Race Reports 2012
20th May ~ Bupa Great Manchester Run Manchester, Lancashire, Road. **NEW**
Matt Blunden was one of the 40000 competitors running in this City 10k going onto finish 58th overall in a time of 33:25.
20th May ~ Seabank Marathon Boston to Skegness, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Alex Hetherington & Dave Taylor competing, Results to follow>>>
13th May ~ Eye 10k Eye, Peterborough, Road. **NEW**
Host Club ~ Eye Community Runners.
Paul Ray was seconds behind a new PB set the week before at the Eye 10k finishing in 45.28, Debbie Sutton produced another strong run to finish in 55.09, Stanley Thornton 1.03.16 and Lisa Harmon 1.14.54 completed our team to finish.
13th May ~ Sleaford & District Lions Club 10k RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Report to Follow>>>
6th May ~ Langtoft 10k Langtoft near Market Deeping, Peterborough, Road.
After three weeks of rain a nice sunny morning was a pleasant surprise for the Langtoft 10k, there was a cool breeze making for near perfect racing conditions. Before the main race was the fun run which had a great turn out of young, old and fancy dress with all finishers getting a nice medal for their achievement.
Half hour later was the main event, the 10k. Greg and Michael barged their way to the front so as to get a good start, then a couple of yellow bananas and then Gary Britnell and Swinny (I think i have got those pairings the right way round) and then Debbie was seen pushing Lou forward so as to get near the start line for when the gun went as Lou was going for a PB. The gun went and everyone was off, it was a great route, with good marshals and no hills (ish). Greg stormed through the line in second place in a great time of 34:53 and for once he did not take his own route and did not get lost!!!! Close behind was Michael Baxter in 39:02 in 11th place, just outside the top ten. Third for Sleaford was Paul Ray in 45:24 (PB), closely followed by Gary Britnell in 45:49 (PB) who just managed to come in in front of the bananas, then came Ian Swinscoe in a great 47:48 (PB). Then came Sleafords first lady, Lou Henderson in 56:07 who had a huge grin and could not stop thanking Debbie Sutton for getting her round in a new PB, then Debbie came in in 56:08 with Jessica Bergner (PB). Then came new Sleaford Town Runner Anne Barwell in a great 1:00:39 (PB) who now has the 1 hour mark well within her sights. Stan Thornton was close behind in 1:01:09. Clare Bergner completed the Bergner family in 1:12:07 (PB) and Helen came in in 1:19:16 with a huge smile and the biggest cheer of everyone. As you can see from the times everyone did great times showing all the hard work over the winter had paid off. The only down side was that the 10k runners did not get a medal but got a wrist band watch instead which was the only sour note of the day. Definitely one for next year for all those looking to improve their Personal Best times.
Thanks to Gary Britnell for his Report.
6th May ~ The McBride Physiotherapy North Lincolnshire, Olympic Year Half Marathon Scunthorpe, Road. **NEW**
Paul Green was the only Club member competing and finished with an new unconfirmed Personal Best time of 1.40.39.
29th Apr ~ Greater Manchester Marathon Lancashire, Road. **NEW**
10 years and its back or is it!!! What an awful weekend I had! It was windy with
gusts around 80mph and it felt like -
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
29th Apr ~ Tulip 10k Spalding, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Spalding Tri Club
It was dark, wet and cold when I threw open the curtains on that fateful Sunday morn. I managed to drag myself out of the house and as the only STR, who had made it, toed the line. The race started bang on time with the rain driving into our faces. The course is very flat and fast and has the potential for a PB. For me however mile 4 spelled disaster. I felt my Achilles tighten up and had to pull back. I was determined to complete the race so carried on at a greatly reduced pace. I finally crossed the line in 51.25. This is a great little race and would recommend to everyone.
Thanks to Barry Douce for his Report.
22nd Apr ~ London Marathon London, Road.
Matt Blunden ran another superb marathon recording a sub 2.30 time of 2.29.12, John Siddens also running a strong race finishing in 2.42.11. The rise and rise of Greg Southern continues as he set a personal best time of 2.42.49 in his first marathon. Andy Taylor again under 3 hours in 2.57.35, John Lawlor 3.14.23, Mark Holman running in his first marathon and delighted with a maiden PB of 3.41.40. Gary Britnell another first time marathon finisher with a maiden PB time of 4.18.30, Mike Folland 4.19.47, Dean Barnshaw first marathon and PB of 4.38.30, Debbie Sutton maiden PB time of 4.46.49 as was Michelle Mason PB of 5.18.54. Mandy Connor 5.23.03, Shaun Louth 6.09.30 and Alistair Whitaker 6.44.32 completed our Club members to finish.
14th Apr ~ Caythorpe Canter Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Alex Hetherington was the 2nd lady and 8th overall to finish in the 26 mile distance 4.01.24, Dave Taylor finished 12th in 4.09.48. In the shorter 13 mile event Steph Atherton was the 8th lady to finish in 2.24.45, Barbara Campbell crossed as the 11th lady to finish crossing the line in 2.28.27.
8th Apr ~ Friskney Half Marathon Friskney, Boston, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Boston & District AC
John Siddens could not contain his competitive side on what was supposed to be a
gentle stretch out before the London Marathon, instead John produced a quick time
finishing second in the race in a quick time of 1.16.33. Simon Lunn was well under
his pre-
8th Apr ~ The Hull Marathon Kingston Upon Hull, Humberside, Road.
This was the madian running of the Hull Marathon which saw Barry Douce set a new personal best time for the distance of 3.51.56, Ana Hendrickson running her first Marathon ran strongly to finish under four hours with 3.58.17, Cathy Taylor produced her usual determined run to cross the finish line in 4.12.24. Jayne MacArthur 4.59.04 and Sarah Whatton 5.36.38 like Ana competing in their first Marathons both recorded respectable times and keen to compete in another Marathon.
1st April ~ Grantham Cup Belton Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Grantham Running Club
Turned up at Belton with plenty of time and as usual had no idea what to wear. It
was sunny but the breeze was pretty chilly so although hard to decide what to wear
it was excellent 'Swinny Lame Excuse' weather. It started with him driving in and
texting that it was sunny and hot so with the heat it would probably be a slow time.
We then met up and he said bbbrrrrrrrrrr it's a bit chilly not good for getting the
muscles going, so at least now he was covered either way with classic excuses. Trev
was there saying 'beware the hill' spreading doom and gloom about the little hill
just before half way, Lincolnshire does not have hills!!!!
Anyway at 11:45 we were
off and about 200m down the track the PA system said that the Grantham Cup cross
country runners were off on their 10k 'FUN RUN" and the three of us nearly chocked.......
I take it the man on the mic was not a runner, a 10k cross country is not FUN!!!!!!
Just before half way the hill was looming, I managed the first bit and then the second
bit I walked as there were walkers passing me as I was running. At this Point Swinny
and Trev started to fall back a little bit as they were not only walking but having
a chat and a beer as well by the looks of it. Once at the top it was all down hill
to the finish, it was just good fun letting your legs fly while trying to miss the
rabbit holes, sheep, lambs and horses.
At the finish I crossed the line in 50:37,
followed by Trevor Brown in 52:41 and with Swinny putting on his trade mark sprint
for the line in 55:28. It was a great effort by all of the Sleaford Town Runners
who entered especially Swinny as this was his 3rd race in a week and his legs were
starting to feel the hard fast miles. I just can't believe he did not use that as
an excuse before the race.
This was a great event on a lovely sunny day, the marshals
were brilliant and full of encouragement, a water stop half way, a bottle of beer
and a bottle opener at the end and plenty of shops and stalls to keep the other halves
happy while we were out running, although I think Mrs Swinny would of liked it to
of been a half marathon so she had a bit more time with Swinny's wallet. Definitely
one for next year
Thanks to Gary Britnell for his Report.
25th Mar ~ Lincoln 10k Road.
Starting at Yarborough Leisure Centre the flat, fast course was well supported by locals who came out to cheer competitors on through the streets of Uphill Lincoln. With over 4300 runners it was a busy but enjoyable race with a great finish over the cobbles and in to the grounds of Lincoln Castle. Members clocked up some great times and PBs Coming in first for Sleaford Town was Michael Baxter (38mins 51 PB) followed by the rest of the men, Paul Green (44mins 43) Stephen Brear (45mins 53), Ian Swinscoe (49mins 09 PB). Coming in first for the ladies was Bethan Fray (49mins 59), Debs Sutton (53mins 20 PB) followed by Lou Henderson (57mins 28 PB), Sarah Whatton (57mins 36), Stanley Thornton (1hr 3), Lisa Harmon (1hr 10) and Helen Barker (1hr 18).
Thanks to Lou Henderson for her Report.
18th Mar ~ Ashby 20 Ashby-
Host Club ~ Ivanhoe Runners
Mandy Connor, Michelle Mason and Cathy Taylor warmed up for their respective spring marathons returning respectable times. Cathy recorded a time of 3.16.39 with Michelle 3.49.52 and Mandy 3.49.53 both crossing the finish line together.
18th Mar ~ East Hull 20 Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, Road.
Host Club ~ East Hull Harriers & AC
An early and very wet start to the day as 2 Sleaford Town Runners made the journey over the Humber Bridge to the Marathon preparation race of East Hull 20. Luckily, the weather improved as a field of over 400 runners set off around the relatively flat course through the Humberside countryside. Gary Britnell was hoping for a sub 3 hours, so was pleased with a 2:51:36 finished. Alistair Whitaker was also pleased with the finishing time of 4:05:44, despite being the last runner home. Thanks to East Hull Harriers who once again organised a well run race with great support from the marshalls and must remember that they offer free food afterwards.
Thanks to Alistair Whitaker for his Report.
11th Mar ~ Blackpool Half Marathon Blackpool, Lancashire, Road.
Blackpool is one of my favourite places so when the marathon weekend comes round I like to be there if I can. This year’s weekend away was combined with a family celebration so my parents and brother were in tow.
As Saturday afternoon ticked by and I was in the bar of the hotel with the family
I realised there was only one thing for it, I was going to have to adopt the Dean
Barnshaw pre-
Still off we went heading towards the Pleasure Beach. Most of the bunch disappeared into the distance but there was a small group running at 12 minute mile pace. As we turned at the Pleasure Beach headed back up past the Tower and on towards Bispham I started to catch a few people walking but by 9 miles I started to feel a bit iffy. This was a mix of running with a hangover combined with energy chews and lucozade. As I didn’t want to decorate Blackpool sea front with my stomach contents I adopted a run/walk strategy to give my body a bit of a rest. With a mile to go I felt better so decided to run all the way to the finish. At 300 yards from the finish I was overtaken by the runner who was about to win the full marathon race. This was quite good because as people were cheering him they were also cheering me on to the finish. My time was 2 hours 42 minutes which I was pleased with under the circumstances.
The rest of the weekend involved cocktails and wine, needless to say I shall hopefully be back in 2013 for another go.
Thanks to Shaun Louth for his Report.
11th Mar ~ Newton’s Fraction Half Marathon Grantham, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Grantham AC
Matt Blunden finished 3rd in 1.15.56, Greg Southern came home in 5th winning the MV40 category with 1.19.50, Andy Taylor crossing in 1.29.25 helped win the time prize for our Club, Simon England and Michael Baxter both crossed together in 1.33.18, this being Michael’s first Half Marathon. Barry Douce 1.48.58, Ian Swinscoe 2.04.33, Lou Henderson 2.14.38 and Yvonne Fox 2.22.57 completed our team entry across the line.
4th Mar ~ Gainsborough 10k Morton, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Gainsborough Morton Striders Athletic Club
Iain Bailey won the maiden running of this 10k in damp conditions with a time of 33:24, John Siddens soon followed in 6th place in 34:14 with John Lawlor winning the MV50 category in a time of 37:48.
4th March ~ Lincolnshire Poacher Challenge Ancaster, Lincolnshire, 13 miles, Multi Terrain.
Host Club ~ Toonie Express ARC
The plan for this race was to run/walk so that Helen, Lisa and myself could all get a 13 miler under our belts without any pressure of a race environment so I got permission from the organisers to start at the same time as the walkers which was an hour early than the runners.
It was a very cold, wet and windy day but this didn’t put us of and spirits were
high as we set off in front of the walkers. As we headed into Ancaster Valley it
dawned on us that we were unofficially leading the race which we thought was quite
amusing and a new experience for all 3 of us. We kept a very steady pace going and
when we came across some of the field sidings which were very uneven we would try
to walk at pace instead. Every time he came to a road section we were greeted by
Deb Sutton who would be offering drinks, energy sweets and jelly babies etc. At the
8-
Thanks to Shaun Louth for his Report.
Simon England finished 3rd in the 10k race crossing the finish in 41.18, Micheal Baxter was just adrift of Simon in 4th place 42.20, Steph Atherton just over the hour with a time of 1.00.17 with Lou Henderson 1.03.47 both finishing well. Simon Lunn in the Half Marathon distance finished in 2.00.35, Lisa Harmon, Shaun Louth and Helen Barker also running in the Half Marathon though the results have yet to confirm their times.
26th Feb ~ Belvoir Challenge Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire 16 & 26 Miles, Multi-
Host Club ~ Friends of Harby School & Vale Striders
Text from Aune at six in the morning saying she's pulling out of the race due to
a sore throat...now that’s Aune, Gary, Mike and Katie Smal all with sore throats...am
I missing something here. Must say it didn't feel the same getting ready for the
9am start on my own but at least I bumped into Mark Sands, Tilley and Dave Taylor
and had some banter. This year's route was ran in the opposite direction from other
years which didn't make too much difference as there was still a strong field of
1000 runners and walkers doing the 15 and 26 mile routes. The 15 mile route is near
enough all off road, but with not much rain and strong winds lately the ground was
extremely hard and bumpy with lots of styes, gates and electric fences. I saw quite
a few runners go over on their ankles and retire unfortunately. The two check points
were full of cakes and sweets so I heard from the other runners but I didn't stop
at either as I was trying to get my groove on as I did last week, even with my usual
wee and vomit stops. I was doing just fine until mile 10 when an almighty hill in
the grounds of Belvoir Castle zapped me, all the recent miles catching up with me
I think. After that I began to taper off on my splits, it didn't help that the track
along the escarpment back towards Harby had been recently re-
Thanks to Dean Barnshaw for his Report.
19th Feb ~ Sleaford Half Marathon RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, Mainly Road / Multi-
Host Club ~ Sleaford Striders AC
As the alarm went off at 7am, I wasn't quite fancying a run today, my legs were still heavy after doing 37 miles in the week, plus I was still feeling the effects of a Friday night out, I won't tell you what time I got in but I met the milkman again, lovely chap....so I turned off the alarm for another hour or so of much needed kip. Aune had already cried off the night before..texting something about the moons of Uranus not being in position for a good run...Scooby was still poorly suffering with furballs...so it was down to me and new boy Ian 'Swinny...Tweedle Dum' Swinscoe to represent the 'Inbetweeners'. I got to the race early to enter on the day and bumped into Ian Bailey, who told me he was treating the race just as a training run, so wouldn't be trying too hard....really...I agreed and said I was doing the same..always looking for an excuse not to run fast. The Target and Standard took some silly photos of a few of us in various poses, and I don't mean Geoff from West Bromwich bent over the sofa in the His and Hers section of Fiesta magazine, running poses I should add, can't wait for those this Wednesday.
As the race started, the wind was getting up and I could feel my late breakfast coming up as well..I lasted till the 2 mile point when my Ready Brek and Lucozade met the morning air..not a pretty sight. Whilst I was still bent over, Swinny went by chuckling and asking if I was 'alright', cheeky begger...'just fine Swinny' I mumbled back...For the next few miles, I continued to vomit and stop for my proverbial pee behind a bush, don't know why I didn't have anyone running along side me to talk to...Swinny was long gone and I was getting nowhere fast, the route was muddy and mundane...I got my best trainers dirty and there was no respite from a head on wind..At the half way stage I was cabbaged, breathing out of my bottom, Scooby was taking photos again of me gurning, so I gave him my hat and gloves and bizarrely I started to relax and enjoy the race, well the thought of catching Swinny who I could see I good half a mile in front. By mile 10, Swinny was past and I kicked on for the final length...whose 'laughing' now I thought to myself, as I offered words of encouragement..To be honest I would have run in with Swinny, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee as Scooby would say, don't know why, but I started to sense I could do a PB. Don't ask me where I found the energy but I was running quicker splits than my normal 10k pace.
I crossed the line with a new official PB of 1:59:04, Swinny just behind, also with a PB of 2:01:24, it was bitter sweet for him as he wanted to break the 2 hour mark. There's always next time mate and anyway you're already club member of the month. In front of us two was Barry Douce, also with a PB and breaking the 1:40 mark with a great time of 1:39:18...you've got to get me some of those long socks Barry, if that's what they do. Just off the lead were the Elite boys club, the four Musketeers of John 'd'Artagnan' Siddens 1:18:26, Ian 'Aramis just a training run' Bailey 1:18:32, Greg 'Athos' Southern, hoping to make it a hatrick of wins with 1:18:48 and Andy 'Porthos' Taylor set a new PB of 1:19:18, finishing 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th respectively. It's a wonder none of them got blown away in the wind, as I've seen more meat on a butchers pencil...I need to get them on my beer and pie training programme for every mile you run..works wonders for me.
Thanks to Dean Barnshaw for his Report.
19th Feb ~ The Tribesports London Ultra Grove Park, London, Road.
Well my all time favourite event, ever! It’s a gruelling 50k that’s about 31miles 'ish as I get ready at Perivale Athletic Stadium to start the trek on the coach towards the start somewhere at Ealing, this year with a different route for the first 10 to 20 miles which is unknown to all of us. I started at 9.15am along with over 250 runners with the sun feeling warm but for a cold wind struggling to reach 5C to 6C. Although when we started running nothing was stopping me only the hills I struggled on with a couple of old routes I remembered like Richmond Park and Crystal Palace which was somewhere new to run. Anyway I felt fine, fresh and comfortable with 31miles completed although some ran 32 miles as some of them got lost. Well the Stadium at Perival was outstanding which I reached in 7hrs 4mims including some gruelling hills. Thank you Rory Coleman and Tribesports, I’ll be back next year!
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.
4th February ~ The Rauceby Ripper Rauceby, Lincolnshire, 8.5 miles, Multi-
Host Club ~ Sleaford Town Runners
Greg Southern followed up his win at the Ropsley Raid by winning again in the second running of the Ripper in a time of 49.21, Andy Taylor chased down Greg all the way but in the end had to settle for second with 50.17. Barry Douce 63.57, Andrew Clark 64.21, David Taylor 64.25, Paul Green 66.38 and Mark Holman 67.42 all finished within minutes of each other. Ian Swinscoe continues to improve with every race finishing in 74.53, Stephanie Atherton 80.13, Yvonne Fox 85.01, Barbara Campbell 86.45, Lisa Harmon 98.25 and Helen Barker 113.03 all ran strong races despite the icy conditions.
22nd Jan ~ Folksworth 15 Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 15 miles, Road.
Host Club ~ Yaxley Runners & Joggers
With an hour’s drive to Folksworth and an 11am start it was not too early a start. Weather was dry, but very windy and blustery so thought there was not going to be any fast times as they said an undulating course which usually means hilly!! At the start there was John Lawlor jogging around warming up, me stood shivering and Mandy Connor and Michelle Mason stood nice and warm in fleeces, jackets, hats and gloves waiting for the whistle to strip off the outer layers and throw them at their trusty bag carriers to keep hold of while they raced round. The poor trusty bag carriers had the awful task of waiting over two hours in a warm room drinking tea and coffee and eating bacon rolls!!! Luckily we would be out in the fresh air getting fit, we were so lucky.
Within a mile was the first hill and the wind was right in our faces, once at the top of the hill then the undulating bit started until the next long up hill. Then eventually at about 5 miles we actually turned a corner and the wind was behind us pushing us along a long straight, then it was down a hill and out of the wind for the final hill on the first lap, the steepest out of the three. It was then about a half mile dash to the finish which we could see round a bend, but there was an army of marshals shouting at us to stop looking at the finish and to get out on the second lap!!!!! The wind by now had picked up, which meant that first hill that was into the wind was worse than ever. The problem with Folksworth being a good marathon training race was that all the runners were like bean poles and there was no one to hide behind for a bit to get out the wind and recover (there were however a few people running behind me for some of the race!!!). Even though it was really windy the winner, Aaron Scott from Nene Valley Harriers, broke the course record with a time of 1:19:07 for the 15 miles.
John Lawlor won his Age category in a great time of 1:36:52, over 3 minutes ahead
of his nearest rival, his overall position was 26th. I came in 290th in 2:11:17,
which I was very happy with, even though I could not come up with a lame excuse.
Mandy and Michelle had a great run finishing together in 2:46:42 with Michelle heading
for a drink of water as soon as she had finished and Mandy grabbing her coat and
running to the Bacon rolls (I think she must have been thinking about that all the
way round). Although entering the race Dean Barnshaw could not make the race due
to being laid up in bed with a the worst case of man flu that Doctors have seen in
the Sleaford area in the past decade. Get well soon mate!!
Over all Folksworth was
a very well organised race with loads of Marshals all round the course giving loads
of encouragement, especially on the hills. Great T-
The race profile can
be seen on the Sleaford Town Runners Garmin site at
Thanks
to Gary Britnell for his Report.
15th Jan ~ Ropsley Raid 6 & 13 mile Ropsley nr Grantham, Lincolnshire, Multi-
Host Club ~ Ropsley Road Runners
In the 6 mile race Simon England finished in 2nd place in a time of 43.01, Michael
Baxter finished on Simon’s shoulder finishing 3rd in 43.02. Trevor Brown 51.44, Cathy
Taylor 1.01.20, Steph Atherton 1.03.07, Barbara Campbell 1.05.56, Yvonne Fox 1.06.58,
Claire Brown 1.13.16, Lisa Harmon 1.13.44 with Shaun Louth and Helen Barker both
crossing the line together in 1.27.51. The 13 mile race saw Greg Southern win the
race despite getting lost and adding extra distance, in a time of 1.32. David Taylor
with his dog for company was delighted with 1.50.39, Barry Douce 1.55.18, Alex Hetherington
1.58.25 both under two hours, Paul Freemantle 2.06.26, Dean Barnshaw 2.09.21, Scooby-
8th Jan ~ Lincolnshire Athletic Association XC London Road, Louth, Multi-
In the Senior Men 9690m race Iain Bailey finished in 5th in a time of 35.17. The Vet Men also over 9690m distance saw John Siddens finish in 2nd position in 36.46 with Greg Southern finishing 6th in 37.54.
1st January ~ Cleethorpes New Years Day 10k Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, Road.
Host Club ~ Cleethorpes AC
12 months has gone by quickly coming around again with the same two members running, Paul Green and me though it was less windy and less nippy then last year. Over 421 runners I think? A good turn out including loads of Club friends from Lincoln Wellington AC and some old friends who know me from other events, one runner put on Facebook (SPEEDY AND THE SPEEDYSTERS). Oh Dear! It was well organised however by Cleethorpes AC as we started at 11.15am on the dot setting off at a steady pace with Paul, 2 laps around the estate as the wind blasted us with a cold spell. But we fight it all the way over a comfortable route on the road towards the embankment. SPEEDYBREAR finished ahead of Paul with 47.39 followed in by a minute later by Paul who ran a comfortable race in 48.48. Well Done to Cleethorpes AC, despite the water bottles being stolen which meant only one water stop. I’ll back next year as Speedy and the Speedsters or is it?
Thanks to Stephen Brear for his Report.