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Newsdesk 2003
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 124 22 DECEMBER 2003
Web site: www.ranelagh-harriers.com
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
HEADLINE NEWS
* South London win mob match. Ranelagh finish 2nd
* Kristina Semple wins her age-group in the World Triathlon Championships
HENTY RELAY Saturday December 27th in Richmond Park
Your chance to run off all that turkey and mince pies! This is a
not-too-serious relay for all club members, friends, aunties, dogs and cats
etc. All welcome, the more teams the better.
This is how it works: you have to arrive at the clubhouse no later than
about 1.30pm to put your name down. When all names are in, the club's wise
wizards divide us all into three groups, known as "fast", "medium" and
"slow", although those definitions are flexible to say the least! Teams of
three are then made up comprising one runner from each category.
The race itself starts at about 2pm or as soon as we get everybody
organised. It comprises 6 laps of Sidmouth Wood (where all our cross-country
races start), each lap about 2km. For each team the "fast" has to run three
laps, the "medium" two laps and the "slow" one lap. They can do them in any
order they like.
STUBBS CUP MOB MATCH v SOUTH LONDON HARRIERS Saturday December 20th at
Coulsdon
The Saturday before Christmas was never going to attract large numbers of
runners. For many, months of rigorous training with the credit card had
honed their shopping skills to a peak for this weekend's Santa Marathon. Add
to that a wet and windy morning and suddenly the prospect of elbowing your
way through the milling crowds to Bentalls became almost attractive.
We did not have milling crowds to contend with on Farthing Down. Very few
hardy souls were about and that includes the runners. We had 25 on the
starting line, pursued five minutes later by John Hughes. SLH had only a
handful more. Most of us were at least spared the rain. Only a conscientious
Peter Haarer, out for an early warm-up, braved the downpour. The rest of us
lingered as long as possible in cars and changing rooms until lured out by
some actual sunshine for the start of the race.
Peter had the last laugh though. He romped away from the gun and was
scarcely seen again. Julian Smith had an equally isolated run in second
place, though he was being hunted down in the closing stages by Paul
Sinton-Hewitt's dog, pursued by Paul himself. Alas the dog had no number.
Marcus Gohar was 5th human home, giving us a flying start in the team
scoring, but then SLH began to pack in. It remained fairly close but we
would have needed another three or four at the sharper end to make a real
fight of it.
Sarah Seal won the women's section and it was good to see a few new names
amongst the Ranelagh contingent - Peter Taylor and Pat Read both, I think,
essaying their first mob match.
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km Friday December 19th in Hyde Park
1 L Merrien (Guernsey) 15.10
45 Alice Beverly 19.15
54 Alan Davidson 19.53
99 Brian Chard 23.15
113 John Hanscomb 24.57
WORLD TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday December 6th at Queenstown, New
Zealand
Kristina Semple scored a great win in the women's 30-34 age-group race. She
was a clear minute ahead of her pursuers coming out of the water and held on
to her advantage throughout the hilly bike and running sections. Her 43.25
10km brought her home still well ahead in a total time of 2.19.58. Geoff
Jones was also competing, finishing 42nd in the men's 40-44 age-group in
2.21.33.
I hope Kristina or Geoff will provide me with an account of the event, but
in the meantime you can see more details, including photos of Kristina and
Geoff, on the race web site at www.triworlds2003.com
LAST CALL FOR THE NATIONALS
The 2004 National Cross Country Championships take place on February 21st in
Leeds. There is no restriction on entries but all names have to be submitted
by the beginning of January. So if you're interested in taking part (it's
quite an experience!) contact Andy Bickerstaff or Clare Nicholson straight
away. Clare is already including all those seniors and juniors entered for
the Surrey and Southern championships. She adds: "Some of us normally stay
up the night, sample the delights of the local alcohol-serving
establishments and go for a run in some area of great natural beauty the
following morning (to clear the hangover) - details to follow nearer the
time."
Contact details for Andy and Clare below.
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 ).
Tuesday December 23rd Junior Points Prize race 2, 2.30pm in Richmond
Park. Hot mince pies promised afterwards!
Saturday December 27th Henty Relay in Richmond Park. Our Christmas
fun relay for all members and friends. All speeds welcome, the more teams we
have the better the race. Each leg is 2km, start time 2pm but be at the
clubhouse by 1.30pm to be sure of getting in a team.
Saturday January 3rd Surrey Championships at Lloyd Park,
Croydon
Saturday January 10th Surrey League Division 1 on our own course
in Richmond Park. Women at 12.30pm (juniors at 1.15pm and 1.45pm), men at
3pm (juniors 2.30pm).
Saturday January 17th v Bank of England and others. 6 miles in
Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate) starting at 2.30pm.
Steve Rowland
e-mail: srowland@calor.co.uk
Tel: 01926 318734
Fax: 0870 4006901