Wednesday 21 December 2011

Stopsley in the Snow

After being cancelled for the last 2 years the pre-Christmas cross-country looked all set for fair weather. That was until we arrived and a blizzard suddenly turned up at Luton. The snow fell, the wind blew, and the fields turned to white, ready for our team of 22. Gloves, hats, and leggings were dug out of bags and more than a few had to be pushed out of the door.

The huddle of penguins quickly dispersed once the starting horn sounded and thankfully the snow eased off. The snow on top of a frozen course made it a treacherous skating rink of a track and there was many a tumble taking place amongst the field.
Alan Burgess and Peter Moor enjoyed good runs making it into the scorers.
Tony Letts and Mark Nightingale excelled in the snow and were well chased by Gary McDaniels, Stuart Cressey, and Dave Whatton whilst Mark Garrett managed to fall over twice due to the lack of street lights.

Jocelyn Granger and Wendy Parker were welcome additions on the fun bus and were the club's first two ladies being closely followed by Jo Smith, Elaine Palmer and Mary Kingsnorth.
Claire McDaid, Jo Cummings, Keren Irving, Kirsty Turner and Carol Whatton ran fine races and had little left at the end for the uphill slog back to the race HQ.

Their we had the welcome sight of Denise (Stephs mum) loaded up with cakes to aid our recovery.

The team performed their usual heroics and hopefully we can get some more to join us for the final round this season on Sun Jan 15th at Delapre Abbey so no excuses that it is too far away. However we will not be able to offer a day out on the fun bus for this one.

Ladies
41 Jocelyn Granger
53 Wendy Parker
62 Jo Smith
66 Elaine Palmer
67 Mary Kingsnorth
81 Claire McDaid
82 Jo Cummings
102 Keren Irving
103 Kirsty Turner
111 Carol Whatton

Men
15 Tony Letts
37 Mark Nightingale
51 Gary McDaniels
75 Stuart Cressey
92 Dave Whatton
123 Pete Moore
126 Alan Burgess
137 Ronnie Ambrose
145 Mark Garrett
148 John Fleming
151 Tom Sullivan
190 Jim Anderson

Ladies 10th on day, Men 10th on day, Combined 10th on day (out of 14 teams)

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Bedford Half Marathon

Four club members behaved themselves at the club's annual Christmas party for an early start at the Bedford Harriers Half Marathon on Sunday 12th December.  Gary McDaniels won a close battle between himself and Mark Nightingale, crossing the line in 1:28:23 ahead of Mark in 1:28:32.  Martin Andrews enjoyed a great run in 1:35:50 and Mick Clarke showed no signs of dancing fatigue with a 1:54:57 finish.

138th Gary McDaniels 1:28:23
142nd Mark Nightingale 1:28:32
297th Martin Andrews 1:35:50
996th Michael Clarke 1:54:57
 
Special mention also to Keren Irving who ran her first ever half marathon in 2:31:53.

Milton Keynes All New 10K

Richard Franks and Peter Moor completed the inaugural Milton Keynes 10K on Sunday 11th December 2011. Both enjoyed enjoyed good runs with Richard finishing 12th in 43:34 and Peter was 25th overall in 46:28

12th Richard Franks 43:34
25th Peter Moor 46:28

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Watlington 10K XC

Jocelyn Granger completed the Watlington 10K race in the Chilterns which she described as, "Pretty tough with two very steep ascents but some exciting descents to compensate."  She finished in 58:44 and was 6th lady overall.
 
It was advertised as a traditional race so there was no chip timing, goodie bag, t-shirt or medal, however for £4 it had a great friendly atmosphere, was well marshalled and sign posted and worth remembering
for next year. (Mum's dinner was ok too!)

Posh 10

Half a dozen keen NRR members made the short trip across the country boarder for the Nene Valley 10 in Peterborough.  Tom Sullivan got a rare chance to complete his favourite distance and did so in 1:17:50.  Charlotte Yarker enjoyed a good run with 1:20:05 and Mick Clark was first in the MV70 category in 1:25:57.  Jo Smith finished in 1:27:11 ahead of Mary Kingsnorth in 1:29:19.  Pauline Horne completed the line up in 1:38:16.

Tom Sullivan 1:17:50
Charlotte Yarker 1:20:05
Mick Clark 1:25:57
Jo Smith 1:27:11
Mary Kingsnorth 1:29:19
Pauline Horne 1:38:16

Mick was first man home in the Over 70 category.

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Letchworth Cross Country

With the team ravaged by illness, injury, hangovers, decorating, baby-sitting duties and other various excuses it put pressure on those normally further down the field to “step up to the plate”.

It was nice to get back to Letchworth Garden City after 2 years of a freeze out and despite the long drive and hike to the start we were our usual fully focused and in fine fettle. Well some were.

The race produced some very good individual efforts all leading to a good team performance. Tony Letts had probably our highest ever position in the men’s race. It meant a long wait for the rest of us. Mark Nightingale must regret those years of boring tarmac as he is having a great series of off-road runs. Martin Andrews is now amongst that elite group of scorers and keeps improving at each race. Mark Garrett found his form once again to finish third for the club. John Flemming and Mark Kennedy enjoyed a finish line battle for spot 124.

Jo Lee had a day to remember (or forget). Travelling with the club playboys Jim, Mark K, and Ronnie she was desperate for a hard run in order to be tired enough to sleep on the way back. First lady home was a great run for someone suffering with earache.

Elaine Palmer has been missed from the team for a while and showed us why with a great return chasing Jo Smith for the line and making 3rd lady scorer.

Many other good runs included Tom Sullivan keeping Darren Baldwin at bay and the ongoing battle between Caroline Cope and Jo Cummings is now 2-1 to Caroline.

Ladies
59th Jo Lee
65th Jo Smith
68th Elaine Palmer
83rd Caroline Cope
84th Jo Cummings
103rd Pauline Horne
108th Kirsty Turner
122nd Carol Whatton

Men
11th Tony Letts
46th Mark Nightingale
72nd Mark Garrett
106th Dave Whatton
124th John Fleming
125th Mark Kennedy
133rd Martin Andrews
174th Tom Sullivan
181st Darren Baldwin
198th Ronnie Ambrose
242nd Jim Anderson
249th Richard Rose

Next race Sun Dec 18th at Stopsley.

Jocelyn's PB

Jocelyn Granger ran a PB at the Clowne Half Marathon in Derbyshire on Sunday 20th November tackling the hills and winds to finish in 1.51.27.

Reindeers At The Abbey

Charlotte Yarker was third lady overall at the RNLI Reindeer Run, a 10k off-road event at Woburn Abbey.  The race takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey and welcomes runners of all abilities to take part in 5K and 10K distances.  The organisers promise tons of festive fun, with Reindeer Antlers and flashing noses for all our runners, and a mince pie when you cross the finish line!

Luton Marathon Relay

Debbie Holmes did a leg of the Luton Marathon Relay on Sunday 20th November. Her team (consisted of  two future club member maybe)  came third in the Ladies Vet class and sixth in the ladies team category overall. Debbie's time over 8.7 miles was 1:17:58.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Dirt Half

Rob Donovan enjoyed himself in the mud at the Dirt Half Marathon in Leighton Buzzard on Saturday 19th November.  His time was 1:46:33.
     

Monday 21 November 2011

Jo's PB at St Neots

Jo Lee grabbed a PB 1:56 at the St. Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.  She is now setting her sights on breaking 1:55 next time .........

Shakespeare - To PB Or Not To PB...

Martin Andrews ran the flat as a pancake, PB guaranteed Shakespeare 10k on Saturday 19th November in a time of 42:28.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Biggleswade Cross Country Sunday 13th November

A beautiful autumn morning for a run around the glorious rolling parkland of Shuttleworth College in the second event of this cross country season. This time there were no water jumps or mud but plenty of stiff climbs to get the heart pumping.

A few of us were handicapped by running on Saturday or by last weeks Rutland Marathon but with a team of 24 runners the rest were well able to carry the weary ones.  The tough 5 miles ensured everyone was glowing at the finish.

Another top trip out on the fun bus, next outing is on 27th Nov (yes, only 2 weeks) where we will be seeing the delights of Letchworth.

Ladies
20          Steph Russell
95     Jo Smith (back in the scorers)
102      Debbie Holmes  (great support from family)
111      Suzanne Baldwin
137      Jo (mind my finger) Cummings
159      Sue (are we at the seaside) Thompson
177      Pauline Horne
186      Carol Whatton
187      Keren Irving

Blokes
14          Tony Letts
61          Mark Nightingale
81          Gary McDaniels
126      Dave Whatton
127       Matt Brand    (I couldn’t get past Daves elbows)
129   Mark Kennedy  (Rutland Marathon no bother)
130   Mark Garrett
160      Martin Andrews
173      Pete Moore
206   John Fleming   (where are the cakes)
223      Darren Baldwin
224      Rob Donovan
267      Tony Kennedy
287   Micky Bhogal   (can I come again )
312   Richard Rose

Seagrave Wolds

If you've nothing better to do on a Saturday morning then why not get in the mood for the following day's cross country by, well, running a cross country.  The Seagrave Wolds Challenge is a unique 15.9 mile bogging run around Leicestershire with cake and tea stops en-route.
 
Gary McDaniels finished 19th overall in 1:57:38 and Steph Russell added to her trophy cabinet being first lady to finish in 2:00:08.  Mark Garrett was next home in 2:14:23 and John Fleming completed the line up in 2:20.
 
19th Gary McDaniels 1:57:38
22nd Steph Russell  2:00:08 1st Lady
62nd Mark Garrett 2:14:23
last John Fleming 6 hrs and still missing (estimated finish 2-20ish)
John in his rush for the crumble and custard forgot to get scanned as he finished and there are now mountain rescue teams looking for him.
 

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Rutland Water Photos





Rutland Water Marathon

A team of five Northampton Road Runners made the short hop across the county border to take part in the second running of the Rutland Water Marathon.  The event offered a multi-terrain undulating course taking in some breath-taking scenery across the water and rolling woodland trails.

The star of the day was Wendy Parker making her marathon debut and finishing in an impressive 4:13:57.  Ronnie Ambrose was next to finish 4:17:24 with Mark Kennedy 4:31:22, Mick Clarke 4:37:09 and Jim Anderson 4:39:17 completing the NRR team who finished 8th overall on the day.

214th Wendy Parker 4:13:57
227th Ronnie Ambrose 4:17:24
267th Mark Kennedy 4:31:22
281st Mick Clarke 4:37:09
292nd Jim Anderson 4:39:17

Halloween Horror

Colin Bricher took part in the Halloween Horrow on Saturday 29th October.  This four mile run in the dark over Warwickshire countryside and the grass/woods/track/road route is illuminated by LEDs and the odd street lamp (sounds like club nights in Moulton).  Colin completed the course in 41:43 and won a prize for being the oldest finisher.
 
58th Colin Bricher 41:43
 

Monday 31 October 2011

Sheffield 10K

Whilst NRR members were having fun in the Wellingborough mud, Jocelyn Granger took part in the Sheffield 10K, a trail run with plenty of climbs and bogs. Jocelyn finished in 52.54 and was 14th in her age category.

X-Country Wellingborough Sun 30th October.

Croyland Park, a mythical venue on the X-C circuit whose deep muddy stream crossings strike fear into many a seasoned runner. This course had not been used for many years so was a new adventure for many of the Northampton Road Runners in attendance. Well it didn’t scare the 28 club stars who turned out for the 1st fixture of a new season. It included the old and bold, the shiny and new, and the inbetweeners.

Smart new trainers were soon hidden beneath a layer of mud and those in clean white socks soon realized why others were in tatty old black things found at the back of drawers for these occasions. It is not the water in the stream that is the problem it is the steep, muddy, slippery banks you have to climb to get out of the stream. Efforts ranged from graceful to comical and Alan (Hack) should have some good photos of our performances.

Things look good for the season with everyone promising to come along again and at least pretending they had enjoyed themselves. All deserve credit however we must mention our new members of the X-C club who must now expect me to be constantly badgering them. These were Kirsty Turner, Stuart Cressey, Matt Brand, Martin Andrews and Tony Kennedy. It is great to see such a good turn-out now compared with a few years ago when we struggled to get enough for a team. 

It is hardly worth cleaning the mud of the trainers as we are back out on Sun 13th Nov at Biggleswade. Details are on the website. Book your place on the bus here. There is always room for more runners so come along and join the party.

Ladies
10th Steph Russell
64th Jo Lee
69th Mary Kingsnorth
76th Jo Smith
104th Caroline Cope
105th Claire McDaid
106th Jo Cummings
129th Sue Thompson
143rd Keren Irving
144th Kirsty Turner
150th Carol Whatton

Men
14th Tony Letts
40th Andy Blaize
73rd Mark Nightingale
89th Stuart Cressey
101st Gary McDaniels
121st Matt Brand
133rd Dave Whatton
142nd Mark Kennedy
150th Martin Andrews
168th Peter Moor
178th John Fleming
191st Tom Sullivan
211st Tony Kennedy
220th Jim Anderson
246th Micky Bhogal
258th Mark Garrett
269th Martin Rowe
 

Snowdonia Marathon

A time of year fro hardcore marathons and this weekend was no exception.  Keith Jellyman took on the Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday 29th October and finished in a very respectable 3:51:47.

376th Keith Jellyman 3:51:47

Great South Run...

Mick Clarke was spotted on the TV taking in the sights of Southsea and chatting to the spectators at the Great South Run on Sunday 30th October.  We have no idea if he is still chatting or if he has finished but we're sure it must be the latter...

Rugby 10

On Sunday 23rd October, two Northampton Road Runners braved the hilly Rugby 10 course. Martin Andrews crossed the line in 1:16:10 and Sue "the Cake" Thompson finished in 1:40:06

62nd Martin Andrews 1:16:10
147th Sue Thompson 1:40:06


Wednesday 26 October 2011

Trionium Greensand Ridge Marathon (yes it's a hard one).

Northampton Road Runners' Mark Garrett completed the Trionium Greensand Ridge Marathon on Saturday 22nd October in 4:09:53. Such is the challenge of this event, organisers tell you to take your marathon time and add a third whilst you pack your survival kit as you begin your adventure.

MK Park Run

Tom Sullivan and Mary Kingsnorth took part in the weekly Milton Keynes Park Run on Saturday 22nd October and finished in 23:39 and 25:49 respectively.



72 Tom SULLIVAN 00:23:39
112 Mary KINGSNORTH 00:25:49

Monday 10 October 2011

Nine Ten Eleven

For those people who love numbers, Sunday 9th October brought a unique dateline of 09/10/11 and also saw  twenty-one Northampton Road Runners take part in three different events

Great Eastern Half Marathon Peterborough
A dozen members travelled to Peterborough to take on the Great Eastern Half Marathon beginning and ending in the city centre.  Andy Blaize finished 195th in all in a time of 1:26:59 and close behind was Steph Russell 1:27:58.  Star of the day was Mary Davies who set a new PB and broke the two hour barrier for the first time in 1:59:53.  Chris Ford and Sue Thompson were just over the two hours in 2:02:48 and 2:07:24 and Dave Soloman crossed the line in 2:26:38 despite battling a sickness bug.

Ridgeway 15.5K
The feeling of Autumn returned for those making the short trip down the M1 to Tring for the 29th Annual Ridgeway 15.5K to take on a challenge that had everything.  A congested start along a farm track soon opened out to fields before a long woodland climb that flattened occasionally to enable runners to take in stunning views.  The second half roller-coasted up and down steep climbs and descents as strong winds battered runners who were grateful for a tree lined drop through a long woodland trail. The final mile and a half was a flat run in along the leafy village streets.

36th overall on the day was Mark Garrett who pulled away from the crowds at the beginning to finish in 1:09:49.  The other Mark, Kennedy finished strongly to record 1:14:50.  Alan Burgess, again visiting from France finished in an impressive 1:20:24 and Darren Baldwin was on his heels in 1:23:16.  The other Darren, Byfield finished in 1:25:15 ahead of the other Kennedy, Tony in 1:26:40.

Jocelyn Granger was the first lady to finish for NRR in 1:27:49 with veteran Mick Clarke (1:29:07), Jo Smith (1:30:12) and Jim Anderson (1:30:18) all closing in.  Jo Lee came home in 1:33:27 only seconds ahead of Suzanne Baldwin in 1:33:50 with Andy Pate and Cathy Craig completing the line up in 1:34:50 and 1:50:20.

Royal Parks Half Marathon
From the quiet countryside of Tring to the busy streets of the nation's capital Mark Nightingale completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon in 1:30:50 finishing an impressive 257th overall.

Ridgeway 15.5K
36th Mark Garrett 1:09:49
72nd Mark Kennedy 1:14:50
150th Alan Burgess 1:20:24
193rd Darren Baldwin 1:23:16
224th Darren Byfield 1:25:15
251st Tony Kennedy 1:26:40
269th Jocelyn Granger 1:27:49
289th Mick Clarke 1:29:07
308th Jo Smith 1:30:12
310th Jim Anderson 1:30:18
352th Jo Lee 1:33:27
360th Suzanne Baldwin 1:33:50
370th Andy Pate 1:34:50
492th Cathy Craig1:50:20

Great Eastern Half Marathon Peterboro
195th Andy Blaize 1:26:59
217th Steph Russell 1:27:58
1845th Mary Davies 1:59:53
2029th Chris Ford 2:02:48
2268th Sue Thompson 2:07:24
2931th Dave Soloman 2:26:38

Royal Parks Half Marathon
257th Mark Nightingale 1:30:50

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Run11 - The Home Town Run

Glorious summer sunshine (in October) greeted around 2,500 runners from afar to the Run11, Northampton's second best event (behind the Moulton 10K of course).  In it's 3rd year, the event continues to go from strength to strength attracting all ages and abilities.  With that latter statement, Northampton Road Runners were at home with thirty entrants and there were smiles all round around Sixfields at the finish.

Andy Thomas was first to cross the line in an impressive 41:39 just ahead of 87th Richard Franks in 41:52 and Mark Kennedy recorded his second fastest time at 10K distance in 42:55.  Next to arrive at Sixfields was John Fleming in 43:52 closely followed by the club's first lady Jo Windrum in 44:51.  Peter Moor finished in 46:51 and Rob Donovan in 46:51.  Next was Ronnie Ambrose in 47:42 and Darren Baldwin 47:11.  Charlotte Yarker was the second NRR lady in 48:19 and Tom Sullivan was pleased with a time of 48:05.  Dave Knowles finished in 49:12.

Wendy Parker crossed the line in 50:53 and Darren Byfield in 51:16.  Sue White and Karen Mehew were next to finish in 50:37 and 50:57 respectively.  Jocelyn Granger, fresh from here recent parachute jump, kept her feet on the ground with a 51:13 finish.  
Mary Kingsnorth was next to cross the line 53:21 just ahead of Jim Anderson in 53:41.  Jo Smith, Claire McDaid and Suzanne Baldwin came home in 53:54, 54:29 and 54:27.  Jo Cummings recorded a time of 56:28 and Miles Billingham 57:01.  Next was Ruth Maher 58:38 ahead of Ann Dickson 1:01:29.

Pauline Horne always finished with a smile (1:03:29) and John Oliver and Claire Spokes completed the line up in 1:11:08 and 1:17:00.

In the 5K, Tony Letts was 7th overall with a PB of 17:39.

Results
134th Steve Prior 34:37
82nd Andrew Thomas 41:39
87th Richard Franks 41:52
109th Mark Kennedy 42:55
140th John Fleming 43:52
175th Jo Windrum 44:51
262nd Peter Moor 46:51
271st Rob Donovan 46:51
282nd Ronnie Ambrose 47:42
289th Darren Baldwin 47:11
299th Charlotte Yarker 48:19
311st Tom Sullivan 48:05
339th Dave Knowles 49:12
Tony Kennedy 49:48
415th Wendy Parker 50:53
427th Darren Byfield 51:16
438th Sue White 50:37
435th Karen Mehew 50:57
476th Jocelyn Granger 51:13
556th Mary Kingsnorth 53:21
546th Jim Anderson 53:41
596th Claire McDaid 54:29
601st Jo Smith 53:54
628th Suzanne Baldwin 54:27
786th Jo Cummings 56:28
817th Miles Billingham 57:01
881st Ruth Maher 58:38
Richard Rose 1:01:26
1014th Ann Dickson 1:01:29

1099th Pauline Horne 1:03:29
1367th John Oliver 1:11:08
1448th Claire Spokes 1:17:00

5K 7th Tony Letts 17:39

**Apologies to those of you who's results were missed off the original report in the Chronicle & Echo.  The results on the Run11 official website had a column missing and it was really difficult to identify all of our runners.  I think everyone is now included. Mark K

Thursday 29 September 2011

The All New Oxford Half

Tony Letts completed the inaugural Oxford Half  Marathon on Sunday 25th September finishing in a very respectable 33rd with a time of 1:23:24.

Mary's A Winner

Dave and Carole Whatton label the Ashridge Dirt Trail race as one of their favourite runs with lovely views over the Dunstable Downs but with the Downs comes a tough run. After some NRR members had enjoyed success at the Dunstable Half Marathon earlier this month, Mary Kingsnorth made it a happy hunting ground for the club added to her trophy quota by being the first woman vet, over 55 in a time of 50:35. 

Dave Whatton completed the course in 41:26 and Carole crossed the line in 62:56.  Tom Sullivan was also pleased with his 46:26 finish.

Dave Whatton 41:26
Tom Sullivan 46:26
Mary Kingsnorth 50:35
Carole Whatton 62:56

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Cransley Half Marathon and 10K

The Cransley Hospice Road Races are a favourite on the NRR calender.  The day was littered with stars, Tony Kennedy completed his 1st ever ½ marathon in 1:50:54.  There were trophy winners as Mark Garrett was 2nd MV50 in 1:28:33 and the club now have a new County Champion as Steph Russell ,who was 2nd lady on the day but 1st in the County Championships in1:29:44.

Richard Franks came home in1:37:27 and Jim Anderson completed his third half marathon in three weeks in a time of 1:55:19.  Mick Clarke who turns 72 this week, clcked an impressive time of 1:57:25.

There were PBs for Jo Cummings and Richard Rose in the 10K with times of 54:13 and 58:19 respectively.
Now for a scary thought, the average age of our men running was a mere 56, we need some help from the youngsters.  Tom Sullivan  had a good run with a 49:10 finish and Mary Kingsnorth and Marion Bowen crossed the line in 52:51 and 1:05:54 to complete the line up.

10K
79th Tom SULLIVAN 49:10
119th Mary KINGSNORTH 52:51
130th Jo CUMMINGS 54:13 PB
177th Richard ROSE 58:19 PB
272th Marion BOWEN 1:05:54

Half Marathon
12th Mark GARRETT 1:28:33 2nd M50
17th Steph RUSSELL 1:29:44
33th Richard FRANKS 1:37:27
89th Tony KENNEDY 1:50:54
105th Jim ANDERSON 1:55:19
107th Mick CLARKE 1:57:25

The Great North Runners

The world's biggest half marathon normally attracts around 50,000  and this year four of those were from NRR.  Being interviewed by Colin Jackson and making the television added to the satisfaction of a good trip up north.

To add to the new found fame, Jocelyn Granger and Wendy Parker both weaved through the crowds to record PBs with 1:46:33 and 1:56:38 finishes.  Charlotte Yarker was sandwiched between arriving in South Shields in 1:52:12.  Ronnie Ambrose finished in a great time of 1:37:35.

Ronnie Ambrose1:37:35
Wendy Parker 1:46:33 PB
Charlotte Yarker 1:52:12

Jocelyn Granger 1:56:38 PB

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Marathon Mick At Birmingham

The superhuman Mick Clarke completed the Birmingham Canal Canter Marathon on Saturday 3rd September and still had enough energy to dance the night away at the club's 30th birthday bash on the same evening (although cramp set in once or twice). 

Nottingham Half

On Sunday 11th September, Claire McDaid completed the Nottingham Half Marathon in 2.02.03.

Top Ten Finishers At Dunstable

A trio of Northampton Road Runners set off to navigate the Dunstable Challenge, this off road half marathon is shy of mile markers and directions and all entrants are sent a map to find their way to the finish line.

The club boasted two top ten finishers at the event, Mark Garrett crossed the line in 1:42:40 and was first MV50 and Mark Kennedy was close behind in seventh in a time of 1:45:25.  Jim Anderson took a minor detour but still survived in 2:13:34.

Results
5th Mark Garrett 1:42:40 First MV505
7th Mark Kennedy 1:45:25
36th Jim Anderson 2:13:34









Bedford Harriers 10K including Marathon Mick

On Saturday 3rd September two Northampton Road Runners' vets completed the Bedford Harriers 10k Mick Clarke completed his marathon training preparation in a time of 53:04 and Richard Rose was delighted to have cracked the hour barrier for first time in years.

Results
Mick Clarke 53:04
Richard Rose 59:44

Tuesday 6 September 2011

Kenilworth Half

Andy Blaize had a storming run at the Kenilworth Half on Sunday 4th September finishing 23rd overall in a time of 1:24:08.  She may have moved to another county but Steph Russell also continued to do the club proud finishing 3rd in 1:29:26.

Cross Country Dates

With autumn approaching, the cross country dates have been confirmed as follows
 
30th Oct -  W&DAC Croyland Park Wellingborough
13th Nov - Biggleswade
27th Nov - North Herts RR
18th Dec -  Stopsley Striders
15th Jan -  Wootton RR Delapre Abbey

Full details of each event will follow and Mark Garrett will be chasing you to join the team for some fun, mud filled Sunday morning madness.

Taming The Beast With The Baldwins

The Beast versus the Baldwins. Melton Mowbray Sun 4th September.

In another battle against the Beast the Baldwin clan took on the Double or Quits obstacle race. This involved 2 x 5mile laps climbing the fences of an eventing course enroute. With no refusals at any of the jumps

 Double 10 miles         
46th Darren 1:40:50
73rd Suzanne 2:02:47

Quits 5 miles             
7th Carrick 41:40 (son and heir and budding cross:country star)

Taming The Beast - Boys Version

The Beast ( not for girlies) Poole Sun 4 September

A boys only trip to visit Rich (the Ambulance) and take in a tough off-road half marathon at the seaside.  Pre race training included fish & chips and a few beers on Poole Quay. We also met up with Monsieur Alan Burgess to take on this challenge. We did defeat the Beast however we did not look good  at the finish. This is a particularly hilly course but is well worth it for the fantastic coastal views.  A beautiful day and a great race, we will return.  As for the ladies, there were lots in front of us as always. Come and join us next year.

75        Mark Garrett                           1:46:34
114      Rich( the Ambulance)             1:52:32
132      Ronnie Ambrose                     1:54:10
166      Alan (Monsieur Burgess)        1:59:26
232      Jim Anderson                          2:11:42
406      Alan Hackett                       kept stopping to take in the views, why rush?


Wednesday 31 August 2011

Thank You From The Race Director

“A great race, you will see me back next year.”

One of lots of similar comments many of us received after our race. We can all congratulate ourselves on putting on a really good event.

There is a lot more to a race than just the runners and many of those runners commented on how nice/cheerful/encouraging/helpful/friendly/ even organised everyone was and what a good club we are.

After the madness of pre-race the run itself went like clockwork without any big problems thanks to you all.

We had an entry of 300 and a record 272 runners for the race.

Runners had come from as far as Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton, Wales as well as good support from our local rivals especially Wellinboro’ and Silson Joggers.

We all know how tough the course is however many others don’t and we had lots of runners saying that they thought it was flat around here and didn’t expect it to be so hard.

Spec’s Lane ford is always popular and the race winner decided to take a swim after slipping. He still recovered to win and laughed it off after whilst showing off his grazes.

One runner was seen sat down in the stream cooling off.

It is normally the winners who get all the glory but the biggest cheer was for the final finisher.

She said that she had a fantastic day and was really beaming at the finish. She wanted to thank everyone for helping her along.

Enough of the race. The after race BBQ at Ronnie’s was a great success. The chefs MarkK and Jim did wonders and we all deserved a drink.

I once more thank everyone who helped in any way and please pass on the clubs thanks to those we won’t see.

I must however give a special thanks to my 2 backing singers Karen and Elaine without whom I couldn’t cope.

Mark Garrett (on behalf of Committee NRR)

Moulton 10K Report...

A record number of finishers completed the Moulton 10K on Sunday 28th August as the bank holiday rain just about held off.  Runners from all over the country filled up the 300 place limit race which takes in some of Northamptonshire’s finest countryside around Moulton and Pitsford and includes the iconic Spectacle Lane ford crossing.  After a false start cause by the starter’s faulty claxon, the only minor hiccup of the day, the race was underway.
The overall winner was Jamie Loxam from Stockport Harriers who was the only entrant to take a tumble in the shallow water crossing but he dusted himself off to record a time of 34:10.  He was later seen smiling and sporting a few minro cuts and grazes.  Wootton Road Runners’ Steve Poole chased home in second in 34:56 with Jonathan Goringe from Kettering Town Harriers finished third (35:05).  Rugby & Northampton’s Stuart Nelson (35:34) and Marshall Milton Keynes’ Tom Comerford (35:42) completed the top five.

Danny Keating from Leicester Coritanian won the MV40 category, Lazloe Bowden from Wootton Road Runners claimed the MV50 prize in 36:38 and Keith Moreman of Daventry Road Runners was the first MV60 in 43:49. 

Jane Ovington from Marshall Milton Keynes won the ladies race in 37:53 with Maree Jesson of Rugby & Northampton second in 41:15.  Ruth Watson from Sale Harriers was a close third in 41:53.  Angela Copson added another trophy to her collection winning the LV55 category in 42:04.  The junior’s winner was Luke Robinson of Rugby & Northampton in 37:41.

A mass contingent of 36 runners made the short trip from Wellingborough & District AC.  Jon Kemp was first home for the club in 38:05 and James Berry and Roger Bullen enjoyed good runs with 41:08 and 41:59 finishes.  Natsaha Wain and Bryna Holmes were their first lady finishers in 46:01 and 46:02 respectively.

The biggest cheer of the day was saved for Maria Peralta who was the final runner to cross the line with the encouragement of an enthusiastic marshal.  The MK Lakeside Runners was full of smiles at recording a PB in 77:16 and was rewarded with an extra slice of homemade cake for her efforts.

The host club Northampton Road Runners committed most of their members and family friends to marshalling and helping out on the day.  Three runners did however complete the challenge.  Alan Burgess, who lives in France, returned to familiar surroundings and finished in 47:39.  Richard Rose made his course debut in 61:21 and Terri Davison finished in 74:22.  The club would like to thank everyone who helped out making the race a huge success yet again.  Already the club has been flooded with comments and emails praising the organisation and friendliness of the day.

Monday 22 August 2011

Moulton 10K Latest

Hello everyone. 

Just to let you know that pre-race entry for the Moulton 10K has now closed and but we will be taking entries on the day from 9:30am.  Entries are currently over 200. See you there.

Race The Train

Race The Train is one of those must do races and Wendy Parker and Ronnie Ambrose ticked it off their list on Saturday 20th August.  The race takes place in North Wales and the object is...well to beat the train.  An old steam engine sets off at the same time as the masses and a 1:45ish finish will get you that accolade.  Tough on a really challenging muddy off road course.  Ronnie and Wendy didn't managed to beat the train but they highly recommend the race, they finished the challenge in 2:21:11

Monday 8 August 2011

Blisworth Friday Five

A handful of Northampton Road Runners took part in the ever popular Blisworth Friday Five series on Friday 5th August.  First to complete the five mile course for the club was Tony Letts who finished 21st overall in a time of 30.24. 

Sue White came home in 41.30 and Colin Bricher 43.22.  Christine Ford finished in 46.39 with Richard Rose in 48.41.  Jo Cumings crossed the line in 50.05 seconds ahead of Sue Thompson in 50.08.
Results
21st Tony Letts 30.24
172nd Sue White 41.30
201st Colin Bricher 43.22
226th Christine Ford 46.39
241st Richard Rose 48.41
248th Jo Cumings 50.05
249th Sue Thompson 50.08

Thursday 4 August 2011

Pete's Thunderous Relay

We love a challenge with a difference and Peter Moor found this in the Adidas Thunder Run on 31st July.  It's a 24 hour off-road relay race consisting of 10K laps in Catton Park, Derbyshire. He ran in the sweltering temperatures of Saturday afternoon, the relative bliss of dusk and even after a hamstring niggle a final 3am dark through the woods leg!

The team of 8 was a mix of abilities and completed 26 laps in 24:17:03 with Pete's laps coming in at -

47:10
49:16
57:22

Peter said, "It was a really great achievement for all involved and I would highly recommend it to club members for next year as it was a really well organised event."

The Ironman

One week he is getting married on a Carribean beach and the next he is finishing the Ironman UK in 11.32.06hrs.  Lynton Dawson has earned the tag of the "NRR Ironman" this year, only last month he completed a half Ironman in 4hrs 59min and that was helped by ‎ a 2:14:34 for a mere triathlon a week before.

Whilst the rest of us were sweating it out at Colworth, Lynton completed The Ironman UK 70.3 at Grendon in 5hrs 51 which was a top 250 finish out of 1661.

In May he completed the Beaver Middle Distance Tri in ‎4hrs 50mins and that was a week after a full Ironman in Lanzarote.

Is he going to rest now?

Wellingborough Five

Just a couple of weeks ago a handful of NRR members were invited to Wellingborough to for the annual pre-run of the Wellingborough Five course. When Sunday 31st July arrived, it was the real thing! Richard Franks was first home for the club in 33:38 and was 10th MV50. Ronnie Ambrose was next to finish in 35:07 and Mick Clarke was 9th MV60 in 40:47. Jocelyn Granger enjoyed a good time of 41:16 with Ann Dickson and Keren Irving completing the line up in 50:47 and 59:04 respectively.

68th Richard Franks 33:38
95th Ronnie Ambrose 35:07
196th Mick Clarke 40:47
201st Darren Byfield 41:06
202nd Jocelyn Granger 41:16
299th Ann Dickson 50:47
334th Keren Irving 59:04

Milton Keynes Half

A super seven went down the M1 to Milton Keynes for the NSPCC Half Marathon and were treated to unusually cooler conditions.  Richard Franks continued his rich vein of form with 1:33:57 finish and Peter Moor, who is also running well, recorded an impressive 1:38:34.  Wendy Parker took full advantage of Ronnie Ambrose's pacing to finish in 1:52:23.  Jim Anderson was close behind in 1:53:58 and Jocelyn Granger crossed the line in 1:55:57.  Mark Glenn completed the NRR line up in 2:24:11.

Results
Richard Franks 1:33:57
Peter Moor 1:38:34
Wendy Parker 1:52:23
Ronnie Ambrose 1:52:24
Jim Anderson 1:53:58
Jocelyn Granger 1:55:57
Mark Glenn 2:24:11

Tuesday 12 July 2011

The Three Spires Challenge

This time of year most people frown at a cloudy July morning but those lined up on the start line for the Three Spires Challenge in Adderbury (near Banbury), breathed a sigh of relief as the sun disappeared behind a thick cloud cover.

This (almost) half marathon is run mainly off road with some short trips through some beautiful Oxfordshire villages and takes in a narrow canal towpath, man styles and kissing gates and one or two playful climbs. The marshals all around the route offer a smile and plenty of encouragement to those brave enough for the challenge. As well as the "half", there is also a "10K" and a "half marathon" walk too.

It was the boys’ day out with four NRR runners making the short trip.  Mark Garrett crossed the line 1:40:10 and Ronnie Ambrose finished strongly in 1:43:08.  Close behind was Mark Kennedy in 1:44:11 and Jim Anderson completed the team in 1:56:10.

31st Mark Garrett 1:40:10
42nd Ronnie Ambrose 1:43:08
45th Mark Kennedy 1:44:11
82nd Jim Anderson 1:56:10

Wednesday 6 July 2011

MK 10K

The East Midlands Grand Prix Series drew to a close at Milton Keynes on Tuesday 5th July.  Another great run from Tony Letts saw him finish in a time of 37:05, 8th M40 overall too.  Lynton Dawson also completed a fine series with 38:58.  Paul Smith was next home and broke the 40 minute barrier in 39:33. 
Gary McDaniels maintained his good form since returning from injury with 40:55 and Richard Franks rounded off his campaign in style, getting quicker by the week, 41:55.  Peter Moor couldn't quite catch Richard was was pleased with 43:01 and Steve Prior was close on his tail in 43:55.  Charlotte Yarker finished 9th in her category overall and recorded a time of 45:24. 

Mick Clarke and Jim Anderson have enjoyed a couple of inter-club battles recently but Mick was just in front this time in 50:17 with Jim in 51:10.  Robert Bateman and Colin Bricher were next home in 51:22 and 52:04 respectively followed by Tom Sullivan in 53:13.  Elaine Palmer finished in 53:58 and Claire McDaid in 54:15.  Mark Glenn made his return in club colours with a 54:45 finish only seconds ahead of Mary Kingsnorth (54:50).  Jo Cummings and Mary Davies were next home with identical times of 57:30 and Dave Solomon completed a great turnout in 58:38.

Results
41st Tony Letts 37:05
62nd Lynton Dawson 38:58
74th Paul Smith 39:33
94th Gary McDaniels 40:55
115th Richard Franks 41:55
142nd Peter Moor 43:01
163rd Steve Prior 43:55
207th Charlotte Yarker 45:24
297th Mick Clarke 50:17
318th James Anderson 51:10
321st Robert Bateman 51:22
334th Colin Bricher 52:04
348th Tom Sullivan 53:13
355th Elaine Palmer 53:58
358th Claire McDaid 54:15
362nd Mark Glenn 54:45
363rd Mary Kingsnorth 54:50
383th Joanna Cummings 57:30
384th Mary Davies 57:30
390th David Solomon 58:38

Overall Series Standings (based on five races)
Senior Women
9
Charlotte Yarker
F35
7
Claire McDaid
F55
6
Mary Kingsnorth
9
Mary Davies
Senior Men
21
Lynton Dawson
34
Peter Moor
M40
8
Tony Letts
M50
8
Richard Franks
25
Alan Hackett
M70
3
Mick Clarke