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News Race Results

RELAY FANTASTIC

389 runners in 97 teams raced round Fairlands Valley Park on Thursday evening in the fantastic Relays in the Park running event organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Each runner had to race three kilometres with five in each men’s team and three for a women’s team.  Luton Athletic Club won the women’s race in 33:00 with an average lap time of exactly eleven minutes while Bedford and County won the men’s event in 44 minutes 44 seconds, that’s an amazing average of 8:57, under nine minutes, or way under five minute miles, for each of their runners.

Fairlands Valley Spartans fielded six male teams, five female teams and provided dozens of helpers including IAN ALEXANDER, Race Director; BARRY KING, Chief Marshal; marshals; timekeepers; lead and sweep cyclists.

The fastest individual runners were BEN ALCOCK, 8:44; JACK GOODWIN, 8:47 and JAMES BELLWARD, 8:58.  All from Bedford and County so no surprise there.  The quickest three women were ROSIE KEANE, Luton AC 9:55; CHARLOTTE DAVIES, Ware Joggers, 10:44 and LUCY WATERLOW, St Albans Striders 11:04.

The fastest three for Fairlands Valley Spartans were CALLUM STEWART, 14th in 9:26; CRAIG HALSEY, 20th in 9:35 and SIMON JACKSON, 30th in 9:58.  ALISON WOOD was fifth out of the 143 women in 11:26; ANN TRYSSESOONE, 27th in 12:44 and JULIE SIMMONS, 60th in 14:05.

Everyone enjoyed a great sunny summer’s evening in the park which was great for runners, volunteers and spectators.

 

Monica Becomes National Champion

The British Masters Athletics Federation held National Multi-event and Long distance track championships at Birmingham over last weekend and the Spartans had one of the largest teams.

In the Heptathlon for Women over 50, Monica Brown ran personal bests in the 80m Hurdles and 200m and together with good performances in the shot putt and high jump, she led the competition at the end of the first day with a points total of 2891.  The second day saw a personal best in the javelin, and her Long Jump and 800m performances were good enough to end the competition with a final points tally of 4464 to take the Gold Medal as National Champion.

Tessa Stephenson completed her first ever heptathlon in the category for Women over 55.  Season’s bests in the High Jump, 200m and long jump meant she finished with a total of 3401 points taking the Silver Medal.

Grant Ramsay competed in the track 10,000m.  Still coming back after injury, Grant finished fourth in his race for men over 40 in a season’s best time of 35 minutes 48 seconds.

 

Emma Cracks 10K at Grimsby

EMMA POULTER ran her first 10K in the Great Grimsby event at the weekend.

This was also the first ever Grimsby 10k.  Emma said she had no idea how she’d get on…but started out with the 12 min mile pacers and managed to run on ahead for a while.  Around the 6K mark she started to flag and was overtaken by them.  It was pretty much a flat route all on road with the last 100 metres or so to the finish on grass.  She finished in 1 hour 14 minutes 47 seconds.

 

Wimbledon

Jackie Downes & Tricia Hopper ran the Wimbledon Common trail half marathon together on Saturday in a time of 2.14:30. The course was undulating with a womble out cheering everyone on.

 

Spartans Help Riders

Many Spartans were helping behind the finish line at RideLondon.

 

Parkrun Report

At Stevenage parkrun KEITH COUGHLIN was second male to finish in a course personal best (PB) of 18:11.  JOHN HARRIS also obtained a new course PB finishing 7th in 19:11.  JOHN NELMS (11th in 20:15), KIERAN FEETHAM (13th in 20:42) and THOMAS SAUKA (15th in 21:02) were the next Spartans home.

For the women CLAIRE PULLEN was second finisher in 22:17, CAROL PAUL 10th in 25:32 and CAROLE SHELDRICK 18th in a new course PB of 26:45. NIKKI WILBY was 23rd in her first parkrun in 27:20 and HEATHER MALONEY 44th in 30:00.

There additionally were new course PBs for CHRIS HOLLAND (25:39), ANDREW SMITH (26:28) and TRACY STILES (30:32).  The remaining Spartans in action at Stevenage were MARK BEASLEY (21:39), LIAM ERRINGTON (21:52), JOE McCAFFERY (22:13), DARREN EMMERSON (23:43), JON SYPULA (24:26), KEN JUDE (25:02), JAN FRY (31:11), HANNAH SYPULA (39:10), CAREN THAIN (39:11) and CLAIRE COX (39:11).

In other local parkruns DAVE SMITH finished 16th at Harlow in 22:20 while JAMES SOUTH was 24th at Gunpowder Park in 22:56.

Further afield DARYL STEVENS ran at Bournemouth in 38:30 and ROGER HARDMAN clocked 26:37 at Newcastle.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

 

  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.
  • Harlow 10 on Sunday 4th September.
  • Herts 5K senior championships on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.
  • County Five Miles Open Championship in Hatfield on 27th November.
  • Spartans Christmas Social on Saturday 10th December.
  • Boxing Day Five in Witham on Monday 26th December.

 

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage?  Like running?  Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up!  The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010.  It now has hundreds of members and encourages participation by all.  The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Go along to the new sports centre at Marriotts School – a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 8UT) at 7p.m.  Up to five running groups go out on training nights – there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9a.m. sharp.  Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m.  There are events to enter every Sunday.  Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not yet done very much running might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £37 per year, £25 without UKA affiliation.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.  You can also join online.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Andy Neatham 0777 197 5499 and 01438 816889; or Karen Palmer (07734678566) or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News Race Results

Fairlands Valley Challenge Weekend 2016

Please note: there was an incorrect start time recorded for a runner in the 18 mile event on Sunday which meant an incorrect result was published initially on 19th July. This has been corrected in both the text below and the updated downloadable file on the link at the end of this report. Further corrections were made and uploaded on 1st August.

Another glorious weekend for the challenge, maybe a little too glorious as the heat certainly presented an extra element to the word…challenge, however we are happy to report that there were no issues as everyone from first timers to seasoned challenge veterans looked after themselves and remained well hydrated whilst self-navigating their way round the glorious Hertfordshire Countryside.

Saturday saw the return of the 6 mile challenge that was introduced last year with 35 runners and walkers taking part.   Fairlands Valley Spartans own Liam Herbert took the honours in 47:12.   Another Spartan Olwen Batty was the first female home in 59:03.   It was also great to see Stuart Haycroft walk the course with his daughter in a shoulder carry harness in 1:50:58.

The sun was out again on Sunday as another 214 walkers and runners arrived to test themselves around the 12 mile, 18 mile, marathon and 50k routes.

First home on the 12 mile route was Stuart Haycroft in 1:45, this time without his daughter on his back.  Daniel Hall from Eton Manor AC was in 2nd place overall and 1st V40 male with a time of 1:57:34.   Sian Mitchell of Garden City Runners was first female home in 2:13:33.   Deidre Heydecker wasn’t far behind in 2:14:08 as 2nd female and 1st V55 female.    Anthony Brown and Helen Spokes of Harpenden Arrows crossed the line in 2:25:50 as 1st V50 male and 1st V45 female respectively.   Jerry Gilbert of Garden City Runners finished in 2:51:41 to take the V60 male honours.   Pauline Hardy of Fairlands Valley Spartans was 1st V65 female in 3:26:59, with another Spartan Darryl Stevens 1st V50 male in 3:35:35.

The 18 mile route saw Liam Herbert take his 2nd victory of the weekend in 3:02:17, great work from our Spartan.  1st place female was shared by another Spartan Isabel Green and Ware Joggers Jill Patel crossing the line in 3:08:40.  Jill was also 1st V45 female and Isabel 1st V35 female.   Johnathan Little from Ware Joggers was 3rd male finisher and 1st male V50 in 4:01:19.   Two North Herts Road Runners, Ellie Scott and Linda Aird, crossed the line together in 4:02:12 with Linda taking 1st place V55 female.   Luke Hart from St. Albans Striders took the V40 male honours in 4:23:28.

The marathon again proved the most popular distance with 108 participants.   James Warner Smith crossed the line 1st in 3:58:48.  Billericay Striders Christine Howard was 3rd overall and 1st female home in 4:23:08.  Neil George was 4th overall and 1st V40 male in 4:29:34.  Spartans own  Carol Paul was 1st V45 female in 4:42:02.  Richard Fullbrook of the 100 Marathon Club was 1st place V50 male in 4:57:06, crossing the line with 1st place V60 male Dennis Baudry from Garden City Runners.   Jude Clark was 1st V35 female in 5:09:50 and Frances Cooke 1st V55 female in 5:26:24.   Verne Baltrop did amazing as 1st V70 male in 5:56:27.   Herts Phoenix Joe Avery took 1st place V60 male in 7:13:50.   Hazel Kurz of the 100 Marathon Club was 1st V35 female in 7:15:07, Vanessa Bysouth 1st V45 female in 7:28:50,  Andy Weston 1st V40 male in 7:28:50.   Eleaner and Dennis Draper of Garden City Runners crossed the line together in 8:02:53 to claim 1st V75 female and 1st V80 male…..amazing guys.  Raymond Hoyle from Watford Harriers took 1st V70 male in 8:47 and finally Julie Wing from Reading Road Runners took 1st V65 female in 8:50:26.

The 50k Ultra Marathon saw Mark Ford of Buggyrunning.co.uk take 1st place overall and 1st V40 male in 4:31:27.  Sean Bowen of Garden City Runners was 1st V50 male in 4:40:03.  North Herts Road Runners Jo Summers was overall 1st female and 1st V45 across the line in 5:12:09.  Emily Hooper of Harpenden Arrows 1st V35 female in 6:03:24.  Another North Herts Road Runner Susan Foot crossed the line in 8:34:20 to take 1st V55 female and finally David Moles of the 100 Marathon Club was 1st V60 male in 8:42:27.

We would like to thank all the Fairlands Valley Spartans and extended friends and families that helped put on this amazing event for the 23rd year in a row.

Official race photography was supplied by Pete Smith, Dave Stephenson, Ann Tryssesoone and Chris Holland and all proceeds from the sale of photos is going to a great charity the Gambia Project – please visit:   www.psphotography.me.uk/Fairlands-Valley-Challenge to find and buy your pictures.

Full results are now available in MS Excel format at the link below this article.

Plans are already underway to further improve this event for next year, so please keep July 15th and 16th free as we hope to see you all again.

Fairlands Valley Challenge 2016 – Official Results

Categories
News Race Results

Fairlands Valley Relays 2016

Summary team results and individual times and positions and detailed team results for the Fairlands Valley Relays held on 28th July in Fairlands Valley Park are available on the link below. Congratulations to the winning teams.

Summary Team Results

 

 

 

Categories
News Race Results

Spartans Win in Fairlands Valley Challenge

Fairlands Valley Spartans again hosted the Fairlands Valley Challenge Weekend on 16th and 17th July offering runners and walkers of all abilities a range of distance options in the glorious local Hertfordshire countryside.

On the Saturday, Spartans’ LIAM HERBERT was first finisher in the 6 mile event, an event he created when Race Director last year, finishing in a time of 47 minutes 12 seconds. OLWEN BATTY for the Spartans was the first woman home in 59:03.

Sunday’s events comprised of 12 miles, 18 miles, marathon and 50k ultra-marathon distances. In the 12 mile event STUART HAYCROFT was first home in 1:45:00. PAULINE HARDY for the Spartans was first V65 woman finisher in 3:26:59, while DARYL STEVENS was first V50 male in 3:35:35.

In the 18 miler, LIAM HERBERT took his second victory of the weekend, finishing in 3:02:17, while ISABEL GREEN was joint first woman in a time of 3:08:40. In the Marathon distance, Spartan CAROL PAUL was first V45 woman in 4:42:02. KARL CLARKE was the sole Spartan in the ultra and finished in 5:57:12, a worthy performance in extremely hot conditions.

Full Spartans results as follows:

 

6 mile Trail Run – Saturday 16th July 2016
Pos No. Name Surname M/F Time
1 916 Liam Herbert M 47:12
7 910 Darren Emmerson M 59:03
8 921 Olwen Batty F 59:03
9 939 Lee Pickersgill M 59:03
16 909 Claire Cox F 1:07:07
17 927 Sophie Cowan F 1:07:07
18 935 Hayley Yendell F 1:07:07
19 941 Steve Green M 1:07:07
20 902 Andrew Martin M 1:09:28
23 906 Carole Sheldrick F 1:15:42
24 913 Heather Moloney F 1:15:43
25 907 Caroline Croft F 1:16:16
26 914 Jana Smith F 1:16:19
31 903 Andy Prior M 1:25:35
32 934 Nick Witcombe M 1:25:35
33 937 Steve Smithson M 1:27:03
34 938 Monica Smithson F 1:27:03
35 929 Stuart Haycroft M 1:50:58

 

12.3 mile Trail Run – Sunday 17th July 2016
Pos M/F Cat No. Name Surname M/F Time
1 1 637 Stuart Haycroft M 1:45:00
11 8 6 615 Greg Kelly M 40 2:25:30
11 4 627 Olwen Batty F 2:25:30
19 13 604 Andrew Martin M 2:43:26
28 12 6 645 Wendy Tharani F 35 2:53:38
32 15 2 608 Claire Cox F 45 2:57:44
32 15 2 624 Kerstin Weiner F 45 2:57:44
32 15 2 638 Sue Hamer F 45 2:57:44
35 18 9 605 Carole Sheldrick F  35 2:59:27
36 19 5 606 Caroline Croft F 45 2:59:54
43 19 8 651 Jon Sypula M 40 3:09:18
43 25 10 652 Hannah Sypula F 35 3:09:18
45 26 1 629 Pauline Hardy F 65 3:26:59
46 20 1 648 Darryl Stevens M 50 3:35:35

 

18.7 mile Trail Run – Sunday 17th July 2016
Pos M/F Cat No. Name Surname M/F Time
1 1 1 263 Liam Herbert M 3:02:17
3 2 1 275 Isabel Green F 35 3:08:40

 

26.3 mile Trail Run – Sunday 17th July 2016
Pos M/F Cat No. Name Surname M/F Time
6 2 1 17 Carol Paul F 45 4:42:02
49 33 6 119 Rob Shaw M 60 5:56:27
58 18 9 99 Tricia Hopper F 45 6:07:49
58 41 9 14 Barry King M 40 6:07:49
62 20 126 Karen Ellis F 6:13:37
69 46 2 67 Mike Newbitt M 70 6:23:19
81 52 15 76 Paul Holgate M 50 6:59:36
82 30 3 94 Sharon Crowley F 55 7:05:29
100 63 8 88 Robert Hardy M 60 8:21:23
100 63 8 89 Roger Biggs M 60 8:21:23
105 67 19 102 Ian Alexander M 50 8:57:28

 

50k Trail Run – Sunday 17th July 2016
Pos M/F Cat No. Name Surname M/F Time
12 10 3 718 Karl Clark M 40 5:57:12

 

 

Panshanger Park Mid-Summer 5 Mile Race

Six Spartans took on the new 5 mile event at Panshanger Park, the second of a two-race Mid-Summer series which began with a 5 mile race at Hatfield House. DAVID RIDDELL was 41st across the line in 35:21. ANDY CHURN finished 98th in 42:09 while the first Spartan woman finisher was CAROLINE CROFT in 48:56. The other Spartans in action were PAUL HOLGATE (52:48), SARAH ATKINSON (57:56) and OLWEN BATTY (59:43).

 

Portchester Castle 10k

JENNY GARRETT competed in the inaugural Portchester Castle 10k, finishing in a time of 57:18. She considered it to be a nice run overall, although the event was not without some teething problems in its first year.

 

Around the Reservoir off road Marathon

CAROL PAUL and MIKE NEWBITT ran the Around the Reservoir off road marathon in Northampton. On an exposed course with temperatures reaching 27 degrees and hardly any shade Carol completed the marathon in 4hrs 53 mins and Mike completed it in 6 hrs 17 mins.

 

Parkrun Report

CRAIG HALSEY was first finisher at Stevenage parkrun, finishing on 16:58 on a very warm morning. MARK BEASLEY notched a new course PB of 21:38 while finishing 13th male, DARREN EMMERSON was 21st male in 22:43 and MARTYN DOWLING was 35th male in 23:38 (a new course PB).

For the women, ANN TRYSSESOONE was 6th finisher in 24:14, KERSTIN WEINER notched a new course PB of 26:51 in finishing 16th, HEATHER MOLONEY was 56th in 33:00 and KARIN BREACH 74th in 34:50-on her first parkrun appearance.

Other Spartans in action in Stevenage were CALLUM BEASLEY (36th, 23:38), JAMES SOUTH (53rd, 25:22) and CAREN THAIN (96th, 38:31). CLAIRE COX (97th, 38:42) and ANDY PRIOR (125th, 38:43) were pacing others around the course.

Others in local parkrun action were DAVE SMITH (45th male, 22:27) at Huntingdon, TIM SABAN (16th male, 21:07) at Cassiobury Park, TIM ROBINSON (15th male, 25:24 a new course PB) at Ellenbrook Fields, and both DANNY SUTTON (22nd male, 24:22) and VERITY FISHER (9th woman, 26:32) at Rutland Water.

Finally, after his trip back to Stevenage last week for the FVS Challenge DARYL STEVENS returned south and was 139th male finisher at EASTLEIGH in 40:24.

 

Relays in the Park Coming Soon

The Relays in the Park organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and in Fairlands Valley Park will be on Thursday 28th July starting at 7.30p.m.  Each runner will complete three kilometres.  Men’s teams will consist of five runners and women’s of four.  The event will include the county championships but a wide range of abilities are expected.  This is a great event for spectators with the half way point only a short distance from the changeover area in the top half of the park.  For more details please visit www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

 

  • Bedford 5K on Wednesday 27th July.
  • Relays in the Park, our 3K Relays in Fairlands Valley on Thursday 28th July.
  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.
  • Harlow 10 on Sunday 4th September.
  • Herts 5K senior championships on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.
  • County Five Miles Open Championship in Hatfield on 27th November.
  • Spartans Christmas Social on Saturday 10th December.
  • Boxing Day Five in Witham on Monday 26th December.

 

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage?  Like running?  Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up!  The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010.  It now has hundreds of members and encourages participation by all.  The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Go along to the new sports centre at Marriotts School – a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 8UT) at 7p.m.  Up to five running groups go out on training nights – there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9a.m. sharp.  Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m.  There are events to enter every Sunday.  Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not yet done very much running might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £37 per year, £25 without UKA affiliation.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.  You can also join online.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Andy Neatham 0777 197 5499 and 01438 816889; or Karen Palmer (07734678566) or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News Race Results

MIDWEEK MOB MATCH

There were two wins and a second place for Fairlands Valley Spartans in the Mid Week Road Race League.  NATALIE LAWRENCE was the first woman overall in the four race series.  SIMON JACKSON was the first male veteran runner with GRANT RAMSAY second.  Well over one hundred different Spartans took part in at least one race.

47 Spartans ran in the “mob match” at Welwyn Garden City which preceded the league presentations.  The Spartan women’s “A” team were seventh out of the 29 teams in the race and the men 7th out of 17.  Overall the Spartans were seventh out of the 17 clubs.

GRANT RAMSAY was first Spartan, eleventh out of nearly 500 club runners in 35 minutes 44 seconds.  The others in the men’s “A” team were CRAIG HALSEY, 30th in 37:09; KEITH COUGHLIN, 41st in 37:45; DAVID RIDDELL who was sixth veteran (50 plus) and 82nd overall in 40:32; STEVE GREEN, 98th in 41:07; THOMAS SAUKA, 120th in 42:20; JOHN NELMS, 126th in a new personal best of 42:27; TODD GRAY, 138th in 42:48; TIM SABAN, 145th in 42:56; PAUL WHYTE, 156th in 43:34; PETE SMITH, 175th in 44:43 and DAVE SMITH, 179th in 44:53.

Fairlands fastest female was ROSIE CANHAM, 170th overall in a new personal best of 44 minutes 15 seconds.  TRACY PEZ was just over a minute slower, 189th in 45:16.  ISABEL GREEN, 252nd in 48:22; JULIE SIMMONS, 275th in 49:43; LISA GRAY, 285th in 50:06 and NICOLA TOUT, 297th in a personal best 50:38 completed the women’s “A” team.

CLAIRE COX led in the “B” team with 50:46 and 307th overall.  She was supported by SOPHIE COWAN, 308th in 50:48; OLWEN BATTY, 313th in a new personal best (PB) 51:03; PENNY SCHENKEL making her first ever appearance in the “B” team with 52:46 and 338th; KELLY McHALE, running her first 10K was 354th in 53:30; and KAREN ELLIS, 387th in 55:58.

JULIE SHADBOLT, VICTORIA BRETT (PB), CLAIRE HYDE, CHLOE EMMERSON (PB), JENNY GARRETT, SHARON CROWLEY and EMMA MARTIN were more than enough for a “C” team, something achieved by few other clubs.

The men had a good “B” team with MARK BEASLEY, 190th in 45:20; MARK GOODWIN, 194th in 45:27; DARREN EMMERSON, 214th in 46:20; DEAN CARPENTER, 235th in 47:43; MARTIN DUDLEY, 251st in 48:29; KEN JUDE, 286th in 50:03; JIM BROWN making it into the “B” team for the first time in many years at 290th and 50:14 which was a 3 minutes 40 seconds improvement over the Stevenage race; CALLUM BEASLEY, 291st at 50:24; MARK CHEADLE, 292nd at 50:27; CLIVE CANNON, 303rd in 50:47; JAMES SOUTH, 306th with a new PB of 50:55; VISH SHAH, 330th in 52:17;  SIMON SYPULA, 349th in a PB 53:16.

Race Pos Cat Vet Name Surname Cat. M/F Time Comments
11 11 5 5 Grant Ramsay V 40 M 35:44 5th Vet 40
30 29 Craig Halsey S M 37:09
41 40 Keith Coughlin S M 37:45
82 77 6 35 David Riddell V 50 M 40:32 6th Vet 50
98 92 32 44 Steve Green V 40 M 41:07
120 112 38 55 Thomas Sauka V 40 M 42:20
126 116 40 59 John Nelms V 40 M 42:27 PB (1:03)
138 123 Todd Gray S M 42:48
145 129 47 67 Tim Saban V 40 M 42:56
156 136 Paul Whyte S M 43:34
170 22 8 13 Rosie Canham V 35 F 44:15 8th FV35 (PB 2:02)
175 150 23 78 Pete Smith V 50 M 44:43
179 153 52 80 Dave Smith V 40 M 44:53
189 27 10 16 Tracy Pez V 35 F 45:16
190 161 25 85 Mark Beasley V 50 M 45:20
194 164 27 87 Mark Goodwin V 50 M 45:27
214 177 60 98 Darren Emmerson V 40 M 46:20 PB (1:20)
235 192 63 108 Dean Carpenter V 40 M 47:43
251 204 39 119 Martin Dudley V 50 M 48:29
252 46 16 31 Isabel Green V 35 F 48:22
275 58 2 42 Julie Simmons V 55 F 49:43 2nd FV 55
285 61 22 44 Lisa Gray V 45 F 50:06
286 223 44 135 Ken Jude V 50 M 50:03
290 226 18 138 Jim Brown V 60 M 50:14
291 227 Callum Beasley S M 50:24
292 228 Mark Cheadle S M 50:27
297 65 21 46 Nicola Tout V 35 F 50:38 PB (1:41)
303 233 45 142 Clive Cannon V 50 M 50:47
306 236 James South S M 50:55 PB (3:50)
307 69 23 50 Claire Cox V 35 F 50:46
308 70 24 51 Sophie Cowan V 35 F 50:48
313 73 Olwen Batty S F 51:03 PB (1:13)
330 245 Vishal Shah S M 52:17
338 90 30 64 Penny Schenkel V 45 F 52:46
349 250 76 153 Simon Sypula V 40 M 53:16 PB (0:50)
354 100 32 72 Kelly McHale V 35 F 53:30 1st 10K
361 255 79 158 Karl Shreeve V 40 M 53:57 PB (5:16)
363 256 Lee Pickersgill S M 54:09
387 122 40 88 Karen Ellis V 45 F 55:58
388 123 41 89 Julie Shadbolt V 45 F 55:58
394 126 37 92 Victoria Brett V 35 F 56:14 PB (0:03)
403 132 39 97 Claire Hyde V 35 F 57:33
405 271 58 172 Paul Holgate V 50 M 57:57
443 160 Chloe Emmerson S F 1:03:20 PB (1:48)
445 162 52 121 Jenny Garrett V 45 F 1:03:24
452 165 19 124 Sharon Crowley V 55 F 1:05:58
458 169 52 128 Emma Martin V 35 F 1:15:21

 

Standard Chartered Great City Race

Whilst other Spartans were racing in the Mob Match SIMON JACKSON and STEFFAN FORD were racing for their companies against 5000 other runners in the Standard Chartered Great City Race. This is a twisty turny 5k race around the City of London, run as an individual race and a team race for your company. Even with the temperature at 21 degrees, Steffan after minimal run training due to injury finished in 17:40 and Simon finished in 17:03.

 

Parkrun Report

With the FVS Challenge due to kick off in the afternoon a lower than usual 17 runners tackled Stevenage parkrun in warm and humid conditions with Spartans again also helping with volunteering duties.

JOHN HARRIS was first male Spartan in a new course PB time of 19:20. MARK BEASLEY was 26th in 22:44. JOHN SYPULA was 46th in 24:11 (course PB) and KEN JUDE 78th in 27:12.

For the women, CAROL PAUL was 4th finisher in 25:31, LAUREN HARNETT 29th in 28:48, HAZEL SMITH was 31st in 28:56 and CHLOE EMMERSON continued her improvement finishing 26th woman in a new course PB of 29:14.

Other runners in action at Stevenage were SARAH STAPSTEAD (29:34), TRACY PEZ (30:02), LIZ CARVELL making a welcome return from a lengthy injury break (30:38), ISABEL GREEN (33:04), STEVE GREEN (38:20), DARRYL STEVENS making a rare trip back to Stevenage for parkrun and FVS Challenge action (40:22) and CAREN THAIN (41:14).

The only other Spartans at parkruns were DAVE SMITH (22:02) and GRAHAM HILL (34:19, new course PB), who both ran at Milton Keynes.

 

Relays in the Park Coming Soon

The Relays in the Park organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and in Fairlands Valley Park will be on Thursday 28th July starting at 7.30p.m.  Each runner will complete three kilometres.  Men’s teams will consist of five runners and women’s of four.  The event will include the county championships but a wide range of abilities are expected.  This is a great event for spectators with the half way point only a short distance from the changeover area in the top half of the park.  For more details please visit www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Fairlands Valley Challenge

Fairlands Valley Spartans hosted the Fairlands Valley Challenge off road events on Saturday and Sunday.  There was a choice of four distances.  Results should be available in time for next week’s release.

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

 

  • Bedford 5K on Wednesday 27th July.
  • Relays in the Park, our 3K Relays in Fairlands Valley on Thursday 28th July.
  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.
  • Harlow 10 on Sunday 4th September.
  • Herts 5K senior championships on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.
  • County Five Miles Open Championship in Hatfield on 27th November.
  • Spartans Christmas Social on Saturday 10th December.
  • Boxing Day Five in Witham on Monday 26th December.

 

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage?  Like running?  Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up!  The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010.  It now has hundreds of members and encourages participation by all.  The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Go along to the new sports centre at Marriotts School – a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 8UT) at 7p.m.  Up to five running groups go out on training nights – there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9a.m. sharp.  Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m.  There are events to enter every Sunday.  Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not yet done very much running might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £37 per year, £25 without UKA affiliation.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.  You can also join online.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Andy Neatham 0777 197 5499 and 01438 816889; or Karen Palmer (07734678566) or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News Race Results

Scott’s Midweek League – Mob Match

The final race of the Scott’s Midweek Road Race Leaugue was the Mob Match, which was hosted by Garden City Runners and took place in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 14th July.

The results can be found on the link below. Well done to all Spartans who ran in the race and throughout the League season.

Mob Match Results

Categories
News Race Results

WOMEN WIN IN MILTON KEYNES

Fairlands Valley Spartan women’s team WON the track and field event at Milton Keynes.  Consisting of MONICA BROWN, CATHY CRAIG, SHARON CROWLEY, YUKO GORDON, IRIS HORNSEY, STEPHANIE MAYFIELD, TESSA STEPHENSON, PETA WILSON and ANDREA WESTCOTT they beat the host club Milton Keynes by 109 points to 94.  They lead the six club table by 306 points to 296 and look set to advance to the regional final if they can do well in the final event which will be in Stevenage on 3rd August.

The men were third.  DAVE BOWKER, MARK FREEMAN, MARK GLADING, JAMES KILROY, STEVE MAYFIELD, ANTON MCALLA, TIM SABAN and DAVE STEPHENSON scored 72 points behind Bedford and County on 91 but shading out Bedford Harriers on 71.

 

Pos Women’s Teams Match Score 1, 2 & 3
1 Fairlands Valley Spartans 109 306
2 Marshall Milton Keynes AC 94 296
3 Bedford Harriers 75 221
4 Luton AC 23 43
5 Bedford & County AC 15 71
6 Biggleswade AC 11 63

 

 

Pos Men’s Teams Match Score 1, 2 & 3
1 Marshall Milton Keynes AC 100 276
2 Bedford & County AC 91 316
3 Fairlands Valley Spartans 72 232
4 Bedford Harriers 71 213
5 Biggleswade AC 31 106
6 Luton AC 26 88

 

At last! The weather was so much better for Fairlands Valley Spartans third Eastern Masters Athletic Club (EMAC) track and field league match at Milton Keynes. Facing clubs from Biggleswade, two clubs from Bedford, Luton and the host club competition was fierce.

The Fairlands Valley women’s team were on good form on Wednesday evening. Wins for Monica Brown (50 -59 200 metres, Long Jump, Pole Vault), Yuko Gordon (60+ 800 metres),  Tessa Stephenson (50 – 59 300m hurdles and shot putt), Cathy Craig (60+ hammer throw) and Stephanie Mayfield ( 35 -49 pole vault) meant that with Sharon Crowley Iris Hornsey, Peta Wilson and Andrea Westcott they secured the win by 15  points.

The men’s team struggled with younger team members missing. Steve Mayfield and Dave Stephenson performed well in several events along with Mark Freeman who covered all the Male 60 events.  Despite a two month break due to injury Dave Bowker was second in the one mile walk with a personal best of nine minutes exactly.

The last match is at Ridlins in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.

 

Gold for Penny

New member this year PENNY SCHENKEL is a County GOLD Medallist.  She completed the 25 laps of the County 10K Track Championship on Thursday evening to win the women veteran (45 plus) category in a new personal best of 51 minutes 58 seconds.  That’s an 8 minutes 54 seconds since her first 10K with the Spartans on 17th May.

GRANT RAMSAY won SILVER in the male veteran (40 plus) race with 36:07 and JIM BROWN took SILVER in the veteran (60 plus) category with 51:55.

 

Ware Ten

A dozen Spartans enjoyed the mixed terrain Ware Ten on Sunday morning.

DARREN EMERSON was 39th in the 10K with 46:55.

 

Position Name Time Comments
20 KARL CLARK 1:10:39
25 JOHN NELMS 1:11:30
37 SUZY HAWKINS (F) 1:14:06
39 TIM SABAN 1:14:24
63 MARK GOODWIN 1:18:54
91 CLAIRE COX (F) 1:22:53
125 NICOLA TOUT (F) 1:28:15
132 ANDY JAY 1:29:16
136 VISHAL SHAH 1:33:18
181 ROGER BIGGS 1:38:49
184 JULIE SHADBOLT (F) 1:39:32
227 JAN FRY (F) 1:53:06 First in age group

 

 

Hatfield Five

The Hatfield Five is was a lovely route-a run around the estate grounds of Hatfield House.  The race was well organised and finished in front of the house.  Roughly five miles and partly cross country BEV HARLOW completed the race in 47 minutes 56 seconds.

 

1. 1. 248 Craig HALSEY MS 0:27:39 78.74%
116. 5. 124 Roger BIGGS MV60 0:43:25 64.63%
141. 17. 296 Caroline CROFT FV45 0:45:23 56.59%
171. 23. 241 Paul HOLGATE MV50 0:47:52 53.97%
173. 5. 305 Beverley HARLOW FV55 0:47:56 62.99%
212. 36. 135 Sarah ATKINSON FS 0:52:22 46.10%

 

Dave Walks for Herts

DAVE BOWKER represented Hertfordshire in the Inter County athletics match in Basingstoke.  He was fourth in the 3K race “A” race in 18 minutes 19 seconds.

 

Carol Goes Off Road

On Saturday 9th July Carol Paul took part in the Ranscombe challenge near Rochester in Kent. On a very hilly off road course in hot and humid conditions Carol completed 30.8 miles in 6:06:23.

 

Parkrun Report

Sixteen Spartans took on Stevenage parkrun with a further four volunteering behind the scenes.

KEITH COUGHLIN was first male finisher, third overall, in a new course PB time of 18:24. MARK BEASLEY was 13th in 21:40 (also a course PB) and DARREN EMMERSON 37th in 24:39. JON SYPULA was the next in 24:41.

For the women, TRACY PEZ ran a new course PB of 22:27 in finishing 3rd, CLAIRE PULLEN was 5th in 22:41. ANN TRYSSESOONE was 7th on her first visit in a time of 23:06 and HAZEL SMITH secured a new PB of 26:56.

There were also course PBs for LEE PICKERSGILL (24:43), KERSTIN WEINER (27:23), HANNA SYPULA (29:01) and EMMA MARTIN (35:41). The other Spartans in action at Stevenage were KEN JUDE (24:47), CAROLE SHELDRICK (27:15), HEATHER MALONEY (29:01) and ANDY PRIOR (29:02).

Elsewhere DARYL STEVENS ran at LYMINGTON WOODSIDE (38:50), ANDY JAY warmed up for the Ware 10 with a steady 26:57 at Panshanger, JAMES SOUTH ran 23:54 at Aldenham and DAVE SMITH ran at Ellenbrook Fields finishing in a time of 22:12.

 

Relays in the Park Coming Soon

The Relays in the Park organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and in Fairlands Valley Park will be on Thursday 28th July starting at 7.30p.m.  Each runner will complete three kilometres.  Men’s teams will consist of five runners and women’s of four.  The event will include the county championships but a wide range of abilities are expected.  This is a great event for spectators with the half way point only a short distance from the changeover area in the top half of the park.  For more details please visit www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • Midweek Mob Match at Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 14th July.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge on Sunday 17th July.
  • Bedford 5K on Wednesday 27th July.
  • Relays in the Park, our 3K Relays in Fairlands Valley on Thursday 28th July.
  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.
  • Harlow 10 on Sunday 4th September.
  • Herts 5K senior championships on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.
  • County Five Miles Open Championship in Hatfield on 27th November.
  • Spartans Christmas Social on Saturday 10th December.
  • Boxing Day Five in Witham on Monday 26th December.

 

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage?  Like running?  Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up!  The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010.  It now has hundreds of members and encourages participation by all.  The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Go along to the new sports centre at Marriotts School – a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 8UT) at 7p.m.  Up to five running groups go out on training nights – there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9a.m. sharp.  Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m.  There are events to enter every Sunday.  Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not yet done very much running might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £37 per year, £25 without UKA affiliation.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.  You can also join online.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Andy Neatham 0777 197 5499 and 01438 816889; or Karen Palmer (07734678566) or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News Race Results

Scott’s Midweek League – Individual Results 2016

Please find individual results and prize winners from this year’s series on the link below. This season saw 2,923 times recorded by 1,256 individuals over the 8 races, taking the overall total number of times and finishers in the 14 years that Paul Holgate has been doing the results to 34,213 times by more than 8,500 individuals.

Please note that we have 3rd places in the Mens Open category in Division 1,  equal 2nd places in the women’s vet35 category in Division 1 and equal 2nd in the men’s vet40 category in Division 2.

For the Spartans, there were prizes in Division 1 for the following:

Natalie Lawrence – 1st (Senior Women)
Simon Jackson – 1st (V40 Men)*
Grant Ramsay – 2nd (V40 Men)*

Congratulations to Natalie, Simon and Grant, and also to all the Spartans who gave it their all in a tough Division 1 this season.

Prizes will be awarded following the Mob Match in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 14th July

MWL Presentation 2016

Note: Division 2 men’s table updated 07/07/2016 after correction of an inconsistency in scores for race 2.

* Amended positions after Mark Vaughan opted to be awarded 3rd= Male Open prize rather than 1st V40

Categories
News Race Results

SECONDS AT BASSINGBOURN HALF

Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was fifth out of the 307 finishers in Sunday’s Bassingbourn Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour 20 minutes 10 seconds.  He was the second veteran (40 plus) to finish.  THOMAS SAUKA was the second Spartan in, 39th in 1:38:58.

ANN TRYSSESOONE was also second in her age category with her time of 1 hour 49 minutes 5 seconds.

JON and HANNAH SYPULA both enjoyed the event which was well organised on lovely scenic routes though perhaps it was a bit warm.  JON finished in 1:56:31 and HANNAH in 2:29:35.

Four other Spartan women completed the race.  They were VICTORIA BRETT in 2:03:52; club secretary KAREN PALMER in 2:06:50; JENNY GARRETT in 2:07:07 and SUE HAMER in 2:08:26.

Club chair NICK WITCOMBE finished in 2:30:57.

 

Position Name Time Comments
5 GRANT RAMSAY 1:20:10 Second veteran
39 THOMAS SAUKA 1:38:58
87 ANN TRYSSESOONE 1:49:05 Second in age category
135 JON SYPULA 1:56:31
191 VICTORIA BRETT 2:03:52
205 KAREN PALMER 2:06:50
208 JENNY GARRETT 2:07:07
211 SUE HAMER 2:08:26
286 HANNAH SYPULA 2:29:35
288 NICK WITCOMBE 2:30:57

There were 307 finishers in the race.

 

St Magnus Marathon – Sunday, 3rd July 2916 – Orkney Islands

Roger Biggs travelled to the outer extremities of the UK, to run a marathon from the St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, to the village of Birsay on the North West Coast of Mainland Orkney.

This was not a flat marathon, it rained on and off, and the Westerly winds did their best to slow Roger down.  However, if there is a more scenic marathon on these shores, then Roger has yet to find it.

Roger ran a consistent marathon to finish in 4:41:48.  He has now run marathons in 93 different counties in the UK and Ireland.

 

Potteries Marathon

On Sunday CAROL PAUL ran the Potteries marathon in Stoke on Trent. On a warm day and a hilly course Carol completed the marathon in 4:14:34, 22 minutes quicker than last year and she was 2nd in her age category

 

Parkrun Report

There were some scintillating performances among the thirty Spartans in action at Stevenage parkrun on Saturday.

CRAIG HALSEY secured a new course Personal Best in blustery conditions, finishing in 16mins 51secs and beating the previous male course record which was set by Mark Vaughan (North Herts Road Runners) at the first event. However, he was just headed by first finisher Oliver Wallace from Chorlton Runners who now holds the record at 16:50. ANDREW PATTERSON (3rd in 17:07), DANNY HUKIN (4th in 18:33) and DAVID RIDDLE (7th in 19:12) and all set new course PBs.

For the women, SUZY HAWKINS was second finisher in 21:31 on her first run at this venue. CLAIRE PULLEN was third woman to finish in 22:15, ISABEL GREEN was fifth woman in 24:03 and JACKIE DOWNES 17th woman, finishing in 27:23, a new course PB.

There were further course PBs at Stevenage for MARK BEASLEY, JAMES KILROY, DARREN EMMERSON, MARTIN DUDLEY, CALLUM BEASLEY, ANDY PRIOR, DANIEL SUTTON and HAZEL SMITH.

Elsewhere DAVE SMITH finished as 12th male in 22:20 at Hatfield Forest and ANDY JAY was 50th male finisher in 24:06 at Panshanger.  DARRYL STEVENS was 252nd in the Moors Valley Parkrun with 38:33 and EMMA POULTER 112th in the Brundall park run in 39:24.

The full list of Spartans in parkrun action at Stevenage was as follows:

 

STEVENAGE

 

Pos Gender Pos parkrunner Time Notes
2 2 Craig HALSEY 00:16:51 New PB!
3 3 Andrew PATTERSON 00:17:07 New PB!
4 4 Danny HUKIN 00:18:33 New PB!
8 7 David RIDDELL 00:19:12 New PB!
13 12 Liam HERBERT 00:20:21 PB stays at 00:20:07
14 13 Steve GREEN 00:20:25 First Timer!
21 2 Suzy HAWKINS 00:21:31 First Timer!
23 21 Mark BEASLEY 00:21:43 New PB!
27 25 James KILROY 00:22:05 New PB!
31 3 Claire PULLEN 00:22:15 PB stays at 00:22:03
35 32 Darren EMMERSON 00:22:20 New PB!
36 33 Martin DUDLEY 00:22:21 New PB!
43 39 Callum BEASLEY 00:23:11 PB stays at 00:23:06
55 51 Ken JUDE 00:23:42 First Timer!
54 50 Stephen SMITHSON 00:23:42 First Timer!
57 53 Andy PRIOR 00:23:49 New PB!
58 54 Martyn DOWLING 00:23:58 First Timer!
59 5 Isabel GREEN 00:24:03 First Timer!
69 61 Daniel SUTTON 00:25:07 New PB!
95 17 Jackie DOWNES 00:27:23 New PB!
127 35 Tracy PEZ 00:29:25 PB stays at 00:22:45
133 41 Lauren HARNETT 00:29:55 PB stays at 00:28:34
140 47 Hazel SMITH 00:30:22 New PB!
146 53 Chloe EMMERSON 00:30:41 PB stays at 00:30:09
152 95 John NELMS 00:31:08 PB stays at 00:19:58
177 103 Daniel GREEN 00:33:21 First Timer!
178 75 Beverley HARLOW 00:33:30 PB stays at 00:29:24
204 95 Claire COX 00:37:30 PB stays at 00:23:23
222 108 Caren THAIN 00:42:52 PB stays at 00:38:04
238 116 Verity FISHER 00:54:59 PB stays at 00:26:45

 

Relays in the Park Coming Soon

The Relays in the Park organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and in Fairlands Valley Park will be on Thursday 28th July starting at 7.30p.m.  Each runner will complete three kilometres.  Men’s teams will consist of five runners and women’s of four.  The event will include the county championships but a wide range of abilities are expected.  This is a great event for spectators with the half way point only a short distance from the changeover area in the top half of the park.  For more details please visit www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Confirmed Welwyn

Official results have been confirmed for the recent Welwyn 10K which included the Hertfordshire County Championships.  CRAIG HALSEY was third overall and took BRONZE in the County with a time of 35 minutes 20 seconds.

 

Position Name Time Comments
3 CRAIG HALSEY 35:20 Third Overall.  County Bronze.
85 TIM SABAN 46:37
94 MARK GOODWIN 47:15
175 KEN JUDE 52:33
188 JIM BROWN 52:59 Third MV60
190 PENNY SCHENKEL 53:07 Personal best.
201 CHRIS HOLLAND 53:40
203 OLWEN BATTY 53:40
252 LEE PICKERSGILL 55:32
282 CLAIRE HYDE 57:00
341 JOHN McCALL 59:32

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 6th July.
  • County Track 10K at Sandy, SG19 1BL on Thursday 7th July.  Enter up to one hour before race.
  • Midweek Mob Match at Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 14th July.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge on Sunday 17th July.
  • Bedford 5K on Wednesday 27th July.
  • Relays in the Park, our 3K Relays in Fairlands Valley on Thursday 28th July.
  • EMAC (Veterans Track & Field) event in Stevenage on Wednesday 3rd August.
  • Harlow 10 on Sunday 4th September.
  • Herts 5K senior championships on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 20th November.
  • County Five Miles Open Championship in Hatfield on 27th November.
  • Spartans Christmas Social on Saturday 10th December.
  • Boxing Day Five in Witham on Monday 26th December.

 

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage?  Like running?  Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up!  The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010.  It now has hundreds of members and encourages participation by all.  The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  Go along to the new sports centre at Marriotts School – a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 8UT) at 7p.m.  Up to five running groups go out on training nights – there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9a.m. sharp.  Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m.  There are events to enter every Sunday.  Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not yet done very much running might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £37 per year, £25 without UKA affiliation.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.  You can also join online.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Andy Neatham 0777 197 5499 and 01438 816889; or Karen Palmer (07734678566) or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk