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Newsdesk 2003
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 118 29 OCTOBER 2003
Web site: www.ranelagh-harriers.com
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Apologies for the length of this edition, but there was a lot to cover....
PRIORY RELAYS Saturday November 1st at Priory Park, Reigate
We have two or three women's teams entered for their race which starts at
1.30pm. The men are giving it a miss to concentrate on....
SOUTH OF THE THAMES "JUNIOR" CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday November 8th at Coulsdon
We won this championship two years ago thanks to Messrs Haarer, Smith,
McDonald and Gohar. The race's barring clauses prevent that quartet from
taking part again for another year, but despite this Captain Bicks is
hopeful of putting out a team that can challenge for medals.
MOB MATCH v ORION HARRIERS for the HAROLD LEE CUP in Richmond Park Saturday
October 25th
Orion have begun to make something of a speciality of mob matches and after
winning all four last season they began the new campaign with the clear
intention of repeating that feat. A coach disgorged an impressive batallion
of fit-looking white-vested runners, and augmented by the independent
travellers they counted over 60 on the starting line. Our response, on our
own course, in champagne air beneath blue skies, was a measly 39.
Ranelagh, this was nothing short of pathetic. Computer Ken tells me that
we've only once in the past 25 years had a smaller turnout for a home mob
match - and that when there was the excuse that it was two days before
Christmas. Some were legitimately engaged elsewhere of course. But it is
very disappointing indeed that so few of the club's rank-and-file could be
bothered to answer the call for one of the handful of inter-club
cross-country events where we all play a part in the final result. That we
lost heavily goes without saying. But to put up such a feeble effort in our
home Park showed scant respect for opponents who had taken the trouble to
brave the M25 round from Essex.
On a brighter note we did at least provide the individual winner in Marcus
Gohar. This was his first-ever mob match win, which can't be bad at the age
of 43! Mick Lane was our only other top-ten finisher and there were only six
blue vests amongst the top twenty home. I could continue with similar stats
but they wouldn't make happy reading. Come on, we can do better than this.
The race incorporated the various club veterans' championships. The Hastings
Cup of course was retained by Marcus and the McDowell Cup for the leading
over 50 went to Mr President Mike Peace. Bill Harvey kept a handle on the
Maslin Mug for the first over 60. The vets' sealed handicap was won by Steve
Rowland, just ahead of Clive Naish.
Following Marcus's example, Eliete Nascimento made it a family double by
running a course pb to lead the ten women home.
At least the day ended well as we enjoyed the usual high standard of tea and
hosted a handful of Orion to supper at the Rose of York.
WOMEN'S NATIONAL ROAD RELAY Saturday October 25th at Sutton Coldfield
Clare Nicholson reports:
"When Sarah called me on Friday at lunch time to tell me something was
niggling in a hamstring as she'd just walked up the stairs, parliament was
out as to how the substitute I'd lined up [me] would perform the following
day at the National Women's 4 Stage Road Relays in Sutton Park, Sutton
Coldfield. I've learned recently myself how running on a niggle can turn
into a season-long injury, there of course was no way I would have
encouraged Sarah to injure herself BUT I had done quite a hard speed session
that morning and wasn't sure how I'd be able to run myself. Having said
that, I did buy my first-ever pair of road racing shoes about a month ago
and had been itching for an opportunity to try them out in a proper road
race.
This year the weather was a little breezy but sunny and it looked like the
rain would hold off too. Made a pleasant change from the gale-force
nightmare winds of the preceding year. Jo Ronaldson had agreed to take
Sarah's normal seat on the first [race] leg, she said she was hoping she'd
get a good time that way. Alice Beverly was happy with second as a friend
of hers was running that leg. I convinced Liz Kipling she wanted to run
last leg 'cos that way she'd get to overtake all the people I let past me on
the third leg. When you know you're going to be far and away the slowest of
four runners, I find the third leg the most comfortable place to be.
Jo set off at a cracking pace. It became apparent that a substantial number
of teams had put their quickest runners on the first leg, but Jo didn't let
that deter her. As I saw her with only about a kilometre to go I knew she
was having a good run, she wasn't much more than 20 seconds behind Angela
Walker of Belgrave. She flew round in 16:44 ultimately the quickest of all
of us. I saw Alice as she came up the slight incline to the changeover
point somewhat quicker than what I'd expected, she fought all the way to the
line for another sub-17 minute run with 16:53, having overtaken another
team's runner on her leg. As I set off on the third leg the Tipton Harriers
B team runner came storming past me like I was standing still. I
immediately decided I must just be running too slowly, so despite knowing
there was a really nasty long hill through the last 1/2 of the first
kilometre, I put my foot down and went for it. By the time I got to the top
I felt like I was flying. I kept waiting to die horribly, but it just
didn't seem to happen (it's got to be Sarah's Tuesday night hill/speed
sessions). I couldn't believe how many other runners came back to me, the
results say I overtook 7 in total and I even seemed to have energy for a
sprint finish. My split was 17:06, which despite being the slowest of the
four, was faster than my effort last year by 1 minute 22 seconds. Liz took
off strongly and I saw her as she rounded the last bend and up into the
finish. Jo and I were shouting and willing her on to the line, she was
concentrating really hard. Liz ran 16:51 and made up another 5 places. She
didn't seem too impressed, but again, it was 5 seconds faster than her split
last year, which is fantastic considering she'd just come back from a week's
vacation in Cornwall (lots of cream teas no doubt ;-)).
All told we all finished within 22 seconds of each other. Overall, the team
was two places higher and about two minutes quicker than last year. Imagine
where we might be next year and with a fully fit Sarah Seal :)".
STROUD HALF MARATHON Sunday October 26th
Peter Haarer reports on what seems to have been an excellent run for him,
notwithstanding the super-vet in front:
"Another stellar performance from Martin Rees, who broke his own V50 world
best half marathon time (I think that's right - previous record was set at
Bath). Some considerable distance behind I produced my first p.b. for five
years".
1 W Kogo (Kenya) 65:32
4 M Rees (Swansea) 66:42
5 Peter Haarer 70:14
126 Ed Barker 84:43
244 Paul Perry 90:52
BEIRUT MARATHON Sunday October 19th
Hugh Jones's absence from the Surrey League race is accounted for by his
attendance at the inaugural Beirut Marathon in Lebanon. Hugh writes:
"Beirut was good, if a little disorganised. Apart from a Kenyan scorer in
the 'open' race I was first vet in 2:40:51. I took it easy to 30km and then
pushed from about 36km, overtaking the leading woman with about 500m to go.
She was completely spent, as I took about 90 seconds out of her to the
finish line, and by then I was easing down".
EXMOOR STAGGER Sunday October 26th
Sophie Timms reports on an event not for the faint-hearted:
"Woke up to sunshine but cool breeze (but thankful that it wasn't a howling
gale like last year's reports/video coverage played helpfully at race HQ!).
Started at 11am and we immediately started climbing. People were walking at
1 mile as it was so steep. Finally reached the brow of the first hill and
was greeted with stunning scenery before the downhill. Still what goes down
must also come up again. This time it was Dunkery Beacon which was a steady
2.5 mile climb up to the peak at 2500 ft. Actually fared OK on that bit but
was in agony on the way down due to injured ankle, hip flexors and scratches
from the bracken and gorse. Also narrowly avoided being trampled by an
Exmoor stag! Miles 9-11 were hell on Earth and was being passed all the
time. Fortunately, I was better on the uphills so managed to regain all the
lost places on the final climb (at mile 12). Then found a final last push to
beat 4 people (who had also previously overtaken me) in the last 400m.
Finishing time was 3.12.39 for 14.5 miles which at an average 13+ min miles
gives you some idea of what I was up against (and only 2 people in the whole
race went under 2 hours). The highlight was when the Ranelagh vest was
spotted and the spectator shouted 'Isn't that Surrey? What on Earth brings
you here?', to which I replied 'Sheer lunacy!'
Chris Spink's version of events:
"Started off questioning whether they'd remembered to put out mile markers
as averaged 10 min miles for first 2 miles. Then realised they hadn't
forgotten - it was just incredibly steep, not to mention the loose rocks
under foot. However, managed to avoid being forced into a walk until mile
12. Happy with my time of 2.24.12 and 18th senior man, particularly when up
against the mountain goats that are the stalwarts of South West running
clubs! Hardest race of that distance I have ever done".
MARINE CORPS MARATHON Washington DC Sunday October 26th
The indefatigable Andy Hayward reports:
"It was overcast and muggy with 90% humidity, but fairly cool (60sF) for the
18,000+ runners in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. The course
was impressive in places, passing all the major monuments in DC, and
semi-industrial in others. Very twisty and turny, but only a few fairly
small hills. A nice section in Rock Creek Park set us up for the impressive
run past all the memorials, turning behind the Capitol Building at 16 miles
for the long slog back to the finish at the Iwo Jima Monument in Arlington
National Cemetery.
I had been dubious about running it as it was only three weeks since the
London to Brighton, and I felt my legs may not have recovered. However, it
is very difficult to get a place for this one - it usually sells out on-line
the same day it opens. I only got one because of the cancelled race earlier
in the year (see previous e-news) which resulted in the running of the
Unofficial DC Marathon, and they secured 1,000 places for runners of that
one. So it seemed a shame to waste it. Anyhow it all went well on the day. I
took it easy for the first ten miles, but then felt strong enough to up the
pace. I did feel it in the last three or four miles, but hung on for my
fastest time of the year so far, 3:05:45 (chip time) - good enough for 126th
overall, and 16th in the 45-49 age group".
DUBLIN MARATHON Monday October 27th
Jenni Kruse finished 1203rd in 3.37.35.
SURREY LEAGUE DIVISION 1 in Richmond Park (Kingston Gate) Saturday October
18th
The senior men's result was shown in its entirety last week, but we did not
have full details of the junior and women's races. It seems we had 27 finishers
in the senior women's event (apologies for missing Cindy last week) and our
team position was 3rd rather than 4th as first reported. Good!
Our 'F' team is bringing up the rear, but it's the leading 'F' team!
TRIATHLON TRAINING DAY
Sophie Timms sends a reminder about the training day being organised by the
triathlon club to which she, Chris Spink and other Ranelagh members also
belong:
"We are having a training day at the Ful-on Tri club with Julian Goater,
former international runner and world Duathlon champion. It's an all day
session on 30th November in Bracknell, looking at running & cycling
techniques. Cost is £30 (non-refundable but transferable) and includes
lunch. If you're interested please e-mail or phone me:
mailto:sophie.timms@uk.zurich.com / 020 7317 3819.
STAR:TRACK
Frances Ratchford writes:
"Three Saturdays, 30 youngsters, 5 coaches and numerous helpers, lots of fun
and a wide variety of athletic events = Star:Track.
It was an idea to get more youngsters into Ranelagh and in the early summer
it still looked like a good idea but as the day approached it just seemed
terrifying.
What were we going to do with thirty-five 10-14 year olds for 3 hours each
Saturday? Timetables, discussions, and D-day proved that all our fears were
unfounded. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves from the warm-up games
right through to the final relay. The young athletes were coached in
throwing, jumping and running events including cross-country. Not a second
was wasted, even the breaks were filled with quizzes on every aspect of
sport from Olympic gold medallists to nutrition, we were amazed by the
youngsters' knowledge, particularly about Paula Radcliffe.
The final Saturday was sports day: three teams, Denise Lewis, Linford
Christie and Dwain Chambers, 6 events, some tears but no tantrums, lots of
talent. The Denise Lewis team romped home and all got gold medals: Tom
Beardon, David Morris, Jas Dosanth, Tessa Lively, Darcie Walsh, Natalie
Ellis, Leah Randall, Jasmine Joynson, Sherine Rose. An award was aso made
to the youngster who made the most endeavour over the three weeks and it was
awarded to Mannon Quayle.
The good news is that, with a grant from UK Athletics, all the youngsters
have now been made members of Ranelagh. But we want to keep up the
enthusiasm for competing and encourage them all to try cross-country. Alan
Hedger has suggested a series of 4 races with prizes at the end of the
series, the first race is on 15th November. It will be a lap of the Henty
course, separate races for boys and girls and there will be prizes for the
U13 & U15 age groups".
NEXT...
A full fixture list for the 2003/04 winter season is available on our web
site.
More details of the following from Andy Bickerstaff (07966 552302 /
mailto:andy@norris-hobs.co.uk ) or Paul Graham (mailto:paulgraham28@hotmail.com )
or Clare Nicholson (07710 348030 / mailto:clarenicholson@hotmail.com ).
Saturday November 1st Priory Relays at Reigate
Saturday November 8th South of the Thames "Junior" Championships at
Coulsdon
Saturday November 29th Mob match v Thames Hare and Hounds 7.5 miles
on Wimbledon Common (Kingston Vale). 2.30pm start.
Saturday December 6th Inter-club races in Richmond Park: Dysart Cup
(women) including the Hugh Jones Salver club women's championship and
Trish's Trophy club veteran (over 40) women's championship 3.8 miles
starting at 2pm; and the Ellis Cup (men) 5 miles starting at 2.30pm.
Steve Rowland
e-mail: srowland@calor.co.uk
Tel: 01926 318734
Fax: 0870 4006901