Christmas Fun Part Two - Parkruns

Two Parkruns in two days is enough to challenge those fast legs but the 9am Christmas Day run got everyone in the mood for their turkey (or vegetarian option).  Plenty of Christmas hats, dogs and festive fun were in attendance at the Racecourse as part of the 300+ runners and fantastic volunteers gt the festivities off to a start.

27th December 2014
Northampton parkrun
9 Ilir BRECA 18:31
31 Mark KENNEDY 20:47
52 Sarah JONES 21:55
55 Pete MOOR 22:04
68 Beckie HOLLOWELL 22:54
94 Jon DILWORTH 24:17
96 Eamon KENNEDY 24:25
187 Richard ROSE 29:57

Wolverhampton parkrun
7 Tony LETTS 18:16

Corby parkrun
55 John EALES 38:44


Christmas Parkrun
5 Ilir BRECA 18:24 
12 Richard WILD 19:35
21 Mark KENNEDY 
35 Martin ANDREWS 21:37
38 Pete MOOR 21:40 
39 Sarah JONES 21:41 
51 Wendy PARKER 22:34 
52 Ronnie AMBROSE 22:34
67 Mark GARRETT 23:08
78 Roger TAYLOR 23:25
98 Eamon KENNEDY 24:08 
112 Mark LEWIS 24:35
117 Jon DILWORTH 24:48
125 Mike PALMER 25:07 
138 Elaine PALMER 25:42
200 Andy COTTRELL 28:39
212 Richard ROSE 29:54
252 Lynsey LOU 32:06 
274 Sally GARRETT 34:29
287 Rachel PALMER 36:22

Saints & Sinners Mystery Run

The Friday mystery run proved a great success with gangs of headless chickens running in circles around Kingsthorpe and in all directions of the compass shining lights in people’s eyes.

The format was to visit as many Churches or pubs within one hour gaining 4 pts for a church and 2 for a pub.

Only one team made a plan, (Eamon, John and Suzanne) or were they confident enough to give the others a head start.

Local knowledge and looking where you have been going when out were definite advantages and being able to write whilst running is a skill not many seem to have.

With 58 points winners on the night were the team of Wendy, Beckie and Steve. Good local knowledge and Beckie’s race face were an unstoppable combination.

At 52 points there was then a tie between two teams who followed very different routes.

Team Eamon + Suzanne and John tied with Team Martin + Ronnie, Darren and Dave.

The other teams involved all got beat by the clock and had to suffer disqualification under the severe rules. There is no appeals process either.

48 pts in 2 hrs Mary, Avtar, Rachel, Karen, Colin, Jags.

44 pts in 1 hr and 1 min Jasmine, Martin and Micky (try coming more often you might know your way round) Bhogal.

38 pts Jocelyn, Mark 1, Mark2, Roger (more church required)

I managed 62 pts after spending time at work planning a route with military precision. Therefore well done to all and I don’t think we have lost anyone.

P.s we (Mark, Suzanne, Darren, Dave) then won the jackpot on the quiz so free beer for the evening also.

Merry Christmas, Mark G

Christmas Fun Part One - Letchworth

Another great turnout for the club with 25 party goers making their way to Letchworth for the Christmas Cross Country.  It was Santa hats at the plenty as the large field braved the early morning wind. 

A new course at Letchworth started with a novel meeting point in a converted barn for the changing rooms, sporting a tractor as the centre piece.

The route was a little longer than others just topping 5.5 miles which was mostly flat across scenic countryside.

There was two great team performances, the ladies finished 8th overall with Beckie, Wendy and Elaine scoring.

The men finished 7th and included a storming 3rd place by David and 13th overall for Tony.  Dave Blackburn sported hat of the day and Mark Lewis made his XC debut.

The NRR team continues to go from strength to strength with consistent numbers and fantastic encouragement from all.  This time we almost outstayed the organisers...it must have been the lure of mince pies.



Ladies
161 Beckie Hollowell   
181 Wendy Parker  
224 Elaine Palmer 
245 Jo Smith 
258 Jo Letts
272 Mary Sullivan 
276 Kirsty Turner 
284 Helen Blackburn 
285 Rachel Palmer 
291 Keran Irving 
292 Carol Whatton 
293 Lynsey Brecani 
297 Sally Garrett 
   
Gents
3 David Green 
13 Tony Letts 
41 Ilir Brecani 
82 Mark Garrett 
95 Mark Kennedy 
115 Dave Whatton 
133 Ronnie Ambrose 
154 Dave Blackburn 
172 John Eales 
186 Tom Sullivan 
198 Martin Andrews 
212 Mark Lewis 

Watlington XC 10k

The fearless five took on the Watlington XC 10k on 14th December. The two steep hill climbs don't get any easier but are more than compensated by two glorious downhill sections.

Tony Letts 41.58 (3rd place)
Ronnie Ambrose 55.57
Wendy Parker 1.01
Jocelyn Granger 1.03
Joanne Letts 1.06

Parkrun

Northampton 20th December
9 Ilir BRECA 18:38
22 Mark KENNEDY 19:56
63 Sarah JONES 22:41
80 Jo LEE 23:56
172 Helen BLACKBURN 29:26

Northampton 13th December
8 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:10
14 Richard WILD 19:55
28 Mark KENNEDY 20:45
38 Sarah JONES 21:41
99 Jo LEE 25:51
111 Mick BHOGAL 27:04
172 Richard ROSE 32:02

Corby
56 John EALES 33:59

John's Chrstmas PB

John Eales gained a new PB at the Sneyd 10 mile Pudding Run on the 14th December with a time of 1.16.54.

Well done John.

Bedford Half Marathon

The Bedford Half is always a popular event for local runners and this year was no exception for NRR.  A challenging course offers a generally downhill finish which can surprise a few with a PB.

Fantastic run from Ilir with a 1:26:58 finish and Mark Kennedy and Roger Taylor made there half comebacks with 1:35:44 and 1:48:20 times.

Huge PBs for Jon Panter and Sarah Jones who both broke 1:40 for the first time and well done to Lyndsey Brecani for knocking around 25 minutes off her last half.

Great runs by everyone and special mentions go out to Richard Wild and Sharky for pacing Sarah Jones and Sue Summers.

Also, great work from Caroline for arranging a good social afterwards too.

Ilir Brecani - 1:26:58
Mark Kennedy - 1:35:44
Jonathan Panter - 1:38:17
Sarah Jones - 1:39:40
Richard Wild - 1:39:40 - pacer
Penny Andrews - 1:41:50
Charlotte Yarker - 1:44:15
Pete Moor - 1:44:57
Roger Taylor - 1:48:20
Eamon Kennedy - 1:49:51
John Eales - 1:49:51 (were they tied together?)
Caroline Powell - 1:57:57
Jon Dilworth - 2:01:53
Bob Bateman - 2:04:20
Andy Cottrell - 2:13:26 - pacer
Sue Summers - 2:13:28
Lynsey Brecani - 2:34:06

Parkrun 6th December

A quiet Parkrun this week with many recovering from Christmas parties and resting for Bedford.

10 Ilir BRECA 19:39
40 Mark KENNEDY 21:58 - Pacer
 41 Pete MOOR 21:58
156 Helen BLACKBURN 29:18

Two or Three in One Weekend

Another weekend over and plenty of running. 

Mark Kennedy decided to try two races in a day with the Northampton Park in the morning and the Charity Cup 10K in the afternoon.

If two in a day isnt enough then John Ealeswood did three in two days with the Corby Parkrun on Saturday morning followed by a great run at the Wolverton 5 in the afternoon.

Then after a good night's rest, Sunday morning run at Coombe 8 cross country great course.

Wolverton Five

Eight NRR members did the 50th Wolverton Five on the afternoon of Saturday 29th November.

Some great results, John Eales did Parkrun in the morning and Gavin Harris completed his first road race in NRR colours.

133 Dave Whatton 35:24
162 John Eales 37:03
184 Andy Cottrell 38:04
191 Eamon Kennedy 39:04
197 Jon Dilworth 39:20
205 Caroline Powell 40:44
208 Gavin Harris 40:53
250 Colin Bricher 45:30

Charity Cup Kettering

Two NRR members took on the Charity Cup Challenge at Wicksteed Park on Saturday 29th November.

The men's race was the last of the day meaning the 10K route had been churned up for maximum muddiness.  A small field featured some of the best in the county.

7 Tony Letts 38.33
51 Mark Kennedy 46.44

Parkrun 29th November

5 Ilir BRECA 18:32
10 Richard WILD 19:33 - PB (again)
70 Tom SULLIVAN 23:31
81 Mark KENNEDY 23:54 - pacer
86 Paul GRAY 24:14
138 Mick BHOGAL 27:03
167 Helen BLACKBURN 29:09

Corby parkrun
18 John EALES 24:18

Colworth Hare & The Tortoise Marathon

Sharky decided to have a go at a marathon on Saturday 22nd November.  This weekend's adventure was the Colworth Hare and Tortoise Marathon, a five lap multi terrain event with plenty of mud and puddles. Highly recommended by Sharky .. very small field of 29 but great snacks including flat cola.

Andy managed to come in 13th with a time of 4.20.49 ... Colworth Striders certainly know how to stage a race.

St Neots Half Marathon

Apologies to those who ran, missed this one out. Huge PBs for Sarah Jones and Darren Byfield.

307 Sarah JONES 1:41:51
325 Darren BYFIELD 1:43:03
364 John EALES 1:44:20
415 Eamon KENNEDY 1:46:45
485 Pete MOOR 1:50:03
1053 Caroline POWELL 1:53:50
599 Andy COTTRELL 1:55:30

A Wing And A Prayer

Mud, hills and more mud!  Oh and it rained too!

Wing is a proper cross country and NRR turned out in force again to do the club proud. We never win these events or even come close but one thing for sure, we are always cheering to the bitter end.


29 hardy souls braves the autumn downpours to tackle the hilly course just shot of five miles. Wing offers its famous  stream crossing at the start and end but thankfully no shoes were lost this year.

Well done to all, results are below and see you at the next one - North Herts on 21st December.

13 Chris Lamb
19 Tony Letts
56 Ilir Brecani
68 Stuart Drummond
99 Richard Wild
117 Mark Garrett
127 Mark Kennedy
162 Dave Whatton
164 Jon Panter 
192 Joe McManus
193 Darren Baldwin 
205 Ronnie Ambrose  
215 John Eales  
230 Tom Sullivan
251 Jon Dilworth 
292 Paul Braddock  

185 Sarah Jones 
203 Beckie Hollowell  
223 Wendy Parker 
254 Elaine Palmer
278 Jo Smith
280 Jocelyn Granger
311 Jo Letts
315 Suzanne Baldwin
328 Mary Sullivan
336 Kirsty Turner
344 Keran Irving
353 Lynsey Brecani
354 Sally Garrett

Parkruns

Parkrun 22nd November
 
13 Richard WILD 19:39 - PB
14 Ilir BRECA 19:41
33 Mark KENNEDY 21:45 - Pacer
53 Pete MOOR 22:57
145 Mick BHOGAL 27:47
155 Tony KENNEDY 28:27

Corby parkrun
95 62 John EALES 36:39

15th November
6 Daniel COOK 18:11
8 Ilir BRECA 18:49
29 Mark KENNEDY 20:50
55 Sarah JONES 22:09
115 Gavin HARRIS 25:09
130 Paul GRAY 25:37
224 Sue SUMMERS 29:39
226 Helen BLACKBURN 29:43

Shakespeare Marathon

Question - How do you know when it's the weekend?

Answer - Cos Sharky is doing a marathon!

Andy Sharky Cotters completed the Shakespeare Raceway Marathon on Saturday 15th November.  Another one done...

89 Andy Cottrell 4:11:32

Shillington Shuffle

Four of us, Jocelyn Granger, Wendy Parer, Ronnie Ambrose and Mark Garrett shuffled their way through 12 muddy miles at the Shillington LDWA event.

There were probably great views to be seen if the fog had cleared. A nice low-key leg stretch. 

NRR were the first team to finish and were rewarded with beans on toast.

Wootton XC - Sunday November 9th

Well done to all the 33 members who ran at Wootton XC on Sunday, a fantastic turnout being over one third of the membership.

New faces running for the first time were Rachel, Sue and Gavin who were fine additions to the team.

This was the second running of the Hunsbury venue and provided a flat yet tough, quick course. Multi laps were challenging around the picturesque country park and had the added bonus of plenty of points to pass spectators for a cheer.

Results are now on the XC page on the website.

The next event is at Wing on Sun 23rd Nov. We will be taking Alan’s minibus so if you want to book a seat let Mark G know please.

Ladies Results :
221 Sarah Jones 
227 Beckie Hollowell 
230 Wendy Parker 
291 Elaine Palmer 
307 Jocelyn Granger
308 Suzanne Baldwin
315 Jo Smith
366 Jo Letts
378 Rachel Palmer
389 Kirsty Turner
398 Helen Blackburn
402 Sue Summers
404 Keran Irving
408 Carol Whatton
411 Lynsey Brecani

Mens Results :
58 Ilir Brecani
72 Stuart Drummond
127 Mark Garrett
147 Mark Kennedy
157 Darren Baldwin
161 Dave Blackburn
174 Dave Whatton
186 Ronnie Ambrose
187 Jon Panter
209 Darren Byfield
228 Pete Moor
233 Tom Sullivan
235 Roger Taylor
238 Martin Andrews
262 John Eales
265 Gavin Harris
364 Jon Dilworth

Seagrave Challenge

Seagrave Challenge 16 miles cross country completed by John Eales in 2.32.41. You don't need medals just a bowl of crumble & custard.

November 8: Birmingham League, Leamington

Colin Bricher completed the Birmingham League, Leamington cross country on November 8 in 73.51.

Parkrun - Two NRR Winners

For the first time Northampton Road Runners had first lady and first man in the same Parkrun event.  Well done to Sarah and David.

1 David GREEN 17:15
7 Ilir BRECA 19:01
10 Richard WILD 20:02
23 Mark KENNEDY 21:34
47 Sarah JONES 22:39
72 Eamon KENNEDY 23:40
131 Mick BHOGAL 27:10
164 Helen BLACKBURN 29:34
165 Sue SUMMERS 29:37
175 Keren IRVING 30:33

Histon 10K (Recovery Run)

After the Thames Meander Marathon on Saturday John Eales's next stop was at Histon 10k on Sunday completed in 48.30 for a nice little recovery run.

Draycote Water 10 miles - November 2nd

Two laps of the asphalt track around Draycote Water saw Penny Andrews first run on returning to the club. 

A strong performance ensured 1st place FV50 in a time of 1:14:32. Welcome back.

The race also saw Jon Dilworth run well to achieve 2nd place MV60 in a PB of 1:19:35 breaking through the 80min mark for the first time.

Penny Andrews 1:14:32 1st FV50
Jon Dilworth 1:19:35 PB 2nd MV 60

Thames Meander Marathon

A trio of NRR boys completed the Thames Meander Marathon on Saturday 1st November.
We are beginning to lose count of how many marathons Eamon and Sharky have ran now...well done to Darren on his first one too.
219 ANDY COTTRELL 4:30:19
220 EAMON KENNEDY 4:30:19  
221 JOHN EALES 4:30:19

Parkrun 1st November

5 Ilir BRECA 18:29 - 50th Parkrun
12 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:13
19 Richard WILD 20:08
36 Mark KENNEDY 21:24 - 75th Parkrun
98 Paul GRAY 24:42
105 Elaine PALMER 24:56
160 Mick BHOGAL 28:01
187 Helen BLACKBURN 29:33
188 Sue SUMMERS 29:34

Druridge Bay parkrun
24 Ronnie AMBROSE 22:12
30 Wendy PARKER 23:06

Mud, Sweat and Cheers - Wellinborough Cross Country Sunday October 26th

Another season and the traditional now jump into the Croyland Park mud bath.

A fine turn-out of 22 included newcomers to the fun of X-country, Lynsey, Sarah and Joe.

This zig-zagging course is always a killer but everyone put in their best efforts and have qualified as club heroes.

John Eales raced back from Snowdon  as he needed a cool down run after his marathon and a mud bath is just the job, he is therefore a super-hero.

The smiles at the finish were even bigger than those at the start once the stinking mud was wiped away.

Good cake eating skills were displayed by all. I will check on boot cleaning at the next event.

Next race is at Wootton on Nov 9^th. Details are on our website.

Results, Ladies first

26 Beckie Hollowell

37 Sarah (I’m not wearing my own shoes for this) Jones 

57 Jocelyn Granger

60 Elaine Palmer

64 Jo Smiff

90 Helen Blackburn

96 Carol Whatton

97 Keren Irving

103 Lynsey Breca (has promised to come back for more)

Men

50 Iler Breca

77 Rich Wild   

86 Mark Garrett

97 Dave (elbows) Whatton

108 Dave (shiny shoes) Blackburn

112 Joe McManus (new Dad skills on display)

114 John Panter

133 Tom Sullivan

134 Elmer (where he came from nobody knows)

135 Darren Byfield

145 John (mountain man) Eales

161 Hartley Hancock

163 Martin Andrews

Box End Triathlon 19th October

well done to those completed the Box End Triathlon on 19th October.  The event consisted of Kayak/Off-Road Bike/Off-road Run (is there no end to our talents).

1st Darren Baldwin
4 Mark Garrett
5 Mike Palmer
7 Elaine Palmer 1st lady
9 Suzanne Baldwin

Birmingham Half 19th October

Well done to Becky Eldridge for completing the Birmingham Half in 2:14:33.

Dublin Marathon 27th October

A fantastic effort by Paige in her 1st marathon, well done on being the first U19F too.

Paige Pinckard 4-55-28 1st F U19 definitely deserved a Guinness after that.

Leicester Marathon/Half: 26th October

On a blustery, chilly morning 5 NRRs ventured out to Leicestershire. 

Another storming performance from Tony Letts completing the course in  fractionally over 3hrs...a great PB.

 

Tony Letts 3:00:38 PB - 5th MV40 

 

Leicester Half Marathon:

Four good runs from Dan Cook, Jon Dilworth, Terry Begley and Jo Letts who all breezed round this flat course.

 

Dan Cook 1:22:53 - 14th MS

Jon Dilworth 1:44:37 - 5th MV60

Terry Begley 1:50:57 - 176th MV40

Jo Letts 2:06:24 - 102nd FV40

Snowdonia Marathon

Well done to Eamon Kennedy, Andy Cottrell, John Eales, Matt Brand, Pete Moor and David Green who all took part in the Snowdonia Marathon at the weekend.

Dave Green 2:55:01 18th overall
Matt Brand 3:38:13
Eamon Kennedy 4:34:13
Andy Sharky Cotterill 4:34:13
John Eales 4:34:13
Pete Moor 4:49:54

Northampton Parkrun 25th October

11 Ilir BRECA 19:17
47 Dave BLACKBURN 21:18
72 Sarah JONES 22:40
86 Martin ANDREWS 23:29
217 Helen BLACKBURN 29:27

Parkrun 18th October

Wimbledon Common
136 Tom SULLIVAN 24:30

Northampton parkrun
4 Ilir BRECA 19:19
32 Sarah JONES 22:36
41 Wendy PARKER 23:02
42 Ronnie AMBROSE 23:02
43 Jon DILWORTH 23:05
51 Andy COTTRELL 23:32
58 Eamon KENNEDY 23:46
177 Helen BLACKBURN 30:14
184 Sue SUMMERS 30:36
247 Claire SPOKES 39:09

Corby parkrun
22 John EALES 23:13

NRRL Standings

NRRL Standings
Well done to Sarah Jones and John Eales who achieved final placing in the NRRL Standings.

To quaify, you have to complete five races in the series from the following;

Network 5K, Silverstone 10K, Blisworth 5m, Corby 5, Weedon 10K, W'boro 5, Northampton Half, Cransley and Daventry 10m.

Sarah was 7th female overall and John was 28th male.

A number of our members completed four events too, so close...not many people make the accolade of five of these events so have a look next year and let us see if we can get more NRR in the final standings.

Glos League at Temple Guiting

Colin Bricher took part in the Glos League at Temple Guiting, compleating the 6 mile course in 59.09. securing 258th position.

The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is a beautiful and challenging 15 and a bit K off road challenge with some stunning scenery at the top...yes the top!

98 David Whatton 1:13:34
184 Rebecca Hollowell 1:19:31
229 Darren Byfield 1:22:59
251 Jasmine Banks 1:24:19
269 Martin Rowe 1:25:27
310 Elaine Palmer 1:28:07 
487 Carole Whatton 1:48:58

Perkins Peterborough Half Marathon

The fanous five (very famous indeedy) took part in the Great Eastern Perkins Half Marathon in Peterborough.  Some great performances all round, well done everyone.

105 Daniel Cook 1:21:10 
420 Richard Wild 1:32:49
1023 Sarah Jones 1:43:57
1292 Jon Dilworth 1:48:20
3104 John Eales 2:18:10

Parkruns

11th October
4 Ilir BRECA 18:26
21 Ronnie AMBROSE 20:49
66 Eamon KENNEDY 23:31
67 Mark KENNEDY 23:32
101 Paul GRAY 25:13
141 Tony KENNEDY 27:02
168 Pauline HORNE 29:04
201 Elizabeth PARKER 30:56
202 Wendy PARKER 30:56

4th October
2 Tony LETTS 17:39
12 Ilir BRECA 18:55
56 Sarah JONES 22:29
61 Wendy PARKER 22:47
81 Eamon KENNEDY 24:01
123 Paul GRAY 25:46
154 Tony KENNEDY 26:50
180 Mick BHOGAL 28:33
195 Jo LETTS 29:26
197 Helen BLACKBURN 29:42
214 Keren IRVING 30:55
220 Ronnie AMBROSE 31:38
219 Elizabeth PARKER 31:38

27th September
2 Tony LETTS 17:24
10 Ilir BRECA 18:24
38 Joe MCMANUS 21:44
45 Ronnie AMBROSE 22:03
63 Mark KENNEDY 23:03
125 Tony KENNEDY 27:19
130 Jo LETTS 27:27
161 Pauline HORNE 29:11
184 Mick BHOGAL 30:48
209 Wendy PARKER 33:02
208 Elizabeth PARKER 33:02
225 Claire SPOKES 40:30

Darley parkrun
78 Jocelyn GRANGER 24:43

Corby parkrun
12 John EALES 22:34

Jon On The Road...

Here's a little summary or Jon's recent events, well done to him on his achievements...

 

Rugby 10m Sunday 5th October

Jon Dilworth ran a PB to get round the hilly Rugby 10 miles in 00:80:31 on a fine sunny morning.

 

Jon Dilworth 00:80:31

 

Badger -Atherstone 10k

Jon Dilworth ran the inaugural Badger - Atherstone 10k on Sunday 31/08/2014. A challenging course through the town and a private park, well organised and recommended for anyone who fancies a tough scenic 10k traffic free test. 

 

Jon Dilworth 00:51:09 4th V60 (101st overall).

Clarendon Marathon

A marathon for those who like scenery and a bit of a challenge.

The Clarenden Marathon makes its way from Salisbury to Winchester and was a great choice by Jocelyn for an away day autumn marathon.

David Green was 2nd overall in 2:56:40, Stu Drummond finished in 3:35:56 and Matt Brand was next in 3:39:54.  Mark Garrett did 3:48:11 and Jocelyn finished in 4:56:47.

Sally Garrett also took on the half in 2:45:10.

Well done everyone.

Marathon Men

Well done to John Eales for complting the Mablethorpe Marathon in 4:38:21.

Eamon Kennedy took part in the Loch Ness Marathon and Andy Sharky Cotters for completing the Nottingham Marathon.

Cransley Half

Well done to Tom Sullivan and Jon Dilworth for completing the Cransley Half Marathon, Jon's second half in as many weeks.

43 Tom SULLIVAN 1:47:32
55 Jon DILWORTH 1:51:43

Northampton Parkrun

20th September
8 Ilir BRECA 18:51
62 Wendy PARKER 23:19
74 Mark KENNEDY 23:58
81 Eamon KENNEDY 24:23 - pacer
91 Elaine PALMER 24:55
105 Paul GRAY 25:23
145 Tony KENNEDY 27:26
181 Pauline HORNE 29:50
232 Elizabeth PARKER 35:27
233 Ronnie AMBROSE 35:41 - pacer

13th September
27 Ilir BRECA 21:02
28 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:04
41 Sarah JONES 22:15
71 Tom SULLIVAN 23:52
143 Jo LETTS 27:41
218 Elizabeth PARKER 35:05
219 Wendy PARKER 35:06
232 Suzanne BALDWIN 41:05
236 Claire SPOKES 41:44

Northampton Half Marathon

The second running of the wonderful Northampton Half Marathon offered a course with plenty of interesting twists and turns.

Starting in the Town Centre, runners did two laps along St Giles Street, down Spring Lane and along Derngate past the Guildhall before heading towards Beckets Park towards Brackmills via Midsummer Meadow.  

The first big climb came at Hardingstone then a lap of the village along Newport Pagnell Road past plenty of well wishers on the course.  

Mile seven started another long climb up to Great Houghton before slipping off road through the lovely Brackmills Country Park.  Thankfully the loop of the industrial estate had been removed but the sting in the tale was an extra half mile off road in front of Delapre Abbey to sap the legs before a well suported finish.

A beautiful point to point course in our home town and well worth a shot at again next year.

On the course, David Green finished second overall and was first in the County Champs in a time of 1:13:05.

Tony Letts also picked a medal winning his age category and grabbing a PB too in 1:20:18.

Mark Kennedy enjoyed a good run in 1:36:41 and Sarah Jones also scored a PB in 1:42:30 with Richard Wild accompanying her around the route.  Rob Donovan finished in 1:44:58 John Eales was next in 1:45:01 followed by Jon Dilworth with a huge PB of 1:46:30.  

Richard Franks was delighted to break two hours in 1:59:20 and a huge well done to Paige Pinckard finishing in 3:25:30.

Massive thanks to all the supporters around the course and at the finish line too.

2 David Green 1:13:05
8 Tony Letts 1:20:18
102 Mark Kennedy 1:36:41
147 Sarah Jones 1:42:30
148 Richard Wild 1:42:30
178 Rob Donovan 1:44:58
182 John Eales 1:45:01
199 Jon Dilworth 1:46:30
326 Richard Franks 1:59:20
389 Paige Pinckard 3:25:30

Dunstable Challenge

Mark Garrett, Martin Rowe and Jasmine Banks completed the Dunstable Downs Challenge Marathon on Sunday 14th September, which is now 27 miles long.

 

Mark actually entered in the 20 mile but missed the cut-off and did the full marathon plus two extra miles when the group he was with all went the wrong way, so 29 miles for in all.

Great North Run

Were any of these the one millionth finisher? Of course not, they were all too quick.

Well done to everyone who coped in the huge crowds and hot conditions, celeb spotting and high fiving all round.

407 Matthew Brand 1:26:28
6705 Tom Sullivan 1:50:41
8170 James Anderson 1:53:38
8323 Eamon Kennedy 1:53:57
9820 Des McGrath 1:56:42
25956 Kirsty Turner 2:24:58
27623 Keren Irving 2:28:16
41357 Alan Hackett 3:57:07

This Sunday is the bigger and better Great Northampton Run...

Parkruns

6th September
Northampton Parkrun
41 Sarah JONES 22:03
42 Joe MCMANUS 22:04
112 Mick BHOGAL 26:22
134 Tony KENNEDY 27:15
151 Helen BLACKBURN 28:29

Cannon Hill parkrun, Birmingham
43 Mark KENNEDY 20:49

Poole parkrun
416 Jonathan TICE 30:10

30th August
7 Ilir BRECA 19:03
27 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:33
37 Sarah JONES 22:04
50 Wendy PARKER 23:08
53 Tom SULLIVAN 23:14
64 James ANDERSON 23:38
65 Mark KENNEDY 23:39 Pacer
87 Elaine PALMER 24:33
119 Paul GRAY 26:00
138 Mick BHOGAL 26:39
160 Tony KENNEDY 27:53
174 Helen BLACKBURN 28:48
244 Mary SULLIVAN 34:51 Pacer

Thames Meander Marathon - Saturday 23rd August 2014

Three partners in crime took on the Thames Meander Marathon on Saturday 23rd August 2014 in Kingston.  As the name suggests, the route "meanders" along the River "Thames" over a "marathon distance.

EAMON KENNEDY squeezed in a top 200 finish with a time of 4:23:26, ANDY COTTRELL was close behind in 4:27:49 and JOHN EALES completed the route in 5:21:56.

199 EAMON KENNEDY 4:23:26 
211 ANDY COTTRELL 4:27:49
304 JOHN EALES 5:21:56

Parkruns

Parkrun 16th August
Northampton
15 Mark KENNEDY 19:54
27 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:05
52 Roger TAYLOR 22:45
54 Wendy PARKER 22:51 - PB
107 Elaine PALMER 25:12
142 Mick BHOGAL 27:38
161 Helen BLACKBURN 28:43
197 Jonathan TICE 32:29

Parkruns - 23rd August
Northampton parkrun
19 Ilir BRECA 19:21
76 Jim ANDERSON 23:50
97 Elaine PALMER 24:30
170 Mick BHOGAL 28:44
181 Helen BLACKBURN 29:12
194 Rob BATEMAN 30:13

Darley parkrun
80 Jocelyn GRANGER 25:21

Brockenhurst parkrun
15 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:52
25 Wendy PARKER 24:00 - 1st in age category

Kimbolton Half Marathon

Eamon Kennedy completed the Kimbolton Half on 17th August.  A beautiful, undulating course just outside of Northants, Eamon crossed the line 1:49:08.

Parkrun

9th August 2014
8 Andy BLAIZE 18:51
30 Ronnie AMBROSE 20:53
48 Sarah JONES 22:12
56 Wendy PARKER 23:08
57 Mark KENNEDY 23:09 - Pacer
71 Jim ANDERSON 24:01
84 Jocelyn GRANGER 24:35 - PB
87 Elaine PALMER 24:41
165 Helen BLACKBURN 29:08

2nd August 2014
6 Ilir BRECA 18:54
17 Mark KENNEDY 20:24
22 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:03
53 Wendy PARKER 23:04
65 Jim ANDERSON 23:36
82 Jocelyn GRANGER 24:37
83 Elaine PALMER 24:39
117 Tony KENNEDY 26:37
156 Helen BLACKBURN 29:14
200 Lynsey LOU 32:21

Blisworth

An NRR trio completed the Blisworth 5K on 1st August.

51 John Eales 22.45
88 Jon Dilworth 25.16
107 Colin Bricher 28.25

Wellingborough Five

The Wellingborough Five is a great event run by our friends at WDAC but their welcome extends beyond race day itself.

Three days prior to the race, the club turns out in force to practce the route and ensure that prepartions are made for the day itself.  Of course, the hosts like to ensure that their is a BBQ and a lot of fun thrown into the pot.

On the Thursday, a small clutch of NRR members went over to the Old Grammarians to run the route.  Mark Kennedy, Ronnie Ambrose, Sarah Jones, Wendy Parker, Eamon Kennedy, Martin Andrews and John Dilworth took part and stayed for a burger at the end.

Wellingborough are a fantastic club who offer the same enthuiasm and welcome similar to NRR and they will also be oving venue later this year.

Back to race day and Tony LETTS continued his fantastic recent form with a 28:22, was 2nd MV40 too.  Dave WHATTON finished in 34:44 and Sarah JONES completed her second running of the course in 36:05 - 6th FV45.

John EALES enjoyed a good run in 38:02 as did Tom SULLIVAN 39:18 and Andy Cottrell 39:14.

Eamon Kennedy is returning to the racing circuit with a 40:50 finish and it was good to see Micky BHOGAL running 44:50.  Carole WHATTON completed the line up in 50:31. 

9 Tony LETTS 28:22 2nd MV40
71 Dave WHATTON 34:44
94 Sarah JONES 36:05 6th FV45
121 John EALES 38:02
142 Tom SULLIVAN 39:18
145 Andy Cottrell 39:14
161 Eamon Kennedy 40:50
200 Micky BHOGAL 44:50
234 Carole WHATTON 50:31

Parkrun 26th July

Northampton Parkrun
7 Ilir BRECA 19:27
8 Mark GARRETT 19:38
11 Mark KENNEDY 20:06
15 Richard WILD 21:06
30 Sarah JONES 22:26
63 Jim ANDERSON 24:09
66 Elaine PALMER 24:33
123 Tony KENNEDY 27:33
156 Helen BLACKBURN 29:37

Lanhydrock Parkrun
21 Ronnie AMBROSE 24:48
51 Wendy PARKER 28:42

Tenby Marathon

Andy Sharky Cotters did the Wales Marathon in Tenby on Sunday 13th July and managed 4.12.48 on a very hilly course. Well done to Andy who is a running machine at the moment.

Charmout Challenge 5 July (Dorset)

Colin Bricher reported on the Charmout Challenge which he completed on 5th July...

"When one enters a fell race, one expects hills and rough terrain. However optional extras include steps, stiles and sheep-poo. For some years, I have struggled getting over stiles but it is something I can live with. For probably a similar length of time I have been unable run up or down steps: it is a bit of a nuisance going up, but not bad: however it is a great handicap going down as I have to walk instead of run.

It is over three years since I have done a fell race or raced over 7½ miles so I was taking on a bit tackling a 8 mile category B race. Uphill start before descending to the river and making the long climb up Stonebarrow Lane. I was coping for 4½ miles and reaching the summit, Golden Cap at 600' the highest point on the south coast. Striding down, my foot struck a sheep poo and I slid, landed on my side and nearly turned my ankle over. My quads had not tightened very much, but the jarring sped the process up and I was not losing too much ground. Itting the last mile downhill. Aagh steps, too many people came past. I finished really tired, unsure how much was the race and how much the fall."

224 Colin Bricher 1:11:07

Kids' Marathon Challenge

What a fabulous afternoon at the kids marathon challenge, 13 kids on each team (boys v girls) running a 300m lap. Each team completed 68 laps in total. Thanks to Paula Pinney who organised it to raise money for Children in Need!

Paula added, "I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody that made today possible, The Obelisk Centre for letting us use your venue, Sarah and your daughter (sorry I am rubbish with names) for your help, support and donations. 

 

The fab face painting girls Rachel and Sam. Dave for supporting the runners on the final leg of each lap. A huge well done to all of the kids who took part you are all superstars. 

 

The final time for the full marathon was 3 hours 30. It was a close run race between the lads and the girls, with the girls being the final victors by about 10 meters on the final lap. After the race all of the kids enjoyed donuts and the final few had a water fight that went down well. 

 

On the day we raised £174 after I paid for the bouncy castle (the only cost) We still have sponsor money to come so I will post what the final figure is in a couple of weeks when I can announce the winner of the bowling tickets for 6 people. 

 

Once again thank you, it was great to see so many kids enjoying themselves. We are planning to hold the event again next year. If you could not make it but would like to make a donation you can at www.virginmoneygiving.com/paulapinney."