*************************************************** RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 334 24 July 2010 Editor: Steve Rowland mailto: steverowland@ranelagh-harriers.com *************************************************** HEADLINE NEWS ************* * Aiah Songu-Mbriwa wins the Coad Cup * Fastest times by Sam Perkins and Marie Synnott-Wells * AGM: Steve Rowland is President, Louise Piears and Jo Sinton-Hewitt become Hon Sec and Assistant, and Andy Bickerstaff is Chief Race Official * Phil Killingley finishes 3rd in Jim Braben 10km at Wimbledon * Trevor Maguire and Deborah Blakemore are our leading finishers in the Elmore 7 * parkrun places for Duncan Mallison, Iain Wilson, Michelle Davies and Natalie Middleton * Wedding Day 7km in Bushy Park next Friday - still time to enter SEE HERE ******** ROAD GRAND PRIX The next race is the Elmbridge 10km on Sunday 25th July. Then on Friday 30th July at 7.30pm comes the ever-popular Wedding Day 7km in the familiar surroundings of Bushy Park. We have 49 members entered at the time of writing, which is a little down on usual, I think. Remember there's a trophy for the club with the most finishers, which we often manage to win - so get your entry in while there's still time here:. It's a flat and easy course, ideal for experienced and beginners alike. The final event in our Grand Prix, and also the final event in the Surrey Road League, is the Wimbledon 5km on Sunday 8th August at 9.30am. This is a new Wimbledon 5km starting and finishing at the Wimbledon Park track. Details here:. RICHMOND PARK TRAIL RUN SLOW - South London Orienteers - will be running the last of this summer's Trail Runs from our clubhouse on Tuesday 10th August. These events are somewhere between a cross-country race and an orienteering event. You run with a map round a series of control points but navigation is generally not too difficult. There's a 10km and a 6km event. More details:. Our normal training sessions will take place as usual, but anyone wishing to have a run in the Trail Run will be welcome. WHAT'S COMING ************* More details of the following from Marc Snaith (07717 213035 mailto ( mdsnaith5@hotmail.com ) or Marie Synnott-Wells (07956 431319 (After 5pm Weekdays) / mailto nandmwells@aol.com ) Sunday 25th July Elmbridge 10km. 9am start. Details:. Friday 30th July Wedding Day 7km. 7.30pm start in Bushy Park. Details:. Sunday 8th August Wimbledon 5km. 9.30am start. Details:. Tuesday 10th August Richmond Park Trail Run. 7.30pm start. Details:. parkruns every Saturday at 9am Bushy Park Diana Fountain car park Richmond Park Richmond Gate Wimbledon Common Windmill car park Banstead Woods Car park off B2219 Park Lane, Chipstead Bedfont Lakes Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Ashford, Middlesex Kingston The Hawker Centre Other venues, more details and registration at www.parkrun.com WHAT'S HAPPENED *************** COAD CUP 5 miles handicap Tuesday 13th July in Richmond Park Mike Rowland reports: "Have Ranelagh discovered a challenger for Usain Bolt? Certainly the speed which Aiah Songu-Mbriwa showed on Tuesday evening was more that of a good class sprinter than of a middle distance cross-country runner. Four guests - headed by Lindsey Simmonds and Sue Camp - were clear of the field but it was a very fit-looking Corinne Bishop who was the first 'qualified' runner to appear at the final turn. But Aiah was in hot pursuit and he tore past poor Corinne to romp home by nearly half a minute. Just behind was Sharon Dooley running an excellent race, with Jo Muirlittle, just returned from illness, a very creditable fourth. A fine run by Trevor Maguire brought him right through the large field to finish 8th but the two fastest were scratch men Phil Killingley and Sam Perkins who 'strolled' round together near the back of the field but still beat 28 minutes!! Annoying, isn't it!!! Captain Marie Synnott-Wells was first lady, a minute faster than promising new member Iona Robertson with new club secretary Louise Piears third in with Sandra Prosser. 78 runners registered before the start, including no fewer than 22 guests, a real headache for the handicapper, believe me! But only 77 crossed the line and the officials at the finish had a long and worrying time waiting for the final runner. Eventually, Kathy Mallett and Ivan Boggis went out on their bikes to hunt and it transpired that one runner had dropped out and gone straight back to the clubhouse. Please, if you do drop out, make sure you report back to the finish. This report would not be complete without a tribute to Alan Hedger. Alan, after several threats to do so, has finally stepped down as chief race official. Heaven knows how long he's been in post. I've been a member since 1981 and, if he wasn't then organising us all before races, he must have started soon after. He's performed this arduous task with great efficiency and the minimum of fuss and I take my hat off to him. Without the contributions made by the likes of Alan, Ken Powley and Robin Drummond, our wonderful club would soon be in chaos. On behalf of us all, a million thanks, Alan." Cup winner Aiah adds: "Painful and unbelievable, but a huge thank you must go to Karen, Vicci and Frances for teaching me how to move 15 (ish) stone a bit more efficiently. I'm also grateful that Iona Robertson was running as a guest, because that was a bit quick for me!" ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday 13th July in the clubhouse Deborah Blakemore writes: "The AGM for the club was held on Tuesday 13th July following the Coad Cup. There was a good turnout of members to hear Clive Beauvais open the meeting. Annual reports were presented by Clive, Simon Burrell (Secretary), David Rowntree (Treasurer), Marc Snaith (Men's Captain) and Marie Synott-Wells (Ladies' Captain). Current Committee members were confirmed in their roles, apart from Clive, Simon and Alan Hedger who had all previously confirmed they would be stepping down. It was successfully proposed that Steve Rowland become President and Jo Sinton-Hewitt and Louise Piears would share the role of Secretary. Andy Bickerstaff will replace Alan as Chief Race Official. The meeting finished with Alan Hedger declaring the results of the Coad Cup with Aiah Songu-Mbriwa confirmed as the winner." ELMORE 7 miles Saturday 17th July The Elmore 7 is held on a pleasant country lanes course in conjunction with the Chipstead Flower Show. We included it in our Road Grand Prix this year because it had been added to the list of races that make up the Surrey Road League, but not many Ranelagh punters were attracted to it. For those who did take part there were easy GP points to be picked up. Trevor Maguire continued his good form and finished as the third over 40 - albeit also behind three over 50s! This gives Trevor a huge lead of 21 points in the Open section of the Grand Prix, and one of 11 points in the over 40s category. Paul Doyle is in second place in both. Bill Neely moved into the lead in the over 50s ahead of Howard Gleave, despite finishing a good deal further down the field than he hoped. Bill writes: "I arrived late and started twelve minutes after the gun, sadly wearing a club vest. After two miles I caught the ambulance and the tail runner (I felt sorry for her- your confidence can surely be knocked by the stare of paramedics!). I made my way gamely through the field and quite enjoyed the experience of being the back runner, urging on the slower entrants and being encouraged by the generous. But no amount of racing could make up the deficit. I finished the 7 miles in a respectable watch time of 45.58,which might have got me 53rd place. But 57.19 is the official time shown- 140 places behind that! Let that be a warning to latecomers and the SatNav-and-mapless. And those who disgrace the club shirt!" Deborah Blakemore was our only woman taking part and her maximum points took her into second place in the women's GP competition, just three behind Liz Kipling. Deborah also moves into the joint lead with Lynne Barber in the women's over 40s section. There was no change in the over 50s with Michele Gibson leading by three points from Pat Hewlett. The full scoreboard is on our website here:. 1 N Hodges (D&MV) 38.03 15 Trevor Maguire 41.29 55 Duncan Mallison 46.06 101 Simon Burrell 49.41 122 Chris Read 51.28 193 Bill Neely 57.19 212 Aiah Songu-Mbriwa 59.09 321 Alan Meaden 72.16 335 Deborah Blakemore 75.30 CHRIS BRASHER PONDS RUN Tuesday 6th July in Richmond Park We were a little short of pack leaders who actually knew the way round the ponds, but with some inspired navigation we mostly got round the 20, 21, 22 or 23 ponds - the total depending on whom you talk to. Clive N's group claim to have visited 23, so I guess they were the winners! ALETSCH HALF MARATHON Sunday 27th June at Bettmeralp, Swiss Alps Peter Fordham reports: "Two of Britain's 'finest' - Bronwen Fisher and I - lined up at 1950 metres in Bettmeralp on the 27th June to take on some of the best mountain goats and marmots (you love them or hate them) Europe has to offer. Bronwen and I were part of an eight member 'Team GB'. This is no ordinary race, not only is it run in the only World Natural Heritage Site in the Alps, it includes running along the ridge above the longest and most spectacular glacier in Europe. There is also a total vertical ascent of over 1000 metres. In warm and sunny weather, Bronwen was the first of the group to finish the course of mountain / forest track, rocks and residual winter snow pockets in a very creditable time of 2hrs 41m after a week of mountain hiking. Had she also been secretly training in the Welsh mountains? The women's race also attracted Angela Mudge a previous 'World Skyrunning Champion' and probably the top women mountain runner in the U.K. and Lizzy Hawker 'World 100km Champion', Everest Marathon winner and previous winner of this race." Bronwen Fisher adds: "Running is sightseeing for the man [or girl] in a hurry" (Andy Blackford, former RW columnist and fellow sucker for punishment on Peter Fordham's Swiss Alps half marathon trip!). Certainly Andy's quote is true for the Altesch Half Marathon. The race kicks off in the Swiss ski resort of Bettmeralp and the adventure began even before the start line as we had take a cable car just to get to the hotel. There are no public roads to the 1950m high village. The race involves 1050m of ascent in total and took us through some of Europe's best scenery including dazzling snow capped peaks and Europe's largest glacier. About 1500 runners and Nordic walkers took part - the walkers had the right idea... you'd have to be mad, or at least extremely fit to run up some of the hills and those walking poles make great tools for tripping up anyone silly enough to attempt running! And with the range of drinks and food available along the route, if the slopes or walkers didn't get you, the rock-solid flapjack on offer, did! After 2 hours 41mins, I made it to the top and although it was the slowest half marathon I've ever run, it was the most spectacular by far." Men 1 C Cesar (Switz) 1:34.38 820 Peter Fordham 2:52.09 Women 1 D Gassmann Bahr (Swi) 1:51.36 129 Bronwen Fisher 2:41.27 BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 3rd July 1 M Trees (Belgrave) 16.46 6 Nathan Mills 17.53 19 David Rowe 18.39 72 Luke Wilson 20.29 90 David Ready 21.01 258 Anna-Maria Plaza 24.33 271 Kirsty Bangham 24.41 305 Roger Wilson 25.32 334 Wally Garrod 26.13 341 Gill Wilson 26.24 380 Alison Salmon 27.18 535 John Hanscomb 31.57 608 Chris Wright 41.09 RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 3rd July 1 J Flood (Strag) 17.20 5 Jerym Brunton 18.36 9 Ted Mockett 18.56 12 Bill Neely 19.07 43 Alan Davidson 22.07 51 Andrew Brown 22.36 60 Katherine Mercer 23.25 78 Tony Appleby 24.31 81 Jar O'Brien 24.34 82 Alison Dicks 24.35 91 Philippa Shaw 25.33 956 Rob Kitchen 25.42 117 Jo Sinton-Hewitt 27.47 121 Tony Clark 28.02 125 Mary Hickson 28.32 136 Sally Bamford 29.24 141 Annemarie Goodridge 30.22 145 Penny Merrett 31.53 156 Stacey Barber 34.12 BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 3rd July Another Bedfont victory for Duncan Mallison. 1 Duncan Mallison 18.54 28 David Bell 24.08 33 Heather Martingell 25.52 66 Cindy Croucher 33.58 FINSBURY parkrun 5km Saturday 3rd July 1 L Proudlock (Lon H) 17.38 19 Andres Arana Garcia 22.25 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 3rd July 1 R Ward (Belgrave) 16.11 7 Chris Camacho 21.09 JIM BRABEN 10km Sunday 4th July at Wimbledon Paul Martelletti, who won our 10km two weeks earlier, registered another comfortable win in this off-road event on Wimbledon Common. Phil Killingley ran strongly in an isolated third place. 1 P Martelletti (VP&TH) 32.09 3 Phil Killingley 34.40 15 Jerym Brunton 39.17 120 Peter Gatley 48.25 282 John Hanscomb 69.12 KINGFIELD CANTER 2.85 miles handicap Wednesday 7th July at Woking 1 D Fishlock (Surrey U) 24.30 (actual time 22.15) 13 Sonia Rowland 27.33 (21.23) 17 Steve Rowland 29.10 (20.56) 20 Alan Davidson 30.32 (23.17) RAVENS RON WHEELER QUARTERLY 5km Thursday 8th July at Spirit Quay, Wapping Andy Hayward writes: "Anyone is welcome at the quarterly lunchtime race near Tower Hill, organised by me with my lunchtime running club. Several Ranelaghs have graced the run with their presence over the years. Next race is on Thursday 30th September, starting at 1.15pm. - nicely positioned as a sharpener before the main cross-country season." 1 L Armitage (Kent) 17.10 18 Alan Davidson 21.47 19 Andy Hayward 21.50 BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July 1 W Cockerell (Belg) 16.19 15 Trevor Maguire 18.20 18 David Rowe 18.41 21 Ted Mockett 18.57 44 Paul Rider 19.56 61 David Ready 20.26 72 Adam Wright 20.51 92 Simon Rothwell 21.32 280 Roger Wilson 25.20 304 Gill Wilson 25.57 361 Kirsty Bangham 27.18 367 Alison Salmon 27.22 481 Peter Lowman 30.41 515 Val Lowman 32.23 524 John Hanscomb 32.39 RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July Natalie Middleton's PB brought her home as third woman. 1 Unknown 16.16 8 Peter Weir 18.24 14 Bill Neely 19.13 30 Natalie Middleton 20.52 31 Simon Burrell 20.53 65 Wiebke Kortum 23.25 126 Sue Camp 28.35 140 Tony Clark 29.40 BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July Duncan Mallison was third and Michelle Davies was the second woman to finish. 1 M Dunbar (Liss) 18.40 3 Duncan Mallison 19.14 16 Lee Davies 22.16 22 Michelle Davies 23.23 30 Mike White 24.24 73 Cindy Croucher 34.34 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July Second place for Iain Wilson. 1 O Garner (SMR) 18.54 2 Iain Wilson 19.37 6 Chris Camacho 21.16 19 Julie Naismith 26.49 25 Louise Gill 29.07 27 Hannah Doyle 29.18 FOREST OF DEAN parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July 1 K Hale (Severn) 17.40 18 Mary Hickson 29.07 31 Chris Wright 40.46 BRADFORD parkrun 5km Saturday 10th July 1 K Ogden (Spen) 17.09 18 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 22.55 31 Jo Sinton-Hewitt 24.28 MAIDEN CASTLE LOOP 6.5 miles Saturday 10th July Andy Hayward reports: "A picturesque but challenging run up and around Maiden Castle (Michele was disappointed not to see turrets etc.) in Dorset at 7pm on a lovely summer Saturday evening. This is apparently the largest iron age hill fort in Europe, being fully two miles around the perimeter at the top, and is as old as the pyramids (according to the organiser). Once you had got onto the top, those with any energy left to look up were rewarded with stunning views of Dorchester and the surrounding countryside. Finished, showered and in the pub by 8:30pm, this has good potential for a Ranelagh away weekend next year, perhaps? Watch this space!" 1 I White (Bournemouth) 39.52 62 Andy Hayward 53.27 91 Michele Gibson 58.32 CLAYGATE COUNTRY 5 miles Sunday 11th July Chris Bundhun reports: "A handful of Ranelagh members ran the Claygate 'Country Five' 5-mile race (10:30am, Sunday 11 July); a fixture apparently organized by the 'Claygate Flower and Village Show Society'. Despite the somewhat genteel connotations that may have, this was in fact a most professionally staged event, with chip timing, a well planned course and a strong presence from other local clubs. The dash to the gate out of Claygate recreation ground shortly after the start probably meant that many runners either started too fast or risked a bottleneck delay, but from then on the route largely followed roads and footpaths through classic Surrey 'Green Belt' land. Hosepipe usage still being legal in the area, a number of local residents even lent their support with the offer of a refreshing shower along the way!" 1 S Renfer (Elmbridge) 28.33 15 Chris Bundhun 31.00 129 Sharon Dooley 39.33 350 Alan Meaden 49.07 396 David Meaden 51.22 453 John Hanscomb 57.03 BRIDGES 2.3 miles handicap Wednesday 14h July at Westminster 1 P Morgan (unatt) 20.17 (actual time 17.47) 11 John Hanscomb 22.23 (24.23) BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 17th July An excellent PB for Nathan Mills. 1 N Anderson (Enf & H) 15.47 7 Nathan Mills 17.12 51 David Ready 20.06 61 Adam Wright 20.16 209 Paul Sinton-Hewitt 23.28 257 Kirsty Bangham 24.26 437 Val Lowman 28.11 542 John Hanscomb 31.45 577 Peter Lowman 33.47 RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 17th July 1 Unknown 16.32 4 Peter Weir 18.14 9 Bill Neely 19.49 55 Donna Mason 23.39 61 Tony Appleby 24.08 89 Louise Reeder 26.23 115 Jo Knight 29.28 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 17rd July Iain Wilson was runner-up again, though over half a minute faster than the previous week.. 1 B Osborn (Strag) 16.41 2 Iain Wilson 19.01 9 Chris Camacho 20.23 20 Jo Sinton-Hewitt 23.28 22 Philippa Shaw 24.08 29 Julie Naismith 25.52 33 Hannah Doyle 27.18 37 Louise Gill 27.37 40 Rob Kitchen 27.51 BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 17th July 1 I Charlton (unatt) 19.43 57 Cindy Croucher 32.49 BLACK PARK parkrun 5km Saturday 17th July 1 D Martin (unatt) 17.10 47 Heather Martingell 23.29 SURREY SLOG HALF MARATHON Sunday 18th July at Ewhurst "Not for the faint-hearted" says the race website. As it says on the tin, it's an off-road slog up and down and up and down the Surrey Hills escarpment. 1 J Buchanan (Croydon) 1:23.08 75 Sandra Prosser 1:55.22 EUROPEAN VETERANS ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Thursday 15th to Saturday 24th July at Nyiregyhaza, Hungary Alan Davidson reports: "I crossed the Great Plain from Budapest to Nyiregyhaza - three hours of endless fields of sunflowers and sweetcorn. I assumed the heat was standard Hungary summer but it was a heatwave featured for twenty minutes on each TV news programme with people in pools or fountains and with elderly people sweating on park benches (I thought South Today was bad!). I had the best side of the hotel because the air-conditioning was only working on one side! My three races were not at the main (football) stadium but at a remote open track with no shade and few facilities but water and sponges supplied. I was glad no-one was watching! Races were 8am - 12.30pm and 3pm to 8pm, and my 10,000m (37C) and 5,000m (33C) were the last before the lunch break. The 10,000 was almost too embarrassing to report as I got a p.w. by 6 mins (51.21) and to make it look worse of those who dropped out two had been behind me. In the women's race in the main stadium 8 of 13 were pulled out by officials for having red faces including one with one lap to go and one in a medal position. In my 1,500m at 4.20pm (31C) I was pleased with 5.54 (not last) and in my 5,000m I started last where I expected to finish but surprisingly finished with six behind me, recording 22.10. An annoying thing involved a faster GB runner who ran up my back for a lap and nearly had me over twice by clipping my heels. After my races I did some touring (Debrecan/Hortobagy/Tokai/Vaja Castle - even found a hill to climb). The question now is can I manage to get up at 4.30am on Saturday to do the Richmond parkrun?" BEDFONT LAKES parkrun 5km Saturday 24th July Second places for both Duncan Mallison and Michelle Davies. 1 C Graham (Serp) 17.47 2 Duncan Mallison 19.08 17 Lee Davies 22.37 24 Michelle Davies 23.02 RICHMOND parkrun 5km Saturday 24th July The answer to Alan Davidson's question (see above) appears to have been "no"! 1 E O'Connell (Serp) 17.41 4 Peter Weir 18.34 9 Jerym Brunton 19.03 10 Bill Neely 19.13 11 Dan Wilson 19.44 64 Katherine Mercer 24.30 84 Louise Reeder 26.04 85 Philippa Shaw 26.15 100 Livvy Ricketts 27.57 101 John Ricketts 27.58 BUSHY parkrun 5km Saturday 24th July It's good to see both Rachel Rowan and Clare King coming back to good form. 1 A Jackson (Sitting) 16.59 12 David Rowe 18.32 36 Rachel Rowan 19.53 47 David Ready 20.17 69 Clare King 20.56 249 Anna-Maria Holt 24.27 278 Grant Hibbert 25.08 334 Kirsty Bangham 26.21 477 Teresa Segovia 30.03 515 John Hanscomb 31.21 528 Chris Wright 32.04 KINGSTON parkrun 5km Saturday 24rd July Iain Wilson ran faster still but finished one place lower in 3rd. 1 R Reeder (Strag) 18.01 3 Iain Wilson 18.53 31 Julie Naismith 26.26 36 Janet Turnes 29.56 WIMBEDON COMMON parkrun 5km Saturday 24rd July 1 R Dessaix-Chin (Belg) 15.05 49 Alexander Fordham 21.58 142 Nicholas Fordham 27.18 143 Peter Fordham 27.18 EASTLEIGH parkrun 5km Saturday 24rd July An awayday for the Wilsons. 1 L Chalk (Stubb) 16.18 18 Luke Wilson 20.13 75 Roger Wilson 26.15 76 Holly Wilson 26.17 81 Gill Wilson 26.32 GLASGOW parkrun 5km Saturday 24rd July 1 Unknown 17.19 61 Karl Garvey 22.48 BRIDGES 2.3 miles handicap Wednesday 9th June at Westminster 1 D Williams (Herc W) 19.26 (actual time 16.41) 9 John Hanscomb 20.44 (23.14) 10 Alan Davidson 20.45 (16.15) 17 Simon Hedger 21.05 (14.20) ST ALBANS HALF MARATHON Sunday 13th June 1 F Downs (Chiltern) 1:14.13 (chip time 1:14.11) 229 Andy Woodhouse 1:41.02 (1:39.54) WINDSOR TRIATHLON Sunday 13th June. Tony Appleby was well pleased with his 2:54 finish. 1 C Van der Ryst (Dea) 2:02.06 (swim 21.59, T1 1.02, bike 61.48, T2 0.54, run 36.23) 1115 Tony Appleby 2:54.30 (37.24, 2.45, 82.37, 1.57, 49.47) FINALLY... From "Pedestrianism" by Walter Thom, published in 1813: "With the exception of Captain Barclay, Abraham Wood, of Mildrew in Lancashire, holds the first rank amongst pedestrians. He is a remarkably fine, tall, well-made man, and is not only a swift runner, but is also possessed of good wind and great bottom. In April 1802, he ran against John Brown of Yorkshire, four miles on the York course, for one hundred guineas, which he won in 20 minutes and twenty-one seconds. Wood was the favourite, and the bets were five to one on his success. Brown, however, five years before, (the 16th January 1797,) beat Wood in a race of four miles, near Knavesmire, by about a distance, having performed the whole in twenty-one minutes and thirty-five seconds. But some liquor having been given to Wood just before starting, he fell sick at the three-mile-stone, and, owing to this circumstance, it was supposed he lost the match."