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 RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 587      15th June 2021
 Editor: Steve Rowland
 mailto: sandsrowland@btinternet.com  
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  COAD CUP 5 miles summer handicap will be held in Richmond Park on Tuesday 13th July 
 starting at 7.15pm. More details to follow. 
 
 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
 The annual general meeting of Ranelagh Harriers will be held on Wednesday 7 July 2021,
 starting at 20:00 via Zoom. All members are encouraged to attend. Meeting ID and 
 Passcode details will be provided along with the meeting Agenda and other papers
 closer to the date. If any member wishes an item be added to the Agenda for discussion 
 at the meeting, please would they communicate via email with Gordon Whitson at
 ranelagh.hon.secretary@gmail.com
 
 FIXTURES SECRETARY 
 We're still looking for someone to take over the role of Fixtures Secretary.
 It's not an arduous job, most of the work being carried out in the Spring.
 Present incumbent Rick Jenner will provide assistance. The essential duty is the 
 creation and maintenance of the club fixture list each year: the key races for the
 club including mob matches, club handicaps, Surrey League XC, and other local races
 of interest to members. It does NOT involve organising any of the races yourself!
 Could any member interested in taking on this role or wanting further information
 please contact Gordon Whitson, Hon Secretary, in the first instance via email at
 ranelagh.hon.secretary@gmail.com
  
 DIVERSITY, EQUALITY and INCLUSION OFFICER 
 We're looking for someone to take on the new role of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
 (DEI) Officer. This role will champion all aspects of DEI; initially focusing on the
 themes raised in the recent members’ survey, to build on existing strengths while
 driving further improvements for the benefit of all groups. They will be the primary
 point of contact for members to raise DEI concerns/feedback and will play a key role 
 in ensuring the club is welcoming and inclusive to new members. The role holder will 
 become a Committee member, or add another string to their bow if they are already on 
 the Committee. No previous experience is required, just the passion, respect and 
 commitment to the inclusive values and ethos of our club.
 
 JUNIOR TEAM MANAGER 
 Last but not least we're also looking for someone (of any age) to take on the role of 
 Junior Team Manager. He or she would liaise with the club's junior members, keeping 
 them up to date with training and racing etc.     
 
 MORE MARATHONS
 Bad Leipersdorf Marathon
 Hats off and commiserations to Nick Impey who ran another PB in Austria or didn't.
 Here's Nick:
 I ran a 2h26min11 sec marathon on May 23rd at Bad Leipersdorf  in Austria but I am 
 shown in the official results at 2h42min. On the final lap I was directed the wrong 
 way to the finish and missed it. I realised the mistake when there was no finish at 
 42.2km but kept running to nearer 43km. I stopped my watch at 42.59km on 2h26m11s to
 allow for a margin of error. I was picked up by a car later and as I walked by the
 end my tracker must have bleeped. I am so confident I ran 2.26 possibly even a 2.25
 as I had overtaken a finisher (2h27m03s) before going off course.
   
 Edinburgh Virtual Marathon  Sunday 30th May
 Claire Warner and Aoife Kilpatrick both ran big PBs, 4:27.24 and 4:36.00 respectively.
 Rebecca Bissell wasn't an official competitor but ran the whole route in support! 
 
 Kempton Park Runfest Marathon  Saturday 29th May
 Melanie Thomas was the leading W55 in 3:49.03
 
 Boston UK Marathon  Monday 31st May
 Two more PBs, this time from Kathy Henry and Sally Minchella. Kathy recorded 3:21.42
 for 3rd place in the W45 category while Sally was not far behind at 3:23.32
 
 South Downs Way 100miles  Saturday 12th June
 When 26 miles isn’t enough…more Ultra news: Andy Freeman had a great run on the
 South Downs to finish 25th in 19:28. In the virtual Comrades Marathon Bruce McLaren
 and Si Martin finished but Thomas Lahille had to give best to the hot conditions.
 
 OTHER RESULTS
 Race the Tide 8.5 miles  Saturday 29th May at Mothecombe, South Devon 
 Eirin McDaid paddled to a clear victory in 57.23. Keeley Phillips was 90th in 1:40.55.
 
 Friday Night 5k  Friday 7th May in Battersea Park
 In a very fast race Nick Impey ran 15.21 but found it good enough only for 61st.
 
 Kempton Park Renaissance Runs  Sunday 30th May
 A Half Marathon, a 10k and a 5k were on offer. In the Half Marathon Mick Lane and
 Bill Neely were the leading two M60s, finishing only seconds apart in 1:31.23 and
 1:31.32 respectively. The 10k saw Jackson Creegan finish 2nd in 32.32. In 8th place
 David Ready continued his steady improvement ducking under 35 minutes for the first
 time (and indeed under 36 minutes too) in 34.51. 96th was Simon Taylor in 51.22 and
 111th was Dave Kew, the first M70 in 53.59. It was good to see our former Women's
 Captain and club President Becky Curtis-Hall back in racing action in the 5k, her 
 first road race since 2018. Becky finished 23rd , 3rd W35, in 21.24.     
 
 Dinton Pastures Series once a month!
 There are three 10k races in the series and so far our boys have showed up well.
 The first race was on Thursday 13th May and Nick Twomey and Mick Lane both made 
 the podium – Nick in 3rd place in 36.04 and Mick 15th (first over 60) in 41.17. 
 Four weeks later on 10th June they did it all again. This time Nick was the outright
 winner in 34.40 and Mick 18th (and first over 60 again) in 42.13. 
 
 Isle of Wight Festival Needles Half Marathon  Sunday 6th June
 On a tough but scenic off-road course Mike Morris ran 1:39.03 for 20th place. 
 
 Exmoor Half Marathon  Saturday 12th June
 To quote the organisers: “The Exmoor 10K, half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon
 courses encompass stiff climbs and long descents, open moorland, thickly wooded combes
 (valleys), historical ruins, dizzying cliffs, exquisitely beautiful rivers and a stretch
 of coastline that is unsurpassed.� Beat that! Jonny Smith finished 2nd in 1:44.37 
 and Mark Herbert was 4th in 1:50.06. 
 
 Staines Virtual 10k  Saturday 15th May
 Michele Gibson and Andy Hayward dragged themselves away from the Thames Side Brewery 
 to complete their local 10k together in 70.11.
 
 Vets AC 5km  Tuesday 8th June in Battersea Park
 Bruce McLaren finished 18th and 3rd M50 in 18.55. 
 
 RUNTHROUGHS
 Roger Wallace ran through Battersea Park on 5th June and recorded 57.56 for the 10k.
 Shaun Griffith also finished in 41.25, while in the 5k Jonny Smith was 4th in 16.25.
 Roger also finished the Herts Half Marathon at Knebworth the following day in 2:14.04.
 He then generously gave himself a couple of days off before running 56.39 in the Chase
 the Sun 10k at Olympic Park on Wednesday 9th June.
 
 NEXT 
 COAD CUP 5 miles handicap will be held in the Park on Tuesday 13th July starting at
 7.15pm. For the foreseeable future events will be open to members on a pre-entered
 basis only to comply with any EA Covid 19 Guidelines that may still be in force and
 to make the handicapper's job more straightforward. Simon has proposed that, due to
 the lack of recent race form, all entrants be asked to provide a 5km estimated time
 to help him with the handicaps. Instructions on how to pre-enter will be circulated
 shortly.
 
 DORKING 10 miles - later than usual on Sunday 11th July. Options of 10k or 10 miles
 on a very scenic road loop. The 10 mile race is a popular one amongst our runners.
 Entries and info here:
 
 HARRY HAWKES HALF MARATHON  Sunday 18th July at Thames Ditton. In recent years this 
 has been a 10mile race but for this year and for one year only it's happening as a
 half marathon. https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HarryHawkesSummerRaceday2021.

 RUNNER'S WORLD RUNSOME PETITION 
 Marc Leyshon is acting as a 'Running Mayor' for Sunbury as part of the #runsome
 campaign RunSome which looks to promote running as a means of getting around to do
 everyday tasks in a bid to cut down car journeys – helping the environment and
 promoting all the benefits of running for those in the local area.  This online
 petition is seen as a bit target for the campaign therefore it would be a great
 help if as many people as possible could take a minute to sign up and forward it
 on to any friends and family who might do the same.
 More info: 
 Runner's World UK wants more government funding for running.
 The direct link to the petition :
 Petition · Include running in the UK's plans to Build Back Better · Change.org
 
 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND REGISTRATION  
 As we don't know individual's circumstances, the club will extend the policy we applied 
 last year on subscriptions:
 - we'd like those who can pay the full amount to do so, and we will register those who
 pay a full senior sub with EA-so they get the membership benefits listed here:
 
 - if you would find it difficult to pay, please pay what you can (or not) but keep
 taking part in training and club events. You won't be able to represent the club in 
 public races unless you ask us, and send at least the EA fee - the cost is £15. The 
 club gets no income at that level, so we will only do this if you are representing the
 club at County level or above. (typically Surrey cross country leagues, Surrey or 
 Middlesex champs, or Inter-counties/National champs). You can still enter public races 
 as an individual.
 
  - Ranelagh is financially stable, but has lost two thirds of its annual income in
 the last year as we have not been able to organise our popular 10k and half marathon 
 races in 2020. What will be allowed in 2021 is still not clear - so please support us
 if you can, either by paying your subscription or supporting training and racing
 activities. Our club culture is worth much more than money - keep that going!
 
 - If you have any questions or queries on this please contact the membership secretary
 Chris Owens (aachrisowens@yahoo.co.uk)
 
 Fees for the 21\22 season are Senior £50, Family £90 (two Seniors+) Junior (u20) or
 student or second claim  £20, o60 AND Retired £25, non-running or outside M25 (county
 member) £10. Please do a transfer to the Ranelagh account, as below, and add your name 
 as we cannot see who has paid. 
 Beneficiary Bank:      HSBC
 Sort code:                 40-23-29
 Account Number       81109847
 Account name           Ranelagh Harriers
 
 RANELAGH HARRIERS GAZETTE 
 The club Gazette is the main publication charting the history of the club. We have copies
 dating back to the very first in 1908. Unfortunately there was no publication between
 2005 and 2010, leaving a serious gap in our historical record. The present editor Julian
 Smith has been working for some time on filling the gap and Gazettes covering the missing
 period have now been published. Only a relatively small number have been printed but they
 are available to anyone who would like copies. Just reply to this e-news giving your
 postal address.   
 
 THURSDAY TRACK TRAINING AT OSTERLEY PARK  
 You should be receiving a weekly email in which you can sign up for the following week's
 Thursday track session.
 Any queries should be directed to Gordon Whitson at ranelagh.hon.secretary@gmail.com.
 
 WIMBLEDON COMMON TRAIL RACES 
 Andy Bickerstaff's popular Wednesday evening events on Wimbledon Common were expected
 to take place again this year, though the latest restrictions may put the July race in
 jeopardy. Check the race website for up-to-date news. Planned dates are 7th July, 4th
 August and 1st September, distance 5 miles. Details:. 
  
 SURREY ROAD LEAGUE 
 As most of the usual League races have been cancelled, the League competition has been
 suspended until 2022. 
 
 KEEP IN TOUCH 
 1. Join the Strava group:
 2. Log your run and give it a catchy title.
 3. Give our segments a shot!
 4. Check back every week for highlights
 5. Note that Activity and Profile Privacy settings will need to be set to Everyone if
 you want the rundown team to be able to see your individual runs
 Follow us elsewhere on social:
 Twitter: @ranelaghharrier
 FB: Ranelagh Harriers
 Insta: @ranelaghharriers
 
 FINALLY 
 From the Diary of Samuel Pepys, 1663
 The towne talk this day if of nothing but the great foot-race run this day on Banstead
 Downes, between Lee, the Duke of Richmond's footman, and a tyler, a famous runner.
 And Lee hath beat him; though the King and Duke of York, and all men almost, did bet
 three or four to one upon the tyler's head. 
 
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