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Newsdesk 2007
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 261 13 September 2007
Editor: Steve Rowland
mailto: steverowland@ranelagh-harriers.com
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HEADLINE NEWS
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* Brian Chard wins Thomas Cup
* Fastest times by Darryl McDonald and Anna Scally
* Silver medals for senior women and men over 40 at Surrey Road Relays
* South Downs Way Relay over 60s and mixed team records
* Rachel Rowan 3rd in World Age Group Sprint Triathlon
* Jenny Lloyd-Jones 3rd in London Duathlon Challenge class
SEE HERE
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PAGE CUP 5 miles handicap Saturday 22nd September in Richmond Park
This is the second of our club handicap races, similar to the Thomas Cup
race a couple of weeks ago but over a distance of 5 miles. All members are
welcome to take part. Start time is 3pm.
RICHMOND PARK TIME TRIAL
Karen Broadbent writes:
"As the newly appointed Chairman of the RPTT I am pleased to announce that
the inaugural RPTT (Richmond Park Time Trial) will be held on the Saturday
13th October. The team at UKTT have been working exceedingly hard to get
this next event underway and I am excited that we are finally getting our
own time trial on our doorstep and in the Park that we all know and love. I
am aware that this first running of the event is on the same day as the
Surrey League, but I figure this is a great opportunity to get Ranelagh
members out in strength as supporters and volunteers and for those not
racing that afternoon, please come and try out the course! For more details
visit the RPTT website: www.parkrun.com/ and click on RPTT. I am also
keen to build a community of regular volunteers from amongst our ranks, the
more people we have the less workload there is for everyone. If any Ranelagh
member (or friend or family member) would be willing to spare some time to
help out, either for the launch event or in the future, please email me at
richmondhelpers@parkrun.com. Many thanks and see you on the 13th October
at Pembroke Lodge".
HORSLEY 5km Sunday 16th September
Louise Piears writes:
"I am helping to organise the 3rd annual Horsley 5K fun run which takes
place on Sunday 16th September at a nice civilised time of 1.30pm. It's a
pleasant low key race on a flat mainly-off road course around West Horsley
(10 minutes from junction 10 of the M25). It would be great to see some more
Ranelagh Harriers members in the race this year.
THE FIRST 125 YEARS OF RANELAGH HARRIERS
If you haven't already got your copy of our updated club history, you can
buy one from Steve Rowland at most club events, price £12, or by post for
£14 including p&p to Ranelagh History, 2 Sapte Close, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6
7HA. Overseas orders: Europe £16, rest of the world £20.
BUILDING FUND DRAW
Peter Trainor writes:
"May I urge existing draw members who haven't yet paid for the forthcoming
year to send me their tenners. May I also invite new membership from those
who currently do not participate in the draw. It's £10 per year, in return
for which they participate in three draws over the season with three cash
prizes in each draw funded by 50% of the draw subscriptions - the remaining
50% being retained in the club's Building Fund. Recent years' draw
subscriptions have each year produced around £600 to £700 for the Building
Fund, with a matching total being paid out in prizes over each year's three
draws.
A list of draw members is posted on the club notice board, with those for
whom I'm not aware of payment shown in red ink. I believe the most recent
list from 3 Sep 2007 has been taken from the board and sent to me with a
welcome £10 cheque from a new member, so the list remaining in the Club at
present may not be so up to date but will still serve as a reminder to those
who know they have not yet paid.
£10 cheques should be made payable to RANELAGH HARRIERS BUILDING FUND and
should be sent to me, Peter Trainor, at 30 Hatch Place, Kingston upon
Thames, Surrey KT2 5NB. Phone: 07714 203498".
CABBAGE PATCH 10 miles Sunday 14th October at Twickenham
There are about 300 places left before the entry limit of 2000 is reached,
so if you want to join the 62 Ranelagh Harriers already entered, then don't
delay much longer - but do remember that this is unfortunately taking place
the day after the opening Surrey Cross-Country League fixtures at Wimbledon
(men) and Esher (women).
KINGSTON RUNNING FESTIVAL Sunday 14th October
It's the same day as the Cabbage Patch. As usual there's a 16 miles and an 8
miles option.
TRAIL CHALLENGE HALF MARATHON / 12km / 6km Sunday 23rd September in Ham and
Richmond Park.
The South London Orienteers and Wayfarers club will be using our changing
rooms again on Sunday 23rd September to host their Trail Challenge Half
Marathon, plus shorter options. These events are a cross between
orienteering and cross-country races and provide another chance to see some
unfamilar bits of the Park and Ham. The Half Marathon will start at 10.30am,
a 2km race for juniors (under 15 at 31/12/07) will follow at 10.45am, then
the 12km at 11am and the 6km at 11.15am.
ST MARY'S RICHMOND AC
Congratulations to the St Mary's women's team, who finished the season on
top of Division 3 East of the Southern League. Clare King, Estelle Damant
and Liz Kipling were amongst those who contributed greatly to the success,
in everything from sprinting to hammer throwing! A glance through the
season's ranking lists reveals many more familiar names too:
The men's team, for whom Marc Snaith turned out regularly, finished 6th
in Division 3 South. Their rankings:
THE FOUNDERS' CHALLENGE
Peter Saw writes:
"The Founders' Challenge is scheduled for Sunday 21st October 2007. It's a
twenty-six mile ramble organised by the London Group of the Long Distance
Walkers Association through the Surrey Hills visiting places associated with
the founders of the LDWA (the toposcope at Pitch Hill, Tanners Hatch Youth
Hostel, Blatchford Down & Steers Field). It is recommended for all endurance
athletes. The entry fee of £9 (less for pre-entries and LDWA members)
includes refreshments at each of the checkpoints and a hot meal at the
finish. Full details are available via the LDWA website www.ldwa.org.uk
RUNNING PARTNER WANTED
Martin Wolfson is looking for a partner for Sunday morning 5 milers starting
between 8 and 9am at about 8 - 9 minutes miling pace. Anyone interested
please contact Martin at martin.wolfson@talk21.com
LONDON MARATHON BALLOT
The club receives a few guaranteed places for the London Marathon and the
draw for these usually takes place in December at our Christmas party. Hon
Sec Simon Burrell would like to remind people that to be eligible for our
draw you must have applied to enter and been rejected. You have until
October 20th to enter - forms can be obtained in the free "Marathon News"
magazine available at most sports shops.
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WHAT'S COMING...
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More details of the following from
Andy Bickerstaff ( 07772 111491 / mailto: andy@norris-hobs.co.uk ) or
Marie Synnott-Wells (07956 431319 / mailto: nandmwells@aol.com ).
Saturday 22nd September Page Cup 5 miles handicap in Richmond Park starting
at 3pm.
Sunday 23rd September Trail Challenge Half Marathon / 12km / 6km at Ham
and Richmond Park. See above.
Saturday 29th September South of England Road Relays (men) at Aldershot
Sunday 30th September South of England Road Relays (women) at Aldershot
Saturday 13th October Surrey Cross-Country League. Men at Wimbledon,
women at Esher.
The Richmond Park Time Trial also
starts today, see above.
Sunday 14th October Cabbage Patch 10 miles at Twickenham. See above.
Saturday 20th October Surrey Veterans Cross-Country Championships in
Richmond Park. 2.30 pm start.
Every Saturday Bushy Park Time Trial: 9am start at the Diana
Fountain car park.
Wimbledon Common Time Trial: 9am start
at the Windmill car park.
Banstead Woods Time Trial: 9am start
off B2219 Park Lane, Chipstead
Richmond Park Time Trial: 9am start
near Richmond gate.
More details at www.parkrun.com
WHAT'S HAPPENED...
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THOMAS CUP 3.8 miles handicap Saturday 1st September in Richmond Park
Despite such an early date for the opening of the "winter" season - indeed
summer seemed just about to be arriving at last - there was a good crowd of
72 runners for the handicap and nearly 90 lined up for the annual club
photo.
As usual there were many new faces in evidence, as well as plenty of old
lags. Two of the newcomers - Patrick Wallis and Chris Wilson - ran away at
the front of the race, but they were competing as guests and so were
ineligible for Mr Thomas's ornate trophy. But almost as far ahead of the
rest came our former President Brian Chard, who proved a most popular
winner. Brian had well over a minute to spare before Stephen Roberts crossed
the line for the silver medal, just ahead of another guest John Lurie and
then a charging Niall O'Connor who collected the bronze.
Fastest on the day was the resurgent Darryl McDonald, ahead of Ed Barker and
Niall O'Connor. Anna Scally came out on top of the women's list ahead of 12
year-old Amelie Hunton and Karen Broadbent, who seem to have battled each
other all the way round the course.
The afternoon's tea was free of charge thanks to the generosity of Rodney
Oliver who this year celebrates 50 years of Ranelagh membership. Rodney was
presented with an engraved tankard to commemorate the occasion.
There were fewer takers for the evening's party in the clubhouse, but the
thirty or so who attended all seemed to have a good time. Thanks go to
Marina and Jo for organising things.
The club photo - taken as usual by Ken Powley - can be found on our website,
where you can also see Rodney Oliver receiving his engraved tankard from
Frances Ratchford.
SURREY ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 8th September at Wimbledon Park
The big question for the women's team was: can we make it five in a row? We
had won this event every year since 2003 and had not been out of the frame
since 1998. Our task was made easier by the non-appearance of teams from
Belgrave and Thames but with some key runners absent it was still going to
be tough.
Anna Scally gave us the best possible start by completing the opening stage
half a minute clear of her pursuers. Mandy Westlake took over and despite
her best efforts she had to concede places to South London and Wimbledon
Windmilers. However, she kept us in touch and on the third stage skipper
Marie Synnott-Wells regained the lead, giving Estelle Damant a nine second
advantage to take into the final lap. But here South London unveiled their
secret weapon in the shape of outstanding junior Georgie Bruinvels, formerly
of Dorking. Bruinvels ran the fastest lap of the day, 16.58, and Estelle was
powerless to prevent her sweeping past and on to victory by 21 seconds. But
a look at the stats confirms that this was not a performance to be ashamed
of: Anna, Marie, Estelle and Mandy all ran their fastest ever times on this
course, and on the day were ranked 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 14th overall. Their
total time of 71.03 was faster than the Ranelagh winning time in both 2003
and 2004, and only 19 seconds slower than last year's (2005 was on a
modified course and so cannot be compared). Our 'B' team finished in 9th
place and the over 45 women - after occupying a medal position for most of
the race - finished just off the podium in 4th place. Sonia Rowland was 6th
fastest of the day in the over 45s.
The women's team had been expected to bring home medals of some kind, but
much more of a surprise were the silver medals won by our over 40 men's
team. Andy Hayward and Steve Rowland - both over 50s - had turned up more in
the role of supporters but prepared to have a run if there were any spare
places. Andy Bickerstaff and Mick Lane were the only over 40s who had been
able to make it, so Andy H and Steve found themselves volunteered to
complete that team. Andy B and Mick both put in strong runs - the 7th and
3rd fastest of the day in that age group - and when the results appeared the
quartet was astonished to find that it had finished in 2nd place.
The senior men's team was very much of a scratch squad too, featuring
several newcomers. They all acquitted themselves well after a strong opening
stage from Ed Barker, and there was a promising performance from junior Sean
Paynter. The team oscillated between 12th and 15th throughout, finally
winding up in 14th place.
SOUTH DOWNS WAY RELAY Sunday 2nd September
Jim Forrest reports:
"Regular e-news readers will know that Sunday 2nd September was set aside
as 'South Downs Way Day'. We have in the past had as many as six Ranelagh
teams taking up the 73-mile challenge from Petersfield to Beachy Head on
such a day, but this year only the over-60s team of Clive Beauvais, John
Pratt and Pete Warren and a mixed Sweat Shop/Ranelagh team, led by Hugh
Brasher, appeared at the start line. It was agreed that the over 60s would
start first with a 20-minute cushion before the youngsters took off. This
enabled the two teams to interact throughout the day.
It was a beautifully still morning, perfect for running, so we had no
excuses, apart from age. By ten past eight we had given up waiting for the
drug-testers to arrive and we set John off on his way for the golden oldies.
We'd done a fair bit of "recce" work in the summer and had also searched
attics to find fading records of previous teams' split times to help us
estimate what we might manage. In fact it turned out that our early stage
split time estimates were a little generous and our later ones a bit harsh.
We divided the route into 27 stages, the longest being a little over 5
miles. We exchanged mobile phone numbers in case of injury or getting lost
or arriving at the changeover point with no replacement runner in sight, but
in the event none of these disasters materialised.
All three over-60s ran magnificently and kept going to the bitter end.
Clive ran up both Bignor Hill and Ditchling Beacon as if they were just
hillocks; Pete, new to this sort of masochism, had a good run from Buriton
Farm and his best effort was probably the tricky hilly stage between
Litlington and Exceat; John roared across Graffham Down and made a
remarkable recovery after his left knee had 'gone' when coming into
Alfriston - he demolished Jim's Jaffa cakes in the car and the knee was
ready for more action after an hour! The weather deteriorated near the
end - Beachy Head seems to have its own unpleasant microclimate - but
thankfully the cold wind was a following one. So we arrived at the trig
point in an over-60s record time of 10 hours 43 minutes and 25 seconds.
It was really good to have the enthusiastic support of Steve and Sonia
Rowland (car) and Sue Ashley (bike) during the day. Sonia and Sue saw their
incredible Ladies over-50s record time (run with Kathy Mallett) of 10 hrs 26
mins survive our onslaught. But we'll claim the men's over 50 record too,
even if slower than the women's - there being no other claimant to it!
Maybe we'll be back next year to try again.
Hugh's team of self, Layla Smith and Matt Jeffroy ran 10 hrs 14 mins, a new
record for a mixed team of three. This was especially remarkable because
they had not 'recced' the route - quote of the day came from Hugh: 'I didn't
realise that the Seven Sisters was a hilly stage'. Hugh christened his team
'The ONES (On an Excel Spreadsheet) - a modern day version of my Dad's OBE
Club (On the Back of an Envelope)' (Dad of course being Olympic gold
medalllist and London Marathon founder Chris Brasher, who first devised the
rules for the SDW relay).
The oldest living Ranelagh Harrier, Carl Nargang, is 93 and has lived in
Eastbourne for years. He entertained a group of us after the run to a cuppa
at his home and a welcome shower for the runners. He told us that he
continued regular running until he was 90, his staple run being from Beachy
Head down to Birling Gap and back!
Why don't more of you try this event next year? We can give you examples
of schedules if you want to get to know the route beforehand. Some of the
views from the top of the ridges are staggering and it's a great day out for
all. The training benefit is also huge - expect a personal best three or
four weeks later".
1 Hugh Brasher, Layla Smith, Matt Jeffroy (driver Kevin Cantillon) 10hr
14min 24secs
2 John Pratt, Clive Beauvais, Pete Warren (driver Jim Forrest) 10hr 43min
25secs
WORLD SPRINT TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS Sunday 2nd September at Hamburg
Rachel Rowan reports:
"Jonny and I both competed at the World Sprint Triathlon Championships for
age groupers on Sunday 2nd September 2007 in Hamburg, Germany. This was held
alongside the Olympic Distance World Championships for age groupers and
elites. 2007 is the first year that the ITU has hosted World Championships
for the sprint distance triathlon which basically comprised a 750m swim, 22k
cycle and 5k run. The transition area in Hamburg was long. I am not sure of
the exact distances but I would estimate about 700m long which involved
about 6 mins of running back and forth in transition for most athletes.
We both qualified for the event at Redditch Sprint Triathlon back in May
where in order to qualify you had to come top five in your age group.
Unfortunately a recurrent injury flare-up around the time of the qualifier
at Redditch prevented me from running more than once per week so I was not
expecting to be in contention for a medal in Hamburg. However on the day it
all came together and I came third to win a bronze medal in the 35 - 39 age
group category. Jonny was 18th in 30-34 age group.
I had said that I wouldn't do another World Champs, however now that I have
automatically qualified for the World Champs in Vancouver in June next year
I may be tempted to try for the gold or silver ..... (injuries
permitting!)".
Women 35-39
1 S Johnson (GB) 1.19.44
(swim 13.51 / T1 4.09 / bike 39.15 / T2 2.40 / run 19.48)
2 M O'Dea (GB) 1.20.29
(12.07 / 5.19 / 37.49 / 3.20 / 21.53)
3 Rachel Rowan 1.21.03
(14.27 / 4.07 / 39.20 / 2.54 / 20.13)
Men 30-34
1 A Dorfmeister (Ger) 1.07.28
(11.39 / 3.39 / 31.52 / 2.27 / 17.50)
18 Jonny Rowan 1.14.09
(11.48 / 3.47 / 36.04 / 2.37 / 19.50)
LONDON DUATHLON Sunday 9th September in Richmond Park
I'm not sure how many Ranelagh took part this year, but the best result
looks to have come from Jenny Lloyd-Jones, who finished 3rd in the Challenge
class - this inolved a 9km run, 21.5km on the bike and a 4.7km run.
1 K Brown 1.37.07
(run 34.39 / T1 1.00 / bike 41.58 / T2 1.13 / run 18.20)
3 Jenny Lloyd-Jones 1.39.42
(37.44 / 1.56 / 38.41 / 0.31 / 20.51)
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km Friday 31st August in Hyde Park
1 H Lobb (Bedford) 15.16
141 Mike Rowland 26.07
152 John Hanscomb 27.04
BUSHY PARK TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 1st September
There were 402 finishers this week. Iain Wilson ducked inside 18 minutes for
the first time, a run that was graded third best age-related performance of
the day. Other course PBs came from Simon Collingridge, Sharon Rowe (of
course) and Stacey Barber.
1 D Symons (TH&H) 16.13
14 Iain Wilson 17.56
24 David Rowe 18.48
32 Darren Wood 19.24
34 Simon Collingridge 19.29
86 Adam Wright 21.21
160 Luke Wilson 23.20
260 Heather Martingell 26.19
266 Sharon Rowe 26.28
284 Jenni Kruse 27.18
288 John Hanscomb 27.28
359 Stacey Barber 30.46
WIMBLEDON COMMON TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 1st September
1 A Weir (TH&H) 16.29
15 Stephen Instone 19.22
33 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 22.20
41 Jo Turner 23.39
KINGFIELD CANTER 2.85 miles handicap Wednesday 5th September at Woking
1 D Halkes (Unatt) 24.25 (actual time 21.10)
10 Steve Rowland 26.12 (18.27)
34 Sonia Rowland 29.02 (21.47)
BUSHY PARK TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 8th September
The field reached a monstrous 439 runners this week, including Dr
Frankenstein himself Paul Sinton-Hewitt. Jonny Peacock led the Ranelagh wave
and there were PBs from Chris Brook, Stacey Barber and Hannah Bradshaw.
1 O Laws (New & EB) 15.35
17 Jonny Peacock 18.20
19 Chris Brook 18.34
37 Simon Collingridge 19.34
50 Kerry Anley 19.58
68 Darren Wood 20.33
69 David Rowe 20.33
100 Adam Wright 21.17
133 Luke Wilson 22.07
143 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 22.24
237 Gill Wilson 24.53
277 Heather Martingell 26.13
288 John Hanscomb 26.36
289 Sharon Rowe 26.38
348 Stacey Barber 28.52
349 Hannah Bradshaw 28.53
WIMBLEDON COMMON TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 8th September
1 I Higgins (TH&H) 17.25
9 Stephen Instone 19.35
BANSTEAD WOODS TIME TRIAL 5km Saturday 8th September
1 J Hart (Epsom O) 17.18
41 Brian Chard 26.45
BRISTOL HALF MARATHON Sunday 9th September
Niall O'Connor reports:
"The starting conditions for the Bristol half-marathon were cool and
overcast, the course was flat and the route clear of all non-runners,
perfect p.b. territory in fact. Unfortunately I had a race that, from the
start, I struggled in. Aiming for a pace of 6:05/mile I got to the 2-mile
mark in 12:22 and felt anxious given the amount of effort I had put in.
Even the Lucozade at 8.5 miles didn't help as I battled to a 7:20 11th mile.
Coming into the finish with the crowd cheering loudly, I peered over my
shoulder to see a group of runners bearing down on me. A frantic last 100m
saw me finish in 84:13, disappointed with my time, but relieved that I did
finish ahead of Fred, Wilma and their friend Elvis! Suspicious minds might
suspect that Elvis did actually catch me on the line.".
1 T Shiferaw (Ethiopia) 1.03.01 (chip time 1.03.01)
155 Niall O'Connor 1.24.16 (1.24.13)
605 Nick Paisley 1.35.39 (1.34.02)
2684 Aine Hayes 1.56.21 (1.53.12)
2712 Rachel Turtle 1.56.34 (1.52.41)
PHIL'S PERAMBULATIONS
Phil Aiken reports on some summer runs that might have escaped your notice
(as indeed might summer itself):
BEWL 15 miles Sunday 1st July
If the prospect of running 14.2 miles around south east England's largest
expanse of water wasn't tempting enough, there was the added incentive of
home made cake at the finish line. Starting just outside the village of
Wadhurst there is a ¾m drop down a farm track and through farmland to a
stile - where (nearly) everyone politely queued to get over - and the
perimeter of the reservoir. Conditions were ideal for running - cool, with a
hint or more of drizzle - but the recent rain meant the surface was
predominantly mud, putting to shame all but the toughest courses on the
winter fixture list. The clockwise circuit meant the hills, when they came,
were all in the final third as the course turned inland to avoid the nature
reserve. The final descent back to the reservoir was especially tricky. I
exercised caution and walked unlike one of the runners behind who paid the
muddy penalty. Returning to the stile there was that ¾m climb back to the
finish. But there was cake when I got there!
1 H Mountcastle (Hast) 1.26.51
79 Phil Aiken 1.49.23
WYCOMBE HALF MARATHON Sunday 15th July
"I ran the Wycombe Half", I said. "Oh, that must be hilly" was the standard
response. And if, like me, you've run leg 4 of the Green Belt Relay around
the west and north of High Wycombe, you wouldn't think otherwise. However,
once you've climbed 250-300 feet in the opening mile and a half, that's it
really. Shame, because I could do with a ready made excuse to explain my
time. At the finish there was a plentiful and more than decent goody bag and
showers that can only be described as "character building".
1 P Gregory (V of Ayles) 1.14.15
202 Phil Aiken 1.44.54
HARLOW 10 miles Sunday 5th August
The hottest day of the year took me to Harlow. By 3 miles I knew I wasn't on
for a good time. Beyond 6 I knew it would be bad. I'm thankfully spared from
revealing quite how bad because the results are, at the time of writing*,
still unavailable as the Harlow RC webmaster "took a surprise holiday - a
surprise to the rest of the committee that is - and didn't leave the
password".
(*unfortunately the webmaster came back!)
1 S Powell (Wood G) 55.03
111 Phil Aiken 77.22
FINALLY...
"The start of a World Cross Country event is like riding a horse in the
middle of a buffalo stampede. It's a thrill if you keep up, but one slip and
you're nothing but hoof prints". Ed Eyestone, American distance runner.