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Newsdesk 2019
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 548 11th May 2019
Editor: Steve Rowland
mailto: sandsrowland@btinternet.com
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HEADLINE NEWS
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* David Criniti finishes 3rd M40 in the London Marathon in 2:21
* 9 Ranelagh inside 3 hours
* Laura Blazey is our leading woman
* Thanks and congratulations to the Ranelagh Richmond Half Marathon
organising team
* Szymon Chojnacki and Rachel Smith lead our teams
* Bertie Thomas and James Rushby set fastest times in Stragglers/Ranelagh
junior handicap
* Jonathan Smith wins the Esher 10km
* James Ritchie finishes 3rd in the Isle of Wight Challenge
* 2019 Road Grand Prix underway – next race Sutton 10km next weekend
* Green Belt Relay also next weekend
* Subscriptions are overdue
ATTENTION PLEASE
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CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS and REGISTRATION WITH ENGLAND ATHLETICS
Hon Sec Gordon Whitson writes:
“Ranelagh Harriers club membership subscriptions for the year from 1 April
2019 until 31 March 2020 are now overdue. You are encouraged to check the
new subscription rates that were approved at the last AGM and are listed
below.
If you are a first claim member, an amount of £15 is allocated from your
subscription to cover your annual registration fee with England Athletics
and paid on your behalf by the Club. England Athletics have imposed a
deadline of 30 June 2019 for the payment of their 2019/20 registration fee
which was also due on 1 April 2019. Any athletes not registered with England
Athletics by 30 June 2019 become ineligible to compete in EA licenced events
until their registration fees are paid.
To ensure that no Ranelagh members find themselves inadvertently ineligible
and therefore unable to enter EA licenced races, we would strongly encourage
all members to make sure their subscription is paid as soon as possible and
in any event no later than 30 June 2019.”
The new subscription rates are as follows:.
Seniors £50
Under 20 or Student £20
Family Membership £90
Retired and Over 60 £25
Second Claim £20
Non-Running Member £10
Payment may be made by Standing Order or Bank Transfer to:
HSBC
Sort code: 40-23-29
Account number: 81109847
Reference: your initial and name and SUBS – e.g. J SMITH SUBS
Those of you who pay by standing order will have to contact your bank to
change the amount. The club cannot do this for you.
Alternatively you can leave a cheque for the Membership Secretary in a
sealed envelope in the clubhouse or give cash to the Treasurer Chris Read or
either of the Assistant Treasurers Deepa Sharma and John Herriott.
RANELAGH RICHMOND 10km
Looking forward to the next road race we organise – the Ranelagh Richmond
10km on Sunday 16th June. It has its own website here:. Entries are coming in steadily so if you’re
planning to run don’t wait too long. As ever, marshals are needed too –
contact ranelagh10khelpers@gmail.com.
2019 STRAGGLERS / RANELAGH JUNIOR HANDICAP SERIES
All under-18s are welcome. The first event was at the Hawker Centre on 25th
April, remaining dates and venues are shown below. Registration opens at
6.50pm for a 7.25pm start. Pre-registration is necessary and a parental
consent form must be completed for any child taking part for the first time.
Thursday 16th May at the Ranelagh Clubhouse
Thursday 6th June at the Russell School, Petersham
Thursday 27th June at the Hawker Centre
Thursday 11th July at the Ranelagh Clubhouse
Thursday 29th August at the Hawker Centre
For registration and more details:
RANELAGH ROAD GRAND PRIX – Sutton 10k
The first Grand Prix race was the Thames Towpath 10 miles on April 14th.
Next came the Spring Marathons – any marathon completed before the third GP
event which was our Richmond Half Marathon on Sunday 5th May. Next comes the
Sutton 10k on May 19th. Details:.
9.30am start.
More details about the Grand Prix, including current full scoreboard and the
list of races here:.
Leading scores after three events:
Open: Ted Mockett 20, Kris Davidson 13, David Criniti 12, Mick Lane 12,
Szymon Chojnacki 12, Richard Willoughby 11, Nick Impey 11, Ian Kenton 11,
Jonathan Smith 11
Men Over 40: Ted Mockett 12, Kris Davidson 8, David Criniti 6, Dan Chiechi
5, James Riley 5
Men Over 50: Mick Lane 9, Marcus Atkins 9, Martin Harris 6, Jonathan Moore 6
Women: Marie Synnott-Wells 7, Carol Aikin 6, Rachel Smith 6, Laura Blazey 6,
Fiona Pugh 5, Alice Forbes 5, Wiebke Kortum 5
Women Over 40: Rachel Smith 6, Clare Fowler 6, Fiona Pugh 5, Fiona Ford 5
Women over 50: Marie Synnott-Wells 12, Carol Aikin 10, Tamsin Burland 5,
Wiebke Kortum 5
GREEN BELT RELAY Saturday and Sunday 18th and 19th May
We have three teams of eleven runners entered in the Green Belt Relay, which
is usually a cracking weekend’s sport. Good luck to all taking part.
LADIES BEGINNERS COURSE
Deborah Blakemore writes:
“Our annual Ladies Beginners Course starts again on Tuesday 14th May, 7 -
8pm at the clubhouse. Couch to 5k in 8 weeks for the bargain price of only
£10. Further details and an application form can be found here:.
Any queries, please contact Deborah Blakemore at
mailto:deboraheblakemore@yahoo.co.uk or you can find me at the clubhouse on
a Tuesday evening.
WIMBLEDON COMMON TRAIL RUNS
These are Andy Bickerstaff’s annual promotions on Wimbledon Common. I can
think of many less pleasant ways of spending a summer Wednesday evening.
Andy writes:
“It’s back for the 6th year and yet another iconic mug featuring a part of
the course is to be had. It would be nice to see a few more of my team mates
from Ranelagh giving it a go this year for five fun filled and challenging
Wednesday night miles! There is a series team trophy which has Ranelagh’s
name on from 2014 but sadly since then it’s been all Clapham and Fulham.
First race was 1st May and the other two dates are 5th June and 3rd July.
Enter the series here: or follow links
to individual races.”
PENNINE WAY RELAY
Many of you may have noticed a plaque in the clubhouse commemorating our
Pennine Way Relay record set back in 1971. 2021 will see the 50th
anniversary of the original run and Rick Jenner is hoping to get a team
together to run the relay again in the summer of 2021. As a kicking-off
point he has arranged a get-together of any interested parties at the
Roebuck on Tuesday May 14th from 8.30pm. There aren’t too many of the
original team left but Rick is hoping a few will be able to make it to the
pub to share their experiences. All are welcome, but if possible let Rick
know you’re coming: rickjenner77@gmail.com.
YOGA CLASSES
Wiebke Kortum writes:
“I am offering three sessions of yoga in June which will be very suitable
for runners. Venue is the hall of St Andrew’s Church. This is the church
near Ham Gate of Richmond Park where we sometimes train. Classes are Monday
the 10th, 17th and 24th of June and cost £10 each or £9 if you book all
three. Themes will be respectively ‘Balances’, ‘Freeing up the hips’ and
‘Opening up the chest’. All levels welcome. Bus Stop is 65 and there is
ample parking available. Let me know in advance if you are interested to
come.
Wiebke (wiebkeyoga@gmail.com).”
DEVON VISITS
Mike Peace writes:
“Beautiful views, challenging hills, a great village location and Parke
parkrun just down the road (4km jogging downhill). The pub is 5mins the
other way for later. We still have vacancies for friends and running
colleagues over the next four months. Double room, ensuite, free wi-fi,
self-contained, private entrance, ample parking. Short stays at any time
with significant discounts for club members.
Please contact mailto:birchanne524@gmail.com for further information,
pictures and availability (alternatively ring 01647 277125).”
GROUP EVOLUTION RETREATS
Barry Williams writes:
“I am based in Kingston but run a luxury sports retreats business out of our
Chateau in the Pays de la Loire in France
www.groupevolution.com/retreats. Our model is simple: partner
with leading coaches and professional athletes; our retreats are
all-inclusive; and we offer tailored, high quality training at a stunning
venue. We often work with local clubs and societies to help get the word out
about our retreats; offering discounts to members and building our
following. We would like to try to get more Ranelagh members along, despite
the short notice. The first running retreat (6-10 June) is hosted by
Commonwealth Games medallist and professional running coach Liz Yelling. The
retreat includes airport transfers, all meals, drinks and accommodation,
wellness and running coaching and sports science assessments along with
exclusive use of the 27 acre Chateau de la Motte Henry estate and grounds.
You can find out more here: And have a look at the full itinerary and venue on the following
website, here: .Flights are
not included but, from London, go daily from Gatwick, Luton, Southend and
Stansted. Standard rates are £625 for one person (as part of a couple or
‘two mates’, sharing a twin room) or £725 for sole occupancy. To make it
simple we could make this £595/£695 if Ranelagh members (or their friends),
collectively, filled four or more places and £575 / £675 if they filled
eight or more places.
NEW CLUB KIT
Our new supplier for club singlets, men’s and women’s. is iProsports.
Details and orders:
TUESDAY NIGHT SOCIALS
Don’t forget that we meet for a casual drink after training on the first
Tuesday of each month. Venue is the Roebuck on Richmond Hill. All welcome.
THURSDAY NIGHT TRACK TRAINING AT OSTERLEY
The club is continuing to subsidise track sessions on Thursday evenings at
the Osterley track. All groups and all abilities are welcome. The sessions
are every Thursday 7.30-8.30pm. Link to the map is here:
FACEBOOK
Follow Ranelagh on Facebook.
WHAT'S COMING
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More details of the following from the men's Captains ranelagh.men@gmail.com
or the women's Captain / Team Manager ranelagh.women@gmail.com
Saturday/Sunday 18th/19th May Green Belt Relay
Sunday 19th May Sutton 10k *GP race 4* Details:. 9.30am start. This race often
fills up before its closing date.
Sunday 2nd June Dorking 10 miles *GP race 5* Details:. 9am start.
Sunday 16th June Ranelagh Richmond 10km *GP race 6* Details:. 9am start.
5km parkruns every Saturday at 9am and 2km junior parkruns weekly or monthly
on Sundays.
Venues, more details and registration at www.parkrun.com or
www.parkrun.org.uk/events/juniorevents/.
WHAT’S HAPPENED
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LONDON MARATHON Sunday 28th April
While the number of finishers hit a new record – 42,549 reached The Mall –
Ranelagh’s contribution numbered 40. This was actually better than we have
seen for a few years, as the London becomes more and more difficult to gain
an entry. Phil Killingley writes:
“A delightful spectacle of running on a blustery Sunday with plenty of blue
and amber joining the festival of colour that is London. Our results show
plenty to be proud of, including David Criniti from Oz smashing it in 2:21
(36th place and 3rd over 40) and Ross Macdonald the first UK-dom member home
in 2:35. James Riley has been threatening to perform and did so in style
with 2:38 - anyone trying to keep up with him in Tuesday reps or on long
runs (or frankly on Tuesday warmups) won't be at all surprised to see that.
Plenty of other excellent results. Tom Fairbrother ran 2:42 and Andy Starr
hacked no less than ten minutes off his previous best with 2:45. Rich Kimber
was rightly delighted with 2:49. I have to pick out Martin Halvey's 3:01 -
superb for a V60. And just ahead of him, as if the physical pain of a
marathon wasn't enough, Ed Perry added plenty of mental anguish with his
3:00:01. Mike Peace of course has completed every London Marathon since it
began and was round in a breezy 4:20. He’s now one of only ten
ever-presents. Laura Blazey, Alice Forbes and Clare Fowler all ran within a
few minutes of each other as the first three Ranelagh women. Well done to
all of you!”
See “Finally” below for Aussie Simon Wolnizer’s gallant finish.
In the Mini Marathon best results came from Sam Nesbitt, 12th in the Under
15 Boys, and Izzy Atkins (whose brother was in the main race) 7th in the
under 17 Girls.
Men
1 Eliud Kipchoge KEN 2:02:37 SM
2 Mosinet Geremew ETH 2:02:55 SM
3 Mule Wasihun ETH 2:03:16 SM
36 David Criniti Ranelagh H 2:21:42 M40+
215 Ross Macdonald 2:35:41 SM
340 James Riley 2:38:47 M40+
534 Tom Fairbrother 2:42:23 SM
746 Andy Starr 2:45:50 M40+
996 Richard Kimber 2:49:33 SM
1280 Simon Wolnizer 2:53:18 SM
1529 Sergio Stillacci 2:55:44 M45+
2022 Gareth Williams 2:59:19 M40+
2138 Ed Perry 3:00:01 SM
2237 Martin Halvey 3:01:11 M60+
2669 Michael Everard 3:06:04 M45+
2907 Paul Doyle 3:08:25 M50+
2973 Karl Hankinson 3:09:10 SM
Rory Atkins 3:11:00 SM
3943 Mick Lane 3:18:26 M55+
4041 Bruce McLaren 3:19:15 M50+
4785 Marc Snaith 3:25:19 M40+
5574 Mitch Phillips 3:30:12 M55+
6068 Bill Neely 3:34:08 M55+
7115 Richard Willoughby 3:40:35 M50+
7259 William Griffin 3:41:38 M50+
7729 Simon Martin 3:44:30 M45+
10107 Egis Vincel 3:57:15 M40+
13524 James Old 4:16:25 M45+
14162 Mike Peace 4:20:49 M65+
14466 Gavin Hillhouse 4:22:49 M45+
16710 Colin Brett 4:37:21 M55+
16712 Roger Wallace 4:37:22 M45+
17717 Ian Grange 4:44:32 M55+
18302 Michael Morris 4:48:59 M45+
Women
1 Brigid Kosgei KEN 2:18:20 SL
2 Vivian Cheruiyot KEN 2:20:14 SL
3 Roza Dereje ETH 2:20:51 SL
579 Laura Blazey Ranelagh H 3:18:47 SL
720 Alice Forbes 3:22:02 SL
740 Clare Fowler 3:22:23 L40+
1370 Fiona Ford 3:31:58 L45+
1485 Kathy Henry 3:33:27 L40+
1804 Marie Synnott-Wells 3:37:33 L50+
6170 Aoife Kilpatrick 4:22:49 L35+
9789 Colette Doran 4:53:09 L45+
Mini-Marathon
Boys Under 13
1 Christo Chilton 16.15
113 Charlie Brook (Ranelagh) 19.51
Boys Under 15
1 Thomas Archer 15.09
12 Sam Nesbitt (Ranelagh) 16.29
27 Jonny Brook 17.04
36 Tom Armstrong 17.18
Boys Under 17
1 Oliver Bright 14.39
32 Jacob Patterson (Ranelagh) 17.04
Girls Under 17
1 Yasmin Marghini 17.20
7 Isabel Atkins (Ranelagh) 18.10
RANELAGH RICHMOND HALF MARATHON Sunday 5th May
Phil Killingley reports:
“Glorious conditions for the Ranelagh Half - cool and lovely sunshine. Lots
of great times for Ranelagh runners. Pick of the bunch, not just in my view
but according to the statistical truth that is Ken Powley, was Ed Forbes,
who nailed it and added almost 6 percentage points to his best age graded
run, with a time of 81:09. Ranelagh men also took first prize for the 3 to
score team competition, and almost certainly will have won the 4 to score in
the Surrey Road League. Szymon Chojnacki smashed his PB as our first
finisher. Neatly, Ian Kenton (course PB), Jordan Mungovan and Marc Leyshon
finished 11 seconds apart in 13th, 14th and 15th positions. Ted Mockett was
our fifth, not far behind, in a field counting over 500 runners. Ken tells
me that Kris Davidson (6th home) and Phil Roberts also managed age-graded PBs -
well done! Rachel Smith was the first of our seven ladies.
Congratulations are also in order to the superb organisers and volunteers
for what is a pinnacle of the Ranelagh calendar, and an important fundraiser
for the club.”
Just to emphasise Phil’s last line: it never ceases to amazes me that we
manage to allow over forty members to run while also filling all the
necessary marshalling, water station and other posts so efficiently. Highest
praise should go to Race Director Sandra Forrest, volunteers co-ordinator
Trevor Maguire and their team.
Overall winner of the race was last year’s champion Belgrave’s Lithuanian
Vegan Andrius Jaksevicius. Only after a protracted battle with South
London’s Ollie Garrod did Andrius manage to pull away, showing no
ill-effects from his 2:25 clocking in last week’s London Marathon. Leading
woman in 54th place was Fulham’s Rose Penfold
1 Andrius Jaksevicius Belgrave H 71.49 SM
2 Ollie Garrod Epsom & Ewell H 72.27 SM
3 Paul Cheetham Thames H&H 72.54 M40+
9 Szymon Chojnacki Ranelagh H 75.25 SM
13 Ian Kenton 75.59 SM
14 Jordan Mungovan 76.08 SM
15 Marc Leyshon 76.10 SM
23 Ted Mockett 78.25 M40+
26 Kris Davidson 78.27 M40+
33 George Howard 79.00 M40+
41 Chris Bundhun 79.51 SM
43 Nick Twomey 80.45 SM
48 Edward Forbes 81.09 M40+
53 David Ready 81.59 SM
55 Rose Penfold (Fulham) 82.54 SL (1st woman)
57 James Whistler 83.14 SM
58 Sergio Stillacci 83.20 M45+
70 Peter Smith 84.47 SM
76 Lisa Rooney (Collingwood) 85.56 L35+ (2nd woman)
81 Vaughan Ramsay 86.40 M45+
84 Neil Rae 87.06 M45+
96 Ruth Hutton (South London H) 88.45 L45+ (3rd woman)
99 Dan Little 88.54 SM
137 Marco Perinelli 92.40 M45+
143 Philip Beausang 93.06 SM
161 Marcus Atkins 94.25 M55+
168 Alex Ring 95.06 M45+
172 Martin Harris 95.13 M50+
199 Ben Shore 97.10 M40+
206 Bill Neely 97.30 M55+
207 Phil Roberts 97.35 M50+
223 Simon Martin 99.09 M45+
236 Richard Willoughby 100.26 M50+
252 John Hobson 101.43 M50+
256 Kevin Kearey 102.05 M50+
263 Mark Byatt 102.58 M50+
277 Paul Wapshott 103.46 M50+
319 Rachel Smith 106.38 L45+
326 Alberto Esguevillas 107.23 M45+
336 Richard Pender 108.26 M55+
393 Fiona Pugh 115.00 L45+
407 Claire Warner 115.51 SL
421 Rebecca Bissell 117.13 L35+
435 Carol Aikin 118.23 L55+
471 Jo Marshall 123.10 L35+
479 Karima Graham 125.04 L35+
527 Alan Meaden 129.23 M60+
TEAMS MEN (3 to Score) TEAMS WOMEN (3 to Score)
1 Ranelagh Harriers 36 1 South London Harriers 37
2 The Stragglers 59 2 The Stragglers 46
3 Reigate Priory 72 3 London City AC 47
STRAGGLERS / RANELAGH JUNIOR HANDICAP SERIES RACE 1 Thursday 25th April at
the Hawker Centre
Nearly a hundred young runners took part in this, the first of six events to
be held throughout the summer months. Ranelagh fielded a great total of 18
runners, though in the team reckoning we were beaten to first place by the
numerically superior Flaming Penguins team. It was a close thing though,
with only five points separating the leading two. However, we had the upper
hand in the individual result. Fastest boys on the day were Bertie Thomas
and James Rushby on 7.08. Josh Harwood-White and Ned Thomas were close
behind. First Boy – excluding first timers – was Ben Rushby, ahead of James
Ricketts and Tate Lawler. Fastest Ranelagh girl was Gemima Goulding on
10.18.
All under 18s are welcome to take part. The next race is from the Ranelagh
clubhouse on Thursday 18th May. See above for details.
1 J Grayling (unatt) 13.39 (actual time 8.39)
6 Bertie Thomas (Ranelagh) 15.08 (7.08)
7 Remy Lefeuille 15.09 (10.09)
8 Josh Harwood-White 15.12 (7.12)
9 Gemima Goulding 15.18 (10.18)
21 Ben Rushby 16.52 (8.52)
22 James Ricketts 17.00 (10.00)
26 Ned Thomas 17.14 (7.14)
29 Tate Lawler 17.33 (9.33)
43 Oliver Beal 18.29 (7.59)
45 Cian O’Brien 18.35 (11.35)
48 Izabella Taylor 18.37 (10.37)
50 Sam Rushby 18.44 (7.44)
61 Noko Yamaguchi 19.05 (11.05)
64 James Rushby 19.08 (7.08)
75 Angus O’Brien 19.34 (8.34)
78 Alfie Lafeuille 19.43 (8.13)
86 Nathaniel Bond 19.55 (8.25)
88 Matthew Beal 20.05 (7.35)
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5km Friday 26th April in Hyde Park
1 J Tipper (Kent) 15.43
12 Ian Kenton (Rane) 16.31
10 Steve Aikin 21.16
178 Andy Bickerstaff 23.22
210 Carol Aikin 25.17
255 Alan Davidson 29.22
WIMBLEDON COMMON TRAIL RACE 5 miles Wednesday 1st May
1 C High (G&G) 26.38
23 C Mason (Invicta EK) 30.53 (1st woman)
24 Chris Bundhun (Rane) 30.56
26 Al Morgan 31.05
27 Edward Forbes 31.13
65 Nick Fordham 34.22
86 Ben Shore 36.05
98 Bonnie Morgan 37.11
100 Steve Aikin 37.24
153 John Ricketts 41.15
175 Carol Aikin 44.06
KESWICK HALF MARATHON Sunday 5th May
1 J Beech (Breckla) 1:11.07
352 Bob Beatson 1:54.47
ESHER 10km Monday 6th May
Jonathan Smith took first place.
1 Jonathan Smith (Rane) 36.50
5 Ed Smith 39.26
ISLE OF WIGHT CHALLENGE Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May
Rachel Revett reports:
“The Isle of Wight Challenge was 106km/66 miles with various options
available (quarter, half, full over two days and full continuous) and around
2000 participants overall. Ranelagh had two runners taking on the challenge,
James Ritchie and myself, both doing the full, continuous option. The route
follows the coastal path most of the way, with about 1700m of elevation
gain. There are eight rest stops, well stocked with food and drink (you
could feast your way around the island if you wanted). Conditions were good,
if a little windy at times, and there was more chance of getting wet from
sea spray than from rain! It was a beautiful run, and as my first ultra, a
great introduction to running a long way in beautiful places. James came
third, in 11h 47 mins, and I came in three hours later, with just the last
few km in the dark, to finish 43rd (7th woman). 426 people finished the
full, continuous challenge. I camped overnight, and enjoyed cheering in a
few of the walkers while I was having breakfast the next morning. I'd highly
recommend this event.”
James adds:
“This is the first race I've done where runners have had to stop and wait
for a ferry halfway through (across the River Medina in Cowes). I caught up
with the first and second place runners here, shortly joined by the fourth
runner, and despite a ten minute wait we managed to set sail just as the
fifth placed runner arrived. The organisers had saved quite a lot of ascent
for the final stretch, but by that point it came as a relief to be able to
walk for a bit. I've previously run Action Challenge's rather flatter
Thames Path Challenge a couple of times, but enjoyed this route more with
the mix of ups and downs. I even saw a red squirrel at one point - all in
all a great day out!”
1 C Bracken (unatt) 10:25.17
2 A May (Herc Wimb) 11:22.53
3 James Ritchie (Ranelagh) 11:47.21
8 H Chapman (Brack F) 12:19.43 (1st woman)
43 Rachel Revett (Ranelagh) 14:47.34 (7th woman)
A TALE OF TWO CITIES – BOSTON and LONDON MARATHONS by Martin Halvey
“My old ears have taken a pounding during the past two weeks. The thousands
of supporters along the Boston and London routes do provide welcome
encouragement, but the high decibels left my ears with a ringing sensation.
From the screams outside Wellesley High School to the Embankment there was
no let up. Still it makes a change from the twittering of the birds up on
the Burren mountains.
The yellow school buses seen on numerous filuums are commandeered on
Marathon Monday to transport 30 thousand runners out to Hopkinton, where
they assemble in the makeshift village. This year the buses came to a halt
after about twenty minutes due to heavy rain. Our bus driver informed us she
had to stop as the windows were fogging up, and also the organisers were
reluctant to have too many runners standing around in Hopkinton, due to the
thunder and lightning. If the conditions didn't improve the race would not
go ahead. However the storm passed, and the day turned out to be dry and a
little humid.
The highlight, if you could call it a highlight, was being passed at around
the 19 mile mark by a tall, strong looking runner. I recognised him as he
was highlighted during the build up to the marathon. It seems he has beaten
Ed.Whitlock's over 70 marathon record. It was Gene Dykes and he finished in
a time of 2 hours 58 minutes. It does put one’s time into perspective!
London it seems grows bigger year by year, the 42,000 runners looks like a
record set among the big city marathons. It could not be achieved without
the volunteers, advising and dispensing water with a smile.
Collecting for charity has become synonymous with London. I do make an
attempt to run for some cause, but I find I keep returning to the same
people, and as generous as most of them are I think a little charity fatigue
may be setting in. Some comments may be negative but the end result is the
charities do benefit from the marathon. Maybe the amount pledged doesn't
correspond to the amount received, but it's still substantial. A person
shouldn't feel guilty not running for a charity. Two weeks before the
marathon I approached a small, local charity based at the West Middlesex
Hospital in Isleworth called The Mulberry Centre. It provides support for
anyone affected by cancer.
Justgiving
Conditions for the race were almost perfect, and having retrieved my clothes
it was very pleasant dressing under the gaze of puzzled ducks and big billed
pelicans, surrounded by colourful tulips in St. James’s Park. It wasn't a
bad day among the birds.”
parkrun results...
Follow this link for the latest Ranelagh results". Then follow
the “Previously” link at the bottom of the parkrun screen to access previous
weeks’ results.
FINALLY...
Ranelagh Aussie Simon Wolnizer gallantly carries a virtually insensible
runner across the London Marathon finishing line. Simon appears just before
2:53. Note this video will only be available for a short time.
Video:
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