Warwick Half Marathon

On a wet day of 17th March, Wayne Evans completed the Warwick Half Marathon in 2:10.  Well done to Wayne.

Battlefield Run

Six NRR men went to battle at the Nasby Battlefield Run.  Springtime snow covered the course as runners braved two distances.  Completing the half marathon distance was Tony Letts who was first senior male in 1:26:47.  Stuart Drummond had a great run in 1:29:35 and Matt Brand was close behind in 1:30:55.  Eamon Kennedy finished in 1:53:35.

Two warriors took on the 10K challenge, Darren Byfield in 50:27 and Tony Kennedy in 51:57.

Half Marathon
119 Stuart Drummond 1:29:35
108 Matt Brand 1:30:55
145 Tony Letts 1:26:47
144 Eamon Kennedy 1:53:35

10k
Darren Byfield 50:27
81 Tony Kennedy 51:57

The Ashby 20 In The Snow

The Ashby 20 is a traditional pre-marathon training 20 miler which usually happens in spring sunshine.  This year however, the 1,000 strong field endured a snowfall throughout most of the event.

Andy Blaize was the first home for NRR in 2:12:36 and Gary McDaniels enjoyed a good time of 2:17:04.  Mark Nightingale continued his good marathon training progress with a 2:20:39 finish and Mark Garrett scored a PB with 2:24:58.  John Fleming completed his first road 20 miler in 2:30:40 and Penny Andrews returned from injury to finish in 2:43:10.  Lynton Dawson was next to cross the line in 2:44:20 just ahead of Mark Kennedy who grabbed his second PB of March in 2:45:48.  Ben Mullaney made his NRR debut in 3:01:04

57 Andy Blaize 2:12:36
96 Gary McDaniels 2:17:04
132 Mark Nightingale 2:20:39
174 Mark Garrett 2:24:58
230 John Fleming 2:30:40
374 Penny Andrews 2:43:10
399 Lynton Dawson 2:44:20
413 Mark Kennedy 2:45:48 PB
644 Ben Mullaney 3:01:04

Parkrun 45 - 16/03/2013

Well done to Jo who was first lady at Parkrun 45.

 7 Peter MOOR 20:20
40 Jo LEE 24:10

The Grizzly

Every year a few thousand runners arrive at the Devon coast to take on the challenge of the iconic Grizzly, a 20 (ish) mile challenge.  The route starts on the promenade which is the only flat part of the race, the rest is up and down cliffs, along shingle beaches, through forests, streams and muddy bogs.  The recent wet weather added an extra challenge as some of the descents were near on impossible to keep your footing.

Eight Northampton Road Runners made the long trip, some making their debut into the unknown and some coming back for more punishment.  The event was aptly named, "Grime and Punishment."

Matt Brand made his Grizzly debut and was 229th in a time of 2:29.  Martin Andrews recorded a great time in 3:38 and Steve Prior was pleased to break four hours in 3:50.

The remaining five were returning for for more fun and Jocelyn Granger finished in 4:00 just ahead of Mark Kennedy in 4:02 who took a few tumbles on the route.  Wendy Parker managed to free herself from the Bog of Doom to finish 4:20, the same time as Ronnie Ambrose.  Jim Anderson completed the line up of NRR crazies in 4:34.

229 Matt Brand 2:29
324 Martin Andrews 3:38
476 Steve Prior 3:50
620 Jocelyn Granger 4:00
655 Mark Kennedy 4:02
859 Wendy Parker 4:20
860 Ronnie Ambrose 4:20
1013 Jim Anderson 4:34

Milton Keynes Half

Two Northampton Road Runners completed the Milton Keynes Half Marathon on Sunday 10th March.  Mark Nightingale completed the relatively flat course in 1:26:31 and Eamonn Kennedy 1:52:25

Mark Nightingale 1:26:31
Eamonn Kennedy 1:52:25

Parkrun Event - 09/03/2013

9 Gary MCDANIELS 19:51
10 Peter MOOR 20:01
62 Elaine PALMER 25:36
134 Simone SMITH 32:46

Silverstone Half

Six petrol heads went for the flat half option of the Silverstone Half to race the iconic circuit.  Beckie Hollowell completed her frst ever half marathon in an impressive 1:49:50.  There were three PBs to report on the fast track on the day, Micheal Franks 1:51:59, Paula Pinney 2:02:46 and Glen Cousner 2:04:51 were all smiles at the end.  Dave Soloman 2:01:52 and Pauline Horne 2:09:05 also took the chequered flag.

Beckie Hollowell 1:49:50 - First ever half marathon
Micheal Franks 1:51:59 - PB
Dave Soloman 2:01:52
Paula Pinney 2:02:46 - PB
Glen Cousner 2:04:51 - PB
Pauline Horne 2:09:05

Berkhamsted Half

Ten Northampton Road Runners made the short trip down the M1 to the beautiful Berkhamsted Half event now in its 31st year.  The course takes in three challenging climbs but finishes with a fast downhill final mile.  The route cuts through picturesque villages and the Ashridge Estate.

On the course, Mark Kennedy finished strongly to knock a minute of his half marathon PB in 1:33:17.  Terry Begley was close behind in1:35:13 and Mark Garrett, still recovering from the 26 miles of the Belvior Challenge crossed the line in 1:39:14.  Peter Moor recovered from a quick Parkrun the previous day to finish in 1:39:54.

Roger Taylor was delighted with a 1:42:18 finish and Jocelyn Granger knocked over three minutes off her PB in 1:47:44.  Rob Donovan finished in 1:48:49 and Tom Sullivan enjoyed a good run in 1:52:22.  Mary Sullivan was close behind in 1:58:15 and Sally Garrett has become a new fan of the half distance completing her third in just over a month 2:44:27
  132 Mark Kennedy 1:33:17 PB
159 Terry Begley 1:35:13
213 Mark Garrett 1:39:14
236 Peter Moor 1:39:54
275 Roger Taylor 1:42:18
416 Jocelyn Granger 1:47:44 PB
441 Rob Donovan 1:48:49
537 Tom Sullivan 1:52:22
684 Mary Sullivan 1:58:15
993 Sally Garrett 2:44:27 PB

NRR Parkrun Day - 2nd March

Northampton Road Runners decended on the first Parkrun event of March to help run the show.  Around twenty members volunteered to marshal at various points around the course and fifteen more ran.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Parkrun.

3 Danson NJOKA 17:02
7 Tony LETTS 18:05
9 Andy BLAIZE 18:41
16 Sam BROWN 19:22 
19 Pete MOOR 19:49
23 Martin ANDREWS 20:15 - PB
35 Steve PRIOR 21:21
47 Darren SMITH 22:40
57 Eamon KENNEDY 23:33
58 Tony KENNEDY 23:48 - PB
66 Andrew PATE 24:28
70 Jon DILWORTH 24:52
78 Elaine PALMER 25:26
86 Mick CLARKE 26:28
139 Simone SMITH 33:31

Photos can be found here

A Beastly Weekend

Road Runners by name and Off Road Runners by nature.  Matt Brand completed the Baldock Beast Half Marathon on Sunday in 29th place with a time of 1:29:53 grabbing a PB by over 6 mins!!!.  Well done Matt!

The Belvior Challenge

There's the moment when you get out of the car and, as the cold wind whips around your body, you ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?"

You make your way to the village hall and collect your registration slip whilst bantering with your mates about the challenge that lays in wait.  Across the room you notice another club vest and a huge smile from another club mate as you collect your number from a friendly volunteer who wishes you luck.  More banter and conversations follow as you make your way back into the cool breeze and to the start line awaiting the start.

The gun goes (well the starter shouts go...) and the event is away.  Runners, walkers, novices and experienced troops make their way through the village who have come out in support, cheering frantically as the crowd snakes through.  Half a mile later and the tarmac is swapped for an uneven muddy track which then opens out to fields and more mud.  At miles three is the first of many styles to climb, the other side is an electric fence to contend with before a gentle gruelling climb to the top of a hill.  Then more fields, more mud and more styles...  Banter continues between runners and walkers and messages of admiration fly in from casual strollers our for a Saturday morning walk.  Cakes and cuppa stops are on the route and a few hours after starting, the muddied participants finish in the village hall to collect a well earned bowl of soup and cake.  Stories are exchanged, laughter is heard and pats on the back are dished out.

That is why we do it!!!

Martin Andrews is on fire at the moment and, sporting his short sleeved t-shirt, he smashed the two hour barrier in 1:59:42.  Mark Kennedy was next home in 2:18:19 just ahead of Ronnie Ambrose in 2:18:36.  Wendy Parker enjoyed a good run in 2:41:41 and Jim Anderson had plenty of stories to tell after arriving in 2:46:15.  Charlotte Yarker had an eventful run and even with a couple of stops, finished in 2:47:37, her longest run to date.  Old campaigner Mick Clarke opted for the 15 mile version instead of 26 this year(3:00:59) and the star of the day was Sally Garrett.  Sally completed her first half a couple of weeks ago and her never say never attitude got her round her biggest ever run in 3:55:06.  20 miles next Sally??

The other mega-star was Mark Garrett who went for t 4:29:49

25 Martin Andrews 1:59:42
88 Mark Kennedy 2:18:19
90 Ronnie Ambrose 2:18:36
195 Wendy Parker 2:41:41
224 James Anderson 2:46:15
225 Charlotte Yarker 2:47:37
287 Mick Clarke 3:00:59
431 Sally Garrett 3:55:06
519 Mark Garrett 4:29:49

Parkrun Event 42 - 23/02/2013.

4 Tony LETTS 18:29
18 Peter MOOR 20:25
40 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 22:43
45 Darren SMITH 23:13
54 Tony KENNEDY 24:02
56 Eamon KENNEDY 24:07
135 Simone SMITH 32:38

Results for Northampton Parkrun Event 41 - 16/02/2013

17 Peter MOOR 19:48
26 Matt BRAND 21:09
62 Eamon KENNEDY 23:54
64 Tony KENNEDY 24:18
68 Jo LEE 24:34
86 Mick CLARKE 26:13
149 Simone SMITH 33:19

The Real Deal

Well done to Sally Garrett for completing the Real Deal, her first ever half marathon in a wind-swept Kent.

65 Mark Garrett 1:36:38
386 Sally Garrett 2:39:22 1st Half Marathon

Folksworth 15

Eight NRRs headed off in search of the hills at the Folkswoth 15. The two lap course was relatively flat with the exception of three challenging hills which you only wanted to see once and not twice. The runners battled rain, cold temperatures and a challenging head wind to complete the course.

First to cross the line was Martin Andrews in a time of 1.50.55, followed by Steve Prior in 156.09 and Peter Moor to complete a trio of runners to break the 2 hour mark in a time of 156.36. Next to cross the line was Darren Baldwin in 2.10.52 followed by James Anderson in 2.16.53 next was Jo Smith in 2.20.10. Completing the line-up was Mick Clark 2.23.15 and Suzanne Baldwin 2.29.49.

Folksworth 15 was a friendly club organised run that is worth adding to your 2014 race calendar.

87th Martin Andrews – 1.50.55
134th Steve Prior – 156.09
141st Pete Moor – 156.36
236th Darren Baldwin – 2.10.52
286th James Anderson – 2.16.53
298th Jo Smith – 2.20.10
320th Mick Clark – 2.23.15
340th Suzanne Baldwin – 2.29.49

Northampton Parkrun, number 40, 09/02/2013.

Well Done Beckie
The first lady completing the course was Rebecca HOLLOWELL (F) (Northampton Road Runners) in a time of 00:22:18.

The following club members participated:
7 Sam BROWN 19:15
8 Peter MOOR 19:43 - well done Pete, great time and a PB
12 Mark KENNEDY 20:33
14 Matt BRAND 20:45
37 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 22:18 - first lady55 Eamon KENNEDY 24:18
61 Jo LEE 25:00
64 Elaine PALMER 25:18
128 Claire SPOKES 34:34
143 Simone SMITH 40:26

Northampton Mud Skippers Sun 3rd Feb

Another Cross-Country season came to a close at Delapre Park.

This season’s races have been the wettest and muddiest ever and a change of name for the club should be considered - Northampton Off Road Runners!

Over the season 46 club members have participated in the league which is a great turnout. Many have been new faces which has been nice to see.

At Delapre 29 of us mustered in a chill wind on the start knowing we were in for muddy slog.

We were not disappointed as the course ranged from very wet, to muddy, to bogging and staying upright was an effort in itself.

A special mention goes to Chris Lamb who picked up a trophy finishing as 2nd runner overall for the series a fantastic effort.

We had 8 stars who ran every race, Sally Garrett, Beckie Hollowell, Dave Blackburn, John Fleming, Jon Dilworth, Jon Panter, Chris Lamb and Mark Garrett, well done all.

So that is that for another year. The next XC season will start in October but for all those who like the off-road races there are plenty out there where you can get nice and dirty.

There are some great photos on the website gallery and everyone is smiling.

http://www.northamptonroadrunners.co.uk/gallery.html

6 Chris Lamb
21 Tony Letts
68 Stuart Drummond
72 Sam Brown
122 Mark Garrett
128 Peter Moor
144 John Fleming
145 Jim McGowan
177 Darren Baldwin
182 Roger Taylor
195 Jon Panter
206 Tony Powell
207 Beckie Hollowell
234 Charlotte Yarker
238 Dave Blackburn
250 Tom Sullivan
256 Jim Anderson
257 Michael Franks
266 Glen Cousner
279 Jon Dilworth
283 Suzanne Baldwin
285 Paul Braddock
293 Jo Smith
302 Mary Sullivan
305 Elaine Palmer
327 Jags Rattu
339 Helen Blackburn
346 Katherine White
349 Sally Garrett 

Watford Half

Whilst others were sloggin it out in the mud, Rosanne Andrews (1:28:01) and Andy Blaize (1:30:54) opted for the Watford Half and finished in impressive times.

 

Rosanne Andrews 1:28:01

Andy Blaize 1:30:54

Charnwood Hills

The Charwood Hills Fell Race is organised by Bowline Climbing Club which must mean one thing...climbing!  The 14 mile off road course includes four beautiful country parks in Leicestershire offering stunning views from the top.  Following the snow and rain, the course was muddy, so muddy in places it was barely possible to even walk, let alone run.

Seven Northampton Road Runners took on the challenge and Martin ANDREWS decided to ignore his team mates' advice of taking it easy and enjoying the views, he flashed around in an impressive 2:02:46.  Steve PRIOR also enjoyed a good run in 2:11:26.  Mark KENNEDY survived a few stumbles on the way round to finish in 2:19:43 and Jocelyn GRANGER crossed the line in 2:23:57.

268 Wendy PARKER and Ronnie AMBROSE finished together in 2:30:13 and Mick CLARKE completed the line up in 3:00:31.
97 Martin ANDREWS 2:02:46
168 Steve PRIOR 2:11:26
217 Mark KENNEDY 2:19:43
240 Jocelyn GRANGER 2:23:57
268 Wendy PARKER 2:30:13
269 Ronnie AMBROSE 2:30:13
357 Mick CLARKE 3:00:31

Parkrun number 39 - 02/02/2013.

12 Peter MOOR 20:10
40 Matt BRAND 23:04
52 Andrew PATE 24:43
67 Mick CLARKE 26:19
68 Elaine PALMER 26:23

57th Eric Humphries XC in the Snow

On a snowy Wednesday afternoon, seven Northampton Road Runners completed the three lap Delapre course arranged by Northants Police.

Tony Letts was 13th overall in 46.00 flat and Rosanna Andrews was 3rd Senior Lady in 50.18.  Mark Kennedy was next to finish in 53.04 ahead of Penny Andrews in 56.06 and Ronnie Ambrose in 58.49

Jim Anderson finished in 64.09 and Elaine Palmer in 69.19.

Northampton Road Runners were 6th team overall. (13th 30th 35th 41st) - 119pts

13 Tony Letts 46.00
30 Rosanna Andrews 50.18 3rd Senior Lady
35 Mark Kennedy 53.04
41 Penny Andrews 56.06
51 Ronnie Ambrose 58.49
62 Jim Anderson 64.09
68 Elaine Palmer 69.19

Team Results
6th Northampton RR (13th 30th 35th 41st) - 119pts

Irchester 15K In The Snow

With lots of events being called off with a blanket of snow sweeping across the Midlands, Just Racing defied the forecasts and got the Irchester Multi-Terrain Round one on. 

Four Northampton Road Runners chose the 15K option which comprises of three laps around the beautiful country park.  The route is mixed terrain between paths, grass and muddy trails but it was all snow on this occasion.

Mark Kennedy was first home for the club in 1:08:35 John Flemming, who made a late dash for the start, was close behind in 1:09:12.  Martin Andrews enjoyed a good run with a time of 1:09:45 and Penny Andrews was the ladies' rep finishing in 1:14:18.

Well done also to all who braved the conditions for training runs over the weekend too.

35 Mark Kennedy 1:08:35
38 John Flemming 1:09:12
41 Martin Andrews 1:09:45
60 Penny Andrews 1:14:18

Northampton Parkrun number 38, 12/01/2013.

Northampton Parkrun number 38, 12/01/2013.

A record 205 participants completed Parkrun 38, well done the NRR Members who went for it.

15 Stuart DRUMMOND 19:16
25 Peter MOOR 19:58
29 Matt BRAND 20:26
31 Mark Alan KENNEDY 21:02
35 Ronnie AMBROSE 21:30
57 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 22:38
64 Paul BRADDOCK 23:06
96 Wendy PARKER 25:05
110 Elaine PALMER 26:08

Northampton parkrun, event 37, 05/01/2013.

Results for Northampton parkrun, event number 37, 05/01/2013.

Well done Pete!!

11 Peter MOOR 19:59
15 Mark KENNEDY 20:46
32 Martin ANDREWS 22:30
36 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 22:38
53 Tom SULLIVAN 24:09
80 Elaine PALMER 26:33
81 Mary SULLIVAN 26:33
87 Paula PINNEY 27:15
140 Simone SMITH 34:30

Northampton and Manchester Parkrun - 29/12/2012

Results for Northampton parkrun, event number 36, 29/12/2012.
23 Peter MOOR 21:37
33 Martin ANDREWS 23:14
37 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 23:22
73 Elaine PALMER 27:12

Results for South Manchester parkrun, event number 150, 29/12/2012.
13 Mark KENNEDY 21:32

Northampton parkrun, event number 35, 25/12/2012.

106 participants completed the run today on Christmas Day with a club turnout from the club both running, supporting and marhsalling.

The following club members participated:
14 Mark KENNEDY 20:22 - Parkrun PB
21 Martin ANDREWS 21:45
23 Peter MOOR 21:37
33 Martin ANDREWS 23:14
37 Rebecca HOLLOWELL 23:22
63 Mark GARRETT 25:23
73 Elaine PALMER 27:12

 

Northampton parkrun, event number 34, 22/12/2012.

100 participants completed the 34th Parkrun on 22nd December.

15 Peter MOOR 20:18
17 Mark KENNEDY 20:35
43 Jo LEE 24:28
44 Paul BRADDOCK 24:30
98 Paula PINNEY 36:57

Christmas Cross-Country Stopsley 16th Dec.

A good gathering of Northampton Road Runners gave up shopping, baking, decorating and other such chores and headed for Luton sporting a variety of running kit and headwear not usually seen at races.

We were missing a few of our stars which meant everyone had to step up and it was good to see club stalwarts Mary, Elaine and Dave W back near the top of the score sheet .

After good runs it was then time to face the mountain climb back to race HQ for mince pies.

Planning for next years targets then took place at a pub stop on the way home before settling down for Sports Personality.

For the ladies, Penny Andrews was first home in 18th sporting a full on santa outfit. Beckie Hollowell was next and also donned a festive hat followed by Mary Sullivan, also in her hat. The other ladies in the team were Elaine Palmer, Jo Cummings and Sally Garrett.

Chris Lamb led home the men with a 4th place finish overall and Tony Letts was close behind in 25th. Mark Kennedy enjoyed a good run and Mark Garrett after stopping to help a runner who had taken a tumble on the course. John Fleming was three places behind completing a clutch of claret and gold shirts.

Pete Moor, Dave Whatton and Dave Blackburn completed the scorers. Darren Baldwin recovered from a late party and finished just ahead of Tom Sullivan who always targets a top 200 finish.

Jon Panter, Jim Anderson, Jon Dilworth, Paul Braddock and Jags Rattu completed the line up.

Ladies  
18th Penny Andrews
49th Beckie Hollowell
89th Mary Sullivan
94th Elaine Palmer
98th Jo Cummings
134th Sally Garrett
Men
4th Chris Lamb
25th Tony Letts
111th Mark Kennedy
112th Mark Garrett
115th John Fleming
142nd Pete Moor
167th Dave Whatton
189th Dave Blackburn
190th Darren Baldwin
195th Tom Sullivan
198th Jon Panter
223rd Jim Anderson
230th Jon Dilworth
231st Paul Braddock
255th Jags Rattu

Next race is not until 3rd Feb 2013.

This is at Delapre Abbey so let’s see lots of claret and gold.

Parkrun 33

Here are the results from Parkrun 33 on 15th December.  A huge number of the participants headed to the Picturedrome afterwards for the Parkrun Xmas Breakfast.

17 Peter MOOR 20:20
22 Mark KENNEDY 20:50
48 Martin ANDREWS 23:18
65 Mick CLARKE 25:36
87 Darren BALDWIN 28:48
129 Tony KENNEDY 35:56

Bedford Half Marathon

On a day when the conditions were pretty much perfect for running, with the exception of a brisk wind nine people took on the undulating Bedford Half Marathon.

Jim McGowan led the NRR runners home completing his first half marathon in an impressive time of 1:33:26. Jim was chased home by a slightly hung-over Mark Garrett having danced the night away at the club’s Christmas bash in a time of 1:34:50. Martin Andrews who attempted to chase Mark down for 3 miles shaved a few seconds of his PB finishing in a time of 1:35:23. Adrian Tuck who has hit a patch of running form crossed the line in a time of 1:39:43 knocking almost 6 minutes of his half PB since March.

Roger Taylor completed the course in a personal record time of 1:41:33. Mick Clarke tamed the hills of Bedford finishing in a time of 1:56:17. Jim Anderson who has struggled with injury all year and organised a successful Christmas party (sneaking away early) finished in a time of 1:57:11. Jo Lee started the race with an injured knee and finished the race with a significant limp valiantly battled on to complete the course in a time of 2:02:03.  Jackie Dalton made her NRR racing debut with a pleasing 2.03.12 and Inge Flowers completed the line up in a time of 2:04:34.

Jim McGowan 1:33: 26 – First Half
Mark Garrett 1:34:50
Martin Andrews 1:35:23 – PB
Adrian Tuck 1:39:43 – 6 minute PB
Roger Taylor 1:41:33 – PB
Mick Clarke 1:56:17
Jim Anderson 1:57:11
Jo Lee 2:02:03

Jackie Dalton 2.03.12

Inge Flowers 2:04:34

 

 

Thanks to Martin A for a great report.

Parkrun 32

Three in the top ten at the latest Parkrun.  Well done also to Glen for a PB.

6 Gary MCDANIELS 19:41
7 Peter MOOR 20:04
9 Mark KENNEDY 20:35
31 Paul BRADDOCK 23:42
38 Glen COUSNER 24:33
40 Mick CLARKE 25:19
93 Claire SPOKES 33:08

Nene Valley Harriers 10

A short hop across the county border to Peterborough on 2nd December.  Well done to Rosanna, first lady again.

62 Rosanna Andrews 1:05:01
117 Penny Andrews 1:10:48
202 Jon Dilworth 1:22:29

Parkrun 31 - 1st December

4 Sam BROWN 18:35
16 Peter MOOR 20:06
17 Mark GARRETT 20:16
29 Mark KENNEDY 21:21
58 Martin ANDREWS 23:14
77 Paul BRADDOCK 24:18
105 Mary SULLIVAN 27:08

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.