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Newsdesk 2002

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 RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 65               12 JUNE 2002
 Web site: http://www.surreyweb.net/rharriers
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 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