Race Report – Richard Shaw

This is the third year the race has been held in and around the beautiful historic village of Kimbolton. The race starts and finishes in the grounds of Kimbolton Castle and this year attracted around 600 runners. The weather was too kind for us as average temperature during the race was around 22C.

The Castle is best known as the final home of King Henry Vlll’s first queen Catherine of Aragon. Originally a medieval castle but converted into a stately palace. It now houses Kimbolton School an independent day and boarding school educating approx 950 boys and girls.

The race is a one lap undulating course mainly on country lanes with two long hills and take in the counties of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. The runners head out through the village of Kimbolton and pass through the villages of Tilbrook in Cambridgeshire, upper Dean, Lower Dean, Risley and Swinshead all in Bedfordshire before heading back to Kimbolton Castle. The first hill comes at 6 miles and the ” sting in the tail” is the long uphill climb comes at 11 miles where a large majority of the runners find it easier to walk than run – including myself. At least it gave me a good downhill run to 12 miles and the final mile is fairly flat finishing in the beautiful grounds of the Castle.

Whilst waiting for the race to start Andy Ellams from BRJ Run & Tri Club in Huntingdon (club local to Kimbolton) introduced himself and transpired that he lived in Stafford before moving to Huntingdon some 5 years ago and he ran our Flying Fox Marathon last year. We ran together for the latter part of the race and during the run I was overtaken by Richard Davies also of BRJ Run & Tri Club who mentioned that he also ran our Flying Fox Marathon last year and both runners enjoyed the Marathon but not the hills!!

The pre-race notes sent to each competitor stated that Bins are provided at each water station along the course for Water Bottles and Gels. Random Bottle and Gel dropping would result in disqualification. Further warnings were that anyone using the Castle grounds “relieving themselves” would also result in disqualification or worse as it is against the Law! (Toilet queues were very long) Also any runner crossing over the central road markings to the right hand side would be disqualified!

The race was organised by Nice Tri Events with chip timing and the chip was built into the race number. Each race number displayed the Christian name of the competitor. Every finisher received a Wicking Tee Shirt, attractive Medal, Banana and Water. Also at the finish they provided an Instant Result Service for each runner using a keypad to input the race number which produced a printout showing Provisional Results ie Gun Time, Chip Time, Race Position either Male of Female and position in Age Group.

This was our very first race in Cambridgeshire and overall the race was very well organised but due to the rural course there were few spectators en route, but in the grounds support was excellent as in addition to the main race there was a Multi-Terrain Children’s Fun Run.

My finishing Chip Time was 1:49:37 and 5/12 in 60+ Age Group as they did not have 65+ and Margie’s Chip Time was 2:12:55

Richard & Margaret Shaw

Race report: Richard Shaw

This race was billed as 16th Bewl 15 mile race incorporating 2nd British Masters Athletics Federation Multi-Terrain Championships. The race was voted 25th best race in 2014 by Runners World, so I decided it was one I had to experience despite it being a round trip of 540 miles from home. Pre- race entry was just under 800 runners a record for this race. A chip timing race.

The route is run largely off road on pretty gently undulating hills around Bewl Reservoir. This 15 mile race rests on the border of East Sussex and Kent, which offers runners a combination of beautiful scenery and demanding terrain with rewards at end of free homemade cakes and beer!

Bewl Reservoir holds 31,300 million litres of water and is largest inland water in South East England. It has 12.5 mile round route for cyclists, walkers and runners.

Prior to start of the race, it rained and rained and continued to rain for about 4 hours! ( the first downpour seen in the area for over two weeks). The race started in Wadhurst East Sussex and start line was about 5 mins walk from Race HQ and the course took runners in a clockwork direction around the Reservoir using the footpaths in the area. The race consisted of 10 mile slippery muddy clay paths, 2 miles of fields, 3 miles of roads with steep hills and 3 stiles to climb over making it a memorable race.

I walked/jogged to the start with my wife Margie who had entered the race but due to illness the week before decided not to run but gave me good support. As the race started a lone piper played his bagpipes in the pouring rain. The route took us across farmland for .75 mile to Bewl Water, with part of the path being narrow and very rutted, so we were advised prior to the race not to be too competitive in the early stages. It did not help with the rain which made the clay ground very slippery underfoot form the start of the race and for most of the 10miles of paths!! ( The pre-race notes stated the course is not normally muddy in the summer months)- how wrong they were this year and the majority of runners including myself were wearing road shoes, far from ideal in the conditions prevailing. This added a new slippery dimension to this years race!

The route heads away from the Reservoir after 10 miles where there is a 3 mile section along country lanes and this was the hilly part of the course as the road climbs away from the Reservoir and then returns by a steep downward slope which was very slippery due to the torrential rain. The route then re-joined the Reservoir for a further 2 miles which included the final uphill of .75 mile to the finish along the same muddy rutted slippery path and field which we ran( walked) down at the start. It was hard enough trying to walk up the hill never mind trying to run it!!

I completed the course in 2:26:10 and happy with my time in view of the very slippery muddy conditions-( worse conditions than some of our Sunday Club runs!)

At the finish On a field in the middle of nowhere Wadhurst Brass Band played throughout.  All finishers received a Tee Shirt, Medal, Homemade Cakes, Pint of local brewery- Harvey’s Bright Bitter direct from Oak Barrels and a Goody Bag which consisted of 14 different items.

Overall a well organised race, plenty of water stations including energy drinks, sweets and oranges, excellent marshalling, fantastic scenery and good value for money. Fully justified to be in top 50 races in UK especially when the weather is dry and sun shining.

Race report: Paul Phillips

Well what to do ? 5 days to go till my first ever marathon and one of the hottest days of the year.

I know lets go and run one of the hillier 10’ks of the NSRRA calendar, should be plenty of points up for grabs as no one is daft enough to run in this heat.

How wrong was I ? 127 runners including 11 Bats strolled to the start line in temperatures hovering around 30^oC.

I had done my customary early arrival as I know the parking wasn’t the best and met the other early arrival of Anne Marie we pinned our numbers on and went for a vigorous warm up…..well we strolled round one lap of the course eyeing up our competitors in the various groups – as always it seemed every one of my rivals was as daft as me.

At 7.30pm we made our way to the start and bumped into a number of the other Bats and discussed how slow we were going to take it and to just enjoy it – much too hot to run competitively.

However, the race started and I watched the Boote’s set of at pace with Martin determined to beat Phillipa after she beat him at St Michaels, I settled into my steady rhythm and watched a number of my ‘D’ rivals sprinting off.

The course starts with a downhill start then evens out before a grassy climb that keeps on going before an undulating top section where you can see the delights of the city to the left and Bentilee to the right before completing the lap with a downhill finish. The first lap is just under two miles with the 2^nd and 3^rd lap being a bit longer with a sneaky long path that creeps uphill before re-joining the uphill grassy climb.

I passed the Boote’s half way round the first lap with Martin winning the battle as he was about 10 yards in front and left them to continue round whilst I started reeling in my group D rivals whilst chatting to old friends about the forthcoming marathon on Sunday. There was a lot of red faces and the heat was draining but we all kept plodding around and dreaming of a cold beer.

As I got round to the final lap I passed a few of the Bats who were struggling on with Anne Griffiths contemplating pulling out, but much to her credit Anne carried on determined to finish.

I crossed the line in about 47 minutes which I was more than happy with and managed to pass lots of my rivals in the last mile to get my highest point total of the NSRRA season so far. Grabbed a bottle of water and then stood at the finish line to cheer my colleagues in.

Phillipa and Martin were not far behind locked in a sprint finish with Phillipa pipping Martin at the post with a big grin on her face. Alex Yendole and Anne Marie soon followed with the ever young Joyce finishing in just over 63 minutes to win her F65 group yet again (Well Done Joyce).

Amber Flounders running her first 10k for the club cruised over the line looking full of energy in about 68 minutes and then the troublesome trio of Emma Dutton, Marian Humphreys and Bill (not last in for the club tonight) Clarke clocked 73 minutes.

Last but certainly not least Anne Griffiths in a self-proclaimed PW bought the evening to a close.

Another great turn out for the club at an extremely challenging 10k in the heat (my Garmin clocking 27^oC at the end of the night), but a successful run and well done to everyone who competed.

Bring on the Potts Marathon !!!

Race report: Richard Shaw

This is my 6th race which I ran on Saturday 27th June. temp. 23C hot and sunny.

Kingham is situated 7 miles south of Stow-on-the-wold in the Cotswolds. A beautiful village with two village greens surrounded by Cotswold Stone buildings. Kingham was voted England’s favorite village in 2006 by Country Life Magazine, so I had to experience a run through the village. This was the first time I had competed in a 12k race and this year they were celebrating their 40th Anniversary race!

As we arrived at Race HQ the sun was out and it was shaping up to be a hot day and we were not disappointed as temperature eventually reached 23C during the run. (Apparently, last year it rained all morning).

The race started outside the Race HQ at Village Hall at 10.30am and finished on one of the village greens which was decorated with bunting and hose pipe ready to greet the finishers. The course ran anti-clockwise through the quaint village streets, past the village greens and out to the nearest village of Churchill on an undulating course. At this stage, I need to mention that Churchill derived its name from the Church at the top of the Hill with the Church Tower being visible for miles around.Yes, you have guessed, the run takes you all the way up the steep hill to the church, then back to Kingham with a good downhill section through the village in a clockwise direction returning to Churchill for a second lap, then finishing on village green in Kingham after passing the Village Hall for third time.

Unfortunately, I struggled all the way around due to the heat, but there were plenty of water stations dotted around the course. I finished 39th in 1:04:45 and 2nd Male Vet 60+. The winners time was 44:44 and last runner came in 1:18:50.

All finishers received a medal and goody bag and a pleasant drenching from the hose pipe. I must mention that there were only 55 runners and 2 in my age group, however, another race ticked off my list!

This race is ideal for those wanting a small race field which can guarantee a top 100 finishing position in idyllic Cotswold village with good support and plenty of free parking.

Race report – Anne Griffiths

On Sunday 21^st June the wonderfully organised St Michael’s 10K took place once again. It was something of a momentous occasion for our beginners group as it marked the first race for many of our newer members who joined in January. Obviously the race was well supported by many bats, both those running and marshalling, but we just want to take a moment to celebrate the achievements of the beginners group.

The conditions were ideal on Sunday and allowed for some impressive beginner performances. It seems like a very long time ago when Chris stood up on a dreary Thursday evening in January and mentioned the race to the newly formed beginners – you could see many a face grimace at the thought of running 10 kilometres, but after some serious training and commitment, the beginners made it twice round the course and even managed a smile on the home stretch.

Well done to the following beginners for taking part and we hope this will be the first of many. Paul Newman, Kay Porter, Jane Capey, Jo Softly, Ruth Machin, Tim Clegg and Sharon Brandwood.

Race Report – Chris Eardley

This year saw the 20th anniversary of the St Michaels 10K in aid of the St Michaels CE first school and the local Girl Guides. Superbly organised by our very own legend Chris Barlow.

The course had changed slightly with a new start point on Priory Road where we all gathered nervous and excited and still buzzing from Wednesday nights Shugborough relays where we had 2 winning teams in the ultra super vets men and the ladies super vets, who says we are a club for seniors! There is always a concern that a race in June could be really hot but I forgot this is England and flaming June was refreshingly cool, ideal race conditions, so that’s one excuse down.

The St Michaels 10K is always eagerly anticipated for those wanting a new PB because of the relatively flat course over two laps and the entry was full with 600 runners huddled together on the start line. We all got off well with a good wide start area everybody could set off at their own pace, that’s another excuse I can’t use. The bats stick together at first finding their feet until we all find our pace, I started with Paul Philips and Julie McArthur before Paul disappeared into the distance and I settled into a 7 min 30 pace with Julie and I pushing each other.

The course is much the same but the new part along the canal was a nice change before the steep hill of Saxifrage, well it was certainly steeper on my old legs the second time around. The friendly Marshals certainly help get you around, it’s a massive help to see a smile and a shout of encouragement. The crowd was lining the streets for most of the way in particular Lichfield road crowd was tremendous. The course was clearly marked with good mile markers and water station for the thirsty.

The finish is always a welcome sight but I nearly missed it expecting to go all the way around the field and was surprised when we stopped in the far corner just before I was going to put my sprint finish in and overtake Ben Gamble. In reality it was great to see more bats at the finish taking numbers and handing out promotional leaflets. I was an impressive turn out from the club with members in all the key positions and 25 runners led in by our venerable chairman Tim Hulse in a very impressive 40m 42s and Bill Clarke bringing up the rear shepherding in the excellent beginners. Well done everyone proud I’m to be a Stone master marathoner.

Race report – Claire Irving

I arrived at Westbridge park by the Scout hut just after 9am, there were lots runners from different local clubs, the run was well attended, some very familiar friendly faces from the Spring Treble. The use of the Scout hut was brilliant and meant there was somewhere to leave bags and the always required last minute dash to the toilet facilities.

The start of the race was well organised with all runners making a dash for the field at the top end of Westbridge. The run was a single lap of the field and then onto the river. The support from the marshals and spectators was amazing with constant cheering and shouts of encouragement. The run then left the river at the bottom of Westbridge along the road and then re-entered Westbridge all the way back to the top by the Scout hut and out onto the Canal.

It seemed a long way and was very hot along the canal as there seemed no air and no shade from the sun, God I was glad to see the exit at Aston. The run took us around the picturesque lanes of the village. All around the village there were plenty of marshalls cheering and supporting the runners.

Then exited Aston onto the A34 there was finally air as we had a nice breeze to cool us down slightly before re-entering the canal for the final stretch to the finishing line back at the Scout hut at Westbridge.

A good all round, all terrain flat run well organised and supported by spectators and marshalls. A brilliant goody bag to boot with a bottle of the famous ‘Flying Fox’ beer, and a chocolate bar and packet of crisps for the children.

Race report – Gail Evans

Well, what can I say? The race started wet, then got wetter, then we were absolutely drowned by the rain! It’s so nice to see so many runners from all clubs who were daft enough to race in between the raindrops. A few of us managed to get the obligatory group photo done before the run.

After a frantic start for me – I suddenly forgot how to start my garmin!!! – runners block I think. Eventually I pressed the right button- Duhhhh!!

I’ve never ran this race before and was curious about the ‘ monster hill ‘ and what a hill it was! A LONG, LONG, VERY LONG HILL. To be honest it was not as bad as I thought cos I’ve done far worse on a Sunday morning club run.What got me more were the little inclines AFTER  going over the top!

Eventually the route finally started to go down. So I thought just go for it girl – as i had nothing to lose! Given the horrendous weather, it was nice to see some spectators along the route giving encouragement. It was very much appreciated. The last couple of km along the old railway track seemed to go on forever! I was so pleased to see the finish.

Well done to all the bats who ran – Richard Fain you amaze me! Richard Shaw I’m slowly catching you up! Although you are incredible. Paul Phillips- wow and well done! Ann Marie- you inspire me with your determination to continue running after the race to do 15 miles!

A bottle of lager was a surprise and the medal was much appreciated. Especially when you can use the medal to open the bottle. What a good idea!!  It was lovely to see Bryan Dale as always taking lots of pictures of us all – ‘ looking our best ‘.

I was just about 40 sec short off my pb for the distance – well pleased. Running with the club has really given me the confidence to push harder when I’m running. I eagerly waited for the results as I had cocked up my watch at the start and didn’t have an accurate time.

Feeling frustrated after mispelling my name on the results- plus no club name!! But it was soon rectified the following day and a nice little finishers certificate downloaded showing my results.

NICE TOUCH NEWCASTLE RUNNING CLUB.

Thank you x

Race Report by Anne-Marie Mountford

While everyone else were preparing for Stafford Half I went looking for additional mileage in preparation for London so booked myself in the Ashby 20.  I ran it last year and enjoyed it.  I ran Manchester Marathon on the back of the training that I’d done for this race (thanks Julie Ebrey for that conversation).  This year Ashby was to be treated as a training run for London.  The week leading up to the race was a nightmare; I was working more hours than a factory cat some of which involved ‘lugging’ computer equipment around so no resting for me.  I drove to the race alone trying to think of how I felt that the hills were nothing more than little bumps last year and remembered my sprint finish hoping that I could recreate this run or even better it.

I arrived in plenty of time (as usual) and sat in the car reading some papers for work trying to calm my nerves.  I spoke to a couple of people who were equally as nervous.  Time then to begin the 15 minute walk to the start.  I’d designated a Stafford Half 2012 t-shirt as one to wear and chuck at the start to keep me warm.  How I wished at this point that I was running the Half.

We all walked up the hill that we knew that later on we would be running down towards the finish.  The gun went off and off we went.  At this point I had not seen any familiar faces but at about 4 miles in I spotted a Trentham top so decided to catch her up and say hello.  I don’t know her name but after discussing Marathon times she was clearly a better runner than me and when she said that she thought that she’d gone off too quick I thought oh poo (polite version as anyone who knows me will vouch that I never swear!) I think that I’ve gone quickly too.  Now I don’t know whether it’s all in the mind or whether I had taxed myself too early but I paid the price for the rest of the race.  The hills that I thought were ‘easy’ last year must have been inflated by some nasty Marshall as I fought hard to get up.  Ashby 20 is a lovely race set in the countryside; it is a two lap, undulating course.  The Marshalls are fantastic and the drinks stations are well stocked and plentiful.  I tried to enjoy the race keeping in mind that it was just a training run but all I could think about was getting finished and getting my hands on the very useful hoody and the very appetising cheese cobbler which you get in the goody bag.  I was long dropped by the Trentham lady and other than the odd sentence or two with likeminded fools I was on my own.  By 19m I’d had enough and I do apologise to the Marshall who said in the standard phrase book for Marshall’s “not long now” when I replied “b****cks, there’s another hill in the last mile”.  In reality it’s only a slight incline through the streets towards the finish but with cement in my trainers it was hard work.  No sprint finish for me just a thanks to the gods for getting me round.

After greedily eating my sandwich, having a free sports massage and admiring my new sportswear I sat on a bench in the sun (no need to rush home as I’d got my ironing waiting for me), I pondered would I do it again next year, probably.

Race Report by Julia Dando

The morning of Sunday, 22 March for Stafford half marathon turned out to be perfect running conditions 8° partly cloudy with a fantastic representation from Stone Master Marathoners! There was over 3,000 participants and 500 for the fun run. We had twenty seven representatives from the club, this included members from the beginners group who were participating in their first half marathon to veteran runners of our club including the legend that is Chris Barlow!

The deputy mayor of Stafford Councillor Thomas A Holmes started the race with the countdown at 10 o’clock and we set off – the advice from Bill Clarke was – don’t go off too fast! The course took a new route for 2015 due to the major work carried out by seven Trent Water causing a road closure between Weeping Cross and Milford Common and as such produced many personal best’s from the club. The route took us out on the Newport Road up through Highfields, back along The Wolverhampton Road, up Radford bank to Rising Brook then a long stretch along Beaconside back to pick up the old route into Stafford. The extremely well organised, well marshalled race included water stations in abundance every 3 miles & even offers of free wine but unfortunately no cider! There was massive support from the local community with offers of jelly babies, drumming bands and very loud motivational music.

Ben Gamble won for a record fourth time who smashed the race in a Time of 1;07;39 1st lady was Nicki Nealon 1;21;21 . Race photos were taken by Brian Dale.

At the finish you could receive a very welcome free sports massage by students from Staffordshire University for acing calves and collect the bright yellow T-shirts to match the colour of the bananas! Brilliant running everyone very well done!