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)

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

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.