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Committee Motivation News

FAIRLANDS VALLEY SPARTANS RAISE OVER £36,000 FOR PANCREATIC CANCER UK

Cathy Craig, the 17-times marathoner known as “the Running Mum” of Stevenage’s Fairlands Valley Spartans (FVS), did not die in vain when she succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2023. The same can be said for ex-Essex Police Officer Bev Alexander, who was also lost to the disease that year. 

Bev’s dying wish was that a concerted effort be made to ramp up pancreatic research in the UK.

Her and Cathy’s premature passing led Spartans team-leader Hazel Smith, Cathy’s daughter, and club member Nigel Strongitharm, a close friend of Bev and her husband Gary, to propose Pancreatic Cancer UK  as the running club’s annual charity for 2024. FVS embraced the idea and set a goal of £20,000. 

The outcome was substantially different. Last Thursday, Hazel, Nigel, and fellow Spartan Andy Prior handed Caitlin Ashdown, a Senior Community Fundraising Manager at Pancreatic Cancer UK, a cheque made out for £36,358. They were joined by Hazel’s father, Ian Craig, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to support the cause.

“It’s a fantastic amount to have raised,” Caitlin said. “We were honoured to have been chosen by the Fairlands Valley Spartans and everyone at Pancreatic Cancer UK is immensely grateful for the incredible support.” 

Hazel said, “A train of people in my family have died from pancreatic cancer. My mum, Cathy, lost her father to pancreatic cancer when he was 54; he’d lost his mum when she was 42. Mum died when she was 70, not long after she completed her last marathon. It’s a horrible disease but she found it nearly impossible to get appointments, answers, or medications from local hospitals and doctors. 

“It was a real battle getting Creon (a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy) for Mum to help her digest her food. That’s when Pancreatic Cancer UK stepped in. Their specialist nurses told us who would supply Creon, that we had to get Mum a scan at a hospital, and that we had to be forceful in insisting on it. The incredible charity were amazing, not just in the practical medical support they gave us, but in providing mental and emotional support too. The work they do meant so much to Mum, Dad, and me, so Dad and I wanted to do everything we could to give back to it.” 

FVS’ outstanding fundraising effort was boosted by the fact that its pivotal sponsorship event, the 40-year-old October half-marathon, coincided with the once-a-decade Stevenage Marathon. 

Andy Prior directed these events, no mean feat itself. “We had to redesign the marathon route to encompass a 13.1 mile (21.1 km) route for the half-marathon, which had to be officially measured by UK Athletics and approved by Stevenage Borough Council. The police had to sign off for traffic control, too, and UK Athletics had to issue the race license. And, most importantly, we had to have the right medical team in place in case anything should happen.” 

The nearly 900 runners who participated in the two races last October 20 had to brave the brutal winds of Storm Ashley, which caused that Sunday’s Great South Run in Portsmouth to be canceled. “The weather was horrendous. Three gazebos set up to support our event were blown down,” Andy said. The Spartans and the other runners were undeterred.

“Another thing happened on the day of the race,” Nigel recalled. “A new member of the Spartans had learned on the Friday before that his mum had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was participating in the race anyway, so it was nice that Caitlin was there with the Pancreatic Cancer UK gazebo and he was able to express his appreciation of the support the charity had given his mum and their family, and to get some reassurance from Caitlin, too.”

The Stevenage half-marathon and marathon raised £16,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, which is about three times more than FVS’ annual charity events usually earn, Andy noted. The other £20,000 came from the runners themselves, club quizzes, coffee mornings, raffles held over the course of the year, and match funding from the likes of Axis at Lloyds of London and CVC in Hong Kong via one of Bev’s sons.

Brewery Tearooms & Gift Shop in Walkern, run by Nigel and his wife, Sarah, also got behind the campaign – running raffles, organizing a small team of runners and marshals/helpers for the marathon event, as well as contributing donations from customers over the year. Ultimately, Brewery Tearooms contributed over £6,000 to the final total.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of all common cancers: over half of people die within three months of diagnosis. In the UK, around 10,700 people are diagnosed with the disease each year and it accounted for an average of 9,558 deaths between 2017 and 2019. Less than seven per cent of people survive beyond five years from diagnosis.

“It’s stark how minimal investment into pancreatic cancer research has been when compared with funding for cancers such as breast or prostate, for example,” Caitlin said. “Major progress has been made in treating other cancers, whereas pancreatic cancer has been left behind.

“As well as providing support and campaigning for change, Pancreatic Cancer UK invests in vital early detection and treatment research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need,” Caitlin continued. “One project we are funding hopes to develop the world’s first breath test for pancreatic cancer. This is crucial as 80% of people are not diagnosed until after the disease has spread and surgery is no longer possible.”

“The money raised by FVS will help us offer support to patients and their families, invest in vital research, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer. ” Caitlyn reiterated. “When people get that diagnosis, it’s incredibly hard for them to have hope, but Pancreatic Cancer UK is working to make sure that they do have hope – and that there is hope for the future.”

“We also run a Support Line, staffed by specialist nurses, that anyone affected by pancreatic cancer can call to get personalised expert advice and information. If you or a loved one have questions or concerns following a diagnosis, please do get in touch.”

For further information about donating to Pancreatic Cancer UK or to help with fundraising, contact via www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk. To speak to a pancreatic nurse, call 0808 801 0707.To find out about Fairlands Valley Spartans’ activities, contact via www.fvspartans.org.uk To become a member, contact membership@fvspartans.org.uk.

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Club

Andrea Westcott – Committee Member

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Club

David Cadogan – Committee Member

David joined FVS in 2012. Having spent the majority of his life as an over-weight couch-potato, in 2011 he was on the cusp of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes so made an attempt to dodge the diabetes bullet and have a healthier life-style.

Over the course of a year, David managed his diet (otherwise known as ‘starvation’!!!) and increased activity, focussing on running and cycling as his main exercises. He completed his first half-marathon (Reading) in April 2012, his first marathon (Kent RR) in June 2012, and joined FVS in late 2012 to vary his running by taking part in cross-country events.

David has completed the Great North Run, the London 10k and (after 3 attempts) got through the ballot for the London Marathon 2014.

An experienced teacher and HE / FE lecturer in Computing, David has an interest anything gadget / IT-related however he has recently moved to more strategic role within Education, developing the FE workforce and new Professional Standards in FE teaching and assessment – a job much more in keeping with his Blofeld / ‘World Domination Inc.’ tendencies!!!

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News

FESTIVE FIVE AT FIVE

Five Spartans completed the Garden City Festive Five on Sunday. The first from Fairlands Valley over the line was CHRIS WESTCOTT, 1st M40 and 6th overall in a time of 29 minutes 20 seconds – his first time under 30 minutes for five miles. STEVE MAYFIELD was the next Spartan in, 43rd in 36:21, followed by ROY BOWDERY, 77th in 41:42. ANDREA WESCOTT was the first Spartan lady, 92nd in 44:21 with LORRAINE WYATT six places behind in 45:53. There were 140 finishers in all.

South Eastern X/C

Sharon Crowley and Bev Harlow competed in the South Eastern Counties Cross Country Championships at Old Warden on Saturday. It was a glorious morning and a lovely course.
Bev finished the 6km course in 36 minutes 36 seconds and Sharon in 38:13.

A good race to run next year.

Lanzarote

Carol Paul ran the hottest Lanzarote Marathon to date. In over 27 degress Celsius she was third Vet 50 in 5 hours 1 minutes 14 seconds.

Coming Events

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

  • Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 19th December
  • County Ten Miles Championship in Buntingford on 30th December 2013
  • Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships in Watford on Sunday 5th January
  • Cross country race four on Therfield Heath on Sunday 12th January
  • Cross country race five at Watford on Sunday 16th February
  • Presentation Evening on Friday 28th February 2014
  • Veterans Cross Country Championships in Royston on 16th March 2014
  • Off Road Challenge in Stevenage on Sunday 20th July 2014
  • Stevenage Marathon on Sunday 2nd November 2014

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, Brittain Way, 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 9.00a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £35 per year, £25 without UKA membership. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509), Vivienne Honey 07702 846304 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

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News

London Marathon 2014

Please reply to Roger using this email address: roger@thebiggs.net

Hi Folks,

If you have no interest in the 2014 London Marathon, then you can look away now.

This is especially for those members who were rejected in the open ballot.
Fairlands Valley Spartans receive guaranteed entries for up to 9 members. Those members to receive one of these entries will be decided in a club ballot.
To be eligible for the ballot:

1) You must have been a paid-up 1st Claim member of the club at the time the ballot closed.
(2nd Claim members should apply to their 1st claim club)

2) You must have actually entered the London Marathon ballot (online), before this closed.
(Forgetting or trying to enter after the ballot closed does not make you eligible)

3) You may be asked to prove your ballot rejection

If you meet the above criteria and would like to be included in the Spartan ballot, then please let me know by replying to the email address at the top of this post. If applying, and you were a baggage volunteer in 2013, then please make me aware, as you get an extra chance in the ballot.
It is hoped that the ballot will take place at the AGM on Friday, 22nd November 2013. It is important that you get your request in before that date.

(As at today, the London Marathon has not confirmed the number of baggage places we will get in addition to the 4 Club Entries. This may affect when the draw will take place.)
As a reminder, those eligible who also worked on the baggage in 2013, go into the first draw. Any people or places left at the end of the 1st draw, go into a 2nd draw.

While it is not important at this point, could members who have received a place please advise us, and please let us know your running number where known.

Can I please ask those interested in helping with the baggage in 2014 to hold off until after the draw for places has been made. I think it’s a bit unfair to ask to go in the draw and request a baggage place if they don’t get in. Let’s start with a level playing field.
Any queries, then please get in touch using the contact details at the top of this post.

Regards,
Roger Biggs

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News

Stevenage Half Marathon Results

Here are the results from the Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November 2013
To see a full list of results  click here

Also to see a list of prize winners: click here

 

Well done everyone

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News

Stevenage Half Marathon, Alphabetical List of Entrants

Fairlands Valley Spartans will be holding the Stevenage half marathon on Sunday 3rd November 2013. The race starts at 10:30am and will have a race time limit of 3 hours.

Stevenage Half Marathon 3rd November 2013

The race is now closed.

To see an alphabetical list of race entrants and numbers click here (This opens an Excel spreadsheet)

Also checkout final race instructions here.

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News

Sunday Cross Country League – Cheshunt – Results

Here are the results from the Cheshunt Cross Country.  Cheshunt XC Results

Well done everyone.

The next cross country is on Sunday 24th November at Grovelands Park

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News

5k handicap results 17th October

29 finishers in last night’s Handicap 5k. A big thank you to Graham Blackburn, Mick Connell and Bernie Barnaby for their excellent support with the start and finish, and also to Martin Dudley, Tracy Pez and Matt Gill for their support to runners around the course.

Winner on the night in her debut 5k was newcomer Denise Hurlock in 28:06, 6:54 quicker than handicap, with another debutee, Eileen Latchford 2nd, in 29:00, 6 minutes ahead of handicap, and Sofia Carpenter 3rd in a new personal best time of 25:30, 2:36 quicker than September, supported by Martin Dudley.

First male to finish was Robin Hester in a new PB of his own, 28:08, 2:54 faster than his previous PB, with Robert Shaw 2nd in 27:15, 3:10 quicker than September, and Darren Bennett 3rd man in his debut 5k in a time of 20:57, 2:18 better than handicap.

Fastest man was Grant Ramsay, in 16:46, 11 seconds quicker than September, with Dean Carpenter 2nd quickest in 20:01, 14 seconds better than September and Vishal Shah 3rd quickest, equalling his September PB time of 20:35.

Fastest lady was Lisa Liversidge in a new PB time of 24:26, 19 seconds better than her previous PB and 54 seconds faster than in September, with Isabel Green 2nd quickest in a season best time of 24:51, 1:39 better than handicap, and Karen Palmer 3rd quickest in a new PB of 25:12, 27 seconds better than her previous PB, supported by Matt Gill.

There were also PBs for Kerstin Weiner +1:38 to 25:34, in 5th position overall, Wendy Summerbee +2:16 to 31:56, in 8th position overall, Fiona Keely 32:54, Richard Bates +1:34 to 29:06, Jan Fry +0:45 to 29:50 and James Seals 22:21, while Steve Elder ran a new SB time of 23:13 and there were other year bests for Mark Beasley and Paul Holgate.

Total time between 1st and last finisher was 7:19 (6:15 from 2nd-27th) and 59% of finishers were within less than 1 minute of their adjusted handicap.

Next Handicap 5k will be on Thursday 21st November.

Best regards

Paul

Result_17Oct13

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News

5 Mile Team Championship Results

Here are the results from last night’s 5 mile team championship.

Huge well done to everyone who ran and big thanks to Bernie for organising and to Paul for the results.

5 mile Results

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News Newsletter

THIS WEEKS NEWS RELEASE

 

RELAYS IN THE PARK

 

Fairlands Valley Spartans hosted another successful event on Thursday evening – the 3K Relay event- when nearly 400 runners completed the relay course. There were 47 women’s teams comprised of 3 runners and 50 men’s teams comprised of 5 runners.  Provisional results can be found on the Spartans website at www.fvspartans.org.uk but in the individual results the first man was James McMurray of St Albans Striders and the first woman was Lizzie Bird of Garden City Runners.

 

Krakow Park Run 5k, Poland.

 

Andy Neatham came  2nd in this race in a time of 17.57. which is a Vet PB by 1second and broke the Age group course record by over 30 seconds.

 

Thunder Run 24 hour Race

 

Spartans enjoyed a challenging weekend on Derbyshire for a 24 hour race on a very hilly course. The torrential rain and thunder storms were very apt for the Thunder Run race name and the dark, very muddy and slippery course resulted in some long, soul searching runs through the night. The format of the race was that in teams you each ran a 10k before passing the baton on to your next team member.

 

Three Spartans were in a team of five who came second, these were Todd Gray, Andrew Patterson and the stand out performance by Simon Jackson who accounted for 8 of the teams 31 laps.

 

Other Spartans enjoying the race included Kerry, Nikki Andrews and Darren Wilby.
The race was a fantastic event and thoroughly recommended.

 

Spartan triple take on Northampton marathon double.

 

Three Spartans made the short trip to Brackmill Reservoir, just to the South of Northampton.

 

The trail marathon venue was at the Holiday Inn, and featured six laps each day around the reservoir on a mixture of surfaces.  The big killer for running marathons is the heat, and yet again the country was blessed with warm, sunny & muggy weather. The times reflected the conditions, as the Spartan trio took on the weather to complete 26.2 miles each day.

Day 1 (Saturday 27th)

Roger Biggs 4:28:10, Carol Paul 4:53:53 & Mike Newbitt 5:41:13

Day 2 (Sunday 28th)

Roger Biggs 4:44:25, Carol Paul 5:09:22 & Mike Newbitt 5:15:16

 

Inter-County

 

DAVE BOWKER was selected to represent Hertfordshire in the Senior Inter County Match in Abingdon recently.  He achieved a new personal best of 17 minutes 27 seconds (compared with 18:49!) and third place in the 3,000 metres walk.  The men’s team placed second overall.

 

A few days later he won the EVAC (Eastern Veterans) Five Mile Championship for men aged 50 plus with a time of 32 minutes 13 seconds.

 

Monica’s Gold

 

After a few weeks of enforced rest due to injuries an apprehensive Monica Brown turned up at Oxford for the British Master’s W45 Heptathlon. The decision to race over the 80m hurdles in trainers, to lessen the impact on a tender Achilles, was a good one as Monica was rewarded with a pb of 16.34 seconds. This was followed by a high jump of 1.33, 6.82 for shot and 29.08 (sb) for 200m which meant she finished day one in the lead by almost 500 points.

 

On day two Monica knew she had to try to keep her lead going into the long jump and javelin as she would lose considerable points over the 800m, her weakest event. A long jump of 4.20 and a javelin pb of 17.71 meant she was still in the lead with just the 800m to go. Despite finishing 37 seconds behind her rival, Monica’s time of 3.17.15 for the 800m was enough to win the gold with a new heptathlon pb score of 3603.

 

Second claim Spartan Louise Oliver also competed in the younger W40 age group. In a very tight competition Louise did 80m hurdles in 15.40, high jump 1.39, shot 10.14, 200m 28.26, long jump 4.60, javelin 29.32 and 800m 2.57.35 for the silver medal.

 

Wimpole

 

DANIEL BATES did the Wimpole Estate Parkrun near Royston recently.  He was 12th of 124 with a time of 20 minutes 46 seconds.

 

Then he did the Highbury Fields parkrun in Islington, London on Saturday 27 July and finished 21st out of 94 with a time of 20:41.

 

On Sunday Daniel competed in the 10 mile race organised by Harlow Runners Club at Harlow.  He had a great start, was a bit slow between mile 3 and mile 6 but managed to do 5km pace after that to recoup loss of time, and finished 57th out 249 runners with a time of 01.12.47.

 

Coming Events

 

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

 

  • Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 5th September
  • Club Five Mile Team Champs on Tuesday 10th September
  • Herts Senior 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 24th September
  • County 10K Championships in Letchworth on Sunday 6th October
  • Herts Veterans 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 8th October
  • County 10 Mile Championships for veterans on Sunday 27th October
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November
  • County Ten Miles Championship in Buntingford on 30th December 2013

 

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 about 400 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, Brittain Way, 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session. 

 

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £35 per year, £25 without UKA membership.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy. 

 

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Vivienne Honey 07702 846304 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

E N D S

 

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 0793 968 7509 / 01438 354505 or Vivienne Honey (Secretary) 07702 846304

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News

News Release

SPRING MARATHONS START TO ROLL

10Ks at Flitwick and Cambourne as Simon Shapes Up

14th April 2013
Sun shining, felt like Spring, a week to go to the London Marathon but several Spartans were running marathons at the weekend.

Brighton Rocks As Marie and Dawn PB

It was a lovely warm day, albeit on the windy side, for Sunday’s Brighton Marathon.

MARIE COLUCCI ran brilliantly to finish in a new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 51 minutes 30 seconds; ROGER BIGGS was also inside four hours with 3 hours 59 minutes 37 seconds.

DAWN EASBY was over the finish line in a new PB 4 hours 4 minutes 33 seconds and CAROL PAUL in 4:15:18.

PAUL HOLGATE was heading for a sub five time but just drifted away towards the end to finish in 5.06.58. He reckons he got the better suntan. CLAIRE YOUNG finished in 5:22:17.

Position Name Time
2119 MARIE COLUCCI (F) 3:51:30 (PB)
2738 ROGER BIGGS 3:59:37
3463 DAWN EASBY (F) 4:04:33 (PB)
3883 CAROL PAUL (F) 4:15:18
7223 PAUL HOLGATE 5:06:57
7903 CLAIRE YOUNG (F) 5:22:17

There were 9,067 finishers.

Hazey’s Rotter”Dam Buster

Richard Hazeldene ran the Rotterdam Marathon in 3 hours 29 minutes 40 seconds, a personal best by 3 minutes 3 seconds and 20 minutes quicker than at last year’s London Marathon. In a well organised popular race it took 2-3 miles for him to find enough space to get into his stride. The temperature rose throughout, which made the latter stages tough but to break through the sub 3.30 barrier was the target. Mission accomplished…..just.

Holland in Paris

CHRIS HOLLAND ran in the recent Paris Marathon in 4 hours 11 minutes 19 seconds. This was in improvement of just over 40 minutes on his time in London last year, a month before he joined the Spartans. He was pretty pleased with this given his fairly inconsistent training in 2013 and only getting three hours sleep the night before. The crowds were very enthusiastic, a little too much in places encroaching on to the course. All in all a very enjoyable experience.

Flitwick 10K

NICK WITCOMBE and KAREN PALMER ran Sunday’s Flitwick 10K. No personal bests but great preparation for the Mid Week League on an undulating course. Nick finished in 55:07 and Karen in 55:52.

Simon Shapes Up For London

Spartan SIMON JACKSON won the weekly St Albans 5k Parkrun on Saturday morning.

At 1k Simon was holding on to the lead pack but he slowly ate in to the competition to take the lead at 3.5k before battling with a St Albans Strider to the finish line to win by six seconds.

Simon’s time of 17 minutes 4 seconds was his best on the course & his best 5k for nearly a year, just one week before he races at the London marathon.

Cambridge Festival of Running

BARRY KING ran the Cambourne 10k on Sunday. It was a cross country race ! In very windy conditions, on a hilly hilly course, in ankle deep mud and 20 degrees heat he ran a new 10K personal best (PB) of 48 minutes 23 minutes finishing 176th from about 1,000 runners ! He ran this in 2011 finished 268th in 50.23 so is very happy to take two minutes off that today and get a new PB despite being a XC race and the difficult conditions !

Coming Events

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

  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday 25th April.
  • County Five Miles Championships in Pednor on Monday 6th May.
  • County Track and Field Championships in Stevenage on Monday 6th May.
  • County Veterans 10K Championship at St. Albans on Sunday 12th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 14th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Chingford on Wednesday 29th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 12th June.
  • Mid Week League Five Miles in Welwyn GC on Wednesday 26th June.
  • Mob Match 9K in Trent Park, North London on Wednesday 17th July.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge on Sunday 21st July.
  • Relays in the Park in Stevenage on Thursday 25th July.
  • Herts Senior 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 24th September.
  • County 10K Championships in Letchworth on Sunday 6th October.
  • Herts Veterans 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 8th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.
  • County Ten Miles Championship in Buntingford on 30th December 2013.
  • Watch for announcements about the County Marathon Championships.

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 about 400 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, Brittain Way, 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £35 per year, £25 without UKA membership. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

Categories
News

News Release: April 7, 2013

SUNSHINE IN SANDY

Success For Lucky 13s At Lee Valley

Three Spartans finished the indoor track and field season by representing Eastern Veterans against five other British regions at Lee Valley indoor stadium.  The Eastern Veteran men’s and women’s teams were both second to Southern Counties veterans.

Monica Brown had a brilliant competition by winning the women’s over 35 years Triple Jump in a personal best of 9 metres 12 centimetres, the first time she has jumped over 9 metres.  Monica then went onto race the 200 metre leg of a 800, 200, 200 and 400 metre medley relay.

Dave Stephenson had a very busy day as he competed in four events for the younger age group of male over 35 years even though he turned 50 just a month ago! Dave kindly stepped in and covered for a couple of people who were unable to compete due to illness. Dave events were 60 metre Hurdles second in 13.76 seconds; Triple Jump fourth in 8 metres 65 centimetres; 2000 metre walk third in 12 minutes 5 seconds and like Monica did a 200 metre leg in the medley relay.

Tessa Stephenson competed in the younger age group of over 35 years with the heavier weight shot of 4 kg instead of the over 50 years shot weight of 3 kg.  Despite the heavier weight she managed 7 metres 42 centimetres to come third.  Tessa also covered  gap in the 2000 metre Walk by coming second in 15 minutes 45.1 seconds, earning valuable points for the team.

Monica Brown

Triple Jump 1st 9 metres 12 (Personal Best, indoor and outdoor)
200 Metres leg in Medley Relay

Dave Stephenson

60 Metre Hurdles  2nd 13.76 seconds
Triple Jump 4th 8 metres 65 centimetres
2K Walk 3rd 12 minutes 05 seconds

200 Metres in Medley Relay

Tessa Stephenson

Shot Putt 3rd 7 metres 12 centimetres
2000 Metre Walk 2nd 15 minutes 45.1 seconds

Sandy Ten

At last Sunday was a beautiful Spring day and great for the Sandy Ten.  DEAN CARPENTER, 80th in 67 minutes 48 seconds; MARK CHEADLE, 223rd in 79:13; and BARRY KING, 271st in 82:42 all ran new personal bests.  JULIE SIMMONS was second female veteran (55 plus) and 219th overall in 78:53.

GRANT RAMSAY was the fastest Spartan in the race, seventh overall and fourth veteran in  57 minutes 35 seconds.

A good turnout of Spartans also included Graham Blackburn 90th in 68:41; Davie Stafford 101st in 69:55; Pete Smith 110th in 70:27; Matt Gill 141st in 73:25; Vishal Shah 167th in 75:09; Ann Tryssesoone 293rd in 84:47; Karen Ellis 296th in 84:57; Stephen Block 343rd in 89:45; Karen Palmer 344th in 89:33; Paul Holgate 91 minutes 58 seconds and Sharon Crowley 106:35.

Bedfordshire Open

This open graded event at Luton was well attended by Bedfordshire clubs and others in the catchment area with athletes enjoying some welcome Spring sunshine after other early season events had been cancelled due to the weather.   STEVE MAYFIELD managed 4.33 metres in the Long Jump and 19.77 metres in the Discus, both a little short of last season’s standards.   He was much happier with his 400m as his time of 1 minute 01.9 seconds was his fastest for nearly two years.

Caythorpe Canter

Tricia Hopper, Karen Liddle and Paul Marshall completed Sunday’s Caythorpe Canter yesterday in 5 hours 33 minutes 17 seconds.  This was Paul’s first off-road marathon which he enjoyed very much.

Personal At Lincoln

ANDY PRIOR raced round the Lincoln 10K in a new personal best time of 47 minutes 10 seconds.  He says it was a nice course, but a busy race.  He would recommend the trip for anyone hunting for a fast time next year.

Victoria for Liam

LIAM HERBERT returned to East London for the second time this year, to compete in the Victoria Park Open 5 mile race for his third consecutive year.  It also gave him his third consecutive personal best time over 5 miles on the same course.

The Victoria Park Open 5 is billed as one of the fastest 5 mile races in the UK, and offers a relatively flat, traffic-free two-lap circuit of the park.  In a extremely competitive race attracting some of the fastest athletes around (the winning time was a devastatingly fast 23 minutes and 36 seconds!), Liam was 86th out of 204 finishers and he reduced his personal best by 22 seconds to 30 minutes and 3 seconds.  He is equally delighted and frustrated to be that close to a sub 30 minute 5 mile time, and believes that his breakthrough run will eventually come!

North Herts First Saturday

JOHN HARRIS was sixth in the North Herts First Saturday of the month 5K with a time of 19mins and 53 seconds.

Coming Events

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

  • Flitwick 10K on Sunday 14th April.
  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday 25th April.
  • County Five Miles Championships in Pednor on Monday 6th May.
  • County Track and Field Championships in Stevenage on Monday 6th May.
  • County Veterans 10K Championship at St. Albans on Sunday 12th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 14th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Chingford on Wednesday 29th May.
  • Mid Week League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 12th June.
  • Mid Week League Five Miles in Welwyn GC on Wednesday 26th June.
  • Mob Match 9K in Trent Park, North London on Wednesday 17th July.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge on Sunday 21st July.
  • Relays in the Park in Stevenage on Thursday 25th July.
  • Herts Senior 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 24th September.
  • County 10K Championships in Letchworth on Sunday 6th October.
  • Herts Veterans 5K Championships in WGC on Tuesday 8th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.
  • County Ten Miles Championship in Buntingford on 30th December 2013.
  • Watch for announcements about the County Marathon Championships.
Categories
Club Spartan in the spotlight

Spartan in the Spotlight – Meet Rhiannon

RG

 

Hello and welcome to the next in our series of Spartan in the Spotlight. Today we meet Rhiannon Griffin, another award winner from the FVS Presentation night in January. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the lady who has been in the local media many times in the last year.


Name: Rhiannon Griffin.

Occupation: Full-time Mother to my 21month old.

When did you join FVS ? End of May 2012.

Why did you join the FVS ?
Why did you join the FVS ? My main reason for joining was to get myself back to being active again from 
having a baby and to help shift the baby weight. I used to go running with the buggy twice a week at 
a club called "Buggycise". We all used to run round Fairlands lakes with our buggys then stop at stations
to do lunges, press ups, sprints and tummy exercises. During the sprints I was always the fastest and 
one of the ladies, who was a Spartan (ahem Sam Franklin), suggested I give Spartans a try as I had a 
bit of a natural speed and nack for running. I joined in with the Stater group and loved it. I then 
progressed fairly rapidly through the groups and I'm now in group 4 and being coached by Richard Bate to 
help me reach even higher :)
As a running club, what does FVS mean to you and provide you with ? 

In my world of running FVS will always represent my Home. It's where I've started and where I've 
grown. Its full of so many friendly faces and already so many good memories.  

Whats been your racing highlight to date, since joining the Spartans and why?
The 5k I did last Septmeber was awesome. Beautifully hot day and i got a a sub 20min time on my second 
ever time running a 5k. Got second lady and ladies team winner in the county race and came away with 
a few little trophies and a medal and then my picture was in the paper a few days later as well:)

Which race has been the best you have taken part in and why ?
Oh wow well... I did the County indoor championships last weekend and that was immense, a real taste 
for how my Summer of track racing will be. I loved the Herts County-Cross country Championships in 
Broxbourne because the course was so ridiculously tough and muddy, I fell over so many times it was 
hilarious and 
great fun. I did the 18mile off road challenge last year too and that was great getting out running 
for hours in the fields and woods. I did the new years eve Ely 10k and that was sooo hard! it was 
basically just running into the strongest head wind for the duration and it just made me laugh. I just 
love racing actually. 

What is your favourite running distance(s) ?
I love Short distance and I love track running. My most enjoyable distance to run is probably 150-300m 
(not that I race that distance), although I'm in training to specialise in 800m. I'm still yet to 
actually run 1500m and who knows what I'll end up liking most. I've done a lot of longer distance stuff 
(ie: 10k, 5k) and cross-county over the winter to build up my strength. And whilst I've enjoyed it, it 
has all been to help me with the track racing. I'm still in my 1st years training and this summer will 
help me determine where my strengths in running lay and clarify which distance is my forte.  

What are your running goals for the future, either short term, medium or long term goals?

Short term: I want to sub 2:30 800m. Middle term: i would love to make the top 200 or even 100 female 
800m runner in England. Long Term: I'm just going to persevere and see where these little legs will take me.

What other Sports and hobbies do you have in your spare time ? 

I do Pilates once a week now to compliment my Running. I Cycle to and from all my training sessions. And 
once a week I push a very heavy buggy full of shopping back from Tesco haha. Not to mention at lease 15 
mins of each day are dedicated to dancing around the room with 2 stones worth of cute blonde girl. 

Then finally (I have started,  so I will finish)  whats the most interesting fact about you, that 
your friends at the running club would not be aware of ? 

Ermm... I was a county gymnast when I was about 18 (but don't ask me to do a back flip because I'd 
probably seriously hurt myself ), and I'm also a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate (although I 
haven't actually done any karate since I was about 19!!)

Oh yeah, and if it wasn't for getting pregnant with Molly I'd probably just be another girl working in 
Costa right now...

Thanks Rhiannon for answering all of these,   very insightful and interesting stuff.  On behalf of 
FVS then we need to thank your daughter for getting you into running in the first place  !!  
Good luck with your goals.

Tune in again here soon for the next in the series of SITP,  which next time will be featuring 
Mr Andy Prior.
Categories
Club Spartan in the spotlight

Spartans in the Spotlight, Meet Ann Tryssesoone

 

Ann

Next in the very popular series taking an in depth look at our fantastic running club members,  is Ann Tryssesoone who has been a member with us for over 10 years now,  loves the mud and recently celebrated a very well deserved Most Improved female award at FVS Presentation night in January.

So a huge congrats to Anne and thanks for the following interview:

Occupation:

Veterinary Surgeon: qualified in Belgium in 1990 and shipped over here the same year

When did you join the FVS ?

Gosh… many moons ago but if I remember correctly it must be a decade ago

Why did you join the FVS ?

Got a bit tipsy on a New Years party and boosted to a friend that I am getting fit and wouldn’t mind doing a marathon. I had never run in my life!!! She – a regular runner – informed me of the distance involved. I gulped and agreed to run a half together. Got the shoes and started to run: 1min on – 1min off. It turned out to be 15 seconds run and 2 hours recovery as my lungs were burning. I sort of gave up but didn’t tell my friend. She didn’t mention the half for a whole year then she informed me that she had entered us both for the Silverstone half a marathon. I ran it and kept running ever since.

As a running club, what does FVS mean to you and provide you with ?

FVS stood for Friends, Variety in training and being Slow. Now I have changed the s for Speed (sort of – in my mind)  but still enjoy the friendship and running in a group.

What’s been your racing highlight to date, since joining the Spartans and why.

There has been many highlights to date however receiving the “most improved female runner of 2012” award has got to be it. The award was totally unexpected but proves that consistency pays off.

Which race has been the best you have taken part in and why ?

It has to be my 1st half a marathon at Silverstone: I didn’t think I could run the distance.

What is your favourite running distance(s) ?

I enjoy muddy and hilly cross country races and half marathons.

What are your running goals for the future, either short term, medium or long term goals.

My main goal is to remain fit and injury free. I have been plagued by shin splint for a long time therefore very weary of anything over half a marathon. I hope to run a few half’s at the end of the year.

What other Sports and hobbies do you have in your spare time ?

Time permitting I like gardening, photography and love painting (canvas). I also enjoy travelling.

What’s the most interesting fact about you, that your friends at the running club would not be aware of ?

When I was young and beautiful (in my late teens) my brother and I competed in Latin and ballroom dancing. Never made it to Strictly…

Thanks very much Ann for taking the time for this.   If your interested in becoming a future Spartan in the Spotlight,  then please contact Andy Jay at the club or leave a comment here.

Thanks.

Categories
Spartan in the spotlight

Meet Davie Stafford

553890

Welcome to the next in our series of Spartans in The Spotlight,  a fascinating insight into the lifes of our fantastic runners.  This month we feature Davie Stafford who has been with FVS since 2010 and doing extremely well with the club,  with many Personal Bests and a first marathon in 2012.    So what can we tell you about Davie…..

 

Occupation: Self Employed/Window Cleaner

 

Family: wife Hailey, Daughter Isla-May

 

When did you join FVS ?  2010

 

Why did you join the FVS ?  Because i felt i needed i new fitness challenge, FVS was local & recommended through a friend.

 

As a running club,  what does FVS mean to you and provide you with ?  Provides a very good training programme. I like to be committed something and achieving my goals.

 

Whats been your racing highlight to date,  since joining the Spartans and why. Running my first marathon in MK 2012 and i’m happy I have achieved a PB in every race (so far!)

 

Which race has been the best you have taken part in and why ? St Neots half marathon, as it was a lovely course & enjoyed running it.

 

What is your favourite running distance(s) ? 10miles/half marathons

 

What are your running goals for the future,  either short term,  medium or long term goals. My main goal is to get into the london marathon (fouth time lucky this year, i hope). Sub 1hr 30 half marathon. Continue to achieve my pb’s in every race i enter.

 

What other Sports and hobbies do you have in your spare time ? none

 

Whats the most interesting fact about you,  that your friends at the running club would not be aware of ?
I was a qualified chef before i owned my own window cleaning company

 

Thanks Davie,  so clearly you are loving your racing and setting some great Personal Bests along the way.  Congratulations on your first Marathon in 2012.  Good luck with your targets in 2013.

 

Next up in the spotlight Series,  I will be catching up with the FVS Most Improved female and Most Improved Male – so stay tuned to this channel !!!!
Andy Jay.
Categories
Spartan in the spotlight

Meet your Chairman, Beverley Harlow

FVS Chairman
FVS Chairman

New Year,  New Chairman.  Welcome to the next in the popular series of Spartans in the Spotlight.  I recently caught up with Beverley for our Spartan in the Spotlight series:

Name:  Beverley Harlow

Occupation: Formerly Deputy Headteacher at a Secondary school teaching music, now retired.

Family: Married to John — no children but one lovely dog called Meg who is a fair weather runner

When did you join the Spartans: I joined the Spartans in 1991.

Why did you join the Spartans: I decided to enter the London Marathon intending to walk as I hated any form of running. When my confirmation of entry arrived through the post it included a training plan. I started running on 1st January that year and my first run(jog )nearly killed me, but, being of a slightly obsessive nature, I followed the plan to the letter and joined the Spartans after about a month. I haven’t stopped running since!

Tell us all about the role(s) you play within the club: Last year I became a club coach having completed the LiRF course. I also joined the committee and was elected Vice-chair. This year I have taken on the chairmanship — I suspect it will be a steep learning curve, but it is time for me to give something back to the club after 21 years.

What has been your Racing highlight to date, since joining the Spartans and why. This is a difficult one — I decided to try for a marathon pb last year to celebrate 20 years of running and achieved that at Chester. Other highlights over the years have been my first London marathon and last years VLM. Also my Olympic Park run in March was amazing and a lovely precursor to my time in the park as a Gamesmaker in the summer.

Have you ever represented your running club in a race overseas? I love going to a foreign city and running a half marathon or other distance. I have been lucky enough to compete in Prague, Paris, Stockholm,  New York, Reno (USA), Montagu and Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and in Wiarton in Canada. I always look for a race to enter if I am going away.

What are your running goals for the future. I aim to continue running for as long as I am able. I think it is fantastic to see older runner into their 70s and 80s still running and competing. I run because I can. I aim to get as close to my half-marathon pb as possible at Edinburgh in 2013.

What other Sports and hobbies do you have in your spare time when you’re not running? I am the organist and choirmaster at St. Mary the Virgin church in Walkern and that takes up most Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. I also really enjoy walking and cycling (slowly). I love photography and am learning to play bridge.

Whats the most interesting fact about you, that your friends at the running club would not be aware of ?  I am aunt to Olympian Goldie Sayers who has been the UK record holder for the last ten years.

Wow thanks to Chairman Beverley for a fascinating insight,  especially the Aunty news at the end !!   Thanks for taking the time to do this. 

Readers, hope you enjoyed this and please feel free to catch up further with Bev at the many FVS training sessions and of course at our major Annual FVS Presentation Evening on 25th January at Knebworth Barns.  Tickets available online from the main page.

 

Andy Jay.

Categories
Training

Club Sunday runs – Winter/Spring 2013 half/marathon training

 

Club training programme -Sunday long runs – Spring Marathon training

Notes

The following information sets out a programme of runs that the club will support during the December 2012 to May 2013 period.

This is not intended to be a personal training schedule.  However, regularly completing these runs alongside the other club’s training sessions is a positive way to prepare for a Spring based marathon.

Selecting certain races (the list below is not meant to be fully comprehensive) is a good way to benchmark your training efforts but please take care not to over race!!

Appropriate training runs will also be organised by the Group C coaches.

Sunday

Sunday Standard club training – Group B (up to 10:30 min miling long run pace)

Sunday Marathon training – Group B (sub 4:30 marathon)

Race/club options to incorporate into marathon training
30th December

11 mile club   training run (Preston)

3 mile early + 11   mile club training run (Preston)
6th January

11 mile club   training run (Weston)

3 mile early + 11   mile club training run (Weston)

 
13th January

13 mile club   training run (Letchworth Greenway)

13 mile club   training run (Letchworth Greenway), increase with optional 3 miles over to   Manor Wood car park

Royston XC – league   fixture 4
20th January

10 mile club   training run (Hitchin)

5 mile early + 10   mile training run (Hitchin)

27th January

10 mile training run using the 5/10 mile handicap course

10 mile training run using the 5/10 mile handicap course
3rd February

10 mile club training run (Shilley Green)

7 mile early + 10 mile training run (Shilley Green)

Watford half
10th February

Club 5mile/10 mile handicap event

Club 5mile/10 mile handicap event

 
17th February

11 mile club training run

3 mile early + 11   mile training run

Bramley 20/10 or   Stamford 30K or Watford XC league fixture 5
24th February

10 mile club training run

5 mile early + 10 mile club training run
3rd March

10 mile club training run

7 mile early + 10 mile club training run

Silverstone half or Spitfire 20
10th March

13 mile club training run (Letchworth Greenway)

Run to and from   Manor Wood car park + 13 mile club training run (Letchworth Greenway) – up to 19 miles

Finchley 20 or MK   half
17th March

10 miles within the Club 20

Club 20

Club 20
24th March

10 mile club training run (Shilley Green)

7 mile early + 10 mile training run (Shilley Green)

Oakley 20

31st March

10 mile club training run

Cromer Windmill circuit (20 miles) or the ‘Route 12 expedition’ (TBC)
7th April

11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston)

7 miles early + 11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston) (8 mile option for those running   Brighton)

Sandy 10
14th April

10 mile club training run

10 miles for those running the VLM or 19-22 miles for those running the Edinburgh or MK marathons

Brighton Marathon   or Flitwick 10K
21st April

Early 10 mile club training run (wouldn’t want to miss the race on TV!)

Virgin London Marathon or 10-12 mile run if running the Milton Keynes marathon

Virgin London   Marathon
28th April

11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston)

11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston) (8 mile option for those running MK)

 
5th May

10 mile club training run

Milton Keynes Marathon (6th May)or 20-22 mile training run if running the Edinburgh marathon

Milton Keynes Marathon (6th May)
12th May

10 mile club training run

10 mile club training run (additional 3 miles for those running the Edinburgh marathon)
19th May

11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston)

11 mile club training run (Datchworth/Aston) (8 mile option for those running the Edinburgh marathon)
26th May

10 mile club training run

Edinburgh Marathon

Edinburgh Marathon

 

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: CLARE WINS 5K

CLARE WINS 5K

Cross Country 28 * Wet Wolverton

Handicap 5K

There were very tough running conditions for the Spartans final handicap 5K of the year as very strong winds blasted their way into the faces of the 28 runners all the way along Grace Way from the 2K marker for nearly two kilometres.

First to finish, in her first 5k with the club was newcomer CLARE MOORE, supported by Jim Brown, in 25 minutes 36 seconds.  Clare was 4 minutes 24 seconds ahead of her handicap!

The winning man was BARRY KING in a year’s best time of 23:12.  DAVE SMITH was second in a new personal best of 22:30.  Newcomer ENDA MURPHY was third in 23:20.

KAREN PALMER was second woman across the line, in 9th position overall, in 26:12.  That was just four days after running the St Neots Half Marathon.  SARAH PIKE was third female in 24:48.

Once again GRANT RAMSAY was fastest on the night.  He was showing no side effects from his county championship winning Luton Marathon run just four days earlier as he completed the course in 17:34 to finish in 10th position overall.  LIAM HERBERT was second quickest man in 19:09 and JAMIE KELLET third fastest in a new personal best of 20:07, 2 seconds quicker than BERNIE BARNABY.

The fastest female was RHIANNON GRIFFIN in 21:16, with SARAH PIKE second quickest and event winner CLARE MOORE third fastest.

Despite the conditions there were still several personal bests (PB) on the night, including for James Marlow +1:09 to 23 minutes 31 seconds; Hannah Davidson +0:39 to 26:01 and Matthew Palacio +0:35 to 23:00.

Pos Name Time R F Comments
1 CLARE MOORE (F) 25:36 20 3 Event Winner.  1st 5K
2 JIM BROWN 25:36 19    
3 BARRY KING 23:12 14   YB (1:17)
4 DAVE SMITH 22:30 11   PB (2:00)
5 ENDA MURPHY 23:20 15   1st 5K
6 MATTHEW PALACIO 23:00 13   PB (0:35)
7 JAMES MARLOW 23:31 16   PB (1:09)
8 JAMIE KELLETT 20:07 3   1st 5K
9 KAREN PALMER (F) 26:12 23 5  
10 GRANT RAMSAY 17:34 1    
11 MATT GILL 22:01 7   YB (2:11)
12 RYAN DUNNING 22:18 9    
13 BERNIE BARNABY 20:09 4    
14 ALEX ROUSE 22:43 12   1st 5K
15 CHRIS LEIGH 26:01 22    
16 HANNAH DAVIDSON (F) 26:01 21 4 PB (0:39)
17 LIAM HERBERT 19:09 2    
18 MARK BEASLEY 21:40 6    
19 SARAH PIKE (F) 24:42 18 2  
20 KERRY SETTERFIELD (F) 32:19 26 7 YB (3:23)
21 RHIANNON GRIFFIN (F) 21:16 5 1  
22 PAUL HOLGATE 26:35 24    
23 LISA GAVIGAN (F) 27:39 25 6  
24 MARK GOODWIN 22:26 10    
25 PETE SMITH 22:15 8    
26 DEAN CARPENTER 24:34 17   1st 5K
27 MATTHEW HOLGATE 42:15 27    
28 SIMON HARRIS 45:18 28    

Time Order:

Time Position Name Time F Comments
1 GRANT RAMSAY 17:34    
2 LIAM HERBERT 19:09    
3 JAMIE KELLETT 20:07   1st 5K
4 BERNIE BARNABY 20:09    
5 RHIANNON GRIFFIN (F) 21:16 1 Fastest Female
6 MARK BEASLEY 21:40    
7 MATT GILL 22:01   YB (2:11)
8 PETE SMITH 22:15    
9 RYAN DUNNING 22:18    
10 MARK GOODWIN 22:26    
11 DAVE SMITH 22:30   PB (2:00)
12 ALEX ROUSE 22:43   1st 5K
13 MATTHEW PALACIO 23:00   PB (0:35)
14 BARRY KING 23:12   YB (1:17)
15 ENDA MURPHY 23:20   1st 5K
16 JAMES MARLOW 23:31   PB (1:09)
17 DEAN CARPENTER 24:34   1st 5K
18 SARAH PIKE (F) 24:42 2 Second Fastest Female
19= JIM BROWN 25:36    
19= CLARE MOORE (F) 25:36 3 1st 5K.  Third Fastest Female
21 HANNAH DAVIDSON (F) 26:01 4 PB (0:39)
22 CHRIS LEIGH 26:01    
23 KAREN PALMER (F) 26:12 5  
24 PAUL HOLGATE 26:35    
25 LISA GAVIGAN (F) 27:39 6  
26 KERRY SETTERFIELD (F) 32:19 7 YB (3:23)
27 MATTHEW HOLGATE 42:15    
28 SIMON HARRIS 45:18    

The next Handicap 5k will be on Thursday 3rd January 2013.

(PB = personal best; SB = season’s best; YB = year’s best).

Fantastic Turnout for Cross Country

There was a brilliant sunny morning for Sunday morning’s cross country fixture but Grovelands Park, Southgate was pretty waterlogged after Saturday’s heavy rain.  Twenty eight Spartans, more than two complete teams, tackled the 8,000 metres three lap course with the heavy going and undulations slowing some down more than others.

RHIANNON GRIFFIN led in the Spartan women’s “A” team with an excellent time of 40 minutes 4 seconds for the tough course, she was supported by an improving MADDIE PRITCHARD (45:40) together with ANN TRYSSESOONE (45:56); HANNAH DAVIDSON (47:45) and KAREN LIDDLE (49:41).

The “B” team was headed up by TRICIA HOPPER (50:20) and also included JEANNETTE COLLINS (52:29); MARIA THORNE (52:35); LORRAINE THOMAS (53:08) and IRIS HORNSEY (54:08).  ELIZABETH and SHARON CROWLEY finished in 58:21.

Three Spartan men finished in the top twenty.  LEE REYNOLDS was ninth in 31 minutes 45 seconds followed by SIMON JACKSON, tenth, in 31:53 and ANDY PATTERSON, twentieth, in 33:05.  The others in the eight man “A” team were DANNY HUKIN, 43rd, in 34:44; TODD GRAY, 85th, in 37:06; ADRIAN DONNELLY, 115th, in 38:37; GRAHAM BLACKBURN, 127th, in 39:36 and MATT GILL, 138th, in 39:52.

STEVE MAYFIELD, 150th in 40:20 led in the “B” team.  He was supported by JIM BROWN, 206th in 43:52; BARRY KING, 231st in 45:17; ANDY PRIOR, 247th in 46:47; MARK CHEADLE, 248th in 46:48; NICK WITCOMBE, 299th in 49 minutes exactly; MATTHEW HOLGATE, 344th in 65:52 and PAUL HOLGATE, 345th also in 65:52.

These results are certain to move the Spartans up the league table when the team results are published.

Steve Mayfield, Paul Holgate, Mark Cheadle, Andy Prior, Simon Jackson, Tricia Hopper and Sharon Crowley had run the very wet Wolverton Five road race the previous afternoon.

Spartan Women:

Overall Position Name Time
141 RHIANNON GRIFFIN 40:04
237 MADDIE PRITCHARD 45:40
240 ANN TRYSSESOONE 45:56
262 HANNAH DAVIDSON 47:45**
281 KAREN LIDDLE 49:41
290 TRICIA HOPPER 50:20
306 JEANETTE COLLINS 52:29
307 MARIA THORNE 52:35**
310 LORRAINE THOMAS 53:08
316 IRIS HORNSEY 54:08
340 ELIZABETH CROWLEY 58:21
341 SHARON CROWLEY 58:21

Spartan Men:

Overall Position Name Time
9 LEE REYNOLDS 31:45
10 SIMON JACKSON 31:53
20 ANDREW PATTERSON 33:05
43 DANNY HUKIN 34:44
85 TODD GRAY 37:06
115 ADRIAN DONNELLY 38:37
127 GRAHAM BLACKBURN 39:36
138 MATT GILL 39:52
150 STEVE MAYFIELD 40:20
206 JIM BROWN 43:52
231 BARRY KING 45:17
247 ANDY PRIOR 46:47
248 MARK CHEADLE 46:48
299 NICK WITCOMBE 49:00**
344 MATTHEW HOLGATE 65:52
345 PAUL HOLGATE 65:52

The next cross country league match will be in St. Albans on Sunday 9th December.

Wet Wolverton

Wolverton was wet, wet, continuously wet for Saturday afternoon’s five mile road race.  Despite that seven of the 17 Spartans ran new personal bests.  SIMON JACKSON was 21st out of the 213 finishers in a new PB of 28 minutes 8 seconds; LIAM HERBERT was 40th in a new PB of 30:25; STEVE MAYFIELD was 77th in a new PB of 34:00; ANDY PRIOR 122nd in 38:54; MARK CHEADLE 127th in 39:33; NICOLA LORIMER 130th in 39:30 and TRICIA HOPPER 142nd in 41 minutes 22 seconds.

RICHARD BATE (28:52); KEVIN SMYTH (34:46); ROGER BIGGS (38:27) and YVONNE JONES (41:50) all ran season’s bests and RYAN DUNNING completed his first five mile race in 37 minutes exactly.  BARRY OSBORNE was second veteran (60 plus) in 32:03 and SIMON BELL third veteran (45 plus) in 30:05.

Position Name Chip Time Comments
21 SIMON JACKSON 28:08 PB (4 seconds)
24 RICHARD BATE 28:52 SB
39 SIMON BELL 30:05 3rd Vet 45 plus
40 LIAM HERBERT 30:25 PB (3 seconds)
61 BARRY OSBORNE 32:03 2nd Vet 60 plus
77 STEVE MAYFIELD 34:00 PB (10 seconds)
84 KEVIN SMYTH 34:46 SB
108 ANNETTE BELL (F) 37:01 YB
109 RYAN DUNNING 37:00 First 5 mile race
120 ROGER BIGGS 38:27 SB
122 ANDY PRIOR 38:54 PB (49 seconds)
127 MARK CHEADLE 39:33 PB (1:15)
130 NICOLA LORIMER (F) 39:30 PB (16 seconds)
137 PAUL HOLGATE 40:40 YB
142 TRICIA HOPPER (F) 41:22 PB (1:37)
145 YVONNE JONES (F) 41:50 SB
155 SHARON CROWLEY (F) 44:02 YB

Sharon’s Silver in Herts Marathon

In the recent Hertfordshire Marathon Championship SHARON CROWLEY took SILVER in the women’s veteran 45 plus category.  ROGER BIGGS won GOLD in the men’s 60 plus category and GRANT RAMSAY took GOLD in the 40 plus category as well as winning the county championship overall.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.  Places for the baggage will be allocated after the draw for running place at the Spartans Christmas Party which is on Friday, 14th December 2012.

Coming Events

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

  • Cross Country League in St Albans on Sunday 9th December.
  • Spartans Christmas Party on Friday 14th December.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 3rd January 2013.
  • County Cross Country Championships at Haileybury College on Sunday 6th January.
  • Cross Country League on Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 13th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Vivienne Honey 07702 846304 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

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Club

Jo Cahill – Committee Member

Jo joined the club as a complete novice in June 2011 and has never looked back! She had been going to the gym to lose some weight and on arriving home one evening she said her husband “I have just run my first ever 5 km she had NEVER run in my life before this! She proceeded to tell him how she’d love one day to do a marathon. Her husband turned blue and said very nicely Jo you are not really built for running- well that was it – within a month she had applied and secured a place in VLM for 2012! Hubby nearly had a coronary and she joined Spartans! As a result of the professional advice from the coaches and the camaraderie she experienced during training she completed London in 5 hrs 39 mins and now also has some fabulous friends.   Jo runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with her Group C run on a Sunday being her favourite.

Jo has an 8 year old son called Jack – who demands that she is fit! She enjoys doing 10kms and half marathons and hopes one day to do the London Marathon again.

Jo works in higher education, but prior to that she worked for 12 years as a ward sister in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit.  On the 23 November 2012 Jo achieved her PhD which involved doing a research study looking at patient participation in surgical nursing care and which after the London Marathon was one of the biggest challenges of her life. If you put your mind to it you can succeed at anything! Jo’s motto is ‘It helps to be a Spartan’!!!!!

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Webmaster

James Day – Webmaster

Categories
Club News

New Committee Elected for 2013

FVS Committee 2013

During the AGM on Wednesday 21st November, a new committee was voted in.

Position
Name
Chairman
 Beverley Harlow
General Secretary
 Vivienne Honey
Treasurer
 Mark Cheadle
Head Coach
 Chris Leigh
Mens Team Captain
 Nick Witcombe
Ladies Team Captain
 Tracy Pez
Committee
 Graham Blackburn

Jim Brown

James Day

John Harlow

Simon Harris

Paul Holgate

Lisa Jerrom

Maria Rushton

Phil Rushton

Tessa Stephenson

Barry King

Christine Sharman

Jayne Pinner

Jo Cahill

Contact the committee to give your thoughts and feedback using email address: committee@fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BESTS AT ST NEOTS

BESTS AT ST. NEOTS

Success At County Marathon

The St. Neots Half Marathon was a beautiful run on a lovely course in perfect conditions and produced fourteen new personal bests for Fairlands Valley Spartans.

STEVE MAYFIELD improved by 49 seconds to 1:33:01; DAVIE STAFFORD by 2:53 to 1:35:30; NIKKI ANDREWS by 3:32 to 1:39:17; MARK GOODWIN by 1:31 to 1:40:25; JON SYPULA by 1:33 to 1:41:53; CLAIRE COKER by 1:13 to 1:46:45; VISHAL SHAH by a massive 7 minutes 34 seconds to 1:47:05; MADELEINE PRITCHARD by 3:37 to 1:48:05; ANDY PRIOR had the biggest improvement, 8 minutes 40 seconds, to 1:49:32; KAREN ELLIS 1:11 to 1:53:51; RACHEL PAYNE by 3:36 to 1:53:53; NICK WITCOMBE by 3:26 to 2:02:45; VIVIENNE HONEY by 0:38 to 2:14:52 and JO CAHILL by 1:29 to 2:30:31.

CHRIS WESTCOTT was the fastest Spartan.  He was 48th out of the 921 finishers in 1 hour 23 minutes 59 seconds.

Here are the times for all 25 Spartans (the first number is the position in the club; the second is the position in the race which is followed by the chip time):

1 Chris Westcott 48 1.23.59; 2 Graham Blackburn 112 1.29.40; 3 Steve Mayfield 162 1.33.01 PB 0.49; 4 Davie Stafford 196 1.35.30 PB 2.53; 5 Phil Gale 221 1.37.21; 6 Nikki Andrews 260 1.39.17 PB 3.32; 7 Mark Goodwin 279 1.40.25 PB 1.31; 8 Jon Sypula 307 1.41.53 PB 1.33; 9 Tracy Pez 386 1.46.04 YB 10.23; 10 Claire Coker 400 1.46.45 PB 1.13; 11 Vishal Shah 404 1.47.05 PB 7.34; 12 Madeline Pritchard 424 1.48.05 PB 3.37; 13 Andy Prior 458 1.49.32 PB 8.40; 14 Paul Marshall 510 1.51.58; 15 Karen Ellis 531 1.53.51PB 1.11; 16 Andy Jay 532 1.53.59; 17 Rachel Payne 533 1.53.53 PB 3.36; 18 Paul Holgate 589 1.56.52; 19 Beverly Harlow 592 1.56.27; 20 Karen Palmer 674 2.00.19; 21 Phil Rushton 686 2.01.28; 22 Nick Witcombe 706 2.02.45 PB 3.26; 23 Vivienne Honey 829 2.14.52 PB 0.38; 24 Maria Rushton 881 2.27.56; 25 Jo Cahill 894 2.30.31 PB 1.29

 

Position Name Time Comments
48 CHRIS WESTCOTT 1:23:59
112 GRAHAM BLACKBURN 1:29:40
162 STEVE MAYFIELD 1:33:01 PB (0:49)
196 DAVIE STAFFORD 1:35:30 PB (2:53)
221 PHIL GALE 1:37:21
260 NIKKI ANDREWS (F) 1:39:17 PB (3:32)
279 MARK GOODWIN 1:40:25 PB (1:31)
307 JON SYPULA 1:41:53 PB (1:33)
386 TRACY PEZ (F) 1:46:04 Year’s  Best
400 CLAIRE COKER (F) 1:46:45 PB (1:13)
404 VISHAL SHAH 1:47:05 PB (7:34)
424 MADELEINE PRITCHARD (F) 1:48:05 PB (3:37)
458 ANDY PRIOR 1:49:32 PB (8:40)
510 PAUL MARSHALL 1:51:58
531 KAREN ELLIS (F) 1:53:51 PB (1:11)
532 ANDY JAY 1:53:59
533 RACHEL PAYNE (F) 1:53:53 PB (3:36)
589 PAUL HOLGATE 1:56:52
592 BEVERLEY HARLOW (F) 1:56:27
674 KAREN ELLIS (F) 2:00:19
686 PHIL RUSHTON 2:01:28
706 NICK WITCOMBE 2:02:45 PB (3:26)
829 VIVIENNE HONEY (F) 2:14:52 PB (0.38)
881 MARIA RUSHTON (F) 2:27:56
894 JO CAHILL (F) 2:30:31 PB (1:29)

There were 921 finishers.

 

Luton Marathon (including Hertfordshire Championships)

On a slightly cold, but a glorious sunny November day, with barely a breeze blowing, Spartan GRANT RAMSAY won the Hertfordshire Marathon Championship with his time of 2 hours 45 minutes 37 seconds.  He was fifth overall and first male (40 plus) in the Luton Marathon which incorporated the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Championships.

The event was on an undulating three lap course from the Lea Manor Recreation Centre to the North of Luton, out towards Streetley.

ROGER BIGGS took GOLD in the Vet 60 plus category for the second year running with his time of 3:57:55; ROB SHAW was 444th in 4:42:30 and SHARON CROWLEY 466th in 4:53:42.

 

Spartan Simmonds First Woman In Ashwell Multi-Terrain Half Marathon

Spartan TASHA SIMMONDS was first woman in Sunday’s Ashwell Multi-Terrain Half Marathon.  On the hard course JOHN HARRIS was fifth overall and first male (50 plus) in 1 hour 31 minutes 51 seconds; SARAH PRICE shaved 30 seconds off her personal best with her time of 1:50:15 winning a trophy for second in her age group.  LISA LIVERSIDGE finished in 2:03:28 and LORRAINE WYATT in 2:13:52.

 

Milton Keynes MoRun 10K

RUSS ANDREWS took part in his first ever competitive race on Sunday.  It was the Milton Keynes MoRun 10K which he finished in 54 minutes exactly.

 

Leeds Abbey Dash 10K

On a relatively flat course and in the sunshine MATTHEW KIRK had a good run from Leeds city centre up to Kirkstall Abbey and back in the Abbey Dash 10k along with 9000 others. Very pleased (and surprised) to beat my PB by 29 secs in doing 45:48. Cheers.

 

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.  Places for the baggage will be allocated after the draw for running place at the Spartans Christmas Party which is on Friday, 14th December 2012.

 

Coming Events

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

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 22nd November.
  • Wolverton Five on Saturday 24th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 25th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 9th December.
  • Spartans Christmas Party on Friday 14th December.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: ROGER TRIPLE MAKES 1500

ROGER’S TRIPLE MAKES 1500

And Three In A Row For Grant

ROGER BIGGS has run 1500 races!  On Thursday 1st November he travelled to Penkridge in Staffordshire for the Enigma Staffs Trail Marathon.  This was a marathon entirely on the towpath of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.  The course consisted of four out & backs laps of approx 6.6 miles.  Going out south against the locks (climbs at each one), then returning back to ‘The Boat’ Public House before starting the next lap.  Due to heavy rain the night before, the compacted surface had become very muddy & slippery, hence fast times were not in order.  Roger completed the course in 4 hours 25 minutes 39 seconds.

There was another trip north for Roger Biggs, to complete a scenic route totally around the Rutland Water Reservoir for the Rutland Water Trail Marathon on Sunday 4th November. To make up the marathon distance, runners had to make two trips around Hambleton Peninsula.  While the surface would normally be quite acceptable, the incessant rain made the course very wet, with puddles that took up the whole path, so running shoes were very wet. With temperatures probably topping out at 5C, it was day to get round and no more.  He finished in 4:34:27

The Enigmas Fox at 40 Trail Marathon last Sunday was a race to celebrate the 40th birthday of Race Director David ‘Foxey’ Bayley, and the amazing consistency of 100 Marathon Club member Steve Edwards, for completing 500 marathons with finishing times of under 3hrs & 30 mins.

The course hugged the waters edge of Caldecotte Lake in Bletchley near Milton Keynes.  It was run in near perfect conditions. a nip in the air, but it was a lovely sunny day to run 7.5 times around a lake.  Roger Biggs finished in 4:05:04; CAROL PAUL in 5:01:59 and PAUL HOLGATE in 5:04:46.

This means that Roger has completed 1500 events at all distances from 400 metres on the track to 80 mile ultras, including over 700 marathons.

Three Out Of Three For Grant

Spartan GRANT RAMSAY beat 200 runners to win the Watford Autumn Challenge Five Miles Off Road Race for the third year in a row.  He finished in 31 minutes 14 seconds.  This was his sixth win in seven years.

Baggage for VLM

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.  Places for the baggage will be allocated after the draw for running place at the Spartans Christmas Party which is on Friday, 14th December 2012.

Coming Events

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

  • St. Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 18th November.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 22nd November.
  • Wolverton Five on Saturday 24th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 25th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 9th December.
  • Spartans Christmas Party on Friday 14th December.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: FILTHY HALF MARATHON

FILTHY HALF MARATHON

Jen’s Ogle

Heavy rain greeted runners as they lined up for the Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday morning.  The filthy conditions persisted for much of the race but 446 finished with the fastest being PAUL ADAMS from St. Albans Striders in just 1 hour 17 minutes 39 seconds.  SIMON RILEY, also from St. Albans, was second in 1:13:57 with MARTIN BATEMAN, Hillingdon Athletic Club third in 1:15:41.

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ GRANT RAMSAY ran a new season’s best time of 1 hour 17 minutes 39 seconds to come sixth overall and win the County GOLD medal for veteran runners (40 plus).

GIEDRE DRAKE from Garden City Runners was first woman in 1 hour 31 minutes 7 seconds with Spartans’ JO LAING second in 1:35:16.  Jo won the County GOLD medal for women veterans (35 plus).  CATHERINE COLLINS from London Heathside was third women in 1:35:33 and ANDREA MANN from Garden City fourth in 1:36:01.

Spartans’ CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT won the County SILVER for men aged 40 plus with his time of 1:22:53.

Golden Women

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ women won the county team race with JO LAING (1:35:16); MADDIE PRITCHARD (1:55:33) and TRACY PEZ (1:57:30).  [Teams of three].  The club’s men took SILVER with GRANT RAMSAY (1:17:39); CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT (1:22:53); TONY BRADFORD (1:33:27) and SAM HARTE (1:40:27).  [Teams of four].

The race included the county veteran championships as well as the seniors so Grant Ramsay, Christopher Westcott, Tony Bradford and PAUL MURRAY (1:45:10) to take the team GOLD medals for men aged 40 plus.

New personal bests were run by JON SYPULA (1:43:26); LEWIS DAVIN (1:48:27); SELVAN NAICKER (1:50:48) and ADAM DAVIN (1:58:36).

Fairlands Valley Spartans organised the race and provided dozens of volunteer marshals and race officials.

Results For All 25 Spartans:

Position Name Time Comments
6 Grant RAMSAY 1:17:39 County Gold (V40), County Bronze
14 Christopher WESTCOTT 1:22:53 County Silver (V40), PB
64 Jo LAING (F) 1:35:16 County Gold, Second Woman
67 Tony BRADFORD 1:35:27 Season’s Best (SB)
103 Sam HARTE 1:40:27 First Half
106 Jamie DRACKFORD 1:40:37
143 Jon SYPULA 1:43:26 Personal Best (1:48)
161 Paul MURRAY 1:45:10
179 Robert EVANS 1:46:33 SB
184 Mikos TAYLOR 1:47:12 First Half
197 Chris HOLLAND 1:48:21 First Half
204 Lewis DAVIN 1:48:27 PB (9:08)
227 Selvan NAICKER 1:50:48 PB (0:22)
279 Andy JAY 1:55:22
281 Madeleine PRITCHARD (F) 1:55:33
306 Tracy PEZ (F) 1:57:30
313 Stephen BLOCK 1:58:10
320 Adam DAVIN 1:58:36 PB (6:54)
326 Robert SHAW 2:01:00
335 Paul HOLGATE 2:01:21
352 Ruth REILLY (F) 2:04:46 First Half
363 Donna GRAY (F) 2:06:00 First Half
382 Lee MORRIS 2:09:14
406 Graham HILL 2:13:53 First Half
422 Lee POTTER 2:21:11

 

Ogle

Jennifer Robertson ran the Glen Ogle Ultra in Strathyre, Scotland this weekend. 33 miles of stunning scenery, a forest trail route which was hilly in parts. Jen completed it in 6 hours 8 minutes.

Baggage for VLM

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Coming Events

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

  • St. Neots Half Marathon on Sunday 18th November.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 22nd November.
  • Wolverton Five on Saturday 24th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 25th November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 9th December.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: MATTHEW AND CHRISTINE WIN 5K

MATTHEW AND CHRISTINE WIN 5K

Cross Country Season Starts

MATTHEW HOLGATE and CHRISTINE PROWLE were the winners as 32 runners took part in Fairlands Valley Spartans Handicap 5K on Thursday night.

Matthew was first to finish, four minutes quicker than his previous best 5K this year, and in a new personal best (PB) time of 36 minutes 17 seconds as he continued his improvements shown over recent weeks.

In second position, just 13 seconds behind Matthew and improving her own PB by 3:23 to 38 minutes exactly, the first female to finish was Christine Prowle, with AMANDA VICKERS second female, also in a new PB, of 34:12, 2:46 faster than previous.  GEMMA SMITH was third female in her welcome return to the club with 25 minutes 50 seconds.

Third man (fourth overall) was newcomer ALI VORSTER in his debut 5k, finishing in 25 minutes exactly, 2:30 faster than handicap, with another newcomer, DAVE SMITH third man just a few seconds behind Ali, in 24:30, 2:15 ahead of handicap.

Grant Fastest

Fastest runner on the night was GRANT RAMSAY in 17 minutes 9 seconds.  LIAM HERBERT was second quickest in 18:27 and ROB WILLIS third fastest with 18:33.  BERNIE BARNABY also beat 20 minutes with 19:45 in his first 5k with the club.

Fastest female was the much improved RHIANNON GRIFFIN 20:20, with GEMMA SMITH’s 25:50 2nd quickest and VIVIENNE HONEY 3rd fastest in 28:14.

Next month’s Handicap 5k will be in 4 weeks time on Thursday 22nd November.

Cross Country Season Starts

Sunday’s conditions were perfect for the first cross country league race of the season, a little mud but not a lot and a little cold but not too cold.  Eighteen Spartans made the trip to Cheshunt with the following results.

Women: Alison Wood 84th overall in 34 minutes 30 seconds; Rhiannon Griffin 111th in 35.47; Nikki Andrews 159th in 38.33; Julie Simmons 160th (app. 38.36); Tracy Pez 165th (app. 39.15); Anne Tyressone 221st in 41.57; Nikki Lorimer 259th in 44.17; Hannah Davidson 272nd in 45.13 and Iris Hornsey 295th in 50.59

Men: Simon Jackson 13th in 29 minutes 46 seconds; Martin Wood 75th (app. 33.55); Dave Bowker 76th in 34.01; Todd Gray 82nd in 34.23; Steve Mayfield 146th in 37.42; Andy Jay 223rd in 41.41; Mark Cheadle 228th in 42.16; Marc Green 264th (app. 44.00); Nick Stewart 308th (app. 47.00).

The first five women and eight men will count towards the league results though others may have contributed by getting ahead of runners from other clubs.

Britain’s Toughest Marathon

On a beautiful dry day, albeit with a chilly breeze that was quite strong in places, six Spartans took on Britain’s toughest marathon, in Snowdonia, North Wales.

With three massive climbs, the race is not for the faint hearted, but all six Spartans were delighted with their achievements and with such stunning scenery around the course are already looking forward to returning next year.

Their finishing times were – Matt Gill 4:08:48; Tricia Hopper 4:58:55; Karen Liddle 4:58:55; Barry King 4:58:55; Sharon Crowley 5:00:20 (21st consecutive Snowdon marathon – every year since 1991); and Paul Holgate 5:01:07 (24th consecutive – every year since 1988

Chosen Half

NICK WITCOMBE ran in the Chosen Half Marathon in New Braunfels, Texas, USA on Sunday.  His time was 2 hours 13 minutes and 17 seconds.  It was very cold due to a rare cold snap and the course was quite hilly.  The race took place along the Guadalope river and the race was very picturesque and enjoyable. A fellow runner even recognised the famous FVS stripes.

Fenland 10mile at Wisbech.

The Fenland Ten was on a flat course but it weas open and exposed when windy as it was at the weekend.  PHIL GALE says it was a well organised small race on quiet roads, raining at start but eased off soon afterwards. Lots of puddles on course and a pretty cold wind against runners in second half.  He finished in 68 minutes exactly.

Roger Doubles Up

ROGER BIGGS ran the Woolwich Tunnel Marathon on Friday.  It was organised by the 100 Marathon Club to commemorate the opening of the Woolwich Tunnel exactly 100 years ago. Starting at the Northern end of the tunnel, the marathon commenced by the entire field walking to the southern end, then up the 105 steps to emerge on the southern shore of the Thames. At this point the running started with four out & back sections along the Thames path to the East then West.  After a reasonably good first half, Roger suffered to finish in 4 hours 32 minutes 11 seconds.

Then Roger travelled North to Preston for a marathon billed as ‘once every 20 years’. Organised as part of The Preston Guild, this well organised event went through Preston, then out into the countryside to the North & South.  It wasn’t the undulating course that slowed down runners, it was the strong & cold Northerly wind plus rain from start to finish! Roger struggled early on, but found a strong finish to come home in 4:07:31.

Pompey Payne

RACHEL PAYNE ran the Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday in 1:23 which she is pretty pleased with.

20th Anniversary Serpie

JIM BROWN ran the 20th Anniversary Last Friday of the Month Serpentine 5K.  This popular event goes round the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London.  In cool, windy and damp conditions he was happy to finish in 22 minutes exactly and the first half of the finishers.  He moved up to 22nd overall in the 2012 series championship.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 22nd November.
  • Cross Country League on Sunday 25th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GRANT TAKES OFF

Grant takes off

Five Spartans made the short trip to RAF Henlow on Wednesday for the annual RAF 10 mile championships from Old Warden to Henlow.  On a windy day and into a headwind for most of the point-to-point run times were not surprisingly a little slower than hoped for but it did not stop Grant Ramsay coming away with the trophy for 1st vet, in 5th position overall, in 57:50, while Julie Simmons won the 1st V55 female trophy in 1:17:31.

SIMON BELL finished in 1 hour 3 minutes 4 seconds, ROGER BIGGS in 1:21:02 and PAUL HOLGATE in 1:21:02.  There were about 150 runners.

Spartans in the Cabbage Patch

Three Spartans completed the Cabbage Patch 10 in Twickenham on Sunday morning.

On  a nice flat-ish course Nikki Andrews was first Spartan home in 1.14.57, RICHARD HAZELDENE finished in 1.15.00 and ANDY PRIOR in 1.22.58 — says he was just thankful to get to the end in 1 piece.

All highly recommended the race as a potential personal best course & will return in 2013.

Abingdon Marathon

There were pretty good running conditions for the Abingdon Marathon on Sunday with the temperature around 10C and the rain generally holding off.  Great marshalling and well organised, just a shame the showers that did fall were freezing.

Christopher Westcott finished in 40th position overall in a new personal best of 2 hours 57 minutes 48 seconds.

STEVE MAYFIELD’s first marathon for over two years resulted in a new personal best of 3:27:30.  CAROL PAUL finished in 4:25:36 and ALISON SUCKLING 4:44:34.

Great Yarmouth Marathon — Sunday, 21st October 2012

ROGER BIGGS took part in the inaugural running of the Great Yarmouth Marathon.  The course was on three flats laps to the North, then South of the town, either along the promenade or adjoining roads.  After some recent tough marathons on and off road, Roger returned to form with his second best marathon of 2012.  He won the Vet 60 category with a time of 3 hours 51 minutes 45 seconds.

Tough Bacon

CRAIG BACON ran the Abbots Langley 10 in 47 minutes  52 seconds.

Rotherham Half Century

MIKE NEWBITT took part in the Rotherham 50 which is 50 miles off road with a set of instructions to find your way around the route.  He took 14 hours and 52 minutes

Peterborough Claire

At the Great Eastern Run CLAIRE COKER took a 13 minutes 5 seconds chunk off her personal best (PB) reducing it to 1:48:18 and was absolutely chuffed to bits all her training paid off.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: CUTS AT PETERBOROUGH

CUTS AT PETERBOROUGH

Loads of personal bests!

Forty one Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in the sun Sunday’s Great Eastern Run, the Peterborough Half Marathon.  Many of the twenty three women and eighteen men were rewarded with new personal and season’s bests.

The Spartans star performer was DUNCAN MARSHALL who finished 78th out of the 3,431 finishers in 1 hour 19 minutes 13 seconds.  LIAM HERBERT took 2 minutes 36 seconds off his PB to finish 180th in 1:25:46; STEVE MAYFIELD chopped 50 seconds off his PB to 1:33:50 and LISA BURGESS 4 minutes off her PB to 1:34:35.

Running his first half marathon since a major operation last year Spartan Press Officer JIM BROWN was delighted to finish with a time of 1 hour 41 minutes 45 seconds.  MATT GILL ran his best half marathon this year with an improvement of 14 minutes 16 seconds to 1:43:15; JON SYPULA improved his PB by 49 seconds to 1:45:14; whilst NIKKI COLLINS improved her PB by 7 minutes and 34 seconds to 1:48:02 and CLAIRE COKER took a 13 minutes 5 seconds chunk off her PB reducing it to 1:48:18 and was absolutely chuffed to bits all her training paid off.

MADDIE PRITCHARD cut her PB by 7 minutes 38 seconds to 1:51:42.  KAREN ELLIS improved by 4:01 to 1:55:02; RACHEL PAYNE by 4:09 to 1:57:29; MARIA THORNE by 2:51 to 2:01:09; STEVE WATKINS by 10:39 to 2:11:34; and MARIA RUSHTON by 1:28 to 2:14:11.

LES BUTLER improved his season’s best by 2:48 to 2:16:12; JAN FRY her PB by 8:57 to 2:20:20; JACKIE MORRISON cut her season’s best time by seven seconds to 2:23:53 and 80 year old RON COHEN cut his season’s best by 2:29 to 2:29:04.

Those who achieved the milestone of their first half marathon included DANNY HARWOOD (2:00:48); TRUDY MOLLOY (2:01:00); MELISSA GIBSON (2:14:23) and JAYNE PINNER (2:41:30).

The results for all 41 Spartans follow:

Position

 Name

Time

Comments

78

 Duncan MARSHALL

1:19:13

PB

180

 Liam HERBERT

1:25:46

PB (2:36)

324

 Graham BLACKBURN

1:30:53

326

 Danny HUKIN

1:30:58

SB

430

 Steve MAYFIELD

1:33:50

PB (0:50)

459

 Lisa BURGESS (F)

1:34:35

PB (4:11)

592

 Peter SMITH

1:37:44

787

 Jim BROWN

1:41:45

SB.  First half after a major operation.

874

 Matt GILL

1:43:15

YB (14:16)

991

 Jon SYPULA

1:45:14

PB (0:49)

1151

 Nikki COLLINS (F)

1:48:02

PB (7:34)

1174

 Claire COKER (F)

1:48:18

PB (13:05)

1395

 Maddie PRITCHARD (F)

1:51:42

PB (7:38)

1436

 Hadrian COOPER

1:52:14

1472

 LEE POTTER

1:52:41

PB

1644

 Karen ELLIS (F)

1:55:02

PB (4:01)

1730

 Stephanie MAYFFIELD (F)

1:56:13

1818

 Rachel PAYNE (F)

1:57:29

PB (4:09)

1973

 Paul HOLGATE

1:59:57

2029

 Danny HARWOOD

2:00:48

First Half Marathon

2046

 Trudie MOLLOY (F)

2:01:00

First Half Marathon

2045

 Barry kING

2:01:00

First half after ankle operation

2049

 Stephen BLOCK

2:01:07

2053

 Maria THORNE (F)

2:01:09

PB (2:51)

2231

 Sharon CROWLEY (F)

2:04:32

YB

2553

 Steve WATKINS

2:11:34

PB (10:39)

2597

 Jeanette COLLINS (F)

2:12:19

SB

2621

 Lisa GAVIGAN (F)

2:12:49

YB

2629

 Karen SMITH (F)

2:13:03

2674

 Maria RUSHTON (F)

2:14:11

PB (1:28)

2685

 Melissa GIBSON (F)

2:14:23

First Half Marathon

2695

 Tracy STILES (F)

2:14:47

2758

 Les BUTLER

2:16:12

SB (2:48)

2884

 Jan FRY (F)

2:20:20

PB (8:57)

2909

 Lisa JERROM (F)

2:20:57

YB

3002

 Jackie MORRISON (F)

2:23:53

SB (0:07)

3044

 Karen BUCKLEY (F)

2:26:07

3108

 Ron COHEN

2:29:04

SB (2:29) Age 80

3286

 Jayne PINNER (F)

2:41:30

First Half Marathon.  Pleased after a four month break due to injury.

3288

 Nick WITCOMBE

2:41:31

3287

 Hannah SYPULA (F)

2:41:31

Ware Ten

A multi terrain, two lap course and perfect weather conditions for running at Sunday’s Ware Ten provided the platform for several personal best performances.  Experienced runner MARK GOODWIN continued his fantastic form this year with a PB of 1 hour 16 minutes 14 seconds, which was his second PB in a week.  LEE LAWRENCE took 1:17:37.  Despite massive blisters NATALIE BARNARD finished in `1:18:16 close to TRACY PEZ with 1:18:38.  VISHAL SHAH cut his PB by four minutes to 1:21:04.

Matthew Is A Happy Spartan.

MATTHEW KIRK did the Liverpool marathon Sunday morning in glorious sunshine but cool and no wind so good conditions.  He finished 40 minutes faster than last year in 3 hours 52 minutes which is his new personal best.  Says he is very happy, or will be when his feet stop hurting!!

Chingford Cross Country

GRANT RAMSAY was fifth out of 300 in the Chingford League Cross Country race at Enfield.  He covered the 8 kilometres in 27 minutes 29 seconds.

Founders Marathon — Sunday, 12th October 2012

For yet another weekend ROGER BIGGS enjoyed lovely running weather on a tough course.  This Sunday he was at the Founders Marathon.

This is an off road marathon run under LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) rules from Peaslake in the North Downs region of Surrey.  “Founders” refers to the first LDWA meeting which was help in Peaslake.  The event included 1,000 metres of climbing over some testing ground.  Roger finished in 7 hours 18 minutes 41 seconds.

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Buntingford Ten on Sunday 30th December.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BARRY WINS GOLD AT STANDALONE

BARRY WINS GOLD AT STANDALONE

Ron 80 and still racing!

There were 46 Spartans among the 1,130 finishers in Sunday’s Standalone 10K race and several of them were county medal winners.  BARRY OSBORNE won GOLD in the Vet 60 plus category with an outstanding sub 40 time of 39 minutes 56 seconds; JO LAING (40:34), TRACY PEZ (44:37) and JULIE SIMMONS (44:40) won silvers in the women’s team competition; Julie’s personal best improvement of 2 minutes 41 seconds helped her win SILVER in her age category; GRANT RAMSAY was second Vet 40 plus in an incredible new personal best (PB) of 34 minutes 15 seconds.  He was sixth overall.

RON COHEN ran his first race since his 80th birthday.  He beat over a hundred runners with his time of 1 hour 4 minutes 2 seconds and he cycled to and from the event.

CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT ran his first race as a veteran and celebrated with a time of 35 minutes 44 seconds — a personal best (PB) by 90 seconds.  ANDREW PATTERSON improved his PB by 16 seconds to 36:29; DAVID BOWKER ran a new season’s best (SB) of 38:43; Club Chair GRAHAM BLACKBURN ran a new SB of 40:39; STEVE GREEN improved his PB by 1:41 to 42:52; Club Press Officer JIM BROWN achieved his first 75% age related score for many years by improving his season’s best by 2:52 to 43 minutes 17 seconds; MARK GOODWIN improved his PB by 1:16 to 43:56; NIKKI ANDREWS took a 6:38 chunk off for her new PB of 44:34; MADDIE PRITCHARD took 3 minutes 20 seconds off her PB with her time of 45 minutes 51 seconds; HADRIAN COOPER improved his PB by 31 seconds to 46:17; RYAN DUNNING by 5 seconds to 46:23; ANN TRYSSESOONE by 3:25 to 47:01; SELVAN NAICKER by 2:52 to 47:16; SCOTT ROUSE improved his season’s best by 43 seconds to 48:47; PAUL MARSHALL his SB by 2:06 to 50:18; SARAH PIKE her PB by 47 seconds to 50:27; STEVE PIKE his SB by 1:09 to 50:29; KAREN ELLIS her PB by 1:23 to 51:14; Club Treasurer MARK CHEADLE improved his PB by 1:08 to 51:54; HANNAH DAVIDSON her PB by over three minutes to 53:10; SAIVERSHAN NAIDO by over five minutes to 55:45; MELISSA TYLER, 59:02, beat her PB by 58 seconds; KAREN BUCKLEY her PB by 3:41 to 59:03; JANET COX by a massive 12 minutes 24 seconds to 1:07:29; LEE MORRIS by 1:23 to 1:07:35; and HELEN MORRIS by 1:23 to 1:07:36.

Several including CLAIRE SMITH (48:55) and LISA KASPEROWICZ (51:36) were running their first 10K race.

Standalone results for every Spartan:

Pos

 Name

Chip

Comments

6

 Grant RAMSAY

34:15

2nd Vet 40.  PB by 32 seconds

15

 Christopher WESTCOTT

35:44

PB by 1:30.  First race as a V40

21

 Andrew PATTERSON

36:29

PB by 16 seconds

55

 David BOWKER

38:43

SB by 15 seconds

78

 Barry OSBORNE

39:56

1st Vet 60.  PB by 1:03.

139

 Jo LAING (F)

40:34

Vet team silver.

94

 Graham BLACKBURN

40:39

SB by 40 seconds.

101

 Jake AMOS

40:54

130

 Sam HARTE

42:12

143

 Steve GREEN

42:52

PB by 1:41

161

 Jim BROWN

43:17

SB by 2:52.

195

 Mark GOODWIN

43:56

PB by 1:16

217

 Nikki ANDREWS (F)

44:34

PB by 6:38

225

 Tracy PEZ (F)

44:37

Vet team silver.

220

 Tim PINE

44:37

228

 Julie SIMMONS (F)

44:40

Individual and vet team silver.  PB by 2:41

257

 Mikos TAYLOR

45:31

1st 10K.

270

 Maddie PRITCHARD (F)

45:51

PB by 3:20

302

 Hadrian COOPER

46:17

PB by 31 seconds

307

 Ryan DUNNING

46:23

PB by 5 seconds

334

 Ann TRYSSESOONE (F)

47:01

PB by 3:25

340

 Selvan NAICKER

47:16

PB by 2:52

368

 Paul PICKARD

47:57

430

 Paul FORDE

48:15

1st 10K

414

 Scott ROUSE

48:47

SB by 43 seconds.

418

 Claire SMITH (F)

48:55

1st 10K

495

 Paul MARSHALL

50:18

SB by 2:06

465

 Sarah PIKE (F)

50:27

PB by 47 seconds

467

 Steve PIKE

50:29

SB by 1:09

501

 Owen STEWART

50:52

1st 10K

530

 Karen ELLIS (F)

51:14

PB by 1:23

547

 Lisa KASPEROWICZ (F)

51:36

1st 10K

548

 Mark CHEADLE

51:54

PB by 1:08

626

 Hannah DAVIDSON (F)

53:10

PB by over 3 minutes

668

 Chris LEIGH

53:19

731

 Paul HOLGATE

54:36

730

 Sharon CROWLEY (F)

55:26

753

 Saivershan NAIDO

55:45

PB by over 5 minutes

831

 Lorraine THOMAS (F)

58:10

YB by 2 seconds

870

 Melissa TYLER (F)

59:02

PB by 58 seconds

856

 Karen BUCKLEY (F)

59:03

PB by 3:41

950

 Gopalan NAIDOO

1:01:40

1014

 Ron COHEN

1:04:02

80 years old and cycled to the event.

1062

 Janet COX (F)

1:07:29

PB by 12:24

1064

 Lee MORRIS

1:07:35

PB by 1:23

1065

 Helen MORRIS (F)

1:07:36

PB by 1:23

(Many pictures are available in the Gallery here: http://fvspartans.org.uk/gallery/)

 

Royal Parks for Lisa and Lorraine

LISA LIVERSIDGE and LORRAINE WYATT ran in Sunday’s Royal Parks Half Marathon.  Lisa finished in 2:00:38 and Lorraine in a new personal best of 2 hours 3 minutes 50 seconds.

 

First Saturday

Spartan JOHN HARRIS was fifth overall in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K.  His time of 19 minutes 56 seconds was achieved in muddy conditions.

 

Kielder 10K

LINDA GREEN ran 75 minutes 36 seconds in the Kielder 10K on Saturday.  It was part of a weekend of events held at the Northumberland reservoir, which include a run-bike-run and a full marathon.  The events are billed as “Britain’s Most Beautiful” – the organisers (Steve Cram among them) were not overdoing the praise there as it really is a fabulous location. The scenery goes some way to alleviate the discomfort from the undulating course!

Steve Cram wished Linda and her friend “have a good race, ladies” as they passed him on the way to the start line!

 

Biggleswade Open

JOHN TYRELL improved his personal best (PB) in the shot with 7.25 metres and in the discus with 19.71 metres in the Biggleswade open graded meeting at Sandy Sports Centre.  He was competing in the over 75s age group.

 

When Ravens Dare

ROGER BIGGS travelled to Machen, Wales for the “When Ravens Dare” event on Saturday to run his 78th different county in the UK and Ireland.  On a glorious sunny day he toiled over an extremely hilly and wet underfoot course to finish in 8 hours 48 minutes 48 seconds.

 

Flower of Suffolk

CAROL PAUL and MIKE NEWBITT ran Sunday’s Flower of Suffolk 26.5 miles off road event around the Suffolk countryside from Walberswick. Carol and Mike finished in 5 hours 34 minutes 12 seconds.  Dave Paul did the 17.5 mile route in 3:56:03

 

Baggage for VLM.

The London Marathon is not until Sunday 21st April but Fairlands Valley Spartans are already signing up volunteers for help in Pall Mall.  The club have helped make the event a success for many years.

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Great Eastern (Peterborough) Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April 2013.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (0793 968 7509 or 01438 354505), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: SPARTAN TRACK AND FIELD WOMEN TAKE SILVER

SPARTAN TRACK AND FIELD WOMEN TAKE SILVER

After winning the central division of the Eastern Veterans Athletics Club track and field league during the season, Fairlands Valley Spartans women travelled to Milton Keynes to contest the league final against seven other clubs.

The women were looking to improve on their fifth place from last year but, up against strong competition from the likes of Chelmsford AC and Loughton AC, it was going to be tough. However, the Spartans showed their continuing improvement by coming second to take home Silver Medals.

The weather deteriorated during the day and became so bad that the Sprint Hurdles and High Jump competitions had to be cancelled. The Spartan ladies were not deterred and maintained their second position throughout the day.

Monica Brown was a super Spartan, winning six events out of seven. She was awarded Woman of the Match by the organisers for her great performances.

Rosie Canham stepped in for the injured Kerry James who was going to do the women’s 35 and over age group 1500 and 3000 metres.  Rosie covered all distances from 100 metres to 3000 metres plus a 400 metre leg of the relay, great team work.

Tessa Stephenson has been concentrating on the Shot Putt and Discus throws after an injury earlier in the season.  That was beneficial as she won the shot in a new personal best and club record of 8 metres 30.  She also did a personal best to win the discus; both events were for the younger age group for women over 35.

After completing her 2 km walk in a huge personal best time, Jan Fry then turned to helping with officiating the competition and was rewarded with a bump on the head from a discus in a bizarre accident.

In an event she took up to gain vital points that had previously been missed, Stephanie Mayfield battled through the elements to come a good third place in the pole vault.  She also gained points in the 400 metre hurdles, along with Sharon Crowley in the older age group in one of the few events which took place before the wet weather descended.

Carolyn Shortland competing in her first final with the Spartans, gained vital points in both the over fifty five and over thirty five age groups in the Shot and hammer throws.

Chris Feely and Sharon Crowley covered the middle to long distances in the over forty five age group as did Julie Simmons in the over 55 year age group, another Spartan in her first final for the Spartans.

Iris Hornsey followed up her success in the 70 plus year age group in the  European Veteran Championships in Germany by covering the over 55 years Long Jump, 100 metres and relay.

Tessa Stephenson, Iris Hornsey, Stephanie Mayfield and Rosie Canham competed in the over thirty five relay of 400 metres, 200 metres x2 and finishing with another 400 metres.

In the same relay distance but for the over forty fives, Chris Feely, Julie Simmons, Sharon Crowley and Monica Brown ended the meeting coming second in a very exciting race as Monica was able two gain two places to end in second place.

 

Honington 10K

SIMON BELL ran the Honington 10km on Wednesday in 36 minutes 20 seconds, finishing 24th Overall and 3rd Veteran.
Biggleswade Open

David Bowker and Mark Cheadle took part in the 1500 metres at the Biggleswade Open Track Event on Saturday. Some brilliant sunshine made it perfect running conditions, although some strong headwinds down the back straight made it much tougher than expected, but well organised and great fun all the same.

David Bowker put in a fantastic performance, winning his heat among some great competitors.  His season’s best 4 minutes 55 seconds was quicker than his target time.  Mark ran a season’s best 6.18.

 

Serpie 5K

Conditions were mild, dry, overcast and breezy for Friday lunch time’s 5K race in Hyde Park, London.

Spartan JIM BROWN improved to the top half of the field, 96th out of 201 finishers in 21 minutes 44 seconds.  That’s ten seconds quicker than a month earlier on the faster Kensington Gardens course.  He was third in his age category.

 

Mooathon — Sunday, 30th September 2012

Roger travelled to County Donegal in Ireland for a marathon where entrants are encouraged to dress up as cows, and/or in black & white.

After a few days of very mixed weather, suddenly marathon day was greeted with some sunshine and ideal temperatures.  However this was a tough course with steep climbs over the 1st 4 miles, as the course left Kilmacrenan Town, just north of Letterkenny to head north to Downings where the half marathon finished next to a glorious beach. For marathon runners there was a loop round the coast with steep ups and downs from 14 miles through 20 miles, before finally the course was kind as runners found their way back to Downings.

Over such a tough course, Roger was happy to finish in 4:12:31, on Ireland’s most Northerly Marathon.

 

Eastern Combined Events

At the Eastern Athletic Association combined events, STEVE MAYFIELD competed in the senior pentathlon and was by some 20 years the oldest competitor in the field. Blustery conditions made all the events difficult, leading to below par performances by many athletes.  Steve opened with 4.02m in the Long Jump, well down on his best this year.  He followed up with a satisfying 27.51m in the Javelin and 27.8 in the 200m run into a headwind on the bend. His discus of 21.71 was just short of a PB but the final event, the 1500m, was a struggle and run in 5:23.3.  Steve’s overall score was 1584pts (Senior) which converts to an age graded 2156 (V45).  He did well in this regional standard event!

 

Jay Goes West

Andy Jay made the trip west, for the very popular Bristol Half marathon which was over a flat out and back course along the A4 under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Andy finished in a year’s best time of 1 hour 51 minutes.

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

 

  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Great Eastern (Peterborough) Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE AT PM5

GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE FOR SPARTANS AT PM5

There were gold, silver and bronze medals for Fairlands Valley Spartans in the Paul Maguire Memorial Five Mile Road Race which included the county championships for seniors and veterans.

JO LAING was fastest woman and won the county senior and veterans championships with a time of 32 minutes 34 seconds.  She led the GOLD winning women’s team which included ANN TRYSSESOONE, bronze medal in the women’s 45 plus category in 38 minutes 9 seconds — a PB (personal best) by 2 minutes 40 seconds, and NICKY LORIMER with a time of 39 minutes 52 seconds.

JIM BROWN won an individual silver medal in the Vet 60 category with his time of 36 minutes 2 seconds and contributed to a silver medal winning performance by the Spartan veterans with DAVID BOWKER, bronze in the men’s 50 plus category in 31:20); PETER SMITH (34:59) and MARK GOODWIN with a new personal best of 35:43.

David Bowker, TODD GRAY (31:33), ADRIAN DONNELLY (33:00) and Pete Smith also won silver in the senior team category.

Showing strength in depth among the Spartan women KAREN ELLIS (40:57); MARIA THORNE (44:42) and LORRAINE THOMAS (47:29) took team bronze medals for female runners aged 35 plus.

SIMON BELL was the fastest Spartan, seventh overall in 29 minutes 52 seconds, but he is not eligible for Hertfordshire awards.

The race was organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans with LISA JERROM doing a superb job as race director.  The course included the cycleways on Fairlands Way, Grace Way, Martins Way and a loop within Fairlands Valley Park.

Position

 Name

Time

 Comments

7

 SIMON BELL

29.52

 (Not Herts)

19

 DAVID BOWKER

31.20

 V50 County Bronze.  Team Silver. Vets Team Silver.

20

 TODD GRAY

31.33

 Team Silver.

23

 JO LAING (F)

32.34

 1st Woman.  County Gold.  Team Gold.

25

 ADRIAN DONNELLY

33.00

 Team Silver.

37

 PETER SMITH

34.59

 Team Silver. Vets Team Silver.

41

 KIERAN FEETHAM

35.22

  

45

 MARK GOODWIN

35.43

 Vets Team Silver (PB)

48

 JIM BROWN

36.02

 V60 County Silver.  Vets Team Silver.

57

 JON SYPULA

37.21

  

58

 VISHAL SHAH

37.26

  

60

 PAUL FORDE

38.08

  

62

 ANN TRYSSESOONE (F)

38.11

 FV45 Bronze.  Team Gold (PB)

67

 IAN SIMPSON

39.11

  

68

 ANDREW PRIOR

39.43

  

70

 NICKY LORIMER (F)

39.52

 Team Gold

71

 ANTHONY WHITE

40.07

  

72

 STEPHEN PIKE

40.09

  

77

 RACHEL PAYNE (F)

40.54

  

79

 KAREN ELLIS (F)

40.57

 Vets Team Bronze

82

 PAUL MARSHALL

41.17

  

93

 KHILAN SHAH

43.39

  

95

 MARIA THORNE (F)

44.42

 Vets Team Bronze

106

 LORRAINE THOMAS (F)

47.29

 Vets Team Bronze

110

 SARAH HUKIN (F)

49.20

  

112

 KERRY SETTERFIELD (F)

50.48

  

 

Stockholm

BEV HARLOW says the Stockholm Half Marathon was a very well organised and run in a beautiful city.  She finished in 1 hour 56 minutes exactly.

 

Roger and Phil in Shetland Marathon

ROGER BIGGS and PHIL GALE travelled to the Island of Shetland for the UK’s most Northerly Marathon at a little over 60 degrees north.

The race was an out and back from Scallaway, north to the hamlet of Nestling, and back again, while the half marathon finished at the turnaround point in Nestling.  The islands were certainly getting better weather than the south, although the hilly course and cold easterly winds made for a tough day out.

Roger completed the marathon in 4 hours 9 minutes and Phil the half in 1 hour 33.

 

Wet and Windy Swansea

Robert Evans completed a very wet & windy Swansea Bay 10K in 45min 42 secs narrowly missing his PB (personal best) time by 2 seconds.

 

Green Chain Trail Marathon

Recently ROGER BIGGS and CLAIRE WHITTLE ran the Green Chain Trail Marathon from New Eltham in SE London.  The course followed the ‘Green Chain Way”, which links parks & wooded areas in the Capital, including four miles on the South Bank of the Thames.  It was not flat and had 600 metres of climb.  They finished together in 5 hours 20 minutes 34 seconds.

 

Many Spartans helped organised the Stevenage “Race for Life” on Saturday which was won by RHIANNON GRIFFIN in 42 minutes 40 seconds.

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 28th September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Great Eastern (Peterborough) Half Marathon on Sunday 14th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
News Paul Maguire 5 Mile Races

Paul Maguire 5 mile 2012 results

Well done to everyone who ran the 2012 Paul Maguire 5 mile race: the final results, including Herts County Champs, are detailed in the spreadsheet (linked below).

Paul Maguire 5m 2012 results (final)

Please contact pm5@fvspartans.org.uk if you spot any errors or omissions.

A big thank you to everyone involved, who either organised or who helped us out at the event in any small way. Another big thank you to everyone who made donations to our nominated charity, Garden House Hospice, Letchworth, in memory of Paul Maguire. Your generosity and support is much appreciated.

Spartan runners: the winner of the FVS Paul Maguire Trophy will be revealed in due course.

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GREAT NORTH SPARTANS

GREAT NORTH SPARTANS

In his last race representing Fairlands Valley Spartans, ANDREW HULL completed the Great North Run in 1 hour 37 minutes 57 seconds improving his personal best (PB) by 55 seconds.   NIKKI COLLINS was happy to report a great race for her and a brilliant day running in the rain.  She finished in a new PB of 1:55:36.

St. Paul’s 10K

In near perfect conditions STEVE GREEN ran the charity organised hilly, off road St. Paul’s Walden 10K in 46 minutes 43 seconds.  GEORGINA (6) and DANIEL GREEN (4) completed the 2K fun run in 18:45.

Ponton Plod

On Sunday CAROL and DAVE PAUL, and MIKE NEWBITT travelled to Great Ponton nr Grantham for the Ponton Plod.  This was an off road event with scenic views of the Lincolnshire and Leicestershire countryside near the Vale of Bevoir.  Carol and Mike did the 27.5 mile route in 5:44:27. Dave did the 17.1 mile route in 4:01:19 on a very windy day

Memorial Five This Sunday

The Paul Maguire Memorial Five Mile Race is in Stevenage this Sunday 23rd September.  It will include the Hertfordshire County Championships for men and women, senior and veteran but everyone can have a go.  Based at Moss Bury School (Webb Rise) the race starts on the Fairlands Way cycleway, opposite Bedwell Crescent, at 10.30a.m. with a course via Grace Way, Martins Way, Verity Way, Fairlands Way, around the lakes in Fairlands Valley Park to the finish near the school.

For more information and how to enter please go to www.fvspartans.org.uk

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  The race is in Stevenage and is for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within an open race — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 28th September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
5K Series News Races

FVS 5K race 2012 results

A massive thank you to everyone who took part in our 5K race, and especially to all our volunteers who helped us to stage a good, safe and successful race.

The full results are attached here: FVS 5K Results 09.09.2012

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: MEDALS GALORE IN COUNTY 5K

MEDALS GALORE IN COUNTY 5K

There were medals galore for Fairlands Valley Spartans in the County Five Kilometres Championships which the club hosted in Stevenage in the heat on Sunday morning.

RHIANNON GRIFFIN won SILVER in the senior championships in a superb new sub 20 personal best of 19 minutes 59 seconds.  ALISON WOOD took BRONZE in the seniors and GOLD in the women veterans (45 plus) with 20 minutes 12 seconds.

BARRY OSBORNE won GOLD in the male veterans (60 plus) competition in 19 minutes 52 seconds with JIM BROWN taking BRONZE with an amazing improvement to 21 minutes 24 seconds.

DAVE BOWKER was the SILVER medalist in 50 plus category with 18 minutes 50 seconds.

JULIE SIMMONS won GOLD in the women’s (55 plus) category in 22:24 and ANN TRYSSESOONE took BRONZE in the women’s (45 plus) with 23:08.

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the senior women’s team GOLD with RHIANNON GRIFFIN (19:59); ALISON WOOD (20:12); JULIE SIMMONS (22:24) and ANN TRYSSESOONE (23:08) and the veteran only women’s team GOLD with Alison Wood, Julie Simmons and Ann Tryssesoone.  Rhiannon, Alison, Julie and Ann also won the team contest for the whole race.

In the senior team competition the Spartans men’s team consisting of LIAM HERBERT (18:32); DAVID BOWKER (18:50); BARRY OSBORNE (19:52) and MARTIN WOOD (19:56) won SILVER with veterans David Bowker, Barry Osborne, Martin Wood and JIM BROWN (21:24) taking BRONZE in the contest for those 40 and over only.

SIMON BELL was the fastest of the 21 Spartans, eleventh overall in the race with a time of 18 minutes 7 seconds.  (Simon lives outside Hertfordshire).

Spartan times:

Pos Time Name Cat. Comments

11

18.07

 Simon Bell M40  

17

18.32

 Liam Herbert MS Team Silver

22

18.50

 David Bowker M50 County Silver, Team Silver

27

19.52

 Barry Osborne M60 County Gold, Team Silver

28

19.56

 Martin Wood M40 Team Silver

29

19.59

 Rhiannon Griffin FS County Silver, Team Gold

30

20.12

 Alison Wood W45 County Gold, Team Gold

35

21.00

 Adrian Donnelly MS  

37

21.25

 Jim Brown M60 County Bronze, Team Bronze

39

22.10

 Kevin Smyth M50  

41

22.24

 Julie Simonns W55 County Gold, Team Gold

47

23.00

 Tony Argyrou M40  

50

23.08

 Ann Tryssesoone W45 County Bronze, Team Gold

53

23.56

 Andy Prior M40  

54

24.13

 Claire Coker W35  

57

24.26

 Nicola Lorimer W35  

58

24.41

 Robert Shaw M60  

66

27.49

 Melissa Tyler FS  

67

27.55

 Karen Palmer W45  

69

28.59

 Peter Carpenter M60  

71

30.17

 Mark Stephens M50  

(Lots of images from the race are available in our gallery here: http://fvspartans.org.uk/gallery/).

Chiltern Off Road Marathon

On a very warm day and an exceptionally tough course, seven Spartans took part in this year’s Chiltern Off Road Marathon.

In off road marathons competitors are given route instructions that they follow to navigate their way around the course, with a key to abbreviations used at the top of the instructions, and the key at the top of the Chiltern Marathon are the only instructions that identify that up means UP!

CAROL PAUL completed the full marathon course in 6 hours 31 minutes 38 seconds and MIKE NEWBITT in 6:50:40.  Karen Liddle, Tricia Hopper & Sharon Crowley followed in 7:24:24.

DAVE PAUL completed the shorter, 21.3 miles option in a time of 7:04:30

PAUL HOLGATE retired at the last checkpoint having already completed 25.3 miles in 7:02:13 after not following the instructions properly, instead putting in a three detours of his own!

Peter’s Duck ‘n’ Dash

Last Sunday PETER CARPENTER entered the Duck race in the Duck and Dash at Letchworth which consisted of a 400 metres swim & 6km run.  His time was 51:09  – 27th out of 35 overall — but he is competing in the male over 60 age group.

Enter Now!

The club host the Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23rd September which includes the County Championship Five and County Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  Both races are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 28th September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: SIMON AND KAREN WIN 5K

SIMON AND KAREN WIN 5K

Track and Tri Wins by Grant and Natalie

 

August Handicap 5K

There were many excellent times from the forty runners in Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Handicap 5K on Thursday night.  They included seven new personal bests, four season’s bests and eight year best times for 2012.  There were nine people running their first 5K.

SIMON HARRIS was first to finish, recording his third Handicap 5K victory.  He ran a new year best time of 27 minutes 39 seconds (27:39), 41 seconds quicker than previously.  Newcomer Khil Shah was second in 27:49, 3:26 quicker than handicap, and Ian Simpson 3rd just 10 seconds behind, in his first 5K in just 22:59.

KAREN ELLIS finished first female, 2:29 ahead of handicap, in 25;01, with Claire Coker 2nd in a new PB of 23:57, 43 seconds quicker than her previous PB, and Rhiannon Griffin 3rd in a PB time of her own of 21 minutes 2 seconds.

In handicap events the slower runners, on previous form, start first and if everyone runs to handicap everyone finishes together.  However the fastest runner on the night was GRANT RAMSAY, overtaking 34 runners to finish 6th overall in 17 minutes 11 seconds.  Christopher Westcott was second quickest in a new personal best (PB) time of 17:55, and Liam Herbert third fastest with 18:27, just 19 seconds outside his own PB time despite the increased difficulty of the Stevenage 5K course.

LISA BURGESS was the fastest female in a new PB of 20:29, with Rhiannon 2nd quickest (21:02) and Tracy Pez 3rd fastest in 22:51.

Other PBs included Sai Naidoo, +2:13 to 27:25, Peter Carpenter +1:12 to 29:28, Vishal Shah +0:32 to 22:54 and Maddie Pritchard + 0:11 to 23:08, while the Season’s Best times were by Steve Gough (+1:26), Mark Goodwin (+0:29), Dawn Easby (+0:28) and Mark Cheadle (+0:03), and the year best times included Nick Witcombe (+6:38), Adrian Donnelly (+2:42) and Selvan Naicker (+0:12).

A big thank you to Chris Leigh, Mark Beasley, Christine Sharman and Mike & Sharon Crowley gave excellent support and assistance on the night.

There is a perfect opportunity to compete again on the Handicap 5k course in the Stevenage 5k on Sunday 9th September and the first Autumn Handicap 5k of 2012 will be on the 25th October.

Full 5K Results:

Pos

Name

Time

Time Position

Female Position

Comments

1

 SIMON HARRIS

27:39

32

Event winner.  Year’s best by 41 seconds.

2

 KHIL SHAH

27:49

33

1st 5K

3

 IAN SIMPSON

22:59

17

1st 5K

4

 ADRIAN DONNELLY

19:53

6

YB

5

 SAI NAIDOO

27:25

31

PB (2:13)

6

 GRANT RAMSAY

17:11

1

7

 DAVID BOWKER

18:42

4

YB

8

 OLLY TEW

22:44

12

1st 5K

9

 TODD GRAY

18:47

5

10

 VISHAL SHAH

22:54

14

PB (0:32)

11

 CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT

17:55

2

PB (0:23)

12

 KAREN ELLIS

25:01

27

9

First woman.

13

 STEVE GOUGH

28:10

35

SB

14

 MARK CHEADLE

24:38

24

SB

15

 CLAIRE COKER

23:57

22

7

PB (0:43)

16

 RUSS ANDREWS

27:58

34

1st 5K

17

 RHIANNON GRIFFIN

21:02

9

2

1st 5K

18

 MARK GOODWIN

21:31

10

SB

19

 ANDY JAY

23:24

20

20

 DEREK WOOD

22:55

15

1st 5K

21

 LIAM HERBERT

18:27

3

22

 NICK WITCOMBE

26:00

29

YB

23

 DAWN EASBY

23:37

21

6

SB

24

 SELVAN NAICKER

24:08

23

YB

25

 MADDIE PRITCHARD

23:08

19

5

PB (0:11)

26

 LISA BURGESS

20:29

7

1

PB (0:14)

27

 PETER CARPENTER

29:28

37

PB (1:12)

28

 ROGER BIGGS

22:58

16

29

 JULIE SIMMONS

23:03

18

4

1st 5K

30

 MARIA THORNE

26:39

30

10

31

 NICOLA LORIMER

24:48

25

8

YB

32

 GRAHAM HILL

29:29

38

1st 5K

33

 RYAN DUNNING

22:33

11

34

 BARRY OSBORNE

20:40

8

1st 5K

35

 ANDREA WESTCOTT

28:26

36

11

YB

36

 PAUL HOLGATE

25:40

28

37

 TRACY PEZ

22:51

13

3

38

 ROBERT SHAW

25:01

26

39

 CHAS AVIS

36:05

40

YB

40

 SARAH SAPSTEAD

31:01

39

12

PB = personal best; SB = season’s best; YB = year best.

 

Grant Wins In Southern League

GRANT RAMSAY won Sunday’s Southern League 5,000 metres track race in 16 minutes 25 seconds, his fastest time for over three years.  He was also fourth in the 2,000 metres steeple chase in 7 minutes 28 seconds.

 

PB Ann At Bedford 10K

Ann Tryssesoone reduced her personal best by over a minute when she ran Sunday’s Bedford 10K in 50 minutes 26 seconds.  It was a well organised race making use of the local cycle paths and taking in the local scenery and river.

 

Peter’s First Tri

PETER CARPENTER has completed his first triathlon and was second in his age group (65-69) at the Thames Turbo Triathlon 4.

He took 10 minutes 31 seconds for the 426 metres swim; 47 minutes 45 seconds for the 21.5 kilometres cycle and took 30 minutes 50 seconds for the 5K run.  With transitions his total time was 1 hour 33 minutes 1 second.

There were 500 entries.  Overall Peter was 347th out of the 418 who finished.

 

Barnard’s First Ever Podium At Ironman Debut

NATALIE BARNARD was third in the Galway 70.3 Triathlon.  Her first podium placing at the ironman distance.  She was the youngest pro by 5-9yrs!

It was her fastest swim by 5 minutes; had a strong but hard bike and ran 13.25miles in 1 hour 35 minutes exactly.

 

Kent Coastal Marathon.

On a hilly first half and a flat second half ROGER BIGGS and CAROL PAUL ran the Kent Coastal Marathon with its hilly first half and a flat second half. Roger completed the course in 3 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds and Carol in 4:43:24.  DAVE PAUL did the supporting half marathon in 2:25:20

 

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race THIS Sunday 9th September.  See www.fvspartans.org.uk

Then there is the Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23rd September which includes the County Championship Five and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All three races are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 28th September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GRANT FOR GB IN EUROPE

GRANT FOR GB IN EUROPE

Europe Medals for Iris * Enter Now For The County 5K

Fairlands Valley Spartans GRANT RAMSAY was the first runner home for Team GB in the European Veterans Marathon Championships which were held in Hradek, Czech Republic at the weekend.  He was fifth in the male veteran (40 plus) age group with an overall position of 21st out of the 500 runners with a time of 2 hours 51 minutes 40 seconds.

Euro Medals On The Track

Meanwhile IRIS HORNSEY was in Zittau in Germany for the weekend where she took part in the European Veterans Athletic Championships.

She ran in four events in the Women’s 70+ age group:

In the 1500 metres Iris came seventh in a time of 7 minutes 22.05 seconds.  She was a bit disappointed and realised she went off too fast.  The temperature was a sticky 35 degrees though and everyone’s time was down!

The 400 metres was a better race for Iris on a cooler day.  She came fifth in a time of 1:30.68.

Then in the 800 metres Iris came third in a time of 3:30.37 and won a BRONZE medal!  She was absolutely thrilled!

Then the next day there were the relays.  In the 4×100 metres W70 Team, she ran the second leg in the Great Britain Team which finished second in a time of 1:17.45 and won a SILVER medal!  (They were beaten by the Germans who had a really good team of sprinters but they were very pleased with themselves)

BBC 10K

The Regent’s Park run was a pleasant early evening 10K for three Spartans after their days work in London.  It was organised by the BBC Running Club on a fast three lap course round Regents Park with a cooling temperature and a light wind making for near perfect running conditions.  STEVE MAYFIELD completed his sixth race in 10 days, finishing 24th in a new personal best (PB) of 42 minutes 43 seconds.  STEPH MAYFIELD came in 74th in 52:55 just ahead of PAUL HOLGATE in 54:40.

Mayfield On Track

With the track and field season recommencing after the Olympics, STEVE MAYFIELD made up for lost time by getting to three open graded meetings in just over a week.  Starting at Blackheath and Bromley, he was third in heat two of the 1500 metres in 5 minutes 10.5 seconds.

Two days later Steve was at Lea Valley for their sprints evening.  These are held monthly through the summer and often attract the odd international, on this occasion Montell Douglas (current GB women’s 100 metres record holder) was the star athlete.  Steve set a new personal best (PB) of 13.40 in heat two of the 100 metres then ran 27.08 to take fourth place in heat 3 of the 200m,

After squeezing in a 5 mile road race in Tewksbury, Steve was back on the track this week at Woodford Green.  In the midst of a short sharp rain shower he ran a season’s best of 2 minutes 26.36 in the 800 metres, before dashing off to do the long jump.

Serpentine

Although he says he struggled throughout battling a stitch, and the race followed a tough week of duathlon training in preparation for representing GB in the World Duathlon Championships in four weeks time, SIMON JACKSON, completed the Friday lunch-time Serpentine 5K in 17 minutes 9 seconds.  He was ninth out of the 151 finishers.

Spartans Club Chair BEV HARLOW ran a new personal best of 24 minutes 43 seconds, beating a PB set ten years ago, so she is quite pleased and will certainly do this race again.  Bev was 121st.

JIM BROWN ran an age related season’s best time of 21 minutes 51 seconds.  He was 77th.

The race was on the temporary Kensington Gardens course.  Once the Olympics and Paralympics are over the Serpentine 5Ks will revert to the usual course in Hyde Park and the usual date, the last Friday of the Month.

Liam’s Diamond PB

LIAM HERBERT used his Bank Holiday Monday to race on the track for the first time this year, by running 1500 metres in the Peterborough Diamond Games.  Running in the first of three open graded races, Liam maintained a consistent pace with his final lap being his fastest, and accelerated to a new personal best (PB) time of 4 minutes 49.8, taking an impressive 32.1 seconds off his previous best.

Newmarket Duathlon

Last Sunday, DANNY HUKIN competed in his first Duathlon race at Newmarket consisting of a 3 mile run; 14mile bike and 3mile run.  With a midday start in 30 degree heat as well pre race nerves to contend with, it was a tough duathlon debut.  Danny finished in 21st place and 9th in his age category in a strong field.

Thames Meander Trail Marathon trail Marathon

The Thames Meander Trail Marathon on Saturday was an event from Kingston-Upon-Thames, with a 1 mile road start and 2.5 miles in Richmond Park, before turning East along the south towpath to reach halfway at Putney Bridge, then returning back along the same route.  Apart from hilly sections with in the park, the course was basically flat, although roughish trail at times.

After a reasonable first half, Roger struggled in the later stages to finish in 4 hours 28 minutes 27 seconds and 102nd out of 181 finishers.

Pathfinder Event

Twelve Spartans travelled to Conington near Huntingdon on Monday for the Pathfinder event that visits the several World War Two RAF Airfields in the area.  The race was on a a combination of minor road, trails, paths & fields, that took part in lovely running conditions, over a pretty flat course.

Spartan times in the 42 kilometre event were MIKE NEWBITT (4:57:30); CAROL PAUL (5:08:30); ROGER BIGGS (5:21:57); SHARON CROWLEY, TRICIA HOPPER, KAREN LIDDLE and DAVID BOWKER (all 5:44:59) and DAVE CARTER (8:00:00).

DAVE PAUL and MIKE CROWLEY finished the 32 kilometres event in 4 hours 44 minutes 30 seconds and 5:18:20 respectively.

ROBERT and PAULINE HARDY both completed the 14 kilometres option in 4:03:55.

Smugglers Trod Off Road Marathon — Saturday, 25th August 2012

MIKE NEWBITT took part in the Smugglers Trod Off Road Marathon from Robin Hoods Bay, Yorkshire on Saturday.  He took exactly six hours.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23rd September which includes the County Championship Five and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Soon

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

  • Spartans Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 30th August.
  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 28th September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: FAST AT FERRY MEADOWS

FAST AT FERRY MEADOWS

Plus It’s Never Too Late

Fast at Ferry Meadows

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ RICHARD BATE and LIAM HERBERT ran superb 5K times on Wednesday evening.  The Barney Memorial 5K provided the perfect scenic background for some fast times.  Based at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, and taking in a relatively flat circuit of a lake and the surrounding countryside, conditions were overcast but otherwise cool and great for racing.

In a strong field, due to this race also being a Cambridgeshire County Champs race, RICHARD BATE finished 11th out of 223 finishers in a new season’s best (SB) time of 16 minutes 53 seconds. LIAM HERBERT ran a new personal best (PB) time of 18 minutes 20 seconds, finishing in 34th place.

It’s Never Too Late

76 year old JOHN TYRRELL joined Fairlands Valley Spartans at the beginning of the track and field season in April.  He become a member of the club’s Eastern Vets team and progressed steadily over the season.

On Thursday 16th August, John ventured up to Sandy, Bedfordshire to enter the Biggleswade Throws Fest along with throwers from all over Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

He had good competition in the Discus throwing a personal best of 19.30 metres and the Shot in 6.76  metres.  Both throws were a metre improvement on his previous best.

He will be 77 in October.  John has proved it’s never too late to take up athletics.

Aquaman Aquathlon

DARREN WILBY and NIKKI ANDREWS did the Aquaman aquathlon in Banbury in scorching sunshine (nice for the swim, not for the run!).  It was a 1500 metres pool swim followed by a 10km run, 5km of which was off road and very hilly.  Nikki just about beat Darren on the swim but in the end they finished not too far apart considering the staggered start.   Darren’s total was 1 hour 23 minutes 42 seconds for 15th place in a strong field.  Nikki’s total was 1 hour 24 minutes 25 seconds for 16th.  Detailed times below:

Darren Wilby M Senior 00:30:48
swim		 00:52:54
run		 01:23:42
total

Nikki Andrews F Senior 00:30:23
swim		 00:54:02
run		 01:24:25
total

The run times include transition.

Northumberland Trail

ROGER BIGGS took a train ride north to the coastal village of Alnmouth for the Northumberland Coast Trail Marathon.  This hugged the coast to the north and back again.  With a warm start, but raining by the end, he finished in 5 hours 5 minutes 56 seconds.

Wilting On Wight

STEVE BLOCK ran/walked the Isle of Wight Half Marathon on Sunday.  On a hilly course and very hot day he was glad just to finish!  His time was 2 hours 27 minutes 23 seconds.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23rd September which includes the County Championship Five and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note unusual date).
  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: CROWLEYS DIP IN DOVEDALE

 

CROWLEYS DIP IN DOVEDALE

Gold Connection * Here Come The Fives

Dovedale Dipper

Spartans MIKE and SHARON CROWLEY took on the Dovedale Dipper based at Hartington in Derbyshire.  Sharon completed the marathon run in a time of 7 hours 21 minutes, finishing in 120th place.  Mike completed the 15 mile walk in 4 hours 53 minutes, the 10th finisher.  The weather was generally OK, Mike getting just a few spots of rain and missing the showers, but Sharon getting drenched at one point!  Mike’s brother, Gregory, won the marathon race in 3 hours 45 minutes!

Gold Connection

Spartans PETE and KAREN SMITH are celebrating.  Their niece, Katherine Copeland and her partner Sophie Hosking won the Olympic Gold Medal for Women’s Lightweight Double Sculls on Saturday 4th August.  They are extremely proud of her.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Championship Five Miles on 23rd September and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Please see the separate release about the Paul Maguire Five.

Coming Events

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

  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

 

Categories
News

Membership Information Survey – Prize draw winner

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the first membership information survey this month. The response was better than anticipated which means more useful feedback and opinions were generated.  Your views really do matter, and both the club and Liam (who is now in the final stages of his University dissertation project) are very appreciative for all your efforts.

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the prize draw for the £20 Amazon gift voucher, selected at random from everyone who completed the survey, is Vivienne Honey.

Congratulations … your prize is on its way to you Vivienne!

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: TEN GOLDS, FOUR SILVERS, TWO BRONZES

TEN GOLDS, FOUR SILVERS, TWO BRONZES

Roger’s Night Fever * Hot In Bedford

Fairlands Valley Spartans won ten GOLD medals, four SILVER medals and two BRONZE medals in regional championships on Sunday.  Five women and two men travelled up to Sandy in Bedfordshire to compete in the Eastern Veterans Athletic Club (EVAC) track and field championships.

EVAC is the area club most veterans in the East of England belong to, which allows them to compete for their clubs in the league matches.

The Spartan group of Monica Brown, Dave Bowker, Sharon Crowley, Iris Hornsey, Steph Mayfield, Steve Mayfield and Tessa Stephenson battled against the inclement weather and came home with ten golds, four silvers, two bronze medals and three club records between them.

Monica Brown who used the championships as a warm up to next week’s British Masters Heptathlon Championships at Oxford by winning 100m, 200m, High Jump and Long Jump in a season’s best length in her age group.

Steve Mayfield had to fight the elements to win the male 45 age group Javelin with a new personal best and club record along with Dave Bowker who improved his own club record in the 2000 metre walk.

Full results

Monica Brown 1st W45 (GOLD women 45 plus) 100 metres 14.1 seconds; 1st W45 200 metres 29.6 seconds; 1st W45 Long Jump 4 metres 55; and 1st W45 High Jump 1 metre 35

Iris Hornsey 1st W70 (GOLD women 70 plus) 400 metres; and 1st W70 800 metres

Sharon Crowley 1st W50 (GOLD women 50 plus) 2k Walk 14 minutes 18 seconds; and 3rd W50 1500 metres

Stephanie Mayfield 1st W35 (GOLD women 35 plus) Hammer 16 metres 51; 2nd W35 100 metre Hurdles 24.1 seconds; and 3rd W35 Pole Vault 1 metre 70

Tessa Stephenson 2nd W50 (SILVER women 50 plus) Discus 14 metres 35; and 2nd W50 Shot Putt and club record (for 3kg weight) 7 metres 53

Dave Bowker 1st M50 (GOLD men 50 plus) 2000 metre Walk and club record 11 minutes 17.5 seconds

Steve Mayfield 1st M45 (GOLD men 45 plus) Javelin and club record 28.11 metres; 2nd M45 Long Jump 4 metres 42 centimetres; and 3rd M45 100 metres 13.7 seconds

Bedford

On the hottest day of the year so far, evening temperatures were perfect for running at the Doug Anderson 5k in Bedford on Wednesday, with 5 Spartans competing:

LIAM HERBERT was 38th of the 351 finishers equalling his personal best (PB) time of 18 minutes 29 seconds; KEVIN SMYTH was 108th in a season’s best (SB) 21 minutes 1 second; ANDREW HULL 119th in a SB 21:26; PAUL HOLGATE 214th in 25:13 and IRIS HORNSEY was first Vet 70 plus in 28 minutes 24 seconds.

Madeyarun Marathon x2

On Saturday 28th July in brilliant sunshine CAROL PAUL and Mike Newbitt took part in day one of the Madeyarun around the reservoir trail marathon.  This was a trail  marathon consisting of seven laps around Brackmills reservoir in Northampton.  Finishing with superb sun tans Carol completed the course in 4 hours 42 minutes and Mike completed it in 5 hours and 3 minutes.  Not content with doing one marathon over the weekend they toed the line again on Sunday morning to run it again but this time it started in sunshine then there were showers and then heavy rain and strong winds with thunder and lightning.  Mike completed the course in 4 hours 56 minutes and Carol finished in exactly 5 hours.

Enigma Night Fever Marathon

With forthcoming marshal duties at the Olympics, ROGER BIGGS took the opportunity to fit in a midweek marathon on Wednesday.  On a lovely warm evening the runners in the Enigma Night Fever Marathon had to complete 17 laps of Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes.  Roger completed the marathon in 4:14:30.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Championship Five Miles on 23rd September and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

With the numerous sporting events taking place during the next couple of months now is a good time to remind you about entering two Fairlands Valley Spartan races.

Both of these events also incorporate the Hertfordshire Country Champs — Vets and Seniors — so don’t miss out.

Fairlands Valley Spartans 5K – 10:30am, Sunday 9 September 2012

(This year we are only holding one 5K race — DON’T MISS OUT!)

Run on the usual Spartans course but in complete daylight, you will be able to see every inch of this undulating but fast course.  Entries will be capped at 300 runners and it incorporates the Vets and Senior Herts County Champs — so it is bound to fill up fast.

Enter online at:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=71675&ms=

Further event details, plus postal entry forms, are available from the Spartans website here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/ai1ec_event/5k-race-incorporating-the-herts-county-championships/?instance_id=

‘Like’ this event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FV5kSeries

The Paul Maguire Memorial 5 Mile – 10:30am, Sunday 23 September 2012

Re-launched this year on a new fast undulating course that takes in some of the lakes and our famous cycle-ways.  This event is to remember Paul Maguire, a much admired Spartan, who passed away in 2008 after a long battle with cancer.  Profits from the race will be donated to the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth.

Entries will be capped at 300 runners and it incorporates the Vets and Senior Herts County Champs — so, again, it is bound to fill up fast.

Enter online at:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=71094&ms=

Further event details, plus postal entry forms, are available from the Spartans website here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/ai1ec_event/paul-maguire-5-mile-race-incorporating-the-herts-county-championships/?instance_id=

Please support your local running events.

 

Coming Events

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

  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

 

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: IRIS IS A TREBLE CHAMPION

IRIS IS A TREBLE CHAMPION

326 Relay in the Park plus 487 in Fairlands Off Road Challenge

326 runners plus spectators and dozens of helpers enjoyed a great sunny evening in Fairlands Valley Park on Thursday for Fairlands Valley Spartans’ annual relays which included the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire road relay championships.  Each runner ran three kilometres.

The 218 men and 108 women were organised into 35 women’s and 45 men’s or mixed teams.

The men’s race, five stages totalling 15 kilometres, was won by St. Albans Striders in 47 minutes 17 seconds and the women’s race, three stages totalling nine kilometres, was won by Garden City Runners in 33 minutes 59 seconds.  The fastest woman was Louise Peters of Stopsley Striders in 10 minutes 37 seconds, the fastest man Edward Shepherd of Herts Phoenix in 8 minutes 53 seconds.

Fairlands Valley Spartans had four men’s teams and two women’s teams.  Two others ran as individuals.  Two Spartans beat ten minutes for the undulating three kilometres — GRANT RAMSAY, 20th in 9 minutes 45 seconds, and SIMON JACKSON, 27th in 9:52.

ALISON WOOD beat twelve minutes to finish in 11:27 with RHIANNON GRIFFIN second fastest Spartan woman in 12:19.

LIAM HERBERT improved by 32 seconds to 10:21 (49th); VISHAL SHAH by 29 seconds to 13:30 (242nd); MARK CHEADLE by 38 seconds to 14:12 (262nd).  Many other Spartans were running in the relays for the first time.

Pos Name   Team Time Comments
20 Grant Ramsay M FVS ‘A’ 9:45  
27 Simon Jackson M FVS ‘A’ 9:52  
35 Andrew Patterson M FVS ‘A’ 10:05  
38 Shaw Pye M FVS ‘A’ 10:08  
49 Liam Herbert M FVS ‘B’ 10:21 32 seconds improvement on 2011
51 Rob Willis M FVS ‘B’ 10:23  
62 Chris Westcott M FVS ‘A’ 10:29  
72 Brian Brackstone M FVS ‘B’ 10:37  
96 Todd Gray M FVS ‘B’ 10:58  
97 David Bowker M FVS ‘B’ 10:59  
127 Alison Wood F FVS women’s ‘A’ 11:27 11th woman
134 Martin Wood M FVS ‘C’ 11:35  
144 Steve Mayfield M FVS ‘C’ 11:45  
148 Tony Bradford M FVS ‘C’ 11:46  
152 Adrian Donnelly M FVS Individual 11:53  
186 Rhiannon Griffin F FVS women’s ‘A’ 12:19  
214 Ryan Dunning M FVS ‘C’ 12:57  
236 Julie Simmons F FVS individual 13:23  
242 Vishal Shah M FVS ‘C’ 13:30 29 seconds improvement on 2011
244 Jim Brown M FVS ‘D’ 13:32  
256 Ian Runner M FVS ‘D’ 13:59  
258 Claire Coker F FVS women’s ‘B’ 14:05  
262 Mark Cheadle M FVS ‘D’ 14:12 38 seconds improvement on 2011
263 Trudie Molloy F FVS women’s ‘A’ 14:13  
268 Karen Ellis F FVS women’s ‘B’ 14:19  
288 Paul Holgate M FVS ‘D’ 15:16  
292 Katie Bradford F FVS women’s ‘B’ 15:35  
324 Matthew Holgate M FVS ‘D’ 22:04  

Fairlands Valley Challenge

487 runners and walkers took part in Fairlands Valley Spartans’ hugely successful Fairlands Valley Challenge off road event.  They included 35 Spartans, seven in the 50 kilometres “Ultra;” ten in the 26.4 miles marathon; five in the 18 miles event; twelve in the 12 miles event and one in the 10 miles.

In the “Ultra” they were MATT GILL (6 hours 17 minutes); CHRIS LEIGH (6:27); JAMIE KELLETT (6:46); TRICIA HOPPER (7:48); KAREN LIDDLE (6:48); JENNIFER ROBERTSON (7:49); and SHARON CROWLEY (7:49).

Over 26.4 miles there were CAROL PAUL (5 hours 16 minutes); MIKE NEWBITT (5:16); ROGER BIGGS (5:17); ROB SHAW (5:22); CLAIRE WHITTLE (5:44); ROB HARDY (5:58); PAUL HOLGATE (6:05); DAVID PAUL (6:19); MICHAELA SANDERS (8:20) and BIG DAVE CARTER (9:03).

The five in the 18 miles event were STEVE GREEN (2 hours 49 minutes); SAM HARTE and RHIANNON GRIFFIN (both 3:14); LISA LIVERSIDGE (3:54) and LORRAINE WYATT (3:55).

Then the dozen in the twelve were YVONNE JONES (2 hours 7 minutes); TRACY BULLOT, VISHAL SHAH and LEE POTTER (all in 2:17); JEANETTE COLLINS (2:25); TRACY STILES and LISA JERROM (both 2:52); DARRYL STEVENS (2:56); PAULINE HARDY (3:18); KATRINA DOYLE, LISA POTTER and KERRY SETTERFIELD (all in 3:51).

SIMON HARRIS completed ten miles in 3 hours 10 minutes.

Iris Is A Treble Champion

Spartan IRIS HORNSEY competed in the BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation) Track and Field Championships at Derby and came home with THREE GOLD medals.  She’s a three times national champion!

On Saturday Iris ran in the 1500 metres in the morning and finished first in the W70+ age group (women aged 70 plus) in a time of 7 minutes 19.27 seconds.  Then in the afternoon she competed in the 400 metres and finished first again in her age group in a time of 91.18 seconds.

The next day Iris ran in the 800 metres race and was first W70 again in a time of 3 minutes 30.05 seconds.

Roger’s Romantik Marathon

ROGER BIGGS was in Fuessen, Bavaria, Germany on the edge of the Alps for the Konigsschlosser Romantik Marathon.  A stunning course 50% alongside water, 50% tarmac, 50% track / trail.  Rain at the start yet still scenic, with the famous King’s Castle always in view.  With some chest problems Roger was delighted to run all the 42.195 kilometres in 4 hours 18 minutes 3 seconds.

Friday 5K

Friday lunchtime’s 5K race was not on the Last Friday of The Month and was not round the Serpentine due to preparations for the Olympics.

Dry, mild, overcast with a moderate breeze for the popular event.

If anything the temporary course in Kensington Gardens was faster than the usual one. Practically dead flat and really wide for the first few hundred metres until the first turn.

JIM BROWN was third in his age category with a time of 23 minutes 9 seconds.

If you want to have a go at this course it will be used again at 12.30p.m. on Friday 24th August.

Trent Park Aquathlon Saturday

NIKKI ANDREWS swam / ran the Trent Park Aquathlon on Saturday. It was the first time the organisers had invited other clubs to join in and it was a really fun race: 400 metres pool swim then a 4.7km (ish) cross country (but flat) run. It was very muddy! Nikki finished the swim in 7 minutes 52 seconds then the run (including transition which took ages as competitors had to walk through the pool area!) was 23 minutes 2 seconds, giving a total of 30 minutes 54 seconds. That gave her 12th position overall and 4th lady.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Championship Five Miles on 23rd September and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.  All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans.  The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go.  Enter now.  There are details on 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:

  • Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
  • County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Categories
Fairlands Valley Challenge News Races

FVC 2012 Results

FAIRLANDS VALLEY CHALLENGE 2012 was a HUGE success, and that’s all down to YOU … by supporting our event this year, and for the past 17 years! Our race directors would like to take the opportunity to say a very big thank you to all the runners, walkers, spectators, stalls and service providers, volunteers and race officials who came down to spend a very nice Sunday in July with us (we were blessed to have great weather!).

ALMOST FINALISED results from our 2012 event are here:

FVC2012 v3

(Updated 18th July – there are still a few names missing – please contact us if you see your number but not your name!)

Please check through and let us know if you spot any amendments that we need to make. We are relying on our runners, and especially our walkers, to let us know their START TIMES if they started earlier or later than the advertised times below. This will allow us to correct the positions and finish times of all entrants to ensure that our results are as accurate, full and fair as possible.

If you notice anything about your time which is not quite correct, or can provide your own recorded finish time, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Please contact Mr Paul Holgate by email at paul.holgate@bt.com to let him know.

With your help, we hope to finalise our results by the middle of this week. Thank you very much for your assistance, in advance (and thank you to Paul for his help in compiling these results!)

START TIMES:

08:00 – 08:15 – Walk 50K Ultra

08:45 – Trail Run 50K Ultra *Massed Start

08:00 – 09:00 -Walk 26.2 Miles

09:30 – Trail Run 26.2 Miles Marathon *Massed Start

09:00 – 10:00 -Walk 18.7 Miles

10:00 – Trail Run 18.7 Miles *Massed Start

10:00 – 11:00 -Walk 12.3 Miles

10:30 – Trail Run 12.3 Miles *Massed Start

 

We hope you enjoyed our event and would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, stories and see your photos from the day.

Email us at fvc@fvspartans.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @FVChallenge

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FVSChallenge

 

Fairlands Valley Challenge is an off-road challenge event using footpaths, tracks, bridleways and some minor roads. Navigated by written route descriptions through some beautiful Hertfordshire Countryside. Usually blessed with lovely sunny weather and famous for its bread pudding at the check points and free BBQ after! See you in 2013!!!

Categories
News

Take part in the FVS Membership Information Survey!

The first club Membership Information Survey is now available to fill out online here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/members-2/membership-survey/

Essentially it is a 25 question long survey which centres on you and your relationship with the club: what training sessions you do, how you find out information about the club and its activities, and how you rate the information sources such as the website, forum, emails and more.

The data gathered will help one of our members, Liam Herbert, with his studies into information needs and behaviour within sport as part of his masters degree for City University London. The survey has also been designed to provide feedback to help the club improve the services they provide to members. The process is anonymous and all feedback given will be treated so that no member can be easily identified if it is used.

As an added incentive for you, one person who completes the survey will be chosen at random to win a £20 Amazon gift voucher! All you need to do is to fill out the online survey, and give your name and email address at the end when prompted to do so.

If you have any questions on this project, please contact Liam by email liam.herbert1@city.ac.uk or by mobile 07871396873

Categories
Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 4 – St. Albans 7 Miles – Thursday 29th June 2012

Categories
News

FVS taking part in Stevenage Library Sports Information Day!

Categories
Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 2 – WGC 7 MILES – THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2012

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: IT’S HOT AGAIN!

IT’S HOT AGAIN!  Edinburgh, Whipsnade, Hyde Park

For the third year running it was hot, hot, hot for the Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon.

In the half marathon with fantastic support from Katrina Doyle, Debbie Blackburn and Jayne Pinner GRAHAM BLACKBURN finished just before the sun burst through with a great time of 1 hour 29 minutes 33 seconds.

Also in the Half Marathon ANDY JAY finished in 1 hour 54 minutes 41 seconds and PHIL RUSHTON in 2:01:30.  NICK WITCOMBE ran a new personal best for the second week running with his time of 2 hours 6 minutes 12 seconds.  TRACY STILES ran her fastest half this year with 2:08:06.  KAREN SMITH ran her first half marathon in 2 hours 12 minutes 4 seconds

MARIA RUSHTON took 2:16:30.  JACKIE MORRISON and LES BUTLER both ran their best half marathons this year with the same time – 2:26:30; and KERRY SETTERFIELD completed the race in 2:30:30.

The Marathon runners started just as the faster half marathon runners were finishers and had 26.2 miles of hot roads to contend with though they were near the banks of the Forth for much of the race and almost on the beach at Portobello.

JO LAING ran an excellent London Marathon qualifying time and new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 5 minutes 20 seconds.  She was 195th out of thousands of runners; PETE SMITH’s new PB of 3 hours 14 minutes 9 seconds gives him a “Good For Age” entry for London; TODD GRAY finished in 3 hours 34 minutes 52 seconds; ROGER BIGGS in a year’s best time of 3 hours 51 minutes 17 seconds; CLIVE CANNON finished in 4:09:30; SARAH O’BRYAN in 4:27:30; and KAREN LIDDLE in a new PB of 4:33:30.

Wilting At Whipsnade

Sunday’s Whipsnade 10K was VERY warm but over an enjoyable three lap course past the zebras, flamingos and rhinos inside Whipsnade Zoo. There were Spartan starters although CHRIS WESTCOTT collapsed from exhaustion less than 1k from the finish not too long after lapping wife Andrea, who not surprisingly then retired from the race to ensure Chris was okay, so just the 11 finish times.

ANDY NEATHAM was first to finish with an impressive eighth position overall out of 562 finishers in 37 minutes 59 seconds.  MADDIE PRITCHARD was the next Spartan finisher completing her first ever 10K in 49:11.  She was 19th woman out of the 270 female finishers.  Those were both very good times in such warm conditions.

Spartan times: Andy Neatham, 8th in 37:59; Maddie Pritchard 108th in 49:11 (PB); Dan Sims 113th in 49:31; Paul Holgate 203rd in 54:39; Stephen Block 260th in 57:09; Sarah Hukin 321st in 60:14; Danny Hukin 322nd in 60:15; Lisa Jerrom 417th in 65:46; Gemma Nash 472nd in 68:34; Jan Fry 485th in 69:45; Anne-Marie Neatham 507th in 72:32.

Excellent preparation for Thursday’s 10K league race!

Sweltering Serpentine

The Serpentine was looking very tempting during the Last Friday of the Month 5K race which started at 12.30p.m.  It was hot in Hyde Park with conditions described by the organizers as sunny, hot, windy with lots of pollen.  Spartan JIM BROWN finished with salt stinging his eyes in a fairly controlled time of 23 minutes 14 seconds.  He was 115th out of the 194 finishers and eighth in his category.

Blistering BUPA

RUTH MURTAGH completed the BUPA London 10K in 59 minutes 38 minutes.  She was it was too blooming hot and had to walk for 1.3 miles.  Ruth hopes to do much better in the Mid Week League race on Thursday evening.

Go For It At Welwyn Garden City

After a fantastic turnout and good result in the first Mid Week Road Race League event of the season Fairlands Valley Spartans are going all out for more than one hundred runners at the next fixture which is a 10K race in Welwyn Garden City this Thursday evening, 31st May.  Everyone can contribute to the club’s success provided they have joined and wear the stripy vest.

Coming Events

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

  • Mid Week Road Race League 10K fixture in Welwyn Garden City at 7.45p.m. on Thursday 31st May.
  • EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13th June.
  • Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20th June.
  • Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24th June.
  • Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28th June.
  • Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11th July.
  • EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11th July.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15th July.
  • Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19th July.
  • County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
  • County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

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 over 400 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 drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) 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 9.30a.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 done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining.  Membership is only £27 per year.  Concessions are available.  Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk  Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 1 – Stevenage 10k – Tuesday 15th May 2012