LANGPORT
RUNNERS
Newsletter September 2009
First of all congratulations to
Sophie and Martin on the birth of Isaac James Hooper born 27th Aug 09, weighing 8lb 6oz. Mind you if Grahame had his way the
baby would be named Ivor thanks to him mishearing the voice activated text
message that was sent to him!
Also congratulations to
Jo and Lee on the birth of Florence. We wondered why we hadn’t seen Jo for a
while!
A reminder that the Club
Championship continues through to the end of the year. All you have to do to
qualify is run at least 6 races from the list which is published on the
website. The remaining races are:
|
CC |
Sun 18th Oct |
Exmoor Stagger 15m MT |
|
CC |
Sun 1st Nov |
Ilminster Lions10K road
race |
|
CC |
Sun 29th Nov |
Brent Knoll 5.5m MT |
|
CC |
Dec 6th (Sun) |
Full Monty “cute”10
mile MT |
|
CC |
Dec 26th (Sat) |
Stoke Stampede, 10K road
race |
|
|
+ Street 5K Oct Nov or
Dec(your best time counts) |
|
NB At
the time of writing there were less than 50 places left for the Full
“Montycute”
The points system is
fully explained on the website but do ask Pete or me if you are unsure or if
you think any or your results are wrong. Don’t worry about giving us your times
for CC races as I will already have found them on the results pages. However
the exceptions are if you run a half or/and full marathon. Here we need to know
your best ones for this year. We then put everybody’s best times together and
sort out positions/points from that.
The final results and
prizes will be given out at the Presentation evening in the New Year. There
will also be prizes for the fastest 5K, 10k, half marathon and full marathon,
so lots of prizes up for grabs. And I
hope you are still clocking the number of miles you do in the year – for the
Forest Gump trophy!
Alice, Sue and I were
lucky enough to get places in the London Marathon 2010. If you didn’t get a place in the ballot then
you will be able to go in for the club draw for the 2 club places- the odds of
getting a place are extremely good compared with the ballot!! Let Pete know if
you want to be entered.
It looks as though we
will be able to have the hall as a base for training on a Monday night between
6.30 and 7.30pm. This is where the
juniors get a chance to come along and run but the session is open to all
adults as well. In addition Pete is intending to run a circuits session
afterwards (7.30-8.30pm). Let him know
if you are interested.
The Dartmoor Discovery Challenge
June 6th 2009
|
Place |
Time |
Name |
Team |
Race Age Category |
1
|
3:43:43
|
Alan Ryder
|
Erme Valley Harriers
|
MV45-49
|
|
18 |
4:37:27 |
Robert Ellis |
Langport Runners |
Senior Male |
62
|
5:16:30
|
Peter Jones
|
Langport Runners
|
MV55-59
|
99
|
5:52:32
|
Neal Stayner
|
Langport Runners
|
MV40-44
|
100
|
5:52:32
|
Neil Williams
|
Langport Runners
|
MV40-44
|
118
|
7:18:24
|
Patricia
Seabrook
|
Finch Coasters
|
FV55
|
The Dartmoor Discovery -32 miles of undulating road, a race suggested and completed many times by Rob as well as Russ and James and one which I had been promising myself to do. So off I go with tent in car for a weekend down to Dartmoor. Arriving on Friday afternoon I found Neal and his family there already. Put up tent and then went off to meet Rob and Sara for a customary last supper! Followed that with a drive around the route courtesy of Rob (I think I was glad we did it)
Race morning arrives with a bit of rain in the air and a lot of nerves and trepidation. I’ve never run this far before, so would I finish, would I survive? The race is off and away we go, keeping it steady not too fast at the start. About half hour into the race it started raining and it rained and it rained (until 1830 that night). It was hilly, there were nice views, the course was well marshalled, fellow competitors were friendly, very talkative and there was plenty of water from water stations as well as the skies. I felt ok, and although by twenty miles was cold and wet I was still, strangely, enjoying the event! However my fingers were unmovable now and I could not open my gels, or my water bottle. I hit the top of my gel bottle against a stone and managed to loosen it thankfully. We then neared the finish and that final last hill to the end, which was torturous, leading to a very well organised finishing blanket, sarnie and cup of tea.
Yes I had finished and I had one person to thank for that, someone who gave me some very good advice, for once I listened and if you ever do this event or one longer than the marathon take heed. I was told not to start running the race until the top of the first big hill (6 miles ish) and take the marathon race from there, this I duly did. It worked, and even though the conditions were not great I loved the race and will do it again. So all it leaves me to say is THANKS Rob- your advice and info was great and it proves you are never too old to listen and learn. A very well organised event and one that must be tried, as it is one of the last true ultra road marathons left.
Pete Jones
Run in the Wild 10K MT Sunday 7th June
This was a new multi-terrain race organised by
Chard Road Runners. In the beautiful setting of the Cricket St Thomas estate it
attracted many runners, including 11 club members. As well as the usual prizes
there were also ones for runners who were best in 3 races run in 8 days
(Crewkerne 9, Forde Abbey and Run in the Wild)
It was a very scenic run, starting and finishing
near the Tythe Barn. It was certainly a challenging race on a warm day with
lots of hills, but well worth doing.
|
Position |
Number |
Time |
Number |
Christian |
Surname |
Category |
Club |
|
1 |
793 |
0:36:41 |
793 |
Martin |
Cox |
Senior
Male |
Salford
Harriers |
|
14 |
703 |
0:43:55 |
703 |
Jenny |
Moore |
Female
35+ |
Wells
City Harriers |
|
16 |
789 |
0:44:13 |
789 |
Colin |
Evans |
Senior
Male |
Langport
Runners |
|
29 |
846 |
0:46:33 |
846 |
Brett |
Rogers |
Senior
Male |
Langport
Runners |
|
68 |
795 |
0:51:19 |
795 |
Jim |
Hill |
Male 60+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
89 |
603 |
0:55:15 |
603 |
Daisy |
Baggs |
Senior
Female |
Langport
Runners |
|
94 |
701 |
0:55:49 |
701 |
Samantha |
Mepham |
Senior
Female |
Langport
Runners |
|
115 |
694 |
0:58:05 |
694 |
Liz |
Martin |
Female
45+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
127 |
699 |
0:59:24 |
699 |
Paul |
McSparron |
Male 50+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
160 |
833 |
1:03:18 |
833 |
Susan |
White |
Female
45+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
174 |
709 |
1:05:29 |
709 |
Julie |
Napier |
Female
35+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
175 |
851 |
1:05:39 |
851 |
Alan |
Pearce |
Male 50+ |
Langport
Runners |
|
253 |
612 |
1:56:33 |
612 |
Mandy |
Bulgin |
Female
45+ |
|
There were 253
finishers.
Tri Tri Tri
again....The Blenheim Palace Triathlon (or the poshest event I've ever
been to!) (Or the Trials and Tribulations of 20 Minutes in a Wetsuit!)
June 7th
Having regularly taken part in the Langport (and occasionally the Wellington) Triathlon, this year I decided to enter a different one with a couple of friends - the Mazda Blenheim Palace Triathlon. This is a big event, with over 5,000 entrants in a series of sprint events (half the Olympic distance) over the weekend. The main difference between this Tri and the others I'd done, was the longer open water swim in a wetsuit (no, please don't try and picture this!), So I duly hired a wetsuit from Tri UK and, having practised getting in and out of the damn thing as quickly as possible (not easy), tried to find some open water to swim in an attempt to get used to it - this ended up being once in the sea, and finally (in desperation as time was running out), ended up swimming up and down the Sowy flood relief channel next to the Parrett (much to the fascination of the cows and no doubt the fish) - some interesting wildlife but really not particularly pleasant!
Well, the event itself turned out to be on a
typical English summer's day in early June - pouring rain, cold, very
gloomy - in fact, probably the worst weekend of the whole year.
But the location in the grounds of Blenheim Palace was fantastic - mostly in
front of a huge imposing stately home surrounded by hundreds of acres of
beautiful open parkland and lakes. The 750m swim started off in the big
lake (much clearer than the Sowy!) and at 18 degrees relatively warm compared
with outside! I struggled with this however, despite being a
reasonable swimmer normally - not enough practice in the wetsuit! There
was then a 400m uphill run back to the bikes whilst trying to peel off the
wetsuit - still not easy, though the Bodyglide (no, that’s not a sex aid)
helped! The cycle was great - 20K comprising 3 undulating laps round the
parkland, which went OK apart from my chain coming off 3 times! And the
final 5K run of 2 very scenic laps round another small lake finished me off
nicely!
So in the end, not quite as fast as I'd
hoped, but within my target time limit and thoroughly enjoyable. My two
(female) friends did well too, and the three chaps (our respective
partners) provided a fantastic support team, helping us offload the bikes,
cheering us all on and taking photos, etc! Unfortunately it was a
struggle to celebrate our success at the end with the cold champagne that our
friends had brought, as we were so very wet and cold due to the
atrocious weather, that all we really wanted was a hot bath and lots of hot
tea!!
Anyway, bad weather or not, I'd certainly recommend Blenheim to anyone who's into Triathlons - wonderful location, very well organised, and a great atmosphere. I will certainly do it again, as I'm absolutely determined to overcome the idiosyncrasies of trying to swim in a wetsuit you can't breathe in or get out of!!
Jane Brookhouse
Yeovil 5K Road Race (Race 3 of 6) Yeovilton Naval Station Wed 10th
June
|
Position |
Time |
Name |
Club |
Category |
Number |
|
1 |
00:15:52 |
Jon Wells |
Wells
City Harriers |
MV40 |
775 |
|
28 |
00:18:21 |
Jenny
Moore |
Wells
City Harriers |
FV35 |
636 |
|
54 |
00:19:44 |
Tony
Forster |
Langport
Runners |
MV50 |
585 |
|
100 |
00:22:48 |
Liz
Martin |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
718 |
|
123 |
00:24:47 |
Susan
White |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
719 |
|
155 |
00:29:33 |
David
German |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
763 |
There were 165 finishers. Last
finisher 39:04
Ninesprings 9K Yeovil Sunday 14th
June
Well done to Brett Rogers, the only Langport runner
in this race. He was 10th in a time of 40:49. First was Chris Burton
from Yeovil in 34:30. There were 99 runners- last runner came in at 1:13:00
Martock 10K Sunday 21st
June
A record 149 runners took part in this 10K race.
This is a Club championship race and there were several Langport Runners.
Claire was third senior lady and Claire, Diane, Liz and Sue won the ladies team
prize of locally made fudge-yum!
|
Place |
Time |
Name |
Team |
Category |
|
1 |
0:33:29 |
Cooper, Tristan |
WELLS CITY HARRIERS |
Senior Male |
|
18 |
0:39:24 |
Evans, Colin |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Senior Male |
|
22 |
0:40:03 |
Heard, Rachel |
TAUNTON ATHLETIC CLUB |
Senior Female |
|
40 |
0:42:34 |
Cox, John |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
|
44 |
0:43:00 |
Astington, Owen |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Senior Male |
|
48 |
0:43:37 |
Chedzoy, Claire |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Senior Female |
|
74 |
0:47:23 |
Stewart, Dianne |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Female |
|
79 |
0:47:53 |
Martin, Liz |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Female |
|
100 |
0:51:21 |
McSparron, Paul |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
|
105 |
0:52:32 |
White, Susan |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Female |
|
128 |
1:00:28 |
Byrom, Jenny |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
Veteran Female |
|
149 |
1:16:46 |
Clayton, Sarah |
CREWKERNE RUNNERS |
Veteran Female |
There were 149
finishers.
Killerton Kanter Sunday 27th
June 2009
Congratulations to Jim Hill who was first male vet
60 in this undulating cross country 10K in a time of 50:41. First home was Lee
Turner in 36:49. There were 140
runners.
Charmouth Challenge 8m Fell Race
Saturday July 4th 2009
Up at 3.00 as usual to walk the dogs before the
days activities begin. Usual panic of late papers and then rushing to stuff
weekend supplements before marking up and getting on the road just after 6.00
to begin the rounds. The morning went OK but I was aware the temperature was up
to 23°C by 11am. I was not looking forward to running in the heat. I made my
last call on Ethel who always gives me a piece of last week’s stale cake
(actually it isn’t usually too bad), but disaster struck and I was offered 2
pieces- not good race preparation but it would be rude to refuse! Set off just
after 1pm and joy of joys the sky was getting more overcast. By the time I reached Charmouth the temperature
had dropped to 18°C. Bumped into Neil Williams. It was nice to see a friendly
face. I recognised a few of the Yeovil and Wells runners as well. I got split
from Neil when I went back to the car to get changed and as I returned to the
start area a bell rang and we were away with me at the back! The course left
the Primary School in Sea Lane and within half a mile we started the first of 2
climbs up Charndown Hill. I wasn’t sure how to run this race and pushed on
passing other runners. Then I saw Neil in front, caught him, had a brief chat
then pushed on. Finally I reached the
top, what a climb, but I had managed to run all the way. Just beyond was the
first of 2 drinks stations. I knew I needed to drink to avoid de-hydration so I
made a conscious effort to stop and have a couple of sips, pouring the rest
over my head, then on again. The next bit was downhill and I could see Golden
Cap to my right. I managed to overtake 2 runners but then the track changed to
loose flint and descended steeply. A woman I’d overtaken came past me which
dented my pride so I made a conscious effort to catch up. But I began to run
out of control and only managed to keep on my feet by using a gate to act as a
brake as the track turned sharp left.
Up and down and at about 2 miles we reached the boggy area. Fortunately
the bog had dried up. The second ascent began and I knew I just had to grind it
out, chug, chug, stumble, stumble, chug. I reached some steps just before the
crest and had to walk as I had nothing left. Pretty much everybody else was
walking as well. Finally reached the
summit at about 4 miles. I had to run
that bit as there were spectators about! And now the sun was out-great!
So the rest must be downhill. No and there was
still 4 miles to go. I was shot so continued to walk/shuffle towards the
finish, overtaking runners at one point only to be overtaken again when I
walked the next bit. Then that woman
came past me again, oh well! As I approached the grassy descent into Charmouth
I decided to go flat out and passed another runner, then over the footbridge by
the car park struggling to avoid spectators. Finally struggled up the slope to
the school and the finish.
Race over, completely goosed, I begin to get my
breath back. The fire brigade were there, hosing runners down. I waited for
Neil to come in which he did shortly after. He even overtook a runner on the
way in. Where did he get the energy from?
Had a quick chat with Neil and his wife before
heading home. Would I do it again? You bet! Tony Forster
|
Place |
Time |
Name |
Club |
Age category |
No |
|
1. |
0:54:49 |
Tom Bush |
Altrincham RC |
Male 18 |
279 |
|
78 |
1:10:28 |
Tony Forster |
Langport Runners |
Vet 50 |
254 |
|
142 |
1:18:34 |
Neil Williams |
Langport Runners |
Vet 40 |
260 |
There were 257 finishers.
Last finisher 2:24:13
Yeovil 5K Road Race (Race 4 of 6)
Yeovilton Naval Station Wed 8th July
|
Position |
Time |
Name |
Club |
Category |
Number |
|
1 |
00:16:02 |
Jon James |
Wells
City Harriers |
MV40 |
775 |
|
8 |
00:17:18 |
Laura
Bowerman |
New
Mexico |
SF |
810 |
|
36 |
00:18:50 |
Russ
McArthur |
Langport
Runners |
SM |
543 |
|
63 |
00:19:53 |
Tony
Forster |
Langport
Runners |
MV50 |
585 |
|
76 |
00:21:07 |
Jim Hill |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
532 |
|
95 |
00:22:36 |
Liz
Martin |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
718 |
|
126 |
00:25:41 |
Eric
McLaughlin |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
827 |
|
137 |
00:27:36 |
Michael
Parr |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
545 |
|
142 |
00:28:32 |
David
German |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
763 |
There were 155 finishers. Last
finisher 40:29
The Wellington Ten (10m and 10K
Road Race Sunday 12th July
Place
|
Time
|
Name
|
Team
|
Category
|
Number
|
1
|
0:57:46
|
Barry Reynolds
|
|
SM
|
133
|
|
23 |
1:08:24 |
Colin Evans |
Langport Runners |
SM |
242 |
225
|
1:58:50
|
Jacqui Mitchell
|
|
FM35
|
228
|
There were 225 finishers
Congratulations to Nicola Healey who did 1:25:05 in the 10k race.
Exmoor Seaview 17 Minehead Sunday
26th July
Last year we wilted in the heat- what a difference
a year makes. As we got off the coach for a toilet stop at County Gate, the
rain was horizontal. We arrived at Countisbury Church half an hour early and
many of us took shelter inside (there was no service going on so we didn’t have
to sing!) However once we were running
the rain really didn’t bother me. The route was the same as last year following
the coastal path to Minehead with a mix of narrow coastal paths with steep
drops to the sea, fields, woods, moorland, pebble beach, salt marshes and an
impossibly steep hill at 14 miles. The 17 mile title is a myth made up by Fred
at Minehead Running Club- it actually measured 20.82 miles on my Garmin and I
promise I didn’t get lost! However it’s worth the Ł6 it costs to enter- there
are no medals, t shirts or prizes, but a fun coach ride to the start and a
super high tea at the end!
Results
|
Number |
Name |
Time |
Team
|
|
81 |
Creech - Stuart |
2:56:05 |
|
|
118 |
Rogers - Brett |
3:17:49 |
Langport Runners |
|
98 |
Stayner - Neal |
3:19:48 |
Langport Runners |
|
51 |
Chedzoy - Claire |
3:28:04 |
Langport Runners |
|
101 |
Williams - Neil |
3:46:48 |
Langport Runners |
|
88 |
Hill - Jim |
4:01:19 |
Langport Runners
|
|
77 |
Martin - Liz |
4:09:50 |
Langport Runners |
|
116 |
Byrom - Jenny |
4:36:47 |
Langport Runners |
|
109 |
Pearce - Alan |
4:36:48 |
Langport Runners |
|
21 |
Rowswell - Kathryn |
5:00:36 |
Langport Runners |
There were 146 finishers
Haselbury 10K Wednesday 5th
August (CC)
Position
|
Number
|
Name
|
Club
|
Time
|
Category
|
1
|
778
|
Charlie Maclean
|
Taunton AC
|
0:40:30
|
SM
|
9
|
757
|
Jenny Moore
|
Wells City Harriers
|
0:44:20
|
F35
|
12
|
776
|
Colin Evans
|
Langport Runners
|
0:45:20
|
SM
|
36
|
787
|
Tony Forster
|
Langport Runners
|
0:49:35
|
M50
|
46
|
771
|
Jim Hill
|
Langport Runners
|
0:51:34
|
M60
|
63
|
802
|
Claire Chedzoy
|
Langport Runners
|
0:54:14
|
SF
|
72
|
865
|
Grahame Turner
|
Langport Runners
|
0:55:16
|
M40
|
75
|
730
|
Samantha Mepham
|
Langport Runners
|
0:55:46
|
SF
|
90
|
791
|
Liz Martin
|
Langport Runners
|
0:58:09
|
F45
|
134
|
809
|
Jane Brookhouse
|
Langport Runners
|
1:10:37
|
F45
|
135
|
809
|
Jenny Byrom
|
Langport Runners
|
1:11:00
|
F45
|
145
|
834
|
Liz Brown
|
Gillingham Trotters
|
1:23:34
|
F45
|
There were 145 finishers
Yeovil 5K Road Race (Race 5 of 6)
Yeovilton Naval Station Wed 12th August
|
Position |
Time |
Name |
Club |
Category |
Number |
|
1 |
0:15:04 |
Tom
Merson |
Bristol
and West |
SM |
860 |
|
12 |
0:17:14 |
Rebekah
Randall |
|
SF |
682 |
|
60 |
0:20:02 |
Tony
Forster |
Langport
Runners |
MV50 |
585 |
|
90 |
0:22:48 |
Liz
Martin |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
718 |
|
114 |
0:24:53 |
Sue White |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
719 |
|
129 |
0:27:06 |
Michael
Parr |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
129 |
|
135 |
0:28:27 |
David
German |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
763 |
There were 165 finishers
Battle of Sedgemoor 10K Sunday 30th
August (CC)
There were a bumper number of entrants in our 10K
and a very healthy turnout from the club.
Well done to Steve Brown, who after years of organising the race was
able to run himself and was first local man home! The first men’s team was 8th.
(Neal, Steve, Jim, and Tony). The first ladies team was 7th home.
(Liz, Sue, Emma and Jane)
|
Place |
Time |
Name |
Team |
Category |
Number |
|
1 |
0:31:15 |
MERSON, TOM |
BRISTOL &
WEST AC |
Senior Male |
139 |
|
27 |
0:36:50 |
MOORE, JENNY |
Wells City
Harriers |
Veteran Female 45+ |
356 |
|
49 |
0:39:28 |
STAYNER, Neal |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 40+ |
300 |
|
87 |
0:41:42 |
BROWN, Steve |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 40+ |
289 |
|
104 |
0:42:28 |
HILL, JIM |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 60+ |
318 |
|
116 |
0:42:53 |
FORSTER, TONY |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
279 |
|
166 |
0:45:26 |
LEWIS, MARTYN |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 40+ |
10 |
|
193 |
0:47:04 |
PARKINSON, BLAKE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Junior Male |
457 |
|
195 |
0:47:08 |
MARTIN, LIZ |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Female 45+ |
301 |
|
239 |
0:50:02 |
ROBINSON, MARK |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
313 |
|
248 |
0:50:35 |
WHITE, SUSAN |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Female 45+ |
275 |
|
257 |
0:50:58 |
RICHARDS, DAVID |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
482 |
|
281 |
0:51:54 |
GOLD, PAUL |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 40+ |
208 |
|
331 |
0:55:08 |
GORDON, FERGUS |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 40+ |
280 |
|
337 |
0:55:27 |
GORDON, EMMA |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Female 35+ |
281 |
|
350 |
0:56:42 |
BROOKHOUSE, JANE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Female 45+ |
349 |
|
362 |
0:57:42 |
ARMSTRONG, KATY |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Female 35+ |
274 |
|
367 |
0:57:52 |
MUNDAY, MELANIE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Senior Female |
65 |
|
376 |
0:58:25 |
HARGREAVES, MIKE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 60+ |
315 |
|
384 |
0:59:00 |
PORTER, PETER |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 50+ |
476 |
|
396 |
1:00:05 |
WORTHING, JULIE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Senior Female |
302 |
|
409 |
1:01:14 |
GERMAN, DAVE |
LANGPORT
RUNNERS |
Veteran Male 60+ |
118 |
There were 459 finishers. Last
finisher 1:34:36
Battle of Sedgemoor Fun Run
|
Place |
Time |
Name |
Team |
Cat2 |
No |
|
1 |
0:09:13 |
YOUNG, KIERAN |
Bristol & West AC |
U15 BOYS |
5 |
|
18 |
0:11:35 |
STAYNER, Aaron |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U15 BOYS |
23 |
|
30 |
0:12:58 |
STAYNER, Ryan |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U17 BOYS |
22 |
|
36 |
0:13:43 |
DIAMOND, EMILY |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U11 GIRLS |
36 |
|
44 |
0:14:40 |
BROWN, Charlie |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U9 BOYS |
17 |
|
59 |
0:15:34 |
TURNER, Carenza |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U11 GIRLS |
10 |
|
60 |
0:15:35 |
MUNDAY, NEVE |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
U9 GIRLS |
3 |
|
61 |
0:15:36 |
TURNER, Grahame |
LANGPORT RUNNERS |
All Men |
1 |
There were 89 finishers. Last
finisher 22:30
The boy’s team (Aaron, Ryan and Charlie) were 4th
and the girl’s team (Emilie, Carenza and Neve) were 3rd.
Baltonsborough Road Race Monday 31st
August 2009-09
Well done to Colin Evans who was 10th in this 5
mile race in a time of 31:40. First was Wells City Harrier
Andrew Hennessy in a time of 26:27.
There were 84 runners.
Shepton Beauchamp 10K 6th
September (CC)
Well done to Claire who was first
lady, Diane who was first female Shepton resident and Colin who was 3rd
male
|
Place |
Name |
Club |
Race Number |
Time |
|
1 |
Harvey Mike |
|
23 |
40.33 |
|
3 |
Evans Colin |
Langport Runners |
21 |
40.52 |
|
7 |
Withay Wayne |
Langport Runners |
6 |
43.57 |
|
13 |
Chedzoy Claire |
Langport Runners |
30 |
46.02 |
|
24 |
Stewart Diane |
Langport Runners |
54 |
49.44 |
|
27 |
Martin Liz |
Langport Runners |
48 |
50.56 |
|
32 |
White Susan |
Langport Runners |
45 |
53.09 |
58
|
Harry Moore |
|
20
|
84.49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were 58 finishers
Yeovil 5K Road Race (Race 6 of 6)
Yeovilton Naval Station Wed 9th September
|
Position |
Time |
Name |
Club |
Category |
Number |
|
1 |
0:15:33 |
Peter
Freedman |
Tavistock
AC |
SM |
429 |
|
8 |
0:17:09 |
Amy
Campbell |
Southampton
RC |
SF |
748 |
|
61 |
0:19:50 |
Tony
Forster |
Langport
Runners |
MV50 |
585 |
|
68 |
0:19:50 |
John Cox |
Langport
Runners |
MV50 |
440 |
|
98 |
0:22:17 |
Liz
Martin |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
718 |
|
123 |
0:24:28 |
Sue White |
Langport
Runners |
FV45 |
719 |
|
138 |
0:26:43 |
Michael
Parr |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
129 |
|
146 |
0:27:17 |
David
German |
Langport
Runners |
MV60 |
763 |
One hundred and sixty-one runners turned out for the 6th and final event of the series, with competitors coming from far afield in Devon and Dorset as well as the usual nucleus of stalwarts from South Somerset. Conditions that evening were quite good but the winning time of 15:33 by Peter Freedman (Tavistock) was not particularly sparkling.
Langport only managed to field six, but nevertheless produced several very good times. Tony Forster (MV50) was his usual model of consistency in running 19:50; John Cox (MV50) was not far adrift with 20:18; and Liz Martin (FV45) excelled herself I believe by posting a PB of 22:17. Tony, Mike and Liz completed the Series and so collected their very nice engraved whiskey glasses after the race.
Mike Parr
SLAMM (Somerset
Levels and Moors Marathon)
Saturday 12th
September
Some three years ago whilst helping with the walking festival Rick Caldicott asked if I thought we could organise a Steeplechase Marathon based on one of the 42k walking routes. Having checked out the route, slightly modified it I set about the organisation, there were 15 entries when the plug was pulled and the event was cancelled. However the seed had been planted, the idea was great; the course was there to be attacked.
Ken May the proprietor of Bowdens Crest had offered his park and facilities as a start/ finish point. The race was registered under ARC rules, entry forms printed, numbers obtained route checked and re-checked, and the wait was on. The week before the event was spent doing final preparations, checking the route, cutting the nettles (special thanks to GT for his help), making the signs, organising the things I had forgotten.
The day before the race Grahame and I picked up the tents, kindly lent free of charge by the Langport Arms Hotel, and we proceeded to Bowdens and started to sort them out. Dave rang and offered his help and Peter and Chris also turned up. We had been told to follow the instructions and it shouldn’t be too difficult!! There was a plan to get the tents up and then start marking the route (the best laid plans go to ruin). Over two and a half hours later we had managed to get one tent up, the other followed in quarter of an hour!! Graham, Dave and I then started to mark the route with the exception of parts done by Peter, Chris, Liz who did from Burrow Hill to Thorney and Gary who did Curry to Langport. Anyway the final sign was placed by Thorney pumping station in torchlight at 2120!! Then it was up and out at 0500 to finish marking the roads.
Race day arrived and the weather was perfect. We had 35 confirmed entries and at Bowdens at 0800 all of a sudden people were milling around with expectation. There were 20 more entries on the day including one man and his dog, giving us a field of over 50. 0930 and they were off. Graham and I went off around the route dropping drinks at the water stations and checking signs. The lead runner was not far behind us all the way round, we arrived back at Langport and headed for Bowdens. With binoculars in hand we scoured the levels for the leader, wondering where he was, still no sign! Getting slightly concerned now, all of a sudden from behind came the cry “HERE’S ONE.” True enough from the opposite direction a runner arrived, and at that point Grahame and I ran for the finish as we were armed with the clock!! But the runner run past the finish line and off into the distance. Five times he came and went eventually stopping having done 26.37 miles. It turned out he had been sent the wrong way in Langport by the Town Gardens! We made a hurried phone call to the water station and hoped it would be sorted. I explained to the lad to send them right through the town garden and follow the signs to the river (MISTAKE) because the next five runners were sent RIGHT at the town garden, but another quick call and all was well. Only six runners were misplaced from the route. Another lady was told by a kind fisherman to go one way only to find she was heading for Muchelney from Drayton.
Anyway apart from number 16 who is still out there (!) we accounted for everyone and the majority had a good day and will be back again. Lessons learned: if everywhere I had decided we needed a marshal had been covered, the route would have gone smoothly; better signs (done on the cheap this year); marker paint for confidence; more time to mark the route; issuing numbers on the day so runners are registered - some of the more important points.
So three years later the race now done and on the whole the event was successful. A few minor hiccups (mostly expected, some avoidable) and the plans are underway for next year including a half marathon as well. So whilst I thank all those volunteers who helped this year I ask you all to try and give an hour or two to the cause next year on 11th SEPTEMBER 2010.
Pete
On behalf of the Club
can I say a big thank you to Pete and also his side kick Grahame (sounds like
Batman and Robin) but they really did work hard to ensure the success of this
race. It really has put Langport
Runners on the map as a club who organises excellent races. Next year will be
even better – especially if we get more people helping – so please do your best
to get involved.
Liz
Ash Excellent 8 Sunday 13th September (CC)
Position
|
Time
|
Name
|
Club
|
Category
|
Number
|
1
|
0:45:29
|
Michael Towler
|
Avon Valley Runners
|
SM
|
899
|
13
|
0:52:06
|
Colin Evans
|
Langport Runners
|
SM
|
962
|
18
|
0:53:10
|
Diane Hier
|
Warminster RC
|
FV45
|
965
|
40
|
0:57:48
|
Roger Clayton
|
Langport Runners
|
MV50
|
893
|
140
|
1:24:32
|
Wendy Clayton
|
Langport Runners
|
FV55
|
892
|
150
|
1:47:41
|
Nigel Moysey
|
Yeovil Town RRC
|
MV50
|
959
|
There
were 150 finishers
GREAT
NORTH RUN - 13.1 Miles,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne to South Shields. 20th
September
This famous half-marathon has grown into the largest half in the World, with around 54,000 entries and 52,000 lining up at the start. I ran this race once previously, 15 years ago, when even then it was a very large field, but this year with almost twice the number of competitors the whole event takes on mind-boggling proportions. And we think we have some problems with our BOS with around 500! The race starts on the A167(M) in central Newcastle occupying both sides of this urban motorway, proceeds southwards across the Tyne Bridge following main roads which are largely dual carriageways and then eastwards along the southern side of the R. Tyne to South Shields on the coast. It follows that much of the major road system in the Newcastle/Gateshead/South Shields urban area was paralysed for much of the day.
Having declared several times in the last year or two I was never going to run another ‘half’ (or ‘full’ for that matter), I was persuaded to do the GNR by an old friend’s daughter, who works for Traidcraft Exchange in Gateshead. And naturally, I would be offered an automatic place if I ran on behalf of Traidcraft Exchange which is a charity fighting poverty through trade by managing projects that help poor producers develop their businesses, finding markets and ensuring fair prices are paid. My daughter Zoe was also encouraged to join me in the race supporting the charity, and so that is how we both found ourselves lining up at the start of this monster event in coolish, sunny weather. After the starting ‘gun’ it took us about 30 minutes to pass the start line and so activate our ankle ‘chips’. The atmosphere throughout the race is unbelievably festive, and public interest and support along the whole route is incredibly motivating. Wearing my name on my vest caused many onlookers to call out in support and encouragement. Both Zoe and I achieved what we set out to do. On the basis of shorter races and longer training runs I estimated I would finish in 2:15, and Zoe aimed for 2:30. In fact, my time (the official time and my personal timing were exactly the same to the second!) was 2:15:31 in 20,487th place and Zoe did 2:29:11 in 27,331st place. Right at the front of the field Martin Lel of Kenya ran the second fastest GNR in 59:32 and Jessica Augusto (Portugal) managed 1:09:08 which is some 4 minutes or so slower than Paula Radcliffe’s record.
As half marathons go, the GNR is relatively easy – only gentle ‘hills’, except for the last downhill at 12 miles, which is steep! But the gentle course cannot explain some of the outrageously quick times in the official results. In my 75-79 age group the fastest was one Helen Lavery in 1:44:37 (3639 position overall). This translates into an age grading of 107.5% and equivalent to a senior female time of 1:01:15!!! I am disregarding this result in my summary at the end. Similarly, the fastest 80+ was a lady who posted a time of 1:42:48, and A.G. of 123.9% and an equivalent time of 53:08. In both of these cases no intermediate 5, 10 or 15km time are given, which clearly leaves one wondering….? Which bus or taxi did they catch…no, sorry I shouldn’t have said that. Who’s bike, perhaps? Looking at the placings of the faster and much younger athletes it is obvious that errors abound. Wheelchair athletes are mixed up with runners; one ‘person’ appears in photographs first as a runner and in another picture in a wheelchair; many of the timings are clearly impossibly fast. In a field of some 52,000, errors are bound to creep in, but at the time of writing more than a week after the race, I would have hoped and expected the more obvious mistakes could have been corrected.
However, I was happy to have experienced the GNR again and the day was made perfect by the reception at the Traidcraft Exchange marquee where we were met by Marion (our baggage handler and manager!) and friends from Traidcraft who provided a glorious range of refreshments. Between us Zoe and I raised over Ł1,000 for the charity. And a first for me – never before have I beaten 30,000 runners in a single race, even though some 20,000 were in front. Come to think of it, the total number of runners I’ve beaten in ALL my races before this one is probably nowhere near 30,000.
RESULTS (slightly abbreviated)
1. Martin Lel (Kenya) 59:32
1. Jessica Augusto (Portugal) 1:09:08
20,487. Mike Parr (Langport) 2:15:31 (A.G. 67.3%); (5km 30:13; 10km 1:01:46; 15km 1:33:46)
2nd in Age group 75-79.
27,331. Zoe Parr (Langport) 2:29:11 (5km 31:15; 10km 1:05:37; 15km 1:40:39).
Mike Parr
If you look at the photos of the said female competitors who ran so fast for their 70 and 80 age- group – all I can say is they look about 50 years younger and I want whatever they are taking! Liz
Langport
Triathlon September 20th
The Shepton posse of
Diane, Sue and Neal arrived early to book in and catch up with the rest of the
Langport runners who were competing. There was a good turn out this year with
Jane, Claire, Will and the three previously mentioned and they were all up
for the challenge. As always it was a good atmosphere and plenty of friendly
banter between all the athletes. The good weather helped us relax as there were
no worries about rain or strong winds. Several other members watched us and
gave us plenty of support and it was good to see James helping out in
transition. We all did well but some actually got trophies. Claire was third
lady home and Diane third in her age group. Well done to them and I hope it
might encourage more of you to have a go next year.
Neal
Results
|
No |
Pos |
First Name |
Surname |
Cat |
Swim Time |
Cycle Time |
Run Time |
Overall |
|
341 |
1 |
Adam |
Wells |
M |
0:05:48 |
######## |
13:16:04 |
1:04:48 |
|
66 |
24 |
Will |
Mepham |
M |
###### |
12:33:04 |
0:25:35 |
1:13:46 |
|
126 |
42 |
Neal |
Stayner |
MV |
0:08:18 |
0:45:53 |
0:22:10 |
1:16:21 |
|
98 |
82 |
Claire |
Chedzoy |
F |
0:08:18 |
0:47:20 |
0:25:23 |
1:21:01 |
|
281 |
118 |
Diane |
Stewart |
FV |
0:08:49 |
0:51:00 |
0:26:50 |
1:26:39 |
|
189 |
134 |
Susan |
White |
FV |
0:08:54 |
######## |
####### |
1:28:11 |
|
204 |
220 |
Jane |
Brookhouse |
FSV |
0:10:32 |
0:55:27 |
0:32:36 |
1:38:35 |
|
81 |
270 |
Lis |
Foy |
FSV |
0:15:09 |
1:01:22 |
0:36:03 |
1:52:34 |
There were 290
competitors. (I think some of the results are wrong. Apparently Sue took 12
hours to do her run! And the last competitor took 11 hours to do her 400m swim-
bet she was shrivelled by the end!)
Mells Scenic 7 Sunday September 27th
Well done to Jane Brookhouse was the only Langport
runner in this Somerset Series race. Her time was 1:06:54.
New Forest Marathon Sunday
September 27th
Pos
|
Time
|
Name
|
Club
|
Number
|
Category
|
1
|
2:46:44
|
Jo Corbett
|
|
813
|
M29
|
7
|
2:57:18
|
Jenny Moore
|
Wells City
Harriers
|
711
|
F45
|
135
|
3:45:01
|
Peter Jones
|
Langport
Runners
|
74
|
M55
|
256
|
4:05:52
|
Liz Martin
|
Langport
Runners
|
335
|
F53
|
There were 514 finishers. Last
finisher 5:50:29
Having failed in my attempt to do a sub 4 hour in
Paris I entered this quieter, small marathon in the hope of being able to run
at my own pace and get that elusive time. However I knew it was going to be
tough as this course is rather hilly in places. When we arrived at New Milton
the sky was cloudless and the temperature already rising so I was almost
talking myself out of a PB. However as it was, it was not the heat or the hills
that got me but blisters and I struggled in the last few miles. In the end my
time was the same as Paris! Pete did very well but gets the end of year award
(shared with Grahame) for locking his keys in the boot of his car! We got home
eventually! My sub 4 continues to be a challenge- oh well, I’m in London next
year so I’ll try again!
Liz
.
New Forest Half-Marathon Sunday
September 27th
Pos
|
Time
|
Name
|
Club
|
Number
|
Category
|
1
|
1:15:50
|
Steve Jeffery
|
Basingstoke
& Mid Hants
|
3402
|
M40
|
360
|
1:44:10
|
Grahame
Turner
|
Langport
Runners
|
2537
|
M43
|
There were 1875
finishers. Last finisher 3:40:41
Taunton 10K Sunday 27th
September
Position
|
Time
|
Name
|
Club
|
Number
|
Category
|
1
|
00:33:24
|
Luke Scott
|
Taunton AC
|
1
|
SM
|
85
|
00:42:53
|
Wayne Withey
|
Langport
Runners
|
391
|
M40
|
600
|
01:23:27
|
Nicola Healey
|
Langport
Runners
|
637
|
SL
|
There were 603 finishers. Last
runner 01:30:02
Burnham on Sea Half Marathon
Sunday 4th October
It had been an anus horribilis for Paul this year with an awful London marathon, High Wycombe half and Battle of Sedgemoor 10k. He had been to a well-being clinic in Bristol to find he was rather weighty and had high blood pressure. Quelle catastrophe.
With new orthotics in shoes and 7 lbs lost to date Paul, his wife Fran and daughter Emily set off for Burnham On Sea. Paul met up with two of his friends, Clive and Vicky, who were looking to run a similar time to him of around 1 hour 55 minutes. It was a bright morning, no sign of rain and good running temperature.
From the start there were a few comments about how Paul was running faster than he had of late. This boosted Paul's confidence. Paul felt he had been putting a lot of pressure on himself and part of this was checking his mile times as he went pass the markers. He decided to ignore his watch at least for the the start of the race.
Five miles went by without problem. At the next drinks station Clive and Vicky dropped back. Whilst Paul preferred to run with his running buddies he was feeling good (which was a novelty) and didn't want to slow down. He was now running on his own. He had previously run with an ipod during some training runs and felt it helped him by reducing his ability to think negative thoughts and also meant he couldn't hear his poor breathing pattern. As his friends were behind him he put on his Shuffle and picked up the pace to U2 “It's a beautiful day.” Paul knew it was at seven miles when he started to struggle at his previous half. This time there was no such issue neither was there at eight, nine, ten and eleven miles. Whilst he wasn't speeding pass runners in these miles, neither were any runners going pass him which was an improvement on many runs that year.
Paul finally emerged on the Berrow road. He had run this road over 100 times in the previous twenty years so knew it like the back of his hand. Although fatigue set in on the last mile there was no chance he was going to let up. He will be embarrassed to admit Fran's Il Divo came on just then with “Heroes” (Maria Carey song). This dragged him through those final yards to a one hour forty eight minute time.
The route may have been flat, Paul may have had his friend around him to help and the weather was very favourable, but he still improved his time by 14 minutes on his race in July.
As you can probably tell he was quite chuffed for once. He can't wait for the Marlow half next month!
Paul
Well done Paul – and
there’s nothing wrong with Il Divo!
Results
Position
|
Time
|
Name
|
Club
|
Category
|
Number
|
1
|
1:08:57
|
Adrian Marriott
|
Wells City Harriers
|
SM
|
7
|
64
|
1:33:17
|
Wayne Withey
|
Langport Runners
|
MV40
|
313
|
159
|
1:48:58
|
Paul Gold
|
Langport Runners
|
MV40
|
94
|
178
|
1:52:35
|
Paul McSparrow
|
Langport Runners
|
MV50
|
308
|
208
|
1:57:43
|
Alan Pearce
|
Langport Runners
|
MV50
|
312
|
234
|
2:03:42
|
Kathryn Rowswell
|
Langport Runners
|
FV45
|
306
|
247
|
2:08:45
|
Jenny Byrom
|
Langport Runners
|
FV55
|
305
|
283
|
2:56:59
|
Julie Lockyer
|
|
FV35
|
199
|
Mendip Muddle October 11th
2009
As Sue drove Jane, Kathy and me to Charterhouse
Outdoor Activity Centre she said quote “I don’t remember any hills last year in
this race- but the flapjacks were good!” She wondered why we were all laughing.
Just over 2 hours later she realised her mistake! Indeed it is a tough 20km
multi terrain race with a 420m climb to the highest point of the Mendips
(twice!) Last year we complained of dehydration in the heat- no chance this
year- as we drove through the gorge low cloud descended and by the start of the
race it was raining. The rain continued relentlessly for the duration of the
race making conditions underfoot somewhat treacherous- I witnessed at least 2
girls with nasty cuts and bruises caused by falls. But at least the rain kept
us cool which suited Sue and I as we improved our last times by 17 mins and 14
mins respectively. The food was indeed delicious at the end courtesy of the
RNLI (odd place on top of the Mendips for this charity- sorry just rambling)
and I can recommend the vegetable soup if you are tempted to do this race next
year. Liz
Results
Position
|
Time
|
Name
|
Team
|
Category
|
Number
|
1
|
1:20:19
|
Richard Phillips
|
SerpentineRC
|
SM
|
144
|
187
|
2:09:20
|
Liz Martin
|
Langport Runners
|
FV50
|
132
|
218
|
2:20:04
|
Susan White
|
Langport Runners
|
FV40
|
279
|
238
|
2:31:55
|
Alan Pearce
|
Langport Runners
|
MV50
|
286
|
239
|
2:31:56
|
Kathryn Rowswell
|
Langport Runners
|
FV50
|
306
|
241
|
2:34:11
|
Jane Brookhouse
|
Langport Runners
|
FV50
|
179
|
There were 250 finishers. Last
runner 2:55:01
A message from Sharron Kington
Taunton AC
The
nights are drawing in and we are all planning what time we need to be out in
the evenings to be back before dark...... its grim isn't it ? !
So how does
a nice little 3,000 metre track event sound like, under floodlights, no paving
slabs to trip over!
Taunton AC
are hosting the event in conjunction with Ironbridge Runner in
October and November, with more in the new year if successful.
Please find
attached details, and if you would like to know more don't hesitate to ask.....
If I don't know the answer, I'm sure ' I can find a man who can !! '
Hope to see
you all there,
