Month: September 2025

EIGHT AT HITCHIN

Hitchin 5K

Eight Spartans enjoyed Sunday’s Hitchin 5K.

There was a solid run from TERRY SAWYER who finished in 19:52.

SALLY PICKLES was so pleased. Her chip time was 29 minutes and 36 seconds. That’s her PB (personal best) by 23 seconds. Over the moon.

OLI LACIGOVA was the fastest female from Fairlands with 21:29.

It was not to be, not quite, but CHRIS WATLING had hoped to get under 25 minutes. So close, 25:03, but next time.

The quickest Spartans was ANDREW PATTERSON fifth out of the 404 finishers in 17:32.

Pos	Cat	Gen	Name	Cat	Time	Chip
5	2	5	Andrew PATTERSON	M40	17:32	17:32
25	8	25	Terry SAWYER	M40	19:54	19:52
63	22	59	Paul MOULD	M40	21:28	21:20
64	2	5	Oli LACIGOVA	F40	21:31	21:29
157	41	135	Chris WATLING	M30	25:11	25:03
172	46	144	Matt TUTTON	M40	25:39	25:28
269	3	82	Sally PICKLES	F60	29:50	29:36
306	29	109	Calantha CHAPMAN	F40	31:07	30:53

Welwyn Half and 10K

Another weekend, another marathon training run for me – this time including the Welwyn Half Marathon. I did 7 miles before the race, then ran the half at marathon pace – crossing the line in 1:27:36. It was great to feel strong at the end and finish on the track! An added bonus/surprised was a 9th place finish and being first in my age category. NICK GILL.

JIM BROWN said it was just as well he was only trying to see if he could run the 13.1 miles rather than get a spectacular time but it was not what some who might have been trying to get under about two hours might have expected.

There were only 302 half marathon finishers this combined with 170 who started a 10K at the same time.

Sadly the course and the organisation wasn’t really up to it.

However Jim finished in a tired 2:14:14 for second in his category. SIMON SYPULA ran a good steady pace all the way round and came in with 2:11:16.

Filip Bogucki ran a 47:37 in the 10K.

Running Through The Glen

There was a new personal best for CRAIG BACON at the Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon. He finished in 1:38:01, an improvement of 71 seconds.

Ealing Half

GERRY ROSEN took part in the Ealing Half on Sunday. He said “there was me thinking a 1000 people or so taking part. How wrong I was, must’ve been in excess of 6/7000 there. It’s lumpy mainly at the beginning with a few “lumps” twists & turns galore.

The support was incredible, lots of bands including the turbanators, a steel band and army cadets, masses of encouragement all within the confines of Ealing and nearby neighbourhoods and all on closed roads (it’s surreal), excellent marked out course ,great Marshalls.

I’ll definitely go back next year and the good thing is, plenty of establishments in the centre of Ealing, obligatory chicken for post show food. And it didn’t rain until after we finished.

On a personal note I managed not to go off stupidly quick, kept the pace sensible, walked the 3 or 4 hills and just a few walks for gel /hydration consumption, a good day at the office , wanted a time under 2h 30.”

He did it in 2:29:51. 4,369 finished the half marathon.

Gerry’s next stop will be the Abingdon Marathon.

New Best in Vitality 10K

There was a new season’s best for CHARLIE ARNOLD in the Vitality London 10K.
He finished in 42:43. That’s an “SB” by over a minute.

Resolution 5K

MATT TUTTON ran the Resolution 5000 on Wednesday night. This edition of the 5k race was held at the track at Westminster Lodge in St Albans. He ran in Wave 1 and finished in 25:08 which is better than his most recent runs. It was a quick field with 26 of the 41 runners running sub 20. Wave 2 and 3 were blink and you miss it races

Yuko Selected

Spartan Yuko GORDON travelled up to Crewe, East Cheshire to run the England Team Selection Race for International Cross Country Team in November in Leeds.

She managed to squeeze into the third place to gain an automatic selection place (top three) over the short 5 km but hilly and tricky farm ground. Yuko said she didn’t, couldn’t run in full effort as she ran the Berlin Marathon only 6 days before and her legs weren’t happy running over long hills yet. Her time was 23:40.

Here Comes The Stevenage Half

Organised by a local community running club, Fairlands Valley Spartans, and with more than 275 entries so far the Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 19^th October. Entries are open to all aged 17 plus but it will include the Hertfordshire county senior championships.

The two lap course is on tarmac on the town’s famous cycleways. It will include Fairlands Valley Park, Grace Way, the railway station and various points of interest around Stevenage. The event HQ will be at Hampson Park Community Centre.

Each year the event supports a charity. This time it’s the Willow Foundation.

The event is fully licenced, chip timed and with an accurately measured course. It will be held under UKA (United Kingdom Athletics) rules. UKA 29379 with certificate of course accuracy 24/258.

This is the real thing. Fairlands Valley Spartans have organised the Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon since 1984. There will be dozens of volunteers from FVS and local organisations such as the Scouts.

The Half Marathon race is open to all entrants aged 17 years or older on race day. The course is suitable for racing wheelchairs.

Fairlands Valley Spartans are delighted that SK Plumbing and Heating; ASK Physio; Andy Prior Personal Training; the Alternative Catering Company; and RHG Insurance are sponsoring the half marathon this year.

Please visit https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/ for more information and to enter. Standard entries are only £30. There’s £2 discount for members of UKA affiliated clubs. Don’t delay enter today.

Last Friday

JIM BROWN went to his usual Last Friday of the Month haunt. The Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park, London. This time to see what happened after recent setbacks. With care and a steady run he got round in 31:47 so well inside the benchmark 35 minutes. Dry, mild, overcast and with a light breeze. This is another run with a café.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 27^th September 2025

50 Spartans ran parkruns. 28 were at the 420^th Stevenage parkrun where there were 475 finishers.

LINDSAY PATEMAN ran a new parkrun personal best of 34:23; GRANT RAMSAY his 180^th parkrun in 20:07 and CAROLINE CROFT her 120^th in 34:05.

Another Spartan has enjoyed running round the city walls of Lucca in Italy. Her first run in four months due to injury NIKKI NATION ran the Murra di Lucca parkrun in 32 minutes 18 seconds. She was very happy with that result.

Fairlands Valley Spartans ran at more than twelve parkrun locations on Saturday. Some of them were Thetford- JAY PAPA third in 20:06; Great Denham – MATT GIFFORD in 21:02; Pocket – DARREN EMMERSON in 25:24; Belton House – DANIEL SUTTON in 26:20; Henlow Bridge Lakes – PETER SACH 26:31, JOHN NELMS 27:20, SALLY PICKLES 36:58 and NIKKI PLUMB 41:16; Letchworth – NICK GILL 27:21; Flegg High – SAMANTHA SUTTON in 29:30; Victoria, Glasgow – LORRAINE HILL in 32:07; Bognor Regis – MONICA SMITHSON 32:32 and TRACY HAYGARTH 40:58; Rutland Water – CHRIS HOLLAND in 36:36; Brockenhurst – DARRYL STEVENS in 59:09.

The first Saturday of the month Spartan stripes are this Saturday, 4^th October.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:50
13	12	Grant RAMSAY	20:07
30	26	David RIDDELL	21:30
49	44	Lee PICKERSGILL	22:53
68	62	Daniel VILJOEN	23:29
89	82	Martin DUDLEY	24:32
109	10	Annabelle WHITE	25:16
110	98	Charlie WHITE	25:17
153	130	Mark BEASLEY	27:00
176	148	Ryan DUNNING	27:39
181	27	Ann TRYSSESOONE	27:41
183	153	Matt TUTTON	27:42
236	188	Steve TINSLEY	29:19
290	216	Jim BROWN	31:25
298	221	Chris WATLING	31:36
319	232	Matt CLARKE	32:32
321	82	Fiona CLARKE	32:35
334	89	Pamela VILJOEN	33:03
352	99	Caroline CROFT	34:05
357	248	Michael O’KEEFE	34:15
360	105	Lindsay PATEMAN	34:23
413	268	Lloyd DIAS	38:28
416	137	Jenny GARRETT	38:33
417	138	Julie SHADBOLT	38:34
420	141	Jane WADEY	38:39
439	274	Stephen SMITHSON	41:42
441	154	Melody BROWN	42:07
470	171	Callie CHAPMAN	57:23

Cross Country

There was very early, and very sunny, start to the cross country season on Sunday. 34 Spartans, 15 women and 19 men, finished the first of five races which was at the Lucy Warren open space in Hoddesdon.

About 350 runners ran one small and three large laps to cover approximately 7.8 kilometres.

The first two Spartan men were both under 30 minutes with ADRIAN BUSOLINI 15^th in 29:05 and MIKE JEFFS 23^rd in 29:55.

CHLOE SIMPSON and GEORGIE HOOPER were the first two females from Fairlands. Chloe 120^th overall, 13^th woman with 36:05 and Georgie 122^nd, 15^th woman in 36:13. ANITA WELTZ was 34^th woman in 39:08.

Spartans in top third of the eighteen teams. They are sixth in the combined scores with 744. The FVS veteran women are doing particularly well in second place.

The second race will be in Trent Park on Sunday 2^nd November.

Position	Name	Time	Official	Category
15	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:05	29:05	MS
23	MIKE JEFFS	29:55	29:56	M40
40	JAY PAPA	31:14	31:14	MS
62	ADRIAN DONNELLY	32:48	32:45	M40
97	DAVID RIDDELL	35:03	35:00	M60
109	CHARLIE ARNOLD	35:38	35:39	M60
120	CHLOE SIMPSON	36:05	36:13	W35
122	GEORGIE HOOPER	36:13	36:15	W35
142	STEPHEN MASSEY	38:01	37:12	M50
147	MARTIN WOOD	37:31	37:32	M60
156	MATT COOKE	37:57	37:59	MS
165	MARTIN JACOB	38:46	38:43	M40
173	ANITA WELTZ	39:08	39:11	W35
176	SIMON HAIGH	39:12	39:13	M50
179	TONY VICKERS	39:22	39:22	M50
193	ANNABELLE WHITE	39:53	39:53	WS
206	DARREN EMMERSON	40:26	40:29	M50
211	NICK GILL	41:00**	41:07	MS
253	JAYNE RIDDELL	43:30	43:32	W55
263	JACKIE PERRY	44:02	44:05	W55
265	MARK FREEMAN	44:09	44:10	M60
284	SAM GENTRY	46:05	46:04	W45
285	JODIE WILSON	46:06	46:05	WS
289	LEANNE WILSON	46:22	46:15	WS
294	JIM BROWN	46:31	46:31	M70
295	CLAIRE EMMERSON	46:41	46:43	W45
316	SHARON CROWLEY	51:30	51:32	W65
320	KARTIK SHARMA	52:30	52:32	M40
322	CALLIE CHAPMAN	52:50	52:57	W35
327	MICHAEL O’KEEFE	56:07	56:09	M60
328	AMANDA VICKERS	56:17	56:19	W45
334	BECKY RAYNOR	60:50	60:51	W35
338	AHAAN SHARMA	62:32**	64:26	MS
340	JANE WADEY	65:37	65:46	W55

Tags Ealing Half, Hitchin 5k, Last Friday of the Month, parkrun, Resolution 5k, Robin Hood Half Marathon, Vitality London 10K, Welwyn 10k, Welwyn Half

News Race Results

Andrew and Eloise Win Handicap 5K

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date September 21, 2025
No Comments on Andrew and Eloise Win Handicap 5K

The Spartans held their last evening handicap 5K of the year on Thursday.

First to finish was Andrew Fenwick in 36:11, 4:19 ahead of handicap, closely followed by Andrew Gardner returning to the club with a SB 22:37 and new member Stephen Massey in 24:14. Eloise Hind was first woman in 24:58 with Rebecca Rayner 2^nd lady in in a SB 37:29 and Jayne Dymoke 3^rd with a new PB of 35:35.

Adrian Busolini was fastest runner on the night in 17:55 with Matthew Jackson 2^nd quickest in 20:34 and Charlie Arnold 3^rd fastest in 21:58. Oli Lacigova was fastest lady in 22:15 with Eloise 2^nd quickest and Sam Gentry 3^rd fastest lady in 28:02.

The handicap 5Ks will return in the Spring but there will be a choice of Handicap 5 miles or 10 miles on Sunday morning 9^th November. Further details to follow later in the year.

Pos	First Name	Last Name	Own Time	H’CAP	Finish Time	Comp HCAP
1	ANDREW	FENWICK	36:11	4:30	40:41	4:19
2	ANDREW	GARDNER	22:37	18:15	40:52	4:08
3	STEPHEN	MASSEY	24:14	16:45	40:59	4:01
4	ELOISE	HIND	24:58	16:45	41:43	3:17
5	AHAAN	SHARMA	31:04	11:00	42:04	2:56
6	KARTIK	SHARMA	31:05	11:00	42:05	2:55
7	PAUL	MAGUIRE	24:41	17:45	42:26	2:34
8	REBECCA	RAYNER	37:29	5:15	42:44	2:16
9	JAYNE	DYMOKE	35:35	7:15	42:50	2:10
10	ADRIAN	BUSOLINI	17:55	25:15	43:10	1:50
11	HAYLEY	PEACH	37:54	5:30	43:24	1:36
12	ADAM	HILL	31:52	11:45	43:37	1:23
13	NICHOLA	DURENT	43:53	0:00	43:53	1:07
14	SHARON	CROWLEY	43:54	0:00	43:54	1:06
15	CHARLES	ARNOLD	21:58	22:00	43:58	1:02
16	JOHN	NELMS	23:32	20:30	44:02	0:58
17	JUDY	KING	30:18	13:45	44:03	0:57
18	MATTHEW	JACKSON	20:34	23:30	44:04	0:56
19	AMANDA	VICKERS	33:54	10:15	44:09	0:51
20	JANE	WADEY	39:11	5:00	44:11	0:49
21	CRAIG	BACON	23:14	21:00	44:14	0:46
22	OLI	LACIGOVA	22:15	22:00	44:15	0:45
23	PETE	COOK	26:01	18:15	44:16	0:44
24	TONY	VICKERS	24:16	20:00	44:16	0:44
25	LEANNE	WILSON	30:14	14:15	44:29	0:31
26	FIONA	CLARKE	31:21	13:15	44:36	0:24
27	MATT	TUTTON	25:58	18:45	44:43	0:17
28	CHRIS	WATLING	26:28	18:15	44:43	0:17
29	SAM	GENTRY	28:02	16:45	44:47	0:13
30	MATTHEW	COOKE	22:36	22:15	44:51	0:09
31	KARL	SHREEVE	28:36	16:30	45:06	(0:06)
32	MARTIN	DUDLEY	25:54	19:30	45:24	(0:24)
33	MATT	CLARKE	28:58	17:15	46:13	(1:13)
34	MICHAEL	O’KEEFE	37:08	9:15	46:23	(1:23)
35	LIZ	CARVELL	36:04	11:45	47:49	(2:49)
36	TIM	ROBINSON	31:10	17:15	48:25	(3:25)

Cross Country

About 350 runners ran one small and three large laps to cover approximately 7.8 kilometres.

The first two Spartan men were both under 30 minutes with ADRIAN BUSOLINI 15^th in 29:05 and MIKE JEFFS 23^rd in 29:55.

CHLOE SIMPSON and GEORGIE HOOPER were the first two females from Fairlands. Chloe 120^th overall with 36:05 and Georgie 122^nd in 36:13.

Lots more details should be available from the race organisers in the next couple of days.

The second race will be in Trent Park on Sunday 2^nd November.

Position	Name	Time	Category
15	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:05	MS
23	MIKE JEFFS	29:55	M40
40	JAY PAPA	31:14	MS
62	ADRIAN DONNELLY	32:48	M40
97	DAVID RIDDELL	35:03	M60
109	CHARLIE ARNOLD	35:38	M60
120	CHLOE SIMPSON	36:05	W35
122	GEORGIE HOOPER	36:13	W35
142	STEPHEN MASSEY	38:01	M50
147	MARTIN WOOD	37:31	M60
156	MATT COOKE	37:57	MS
165	MARTIN JACOB	38:46	M40
173	ANITA WELTZ	39:08	W35
176	SIMON HAIGH	39:12	M50
179	TONY VICKERS	39:22	M50
193	ANNABELLE WHITE	39:53	WS
207	DARREN EMMERSON	40:26	M50
212	NICK GILL	41:00**	MS
254	JAYNE RIDDELL	43:30	W55
263	JACKIE PERRY	44:02	W55
266	MARK FREEMAN	44:09	M60
285	SAM GENTRY	46:05	W45
286	JODIE WILSON	46:06	WS
290	LEANNE WILSON	46:22	WS
295	JIM BROWN	46:31	M70
296	CLAIRE EMMERSON	46:41	W45
317	SHARON CROWLEY	51:30	W65
321	KARTIK SHARMA	52:30	M40
323	CALLIE CHAPMAN	52:50	W35
328	MICHAEL O’KEEFE	56:07	M60
329	AMANDA VICKERS	56:17	W45
335	BECKY RAYNOR	60:50	W35
339	AHAAN SHARMA	62:32**	MS
341	JANE WADEY	65:37	W55

Berlin Station

Spartan YUKO GORDON won her category in the Berlin Marathon by 1 minute 46 seconds. She was the first woman aged 70 plus with 3 hours 52 minutes 28 seconds (3:52:28). Under four hours at 70 plus is good going! In a race of over 50,000 people she was 14,353^rd.

Ouse Valley Way Marathon

On Sunday 21st September Tim Robinson ran the Ouse Valley Way Marathon organised by BRJ Run & Tri. The route is from St Neots along the Ouse River through St Ives and finishes a few miles up the river in Earith

The ground was hard and uneven along the river. Tree roots and gravel, and herds of cows made the running tricky. Tim finished in 6:45:43.

Letchworth 5K

Three Spartans made the short trip to the Letchworth 5K. Carole Sheldrick was third woman 50 plus in 26:20; Karl Shreeve finished in 28:10 and Monica Smithson was second woman 60 plus with 29:54.

Marmite Creative juices 10k Canicross

Marmite made his Spartans and race debut Sunday in the Creative Juices 10K Canicross near Rickmansworth. It was a really fun 10k which cost £31 and included a medal which is also a bottle opener, a free cup and free beer! Marmite took 53 minutes 51 seconds but it was really about managing his human – Spartan TERRY SAWYER.

Century Celebration – Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 20^th September 2025

54 Spartans ran parkruns. Thirty were at the 419^th Stevenage parkrun where there were almost 500 finishers.

There was a big caped centenary celebration for SHARON CROWLEY. She planned her campaign so that she ran a parkrun for the 100^th time and volunteered for the 50^th time on the same day. She milked it finishing in 46 minutes 21 seconds.

Returning to fitness GRANT RAMSAY was in the top twenty with 20:47. SAMANTHA SUTTON was the fastest female from Fairlands with a new parkrun personal best of 28:58.

EVA RAMSEY ran her 40^th parkrun in 30:33 and JANE WADEY her 70^th in 45:45.

And proving you need never stop ROGER HEAD was first man 80 plus with 36:35; ROGER BIGGS third man 75 plus with 49:05 and JIM BROWN first man 70 plus with 28:59.

Spartans away from Stevenage on Saturday included SIMON FRASER 17:47 at Yarborough Leisure Centre (Lincoln); PETE COOK 25:40 at Southwick Country (Trowbridge, Wiltshire); CHARLES ARNOLD 22:12 at Great Denham; SIMON HAIGH 25:47 at Westmill; MARK BEASLEY 26:27 at Blickling (Norwich); ANDY PRIOR 26:36 and KERSTIN PRIOR 26:38 at Clare Castle (Sudbury); DANIEL SUTTON 29:25 and JESSICA CLARKE 29:38 at Rutland Water; RYAN DUNNING 29:35 at Hastings; and SALLY PICKLES whoop, whoop with a sub thirty 29:59 at Flegg High (Great Yarmouth).

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
18	18	Grant RAMSAY	20:47
44	42	Tony RANDFIELD	22:35
78	71	Daniel VILJOEN	24:09
80	73	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:15
99	90	Jay PAPA	24:51
112	98	Matthew COOKE	25:19
206	32	Samantha SUTTON	28:58
207	166	Jim BROWN	28:59
239	177	Matt CLARKE	30:00
242	53	Fiona CLARKE	30:06
259	61	Eva RAMSEY	30:33
310	84	Pamela VILJOEN	32:25
330	222	Michael O’KEEFE	33:17
331	96	Carole SHELDRICK	33:17
341	100	Elizabeth CROWLEY	33:35
381	247	Lloyd DIAS	35:54
397	252	Roger HEAD	36:35
415	139	Marleen VAN ZWIETEN	37:35
420	142	Beverley HARLOW	38:19
444	265	Paul HOLGATE	41:27
455	168	Liz CARVELL	44:18
457	170	Jane WADEY	45:45
462	174	Sharon CROWLEY	46:21
463	175	Niki PLUMB	46:42
465	177	Nicola HATHERLY	46:43
464	176	Hayley PEACH	46:43
466	178	Emma CHAPMAN	46:44
474	275	Roger BIGGS	49:05
475	182	Nichola DURENT	049:11
476	183	Rebecca RAYNER	49:21

Tags Berlin Marathon, Cross Country, Handicap 5k, Letchworth 5K, Ouse Valley Way Marathon, parkrun

News Race Results

TROPHIES AT HATFIELD THREE

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date September 14, 2025
No Comments on TROPHIES AT HATFIELD THREE

Spartans SHARON CROWLEY and GEORGIE HOOPER were trophy winners at the end of the three race Hatfield 5K series.

It was a bit damp and getting a bit dark for the third race but SAM GENTRY and other Spartans still ran new personal bests.

Sam managed to get another PB of 26:57 in the last race. Overall she made a 1 minute 48 second improvement over the three races.

She said, “It’s been amazing seeing everybody’s progress over the last three weeks and all the praise and encouragement to each other

HAZEL SMITH ran all three of the Hatfield 5K series, gradually improving her time. Her last race chip time was 25:19, a season’s best.

Perri Gentry got another PB this week (17:10), which is 8 seconds quicker than last week!

Andy Prior hit a PB of 21.54. He said he was very fortunate to have Mike Jeffsand Michael Fisher pacing him – although at times it felt like an assassination attempt – we got the job done.

What was amazing was how the group grew with runners from other clubs also using our unofficial pacers to help support them to PBs as well – at least two non-Spartans thanked us afterwards and the results show we were a tight group – a very proud Spartan moment. Andy (12 seconds).

JAY PAPA ran a PB again!!! – This time it was 18:36. Five seconds quicker than the previous week.

BECKY RAYNER’s time at race 3 of the Hatfield 5km was 37:47, which is a season’s best

She said that following injury the 5km series were her first runs back. She took the first one easy (41:09), the second she started easy then pushed on a little (40:16). Before the third race she had in my head that she would like to get under 40 minutes so was thrilled to come in well under that and over three minutes quicker than race 1

8 Spartan women, 11 men ran all three races.

Pos	MF	AG	Name	Cat	Gun	Chip
14	13	10	Charlie WHITE	MS	17:04	17:03
17	16	11	Perri GENTRY	MS	17:11	17:10
25	24	13	Nathan KIRLEY	MS	17:36	17:34
34	33	18	Nick GILL	MS	18:02	17:59
46	43	22	Jay PAPA	MS	18:37	18:36
64	60	22	Kris JEROME	MV40	19:15	19:13
78	70	26	Mark COLLINS	MV40	19:45	19:33
81	73	28	Matthew JACKSON	MS	19:51	19:45
82	74	27	Simon JACKSON	MV40	19:51	19:45
97	87	8	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	20:18	20:17
114	101	11	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	21:07	20:58
116	103	37	Matthew COOKE	MS	21:13	21:05
130	110	35	Mike JEFFS	MV40	22:03	21:53
131	111	24	Andy PRIOR	MV50	22:04	21:54
132	21	5	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	22:04	21:53
133	112	40	Michael FISHER	MS	22:04	21:54
154	36	10	Jo COOKSLEY	FV35	24:04	23:47
166	41	17	Megan SUTTON	FS	25:09	24:54
173	44	9	Hazel SMITH	FV45	25:35	25:19
183	51	12	Sam GENTRY	FV45	27:15	26:57
188	53	2	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	28:06	27:50
189	54	13	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	28:51	28:35
198	60	19	Rose SUTTON	FS	31:28	31:11
200	62	6	Liz CARVELL	FV65	32:00	31:42
203	64	13	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	38:04	37:47
205	66	11	Jane WADEY	FV55	38:47	38:29

Spartans at Stevenage 10K and 5K

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won the age percentage competition in the Stevenage 5K and 10K races on Sunday morning. He scored 83.2% in the 5K with his time of 17:08 then 80.0% in the 10K with 36:10.

David and MIKE JEFF (17:33) were second and third overall, and first and second men 40 plus, in the 5K.

CAROLE SHELDRICK said it was a great event. She wanted to go out and just run the 5k and see what she could do and couldn’t have been happier coming in at 26.39, her body was then ready to go home but with the support of her fellow Spartans she then took on the 10k and did it in 59.36.

She said, “At the start of the year I couldn’t even run a mile after being out injured for 14 months, but thanks to the Spartans Sunday 6 milers, Tuesday interval sessions every week and a few park runs every month my running has started to progress brilliantly.”

Alice Welch:

My 5k time was 27:52 (chip time)
My 10k time was 1:01:24 (chip time)

Both are PBs and the 5k was my first sub 30 5k

Jane Wadey would like to thank everyone who took part in the Stevenage parkrun headline event on 13 September. Gary, the race director, was very pleased with so many volunteers and the pacers were great too. Jane’s daughter Olivia Hopkinson who joined the club earlier this year took part in her first park run as a park walker in 55:18 minutes. Jane also took part in the Menzies 5k and 10k races on 14 September which was a challenge after the Big Half and the third Hatfield 5k last week. She decided to run / walk in order to concentrate on her running form but was determined to finish and ran as much as possible. One thing that really helped was that with her name on her vest, lots of people were encouraging her all along the way.

5K

Pos	MF	AG	Name	Cat	Gun Time	Chip Time
2	2	1	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	MV40	17:09	17:08
3	3	2	Mike JEFFS	MV40	17:34	17:33
17	17	10	Nick GILL	MS	21:01	20:58
24	23	14	Matthew COOKE	MS	21:49	21:44
34	31	5	Lee PICKERSGILL	MV40	22:24	22:20
41	4	2	Jess CLARKE	FS	23:11	23:07
99	20	7	Carole SHELDRICK	FV45	26:59	26:39
117	92	1	Jim BROWN	MV70+	28:05	27:55
120	27	10	Alice WELCH	FS	28:11	27:52
134	103	16	Andy PRIOR	MV50	28:49	28:13
135	104	26	Keith HOOKER	MV40	28:49	28:13
149	110	7	Nick KLEANTHOUS	MV60	29:45	29:22
192	61	19	Callie CHAPMAN	FV35	31:55	31:19
232	143	15	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	35:51	35:28
237	146	61	Lloyd DIAS	MS	36:15	35:35
239	93	22	Jo COOK	FV45	36:31	35:41
245	97	23	Jayne DYMOKE	FV45	37:07	36:16
251	102	12	Jane WADEY	FV55	38:37	37:59
268	116	33	Emma CHAPMAN.	FV35	45:09	44:30

10K

Pos	MF	AG	Name	Cat	Gun Time	Chip Time
5	5	3	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	MV40	36:12	36:10
8	8	5	Michael FISHER	MS	37:49	37:47
11	11	7	Nick GILL	MS	38:16	38:14
12	12	4	Mike JEFFS	MV40	38:20	38:18
15	15	9	Jay PAPA	MS	39:06	39:04
35	33	10	Danny SCANLON	MV40	44:20	44:16
37	35	12	Keith HOOKER	MV40	44:25	44:18
44	42	21	Matthew COOKE	MS	44:42	44:38
46	44	23	Simon FRASER	MS	44:49	44:45
49	47	25	Melvin AUBURN	MS	45:26	45:18
59	56	10	Andy PRIOR	MV50	46:53	46:46
64	4	3	Annabelle WHITE	FS	47:30	47:23
69	64	17	Lee PICKERSGILL	MV40	47:52	47:45
129	108	25	Pete COOK	MV50	54:30	54:22
142	116	51	Lloyd DIAS	MS	55:29	55:07
156	125	1	Jim BROWN	MV70+	56:45	56:28
160	33	9	Kelly EVANS	FV35	57:04	56:47
198	49	1	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65+	59:34	59:12
212	55	15	Carole SHELDRICK	FV45	1:00:18	59:36
222	59	16	Alice WELCH	FS	1:01:51	1:01:24
258	84	8	Monica SMITHSON	FV55	1:05:15	1:04:36
341	194	19	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	1:21:39	1:20:53
342	148	20	Jane WADEY	FV55	1:22:23	1:21:48
345	150	53	Emma CHAPMAN	FV35	1:33:03	1:32:40

Kelly Raised Thousands

Kelly McHale ran The Great North Run recently. Tyron, her brother, and Kelly would like to thank all those who donated. They raised nearly £3,000 for The British Heart Foundation. Kelly’s hard work was rewarded with a 1:50:31 finish.

I had a wonderful day. Was an amazing experience. It was a tough run, I didn’t get the time I wanted 1hour 45. I got 1 hour 50. I should have practiced running and drinking at the same time as I chocked at mile 9. I made a few silly mistakes that cost me a few minutes. Lesson learnt for my next half marathon. Thank you you all for your support and well wishes.

Harvathon

Five Spartans – Claire Emmerson, Hazel Smith, Sam Sutton, Matt Tutton and Nichola Durent enjoyed the Harvathon trail event.

Today I completed 6 loops at Harvathon, a brilliant local race comprising of trail loops. Support, good, drink and music was a plenty! Lovely medal and goodie bag at the end too.

HAZEL SMITH managed 6 loops, covering 20.8 miles. Second Lady she was told as she finished (can’t find results to confirm) as one lady did 7 laps

Matt Tutton five laps. 27.44 km in 3 hours 34 minutes moving time.

Sam Sutton completed 5 laps with a total distance of 27.63km in 3 hours 40 minutes.

NICHOLA DURENT said I took part in a great local event in Offley, The Harvathon.

It’s a trail event of 5 k loops and you can do as many as you want in an allocated time. It was a lovely route but did have one harsh hill that was hard work. I did three laps which was my goal. It was such a lovely relaxed atmosphere with lots of support from others runners, marshals and those in the event village.

Sue at Copenhagen Half Marathon

Spartan SUE HAMER ran the Copenhagen half marathon in 2 hours 8 minutes and 17 seconds.

She said, “The 3rd of my superhalfs, in a couple of weeks’ time I have Cardiff, which will be my 4th.

We started off in rain, so wet and cold, by the time I finished the sun had come out. It was a lovely course, with amazing support on route.”

Langdale Half Marathon

SAM TOPHILL ran the Langdale Half Marathon in 2 hours 22 minutes 51 seconds.

Takeover – Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 13^th September 2025

There was a Spartan takeover at Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning. Fairlands Valley Spartans took on many of the volunteer roles in the event in Fairlands Valley Park.

For example FVS provided all the pacers – Simon Fraser 20; Jay Papa 22; Charlie White 24; Nick Gill 26; Matthew Cooke 28; Jess Clarke 30; Jim Brown 32; Annabelle White 34 and Nick Kleanthous 36 minutes.

576 ran the 5K with large numbers achieving new personal bests.

Hayley Peach enjoyed some parkrun tourism in Aberystwyth with a 37:35 while TRACY HAYGARTH took in the fabulous Mura di Lucca parkrun around the city walls in Lucca, Italy. She finished in 45:03. CHRIS HOLLAND headed north, far north. He ran the Thurso parkrun in 26:01. Altogether 68 Spartans ran a parkrun on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time
2	2	Simon JACKSON	17:46
6	6	Perri GENTRY	19:36
12	12	Simon FRASER	20:04
22	22	Grant RAMSAY	20:56
33	31	David RIDDELL	21:25
41	39	Jay PAPA	21:50
46	44	Mike JEFFS	22:03
54	51	Martin JACOB	22:31
68	64	Steve WELLS	23:02
76	71	Daniel VILJOEN	23:25
91	84	Craig BACON	23:55
95	87	Charlie WHITE	23:59
98	90	Wayne SIMMONS	24:08
108	98	Martin DUDLEY	24:25
139	125	Tony RANDFIELD	25:10
146	130	Pete COOK	25:27
149	133	Chris WATLING	25:31
164	144	Nick GILL	25:55
180	155	Mark BEASLEY	26:16
238	196	Matthew COOKE	27:54
253	45	Suzy HAWKINS	28:17
263	210	Keith HOOKER	28:32
266	49	Ada JANUSIENE	28:36
295	233	David ACKERY	29:36
300	58	Jessica CLARKE	29:43
360	95	Pamela VILJOEN	31:42
371	266	Jim BROWN	32:02
425	128	Annabelle WHITE	34:05
426	290	Michael O’KEEFE	34:06
465	146	Lindsay PATEMAN	35:50
470	306	Nick KLEANTHOUS	36:00
482	310	Lloyd DIAS	36:53
502	173	Beverley HARLOW	38:13
525	321	Andy PRIOR	40:13
526	191	Kerstin WEINER	40:14
535	198	Emma CHAPMAN	42:54
561	211	Debbie BLANTERN	49:52
567	340	Roger BIGGS	53:14
568	214	Sharon CROWLEY	53:15
572	218	Olivia HOPKINSON	55:18
575	220	Niki PLUMB	58:13
576	221	Sally PICKLES	58:13

Tags Copenhagen Half, Great north run, Harvathon, Hatfield 5k Series, Langdale Half, parkrun, Stevenage 10K, Stevenage 5K

News Race Results

MEDALS AT HATFIELD BESTS in 5K

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date September 7, 2025
No Comments on MEDALS AT HATFIELD BESTS in 5K

Nikon Z8

Great North Run, Bedford Running Festival, Big Half, a Twenty, 5K PBs, an Enduro, sprinting, jumping, throwing and at least 59 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Fairlands Valley have been busy the last few days.

Many runners were so pleased that the heavy rain during the day stopped before the start of Wednesday’s Hatfield 5K. That meant the daylight lasted a little longer into the evening.

This was race 2 of the series and there were another TEN personal bests plus a season’s best and a county SILVER and BRONZE medal for Spartans.

28 Spartans finished. There were ten new personal bests (PB) for the second week running. A new season’s best (SB) and two county medals.

MIKE JEFFS said after last week’s unforeseen stop by the local authorities this week nothing was going to stop him. He joked “I’d even practiced sliding across the Mrs car bonnet just in case. I set a new PB of 16:55 joining the sub 17 club betting my last time by 13 seconds.

The personal bests were by Mike Jeffs 16:55; Ross Gallagher 17:15; Perri Gently 17:18; Nathan Kirley 17:24; Michael Fisher 17:29; Jay Papa 18:41; Terry Sawyer 19:34; Matthew Jackson 2012; Andy Prior 22:06 and Samantha Sutton 28:55. The SILVER medal was won by Andrew Patterson 16:28 for men 40 plus; the BRONZE by Sharon Crowley 27:55 for women 65 plus and the season’s best was by Jim Brown 27:10.

PL	MF	AG	Name	Cat	Time
8	8	2	Andrew PATTERSON	MV40	16:28
20	19	7	Mike JEFFS	MV40	16:55
26	25	10	Simon JACKSON	MV40	17:10
28	27	11	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	17:15
31	30	17	Perri GENTRY	MS	17:18
35	34	18	Nathan KIRLEY	MS	17:24
37	36	20	Michael FISHER	MS	17:29
65	61	28	Nick GILL	MS	18:38
66	62	29	Jay PAPA	MS	18:41
92	84	31	Mark COLLINS	MV40	19:30
94	86	32	Terry SAWYER	MV40	19:34
105	95	35	Matthew JACKSON	MS	20:12
111	99	7	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	20:25
129	112	12	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	21:13
134	116	41	Matthew COOKE	MS	21:23
151	127	25	Andy PRIOR	MV50	22:06
154	26	12	Annabelle WHITE	FS	22:11
155	27	7	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	22:12
176	43	12	Jo COOKSLEY	FV35	23:35
203	56	22	Megan SUTTON	FS	25:31
206	58	13	Hazel SMITH	FV45	25:50
214	151	30	Karl SHREEVE	MV50	27:08
215	152	6	Jim BROWN	MV70	27:10
217	64	16	Sam GENTRY	FV45	27:20
221	67	3	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	27:55
223	69	17	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	28:36
236	77	8	Liz CARVELL	FV65	31:29
243	82	16	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	40:16

Famous Fairlands Five at Great North Run

Spartan CHLOE SIMPSON ran the Great North Run in a fantastic new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 42 minutes 59 seconds for the 13.1 miles from Town Moor Newcastle to South Shields. She was raising funds for Guide Dogs.

Also among the 60,000 runners was KELLY McHALE. Her hard work paid off with a tremendous 1:50:31. Kelly is collecting for the British Heart Foundation.

ZOE JACKSON was really happy to finish in just under two hours with 1:59:28. Zoe was sponsored for the Alzheimer’s Society.

So three Fairlands Valley Spartans under two hours. They were 4,569^th, 7,724^th and 12,911^th. All well within the first quarter of finishers. Tremendous.

In addition MICHELLE HOLTON was 23,154^th in 2:17:23 and CHRIS WATLING 28,049^th in 2:26:03.

Bedford Running Festival

Bedford 20

Starting with the longest race, the 20 miles which warmed up as it went on. There were two Spartans. NICK GILL finished 33^rd in 2:27:08 and MARTIN JACOB 114^th in 3:08:14. There were 197 finishers.

Nick said he ran 10 miles easy/steady with Jay Papa and then 15 seconds faster/slower than marathon pace every half mile. Tough going and got warm, but nailed almost every split. Marathon training continues!

His Sunday effort followed the Hatfield 5k on Wednesday pacing Jay to a new 5K PB!

Bedford Half

Another famous five Spartans tackled the Bedford Half Marathon. GEORGIE HOOPER had a great run with 1 hour 53 minutes 41 seconds and was 257^th out of the 1071 finishers. LINDA GEORGE was in the top half with 2:08:28.

JIM BROWN was a bit off delighted with his 2:12:11 but he was second in his age group and well a bit too warm, Considering he failed to get beyond 10K in his last attempt at a half marathon it was progress so he was happy.

Spartan MARIE COLUCCI went round with a friend and came in a with 2:25:10 and JESSICA CLARKE came in at 2:31:19,

The five avoided the pressures of the thousands in the big city half marathons on the same day but there were some trip hazards to look out for.

Twilight 10K

Saturday evening was time for the Twilight 10K at Bedford. CRAIG BACON finished in 46:01. He was 87^th out of 944 finishers.

And JESSICA CLARKE whizzed round the Bedford 5K in 23:53. Fourth in her category and 84^th out of 493.

Big Half in London

More than 17,000 runners were in London for the Big Half on Sunday. Eight of them were Spartans.

First in, and in the first thousand, was SIMON FRASER at 876^th in 1 hour 28 minutes 39 seconds (1:28:39). A well earned sub 90 minutes.

SALLY PICKLES ran a new personal best (PB) of 2:41:27.

Sammie Sutton’s time for Sunday’s Big Half in London was 2.38.10 not a pb but best for the year and for a few years and she managed a 10k pb for the first 10k!

Jane Wadey said it was her first half marathon since October 2024 and her first ever run in London! It was so lovely to be supported by Amanda Vickers who tried her hardest to get us to under three hours but I was in pain from mile 10 / 11 and every time I tried even a jog, my calf muscles flared up in pain. But really enjoyed it and I had several runners from other deaf groups encouraging me as well. (I now have DEAF printed on the back of my vest). Jane finished in 3:19:03.

The other Spartans were Wayne Simmons 1:58:40; Linda Nolan 2:12:10; Vishal Shah 2:39:33 and Amanda Vickers 3:16:51.

Enduro Stampede

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans were at the St Albans Stampede a 12 hour enduro event. TRICIA HOPPER was 31^st, BARRY KING 39^th and KAREN LIDDLE 41^st.

EMAC

Six Spartan women were in Thurrock for the East of England track and field championships for veteran athletes. They were ELIZABETH CROWLEY, SHARON CROWLEY, KAREN DODSWORTH, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, JOYLYN SAUNDERS- MULLINS and TESS STEPHENSON. Organised by EMAC.

Stripey Saturday – Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 7^th September 2025

Another Stevenage Saturday morning with more than 500 people enjoying the local 5K parkrun. First of the month so stripes for Spartans and 41 joined in the fun for 518.

TONY VICKERS ran a new parkrun PB of 23:55 and LINDSAY PATEMAN got a new PPB o 36:42.

At least 59 Spartans ran a parkrun somewhere on Saturday.

Several Spartans helped at Stevenage. The next Spartan “takeover” of Stevenage parkrun will be at 9a.m. on Saturday 13^th September. Takeovers are when a club takes on most of the volunteering roles including marshals and pacers.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
7	7	Charlie WHITE	18:42
21	21	Perri GENTRY	20:56
23	23	Jay PAPA	21:00
25	25	Tony RANDFIELD	21:14
35	34	David RIDDELL	22:03
63	60	Matthew COOKE	23:05
66	63	Martin JACOB	23:08
73	69	Daniel VILJOEN	23:34
76	72	Grant RAMSAY	23:37
82	77	Tony VICKERS	23:55
89	84	Martin DUDLEY	24:20
98	92	Darren EMMERSON	24:52
131	12	Natalie WHITE	25:56
149	19	Jayne RIDDELL	26:25
168	144	Mark BEASLEY	27:12
176	151	Ryan DUNNING	27:33
185	27	Carole SHELDRICK	27:45
198	164	Keith ABRAHAMS	27:59
214	37	Claire EMMERSON	28:24
222	181	Peter SACH	28:42
234	189	Jim BROWN	28:54
237	46	Ada JANUSIENE	29:03
287	63	Debbie BLANTERN	30:37
294	224	Chris HOLLAND	30:47
335	241	Kartik SHARMA	32:14
336	242	Ahaan SHARMA	32:14
339	91	Pamela VILJOEN	32:20
384	115	Caroline CROFT	34:26
393	265	Michael O’KEEFE	34:59
399	124	Karen PALMER	35:11
417	271	Paul JENNINGS	35:53
420	272	Lloyd DIAS	36:25
428	144	Lindsay PATEMAN	36:42
439	151	Jayne DYMOKE	37:32
459	168	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:24
474	176	Melody BROWN	40:04
478	178	Hayley PEACH	40:20
483	181	Rebecca RAYNER	41:19
504	299	Roger BIGGS	49:57
517	203	Niki PLUMB	58:39
518	204	Sally PICKLES	58:41

Tags Bedford 20, Bedford Half Marathon, Bedford Running Festival, Big Half, EMAC, Great north run, Hatfield 5K, Twilight 10K

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