3rd January ~ Quorn Hunt Pony Club 15k Prestwold Hall nr Loughborough, Multi-
Very icy conditions greeted the few runners that braved the sub zero temperatures at the start of this race at Prestwold Hall near to Loughborough. Only a handful of runners actually turned up the organizers were expecting quite a few runners and 100 horses and riders to tackle the 3 distances on offer, no horses turned up at all due to hazardous conditions under hoof. The Toonies were represented by Chris, Catherine, myself, and young Mathew Smith and a car full of Bostonians Mick (bunny trap) Dakin, Tilley Fox and Mark. The start was delayed due to a late decision to reroute the course around the really bad icy sections, but they seemed to be still rerouting once we had set off. It didn’t take long for most of us to be totally lost and confused by the course markings. Catherine was running the short course but finished up lost as did Chris who was now behind Catherine so they ran the longer course together. I was running with Mick way behind the Fox and Mark, when suddenly they appeared behind us, and after overtaking us and heading off in to the distance, it was only another mile when they appeared from the rear of the field yet again. Matt Smith decided it would be safer to run with Mick and me from then on to save any more Fox diversion routes, just as well because as Matt and I ran in in joint 4th place with Mick close behind, we waited 10 minutes for the fox and Mark to finish, they had done another 2 miles and finished from a completely different direction to the rest of the runners. Chris and Catherine managed to complete the 15km in a reasonable time with Catherine being 3rd lady over the line. All in all it was a good laugh out in the snowy fields, and could be a really good race if organized a little better.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
24th Jan ~ Folksworth 15 Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 15 miles, Road.
Host Club ~ Yaxley Runners & Joggers.
The first of this year’s marathon trainers for a lot of runners, the Folksworth 15 is a real test of stamina, especially this year as many runners have endured a long lay off due to adverse weather throughout December and beginning of January depleting their normal training regimes. This 2 lap course with its 3 hills on each lap is not easy in the best of years, but this year talking to other runners on the route many found it hard going more so on the second lap facing the last 2 climbs. The temperature was about right for the race not too cold or hot and it kept dry for the race, I enjoyed a good first lap in about 1hour 3 minutes, with a slightly better second lap to although it felt harder work on the climbs, getting me to the finish in 2 hrs 1 minute. Simon England was going very well and having spoken to him at the finish, he had a very good time of 1 hr 42 mins, and was well pleased with his efforts, with Greg Southern just 6 seconds adrift of Simon in 1 hr 42 mins 6 seconds. Big congratulations to our two ladies tackling this distance as a build up to their forthcoming marathons, Mandy Connor and Catherine Sheldrake ran an excellent race together finishing in 2 hrs 37mins and looking good running up that final hill. Sorry I did try and get some photos, but my camera had a melt down so apologies to the girls, but well done to you both.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
7th February ~ Ropsley Raid Ropsley nr Grantham, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Ropsley Road Runners.
The weather was excellent for the start of the Raid this year, but there had been a lot of rain the previous week, and Steve Thacker race organiser from Ropsley Road Runners did give out a warning at the start that conditions under foot would be slippery. I decided with Chris Smith on route to the start that we would opt for the long course while Catherine would go for the shorter course. The long course was the usual 13(ish) miles on tracks and fields, I enjoyed a good start and felt quite fresh running well enough, Chris was up ahead as was Simon England, behind me for the first 7 miles but within earshot was Alex Hetherington running with Dave Taylor. They came past me on the heavy plough as though I was standing still, and although I kept site of them could never quite get back to them. Came across Chris Smith about 11 miles into the race, he was suffering with a leg problem which had slowed him in the last third of the race. The plough fields were very claggy to say the least and at times you finished up 2 or 3 inches taller due to the almost platform like shoes which had picked up the mud in serious quantities. I was pleased with my finish in 2hrs 1min, just behind Alex and Dave who managed to run just under the 2 hrs in 1hr 59 mins, Chris managed to keep going and was just a couple of minutes behind me 2hrs 4 mins. Thanks to Steve Thacker, Norman Gosbee and the rest of Ropsley Road Runners for putting on a really good event once again.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
Also running with Catherine Simpson on the 6 mile course was Rachel Ellis who continues
where she left off last year in great form finishing First Lady across the line in
51.26. Nina Macer also showing good form finished in 58.48 with Gary Britnell & Aune
Turkson-
13th Feb ~ The London Ultra 50k London, Multi-
The cold snap weekend is here minus -
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
14th Feb ~ Stamford 30k Stamford, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Stamford Striders.
The marathon training moves on a stage, and once again it’s the gruelling distance of the St Valentines 30km race at Stamford. This year the race fell on the 14th February and with the registration hall bedecked with hearts and balloons and a fully subscribed race we were ready for the 18.6 miles of strength building hill work. The weather was cool but the sleet and rain held off as we lined up the start, and although it was grey the weather did hold throughout the race. It was as tough as usual, with plenty of climbing to do, I was overtaken in the first 5km by our new member Adam Booth who had arrived late at the start but was soon making up for lost time. I managed to catch up with Cathy Taylor at about 5km and we ran on together to the 14km when I pushed on, leaving Cathy running well and pacing herself for this distance. The last 10km was hard going, but I was running well enough and had a little still in reserve when I crossed the line in 2hrs 36minutes. Andy Taylor was waiting for Cathy at the finish having got there in an excellent time of 2hrs 9mins, New man Adam was well pleased with his 2hrs 29mins as he had estimated 2hrs 45mins after returning from injury. Cathy was home in 2 hrs 47mins again an excellent performance and looked comfortable across the finish line. Having chatted with Mandy Connor at the start she must have been pleased to finish in 3hrs 26mins as she thought she would be about 3hrs 30mins at least, so well done to Mandy as she gets closer to her marathon distance.
Thanks to Stamford Striders for their excellent organisation and support from the Marshall’s and the drinks stations which was most appreciated.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
27th Feb ~ Belvoir Challenge Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire 15 & 26 Miles, Multi-
Host Club ~ Friends of Harby School & Vale Striders.
A gloriously wet yet mild week prior to this race made for perfect muddy conditions for those taking on arguably the most challenging of off road races in and around the County. The usual option of two race distances 15 or 26 miles with both underway together in mild damp conditions. Chris Smith finished in a decent time of 2.26.52 and first of our Club contingent across the line in the 15 mile race. Catherine Sheldrake together with Catherine Simpson looking suitable muddy from the knee down crossed together in 3.31.04 soon to be followed by Dean Barnshaw and Shaun Louth 3.37.30. In the 26 mile race Mark Sands and the ‘Fox’ Dave Tilley revelled in the conditions finishing together in 4th & 5th place overall in 3.33.09. Simon England pushed hard to catch the tiring Greg Southern who was racing for the first time at the distance eventually edging Greg to the finish in 4.13.54, with Greg across in 4.14.36. Dave Taylor returning to form crossed with Alex Hetherington who was 7th lady in 4.37.34.
Mud, Miles and Cake. Chris & Cat took part in the 15.1 mile race this was a very challenging race using trails, fields, small roads and lots of mud some quite deep. The first half had loads of stiles which did not help the legs. I finished in 2:26 and Catherine (running with Catherine Sheldrake) finished in 3:28. Hard work but a great laugh and washing the kit after was special, so Catherine tells me. Very pleased with my certificate and the endless cake at the end of the race, really no need for more shirts and goodybags of random stuff this is a very good well presented "old school" race and we love it.
Thanks to Chris Smith for his Report.
28th Feb ~ Sleaford Half Marathon RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, Mainly Road / Multi-
Host Club ~ Sleaford Striders AC
A cool day, but the weather stayed dry for this on/off road Half Marathon at RAF Cranwell, a good turnout which was graced by the presence of our Red Arrows, but this time minus their aircraft. They were using this race as a trainer towards their charity London Marathon efforts. The usual course took you out the back of the camp and away down the not too muddy green lane of the Ermine Street, which ended back on the tarmac road at Wellingore. It was then back along the road with a couple of steady climbs before turning back down the Brauncewell road at 9 mile and back to the playing fields at RAF Cranwell. We had a good Toonie turnout considering many runners attended the Belvoir Challenge on the Saturday, and also The Beast which was the same day as this race. Andy Taylor was first man back for our Club managing a good time in the windy conditions of 1hr 30mins 40 secs, followed by another excellent run by Adam Booth in 1hr 38mins 35secs. I managed a good run for me finishing in 1 hr 40mins 32 secs, and well pleased with that time. Barry Douce ran an excellent first Half Marathon in 1hr 47mins 17 secs with Stephen (Speedy) Brear knocking off ten mins from last years efforts finishing in 1hr 49mins 45 secs and pleased with his time. Paul Coyne ran well until 6 or so miles when he felt his lack of training was just beginning to tell, but still managed a good effort of 1hr 52mins 07 secs, with Cathy Taylor finishing strongly and looking as though she had a good race in 1hr 53mins 15 secs. With Dan Greenhalf like Barry running his first Half Marathon and across the line in a solid time of 1hr 55mins. Well organised by Sleaford Striders, a welcome cup of tea at the end, plenty of encouragement on the course and a nice tea shirt and goody bag, well done.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
28th Feb ~ The Beast Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Multi-
The Beast is something special a 5 mile lap double or quit (Yes I did the 10 mile
2 lap option). On each muddy hilly lap there are 32 obstacles in this case horse
jumps. You may have seen horses jumping into water well so did we and it was very
cold! the air temperature was just 2 deg C and the water was a bit nippy when it
got to waist high. The final hill was a real killer and after doing that it was hard
to start the second lap but I had to do it. All in all this was a very good race
and I will wear my new t-
Thanks to Chris Smith for his Report.
Also competing with Chris was Paul ‘Buzz’ Gray.
6th March ~ Grantham Canal 29.3 miles Ultra Endurance Race Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire.
Well two Ultras and two Half Marathons that means to me SPEEDYBREAR is getting faster! My second time competing in the Grantham Canal Ultra in what was sunny though cloudy with temperatures of minus 5 which was comfortable at the start at Cotgrave Leisure Centre near Nottingham. Only 105 runners finished out of 300 that started the 29.3 mile Ultra and set off in style by Rory Coleman who started dead on 9.30am. The route took you through the lovely scenic areas of Cotgrave, Kinoulton, Harby, Toston Hill and the lovely view of Belvoir Castle in the distance. That meant I was nearly bang on schedule which meant more water stops i.e. sweets, water and cake! Well sign posted and good weather for a change, though I felt like weights on my legs as I ran along towpaths and the grass slowed me down a bit. Afterwards I just went to Brewers Fair for a 10kg sirloin steak and a large beer. I felt fine later! Thank you again to Rory Coleman, Andy and Team with more photos of me to come and thanks for the cake during our run. Here to the next one in Nottingham and I will do Grantham Canal on both days next year?
Confirmed on my garmin watch 4.43.49 -
Thanks to Stephen ‘’Speedy’’ Brear for his Report.
6th Mar ~ Trollers Trot Threshfield, North Yorkshire, Multi-
Dave Tilley and Mark Sands once again competed in this 25 mile trail race in North Yorkshire. No mention of getting lost this year as Dave and Mark finished in 9th & 10th place.
7th March ~ Bath Half Marathon Bath, Somerset, Road.
Any sane person would no doubt ask why on earth I would want to run the Bath HM when
there was a perfectly decent half marathon on my doorstep in Grantham. Well, to
be frank running the Bath HM was really just an excuse for a weekend away in Bath.
So, Saturday was spent seeing the sights with my family and then on Sunday I ran
and they ate cake.
A very large field of runners -
Thanks to Catherine Sheldrake for her Report.
7th Mar ~ Newton’s Fraction Half Marathon Grantham, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Grantham AC
Perfect weather for the start of this classic Half Marathon, undulating throughout
with those famed hills at 5 and 10 miles to contend with! Another decent field of
competitors lined up for the 10.30 start time and with the weather holding throughout
the race an excellent way to spend your Sunday morning. Andy Taylor re-
14th Mar ~ Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon Silverstone, Northamptonshire, Road.
I managed to get around this half in the poorest time yet for me. Two things were wrong, first I had not done enough training, and second I did not eat enough on the day. I did not do enough training because of home commitments and because of the bad weather we have had this year. The lack of food was because I had breakfast at 6.30am and did not eat until after the run 2.30pm, I should have eaten an energy bar or some fruit. The Silverstone half is a good run, flat with quite a few changes because of work being carried out for the Grand Prix. It is a two hour ride to get there but everything is well run and organised when you get there. I finished in 2.23.11 though some lessons to be learned do enough training and eat the right food before a run.
Thanks to Stan Thornton for his Report.
Also running at Silverstone with Stan was Gary (Scooby) Britnell who finished in 1.54.02.
14th Mar ~ East Midlands League Stapleford Woods, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Lincoln Orienteering Group
Not a lot of races on this week, so as a last minute decision, Chris Smith and Kat Simpson gave me a call to see if I wanted to join them in the Orienteering event at Stapleford woods near Newark. Seemed like a good idea, not a bad morning for a run around the woods. The event was a level 3 which didn’t mean anything to us and the most difficult route was the brown route, which of course was the one we had to try. Having checked in and got the electronic dibbers for the check points of which we had 29 to negotiate, we noticed the symbols on the check points were not like anything we had seen before, so we asked one guy who said he had only been doing these races for 10 years and he hadn’t got a clue what they were. It didn’t bode well, but we collected the route maps as we started and ran as a group of three to try and hopefully find our way around the wooded course. We struggled from about 3 markers out from the start and gradually got worse as we went along, finishing up on the wrong side of waterways etc, we managed to cross most of them, but hearing a splash and yell at one water course Chris and I turned to see a very wet Kat emerging from a leap that didn’t quite make the far bank, whoops. The going was tough, but the tough really didn’t get going, well we did but often in the wrong direction. Some of the check points were hidden in or behind bushes, in hollows, and in swamps, and took some finding. We eventually found our way back to the finish area, but we are certainly no threat to world of orienteering, it made a change from tearing around half marathon road races, and there is one thing from the position we finished in this race, there is only one way and that is up. I am hoping to get some map reading and orienteering lessons before venturing out on a level 3 course again, but it was fun, and will be back for more. Thanks to Lincoln Orienteering Group for the event.
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
20th Mar ~ The Mighty Deerstalker The Tweed Valley and Innerleithen, Scotland, Multi-
This race was something else! As you will see we have done a lot of hard and muddy
races but The Mighty Deerstalker was the hardest by some way. There were 8 water
crossings (muddy ponds, rivers and walking up Leithen Water for 1/4 mile), 2 mountains,
balance beams, cargo nets and more and most of it in the dark. The venue was the
beautiful Traquair estate in the borders. The start was uphill then over a bale wall
then out of the estate and through the first water which in this case were two large
ponds with frogs and mud oh yes and a girl bog snorkeling. From here we ran up a
very large hill that is used by mountain bikes, through the forest ocer balance bars
and to the top. Next was a very serious down hill down a mountain bike downhill route
there was the scary forest and some large drop-
A brilliant race and yes we have already booked the hotel for next year. Chris was 2:10 & Cat 2:57 & 5th in class.
Thanks to Chris Smith for his Report.
14th Mar ~ Kilomathon Nottingham, Road. 26.2k (16 miles)
Having entered this race sometime ago as a ‘privateer’ the plan was always to just go and enjoy the event, somewhere in the intervening period it became a trial in the run up to my first marathon in May and I was running as a club member. I was hoping not to repeat Ropsley and get lost in the first mile, although in the cold wind at the start a 2 ½ mile short cut would have been welcome.
The intent was to go off at somewhere near predicted marathon pace and see how it
was going between 8 and 10 miles, after 5 miles of trying to control my pace I realised
I was around 25-
Thanks to Stuart Moran for his Report.
First Sally and her Husband from Lincoln District Runners picked me up about 6am
from the Travelodge to get to Nottingham for a shuttle bus at 7am. We arrived at
Nottingham University where there was a massive cross country kind of field, a mere
5500 runners from all walks of life for the worlds first Kilomathon. The weather
was comfortable about 5c though as the morning went on it felt like 7c and there
was a bitter wind at the start, where there were five different coloured starting
pens from fastest to the slowest; I plumped for the slowest (more later). The route
took us through a nice part of Nottingham via Boulevard where the University is based
along the outskirts of the City and onto Derby via lovely fens and Villages. The
crowds cheered us on and one marshall noticed a TOONIE coming and said ‘come on Sleaford’.
That was nice to hear and 10 miles in I heard from in front of me ‘come on SpeedyBrear’
to which I said I know you from the London 50k. I was running cool with my gel belt
and my pace was comfortable at the start then I got faster in the final stages getting
more SPEEDY in the last 2 miles and going like the clappers. Funny thing though I
was not worn out as I finished at Alavaston Park in Derby, finishing in 2.12.51.
Thank you to Sally and her Husband from Lincoln District Runners for the lift and
well done to GSI Events who organised this maiden event.
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
21st Mar ~ Ashby 20 Ashby-
Host Club ~ Ivanhoe Runners.
A very misty start to the Ashby 20 and a huge queue for the loos. Glad I got here early! The race started promptly at 10 am and off we went into the Leicestershire countryside. I should say at the outset that this race is renowned for being hilly, but if you have got round the Folksworth 15, this will be no problems for you as the hills as less in number and nowhere near so steep. There was good support from the outset and loads of marshals along the route. This is a two lap race, first heading out of Ashby and over the dual carriageway flyover to Packington. Then along the roads to Swepstone and Heather, before returning to quiet lanes that head back to Packington to do another lap before returning to Ashby. My plan was to run at as close to 11.5 minute miles as possible which I knew I was capable of over a distance of 20 miles. This part of the plan worked well. The sun came out very soon after the start and I really enjoyed this scenic run through the countryside. As I passed through Packington to start my second lap I was cheered on by Jon & William who were busy eating a bacon butty at the village pub. So, second lap starts well, still running 11.5 minute miles. However, I have to say that I was very tempted to run down the drive to the Champneys spa when I ran past it the second time, but I resisted. About 2 miles after Champneys, I started to feel a dull ache in my left ankle and just put it down to the road conditions and carried on. However, at 13.5 miles the ache became a pain that was too great to ignore. Could I manage the rest of the race with this pain? After trying for a bit to vary my running style I realised I really needed to stop as the pain was getting worse. After all, this was really just a training run for me to aid me on the way to my marathon. I didn't want to completely muck up the marathon training. So, I turned myself in at 14 miles and was given a lift to the finish by a very nice marshal. At the finish I saw the race medical director who said I'd done the right thing to stop and confirmed it looked like I had a bad case of Achilles tendonitis. I grabbed an ice pack and hobbled off home. My ankle pain aside, the organisation of this race was superb, great goody bag (the contents amounted to a very satisfactory picnic lunch) and would thoroughly recommend it for marathon training.
Thanks to Catherine Sheldrake for her Report.
21st Mar ~ Lincoln 10k Road.
Warm Spring weather finally arrived this year for our Club members waiting for the
start and during this year’s 10k race. John Siddens having had a frustrating Winter
of training with injury niggles returned to fine form finishing in an excellent 35.44.
Andy Taylor set a new Personal Best as he continues to produce impressive results
across the line in 38.27. Greg Southern now a consistent sub 40 minute 10k runner
39.17, Barry Douce 46.41 and setting a new PB as he crossed the line, Stephen Brear
46.56 and Katie Smal 47.19. Cathy Taylor took a huge chunk off her pervious PB setting
a new time of 47.40 for the distance, Lionel Mason ran in a decent time 48.06 as
did Simon Spink 52.14, Aune Turkson-
For the first time in ages since I’ve ran this event it’s always been colder, but
now the heavens opened up for me big style as Barry, his Wife and their Son set off
at 9.15 with me towards Lincoln. There was however a small problem as it was difficult
to find car parking space, but we found one beyond St Mary's School costing £3 to
park! Then we trail up to the start about 20 minutes walk. There we met Yvonne and
Pete at the Leisure Centre and later Andy, Cathy, Aune, James and other Club members
waiting to start with the other 4000 runners which included joggers and walkers and
yet again a late start. We started slowly and yes Scooby was there aka Gary where
I overtake him again! As for the route it should be better like it was in 2005 just
before they changed it again. A nice goody bag with leaflets, water and a big medal.
No chewy bars and certainly no t-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
27th Mar ~ Coniston 14 Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, Road.
Coniston 14+ Saturday 27th March 2010. Due to damage to a bridge caused by the winter floods, this year’s Coniston 14 was run over an extended course of 16.7 miles, and renamed the Coniston 14+. Next year the race should revert to its normal route. Given the weather during the week a pleasant sunny race day, was a nice surprise. As it was a chipped event I lined up in the back half of the field of around 1800. The course begins with a steady climb, but after a couple of miles changes to an undulating course, not as hard as I imagined, although I beautiful scenery did give me something else to enjoy. I settled in and began to move up the field. At 14 miles another there was another steady climb for a mile then a nice run in to the finish. Aiming to complete the course in under 2:30 I was more than happy with my time of 2:24:26 570th position. This was a great well organised event and one I will definitely try again.
Thanks to Simon Lunn for his Report.
28th Mar ~ East Hull 20 Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, Road.
Host Club ~ East Hull Harriers & AC.
With one long run lost to an injured knee and another cut short after I was knocked
over by a dog (I hope no-
Thanks to Mandy Connor for her Report.
28th Mar ~ Outdoors Show 10k NEC, Birmingham, Indoor.
Chris Smith and Catherine Simpson entered the first running of the Outdoors Show 10k race at the NEC Birmingham. We arrived bright and early at the NEC to browse round the show which featured all types of outdoor pursuits. There was a 2.5k a 5k and the 10k race which all started at 12 noon in one of the exhibition halls. Looking around we realised there were not very many entrants but all looked very serious competitors. The race itself was fast but consisted of 4 laps! passing through the exhibition hall each time I think I saw Chris about 6 times as it was also a there and back route passing through the car park on service roads and down to the lake to a turning point cone and as Chris was finishing I had another 2.5k lap to do. Chris finished in 44.31 and I managed 60.48, (3rd in class). I enjoyed the day at the show but not sure I would do a race with so many laps again.
Thanks to Catherine Simpson for her Report.
28th Mar ~ Thorney 10k nr Peterborough, Road.
Host Club ~ Thorney Running Club
Simon England made the solo journey to Peterborough where he had travelled to compete on what was a very windy day at Thorney. Simon despite the blustery conditions recorded a time of 40.04, 22nd of the 270 that finished the race.
4th April ~ 2nd Chicken 5k Fun Run Lincolnshire Showground, Road.
The day was to be the human chicken invasion of the Lincolnshire Showground in style.
Luke picked me up from the Rugby Club and was eager to set off early (he's no fool!)
We got there nice and early with bright skies all the way to the Lincolnshire Showground.
We arrived at 9.25am with plenty of time to get a bacon butty or was it a bacon bap?
We needed it though before we explored the showground and the route when we saw Yvonne
Fox, Gemma Bush, and Sandra Sayers in a nice polished blue car, though without my
glasses on I could not see them in the distance, but Yvonne let me off? Anyway we
got our t-
Thanks to Stephen ‘Speedy’ Brear for his Report.
10th April ~ Caythorpe Canter Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Grantham Tri-
The 13 mile short course started some 30 minutes after the gun had sounded for the
start of the long course, with runners having to contend with what turned out to
be the warmest day of the year for this multi-
Long route 26.2 miles as I needed the time on my legs, the warmest day of the year so far welcomed us to the 9.00am start, blue skies and not a cloud in sight so we knew we were in for a warm one. I set off very steady with Chris Smith in view also running steady, it was one of those days where I never managed to get in to the race at all. Caught up with Chris just after 2 miles and we ran on together until about 8 miles, I was still struggling with an ankle injury and Chris had serious blisters, so not exactly race fit. Chris had to stop to make emergency repairs to his blistered foot, while I plodded on to the 16 mile check point at Barkstone village hall and a very welcome jam sandwich and flap jack supplied by the organizers. I crawled up the steep gradient to Barkston Heath before making my way on to the last check point at Ancaster playing fields. The last 5 miles from here to Caythorpe via Caythorpe Heath with another tough climb, was as hard as ever and took its toll somewhat, but I managed to keep up a steady pace to the finish, and a fantastic spread of sandwiches, home made cakes, crumble and custard that awaited the finishers, washed down with a pint or two of course. I was home in 4hrs 30mins and happy to be so, Chris Smith struggled in, blisters well strapped in 4 hrs 56mins, many thanks to the organizers once again and I will be back for more of the same next year. Well done to all the toonies who took part in the half marathon
Thanks to Dave Raynes for his Report.
11th Apr ~ Belvoir Half Marathon Hose, Leicestershire, Road.
The conditions at the start of the race were similar to that of Friskney in Boston, overcast with a slight breeze. Another good field of runners from in and around the surrounding Counties had assembled on the start line for this PB potential course. Andy ‘The Cub’ Taylor is improving with each race finishing 41st overall and setting a new personal best as he crossed the line in a time of 1.22.52. Barry Douce would also PB reducing his previous best by over 5 minutes to 1.41.37. Cathy Taylor is consistently around her sub 1.50 PB time over half marathon race distance finishing in 1.51.05. Mandy Connor in one if not the final race before she takes on the London Marathon set a new PB time of 2.09.49. Carolyn Crocker finally ran a half marathon time that reflected the efforts in training setting a new PB of 2.17.48, with Angie Harvey also across in 2.17.48.
11th Apr ~ Blackpool Half & Full Marathon Blackpool, Lancashire, Road.
Well it’s a wicked opening for a Speedy weekend with SpeedyBrear and Shaun Louth
aka Roller joining forces as two Toonies invaded the Blackpool Marathon in style.
The weather was much warmer than of late with temperatures reaching up o 18c-
11th Mar ~ Friskney Half
Marathon Friskney, Boston, Lincolnshire, Road
Host Club ~ Boston & District AC.
Dean Barnshaw, Simon England, Stan Thornton and Beth Wilmot took on this flat Half Marathon in warm sunny weather with a slight breeze. Simon continued his fine form of late recording a new personal best time of 1.25.20, 15th overall. Beth excelling now in longer races, finished 38th overall as the third lady in 1.34.53, second in her age category in what I believe is her first race over the distance. Dean completed a double header weekend of running having competed in the 13 mile Caythorpe Canter the day before and home in 2.05.18. Stan in his third race representing our Club finished in a good time of 2.15.15 and completed our team to finish.
11th Apr ~ Zurich Marathon Switzerland, Road.
Anna Berrill in good form recorded an excellent time of 3:07:19, finishing 21st lady and second in her age category.
Thanks to Mike Folland for the race information.
17th Apr ~ Dambuster 10 Mile Derwent Reservoir, Peak District, Derbyshire, Multi-
Chris Smith, Dave Raynes & Catherine Simpson drove up to Derwent Resevoir for the 5th running of the Dambuster 10m Trail Race. This is a classic low key race that is very limited due to parking restrictions with only 200 runners a year and all the better for that with so many races jamming runners in and forgetting what real running is. The start is at the bottom of the dam wall then you have to run up a steep path to the top of the dam wall followed by more uphill, this sets the style for the race with lots of up and down hill, some gentle and some not so gentle but all very enjoyable running on the wide track with lots of walkers and bikes to keep you company. It was a very warm day with little breeze so we all got well tanned. On finishing the race there is a great drinks and home made cake stall, all free, which really make the run worth while. We collected our certificates and ticked off another good race run. Chris finished in 1:15 (very happy) Dave finished in 1:2? and Catherine in 1:45.
Thanks to Chris Smith for his Report.
17th Apr ~ Lister Park 5k Time Trial Bradford, Yorkshire, Road.
After a few appearances at the Leeds Park Run, when I heard that they were starting Park runs in Bradford at a park where I used to play as a child, I had to be there for the inaugural park run.
Lister Park is a beautiful park with a boating lake and the course is 3 laps of the
park which includes a short, steep hill at the end of each lap. The steepness of
the hill is similar to the start of the second hill at Leadenham for those familiar
to the hill training sessions. Not being up to speed after my injury lay-
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
18th Apr ~ Brighton Marathon East Sussex, Road.
Today was the last Sunday as SpeedyBrear as I whoop another amazing event, this time
down in the south west and the climax of my events on another warm weekend like Blackpool.
Brighton is the home of Zoe Ball and Norman Cook and the weather put everyone in
the spotlight with temperatures up to 18c. Clear skies at the start for the 7589
runners joining me for the start at Preston Park but sadly it was delayed for 15
minutes from 9am because a car had parked right in the middle of the road. Thankfully
we started on the nail at 9.15am as Steve Ovett fired the famous gun and we were
off, with stunning views of Brighton and its magnificent pier seen from a distance
and over 80,000 spectators to cheer us all the way. We headed towards a massive hill
top near the Pier with 1 big circuit round Rottingdean to Ovingdeen Village which
was a killer and never ended. Then through the brilliant area of Black Rock straight
towards the City and on to the Power Station, which was a killer keeping going with
my calfs slowly getting tighter and sore legs! But I kept going with the crowds cheering
us on and on and on. When we reached the Pier straight it narrowed towards the finish
in style and the famous Brighton Pier. Before the finish was in sight and with my
SPEEDYBREAR STR vest on everyone seemed to be cheering me on and on and on and on.
I slowed down because my legs feel like weights but I started again and kept going
and going stopping at 23miles. I then went like a Speedy on heat as the crowds say
‘go on Speedy’ and some of them say look at him go! They also cheered Sleaford Town
on as well. One couple actually from Grantham cheered me on to. I set a new PB as
I crossed the finish-
25th Apr ~ Krakow Marathon Poland, Road.
After taking part in the Wroclaw Marathon in 2009 I had to get back to Poland to do another race, yes it was that good. I decided to do this race on a budget as Catherine was not travelling with me so Ryanair flight Saturday morning early £65, race entry minimal and Free Saturday night accommodation in a sports complex near the race, this is something quite normal in Poland and it was strangely fun. There were about 6 ladies and 55 men in the room I was in then there was another similar room and after that runners took over the main sports hall so the place was buzzing. The strain on the showers, toilets and some sink were a little extreme. I met some very nice Polish men and as always they spoke very good English so we did the town. Sunday started early, well it would! I was in the shower at 5:45am which is not at all normal for me. We prepared for the race and got there in good time, it felt warm Hmmmm bags were dumped and in running kit at 9am it was still warm not a good sign. The race itself was well laid out with a substantial start / finish area. The race starts and we lap the park (about 4 miles) then off round the old city and away by the river then a big loop and back via the river to the park and one and a half laps to finish. That may over simplify the run! It got very hot soon after we started and everyone made full use of the more than ample drink stations. I had a very slow race and at about 22 miles came upon a fellow runner who had passed out, as the first aid girl looked like she needed help I assisted but it was clear he was in a bad way so an ambulance was called. It took us 10mins to get the runner to say his name all this time shading him, cooling, holding legs up etc... I left after about 20mins when he was more with it and when more people had arrived and the ambulance was due any time. It seems he had been only drinking water, and may have had too much which is just as bad as not enough so there you go drink isotonic drinks! I finished in about 4:30 which is my worst for ages even taking off the stop it was over four hours but again it was crazy hot, I got very burnt and looked like a lobster with tiger stripes from my vest. After the run I had the free soup and free beer (prob not a good move) then had a shower and explored the town some more before making my way to the airport for a late night flight. An interesting trip to a very beautiful city, as they call it a race through history. One day I may train then do it again to break the course that may involve staying in a hotel though.
Thanks to Chris Smith for his Report.
25th Apr ~ London Marathon London, Road.
Not quite the hot weather predicted by the weather forecasters prior to the race, with overcast skies and light drizzle at the start for our Club members running. Matt Blunden was in fine form producing an excellent run and first of our Club members to finish crossing in a sub 2.30 time of 2.29.38. Running equally as well in his first marathon was Andy Taylor home in 3.03.24. Alex Hetherington ran her usual metronomic pace in a solid marathon time of 3.34.46. Cathy Taylor like husband Andy running her first marathon and running a creditable time of 4.06.38, with Dave Raynes completing yet another marathon to his ever expanding tally and home in 4.30.39. Nina Macer 4.50.20 and Mandy Connor 5.04.31 both finishing their first marathons in admirable times and completing our team members to finish this most iconic of marathons.
25th Apr ~ Shakespeare Marathon Stratford-
Three weeks, three marathons and all in one month, I don't know how I did it? But
I feel greater then ever..........!!! Anyway the story starts with a slight cool
breeze and a top temperature of about 16c to 18c in the lovely setting at Stratford-
Stratford-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
2nd May ~ Langtoft 10k Langtoft near Market Deeping, Peterborough, Road.
A overcast blustery day greeted our Club members for the start of this flat fast
10k, though head winds in the final third of the race made for more of a challenging
10k than would have been expected. John Siddens led home our contingent of Club members
6th overall in 35.37 continuing his solid return to fitness. Simon England 39.09
just edging Greg Southern 39.17 with Rachel Ellis 3rd lady overall finishing in 43.53.
Barry Douce set a new Personal Best time of 44.24, with Matt Blunden 44.51 keeping
company with Katie Smal as she set her new PB of 44.52. Angie Harvey was happy with
her time of 48.07, with Aune Turkson-
9th May ~ Eye 10k Eye, Peterborough, Road.
Host Club ~ Eye Community Runners.
Matt Blunden, Simon England, Katie Smal and Stan Thornton travelled south to Eye to compete in this pacey flat 10k. A strong headwind from 4k out on this exposed course would hinder the large competitive field of runners racing. Simon England struggled in the conditions however crossed in a decent time of 40.47, Katie Smal 47.20 also working hard in the head wind crossed the finish with Husband Matt Blunden 47.21 for company. Stan Thornton ran a competitive time of 57.33 and completed our team of runners competing.
9th May ~ The Gauntlet Bures near Colchester, Essex, Multi-
Chris Smith and Catherine Simpson travelled down to Bures near Colchester to take
part in the Gauntlet, part of the Mucky Races series. After registration we took
had a look at the part of the course that ran through the quarry, looked interesting!!.
Not a huge race but very friendly and well organised all the same, we started at
the top of the hill which gave a nice quick start followed by an immediate climb
towards the quarry section. The course was very varied with the usual mud, mud, mud,
short sharp climbs and woodland sections. Some of the mud pits were so sticky, shoes
and various clothing of some runners disappeared never to be seen again causing much
laughter and the marshals were having to haul us out.. The course followed tracks
and trails and then back to more muddy and water sections finishing with a steep
climb back into the race HQ area. We were given a goodie bag and goodness shakes
drinks with a decent T-
Thanks to Catherine Simpson for her Report.
9th May ~ Lincolnshire County Track & Field Championships Grantham, Lincolnshire, Track.
John Siddens travelled to Grantham to represent our Club in these Track & Field Championships. Entered in the Vet Men’s 5000m final, John finished second in a quick time of 16:51.2.
15th May ~ The NAAFI Brüggen Ten Elmpt Station, formally known as RAF Brüggen, Germany, Road.
Greg Sorthern was in Germany for this flat fast 10 mile race around this former RAF Camp. Greg produced another strong run setting a new Personal Best time of 64.25.
15th May ~ Settle Saunter Kirkgate, Settle, North Yorkshire, Mutli-
Dave Tilley and Mark Sands competed in this 24 mile multi-
16th May ~ Brathay Windermere Marathon Brathay Hall in Ambleside, Cumbria the Lake District, Road.
After having planned to lose my marathon virginity at this beautiful but hilly event some 6 months ago I approached the big day with some trepidation having lost the last 3 weeks training to a niggling calf strain. However the day arrived, as they do with a morning, and I arrived early to watch the truly inspirational 10 in 10 runners off on their last round of the lake (if you are not aware of this event take a look at http://www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk. The first undulating half went ok, cracking through in just under 2 hours, with only a slight tension in the calf but with amount of hills that was no surprise, there was also a little tiredness due to the lack of recent training. At 14 miles the calf started telling me that it was no longer amused by hills and self preservation took over and a walk up (as I couldn’t push off my left foot) and run flat and down strategy took over. With massive encouragement from passing cars, tourists and marshals I made it to the end with a finishing time of 4:29:21, just hugely chuffed to have finished.
This is a really great event and I will be going back, hopefully uninjured, to do it again next year. I would recommend it to everyone who wants a real challenge, the ‘speed hump’ at mile 22 even has some runners with a finishing times between 3:00 and 3:15 walking. The organisation is great, loads to do for the kids at the Brathay Hall open day and what has to be one of the most scenic routes in the country.
Thanks to Stuart Moran for his Report.
16th May ~ Deepings 10k Deeping St James Peterborough, Road.
Matt Blunden made the solo journey to Peterborough for the start of this flat fast 10k. Matt in fine form followed up his superb run in the London Marathon winning the race in 32.23!
16th May ~ Sleaford 10k Scredington, Lincolnshire, Road.
This was our largest turnout for a competitive event, with over 40 Club members travelling
the short journey to the Village of Scredington just outside Sleaford for the Sleaford
10k. Warm sunshine with a stiff breeze replaced the predicted damp weather for the
duration of this undulating course, competed around quiet country lanes surrounding
Scredington. Running his first race in Club colours was Darren (Dick) Barton finishing
second overall in a superb time of 34.44, just edging out John Siddens in an equally
quick time of 35.11 third overall. Andy Taylor finished in a new Personal Best time
of 37.41 and winning the men’s team prize along with Darren & John. Simon England
once again under 39 minutes as he crossed the finish in 38.54, Steven (Ned) Kelly
42.39 just ahead of Chris Smith 42.48. Beth Wilmot raced home as first lady overall
in 42.49, with John Hodgkison seconds adrift in 42.52. Stephen (Speedy) Brear reproduced
his fine long distance form in setting a new PB and under 45 minutes in 44.46 with
Dave Taylor 45.39, Tim Ketton 45.49 and Alex Hetherington who finished second lady
in 45.51 all close together as they finished. Trev Brown 46.04 ran better than he
expected with injury concerns prior to the race, Sue Evans 46.26 completed a Club
double in the team events, winning the ladies team prize along with Beth and Alex.
Simon Lunn 46.53 led home Barry Douce 47.14 struggling with an injury ahead of Gary
Britnell 47.31 opting to leave Scooby in the car for the race with Angie Harvey 47.32,
Lionel Mason 47.36, Katie Smal 48.36 and Cathy Davies 49.29. Aune Turkson-
22nd May ~ White Peak Marathon Cromford near Matlock, Derbyshire. Multi-
Host Club ~ Matlock Athletic Club
Mark Sands and Dave Tilley took on this most challenging of multi-
23rd May ~ Bourne Woods 5 Mile Bourne, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Normal training for me but this time with a slight twist, I traveled to Bourne with
three other Club members to compete in the heat of the woods in temperatures in the
high 20s. Alistair Whitaker, Aune Turkson-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
23rd May ~ Jane Tomlinson 10k Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, Road.
On Sunday 23 May, Lionel and I took part in a team challenge in Hull for the Jane Tomlinson 10k. I say it was a team challenge race but it was more a ‘get roundathon’ due to the heat which despite a 9am start reached 26 degrees. It was a great turnout of several thousand but boy was it a busy one. There were no time markers at the beginning which meant that even just after the start we were caught up with people walking. It was an interesting course taking us through Hull, along the water past The Deep and the Marina and back into the City and we were grateful for the little sea breeze there was. A few very narrow pinch points meant it was difficult to get any speed up as there were people stopping and walking all over. Water stops were used less to drink and more to throw over to cool down and St John’s Ambulance had their hands full as people collapsed from the heat. The first runner over the line came in at 34.45 and first female at 38.58. Despite the fact that I didn’t see Lionel all the way round, he came in wheezing with a chest infection at 52.03 and I managed to crawl over the finish line not far from him at 53.52. It was a brilliant race atmosphere with warm ups at the beginning and loads of support afterwards but from a running point of view, it was very frustrating due to the huge amount of walkers and narrow running stretches.
Thanks to Kate Mason for her Report.
23rd May ~ Nordea Riga Half Marathon Latvia Road.
Chris Smith and Catherine Simpson travelled to Riga, Latvia to take part in the Half Marathon. It was an early start but we soon realised it was going to be a warm one and assembled with the thousands of other runners. It is a growing event with a 1k Disabled persons race. a 5k, a half marathon, full marathon and relays so there was lots going on with a carnival atmosphere. We were soon one our way towards the town and across a huge bridge hoping for a cooling breeze that didn’t happen and then back into the old town onto the dreaded cobbles which acted as a footbrake on my progress. We then ran past the finish to do another lap across the bridge for a second time thank goodness there was plenty of water stations so I took advantage of them all, another small lap round the town cobbles and to towards the waterside finish just as the Marathon winner was coming in!! We received a medal and a really nice cotton goody bag with chocolate and drinks etc. After a rest we spent the rest of the day wandering round this charming city and celebrated with a lovely meal and plenty of drinks.
Thanks to Catherine Simpson for her Report.
23rd May ~ Race for Life RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire 5k & 10k.
It was a scorching hot day, apparently hitting 30 degrees! There were approximately 4000 ladies/girls who had entered the two races – 5k and 10k. It is always such an emotional day as you read the notes on the backs of everyone stating who they are running for/why they are competing the race.
Off we went as the horn blew at 10.30am. It was a slow start trying to get round the walkers then into a steady pace past one of the two RAF bands that were round the route. As we approached 2.5k the routes for the runs separated. With it being so hot quite a few of the 10k runners decided to take the 5k route. STR ladies continued round the 10k route. There was a welcomed drinks station at approx 3.5k. Up around the airfield we went. The next drink station was at approx 7k. Gemma Bush was the first to cross the line with a good time of 1hr 8mins, well done Gemma – this was her 1st 10k run since starting out running and joining the club this year. Anne, Lisa Harmon and Jenny Kirk were next over the line in 1hr 14mins closely followed by Sarah Whatton in 1hr 15mins, next was ‘foxy’ with a time of 1hr 16mins. Sue Shaw was next in 1hr 19mins followed by Sandra Sayers. Unfortunately Jayne ‘Coco’ Cooke was unable to run due to her nursing an ankle injury that she got running the ‘Sleaford 10k’. Well done ladies you all did brilliantly especially in the heat.
Thanks to Yvonne ‘foxy’ Fox for her Report.
23rd May ~ The Fan Dance Challenge Brecon Beacons, South Wales, Multi-
Mark Sands and Dave Tilley traveled to Wales for part two of their endurance weekend
of running. The “Fan Dance” is an ultimate test of mental and physical endurance
running/walking or crawling up the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons with 4,000
ft of climbing per lap, 9 miles per lap. Competitors climb to the top of Pen-
26th May ~ LWAC 5k Race Series Race 1 Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln, Road.
Host Club ~ Lincoln Wellington AC.
The first race in this four race series saw John Lawlor make his long awaited debut for our Club, running in the Vet Men category John finished 9th overall in a quick time of 18.05. Greg Southern also running well and setting a new personal best time of 18.43. In the Senior Men’s category Andy Taylor finished 6th and like Greg setting a new PB of 17.32 with Simon England 9th again a new PB of 17.47. Adam Booth completed our team on the night and running just outside 20 mins in 20.26.
30th May ~ The Woodland Half Marathon Bourne, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Chris Smith recorded a time of 1.38.54 in the maiden running of this multi-
3rd June ~ Ropsley 6 nr Grantham, Road
Host Club ~ Ropsley Road Runners.
Mark Sands back on the road recorded a quick time of 33.29 to win this undulating 6 mile race. The ever improving Andy Taylor finished 3rd in 36.01 with Dave (The Fox) Tilley like Mark back on the road finishing forth in 36.25. Simon England 9th 37.08, Greg Southern 11th 38.23 with Steven Kelly 15th 39.59. Adam Booth ran well finishing in 41.03 from Chris Smith 41.26, Barry Douce 43.20, Stephen Brear 43.25. Alex Hetherington 44.20 led home Trevor Brown 44.37, Simon Lunn 46.58, Cathy Taylor 47.51 and Mike Folland 49.38. Wyn Roberts 54.12 recorded the same time as Stephanie Atherton 54.12 with Stanley Thornton 57.26, Andrew Davies 57.58, Julie Brown 58.52, Patsy Hunt 58.52 and Catherine Simpson 59.35 all finishing under the hour. Mandy Connor 1.00.49 from Shaun Louth 1.01.16 and good to see Candy Louth back racing after the birth of her baby Oliver finishing in 1.02.19. Rachel Howard 1.02.19, Lisa Harmon 1.03.06 and Jenny Kirk 1.03.06 completed our team running just over the hour mark. Shout up also to Catherine Sheldrake, Vivienne Veasey and Fiona Robertson who all took part in the 2 mile dash.
7th June ~ Woodhall Spa 10k Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, Road.
Simon England led home our Club members in overcast damp conditions, setting a new
personal best time of 37.40, Malcolm East now back in the UK and having not raced
since last September won his vet category in 38.36 with Greg Southern just adrift
in 38.42. Stephen (Ned) Kelly not recorded on the results? finished in around 41.00
with Chris Smith next to finish in 42.15. Tim Ketton recorded a solid time of 43.54
just ahead of Dave Raynes 43.56, Barry Douce 44.30, Rachel Ellis 45.03, Stephen (Speedy)
Brear 45.30 and Gary Britnall 46.47. Nicola Troop racing at last in Club colours
set a decent maiden PB 10k time of 47.18 with Lionel Mason across in 47.42. Denise
Jackson was delighted to set a new PB of 51.57 with Aune Turkson-
20th June ~ Trails of the River Bank the L.A. Fitness ‘9’ Lincoln Road.
Host Club ~ Lincoln & District Runners
Chris Smith & Catherine Simpson took part in this new race just over 9 miles at 9.56 using the old water railway route now tarmac which makes this flat course ideal for quick times. Chris finished in a time of 1.07 placed 7th overall with Catherine crossing the line winning her vet category.
20th June ~ Three Lakes Classic 15 Rother Valley Country Park, Killamarsh, Sheffield,
Multi-
Host Club ~ Killamarsh Kestrels Running Club.
Sunday 20th June saw the Sleaford Town Runners competing in the 3 Lakes Classic 15
mile trail/road run at Rother Valley Country Park. Although STR is a friendly running
club where the taking part and not the winning is everything the excuses for a bad
time were coming thick and fast. Dean Barnshaw, picked up at home, was first out
with excuses with ' I only got in at 5 am this morning and am shattered, my back
is really sore and my legs are aching like mad'. Then it was on to Stephen Brear
with his ' I did 42.5 miles last weekend and am just going to jog round' and then
there was me who was in the throws of a deadly case of man flu, a black, sore toe
nail, aching legs and having a bad hair day and was only going as I was driving and
to support the other team members and to run round with Dean. On the way there Stephen
and I managed to keep Dean awake by chatting constantly, even though he had brought
along his comfort pillow and was doing his best to fall asleep.
At the start line
we met up with Alex Hetherington who said that she was 'Just going to have a slow
plod round!!', Mike Folland who said that he was ' just aiming to get round in under
3 hours' and David Taylor who could not come up with any lame excuses like the rest
of us. Then suddenly to top all the excuses for a slow time Deans mobile went and
it was Aune who said in her best sleepy voice ' I am in Manchester and have only
just woken up' ( I think Aune must win the best excuse of the year so far with that
one). The race started at 11 and Alex sped off into the distance on her 'slow plod
round' with the rest of us following in her wake. Dean was soon into his stride surrounded
by a pack of chatty women and was not seen again until the finish line. After about
a mile it was obvious that Stephen was showing no ill effects of his 42.5 mile run
the week before and was pushing, pulling and carrying me along. We were both setting
a good pace when the peace and tranquility was broken by 3 women screeching out Girls
Aloud songs one after another, we had to increase the pace and were luckily soon
out of ear shot (there is no way they could have kept that up all the way round!!!).
At 8.5 miles Speedy Brear was still chatting away still showing no ill effects from
his 42.5 miles!! I was struggling along showing the full effects of man flu, but
still struggling on, sniff, sniff, cough, cough. Then round a corner a hill from
runner’s nightmares appeared, Stephen kept talking all the way up, dragging me along
(thanks Stephen). Eventually at 12 miles Stephens marathon efforts of the week before
eventually caught up with him and I started to pull away.
First to the finish on her
'slow plod round' was Alex in a great time of 2:02:04, then a long way back struggling
on with deadly manflu was Gary Britnell in 2:20:04 followed not far behind by Speedy
Brear in a PB of 2:22:19 then Dave Taylor and Mike Folland well under their 3 hours
lame excuse in 2:22:38, with Dean having got away from the pack of women in a new
PB of 2:30:35.
We all crashed out on the grass by the lake in the sun with tea and
home made cakes after a great, well organised, friendly run already discussing next
years race and planning on some good lame excuses for doing bad times.
Thanks to Gary (Scooby) Britnell for his Report.
27th June ~ Humber Bridge Half Marathon Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, Road.
A glorious day and clear skies were present as Barry Douce and I left Sleaford at
7.30am and headed towards the Humber Bridge in style. The temperature would still
climb further towards a hot 27c although there was a slight breeze but only a little!
We got there an hour & half early at Hessle where the race would start by the famous
Humber Bridge. As always there was loads of Running Clubs competing including familiar
faces from Lincoln Wellington AC together with Norman from Ropsley Road Runners and
Luke Morley as we waited for a slightly delayed start due to traffic on the road.
Know matter Barry and I were just plodding as we pushed each other on until we reached
the Bridge, but it’s too hot to run fast, though my secret weapon was finding gaps
between the runners and have Barry follow me. There was two steep hills with loads
of water stops, shame though its not bottles just cups. Plenty of runners were plodding
along in the heat and some fainted because they didn’t take onboard enough water.
Barry left me at 5 miles though I still managed to keep him in sight. I tried to
catch him up but not in that heat though the Bridge was challenging enough. Barry
would finish in 1.46.57 and I crossed the line in 1.54.39. Well done to the Rotary
Club of Hull for a brilliant day...Yes we’ll be back next year, I’ve forgotten what
Barry said to me but it was something like ‘a 100% killer challenge’ and I agree!
Thanks
to Stephen Brear for his Report.
27th June ~ Mansfield Half Marathon Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Road.
Chris Smith was our only Club member competing in this undulating race. Chris would go on to record a time of 1.47.34 in warm conditions.
30th June ~ LWAC 5k Race Series Race 2 Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln, Road.
Host Club ~ Lincoln Wellington AC.
Andy Taylor competing in the Senior Men's recorded another quick time of 17.39 in race two of this four race series, Simon England also setting a good time of 18.04. Cathy Taylor racing in the Senior Ladies ran a decent time of 23.34. Mike Folland completed our team of runners racing in the Vet Men category and finishing in 24.49.
4th July ~ Thurlby 10k Thurlby, near Bourne, Lincolnshire, Road.
The usual warm day for our Club members that traveled to Thurlby taking on this 10k
with ‘that hill’ at the start. Simon England produced a great run in the heat of
the morning finishing 6th overall in 39.28. John Hodgkison also running well finished
21st in 43.28. Beth Wilmot was just adrift of John 23rd and second lady overall and
1st senior lady to finish in 44.09. Tim Ketton 45.49 led Stephen Brear across the
finish in 46.40, Dean Barnshaw 55.40 from Stan Thornton 58.55 and completing our
team of runners.
An early start but with bright blue skies as Dean Barnshaw my driver
for the day headed south to Thurlby. I’d return Dean the favour (you guessed it drinking
that later on in the day!) Yes it’s Stephen 'SpeedyBrear' along with 6 other Club
members as we travel to this event in style at Thurlby near Bourne. A more comfortable
day than the Humber Half last Sunday although this event was not as warm as in previous
races here, peeking around 25c under blue skies and a slight breeze. Starting at
11am we started steady until we hit that big steep hill which would go on and on
and on until you leveled out onto the flat, and then another small hill and then
it’s 60% flat road which made it easier to run. We had to avoid some children on
their bikes, but thankfully they realised that a race was on and moved over. I was
pleased with my time of 46.40 and will return next year. Thank you to the Organisers
of the race finishing off with much needed water and a nice burger? Nice to see Rachel
and Bourne Town Harriers team again and thanks also to Bev, Fiona and their husbands,
Stan and to Dean who I bought a drink for driving me to Thurlby, well done Toonies.
Thanks
to Stephen Brear for his Report.
11th July ~ Bushy 10k Peterborough, Road.
Host Club ~ Bushfield Joggers.
Stan Thornton was our only Club member competing on this mainly flat 10k course. Stan finished the race on what was another warm weekend of running in 58.39.
11th July ~ Notfast 10k Newark, Nottinghamshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Notfast Running Club.
It was a very warm and sunny Sunday morning for the 2010 NOTFAST 10k and there was
a very good turn out of 14 Sleaford Town Runners in the field of 243 starters. Speedy
Brear had yet again done 44 miles the day before and was out for just a little jog
round. Chris turned up before the start to cheer everyone on and to advertise the
Toonie Express Woodies 10k. Everyone was in good spirits at the start with a nice
cooling breeze blowing across the rugby pitches keeping everyone cool, happy and
excuse free. Then the starter sounded his horn and that was the signal for the wind
to die down and the sun to appear from behind the clouds. Once out the rugby club
and onto the road everyone was off running at great speed on the flat outward course.
After turning onto the narrower roads and the sun getting higher in the sky everyone
was starting to feel the heat and lack of cooling breeze and after 3 miles numerous
runners were starting to walk, then at 4 miles THE HILL appeared and sooner even
more people were walking, once at the top though there was a well earned water and
sponge stop. Now well recovered all began the nice run down hill and the last mile
and a half along the flat to the rugby club. All runners were happy to eventually
turn into the rugby club and get to the finish line for the technical T-
Well done to all on finishing
a great race in the very hot conditions, especially Speedy who yet again completed
a massive run the day before and then got a PB. Maybe the rule is that if you want
to get a PB in a 10k then you have to go out and run 44 miles the day before. Another
person of note on the day was Aune who managed to get round in 56:11 in a pair of
really, really old running shoes and she now says that they have had their day and
some new ones are on the way as it must be the shoes that are holding her times back.
Thanks to Gary Britnell for his Report.
John Siddens finished in a fine 4th place overall on a breezy warm day at Newark
crossing the finish line in 36.12. Mark Sands 36.39 followed John across the line
in 6th with Andy Taylor 11th setting a new Personal Best time of 37.25 in the process.
Dave ‘The Fox’ Tilley also finishing in the top 20 in15th place across in 38.44,
Steven ‘Ned’ Kelly 41.38 with soon to follow Beth Wilmot 4th lady to finish in 43.47.
Barry Douce getting close again to a sub 45 time in 45.09 with Tim Ketton in close
company 45.11. Stephen ‘Speedy’ Brear 45.44 was followed in by Nicola Troop under
50 minutes in 49.53 and just edging out Gary ‘Scooby’ Britnell 50.13. Cathy Taylor
51.23, Aune Turkson-
11th July ~ Spilsby Show 6 Spilsby, Lincolnshire, Road/Bridleway.
Dean Barnshaw, Simon England and Dave Taylor competed in this 6 mile race on a scenic rural course consisting of 4 miles of road and 2 miles on bridleways. Simon finished in an excellent 4th place overall recording a time of 37.52 with Dean finishing in 52.47. Still awaiting the official results with Dave’s time to be confirmed.
21st July ~ Woodys Toonie Trot 10k Woodland Waters, Ancaster, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Toonie Express Adventure Racing Club
This was the maiden race of this evening multi-
24th July ~ Heckington 10 Heckington, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Sleaford Striders AC
An early start setting off at 7.15am on my bike to the Heckington Show under bright blue skies and the temperature not too bad either between 19c and 22c with a cool breeze. This was my 4th time competing on the same route as we have raced before starting again at 10am with a grueling 2 laps ahead. I headed out of the Village towards the back roads, fields and fens with a nice breeze into our face to cool us down. We were chased by a dog at one point during the race which was not on his lead and chased the runners all over the verge! Not many marshals on the course as in previous years. I managed to catch Barry Douce as he struggled limping badly as we crossed over the bridge at the A17 but we were cheered on by Fiona and Aune as we headed towards the Show field but I nearly got lost at the finish as there were no marshals blocking the other exit. Beth Wilmot was in front of me as I set a new personal best of 1.17 with Barry not far behind me followed by Mike Folland and Dean Barnshaw who lost his bet of £50 to his Brother who edged him across the line.
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
Times for all our Club members running was Beth Wilmot 72.47, Ann Le Bek in her first race for our Club recorded a quick time of 76.23 with Stephen Brear 77.34. Barry Douce struggled in the race with an injury finishing in 78.24, Mike Folland 85.06 with Dean Barnshaw completing our team of Club members to finish in 92.35.
25th July ~ Grimsthorpe Half Marathon Grimsthorpe, Bourne, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Blue skies once again and no time on this race I just relaxed during my running and
enjoyed the lovely views of the grounds. It was warming up nicely when I arrived
about 9.15am meeting up again with Adrian from Toonie Express having both ran the
Heckington 10 the day before. Well started at the Grimsthorpe Castle Estate at 10am
from within the Castle grounds. Down a small hill to the first lake and then straight
along the back of the lake and then it’s more multi-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report
25th July ~ James Herriot Country Trail Run 14k nr Castle Bolton in Wensleydale,
North Yorkshire, Multi-
This was the ninth running of this race over the same scenic route as in recent years on moorland tracks and paths near Castle Bolton in Wensleydale by kind permission of Lord Bolton. Mark Sands finished 8th in 60.24 and Dave ‘The Fox’ Tilley crossed the line in 11th place 61.48.
28th July ~ LWAC 5k Race Series Race 3 Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln, Road.
Host Club ~ Lincoln Wellington AC.
Andy Taylor finished 5th in 17.40 with Simon England 12th 18.54 both competing in the Senior Men’s category. In the Senior Ladies category Katie Smal finished 5th in 21.53 with Cathy Taylor 7th and improving on her time in Race 2 across the finish in 23.27.
7th August ~ Bassingham Bash 5 Mile Bassingham, Lincolnshire, Road.
In this flat 5 mile course Rachel Ellis 37.40 led home the ever improving Nicola Troop and just adrift of Rachel in 37.51 with Caz Thompson racing for the first time for our Club crossing in a respectable time of 48.45. Dave Taylor also competed with his time to be confirmed.
8th Aug ~ City2Surf Sydney, Australia, 14k Road.
I did this race on Sunday and although its winter here the weather was boiling. I
thought that if you are running from a City to the surf then it would be downhill
-
Thanks to Wyn Roberts for his Report.
8th Aug ~ Darlington 10k Darlington, County Durham, Road.
After all the rain in the
past week I was hoping for a nice cool morning, maybe even a bit of drizzle. No such
luck; a very hot, still morning for the Darlington 10k. About 1200 runners took part,
started off by the Mayor in all his gold chains and bling. The course is relatively
flat and is two laps with the added bonus of the route being completely closed to
traffic, so no car dodging for a change. I also had the added bonus of having a foul
horrid cold. I was in half a mind not to run, but it was 9.30 am and the shops didn't
open until 11, so what else was I to do? At the start I found a group of similarly
well tuned athletes -
Thanks to Catherine Sheldrake for her Report.
8th Aug ~ Newark Half Marathon Newark, Nottinghamshire, Road.
As most of the week had been pretty wet, I was hoping for quite a cool morning to
run my eighth half marathon of the year... unfortunately no-
The STR results were: Matt Blunden 1.12:11 (2nd), Anna Berill 1.37:36, Alex Hetherington 1.43:22, Barry Douce 1.48:19, Mike Folland 1.51:24, Lionel (Give us a Clue) Mason 1.56:53, Me 2.02:07, (Norman) Stanley (Fletcher) Thornton 2.24:37.
Thanks to Dean Barnshaw for his Report.
15th Aug ~ Belper 30k Belper, Derbyshire, Multi-
Mark Sands and Dave Tilley travelled to Belper in Derbyshire to compete in the Belper Rugby Rover 30k. Mark and Dave crossed the line together in 20th and 21st place respectively of this multi terrain race in 2.22.33.
22nd Aug ~ Welbourn 10k Welbourn, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Toonie Express Adventure Racing Club
Last night was a spur of a moment thing with a text from Aune and James wanting me
to come along to Welbourn instead of running. I say yes and they picked me up at
9.35am on Sunday morning with my SpeedyCam ready with nice blue skies and temperatures
between 17 -
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report and Photos.
Full results had Mark Sands finishing 5th in 40.06, Dave Tilley won his vet category
finishing just behind Mark in 6th 40.30. Dave Taylor 54.59, Aune Turkson-
25th Aug ~ LWAC 5k Race Series Race 4 Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln, Road.
Host Club ~ Lincoln Wellington AC.
Andy Taylor wrapped up this final race in the 5k series with a new Personal Best time of 17.27, finishing 6th on the night in the senior men category and a creditable 3rd overall over the four race series. Simon England not running in the last race finished 7th in the final standings also in the senior men category.
29th Aug ~ Chesterfield Spire 10 Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Road.
Host Club ~ North Derbyshire Running Club.
Andy & Cathy Taylor travelled to Chesterfield to take on this challenging of 10 mile races with steep climbs for much of the first part of the race. Andy finished in a quick time of 1.05.24 with Cathy finishing in 1.27.41.
30th Aug ~Grimsthorpe Castle 10k Grimsthorpe Castle Estate, Bourne, Lincolnshire,
Multi-
Dave Tilley finished 14th in this Bank Holiday 10k in a time of 39.06, Barry Douce 50.09 to be followed in by Stan Thornton 59.35.
11th September ~ Big Fun Run Crystal Palace, London.
Well after 17 weeks I was reborn as a new SpeedyBrear with more energy then ever
before. The real test though was running an unusual event organised by Kilomathon
and Edinburgh Marathon the new BIG FUN RUN devoted for charities and Club runners
like me. Anyway I set of at 6.35am at Sleaford arriving at Kings Cross at 8.40am
trying to get to Crystal Palace just before 9am via Victoria (talk about rushing!).
I arrived at the famous Crystal Palace Transmitter’s and the old Victorian building
where the start of Big Fun Run was. The weather was not too bad for us cool but still
a warmish about 17 to 18. Then we started at a funny time of 10.55 not the usual
11am. There was over 100 runners running around a lovely course which was supposed
to measure 3 miles though although according to my watch we ran less than 3 miles
(that sound like when we ran 3 lakes and it was shorter the 13 miles?) It was fun
and challenging finishing in a steady 33 minutes but comfortable. When I finished
and met up with some new friends as well. Glad to be back! I will be there next year
and well done to Hamish, his team and the Council.
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
12th Sept ~ East Coast Classic 10k Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Mablethorpe Running Club
It’s a good flat run along seafront on concrete. A very good run in a friendly atmosphere which you run with the public walking and cycling in the same area. Go to mablethorperunningclub.com and see all the photos. I also got an award for first in my age group finishing in 56.21. I don’t know if I was the only one in my age group again.
Thanks to Stan Thornton for his Report.
12th Sept ~ Nottingham Full & Half Marathon Nottingham, Road.
Julie Brown returned to running a Marathon together with Rachel Howard and Barbara Johnson running their first Marathons. Not the easiest of Marathons with a figure of eight course bringing you within sight of the finish at 13 miles before turning you away to run the remainder of the 13 miles! Having trained together during the summer months Julie, Rachel and Barbara would run and finish together in a time of 5.27.26. In the Half Marathon Nicola Troop recorded a great time in her maiden Half Marathon of 1.52.24, Stuart Moran seconds behind Nicola on the chip timing crossed in I believe a new Personal Best time of 1.52.28 with Becky Gray like Nicola running her first Half and across the finish in 2.25.40.
18th Sept ~ Lister Park 5k Time Trial Bradford, Yorkshire, Road.
Park run, for those who do not know, organise a series of free, friendly 5km weekly runs in about 20 parks around the country. Lister Park is a beautiful park with a boating lake and the course is 3 laps of the park which includes a short, steep hill at the end of each lap. The steepness of the hill is similar to the start of the second hill at Leadenham for those familiar to the hill training sessions. The weather was perfect with nice clear skies and no wind. Set off nice and steady, aiming to get an even pace around the 3 laps. Really pleased as each lap was progressively quicker than the last, a few seconds, but quicker. Finished 38th out of 64 in a time of 27:27
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
19th Sept ~ Great North Run Newcastle, Tyneside, Road.
This was our first GNR – I had got through the ballot and Lionel took a charity place.
Our plans of a weekend in Newcastle relaxing before the race went out of the window
when our childminder announced her wedding in Lincoln at 5pm the day before and asked
if our kids could be bridesmaids! Anyway, following a wedding with no alcohol and
a very early start, we utilised the Nirvana shuttle service from Darlington and found
ourselves in Newcastle at 8.15am in the pouring rain with just our running clothes
and a binbag! The first toilets were interesting – no flushes at all – not a pleasant
experience but funny to see people avoiding eye contact all over the place.
We hung
around under the trees until we had to go in to the pens. Lionel had kindly agreed
to run with me so gave up his place 3 pens further forward. Eventually we heard Ant
and Dec and we were off. We ran past the huge row of blokes peeing against the road
after having held on too long in the pens. The red arrows soared across us and we
joined in with the shouts of ‘oggi oggi oggi’ as we hit the first underpasses. The
first 3 miles flew by and we were still fresh at 6. There were more hills than expected
which slowed everyone down and made running hard. At mile 9, I could really feel
it in my legs and we experienced our first husband and wife words as Lionel tried
to make me run faster and I told him not very politely where to stick it !!
As we
came through after 10 miles, it felt better but there were still more hills to come.
Lionel continued to try and get me to move faster as he jogged along telling me he
hadn’t noticed any hills at all but judging by the people collapsed at the side of
the road, he was the odd one out. We finally ran over the line at 2 hours, 2 mins
– 7 minutes faster than my last half marathon. We looked everywhere for other Sleaford
shirts but it was so busy we had no chance. It was a good day and was lovely to see
so many people running for causes although I’m not sure running in just a gold thong
is a good idea.
Thanks to Kate Mason for her Report.
I ran the Great North Run on Sunday in a time of 2.15.25 overall position of 20778 and 21st in my age group. A great day though lots of rain before the start and lots of rain after I had finished, but it was dry during the run. The crowds are great both the runners (54000) and the spectators. This was my 11th running of this race, everyone should do it at least once.
Thanks to Stan Thornton for his Report.
19th Sept ~ Ponton Plod Lincolnshire, Multi-
My second running event back since the Big Fun Run last week, but this event was
a kind of multi-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report
Aune Turkson-
18th & 19th Sept ~ Grantham Ultra Marathon Lincolnshire, Multi-
I arrived the Friday night after travelling 5 hours from Portsmouth mistakenly via the M25!! Tired, I popped down to the local pizza place and got a 12inch pizza.......lots of carbs for the 29.3 mile run I had the next day?!?! This was the 2nd running of the Grantham Canal run this year due to the popularity of the first one in March. The race consists of running 29.3 miles from Cotgrave leisure centre to the Ramada Hotel in Grantham on the Saturday and if you felt up to it, running the opposite direction on the Sunday. This was a total of 58.6 miles. The first day consisted of about 30 runners the first day and around 20 runners the second day. There was a mass start on both days at 0900hrs. I got off to a comfortable start, keeping up with the front female runner. I managed to stay with her until about the 15/16 mile point where I fell back after stopping for a nature call!! I struggle to get going again and my pace dropped off until I finished in 4hrs and 34 mins. I managed to hold on to the third place female and received a little trophy....pictures can be found on the ULTRArace website.Predictably the second day started very slowly for me and I never really picked up a decent pace. However, I decided that I was going to run over the finish line as opposed to crawl over it as I did on the first day! So I took in the Grantham scenery and plodded the whole way round in a time of 5hrs and 19 mins. This was a very well run event with well stocked check points with all the necessities a runner needed including energy gels, peanuts and flapjacks etc. A small presentation was also given by Rory Coleman (founder of ULTRArace) on motivation. He had also organised a visit by Sweatshop who kindly offered Gate Analysis for free. An Ultra Marathon well worth doing! The next one will be in March 2011 which seems to be a more popular time for the event. I will definitely be putting my name down for that one if work permits!
Thanks to Caz Flannigan for her Report.
26th Sept ~ Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon Toronto, Canada, Road.
Chris Smith and Catherine Simpson travelled to Toronto Canada for a week’s holiday and yes it was arranged around a race. We attended the Expo and registration on the Friday enjoying all the stands gathering the usual and the not so usual freebies (an egg cooker!)The morning of the race was cooler at last and I found myself in the second to last start pen, strange I thought didn’t think I was that slow then spied the 2.15 pacer next to me. It was going to be a fast race! Many runners using the flat race to qualify for the Olympics and for the Boston Marathon. It took ages to get over the start line and then with a short downhill section we were onto the shore of Lake Ontario. All along the route they had cheering and music sections all trying to out do each other this made very enjoyable race and time flew by. I saw Chris on his way back, he was well ahead in the field and then turned for the finish back in front of the City Hall. The whole route was flat apart from the cruel uphill finish but the crowds were cheering and I realised I could get under the 2.15 I was hoping for if I pushed. I finished in 2.14 and Chris 1.35 much faster than expected as this is the first road run we have done for some time. At the finish we received a very nice medal and an empty carrier bag! Ok a bit strange! We were then led through a marquee and given biscuits fruit drinks, bagels etc coming out with a full bag of stuff now I got it!
Thanks to Catherine Simpson for her Report.
26th Sept ~West Pinchbeck 10k West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Spalding Triathlon Club.
Overcast and gusting winds over this flat exposed course replaced the warm autumn sunshine of the previous year. Mark Sands ran well in the conditions and produced a fine run to finish 3rd in a time of 34.47. John Siddens struggled with the majority in the wind but like Mark ran well finishing 6th in 35.28, Dave Tilley ran a solid time of 37.11 to finish 13th with Simon England just outside 40 minutes in 40.01. Lionel Mason in fine form ran a personal best 45.47, Barry Douce struggled like John in the conditions 46.04, Paul Freemantle returning from injury pleased with 46.47, Gary Britnell just behind Paul in 47.04, Stephen Brear 49.25, Dave Raynes 51.00, Angie Harvey running injury free finished in 51.55, with Kate Mason 52.23 and Alistair Whitaker 55.37. Debbie Sutton like Lionel setting a new PB in 57.17, Mandy Connor 57.39 and I think Catherine Sheldrake 58.05 both setting new PBs. Vivienne Veasey 59.16 finished well under the hour with Lea Addlesee just outside the hour crossing the finish in 60.19 with a determined run from Lisa Harmon setting a new PB in 62.48 taking almost 20 minutes of last year’s time. Big thanks to all those Club members who turned up to support, more sunshine next year and less wind!!!
29th Sept ~ RAF Honnington 10k Suffolk, Road.
Matt Blunden ran an excellent time of 31.30 to finish 2nd overall, John Siddens finished 15th in 35.06, with Andy Taylor setting a new Personal Best over the distance of 36.24. John Lawlor back running after injury recorded 37.33 finishing 27th with Katie Smal crossing the finish in 48.14.
9th October ~ Ducks & Drakes 10 & Washingborough 5 Lincoln, Multi-
Host Club ~ Lincoln & District Runners.
Twas a cold and windy Saturday morning, so Gary 'Scooby' and myself, Deany 'Inbetweeny', well it rhymes and ends in Y, ventured over to Washingborough for the almost nearly 10 miles Ducks & Drakes race along the River Witham. Seeing as my race number was 406, we were expecting a big crowd and judging by the car park it should have been...except they were there for the football. When we lined up there were only 30 plus entrants... and looking at the field I guessed I would probably finish last for the first time in my life. Not to worry I thought, it's only a training run for the Spires and Steeples the following week. Off we all set 2 miles up the river, across a bridge, 6 miles back down the other side into Lincoln, over another bridge, back up the river and finish, simple… No not really, the first two miles were horrific, there was not a track at all, just running along a path made by the other runners, which was good in a way cos I was at the back, through ankle high nettles, rabbit holes and mole hills, you name it. By the first bridge I'd twisted my knee, ankle, back, thigh and whatever else you can twist whilst running along a river bank… I nearly gave up there and then, but I persevered and finished in 1:36, Gary did 1:23, he said he would have won a prize if he was a woman, after he just beat the first lady in, but for someone that hairy, he looked more like the Yaks, that had gathered along the route to spectate. Highlight of the morning… oh yes I saw a barn owl.
Thanks to Dean Barnshaw for his Report.
9th October ~ Survival of the Fittest Nottingham, Multi-
Nicola Troop took on the challenge of this urban-
10th Oct ~ Eden Project Marathon St. Austell, Cornwall, Multi-
Supported by St. Austell Running Club
Well it’s been up and down but after 8 weeks with some steady races and pain I was
back running in my 30th marathon and my second time at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
There was a warm welcome from St Austell Running Club who knew me as SpeedyBrear
from last year and some runners I’ve known since competing at the London 50k and
Grantham Canal. I’m glad to be back feeling fitter with temperatures a very kind
19 to 22 albeit warmer then last year! A nice setting to start the race above the
Eden plants competed over a multi-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for
his Report.
10th Oct ~ The Great Eastern Run Peterborough, Road.
Barry Douce finally ran a sub 1.40 race setting a new personal best time of 1.39.56, good to see Keith Boseley back in a Club vest setting a competitive time of 1.44.35, Debbie Sutton must have been delighted to record 2.05.52 in her maiden half marathon, Catherine Sheldrake finished in 2.13.15, Stanley Thornton 2.20.35 and Lisa Harmon like Debbie racing in her first half marathon posted a great time of 2.30.43 to complete our team of Club members running.
17th Oct ~ Amsterdam Marathon Amsterdam, Holland, Road.
Andy Taylor followed up his new Personal Best time for a 10k at Honnington at the end of September with a new PB time for a Marathon of 2.52.53. Cathy Taylor also in Amsterdam to run like Andy her second Marathon set another solid and consistent time of 4.12.19.
17th Oct ~ Spires & Steeples Lincolnshire, Multi-
It was a cold and misty morning on Sunday for the Spires and Steeples challenge and
I thought that there was no way that Dean was going to be up in time to be picked
up, I was all ready for the lame excuses about having 10 pints the night before,
only getting in at 4 in the morning, twisted ankle, bad back and splitting headache.
I pulled up outside his house and to my surprise he was not only up, but dressed,
fed, bright eyed and raring to go, I thought I had gone to the wrong house and he
only had one excuse which was a bad calf from trying to regain his youth the week
before playing football (well if you class losing 7-
At the start
Aune joined the really long queue to pick up her number as she had pre-
We then saw Lionel, who must
have drawn the short straw as he was having to do the run while his wife was wrapped
up warm in the car with the kids, I am sure if it had been the middle of summer and
the other way round it would have been the other way round. Catherine turned up shivering
towards the start line and we all huddled together shivering together waiting for
the gun to go at the start. Once the gun went I knew it was not going to be Dean’s
day as he took 2 steps and his lucky bandage fell down to his ankle almost tripping
him up.
Once we all got going and the sun on our backs we all felt better and the
miles passed quickly. I was going well and staying in front of Lionel until I saw
Lionel’s wife Kate and she scupper my plans on beating him for once when she started
talking to me while stood in front of an arrow and I went the wrong way, once Lionel
had caught up she shouted to me saying I had gone the wrong way. (well that’s my
recollection of events, I am sure it was not my awful navigating skills and watching
everyone turn one way and then decide to go the other, I am sure this must have cost
me at least 30 minutes, well okay about 10 seconds really).
At the end yet again I
could not get near to Lionel who was the first Sleaford Town Runner to finish in
around 1.50 (one day I am going to beat him!!!!!!) I crossed the finish in 1.56,
Mick Dakin a couple of minutes adrift of me before Dean finished in around 2.09 who
completed this to keep his goal of running a half marathon every month of the year,
well done Dean only 2 more to go. Then came Aune about 2.10 without a smile on her
face cursing that she hated running. I was too scared to say that this should have
been a slow happy run according to Mike’s plan!!! A good run was had by all and I
am sure that we were all thankful that the rain held off as it would have been really
hard otherwise. The full 26 miles next year then!!!!!!
Thanks to Gary ‘Scooby’ Britnell for his Report.
Mark Sands enjoyed the warm sunshine over the 26 mile route and recorded a great time of 3.12. Dave ‘The Fox’ Tilley who had been running with Mark up to around 17 miles eased off not feeling 100% and would run/walk the remainder in just over four hours. Stephen Brear off the pace this year and perhaps pushing himself too much after only recently returning from injury finishing in around 5.15.
20th Oct ~ Henlow 10 RAF Henlow, near Hitchin, Bedfordshire, Road.
John Lawlor and John Siddens had travelled to Bedfordshire to compete in this flat and fast competitive 10 mile road race. John Siddens running injury free and in fine form finished 8th, 2nd in his vet category in a quick time of 58.48. John Lawlor in between injuries as he told me the previous week and like John showing good form finishing 13th in 61.16 winning his vet category.
24th Oct ~ Bupa Great South Run Southsea, Portsmouth, Road.
It is that time again as Bupa promote the 21st Great South Run at Southsea in Portsmouth.
The temperature settled down to a warmish wind around 13-
31st Oct ~ Lincs X Country League Race 1 RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, Multi-
RAF Cranwell provided the venue for the first of the four race Lincolnshire Cross
Country series. John Siddens finished in a solid 10th in the U20/S/V Men’s 10000m
in a time of 38.45, Barry Douce next to finish in 48.42 with Stan Thornton 65.00
and Lea Addlesee 65.10 completing our team across the line. In the U20/S/V Women’s
5000m Aune Turkson-
31st Oct ~ The Steeple Chase 10k Great Witchingham, Norwich, Norfolk, Multi-
Up nice and early for the drive to Norwich for Mucky Races 'The Steeple Chase' 10k.
Porridge with extra sugar and syrup then off for the long drive. Could not believe
how clear the roads were and flew down. Arrived and went to the registration building
and picked up race number and chip, really organised and no queuing. It was then
back to the car to unravel Scooby Doo and quickly put him on as it was a bit chilly,
there were loads of envious looks from other chilly runners ion their shorts and
thin tops, but I was lovely and toasty!!!! Right on time we were off over a couple
horse fences, my claws were definitely helping in the mud and then onto a couple
of miles around fields and lanes. Then people were shouting 'good luck in the river
Scooby!!!' and then round a corner and there it was a freezing cold river up to your
waist in places, the further I went the shorter my tail was getting bbbrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Eventually out of the water round a couple of jumps and back across the river, that
actually felt warmer second time around. No time to get cold or think about how much
water Scooby had soaked up it was under a scramble net through the muddiest part
of the course they could find and then a long couple of miles zig zag around the
horses cross country course. Then eventually the end was in sight, crossing the line
in 1:02:00, Scooby was really happy with that. Definitely one for next year, well
organised, well run and signed route, loads of encouragement and really friendly.
The
route can be seen at the following link: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/55005765
Thanks to Gary ‘Scooby’ Britnell for his Report.
31st Oct ~ Worksop Half Marathon Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Worksop Harriers AC.
A remarkable month in October after 8 weeks with no running, but that’s all behind
me now with two Marathons back to back, Great South and now this interesting Halloween
Worksop Half Marathon although strange cool weather and temperatures only around
12-
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
7th November ~Hell up North Delamere Forest Park, Cheshire, Multi-
Early morning start for the journey to Delamere Forest, got to McDonalds at Newark
and met up with a couple of friends from Lincoln and District club, spent half an
hour going through the breakfast menu and waiting for someone to make the decision
to tear ourselves away from the food!!! Eventually we were off and up the road, we
arrived with about an hour and half early only to find that all the car parks were
full up and the sides of the road were jam packed as well. Managed to park about
a mile away and walk back to the starting area, luckily the weather was nice. Had
some time to watch some of the morning runners finishing absolutely covered in brown
slime from the bog of doom. Eventually after a 15 minute delay we were off up a steep
climb that would make Leadenham hills look short!! Then off through the woods and
on muddy trails and the first bog after about 3 miles, the morning runners had made
a good job of stirring up the mud and muck in all the bogs for us afternoon runners.
after a couple more miles of steep runs/slides up and down shear drops and a couple
more gloopy bogs that tried to rip your trainers off it was into the bog of doom
and huge bog and river run that tore at your shoes every step. Then a nice easy run
to the finish and over the line in 1:38:00. On the whole it was a good enjoyable
trail run only let down by the appalling parking fiasco, the chip timing being almost
an hour out for some of the entrants and being at least a mile and a half out, the
web site it was 10-
The
route can be seen on the Sleaford Town Runners Garmin Connect page.
Thanks to Gary ‘Scooby’ Britnell for his Report.
7th Nov~ Lincs X Country League Race 2 Skegness, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Race two and probably the most challenging of the four races around the sand dunes
of Skegness. John Siddens enjoying his cross country season finished 8th in the U20/S/V
Men’s 9690m in a time of 35.19, Andy Taylor running his first race in the a series
finished in 37.00 with Barry Douce across the finish in 44.19. In the U20/S/V Women’s
5548m Aune Turkson-
13th Nov ~ Lister Park 5k Time Trial Bradford, Yorkshire, Road.
I thought it was about time I had another go at the Park Run in my recent visit to Yorkshire. Park run, for those who do not know, organise a series of free, friendly 5km weekly runs in about 40 parks around the country. Lister Park is a beautiful park with a boating lake and the course is 3 laps of the park which includes a short, steep hill at the end of each lap. The steepness of the hill is similar to the start of the second hill at Leadenham for those familiar to the hill training sessions. The weather was appalling, windy and heavy rain that drenched the 82 participants just before the start. Finished 38th out of 82 in a time of 27:55, 28 seconds slower than last time which I am going to put down to the weather!!
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
13th Nov ~ Seagrave Challenge Seagrave, Leicestershire, Multi-
This was a very early start as the race was due to start at 9am sharp so I was out
the house just before 7am as I was driving. First stop was to pick up the entertainment
for the journey, Dean 'Jackanory' Barnshaw, who was up and ready to go. Next stop
was to pick up Lady Aune, as we neared her estate the butler waved us down and put
her bag in the back and opened the door for her. All aboard and off we set, the only
problem was we had no music!!! Luckily Dean had a CD so we put it in the player and
as the first notes were coming out the speakers Aune jumped up in the back and said
"is that the famous 'Whistler Barnshaw' ? " and it was. For the next 10-
Anyway, about the race, the Village Hall was filling up already and
we got our numbers and looked for somewhere to change. Dean said he was off to the
toilets to get changed and do some stretches, 10 minutes later loads of blokes came
running out the toilets looking pretty scared, they said there was some bloke in
the toilets stripped off and stretching in front of everyone!!!! Dean then came out
saying that it had been busy in there and he had to stand in the middle of the room
to get changed and do his stretches, but when he had finished the place was empty.
As we stood around there were more Sleaford Town Runners turning up, Alex Hetherington,
who was meant to be injured and taking it easy, turned up next along with Dave Taylor,
both of who were just out for a gentle run round. Then Dave 'The Fox' Tilley and
Mark Sands turned up and were looking around at the competition.
The Town Crier got
us all outside for the brief. The organiser said that the course was okay even though
it had been raining all week and then we were off on a lovely sunny autumnal morning.
It was about 200m on the road and then straight onto undulating tracks and paths,
even the fields we were going across were grass fields and it was turning into as
great off road run. After about a mile I could hear Alex and Dave chatting in the
distance and thought that was going to be the last I heard of them for the day as
they sped off and behind me I could hear Dean chatting to everyone he passed and
Aune who was still whistling her favourite Whistler Barnshaw tunes. Just after a
mile there was a long field and I could see Alex and Dave about 100m ahead so the
chase was on, I could also just about make out Dave and Mark way out in the distance,
both of who were running over pristine ground and churning it all up for us joggers
at the back. By the fourth mile I had managed to catch Alex and Dave who were still
chatting away and behind us was still the faint whistling from Aune. Just over half
way was the first drink station, although these were not your usual drink stations.
It was right for cold water in a plastic cup or left into the village hall for tea
and coffee, cakes and hot pies!!!!! This was torture!!! I was so close to spending
an afternoon eating pies and cakes but all I could hear was Alex and Dave chatting
away on my heels, so a quick gulp of cold water and a longing look at the cakes and
off I went.
Every gate and stile I went through or over as fast as I could as Alex
and Dave's voices seemed to be getting closer every step. By 13 miles I was still
enjoying the scenery with great views in all directions but my legs were getting
heavier, but with only 3 miles to go my spirits were high, then over a stile and
a newly seeded up hill field stood before me with loads of people walking across,
as soon as I got on the field I found out why, the earth was so spongy and sapped
the energy from your legs, this carried on for 2 miles and was willing the finish
to be in sight, just as I thought I could go no further I heard a shout " Come on
Sleaford", I looked up and it was Mike Folland cheering me on and pointing his camera
at me with a "not far to go now, dig deep" shout of encouragement. This gave me the
boost I needed after the fields and before long I was at the finish. Mike was at
the finish cheering everyone in and getting some good photos of some weary looking
runners. Chatting over the free soup, cakes, crumble and custard at the end everyone
said it was a great race and had enjoyed it all the way round, a definite one for
next year. The finishing times were, Jonathon Folland (Mikes Son) 7th in a time of
1:48, Dave 'The Fox' Tilley and Mark Sands coming in almost together in 2:02, someone
said Dave Raynes came in in 2:17, then Gary Britnell 2:33, then Dave Taylor and Alex
Hetherington in together in 2:36, then Dean and Aune, one of who came in in 3:06
and the other in 3:09. I won't say who did which time, but we all know who came in
first out the two of them.
Once the food and drink was consumed it was back to the
car for the journey home. We got on the A46 and got stuck in a long traffic jam but
luckily we had Dean 'Jackanory' Barnshaw on form and he kept us entertained all the
way back, although we almost made him get out and walk after we had been sat in the
traffic jam for 45 minutes and he pipes up "if you had turned right when we hit this
traffic you would of missed all this and we'd be home by now" AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH.............
He is walking next year! This was a really well organised and signposted run and
will definitely be entering this one again next year.
ps Aune would like to thank Alex for warning up the toilet seat before the start,
it made all the difference she said!!!!
Gary Britnell’s garmin link: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56546373
Thanks to Gary ‘Scooby’ Britnell for his Report.
14th Nov ~ The Poppy Run 5.4 mile Boston, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Boston & District AC.
I ran the poppy run on Sunday 14th. I came 58th out of 78 runners in a time of 48.35 mins. I quite enjoyed a very flat run at a distance of 5.4 miles.
Thanks to Stan Thornton for his Report.
21ts Nov ~ Gosport Half Marathon Gosport, Hampshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Gosport Raod Runners
This was the 25th year of the running of Gosport Half Marathon and around 1500 runners turned up for this silver jubilee occasion. The weather was overcast with a slight breeze which made for nice running conditions. This particular course was also very flat so it was perfect for a PB. I did have a race plan which consisted of running the race as a training session and aiming for an 1 hour 45 min time as I had not been doing much distance running the past month or so. Typically however, as soon as the starter pistol went off so did I (like a shot!!) I did the first 3 miles in 7.24/7.19/7.17 respectively and I was starting to pay for it! My legs felt like lead by the 4th mile and I decided to take one of my energy gels I was experimenting with. These gels called ‘Shotz’ had a caffeine shot mixed in with it. I had heard only good reports of these types of energy gels so I decided to give them a go, and the reports were right!! Within 5 mins of taking one of these gels I felt like I had a mini second wind and I managed to catch someone up that had previously been pulling away from me. These gels only last a short time and by the 7.5 mile mark I needed another one. Unfortunately I only had two of these gels with me but could have done with one more to take at the 10/11 mile point. From the 4 mile to 12 mile point my pace ranged from 7.22 – 7.45 and the last mile and bit was done in 8.42 to give me a finishing time of 1.38.58. This is about a minute slower than my PB but seen as I set out to do a training run I wasn’t too disappointed! This was a very well organised race by Gosport Road Runners with plenty of water stops and a steel band for entertainment on the way round.
Thanks to Caz Flannigan for her Report.
21st Nov ~ Lincs X Country League Race 3 London Road, Louth, Multi-
Ian Withers finished in an excellent 11th position, 39.01 in the U20/S/V Men’s 9810m
race, James Chambers like Ian running his first race in this four race series finished
in 57.23. Stan Thornton completed our male team as he crossed the finish in 64.07.
In the U20/S/V Women’s 5520m Aune Turkson-
21st Nov ~ St. Neots Half Marathon St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Riverside Runners St. Neots.
2009 saw Toonies take a coach load to this race, but in 2010 just 3 make the journey
down the A1 to St Neots. This was due to the fact that the race filled up in 24
hours when the race entries were opened in June and unfortunate injuries/double booking
by fellow club members. Speedy and myself set off at 7.20am and just grateful that
the fog of the previous 2 days had lifted. Mr Brear commented that it was not the
X-
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
28th Nov ~ Florence Marathon Italy, Road.
Matt Blunden was in Italy to compete over a new route that was much faster, and had just 40 meters difference of level between the start and finish. Matt certainly enjoyed the new course finishing 13th overall in a superb time of 2.26.37.
11th December ~ Lister Park 5k Time Trial Bradford, Yorkshire, Road.
The snow and the ice had finally gone, so as I was in Yorkshire thought I would do the Bradford Park Run. Lister Park is a beautiful park with a boating lake and the course is 3 laps of the park which includes a short, steep hill at the end of each lap. The steepness of the hill is similar to the start of the second hill at Leadenham for those familiar to the hill training sessions. The weather was perfect for running and the course was ice free. I don’t know whether it was due to 2 weeks without running or the cold ‘man flu’ I was suffering from, but after a positive first mile, I struggled with my breathing and ended up at a slow steady jog pace. I finishing 51st out of 58 in a time of 30 mins 25 secs. Despite the time, it was nice to pull on the Toonie vest and have a run instead of looking at all the white stuff.
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
12th Dec ~ Bedford Half Marathon Wootton, Bedfordshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Bedford Harriers AC.
Scraping the ice off my car, I was wondering if this was going to be a good idea, but I needed to complete my challenge of 12 in 12 half marathons over the year. Having slept over 13 hours the night before with no alcohol and no back problems, I didn't have too many excuses...however, I only caught an hour’s sleep the night earlier...but that's quite a different story. I picked Gary up with his mate Glen and we set off down to Bedford. an easy drive to the car parks off the A1, then a bus ride to the start. We didn't have much time as I was running late... queueing for the portaloos. So as the race started we were just joining the back of the race group. I managed to stay with Gary and his mate Glen till the 6 mile mark before I started to slow it down just before a very long incline that made a fair few walk. Really lovely scenery, a good route and well marshalled whilst the sun warmed the morning, I was beginning to enjoy being on my own, well as much as you can be with 2000 runners. I made little effort to exert myself and bimbled in dead on 2.05, Gary and Glen just before me on 1.56. Later we saw Mike Folland who is slowly returning from injury finishing with 2.07. Only let down was the finish, the road was pretty unclear as runners were making their way back to the cars. Stopped off for a beer and a bite to eat on the way back up the A1 listening to Flight Sgt Gary (Bomber) Britnell and his stories of Lancaster’s and Spitfires...or so it seemed.
Thanks to Dean Barnshaw for his Report.
Gary Britnell’s garmin link: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59511538
Archive Race Reports 2010