the sun shining, the striders shone !!!. With the return of Chris Southam, Nick Brown and Tim Hicks the club had 8 runners in the top 100. First in for the club in 3rd place was Chris Southam 26-24. Nick Brown improved to 11th place in 28-01. 3rd strider in 26th place Martin Booth 29-09 following 4sec behind Darren Glover 30th in 29-13. Christian Davidson 40th 29-44. 87th John Cresswell 31-36 next in 88th place Simon Maggs 31-37 and 8th counter Tim Hicks 91st place in 31-41 (still not 100% after a broken toe). The rest of the team placings are Richard Gray 32-50, Danny Keightley 33-47, Phil Douglas 34-06, Clive Wright 35-14. Next a welcome return from the clubs top fell runner Neil Jaggard 36-15 (sorry Neil no soup n roll at the finish ). Billy Hicks next 37-47, Harvey Hopwood 39-07 and John Stares 39-59.

The Ladies were only 2 runners short of having two teams for the first time (next time). Six turned out for the club. First lady home in an excellent 24th place was Kirsty Ainscough 35-42. 2nd for the club Vicki Lowe (still under par ), 42nd place 37-34. Pippa Hicks improved to 51st place in 38-14. Making the team up was Catherine Voyce 106th 43-56. Supporting them on their first runs for the club were Julie Jaggard 136th 49-08 and Celia Fox-Mapletoft,139th 51-11.

Charnwood Hills Race - Sun 3 Feb

http://www.bowline.f9.co.uk/CharnwoodRace/CharnwoodRaceEntry2008.htm

9 Chris Southam 1:30:20
123 Steve Dewick 1:52:59
281 Vicki Lowe 2:14:24

Markfield 10k - Sun 27 Jan

Striders had 17 men turn out for this undulating course in near perfect conditions except for a bit of wind! With Chris Southam, Nick Brown and Tim Hicks unavailable it was down to Darren Glover to shine for a change. Darren came 28th in 37.16 followed by new member Martin Booth V50 32nd timed at 37.39. Ever improving Christian Davidson was 3rd Strider 39th in 38.03, 4th was John Creswell 87th in 40.25 (keep it going John). 5th Strider on his league debut was Simon Maggs 97th in 40.54, 6th was Richard Gray 41.58, 7th Strider was Steve McGarry 42.59 closely followed by Phil Douglas 43.12 who out sprinted Danny Keightley to 8th place Danny time was 43.18. Others that finished were:-

Steve Dewick 43.31
Clive Wright 44.46
Darryl Woolward 47.25
Adrian Knighthall 48.15
Ian Mason 48.25
Sam Ellis 50.20
Harvey Hopwood 51.16
John Stares 51.28

The Ladies' team of only 3 runners were
17th Laura Ackers in 43.55
32nd Kirsty Ainscough 46.44
51st Vicki Lowe 49.06

The Ladies have gone from 4th place down to 8th this is why its so important to have a team of 4 runners. No matter how fast or slow you are. The girls on sunday were a little disappointed there was only 3 running for the club.

Midland Cross Country Championships, Leamington - 26 January 2008

U13 girls
53 Jasmine Southam 15:36
80 Lucy Golland 16:19

U13 boys
108 Joseph Cardwell 16:19

U17 girls
26 Emma Brown 23:23

U20 women
28 Samantha Brough 29:04

Senior men
59 C Southam 45:02
111 Nick Brown 48:28

Folksworth 15 - Sun 20 Jan 2008

9 (and 1st lady) Nicola Clay 1:32:48

Cannock Chase Trig Point 15 mile race - Sun 13 Jan 2008

Report from Neil Jaggard:

"As promised I carried out my threat to boycott the Barrow 6 as a protest on behalf of the club who have been denied a league race this year by the South Leicestershire cartel. I may carry on my boycott (will anyone notice) throughout the Winter league season.

As a result of the protest I was able to race in the Cannock Chase Trig Point 15 mile race with 1500 feet of climbing from Brocton near Stafford. A long uphill start (took me nearly 20 minutes) took us to the first check point on top of the bleak wind swept moor through driving rain. All runners were required to carry waterproof gear, safety equipment and emergency rations due to the remoteness of the route. Across the moor and through woodland to check 2 before another long climb to an ancient monument at the highest point on the course. An undulating section through the trees and onto the road before climbing to the next trig point at around 8 miles.

The next check point was found easily and then the problems started. No sign of anyone in front or behind and as the course wasn't marked I wasn't sure of the route. I waited at the next road crossing until somebody was behind, a bit of sign language resulted in me going straight ahead. Looking back to see how far he was behind I saw him turn right and run in the other direction. A detour through the heather back to the road and I tagged on behind.

A long section in the valley bottom and a further climb to the final check point and a final slog before a nice downhill to the finish.

Finishing 131st (around 175 entries) in 2 hours 39 minutes. A hard way to protest but I feel better for having made this sacrifice for the club. I might make a placard next time!!"

Barrow 6 - Sun 13 Jan 2008

The first race of the new campaign saw 27 Striders turn out for this undulating course in cool and windy conditions in a field of 522. Striders held there own. Once again Chris Southam was first home in 6th place timed at 33-19. Next in was Nick Brown 28th 35-39, Darren Glover 81st at 38-12, Tim Hicks 84th 38-17, John Cresswell 103rd 39-06, Richard Gray 132nd 40-30 and Steve McGarry 163rd 41-32, made up the striders team of 8. Supporting them were Steve Dewick 41-50, Danny Keightley 42-29, Phil Douglas 42-48, Andy Robinson 43-28, Billy Hicks 44-24, Clive Wright 44-28, Wayne Hackett 44-57 pb, Garry Christmas 48-49, Ian Mason 46-46, Adrian Knighthall 47-38, Sam Ellis 48-39, Harvey Hopwood 48-49, John Stairs 49-10, Darryl Woolward 55-33.

The seniors are in fourth place in league one and the vets are in a fine third place.

In the ladies' race we only had 5 runners. Nicola was 2nd timed at 36-14 next in on her debut in 14th was Laura Ackers 41-53, Vicki Lowe 38th 46-20, making the team up was Kirsty Ainscough 42nd 46-46, and 5th Strider Pippa Hicks 60th 49-11.

That puts the ladies' team in an impressive fourth place in league one.

Leicestershire and Rutland County Cross County Championships - Burbage Common - Sat 5 Jan 2008

The going got tough and the tough got bogged down at Burbage Common. Despite the fine sunny day, a porridge of mud was stirred up along the course as the races progressed. Emma Brown saw the best of the conditions in the first race, the U17 women's 5k event. She put in a strong run to finish 4th in 24.06 and claim a place in the team for the intercounties championships at Wollaton Park on March 15. Joseph Carnell ran in the U13 boys' 3k race and finished 17th in 14.14. Jasmin Southam was 8th in the U13 girls' 3k race in 13.24, with Lucy Goddard 13th in 14.18.

The day finished with the combined seniors and masters (35+) 9.5k race. Three laps of deep and unavoidable mud drained the legs of the hardiest runners, although a good pair of spikes helped many a runner plough through the thickest gruel. Of the seniors, Darren Glover was 18th in 42.52 and Christian Davidson was 22nd in 45.20. And in the masters' race, Chris Southam was 5th in 38.00, Nick Brown was 15th in 41.32, Tim Hicks was 23rd in 43.13, and Steve Dewick was 36th in 46.46. The reward for Stilton Striders was third team place in the masters.

And some images of the day: