Home
Newsdesk 2002
**************************************************************************
RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 65 12 JUNE 2002
Web site: http://www.surreyweb.net/rharriers
**************************************************************************
DORKING 10
Marcus Gohar reports from the fourth race in the Ranelagh Grand Prix
series:
'Stuart Major (S.L.H.) set off on his annual jaunt around the not always
gentle hills to the south west of Dorking, and finished in his usual
place. Nothing new there, but what about the team event? The mighty
Boxhill Racers on their own course have always dominated, but this year
the mighty Ranelagh, who only two years ago were soundly beaten by Horsham
Joggers, stole all the glory, winning both the Surrey (3 to score), and
open (4 to score). The ladies would have won their open event too had not
one of their number not been a late entry, but should get a place in the
Surrey.
As for Boxhill, imagine an old people's home. A wrinkled thin old figure
in a blue yellow and red vest is saying, "I'm Boxhill Racers. Southern
relay champions, multiple Surrey League and Surrey champions..." The care
worker smiles kindly. "Course you were dear. It's time for your
medication".'
Marcus and Mick were the leading two vets and Mike was 2nd over 50. Liz's
pb (despite competing on the track for Richmond and Twickenham the
previous day) will probably earn her a Surrey bronze.
GRAND UNION CANAL RACE
Chris Spink was unable to complete the 145 miles Grand Union Canal Race
over the Bank Holiday weekend, though he seems to have made a valiant
effort on behalf of his charity the Naomi House Children's Hospice. Chris
writes: "I pulled out at the 90 miles point, with a badly swollen knee
which had been bothering me for around 8 hours, and a bruised ego. I got
to the half way point in around 18 hours which I felt was good going. Well
some of you sponsored per mile which is good for the charity. Obviously it
was this thought which kept me going through the night, and for 26.5 hours
almost non-stop". If anyone would like to add to the funds raised by
Chris, he can be contacted at mailto:chriss@fulham.hphc.co.uk.
WORLD VETERANS ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Margaret Auerback travelled to Riccione in Italy to compete in this event
over the weekend of May 24th - 26th. She just missed the medals in the
over 55s 10km, finishing 4th in 42.39. Alan Davidson and Mike Bruce were
also there; I don't have any news of Mike but Alan writes: "..the heat and
humidity proved tough. The half marathon was a real slog in the conditions
and although I did an appalling 1.47.53 at least I stuck to it and
finished! I was pleased with 39.39 in the 10km in better conditions but
frustrated to finish one second behind another M55 Brit whom I couldn't
quite run down at the end. I have a lovely pained-looking photo as a
souvenir (or reminder never to do it again!)".
JIM LANGFORD
Australian Jim Langford - one of the finest runners ever to grace a
Ranelagh vest - is visiting the UK this summer. A former Aussie
cross-country champion, he finished 2nd in our Southern Championships and
led the Ranelagh teams in a multitude of cross-country and road races in
the late 1970s. Now 57 years old, Jim is still keeping pretty fit and
plans to visit Richmond with his wife Margaret on July 17th to take part
in the Coad Cup handicap. He'd be pleased to see any of his old friends
who can make it to the club that night.
HELP
Julian Smith writes:
"I've had a request (from the owner of an outstanding B&B I stayed at in
Italy over Easter): 17-year-old Italian girl is looking for an English
family to stay with for 1-3 weeks during June or July, so that she can
improve her English. Prepared to do domestic chores etc to earn her keep.
Enquiries to Julian Smith (mailto:smithj@bp.com / 0208 947 3530)".
NEXT...
More details of the following from Andy Bickerstaff (07966 552302 /
mailto:norris.hobs@ndirect.co.uk) or Sarah Seal (020 8995 2380 /
mailto:sarahs@walker.co.uk).
Sunday June 23rd Sunday in the Country. Tom Reay is organising a run
in the Headley-Reigate area followed as usual by a pub lunch. All speeds
and appetites catered for. Meeting point will probably be at the Hand in
Hand pub on the Boxhill Road at 10.30ish. Contact Tom for more details
(mailto:reayta@aol.com).
Sunday June 30th Dysart Dash 10km from our clubhouse. Ranelagh Grand
Prix race 5. 10am start. Entry form available on our web site.
Saturday July 6th Brickmakers Arms Marathon Relay at Windlesham.
Always a popular low-key event - teams of 10 each running 2.6 miles.
Wednesday July 17th Coad Cup 5 miles handicap in Richmond Park. 6.45pm
start. All members welcome.
Sunday July 21st Elmbridge 10km at Walton. Ranelagh Grand Prix race
6. 10.30am start. Entry form can be downloaded from
www.elmbridgeroadrunners.co.uk.
Friday July 26th Wedding Day 7km at Bushy Park, Teddington. Grand
Prix race 7. 7.30pm start. Entry form can be downloaded from
www.stragglers.org. Note this is a very popular race and will most likely
be fully subscribed. You will probably NOT be able to enter on the day, so
get your entries in early!
Steve Rowland
Telephone: 01926 318734
Fax: 0870 4006901
e-mail: srowland@calorgas.co.uk