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Newsdesk 2002
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RANELAGH HARRIERS E-NEWS # 69 24 JULY 2002
Web site: http://www.surreyweb.net/rharriers
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ELMBRIDGE 10KM SUNDAY JULY 21st
We had a pretty good turnout for the other towpath 10km (besides our own,
that is), headed up by the usual suspects Messrs Gohar, Doyle and Lane.
This time it was Marcus who came out on top in 4th place after another
spirited struggle with Paul who finished just 5 seconds down. These
battles with Marcus are obviously ageing Paul rapidly - the result sheet
shows him as an over 40. Mick was a minute back in 13th place and with
four to score for the team race it was Adam Tapley who rode shotgun to
ensure we pipped the Puma TVH club for the top prizes, 81 points to 84.
Further back Mike Peace gallantly escorted Liz Kipling across the line
again (people will start to talk!), but Liz just missed out on the prizes
in 4th place and again when the team of herself, impressive newcomer Jenni
Kruse, Sue Healey and Bridget Cuthbert were announced as runners-up to
that same Puma TVH outfit.
While the rest of us were plodding around the Coad Cup 5 miles on July
17th, Marlene Pautard was busy winning the Reigate Priory 10km in 41.39.
AGM
One further new face on the Committee, omitted from last week's round-up,
is that of Will Storey as a running rep.
SOUTHERN ROAD RELAYS
Marcus Gohar writes: "This highly prestigious event takes place at the end
of September. The seniors' race has six stages and the veterans' four, the
elite runners usually doing around 17 - 18 minutes, the Ranelagh elite a
little slower.
The chances of us getting anywhere near the senior medals are
non-existent. However, we can still put out a reasonable team that should
take us close to qualifying for the national six stage relay. We have done
this on two occasions, 1997 and 1998. This is the highest standard race in
terms of depth which most of us could ever hope to run in.
Last year high hopes for a top 10, even top 5 spot in the V40 event were
dashed as key runners got injured or were unavailable, and those who did
make it ran well below par, (apart from President Peace who put in a
highly competitive V50 performance. Pity the rest of the team were V40s).
Last Sunday a Boxhill (remember them?) runner commented that we seemed to
have very good veterans but never did anything with them. He had a point.
If we really made an effort we could turn out possibly two good V40 teams.
On last year's form we need to average about 20.30 per stage to get in the
medals. Without Hugh, (Berlin Marathon that weekend), it's a long shot,
but we could improve considerably on last year's 17th place. Mike Peace
and Steve Rowland could get the V50s off to a reasonable start, and with
the likes of Bill Harvey, Martin Clark, Pete Warren and Allan Lang, the
V60s would also be very strong.
If we treat the event as a priority and even - gasp - train for it, that
is to say do training appropriate to a 20 - 25 minute road race, we could
surprise ourselves. Furthermore, relays are good fun to do and watch,
they're good for club spirit, and good results raise the profile of the
club. If we qualify for the nationals that would be even better!
If in September everyone could arrange to be fit and injury free, Paul
Doyle could keep improving, Will Storey could put his money where his
mouth is, overseas (or over the border) members could be in London, we
could have a splendid start to the season".
RICHMOND PARK
This comes from Stephen Instone:
"Last week's Richmond and Twickenham Times has an advert put in by The
Royal Parks. They want comments on four proposals: 1) to close Robin Hood
Gate completely to motor traffic, 2) to close Pen Ponds car park, 3) to
reduce the speed limit in the Park to 20mph, 4) to investigate the
possibility of road charging.
Written comments to The Park Manager, Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, Surrey
TW10 5HS, or e-mail to richmond@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk. Deadline September
28, 2002.
Members of Ranelagh might have views, and I wondered if you'd like to give
it a mention in the Newsletter. Personally, I'm against all four - (3) in
particular as my regular sub-3-minute-miling sessions would have to stop".
FOUNDERS' CHALLENGE - SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2002
Peter Saw prefers walking to running but that doesn't stop him racking up
more miles than most of us! He writes:
"The Founders' Challenge is a non-competitive twenty-six mile walk through
the Surrey Hills, visiting places associated with the founders of the
LDWA. A route description is provided, but there are no marker flags.
There will be three checkpoints serving refreshments and a light meal will
be served at the finish, all included in the entry fee of £4.50. A
certificate will be presented to all who finish within the time limit of
nine and a half hours. The median time last year was around seven and
three quarter hours whilst the fastest was about four hours and twenty
minutes. Start from Peaslake Memorial Hall at 9.00 a.m. (runners at 10:30
a.m.). Entry limit 250.
Further information is available through the LDWA web site
(www.ldwa.org.uk) or direct from the organiser, Bill Thompson at 86 Lynton
Road, London, W3 9HW (phone: 020 8992 0991, e-mail:
bill.thompson@which.net).
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).
Friday July 26th Wedding Day 7km at Bushy Park, Teddington. Grand
Prix race 7. 7.30pm start. The latest news is that entries have now closed
and there will be no entries on the night.
Sunday August 11th Surrey 5km at Wimbledon. Grand Prix race 8. 10am
start. Entry forms in the clubhouse: £3 to Derek Crookes, 209 Lynmouth
Avenue, Morden, Surrey SM4 4RX.
Tuesday August 13th Ratchford Relay in Richmond Park. Women only! 7pm
start.
Steve Rowland
Telephone: 01926 318734
Fax: 0870 4006901
e-mail: srowland@calorgas.co.uk