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Newsdesk 2019
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 556 13th September 2019
Editor: Steve Rowland
mailto: sandsrowland@btinternet.com
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HEADLINE NEWS
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* Opening run of our 139th season
* Sue Sinclair wins the Thomas Cup
* Fastest times by James Riley and Megan de Silva
* Ranelagh juniors finish 2nd in the handicap series
* Tom Fairbrother runs 71.05 Half Marathon
* Endurance Officials course
* Coming up – Surrey Road Relays on September 14th, Southern Relays on
September 22nd, Page Cup 5 miles handicap on September 28th
ATTENTION PLEASE
****************
CLUBHOUSE ACCESS
Please note that all access to and from the clubhouse must be via our new
gate from the public footpath. Please do not cross the pub car park under
any circumstances.
HON SEC
Gordon Whitson writes:
“A new email address has been created for all email correspondence sent to
Gordon Whitson in his capacity as Hon Secretary of the club. It is
ranelagh.hon.secretary@gmail.com.
Please would you direct all messages for the Hon Secretary to this new email
address.
Thank you.
Gordon Whitson”
THAMES SIDE BREWERY AND TAP ROOM
Andy Hayward, Owner & Head Brewer of Thames Side Brewery writes:
“The Thames Side Brewery & Tap Room is now open for business. We have moved
the brewing equipment from our old cramped premises to a stunning new
location right on the River Thames next to Staines Bridge. For those
training for a marathon we are a convenient 20 mile run along the river from
the clubhouse. What better way to rehydrate and refuel after a long run?!
The brewery area and tasting area are on the ground floor, and there is a
lovely relaxing lounge bar upstairs. And………..the upstairs lounge is painted
out in Ranelagh colours. Come and see us. For more info see here:.
SURREY MASTERS CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday 19th October
Just for a change we are not hosting these championships this year. Instead
they are to be held at Morden Park. All Surrey-qualified men over 40 and
women over 35 are eligible to take part and there are medals to be won in
5-year categories. Men over 60 and all women will run a 6km course at 2.15pm
and the rest of the men will run 10km at 3pm. For entries women should
contact the team manager Phil Aiken (see below), while the men’s entries are
being organised by Stewart Anderson. Contact Stewart:.
COAST TO COAST
Mike Peace writes:
“On Wednesday 11th September Mike Peace (Ranelagh's only surviving London
Marathon Ever-Present) set off to run the Coast to Coast trail (established
by Alfred Wainwright).
The trail wanders across the North of England from St Bees Head (Cumbria) to
Robin Hood's Bay (N. Yorkshire) and is almost 200 miles in length. It will
also involve nearly 29,000 ft of ascents and almost the same in descents.
With almost no sense Mike and Bob Small (formerly of Met Police AC) will not
be trying to break any speed records but with a combined age of 141 years
they might be the oldest pair to attempt running the whole distance -
expecting to take about 2 weeks.
They are running in aid of Rowcroft Hospice and would welcome any donations
or sponsorship friends and running colleagues may offer. If you would like
to support them then please contact them directly or visit here:.”
RUNNING RETREAT REVIEW
Neil Rae writes
“In June I went on my first ever running retreat, courtesy of Group
Evolution Retreats. It really was an eye opener. Here is my review.
Chateau de la Motte Henry is situated in the northern Loire, near Laval. It
is easy to get to, with direct flights to Rennes and Nantes from London
airports. We got picked up on arrival and transferred to the Chateau
(transfers within the price). On arrival the Chateau and grounds were much
more beautiful and imposing than I expected, even having looked at the
website (http://www.groupevolution.com). Set in over 9 hectares the main
Chateau has two lounges, a dining room and enough bedrooms to sleep 36
people. The social spaces are impressive, immaculately furnished and with
well-preserved period features – it’s luxurious but not too over the top
that it loses its homely feel. There is a well-equipped gym, 25 metre heated
outdoor swimming pool, a gorgeous lake and a beautiful trail around the
grounds for running, walking or exploring.
Our running coach for the retreat was British long-distance Olympian and
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Liz Yelling. We were made welcome
straight away and Liz spent time with each of us and got to know us, which
made the retreat seem more personal. We were not coached as such, although
Liz was at pains to ask if we wanted any input, so this was a two-way thing.
Liz was relaxed and her insights informative and entertaining, she helped
the group gel well.
The runs were varied, including a group run and optional second run each
day. The group run was on trails, towpaths and tracks, but always away from
traffic. We did have to travel to these runs and it might have been nicer to
have some more runs setting off from the Chateau itself, but all the runs
themselves were great, especially the long run along the towpath of the
River Mayenne itself. Runs were designed to be flexible to runners of all
abilities and often included sections which could extend the distance of the
run and its level of difficulty. The optional runs at the end of each day
were much more local and included an orientation run on the first day,
repeats around the Chateau’s running trail and a speed session on a nearby
athletics track.
In addition to the running program, a number of other activities were
included. Each guest had a 1-1 sports science assessment, conducted on-site.
This was either a comprehensive gait analysis (including anatomical gait,
walking and running biomechanics), functional fitness assessment or VO2 Max
test. I had the gait analysis and this was both interesting and informative,
with a detailed video and report prepared, highlighting the key findings and
suggesting ways to improve.
Two yoga and meditation sessions were included, one was conducted in the
spacious yoga studio in the Chateau and the other on the deck over the lake.
Not having done yoga before I found these sessions challenging but also
really interesting and the instructor tailored the session both to our
abilities and to make them relevant for runners, so that they had genuine
value. Finally, we were given the choice to have a seminar on a topic of our
choice and this ended up being a Q&A style session with Liz. It was great to
hear about her training regime and get some tips on how to balance a busy
schedule with training.
Although there was a written plan for the whole break and we did do a lot, I
did not feel rushed and there was ample opportunity for free time. Nothing
was compulsory, you could easily miss an activity, and we had plenty of time
to explore the grounds, use the gym and pool or read a book in the rose
garden. The hosts, staff and Liz made us feel welcome from moment one and
this relaxed environment helped us really gel as a group. We all got on
well, evidenced by several late night discussions and the plentiful wine
that flowed.
It was a highly enjoyable break, doing something I love in amazing
surroundings and in the company of great people. I highly recommend it.”
ENDURANCE OFFICIALS NEEDED
Hon Sec Gordon Whitson writes:
“Would you be interested in becoming a UK Athletics certified Level 1 or
Level 2 Endurance Official, qualified to officiate at cross country and road
race events? Ranelagh has an acute shortage of certified officials which
unless addressed will increasingly affect the club’s ability to stage events
such as Surrey League cross country races and our open road races as England
Athletics continues to tighten its event licencing criteria.
The first stage on the pathway to becoming a certified UK Athletics
Endurance Official is to attend the Risk Assessment and Level 1 Endurance
Official Courses. The next courses in an accessible location are being held
at Lewes Athletics Clubhouse, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2XG on Sunday 29
September starting at 11.00am. I have signed up to attend and it would be
great to have some company from the club. The two courses cost a total of
£30 and the Club will reimburse these fees.
If you are interested in finding out more visit the England Athletics site
here: where you can sign up for
the courses and find details on both the courses and additional practical
experience required to obtain certified status. If you wish to discuss
further with me please email me ranelagh.hon.secretary@gmail.com
or call on 07583542050.
Gordon Whitson.”
CLUB KIT
Our supplier for club singlets, men’s and women’s,. is iProsports. Details
and orders: https://www.iprosports.co.uk/club-zone/ranelagh-harriers/
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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Our provisional winter fixture list is now up on our website here:.
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 14th September Surrey County Road Relays at Wimbledon Park. Start
time 12 noon.
Sunday 22nd September South of England Road Relays at Crystal Palace
Saturday 28th September Page Cup 5 miles handicap in Richmond Park. 3pm
start
Saturday 12th October Surrey League men and women both at Priory Park,
Reigate. Women at 11am, men at 3.30pm.
Sunday 13th October Cabbage Patch 10 miles road race – entries closed
Saturday 19th October Surrey County Masters Championship at Morden Park –
see above
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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OPENING RUN and THOMAS CUP 3.85 miles handicap Saturday 7th September in
Richmond Park
This was the Opening Run of our 139th season, and as is now traditional it
included the handicap race for the Thomas Cup. A good crowd assembled for
the annual club photo see here:
and 67 members took part in the race. The first starter in the handicap was
guest Jo Kinchlea (Pat Hewlett’s daughter) and she was never seen by the
rest of the field. But as a guest she was not eligible for the trophy.
Equally isolated as the next finisher (and eligible to win the Cup) was Sue
Sinclair. She crossed the line almost two minutes clear of silver medallist
Rebecca Bissell who in turn was over half a minute ahead of third-placed Ian
Keith. Sue’s victory ensured the ornate Cup remains in the custody of the
Sinclair family for another year, daughter Eilidh having won last year.
Jo Peace finished 4th, Alastair Sinclair was 5th and Anna Reichwald 6th and
then Amrut Sharma led a remarkable pack of 48 finishers within two minutes –
a great job by new handicapper Si Martin. Fastest time went to James Riley
with 22.12 , battling in with Rich Kimber who recorded 22.32. Third best was
James Whistler’s 22.51. Fastest woman was Megan de Silva on 24.27, ahead of
Suzy Whatmough’s 26.06 and Cecily Day’s 28.20.
Here’s a little history for you. The Thomas Cup is named after Sid Thomas,
one of the most outstanding runners in Ranelagh’s history. Sid was a
multiple world record holder and won the trophy in a match race against Will
Parry of Salford Harriers in May 1889. Sid presented the Cup to the club in
1890 and it was first competed for in 1891. Author Warren Roe includes this
account of the race in his booklet about Thomas’s life:
“Amateur running matches were few and far between so the 10 miles match
between Sid Thomas and Will Parry caused quite a stir. The Old Trafford
Grounds, Manchester, were mutually agreed as the venue and the race would
take place on May 10th 1889. As usual in the pedestrian era both runners
went into strict training, Sid Thomas with the famous pedestrian and
trainer, Jack White ‘The Gateshead Clipper’, at the Stamford Bridge Grounds
in Chelsea and Parry by the pedestrian Bryden.
Thomas and his party were quartered at the Douglas Hotel where according to
the Sporting Life correspondent the Ranelagh Harrier looked as cool as a
cucumber and in the best of trim. The supporters of Parry were equally
confident and said to be cock-a-hoop over the chances of their champion. At
various sporting ‘resorts’ Parry was ruled as a red hot favourite, 6-4 being
freely laid on him.
The atmosphere of the ground reminded many of the pedestrian matches held in
Manchester a quarter of a century earlier. The evening weather was fine and
the track in superb condition. Among the crowd were a number of well-known
amateur athletes and retired pedestrians, including John Brighton (the
Norwich Milkboy) who had prepared the track and Bill Lang (the Crowcatcher),
an old adversary of Jack White.
The runners were set of at the prescribed time and Parry led through the
first mile in 4mins 47secs and the second in 9mins 52secs. The difference in
their respective styles was remarkable, Parry moving in his well-known
lurching stride while Thomas ambled around looking ready to pounce at any
time, which just before three miles he did. Parry took on the challenge but
was soon suffering from ‘stitch’ and stopped just before four miles and
three quarters. Thomas continued on and finished in a time of 54mins 55
2/5secs, winning a silver cup valued at £25.”
And of course that very Cup is the one Sid subsequently donated to the club
and for which we now compete as the Thomas Cup.
H'cap H'cap Actual Speed
Time Allow Time Order
Jo Kinchlea (L)(G) 14.37 27.30 42.07 61
1 Sue Sinclair (L) 15.28 20.40 36.08 52
2 Rebecca Bissell (L) 17.18 13.00 30.18 33
3 Ian Keith 17.56 12.40 30.36 37
4 Jo Peace 18.22 6.30 24.52 13
5 Alastair Sinclair 19.09 12.40 31.49 42
6 Anna Reichwald (L) 19.13 11.50 31.03 40
7 Amrut Sharma 19.32 11.00 30.32 35
8 Dave Kew 19.34 12.20 31.54 43
9 Louis Randall 19.38 4.10 23.48 7
10 Gavin Hillhouse 19.39 10.10 29.49 32
11 James Whistler 19.41 3.10 22.51 3
Sam Davidson (G) 19.42 4.40 24.22 11
12 James Ritchie 19.43 4.30 24.13 10
13 Cecily Day (L) 19.50 8.30 28.20 23
14 Bronwen Northmore (L) 19.55 22.00 41.55 60
James Russell (G) 20.01 9.00 29.01 28
15 Martin Harris 20.04 6.20 26.24 17
16 Stewart Anderson 20.04 5.10 25.14 14
Anthony Taylor (G) 20.05 6.50 26.55 19
17 Suzy Whatmough (L) 20.06 6.00 26.06 16
18 John Shaw 20.07 4.00 24.07 9
19 Ian Grange 20.08 10.30 30.38 38
20 David Lawley 20.09 3.00 23.09 5
21 Marianne Malam (L) 20.09 8.40 28.49 27
22 Claire Warner (L) 20.11 11.10 31.21 41
23 Jarryd Hillhouse 20.13 6.20 26.33 18
24 Katie Walton (L) 20.21 22.40 43.01 62
25 Mike Peace 20.25 9.00 29.25 30
26 Megan de Silva (L) 20.27 4.00 24.27 12
27 Julian Holden 20.31 20.40 41.11 59
28 Andy Starr 20.31 2.50 23.21 6
29 Richard Kimber 20.32 2.00 22.32 2
30 James Riley 20.32 1.40 22.12 1
31 Hadi Khatamizadeh 20.34 8.40 29.14 29
Felix Von Schubert (G) 20.34 11.30 32.04 44
32 Clare Day (L) 20.35 13.00 33.35 48
33 Stephen Aikin 20.36 7.50 28.26 24
34 Edward Forbes 20.38 2.30 23.08 4
35 Chris Camacho 20.39 14.20 34.59 50
36 Euan Sinclair 20.41 6.30 27.11 20
37 Rebecca Northmore (L) 20.42 7.50 28.32 25
38 Rue Turner 20.44 9.50 30.34 36
39 Phil Roberts 20.45 8.00 28.45 26
40 Rachel Revett (L) 20.53 8.50 29.43 31
41 Lloyd Camp 20.54 12.00 32.54 45
42 Perry Rendell 20.55 9.30 30.25 34
Ella Stanbrook (L)(G) 21.03 15.40 36.43 54
43 Paula Maguire (L) 21.04 15.40 36.44 55
44 Clive Naish 21.10 17.00 38.10 56
45 Alex Ring 21.13 4.10 25.23 15
Ben Rushby (G) 21.13 14.10 35.23 51
Sarah Moran (L)(G) 21.26 24.00 45.26 64
46 Finlay Sinclair 21.27 6.20 27.47 22
47 Jonathan Smith 21.30 2.30 24.00 8
48 Carol Aikin (L) 21.43 11.40 33.23 47
49 Sally Bamford (L) 21.50 11.30 33.20 46
Emily Lawson (L)(G) 22.19 24.00 46.19 65
Lara Ditzel (L)(G) 22.22 17.50 40.12 58
50 Kevin Knowles 22.32 8.30 31.02 39
51 Richard Willoughby 22.43 4.50 27.33 21
52 Jackie Dunkley (L) 22.48 17.00 39.48 57
53 Eilidh Sinclair (L) 24.10 12.20 36.30 53
Sam Rushby (G) 25.21 8.30 33.51 49
54 Allan Lang 26.12 22.20 48.32 66
Clare Kearns (L)(G) 26.16 24.10 50.26 67
55 Alan Davidson 28.02 15.10 43.12 63
STRAGGLERS / RANELAGH JUNIOR HANDICAP SERIES Thursday 29th August at the
Hawker Centre
As usual for the sixth and final event of the series numbers were a little
down, but still there were 53 finishers. 11 of these were representing
Ranelagh and despite some good performances we were pushed back to 3rd team
on the day behind the dominating Flaming Penguins and Coombe Hill School.
Overall, though, we held on to second place. As has often been the case, we
produced the fastest runners of the day, headed by Alistair Brendon (son of
former member Tom Brendon) who flew round in a time of 6.33. Bertie Thomas
was also inside 7 minutes as the second fastest with 6.55 and third spot was
filled by James Rushby on 7.05.
In the individual scoring over the series Ben Rushby was our top finisher in
5th place followed by Cian O’Brien 6th, Tate Lawler 8th and James Ricketts
9th.
1 R Garrett (unatt) 17.03 (actual time 9.03)
7 Alistair Brendon 18.33 (6.33)
19 Angus O’Brien 19.20 (8.20)
30 Nathaniel Bond 19.47 (8.17)
31 Cian O’Brien 19.49 (10.49)
34 Ned Thomas 19.54 (7.24)
35 Bertie Thomas 19.55 (6.55)
38 Ellis Macmillan 19.59 (9.29)
39 James Rushby 20.05 (7.05)
42 Ben Rushby 20.25 (8.55)
48 James Ricketts 20.56 (10.56)
50 Gemima Goulding 21.14 (11.44)
TEAMS
1 Flaming Penguins 31 (overall 304 – 1st)
2 Coombe Hill Sch 20 (53 – 4th)
3 Ranelagh Harriers 17 (181 – 2nd)
4 The Stragglers RC 15 (112 – 3rd)
5 Lovelace Sch 11 (24 – 5th)
10 schools and clubs took part
GUSBOURNE 5km and 10km Sunday 21st July
Eirin McDowd and Keeley Philips registered a brace of victories in the 5km,
though at the cost of a torn calf for Eirin. Herbie was 2nd in the 10km.
5km
1 Eirin McDowd 19.26
10 Keeley Philips 28.25 (1st woman)
10km
1 B Williams (unatt) 36.05
2 Mark Herbert 37.49
DOWN TOW UP FLOW HALF MARATHON Sunday 28th July at Marlow
1 F Nugent (Dulwich) 1:17.00
351 Sally Bamford 2:04.40
368 Paula Maguire 2:07.13
ENGLEFIELD 10km Sunday 25th August
1 M Green (Newbury) 41.02
43 Paul Wapshott 54.15
LGN’S INTER-ADVERTISING 5k Thursday 29th August in London
Several Ranelagh Harriers competed for their respective advertising
agencies, with some success. Tom Fairbrother was the overall winner
representing Ovo-Kaluza in an excellent 15.41 while Rick Jenner was the
first over 40.
1 Tom Fairbrother 15.41
9 Rich Kimber 17.10
14 Rick Jenner 17.36
33 Michael Everard 18.23
NIGHT OF THE MAD MILES Thursday 29th August at Ewell
Race 4
1 K Newman (Tadworth) 4:59.3
6 Marianne Malam 6:26.9
Race 6
1 G Smith (Collingwood) 5:10.9
12 Vaughan Ramsay 5:45.3
13 Suzy Whatmough 5:51.1
Race 7
1 O Garrod (SLH) 4:46.3
2 Dave Lawley 4:53.6
6 Ed Perry 5:01.3
9 Mark Herbert 5:08.9
Race 8
1 J Stone (SHAEF) 4:44.2
4 Ted Mockett 4:54.3
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 5k Friday 30th August in Hyde Park
1 S Pearce-Higgins (TVH) 15.58
256 Alan Davidson 30.36
MAIDENHEAD HALF MARATHON Sunday 1st September
A big PB for Tom Fairbrother just three days after running his best 5k.
1 R Corney (Reading RR) 67.53
6 Tom Fairbrother 71.05
RUN THROUGH CHASE THE SUN CLAPHAM COMMON 10k Wednesday 4th September
1 D Searle (unatt)) 35.10
217 Roger Wallace 56.22
RUN THROUGH VICTORIA PARK 10k Saturday 7th September
1 E McDonagh (unatt) 35.35
132 Roger Wallace 54.57
TAURON MOUNTAIN RUNNING FESTIVAL Saturday 7th September at Krynica Górska,
Poland
Szymon Chojnacki reports:
“The 10th Mountain Race Festival in Krynica Górska has gone down in history,
as the colleague at the instigation of whom I started assured me, the event
was really great. Starting from various types of runs through the
performances of music bands, lectures by famous runners, and ending with
stands with running articles. My start took place on 7 September at 11:30,
in Minsk on Poprad on the Slovak side, at 9:05 buses from Krynica Górska
started where about 1,000 runners took to the starting line. I started the
race quite hard, because I covered the first 5km in about 20 minutes, then
not a big ascent began, followed by a huge ascent to the ski lift. The first
checkpoint without much fatigue, I don't go on refilling fluids, the route
is generally very demanding +1520 / -1380. After the second convergence legs
suffer cruelly and feel, on very flat on the 3rd checkpoint I supplement
softflasks, pour cold water on my head and run. Two people overtake me on
the way, the end of the race is practically the fugitive. We run down to the
place from which the buses took us and running between the barriers and
flags closer and closer to the finish, I manage to catch up with the top
player, but unfortunately I can't keep up the pace. Finally, I finish the 35
km run in 8th place and 2nd in the m30 category. I am very pleased with
myself because I assumed to be around 3h and 30min, and I ran in 3h and
4min.”
1 P Kacper (Poland) 2:47.29
8 Szymon Chojnacki 3:04.02
GREAT NORTH RUN Sunday 8th September at Gateshead
1 Mo Farah (N&EB) 59.07
1237 Dave Muckersie 1:33.08
1844 Alun Thomas 1:36.48
2203 John Rose 1:38.21
3027 Kathy Henry 1:41.32
3958 Melanie Thomas 1:56.31
CHIPPENHAM HALF MARATHON Sunday 8th September
Chris Read reports:
“Today I ran the Chippenham Half Marathon in Wiltshire. The course is
pleasant and scenic but undulating. The first few miles are on closed
roads. The weather was perfect for running with bright sunshine but cool
temperatures. I completed the run in a (for me) respectable time of
1.53.22. I enjoyed the race but I think it is too far from London for me to
run it regularly.”
1 T Merson (Devon) 1:06.09
483 Chris Read 1:53.22
BACCHUS HALF MARATHON Sunday 8th September at Denbies, Dorking
Deborah Blakemore comments on Facebook:
“How much fun can you have at a half marathon dressed as Minnie Mouse!
Thumbs up to the Bacchus Half at Denbies.”
1 M Oliver (unatt) 1:01.22
19 Ben Johnson 1:52.52
615 Hadi Khatamizadeh 3:10.24
616 Aoife Kilpatrick 3:10.24
1213 Deborah Blakemore 4:40.46
RUN THROUGH CHASE THE SUN OLYMPIC PARK 10k Wednesday 11th September
1 K Krikitos (LCAC) 35.51
209 Roger Wallace 52.56
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…
Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence: a 3,100-miles race around a single New York
block. It’s the world's longest certified road race: 6 am to midnight for 52
days. Full story:.
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