Jocelyn Is No Clowne

Jocelyn Granger did the Clowne Half in Derbyshire on Sunday 25th November in 1.51.  A great time battling difficult strong headwinds and rough weather.

X-C Guilsborough-on-Sea Sunday 25th Nov.

Would the fact that most of Northants was under water stop our Cross-Country fix? Of course not!

Would anyone turn up? Of course they would, in fact we had 28 runners and a good number of volunteers who came and helped Team East Haddon marshal the event and help pull runners out of the mud.

This course is on the Pytchley Hunt point- to-point course and the going was officially heavy and unofficially boggy.

This year’s cross-country must be the wettest and muddiest ever and yet the races are more popular than ever before with record entries.

We baptised another four newcomers to the joys of cross-country and all agreed that they had never had so much fun in a muddy field. The runners in the middle of the pack had to avoid a sheep stampede at the midway point of the race.

The Ladies Team came 7th on day, a fantastic result overall. 10th Rosanna Andrews finally made her cross country debut and finished 10th overall lady. Mum Penny Andrews was 25th and Charlotte Yarker completed the scorers.

Paula Pinney and Katherine White also ran their first ever cross country events and have promised to come back for more. Suzanne Baldwin somehow managed to keep her kit completely clean.

Ladies Results
10th Rosanna Andrews 1st XC
25 Penny Andrews
50 Charlotte Yarker
51 Becky Hollowell
57 Jo Lee
75 Suzanne Baldwin
80 Jo Smith
118 Paula Pinney 1st XC
125 Helen Blackburn
139 Katherine White 1st XC
143 Sally Garrett

The Men’s Team finished 9th on day and Chris Lamb cemented his place as league leader after three events with a second place finish. In 25th was Tony Letts (home advantage well used) and Stu Drummond enjoyed a good race. Mark Nightingale was 64th and Jim McGowan 104th, the day after an impressive Parkrun. John Fleming was flying after arriving minutes before the start of the race. Mark Garrett was the final scorer.

Glen Cousner made his debut for the men and has also vowed to return for more.

Men’s Results
2nd Chris Lamb (league leader after 3 events)
25 Tony Letts
62 Stu Drummond
64 Mark Nightingale
104 Jim McGowan  
110 John Fleming
113 Mark Garrett
128 Mark Kennedy
137 Darren Baldwin
140 Martin Andrews
143 Pete Moor
186 Jon Panter
219 Dave Blackburn
224 Jon Dilworth
247 Paul Braddock
259 Glen Cousner 1st XC
268 Tony Kennedy

Our Combined Team Result was 8th (of 14) our best this season.

Next event is on Sun Dec 16th at Stopsley. (Nr. Luton).Details are on website.

We will be taking the minibus and plan on stopping for a drink on the way home. 

Benidorm Half

Whilst England was braving the early winter floods, an NRR trio decided to go elsewhere for some lovely weather and exotic surroundings and have a go at the Benidorm Half.

Mick Clarke  and Dave Soloman are regulars at this wonderful British Seaside Resort and Jim Anderson made his debut on this course (after recovering his passport and bank card from the lost and found drawer).

There will be plenty of stories to tell but the lads racked up pretty good times.

Mick Clarke 1:55:00
Jim Anderson 1:56:54
Dave Soloman

Wolverton Five

Saturday races are rare so the Parkrun is always welcome but aside from the local weekly event, two NRR members took part in the Annual Wolverton 5 mile on 24th November.

Caroline Powell was the 3rd FV35 in 38:02 and Colin Bricher completed his first event in 11 months in 45:35 and was 3rd MV60.

Caroline Powell 38:02 3rd FV35
Colin Bricher 45:35 3rd MV60

Parkrun 30

Five NRR runners completed the 30th Parkrun on Saturday 24th November.

7 James MCGOWAN 19:36
10 Peter MOOR 20:16
24 Mark KENNEDY 21:24
30 Martin ANDREWS 21:57
46 Jo LEE 24:11

Parkrun - Northampton and Wycombe

The "fab four" completed the Northampton Parkrun on Saturday 17th November.

13 Peter MOOR 20:30
15 Mark KENNEDY 20:57
50 Tom SULLIVAN 23:48
76 Mary SULLIVAN 26:03

Mick Clarke went further afield and ran the Wycombe Rye parkrun,  in 25:56

37 Mick CLARKE 00:25:56

Cross Country - A Day To Remember - Wing 11/11/12

A beautiful sunny remembrance day morning greeted 28 Northampton Road Runners at the beautiful Wing Cross Country.  The club have fond memories of the course which has seen leaders chased by cows and one of the wettest races ever.  Today, however, the weather was kind to the 450 who observed a minutes silence before the roar as the cavalry charge.

We all got muddy and wet on a proper cross-country course of hills, water, mud, and slime.

Penny Andrews turned up sporting a golden holiday tan and by the end she was the same colour as the rest of us, dirty brown.  Becky Hollowell enjoyed a great race and Jocelyn Granger completed the ladies scorers.

Our seasoned line up of Jo Smith, Suzanne Baldwin, Mary Sullivan, Jo Cummings, Helen Blackburn, Keren Irving and Sally Garrett all did themselves and NRR proud, returning mud-splattered and smiling at the finish.
The men were bolstered by the return of Mark Nightingale and Tony Letts with Sam Brown making his club debut having a great race. Martin Andrews showed off by running the day after the Seagrave Wolds 15 miler.  Paul Braddock also made his debut at cross-country in a very smart pair of trainers that will never look the same again.

Chris Lamb continued his great form from Wellingborough finishing 9th overall. Stuart Drummond, Mark Garrett and John Fleming had great runs to complete the scorers.  Darren Baldwin, just outside the scoring zone, blasted his way round the scourse with a strong finish.  Jon Dilworth continued his love affair with the mud and can't wait to return at East Haddon in two weeks.

Northampton Road Runners may not win on the results sheet but everyone who runs is a winner and what better way can there be to spend a Sunday morning.

Next race is Guilsborough on 25th Nov. Nice and local.

Full results are on website www.threecountiesxc.co.uk

Ladies
31st Penny Andrews
55 Becky Hollowell
60 Jocelyn Granger
91 Jo Smith
97 Suzanne Baldwin
106 Mary Sullivan
138 Jo Cummings
142 Helen Blackburn
149 Keren Irving
165 Sally Garrett

Men
9th Chris Lamb
25 Tony Letts
74 Mark Nightingale
76 Stuart Drummond
81 Sam Brown
125 Mark Garrett
137 John Fleming
163 Darren Baldwin
170 Mark Kennedy
171 Jim McGowan
200 Martin Andrews
219 Jon Panter
220 Tom Sullivan
242 Dave Blackburn
255 Jon Dilworth
269 Paul Braddock
281 Jags Rattu
288 Alan Hackett

Seagrave Wolds

The Seagrave Wolds is a great event which actually takes place around 100 miles from the seaside.  One thing you are guaranteed is lots of mud, lots of hills and a challenge whilst being greeted by a friendly welcome from the locals.  The race is a huge part of a small community and lovingly funds a range of local projects in this Leicestershire haven.

On Saturday 10th November, three NRR members tamed the mega slog.  Martin Andrews loosened his legs for the following day's cross country and recorded a pleasing 2:32.  Ronnie Ambrose and Wendy Parker conquered the course together in 2:53.

 

Martin Andrews 2:32

Ronnie Ambrose 2:53

Wendy Parker 2:53 

Parkrun 28

The super six completed Parkrun 28 at the Racecourse, a field which also included a handful of NRR marshals too.

6 Radoslav NIC 19:03
13 Peter MOOR 20:32
45 Jo LEE 24:00
49 Tony KENNEDY 24:25
54 Mick BHOGAL 24:48
57 Mick CLARKE 24:56

Rutland In The Rain

Four Northampton Road Runners braved the rain at the beautiful Rutland Water Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The undulating course takes in some breath-taking sites across the picturesque location and the weather did little to dampen the spirits of the field.

Lynton Dawson was 24th overall with an impressive 3:24:44 finish.  Matt Brand only entered and trained for the event two months before but his fitness came through and he finished in 49th place in a time of 3:45:06.

Jasmine Banks was the star of the day achieving an amazing PB of 4:02:14 having completed only a handful of long runs prior to the event.  Martin Rowe also enjoyed a good run and finished in 4:18:05.

24 Lynton Dawson 3:24:44
49 Matt Brand 3:45:06
103 Jasmine Banks 4:02:14
158 Martin Rowe 4:18:05

Magic Mile 3

1st Danson Njoka 5:08.93
6th Stuart Drummond 6:04.37
14th Pete Moor 6:24.78
15th Martin Andrews 6:25.52

Latest Parkrun

11 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:26
21 Peter MOOR 20:33
33 Martin ANDREWS 22:08
56 Mick CLARKE 24:57
57 Tony KENNEDY 24:58
79 Mick BHOGAL 26:16
83 Paula PINNEY 26:55

Colin's 50th

Colin recently chalked up 50 years as a runner and has seen many changes in his time.  He celebrated his 50 years at the club night last Wednesday with a fantastic Sue the Cake cake.

 

Colin actually started running properly in April 1962 although he did run round the school playground in the 50s.  He had to defer his celebration as he suffered a heart attack just after Christmas and has not been allowed to start running again. Colin has now re-established himself and even done a race, so it is also 50 years racing. Colin got a prize as oldest finisher which was a nice come-back present.

 

 

Colin's Horror

Colin Bricher ran the scary Halloween Horror on Saturday 27th October and won a prize for being the oldest finisher out of

 

It spooky event was four miles running in the dark with spooks and ghouls en-route to give you the living frights on the course.  This was Colin's first event for many months after injury.
 

Parkrun 26

A great turnout from NRR on Saturday.  We had six runners and a number of marshals on the course.  Well done to Sally on her Parkrun debut too.

13 Mark GARRETT 21:37 
49 Mick CLARKE 24:29
52 Jo LEE 24:49
58 Mick BHOGAL 25:18
123 Paula PINNEY 34:34
124 Sally GARRETT 35:46

The UK's Toughest Half

Congratulations to Pete Moor for completing the Snowdonia Marathon in 4:24 today.

The Dirty 2 Dozen W’boro X-Country Sun 28th Oct.

The cross country season kicked off at Croyland Park in Wellingborough and organisers W&DAC put on a great show. The course was extended this year to take the distance up to five miles and the field were offered and few more ups and downs. It was a proper cross-country, the mud was very muddy, the hills were very hilly, and the stream was very wet.

Lots of new faces amongst the NRR team, they were initiated into the joys of cross-country running. It was a pity not to have a camera to record just how muddy and dirty we got.

There were many good runs and smiling, mud spattered faces assured me they would be back for more.

For the ladies, Charlotte Yarker, Becky Hollowell and Jocelyn Granger were the scorers. Jo Lee, Jo Smith, Mary Sullivan, Caroline Cope, Keren Irving, Helen Blackburn and Pauline Horne made up the rest of the field. 

Mary somehow managed to return to the finish with the cleanest kit in the club.

The men’s team saw new boy Chris Lamb finish second overall, NRR’s highest ever cross country placing. Keith Jellyman made a great return to scoring and Stuart Drummond made his NRR XC debut. Mark Garrett recovered from a Tom Daley dive in the stream and Mark Kennedy also scored. Martin Andrews and Jim McGowan completed the scoring.
John Fleming enjoyed a good run and Steve Prior took the accolade of being the muddiest on the course. Tom Sullivan and Dave Blackburn were the usual regulars on the XC scene. Jon Panter, Jon Dilworth and Jags Rattu made their XC debuts.

Ladies results
56th Charlotte Yarker     
59 Becky Hollowell
67 Jocelyn Granger
69 Jo Lee
89 Jo Smith
106 Mary Sullivan
125 Caroline Cope
138 Keren Irving
142 Helen Blackburn
150 Pauline Horne

Men
2nd Chris Lamb
55 Keith Jellyman
72 Stuart Drummond
132 Mark Garrett
145 Mark Kennedy
155 Martin Andrews
156 Jim McGowan
159 John Fleming
161 Steve Prior
225 Tom Sullivan
229 Dave Blackburn
247 Jon Panter
268 Jon Dilworth
295 Jags Rattu

Full Daventry 10 Results

Here are the full results for the Daventry 10.  Apologies to anyone who was missed in the first report, the results were not straightforward to find all our club runners.

WE CAME, WE SAW, WE CONQUERED DAVENTRY 10 MILE SUN 21 OCT

17 of us took part in the 1st running of this new event on the local race calendar.

A number of new faces turned out in the maroon and gold and after group hugs and team talks we set about bringing home some bling.

And what a successful day we had especially in the County Champs which was attached to this event.

3rd Danson Njoka 57-25 3rd overall 3rd county champs 2nd men’s team
10 Andy Blaize 1-02-41 2nd men’s team
18 Rosanna Andrews 1-03-50 1st lady 1st lady county champs 1st ladies team
21 Tony Letts 1-04-33 2nd men’s team
37 Jim McGowan 1-07-51 1st race ever!!
42 Mark Garrett 1-09-54
49 Adrian Tuck 1-11-22
50 Penny Andrews 1-11-27 1stFV45 1st ladies team
60 Martin Andrews 1-14-30
63 Roger Taylor 1-14-59 1st race with us
74 Tom Sullivan 1-16-53 1st MV60
95 Becky Hollowell 1-19-42 1st ladies team
97 Jocelyn Granger 1-19-59 3rd FV45
105 Jim Anderson 1-21-52
120 Mick Clarke 1-25-04
121 Jo Smith 1-25 40
132 Jon Dilworth 1-28-45

NRR Take Dav 10 By Storm

Northampton Road Runners took the new Daventry 10 Road Race by storm.  The ladies won the Female Team event and the men came second in the Male Team Event.

On the course, Danson Njoka was 3rd overall breaking the one hour barrier in 57:26.  Andy Blaze was 10th on the course in 1:02:44 and the male team was completed by Tony Letts in 1:04:36.

Mark Garrett enjoyed a great run in 1:10:02 and Martyn Andrews finished in 1:14:35 followed by Tom Sullivan who was 1st MV60 in 1:17:02.  Jim Anderson recorded a 10 mile PB in 1:21:52 and Mick Clarke was close behind in 1:25:10.

For the ladies, Rosanna Andrews finished in 1:03:54 as 1st Lady and her mum Penny Andrews was 1st FV45 in 1:11:31.  Rebecca Hollowell finished in 1:19:42 just ahead of 3rd FV45 Jocelyn Granger in 1:20:03.  A wonderful line up was completed by Jo Smith in 1:25:56 and Mary Sullivan in 1:28:51. 

3 Danson Njoka 57:26
10 Andy Blaze 1:02:44
18 Rosanna Andrews 1:03:54 - 1st Lady
21 Tony Letts 1:04:36
42 Mark Garrett 1:10:02
50 Penny Andrews 1:11:31 1st FV45
60 Martyn Andrews 1:14:35
74 Thomas Sullivan 1:17:02 1st MV60
80 Rebecca Hollowell 1:19:42
97 Jocelyn Granger 1:20:03 3rd FV45
106 Jim Anderson 1:21:52
120 Mick Clarke 1:25:10
121 Jo Smith 1:25:56
132 Mary Sullivan 1:28:51 

Parkrun

Here are the latest Parkrun results which keep Pete Moor at the top of the Northampton points league.

17 Peter MOOR 20:19
24 Mark KENNEDY 21:25
45 Paul BRADDOCK 23:40
57 Mick CLARKE 24:49
70 Darren BALDWIN 26:14
109 Mark GLENN 29:58

Leicester Marathon

Rob Donovan completed the Leicester Marathon in 4:12, well done Rob.

Mud and Mayhem For Pete

Peter Moor finished 9th in the Mud & Mayhem 10K at Delapre in an impressive time of 45:19.  This was Pete's second race of the weekend after completing the Parkrun the day before.

9th Peter Moor 45:19

The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is a favourite of Northampton Road Runners.  Of course, road runners by name and off road runners who love nature!

The Ridgeway route is a 15.5K (ish) route that starts with a lovely flat mile before climbing to the top of the Ridgeway for some breathtaking views over the countryside.  After a few more challenging climbs, runners are rewarded with a roller coaster decent through the forest and back to sea level (although the sea is miles away of course).

Mark GARRETT was the first NRR home in 1:12:52 and Alan Burgess, back from France, finished in 1:17:57.  Darren BALDWIN enjoyed a great run in 1:19:44.  Jim Anderson knocked three minutes off last year's time with 1:27:01 and Jo LEE was close behind in 1:27:53.  Jo SMITH completed her favourite event in 1:30:50 just ahead of Suzanne BALDWIN in 1:31:16 and Mick CLARKE 1:35:43.


86 Mark GARRETT 1:12:52
Monsieur Alan Burgess 1:17:57
190 Darren BALDWIN 1:19:44
311 Jim Anderson 1:27:01
325 Jo LEE 1:27:53
379 Jo SMITH 1:30:50
383 Suzanne BALDWIN 1:31:16
442 Mick CLARKE 1:35:43

Perkins Half In Posh Land

As a Cobblers fan writing this report, it is hard to be nice about P*terborough!  Only kidding, Peterborough puts on a great half marathon event and the streets were lined to cheer on a packed field as the Great Eastern Run has now grown to capacity.

From Northampton Road Runners, Andy Blaize was first to finish in 1:23:47 and Rosanna Andrews enjoyed another storming run with a PB of 1:25:02, finishing 157th overall.  Mark Nightingale was close behind in 1:28:11 and Penny Andrews, who is also flying at the moment, crossed the line in 1:35:34.

Charlotte Yarker managed to shake off a recently cold to smasher her PB in 1:43:16.  New member Glen Cousner completed his first half marathon (sporting a Cobblers shirt) in 2:14:04.  Pauline Horne recorded a great time of 2:18:06 and Jagjevan Rattu came home in  2:22:09.

145 Andy Blaize 1:23:47
157 Rosanna Andrews 1:25:02 PB
243 Mark Nightingale 1:28:11
480 Penny Andrews 1:35:34
843 Charlotte Yarker 1:43:16 PB
2669 Glen Cousner 2:14:04
2800 Pauline Horne 2:18:06
2941 Jagjevan Rattu 2:22:09

Seven Park Runners completed the weekly event at the Racecourse on Saturday 13th October.  Well done to Micky Bhogal for making his Parkrun debut.

12 Peter MOOR 20:12
33 Tom SULLIVAN 22:54
36 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 23:12
42 Paul BRADDOCK 23:52
56 Tony KENNEDY 25:03
61 Mick CLARKE 25:46
97 Mick BHOGAL 29:01

Jocelyn's Marathon

London was just a practice for Jocelyn Granger as she compelted the beautiful but tough Kielder Marathon on Sunday 7th October.  The undulating course barely features a flat bit of track but the accolade of "Britain's most beautiful marathon" is correct.

Jocelyn proudly finished in 4.31.15 and was 9th in her age catagory.

Parkrun 6th October

Prior to the second running of the Northampton Magic Mile, the Parkrun took place as normal.  Six NRR members completed the course before Mark and Stuart punished themselves with the mile at 10am.

11 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:28
21 Mark KENNEDY 21:21
34 Steve PRIOR 23:13
42 Jo LEE 23:23
51 Paul BRADDOCK 24:14
61 Mick CLARKE 25:12

The Magic Mile

After this week's Parkrun was the second running of the Racecourse Magic Mile. 

8th Stewart Drummer 5:52.64
13th Mark Kennedy 6:35.62 

Parkrun

A little late but here are the Parkrun results from last week;

13 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:41
15 Peter MOOR 20:08
22 Martin ANDREWS 21:08
26 Mark KENNEDY 21:26
39 Tom SULLIVAN 22:37
50 Steve PRIOR 23:24
70 Paul BRADDOCK 25:04
72 Mick CLARKE 25:15
82 Mary SULLIVAN 25:33

Parkrun - A Record Number Of Runners

A record number of 172 participants completed the ever growing Parkrun on 22nd September, a popular event attended and run by NRR. 

Matt BRAND finished 19th overall in a fantastic 19:44 and Peter MOOR was just outside his twenty minute barrier target by one second, 20:01 is still a great time though.

Mark KENNEDY is still taking it easy (ahem) with 21:20, that is too quick when resting.  Martin ANDREWS chalked up a great 21:52 and Jim ANDERSON scored a PB 24:06, I bet he'll be telling you all.  Mick CLARKE crossed the line in 25:44 and Mary SULLIVAN was close behind in 26:19.  Simone SMITH completed a great line up in 33:31.


9 Matt BRAND 19:44
21 Peter MOOR 20:01
32 Mark KENNEDY 21:20
39 Martin ANDREWS 21:52
75 Jim ANDERSON 24:06
94 Mick CLARKE 25:44
104 Mary SULLIVAN 26:19
156 Simone SMITH 33:31

Great North Run

Further away at the Great North Run amongst the 40,000 runners were six of our own Northampton Road Runners stars
Matt Brand managed to fight his way through the crowds to arrive at South Shields in 1:36:47.  Jim Anderson scared off Mo Farah to storm home in 1:54:42.  Des McGrath was only a minute behind in 1:55:42.  Wayne Evans 2:20:36 and Kirsty Turner 2:23:52 made their Great North Debuts, this was also Kirty's first ever half marathon.

GNR regulars sporting Tigger costumes enjoyed the day, Patrick Spike Breydin finished in 2:51:55 and Alan Hackett in 3:22:15 whilst raising money for charity again.

Great North Run 16th Sept.
Matt Brand 1:36:47
Jim Anderson 1:54:42
Des McGrath 1:55:42
Wayne Evans 2:20:36
Kirsty Turner 2:23:52
Patrick Spike Breydin 2:51:55
Alan Hackett 3:22:15
 

Cransley Champions

We Are The Champions My Friend!  Northampton Road Runners have enjoyed some great success recently and what a day for the club at the Cransley Hospice Road Races at Cranford, Kettering.

Northampton Road Runners were crowned as 1st team in the half marathon (team of six) with Danson Njoka, Andy Blaize, Rosanna Andrews , Tony Letts, Mark Garrett and Penny Andrews securing the trophy.

This was then perhaps topped by us also winning the Northants County Championships ½ Marathon Mens Team Prize due to the efforts of Danson Njoka, Tony Letts and Mark Garrett.

Our usual good turnout at this local event saw some produce fine runs and others blow off cobwebs on a tough undulating course.
Danson Njoka completed his first ever half marathon in 1:20:21 finishing in 4th place overall.  Andy Blaize was 10th in a time of 1:24:56 and Rosanna Andrews was one place behind in 1:25:24 securing 1st lady in the County Champs.
Tony Letts made 12th place in 1:25:29 and Mark Garrett enjoyed a 1:33:59 finish and Penny Andrews was 3rd lady overall in 1:36:19.

Martin Andrews was next to cross the line in 1:41:48 and John Fleming finished in1:42:11.  Tom Sullivan is a regular at the Cransley Half and finished in 1:45:22 with Mick Clarke another regular in 1:58:26.

Helen Blackburn knocked four minutes off last year's time with 2:20:33 and Keren Irving grabbed a PB of 2:27:02 PB

The 10k featured a team of five with Mark Nightingale on his debut here producing a fine 10th placing.

10k
Mark Nightingale 40:14
Tony Kennedy 48:59
Mary Sullivan 53:41
Pauline Horne 60:40
Sally Garrett 74:57

Half Marathon
4th Danson Njoka 1:20:21 1st half marathon10 Andy Blaize 1:24:56
11 Rosanna Andrews 1:25:24 1st lady, County Champs
12 Tony Letts 1:25:29

39 Penny Andrews 1:36:19 3rd lady59 Martin Andrews 1:41:48
62 John Fleming 1:42:11
75 Tom Sullivan 1:45:22
129 Mick Clarke 1:58:26
174 Helen Blackburn 2:20:33
177 Keren Irving 2:27:02  PB

Parkrun 15th September

Parkrun hosted its 20th event in perfect condition on Saturday 15th September with 147 participants arriving at Northampton Racecourse. 

It's good to have Radoslav NIC back at the club and he is returning to his previous form finishing 6th overall in 18:12.  Richard FRANKS is also edging his way back to fitness crossing the line in 21:42.  Mark KENNEDY crossed the line in 22:08 and Tony KENNEDY was next in 24:02.  Jo LEE, one of the run's organisers, enjoyed an outing on the course in 24:17.
Results
 6 Radoslav NIC 18:12
29 Richard FRANKS 21:42
33 Mark Alan KENNEDY 22:08
49 Tony KENNEDY 24:02
52 Jo LEE 24:17

Pete's Parkrun Success

If at first you don't succeed then try and try again!  Peter MOOR's hard work and determination finally paid off at the Parkrun on 8th September when he achieved his goal of breaking the 20 minute barrier finishing in6th place with a PB of 19:46.

Richard FRANKS was next for the club in 22:01 ahead of Martin ANDREWS in 22:46 and  Mark KENNEDY who returned from injury in 22:53.  Paul BRADDOCK crossed the line in 24:19 and Jim ANDERSON was pleased with a 25:01 finish.  Mick CLARKE enjoyed a steady race with a 25:54 finish and young Morgan BRAND sprint finished to beat her dad Matt, a rousing cheer greeted her at the line.

 6 Peter MOOR 19:46
26 Richard FRANKS 22:01
31 Martin ANDREWS 22:46
33 Mark Alan KENNEDY 22:53
49 Paul BRADDOCK 24:19
58 James ANDERSON 25:01
68 Mick CLARKE 25:54
147 Morgan BRAND 42:10
148 Matt BRAND 42:11

Parkrun

Parkrun results from last Saturday...
5 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:39
37 Paul BRADDOCK 24:47
47 Mark GARRETT 25:29
50 Suzanne BALDWIN 25:37
52 Darren BALDWIN 25:44
55 Mick CLARKE 25:58
63 Emily RINGROSE 26:46
69 Paula PINNEY 27:44

Race Photo Link

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2012moulton10k/pool

Race Comments

Here are some lovely comments on Runners World website.

The thing that sticks out most was the quantity of marshals at the event, all of them very encouraging and friendly, fair do's to them for giving up their time. Nice Event.

Undulating, scenic, very friendly, two drinks stations, a lovely vest and a piece of cake for all finishers - very good value!

Lovely run. Great support from the Marshalls. Challenging course with more hills in the second half. Nice finish on the field. Lovely flapjack, but not so sure about the vest. Does anyone wear cotton vests any more?

I have to really commend the marshals at this race as they were all really encouraging, on the ball and friendly.  Race was excellent value for money, nice to get a finishers vest instead of tshirt or medal and banana bread was awesome :)

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/ratingsall.asp?en=69646&year=2012&ugn=5632&sp=&v=2

Email Also

I just wanted to say a BIG thank-you for giving us all such a lovely 10K! This was my first Moulton run and I found the whole experience a very pleasant one: A lovely, scenic and undulating course, very friendly marshals, two drinks stations and a lovely vest - what more could one ask for? Well done!

Very sadly, I hadn't quite recovered from last Sunday's Riverside Runners 25th Anniversary 10K, which meant that I hadn't been able to run my 'usual' 10K time, so I had to settle for 2nd LV55. Maybe, next time!!

Parkrun

The day before the Moulton 10K seven NRR runners turned out for the latest Parkrun.  Here are the results.

 5 Andy BLAIZE 18:47
15 Peter MOOR 20:43
30 Tom SULLIVAN 23:00
49 Tony KENNEDY 25:12
66 Mick CLARKE 27:12
73 Mary KINGSNORTH 28:12
82 Pauline HORNE 29:54

Parkrun

Danson NJOKA finished second at the latest Parkrun in a fantastic time of 16:33.  Matt BRAND is returning to his great form with a finish of 19:53, seventh place overall and Peter MOOR was 12th in 20:24.

Charlotte YARKER crossed the line in 22:35 and Jo LEE managed a break from her organisational duties to run the route in 24:20.  Tony KENNEDY was pleased with a 25:26 finish and Mick CLARKE and Richard ROSE finished in 26:47 and 28:47.

2 Danson NJOKA 16:33
7 Matt BRAND 19:53
12 Peter MOOR 20:24
32 Charlotte YARKER 22:35
46 Jo LEE 24:20
51 Tony KENNEDY 25:26
71 Mick CLARKE 26:47
84 Richard ROSE 28:47

Cranham Beast Trail Running Weekend

Jasmine and Martin Rowe completed the Cranham Beast Trail Running Weekend on Sunday 12th August.  An awesome event in the sleepy Cotswolds village of Cranham, 5 miles south east of Gloucester. Three races 5 miler on the Saturday a 7 and a 14 mile on the Sunday split by a venison feast on the Saturday evening

Arrived Saturday lunch time run the Cranham 5 mile in the afternoon after pitching the tent at the scout centre. We took the short walk up the hill to the registration tent, only to find they didn’t have our registrations, but no problems they accepted our story that we had posted our registration, what nice people. The race started with a small field of runners, can’t remember any flat sections we were flying down the slopes, struggling up the steep hills, over narrow wood bridges the last hill just before the end was lined with children armed with water guns aimed at the runners, good fun. This was followed by the feast more a village fate than a feast, but we found a smashing little pub serving good grub and good beer.

Sunday was the big day didn’t start too well experienced Jasmine first thing in the morning should have a health warning on that experience.

Some competitors opted for the Witcombe 7mile lady beast the 1st 7 miles of the daddy beast

Buckholt 14 mile Daddy beast, Awesome 14 miles of fun, mud, up and down hills fast turns narrow tracks nothing flat, through Forrest and rough fields.

 The heavens opened rain flooded down the trails making adrenalin high runs through the forest sometimes very dark with little light coming through the Forrest canopy foot placing was tricky almost imposable to run in a straight line most of the hills steep to the point where power walking was faster that running. It stopped raining the sun came out the views were stunning a tough test, but not a gruelling run because you had to concentrate and plan the next foot placement watch for the direction markers. I failed on both accounts, got lost three times twice in the same field fell off a stile on my bum slipped and fell down in the forest chasing Jasmine, Both of us got covered in mud and totally wet through. 3 hours we were running but to me it did not seem anywhere near that long other than the tiredness and fatigue.

Jasmine had more to smile about at the end of the race she didn’t just finish she achieved:

2nd lady Buckholt 14
2nd lady overall Cranham Beast

A bottle of wine & a box of chocolates in her hand Jasmine did fantastically well

I got two sore nipples (hence the title) but we won’t talk about that
An awesome event and an awesome week end

Morecambe Cross Bay

Jocelyn Granger took on the challenge of the Cross Bay Half across Morecambe Bay from Cumbria to Lancashire on Sunday 12th August dodging quicksands and wading through rivers. With no protection from fierce headwinds and stinging rain it was tougher than Charnwood Hills and the Grizzly! It didn't help because Jocelyn forgot her socks and no surprise after about 5 miles started feeling the blisters. There was no option but to run barefoot and leave her shoes behind with a marshall. It was very easy running on the sand and through the water after that and although she has to admit to a PW of 2.05 there's definitely something to be said for this barefoot running craze. In summary - a tough race very dependent on weather conditions and rather boring and featureless.

Blisworth Five

Eleven Northampton Road Runners took part in the ever popular Bliworth Friday Five, an undulating, long standing five miler around Northamptonshire's countryside.

Danson Njoka crossed the line in 6th place overall in a time 27.40.  Tony Letts was seconds ahead of Radoslav Nic in  31.18, with Nic finishing in 31.26.  Rosanna Andrews continued her impressive form in 31.49 and Peter Moor made his Blisworth debut in 34.15.  Martin Andrews improved on his Wellingborough time in 35.48 and Penny Andrews was close by in 35.37.  Jon Dilworth and Tony Kennedy enjoyed a close race in 41.34 and 41.55.
Mick Clarke continued his return from injury with a 43.07 finish and Jo Cummings broke the 50 minute barrier in 49.49.

6 Danson Njoka 27.40
36 Tony Letts 31.18
38 Radoslav Nic 31.26
42 Rosanna Andrews 31.49
67 Peter Moor 34.15
84 Martin Andrews 35.48
87 Penny Andrews 35.37
143 Jon Dilworth 41.34
144 Tony Kennedy 41.55
156 Mick Clarke 43.07
199 Jo Cummings 49.49

Wellingborough Five

The fast, flat and friendly Wellingborough Five is normally run is extreme temperatures making the possibility of a PB all that bit harder but this year's event greeted runners with a downpour as the horn sounded the start of the race.  A fast dash along the "Mad Mile" before a sharp left turn towards Sywell then left again after mile two into Mears Ashby village.  Competitors grab a quick refreshment before the the second very slight climb and then it's the loop back to the finish at the Old Grammarians.  The final few hundred yards swap tarmac for grass as those who can look up from the sprint finish can grab a glance of the ongoing cricket match on the green.

Northampton Road Runners are normally well represented and that man, Danson Njoka racked up another impressive time of 27:20.  Rosanna ANDREWS also added to her trophy cabinet again finishing second female overall in 31:50.

Mark Kennedy grabbed a PB with his fastest five miler for three years in 33:29.  Penny ANDREWS was third female vet in 35:50.  Martin ANDREWS was next to finish in 36:43 just ahead of Tom SULLIVAN in 36:59.

Jon Dilworth crossed the line in 40:55 and Mick CLARKE in 43:19 just ahead of Natalie ABRAHAM in 43:39.  Richard Rose also recorded a five mile PB in 46:59 and Pauline HORNE came home in 49:34.


5 Danson Njoka Male 27:20
42 Rosanna ANDREWS 31:50 2nd Female Overall
67 Mark Kennedy 33:29 PB
99 Penny ANDREWS 35:50 99 3 Female Vet
120 Martin ANDREWS 36:43
124 Tom SULLIVAN 36:59
172 Jon Dilworth 40:55
205 Mick CLARKE 43:19
210 Natalie ABRAHAM 43:39
231 Richard Rose 46:59 PB
253 Pauline HORNE 49:34 

Parkrun 28th June

Radoslav NIC finished second in the latest Parkrun in a time of 18:41.  Peter MOOR finished in 8th place in 20:10 and Ronnie AMBROSE was just behind in 20:29 taking 10th.  Tony KENNEDY and Mark GARRETT finished close together in 25:04 and 25:07.

 2 Radoslav NIC 18:41
8 Peter MOOR 20:10
10 Ronnie AMBROSE 20:29
32 Tony KENNEDY 25:04
33 Mark GARRETT 25:07

Parkrun 12

Radoslav NIC continued his good form at the latest Parkrun on Saturday 21st July finishing 6th overall in 19:01.  Peter MOOR continued to get closer to the twenty minute barrier in 20:04.  Ronnie AMBROSE and Mark KENNEDY had a close race finishing in 20:36
and 20:40 respectively.  Richard ROSE was pleased with his best finish of 27:40.

Wendy PARKER led home the ladies in 24:21 with Kirsty TURNER crossing the line in 28:17 and Claire SPOKES who finished strongly in 35:00.

The biggest cheer of the day was for young Morgan BRAND who left her father Matt for dust as she sprinted for the line in 39:55.
 6 Radoslav NIC 19:01
18 Peter MOOR 20:04
21 Ronnie AMBROSE 20:36
23 Mark Alan KENNEDY 20:40
45 Wendy PARKER 24:21
71 Richard ROSE 27:40
75 Kirsty TURNER 28:17
103 Claire SPOKES 35:00
108 Morgan BRAND 39:55
109 Matt BRAND 39:55

The Real Relay Makes BBC News

NRR Make National News - see picture 4.

** In pictures: The Real Relay **
Images from around the UK of a group of amateur runners who are following the route of the Olympic torch.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-18873770 >

The Great Adderbury Swim

The Three Spires Challenge and 10K is a lovely jaunt through the Oxfordshire countryside which is around 60% off road and takes in some picturesque villages en-route.  Heavy rain the night before meant organisers had to adopt a plan B approach and alter the route slightly as an early stretch in the opening mile was described as only being accessible by canoe.

Prior to the off, a long race briefing by the organisers, the event began.  The 10K runners headed straight out of the field whilst the half marathoners did a lap before criss-crossing out the same exit.  A trip through a churchyard was followed by a road route from Adderbury towards Banbury before turning onto a narrow canal towpath.  There was no overtaking for a few miles and the only sounds heard was the splish-splashing of runners through the puddles.

A long climb on the road followed before a jaunt along a farm track and another huge climb at 6 miles where the half and 10K route met in the opposite direction.  Runners from both events waved and shouted encouragement and walkers were passed from their earlier set off time of 8:30am.  

The final road stretch went through the village of Bloxham before heading off road onto soggy fields for the toughest part of the race from nine miles.  Stiles, mud and sodden grass greeted runners before a tough climb at 11 miles and then a muddy narrow corn field pass before the icing on the cake!  at 12.5 miles, the course was flooded knee deep giving tired legs a challenge for the final stretch back into Adderbury village.  The course clocked at 13.7 mile giving great value for money and a medal, t-shirt and doughnut were on offer to the mud spatter smiling competitors at the end.
Northampton Road Runners dominated the lines ups with nine completing the half marathon, seven the 10K and two walkers. 

Andy Blaize finished 9th overall in the half marathon event, flying round the course in 1:33:57.  John Fleming also enjoyed a good run finishing 24th in 1:46:08 and Martin Andrews finished strongly in 1:48:06 taking 30th spot.  Mark Kennedy seconds behind in 1:48:11 and just ahead of Mark Garrett 1:48:21.  Penny Andrews crossed the line in 1:51:10 before the Baldwins, Darren and Suzanne in 1:52:00 and 2:09:07 respectively.  Martin Rowe completed the half field for NRR in 2:14:01.
 
Rosanna Andrews ditched her brolly at the start to break the course record for the ladies finishing in 47:33 and taking the prize yet again.  Cross country fan Tom Sullivan finished in 57:30 with Mary Sullivan in 1:04:13.  Jim Anderson returned from injury to record a pleasing 1:06:22 and Richard Rose crossed the line in 1:09:31.  Sally Garrett and Karen Townsend both finished in 1:40:24.

Elaine Palmer and Jules Kennedy both represented the club at the Adderbury Half Walk and completed the route in 3:56:00.

See http://www.theracephotographer.com/2012/AddHalf/index.htm for some great pictures.

Results for the Adderbury Half Run - approx 13.1 miles

9 Andy Blaize 1:33:57
24 John Fleming 1:46:08
30 Martin Andrews 1:48:06
31 Mark Kennedy 1:48:11
33 Mark Garrett 1:48:21
37 Penny Andrews 1:51:10
40 Darren Baldwin 1:52:00
105 Suzanne Baldwin 2:09:07
112 Martin Rowe 2:14:01

Results for the Adderbury Ten Run - approx 10 kilometres

3 Rosanna Andrews 47:33
14 Tom Sullivan 57:30
35 Mary Kingsnorth 1:04:13
44 Jim Anderson 1:06:22
56 Richard Rose 1:09:31
85 Sally Garrett 1:40:24
85 Karen Townsend 1:40:24

Results for the Adderbury Half Marathon Walk - approx. 13.1 miles

5 Elaine Palmer 3:56:00
5 Jules Kennedy 3:56:00

Half a dozen NRR members braved a wet Racecourse to take part in the latest Parkrun on Saturday 14th July.  Danson NJOKA smashed his PB and bagged another victory with a 17:06 finish.  Radoslav NIC continued his return to pure speed crossing the line in 18:46.  Peter MOOR may go on holiday and miss a Parkrun one day but he is like part of the Racecourse furniture on a Saturday morning, 20:25 was his latest effort.
Tony KENNEDY ran the circuit in 24:58 and Paula PINNEY in 26:53 with Simone SMITH crossing the line in 30:39.
1 Danson NJOKA 17:06
6 Radoslav NIC 18:46
14 Peter MOOR 20:25
59 Tony KENNEDY 24:58
73 Paula PINNEY 26:53
96 Simone SMITH 30:39

The Real Relay

On Friday 6th July, ten Northampton Road Runners took part in a charity event called the Real Relay.  The organisation have planned a mass relay following the Olympic Tourch route around the UK and willing volunteers sign up online to run a leg.

Charlotte Yarker and Mark Kennedy composed a team of club members and devised the route along the A4500 to run the Northampton to Wellingborough leg.  The 10.5 mile stretch took in some challenging hills between Ecton and Wilby before hitting Wellingborough Town Centre to meet up with members of  Wellingborough DAC who embarked on their journey to Geddington.

Support on the route was well recieved from fellow club runners who had just finished work, passers by in their cars and on foot and even some students from Northampton Academy who joined the crew for a few hundred yards.

Black Country Half

Jocelyn Granger is a big fan of offroad races and completed the Black Country Half on Saturday 7th July in 1:57 finishing 3rd in her age category.  The race route follows the canal from Wolverhampton to Brindley Place in the centre of Birmingham. The weather was lovely and sunny although going was very wet and really muddy underfoot requiring a lot of puddle/bog dodging which really sapped the energy. Also there were a lot of short steep bridges plus a very dark, unlit tunnel which totally confused the garmin. Water stations were manned by narrow boat owners along the canal and the marshalls were really friendly so there was a great atmosphere all the way along.