Month: September 2016

Categories
News Race Results

Two Spartans In Top Three at Hatfield

 

There were two Spartans in the top three in the Hatfield 5K.  CRAIG HALSEY won Wednesday’s race in just 16 minutes 20 seconds.  The event included the county championships for veterans and just eleven seconds later GRANT RAMSAY came roaring in to take third overall and SILVER in the 40 plus category with 16:31.

Two Spartan women achieved new personal bests.  ANN TRYSSESOONE improved by 52 seconds to 22:12 and PENNY SCHENKEL by 68 seconds to 24:43.

RICHARD BATE was in the top twenty of the 242 finishers at 16th with 17 minutes 38 while JOHN HARRIS was 45th with 19:01.  JIM BROWN ran a year’s best 23:48; ANDREA WESTCOTT finished in 25:53 and PAUL HOLGATE in 27:26.

 

Position Name Time Comments
1. CRAIG HALSEY 16:20 Race Winner!
3. GRANT RAMSAY 16:31 County Silver
16 RICHARD BATE 17:38
45 JOHN HARRIS 19:01
102 ANN TRYSSESOONE (F) 22:12 PB (52 seconds)
131 JIM BROWN 23:48 Year’s Best
148 PENNY SCHENKEL (F) 24:43 PB (68 seconds)
170 ANDREA WESTCOTT (F) 25:53
192 PAUL HOLGATE 27:26

 

Monster Run

KAREN BROOM was so happy to finish the Loch Ness marathon in a time of 5 hours and 43 minutes and 13 seconds.

Dave Doubles Up

It’s been a busy week for DAVID BOWKER, the club handicap on Thursday and two events  on Saturday.

The first was his first Enfield League walking event at the Lee Valley outdoor track.  This was a one hour time trial in which he did five miles.

Then he stayed in London for the Shine Night Walk Marathon which stared in Southwark Park and finished in Old Billingsgate.  Dave’s marathon was the last of four waves and started at 10.15.  It took in quite a few of London’s sights on a very pleasant  night.  The event was set up to raise funds for Cancer Research.

He says it was quite an experience trying to walk at speed through London’s nightlife, the quicker ones of us were catching the earlier starters and it got quite congested at times. David got round in 6hrs 42mins.

 

Steffan Wins

STEFFAN FORD ran in the Basel Marathon weekend.  He did the 10km and finished 12th overall and first veteran, forty plus, in 37:58.

 

Craig and Melanie Win In Stevenage

There was another success for CRAIG HALSEY just one day after winning the Hatfield 5K he was first to finish in the Spartans Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening.  His actual time was 16 minutes 50 seconds and he was in 46 seconds ahead of the next runner.

MELANIE BEALE was the first woman across the line.  Her start line to finish time was 30 minutes 35 seconds.  She was fourth overall.

DAVID QUICKE was second with an actual 25:54 and RICHARD SPRINGALL third with 19:26.  DAVID BOWKER was fifth with 21:42.

Other actual times, in finish order, were JENNY PAUL 28:50; SARAH PIKE 26:15; MARTIN DUDLEY 22:30; STEVE PIKE 25:28; NATALIE LAWRENCE 21:25; LISA SMITH 30:13; MARIA QUICKE 30:13 and SEAN MILLWOOD 30:26.

Poor street lighting and uneven surfaces on the cycleways caused some problems during the event.

 

Huffin Puffin

CAROL PAUL ran the Huffin Puffin Marathon in St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on Sunday.  On a two lap course with a sharp hill and a long incline on each lap Carol ran her best road marathon for eight years finishing in a time of 4 hours 13 minutes 2 seconds.  ROGER BIGGS finished in 4:37:10.  This completed his four weekend trip which included a marathon in the USA and three marathons and a 5km race in Canada.

 

Alison’s Update

ALISON WOOD won GOLD at the British Masters (BMAF) 800 metres championships for women aged 50 plus last week.

 

Twelve and a Half Laps for Grant

GRANT RAMSAY was second in the Biggleswade Open 5000 metres with a time of 16 minutes 51 seconds, a good performance despite the windy conditions.

 

Parkrun Report

It was a relatively quiet week for Spartans on the parkrun scene.

At Stevenage DANNY HUKIN was first Spartan finisher, pushing a buggy round in 20:48 for 17th place. MARTIN DUDLEY was 33rd in 22:47 and MARTYN DOWLING 43rd in 23:26, a new course personal best (PB). For the ladies, LAUREN HARNETT was 16th in 27:48, also a new course PB, VERITY FISHER 17th in 27:54 and CLAIRE COX 68th in 36:31 on pacing duties.

There was also a new course PB for KELLY CHAPMAN (36:43), while the other Spartans in action were DANIEL SUTTON (24:37), CHRTIS HOLLAND (25:16) DAVID RIDDELL (26:03), DAVE SMITH (28:01), JOHN WALSH (29:42), SIMON JACKSON (43:20 running with his son) and DARREN EMMERSON who was on tail-running duty.

At Panshanger Park, MARK BEASLEY was 21st in 21:30, a new course PB. TIM ROBINSON also notched a new best mark round here, finishing 33rd in 23:11. CALLUM BEASLEY was 48th in 24:45.

On the south coast, DARRYL STEVENS ran at Bournemouth, achieving a new course PB of 38:22, while on his first visit to Keswick JOHN ROXBOROUGH was 44th in 23:42. Finally, ROGER HARDMAN ran 26:16 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 Hertfordshire 10K championships.  The opportunities include:

  • Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park on Friday 30th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Henlow Ten on Wednesday 5th October (daytime).
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • First Cross Country League Race in Cheshunt on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • Second Cross Country League Race on Sunday 13th November (new date).
  • 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.
  • Third Cross Country League Race on Sunday 18th 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

Iris Blooms In Birmingham

 

Fairlands Valley Spartan Iris Hornsey claimed two Gold and One Silver Medal at the British Masters Athletics Championships held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham over the weekend.  On Saturday, she completed the 1500 metres, in the over 70 age group, in a time of 8 minutes 5.20 seconds to take second place.  Later in the afternoon, she returned to improve to first place running the 400 metres in a time of 1 minute 39.34 seconds.  On Sunday, Iris again won her age category, recording 42.54 seconds for the 200 metres.

Also taking home a medal, Alison Wood came through to take Silver in the 800 metres for the over 50 age group in a time of 2 minutes and 31.49 seconds.

Tessa Stephenson competed in the 100 and 200 metre races recording a season’s best time of 16.06 seconds and 32.90 seconds to finish in sixth and fourth places respectively.

Chris Westcott only just missed out on a medal, finishing a very close fourth in the 800 metres for over 40 athletes in a time of 2 minutes and 6.28 seconds.

This meeting is the end of a long season of track and field athletics for the Spartans which started on the first of January. They will now concentrate on getting ready for the new season and aiming to produce even better results next year.

 

So, So Close For Spartan Women in Final Celebration

Position Club Points
1 Marshall Milton Keynes AC 226
2 Fairlands Valley Spartans 225.5
3 Ryston Runners AC 199
4 Loughton AC 182
5 Southend AC 161.5
6 Cambridge & Coleridge AC 148
7 Peterborough AC 136
8 Wellingborough & District AC 50

 

On a lovely autumnal day, the Fairlands Valley Spartans womens track and field team of Alison Wood, Hazel Clarke,  Rosie Canham, Christine Lathwell,  Peta Wilson, Sharon Crowley, Andrea Westcott,  Monica Brown, Iris Hornsey, Yuko Gordon, Cathy Craig and Julie Simmons travelled to Bedford International Athletics stadium to compete in the Eastern Masters Athletics League Final.  After winning the mid west region, the women had a chance of making the top three. Considering the club is predominantly a road running club, the women more than held their own to finish just half a point behind Marshall Milton Keynes in finishing second.

Yuko Gordon won the 3000 metre race, in the over 60 age group, finishing in a time of 12 minutes and 54.6 seconds.  This was rewarded with the award for performance of the day which equated to 93.9% of the age graded world record.  This was backed up with Christine Lathwell winning the over 35 age group and Julie Simmons, returning from injury, with an impressive second place.

In the 1500 metres, Christine Lathwell and Alison Wood both won their age group races with Alison’s time of 5 minutes and 4.6 seconds setting a new league record in the over 50 age group.

Monica Brown kept up her superb form of the season by winning  the 100 metres, 200 metres, long and high jumps and finished second in the javelin throw.  Tessa Stephenson and Cathy Craig backed up Monica by coming second in their age group 200 metres as well as Cathy coming second in the W60 high jump and Tessa second in the Womens 50, 400 metres .

Stephanie Mayfield was joint first in the pole vault where she could not be separated from the Southend AC competitor, so they shared the points for first and second places.

The rest of the team also put in good performances across all the events to miss out on the league title by the closest of margins and this bodes well for next season.

 

London Duathlon 18/09/16

Fairlands Valley’s BRIAN WHITE competed in the London Duathlon on Sunday.  This consisted of a 10K run; 44K cycle and 5K run.

He achieved a new personal best for the course with times of 42:24 for the 10K run; 1:23:37 for the 44K on the bike and 21:56 for the 5K run giving a total event time of 2:31:49.

 

The Tartan Twosome – Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Spartan ROGER BIGGS ran the Tartan Twosome on Friday, 16th and Saturday, 17th September 2016.  Both events starting a few miles South of Halifax at Fishermans Cove in Canada.

He had moved east on his quest to run in every Province/Territory of Canada.  The ‘Tartan Twosome’ was played out with a 5km race on Friday night at sunset, to return the next day to run a marathon at sunrise, plus a promise for a medal for each event, plus a third for finishing both events.

There was perfect weather for the 5km, which was run on a flat out and back course adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.  Ignoring the marathon on the next day, Roger ran a strong race, to finish in 27:04, for 398th place of 2163 finishers.

The next morning had even more runners, with 2452 finishers spread across four distances including a marathon.

As the sun appeared across the horizon, all runners started off in the same direction, but were gradually filtered out leaving just 89 runners to cross the marathon finish line.  With plenty of hills and not a cloud in the sky, Roger found things a lot tougher, and finished in 70th place with a time of 5:19:57.

 

Kent Coyote

DAVE BOWKER took part in the Kent Coyote Marathon on Sunday.

He walked this one and finished in 5 hours 26 minutes.  The race took place on Gravesend’s Cyclopark.  There were 21 laps each with a half mile incline so it was quite a tough event and Dave claims he has a sunburnt bald head to prove the sun was shining.  He says it was well organised and has a sister event in the Spring.  Recommended if you don’t mind the laps.

 

Parkrun Report

Twenty-nine Spartans took part in parkruns locally and further afield at the weekend.

At the home parkrun in Stevenage, LIAM HERBERT was first Spartan, finishing 6th in 19:58, setting a new course PB (personal best). JOHN NELMS was 13th in 20:45, THOMAS SAUKA 14th in 20:46 and MARK BEASLEY 20th in 21:41.

CAROL PAUL was the first Spartan lady finisher, 11th in 25:21. NIKKI WILBY was 12th in 26:05, KERSTIN WEINER 17th in 27:06 and LAUREN HARNETT set a new course PB to finish 28th in 28:30.

There were also new course PBs for DARREN EMMERSON (21:46), DANIEL SUTTON (22:58), CLIVE CANNON (24:15) and KELLY CHAPMAN (38:15).  Other Spartans running at Stevenage were MARTIN DUDLEY (22:38), CHRIS HOLLAND (24:23), STEFFAN FORD (27:59), VERITY FISHER (29:12), TRACY PEZ (29:41), CHLOE EMMERSON (29:45), John WALSH (30:11), HEATHER MALONEY (30:17), CLAIRE PULLEN (30:53), CLAIRE COX (30:58), MARIE HUTCHINGS (36:34), and SIMON JACKSON (40:12)

ANDY JAY again continued his run of improving times at Panshanger, this week finishing 37th in 24:28.  He was joined at the picturesque venue by KEN JUDE who finished 65th in 26:16.  Also running locally was TIM ROBINSON who ran a year’s best time of 23:22 to achieve a new course PB at Ellenbrook Fields.

Finally, JOHN ROXBOROUGH finished 22nd in 21:11 at Rother Valley while on the south coast DARRYL STEVENS ran for the first time at Southampton, finishing in a time of 37:07.

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the Hertfordshire 5K and 10K championships.  The opportunities include:

  • Herts 5K veteran championships in Hatfield on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Henlow Ten on Wednesday 5th October (daytime).
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • First Cross Country League Race in Cheshunt on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • Second Cross Country League Race on Sunday 13th November (new date).
  • 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.
  • Third Cross Country League Race on Sunday 18th 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

Silver for Craig

 

It was SILVER for Spartan CRAIG HALSEY at the County 5K championships in Hatfield on Wednesday.  He raced round the two and a half lap course in just 16 minutes 27 seconds.  SIMON JACKSON also beat the 17 minute barrier and was sixth overall out of the 208 finishers in 16:55.  HAZEL CLARK was running her first claim race for Fairlands Valley Spartan and was 121st in 24:23.  Meanwhile PENNY SCHENKEL was running her first ever 5K which she completed in 25:51 for 144th.  BARRY OSBORNE was 59th in 19:48; JIM BROWN 132nd in 25:18 and PAUL HOLGATE 164th in 27:44.

 

Position Name Time Comments
2 CRAIG HALSEY 16:27 SILVER medal
6 SIMON JACKSON 16:55 2nd V40
59 BARRY OSBORNE 19:48  
121 HAZEL CLARK 24:23 First 1st claim race
132 JIM BROWN 25:18  
144 PENNY SCHENKEL 25:51 First 5K race
164 PAUL HOLGATE 27:44  

 

There were 208 finishers.

 

GNR

Thirteen Spartans ran thirteen miles at Newcastle on Sunday.  They were racing the Great North Run.  STEFFAN FORD was very happy with his time of 1 hour 21 minutes 48 seconds in very hot conditions.  He said it was a very hard half marathon and testing challenge.

JAMES KILROY commented it was hot with a lot of weaving but some great support.  He finished in 2:25:34.

The other Spartans were Steve Green 1:33:11; Paul Whyte 1:36:41; Isabel Green 1:51:34; Clare Whitchurch 1:53:40; Jenny Garrett 2:14:31; Barry King 2:15:04; Trudie Molloy 2:18:02; Tracey Stiles 2:24:02; Caroline Croft 2:27:31; Carole Sheldrick 2:27:31; and Nick Witcombe 3:00:17.

 

Race Results For Grant Ramsay:

GRANT RAMSAY was sixth out of 1,730 in the City of London Run the River 10K on Tuesday in 36 minutes 25 seconds.  He says this was a very tough run along the banks of the River Thames, with main route open to the general public, which involved lots of congestion.  The course was certainly not PB (personal best) friendly, but was still enjoyable and all for charity.

Then on Saturday he was representing Hertfordshire in the South East Inter Counties match in Peterborough.  Grant was fifth in the 3000 metres Steeplechase in 11 minutes 9 seconds.   As he put it a decent result as it was his first steeplechase race for over two years.

 

Greater Cambridge 10K

Despite the heat OLWEN BATTY ran a massive personal best in the inaugural Greater Cambridge 10K on Sunday.  Her gun time was 50 minutes 2 seconds.  JOHN NELMS ran a new PB of 41:50.  TIM SABAN finished in 43 minutes 7 seconds.

 

Heart of America Marathon – Monday, 5th September 2016

Roger Biggs continued his tour of the Americas with this tough Heart of America Marathon run from Columbia, Missouri on Monday.

Roger became the first Brit to complete 100 Marathons in the USA, and was awarded the race number 100 in recognition.

This was a very hilly event, mostly run on the side of main roads, however, it was the heat rather than the course that was the main concern.  Already approaching 20C at the 06:00hrs start, the temperature climbed to an official shade temperature of 34C at the finish!!  Given the conditions Roger did well to finish in 5:15:39, placing 3rd in his age group. (65 to 69).

 

Queen City Marathon – Sunday, 11th September 2016

Then by Sunday Roger Biggs had moved across America to Regina, the Capital City of Saskatchewan, Canada for the Queen City Marathon.

The marathon course was pretty flat, and partly made use of The Trans Canada Bike Path, within Regina.  However with an elevation of 600m above sea level, it certainly takes a while to get the breathing correct.

Roger ran a good first half, but struggled after half way to finish in 4:49:12, a time good enough to finish third in his age group vet 65-69.

 

Parkrun Report

On a busy weekend of road, track and multi-sports action there were fewer Spartans in parkrun action.

At Stevenage, Spartans provided the first three women to finish. First across the line was CLAIRE COX in 24:20, closely followed by VERITY FISHER who continued her return towards her best form, finishing in 24:22 for a new course PB. CLAIRE PULLEN was third in 24:46 and KELLY McHALE 8th in 25:49.

For the men DAVID RIDDELL was 8th in 20:17, DAVE SMITH was 17th in 22:12 and THOMAS SAUKA 18th in 22:18. MARTIN DUDLEY was 27th finisher in 22:54 while there was a new course PB for DANIEL SUTTON (23:35).

The other Spartans in action at Stevenage were CHRIS HOLLAND (24:17), CLIVE CANNON (24:45 in his first ever parkrun), LAUREN HARNETT (29:33) and CHLOE EMMERSON who was on tail-running duty.

Elsewhere ANDY JAY again ran at Panshanger, finishing 52nd in 25:02, 48 seconds quicker than last week., while JOHN ROXBOROUGH was 5th at Barclay in 23:09, a new course PB. Finally, JOHN WALSH ran at Lymington Woodside, finishing 43rd in 30:19, also a new course PB.

 

Harlow Ten Trio

Three Spartans raced the Harlow Ten recently.  CRAIG HALSEY was 20th out of the 294 finishers in 1 hour 5 minutes 16 seconds.

Using the race to complete an 18 mile training run TIM SABAN finished in 1:21:23 for 130th and despite stumbling at about the halfway mark JIM BROWN managed 152nd in 1:23:56 to improve his year’s best time by 2 minutes 14 seconds.

This was on an undulating course with some lengthy off road sections and a two mile up hill stretch in the last half.  The last mile seemed very tough after that with some high kerbs to climb up!

 

Spartans Second

The Spartans women’s team were second in the East of England masters (veterans) championships.  Full results should be available 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 Hertfordshire 5K championships.  The opportunities include:

  • Herts 5K veteran championships in Hatfield on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Henlow Ten on Wednesday 5th October (daytime).
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • First Cross Country League Race in Cheshunt on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • Second Cross Country League Race on Sunday 13th November (new date).
  • 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.
  • Third Cross Country League Race on Sunday 18th 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

Track Triumphs for Spartans

It was medals all round for the Spartans at the Eastern Masters Athletics Track and Field Championships at Sandy on Saturday.  The weather started out grey with a strong, gusty wind and then deteriorated during the day to include heavy rain.  Performances were affected by the conditions but the four Fairlands Valley Spartans who competed all ended up winning medals.

Sharon Crowley managed a season’s best time of 14 minutes 33.76 seconds in the 2000 metre Walk, to finish as Gold Medallist in the Over 55 age group.  Barry Osborne also claimed the Gold Medal in the 3000 metres for Men over 65 with a time of 12:05.70

Dave and Tessa Stephenson both competed in the 100 metre and Shot Putt events.  In the Over 50 age group, Dave took Silver in the Shot Putt with a new personal best of 8.35 metres and Bronze in the 100m in 14.43 seconds.  Tessa won Bronze in both events in the over 55 age group with 8.03 metres and 16.74 seconds.

Tessa, Sharon and the rest of the Spartans womens team now move on the the Eastern Masters League final next week in Bedford next Sunday.

 

Harlow Ten Trio

Three Spartans raced the Harlow Ten on Sunday.  CRAIG HALSEY was 20th out of the 294 finishers in 1 hour 5 minutes 16 seconds.

Using the race to complete an 18 mile training run TIM SABAN finished in 1:21:23 for 130th and despite stumbling at about the halfway mark JIM BROWN managed 152nd in 1:23:56 to improve his year’s best time by 2 minutes 14 seconds.

This was on an undulating course with some lengthy off road sections and a two mile up hill stretch in the last half.  The last mile seemed very tough after that with some high kerbs to climb up!

 

Northampton

MARK CHEADLE ran the Northampton Half Marathon in what was almost perfect running conditions with not a cloud in sight and much cooler temperatures than the last month or so.

He finished 253rd out of 651 (42nd in his age group category 35-39 men) in a time of 1hr 51 mins 18 seconds, which is his second quickest Half of all time, definitely a season/year best!

Mark fully recommends this race, the race HQ is a pub in town meaning you can sit down and relax inside before a city centre start. Was well organised and I will do it again very soon

 

Stampede from Sandridge

On Saturday CAROL PAUL took part in the St Albans 12 hour stampede from Sandridge. The course consisted of a four mile off road undulating lap and the aim of the challenge was to do one or more laps within twelve hours and you could stop at any time.  The day started off really sunny and ended up with heavy rain. Carol completed 40 miles in 7:39:36 just before the heavens opened and drenched the runners.

 

The First River Marathon

RICHARD HAZLEDENE completed the first Ouse Valley River Marathon on Sunday.  He said it was on a beautiful scenic route & best of all flat.  It stretches from Earith & ends up in Eynesbury.

A well organised race, well marshalled, a bit like the Henlow 10 in that you park at the finish and get transported to the start.

 

Spitfire Comeback

KAREN BROOM ran the Spitfire 10k run at RAF Hendon Saturday morning in 1.14.45.  She was really pleased with her time as it was really hot and it was her first official run since her recovery from a health problem.

 

Parkrun Report

 

There were 22 Spartans in action at the Stevenage Parkrun and more helping out behind the scenes. The first male Spartan was KEITH COUGHLIN, third in a new course PB (personal best) of 18:05.  STEFFAN FORD also set a new course best time here finishing fourth in 18:20.  MICHAEL BIRONNEAU was seventh in 19:23 and JOHN NELMS eighth in 20:16.

The first Spartan woman to finish was VERITY FISHER who set a new course PB of 24:58 in finishing sixth.  HAYLEY FAULKNER was 40th in 30:13, TRACY PEZ 46th in 31:26 and HANNAH SYPULA 47th in 31:32.

There were additional course PBs for DARREN EMMERSON (21:51), CRAIG BACON (22:04), DANIEL SUTTON (23:49) and ANTHONY OSBORNE (34:50). The other Spartans running at Stevenage were DAVE SMITH (21:39), THOMAS SAUKA (22:14), JOM SYPULA (25:58), ANDY PRIOR (25:59), TIM ROBINSON (27:01), JOHN MCCALL (28:45), JOHN WALSH (30:27), GRAHAM HILL (32:32), STEVE WATKINS (32:55) and CAREN THAIN (42:54).

Elsewhere, ANDY JAY blazed a lone Spartan trail at Panshanger, finishing 87th in 25:50, while SIMON JACKSON was the only Spartan in parkrun action outside the local area.  He finished second at Weymouth in a time of 17:41.

 

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the Hertfordshire 5K championships.  The opportunities include:

 

  • Herts 5K senior championships in Hatfield on Wednesday 7th September.
  • Herts 5K veteran championships in Hatfield on Wednesday 21st September.
  • FVS Handicap 5 / 10 in Stevenage on Sunday 25th September.
  • Standalone 10K including County Vets Championships on Sunday 2nd October.
  • Henlow Ten on Wednesday 5th October (daytime).
  • Open 5K race in Hatfield on Wednesday 5th October.
  • Peterborough Half Marathon on Sunday 9th October.
  • Abingdon Marathon on Sunday 23rd October.
  • First Cross Country League Race in Cheshunt on Sunday 23rd October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon, a Stevenage 70 event, on Sunday 6th November.
  • Second Cross Country League Race on Sunday 13th November (new date).
  • 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.
  • Third Cross Country League Race on Sunday 18th 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