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PB’s GALORE AT CAMBRIDGE!

Spartan LINDA GEORGE was very pleased to beat the two hour barrier when she finished the Cambridge Half Marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 34 seconds. 

CRAIG BACON finished in 1:39:11.  He said it was a bright crisp morning for the Cambridge Half Marathon.  It was a picturesque and very flat course through the colleges, city centre and out to the villages of Grantchester and Trumpington before heading back into the city for the finish.  Craig said mile 9 was tough, but even with a pit stop he was very pleased to finish with a 12 second PB (personal best). 

Spartan VICKY ARCHER took more than four minutes off her PB with 1:51:58 and STUART ARCHER improved to 1:23:18. 

NICK GILL said 1:23:21 at the Cambridge Half Marathon – a new PB and almost 4 minutes quicker than one year ago [1:27:16].  He ran with Mike Jeffs from start to finish and it went perfectly!  They just couldn’t quite catch Stuart Archer.  MIKE JEFFS 1:23:21 was also a PB. 

CAROLE SHELDRICK and CAROLINE CROFT ran the Cambridge Half Marathon together.  Carole said it has always been one of her favourite half marathons to run.  They had to negotiate a lot of mud to get to the start line, but it was definitely worth it. 

Carole continued “as always it was very well organised and the support throughout the route was amazing.” 

Their official times: Carole Sheldrick 2hrs 31mins 23sec and Caroline Croft 2hrs 31mins 21sec (The seconds matter and Caroline was very pleased to beat Carole across the finish line).   

ANDREW PATTERSON was very happy and in some shock at knocking 1 minute 26 seconds off his PB, he thought he could PB but wasn’t expecting a time of 1.11.03. He said conditions were ideal for me out there today.  No wind or rain and a flat, fast course.  His first time at doing Cambridge and he loved it.   

Also MATTHEW NEWTON finished in 1:27:43; JOHN HARRIS in 1:32:59; MARTIN JACOB in 1:50:22 and DANIELA PETRIANNA in 2:10:55. 

Well done all the Spartans some great times clocked by all! 

Position Bib Name Chip Cat Cat Pos Pace Comments 
57 12258 Andrew Patterson 1:11:03 M40-44 3:22 min/km PB 
344 11769 Kirk Ndugu 1:19:31 M35-39 60 3:46 min/km  
565 5286 Stuart Archer 1:23:18 M40-44 78 3:56 min/km PB 
571 8584 Nick Gill 1:23:21 M35-39 99 3:57 min/km PB 
572 9862 Mike Jeffs 1:23:21 M40-44 80 3:57 min/km PB 
938 11829 Matthew Newton 1:27:43 M40-44 137 4:09 min/km  
1038 9910 Ashley Johnson 1:28:40 F40-44 17 4:12 min/km PB 
1129 8422 Ross Gallagher 1:29:20 M40-44 170 4:14 min/km  
1143 4512 Stuart Haycroft 1:29:26 M45-49 105 4:14 min/km  
1296 15667 Mark Collins 1:30:57 M45-49 124 4:18 min/km  
1515 9135 John Harris 1:32:59 M60-64 12 4:24 min/km  
2474 5418 Craig Bacon 1:39:11 M50-54 175 4:42 min/km PB 
2670 10848 Gail Mackie 1:40:17 F30-34 73 4:45 min/km  
4409 3021 Robert Wright 1:48:49 M40-44 515 5:09 min/km  
4755 9798 Martin Jacob 1:50:22 M40-44 546 5:13 min/km  
5079 4812 Vicky Archer 1:51:58 F40-44 145 5:18 min/km PB 
7032 8514 Linda George 1:59:34 F35-39 217 5:40 min/km PB 
9201 3459 Daniela Petrianni 2:10:55 F40-44 405 6:12 min/km  
11710 7222 Caroline Croft 2:31:21 F50-54 384 7:10 min/km  
11712 13482 Carole Sheldrick 2:31:23 F50-54 385 7:10 min/km PB 
12771 4752 Samantha Sutton 2:58:25 F45-49 603 8:27 min/km  

Berkhampstead Half 

The Berkhamsted Half Marathon was very different to Cambridge.  Hilly rather than flat, rural rather than town and just over 900 runners rather than about 14,000.  Spartan WENDY THARANI finished in 2 hours 12 minutes 47 seconds. 

Parkrun Results 

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BEATING THE BEAST AT BALDOCK

Eight Spartans tamed the Beast.  ADRIAN BUSOLINI got a podium position with third place and a fantastic time of 1 hour 20 minutes 20 seconds on the tough course. 

Adrian on the podium

The Baldock Beast is an undulating multi-terrain half marathon.  THOMAS SAUKA 1:51:12 and JOHN NELMS 1:56:21 also beat two hours. 

Spartan PENNY SCHENKEL ran her first half marathon in 22 years.  She finished in 2:24:20.  

Spartans having fun at the Baldock Beast! – Photo credit Tony Randfield
Position Name Chip Time Comments 
ADRIAN BUSOLINI 1:20:20 Podium 
93 THOMAS SAUKA 1:51:12  
120 JOHN NELMS 1:56:21  
162 TIM ROBINSON 2:03:43  
183 CHLOE CHAPMAN 2:07:12  
225 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 2:21:41  
232 JIM BROWN 2:21:24 Final starter 
233 PENNY SCHENKEL 2:24:20  

London Winter 10K 

YUKO GORDON ran the London Winter 10K and was first woman 70 plus with 46 minutes 16 seconds.  Yuko said there were nearly 20,000 participants but it was very well organised, even down to avoiding the chaos of long toilet queues.  The course was interesting passing many London landmarks and easy to run with no traffic.  The 5 degrees start was cold and it took her a couple of kilometres until she felt slightly less frozen. 

In the same race MATTHEW NEWTON finished in 43:53; KEITH HOOKER in 44:42 which was a new PB for him, DANIELLA PETRIANNI in 56:44; PAUL SHELLEY in 57:49 and ALISON SHELLEY in 57:50. 

Yuko, The Shelley’s and Matthew

Brighton Half Marathon 

Despite a brutal headwind in the last 5 kilometres ANN TRYSSESOONE finished the Brighton Half Marathon in 2 hours 2 minutes 33 seconds. 

Ann on Ann Street after finishing the half!

Serpentine 5K 

Sunny but chilly with a medium breeze at Friday’s Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park.  Spartan JIM BROWN was 197th in 27:20.  The next Serpie 5K will be on Friday 22nd March, a week earlier than might be expected to avoid Good Friday. 

Parkrun 24th February 

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SILVER FOR ANDREW 

ANDREW PATTERSON was at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre where he won 1500 metres SILVER in the British Masters Indoor Championships. 

He said he was happy to medal in a field of strong runners and said his time 4:17 (four minutes 17 seconds) was good for the first track race of the year. 

National Masters Indoor Championships

JOYLYN SAUNDERS MULLINS and IRIS HORNSEY both took part in the National Masters Indoor Championships.

Iris ran the 1500m in 9:22:38 and won her age category! Joylyn ran 60m in 9:34 and picked up the bronze award! They both said that they enjoyed their races!

Success all round!

Spartan Parkrun Highlights 17th February 

22 Spartans ran at Stevenage where there were 521 runners.  GRANT RAMSAY was top five in 18 minutes 34 seconds (18:34).  CHARLES COOK was eighth with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 19:20 and DAVID HODBOD also ran a new PPB, this time 23:26. 

As part of a twelve mile training run for the London Marathon PENNY SCHENKEL ran her 80th parkrun in 36:45. 

Away Spartans included JANE McFARLANE 8th woman at Loch Leven, Kinross, Scotland in 28:45; CHLOE CHAPMAN 27:49 and MATT CLARKE 30:01 at Luton Wardown; STEVE PLATT 27:58 at Torbay Velopark; ANDY JAY 29:06 at Westmill and ANNABELLE WHITE 29:49 at Haldon Forest, near Exeter. 

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BEDFORD TEN 

There was a win for Jim at the Bedford ten mile race on Sunday morning.  Chilly and just a bit slippery in places but sunny, calm and JIM BROWN won the male veteran 70 plus race in 1:31:32 finishing 1 minute 6 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.   

The fastest Spartan was ANDY PRIOR with 1:19:08.  SOPHIE PARSONS was fastest female from Fairlands with 1:31:20.  DAVID ACKERY came in with 1:36:09 and CHLOE CHAPMAN with 1:36:34. 

Hyde Park 5k 

Runners enjoyed a wonderful tail breeze on the back straight of the two lap course at the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park.  These are great friendly lunch-time events with a cafe nearby but the front end can be very sharp.  This month 16 finishers beat 17 minutes and the range of times was from  15:37 to 41:18. 

Sunny, mild and a light breeze in January.  Spartan JIM BROWN improved by 1 minute 20 seconds to finish in 27:20. 

Run The Sun 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE “Ran the Sun” race based at Weston near Hitchin on Sunday 21st January.  He covered a distance of 33 miles over 8 hours, on a very muddy and hilly course. 

Parkrun 27th January 

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AMAZING ADRIAN 

Amazing ADRIAN BUSOLINI from Fairlands Valley Spartans has completed one of the toughest running events anywhere.  He ran 268 miles of the Pennine Way in 120 hours 45 minutes 46 seconds in the Montane Spine Winter Race.  This was a non-stop expedition style race from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.  The time limit was 168 hours. 

Gold, Silver and Bronze for Spartans in the 30th Aniversary Fred Hughes 10 

There were gold, silver and bronze medals for Fairlands Valley Spartans at the 30th Anniversary Fred Hughes 10 (miles) race from St. Albans on Sunday.  The race included the county championships for veterans. 

SIMON JACKSON said it was very windy and hilly.  He took SILVER in the men 40 plus category in 57 minutes 48 seconds (57:48) which was also a 40 second personal best from 13 years ago! 

JOHN HARRIS is the new county champion for men 60 plus.  He won with 1 hour 12 minutes 5 seconds (1:12:05). 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

Successfully defending a BRONZE medal he won only three weeks ago at the very end of 2023 JIM BROWN finished in 1:30:57 for third in the county championship for men 70 plus.  That was 57 seconds quicker than on the same course twelve months ago and 46 seconds quicker than the last county championship. 

In the open race GABBIE O’BRIEN finished in 1:17:14 and MARIE COLUCCI in 1:22:36.  It was great to see 15 Spartans in the open race which had 1,003 finishers. 

Pos Name Time Category Cat Gender Gender Grade Pace Comments 
16 Simon JACKSON 00:57:47 Ages 40 – 49 2 Male 16 78.23 5:46 min/m County Silver 
138 Mike JEFFS 01:09:23 Ages 20 – 39 60 Male 127 64.30 6:59 min/m  
187 John HARRIS 01:12:05 Ages 60 – 69 2 Male 160 74.93 7:14 min/m County Gold 
207 Matt GIFFORD 01:12:45 Ages 50 – 59 29 Male 175 68.64 7:20 min/m  
208 Matthew NEWTON 01:12:37 Ages 40 – 49 74 Male 176 62.52 7:20 min/m  
294 Gabrielle OÆBRIEN 01:17:14 Ages 20 – 34 18 Female 53 62.56 7:49 min/m  
412 Marie COLUCCI 01:22:36 Ages 45 – 54 38 Female 102 63.50 8:22 min/m  
596 Jim BROWN 01:30:57 Ages 70 – 99 4 Male 402 64.61 9:17 min/m County Bronze 
809 Wendy THARANI 01:41:11 Ages 45 – 54 116 Female 316 54.09 10:22 min/m  
816 Alison SHELLEY 01:41:08 Ages 45 – 54 119 Female 321 55.73 10:26 min/m  
824 Nick KLEANTHOUS 01:42:31 Ages 60 – 69 47 Male 498 51.25 10:29 min/m  
833 Nicola PATTMAN 01:42:13 Ages 45-54 122 Female 332 55.17 10:32 min/m  
862 Sue HAMER 01:44:53 Ages 45 – 54 131 Female 356 53.18 10:48 min/m  
891 Sharon CROWLEY 01:46:47 Ages 65 – 99 7 Female 377 60.52 11:05 min/m  
962 Rebecca RAYNER 01:59:59 Ages 35 – 44 111 Female 432 41.40 12:25 min/m   

Yuko Wins At Farnborough 

YUKO GORDON was the fastest woman aged 70 plus in the Farnborough Half Marathon.  She finished in 1:44:34 and was 86th out of 732 women. 

Parkrun 20th January 

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SPARTANS TAKEOVER STEVENAGE PARKRUN!

JANE WADEY not only co-ordinated the Fairlands Valley take-over of Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun but the all-time participation record was smashed.  643 completed the 5K run, more than fifty more than the previous record of 586 set four years ago before Covid. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans provided about 50 volunteers and 57 club members completed the event.  There were marshals, barcode scanners, timekeepers, pacers, tailwalkers, token sorters, all sorts of jobs being done and rewarded by a bumper attendance. 

Photo credit – Keith Fenwick

In the race there were 643 participants including 266 women; 92 first timers; 78 parkrun personal bests and the halfway through the field time was 29 minutes 48 seconds. 

Photo credit – Keith Fenwick

Spartan SIMON JACKSON was second overall in 17 minutes 15 seconds and ABI PEZ second woman in 21:08.  GRANT RAMSAY beat 20 minutes with 19:56, spot on task as he was the 20 minute pacer, and GABBIE O’BRIEN was a top ten woman at eighth with 23:44. 

MATT GIFFORD scored a new parkrun personal best of 20:30 and TAMSIN BROOKS of 46:37. 

Photo credit – Keith Fenwick

Tromso Polar Night Marathon 

On Saturday 6th January MIKE JEFFS took on the Tromso Polar night marathon in Norway. 

The route was 26.2 miles of gruelling weather and terrain all in the dark.  The temperature was -4 but with the wind it was around -9 degrees.  Coming into Tromso itself a blizzard struck with 33mph head winds making the last six miles a real slog. 

He was 21st in 3 hours 41 minutes 52 seconds. 

Mike said it was an amazing experience and definitely the toughest challenge of his life. 

Mike still smiling after 26.2 miles of snow, wind and freezing temperatures!

Ultra John Goes Country to Capital 

John NELMS ran the country to capital 43 mile ultra marathon on Saturday.  Starting in Wendover with 23 miles of muddy trails before hitting the grand union canal in Denham for 20 miles of towpath to the finish near Paddington station in central London.  This was John’s sixth time in this event and he finished in 9 hours 31 minutes. 

Welwyn Half Marathon 

Wendy Tharani ran the Welwyn Half Marathon in 2:08:22.  It was a fairly low key and friendly event, very well marshalled.  Out and back from the stadium at Gosling.  Sunny but quite cold!   

County Cross Country 

In the County Cross Country at St Albans LIZ CROWLEY was 80th in 56:14 and SHARON CROWLEY 86th in 1 hour and 19 seconds (1:00:19). 

Liz, Sharon and Annabelle who was running for her first claim club

Walt Disney World Marathon 

PAUL HOLGATE said the Walt Disney World Marathon was the perfect way to spend his Birthday.  It’s the fourth time his birthday and the marathon have been on the same day since 1/1/2000 and he was very pleased that his 6 hours 50 minutes 9 seconds (6:50:09) was seven minutes quicker than the last time (2018) and 1.5 hours quicker than my latest previous marathons in October (Snowdon/Eryri) and November (Steppingley). 

He was 10,250th out of the 12,694 finishers. 

Pauls wonderful medal!
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BUNTINGFORD 10 MILES, PB’s and A GOLD MEDAL!

Spartan YUKO GORDON is a British Champion! 

Four Spartans entered the British Masters Athletic Federation ten mile championships which were held in Hertfordshire on 30th December as part of the Buntingford end of the year race.  Yuko won GOLD in the women 70 plus race with 1 hour 18 minutes exactly. 

Yuko at Buntingford 10 – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was the first of 18 Spartans.  He beat one hour finishing in 59 minutes 38 seconds to be 34th out of the 487 finishers.  He said it was great to see so many Spartans. He was followed by our first Spartan championship runner JOHN HARRIS with 1:12:02. 

A great race but shouldn’t have worn white trainers said STUART ARCHER who finished with a new personal best (PB) of 1:05:08. 

JIM BROWN ran a satisfying negative split with his second five miles almost two minutes quicker than the first.  He came in with 1 hour 31 minutes 43 seconds.  Jim said it was a fantastic club organised event. 

WENDY THARANI said it was a great race.  Her time was 1:31:58. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

In the women’s veteran 65 category SHARON CROWLEY finished in 1:46:30. 

NICHOLA DURENT was delighted to beat the cut off by nearly eight minutes with her 2 hours 22 minutes 19 seconds. 

Position. Bib Name 10YR Rank 10YR Category Net Time 
34 1283 David Harris-Cherguit 16/86 MV40 59:38 
58 1236 Nick Gill 20/75 MSEN 1:03:59 
69 1015 Stuart Archer 28/86 MV40 1:05:08 
125 1496 Abbie Pez 7/50 FSEN 1:11:45 
126 1231 Ross Gallagher 36/86 MV40 1:11:45 
132 1281 John Harris 11/28 MV60 1:12:02 
191 1246 Yuko Gordon 1/7 FV70 1:18:00 
213 1562 Danny Scanlon 52/86 MV40 1:19:38 
214 1338 Mike Jeffs 43/75 MSEN 1:19:38 
256 1497 Tracy Pez 19/72 FV50 1:23:26 
337 1087 Jim Brown 7/12 MV70 1:31:43 
341 1620 Wendy Tharani 30/72 FV50 1:31:58 
346 1642 Ann Tryssesoone 31/72 FV50 1:32:41 
369 1110 Chloe Chapman 35/50 FSEN 1:35:40 
398 1337 Andrew Jay 64/70 MV50 1:39:13 
400 1384 Karen Liddle 22/30 FV60 1:39:50 
432 1154 Sharon Crowley 26/30 FV60 1:46:30 
487 1190 Nichola Durent 59/59 FV40 2:22:19 
Buntingford 10 mile finishers

St Albans 10K 

Getting back into racing after injury ALISON SHELLEY ran the New Year’s Eve 10K at St Albans in one hour and 58 seconds (1:00:58).  There were 535 finishers. 

Ely 10k 

PAUL HOLGATE and ROGER BIGGS ran the Ely 10k which they said was a flat course with one climb between 8-9k but they had their heads down between 5 and 9k with the usual courses headwind! Paul finished in 1:13:21 and Roger in 1:32:10 

Hyde Park 10k 

JIM BROWN was up early enough on New Year’s Day to catch the train to London and run the Hyde Park 10K event. 

He finished in 55 minutes 20 seconds (55:20) which considering he hasn’t managed to finish a 5K recently in under 28 minutes 40 seconds was pretty satisfying. 

Parkrun Saturday 23rd December 

SHARON CROWLEY ran her 50th parkrun.  Running and celebrating with a group of friends. 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link

Sharon in her 50th Parkrun cape! – Photo Credit – Karl Shreeve

Parkrun Christmas Day, Monday 25th December 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI won with a new parkrun personal best of 16 minutes 55 seconds.  WILLIAM MORLEY was 15th out of the 499 on Christmas Day with a new parkrun PB of 19 minutes 44 seconds and in the same race PAUL JENNINGS ran a new parkrun PB of 26 minutes 42 seconds. 

Christmas Day Spartans! – Photo Credit Nikki Nation

Parkrun Saturday 30th December 

ASHLEY JOHNSON was first woman at Green Denham in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 19 minutes 18 seconds. 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link 

Parkrun New Year’s Day Monday 1st January 

LINDA GEORGE ran a new parkrun personal best of 28:23. 

 

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STEVENAGE CROSS COUNTRY!

More than fifty from Fairlands Valley Spartans were in Fairlands Valley Park for the cross country league race on Sunday.   

33 men and 14 women ran in the race and dozens of volunteers from the club and our lovely friends at the Stevenage Striders helped make the event a success by being marshals, race director, chief marshal and taking on other tasks.  

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick (including main photo)

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON had another good run and was sixth overall out of 433 runners with 28 minutes 31 seconds (28:31) for the nine kilometres, three lap run.  ASHLEY JOHNSON was first woman in for FVS in 35:02. 

The increase in numbers from 24 runners in the last league race to 47 had a really positive effect on the team results. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

The fifth and final cross country league race this season will be on Therfield Heath (Royston) on Sunday 18th February. 

Provisional Spartan Result: 

Overall Position Name Time Gender Comments 
ANDREW PATTERSON 28:33 Men’s “A” 
11 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 29:48 Men’s “A” 
47 CHARLIE WHITE 32:15 Men’s “A” 
87 MIKE JEFFS 34:24 Men’s “A” 
99 ASHLEY JOHNSON 35:05 Women “A” 
118 ROSS GALLAGHER 36:21 Men’s “A” 
126 MATT GIFFORD 36:33 Men’s “A” 
128 GRANT RAMSAY 36:37 Men’s “A” 
133 ALEX ZHERDEV 36:46 Men’s “A” 
142 NICK GILL 37:05  
148 JOHN HARRIS 37:17  
163 MARK COLLINS 37:56  
170 GABRIELLE O’BRIEN 38:20 Women “A” 
179 CRAIG BACON 38:40  
183 DANNY SCANLON 38:51  
187 BRIAN WHITE 39:02  
212 YUKO GORDON 40:03 Women “A” 
224 THOMAS SAUKA 40:39  
248 SIMON HAIGH 41:38  
254 JAMES CLARK 41:59  
265 STEVE HARRIS 42:26  
281 MARTIN JACOB 42:54  
293 HAZEL SMITH 43:20 Women “A” 
295 DARREN EMMERSON 43:20  
296 PAULA DUNNE 43:21 Women “A” 
312 STUART ARCHER 44:14  
318 TONY VICKERS 44:32  
332 DAVID ACKERY 45:24  
340 NICK KLEANTHOUS 45:47  
349 SIMON SYPULA 46:20  
353 JON SYPULA 46:42  
354 SOPHIE PARSONS 46:44  
360 ANNABELLE WHITE 47:00  
371 STEVE PLATT 47:56  
373 ROS INGRAM 48:11  
375 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 48:17  
379 STEVE TINSLEY 48:47  
384 ANDREA WESTCOTT 49:18  
387 LINDA GEORGE 49:44  
402 ROGER HARDMAN 51:31  
404 ANDY JAY 52:34  
407 SHARON CROWLEY 53:52  
416 MARK FREEMAN 56:12  
418 PAUL HOLGATE 57:52  
422 DZENANA TOPIC 61:55  
423 JONATHAN JONES 61:56  
430 CALLIE CHAPMAN 74:41  
431 MICHELLE HOLTON 74:41  
Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

Parkrun Saturday 16th December 

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FAIRLANDS AT FESTIVE FIVE 

Three Spartans raced for their finishers chocolate Santa at the Festive Five in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday.  NICK KLEANTHOUS was 96th in 45 minutes 22 seconds. 

Nothing like “race fit” at the moment PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN enjoyed cruising round to beat 50 minutes with Jim coming in 126th with 49:44 and Penny 127th with 49:53.  Jim was second in his age group. 

Malaga Marathon 

There was a new personal best (PB) for Spartan MATTHEW NEWTON at the Malaga Marathon in Spain.  He finished in 3 hours 13 minutes 11 seconds (3:13:11) which got him 591st place out of 5,914. 

Matthew after landing himself a new PB!!

Twas The Run Before Christmas Ultra 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE ran the “Twas the Run before Christmas” ultra event completing nine laps, or 29 miles, in Brandon Country Park, near Bury St Edmunds, in 5 hours 54 minutes 14 seconds (5:54:14).  He said it was quite a hilly course and all off road. 

Michael’s awesome Ultra medal!

Parkrun Saturday 9th December 

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FAIRLANDS FLYING FIVES 

Spartan VICKY ARCHER ran a fantastic new five mile personal best (PB) at the Hatfield Five on Sunday morning.  A five minute improvement on a five mile run with 40 minutes 32 seconds.  Her previous best was 45:46. 

In the same event GRANT RAMSAY ran 30:50 and won SILVER in the County Championship for men 50 plus.  He’s now aiming for a sub three marathon in 2024.  YUKO GORDON went one better winning GOLD in the women 70 plus championship with 36:44.  A winning margin of 29 seconds. 

JUDY KING ran a PB in 52:51 which was 1 minute 25 seconds faster than her 5 mile race only the week before where she won the club’s 5 mile handicap race!

There was also a new PB for NICHOLA DURENT who finished with SHARON CROWLEY in 69:35. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

Bass Belle Ten 

Spartan JOHN HARRIS ran the Bass Belle 10 mile race in 1 hour 11 minutes 54 seconds, a new season’s best (SB). 

Parkrun Saturday 25th November 

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KEITH & JUDY WIN THE 10 AND 5 MILE HANDICAP RACES! 

Fairlands Valley Spartans raised even more money for charity with their Paul Maguire Five mile and Bryan Moore Ten mile handicap races on Sunday.   

Handicap running events are races with phased starts, slower runners first.  Runners exact start times are determined by their recent performances.  In theory everyone will finish together.  In practice the best improver wins.  Good for participation and great as runners come together towards the finish. 

Our wonderful handicap runners! – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

The big winners were JUDY KING, JOHN HARRIS, KEITH HOOKER, VICKY ARCHER and WENDY THARANI. 

Winner of the Paul Maguire 5 mile was JUDY KING in a new personal best (PB) time of 54 minutes 16 seconds (54:16), 6:14 ahead of handicap with ALISON SHELLEY 2nd in a year’s best (YB) time 49:29 and SOPHIE PARSONS third female in her first 5 mile with the club in 45:57.  JOHN HARRIS was first man, 3rd overall, in a (season’s best) SB 35:38, with BRIAN WHITE second man in 38:10 and PAUL JENNINGS third man in 44:17. 

Happy 5 milers! – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

JOHN HARRIS was the quickest runner of the day in the five with his 35:38, BRIAN WHITE, 38:10, second quickest and ANDY PRIOR, 39:06, third fastest.  JACKIE PERRY, 41:54 was quickest lady, KERSTIN PRIOR, 43:33, second fastest and SOPHIE PARSONS, 45:57, third fastest. 

Stripey 5 milers – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

KEITH HOOKER won the Brian Moore Handicap 10 mile race just pipping last year’s defending champion by 4 seconds to finish in 1:24:04 in his first 10 miles with the club.  

Last year’s winner ANDREW PATTERSON was second in 56:27 returning from injury, and SIMON JACKSON third in a new SB time of 58:51.  VICKY ARCHER was first lady in a new PB of 1:37:36 together with WENDY THARANI as they ran together, and LINDA GEORGE was third lady in 1:33:44. 

The 10 milers were all happy to see the camera! – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

ANDREW PATTERSON was quickest runner in the ten, SIMON JACKSON second fastest, 58:51 and NICK GILL third fastest.  GABRIELLE O’BRIEN was fastest lady in 1:20:41, with CLAIRE PULLEN second quickest, 1:28:40, and LINDA GEORGE third fastest.  

Many finishers recorded fastest times as it was their first 5 miles or 10 miles race for some time, or ever, standing them in a very good position when the club championship statistics are updated at the end of this month. 

Speedy 10 milers, still not too quick for the camera! – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

Wolverton Five 

CRAIG BACON ran the Wolverton 5 race on Saturday morning at Willen Lakes in Milton Keynes.  The predominantly flat course followed the footpath around the two lakes and a field of 133 runners completed the course. 

Having not run in a road 5 mile race previously he was guaranteed a personal best (PB) and was pleased with a finish time of 36:38 and a chip time of 36:33. 

It was a last minute race for SIMON JACKSON who took part with just 75 minutes notice after his daughter’s football was called off.   

He completed the race in 28:05 which was fourth man over 40 (MV40) in a highly competitive race at the front end. 

Craig at Willen Lakes following his PB!

Steppingley Off Road Marathon 

PAUL HOLGATE reports it was very muddy for Sunday’s Steppingley off road marathon.  Paul and MIKE NEWBITT finished in 8 hours 22 minutes with SHARON and MIKE CROWLEY coming in at 9 hours 47. 

Parkrun Saturday 18th November 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link 

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Club News Race Results

STEVENAGE HALF RAISES OVER £6,000!

Stevenage Half Marathon is an annual road race hosted by Fairlands Valley Spartans which was first held in 1984. All proceeds are donated to charities that support the Stevenage community. 

On a sunny 22nd October, 325 people had entered and arrived to run the annual Stevenage Half marathon. 

A two lap course, fully on cycle ways and paved footpaths, took in local areas of the town including the town centre and Fairlands Valley Park. 

Race Director Andy Prior said “2023 has been a great year for the event and we have been able to present a cheque to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance for £5,297, Chells Scout group and 5th Stevenage Scouts each receiving £300 and by hiring Hampson Park Community centre as Race HQ our runners increased takings in their coffee shop as most runners love cake.” 

The cheque presentation took place recently. 

Andy said “2024 sees Stevenage Half returning on the 20th October when we will also host a full marathon which is a once in a decade event and coincides with the 40th Anniversary of Fairlands Valley Spartans running club, so we are aiming to make this an even bigger event than normal.” 

For more information about the 2024 event please visit www.stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk or our social media channels. 

Remembrance Runs – Half Marathon and 10K 

It took ten attempts but JIM BROWN beat two hours for a half marathon for the first time this year at the Remembrance Runs on Saturday morning.  He improved by 12 minutes 8 seconds compared with a run last Sunday and his 1 hour 57 minutes 36 seconds was good enough to win the men 70 plus category by 26 minutes 7 seconds. 

ROBERT WRIGHT ran the same race in 1:56:15 while PAUL SHELLEY ran the Remembrance 10K in 44:51.  The races were at Debden Airfield, Carver Barracks, near Saffron Walden. 

Asked what was the secret, Jim said “No idea but what actually happened was even though last Sunday’s half was disappointing it was still a 13.1 miles run; then no training Monday and Tuesday; a vigorous for me daylight run on Wednesday morning; leading a lovely three mile Spartan training run on Thursday evening; and short cycle ride to Rableyheath.  On the day the aim was to run at a pace equivalent to 28 minutes for every 5K (roughly nine minute miles) all the way round.” 

Rob was 48th in the half marathon and Jim 54th

Parkrun – Saturday 11th November 

New Spartan SOPHIE PARSONS ran a new parkrun personal best of 27 minutes 2 seconds (27:02). 

For all the Consolidated Results please click the link 

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Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK CROSS COUNTRY 

Sunday saw the third Cross Country event at Trent Park which was a five mile race. JONATHAN PARR came in in eighth place in a time of 27:53 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI was 25th in 29:38. They were the first two finishers from Fairlands Valley Spartans while TRACEY JACKSON 273rd overall in 41 minutes exactly; GEORGIE HOOPER 308th in 42:31 and ZOE JACKSON 359th in 45:07 were the club’s first three women. 

From left to right – Jonathan, Adrian, Tracey, Georgie and Zoe – Photo Credit, Keith Fenwick and Richard Underwood

Altogether there were 24 Spartans.  17 men and 7 women and a total of 467 finishers in the race.  Male “A” teams consist of eight runners.  Female “A” teams have five runners.   

Photo Credits – Keith Fenwick and Richard Underwood
Position Name Time Official Comments 
8 JONATHAN PARR 27:54 27:53 SM.  Team “A” 
25 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 29:39 29:38 SM.  Team “A” 
50 NICK GILL 31:12 31:13 SM.  Team “A” 
114 STUART ARCHER 34:39 34:42 SM.  Team “A” 
132 ALEX ZHERDEV 36:02 35:26 M40.  Team “A” 
147 ROSS GALLAGHER 36:08 36:12 M40.  Team “A” 
171 MATT GIFFORD 36:59 37:01 M50.  Team “A” 
177 FRANCOIS SWANEPOEL 37:00 37:10 M50.  Team “A” 
190 BRIAN WHITE 37:43 37:45 M60 
273 TRACEY JACKSON 40:40 41:00 W45.  Women Team 
304 MIKE JEFFS 42:23 42:31 SM 
308 GEORGIE HOOPER 42:22 42:31 W35.  Women Team 
359 ZOE JACKSON 45:00 45:07 W35.  Women Team 
367 NICK KLEANTHOUS 45:27 45:31 M60 
379 ANNABELLE WHITE 46:16 46:24 SW.  Women Team 
380 TIM ROBINSON 46:23 46:25 M50 
381 DAVID ACKERY 46:24 46:33 SM 
395 MARK MacDONALD 47:11 47:47 M50 
400 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 47:53 48:00 M50 
402 MARK FREEMAN 48:10 48:11 M60 
422 ANDY JAY 49:36 49:55 M50 
432 LIZ CROWLEY 51:13 51:14 W35. Women Team 
449 SHARON CROWLEY 57:10 57:26 W65 
457 CALLIE CHAPMAN 60:05 60:20 W35 
Photo Credits – Keith Fenwick and Richard Underwood

Hertfordshire Half and 10K 

Happy Spartan LINDA GEORGE ran a new personal best (PB) at Sunday’s Hertfordshire Half Marathon based at Knebworth House.  She finished in 2 hours 2 minutes 45 seconds (2:02:45) an improvement of 3 minutes 48 seconds on her previous best which she ran on 22nd October. MARTIN JACOB paced her finishing 780th out of the 1400 finishers in 2:02:46.  They said they had a wonderful run.  Linda was jumping for joy at the finish. 

Linda was super happy with her new PB!

JIM BROWN was third man 70 plus in 2:09:54. 

In the 10K, new Spartan SOPHIE PARSONS ran her race in 1:00:10 which was a new personal best beating her previous time of 1:04 set in September. She was joined and supported by PENNY SCHENKEL who finished in 1:00:18 and CLAIRE EMMERSON in 1:00:24. 

Sophie and Claire with their wonderful medals!

Parkrun Saturday 4th November 

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ANDREW WINS CROSS COUNTRY

It just started to drip at the start then the rain got harder and harder throughout Sunday’s cross country league race at Watford’s Cassiobury Park but 27 from Fairlands Valley Spartans completed the testing six mile event with ANDREW PATTERSON winning in just 34 minutes 50 seconds. 

GABRIELLE O’BRIEN was the fastest female from Fairlands with 49 minutes 32 seconds. 

JONATHAN PARR and ADRIAN BUSOLINI were both top twenty overall with Jonathan seventh with 36:49 and Adrian 13th with 37:30. 

Andrew, Jonathan, Adrian and Gabrielle – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

A good turnout of some of their faster men meant the Spartan men’s “A” team moved up to fourth out of 21 clubs compared with seventh at the first race on 15th October.  The club’s women were seventh.  The men’s “B” team were second out of eight. 

There were 18 FVS men and 9 women. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick
Position M/F Name Official Time Comments 
1 1 ANDREW PATTERSON 34:50 V40.  “A” team 
7 7 JONATHAN PARR 36:49 SM.  “A” team 
13 13 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 37:30 SM.  “A” team 
49 47 NICK GILL 41:09 SM.  “A” team 
51 48 GRANT RAMSAY 41:19 V50.  “A” team. 
111 97 MATT NEWTON 46:12 V40.  “A” team. 
112 98 STUART ARCHER 46:14 SM.  “A” team. 
116 102 MIKE JEFFS 46:25 SM.  “A” team. 
154 133 MATT GIFFORD 48:39 V50 
163 139 DANNY SCANLON 49:04 V40 
169 27F GABRIELLE O’BRIEN 49:32 SL 
178 147 BRIAN WHITE 50:14 V60 
240 184 TOBY ECCLESHALL 54:02 SM 
241 57F YUKO GORDON 54:05 FV65 
251 191 DARREN EMMERSON 54:26 V50 
252 61F TRACEY JACKSON 54:27 FV45 
260 65F SALLY REEVES 54:39 FV45 
322 226 TIM ROBINSON 59:28 V50 
323 97F WENDY THARANI 59:34 FV45 
336 229 DAVID ACKERY 60:52 SM 
345 113F CLAIRE EMMERSON 62:07 FV45 
348 115F ANNABELLE WHITE 62:08 SL 
356 235 MARK FREEMAN 63:57 V60 
366 239 ANDY JAY 64:49 V50 
379 243 JIM BROWN 68:20 V70 
392 147F CALLIE CHAPMAN 81:32 FV35 
393 148F MICHELLE HOLTON 81:32 FV45 
Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

Marathon Eryri – Snowdon Marathon 

This years Snowdon Marathon, now known as the Marathon Eryri took place on Saturday.  SHARON CROWLEY completed her 30th consecutive Snowdon marathon in 6:18:29 and continues to have run more Snowdon marathons than any other female. But none of this year’s finishers have run more Snowdons than PAUL HOLGATE who despite having his preparations hampered by a hamstring injury still managed to complete his 33rdconsecutive Snowdon marathon in 8:20:55.  Both regulars were this year joined by a third Spartan, THOMAS SAUKA, whose comments at the end were “What an event, I can see why people love the Marathon Eryri so much, I thought I could sneak under 5 hours but it wasn’t possible in the end, now let the beer flow” as he finished in 5 hours 7 minutes 50 seconds. 

Paul, Thomas and Sharon pre race.

Great South Run (10 miles) 

Recently four from the Spartans Introduction to Running Group enjoyed the Great South Run race in Portsmouth. And each one achieved a Personal Best!!  

The Great South Run is a flat course around Portsmouth and the docks with bag pipes, drums and a choir along the route – a really fun run! 

SALLY PICKLES went round in 1:56:23; JUDY KING in 2:02:17; RACHAEL MILLER in 2:04:25 and NICOLA HATHERLY in 2:04:27. 

Nicola and Judy had a sea swim later, to refresh tired legs – it was warmer in than out! 

Our Introduction to Running ladies elated with their pb’s!

Serpentine Series 

It was sunny, mild, with a light breeze in Hyde Park for the 31st anniversary Last Friday of the Month 5K.  JIM BROWN was 170th in 27 minutes 20 seconds (27:20).  Second man over 70 by 3 seconds – closing down towards the end but not quite fast enough. 

That’s ten of the Serpentine runs done this year.  More than enough for a series. 

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 28th October 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link 

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HALF MARATHON JOY

It was a lovely sunny morning in Stevenage on Sunday and Fairlands Valley Spartans welcomed hundreds of runners to the Stevenage Half Marathon on their new route from Hampson Park. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick and Annabelle White

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON won the race by 51 seconds with 1 hour 12 minutes 45 seconds and took GOLD in the Hertfordshire County Championship.  ADRIAN BUSOLINI was third and won BRONZE in the county event with a new personal best of 1:15:46, an improvement by 10 minutes 40 seconds. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick and Annabelle White

In the women’s competition ASHLEY JOHNSON took BRONZE with 1 hour 32 minutes 49 seconds and was second in her category.  That was a new personal best (PB) for Ashley by 4 minutes 43 seconds. 

The females from Fairlands excelled in the County team competition.  Ashley, GABRIELLE O’BRIEN (1:44:32) and PAULA McMAHON (1:53:09) won GOLD with 17 points which was five ahead of Garden City Runners who were on 22.  Three runners for women’s teams. Paula improved her half marathon time by 4 minutes 49 seconds. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

It was SILVER for the Spartan men with GRANT RAMSAY (1:28:57) and NICK GILL (1:29:17) joining Andrew and Adrian to score 25 points, just four behind the winners.  Four runners for men’s teams. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

MARTIN JACOB and LINDA GEORGE both ran new half marathon personal bests.  Martin with 1:46:33 and Linda with 2:06:33. Martin said it was a wonderful day for a run.  Well marshalled route!!!  Six Hills Way was tough, but I managed to compensate for that in the down hills. 

Martin was five minutes faster than his Cambridge half in 2020.  Linda improved her time by two minutes. 

An amazing finish for both Martin and Linda!

JIM BROWN was second male 70 plus with 2:03:26. 

Photo Credit – Mike Jeffs and Annabelle White

21 Spartans were running and, as the event was organised by the club. Andy Prior was the Race Director and dozens more volunteered to make sure the race was a success – marshals, lead bike, water station, baggage, etc. 

The event raised money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. 

Our amazing marshals and Paramedic Perry from Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
You can always rely on our marshals for smiles, encouragement and a fab playlist!
Pos Cat M/F Name Cat Time Halfway Comments 
Andrew PATTERSON MV40 1:12:45 36:01 Winner 
Adrian BUSOLINI MS 1:15:46 37:24 PB (10:40) 
18 17 Grant RAMSAY MV50 1:28:57 43:45 SB 
20 10 19 Nick GILL MS 1:29:15 45:07   
31 Ashley JOHNSON FV35 1:32:49 46:10 Third woman.  PB (4:43) 
37 17 34 Stuart ARCHER MS 1:35:01 47:47 SB 
49 10 46 Craig BACON MV50 1:39:50 49:14   
73 Gabrielle OBRIEN FS 1:44:21 52:00   
85 25 75 Martin JACOB MV40 1:46:43 53:41 PB (4:57) 
106 34 92 Liam HERBERT MS 1:50:53 54:00   
125 21 Paula McMAHON FV35 1:52:30 56:27 PB (4:49) 
162 131 Stephen HARRIS MV60 1:59:14 58:05   
182 11 147 Martin DUDLEY MV60 2:02:56 56:33   
185 148 Jim BROWN MV70+ 2:03:26 1:01:28 2nd MV70 
189 50 152 Chris HOLLAND MV40 2:04:30 59:02 SB 
197 55 159 Jon SYPULA MV40 2:06:19 1:00:53 SB 
198 12 39 Linda GEORGE FV35 2:06:33 1:02:33 PB (1:54) 
225 12 175 Nick KLEANTHOUS MV60 2:10:17 1:04:25   
233 59 181 Dave ACKERY MS 2:14:25 1:03:18   
244 17 57 Wendy THARANI FV45 2:20:25 1:05:58   
268 51 201 Tim ROBINSON MV50 2:40:15 1:17:10   

Resolution 5K 

Eight Spartans ran the Resolution Track 5K on a very wet Wednesday evening at Ridlins Track, Stevenage.   

After the 12.5 laps SIMON JACKSON was second in 16 minutes 58 seconds and GEORGIE HOOPER first woman and 17th overall with 21 minutes 18 seconds, a new personal best (PB) by a massive 1 minute 55 seconds. 

ALEX ZHERDEV improved his PB by 21 seconds to 21:20. 

The other Spartan times were MATT TUTTON 25:03; SHARON CROWLEY 28:19; KARL REEVE 31:24; ROGER BIGGS 38:35 and PAUL HOLGATE 40:23. Simon got the highest age score with 84.0% followed by Georgie on 70% exactly and Sharon on 69.5%. 

Still smiling despite the lovely weather!

Parkrun Saturday 21st October 

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Club News Race Results

CHESHUNT CROSS COUNTRY – THE FIRST OF THE SEASON!

The first cross country league race of the season was at Cheshunt on Sunday.  27 Fairlands Valley Spartans were there – 18 men and 9 women. 

Photo Credit – Mike Jeffs

Andrew Patterson WON the race in just 26 minutes 36 seconds.  JONATHAN PARR and ADRIAN BUSOLINI were also in the top ten.  Jonathan sixth with 27:20 and Adrian ninth with 28:12. 

Andrew, Jonathon and Adrian – Photo Credit Mike Jeffs

GEORGIE HOOPER was the fastest female from Fairlands at 135th overall (women and men) and 18th woman of 133 with 37 minutes 7 seconds.  Next came TRACEY JACKSON 207th (and 43rd woman) in 39:47.  There were 359 finishers. 

Georgie and Tracey (photobombed by Darren) – Photo Credit Mike Jeffs

Counting teams consisted of five women and eight men.  The Spartan women and men were both seventh out of the 21 clubs participating. 

Photo Credit – Mike Jeffs
Overall Position Name Time Category 
1 ANDREW PATTERSON 26:38 M40 
6 JONATHAN PARR 27:27 SM 
9 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 28:13 SM 
31 GRANT RAMSAY 30:36 M50 
45 NICK GILL 31:30 SM 
85 ALEX ZHERDEV 34:00 M40 
97 STUART ARCHER 34:32 SM 
126 FRANCOIS SWANEPOEL 36:28 M50 
133 DANNY SCANLON 36:58 M40 
177 BRIAN WHITE 38:57 M60 
178 THOMAS SAUKA 38:57 M40 
203 DARREN EMMERSON 39:57 M50 
285 DAVID ACKERY 45:06 SM 
293 JON SYPULA 45:56 M40 
299 MALC MacDONALD 46:14 M50 
302 MARK FREEMAN 46:29 M60 
321 ANDY JAY 48:05 M50 
325 TIM ROBINSON 48:44 M50 
Mens Results

Overall Position Women Position Name Time Category 
135 18 GEORGIE HOOPER 37:18 W35 
207 43 TRACEY JACKSON 40:01 W45 
279 79 WENDY THARANI 44:29 W45 
291 85 ANNA SWANEPOEL 45:47 W35 
313 98 CLAIRE EMMERSON 47:28 W45 
338 115 LIZ CROWLEY 50:11 SW 
341 118 SHARON CROWLEY 51:47 W65 
349 125 NIKKI NATION 54:01 W55 
353 128 CALLIE CHAPMAN 58:10 W35 
Ladies Results

Chester Marathon 

Coach John Harris was selected to represent England V’s Wales in an International match at the Chester Marathon. Following a recent injury John only decided 10 days before the race to take up his place. 

Here is his story: 

I am pleased to say that I finished and left everything out on the course.  

Standing on the start line, I literally had no idea how the Chester marathon would pan out for me and decided to get to half way and worry about it then.  

I ran how I felt and got to 13.1 in 1.57, and felt surprisingly ok . I then focused on each mile and got to 20 miles in 3.01 and rewarded myself with a 30 second walk.  

Unfortunately, through lack of training following my injury (my training consisted of 3 weeks after a 3 month break and a long run of only 10 miles) my legs didn’t want to start again and so the last 10k took 81 mins.  

I am delighted with my finish time of 4.22.13 given that 4 weeks ago I couldn’t run.  

Not an ideal training plan but I wanted to start and see what happened. So glad that I did! 

A happy John in his England vest!

Yuko Gets A Call Up 

There were perfect weather conditions for the Bath Half Marathon but Spartan YUKO GORDON said she still felt weak from her recent Covid infection and lacked her usual second half strength.  Yuko was fine when she passed 10K in 46:30 but was disappointed with her finishing time of 1 hour 40 minutes 35 seconds.  However that was good enough to win her age category.  She’s going to have a good rest for a while. 

Yuko has received news from British Masters that she has been selected for the England cross country team for the British and Irish international cross country championship to be held in Glasgow next month. 

Parkrun Saturday 14th October 

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SPARTANS RUN AT THE STANDALONE 10K

Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team, GEORGIE HOOPER 45:08; SUZY HAWKINS 46:43 and CLAIRE PULLEN 47:17 were second, SILVER medals, in the county championships at the Standalone 10K on Sunday morning. 

In the open race they were third with MARIE COLUCCI 48:08 joining them to make up the team of four in that event.  Claire was also first woman 55 plus in the race. 

Photo Credits – Keith Fenwick, Charlie Arnold, Jon Sypula and Jane Wadey

23 Spartans ran.  The fastest was SIMON FRASER who finished ninth out of more than 1100 finishers.  Next came NICK GILL 36th in 38:38; MIKE JEFFS 48th in 39:36 and GRANT RAMSAY 51st in 39:47. 

PENNY SCHENKEL wanted to beat one hour which she did by four seconds (59:56).  An excellently paced run. 

Photo Credits – Keith Fenwick, Charlie Arnold, Jon Sypula and Jane Wadey

The other Spartans enjoying the 6.2 miles road event in Letchworth; Stotfold and Fairfield Park were MARTIN DUDLEY 51:24; MATT TUTTON 54:23: WENDY THARANI 55:17; ANDY JAY 56:55; NICK KLEANTHOUS 57:49; JO COOKSLEY 58:26; TRICIA HOPPER 59:01; CLAIRE EMMERSON 59:02; JIM BROWN 59:37; KAREN LIDDLE 1:00:04; SHARON CROWLEY 1:02:58; MONICA SMITHSON 1:07:11; SAMANTHA SUTTON 1:18:26 and ROGER BIGGS 1:32:58. 

Pos Cat Gen Name Cat 5K Split Gun Chip Age Gd Com 
9 Simon FRASER MS 17:50 35:27 35:27 76.7%  
36 22 35 Nick GILL MS 18:58 38:40 38:38 69.7%  
48 26 47 Mike JEFFS MS 18:58 39:36 39:33 69.5%  
51 50 Grant RAMSAY MV50 19:25 39:47 39:46 76.1%  
130 11 Georgie HOOPER FV35 22:02 45:18 45:08 67.9% ST 
179 20 Suzy HAWKINS FV45 23:15 47:00 46:43 70.4% ST 
199 27 Claire PULLEN FV55 23:53 47:32 47:17 78.6% ST 
239 10 32 Marie COLUCCI FV45 23:21 48:23 48:08 67.7% OT 
363 20 299 Martin DUDLEY MV60 26:02 51:55 51:24 63.1%  
497 144 384 Matt TUTTON MS 27:29 55:12 54:23 49.8%  
548 35 138 Wendy THARANI FV45 28:47 56:05 55:17 61.8%  
598 81 432 Andy JAY MV50 27:56 57:22 56:55 56.6%  
646 47 462 Nick KLEANTHOUS MV60 29:34 58:35 57:49 56.5%  
675 71 205 Jo COOKSLEY FV35 31:36 59:22 58:26 51.8%  
695 30 219 Tricia HOPPER FV55 29:40 59:43 59:01 61.7%  
701 61 225 Claire EMMERSON FV45 30:17 59:50 59:02 58.6%  
726 486 Jim BROWN MV70+ 30:17 1:00:44 59:37 60.2%  
727 65 241 Penny SCHENKEL FV45 30:17 1:00:44 59:56 58.5%  
730 243 Karen LIDDLE FV65+ 29:58 1:00:52 1:00:04 68.5&  
822 11 308 Sharon CROWLEY FV65+ 33:00 1:04:14 1:02:58 64.9%  
920 50 376 Monica SMITHSON FV55 31:31 1:07:59 1:07:11 55.7%  
1071 135 493 Samantha SUTTON FV45 39:25 1:19:43 1:18:26 42.0%  
1099 17 585 Roger BIGGS MV70+ 45:43 1:34:29 1:32:58 41.0%  

Serpentine 5K 

JIM BROWN enjoyed wonderful sun and a tailwind on the back straight for Friday’s Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park.  He finished in 28:45. 

Parkrun – Saturday 30th September 

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DOUBLE WIN AT THE HITCHIN 5K!

It was a double win in Hitchin for Fairlands Valley Spartans as ANDREW PATTERSON and ASHLEY JOHNSON won first man and first woman in the Hitchin 5K. 

Andrew won the race in 16 minutes 23 seconds.  Which was 50 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.  And Ashley won the woman’s race in 20:17, again a victory by 50 seconds. 

MONICA SMITHSON ran the Hitchin 5K in 32 minutes 17 seconds. 

Bedford Autodrome 

JIM BROWN ran the Bedford Autodrome 20 miles and improved his “year best” by 15 minutes 29 seconds when he finished in 3 hours 13 minutes 51 seconds. 

This was a bit of a leap up after some indifferent half marathons so his plan was to run six “parkruns” in an average of 30 minutes or just under.  That he did going through 30K in maybe a second under 3 hours. 

Then the last 2.2 kilometres largely into a howling headwind took 13 minutes 51 seconds.  He was second in his age group. 

Spartan CAROLE SHELDRICK won her category in the Autodrome 10K with 56:38. 

Windsor Half 

WENDY THARANI was at the Windsor Half Marathon.  She said it was a busy event, well organised and well attended.  Beautiful scenery through Windsor Great Park, however it is very undulating and felt like more up than down!  Big hill at mile 11! 

She finished in 2:14:15 (chip time). 

Ottawa 10K 

Spartan Andy Jay travelled to Ottawa, Canada for a memorial and charity event, raising funds for injured and veteran members of the Canadian armed forces. 

With the start and finish in Downtown Ottawa, the race went past famous Landmarks such as Parliament buildings and the famous Chateau Laurier Hotel.  The race headed east alongside the Ottawa River before returning for a tough finish up on Parliament Hill. 

Andy ran the 10k distance, finishing in 55.17. 

Vitality Westminster Mile 

JONATHAN PARR was fifth in the Vitality Westminster Mile with 4 minutes 42 seconds. 

Parkrun Saturday 23rd September 

Michael O’Keefe ran a new course PB at Letchworth with 29:05 

At Stevenage there was a new parkrun PB for William Morley 19:52; Claire Pullen ran her 50th parkrun in 24:41; and Grant Ramsay was sixth at Stevenage on his 100thparkrun with 19:26 

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JONATHAN WINS HATFIELD SERIES 

JONATHAN PARR WON the Hatfield 5K series of Wednesday evening races with an average of 16 minutes 20 seconds, that’s ten seconds quicker than his nearest rival.  There were three races on consecutive weeks. 

Jonathan with his trophy! – Photo Credit Sharon Crowly

NICK GILL ran another fantastic personal best (PB).  This time it was 17 minutes 25 seconds which got him in the top twenty in Wednesday’s race.  ALISON WOOD was first woman 55 plus with 21 minutes 3 seconds. 

Ten Spartans finished the race.  The others in the club’s first four were SIMON JACKSON 12th in 16:39 and MIKE JEFFS 25th in 17:37. 

SHARON CROWLEY was fourth in the series for her category and ran the final race in 28 minutes 53 seconds. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

The other Spartans were NICK KLEANTHOUS 25:04; JIM BROWN 26:37; MICHAEL O’KEEFE 26:56 and ROGER BIGGS 46:50. 

Pos Bib Name Time Cat M/F Cat Pos Age Gd Comments 
5692 Jonathan PARR 16:21 MS 82.1 % Series winner 
12 5959 Simon JACKSON 16:39 MV40 12 85.6 %  
19 5353 Nick GILL 17:25 MS 19 14 74.8 % PB 
25 5542 Mike JEFFS 17:37 MS 25 18 76.0 %  
106 2944 Alison WOOD 21:03 FV55 17 84.3 % 1st FV55 
173 5636 Nick KLEANTHOUS 25:04 MV60 127 17 63.2 %  
187 2909 Jim BROWN 26:37 MV70 135 65.7 %  
192 5504 Michael O’KEEFE 26:56 MV50 136 35 57.9 %  
198 3015 Sharon CROWLEY 28:53 FV65 58 67.4 %  
215 1844 Roger BIGGS 46:50 MV70 148 39.6 %  

Stevenage 10k 

In the Stevenage 10K Spartan SIMON JACKSON was second overall and first man 40 plus with 35 minutes 33 seconds.  KIM JURY was seventh in her category with 54:36 and JIM BROWN third in his with 56:44. 

DAVE ACKERY said “I really pushed hard for a sub 60 but the hills were proving a bit of a hard slog in the heat especially the final big push!”  He finished with 60:57. 

Seven Spartans ran and there were 273 finishers.  The other Spartans were GRANT RAMSAY 40:35; ROBERT WRIGHT 53:53 and ROGER BIGGS 1:38:52.   

Pos MF Cat Pos Bib Name Cat 5K Gun Chip Age Gd 
2. 7031 Simon JACKSON MV40 17:03 35:34 35:33 81.4 % 
15 15 7040 Grant RAMSAY MV50 19:21 40:37 40:35 73.7% 
104. 91 28 7183 Robert WRIGHT MV40 26:58 54:01 53:53 51.1 % 
110. 15 7002 Kim JURY FV35 26:08 54:47 54:36 55.5 % 
146. 120 6914 Jim BROWN MV70+ 28:44 57:44 56:54 62.5 % 
172. 136 57 7166 David ACKERY MS 28:32 1:01:06 1:00:57 43.2 % 
273. 176 6971 Roger BIGGS MV70+   1:39:24 1:38:52 38.3 % 

Parkrun Saturday 16th September 2023 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link 

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HATFIELD 5K SERIES RACE TWO 

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON won Wednesday’s Hatfield 5K race in a new personal best (PB) of just 15 minutes 55 seconds AND took GOLD in the County Championships. 

Samantha and Andrew with their County medals!

SAMANTHA PRETTY-CONNORS won BRONZE with 19 minutes 25 seconds, a PB by 5 seconds, and YUKO GORDON won GOLD in the women 65 plus race with 22 minutes 25 seconds (22:25). 

JONATHAN PARR was third senior in 16:35. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

There was a year’s best time for SIMON JACKSON improving by 30 seconds to 16:50. 

MATT TUTTON ran another PB this week this time trimming another five seconds off to 24:32 and JIM BROWN improved his time for the year by one second to 26:34. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick
Position First Name Last Name Time PB Imp Race 1 Comp 
Andrew Patterson 15:55 PB 0:03 15:59 0:04 
Jonathan Parr 16:35  16:18 (0:17) 
10 Simon Jackson 16:50 YB 0:30     
33 Mike Jeffs 18:09  18:02 (0:07) 
65 Samantha Pretty-Connors 19:25 PB 0:05     
71 Grant Ramsay 19:40  19:34 0:09 
105 Peter Orton 21:07 23      
127 Yuko Gordon 22:25      
166 Matt Tutton 24:32 PB 0:05 24:37 0:05 
189 Andy Jay 25:41  24:49 (0:52) 
193 Nick Kleanthous 25:52  24:49 (1:03) 
202 Jim Brown 26:34 YB 0:01 27:09 0:35 
203 Michael O’Keefe 26:38  26:35 (0:03) 
216 Sharon Crowley 30:00  28:59 (1:01) 
235 Paul Holgate 36:29  39:29 3:00 
238 Roger Biggs 42:44  42:37 (0:07) 

Parkrun Saturday 9th September 2023 

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HATFIELD 5K SERIES, RUNNING RATS AND DASHING DUCKS!

Fairlands Valley Spartans won SILVER medals in the team competition at the Hertfordshire County 5K championships for senior men on Wednesday 30th August. 

The medal winning team was ANDREW PATTERSON (15:59); JONATHAN PARR (16:18); KIRK NDUGU (16:31) and NICK GILL (17:46).  With 52 they were only four points behind the gold medal winners. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

It was a season’s best (SB) for Andrew and Kirk, a year’s best (YB) for Jonathan and a personal best for Nick. 

The championships were included in the Hatfield 5K which was completed by 14 Spartans. 

Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick

MIKE JEFFS came in with a new PB of 18:02; MATT TUTTON with a new PB of 24:37; ANDY JAY with a season’s best 24:49 and SHARON CROWLEY with a season’s best of 28:59. 

Jonathon and Nick receiving their County medals! – Photo credit Sharon Crowley
Place Name M/F Cat Pos Cat Time Age Grade Comments 
5. Andrew PATTERSON MV40 15:59 85.2 % Team silver SB 
8. Jonathan PARR MS 16:18 82.3 % Team silver YB 
11. Kirk NDUGU 11 10 MS 16:31 80.0 % Team silver SB 
35. Nick GILL 33 25 MS 17:46 73.3 % Team silver PB 
43. Mike JEFFS 40 29 MS 18:02 74.2 % PB 
79. Grant RAMSAY 69 12 MV50 19:34 75.1 %  
174. Matt TUTTON 130 51 MS 24:37 54.0 % PB 
177. Andy JAY 131 34 MV50 24:49 62.7 % SB 
178. Nick KLEANTHOUS 132 14 MV60 24:49 63.8 %  
199. Michael O’KEEFE 141 37 MV50 26:35 58.6 %  
209. Jim BROWN 145 MV70 27:09 64.4 %  
226. Sharon CROWLEY 78 FV65 28:59 67.0 % SB 
243. Paul HOLGATE 155 22 MV60 39:29 42.1 %  
244. Roger BIGGS 156 10 MV70 42:37 43.4 %  
Results for all Spartan finishers at the Hatfield 5k

Bedford Running Festival 

In the half marathon JIM BROWN was 307th out of the 684 finishers with 2 hours 1 minute 34 seconds.  He was second in his category just 27 seconds behind the winner. 

In the Bedford 20 DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was ninth overall and seventh in the 40-49 category in 2 hours 8 minutes 13 seconds. 

He said the weather was hot! Great support on route and it was good to see Stevenage being represented by Spartans, Striders and Phoenix running clubs. 

David and Jim after their run.

Baldock Rat Run 

Tim Robinson took part in the fifth Baldock 5k Rat Run, an off road fun run raising fund for Garden House Hospice.  He finished 64th out of 88 finishers in a time of 29:21.  He has run in all 5 events now and is a regular but difficult to spot. 

The Baldock rat!

UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI said “My journey to UTMB started in 2019 with my running a section of the UTMB course, and falling in love with the Chamonix Valley.  In 2021, I ran the UTMB CCC, which is more or less the second half of the UTMB course.  I finally obtained my UTMB spot in 2022 based on my category placing in Val d’Aran.  

For us based in Hertfordshire, training for something like UTMB is not easy, as we have no comparable terrain nearby.  My lack of specific training is probably what held me back in this race. 

Regardless of my result, the experience of participating in a race as famous and competitive as UTMB is extraordinary.  Between bumping into many friends and acquaintances in Chamonix, experiencing the otherworldly level of support in St Gervais les Bains and Les Contamines, or just soaking up the sight of Mont Blanc from every angle.  The UTMB is a tough, technical race, but one to savour.” Adrian took 30 hours 21 minutes 21 seconds for the 160 kilometres. 

Duck and Dash 

NICK KLEANTHOUS said it was a great weather for Sunday’s Duck n Dash involving 400 metres of Letchworth outdoor pool followed by a 5K hilly trail run around Norton Common.  Tracy Haygarth found me before the start and we talked while waiting for our swim as swimmers went off at 15 second intervals.  It was Tracy’s first event and without her Garmin on did amazing.  It was very well organised and the support was fantastic. Hope to be back next year! 

Nick and Tracey with their medals!

Summer Nuts Challenge 

STEVE PLATT tackled the two muddy, wet and obstacle filled laps of the Summer Nuts Challenge on Saturday 2nd September.  The 15.69 kilometres OCR (British Obstacle Sports) event took 3 hours 39 minutes 21 seconds. 

Steve looking as though he’s just completed a walk in the park and not muddy obstacles!

Parkrun Saturday 2nd September 2023 

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RESOLUTION 5K, ENGLAND MASTERS, 10K’s, 10 MILES and MORE!

A sunny summer’s evening brought perfect conditions for the Resolution 5K event at Ridlins track in Stevenage and nine Spartans were there to enjoy it. 

For those keen to judge their pace there was a timing mat and clock after two hundred metres and then every 400 metres for the 12 full laps. 

NICK GILL was first in for the club at third overall and first male senior with 18 minutes 3 seconds (18:03).  MIKE JEFFS was second male senior with 18:26. 

Nick and Mike in action! – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

ASHLEY JOHNSON was first woman in the race with 19:31.  Not only did YUKO GORDON win her category but she did it in 22 minutes 22 seconds achieving an amazing age graded score of 96.8%. 

Ashley and Yuko – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

JIM BROWN won his category with 27 minutes 13 seconds (27:13).   

Spartan times at the Resolution 5K: 

Pos MF CatPos Bib Name Cat Time Age Gd 
3. 286 Nick GILL MS 18:03 72.3 % 
6. 1299 Mike JEFFS MS 18:26 72.9 % 
14. 1286 Ashley JOHNSON FV35 19:31 79.0 % 
33. 5559 Yuko GORDON FV65 22:22 96.8 % 
39. 32 5889 Nick KLEANTHOUS MV60 26:02 61.4 % 
43. 33 5780 Jim BROWN MV70+ 27:13 64.8 % 
49. 16 212 Sharon CROWLEY FV65 29:59 65.6 % 
50. 34 5943 Paul HOLGATE MV60 30:38 54.6 % 
52. 35 5742 Roger BIGGS MV70+ 41:23 45.2 % 

England Masters Inter Area Track & Field Challenge 

Spartan YUKO GORDON was in Nuneaton to run the 1500 metre at the England Masters Inter Area Track & Field Challenge.  Representing the East of England she won the women 70 plus race in 6 minutes 18.26 seconds (6:18.26). 

Summer 10K 

MATT TUTTON ran the London Summer 10k.  The three laps of the outer path of Regents Park. Running conditions were great and the course was flat.  Perfect for a PB which he achieved with a new personal best of 54 minutes 25 seconds (54:25). 

Stopsley 10 Miles 

Fairlands Valley Spartan DANNY SCANLON ran the Stopsley 10 Mile Trail race recently. 

He finished with a chip time of 1 hour 14 minutes 11 seconds for an 11th place finish.  The course was a tough two laps with a very steep hill in each lap!  

DAVE PATTMAN and MO WARRILOW ran the Stopsley 5 Mile Trail Run.  The chip times were 35:41 for Dave, and 47:00 for Mo. 

Burnham Beeches Half Marathon 

WENDY THARANI took on the Burnham Beeches Half Marathon and completed it in 2:13:15. She said that the course was rather undulating but lovely through the beechy woodland. There were lots of ridiculously expenses houses including Dorney Wood which is traditionally the Chancellor of the Exchequers country residence. The race was well organised with lots of friendly marshals. 

Wendy after finishing Burnham Beeches

Schierker Sommerlauf Trail Run 

JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL took part in the Schierker Sommerlauf trail run in the Harz area of Germany. 

They tackled the hauptlauf which consisted of two 4.2 kilometre laps so giving a total of just over five miles.  Each lap started with a 1.2 kilometre tough climb into the countryside, a real lung buster.  There were 350 metres of climbing in the race. 

Jim and Penny finished together in 56 minutes 36.4 seconds. 

Parkrun Saturday 19th August 2023 

KIRK NDUGU won Stevenage Parkrun in a new parkrun personal best of 17 minutes 20 seconds. 

For the Consolidate Results please click the link. 

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KARL AND JANE WIN THE HANDICAP 5K!

KARL SHREEVE and JANE WADEY won Thursday evening’s Fairlands Valley Spartans club handicap 5K race in Stevenage.  28 Spartans took part. 

The winner was Karl Shreeve showing a much improved return to form in 29 minutes 15 seconds (29:15), six minutes ahead of handicap with Jane Wadey second (1st female) in 34:06, four seconds ahead of Sally Pickles with a 2:22 Season Best (SB) time of 34:10.  New member Lee Burton was second man in 28:48 and Steve Platt third in a Year Best time of 26:17. 

Photo Credit Tony Randfield (Sharon Crowley for the headline photo)

The fastest runner on the night was Adrian Busolini with a SB 17:41 with Nick Gill second quickest in 20:01 and Matt Gifford third fastest in a new Personal Best (PB) time of 20:41.  

Ashley Johnson was quickest female in 20:45 with Jackie Perry second quickest in 26:10 and Nicola Andersson third fastest in 28:56.  19 of the 28 finishers finished within two minutes of their handicap time. 

Photo credit Tony Randfield

St Albans Summer 10k 

Spartan JIM BROWN ran the St Albans Summer 10K on Sunday in 54 minutes 49 seconds.  He was the first finisher over 70 years of age by more than ten minutes and won GOLD in the Hertfordshire 10K Championship for veteran runners.  The county championships were incorporated in the open race in which there were 294 finishers. 

Jim says he went through 5K seven seconds late and had doubts whether he could do it but a substantial negative split in the second half of the race meant he beat his target by a few seconds. 

ROBERT WRIGHT completed his 10K in 42 minutes 55 seconds and was well placed in the 40 plus category. 

Parkrun Saturday 5th August 2023 

For the Consolidated Results please click the link. 

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ANDREW BREAKS A CLUB RECORD!

ANDREW PATTERSON went to Watford on Wednesday night to race in the Open Graded Meeting, 1500 metres race.  The weather was horrendous.  The rain started heavy and was torrential by the time he got to race. 

He said, “In the pack on the track, I didn’t really notice the rain and found a good rhythm, getting round in a new personal best (PB) of 4:15.42.  I’m very happy with that effort in those conditions.”  He should be.  That’s a new Fairlands Valley Spartans club record for 1500 metres and only three months after beating 2 hours 40 minutes in the London Marathon. 

Chases The Sun 10K at Battersea 

DANNY SCANLON ran the ironically titled “Chase the Sun” 10k at Battersea Park in pouring rain on Wednesday. 

Four glorious laps in the rain, to finish with a chip time of 42 minutes exactly.  

Sundowner Half Marathon 

The Sundowner runs were a bit different.  They were on Saturday evening starting at 5.30p.m.  With a choice of 10K or Half Marathon Spartan JIM BROWN chose the half and ran his best 13.1 miles so far this year.  With an improvement of 2 minutes 26 seconds his 2 hours 49 seconds (2:00:49) won him his category and an age score of 65.81%.   

Parkrun Saturday 29th  July 2023 

For the Consolidated Results from last weeks Parkruns please click the link. 

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RELAYS IN THE PARK!

The 3k Relays in the Park, organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans in Fairlands Valley Park, were brilliant.  The 3K course was covered 473 times by runners enjoying a great summer’s evening on Thursday. 

As well as organising the event the local club enjoyed some success with their women taking BRONZE in the County Championships in 48 minutes 13 seconds and their veteran women also winning BRONZE with 54:32. 

All teams – men, women, mixed, senior or veteran – consisted of four runners so ran a total of 12 kilometres. 

The medal winners were ASHLEY JOHNSON (11:38); SAM PRETTY (11:50), GABRIELLE O’BRIEN (12:16) and GAIL MACKIE (12:29) in the senior county championships and SUZY HAWKINS (12:45); MARIE COLUCCI (13:07); TRACEY JACKSON (13:53) and YUKO GORDON (14:47) in the veterans race. 

Our winning ladies! – Photo Credit Callie Chapman

The FVS male team were fourth in the open and county races in 38:42 just eight seconds off bronze.  They were JON PARR (9:20); ANDREW PATTERSON (9:31); ADRIAN BUSOLINI (9:55) and KIRK NDUGU (9:56). 

The fastest Spartan was in the top ten individuals – JON PARR in 9 minutes 20 minutes (9:20).  ASHLEY JOHNSON was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 11 minutes 38 seconds, twelve seconds ahead of SAM PRETTY with 11:50. 

The first woman in the race finished in 9 minutes 28 seconds! 

There were 119 teams.  Luton AC won the open men’s race in 36:57 (for 12 kilometres) and the open mixed race with 41:03; St Albans Striders won the open women’s race in 43:46. 

Doug Anderson 5K – 20th Anniversary 

Last Wednesday MATT TUTTON ran at the Bedford Harriers organised Doug Anderson 5k at Bedford Park.  This was two and half laps of the park on a cool and dry evening. Matt finished in a personal best time of 24:54.  

This was the 20th anniversary of the event.  PAUL HOLGATE has now run 17 of the 20.  The only missing ones were two that fell on his wife’s birthday and one when he was in Mount Vernon Hospital.  He finished in 31 minutes 19 seconds. 

ROGER BIGGS came in with 38:38.   

Bedford Blues Half Marathon 

Spartan JIM BROWN ran the Bedford Blues Foundation Half Marathon on Sunday. 

He was 86th and second MV70 with 2:04:16 (64%).   

Jim said it was nice after recent form to properly run all the way.   

He added it was an almost perfect morning for running.  Only 132 on the half marathon but another 202 on the 10K.  The short out and back sections actually made it a better experience as runners smiled and encouraged each other as they passed. 

Jim with some of the lovely Stevenage Striders ladies – Photo Credit Stevenage Striders

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 22nd July 2023 

MATT TUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best of 24:20.  He was 84th out of the 394 finishers. 

For all the Consolidated Results please click the link.

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THE FAMOUS, FAIRLANDS VALLEY CHALLENGE!

Nearly 200 people ran, jogged or walked the Fairlands Valley Challenge, on Sunday 16th July. The challenge is a self navigating trail event that offers a choice of distances from 10 kilometres to half marathon, 18 miles, marathon or an ultra 50 kilometres.

This annual event is much loved by lots of runners far and wide and is organised by our very own chairman, Tim Robinson.

Tim (with the clipboard) and a few of his helpers and Spartan runners

Tim is supported by his army of Spartan volunteers which ensures the event is able to be just as fabulous year after year! Alongside the brilliant, friendly checkpoints the pull of the challenge is the beautiful countryside trails and not forgetting our famous Spartans bread pudding!

The famous bread pudding and beautiful trails – Photo Credit Dan Abel

With lots of lovely comments like, “Thanks for another great event Fairlands Valley Spartans”, and “Thanks for all the work behind such a great event!” to “Fantastico! Thanks to all the organisers and volunteers”, “This was a fantastic event and as far as half marathons go we loved it! Thank you to all that helped and supported!” we are sure that the Challenge will remain a firm favourite in all runners diaries for many years to come!

Just a handful of our many lovely runners – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

Our very own marathon/ultra man ADRIAN BUSOLINI was the 2nd fastest but 3rd finisher as he started later in the 50K Ultra. ROSS GALLAGHER and MIKE JEFFS enjoyed the half distance coming in 2nd place and STEVE PLATT came in a tremendous 2nd place in the 10k!

Adrian, Mike & Ross and Steve – Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

Well done to all those that ran, took part and enjoyed the day. We hope to see you all again next year!

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RACE FOR LIFE, REMEMBERING CATHY

Lots of Spartans took part in Race for Life on Sunday as part of the Cancer Research fundraising event. 

It is usual to see a lot of Spartans at this event as those that don’t take part offer their marshalling skills to encourage and support others. 

This year saw a larger than normal amount of Spartans take part as they were honouring a beloved Spartan member who we sadly lost earlier this year. The family were out supporting the wonderful charity and so our members also took to the course to support and remember Cathy. 

Cathy Craig was a true inspiration to so many of us. From 5k up to Ultra’s and back down to EMAC, you name it Cathy did it. She was a renowned trophy winner at our annual Presentation Evening and we believe that she may of achieved the whole collection of awards available including the much sought after award of Spartan of the Year at this years ceremony. 

Cathy would always greet everybody with a warm, infectious smile and would always be supportive and encouraging offering lots of runners tips where she could. 

The Race for Life event would have been a day that Cathy loved! Dressing up in tutu’s, coloured wigs and head boppers, she would have been at the front of the queue! 

#bemorecathy 

Supporters and Cathy’s family

EMAC 

The FVS women’s team finished in third place in the EMAC league central division at Bedford on Wednesday.  EMAC run a track and field league for veteran athletes in the East of England.  Cambridge & Coleridge were out in force after their narrow defeat last month, winning on the night with 141 points with Marshall Milton Keynes placed second with 110 points and FVS with 106.  FVS remain top points scorers with 393 points, but it all comes down to the last match in Sandy next month. 

Spartan Women – SHARON CROWLEY, ASHLEY JOHNSON, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, PAULA McMAHON, MARIAN MORLEY, JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS and ANDREA WESTCOTT 

Wins on the night came from Sharon Crowley in the 2km A string walk and W60 hammer throw.  Sharon also placed 4th in the W50 100m and 5th in the W60 1500m.  Other points came from Christine Lathwell, who placed 5th in the W35 100m after sprinting to the start line having placed 4th in the 2km B string walk.  Christine also covered the W35 triple jump, finishing 4th. Joylyn Saunders-Mullins secured 2nd place in the W60+ 100m, 3rd in the W60+ 400m, and 2nd in the W60+ shot put.  Paula McMahon made a mad dash from her car straight to the start line for the W35 400m, changing in to her spikes while the other women were lining up!  Despite the lack of a warm up, Paula finished in a very respectable 3rd place.  Andrea Westcott placed 2nd in the W50 400m, 4th in the W35 hammer, and 6th in the W35 shot put.  Marian Morley started the evening with a new PB in the W50 shot put, finishing 3rd and also placed 3rd in the W50 hammer.  Ashley Johnson made a welcome return to the team, running a great W35 1500m and finishing 2nd

The W35 relay team of Paula McMahon, Christine Lathwell, Ashley Johnson, and Joylyn Saunders-Mullins finished 3rd in the 4 x 200m 

Our EMAC ladies

The men’s team conststing of CHARLIE ARNOLD, ANTON McCALLA, NICK KLEANTHOUS, STEVE MAYFIELD, MICHAEL O’KEEFE, ANDREW PATTERSON, TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS and CHRIS WESTCOTT did themselves proud, finishing fourth on the night, just 8 points behind third placed Cambridge & Coleridge. 

Wins from Andy Patterson in the M35 1500m and Tim Saunders-Mullins in the M60+ hammer throw combined with points scored by Anton McCalla, Nick Kleanthous, Chris Westcott, Charlie Arnold, Steve Mayfield, and Michael O’Keefe so the Spartans team remain in fourth place overall. 

The EMAC men

Mid Week League Round Up 

Not only did Fairlands Valley Spartans get promoted to the top division in the Mid Week League (see last week’s release) but they had some great individual prize winners. 

SAM PRETTY was second woman in the open competition; ASHLEY JOHNSON second in the women 35 plus category; SIMON FRASER third man in the open competition; ANDREW PATERSON WON the men 40 plus category with RICHARD BATE third. 

AND Fairlands Valley Spartans were overall winners in the veterans contest. 

Trophy Winners!

Ultra 5k 

MIKE JEFFS took on the ultra 5k challenge at Box End Bedford.  This was a gruelling challenge running a 5k on the hour every hour for five hours.  He managed to keep his times consistent which helped him achieve a third place finish.  Mike’s first ever podium finish for a running event. 

Mike with his medal and trophy!

Wendover Woods 100 Miles 

Adrian Busolini WON the Centurion Wendover Woods 100 mile event in 20 hours 24 minutes 59 seconds. 

With 600m of climb and a mix of terrains, just one lap of this Wendover course is quite punchy. So 10 laps, in conditions only slightly cooler than SDW100, was always going to be a challenge for the 30 souls who toed the start line. 

13 of them made it to the end, and Adrian was glad to be the first – not just because that meant he got to take home an almost life-sized Centurion trophy, but because he could catch an hour of rest and a few pretty awesome crepes before the Wendover Weekender kicked off, with Allie talking crewing and The Green Runners demonstrating how to repair shoe uppers.  

It was the first time Centurion had run a camping, talks and general fun & games weekend like this, and they put on a really good show, with the volunteers standing out as usual being the ultra awesome folks they are. Good times, good conversations, and a weekend well spent. 

Adrian looking like he’s just taken a stroll in the park rather than running 100 miles…

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 8th July 2023 

For the full Consolidated Results please click the link 

Personal Best Achievements  

ASHLEY JOHNSON was first female at Stevenage in a new parkrun personal best of 20 minutes 21 seconds for her 10th parkrun.   

NICK GILL ran his 100th parkrun at Stevenage and did it with a new parkrun personal best of 18 minutes 40 seconds (18:40) which got him a top ten sixth place out of the 406 finishers. 

NICOLA ANNDERSSON ran a new parkrun PB of 26:22 in Ballina, Ireland  

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SPARTANS PROMOTED! 

The Spartans are promoted!  In the final counting race of the Mid Week series Stevenage based Fairlands Valley Spartans squeezed past Royston Runners to grab second spot and thus promotion to the top division in the Mid Week League. 

In the end it couldn’t have been much closer with Watford first with 39 points, Spartans second with 38 and Royston missing out with third and 37. 

They did it by coming second in the men’s contest while Royston slipped to fourth.  While the Spartans were third in the women’s event, with home team Barnet winning Royston coming two places behind in the men’s race gave FVS the opportunity. 

The Trent Park race had a largely off road six miles course.  There were 449 runners overall for the combined divisions two and three event and 43 were Spartans. 

There were some brilliant Spartan performances including SAMANTHA-PRETTY CONNORS (41:30); ASHLEY JOHNSON (41:45) and CHRISTINE LATHWELL (42:02) all top ten at fourth, fifth and sixth in the women’s race.  Samantha won her category (FV35); Ashley was second and Christine was second in the FV45.  YUKO GORDON was first woman 65 plus with 49:36. 

And the FVS men had four in the top ten.  ANDREW PATTERSON (33:45); SIMON FRASER (33:54); ADRIAN BUSOLINI (34:17) and SIMON JACKSON (35:06) were fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth!  Andrew was the fastest man over 40 and Simon Jackson third. 

As a bonus the club won the veterans championship with 41 points ahead of Watford on 39 and Barnet on 27 – having beaten Watford by one race position on Thursday, just one race position by one runner – but what they are really celebrating is promotion to division one. 

Ware 10 miles 

Spartan MIKE JEFFS ran an amazing new personal best (PB) of 64 minutes 14 seconds in the challenging Ware ten mile race on Sunday morning.  He was fourth senior man, fifth overall. 

JIM BROWN defended his 70 plus “title” which he won last year.  This time he finished in exactly 100 minutes and exactly four minutes ahead of his nearest rival.   

MO WARRILLOW was fourth FV45 in 1:29:30 and ROBERT WRIGHT was another Spartan top ten in his category.  He was seventh MV40 in 1:14:07. 

DAVID PATTMAN and STEVEN DOBNER came in with 1:22:37 and 1:23:33.  There were 220 finishers. 

Photo Credit to Tony Randfield
Pos Cat Pos  Name Cat Gun Chip Comments 
5. 6087 Mike JEFFS MS 1:04:15 1:04:14 PB 
29. 6155 Robert WRIGHT MV40 1:14:07 1:14:03   
84. 25 6144 David PATTMAN MV40 1:22:37 1:22:30   
90. 26 6143 Steven DOBNER MV40 1:23:33 1:23:25   
122. 6168 Mo WARRILLOW FV45 1:29:38 1:29:30   
178. 6094 Jim BROWN MV70+ 1:40:10 1:40:00 1st MV70 

7 Peaks in Snowdonia 

Spartan JOHN NELMS took part in a national police competition on Saturday joining teams from 30 different forces racing on a 22 mile all off road route over 7 peaks in Snowdonia.  With almost 9000 feet of elevation and weather ranging from freezing rain to glorious sunshine, the team finished 21st out of 40 and 2nd in the super veterans’ category (all four team members had to be over 50 on race day). 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 1st July 2023 

Congratulations to MATTHEW NEWTON running a parkrun PB of 18:50 at St Albans.

For the Consolidated Results please click the link.

Tables 

Women at Trent Park (Division 2 Race) – Thursday 29th June 

Tkt Race Name Surname Time Div Pos Cat Vet Cat M/F Team 
89 Samantha Pretty-Connors 41:30 V 35 
92 Ashley Johnson 41:45 V 35 
94 Christine Lathwell* 42:02 V 45 
27 174 Georgie Hooper 46:14 17 10 V 35 
30 177 Gabrielle O’Brien 46:21 19   
35 196 Marie Colucci 47:16 21 12 V 45 
56 239 Yuko Gordon 49:36 32 17 V 65 
93 326 Mo Warrillow 54:18 58 14 34 V 45 
102 341 Nicola Andersson 55:13 63 16 39 V 45  
108 349 Chloe Chapman 55:51 68    
119 365 Anna Swanepoel 57:07 74 16 47 V 35  
146 411 Sharon Crowley 1:03:08 89 15 58 V 55  
156 425 Monica Smithson 1:07:00 96 16 64 V 55  
170 445 Callie Chapman 1:17:22 101 19 69 V 35  
171 446 Hazel Smith 1:17:22 102 27 70 V 45  

Men at Trent Park (Division 2 Race) – Thursday 29th June 

Ticket Race Name Surname Time Div Pos Cat Vet Cat M/F Team 
Andrew Patterson 33:45 V 40 
Simon Fraser 33:54   
Adrian Busolini 34:17   
12 12 Simon Jackson 35:06 V 40 
17 17 Jonathan Parr 36:08 14   
24 24 Richard Bate 37:14 19 V 40 
39 39 Mike Jeffs 38:34 25   
41 41 Nick Gill 38:39 26   
79 84 Adrian Donnelly 41:09 51 20 26 V 40 
85 93 Ross Gallagher 41:58 55   
86 96 Danny Scanlon 42:03 56 23 30 V 40 
97 110 Stuart Archer 42:47 61   
106 123 Robert Wright 43:46 65 27 37 V 40 
111 130 Matt Gifford 44:08 68 11 40 V 50 
121 141 David Pattman 44:42 74 29 44 V 40 
125 146 Alexey Zherdev 44:54 75 30 45 V 40 
139 163 Francois Swanepoel 45:54 84 35 53 V 40 
148 178 Pete Smith 46:22 87 56 V 60 
157 191 Craig Bacon 46:58 90 15 59 V 50 
187 248 Charlie Arnold 50:02 109 10 75 V 60 
233 324 Nick Kleanthous 54:12 132 13 94 V 60 
240 343 Matt Tutton 55:31 138   
252 374 Tim Robinson 58:15 146 29 104 V 50 
253 376 John Harris 58:33 147 17 105 V 60 
254 377 Jim Brown 58:35 148 106 V 70  
264 404 Michael O’Keefe 1:01:21 152 31 109 V 50  
270 427 Paul Holgate 1:07:37 155 19 112 V 60  
273 437 Paul Jennings 1:12:40 157 55 114 V 40  
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS HANDICAP & YUKO WINNING GOLD!

DEBBIE BLANTERN won the club’s 5K handicap race on Thursday evening.  Debbie beat her handicap by 4 minutes 38 seconds with 30:22 and finished seven seconds ahead of MICHAEL O’KEEFE with a season’s best 25:14. 

MATT GIFFORD was third in his first handicap with 21:10, beating his handicap by 2:05. 

MARIE COLUCCI was second woman on handicap and on speed with 23:38 with ASHLEY JOHNSON was fastest female and third on handicap with 20:20. 

The fastest Spartan on the night was NICK GILL with 18:46. 

Some of the runners enjoying the rain and still smiling!

Summer Solstice 10K 

Seven Spartans went to St Albans for the Summer Solstice 10K or #BeatTheSunset race on Wednesday.  An 8p.m. start on a beautiful summer’s evening didn’t present problems for many people and all the Spartans were back in the sunshine with about half an hour to spare.  Sunset was at 9.24p.m. 

The fastest from Fairlands Valley Spartans was DAVID PATTMAN 83rd out of the 532 finishers with 44 minutes 19 seconds.  STEVEN DOBNER was next in with a fine 47:45 with HARRIET SMITH 33rd woman beating 50 minutes with 49:12 and MO WARRILOW coming in at 52 minutes 32 seconds. 

There was a tremendous personal best (PB) by CHLOE CHAPMAN who finished in 53 minutes 3 seconds, an improvement by 1 minute 47 seconds.  MATT TUTTON improved his PB by 56 seconds to 55:17. 

JIM BROWN ran his best 10K this year by seven seconds with 55:21 and was second in his category. 

Yuko Wins Brutal British Masters 

YUKO GORDON won Gold in the British Masters Multi-terrain 30K Championship on Sunday.  The championship was incorporated into the North Downs Run, in which she came first in W65 (women 65 plus) category in 3:24:06.  Overall Yuko was 180th out of 400 plus finishers.  

The race started and finished at the Cyclo Park in Gravesend, Kent.  The course is well known as tough, hilly and challenging on a normal day, but with the 31C heat added, it was absolutely brutal.  However, the race is very popular for the stunning beauty of Britain’s fine vineyards, red carpets of poppy field and breathtaking views. 

Yuko winning gold at the British Masters

Orwell Challenge 

Sunday saw MIKE JEFFS take on the Orwell Challenge in Felixstowe. There was some difficult terrain to deal with along with the local wildlife which included jelly fish! Mike said that it was a tough course but very beautiful.   

He completed the half marathon distance in 2:14:14 – 21st out of 100 finishers. 

Mike and his medal that matches his club vest!

Purbeck Plod 

THOMAS SAUKA did the Purbeck Plod on Sunday, it was meant to be 25 miles but he did a marathon in the end with a few errors.  Lucky Tom. 

It was very beautiful event but very brutal as well. The course followed the southwest coast path from Swanage to Kimmeridge Bay, which had some killer vertical climbs and descents and 5 miles of overgrown path, then it cut inland to Corfe Castle then back to Swanage going over the hills and the great ridge which is amazing but a very long climb. 

Tom finished in 7 hours 34 minutes with 42.26 kilometres done.  He said “A tough day that I will never forget.” 

Velo Park 

JIM BROWN was running at the Lee Valley Velo Park, an Olympic venue, on Saturday morning.  It was perhaps too hot to expect a good time but 1 hour 33 minutes 16 seconds for the ten miles WON his age group. 

Parkrun Saturday 24th June 2023 

STEVE DOBNER ran a new park PB of 24 minutes 47 seconds at Wimpole.

Please click the link for the Consolidated Spartan Park run Results.

 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN SUPER TIGHT RACE THREE

Every single race position counted in the third race in the Mid Week League on Thursday evening. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans improved to win the men’s and women’s races but in an amazingly tight result only by a single point, that’s one race position, in each.  The Spartans won the men’s race by 345 points to 346 and the women’s race by 152 to 153.  In each case just ahead of Royston.  So overall they won the fixture by 497 to 499. 

The Spartans won every category on the night.  Open men, open women, veteran men (by 11 points), veteran women (by 6 points).   

FVS were helped by having a fantastic 57 runners – 26 women and 31 men.  That was more than enough for three women’s teams of eight and two men’s teams of twelve. 

The club’s big improvement compared with race two was down to having a lot more runners, more depth, and some outstanding performances. 

The Spartans had four in the top twenty women and six in the top twenty men. 

The four women were SAMANTHA PRETTY-CONNORS, second and first in her category (FV35) with 41 minutes 9 seconds for the approximately 10K of mixed terrain near Sandon and Buckland (not far from Royston); ASHLEY JOHNSON, fourth and second in her category (FV35); CHRISTINE LATHWELL, ninth and second in her category (FV45) with 42:59 and GABRIELLE O’BRIEN 19th in 47:01. 

YUKO GORDON won the women aged 65 plus category with 48:29 and was 26th women in the race. 

The six men were ANDREW PATTERSON, fifth and first man 40 plus in 34:12; SIMON FRASER, sixth in 34:15; SIMON JACKSON eighth and third man 40 plus in 35:04; JONATHAN PARR, 12th in 36:13; RICHARD BATE 19th in 37:33 and DANNY HUKIN 20th in 38:10. 

The other “A” team women were SUZY HAWKINS 27th in 48:32; GEORGIE HOOPER 28th in 48:34 and MARIE COLUCCI 37th in 50:50.  HARRIET SMITH and KELLY McHALE led in the “B” team at 38th and 39th with 51 minutes 5 seconds. 

Altogether there were 472 runners in the race which included all the second and third division clubs, a total of 15 clubs.  The promotion race is very tight.  Two will get promoted and the Spartans are second on score with 29 compared with Watford’s 30 and tied with Royston but a little bit behind second on points (race positions) with 1,755 against 1,529.  There are six clubs in the second division.  It will all depend on the fourth and final race which will be in Trent Park on Thursday evening 29th June. 

Tables 

FVS Women (26) 

Pos Women Cat Vet Time First Name Last Name Cat Div Comments 
72 41:09 Samantha Pretty-Connors V 35 1st FV35.  Team A 
94 42:33 Ashley Johnson V 35 2nd FV35.  Team A 
105 42:59 Christine Lathwell* V 45 2nd FV45.  Team A 
174 19   47:01 Gabrielle O’Brien Team A. 
208 26 19 48:29 Yuko Gordon V 65 1st FV65.  Team A 
209 27 20 48:32 Suzy Hawkins V 45 Team A 
211 28 10 21 48:34 Georgie Hooper V 35 Team A 
251 37 26 50:50 Marie Colucci V 45 Team A 
253 38   51:05 Harriet Smith  
254 39 12 27 51:05 Kelly McHale V 35  
260 42 12 30 51:26 Tracey Jackson V 45  
279 48   52:10 Abbie Pez  
306 55 18 41 53:59 Tracy Pez V 45  
340 67 21 50 56:18 Wendy Tharani V 45  
349 71 22 52 56:57 Mo Warrillow V 45  
355 75 23 56 57:40 Fiona Clarke V 45  
362 77 24 58 58:03 Nicola Andersson V 45  
367 80 21 60 58:20 Anna Swanepoel V 35  
389 88 28 66 59:55 Claire Emmerson V 45  
390 89   59:56 Chloe Chapman  
392 90 23 67 1:00:13 Ada Janusiene V 35  
393 91 29 68 1:00:14 Hazel Smith V 45  
436 112 21 86 1:05:33 Sharon Crowley V 55  
445 117 23 91 1:06:55 Jane Wadey V 55  
447 118 24 92 1:07:36 Monica Smithson V 55  
461 124 41 97 1:13:46 Tracy Haygarth V 45  

FVS Men (31) 

Pos Men Cat Vet Time First Name Last Name Cat Div  
34:12 Andrew Patterson V 40 1st MV40.  Team A 
  34:15 Simon Fraser Team A 
10 35:04 Simon Jackson V 40 3rd MV40.  Team A 
15 12   36:13 Jonathan Parr Team A 
27 19 37:33 Richard Bate V 40 Team A 
32 20 38:10 Danny Hukin V 40 Team A 
50 31   39:26 Mike Jeffs Team A 
54 33   40:02 Nick Gill Team A 
76 47 22 41:36 David Riddell V 50 Team A 
83 51   42:05 Stuart Archer Team A 
87 54 18 27 42:16 Adrian Donnelly V 40 Team A 
92 59 21 31 42:29 Danny Scanlon V 40 Team A 
136 75 15 44 44:34 Paul Shelley V 50  
141 78 46 44:55 John Harris V 60 4th MV60 
144 79 27 47 45:23 David Pattman V 40  
145 80 28 48 45:24 Alexey Zherdev V 40  
153 82 17 50 45:44 Matt Gifford V 50  
154 83 30 51 45:45 Francois Swanepoel V 40  
170 91 56 46:53 Charlie Arnold V 60 5th MV60 
180 93 19 58 47:20 Craig Bacon V 50  
225 106 36 68 49:02 Robert Wright V 40  
248 112   50:34 Adrian Busolini  
252 113 27 73 51:01 John Nelms V 50  
278 120 32 80 52:10 Matt Clarke V 50  
351 140   57:04 Matt Tutton  
356 141 41 97 57:43 Andy Jay V 50  
382 148 43 102 59:37 Tim Robinson V 50  
403 152 43 105 1:01:04 Paul Jennings V 40  
405 153 44 106 1:01:30 Michael O’Keefe V 50  
446 158 17 110 1:07:08 Paul Holgate V 60  
452 159 45 111 1:08:45 Karl Shreeve V 50  

Parkrun Saturday 17th June 2023 

Congratulation to GAIL MACKIE who ran her 100th parkrun and did it in 27:21. 

For all the Consolidated Results please click the link.

Categories
Club News Race Results

EMAC SPARTANS CONTINUE TO SOAR!

The FVS women’s track and field team continued their winning streak in the EMAC (East of England Masters’ Athletics Club) league central division on Wednesday, narrowly beating hosts Cambridge & Coleridge AC by just 3 points!  The team were missing a few key people, so everyone stepped up and competed in more events than originally planned, some for the first time!   

FVS took maximum points in the sprint hurdles, with wins from Paula Dunne (W35 – women aged 35 plus) , Monica Brown (W50), and Sharon Crowley (W60+).  Paula also won the W35 200 metres, clinching the win in the last few metres, finished 4th W35 800m, and placed 3rdin the W35 discus.  Monica Brown won the W50 long jump and W50 high jump, finished 3rd in W50 javelin, and placed 3rd in the W50 discus.   

Sharon Crowley dropped down an age group to cover the W50 200m, finishing in 4th place.  Sharon also finished 2nd in the A string 1.5km walk.  Other points on the night were won by Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (2nd in the W60 200m, W60 javelin, and W60 discus), Yuko Gordon (2nd place B string 1.5km walk and 4th W60 800m), Andrea Westcott (4th placed W50 800m, 4th W35 javelin, 4th W35 long jump, and 2nd W35 high jump).  Sharon Crowley, Yuko Gordon, Paula Dunne, and Andrea Westcott finished the evening 4th in the W35 4x400m relay. 

The men saw an improved performance from last month, with more events covered, and finished in fourth place.  Andrew Patterson won the M35 800m and also finished 4th M35 javelin, managing to get a valid throw at his last attempt.  Anton McCalla returned to the squad, finishing second in M35 long jump, 5th in M35 200m, and 4th M35 discus.  Nick Kleanthous finished 5th M60+ 200m, 3rd B string 1.5km walk, and 5th M60+ discus.  Charlie Arnold finished 4th in the M60+ 800m and M60 javelin.  Michael O’Keefe finished 5th in the A string 1.5km walk, 6th M50 javelin, 4th M50 discus, and 5th M50 long jump.  The men’s relay team finished 5th

St Albans Half Marathon 

It was approaching 30 degrees as four from Fairlands Valley Spartans tackled the hot and hilly St Albans Half Marathon on Sunday morning. 

Jim Brown said, “It’s a good event but a challenging course in the best conditions.  This was not the day for running a new fast time.  I finished in 2 hours 8 minutes 14 seconds and top half with 810th out of the 1692 finishers which is not bad considering I was also third veteran aged over 70.  Almost 27 minutes quicker than 2022.” 

Nicola Andersson said, “The race was hot and hilly.”  Nicola came in with 2:28:37. 

Spartans LINDA GEORGE and MARTIN JACOB finished in 2:19:43 and 2:20:14. 

100 Miles On The South Downs Way 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the South Downs Way 100 mile trail event at the weekend.  That’s the entire South Downs Way national trail from Winchester to Eastbourne.  He was fifth in 18 hours 12 minutes 41 seconds. 

Parkrun Saturday 10th June 2023 

Please click the link for the Consolidated Results for the 10th June 2023 for all Spartan runners

Categories
Club News Race Results

MID WEEK LEAGUE RACE 2 PLUS AN INTERNATIONAL SPARTAN!

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans were in the top ten of the second midweek league event.  Forty one Spartans made the trip to Watford where ANDREW PATTERSON was third in 34 minutes 53 seconds; ADRIAN BUSOLINI fifth in 35:08 and SIMON FRASER sixth in 35:13. 

CHRISTINE LATHWELL was third woman in 42:24 and SAMANTHA-PRETTY-CONNORS seventh in 43:14.  Three other Spartan women SUZY HAWKINS 48:41; GEORGIE HOOPER 49:26 and HARRIET SMITH 49:38 got under 50 minutes on the tough course. 

251 finished the 10K race which was a mixture of surfaced paths and cross country in Cassiobury Park, Whippendell Wood and on Jacotts Hill. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans came third in the race. 

Royal 10 5k in The Netherlands

ASHLEY JOHNSON ran the Royal 10 5k race in the Netherlands and was second lady home! She ran just under the 20 minute mark with her chip time being 19:52.

She said that she didn’t know what to expect from the course and so took it easy for the first 1k, she then realised that it was pretty flat and the course took her through some beautiful woods which were lovely and shaded, at this point she sped up and came in with her brilliant time!

Not only did she get 2nd place on the podium but she also received a running shoe trophy and flowers.

Ashley in her podium photo.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 3rd June 2023 

Please click the link to see the Consolidated Results for Spartan Parkruns on the 3rd June 2023

PB Success for the weekend of the 3rd June:

MARTIN JACOB ran his 5k PB in Stevenage with 23:07.

LINDA GEORGE ran her first ever sub 30 parkrun in a personal best (PB) of 28:31. 

FRANCOIS SWANEPOEL ran a new PB of 21:40 at the Gunpowder parkrun. 

Stripy Spartans at Stevenage Parkrun
Categories
Club News Race Results

SUB THREE AT FIRST MARATHON FOR DAVID

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT beat three hours in his first ever marathon.  He ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2 hours 54 minutes 13 seconds and was seventh in the men 45 plus category.  David’s really pleased and proud of the result. 

Also at Edinburgh was ROB WRIGHT and he ran a new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 31 minutes 6 seconds. 

Round Up of Mid Week League Race 1 

Fairlands Valley Spartans gave their promotion hopes a tremendous boost in the first race in the 2023 Mid Week League series.  The Spartans had 67 finishers, more than any other club. 

FVS were second in the men’s “A” race just behind Watford and second in the women’s “A” race just behind Royston.  That meant that overall they scored ten match points – the same as current league leaders Watford. 

In the veterans competition the Spartans were second just behind Watford but WON the women’s event well clear of Bishop Stortford.  That means they lead the veterans contest. 

The Spartan women in the top ten were SAMANTHA PRETTY-CONNORS third, and first female 35 plus, in 40 minutes 4 seconds (40:04); CHRISTINE LATHWELL fourth, and second FV45, in 40:28 and ASHLEY JOHNSON sixth, and second 35 plus, in 40:59. 

The club’s leading men were SIMON FRASER sixth in 33:37; ANDREW PATTERSON eighth, and first man 40 plus, in 33:47; SIMON JACKSON tenth, and second man 40 plus, in 34:17 and, just out of the top ten but not far behind ADRIAN BUSOLINI eleventh in 34:27. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans had no less than three senior men’s teams, three senior women’s teams, five veteran men’s teams and six veteran women’s teams.  Senior men’s teams consisted of 12 runners.  Senior women teams had eight runners.  The 67 Spartans consisted of 38 men and 29 women. 

Hatfield Broad Oak 10k 

Jim Brown completed the course in 55:43 and Penny Schenkel in 59:05. 

Serpentine 5k 

Once through the first kilometre Spartan Jim Brown enjoyed himself and finished first MV70 in 27 minutes 24 seconds (63.7%). 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 27th May

Please click the link for the Consolidated Results from last weeks Parkruns

Categories
Club News Race Results

THE START OF MID WEEK LEAGUE!

Fairlands Valley Spartans gave their promotion hopes a tremendous boost in the first race of this year’s evening Mid Week League.  They were second overall with 67 finishers, 38 men and 29 women.   

Photo credit Keith Fenwick

FVS were second with 545 points, just 24 ahead of Royston.  Watford appear to have a strong lead of 59 points but they could easily be caught in the coming weeks.  The top two clubs will be promoted at the end of the season so the Spartans will be maximising their efforts to maintain that second place, or better. 

Photo credit Keith Fenwick

Altogether there were 538 runners from 15 clubs in the race.  The 67 from FVS compares with 65 from Royston; 53 from Barnet and 51 from Watford.  In addition to the 67 many other Spartans were volunteers helping to make the event a success. 

Photo Credit Keith Fenwick
On the finish line! – Photo credit Keith Fenwick

Stort Five 

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the team prize at Sunday’s Stort Five trail race. 

Pre race photo call.

STEVE DOBNER reports: Sunny skies greeted us as we made the short hop over to the Stort5.  The event was a sell out with 500 runners entered into the 5 or 10 mile race with 209 runners finishing the 5 mile run.  Having run both the 5 & 10 race previously it is now a must in my race diary, it is a friendly and extremely well run event. 

A slight delay greeted us at the start line as a local bee keeper decided to open their hives 10 minutes before the scheduled start, a quick route change was arranged (unfortunately leaving the races short of 5 or 10 miles) and we were called back and set off. 

The route snakes round Cammas Farm before taking in some lovely trails with two short road sections. 

Dave Pattman was first Spartan home, fourth overall in 31:53, Steve Dobner came home in 8th in 33:53 followed by Suzy Hawkins 35:11, Mo Warrillow in 39:24, Nicola Anderson 42:21 and Sue Harmer in 45:53. 

With Dave finishing fourth, Steve in 8th and Suzy in 13th Fairlands Valley Spartans won the mixed team event and received their lovely wooden trophies as they watched the 10 mile runners come home. 

Spartan smiles with their trophies!

Parkrun  

Please click the link for the Consolidated Club Results for the 20th May 2023

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS MASTER TRACK & FIELD 

The Spartans women’s team smashed it at the first EMAC fixture of the year which was at Milton Keynes on Wednesday evening.  They scored 143 points way ahead of the home club Milton Keynes with 88. 

The FVS team of six men came a very creditable fifth with several taking part for the first time. 

13 Spartans travelled to Milton Keynes on Wednesday evening to compete in the first EMAC league match of the season.  A minute silence was held before the competition began, and the team wore ribbons to remember Cathy Craig who was a much loved member of the team. 

In fitting tribute to Cathy, the women’s team romped to victory on the night, beating arch rivals Marshall Milton Keynes by nearly 60 points.  The team welcomed newbie Paula McMahon, who covered the women 35 plus 100 metres ( with 4th place) and WON the W35 400 metres!  Other wins on the night came from Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (WON W60 100m by a massive margin, and also took second place in W60 shot put), Christine Lathwell (WON W35 3k, also 2nd place W35 triple jump), Andrea Westcott (WON W50 400m, WON W50 high jump, and WON W50 triple jump, and was also 4th place W35 hammer, and 4th place W35 shot put), Yuko Gordon (WON W60 3k and B string 1m walk), Sharon Crowley (WON W60 hammer, and was also 3rd place W60 400m, 2nd place A string 1m walk, and 2nd place W60 triple jump), Marian Morley (WON W50 shot put – just missing out on a PB (personal best) by 4cm, also 2nd place W50 hammer). 

Following a tactical decision by the captain, Joylyn, Yuko, Sharon, and Andrea ran unopposed in the W50 4 x 100m relay to gain maximum points. 

The men finished in a respectable fifth position, with newbies Michael O’Keefe and Charlie Arnold covering multiple events, but points went begging due to a lack of throwers and jumpers this time.  Wins on the night came in the M60 hammer and the M35 3k, with other points scored in M50 100m, M60 100m, M35 400m, M60 400m, M60 3k, A string and B string 1m walk, M35 hammer, M50 shot put, and the 4 x 100m relay. 

Parkrun Results

Please click this link for the Consolidated Results for the 13th May 2023

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Club News Race Results

SPARTANS AT THE GREENWAY CHALLENGE 

14 Spartans enjoyed the 13.1 miles of the Greenway Challenge which is a largely trail event around Letchworth on Sunday. 

Several members have recently ran marathons and so took the opportunity to relax a bit and enjoy this unique event. 

There were some good performances including Nick Gill 12th overall in 1:52:47; John Harris 13th overall and first man over 60 also in 1:52:47 and Kim Tyler beating two hours with 1:59:35.  She was fourth woman 35 plus. 

Steve Dobner and Mo Warrilow came in together at 2:05:34. 

Jim Brown finished in 2:10:35. He was third man over 60.  Michael O’Keefe came in with 2:12:26. 

Tim Robinson, Vicky Archer, Claire Emmerson, Linda George and Martin Jacob all had a wonderful time at the Greenway Challenge. They ran, walked and skipped their way around the half marathon course enjoying chatting with each other and seeing the scenery.  

They have all either ran marathons and/or trained hard in the past few weeks and so they enjoyed running for fun and even more, they enjoyed the cakes at the end! 

Milton Keynes Marathon  

Adrian Busolini paced the sub three hour group at the Milton Keynes Marathon.  A job well done as they crossed the line in 2 hours 59 minutes 42 seconds (2:59:42). 

Adrian Busolini said: 

“I was peppered with questions about my race strategy in the starting pen, which was a slightly daunting experience for a first-time pacer.  I explained we’d be running mostly even splits, while aiming for consistent effort on the ascents and descents; and given the race started atop a hill, this meant we’d be subject to a slightly faster start.  Questions continued into the first few kilometres of the race, most concerningly from a couple of runners who expressed some anxiety over the starting pace.  If they couldn’t briefly handle some 10 seconds/km under target over a descent, I thought, then I seriously feared for their chances at sub-3.  I quietly wondered how many would still be with me at the end of the race. 

Down on the flat, to avoid any more unnecessary congestion at bottlenecks, I eased forward to put a little distance between us and the half marathon 1h 30m pacer.  Now I could more clearly see that quite a sizable group had gathered around me.  We comfortably settled into the 4:15 target pace, and I began my Milton Keynes running tour commentary.  Kudos to everyone who tolerated that with good humour. 

My group remained fairly consistent until the second lap of the course, when despite warnings about maintaining fluid/electrolyte balance in the warmer conditions, numbers rapidly started to dwindle.  I tried my best to keep various people going, even slightly losing track of pace on a couple of occasions as I tried to coax individuals along.  Once a small pack broke away in the last 7km to push on for PBs, and the last few runners I’d been desperately trying to encourage dropped off, I found myself entirely alone for a kilometre or two, briefly pondering why I was here today, casually trotting past Woughton on the Green with a blue flag flying from my back.  

Near the finish, I picked up a few more struggling souls, until we hit that final hilly kilometre, where I found myself maniacally screaming at tiring runners on the ascent, demanding more and more effort from them, to assure their sub 3 finish.  Being right there when they achieved their goals was a fantastic experience, one that’ll stick long in my memory.  No doubt partially aided by the sight of a runner in the background dressed in a cow suit, who was going by the name of ‘Moosain Bolt’.  

Parkrun Highlights

Consolidated Results for FVS members on the 6th May 2023

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Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN AT HITCHIN 

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the team prize at Sunday’s Hitchin 10K road race plus ANDREW PATTERSON was second man and ASHLEY JOHNSON second woman overall. 

Only a week after an outstanding run in the London Marathon Andrew was second in the race with 34 minutes 26 seconds, a new season’s best by 1 minute 22 seconds. 

Ashley was second woman overall, first in her age category and ran a new 10K personal best (PB) by 38 seconds with 41 minutes 59 seconds (41:59). 

The other Spartan team counters were DAN HUKIN 13th overall in 38:05, his best this year, and fourth in age category, and DANNY SCANLON 41st in 41:05, a season’s best by 2 seconds.  The FVS team won by 1 minute and 1 second. 

PENNY SCHENKEL expected she was going to take 70 minutes but took 1 minute 48 seconds off her season’s best time when she finished in 1:00:27. 

JIM BROWN said he was pleased to finish the Hitchin 10K only 28 seconds outside his best time of the year with 56:06. 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE was another Spartan who ran at London.  He maintained a sensible 10 minutes per mile pace and finished the 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) in 1:00:06. 

JANE WADEY said she was pleased with her results.  65:40 was just 38 seconds short of her PB despite running with a sore ankle. 

(Photo Credit, Main Photo – Marie Colucci)

County Track and Field Championships 

There were eight members of the club at the County Track and Field Championships for veterans at Ridlins on bank holiday Monday. 

In the 1500 metres MO WARILLOW won GOLD in the women 45 plus race with 6 minutes 57.56 seconds (6:57.56); SHARON CROWLEY won GOLD in the women 55 plus event with 8:06.10; PAUL HOLGATE won GOLD in the men’s 60 plus category with 8:23.88 and JIM BROWN won GOLD in the 70 plus race with 7:47.26. 

DAVID PATTMAN won 1500 metre SILVER in the MV40 category race with 5:37.81 and STEVEN DOBNER MV40 BRONZE with 5:43.94.  THOMAS SAUKA just missed out on the medals with 5:50.56. 

In the sprints DAVE STEPHENSON won the men 60 plus 100 metres in 14.2 seconds and the men 60 plus 200 metres in 29.45 seconds. 

SHARON CROWLEY took SILVER in the hammer with 16.32 metres. 

Photo Credit -Dave Stephenson

Serpentine 

Jim Brown ran Friday’s Serpentine 5K in 27 minutes 54 seconds (27:54).  He was second MV70. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 29th April 2023 

For the Consolidated Results from last Saturdays Parkrun please click the link.

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Club News Race Results

SMILES, MEDALS & ACHIEVEMENTS IN LONDON!

What a fantastic day for Fairlands Valley Spartans at the London Marathon.  Two Spartans under 2 hours 40 minutes – that’s championship level, a third close to a world record, 17 runners and 44 helpers. 

ANDREW PATTERSON and SIMON FRASER both swept under 2 hours 40 minutes with Andrew 505th out of about 50,000 finishers in 2 hours 38 minutes 37 seconds and Simon 545th in a tremendous new personal best (PB) by 7 minutes 15 seconds with 2:39:10. 

YUKO GORDON won her age group by more than 35 minutes and came close to a world record for a woman aged 70 plus with 3 hours 28 minutes 20 seconds (3:28:20). 

Andrew and Yuko looking relaxed after smashing 26.2 miles!

Spartan TANYA BRAZIER took exactly 29 minutes off her marathon personal best when she finished in 4 hours 10 minutes 1 second and FIONA CLARKE took 8:47 off hers with 4:21:00. 

Three were running their first marathons – CHARLOTTE BRAZIER with 4:30:26; SAM MAIDENS with 4:32:57; and MICHAEL O’KEEFE with 4:34:10. 

There were season’s bests by CHRIS HOLLAND 4:44:36; TRUDIE KING 5:15:17; BARRY KING 5:38:07 and MARIA THORNE 5:43:41. 

JIM BROWN could be running next year as he qualified Good For Age with 4 hours 50 minutes 5 seconds (4:50:05).   

MIKE JEFFS completed his second marathon at London with 3 hours 29 minutes 22 seconds.  He said it was tough work but the atmosphere and crowd got him over the line. 

An eighteenth Spartan ROBERT WRIGHT ran the London Marathon virtually in 4:24:52. 

A few of our amazing Spartans!

The Spartans organised a huge number of volunteers to provide helpers on three baggage lorries just after the finish on The Mall.  Something FVS have done very efficiently for many years and vital so that runners get their kit back after their 26.2 miles. 

Having fun on the baggage lorries!

Boston Marathon 

Spartan PETE SMITH ran the 127th Boston Marathon the 17th April in 3 hours 35 minutes 20 seconds (3:35:20).  He said it was a hilly course and now knows why it’s called Heartbreak Hill! It was a tad wet but he thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Coach Pete with his well earned medal!

Centurion Track 100 

On Saturday, Spartan CIARAN MCANENY competed in the Centurion Track 100 mile race at Bedford Athletics Stadium. 

This is an IAU Gold elite level event, designed for runners to compete under the fastest possible conditions and with a focus on record setting. The main focus is on the 100 mile distance, but official records are also taken at 50km, 50 mile, 100km, 6hr and 12hrs en-route. 
 

Ciaran was crewed by fellow Spartans Adrian Busolini and Susan McAneny, who gave amazing support for every lap and made sure he was sticking to his pacing and nutrition plan. 

The race saw multiple national records fall and a V50 100 mile World Record set. Amongst all of this, Ciaran set a PB completing 100 miles in 16:17:20 (including a 100km PB of 9:25:32 and a 12hr PB of 124.226km). 

Ciaran and his support crew! What an amazing run!

Endurance Pembrokeshire Half

Spartan NICK GILL ran the Pembrokeshire Half in Wales on the 22nd April. It is part of the Endurancelife coastal trail series.

The route goes along the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Nick said that he really wanted to enjoy it so wasn’t pushing too hard, but had a great second half and somehow ended up finishing 7th out of 180 finishers in 1:52:14! 

Amazing result for Nick!

Parkrun Highlights

For the consolidated results please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results 22nd April 2023

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Club News Race Results

RESOLUTION 5K, MANCHESTER & FLITWICK 10K

Wednesday 12th April saw the return of the evening Resolution 5K on Ridlins track, Fairlands Valley Spartans won it and recorded no less than eight new personal bests (PBs). 

The Spartans won with Simon Fraser 3rd in 16:27, Jonathan Parr 4th in 16:45, Kelvin Beyioku 6th in 17:54 and Ashley Johnson first woman and 27th overall in 20:19.  Teams consisted of the first three men and first woman finishing from each club.  Simon improved his PB by 21 seconds and Ashley hers by 46 seconds. 

Spartan PAULA DUNNE was the third woman overall in 21:39, a new personal best by 1 minute 14 seconds. 

NICK GILL was seventh in the race in 17:59, a new 5K personal best by 1 minute 8 seconds.  He said the support in the stands and on the track made a real difference and helped him get over the line in just under 18 minutes with the help of a sprint finish.  MIKE JEFFS came in next in 19:11 and DANNY SCANLON in 19:25. 

There was another PB by NICK KLEANTHOUS with 24:04.  He said it was a well organised event and a very big turnout for FVS.  Lots of runners stayed until the end to support later runners.  Lovely to see this and the support from non runners alike. 

Sharon, Liz & Jane followed by some of the Spartan supporters!

JANE WADEY equalled her 5K personal best with 31:31 which was set in May 2022.  HAZEL SMITH was very pleased with her 24:22. 

That was cold said JIM BROWN who went round the 12.5 laps in a steady 27 minutes 57 seconds. 

FVS also achieved the highest number of finishers.  The top three clubs were FVS 24; North Herts Road Runners 14 and Stevenage Phoenix 11. 

Manchester Marathon 

Spartan SIMON JACKSON ran a new personal best at the Manchester Marathon.  His 2:44:12 beat the very significant 2 hours 45 minutes target. 

Simon said “A new PB which I’ll take at 47 and after a lot of years of running.” 

Spartans LINDA GEORGE and MARTIN JACOB did their first full marathon at Manchester on Sunday. 

Martin said the last six miles were a real struggle.  The training sessions and the long Sunday runs with Fairlands Valley Spartans really helped me to push the boundaries and achieve a sub 4 hour timing. 

Martin Jacob finished in 3:59:57 and Linda George in 5:00:23 

VICKY ARCHER ran her first road marathon in Manchester finishing in 4.19.09. 

She smashed her 4:30 goal and it was also a personal best from her last one on file which was 5:40 (although that was a trail marathon when doing the challenge a couple of years ago). 

Martin, Vicky & Linda all enjoying the buzz of Manchester!!

Flitwick 10K 

Spartan YUKO GORDON showed the way at the Flitwick 10K.  She won the women 65 plus category in 46 minutes 33 seconds, was 85th overall out of 424 finishers and received a lovely gold medal. 

HAZEL SMITH did 52:47 for 178th

JIM BROWN was very pleased with his efforts at Flitwick.  He finished in 55 minutes 38 seconds, 1 minute 13 seconds faster than on the flatter St. Albans 10K two weeks earlier.  He said the first kilometre winding up through a housing scheme felt hard but he ran a negative split, second half faster than the first by 34 seconds, came second in his category and just in the first half of the race. 

Calderdale Hike 

Mike and Sharon Crowley took part in the Calderdale Hike on Saturday, based at Sowerby. They completed the 26 miles, with some 3600 feet of climb, in 8 hours 26 minutes.  The weather was unexpectedly lovely, with lots of sunshine and minimal breeze. 

Sharon and Mike on their hike.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 15th April 2023 

Congratulations to Spartan TRACY HAYGARTH who was at Stevenage to run her 100th parkrun.  She finished her celebration run around Fairlands Valley Park in 34:07. 

Tracey in her 100 Parkrun cape!

For all the Spartan Parkrun results please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results 15th April 2023

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Club News Race Results

EASTER WEEKEND RACING!

Fantastic!  Fairlands Valley Spartan Yuko Gordon WON her age group, women 70 plus, and broke the British record by nearly half a minute in the Maidenhead 10 miles race on Good Friday. 

Her chip time of 74:08 easily won her category and her “gun time” (used officially) of 74:20 broke the 10 mile record which had been held by Angela Copson since 2017. 

The race was very well organised and marshals were friendly and efficient like Spartans. The car park was big enough to accommodate everyone and was just next to race HQ and the start/finish area.  All in one place. 

Yuko said, “The course was generally flat and fast but the inevitable nature of country lanes came with uneven surfaces (not ideal for my air pumped up Nike high heel shoes i.e. alpha fly… every chance of tripping) and water puddles in some part.  Even pacing didn’t work and my pace varied from 7 minutes to nearly 8 minutes each mile.  I hurtled down the slight down hill between miles 5 and 6; the hop and step side to side over the wet puddles on the pavement section was the slowest mile before coming back into the last mile, the fastest at 6:58.” 

St Albans Easter 10K 

NICK GILL excelled with a new personal best (PB) by nearly three minutes and his first time under 40 minutes with 38 minutes 10 seconds.  He was 34th overall.  Nick’s previous PB was 41:07 at the St Albans Mid Week League race in St Albans in May 2022.   

Nick ringing the PB bell!

JIM BROWN was a little slower than he’d like but 56:51 was good enough for second in his category.  LIZ CARVELL came back in 64:05.  This was her first race since 29th December 2019, before lockdown.  She said it was a flat course but slightly uphill near the end of the Alban Way.  She was happy with her time.   

There was a big cheer for NICHOLA DURENT when she finished in 83 minutes exactly.  Nichola said it was nice to have sun and not rain and mud like Lee Valley a couple of weeks ago. 

Nichola with the ultimate finishing prize – Ice cream!! (Photo Credit – Keith Fenwick)

Beaconsfield 5 Cross Country 

WENDY THARANI said the Beaconsfield 5 Cross Country was beautiful, very wet and very muddy.  It was really well organised by Burnham Joggers, with loads of friendly marshals standing about in the pouring rain.  An absolutely stunning route in the grounds of the Hall Barn Estate.  She really enjoyed it.  Wendy ran the five miles in 50 minutes 12 seconds. 

A happy Wendy with her medal!

Parkrun Highlights

For the Parkrun results please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results 8th April 2023

Categories
Club News Race Results

1500m, BRIGHTON MARATHON AND LLHM!

Six Fairlands Valley Spartans accepted an invitation from Stevenage and North Herts Athletics Club to join them at their open track event. 

Spartan SIMON JACKSON won the men’s 1500 metres race at the SNHAC Track Open event at Ridlins on Saturday afternoon.  He finished in 4 minutes 38.61 seconds.  NICK GILL was next in for Fairlands Valley with 5 minutes 3 seconds exactly. 

PETER ORTON came in with 5:49.93; NICK KLEANTHOUS, running his first 1500, with 6:34.47 and JIM BROWN was first in his category with 8:08.62. 

In the women’s race JANE WADEY, also running her first 1500, was sixth with 9:12.89. 

Jane said that it was her first attempt at 1500m and although it was hard, she was pleased in the end as she managed my best pace yet. 

Brighton Marathon Weekend 

Spartans STEVE DOBNER and DAVE PATTMAN ran the Brighton Marathon on Sunday. 

Steve said it was pretty chilly on arrival but the sun came out to warm the day.  Lots of hairpin turns and hillier than they anticipated. 

He was really pleased to complete it in 3:47:33 for a 25 minute PB and achieving a sub 4 after struggling for the last 3 or 4 miles. 

Dave Pattman came home in 3:52 and said with his sub 4 he is retiring from marathons – well until he runs Beachy Head in October. 

Steve and Dave mid race!

Paris Marathon

MIKE JEFFS took part in the Paris marathon on Sunday. He said that the event was incredible, really well supported and organised.

He completed the course in 3:13:18 taking 11 mins off his PB. Leading up to the day he had struggled with his knee but on the day it played ball and he was able to take in the sites and keep a good pace. He now has 3 weeks to rest before doing it all again in London!

International Spartan Mike!

London Landmarks Half Marathon 

Spartan CHRIS WATLING finished the London Landmarks Half Marathon in (what he called) a respectable 1.55:02 

He said it’s a race he’s always wanted to do and he thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Chris looking fresh pre race.

Danny Scanlon finished the Landmarks in 1:30:21. 

Danny with his LLHM medal!

Sandy 10 

CLAIRE PULLEN finished in 1 hour 18 minutes 18 seconds for 84th place.  JIM BROWN and TRICIA HOPPER raced together over the last mile with Jim finishing 172 in 1:31:15 and Tricia 173rd in 1:31:17.  SHARON CROWLEY came in with 1:47:55 and PAUL HOLGATE with 1:49:50. 

Serpentine 5k 

Last Friday of the Month Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park, London.  Spartan JIM BROWN was first man 70 plus in 28 minutes 29 seconds (28:29). 

Parkrun Highlights

For all the Spartan Parkrun results from the weekend please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results 1st April 2023

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LEE VALLEY – 10K and 50K ULTRA!

In the ATW RunFest at Lee Valley there were two Spartans in the 10K, JANE WADEY came 208th with 68:17 and NICHOLA DURENT 251st in 86:04. 

Nichola Durent said, “On Sunday I completed the Lee Valley Run Fest 10K.  It’s a lovely route, although some bits pretty muddy and puddly from all the rain. I completed it in 1.26.04.  I overtook a few people and had my eye on one last person to overtake before I finished.  I only went and did it! 

Nichola was joined by her brother who is pictured with her and Jane. The photo credit goes to Keith Fenwick.

It was Jane Wadey’s first 10K.  She said it was very wet with lots of mud and surface water underfoot  but she completed it in 68 minutes 17 seconds. 

Adrian Busolini was third in the Camino Lea Valley 50km race with 3 hours 34 minutes 32 seconds (3:34:32).   

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 25th March 2023 

For all the Parkrun Results please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results for 25th March 2023

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TWIN LAKES 20 & ROB IN ROME

Five Spartans ran the Twin Lakes 20 race in Milton Keynes on Sunday.  PETE SMITH was in the top 100 at 87th and won the men 60 plus category with 2 hours 42 minutes 22 seconds (2:42:22).  Next came HARRIET SMITH and SAM MAIDENS two senior women Spartans whose marathon preparation seems to be going well.  Harriet was 205th in 3 hours 5 minutes exactly and Sam 248th in 3:13:09. 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE’s hard work over the last few months is paying off.  He was 253rd in 3:14:37.  WENDY THARANI continued her recovery from injury with 3:55:47. 

The TWIN LAKES 20 is a stunning 10-mile or 20-mile race that will have prepared many for a Spring half or full marathon experience without having to run on their own. 

MATTHEW NEWTON ran the ten mile TWIN LAKES option in 1 hour 54 minutes 42 seconds. 

Rome Marathon 

They say running “Run Rome the Marathon” is like running in an open-air museum and Spartan ROB WRIGHT ran it on Sunday.  He said it was brilliant but a tough course with lots of cobblestones.  Not a PB (personal best) this time but a sub 4 achievement with 3 hours 56 minutes 7 seconds (3:56:07).   

‘When in Rome!’ Rob’s finisher selfie with stunning backdrop.

Parkrun Results

Local parkrun events returned two, well deserved, first place Spartan finishes for NICK GILL and SIMON FRASER. 

NICK GILL’s run in Letchworth resulted in a PB time of 19 minutes and 58 seconds, while SIMON FRASER completed the Stevenage course to WIN in 17 minutes and 33 seconds (17:33). 

PB runs were also recorded for ASHLEY JOHNSON, who finished as the second female in a time of 20 minutes and 52 seconds in Stevenage, and DAVID PATTMAN who completed the Great Denham event in 20 mins and 50 secs. 

For the consolidated results from last weeks Parkruns please click the link – Consolidated Parkrun Results 18th March 2023

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Club News Race Results

CROSS COUNTRY AT ROYSTON

ANDREW PATTERSON won the last race in the cross country league series.   

On the tough course near Royston with several sloggy hills Andrew ran the nine kilometres event in just 34 minutes 37 seconds.  Next came SIMON JACKSON in 38:23 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI also in the top twenty at 19th with 40:13.  Eight were needed for a men’s “A” team and the others were NICK GILL, 27th in 41:44; ADRIAN DONNELLY 42nd in 44:14; DANNY SCANLON 63rd in 46:22; THOMAS SAUKA 142nd in 57:26 and MICHAEL O’KEEFE 160th in 59 minutes 5 seconds. 

KELLY McHALE had a brilliant run to lead in the women’s team at 112th overall and 19th woman with 53 minutes 1 second.  A team of five for the women was needed and the others were CLAIRE EMMERSON 174th in 61:17; PENNY SCHENKEL 185th in 63:17; SHARON CROWLEY 214th in 70:47 and JANE WADEY 216th in 72:47. 

The Spartans needed another five male finishers for a “B” men’s team and the next five across the line were NICK KLEANTHOUS 175th in 61:19; JON SYPULA 187th in 63:23; MARK FREEMAN 194th in 65:06; ANDY JAY 198th in 65:35 and JIM BROWN 199th in 66:20.   

Milton Keynes Festival of Running 

HARRIET SMITH ran the half marathon distance at the MK Festival of Running and beat 1:50 with a great 1:49:36. 

Parkrun Saturday 11th March 2023  

For the consolidated results please click the link – Consolidated Results

Tables 

Spartans at the Therfield Cross Country: 

Position Name Time Category Comments 
ANDREW PATTERSON 34:37 M40 Men “A” team 
10 SIMON PATTERSON 38:23 M40 Men “A” 
19 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 40:13 Senior Men “A” 
27 NICK GILL 41:44 Senior Men “A” 
42 ADRIAN DONNELLY 44:14 M40 Men “A” 
63 DANNY SCANLON 46:22 M40 Men “A” 
112 KELLY McHALE 53:01 W35 Women “A” team 
142 THOMAS SAUKA 57:26 M40 Men “A” 
160 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 59:05 M50 Men “A” 
174 CLAIRE EMMERSON 61:17 W45 Women “A” 
175 NICK KLEANTHOUS 61:19 M60 Men “B” team 
185 PENNY SCHENKEL 63:17 W45 Women “A” 
187 JON SYPULA 63:23 M40 Men “B” team 
194 MARK FREEMAN 65:06 M60 Men “B” team 
198 ANDY JAY 65:35 M50 Men “B” team 
199 JIM BROWN 66:20 M70 Men “B” team 
214 SHARON CROWLEY 70:45 W55 Women “A” 
216 JANE WADEY 72:47 W55 Women “A” 
217 PAUL HOLGATE 73:25 M60  
222 CALLIE CHAPMAN 81:16 W35  
224 TRACY HAYGARTH 81:33 W45  
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CAMBRIDGE HALF and TOKYO!

Fairlands Valley Spartans had a great club outing to Cambridge with seventeen running the half marathon and three of the fastest from Fairlands finishing within two seconds of each other.     

Three personal bests came from the three who raced the event together.  NICK GILL 1,011th in 1:27:16; MATTHEW NEWTON 1,013th in 1:27:27 and MIKE JEFFS 1,014th in 1:27:18.  Nick improved by 3 minutes 49 seconds; Mike by 3:54 and Matthew by an enormous 38:37.  All in the top ten per cent of the race. 

The fourth PB was from SAM SIMMONS with 1:32:59. 

STEVEN DOBNER improved his best half marathon time by 4 minutes 37 seconds when he finished in 1 hour 37 minutes 3 seconds (1:37:03).  CHRIS WATLING came in at 1:51:38, an improvement of 1:46.  MO WARRILOW ran a new pb of 1:53:26!  She was so pleased as for a long time she didn’t think she could go sub 2 hours!  CAROLYN LINSELL ran a new PB of 2:16:34. 

SIMON JACKSON finished second in his age group and 83rd overall with 1:13:42.  He said, “Unfortunately I never really found a group to run with but I was happy with my second fastest half marathon ever after some very average training and some niggles.  He was the fastest from the club and in the top 1% in the race. 

YUKO GORDON won her age category F70 in 1:37:22, over 9 minutes ahead of F65 winner.  She said, “I pushed harder than usual to shake off my habit of running within my comfort zone but there was a little drop in pace here and there by losing concentration.” 

CAROLE SHELDRICK ran her first half marathon in three years.  Carole said, “The Cambridge Half has always been one of my favourites.  My plan was to make it round and enjoy it, so I was very happy to come in under two hours (Official time 1 hour 59 minutes 47 seconds).  Brilliant event, great support along the route and as always a fantastic medal. 

Tokyo Marathon – Abbott world marathon 6 star finishers 

Four Spartans endured the 14 hour flight to Japan to run the 2023 Tokyo marathon. 
 
STUART HAYCROFT, JACKIE DOWNES and TODD GRAY were originally scheduled to run in 2020, but five days before they were due to board flights and after 16 weeks of intense training, the marathon was cancelled due to Covid. After several deferrals and foreign embargoes, they finally toed the start line this year for the original 2020 entry. 
 
This race was the culmination of a several year journey to achieve the coveted Abbott world major six star finishers medal for Jackie Downes and Stuart Haycroft.  This medal is only being awarded to people who have completed all the majors, comprising Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo and London.  The group of people in the world who have completed remains small as it’s incredibly difficult to gain entry to these races, and the logistics of running them is very problematic and difficult. 
 
Stuart said, “Wow, what a city, what lovely people and such a great race. To finally receive my six star medal is one of my proudest moments of my life, the effort, resources, patience and money it has taken to here has been massive.  It’s been such a long journey, but absolutely worth it. It was great to share this experience with three other Spartans” 
 
ROSS GALLAGHER was the fastest Spartan on the day, breaking three hours for the first time in 02:59:26 (PB) with an amazing run through this amazing city. 
 
Ross said of his run, “After what was tough training block it was fantastic to go under 3 hours for the first time and grab a 9 minute PB.  Thanks to Stuart Haycroft for some consistent pacing and words of encouragement when I had to dig deep for the last three miles for what felt like the world’s longest ‘park run’.” 
 
The other Spartans completing this race were: Stuart Haycroft: 02:59:27 (SB); Todd Gray: 3:24:21 and Jackie Downes: 04:42:14. 

All four have commented on what an amazing place Tokyo is and should definitely be on the bucket list of anybody who enjoys running foreign races. 

Ross and Stuart with his six star finishers medal

Berkhampstead Half Marathon 

Four Spartans stayed in the county and were in Berkhamsted to help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Berko Runs.   

FIONA CLARKE had a brilliant run to finish in 1 hour 55 minutes 54 seconds.  Fiona said, “It was a surprise sub-2 for me, as I simply haven’t been running well or with enough results to point to this result so I’m very happy.  I really enjoyed the race, the organisation and support were amazing.  I even enjoyed the undulating course, the long downhills were very rewarding.” 

Fiona running strong

JIM BROWN improved by ten minutes on his most recent attempt at a half marathon and finished in 2:03:15 which gave him third in his age group.  Coming back from injury WENDY THARANI wanted a trouble free long run which she did with 2:16:55. 

In the five mile Berko race PENNY SCHENKEL went round in 48 minutes 22 seconds.  She was 250th out of the 447 finishers. 

Essex 20 

ROB WRIGHT added to the variety with a former airfield based 20 mile race near Saffron Walden.  He completed the race in 2 hours 36 minutes 36 seconds.  That’s a personal best (PB) by 39 minutes 44 seconds. 

Rob with his medal

Chiltern Kanter 

Mike and Sharon Crowley completed the 26 mile Chiltern Kanter in 8 hours 49 minutes.  The route included over 4700 feet of climbing.  The challenge was to answer questions at 32 map references, self navigating round the route, not following written instructions. 

TIM ROBINSON did an 18 mile version of the same event in 3 hours 36 minutes exactly. 

Mike and Sharon on their Kanter

Wokingham 

CRAIG BACON ran the Wokingham Half Marathon recently. He finished in 1:43:22. 

The route took a two mile loop around the historic town centre, before heading out into the country roads of Royal Berkshire. The route was pretty flat, which was advertised as an opportunity for a PB, although with disruption to training due to minor ailments this was not very likely. 
 
I was encouraged along for the first few miles by running with an old friend from Reigate Priory Athletics Club, before letting him push on and taking the sensible decision to stick with my own maintainable pace. 
 
I was very pleased to come in with a chip time of 1:43:22 to finish 1135 of 2500 finishers and 143 of 330 Male Vet 50. 

Parkrun Highlights 

Saturday 4th March 2023  

CHLOE CHAPMAN enjoyed her 100th parkrun with 30:14.   

New PB for Michael O’Keefe of 26:15 at Henlow Bridge Lakes 

For the weeks full results please click – Consolidated Results

Tables 

Spartans at the Cambridge Half Marathon: 

Position Name Chip Time Gender Gender Pos Age Group Cat Pos Comments 
82 Simon Jackson 1:13:42 Male 82 45-49 2nd2nd best 
1011 Nick Gill 1:27:16 Male 910 30-34 162 PB (3:49) 
1013 Matthew Newton 1:27:17 Male 912 40-44 150 PB (38:37) 
1014 Mike Jeffs 1:27:18 Male 913 35-39 143 PB (3:54) 
1411 William Morley 1:29:25 Male 1251 17-19 18 First Half 
1690 Yuko Gordon 1:37:22 Female 212 70-74 1stSB 
1983 Sam Simmons 1:32:59 Male 1720 30-34 282 PB (5:43) 
2335 Steven Dobner 1:37:03 Male 1994 45-49 268 PB (4:37) 
2735 Thomas Sauka 1:45:18 Male 2296 45-49 308 SB 
3881 Chris Watling 1:51:38 Male 3130 35-39 470 PB (1:46) 
5486 Mo Warrillow 1:53:25 Female 1296 50-54 75 PB (8:08) 
5589 James McSweeney 2:01:44 Male 4252 35-39 618 SB 
5809 Carole Sheldrick 1:59:46 Female 1421 45-49 163 SB 
7588 Steve Tinsley 1:59:08 Male 5309 35-39 749 First Half 
8994 Nicola Andersson 2:16:33 Female 3093 50-54 239 SB 
8995 Carolyn Linsell 2:16:34 Female 3094 65-69 20 PB (9:38) 
9464 Ellie Mcdermott 2:25:38 Female 3370 25-29 658  
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN AT BALDOCK BEAST

The Spartan men’s team of SIMON FRASER, TONY RANDFIELD, JOHN HARRIS and MARCUS RIDLEY won the team competition by 175 points to 188 ahead of North Herts Road Runners. 

Simon was fourth overall in 1 hour 21 minutes 31 seconds (1:21:31); Tony 40th in 1:38:09; John 47th in 1:39:10 and Marcus 84th in 1:47:50.  Tony was first in the men 60 plus category and John Second. 

SAM MAIDENS was the fastest female from Spartans beating two hours with 1:59:18. An excellent time as she continues her marathon preparation.  LINDA GEORGE was next woman in for the Spartans with 2:21:25. 

CHRIS WATLING 1:59:10 also beat two hours.  Then came TIM ROBINSON 2:04:14 who felt strong at the start and up to about 5miles.  Then he said his legs started protesting but his last three miles were very fast.  He was happy to be not too much over two hours 

Within the next minute MARTIN JACOB 2:04:32 and MICHAEL O’KEEFE 2:04:55. Followed by JIM BROWN in with 2 hours 13 minutes 50 seconds.   

MATTHEW NEWTON was not far behind in 2:14:53 then SHARON CROWLEY completed the Spartan thirteen with 2:33:13.    

A few of our runners taming the Baldock Beast!

Presentation Evening 

Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed themselves at the Cromwell Hotel, Stevenage with their annual presentation evening on Friday evening. 

ANDREW PATTERSON was overall male and club champion for 2022 and YUKO GORDON was overall female champion. 

CATHY CRAIG was voted Spartan of the Year. 

SUZY HAWKINS won the women’s open short contest with a margin of 7% while YUKO GORDON won the age graded competition with 97.4%!  The short contest was determined by the best of three out of 1500 metres, 5K, 5 miles and 10K. 

The women’s open long was won by HAZEL SMITH 4.2% ahead of WENDY THARANI who was just 0.2% in front of FIONA CLARKE. 

Meanwhile the women’s age graded long competition was won by YUKO GORDON with an amazing 99.5.  TRICIA HOPPER was second and SHARON CROWLEY third.  The long contest was best of three out of 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles and full marathon (26.2 miles / 42.2 kilometres). 

ANDREW PATTERSON won the men’s open short and long open competitions with 79.4% and 79.2%.  GRANT RAMSAY was second in the short with 69.8% and STUART ARCHER third with 68.5%.  ROSS GALLAGHER was second in the long with 66.6% and STUART ARCHER third with 65.4%. 

SIMON JACKSON won both men’s age graded competitions with 84.5% and 84.2%.  GEORGIE HOOPER and DEREK CORNELIUS was the most improved Spartans in 2022. 

David Scott, Chair of FVS in 2022 presented the Chair’s Award to VICKY ARCHER while the captains’ awards went to NICK KLEANTHOUS and JANE WADEY for their participation in league events. 

The President’s Award went to ROGER BIGGS who has co-ordinated the Spartans involvement – runners and volunteers – in the London Marathon for 25 years. 

A selection of our lovely winners!

Seville Marathon 

The Seville Marathon went well for YUKO GORDON.  She finished in 3 hours 27 minutes 18 seconds to win first women 70 plus beating the men’s 70 plus winner by two minutes.  Her average pace was better than 5 minutes per kilometre.  She said the course was similar to London with a couple of under paths down and up, there was a long flat cobbled path from 38k to 39k which was pain for her to keep her balance but no problem for bigger feet. 

Parkrun Saturday 25th February 2023 

There was a parkrun PB (personal best) for Nick Gill who finished 5th in 19-07, smashing his previous time by thirty-five seconds.

For all the Parkrun results please click the link – Consolidated Results for 25th February 2023

Categories
Club News Race Results

Watford Cross Country

 

Running just a shade under 10 kilometres off road Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI finished under 40 minutes with 38 minutes 48 seconds (38:48) and was 14th out of about 300 in the race. 

The Spartans needed eight for a men’s team and they were Adrian, GRANT RAMSAY 21st in 40:25; STUART ARCHER 54th in 43:32; NICK GILL 56th in 43:40; DANNY SCANLON 75th in 44:46; THOMAS SAUKA 129th in 49:18; STEVE MAYFIELD 133rd in 49:19; and ROBERT WRIGHT 239th in 59:28.  Grant won the 50 plus category. 

HARRIET SMITH says she started too fast but she was still fastest female from Fairlands with 51:35 and 155th overall.  Five were needed for a women’s team and the others were SHARON CROWLEY 288th in 72:23; JANE WADEY 289th in 72:30; HAZEL SMITH 297th in 83:11 and CALLIE CHAPMAN 298th also in 83:11. 

Six other men ran for the Spartans.  They were MICHAEL O’KEEFE 240th in 59 minutes 34 seconds; JIM BROWN 255th in 61:31; MARK FREEMAN 257th in 61:49; TIM ROBINSON 262nd in 62:49; GRANT MURPHY 287th in 72:13 and PAUL HOLGATE 290th in 73:01. 

All 19 Spartans at the finish line in Watford

Seville Marathon 

YUKO GORDON was in Spain for the Seville Marathon and won her category, women 70 plus, in a fantastic time of 3 hours 27 minutes 18 seconds.  That’s better than 5 minutes per kilometre.  She was 3,014th overall out of the 8,283 finishers. 

Nuclear Canicross Race 

JANE WHITROW and her dog Rufus did the Tailrunners (South Essex Canicross) first event at Nuclear Races.  This was a Canicross event including trail, woods and swamps Jane said it was great fun and well organised.  The course was 5K and they did it in 39 minutes 40 seconds….Jane said she wasted a lot of time sitting down in the swamp.   

Jane and Rufus on the right

Watford Half Marathon – 12th February

Fairlands Valley Spartans had a famous five at Sunday’s Watford Half Marathon.  Known for its hills at least this year there was sunshine.  ROBERT WRIGHT was first in with a time of 1 hour 39 minutes 6 seconds for 269th out of the 1,185 finishers. 

New Spartan MOLLY CRIMMIN continued her preparation for the London Marathon with her first ever half marathon.  She beat two hours with 1 hour 58 minutes 56 seconds for 786th

MICHAEL O’KEEFE in 2:03:17; SHARON CROWLEY in 2:33:16 and PAUL HOLGATE 2:36:02 completed the line up from Fairlands Valley Spartans. 

Five Spartans at Watford Half

Adrian’s Arc of Attrition 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI returned to the Arc of Attrition 100 for the second year running, this time seeking a sub 26 hour finish.  He had his brother crewing for him, and favourable ground conditions; but an awkward race with many complicating factors left him merely on par with his 2022 performance at the last checkpoint, with only 35km to go.  It took a determined effort to get himself in almost 90 minutes faster than the previous year’s performance, albeit some 45 minutes slower than target.  With a finish time of 26 hours 47 minutes 4 seconds he was 40th out of the 330 that started the 100 mile race in Cornwall.  Adrian said, “Arc – I will return, you bewitching botheration!” 

Adrian receiving his award

Winter Run – 12th February

There were also five Spartans at the London Winter Run 10K.  Out of 9,000 finishers PAUL SHELLEY was 790th in 44:11; STEVE DOBNER 792nd in 44:12; DAVID PATTMAN 997th in 45:14; MATT TUTTON 6,114th in 58:59 and CLAIRE HYDE 8,503 64:24. 

Essendon 10K 

DANNY SCANLON ran the Essendon 10K on Sunday 12th February at Essendon golf club. 

On an undulating, twisting and turning two lap route through the golf club he finished fourth out of 94 runners with a chip time of 41:07. 

Parkrun Highlights 

Saturday 4th February 2023 – There was a record breaking performance by Spartan YUKO GORDON at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun.  She achieved an age grade of 98.98%, breaking the course record and was third woman overall with 22 minutes 52 seconds. 

For the full consolidate results please click the following links:

Saturday 4th February 2023

Saturday 11th February 2023

Saturday 18th February 2023

Categories
Club News Race Results

BEDFORD 10 MILES!

Spartan MIKE JEFFS had a superb run in the ten mile race at Bedford on Sunday.  He was 26th overall in 65 minutes 22 seconds. 

Mike posing mid run.

In dry conditions but a chilly head wind in places MATT CLARKE came in at 113th with 1 hour 22 minutes 49 seconds (1:22:49) and FIONA CLARKE at 1:28:25 for 163rd position.  Fiona enjoyed the flat course.   

JIM BROWN ran the course in 1:30:03 and missed first place in his age category by only nine seconds. 

Serpentine 5K 

It was the first last Friday of the Month 5K for 2023 in Hyde Park, London.  JIM BROWN finished in 27 minutes 16 seconds (27:14 net).  There were 214 finishers in the lunch-time race. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 28th January 2023 

For all the results please click the link – Consolidated results for 28th January 2023

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTAN 3 WEEK ROUNDUP

Watford Senior County Cross Country Championships – 8th January

Four Spartans were in a very wet and muddy Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood, Watford for Sunday’s Hertfordshire County Cross Country Championships. 

MOLLY CRIMMIN and SHARON CROWLEY ran in the women’s championship with Molly 50th in 39:42 and Sharon 80th in 51:42.  The ladies raced over 8,000 metres – about five miles. 

It was raining again for the men’s race that started at 1.30p.m.  ADRIAN BUSOLINI was 26th in 45:20 and NICK KLEANTHOUS 105th in 1:12:52.  The men raced over 11,250 metres – about seven miles.  They said the conditions, hills and distance made it hard work but the event was well organised and they were pleased to finish. 

Mid Month Mayhem 10K – 15th January 

GRANT RAMSAY had a good run on Sunday morning at the Mid Month Mayhem 10K event in Hitchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon.  Underfoot conditions were a bit of a challenge in the undulating trail event.  Grant was first over the line and took the course record with 40 minutes 48 seconds.  He said his skill set from the steeplechase competitions helped when tackling the mud and the puddles!  

Fred Hughes 10 Miles

Twelve Spartans were among 1015 runners who completed the Fred Hughes 10 mile race on Sunday morning.  The course is undulating and due to the chilly weather conditions there were a few slippery patches. 

Leading for the Spartans was MIKE JEFFS who came in at 108th in 66 minutes 2 seconds.  MO WARRILOW was the fastest female from with 1:25:49. 

The start was in waves which is based on estimated finish times, ROBERT WRIGHT was 304th over the finish line in 1:15:17 and SAM SIMMONS 314th in 1:15:14. 

STEVEN DOBNER and DAVID PATTMAN were 356th and 358th in 1:16:48 and 1:16:55. 

JIM BROWN finished nearly two minutes faster than he had last year in 1:31:54.

CHLOE CHAPMAN finished in 1:36:36 with NICK KLEANTHOUS just eight seconds behind.  Next came ANN TRYSSESOONE with 1:39:39; SUE HAMER with 1:47:57 and SHARON CROWLEY 1:48:21.  Sharon was nearly nine minutes faster than the Buntingford Ten at the very end of December so she was very happy with that. 

Parkrun Roundup

7th January – Annabelle White ran her 100th parkrun at Panshanger with 32 minutes 34 seconds (32:34). 

Consolidated results for 21st January – FVS Results

Consolidated results for 14th January – FVS Results

Consolidated results for 7th January – FVS Results

Categories
Club News Race Results

RUNNING INTO THE NEW YEAR

Buntingford Ten 

ROSS GALLAGHER was fastest of the seven from Fairlands with 63 minutes 58 seconds and 34th out of the 437 who finished.  Next came PAUL HEWETT 56th in 66:51; then MARCUS RIDLEY in 84:12. 

DANNY SCANLON ran the soggy but well organised Buntingford 10 on Friday.  He finished in a time of 1hour 11 minutes which was exactly 3 minutes faster than his last visit in 2018! 

Position BiB Name Category Category Position Time 
34 216 Ross Gallagher MV35 5/26 1:03:58 
56 272 Paul Hewett MV35 8/26 1:06:51 
77 490 Danny Scanlon MV40 13/43 1:11:00 
197 468 Marcus Ridley MSEN 37/47 1:24:12 
299 286 Tricia Hopper FV55 14/32 1:34:58 
418 154 Sharon Crowley FV60 9/9 1:57:07 
424 281 Paul Holgate MV65 10/11 2:01:45 

Witham Boxing Day Five 

It was a last minute decision to run but Fairlands Valley Spartans YUKO GORDON won her category at the Boxing Day Five in Witham, Essex.  Her time of 37 minutes 1 second placed her 100th out of the 321 finishers. 

Yuko said she just decided to run the race late on Christmas Day.  She had run the race once before and responded to a reminder from the organisers.  Without much running for a whole week she expected her fresh legs would do a good run.  It was a sunny morning and the course was a quiet and beautiful on a rural undulating road.  Yuko finished in 37:01 and 1st in 70-99 age category (they classified her as such, together with 99!)   

Yuko enjoying her Boxing Day run

Hyde Park 5k 

JIM BROWN enjoyed the last Friday 5K of the year in Hyde Park which he ran in 28 minutes 5 seconds. He was 161 out of the 192 finishers.   

Serpentine organise a 5K at the end of every month and Jim finished the event every month in 2022 – 12 out of 12.   

Ely 10k 

PAUL HOLGATE ran the last competitive race of 2022 on New Years Eve.  He finished in 69 minutes 46 seconds. 

Flitch Way Marathon 

TIM ROBINSON ran the Flitch Way Marathon on New Years Eve.  The marathon started in Felsted, Essex and followed the Flitch Way disused railway line. It first went east with a turn around at 4.5 miles and then west with a turn aroud at 16.6 miles.  As usual for a winter trail Marathon, there was wind, rain and mud, but the route was fairly sheltered.  Tim reached the 16.5 mile turnaround check point in around 3 hours and completed in 5:20:13, 46th overall and 6th in age.  

Tim at the 5 mile mark

Parkruns – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day 

Christmas Eve 

There were milestone runs for Claire EMMERSON and Hazel SMITH.  Claire finished her 100th event in 38:10. Hazel her 50th time in 38 minutes and 10 seconds (38:10). 

For the full results please click the link – Christmas Eve Parkrun Results 

Claire and Hazel celebrating their milestones

On Christmas Day, Andrew PATTERSON won the race.  He was the first to finish the Stevenage course in a parkrun PB time of 17 minutes and 7 seconds.  Georgie HOOPER ran her 50th parkrun event in 28 minutes and 11 seconds.  

At Lee-on-Solent, Sharon FLAHERTY ran a parkrun PB time of 36 minutes and 2 seconds.   

For the full results please click the link – Christmas Day Round Up 

New Years Day 

PAUL HOLGATE was running his 50th parkrun which he finished in 34 minutes 51 seconds.   

For the full results please click the link – New Years Eve Parkrun Results 

For the full results please click the link – New Years Day Round Up 

Categories
Club News Race Results

BEFORE THE SNOW HIT!

Spartan of the Month and Milton Keynes Half Marathon 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE was voted Spartan of the month for November.  He organised the Bryan Moore 10 and Paul Maguire 5 mile handicap events as well as putting a huge amount of effort into helping set up the Stevenage Half Marathon before running it! 

On Sunday Michael was at the Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon which he finished in 2 hours 1 minute 41 seconds.  He said it was minus 3 degrees at start and minus one at the finish so a tad chilly.   

Goodwood Marathon 

GRANT RAMSAY ran the Goodwood Marathon in 3 hours 5 minutes 52 seconds which was a significant improvement on a couple of his previous marathons earlier in the year which he ran at Bedford in 3 hours 16 minutes and Milton Keynes in 3 hours 22 minutes.  

Welwyn Festive 5 miles  

Following on from the Festive 5 at Welwyn on the 11th December it has now been confirmed that ANDREW PATTERSON not only achieved a personal best but has also set a new course record of 26 minutes 34 seconds. Well done Andrew! 

Minsden Chapel Christmas Club Run 

The clubs pre-Christmas Minsden Chapel Run has been a favourite for Fairlands Valley Spartans for many years.  This year a group of Spartans ran the route braving chilly temperatures and freezing fog. 

This is a fantastic club run that brings all members and abilities together to enjoy a social Christmas run which always delivers on stunning views! Three different distances are covered with all runners ending up at the very pretty and recently renovated Minsden Chapel before they head back to Stevenage ‘dropping off’ different runners at the different meeting points.  

Parkrun     

Altogether there were four parkrun PB for Spartans.  STEVE DOBNER 20:39 and MO WARRILOW 24:31 at Great Denham; MICHAEL O’KEEFE at Henlow Bridge Lakes 27:10 and NIKKI NATION at Stevenage with 28:57.  

For the full results listing for all Spartans please following the link – Consolidated FVS Results 10th December 2022 

Categories
Club News Race Results

CHRISTMAS ARRIVED AT THE FESTIVE 5!

Festive maybe but for some it was fast.  ANDREW PATTERSON won the race in just 26 minutes 34 seconds.  And second was SIMON JACKSON in 28 minutes 26 seconds. 

HAZEL SMITH ran a new personal best of 40 minutes 53 seconds, an improvement by 1 minute 27 seconds, and NICK KLEANTHOUS a new PB by 6 seconds with 42:13.  Not bad considering both were dressed as Santa’s helpers. 

JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL ran together with Jim in 111th place winning the trophy for first man 70 plus with 47:06 and Penny 112th in the same time. 

Festive Spartans!
Pos Cat Pos MF Name Chip Time Cat AG% Comments 
Andrew PATTERSON 26:34 MV40 84.3% Winner 
Simon JACKSON 28:26 MV40 81.9% Second 
61 22 Hazel SMITH 40:53 FV45 65.8% PB (1:27) 
71 44 Nick KLEANTHOUS 42:13 MV60 62.0% PB (6 seconds) 
111 65 Jim BROWN 47:06 MV70+ 60.8% 1st MV70 
112 14 47 Penny SCHENKEL 47:06 FV45 59.6%  

Herts Santa Run 

In the Herts Santa Run over 10K MIKE JEFFS was third senior man and fourth overall with 44 minutes 37 seconds while JONATHAN JONES and DZENANA TOPIC were 29th and 30th in the 5K with 37:20 and 37:21.  Dzenana was third in her age category. 

Santa Canta 5K 

Spartan JOHN HARRIS was first reindeer in the North Herts Road Runners Santa Canta in Letchworth.  He was joined by TRACY PEZ and YUKO GORDON. 

John, Tracy and Yuko being very festive!

British Masters 5K Championships 

Spartan YUKO GORDON won Gold in the women aged 70 plus (W70) category at the British Masters 5K Championships in Battersea Park, London on Sunday.  Her time of 22 minutes 9 seconds was ahead of the W65 winner.  The field was very strong and the fastest was 15:01 by a man 40 plus (M40) and the oldest was 85+ years old. 

Goodwood Marathon 

GRANT RAMSAY ran the Goodwood Marathon in 3 hours 5 minutes 52 seconds a significant improvement on Bedford in 3 hours 16 minutes and Milton Keynes in 3 hours 22 minutes earlier this year.  He aims to run a sub 3 hours over 50 marathon next year. 

Parkrun – 3rd December 2022 

For the full consolidated results for Spartans at their stripey parkruns please click the following link – Consolidated Results for 3rd December 2022   

Categories
Club News Race Results

LOTS OF SMILES AT OUR HANDICAP RACES

42 Spartans took part in the two memorial handicap races in Stevenage on Sunday morning.  They were on an undulating course with the highest point being near the Oval Community Centre. 

BRYAN MOORE SHIELD HANDICAP 10 MILES 

The Bryan Moore Handicap ten mile event was brilliantly won by Andrew Patterson in a new personal best (PB) time of 55:21.  He crossed the finish line 42 seconds ahead of Nick Gill second who smashed his PB by more than 25 minutes to finish in 67:03 and Simon Jackson third man (4th overall) in 59:32.  Marie Colucci was the winning female and third overall, finishing in 79:15, 3:45 better than handicap, with Zoe Jackson second female in 1:27:00 (87:00) in her first ever 10 mile race and Harriet Smith third with 1:23:25 (83:25) also in her first ever 10 miles. 

The leading two women both ran negative splits.  Marie was 15 seconds in her second half (39:44 to 39:31) and Zoe a significant 1 minute 30 seconds (44:15 to 42:45).   

Andrew was also quickest runner of the day with Simon second quickest and Nick (Gill) third fastest.  Marie was also quickest lady with Harriet second (1:23:25) fastest and Zoe third (1:27:00) quickest. 

Wendy Tharani improved her season’s best by 1 minute 20 seconds and Jim Brown his year’s best by three seconds!  Vicky Archer took 2:44 off her ten mile handicap time. 

Bryan Moore was a founding member of Fairlands Valley Spartans in 1984. 

PAUL MAGUIRE MEMORIAL HANDICAP 5 MILES 

The winner of the Paul Maguire Memorial Five was Nicola Andersson in a new PB time of 44:55 with Steve Mayfield second (winning man) in a SB time of 37:39 and Tony Vickers third (second man) with 44:08 in his first 5 mile race. Alison Shelley was second lady in 42:54 and Carolyn Linsell third lady with 54:52. 

Twenty seven Spartans tackled the five mile event. 

Paul Shelley was quickest runner of the day in 34:17, with Steve (Mayfield) second quickest and Charlie White third quickest in 38:51.  Alison (Shelley) was fastest lady with Ann Tryssesoone second fastest in 43:34 and Nicola third quickest. 

There were also five mile PB improvements for Nick Kleanthous (43:17) and Jane Whitrow (57:53), while Jon Sypula (41:33), Simon Sypula (46:12) and Penny Schenkel (46:56) improved their Season Best times. 

Paul Maguire was an inspirational Spartan, a former Spartan of the Year, who passed away in 2008.  He lost a long battle with cancer, still running for several years following his diagnosis, at the age of 42. 

Overall no less than 24 other times were the first recorded at that distance this year. 

All handicap photo credits go to the amazing Chloe Emmerson!

Gosport Half Marathon 

There were two fantastic Spartan personal bests in the Gosport Half Marathon. 

Steve Dobner said, “It was another fabulous day for running down on the south coast as Dave Pattman and I ventured down to Gosport to run the half with our good friend and ex Spartan Ed Hare.  We were due to run it last year but Dave was out injured and I was unable to walk 100 metres due to covid.  This year was a different story. 

Setting off with a time in mind we built into the race with Dave overtaking me at around 4K and upping the pace. The course is two laps and a lovely tail wind helped me accelerate on the way back into town. 

Settling into a good pace the turn round into the wind for the second lap needed us to dig in. The race was extremely well supported and the encouragement from the spectators and our families was fabulous. 

In the final 3-4K I managed to close the 20-25 second gap to Dave and we entered into the home straight together giving each other plenty of encouragement. 
I managed to finish in 1:41:41 with Dave coming home in 1:41:44. Both of us setting new PBs and I somehow knocked over 5 minutes off my previous best with Dave improving his by 2 minutes.  Ed came home in 1:44:53 for his second best ever time.” 

SAM PRETTY finished in 1 hour 35 minutes 3 seconds.  She was 306th out of the 1216 finishers. 

Dave and Steve with Ed at the finish.

St Neots 

PETE SMITH enjoyed the St Neots Half Marathon where he was third man 60 plus in 1 hour 38 minutes 5 seconds. 

SAM SIMMONS and MARCUS RIDLEY also completed the course in 1.42.59 and 1.48.13 respectively. 

Sundon Saunter 

The sun shone for the Sundon Saunter on Sunday for Spartan Sharon Crowley, although after all the recent rain it was 27.8 miles and 9 hours of slip sliding around Bedfordshire! 

Sharon’s feet proving exactly how slippy the event was!

Parkrun Highlights 

Nick KLEANTHOUS achieved a new parkrun PB (personal best) of 24 minutes 45 seconds at the Preston Park event in Brighton.  Obviously good preparation for the Spartan five mile race the following day where he also achieved a new PB. Well done Nick! 

For all remaining results for Parkrun please click the link – Spartan Parkrun results 19th November 2022 

Tables 

FVS BRIAN MOORE HANDICAP 10 MILE          
Position NAME SURNAME Split 1 to 5m Split 2 to 10m Total Time Speed Pos Speed Fem PB Impr Comp  H’cap 
  ANDREW PATTERSON 27:37 27:44 55:21   PB 0:12 6:54 
  NICK GILL 33:28 33:35 1:07:03   PB 25:47 6:12 
MARIE COLUCCI 39:44 39:31 1:19:15     3:45 
  SIMON JACKSON 29:44 29:48 59:32   YB New 2:58 
  STUART ARCHER 30:51 37:58 1:08:49   SB New 1:26 
ZOE JACKSON 44:15 42:45 1:27:00 PB New 1:00 
  MARK GOODWIN 40:00 40:46 1:20:46       0:44 
  ROBERT WRIGHT 44:15 44:25 1:28:40       (0:40) 
  MATT CLARKE 44:15 44:25 1:28:40 10   YB New (0:40) 
10   JIM BROWN 44:15 44:38 1:28:53 11   YB 0:03 (0:53) 
11 HARRIET SMITH 40:27 42:58 1:23:25 PB New (1:25) 
12 WENDY THARANI 44:19 45:58 1:30:17 12 SB 1:20 (1:47) 
13 VICKY ARCHER 51:26 50:10 1:41:36 13 PB 2:44 (4:06) 
14 CLAIRE EMMERSON 51:26 50:12 1:41:38 14 YB New (4:08) 
15 FIONA CLARKE 51:26 50:34 1:42:00 15 YB New (4:30) 
FVS PAUL MAGUIRE 5 MILE         
Position NAME SURNAME Time Speed Pos Speed Fem PB Impr Comp H’cap 
NICOLA ANDERSSON 44:55 11 PB 2:13 7:05 
  STEVE MAYFIELD 37:39   SB 1:05 3:06 
  TONY VICKERS 44:08 10   PB New 2:37 
  PAUL SHELLEY 34:17   YB New 2:28 
  JON SYPULA 41:33   SB 4:54 2:27 
  NICK KLEANTHOUS 43:17   PB 0:30 1:28 
  CHARLIE WHITE 38:51       1:09 
  SIMON SYPULA 46:12 13   SB 1:06 1:03 
ALISON SHELLEY 42:54 YB New 0:51 
10 CAROLYN LINSELL 54:52 21 PB New 0:53 
11   DARREN EMMERSON 41:22       0:23 
12   CHRIS WATLING 39:47   PB New 0:13 
13 ANN TRYSSESOONE 43:34 SB 0:41 0:11 
14 PENNY SCHENKEL 46:56 14 SB 0:59 (0:11) 
15 JANE WHITROW 57:53 22 10 PB 0:13 (0:23) 
16 JUDY KING 58:04 23 11 PB New (0:34) 
17 JANE WADEY 54:04 20 PB New (0:34) 
18 MONICA SMITHSON 50:21 17 YB New (1:21) 
19   ANDY JAY 48:35 16   YB New (1:20) 
20   MATT TUTTON 47:23 15   PB New (1:23) 
21 10 NICOLA HATHERLY 59:38 24 12 SB New (2:08) 
22   VISHAL SHAH 45:19 12   YB New (3:04) 
23 11 CHLOE CHAPMAN 51:25 19 PB New (3:55) 
24 12 HAZEL SMITH 50:30 18 YB New (4:15) 
25 13 CALLIE CHAPMAN 1:02:35 25 13 YB New (10:35) 
26 14 HANNAH SYPULA 1:04:10 26 14 SB New (13:40) 
27   ROGER BIGGS 1:29:06 27   SB New (14:21) 
Categories
Club News Race Results

ANDREW SMASHES A NEW PERSONAL BEST!

Not content with running 1 hour 18 minutes 10 seconds in the Stevenage Half Marathon on 6th November just six days later ANDREW PATTERSON was running another half and this time he finished in just 1 hour 12 minutes 29 seconds to win the Remembrance Run Half Marathon race at Debden, near Saffron Walden on Saturday.  That’s a new personal best. 

At the same venue STEVEN DOBNER ran a new personal best of 43 minutes 58 seconds in the 10K and DAVID PATTMAN was not far behind in 44:45.  In the 5K MASON SIMMONS was second man aged 20-29 in the 5K with 19 minutes 28 seconds. 

Steven said, “It was a gorgeous morning over Saffron Walden for the Essex Remembrance 10k with a dry and pretty still day greeting us. 

Dave and I set off with a target of getting close to or breaking 45 minutes.  After the first lap and feeling good I left Dave and pushed on.  Andrew Patterson flying past shouting encouragement on his way to winning the half marathon was perfectly timed and led to my fastest kilometre as I was dragged along in his wake. 

A final push saw me dip under 44 minutes coming home in 43:58 for a new personal best, knocking three minutes off my previous best.  Dave came home in 44:45 for his season best.  A great event with a fantastic medal, hopefully more Spartans will make the relatively short trip over the county lines to support the event next year.” 

Steve and Dave with their lovely medals

33rd Masters Cross Country International Championships 

The 33rd Masters Cross Country International Championship was held at Santry Demesne Park, Dublin on Saturday 12 November.  There were teams from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Yuko Gordon led the England W70 (women 70 plus) Team to Silver medal.  Gold went to the home favourite Ireland. 

FVS’s Yuko Gordon was fifth in W70 race which was very competitive.  All the top five finished within 40 seconds of each other.  Yuko won the title in 2018 but concentrating more on marathons and road races in recent years, was unable to take the cross country surface as well as she hoped. 

Yuko with her team mates

Westport Sea 2 Summit (Mayo) 

Spartan PAULA DUNNE was back in Ireland for her third Westport Sea2summit race.  She managed to knock 15 minutes off her PB (personal best).  Finishing in 2 hours 34 minutes Paula placed 521 out of 1600 people, and 118th female out of 723.  The race consisted of a 4k run; an 11k cycle; climb up Croagh Patrick mountain then fell run back down; an 8k cycle and finally another 4k run.  

Paula enjoying what Ireland has to offer!

Parkrun – 12th November 2022 

Nick GILL ran the Stevenage Parkrun course finishing seventh overall with a new PB time of 19 minutes and 41 seconds. Well done Nick!

For all other Spartan results for Parkrun please click the link – Parkrun results 12th November 2022    

Categories
Club News Race Results

BRILLIANT STEVENAGE HALF MARATHON!

A fantastic half marathon organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  A wet morning but hundreds ran the 13.1 miles around Stevenage and 35 of them were Spartans.  The club provided dozens of voluntary helpers including marshals, lead bikes, water stations and refreshments.  Others helped out including the Rotary Club of Stevenage, Grange Rotary Club, Stevenage Scouts, Stevenage Air Cadets and the Garden House Hospice giving their time freely to make the event a huge success. 

This year the Stevenage Half Marathon raised funds for the Garden House Hospice, the Spartans Charity of the Year. 

A few of the amazing Spartan volunteers who smiled all day through the rain!

The event hosted the Hertfordshire County Half Marathon Championships for veteran runners. 

FVS had individual success in two categories.  YUKO GORDON won GOLD for women aged 65 plus in 1 hour 44 minutes 59 seconds and JIM BROWN won GOLD for men aged 70 plus with 1 hour 57 minutes 23 seconds.  

The Spartans women’s team took the GOLD team medals with GEORGIE HOOPER (1:41:17), YUKO GORDON (1:44:59) and PAULA DUNNE (1:57:19) (teams of three and runners aged 35 plus).  In the process Georgie ran a PB which was 7 minutes and 41 seconds quicker than her last half at Stafford earlier in the year and Paula reduced her PB (personal best) by 4 minutes 41 seconds. 

Georgie, Yuko and Paula

The FVS men won SILVER with DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT (1:17:57), ANDREW PATTERSON (1:18:10), GRANT RAMSAY (1:29:04) and PAUL SHELLEY (1:40:02) (teams of four and runners aged 40 plus). 

David, Andrew, Grant and Paul

GABRIELLE O’BRIEN and HARRIET SMITH were both running their first half marathons and both did brilliantly.  Gabbie was the fifth senior (i.e. young adult 18 – 34) woman in the race with 1:44:04 and was 89th overall.  Harriet came in with 1:51:27.   

NICK GILL and ROSS GALLAGHER ran together encouraging each other. They finished 30th and 31st in 1:31:05 a personal best (PB) improvement of 2:56 for Nick and 1:35 for Ross. 

Nick and Ross with their awesome medals!

ROB WRIGHT enjoyed a chicken run in fancy dress but still finished in 1:47:01 and was presented with a custom made chicken medal! He was even asked for selfies with other runners. Next year he plans on giving out autographs!  DEREK CORNELIUS was exactly 100th in his first half with 1:46:31. 

The Spartan chicken and his custom made medal! (He did get a normal one as well)

While WENDY THARANI had a brilliant run and managed a season’s best (SB) with 1:59:22 coming fourth in her county category, TIM ROBINSON said that he enjoyed the local support from the many volunteers. Unfortunately the Beachy Head Marathon from two weeks previously was still in his legs and together with the rain and long incline at 7miles faded badly through miles 8 and 9. At mile 10 he found some motivation and kicked on for three sub 9 minute miles to finish a touch over 2 hours which was a year best result. 

Relatively new Spartan JANE WADEY ran her first ever half marathon distance in (2:34:11) and had the following to say – I just wanted to say, it was my first time of running a half marathon and the support of the marshals and everyone on the route was amazing.  I was happy with my time as I had not even thought what time to aim for.  Thanks especially to Sharon and Tony as they escorted me on the last 2 miles, and the ladies at the finish who gave me water and then Pete and the ladies who gave me flapjacks and a brilliant cup of tea at the end!  

The biggest PB was by JUDY KING who took 23 minutes 48 seconds off her time with 2:52:44. Judy ran with JANE WHITROW who accomplished a SB in 2.52.27. 

Wendy, Judy and Jane who even had time to pose for their photo!

The overall winners were both from Ware Joggers.  Kevin Francis was first man in 1 hour 15 minutes 29 seconds and Katy Woodward first woman in 1:25:19. 

A selection of our happy Spartans!

New York Marathon 

JACKIE DOWNES finished the New York Marathon with a chip time of 5:02:02.  An amazing time for what was said to be the hottest New York Marathon ever! 

CHRIS HOLLAND had an incident with his heart rate after an insect bite at mile 5, but after help from the medical tent, he finished in a chip time of 4:56:38. 

International Spartan Jackie with a friend.

Tables 

All 35 Spartans in the Stevenage Half Marathon 

Pos Name Last Name Chip PB, etc Comments 
David HARRIS-CHERGUIT 1:17:57 4th county MV40 
Andrew PATTERSON 1:18:10 22 5th county MV40 
21 Grant RAMSAY 1:29:04 22 5th county MV50 
30 Nick GILL 1:31:05 PB (2:56)  
31 Ross GALLAGHER 1:31:05 PB (1:35)  
65 Paul SHELLEY 1:40:02 22  
77 Georgie HOOPER 1:41:17 4th county FV35 
82 Mike JEFFS 1:42:52  
89 Gabrielle O’BRIEN 1:44:04 First half 5th senior in race 
95 Yuko GORDON 1:44:59 County Gold 
100 Derek CORNELIUS 1:46:31 First half  
104 Robert WRIGHT 1:47:01 “chicken run” 
105 Steven DOBNER 1:47:08 SB (1:09)  
107 David PATTMAN 1:47:23 SB (1:46)  
128 Harriet SMITH 1:51:27 First half  
134 Chris WATLING 1:53:24 PB (9:31)  
157 Paula DUNNE 1:57:19 PB (4:41)  
158 Jim BROWN 1:57:23 County Gold 
159 Wendy THARANI 1:57:35 SB (0:15) 4th county FV45 
168 Alison SHELLEY 1:59:22 22  
169 Luke GURNEY 1:59:13  
170 Martin DUDLEY 1:59:19 SB  
177 Tim ROBINSON 2:00:49 YB (11:52)  
184 Nick KLEANTHOUS 2:02:51 22  
190 Lee PICKERSGILL 2:03:50 22  
194 Robert EVANS 2:03:53 22  
197 Nigel STRONGITHARM 2:04:28 22  
219 Martin JACOB 2:08:39  
220 Michael O’KEEFE 2:09:12 SB (11:16)  
237 Simon SYPULA 2:14:02 SB (3:06)  
273 Jane WADEY 2:34:11 First half  
281 Paul HOLGATE 2:46:09 YB (29:04)  
286 Jane WHITROW 2:52:27 SB (5:44)  
287 Judy KING 2:52:44 PB (23:48)  
289 Christine ZVEREV 2:58:51 YB (0:52)  

Parkrun

For the weekends parkrun results for the Spartans please follow this link – Parkrun Results 5th November 2022

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS RUN AT TRENT PARK

Trent Park Cross Country – Three Top Tens for Spartans and Women Move Up 

Despite trees being blown down by strong winds a few days ago the cross country league fixture in Trent Park, near Cockfosters went ahead.  This was the second race in this season’s series and Fairlands Valley Spartans increased their turnout compared with race one.  This time 34 Spartans, 19 men and 15 women, enjoyed the mud.  A total of 492 including 212 women from 21 clubs competed. 

Three Spartans achieved three top ten positions.  SIMON JACKSON 10th overall for the five miles in 28:23 – he was also second man 40 plus; CHRISTINE LATHWELL second woman in 30:34 – and first woman 45 plus and MICHELLE REEVES eighth in 32:16.  YUKO GORDON was first woman 65 plus and 48th woman in 38:16. 

A stronger turnout this time meant the Spartan women moved up from 11th to sixth place.  Their “A” team was completed by GEORGIE HOOPER 49th woman in 38:18 and TRACEY JACKSON 60th in 39:42.  The “B” team was led in by KELLY McHALE, 61st in 39:47 with HARRIET SMITH 82nd in 41:19 and PAULA DUNNE 85th in 41:25 not far behind. 

The men were 12th this time.  Next in after Simon were GRANT RAMSAY 66th overall in 31:49; DANNY SCANLON 115th in 33:53; PETE SMITH 167th in 36:11 and NICK GILL 168th in 36:15.

Full results can be downloaded here:  Trent Park XC results

Snowdon Marathon 

2022 was the 37th running of the popular Snowdon Marathon, considered to be one of the best marathons in the UK despite the difficulty of the course with three BIG climbs and a very technical off-road section between 22 – 25 miles that sees many runners lose their footing and cross the finish line covered in mud.  Heavy rain at the beginning and finish together with strong winds ensured this year’s race was as tricky as usual if not trickier but that did not prevent the two Spartans taking part continuing to add to their long runs of consecutive finishes in the years that the race has gone ahead.  SHARON CROWLEY who has run more Snowdon marathons than any other female finished her 29th Snowdon marathon in 6 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds (6:32:25) for 1520th position while PAUL HOLGATE finished 1591st with 7:17:44 in his 32nd Snowdon marathon.  (He’s run every year that the race has taken place since 1988). 

There were 1,601 finishers from the 2,500 runners that entered. 

Sharon with her 29th medal for Snowdon Marathon!

John Harris Selected for England 

On the strength of his performance in the recent York Marathon Spartan JOHN HARRIS has been selected for England. 

Next year he will be running in the England Masters Marathon Team based on his recent marathon qualifying time and top three placing.  He has trained all year for this and is so pleased to make the team.  The representative race will be at the Chester Marathon next October. 

Well done John!!

Serpentine Thirtieth Anniversary 5K 

There have been lunch-time 5Ks in Hyde Park, London since October 1992 and the thirtieth anniversary fell on Friday.  Spartan PENNY SCHENKEL was delighted to improve her 5K time to 27 minutes 52 seconds (27:52).  JIM BROWN went round in 27:10.  

Well done on your PB Penny!

Cockbain’s Track 100 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the Cockbain’s Track 100.  He said he was running in circles for no particular reason.  Due to lack of fitness, he had planned to DNS (not start), but at the last minute decided to show up to ‘run for a few hours’.  A few turned into 23. 

Adrian ran 100 miles, that’s 403 laps of the 400 metre track, in 23 hours 8 minutes 59 seconds.  He was 14th out of the 21 that finished, 51 started. 

Adrian back out doing what he does best… long distances, although in circles this time!

Hertfordshire Half and 10K 

Spartan JOHN NELMS ran the Hertfordshire Half Marathon, starting and finishing at Knebworth House, in 2 hours 8 minutes 54 seconds.  He was 538th out of 900 finishers. 

JANE McFARLANE was encouraging a friend to a new personal best in the Hertfordshire 10K and was 333rd out of the 501 finishers in 61 minutes 42 seconds. 

Parkrun Highlights 29th October 2022 

Alison SHELLEY and Jim BROWN reached their 100 Parkrun milestones on the Stevenage course in 32 minutes and 46 seconds and 32 minutes and 47 seconds respectively.  They enjoyed running around in their “100” capes on what was the nearest Saturday to Halloween.  At the same location, Matt TUTTON ran a PB time of 27 minutes and 23 seconds. 

For the full consolidated results for the 29th October please click this link – Consolidated Results for 29th October 2022. 

Spooky Stevenage Parkrunners.

Tables 

Spartans at Trent Park Cross Country – Combined Results 

Pos Name Last Name Age Group Time Comments 
10 Simon Jackson V40 28:23 10th overall.  MA 
37 Christine Lathwell FV45 30:34 2nd woman.  FA 
66 Grant Ramsay V50 31:49 MA 
75 Michelle Reeves FV35 32:16 8th woman.  FA 
115 Danny Scanlon V40 33:53 MA (men’s “A” team) 
167 Pete Smith V60 36:11 MA 
168 Nick Gill SM 36:15 MA 
192 Steve Mayfield V50 36:50 MA 
199 David Pattman V40 37:05 MA 
216 Steven Dobner V40 37:47 MA 
220 Thomas Sauka V40 37:54  
235 Yuko Gordon FV65 38:16 1st VW65.  FA 
236 Georgie Hooper SL 38:18 FA (women’s “A” team) 
262 Luke Gurney SM 39:17  
267 Tracey Jackson FV45 39:42 FA 
268 Darren Emmerson V50 39:46  
269 Kelly Mchale FV35 39:47  
313 Harriet Smith SL 41:19  
318 Paula Dunne FV35 41:25  
336 Rob Wright V40 42:07  
355 Nick Kleanthous V60 43:08  
363 Mark Freeman V60 43:18  
377 Claire Emmerson FV45 44:15  
378 Tim Robinson V50 44:17  
401 Tony Vickers V50 46:01  
407 Andy Jay V50 46:12  
411 Michael O’Keefe V50 46:25  
440 Grant Murphy V50 48:37  
446 Mo Warrillow FV45 49:01  
474 Cathy Craig FV65 53:53  
476 Carolyn Linsell FV65 54:07  
481 Jane Wadey FV55 56:39  
490 Callie Chapman FV35 01:00:44  
491 Hazel Smith FV45 01:00:44  
Categories
Club News Race Results

Hills Upon Hills at Beachy Head!

Nine Spartans tackled the hilly Beachy Head Marathon on the south coast on Saturday.  Here are some of their stories: 

Steve Dobner – “Dave, Mo and I signed up this year and we joined the rest of the Spartan crew at the start line. I can honestly say it was the most enjoyable and breathtaking run I have ever done. The event is fantastic with amazing marshals and excellent checkpoints offering water, bananas, chocolate, one even had sausage rolls and hot cross buns with tea and coffee. On finishing you return to the local school for a free hot meal – baked potatoes and beans for me. 
The route was simply stunning, brutal in places but worth every step. The 170 Steps of Doom are an interesting challenge and the Seven Sisters are brutal (plus I’m sure there were more than seven). It was great to see some of our other local clubs with Royston Runners also well represented.  I cannot recommend this event highly enough and we were so lucky as the weather was amazing.” 

Tim Robinson – “The day before had seen thunder, lightning and heavy rain which meant the clay/chalk mix of the South Downs made for difficult progress in parts.  Being both sticky and slippery at the same time particularly around the 15 mile mark where there were several tricky puddles.  A warmer than usual day also meant slower progress.  Running mostly as a group made the event more fun.  Each runner has different strengths, some being quick uphill, some being quick downhill, and some needing rests at different places which means notions of a quick time are sacrificed at the expense of camaraderie and a good day out. 

The group fragmented slightly towards the end, catching each other at checkpoints and steep hills and all but 3 finished within 20 or 30 minutes of each other. 

THOMAS SAUKA and ROBERT WRIGHT finished together in 6 hours 10 minutes 58 seconds and said they are looking forward to going back next year. 

Steve, Dave, Mo and Tim on the rolling hills and Tom with his medal!

Mother and Daughter run the Beachy Head Marathon 

Hazel Smith (daughter) and Cathy Craig (mum) started the Beachy Head Marathon together, running, walking chatting and singing.  At 10 miles Cathy felt ill and decided she wanted to do the rest alone as the hills were tough and nutrition wasn’t helping.  One of the toughest UK marathons was certainly living up to its name! 

Both ran/walked the rest of the way.  Hazel met company and chatted and ate her way to the end.  Cathy had a few breaks, lying at the top of a hill for a rest and taking a seat at a pit stop, being unable to eat. 

When finished, Hazel walked up the big hill again to meet Cathy near the finish.  Cathy ran down but took a tumble at the bottom. 

Quite a few sweary words left Hazel’s mouth as she then attempted to run down to check on Cathy – having visions of her getting that close and not being able to finish! 

Cathy lay there for a bit then got up and seemed to turn into tigger, bouncing along and working the crowd up to cheer her through the finish line – super strong finish!! 

Hazel and Cathy safely at the bottom of the final big hill!
Position Name Time Category 
723 ROBERT WRIGHT 6:10:58 MV40 
724 THOMAS SAUKA 6:10:57 MV40 
786 DAVID PATTMAN 6:22:36 MV40 
792 STEVE DOBNER 6:24:03 MV40 
805 MO WARRILOW 6:25:51 LV45 
834 TIM ROBINSON 6:31:16 MV50 
903 TONY RANDFIELD 6:47:42 MV60 
933 HAZEL SMITH 6:53:26 LV45 
1114 CATHY CRAIG 8:05:51 LV55 

GERRY ROSEN said the Beachy Head 10K was a tough race to return to racing after 10 months out due to illness and work.  He finished in 1 hour 29 minutes 22 seconds. 

Abingdon Marathon

After a dry Saturday Spartans Fiona Clarke, Matt Clarke, Karen Ellis and Chloe Chapman ran the Abingdon marathon on a very wet Sunday. 

The weather forecast was awful, thunder and lightning forecast for the duration they would be running.  It was a soggy start and rained heavily – there were huge puddles all round the course, fortunately the weather broke and they ended their runs in sunshine. 

Chloe, Matt and Fiona finished strong and still smiling!

They were all unsure how they’d get on as on top of the weather Karen had recently been unwell, Chloe had just had covid and Fiona and Matt hadn’t be able to train for about a month.  But they all dug deep and got it done.  Karen finished in 4 hours 19 minutes 45 seconds; Chloe in 4:49:13; Fiona in 5:05:07 and Matt in 5:05:08. 

Karen after finishing the race in an amazing time!

Cross Country – Cheshunt 16th October 

A full table of results following the first Cross Country race of the season is now available. Full team results available to download here Cheshunt Results.

Position Firstname Lastname Time Gender Cat Team 
25 Adrian Busolini 00:31:10 SM AM 
30 Charlie White 00:31:43 SM AM 
38 Grant Ramsay 00:32:23 V50 AM 
65 Paul Hewett 00:33:28 SM AM 
75 Stuart Archer 00:33:52 SM AM 
96 Danny Scanlon 00:34:51 V40 AM 
151 Steven Dobner 00:37:12 V40 AM 
152 David Pattman 00:37:13 V40 AM 
157 Brian White 00:37:25 V60 BM 
176 Steve Mayfield 00:38:20 V50 BM 
192 Thomas Sauka 00:39:13 V40 BM 
204 Luke Gurney 00:39:51 SM BM 
232 Darren Emmerson 00:40:57 V50 BM 
251 Zoe Jackson 00:41:54 FV35 AF 
267 Kelly McHale 00:42:34 FV35 AF 
301 Nick Kleanthous 00:44:45 V60  
314 Mark Freeman 00:45:56 V60  
318 Tim Robinson 00:46:26 V50  
322 Tony Vickers 00:46:34 V50  
336 Simon Sypula 00:47:49 V40  
346 Claire Emmerson 00:48:15 FV45 AF 
347 Vicky Archer 00:48:22 FV35 AF 
356 Michael O’Keefe 00:48:49 V50  
371 Grant Murphy 00:50:53 V50  
392 Jane Wadey 00:55:15 FV55 AF 
394 Sharon Crowley 00:55:51 FV55  
395 Cathy Craig 00:56:30 FV65  
405 Callie Chapman 01:01:07 FV35  
406 Hazel Smith 01:01:07 FV45  

Parkrun Personal Best and Consolidated Results – Saturday 22nd October 

Sam SIMMONS ran at the Stevenage Parkrun and achieved a personal best, finishing 10th male in 21:26 – Well done Sam! 

Please click the link to see all the consolidated results for the Spartans – Consolidated Parkrun results 22nd October 

Categories
Club News Race Results

CROSS COUNTRY LAUNCHES

The cross country league season started off surprisingly early in the year on what seemed like a summer’s day but thirty Spartans travelled to Cheshunt to enjoy the sunny conditions.  

The team results won’t be available for a while but the Spartan women’s “A” team consisted of ZOE JACKSON 251st overall in 41:44; KELLY McHALE 267th in 42:35; CLAIRE EMMERSON 347th in 48:13, VICKY ARCHER 348th in 48:15 and JANE WADEY 392nd in 55:17. 

The men’s teams consisted of eight runners.  First in for the Spartans was ADRIAN BUSOLINI 25th in 31 minute 9 seconds.  CHARLIE WHITE 30th in 31:40 and GRANT RAMSAY 38th in 32:21 were next in.  They were supported by PAUL HEWETT 65th in 33:27; STUART ARCHER 75th in 33:50; DANNY SCANLON 96th in 34:49; STEVEN DOBNER 151st in 37:11 and DAVID PATTMAN 152nd in 37:14. 

(All the Spartan times and the team results should be included in next weeks news!) 

A selection of our Cross Country Spartans in the sun!

International Selection and a Record for Yuko 

There was an amazing double for YUKO GORDON at the weekend. 

There was a selection race for the England Team for the Masters International Cross Country at Markeaton Park, Derby on Saturday afternoon.  YUKO GORDON won her age group and was selected to represent England for the forthcoming international championships to be held in Dublin in November. 
 
Returning from Derby late in the evening, she finished a quick pizza dinner and had a short sleep before heading south for another race, the Great South Run ten miles in Portsmouth on Sunday morning. 
 
Yuko said, “I anticipated a very exciting event by just looking at the number and colourful coffee coupons they sent me and it was as fantastic as I had expected.  Number 1 reason for that was the sheer number of loos, absolutely no queues!  Car parking space for any thousands of cars in the waterfront adjacent to start/finish area.  The course was truly flat, my racing form has been this season only around 8 minutes per mile pace even at Parkruns but the course tuned my legs into 7:20 minutes pace while I kept worrying if I’m over pacing but I managed the even pace till the end after all.  I went through 5K and 10K both in my season’s best time.  My 74 minutes 7 seconds (74:07) gives me the UK’s all time best record for a woman aged over 70. 
If I put more effort into Tuesday club sessions and had no selection race the day before, I might be able to improve more, hopefully. 
I’m glad to know that I am finally recovering from the lengthy distraction of a hamstring injury and Covid.” 

Spartan legend that is Yuko!

Great Eastern Run 

The Great Eastern Run is a popular half marathon in Peterborough which attracts over 2000 runners.  This year, its 30th year, 2301 finished 

DAN HUKIN said his confidence was a bit low as he had not run for 10 days prior to the race with a small injury but decided to go for it anyway, he suffered towards the end but hung in there for a new PB with an official chip time of 1:21:17.  He was 72nd overall. 

STEVE WELLS was 289th and fourth man 60 plus in 1:31:58. 

JIM BROWN decided to go into the sub two hour starting area and thought if he could maintain an average of nine minutes per mile he should come under the 2 hours.  He did with 1 hour 57 minutes 25 seconds and was second man 70 plus. 

Running the furthest distance that he’s done in a while was PAUL HOLGATE and he came in with 3:15.13. 

Paul enjoying his first half marathon in a while.

York Marathon  

Spartans NICK GILL and JOHN HARRIS ran the York Marathon. 

Nick Gill improved his marathon personal best (PB) by a massive 21 minutes with 3 hours 21 minutes 58 seconds.  His previous best was 3:43:27 at the Great Welsh Marathon in 2019. 

Nick ran with John Harris for the first half and then Adrian Sherwood from NHRR from mile 14 until mile 21… when he got cramp! 

He had been running at 3:15:00 pace and feeling good, but his legs had other ideas.  A painful finish after getting cramp in the other leg at mile 24 meant he had to walk, but was able to get going again and was super happy with the time. 

JOHN HARRIS said his York Marathon was a marathon of two halves.  He ran well for the first half then an ankle injury hampered him in the second half.  However he still finished in 3:37:08 which is a Good For Age qualifying time. 

Nick and John at York

Great South Run 

The Great South Run is a ten mile race in Portsmouth. 

In addition to YUKO GORDON’s record breaking 1:14:07, PHILIP POTTER finished in 1:20:29.  JUDY KING 2:08:31; NICOLA HATHERLY 2:08:43 and SALLY PICKLES 2:11:16 all three ladies had a fabulous day and love their new medals! 

Our Starter ladies proudly showing off their medals!

Birthday Half 

ABBIE WHITROW celebrated her 21st birthday by running her first half marathon in Amsterdam!  She finished in 3 hours and 37 seconds (3:00:37) with JANE WHITROW (3:00:36). 

International Spartans Jane and Abbie!

Parkrun

For all the Parkrun Spartan results from the weekend please follow this link – Parkrun 15th October 2022

Categories
Club News Race Results

Hitchin 5k, Half’s, Marathons, Hills and More!

Hitchin 5k 

Nine Spartans raced round Hitchin in the town’s 5K race.  Only a week after running a fast time in the London Marathon it was won by FVS own ANDREW PATTERSON in 16 minutes 2 seconds. 

HARRIET SMITH was the second woman 20 plus and fastest female from Fairlands in 23 minutes 51 seconds. 

ADRIAN DONNELLY was 15th in 20:01.  The other Spartans were SAM SIMMONS 21:06; MARC RIDLEY 23:06; DAVID KENNEDY 23:23 NICK KLEANTHOUS 26:54; MATT TUTTON 27:24 and MONICA SMITHSON 30:32.  There were 228 finishers. 

Runners at Hitchin 5k

Willow 10K 

Spartans DANNY SCANLON, JIM BROWN and JUDY KING made the short trip to Hatfield for a 10K race.  This was a friendly multi-terrain charity event for the Willow Foundation in the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House.  Danny was 10th in 44 minutes 3 seconds, Jim finished 60th in 55:37 and Judy came in 184th with 1:16:10.  There were 211 finishers.  Judy said her run has really boosted her confidence for future races including the Great South Run (10 miles) and the Stevenage Half Marathon on 6th November.  Willow organises special days for seriously ill young adults. 

Danny and Judy at the Willow run

Royal Parks Half 

CRAIG BACON finished the Royal Parks Half Marathon in less than 1 hour 40 minutes with 1:39:23. 

VISHAL SHAH did the run round London in 2:13:52 and CALLIE CHAPMAN finished in 2:47:19. 

Craig, Callie and Vish with their medals

Chicago Marathon 

Spartans DUNCAN FLOUNDERS and ROSS GALLAGHER were in Chicago for the marathon.  Duncan ran a couple of events for the first time in a long time this weekend. 

He finished the Chicago 5K in 26 minutes 29 seconds (26:29) and then the full Chicago Marathon in 3 hours 53 minutes 14 seconds (3:53:14). 

Duncan said, “The marathon was an awesome experience despite being two years late. Crowds lined the course for pretty much every step of the way and they were all amazing. The whole city heats up for this for days beforehand and it didn’t disappoint. Lots of fun, the inevitable pain around 30k but managed to work through that and actually enjoyed the last few kilometres.  Great event. 

ROSS GALLAGHER completed the Chicago marathon in a time of 3:08:43. 

Target was a sub 3:10 so he was delighted to walk away with 3:08 and a 15 minute PB from London 2022. 

Ross said, “After a chilly start the sun came up for what were perfect running conditions.  Great crowd and support which were particularly needed for the last three miles ‘these felt much longer than just a park run’.  

International Spartan Ross!

Tring Ridgeway Run 

On Sunday 9th October Tim Robinson ran the 40th Tring Ridgeway Run. A 15km trail run in the Chilterns organised by Tring Running Club who organise several very good races throughout the year in the Chiltern Hills.  The race starts in Tring and heads up to the Bridgwater Monument on the Ashridge Estate before winding through the woods down to Steps Hill and over Pitstone Hill back to Tring for a total ascent of around 750ft.  The ascent to the Bridgewater Monument was fairly steady going but once into the woods the constant up and down meant several walk breaks and there was a strong headwind on Pitstone Hill despite the sun.  Tim took advantage of the long downhills to make up for lost time and finished 256th in a time of 1:35:45. 

Tim enjoying the rolling hills!

Maverick Lincolnshire 

JANE WHITROW and her dog Rufus had a day trip out to do a 10k…actually a 10.5k Canicross run at the beautiful Grimsthorpe Castle park.  It was the first Maverick event for them – they loved it and the alcohol free cold beer at the finish was very welcome! 

Official time was 1 hour 17 minutes on a beautiful and “undulating” course. 

A happy Jane and Rufus!

Parkrun

For all the Spartan Parkrun results from the 8th October 2022 please click the link – Parkrun Consolidated Results 8th October

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WOW AT LONDON

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans beat the three hour barrier at Sunday’s London Marathon.  ANDREW PATTERSON was 274th out of more than 40,000 in just 2 hours 38 minutes 29 seconds and SIMON JACKSON also in the top 1,000 at 591st in 2:46:18.  The Spartans third sub three was ADRIAN BUSOLINI in 2:58:38. 

Stuart and Adrian with their medals and goody bags!

The amazing YUKO GORDON won her age group, women 70 plus, in 3 hours 31 minutes 54 seconds. 

Meanwhile ROBERT WRIGHT, dressed as a chicken, went round in 4:15:10. 

ASHLEY KING finished in 4:19:54. ZOE JACKSON said that she received her place through a work ballot mid-July so she managed to condense a 16 week training plan into 12 weeks and went for it! Luckily her training went well with the help of some lovely Spartans and she stuck to the plan with no major injuries. Her target was to run it in 4 and a half hours. On the day everything came together, including the weather and the crowd were like nothing she’d ever experienced! She struggled after Canary Wharf but knew she had to keep going to get her target time. She realised at mile 25 that she had 14 minutes to spare and had plenty of time, but in her tired state completely forgot about the extra 0.2 mile at the end. The last half a mile was a push but she ran as quickly as she could and finished in a time of 4:29:08. It was such an amazing feeling crossing the finish line and great to see all the friendly Spartans faces at the end on the lorries! 

Robert, Zoe, Cathy, Mark and Yuko with her name on the wall of fame at the expo!

Dozens of other Spartans volunteered to help in Pall Mall on the “baggage buses” – getting kit back to runners as they finished. 

The Spartan baggage crew!

Here are the Spartan finishers: 

Position Name Time Comments 
274 ANDREW PATTERSON 2:38:29  
591 SIMON JACKSON 2:46:18  
1689 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 2:58:38  
3228 STUART HAYCROFT 3:13:39  
6070 YUKO GORDON 3:31:54 1st in age group 
16383 ROBERT WRIGHT 4:15:10 Chicken 
17517 ASHLEY KING 4:19:54  
19956 ZOE JACKSON 4:29:08  
28591 MARK MACDONALD 5:06:31  
29582 GAVIN DAVIES 5:11:31  
31606 KIM MARTIN (F) 5:22:37  
36808 CATHERINE CRAIG 6:02:29  
40391 KARL SHREEVE 7:53:17  

In addition GERRY ROSEN (7:28:16) ran the London Marathon virtually.   

Dorney Lakes Marathon 

Spartan JIM BROWN did not have a place in the London Marathon and did not fully prepare but made a last limit decision to enter the Dorney Lakes Marathon which was on the same day.  Jim ran well, all things considered to 22 miles, but then, not surprising, it became a grind to the finish.  With 4 hours 32 minutes 51 seconds he was second in his age group, and this is important, he kept on target for a Good For Age qualifying time which he achieved with 27 minutes 9 seconds to spare and just in time for the midnight deadline.   

Jim pre race at Dorney Lakes.

Clarendon Way Off Road Marathon 

DARRYL STEVENS completed the Clarendon Way Off Road Marathon in 7 hours 30 minutes 56 seconds. 

Hyde Park 5K 

Runners were very lucky to enjoy dry, mild but blustery conditions for the Serpentine Last Friday 5K before the downpour began. 

JIM BROWN ran his fastest 5K this year with 26 minutes 20 seconds, more than a minute faster than the previous month and good enough for second in category. 

The Serpentine race celebrates its thirtieth year on Friday 28th October.

Parkrun – 1st October 2022

To view the consolidated Parkrun report for the weekend please click this link – Parkrun Results 02.10.2022

 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS AT STANDALONE 10K

A good number of Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the 35th anniversary Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday. 

GRANT RAMSAY was fastest of the 29 Spartans.  He was 35th out of the 820 finishers in 39 minutes 29 seconds.  ADRIAN DONNELLY also beat 40 with 39 minutes 41 seconds.  The third Spartan was DANNY SCANLON in 41:22 and fourth DEAN CARPENTER in 44:22. 

JOHN HARRIS was third man 60 plus in 44 minutes 58 seconds. 

Three Spartan women beat 50 minutes.  TRACY PEZ in 48:14; MARIE COLUCCI in 48:29 and PAULA DUNNE who improved by 55 seconds to 49:26. 

There were personal bests by STEVE DOBNER, by 20 seconds to 46:44, and LUKE GURNEY, by 1:07, to 47:10.  MARTIN DUDLEY improved his season’s best (SB) by a significant 2 minutes 12 seconds to 49 minutes 54 seconds. 

JIM BROWN was delighted to improve his 10K time by nearly five minutes in a week to 53 minutes 11 seconds.  His best 10K this year and good enough for second in his age group. 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE and NIKKI NATION improved their season’s best (SB) times to beat the hour with 58 minutes 10 seconds and 59 minutes 54 seconds respectively. 

Well done JON FILBY (47:17), MARK LACY (54:15) and ABIGAIL WHITROW (81:48) who were running their first 10K races. 

Spartans at Standalone 10K.
Position Name Time Comments Grade 
35 GRANT RAMSAY 39:29 5th MV50 77.59% 
39 ADRIAN DONNELLY 39:41  73.64% 
54 DANNY SCANLON 41:22 YB (1:35) 69.01% 
93 DEAN CARPENTER 44:22  67.88% 
113 JOHN HARRIS 44:58 3rd Vet 60 73.97% 
116 NICK GILL 45:10  60.21% 
152 STEVEN DOBNER 46:44 PB (0:20) ?? 
159 LUKE GURNEY 47:10 PB (1:07) 56.99% 
172 JON FILBY 47:17 1st 10K 60.77% 
188 TRACY PEZ 48:14 4th FV45.  YB (0:06) 69.97% 
197 MARIE COLUCCI 48:29 5th FV45 66.76% 
219 PAULA DUNNE 49:26 PB (0:55) 61.84% 
234 MARTIN DUDLEY 49:54 SB (2:12) 65.85% 
289 BEN SNOWDEN 51:41  55.40% 
333 JIM BROWN 53:11 2nd Vet 70.  YB (2:10) 68.50% 
370 MARK LACY 54:15 1st 10K 55.35% 
430 ANN TRYSSESOONE 56:04  65.64% 
489 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 58:10 SB (0:09) 56.05% 
495 ANDREA WESTCOTT 57:41 SB 59.36% 
507 ANDY JAY 58:13  55.36% 
534 NIKKI NATION 59:49 SB 62.50% 
611 MONICA SMITHSON 62:46  58.91% 
658 SHARON CROWLEY 64:59 YB (0:22) 62.50% 
660 JANE WADEY 65:03  55.80% 
759 MO WARRILOW 74:10  45.29% 
801 JANE WHITROW 81:28  44.68% 
802 ABIGAIL WHITROW 81:48 1st 10K 36.38% 
817 PAUL HOLGATE 86:34  39.65% 
819 ROGER BIGGS 94:08 YB (2:59) 40.74% 

Goodwood Marathon  

Spartan SIMON FRASER had a great run in the Goodwood Marathon.  He was second man 35 plus and eleventh overall in a fantastic sub three time of 2 hours 52 minutes 35 seconds. 

Simon celebrating his brilliant finish!

The Great Bristol Run 

JOHN NELMS travelled to his home city of Bristol to run the Big Bristol half marathon.  A really well organised event on a fantastic city course with big supporting crowds helped him finish in 1:53:51 

Norfolk Coastal Marathon 

THOMAS SAUKA did the Norfolk coastal marathon on Saturday, he found it tough as he did not had a great lead up to this.  Tom said he had a niggle with his left leg feeling tight which stopped him running properly in the last six miles but never the less he prevailed and finished 76th in 5:16:15 official time, that’s another great trail marathon ticked off.  It was flat but challenging as well 

Tom with his well earned medal!

Hatfield 5K – race three 

After the three races in the Hatfield 5K series Spartan TONY RANDFIELD was a trophy winner.  Third in the men 60 plus category.  He ran 20 minutes 9 seconds on Wednesday evening for a score of 81.3%.  The fastest Spartan was NICK GILL with a new personal best of 19 minutes 8 seconds – an improvement of 39 seconds. 

Tony looking very pleased with his trophy – well done Tony!

There were also PBs by PAULA DUNNE who improved by 22 seconds to 22:53 and was fourth in the series for her category; GEORGIE HOOPER by 11 seconds to 23:13 and JANE WADEY by 13 seconds to 31:15. 

MARK GOODWIN ran a season’s best of 22:33.  There were also season’s bests from ANDREA WESTCOTT 26:09 and NIKKI NATION 28 minutes exactly. 

Club Handicap 5K 

In a very busy week for racing 28 runners finished Thursday evening’s Handicap 5K. 

Winner on the night was Penny Schenkel, 2:03 quicker than her handicap in a year best time of 29:57, closely followed by the first man to finish, Chris Watling, 2:00 ahead of handicap in 24:15.  Amanda Vickers (aided by Sharon Crowley) was second lady 1:50 better than handicap in a season best time of 37:40, followed by Anna Swanepoel in a new personal best time of 27:27.  Andy Jay was second man 1:34 quicker than handicap in 26:56 and Matt Tutton was third man, 1:15 ahead of handicap in 29:45. 

Pete Smith was quickest runner in 21:48 with Luke Gurney 2nd fastest, 23:19 and Chris Watling 3rd fastest, 24:15.  Karen Ellis was quickest lady in 25:14 with Harriet Smith second fastest in 25:27, 20 seconds quicker than her previous season best and Tracy Pez third fastest in 26:57. 

Judy King and Sally Pickles both beat their previous fastest 5k of this year and there were also improvements by Monica Smithson, Michael O’Keefe and Roger Biggs. 

Total time difference between the 1st and last finisher was less than 3 minutes and all runners finished within 2:03 of their handicap.  Thanks to Paul Holgate and Mike Crowley for organising the event. 

Spartans at the start of the Club Handicap

Parkrun – 24th September

For all the Spartan Parkrun results please head to the following link – Spartan Parkruns 24th September

Tables 

Spartans at the Hatfield 5K race (race 3 in a series of 3). 

Pos Name Time Cat Cat Pos Grade Comments 
46 NICK GILL 19:08 MS 18th 67.6% PB (0:39) 
60 TONY RANDFIELD 20:09 MV60 3rd 81.3% 3rd category in series 
89 MARK GOODWIN 22:33 MV60 8th 72.6% SB (0:10) 
94 PAULA DUNNE 22:53 FV35 5th 64.5% 4th in series.  PB (0:22) 
97 GEORGIE HOOPER 23:13 FV35 6th 63.6% PB (0:11) 
117 NICK KLEANTHOUS 24:26 MV60 12th 64.6%  
132 ANDREA WESTCOTT 26:09 FV45 10th 63.2% SB (1:23) 
147 NIKKI NATION 28:00 FV55 10th 63.4% SB (0:02) 
148 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 28:07 MV50 24th 55.2%  
154 SHARON CROWLEY 30:09 FV55 13th 63.9%  
155 JANE WADEY 31:15 FV55 14th 56.1% PB (0:13) 
160 PAUL HOLGATE 35:52 MV60 18th 45.9%  
164 ROGER BIGGS 46:49 V70 4th 39.1% 4th category in series 

Spartans Handicap 5K 

Pos First Name Last Name Time Speed Pos Fem Comments Impr Time Com Hcap 
PENNY SCHENKEL 29:57  17 YB 1:55 42:57  2:03  
CHRIS WATLING 24:15     43:00  2:00  
AMANDA VICKERS 37:40  26 14 SB 1:54 43:10  1:50  
SHARON CROWLEY 37:41  27 15   43:11  1:49  
ANNA SWANEPOEL 27:27  11 PB 0:21 43:12  1:48  
ANDY JAY 26:56    2:00 43:26  1:34  
TRACY PEZ 26:57  10   43:27  1:33  
HARRIET SMITH 25:27  SB 0:20 43:42  1:18  
MATT TUTTON 29:45  16    43:45  1:15  
10 JUDY KING 35:37  22 10 YB 1:07 43:52  1:08  
11 LUKE GURNEY 23:19     44:04  0:56  
12 MARTIN DUDLEY 25:04     44:04  0:56  
13 MARK FREEMAN 25:54     44:09  0:51  
14 KAREN ELLIS 25:14    44:14  0:46  
15 PETER SMITH 21:48     44:18  0:42  
16 MONICA SMITHSON 30:41  18  0:37 44:26  0:34  
17 TONY VICKERS 27:58  13 SB  44:28  0:32  
18 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 28:03  14   0:14 44:33  0:27  
19 TIM ROBINSON 28:07  15    44:37  0:23  
20 SALLY PICKLES 36:32  24 12 YB 0:18 44:47  0:13  
21 VISHAL SHAH 26:38     45:08  (0:08) 
22 ELAINE LEDGER 35:14  21 New  45:14  (0:14) 
23 ROGER HEAD 34:50  20  YB  45:20  (0:20) 
24 JANE WADEY 31:54  19   45:24  (0:24) 
25 NICOLA HATHERLY 35:52  23 11 YB  45:37  (0:37) 
26 CRAIG BACON 27:55  12    45:40  (0:40) 
27 JANE WHITROW 36:42  25 13   45:42  (0:42) 
28 ROGER BIGGS 45:50  28   4:21 45:50  (0:50) 
Categories
Club News Race Results

A BUSY SPARTAN WEEK!

There has been lots of wins for our members over the last week as lots of medals and prizes have been won. 

All these Spartans won gold, silver, bronze county medals or other prizes – JIM BROWN, CATHY CRAIG, PAULA DUNNE, JOHN HARRIS, DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT, GEORGIE HOOPER, SAM PRETTY, GRANT RAMSAY, TONY RANDFIELD and JANE WADEY.   

The medal haul started at the Hatfield 5K on Wednesday evening which included the county championships for veterans and continued into the Stevenage 10K on Sunday. 

Stevenage 10K 

Fourteen Spartans tackled the undulating Stevenage 10K and they won lots of medals.  The event included the Hertfordshire 10K championship for veterans and the team of David Harris-Cherguit (36:48); Grant Ramsay (39:42); John Harris (41:56) and Tony Randfield (42:17) won the team event and GOLD medals. 

Helped by Jane Wadey improving her personal best (PB) by two minutes to 64:41 the Spartan women BRONZE medals with Georgie Hooper (49:27) and Paula Dunne (50:21) also in the team.   

Georgie, Paula and Jane proudly showing off their medals.

Jim Brown won the 70 plus trophy in the open event and the County GOLD medal with 58 minutes exactly.   

SIMON FRASER was the fastest Spartan in the open race.  He was fourth overall and second senior with 35:06. 

Happy Spartans.

Hatfield 5K 

Spartan participation in the second race of the Hatfield 5K series was high and members managed to bring home some medals! 

A selection of Spartan runners before the race.

The fastest Spartan was SIMON JACKSON who came seventh overall in 16 minutes 38 seconds and the fastest female was PAULA DUNNE in 23:15. 

The race included the Hertfordshire County Championships for veterans in which JIM BROWN won the GOLD medal for men 70 plus with 27 minutes 17 seconds and CATHY CRAIG the BRONZE medal for women 65 plus with 28:29. 

NIKKI NATION ran a new season’s best of 28:11, a minute quicker than the previous week.  

Spartans in action!

New Forest Half Marathon 

DARRYL STEVENS went for a run in the New Forest the New Forest Half Marathon, and finished in 2 hours 48 minutes 39 seconds. 

Darryl completing his half marathon.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 17th September 

 Congratulations to Nigel Strongitharm running a new PB of 24:59 at Bolberry Down parkun in Devon.   

Yuko Gordon ran a new PB of 24:01 coming 21st on her 21st parkrun at Henlow.   

For the full Parkrun results please go to their website by clicking the following link – Parkrun Results 17th September 

Tables 

Hatfield 5K (race 2 in a series of 3). 

Pos Name Ca M/F Cat Pos Time Chip Age Gd Comments 
7. Simon JACKSON MV40 16:38 16:38 85.1%  
62. Grant RAMSAY MV50 54 19 19:47 19:44 73.8 %   
67. Danny SCANLON MV40 58 19 19:54 19:49 68.4 %   
71. Tony RANDFIELD MV60 62 20:02 19:55 82.0 %   
98. Peter SMITH MV60 82 21:26 21:20 74.0 %   
107. Brian WHITE MV60 86 10 22:10 22:08 76.2 %   
121. Mark GOODWIN MV60 96 12 22:43 22:35 72.3 %   
126. Marcus RIDLEY MS 98 23 23:02 22:51 56.1 %   
134. Paula DUNNE FV35 32 23:24 23:15 63.5 %   
146. Susan MCANENY FV45 39 15 23:46 23:37 65.9 %   
154. Nick KLEANTHOUS MV60 110 16 24:17 24:05 65.3 %   
190. Andrea WESTCOTT FV45 68 22 26:51 26:33 62.0 %   
198. Jim BROWN MV70 125 27:29 27:17 63.4 % Gold 
205. Nikki NATION FV55 79 18 28:17 28:11 63.0 % SB  
209. Cathy CRAIG FV65 81 28:51 28:29 72.0 % Bronze 
221. Sharon CROWLEY FV55 90 22 30:00 29:39 64.8 %   
227. Jane WADEY FV55 94 24 32:12 31:51 54.7 %   
232. Paul HOLGATE MV60 135 27 35:01 34:39 47.3 %   
237. Roger BIGGS MV70 136 43:30 43:07 42.3 %   

Stevenage 10K 

Pos Name Cat 5K Time Age Gd Comments 
4. Simon FRASER MS 17:23 35:06 76.2 % 2nd senior 
9. David HARRIS-CHERGUIT MV40 18:06 36:48 76.8 % Team 
18. Grant RAMSAY MV50 19:18 39:42 74.8 % Team + 4th MV50 
26. John HARRIS MV60 20:25 41:56 77.3 % Silver + Team 
29. Tony RANDFIELD MV60 20:16 42:17 79.6 % Bronze + Team 
50. Brian WHITE MV60 22:25 45:38 75.9 %   
75. Mark GOODWIN MV60 22:56 47:37 70.6 %   
82. Nick GILL MS 24:47 48:34 54.5 %   
84. Marcus RIDLEY MS 23:07 48:48 54.2 %   
89. Georgie HOOPER FV35 24:09 49:27 61.0 % Team + 4th FV35 
94. Paula DUNNE FV35 24:23 50:21 60.0 % Team + 5th FV35 
175. Jim BROWN MV70+ 28:13 58:00 61.4 % Gold 
195 Michael O’KEEFE MV50 27:55 1:00:16   
235 Jane WADEY FV55 31:10 1:04:41 55.7% Team & PB (2 min) 
Categories
Club News Race Results

LOTS OF SPARTAN ACHIEVEMENTS!

Seventeen Spartans enjoyed the first in the series of 5K races at Hatfield on Wednesday evening and five of them came away with new personal bests (PB) for the distance.  Three achieved new season’s bests (SB) and one ran his fastest time this year. 

SIMON JACKSON was third veteran runner and sixth overall taking six seconds of his lifetime best with 16 minutes 34 seconds.  KELVIN BEYIOKU took a significant 44 seconds of his PB with 17:37.  PAULA DUNNE took a 55 seconds chunk off her best time with 23:16; NICK KLEANTHOUS 39 seconds off his with 24:13 and JANE WADEY improved her PB by six seconds to 31 minutes 28 seconds. 

RICHARD BATE ran a new season’s best of 18:21; ANDREA WESTCOTT of 27:32 and CATHY CRAIG was delighted to get under 30 minutes with 29:15. 

Steadily coming back from injury BRIAN WHITE finished in 22 minutes 34 seconds.   

YUKO GORDON was the race winner based on age grade.  She scored a massive 92.7%.  She was also first woman aged over 70 with her 22 minutes 56 seconds. 

EMAC (Eastern Masters) 

Last week we announced that the Fairlands Valley Spartans women came third in the East of England (EMAC) final.  Here’s the full story: 

Thirteen FVS women travelled to Bedford on Sunday (4th) to compete in the Eastern Masters Athletic Club final.  Despite injuries, illness, and absences, brilliant team spirit meant all events were covered and resulted in an unexpected third place behind Peterborough/Nene Valley (1st place) and Chelmsford AC (2nd place).  Medal positions changed throughout the day, and FVS were originally awarded joint second, only to discover the following day that the scores were incorrect. 

Yuko Gordon won an individual award for her outstanding 99.5% age graded 1st place performance in the women 60 plus (W60) 3k race and she also won the W60 800m. 

Christine Lathwell dominated the W35 distance events, winning the 800m, 500m, and the 3k!  Monica Brown excelled in the W50 jumps, winning long jump, triple jump, and high jump.  Monica also dropped down to cover W35 shot put, finishing in third place. 

Our wonderful EMAC ladies!

The other win on the day came from Nikki Wilby (W35 high jump, also 5th place 400m hurdles, and 2nd place pole vault).  With some team changes needed along the way, other points on the day were scored by Fiona Clarke (W35 5th place 100m, 6th place 200m – PB!, 4th place long jump – PB!, and 3rd place triple jump), Callie Chapman (W35 5th place 400m – PB!, 5th place hammer throw, and 6th place discus), Andrea Westcott (W50 4th place 100m, 2nd place 200m, 8th place 1500m, 3rd place 300m hurdles, and 5th place shot put), Carolyn Linsell dropped down to W50 (8th place 400m and 7th place 800m), Marion Morley (W50 8th place 3k, 6th place hammer throw, and 4th place discus), Karen Dodsworth (W60 6th place 100m, 2nd place discus, 4th place long jump, and 4th place triple jump), Sharon Crowley (W60 6th place 200m, 5th place A string 2k walk, 3rd place 300m hurdles, 4th place hammer throw), Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (W60 3rd place shot put and W50 2nd place javelin), Cathy Craig (a brave 3rd place B string 2k walk). 

The W35 relay team finished in 5th place, with W50 team finishing 3rd in their race.  The team enjoyed thoroughly well deserved bubbles and cake at the end of a very long day. 

Great North Run 

Six Spartans ran the biggest half marathon in the world.  They were in Newcastle for the Great North Run.  ADRIAN DONNELLY excelled with 1 hour 26 minutes 7 seconds which gave him 691st out of more than 35,000 finishers.  STEVE DOBNER came in with 1:48:17; DAVID PATTMAN 1:49:09; MO WARRILOW 2:05:33; ROGER HARDMAN 2:14:31 and SUE HAMER 2:43:06. 

Dave, Mo and Steve with the Angel of the North

Budapest Half Marathon 

ROB WRIGHT went international at the weekend and enjoyed the Budapest Half Marathon which he completed in 2:17:08. 

Rob in Budapest before his race.

Sandy 10 

Several Spartans kept it more local and ran the Sandy 10 (miles) race.   

SAMANTHA PRETTY-CONNORS who sped round in 71 minutes exactly won the women 35 plus award.  CLAIRE PULLEN came in fast with 77:37 followed by BRIAN WHITE 79:19; and ANN TRYSSESOONE 88:23.  JIM BROWN was second 70 plus in a year’s best 88:56 with JACKE DOWNES in 1:30:49; TRICIA HOPPER in 1:31:09 and CAROL PAUL 1:41:21. 

Montane Dragon’s Back Race 

Six days running 380 kilometres off road down the spine of Wales.  Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was running the Montane Dragon’s Back Race from Conway Castle to Cardiff Castle. 

Adrian was 69th out of the 102 finishers with a total time of 79 hours 8 minutes 14 seconds.  His longest day was 15 hours 21 minutes 43 seconds.  Many starters of this incredibly tough event did not finish. 

Adrian said, “Six days.  Trods, bogs, and bushwhacking, over some of the toughest peaks and ridges in Wales. 

Scrambling, high exposure and fear.  Self management, injuries and fatigue.  Downpours, hail and high winds.  Isolation.  Dejection.  Self doubt. 

Cameraderie, friendship and community.  Encouragement, assistance and a shared goal.  Learning, growth and transformation.  Fresh perspectives.  Stoicism.  Self confidence. 

What an extraordinary group of people – participants, volunteers and staff – to invest a week with.  Words can’t do it justice, but this truly was time well spent. There was also some running.” 

Amazing challenge as always Adrian!

Milton Keynes Marathon Prep 20 Miles 


Two Spartans, WENDY THARANI and YUKO GORDON ran the new format of events organised by Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club.  This was a 20 mile marathon preparation event consisting of 4 laps each of 5 miles around Willen Lake, its surrounding village roads and towpath along the Grand Union Canal. It wasn’t totally flat as it was a mixture of usual MK undulations but it was pretty and interesting. 
Yuko finished 26 seconds outside of the women 70 plus (W70) UK all time best time of 20 miles in 2:46:12 but she ran only to check her present fitness and wanted to build up some mileage this week before the London Marathon, so didn’t taper.  

Wendy came 174th in 3:52:07 and after a summer of wonderful adventures consisting of epic bike rides and climbing mountains (alongside running) she was very pleased to complete the race.  

Tables 

Spartans at the Hatfield 5K race (race 1 in a series of 3). 

Place Name Time Cat M/F Cat Pos Grade Comments  
6. Simon JACKSON 16:34 MV40 85.3% 3rd Vet.  PB (0:06)  
16. Oluwatobi Kelvin BEYIOKU 17:37 MS 15 72.8 % PB (0:44)  
31. Richard BATE 18:21 MV40 29 10 73.6 % SB  
41. Grant RAMSAY 19:03 MV50 39 11 76.5 %   
62. Tony RANDFIELD 20:29 MV60 55 79.9 % 3rd V60  
84. Brian WHITE 22:34 MV60 73 74.5 % YB (0:44)  
88. Yuko GORDON 22:56 FV65 12 92.7 % % winner  
89. Mark GOODWIN 22:58 MV60 77 71.3 %   
98. Paula DUNNE 23:16 FV35 19 63.6 % PB (0:55)  
111. Nick KLEANTHOUS 24:13 MV60 84 10 65.1 % PB (0:39)  
153. Jim BROWN 27:04 MV70 98 63.8 %   
156. Andrea WESTCOTT 27:32 FV45 57 17 60.0 % SB (0:45)  
164. Catherine CRAIG 29:15 FV65 61 70.3 % SB (1:14) Sub 30  
165. Nikki NATION 29:44 FV55 62 12 59.7 %   
170. Sharon CROWLEY 30:24 FV55 66 14 63.3 %   
171. Jane WADEY 31:28 FV55 67 15 55.8 % PB (0:03)  
178. Roger BIGGS 43:38 MV70 107 41.9%   

Parkrun – 10th September

For the consolidated Parkrun results please follow this link – Parkrun Results

Categories
Club News Race Results

STRIPES GALORE!

Big London Half 

Several Spartans ran the Big Half Marathon in London on Sunday. 

Tony and Robert with their medals.

Among them were TONY RANDFIELD and ROB WRIGHT who ran together.  Tony finished in 1:52:13 and Rob in 1:52:19.  They said it was a good race, fairly flat and it’s always great running across Tower Bridge. 

There were nearly 12,400 finishers. 

EMAC Ladies 

The Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team won BRONZE in the East of England final for track and field athletes aged over 35 (EMAC).  The team included CAROLYN LINSELL, NICKY WILBY, CALLIE CHAPMAN, MARIAN MORLEY, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, FIONA CLARKE, KAREN DODSWORTH, JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, YUKO GORDON, ANDREA WESTCOTT and SHARON CROWLEY. 

Andrea Westcott said, “The FVS Women were in the medals at the Eastern Masters final in Bedford on Sunday, finishing third behind Peterborough and Chelmsford in a hotly contested match. The medal positions changed frequently throughout the day, but the Spartans fought bravely and finished strong.” 

Yuko Gordon won Woman of the Meeting 2022!

Oakley 20 

There were two Spartans running 20 mile races on Sunday.  JOHN HARRIS was second man 60 plus at the Oakley 20 with 2 hours 30 minutes 39 seconds and 36th overall. 

JIM BROWN took advantage of a late transfer to run the Bedford Festival 20.   He was third man over 70 and 208th out of the 393 finishers in 3 hours 22 minutes 46 seconds. 

John and Jim

Bedford Festival 

ROSS GALLAGHER ran the Half Marathon at the Bedford Festival.  He ran it in 1:32:50. It was a good race on mixed terrain which he used for some marathon pace training ahead of his run in Chicago on 9th October. 

THOMAS SAUKA ran the Bedford Festival 5K in 21 minutes 49 seconds and was 19th out of 319.  CHRIS WATLING was 49th in 24:24. 

Meanwhile FIONA and MATT CLARKE ran the Festival 10K.  Fiona was 184th in 56 minutes 1 second and Matt 95th in 48:44.  There were 655 finishers.  Fiona said she was very keen to get one of the pink finisher T shirts. 

Fiona and Matt with their medals and Matt modelling the pink t-shirt!

Baldock Rat Run 

The Baldock 5 kilometre Rat Run is a multi terrain run around Baldock, including steps, a low tree to climb under and a dark tunnel to navigate.  It is held in aid of the Garden House Hospice and is a regular event for Spartan Tim Robinson.  The Rat Run is a very friendly, family orientated fun race with many children taking part and loads of activities for the younger children to do while waiting for the runners to finish. 

MATT TUTTON was 68th with a gun time of 31 minutes 6 seconds and TIM ROBINSON 71st with 31:10.  Their chip times were 30:57 and 30:56. 

Timmy the Rat!

FVS Club 5K Handicap 

Hazel (Smith), Abbie (Pez), Mark (Freeman) and Charlie (White) were winners in Thursday’s club 5K at twilight. 

There were 39 finishers in Thursday evening’s Handicap 5k and thank you to Mike Crowley and Jim Brown for their assistance with the start and finish.  The winner on the night was Hazel Smith recovering superbly from her recent injury with an impressive 26:12.  Caroline Zverev finished 2nd lady (3rd overall), 2:32 better than handicap in 37:28 and Penny Schenkel was 3rd lady, 2:28 quicker than her July Handicap 5K time in 31:52.  

Spartans after finishing their handicap 5k runs.

Mark Freeman was first man (2nd overall), 2:14 quicker than July in 25:30, with Chris Watling second man in a new PB time of 23:12, 42 seconds quicker than July, and Steve Tinsley third man in a new PB time 25:48.  Charlie White was quickest runner on the night in 20:03, with Paul Shelley 2nd quickest in a year best time of 20:41, and David Pattman third quickest with 21:34.  

There were only six seconds between the three fastest females.  Abbie Pez was quickest female in 24:05, with Marie Colucci 2nd quickest just 1 second behind in 24:06 and Paula Dunne 3rd quickest with 24:11.  

There were also new PBs for Grant Murphy (28:21), Luke Gurney (23:02) and Derek Cornelius (23:38), while Simon Sypula improved his season best time by 2:45 to 28:18, and Karen Ellis, Tracy Pez, Craig Bacon, Jane Wadey & Martin Dudley were all others to improve on their July 5k times. Total time difference between 4th – 32nd position was just 2:14 and 32 finishers were within 2 minutes of their calculated handicap time. Full results are attached.  The next Handicap 5k will be on the 22nd September. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 3rd September 

First Saturday of the month is Stripey Saturday, and twenty four Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelled to 6 different Parkrun venues across the country wearing the Club Stripey vest with pride. 

Stripy Saturday!

Congratulations and well done to Grant RAMSAY who claimed top spot at Stevenage with a time of 18:46, 12 years and 8 months since his first ever Parkrun win at Finsbury Park. Top spots were achieved through his 30s, 40s and now 50s! 

The fastest female Spartan was Gail MACKIE with a time of 22:34, third female at Stevenage.  Adrian DONNELLY achieved a personal best (PB) at Letchworth (3rd, 19:51) completing the Spartans line-up of top ten finishers this week. 

Luke GURNEY also achieved a PB, finishing with a time of 23:00 at Stevenage. 

Tables 

FVS Handicap 5K on Thursday 1st September. 

Own  Finish   Comp         
Pos NAME SURNAME Time H’CAP Time H’cap PB Impr 
HAZEL SMITH 26:12  12:30  38:42  22 6:18    
MARK FREEMAN 25:30  16:00  41:30  19  3:30  SB 2:14  
CAROLINE ZVEREV 37:28  5:00  42:28  36 18 2:32  PB New 
PENNY SCHENKEL 31:52  11:00  42:52  29 12 2:08  YB 2:28  
JANE WHITROW 35:49  7:03  42:52  33 15 2:11    
CHRIS WATLING 23:12  20:00  43:12   1:48  PB 0:42  
DAVID KENNEDY 23:33  19:45  43:18   1:42    
STEVE TINSLEY 25:48  17:30  43:18  21  1:42  PB 0:20  
ALISON SHELLEY 26:28  17:00  43:28  23 1:32    
10 GRANT MURPHY 28:21  15:00  43:21  26  1:39  PB 1:19  
11 PAUL SHELLEY 20:41  22:45  43:26   1:34  YB 0:03  
12 JUDY KING 36:44  6:45  43:29  34 16 1:16  YB  
13 SALLY PICKLES 36:50  6:45  43:35  35 17 1:10  YB  
14 CRAIG BACON 22:54  20:45  43:39   1:21   0:08  
15 KAREN ELLIS 24:55  18:45  43:40  17 1:20  YB 0:16  
16 ANNA SWANEPOEL 27:56  15:45  43:41  24 1:19    
17 LUKE GURNEY 23:02  20:40  43:42   1:28  PB 0:39  
18 DARREN EMMERSON 25:17  18:30  43:47  18  1:13    
19 JANE WADEY 31:48  12:00  43:48  28 11 1:12   0:57  
20 ABIGAIL PEZ 24:05  19:45  43:50  11 1:10  SB  
21 TRACY PEZ 24:14  19:45  43:59  14 1:01  YB 0:01  
22 MARK GOODWIN 23:44  20:15  43:59  10  1:01    
23 DAVID PATTMAN 21:34  22:30  44:04   0:56    
24 YUKO GORDON 24:24  19:45  44:09  15 0:51    
25 NICK KLEANTHOUS 25:36  18:45  44:21  20  0:39    
26 SIMON SYPULA 28:18  16:03  44:21  25  0:42  SB 2:45  
27 DEREK CORNELIUS 23:38  20:45  44:23   1:07  PB 3:35  
28 PAULA DUNN 24:11  20:15  44:26  13 0:34  PB New 
29 STEVEN DOBNER 22:36  22:10  44:46   0:09    
30 CHARLIE WHITE 20:03  24:43  44:46   0:12    
31 MARTIN DUDLEY 24:46  20:00  44:46  16  0:14   0:20  
32 MARIE COLUCCI 24:06  21:00  45:06  12 (0:06) YB  
33 MONICA SMITHSON 31:18  14:15  45:33  27 10 (0:33)   
34 DZENANA TOPIC 34:30  12:00  46:30  32 14 (1:30)   
35 JONATHAN JONES 32:51  13:40  46:31  31  (1:21)   
36 SUSAN MURPHY 46:45  0:00  46:45  37 19 (1:45)   
36 SHARON CROWLEY 46:45  0:00  46:45  37 19 (1:45)   
38 CHRISTINE ZVEREV 32:45  15:30  48:15  30 13 (3:15)   
39 ROGER BIGGS 50:11  1:15  51:26  39  (6:26)   

Spartans at parkrun on Saturday 3rd September 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
Stevenage parkrun         
Grant RAMSAY 18:46 Winner  
16 15 Tony RANDFIELD 21:18 1st VM60  
31 Gail MACKIE 22:34 3rd woman  
36 33 Luke GURNEY 23:00 PB 
46 41 Toby ECCLESHALL 24:26   
55 50 Danik BATES 25:03   
65 59 Darren EMMERSON 25:37   
67 61 Sam SIMMONS 25:47   
68 62 Steven DOBNER 25:48   
82 73 Jim BROWN 26:51 1st VM70  
104 16 Alison SHELLEY 27:57   
120 22 Claire EMMERSON 29:20   
121 97 David PATTMAN 29:21   
122 23 Mo WARRILLOW 29:21   
128 25 Debbie BLANTERN 29:44   
156 41 Monica SMITHSON 31:41   
163 45 Fiona CLARKE 32:27   
221 81 Helen HARRIS 52:11   
Ferry Meadows parkrun         
46 39 Steve WELLS 22:33   
Brockenhurst parkrun         
122 67 Darryl STEVENS 45:54   
Rutland Water parkrun         
136 94 Chris HOLLAND 32:43   
Letchworth parkrun         
Adrian DONNELLY 19:51 PB 
16 16 Nick GILL 23:13   
Squerryes Winery parkrun         
154 87 Peter CARPENTER 41:49   
Categories
Club News Race Results

PROMOTING RUNNING IN STEVENAGE

The main event for the Spartans this weekend took place in Fairlands Valley Park. It was a joint four part session with the Stevenage Striders on Sunday morning.  The weather was ideal and there were 1K loops; chasing lamp posts; relays; hills & descents.  More than forty runners enjoyed the event and the exercise. 

Spartans and Striders working together to promote our much loved sport!

The two local running clubs came together to help promote running in Stevenage! 

There will be more events of this kind in the future so watch this space! 

Shuttleworth Marathon 

Spartan YUKO GORDON ran the Shuttleworth Marathon on Sunday.  She was second lady overall in 4 hours 16 minutes 2 seconds.  It was a tough course, six laps of a 7km loop of off-road with a long uphills and mostly dry hard farmland.  Yuko was pleased with her run as she felt my Covid fatigue is on the mend and said she felt comfortable all the way.  

Three Peaks Challenge 

Spartans Claire and Darren Emmerson completed the three peaks challenge on Sunday afternoon alongside others for the Garden House Hospice.  

Claire works for Garden House and with them being the Spartans chosen charity this year it was a no brainer for her to do the challenge!  As she’s always up for an adventure Darren went along with her and together they completed all three peaks in 24 hours and 48 minutes.  

Claire, Darren and their team! Well done guys on an amazing achievement!

The weather on Ben Nevis was horrendous.  They had sleet, torrential rain and very strong winds with apparently a wind chill of minus 20!  No chance of seeing any view and they were so wet we had wet boots for the other mountains.   

Scafell pike, again by the time the mist and fog was quite thick so again no view.  Snowdon was perfect weather though so beautiful views. 

Challenge completed!  But… Claire has said that she doesn’t want to see a mountain again for a little while.  She said give me a marathon to run any day. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 20th August 

It was a busy weekend for Spartans at parkrun, taking part across nine different venues. 

In Stevenage Jonathan Parr was second overall in 18 minutes exactly and Suzy Hawkins was first female in 20:13.  There were parkrun PBs for Tony Randfield (20:16) and Luke Gurney (23:17).  Congratulations to Monica Smithson who was running her 50th parkrun. 

Further afield Nick Kleanthous ran a new PB (personal best) of 25:00 at Preston Park, Brighton on his seventh outing there.  David and Nicola Pattman were at Holkham both running PBs (24:01 for David and 35:46 for Nicola). 

Over in Letchworth, Grant Ramsay was third overall in 19:47 followed by John Harris (7th overall) in 21:15.  Martin Blackburn was a first timer at Mole Valley near the Denbies Wine Estate in 22:38 and Simon Bell a first timer at Doddington Hall (20:08). 

Andy Jay was at Teignmouth on his eighth outing there running 27:16. 

Total finishers at Stevenage were back up to 264 with 22 Spartans running.  Steve Smithson made it to his 25th milestone volunteering to help with the Stevenage parkrun. 

Tables 

Stevenage parkrun (264 finishers including 22 Spartans) 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
Jonathan PARR 18:00 
10 Suzy HAWKINS 020:13 
11 Tony RANDFIELD 20:16 
24 21 Thomas SAUKA 21:57 
43 39 Luke GURNEY 23:17 
49 45 Paul SHELLEY 23:57 
52 48 Matt CLARKE 24:14 
53 49 Steven DOBNER 24:18 
98 10 Nicola ANDERSSON 26:49 
117 18 Alison SHELLEY 28:17 
118 19 Fiona CLARKE 28:19 
127 24 Mo WARRILLOW 28:49 
142 32 Debbie BLANTERN 29:55 
172 115 Matt TUTTON 32:07 
179 55 Monica SMITHSON 32:34 
180 56 Jane WADEY 32:36 
181 57 Nikki Katherine NATION 32:37 
182 58 Hazel SMITH 32:38 
205 71 Claire PULLEN 35:29 
208 73 Tracy HAYGARTH 35:40 
247 143 Jim BROWN 43:11 
256 144 Roger BIGGS 47:03 

Brockenhurst parkrun 

DARRYL STEVENS 81st in 42 minutes 6 seconds. 

Squerryes Winery parkrun 

PETER CARPENTER 148th in 42:22. 

Categories
Club Events Race Results Races Racing

SCORCHA AT ST ALBANS

It was seriously hot, an estimated 30 degrees at the finish line, for the St. Albans Summer 10K but Danny SCANLON ran it in a quick 42 minutes 57 seconds for 39th place overall.   At Saturday’s parkrun Jim BROWN was nervous about the heat but come Sunday he won his age category by more than thirteen minutes with 56:38.  Michael O’KEEFE was close to his personal best with 58:22.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 13th August

The summer holiday period saw thirty two Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelled to 10 different parkrun venues across the country.

Simon JACKSON took first place at Stevenage and was the fastest Spartan this week finishing in 17:13. Jonathan PARR took first place at Hunstanton promenade finishing at 17:59 and Susan MCANENY was the fastest female Spartan with a time of 26:46, 8th female at Stevenage.

Other top ten finishers are Adrian DONNELLY at Malahide (6th, 19:20), John HARRIS at Letchworth (5th, 20:40), Claire PULLEN at Stevenage (9th female, 26:46).

Cathy CRAIG travelled to Blandford park run and achieved a new seasons best in 25C heat of 30:40.

Position  Gender Position  Parkrunner  Run Time  
Stevenage parkrun (21 FVS)   
11Simon JACKSON17:13
1111Paul SHELLEY20:56
1212Tony RANDFIELD20:58
2525Thomas SAUKA22:34
4341Toby ECCLESHALL23:57
4644Martin DUDLEY24:04:00
5147Matt CLARKE24:40:00
738Susan MCANENY26:46:00
749Claire PULLEN26:46:00
8012Alison SHELLEY26:58:00
8113Gail MACKIE27:02:00
8515Ashley SCHOENWETTER27:14:00
8818Fiona CLARKE27:23:00
9172Mark BEASLEY27:54:00
10784Jim BROWN29:01:00
11025Debbie BLANTERN29:15:00
11588Steven DOBNER29:35:00
144103Tony ARGYROU32:50:00
14638Jane WADEY33:04:00
15441Hilary DAVIES34:23:00
180117Roger BIGGS48:12:00
Bedford parkrun   
15036Chloe CHAPMAN30:20:00
151111Sam SIMMONS30:22:00
Malahide parkrun   
65Adrian DONNELLY19:20
Blandford parkrun   
9923Catherine CRAIG30:40:00
Burnham and Highbridge parkrun   
214139Darryl STEVENS38:23:00
Rutland Water parkrun   
10883Chris HOLLAND29:55:00
Letchworth parkrun   
55John HARRIS20:40
Hunstanton Promenade parkrun   
11Jonathan PARR17:58
Oriam parkrun   
1313Grant RAMSAY20:31
10027Nikki Katherine NATION31:22:00
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun   
4336Michael O’KEEFE28:22:00
Categories
Club News Race Results

SNETTERTON SPARTANS

Spartans Dave Pattman, Mo Warrilow and Steve Dobner took ran the Snetterton 10K on Wednesday.  It was seriously hot, 29°C as they walked to the start.  The event was on an open course with two laps of the motor racing circuit finishing in the pit lane.  With it being so open there was nowhere to hide from the sun and every straight felt like it was into a headwind. 

Steve did well to run a personal best (PB) of 47 minutes 4 seconds in those conditions with Dave coming in with 46:17 and Mo in 56:54. 

Stopsley Striders Five 

Spartan TONY RANDFIELD tackled the Stopsley Striders five miles undulating trail race in 36 minutes 15 seconds.  He said there were two hills, one in particular was a killer but he was very happy with his time which was only 17 seconds outside his personal best. 

Nicola and Carolyn’s Challenge Runs 

NICOLA ANDERSON completed 240.42 miles for the British Red Cross charity Miles for Refugees 108 miles challenge.  This was set over eight weeks early June to 31st July, started as a Strava badge with five other location distances to choose from if you were to set up a fundraising page with Just Giving.  There was 22 miles English Channel right up to 555 miles Turkey to Croatia.  Nicola stuck with Strava’s own Lviv Ukraine to Lublin Poland 108 miles being so currently relevant. Consisting mostly of running activities which were automatically uploaded to the fundraising page with a few of my own posts, a few walks and one cycle ride towards the end.  She was hoping to do a long distance with the bike but for the fact she had not ridden for three years and getting a puncture she had to cut it short last Saturday.  The following day it came to an end with a final walk and run, raising £235 for the British Red Cross which just beat Nicola’s Race for Life 10k raised in July 2019… The other charities she’s run for fundraising are Blesma 11k and Captain Tom 100, running 100 minutes and raising slightly more than the set target of £100 for Mind in Mid Herts for April 2021…. 

In addition Nicola completed 71.32 miles in just 11 runs over 16 days from 14th June -30th June for the Queens Platinum Jubilee 70 miles virtual challenge.  Some of this overlapped doing Miles for refugees at the same time.  All for a medal of course. 

Carolyn LINSELL completed her 70 miles Jubilee Run on 30th July after a bout of injuries just after she signed up (bruised coccyx, turned ankle and rib injury).  She signed up on 14th June but is delighted to have completed it. 

Carolyn, Nicola and fellow Spartan Jane.

Runnymede Roger 

Roger Biggs was breaking historic lands, with a lapped event in the Runnymede area, along the banks of the Thames in London. 

Runners had the opportunity to change their intended finish distance as the event progressed. 

Each lap was measured at 5km, with Roger intending to complete 10k.  On another hot day you might have thought Roger would want  to down distance, but in the end, he went up to 15km then 20km. 

Roger finished his run in 3 hours 33 minutes 51 seconds. 

The running force that is Roger Biggs!

NH First Saturday 5K 

JANE WHITROW said the North Herts first Saturday 5K was a very friendly get together- and it allowed Canicross. 

It was Abbie’s first ever 5k without walking.  JANE WHITROW finished in 35 minutes 55 seconds and ABIGAIL WHITROW in 38 minutes 57 seconds. 

Jane with Rufus

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 6th August 

DEBBIE BLANTERN wore the celebration cape to run her 100th parkrun.  At 263 runners it was the highest attendance at Stevenage for several weeks. 

With the summer holidays now in full flow, twenty-nine Fairlands Valley Spartans headed out to run in Parkrun events this Saturday morning. 

Success was seen on the Stevenage course with Jonathan PARR finishing first overall in a time of 17 minutes and 31 seconds and Suzy HAWKINS completing as the first female in 19:50.  Sam SIMMONS ran a parkrun PB (personal best) time of 21:38 and Debbie BLANTERN ran her 100th event in 29:10. 

Jonathan and Suzy

At the Great Denham event, PB times were recorded across the board.  David PATTMAN ran a time 21:16, Steven DOBNER 21:42, and Mo WARRILLOW 25:07. 

With holidays spreading the Spartan clan far and wide there have been many new Parkrun events to discover.  On her first visit, Alison WOOD was the second female to finish the Barnstaple course in 21:43, and Yuko GORDON completed the event in Reading as the 12th female in 24:50.  Darryl STEVENS finished at Bowling Park as the 18th male in 38:07. 

Sharon CROWLEY was at the warm, sunny and flat Pegwell Bay Park Run in Kent.  Her 29:53 was her fastest time since before the pandemic, coming in 100th position.  She has no idea where that time came from! 

Tables 

Spartans at parkruns 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Reading 106 12 Yuko GORDON 00:24:50 
          
Market Harborough 109 87 Anton MCCALLA 00:26:35 
          
Stevenage (16 FVS) Jonathan PARR 00:17:31 
  Suzy HAWKINS 00:19:50 
  16 13 Tony RANDFIELD 00:20:41 
  25 21 Sam SIMMONS 00:21:38 
  38 34 Thomas SAUKA 00:23:00 
  53 48 Matt CLARKE 00:24:15 
  101 12 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:26:26 
  117 93 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:27:17 
  118 18 Gail MACKIE 00:27:18 
  137 27 Alison SHELLEY 00:28:33 
  145 30 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:10 
  173 49 Nikki Katherine NATION 00:30:57 
  191 62 Fiona CLARKE 00:32:04 
  192 63 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:32:04 
  214 73 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:34:24 
  256 142 Roger BIGGS 00:44:26 
          
Barnstaple 20 Alison WOOD 00:21:43 
          
Pegwell Bay (Kent) 100 28 Sharon CROWLEY 00:29:53 
          
Rutland Water 191 121 Chris HOLLAND 00:31:41 
          
Great Denham 21 20 David PATTMAN 00:21:16 
  25 24 Steven DOBNER 00:21:42 
  58 Mo WARRILLOW 00:25:07 
          
Sizewell 37 29 Nigel STRONGITHARM 00:25:54 
          
Clevedon Salthouse Fields 73 62 John NELMS 00:24:24 
          
Bowling Park 35 18 Darryl STEVENS 00:38:07 
          
Henlow Bridge Lakes 36 31 Michael O’KEEFE 00:27:53 
          
Sandringham 73 14 Maria SWIFT 00:29:25 
Categories
Club News Race Results

RETURN OF THE 5K

The Spartans club handicap 5K returned on Thursday evening and there were 41 runners.   

Running round the Fairlands, Grace, Martins, Verity, Fairlands Ways course the winner on the night was a very quick SIMON FRASER in a new PB (personal best) time of 16:48, with CHRIS WATLING second in 23:54 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI third in 17:52. 

ANNA SWANEPOEL won the women’s handicap with a new personal best (PB) of 27 minutes 48 seconds.  PENNY SCHENKEL was second across the line with a year’s best 34:20 and KAREN ELLIS just two seconds behind third with a year’s best (YB) 25:11 which was 1:42 quicker than her previous fastest 5K time this year. 

Fastest runner on the night was Simon Fraser with Adrian Busolini second quickest in 17:52 and Charlie White third quickest (19:18).  GRANT RAMSAY continued his return to form at fourth fastest with 19:22.  Tracy Pez was quickest female (24:15) with Karen Ellis second quickest and Nikki Wilby, 25:41, third quickest. 

Before and after the 5K handicap event

In handicap races the slower runners, on recent performance, start first and if everyone runs exactly to form they will all finish together.  So a pursuit race and the best improver wins. 

Thus SIMON FRASER was first across the line 36 seconds of CHRIS WATLING.  Chris finished 12 seconds ahead of ADRIAN BUSOLINI in third even though Chris’ net time was 23:54 and Adrian’s 17:52 

The next handicap 5K will be on Thursday 1st September 2022 and it would be fantastic if the Spartans can get even more than 41 taking part next time. 

A big thank you to helpers and supporters: Vicky and Stuart Archer and boys; Sharon and Mike Crowley; Jan and Nick Fry; Tony Randfield; Hannah Sypula and Tony Willson. 

EMAC – East of England track and field hit by downpour 

Still smiling even though they got wet!

The last Eastern Masters central division competition at Bedford on 20th July was cut short due to a downpour which left the track and field completely flooded and unsafe.  Some events took place before the heavens opened, with our women’s team completing another clean sweep, this time in the distance hurdles – W35 400m Nikki Wilby, W50 300m Andrea Westcott, and W60 300m Sharon Crowley. 

Stephanie Biggar won the W35 javelin competition, marking her last appearance for the team with a new PB!  Christine Lathwell also scored top points, winning the W35 mile in horrendous conditions with race bibs disintegrating before crossing the line!  Monica Brown won the W50 long jump, making a brave return to the event that caused her injury last year.  Other points scored on the evening – Wendy Tharani (third W50 mile), Carolyn Linsell (third W60 mile), Marian Morley (second W50 javelin), Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (second W60 javelin), Fiona Clarke (fourth W35 long jump and a new PB!), and Karen Dodsworth (second W50 long jump).  Tracey Jackson was due to make her debut for the team, but the weather had other ideas!  

The Spartans keep going no matter what!

The men’s team had wins from Chris Westcott (M35 mile) and Grant Ramsay (M50 mile) with other points from Pete Smith (second M60 mile and second M60 300m hurdles), Anton McCalla (third M35 discus), Nick Kleanthous (fifth M50 discus), Ron Westcott (third M60 discus) 

The final will be held at the Bedford International stadium on Sunday 4th September.  The Spartans women’s team will be attempting to retain their championship title. 

Three in Three for Jim 

It was three 5K races in three days for JIM BROWN.  His second was at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park on a dry, sunny, warm with a light breeze Friday lunch time.  He finished in a reasonable 27 minutes 8 seconds and was second in his age group.  His first was the Spartans handicap 5K on Thursday evening and his third in the Stevenage parkrun where his previous exploits came to haunt him a bit in the last 1.5 kilometres. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 30th July 

GRANT RAMSAY wearing his Team GB top from the recent world masters championships WON the Stevenage parkrun in 18 minutes 21 seconds. 

Fairlands Valley Spartan members were out in force on Saturday with thirty seven members taking part at ten different parkrun venues across the country.  It was a bumper weekend of achievements with personal bests, year bests, first finishes and top tens. 

Stevenage Parkrun winner Grant and Sam celebrating coming 50th in his 50th Parkrun!

Congratulations to Sam SIMMONS running his 50th Parkrun at Stevenage, coincidently finishing at 50th place with a time of 23:45.  Congratulations also go to Adrian DONNELLY (19:58 at Stevenage) and Michael O’KEEFE (27:18 at Henlow Bridge Lakes) who both achieved personal bests this weekend. 

Grant RAMSAY was fastest at Stevenage, coming first with a year best (YB) time of 18:21. Alison WOOD and Sam PRETTY (who made her debut at Stevenage Parkrun) took home first and second lady with times of 21:42 (YB) and 21:55 respectively. 

There were three other top ten finishers this week, with Adrian DONNELLY fifth, Ashley KING eighth lady both at Stevenage (25:15) and Karen ELLIS sixth lady at Sheringham (26:41 YB). 

Four more year bests were achieved with Chloe CHAPMAN (27:15) and Claire EMMERSON (27:20) both running at Stevenage, Peter CARPENTER (43:17) at Squerryes Winery and Maria SWIFT (29:13) at Sandringham. 

Stevenage Parkrunners (part photo credit to Keith Fenwick)

25 of the 229 finishers at Stevenage were Spartans.  Last but not least, five Spartans reached unofficial milestones with Nicola PATTMAN completing her 20th Parkrun, Jonathan JONES (80th), Alison SHELLEY (90th), Thomas SAUKA (110th) and Martin DUDLEY (150th) all at Stevenage. 

Tables 

All the Spartan handicap 5K runners in finish line order 

Pos NAME SURNAME Time Fem. Pos Comments Speed Pos F. Speed Pos 
SIMON FRASER 16:48   PB (0:03)  
CHRIS WATLING 23:54   First 10K 10  
ADRIAN BUSOLINI 17:52   YB (New)  
ROGER HARDMAN 28:30   SB (0:01) 24  
ANNA SWANEPOEL 27:48  First 10K 22 
GRANT RAMSAY 19:22     
JOHN NELMS 24:05    11  
JIM BROWN 34:20    36  
PENNY SCHENKEL 34:20  YB (New) 37 12 
10 KAREN ELLIS 25:11  YB (1:42) 16 
11 JON SYPULA 26:17   SB (New) 19  
12 BRIAN WHITE 23:18   YB (1:04)  
13 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 28:24    23  
14 LUKE GURNEY 23:41   PB (2:41)  
15 MARK GOODWIN 23:43     
16 CRAIG BACON 23:02     
17 CHARLIE WHITE 19:18     
18 NICOLA NATION 29:30  SB (0:31) 26 
19 TIM ROBINSON 24:54   SB (0:15) 14  
20 NIKKI WILBY 25:41  SB (1:50) 18 
21 TRACY PEZ 24:15  YB (New) 13 
22 STEVE PIKE 29:32   SB (New) 27  
23 GRANT MURPHY 29:40   First 10K 29  
24 JANE WADEY 32:45   34 10 
25 MARK FREEMAN 27:44   SB (New) 20  
26 CHLOE CHAPMAN 27:45  YB (0:30) 21 
27 MARTIN DUDLEY 25:06    15  
28 NICK GILL 21:52     
29 AMANDA VICKERS 39:34  SB (New) 39 14 
30 VISHAL SHAH 25:12    17  
31 SALLY PHILLIPS 34:59  10  38 13 
32 DAVID KENNEDY 24:13    12  
33 MONICA SMITHSON 30:32  11  31  
34 ANNABELLE WHITE 33:53  12  35 11 
35 JONATHAN JONES 31:57    32  
36 TONY ARGYROU 32:07   SB (New) 33 
37 KELLY EVANS 29:55  13 YB (New) 30 
38 YUKO GORDON 29:36  14  28 
39 ANDY JAY 28:56    25  
40 SUSAN MURPHY 45:20  15 First 10K 41 15 
41 ROGER BIGGS 43:47    40  

All the Spartan parkrun results 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Time   Comments 
Stevenage parkrun (25 FVS)         
Grant RAMSAY 18:21 YB 
Adrian DONNELLY 19:58 PB 
12 12 Tony RANDFIELD 20:26 1st in age group  
15 Alison WOOD 21:42 First woman and YB 
20 19 William MORLEY 21:53 First SM 18 – 19  
21 Sam PRETTY 21:55 First visit to Stevenage PR 
28 25 David PATTMAN 22:49   
30 27 Steven DOBNER 22:58   
42 38 Thomas SAUKA 23:35 110th 
48 43 Martin DUDLEY 23:49 150th 
50 45 Sam SIMMONS 23:54 50th 
66 Ashley KING 25:15   
70 60 Toby ECCLESHALL 25:32   
75 65 Nick KLEANTHOUS 25:47   
79 67 Darren EMMERSON 26:03   
88 74 Simon JACKSON 26:31   
89 15 Alison SHELLEY 26:42 90th 
95 17 Chloe CHAPMAN 27:15 YB 
96 18 Claire EMMERSON 27:20 YB 
99 81 Jim BROWN 27:34 1st in age group 
130 33 Debbie BLANTERN 29:29   
159 113 Jonathan JONES 31:27 80th 
177 54 Marian MORLEY 33:29   
187 60 Nicola PATTMAN 35:04 20th 
227 87 Helen HARRIS 54:36   
Sheringham parkrun         
64 Karen ELLIS 26:41 YB 
Clair parkrun (W. Sussex)         
116 77 Darryl STEVENS 37:15   
Panshanger parkrun         
67 57 Mike REYNOLDS 25:20   
Rutland Water parkrun         
62 48 Chris HOLLAND 25:33   
Squerryes Winery parkrun         
152 91 Peter CARPENTER 41:37 YB 
Land’s End parkrun         
83 23 Mo WARRILLOW 29:35   
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun         
62 54 Michael O’KEEFE 27:18 PB 
102 26 Monica SMITHSON 32:49   
121 40 Tracy HAYGARTH 37:08   
Sandringham parkrun         
87 19 Maria SWIFT 29:13 YB 
Southport parkrun         
45 39 Matt CLARKE 24:14   
91 19 Fiona CLARKE 27:18   
Categories
Club News Race Results

RELAYS IN THE PARK

The FVS 3K Relays returned for the first time since 2018 on Thursday with 115 teams taking part.  Fortunately the temperature had dropped from the previous few days, meaning the 460 runners and 30 marshals didn’t get roasted!  It was great to see so many clubs taking part, with male, female and mixed teams all entering.  

In the men’s senior race Luton Athletics Club took first place, with North Herts Road Runners winning for the veterans.  North Herts took the senior women’s title, with St Albans Striders winning the womens vets.  Ware Joggers took both titles for the mixed race. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans were third in the women’s over 35 race with SAM PRETTY 12 minutes 14 seconds; SUZY HAWKINS 11:20; ASHLEY KING 12:15 and MICHELLE REEVES 11:19 running the team’s 47 minutes 8 seconds.   

Sam, Suzy, Ashley and Michelle in action.

The fastest Spartans men’s team took 38 minutes 49 seconds with SIMON JACKSON 9:29; SIMON FRASER 9:23; JONATHAN PARR 9:40 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI 10:17. 

Simon J, Simon F, Jonathan and Adrian all concentrating on their run.

Every team consisted of four runners covering a total of 12 kilometres.  There were two men and two women in mixed teams. 

The relays in Fairlands Valley Park were great to run and to watch on a lovely sunny evening. 

A selection of our lovely Spartan teams!

They included the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire road relay championships. 

Full results are now available here 

Wimpole Hall Trail 10K 

In the Wimpole Hall Trail 10K JOHN HARRIS was 12th in 43:45. 

Brilliant Coach John at Wimpole Hall

Brandon Country 

Roger Biggs travelled to Brandon Country Park near Thetford, for a 10km trail event. 

It was hilly, rough in places, a bit over-distance, and very warm.  Roger completed the two lap course in 2:02:48. 

The legendary Roger Biggs!

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 23rd July – Nicola’s 100th at the Stevenage 250th 

Stevenage Parkrun 250th, Nicola’s 100th and little furry Marlo’s 100th on his 10th birthday!

It was a big week at Stevenage parkrun with the venue celebrating its 250th parkrun.  There was a Spartan ladies 1 and 2 with Gail Mackie first female (22:14) and Suzy Hawkins second female (22:15).  Stuart Archer was third overall (18:44), Grant Ramsay fifth (18:55) and Tony Randfield 10th overall (20:24) won his age group and achieved a magnificent age related score of 81.45%  Congrats to  Nikki Nation with a new parkrun PB (30:31).  Many congratulations to Nicola Andersson celebrating her 100th parkrun.   There were 23 Spartans amongst the 252 runners. 

72,801 people have run the 250 Stevenage parkruns since 2016. 

Gail, Suzy, Stuart and Grant at Stevenage Parkrun.

Further afield, Maria Swift was a first timer at Sandringham parkrun (29:36).  There was a new parkrun PB for Michael O’Keefe at Kingdom parkrun near Tonbridge (29:38) in his third run there.  Also a PB for Darryl Stevens at Lymington Woodside (35:57). 

A tale of two Paul’s at Letchworth parkrun: Paul Maguire (25:08) and Paul Jennings (34:10). 

A posse of Spartans took a trip to Westmill: Paul Shelley (26:14), Alison Shelley ran a new PB (29:22), David Pattman (32:17), Mo Warrillow (32:21) and Steve Dobner (32:18). 

Mike Reynolds ran the Panshanger parkrun in 25:26. 

The full Spartans at Stevenage results are below. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comments 
Stuart ARCHER 00:18:44 Third overall 
Grant RAMSAY 00:18:55  
10 Tony RANDFIELD 00:20:24 81.45%.  Age group winner. 
33 Gail MACKIE 00:22:14 1st woman 
34 Suzy HAWKINS 00:22:15 2nd woman 
63 59 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:10  
78 70 Matt CLARKE 00:25:38  
82 74 James MCSWEENEY 00:25:55  
101 88 Jim BROWN 00:26:46 Age group winner 
110 94 Mark BEASLEY 00:27:31  
126 107 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:29:04  
137 20 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:12  
155 32 Nikki NATION 00:30:31 New parkrun PB 
157 120 Darren EMMERSON 00:30:36  
158 34 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:30:37  
159 35 Fiona CLARKE 00:30:39  
160 36 Claire EMMERSON 00:30:39  
164 122 James SOUTH 00:31:03  
177 45 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:32:07  
197 55 Jane WADEY 00:33:26  
206 59 Hilary DAVIES 00:34:16  
238 151 Roger BIGGS 00:45:48  
246 83 Helen HARRIS 00:55:32  

Categories
Club News Race Results

A HOT FV CHALLENGE

It was a hot day for any kind of long distance event but 105 completed Sunday’s Fairlands Valley Challenge. 

The annual Fairlands Valley Challenge is a self guided trail run through the countryside and villages in East Herts surrounding Stevenage and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. 

Normally five distances are available from 10k to 50k, including half and full marathon distances.  Participants are supplied with snacks and drinks at Aid Stations/check points spread out on the course. 

With a severe Amber weather warning in effect, and other races around the country being cancelled, the event had to be scaled back and altered. 

The 50k option was dropped and the marathon and 18 mile routes changed to two laps rather than one big lap. 

Nevertheless 107 participants including 33 Spartans turned up looking for adventure and given instructions to be back soon after 1pm before the heat of the day would get too unbearable. 

Some sensibly in the conditions switched down distances but all returned safely by 2pm in good spirits having had a challenging but fun time. 

Despite the heat some runners managed to complete the marathon distance in around 3 hours 35 minutes. 

Medals and smiles galore!

NICOLA ANDERSSON said, “The Fairlands Valley Challenge Sunday morning, it had to be early to beat the heat and I was up for the 18 miles to begin with… I’ll eventually go for a longer than a half marathon one day, this being my fifth run over the distance and second official half event but that was one hot day.  Our self navigated route to Watton at Stone, through to Datchworth and back on the multi terrain trail route through fields and woods.  I provided the map instructions though Tony Randfield led the way for Carolyn Linsell and myself with his navigation skills.  Myself being a first timer I’d either get lost or take much longer. It was a hot one but we got the 13plus miles done.”  Nicola, Carolyn and Tony finished together in 3 hours 13 minutes. 

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI, perhaps benefitting, from his ultra advantages was fastest in the half marathon event more than 20 minutes ahead of his nearest rival. 

DANNY SCANLON commented, “I ran the FV challenge for the 1st time today. Thoroughly enjoyed my half marathon and was great to run with Mr & Mrs  Archer! Lovely morning, lovely run and pretty much everyone involved had a smile on their faces! Nice 2.14.29 morning half in the sun.” 

FVC professionals SHARON CROWLEY and CATHY CRAIG said, “We had a super day out completing our loops in 5hrs 30 for 20 miles! The 1st 13 went quickly, then out for the next lap, by this time the heat was taking its toll, so one foot in front of the other and get to the end! The 2 Spartan ladies going the furthest…we think!”   

A big thank you to TIM ROBINSON and all his volunteer helpers who were out in that heat. 

2022 Fairlands Valley Challenge Provisional Results.   

10 km   

Kartik Sharma 1:14:48  Callie Chapman  01:47:20  Claire Emmerson  01:51:20 Sean Millwood  01:51:21 Paula Dunne  01:51:29 Sally Pickles 01:59:56 Judy King  01:59:58  

Tony Willson  02:00:00 Rachael Miller  02:00:01 Steph Biggar  02:00:21 Hannah Sypula  02:00:22 Jon Sypula  02:00:23  

Half  

Adrian Busolini  01:35:59   Danny Scanlon  02:14:51 Chris Watling 02:17:43  Thomas Sauka  02:23:21  Susan McAneny  02:25:19 Zoe Jackson F 02:25:19 Vicky Archer  02:27:03  Wendy Tharani  02:49:20 27    Luke Gurney  02:59:23 Christine Zverev  02:59:23 43     Nicola Andersson  03:13:53 Tony Randfield  03:13:54 Carolyn Linsell  03:13:54   Darryl Stevens 03:41:03 Paul Holgate 03:48:46  Tricia Hopper  04:08:17 Karen Liddle  04:08:19 Robert Hardy  05:17:29 Pauline Hardy  05:17:29 Roger Biggs M70  05:17:32  

18 Mile  

Stuart Archer  03:24:46  Cathy Craig  05:25:14 Sharon Crowley  05:25:15  

Marathon   

Clare Moore  05:27:50 Davie Stafford  5:27:50 

The Spartan spirit was in full swing despite the heat!

Grant Top Ten in World Masters 

One for the international scores on the doors.  Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was in Tampere, Finland for the World Masters Championships.  He was sixth in the 50 plus steeplechase race with 13 minutes 2 seconds. 

Ramsay was delighted with sixth place to achieve his goal of finishing in the top 10, which had a strong field. 

Adrian’s Tough Century 

ADRIAN BUSOLINI recently ran a 161 kilometres off road and undulating World Series Major at Val D’Aran in the Pyrenees. 

He completed the 100 miles in 32 hours 15 minutes 59 seconds for 35th place. 

Amazing Adrian at the finish!

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 16th July 

Who doesn’t enjoy cake at the end of a sunny Parkrun!

As temperatures soared across the UK, thirty-six Fairlands Valley Spartans headed out to run in Parkrun events on Saturday morning. 

In Stevenage, ASHLEY JOHNSON, who ran a parkrun PB time to finish as the third female overall in 20 minutes and 55 seconds, was joined by JOHN HARRIS, the sixth male to finish the course in a time of 19 minutes and 53 seconds and, finishing as the 100th male, MATT CLARKE as he completed his 100th Parkrun event with a run of 31:06. 

Matt and his daughter celebrating their milestones and third female Ashley smashing her PB!

Also running a parkrun PB was YORDAN YORDANOV in Basingstoke with a time of 25:17. 

Many Spartans were off trying new courses.  JONATHAN PARR ran Whitstable Parkrun in 17 minutes and 34 seconds where he was second, while ANNABELLE WHITE finished Wimpole Estate in 32:05 and NICK KLEANTHOUS ran the course at Clacton Seafront in 26:24.  ALISON and MARTIN WOOD completed The Pastures (Alnwick) course in 22 minutes and 30 secondss and 25 minutes and 43 seconds, respectively, as DARRYL STEVENS ran Henlow Bridge in 38 minutes and 41 seconds, and JAMES MCSWEENY Mildenhall Hub Parkrun in 26:19. 

Spartans at Parkrun Stevenage
Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time Comments 
Stevenage (24 FVS) John HARRIS 19:53 Top Ten.  Season PB.  
  14 12 Tony RANDFIELD 20:46  
  15 Ashley JOHNSON 20:55 3rd woman.  Parkrun PB. 
  45 42 Sam SIMMONS 24:00  
  62 57 Craig BACON 25:26  
  81 72 Toby ECCLESHALL 26:50  
  85 10 Nicola ANDERSSON 27:15  
  87 76 Jim BROWN 27:19 First in age 
  94 15 Alison SHELLEY 27:32  
  96 77 David PATTMAN 27:46  
  97 17 Mo WARRILLOW 27:46  
  100 78 Steven DOBNER 27:54  
  103 80 Mark BEASLEY 28:21  
  113 23 Debbie BLANTERN 29:10  
  114 88 Michael O’KEEFE 29:13  
  116 25 Vicky ARCHER 29:21  
  117 26 Claire EMMERSON 29:21  
  134 98 Darren EMMERSON 31:03  
  135 99 Simon SYPULA 31:03  
  137 100 Matt CLARKE 31:06 100th parkrun 
  169 48 Tracy HAYGARTH 34:39  
  172 50 Callie CHAPMAN 34:59  
  192 124 Paul HOLGATE 39:26  
  203 126 Roger BIGGS 47:49  
           
Basingstoke 87 82 Yordan YORDANOV 25:17 Parkrun PB 
           
Whitstable Jonathan PARR 17:34 Second 
           
Wimpole Estate 190 53 Annabelle WHITE 32:05  
           
Clacton Seafront 40 36 Nick KLEANTHOUS 26:24  
           
Panshanger 34 33 Mark GOODWIN 24:26  
           
Rutland Water 118 84 Chris HOLLAND 28:36  
           
Letchworth Nick GILL 21:43 Top Ten 
           
The Pastures 16 Alison WOOD 22:30 1st Woman 
  33 25 Martin WOOD 25:43  
           
Bolberry Down 39 28 Nigel STRONGITHARM 25:56  
           
Henlow Bridge 121 65 Darryl STEVENS 38:41  
           
Mildenhall Hub 17 16 James MCSWEENEY 26:19  
Categories
Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK TRAILS

A huge thunderstorm and tremendous downpour confronted Fairlands Valley Spartans as they made their way to Trent Park, Cockfosters for the fourth Mid Week League event but 29 made it, enjoyed the rainbow and finished the event.  This was an evening largely off road 10K event. 

The fastest of the 18 men were ADRIAN BUSOLINI 25th in 37 minutes 59 seconds and SIMON FRASER 30th in 38:36.  PETE SMITH was the fastest 60 plus in the race with 45:53 and ROGER HARDMAN second 70 plus with 63:12. 

For the women SUZY HAWKINS was 16th in 44 minutes 40 seconds.  YUKO GORDON was the fastest 65 plus woman with 53:10. 

The speedy ones in action!

Altogether 306 runners finished the race.  The end of series celebration, the mob match, is at Welwyn Garden City on the 6th July. 

Happy stripes!

Ware Ten

There were two trophies for Fairlands Valley Spartans at Sunday’s testing Ware 10 mile race.  JIM BROWN won the male 70 plus award with 1 hour 34 minutes 32 seconds and JAN FRY won the women 65 plus category with 1:54:04. 

Jim and Jan with their medals.

ROB WRIGHT was the fastest Spartan with 1:19:52.  He was 67th out of the 260 finishers. 

STEVEN DOBNER said it was super weather for a scenic run around Ware and Hertford.  A few large lumps and some fast downhill sections on an enjoyable but tricky course.  A fantastic local event which deserves to be supported as they always put on a great race. 

He said he felt strong and happy to finish in 1:24:07 having spent most of the run alongside DAVID PATTMAN who finished a few seconds later in 1:24:11. 

Sunny Ware!

The fastest female from Fairlands was MO WARRILOW with 1:35:53.  CHRIS SAUNDERS ran his first ten mile race in 1:36:11 and NICOLA PATTMAN came in with 1:52:59. 

In the Ware 10K DZENANA TOPIC was 163rd in 1:11:45 and JONATHAN JONES 165th in 1:11:54. 

Roger on the River Thames Towpath  

On Friday ROGER BIGGS ran his longest race since September 21, with an event along the River Thames towpath in Walton-on-Thames. 

Eight out-and-back laps represented a total race distance equivalent to a half marathon (13.1 miles).  Roger completed the course 3:57:29 

The Legend that is Roger!

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 2nd July 

Stevenage parkrun was back above the 250 runner mark on Saturday. 

Stripey Saturday saw 24 Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelled to seven different Parkrun venues across the country. 

Jonathan PARR took first place at Exmouth finishing at 16:56, also taking the titles of fastest and the further travelled Spartan. 

Debbie BLANTERN was the fastest female Spartan finishing at 29:27 at Stevenage. 

Nikki NATION ran a personal best of 31:55, also at Stevenage. 

Three runners achieved year’s best times with Sam SIMMONS (20:04) and Hilary DAVIES (33:43) at Stevenage and Chris HOLLAND (24:50) at Rutland Waters. 

Unofficial milestones were achieved by Roger BIGGS completing 110th Parkruns, Michael O’KEEFE 140th and Danik BATES 220th  this weekend. 

Stevenage celebrates its 250th parkrun on Saturday 16th July.  Make sure you have your free parkrun barcode and that your parkrun profile includes Fairlands Valley Spartans. 

Tables 

Spartan Men 

Race Men Pos Cat Vet Time Name Surname Cat. M/F Comments 
25 25     37:59 Adrian Busolini A team 
30 30     38:36 Simon Fraser A team 
67 64     41:52 Ross Gallagher A team 
78 73 27 32 42:49 Adrian Donnelly V 40 A team 
121 100     45:49 Nick Gill A team 
124 102 57 45:53 Pete Smith V 60 1st MV60 and A team 
135 108 43 63 46:57 Grant Ramsay V 40 A team 
156 121 23 73 48:17 Craig Bacon V 50 A team 
166 127 26 79 49:13 Martin Wood V 50 A team 
168 129 51 81 49:26 David Pattman V 40 A team 
174 134 86 49:46 Mark Goodwin V 60 A team 
200 153 63 102 52:08 Steven Dobner V 40 A team 
249 180 49 127 58:14 Tim Robinson V 50   
267 185 14 132 1:00:43 Jim Brown V 60   
275 188 135 1:03:12 Roger Hardman V 70 2nd MV70 
286 191 55 138 1:05:01 Michael O’Keefe V 50   
296 193 57 140 1:07:35 Andy Jay V 50   
306 194 16 141 1:27:31 Paul Holgate V 60   

194 men in the race.  18 Spartans. 

Spartan Women 

Race Pos Cat Vet Time Name Surname Cat. M/F Comments 
103 16 12 44:40 Suzy Hawkins V 45 4th FV45 
204 48 13 33 52:29 Tracy Pez V 45   
205 49 34 53:10 Yuko Gordon V 65 1st FV65 
231 63 21 45 56:17 Karen Ellis V 45   
250 70 24 51 58:29 Wendy Tharani V 45   
261 77 23 58 59:52 Georgie Hooper V 35   
290 99 38 79 1:06:14 Jenny Garrett V 45   
291 100 39 80 1:06:31 Mo Warrillow V 45   
301 108 20 87 1:11:51 Jane Wadey V 55   
303 110 27 89 1:14:50 Callie Chapman V 35   
305 112 21 91 1:27:30 Sharon Crowley V 55   

11 Spartan women.  112 in race. 

Spartan at the Ware Ten 

Pos Name Chip Category Cat Pos Gender Age Grade Pace Comments 
67 Robert WRIGHT 1:19:52 Ages 20 – 39 21 Male 55.98 4:59 min/km  
91 Steven DOBNER 1:24:07 Ages 40 – 49 21 Male 57.21 5:14 min/km  
93 David PATTMAN 1:24:11 Ages 40 – 49 23 Male 55.28 5:14 min/km  
171 Jim BROWN 1:34:32 Ages 70+ Male 62.56 5:53 min/km Winner MV70 
182 Mo WARRILLOW 1:35:53 Ages 45 – 54 18 Female 57.05 5:58 min/km  
185 Chris SAUNDERS 1:36:11 Ages 20 – 39 42 Male 46.23 5:59 min/km First 10 mile race 
242 Nicola PATTMAN 1:52:59 Ages 35 – 44 33 Female 45.73 7:02 min/km  
243 Jan FRY 1:53:04 Ages 65+ Female 64.62 7:03 min/km Winner FV65 

There were 260 finishers. 

Spartans at Parkruns on Saturday 2nd July 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
Westmill parkrun         
43 34 Nick KLEANTHOUS 29:37   
Stevenage parkrun         
Grant RAMSAY 18:31   
18 16 Sam SIMMONS 22:04 YB 
63 54 James MCSWEENEY 25:20   
68 57 Matt CLARKE 25:31   
77 66 David PATTMAN 26:13   
78 67 Danik BATES 26:21 220th 
104 87 Steven DOBNER 27:41   
112 90 Jim BROWN 27:58   
138 28 Debbie BLANTERN 29:27   
167 39 Nikki Katherine NATION 31:55 PB 
173 42 Jane WADEY 32:34   
184 49 Hilary DAVIES 33:43 YB 
201 57 Mo WARRILLOW 35:07   
202 58 Erica GRAYSON 35:07   
233 79 Sharon CROWLEY 40:02   
234 141 Paul HOLGATE 40:03   
242 145 Tony RANDFIELD 43:22   
243 146 Roger BIGGS 44:16 110th 
Rutland Water parkrun         
55 47 Chris HOLLAND 24:50 YB 
Exmouth parkrun         
Jonathan PARR 16:56   
Great Dunmow parkrun         
70 47 Darryl STEVENS 38:18   
Hunstanton Promenade parkrun         
12 Nicola KENNEDY 26:45   
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun         
49 41 Michael O’KEEFE 28:52 140th 
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTAN EMAC WOMEN WIN AGAIN!

The FVS Ladies continued their winning streak in the Eastern Masters Athletics league meeting in perfect conditions at Cambridge on Wednesday evening.  The team of 14 greatly outnumbered the opposition, allowing everyone to focus on one or two events instead of having to cope with multiple shoe changes!  FVS had a clean sweep in the high jump competition, with Nikki Wilby (W35), Monica Brown (W50 – also second place shot put), and Karen Dodsworth (W60) all winning maximum points for the team.  Karen also claimed first place in W50 400 metres and placed second in W50 triple jump.  Other wins on the night came from Andrea Westcott in the W50 100m (also second place hammer throw with a PB!), Tessa Stephenson W60 100m, and Wendy Tharani W50 1500m.  Having such a large contingent ensured every event was covered. Important points were scored by Callie Chapman (fourth place in both W35 100m and 400m), Carolyn Linsell (second place W60 400m), Fiona Clarke (second place in both W35 1500m and her first ever triple jump competition!), Cathy Craig (third place W60 1500m), Sharon Crowley (fourth place 2k walk ‘A’ and second place W60 hammer), Yuko Gordon (third place 2k walk ‘B’), Stephanie Biggar (third place W35 hammer and fourth place shot put), and Joylyn Saunders-Mullins finished in second place in a hotly contested W60 shot put.  As always, the relays rounded off the evening with W35 team of Monica Brown, Callie Chapman, Fiona Clarke, and Nikki Wilby finishing in third place.  The W50 team of Carolyn Linsell, Andrea Westcott, Tessa Stephenson, and Wendy Tharani were unopposed, finishing in first place. 

A selection of our fab ladies at EMAC!

The men’s team had fewer competitors, seven, available but TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS, STEVE MAYFIELD, DAVE STEPHENSON, NICK KLEANTHOUS, CHRIS WESTCOTT, GRANT RAMSAY and PETE SMITH still managed a credible fourth place finish.  Tim Saunders-Mullins won the M60 hammer throw by a huge margin, with other points from Steve Mayfield (4th place in M35 100m, shot put, triple jump, and high jump then moving to his own age group to finish 4th in M50 hammer!), Dave Stephenson (3rd place in both M50 100m and 400m), Nick Kleanthous (5th place M60 100m, 2nd place 2k walk ‘A’, and 4th place M60 shot put), Chris Westcott (3rd place in both M35 400m and 1500m), Grant Ramsay (2nd place in his new age group M50 1500m), and Pete Smith (2nd place M60 1500m, 5th place M50 triple jump, 2nd place M60 high jump).  The relay team finished in 4th place, just pipped to the line by 0.3 seconds! 

Not forgetting our amazing men!

The ladies team have now secured their place in the final but will still be aiming for another victory in Bedford net month on Wednesday 20th July! 

Two Wins At Welwyn  

There were eleven Spartans and two wins at the Welwyn 10K. 

MARK GOODWIN was really pleased and surprised by achieving first place in his age category.  He managed a negative split, rare for him, due to the challenging hill in the first half of the race.  Mark WON the Vet 60 competition with 48 minutes 1 second. 

JIM BROWN’s second half was 1 minute 39 seconds faster than his first, so another negative split, and he WON the 70 plus category by three minutes with 56 minutes 56 seconds. 

VISH SHAH came in with 53 minutes 53 seconds and new member HARRIET SMITH raced round in an excellent 54 minutes 27 seconds.  She was in the top half of the field, 160th out of 355. 

Smiles at Welwyn!

There was a new personal best (PB) for MICHAEL O’KEEFE – 61:42. 

JANE WADEY said it was tough but pleased to complete her first ever measured and chip timed 10K race in 67:09. 

It was a very hot run at the Welwyn 10K said CHRISTINE ZVEREV.  Sadly not the sub 60 she was hoping for but Christine said it was beautiful nonetheless.  She came in with 67:47. 

JANE WATT, 68:26, thought it was a lovely course.  Bit hot in places but it is June. 

LUKE GURNEY 63:01; NICOLA HATHERLY 74:00 and JUDY KING 74:55 completed the Spartan eleven. 

Hitchin Hard Half 

ROBERT WRIGHT took the Hitchin Hard Half Marathon at an easy pace and finished in 2.06.10.  There were 149 finishers. 

Race To The Tower  

SHARON CROWLEY ran a 52 mile Ultra, the Race to the Tower, which she finished in 19 hours 57 minutes 7 seconds at 4:30am.  It’s a tough and very hilly event in the Cotswolds, some of it quite steep.  She kept a good pace throughout and only slowed down a little near the end when it was dark.  She said she needed her poles for both up and down the hills.  She was supported by Mike, who was a great help, especially close to the end. An amazing achievement.  

Sharon said it was one of the hardest things she’s ever done! 

Amazing Sharon has done it again!

Serpentine 

It was bright dry and windy for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park where runners were entertained by the warm up for the BST festival.  Jim Brown was 105th and second in his category with 27:20.  He is twelfth in the year long series. 

Windy maybe but it was quite neat as it was headwind where there was shelter but tailwind out in the open on the back straight.  The race was won in an eye watering 14 minutes 58 seconds!  The Serpentine 5K is now in its 30th year with a celebration to come in October. 

Run Orwell 

DAVE SCOTT took part in the Run Orwell event near Royston today, and although he’d planned for the 10k, because of the heat he made the decision to do the 5k distance instead. 

It was a small event, with around 120 participants across both distances.  It was mixed terrain, including some sections across private farm land which were scenic but tough!  It was very much a social run for Dave, so he took it relatively easy and finished in 34:17. 
 

Parkrun Highlights  

The purple start and finish signs made a welcome return to Stevenage parkrun for the first time since March 2020.  There were 238 runners including 14 Spartans. 

It was a busy week for Spartans participating across 11 different venues including home base at Stevenage.  JONATHAN PARR was first at Stevenage (17:16).  He was exactly one minute ahead of his nearest rival. 

JIM BROWN won the category by three seconds with a little scamper to the line ahead of a Garden City Runner with the two of them 105th and 107th out of 238 in the race.  Jim’s time was 27:14, slightly faster than the Serpentine 5K the day before. 

Lots of “First timers” this week: ROGER BIGGS at Eastbourne (44:51), the Pattmans ran in Lowestoft (David 23:04 and Nicola 35:03), MO WARRILOW and STEVE DOBNER ran together at Jersey Farm (Mo 29:27) (Steve 29:28) and YUKO GORDON was at Henlow Bridge Lakes (25:11). 

There were new parkrun course PBs for PAUL MAGUIRE at Exmouth (23:48), MICHAEL O’KEEFE at Henlow Bridge Lakes (28:35) and NIKKI NATION at Stevenage (32:29), 

ANDY JAY was at Westmill (28:32), JAMES MCSWEENEY at Littleport (25:04) and DARRYL STEVENS at Brockenhurst (35:46). 

CATHY CRAIG ran a virtual parkrun in 31:51 to help celebrate her son’s 100th

Tables 

Spartans at the Welwyn 10K 

Pos Gender Cat Pos Name Category Chip Age Grade Comments 
82. 74 Mark GOODWIN MV60 48:01 70.1% 1st V60 
157. 137 44 Vishal SHAH MS 53:53 49.7 %  
160. 21 Harriet SMITH FS 54:27 54.4% New 
197. 164 Jim BROWN MV70 56:56 62.4 % 1st V70 
255. 197 56 Michael O’KEEFE MV50 1:01:42 51.5 % PB 
266. 203 62 Luke GURNEY MS 1:03:01 41.7 %  
299. 88 17 Jane WADEY FV55 1:07:09 52.9 % First 10K race 
304. 93 35 Christine ZVEREV FV35 1:07:47 44.8 %  
313. 100 37 Jane MCFARLANE FV35 1:08:26 45.5 %  
338. 117 30 Nicola HATHERLY FV45 1:14:00 43.9 %  
342. 120 23 Judy KING FV55 1:14:55 49.2 %  

Number of records: 355 

The full Spartan result for Stevenage parkrun is below: 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
Jonathan PARR 00:17:16 
42 39 Sam SIMMONS 00:23:29 
53 48 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:24:09 
57 51 Matt CLARKE 00:24:13 
62 54 Brian WHITE 00:24:32 
105 87 Jim BROWN 00:27:14 
116 22 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 00:27:49 
132 28 Fiona CLARKE 00:28:45 
139 31 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:04 
153 41 Monica SMITHSON 00:30:20 
180 60 Nikki Katherine NATION 00:32:29 
197 67 Samantha SUTTON 00:33:37 
203 133 Stephen SMITHSON 00:34:56 
230 138 Paul HOLGATE 00:42:04 
Categories
Club News Race Results

ROUND THE GARDEN 5K

There was a win for Spartan JOHN HARRIS in the Letchworth Round the Garden 5K.  He dipped under 20 minutes for a season’s best 19:59, first male 60 plus and 24th overall. 

The other Spartans racing in Letchworth were DAVID KENNEDY 22:56; MONICA SMITHSON in a new season’s best (SB) of 28:32; SAMANTHA SUTTON 33:00; JANE WHITROW 34:22; and ROGER BIGGS 43:16. 

Sunny Letchworth!

Ciaran Second In Norfolk 

CIARAN McANENY ran in the Positive Steps Norfolk 100km race from Castle Acre along the Peddars Way to the North Norfolk Coast, then along the coastal path to Sheringham. 

It was a long day out in the sun and he says he wasn’t quite in top form; but still finished in second place overall in 10 hours 26 minutes.  Some 1 hour 30 minutes behind the winner who was in a different class on the day. 

Ciaran said it was another great event again from the Positive Steps team.  Lovely course (despite around six kilometres of it being on soft sand and shingle beaches) and a really friendly atmosphere. 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 18th June

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, we have members running at home around Fairlands and around the country as far as the Isle of Wight this week. 

In Stevenage 228 runners took on the course.  MIKE JEFFS was first Spartan home second overall finishing in 18 minutes 48 seconds which was a course PB (personal best on that parkrun course).  ANN TRYSSESOONE was first female home for the club finishing 67th in 26-25. 

Other results at the lakes were: STEVEN DOBNER 22-55 (28TH), MATT CLARKE 23-51 (39TH), MARTIN DUDLEY 24-21 (45TH), ANDREW MCGUINNESS 24-58 (53RD), JAMES MCSWEENEY 26-15 (66TH), DAVID PATTMAN 26-39 (70TH), BRIAN WHITE 26-47 (73RD), MO WARRILLOW 26-52 (77TH), JIM BROWN 28-19 (101ST), DEBBIE BLANTERN 30-27 (126TH), CHLOE CHAPMAN 32-21 (158TH), FIONA CLARKE 32-22 (159TH), GRANT RAMSAY 34-31 (180TH), TRACY HAGARTH 35-05 (188TH), HILARY DAVIES 35-28 (189TH), CRAIG BACON 36-20 (194TH), SIMON SYPULA 37-17 (202ND) AND ROGER BIGGS 46-737 (223RD).  

Other away day results: 

Medina (Isle of Wight): Nick Kleanthous 27-12 (86th out of 214 runners).  

Roberts Park (Shipley, West Yorkshire): Tony Randfield 21-13 (22nd out of 303 runners). 

Tidworth (Wiltshire): Darryl Stevens 40-47 (91st out of 111 runners).  

Barclay (Hoddesdon, Herts): Annabelle White 31-19 (66th out of 103 runners). 

Letchworth (Herts): Georgie Hooper 32-26 (75th out of 105 runners), Nick Gill 32-27 (76th out of 105 runners).  

Panshanger (Hertford, Herts): Mike Reynolds 28-10 (84th out of 182 runners). 

Henlow Bridge Lakes (Henlow, Beds): Michael O’Keefe 30-21 (70th out of 126 runners).  

Categories
Club News Race Results

Spartans in Chingford Mid Week League

 

34 Spartans made the difficult early evening journey to Chingford for the third in the series of Mid Week League road races. 

This was on a tough six mile course in Epping Forest.  SIMON JACKSON was third veteran and 12th overall in 34 minutes 58 seconds; PETE SMITH first man 60 plus in 43:52 and TONY RANDFIELD third in 44:42. 

This time MICHELLE REEVES was the fastest woman for FVS with 44:24 and MARIE COLUCCI second with 47:51.  ABBIE PEZ was third woman under 20 with 54:08. 

Speedies in the forest.

CAROLYN LINSELL was second woman 65 plus with 62:24 and CATHY CRAIG third with 66:50. 

There were 15 Spartan women and 19 men.  The fourth and final counting race in the 2022 Mid Week Road Race series will be in Trent Park, north London at 7.45p.m. on Thursday 30th June 

All smiles happy to of accomplished ‘The Hill!’

(For all 34 Spartan times and positions please see the table near the end of this release) 

Hot and Hilly in St Albans 

It was hot and hilly for the St Albans Half Marathon. 

Spartan JOHN HARRIS was second man 60 plus and 130th out of the 1,600 finishers in 1 hour 34 minutes 16 seconds. 

MATT CLARKE came in at 1:43:27 and FIONA CLARKE 2:07:12. 

CHLOE CHAPMAN said it was a really well organised event, although there were some big hills the route was beautiful.  The ice lolly at the end was much needed.  She finished in 2:14:19. 

John and The Clarkes with their medals after a hot half

JIM BROWN was taken ill during the race but did eventually finish in 2 hours 35 minutes exactly. 

JANE WADEY ran the 5K at St Albans.  She came in with 33:53.  She said she found it a bit hard, as it was very hilly which she hadn’t anticipated and also hot but it was the first actual chip-timed race she has done. 

ROGER BIGGS completed the 5K in 49:29. 

Adrian Busolini – Grand Trail du Saint Jacques (GTSJ) 

The awesome Adrian!

ADRIAN BUSOLINI raced the 74 kilometres Grand Trail du Saint Jacques in France.  One of the UTMB (Ultra Trail) World Series events there were 3.2 kilometres of climbing.  He was 23rd in 9 hours 34 minutes 55 second.  Here’s his story: 

The first half of the race wends its way up and down the hillsides rising from the Allier river, which are plastered with dense forest: a vibrant, dark green carpet so uncommon in England, which has been almost entirely deforested.  Frequently steep, dry and slippery, poles are highly recommended on these trails. 

Starting right at the back of the first wave after getting confused by the (lack of) instructions in Monistrol, within minutes I was stuck in queues at the base of the first single track ascent. It was painfully apparent I had a gargantuan challenge on my hands to try to forge a path through, and the narrow trails in the first half of GTSJ make it a very tough course to do that. After some 30-40 or so km I had managed to clear the slower part of the field, just as the temperature rose to around 30C – but now I had to push on, and start making up time, as opposed to just places.  

50K is where the course peaks, and it’s mostly a gradual downhill thereafter, with the hilly, forested landscape making way for sweeping plains and fields. I was starting to run low on food and water, and was rationing supplies, daring not to stop at any of the public water spots alongside my fellow runners so as not to lose any more time (having been joined by marathon and 32K competitors at this point, the course was, again, fairly crowded). 

As I dehydrated and cooked out in the unshaded plains, passing runner after runner stationary and bent double over their poles, I kept my eye out for the iconic symbols of Le Puy en Velay, where the race concluded: the chapel of St Michael perched incredibly atop its own extinct volcano, and the imposing terracotta statue of Mary and child similarly overlooking the city.  I did not spot them until I descended into the streets of the city itself, when I cranked into another gear and pushed on through a surprisingly good crowd up the final climb to the cathedral, a stunning location for the finish. 

An important lesson for future trail races: don’t hang around in reception venues waiting for instructions, or presume where the start is. Get yourself to that start line early. Recovering from a back of the pack start can be non-trivial. 

That said, 23rd place in a “by UTMB” race – I’ll happily take that. 

Over the Sea to Skye 

STEVE DOBNER and DAVID PATTMAN completed the Isle of Skye half in 2:01.59. 

The weather was against them – 50mph wind, sideways rain and hail.  With an elevation gain of 368 metres, it’s definitely a challenging course but also an amazing experience. 

Steve and Dave still smiling through the rain after completing their race!

British Masters Steeplechase Silver 

It was SILVER for GRANT RAMSAY in the British Masters Steeplechase Championship in Derby. 

Over 3,000 metres he was second man 50 plus with 12 minutes 50 seconds. 

Tony in the Forest 

Spartan TONY RANDFIELD won the men over 60 (MV60) award at the Marston Forest 5K on Friday.  He finished in 20 minutes 46 seconds and was 62nd out of the 341 finishers. 

Hampshire Hoppit 

TONY RANDFIELD and ROB WRIGHT ran the Hampshire Hoppit trail marathon.  They kept together to finish in a moving time of 4 hours 45 minutes 10 seconds. 

Tony and Rob rehydrating post race.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 11th June 

Eighteen Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in Parkrun events on Saturday morning. 

Mark GOODWIN ran a PB time of 22 minutes and 54 seconds on the Stevenage course.  Alongside Stuart ARCHER who finished the course 3rd overall in 19 minutes and 36 seconds and Jim BROWN who won his age category in 26 minutes and 55 seconds.   

Visits to new courses were completed by, Michael O’KEEFE on the Armley course in 30:17, and Tracy HAYGARTH at Fell Foot, Newby Bridge in 34:40. 

Parkrunners in the sun!

Tables 

Midweek Road Race League Division 1 – Race 3 – Chingford 6 miles – Wednesday 8th June 

Position Gender Pos Cat Vet Name Surname Time Cat. M/F Comments  
12 12 Simon Jackson 34:58 V 40 3rd Vet 
24 24     Adrian Busolini 36:21   
39 39     Simon Fraser 37:38   
85 78     Mike Jeffs 40:50   
86 79     Ross Gallagher 40:51   
90 82     Stuart Archer 41:29   
114 98     Robert Wright 43:23   
121 103 56 Pete Smith 43:52 V 60 1st MV60 
133 20 14 Michelle Reeves 44:24 V 35   
140 119 71 Tony Randfield 44:42 V 60 3rd Vet 60 
161 132 52 84 Grant Ramsay 43:00 V 40   
184 149 35 97 Matt Clarke 47:17 V 50   
194 38 13 26 Marie Colucci 47:51 V 35   
209 164     David Kennedy 48:41   
216 169 113 Mark Goodwin 49:12 V 60   
223 48 17 34 Tracy Pez 49:31 V 45   
232 176 42 119 Darren Emmerson 50:00 V 50   
281 80   Abbie Pez 54:08 U 20 3rd FU20 
289 205 57 146 Tim Robinson 55:22 V 50   
293 208 16 148 Nick Kleanthous 56:01 V 60   
296 85 27 64 Wendy Tharani 56:17 V 45   
300 88 28 66 Claire Emmerson 56:30 V 45   
310 213 63 153 Karl Shreeve 56:28 V 50   
312 96     Chloe Chapman 57:57   
313 97 30 73 Vicky Archer 57:46 V 35   
331 112 88 Carolyn Linsell 62:24 V 65 2nd FV65 
338 219 67 159 Michael O’Keefe 64:05 V 50   
339 117 32 93 Ada Janusiene 64:07 V 35   
341 119 39 95 Jenny Garrett 64:14 V 45   
342 120 23 96 Monica Smithson 65:14 V 55   
346 124 100 Cathy Craig 66:50 V 65 4th FV65 
350 127 25 103 Sharon Crowley 69:12 V 55   
352 221 68 161 Jonathan Jones 70:19 V 50   
353 129 33 105 Callie Chapman 70:31 V 35   

15 women.  19 men. 

Spartans at parkruns 11th June 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage Stuart ARCHER 00:19:35 
  26 26 Mark GOODWIN 00:22:54 
  39 37 Matt CLARKE 00:24:23 
  41 39 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:24:37 
  54 50 James MCSWEENEY 00:25:07 
  93 77 Jim BROWN 00:26:55 
  94 16 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:26:56 
  102 18 Fiona CLARKE 00:27:43 
  115 22 Andrea WESTCOTT 00:28:17 
  122 94 Kartik SHARMA 00:28:45 
  160 49 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:31:47 
  191 119 David SCOTT 00:35:37 
          
Wimpole Estate 264 108 Mo WARRILLOW 00:38:34 
          
Fell Foot, Newby Bridge 183 74 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:34:40 
          
Letchworth 27 25 Paul MAGUIRE 00:24:09 
          
Armley 81 53 Michael O’KEEFE 00:30:17 
          
Categories
Club News Race Results

ADRIAN TOP TEN AT BROAD OAK

Hatfield Broad Oak 

In a time of 36 minutes 35 seconds Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was tenth out of 989 in the Hatfield Broad Oak 10K on Friday.  He was sixth senior (17 to 39). 

GRANT RAMSAY was 23rd in 38:09 and MATTHEW NEWTON 101st in 44:11. 

The Hatfield Broad Oak 10K is back for the first time since 2019.  Not in its usual Bank Holiday Monday slot the change of date to a Saturday and then a Friday may have reduced participation a little but pre-Covid this was a very popular event for Fairlands Valley Spartans including the opportunity to get a 10K time on a measured fairly fast course. 

The County 10K championships will be in Welwyn on Sunday 26th June. 

Women Win at Milton Keynes 

The FVS ladies track and field team continued to dominate the central EMAC (Eastern Veterans) division with another impressive win on Wednesday evening at Milton Keynes.  Two more new joiners, and near perfect competition conditions, helped the team beat rivals Marshall Milton Keynes by an impressive 15 points.  Newbies Michelle Reeves (3rd place W35 800 metres) and Fiona Clarke (3rd place W35 long jump and 4th place 200 metres) really enjoyed their return to track competition after a number of years.  Wins on the night came from Tessa Stephenson W60 200m (by a massive margin!), Monica Brown W50 80mH and javelin, Sharon Crowley W60 80mH (also 2nd place A string 1k walk), Nikki Wilby W35 pole vault, and Andrea Westcott W50 long jump (also 2nd place 800m).  Helping the team to victory with all important points were Marian Morley with a superb sprint finish to clinch 2nd place W50 200m (also 2nd place discus), Cathy Craig 3rd placed W60 800m and finished 1st place B string 1k walk, Stephanie Biggar 2nd place W35 javelin with a new massive PB! also 2nd place discus throw, Joylyn Saunders-Mullins 2nd place W60 javelin, Karen Dodsworth 2nd place W60 discus and 2nd place long jump.  Both Cathy and Sharon were competing in new events for the first time (800m and 80mH respectively), showing that it’s never too late to try new things. 

EMAC Ladies

The evening was rounded off by 4x400m relays, with W35 team of Nikki, Fiona, Andrea, and Michelle finishing in second place and W50 team winners Tessa, Joylyn, Karen, and Cathy. 

The men’s team finished fourth in a highly competitive league fixture with another decent turnout and a new joiner to the squad.  Steve Feely dropped down an age group to compete in the M35 javelin (4th place) and discus (3rd place), while Pete Smith and Steve Mayfield were vying for the busiest man on the night award, covering 11 events between them!  Points were earned by Anton McCalla – 4th place M35 200m and 2nd place long jump; Steve Mayfield – 2nd place M50 200m, 4th place in javelin, discus, long jump, and M35 pole vault; Nick Kleanthous – 5th place M60 200m, 4th place discus, and 4th place 1k A string walk; Chris Westcott – 2nd place M35 800m; Pete Smith – 2nd place M60 800m, 3rd place in 100mH, javelin, long jump, and 4th place pole vault. 

The 4x400m relay team of Grant, Anton, Pete, and Chris finished in fourth place. 

Stockholm 

JOHN HARRIS ran the Stockholm Adidas 3 Mile Race.  This was on a scenic undulating course in the heart of Stockholm, finishing on the track in the Olympic stadium.  He was 13th on 20:02 (20 minutes 2 seconds). 

John at the finish line

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 4th June 

Jubilee weekend has seen Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelling far and wide, with 35 members running at 11 different venues across the country.  It was also the first Parkrun of the month, with all the Stripes out in force for Stripey Saturday. 

Adrian DONNELLY ran a Personal best of 20:24, coming 5th at Oldbridge, Ireland. 

Three other runners achieved top 10 positions, with Grant RAMSAY 3rd at Stevenage (18:41), Nick GILL 5th at Letchworth (20:58) and Kelly McHALE 8th lady at Whitehaven, Cumbria (25:14). 

A special mention goes to Darryl Stevens who has completed 200 Parkruns, astonishingly running in 105 different venues over 6 years.  He achieved this milestone at Somerdale Pavilion with a time of 36:45 at this parkrun in Keynsham near Bristol. 

Tables 

Spartan parkrunners on Saturday 4th June: 

Stevenage parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time    Comments 
Grant RAMSAY 18:41   
19 18 Tony RANDFIELD 21:20   
31 27 Paul SHELLEY 22:47   
39 34 Danik BATES 23:04   
53 47 Toby ECCLESHALL 24:05   
54 48 John NELMS 24:18   
56 50 Ryan DUNNING 24:26   
73 62 Martin DUDLEY 25:46   
82 70 Nick KLEANTHOUS 26:02   
84 72 David PATTMAN 26:08   
86 73 Steven DOBNER 26:09   
109 18 Alison SHELLEY 28:00   
111 93 Matt CLARKE 28:15   
113 19 Mo WARRILLOW 28:21   
119 21 Fiona CLARKE 28:44   
122 23 Debbie BLANTERN 28:49   
127 103 Jim BROWN 29:08   
139 30 Monica SMITHSON 30:18   
152 38 Chloe CHAPMAN 31:30   
151 37 Annabelle WHITE 31:30   
158 43 Jane WADEY 32:01   
177 52 Samantha SUTTON 33:56   
181 124 Stephen SMITHSON 34:19   
204 132 Simon SYPULA 38:59   
212 133 Roger BIGGS 45:59   
Darlington South Park parkrun         
233 73 Tracy HAYGARTH 32:20   
Edinburgh parkrun         
306 192 Kartik SHARMA 30:15   
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun         
69 51 Michael O’KEEFE 30:43   
Holkham parkrun         
176 97 Paul JENNINGS 32:40   
Letchworth parkrun         
Nick GILL 20:58   
Littleport parkrun         
33 27 James MCSWEENEY 25:33   
Nant y Pandy parkrun         
28 24 Paul MAGUIRE 24:22   
Oldbridge parkrun         
Adrian DONNELLY 20:24 PB 
Somerdale Pavilion parkrun         
103 66 Darryl STEVENS 36:45 200th, 105 venues 
Whitehaven parkrun         
34 Kelly MCHALE 25:14   
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS MIDWEEK IN ST ALBANS

Sixty seven Spartans made the trip to St Albans on Wednesday evening for the second Mid Week League race of the season.  There were 447 finishers with 25 women and 42 men from FVS. 

Some of the notable performances included TONY RANDFIELD first man 60 plus (MV60) in 43:01; PETE SMITH second MV60 in 43:07.  CAROLYN LINSELL second FV65 in 61:37 and SUZY HAWKINS in a fantastic 40:58, a personal best (PB) by 18 seconds, for third woman 45 plus. 

Suzy was the fastest female from Fairlands at 13th out of 176 women with GABRIELLE O’BRIEN second from the club and 28th in 43:20 and MICHELLE REEVES third and 33rd woman in 44:06. 

Happy chatting Spartans before the race.

ABBIE (daughter) and TRACY (mother) came in together with 48:31. 

KELLY McHALE continues to improve.  She made it into the “A” team with a sub fifty 49 minutes 16 seconds cutting 1:41 off her personal best.  GEORGIE HOOPER also beat fifty with 49:56. 

The quickest Spartan was SIMON JACKSON in 34:08 for 16th out of 271 men with SIMON FRASER not far behind at 23rd in 34:58 and ANDREW PATTERSON 31st in 35:48. 

Seventeen Spartans smashed their personal bests (PB) for 10K and ten were running their first ever 10K race.  The personal bests included ADRIAN BUSOLINI taking his 10K down to 36:05; KELVIN BEYIOKU down to 36:23; DANNY HUKIN down to 37:08; ROSS GALLAGHER down to 39:07 and STUART ARCHER down below 40 for the first time with 39:29. The table at the end of the release notes all the PB details along with everyone else’s results.  

Getting ready for our group photo!

The Spartans had more than enough for three men’s teams of 12 runners and three women’s teams of eight runners.  Everyone of the 67 Spartans contributed. 

The next mid week race will be in Epping Forest, near Chingford on Wednesday evening 8th June. 

Smiling on the start line – Always time for a quick photo!

Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon 

What an emotional rollercoaster the past few months have been said Spartan MIKE JEFFS.  What started out as a way just to keep fit grew legs quite rapidly with him entering his first race doing the Hertfordshire 10K 18 months ago all the way to doing his first ever marathon at Edinburgh in 3:24:02. 

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT got a great result in the Edinburgh Half Marathon with a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 16 minutes 25 seconds for 51st overall and 8th in the 40 to 44 age group. 

There was also a PB for CRAIG MARTIN who ran the Edinburgh Half in 1:36:29.  His previous PB was 1 hour 43 minutes. 

MARIE COLUCCI smashed the Half in 1 hour 43 minutes 03 seconds! After what she admitted was a grumpy start to the day this was a much better run than she was expecting and came in the top 5% of her age group! 

Amazing Eddie runners!

Buxton Half 

Eighth place in 1:23:58 was SIMON FRASER’s reward for battling some really tough hills, up and down, in the Buxton Half Marathon.  He said there were lots of beautiful running miles. 

Simon in action and still smiling!

Serpentine 

JIM BROWN ran the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park (Serpentine) for the last time before going up an age group.  He was delighted to finish in his best time (YB) this year – 26 minutes 26 seconds. 

Once again the top end standard was very high.  Jim was 165th out of 194.  It was dry, sunny, mild, with a medium breeze and the race followed with a lunch-time ice cream by the lake. 

The Coaching Team Gets Even Stronger 

Another boost to an already fantastic Fairlands coaching team.  After six months of studying, JOHN HARRIS has qualified as a UKA Endurance Level 4 Coach.  That’s the highest possible UKA Coach qualification. Well done John!!

Super Coach John!

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 28th May 

Stevenage parkrun’s sixth birthday brought out several Spartans in fancy dress.  There was a total of 253 runners.  The 21 Spartans included GRANT RAMSAY fifth in 18 minutes 21 seconds and ALISON SHELLEY ninth woman in 25:52.

Stevenage Parkrun including the standard active wear of Where’s Wally and a Chicken!

PAUL MAGUIRE said he had a great run in Liverpool.  He ran the Princes parkrun, appropriately alongside many Penny Lane Striders, in 24 minutes 22 seconds and was 140th out of 451.  He said it was a lovely route around the park and by the lake and that he kept it steady and felt strong. 

ANY JAY was 62nd out of 99 at Westmill, Ware in 30:55. 

Away day Parkrun fun for the Evolve team!

Tables 

Midweek Road Race League Race 2.  St Albans 10km.  Wednesday 25th May 2022 

Race Pos Cat Vet No. Time Name Surname Cat. M/F Own Time PB Impr 
16 16 1055 34:08 Simon Jackson V 40 34:08 YB 0:32 
23 23   1065 34:58 Simon Fraser 34:56 SB 2:15 
31 31 11 12 1053 35:48 Andrew Patterson V 40 35:48 YB  
36 36   1084 36:05 Adrian Busolini 36:05 PB 0:19 
39 39   1067 36:25 Kelvin Beyioku 36:23 PB 0:18 
52 52 20 26 1073 37:09 Danny Hukin V 40 37:08 PB 0:50 
67 63 27 33 1074 38:24 Grant Ramsay V 40 38:23 YB  
80 74   1057 39:08 Ross Gallagher 39:07 PB 0:19 
90 82   1071 39:29 Stuart Archer 39:29 PB 0:35 
101 93 37 48 1092 40:01 Adrian Donnelly V 40 40:00  
106 97   1066 40:21 Mark Williams 40:19 PB New 
115 13 1159 40:59 Suzy Hawkins V 45 40:58 PB 0:18 
117 104   1046 41:08 Nick Gill 41:06 PB 0:22 
127 110 15 55 1078 41:26 Paul Shelley V 50 41:21 YB 7:01 
134 117   1081 41:36 Robert Wright 41:21 PB 5:47 
157 134 73 1051 43:03 Tony Randfield V 60 43:01 PB New 
159 136 75 1042 43:08 Pete Smith V 60 43:07 SB 1:08 
168 141 54 80 1085 43:26 Mark Collins V 40 43:17 SB  
169 142 55 81 1089 43:32 Stuart Haycroft V 40 43:25 SB  
170 28   1183 43:30 Gabrielle O’Brien 43:20 PB New 
184 33 13 24 1156 44:11 Michelle Reeves V 35 44:06 SB 0:34 
226 176 34 107 1083 46:03 Martin Wood V 50 46:03 SB  
237 183 36 113 1061 46:25 Matt Clarke V 50 46:24 PB 0:27 
238 184 37 114 1059 46:29 Craig Bacon V 50 46:26  
242 187 74 117 1079 46:53 David Pattman V 40 46:53 YB 3:02 
265 204   1091 47:43 Marcus Ridley 47:41 PB New 
269 207 135 1044 48:01 Mark Goodwin V 60 47:49 YB 0:04 
272 208   1075 48:29 Luke Gurney 48:17 PB 1:55 
275 67  1186 48:31 Abbie Pez U 20 48:24  
278 68 21 44 1187 48:31 Tracy Pez V 45 48:24  
280 211 47 138 1093 48:39 Derek Cornelius V 50 48:32 PB New 
281 212   1090 48:53 David Kennedy 48:59  
283 213 48 139 1043 49:12 Paul Maguire V 50 49:00 SB  
285 72 21 46 1157 49:20 Kelly McHale V 35 49:16 PB 1:41 
290 217 83 142 1076 49:36 Steven Dobner V 40 49:37 YB 5:14 
292 218 49 143 1064 49:47 Darren Emmerson V 50 49:45 SB  
303 82 27 56 1185 50:09 Georgie Hooper V 35 49:56  
305 222 53 147 1082 50:34 Tim Robinson V 50 50:33 SB 0:46 
320 229   1088 51:45 Vishal Shah 51:26  
327 96 27 66 1162 52:14 Karen Ellis V 45 51:42 SB 1:49 
333 99 29 69 1167 52:31 Wendy Tharani V 45 52:07 PB 0:06 
334 100 32 70 1177 52:46 Vicky Archer V 35 52:27 PB 7:28 
340 238 15 159 1062 53:11 Nick Kleanthous V 60 52:58 SB 0:23 
345 241 59 162 1063 53:23 Mark MacDonald V 50 53:07 PB New 
349 243 61 164 1058 53:52 Karl Shreeve V 50 53:21 SB 1:25 
355 109 31 78 1178 54:17 Mo Warrillow V 45 54:08 SB 2:31 
362 115 33 83 1171 55:02 Nicola Andersson V 45 54:59 YB 1:46 
363 116   1155 55:04 Chloe Chapman 54:50 PB New 
366 248   1068 55:19 Chris Saunders 54:52 PB 1:08 
373 250   1080 56:22 Steve Tinsley 55:51 PB New 
383 255 17 173 1054 57:41 Steve Pike V 60 57:08  
389 132 39 97 1160 58:00 Debbie Blantern V 45 57:44 PB 0:28 
392 259 88 176 1060 58:09 Simon Sypula V 40 57:54 SB 2:06 
412 262 69 179 1070 1:01:46 Taher Tharani V 50 1:01:28 PB 0:15 
414 152 117 1152 1:01:37 Carolyn Linsell V 65 1:01:37 YB  
419 155 46 120 1176 1:03:12 Christine Zverev V 35 1:02:52 PB 0:35 
420 156 49 121 1181 1:03:12 Claire Emmerson V 45 1:02:53 SB 1:59 
421 157 50 122 1153 1:03:12 Jenny Garrett V 45 1:02:52 SB  
429 267 71 184 1087 1:05:54 Michael O’Keefe V 50 1:05:45 YB  
432 268 72 185 1069 1:06:49 Jonathan Jones V 50 1:06:39 YB 0:36 
434 166 29 129 1182 1:07:03 Jane Wadey V 55 1:06:56 PB New 
436 167 51 130 1170 1:07:04 Tracy Haygarth V 45 1:06:44 SB 3:47 
437 168 47 131 1188 1:07:13 Callie Chapman V 35 1:06:46 SB  
443 172 53 135 1172 1:14:28 Nicola Hatherly V 45 1:14:26 SB  
444 173 31 136 1180 1:14:32 Jane Whitrow V 55 1:14:36 PB New 
446 175 55 138 1154 1:19:05 Hazel Smith V 45 1:18:59 SB  
447 176 32 139 1189 1:19:05 Sharon Crowley V 55 1:18:38  

In teams (official result)- Spartan women (25) 

Race Pos Cat Vet No. Time Name Surname Cat. M/F Team (8) 
115 13 1159 40:59 Suzy Hawkins V 45 
170 28   1183 43:30 Gabrielle O’Brien 
184 33 13 24 1156 44:11 Michelle Reeves V 35 
275 67  1186 48:31 Abbie Pez U 20 
278 68 21 44 1187 48:31 Tracy Pez V 45 
285 72 21 46 1157 49:20 Kelly McHale V 35 
303 82 27 56 1185 50:09 Georgie Hooper V 35 
327 96 27 66 1162 52:14 Karen Ellis V 45 
333 99 29 69 1167 52:31 Wendy Tharani V 45 
334 100 32 70 1177 52:46 Vicky Archer V 35 
355 109 31 78 1178 54:17 Mo Warrillow V 45 
362 115 33 83 1171 55:02 Nicola Andersson V 45 
363 116   1155 55:04 Chloe Chapman 
389 132 39 97 1160 58:00 Debbie Blantern V 45 
414 152 117 1152 1:01:37 Carolyn Linsell V 65 
419 155 46 120 1176 1:03:12 Christine Zverev V 35 
420 156 49 121 1181 1:03:12 Claire Emmerson V 45 
421 157 50 122 1153 1:03:12 Jenny Garrett V 45 
434 166 29 129 1182 1:07:03 Jane Wadey V 55 
436 167 51 130 1170 1:07:04 Tracy Haygarth V 45 
437 168 47 131 1188 1:07:13 Callie Chapman V 35 
443 172 53 135 1172 1:14:28 Nicola Hatherly V 45 
444 173 31 136 1180 1:14:32 Jane Whitrow V 55 
446 175 55 138 1154 1:19:05 Hazel Smith V 45 
447 176 32 139 1189 1:19:05 Sharon Crowley V 55  

In teams (official result) – Spartan men (42) 

Race Pos Cat Vet No. Time Name Surname Cat. M/F Team (12) 
16 16 1055 34:08 Simon Jackson V 40 
23 23   1065 34:58 Simon Fraser 
31 31 11 12 1053 35:48 Andrew Patterson V 40 
36 36   1084 36:05 Adrian Busolini 
39 39   1067 36:25 Kelvin Beyioku 
52 52 20 26 1073 37:09 Danny Hukin V 40 
67 63 26 32 1074 38:24 Grant Ramsay V 40 
80 74   1057 39:08 Ross Gallagher 
90 82   1071 39:29 Stuart Archer 
101 93 36 47 1092 40:01 Adrian Donnelly V 40 
106 97   1066 40:21 Mark Williams 
117 104   1046 41:08 Nick Gill 
127 110 15 54 1078 41:26 Paul Shelley V 50 
134 117   1081 41:36 Robert Wright 
157 134 72 1051 43:03 Tony Randfield V 60 
159 136 74 1042 43:08 Pete Smith V 60 
168 141 53 79 1085 43:26 Mark Collins V 40 
169 142 54 80 1089 43:32 Stuart Haycroft V 40 
226 176 34 104 1083 46:03 Martin Wood V 50 
237 183 36 110 1061 46:25 Matt Clarke V 50 
238 184 37 111 1059 46:29 Craig Bacon V 50 
242 187 71 114 1079 46:53 David Pattman V 40 
265 204   1091 47:43 Marcus Ridley 
269 207 132 1044 48:01 Mark Goodwin V 60 
272 208   1075 48:29 Luke Gurney 
280 211 47 135 1093 48:39 Derek Cornelius V 50 
281 212   1090 48:53 David Kennedy 
283 213 48 136 1043 49:12 Paul Maguire V 50 
290 217 79 139 1076 49:36 Steven Dobner V 40 
292 218 49 140 1064 49:47 Darren Emmerson V 50 
305 222 53 144 1082 50:34 Tim Robinson V 50 
320 229   1088 51:45 Vishal Shah 
340 238 15 156 1062 53:11 Nick Kleanthous V 60 
345 241 59 159 1063 53:23 Mark MacDonald V 50 
349 243 61 161 1058 53:52 Karl Shreeve V 50 
366 248   1068 55:19 Chris Saunders 
373 250   1080 56:22 Steve Tinsley  
383 255 17 170 1054 57:41 Steve Pike V 60  
392 259 84 173 1060 58:09 Simon Sypula V 40  
412 262 70 176 1070 1:01:46 Taher Tharani V 50  
429 267 72 181 1087 1:05:54 Michael O’Keefe V 50  
432 268 73 182 1069 1:06:49 Jonathan Jones V 50  
Categories
Club News Race Results

HACKNEY HALF

Although she said she wasn’t in the best shape despite it being the hottest day of the year so far ASHLEY JOHNSON ran the Hackney Half Marathon in 1 hour 37 minutes 32 seconds.  1439th out of 13,089. 

Met Police Battersea 10K 

On Wednesday ZOE JACKSON took part in the Met Police Battersea 10k which is a race for serving or retired officers.  It was three laps of the park and a nice flat course.  The heat got to her in the second half but she still managed a personal best (PB) of 51:08, so pleased with the result.  Zoe was 90th out of the 239 runners. 

Zoe with her well earned medal!

Wheathampstead 10K 

Spartan SIMON FRASER whizzed round the Wheathampstead cross country 10K in 38 minutes 38 seconds and was fifth out of the 343 finishers. 

JIM BROWN didn’t find it so easy and wilted in the unexpected May temperatures which reached 24 degrees on the finish line.  He was 241st in 65:20.  Oh well not last by 102. 

Simon smiling in his stripes and Jim at Wheathampstead.

Parkrun Highlights 21st May 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, we have members running at home around Fairlands and around the country as far as South Wales and the South Coast this week. 

In Stevenage ROB WRIGHT was first Spartan home finishing top ten in a parkrun personal best of 20 minutes 18 seconds and 10th out of 264.  TONY RANDFIELD was second Spartan home in 21:03 at 15th

Other results for the 24 Spartans at the lakes were: Martin Dudley 23:32 (50th), Ryan Dunning 23:54 (61st), Toby Eccleshall 24:05 (63rd), Matt Clarke 24-:4 (69th), Darren Emmerson 24:58 (79th), Alison Shelley 26:12 (99th), Jim Brown 80th parkrun and a parkrun year’s best in 26:30 (104th), Mark Beasley 26:55 (111th), Nick Kleanthous 27:05 (114th), David Pattman 27:30 (120th), Steven Dobner 27:33 (122nd), Mo Warrillow 27:47 (126th), Debbie Blantern 28:50 (140th), Fiona Clarke 29:42 (158th), Chloe Chapman 29:50 (160th), Kartik Sharma 30:08 (165th), Jane Wadey in a new parkrun personal best of 31:31 (181st – PB), Caroline Croft 31:48 (187th), Tracy Haygarth 32:36 (196th), Simon Sypula 38:53 (239th) and Roger Biggs 45:25 (253rd). 

A selection of this weeks Parkrunners!

Parkrun away day results: 

Monica and Steve SMITHSON celebrated Steve’s 50th park run at Colby park run.  It was on a lovely scenic three lap route near Tenby.  Steve finished in 31:50 and Monica in 32:10. 

Letchworth (Herts): John Harris 20-47 (6th out of 117 runners and a season’s best), Georgie Hooper 31-13 (91st) and Nick Gill 31-14 (92nd). 

Colby (near Tenby, South Wales): Stephen Smithson 31-50 (83rd out of 107 runners), Monica Smithson 32-10 (86th). 

Henlow Bridge (Beds): Michael O’Keefe 31-26 (77th out of 116 runners).  

Durlston Country Park (Dorset): Darryl Stevens 1-16-57 (80th out of 81st runners). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

MIDWEEK RACING IS BACK

Mid Week racing is back for the first time in three years.  409 raced in Wednesday evening’s Mid Week League race and 79 of them were from Fairlands Valley Spartans.  The six mile race started and finished at the showground end of Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage. 

There was some amazing running at the front end of the race which was won in 31:25 and the Spartans were fifth on the night. 

First in for the Spartans was SIMON JACKSON 15th out of 259 men in 32:59.  Not far behind came JONATHAN PARR at 17th in 33:03; SIMON FRASER 23rd in 33:39 and ANDREW PATTERSON 26th with 33:52. 

Top four finishers for the men.

PETE SMITH was third man 60 plus in 41:44. 

The quickest woman completed the largely Gunnels Wood Road cycleway based course in 34 minutes 54 seconds.  SUZY HAWKINS 16th woman out of 151 at 40:38 was the fastest of the 34 females from Fairlands and GABRIELLE O’BRIEN was 26th in 41:41 with ASHLEY KING just two seconds behind her 27th in 41:43. 

MARIE COLUCCI (45:27); ABBIE PEZ second under 20 (45:31); GEORGIE HOOPER (46:50), CLAIRE PULLEN (47:09) and TRACY PEZ (also 47:09) completed the FVS women’s “A” team. 

Marie, Tracy, Abbie and Gabrielle being chased down by Pete.

KELY McHALE led in the women’s “B” team with 47:56. 

VICKY ARCHER did a magnificent job as tail runner bringing the last runner in at 1 hour 21 minutes 57 seconds. 

Men’s teams consisted of twelve runners while women’s teams had eight so there were three men’s teams and four women’s from FVS.  The race was organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and North Herts Road Runners. 

The second Mid Week Road Race League event will be in St. Albans on Wednesday evening 25th May. 

(For all the Spartan MWRRL results please look near the end of this release). 

Hertfordshire County Championships 

JONATHAN PARR raced in the 5,000 metres Hertfordshire County Championships at the weekend and won the trophy. 

He said it wasn’t the fastest race in the wind and the rain but he was really pleased with the result.  He won the GOLD medal in 16 minutes 28 seconds. 

The event was at the Bedfordshire International Athletics Track. 

Jonathon with his trophy!

Oxford Town & Gown 10K

SITA CHITAMBO ran the Oxford Town and Gown 10K in 63 minutes 11 seconds. 

Mammoth Half 

EMMA SOUTHERINGTON and SAMANTHA SUTTON ran the Mammoth Half in Norfolk on Sunday.  On a very tough course from Mundesley to Sheringham Emma finished in 2 hours 49 minutes 28 seconds and Samanth in 2:55:07.  There were 823 feet of climbs. 

Emma and Sam smiling with their well earnt medals!

Parkrun Highlights 

Thirty-three Fairlands Valley Spartans entered Parkrun Events in the May sunshine this weekend. 

SIMON FRASER was first to finish the Stevenage event in a time of 17 minutes and 41 seconds.  He was closely followed by GRANT RAMSAY who was third overall in 18:46, and ALISON SHELLEY was the first Spartans female to finish with 26:35.  Completing his 100th Parkrun event on the same course, TONY RANDFIELD ran in 31 minutes and 50 seconds. 

NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a parkrun PB time at the Gunpowder Parkrun of 24:52.  On the Westmill run, DAVID ACKERLEY finished fifth in 21:34. 

Stevenage parkrunners including Tony in his 100 cape!

Tables 

Spartans in Race One of the Mid Week League 

Race Pos Cat Vet No. Time Name Surname Cat. Team M/F 12 
15 15 1055 32:59 Simon Jackson V 40 15 
17 17   1045 33:03 Jonathan Parr 17 
23 23   1065 33:39 Simon Fraser 23 
26 26 1053 33:52 Andrew Patterson V 40 26 
45 43   1084 35:07 Adrian Busolini 43 
48 46   1067 35:22 Kelvin Beyioku 46 
58 54 19 23 1073 35:58 Danny Hukin V 40 54 
61 57 20 24 1086 36:07 Steffan Ford V 40 57 
77 72 27 32 1074 37:32 Grant Ramsay V 40 72 
83 77   1049 37:43 Paul Hewett 77 
85 79   1071 37:47 Stuart Archer 79 
91 83   1057 38:03 Ross Gallagher 83 
95 86   1066 38:38 Mark Williams 86 
96 87   1050 38:39 Mike Jeffs 87 
106 93   1046 39:25 Nick Gill 93 
113 99 13 45 1078 40:04 Paul Shelley V 50 99 
124 108 17 53 1041 40:37 John Harris V 50 108 
133 115 58 1052 40:54 Steve Wells V 60 115 
142 121 42 64 1085 41:17 Mark Collins V 40 121 
147 123   1081 41:31 Robert Wright 123 
155 127 69 1042 41:44 Pete Smith V 60 127 
181 148 28 87 1061 43:05 Matt Clarke V 50 148 
189 155 32 92 1083 43:31 Martin Wood V 50 155 
190 156 55 93 1048 43:32 Thomas Sauka V 40 156 
199 162   1047 43:58 Sam Simmons 162 
204 165 60 100 1079 44:27 David Pattman V 40 165 
211 171 105 1051 44:43 Tony Randfield V 60 171 
218 176 37 109 1059 45:04 Craig Bacon V 50 176 
230 182 11 114 1044 45:41 Mark Goodwin V 60 182 
248 192 44 123 1043 46:38 Paul Maguire V 50 192 
269 203 49 134 1064 47:59 Darren Emmerson V 50 203 
274 207 73 138 1076 48:43 Steven Dobner V 40 207 
275 208   1075 48:43 Luke Gurney 208 
286 215 54 145 1082 49:32 Tim Robinson V 50 215 
305 225 19 154 1062 50:54 Nick Kleanthous V 60 225 
308 227 58 156 1063 51:12 Mark MacDonald V 50 227 
320 232   1068 52:34 Chris Parsons  232 
323 233 59 161 1058 52:47 Karl Shreeve V 50  233 
331 236 21 164 1054 53:24 Steve Pike V 60  236 
336 238 22 165 1056 53:56 Jim Brown V 60  238 
341 241 80 168 1060 54:41 Simon Sypula V 40  241 
342 242   1080 54:41 Steve Tinsley  242 
389 252 70 178 1069 1:03:08 Jonathan Jones V 50  252 
391 253 71 179 1070 1:03:19 Taher Tharani V 50  253 
405 256 25 182 1072 1:19:15 Paul Holgate V 60  256 

45 FVS men 

Women 

Race Pos Cat Vet No. Time Name Surname Cat. Club M/F 
127 16 11 1159 40:38 Suzy Hawkins V 45 16 
153 26   1183 41:41 Gabrielle O’Brien 26 
154 27 12 19 1169 41:43 Ashley King V 35 27 
224 44 15 31 1164 45:27 Marie Colucci V 35 44 
227 46  1186 45:31 Abbie Pez U 20 46 
249 56 19 40 1185 46:50 Georgie Hooper V 35 56 
253 58 42 1168 47:09 Claire Pullen V 55 58 
254 59 21 43 1187 47:09 Tracy Pez V 45 59 
268 65 21 49 1157 47:56 Kelly McHale V 35 65 
291 73 28 57 1162 49:46 Karen Ellis V 45 73 
309 81 27 64 1158 51:23 Kelly Evans V 35 81 
322 89 34 71 1171 52:39 Nicola Andersson V 45 89 
326 91 35 73 1181 53:00 Claire Emmerson V 45 91 
329 93 36 75 1167 53:15 Wendy Tharani V 45 93 
332 95 37 77 1166 53:29 Carole Sheldrick V 45 95 
356 109 44 90 1161 56:02 Sarah Illingworth V 45 109 
358 111 46 92 1160 56:10 Debbie Blantern V 45 111 
371 119 32 100 1176 58:57 Christine Zverev V 35 119 
374 122 18 103 1175 59:24 Monica Smithson V 55 122 
384 132 54 113 1178 1:02:27 Mo Warrillow V 45 132 
390 136 33 117 1188 1:03:19 Callie Chapman V 35 136 
395 139 58 120 1170 1:05:27 Tracy Haygarth V 45 139 
396 140 26 121 1182 1:05:58 Jane Wadey V 55 140 
398 141 27 122 1184 1:09:25 Sally Phillips V 55 141 
399 142 59 123 1165 1:09:32 Samantha Sutton V 45 142 
400 143 60 124 1172 1:10:33 Nicola Hatherly V 45 143 
401 144 28 125 1173 1:11:18 Sally Pickles V 55 144 
402 145 29 126 1180 1:11:27 Jane Whitrow V 55 145 
403 146 30 127 1179 1:11:28 Judy King V 55 146 
404 147 34 128 1163 1:11:54 Stephanie Biggar V 35 147 
406 148 61 129 1174 1:19:54 Amanda Vickers V 45 148 
407 149 35 130 1190 1:21:57 Nichola Durent V 35 149 
408 150 31 131 1189 1:21:57 Sharon Crowley V 55  150 
409 151 36 132 1177 1:21:57 Vicky Archer V 35  151 

34 FVS women.   

Spartans at parkrun 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time Comments 
Stevenage Simon FRASER 00:17:41 Winner 
  Grant RAMSAY 00:18:46 Third 
  48 46 Thomas SAUKA 00:23:20  
  66 59 Ryan DUNNING 00:24:26  
  67 60 Darren EMMERSON 00:24:33  
  107 14 Alison SHELLEY 00:26:35  
  110 15 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 00:26:44  
  126 106 Matt CLARKE 00:27:12  
  130 21 Claire EMMERSON 00:27:30  
  138 114 Mark BEASLEY 00:27:47  
  154 28 Mo WARRILLOW 00:28:19  
  155 125 David PATTMAN 00:28:19  
  156 126 Steven DOBNER 00:28:20  
  164 131 Jim BROWN 00:28:37  
  165 32 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:41  
  170 135 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:28:56  
  189 46 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:30:25  
  190 47 Karen ELLIS 00:30:26  
  204 57 Erica GRAYSON 00:31:48  
  205 146 Tony RANDFIELD 00:31:50 100th 
  263 167 Simon SYPULA 00:39:14  
  278 172 Roger BIGGS 00:47:56  
  279 103 Sharon CROWLEY 00:47:57  
           
Southsea 337 99 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:34:04  
           
Bedford 106 88 Sam SIMMONS 00:26:05  
           
Westmill David ACKERLEY 00:21:34  
  24 20 James MCSWEENEY 00:25:51  
           
Gunpowder 45 36 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:24:52 Parkrun PB 
           
Houghton Hall 101 22 Annabelle WHITE 00:31:22  
           
Brockenhurst 75 44 Darryl STEVENS 00:44:16  
           
Henlow Bridge Lakes 28 28 Paul MAGUIRE 00:23:59  
           
North Walsham 62 20 Samantha SUTTON 00:37:43  
Categories
Club News Race Results

WOMEN’S TEAM WIN AT MK TRACK

Thirteen Spartans STEPHANIE BIGGAR, MONICA BROWN, CALLIE CHAPMAN, SHARON CROWLEY, KAREN DODSWORTH, YUKO GORDON, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, CAROLYN LINSELL, JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, TESSA STEPHENSON,WENDY THARANI, ANDREA WESTCOTT and NIKKI WILBY started the track and field season by WINNING at the first league event on Wednesday.  

The FVS Ladies track and field team kicked off their defence of the EMAC (East of England) title in style on Wednesday night.  Thirteen team members travelled to Milton Keynes and won the competition, beating rivals Marshall Milton Keynes by an amazing 13 points.  Other teams in the division struggled to field full teams on the night, but that does not detract from the brilliant performances of FVS.  The team welcomed newcomers Wendy Tharani (second place W50 3k) and Carolyn Linsell (third place W60 3k).  Wins on the night came from Tessa Stephenson (W60 100m and 400m), Christine Lathwell (W35 3k, also 3rd place W35 400m), Sharon Crowley (W60 Hammer Throw, also second place 1 mile walk A string), Monica Brown (W50 Shot Put and W50 High Jump), Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (W60 Shot Put), Andrea Westcott (W50 Triple Jump, also 2nd place W50 100m and 2nd place W50 Hammer Throw), Karen Dodsworth (W60 Triple Jump, also 2nd place W50 400m), Nikki Wilby (W35 High Jump, also 3rd place W35 Triple Jump).  Valuable points were also picked up by Callie Chapman (4th placed W35 100m), Yuko Gordon (1st place 1m walk B string), Stephanie Biggar (3rd place in both W35 Hammer Throw and W35 Shot Put). 

An exciting 4x100m relay event rounded off the evening with Carolyn, Sharon, Karen and an excellent last leg by Monica just pipping Milton Keynes to the finish line by 0.2 seconds in the W50+ race.  The W35 team of Nikki, Tessa, Callie, and Christine finished second in the W35 event. 

The FVS Men’s team were bolstered by newcomers and returners, finishing in a very respectable fourth place on the night.  Wins from Tim Saunders-Mullins (M60 Hammer Throw) and Anton McCalla (M35 Triple Jump, also 4th place M35 100m, 5th place M35 Shot Put).  Points were also scored by newbie Nick Kleanthous (5th place M60 100m and 400m, 3rd place 1mile B string walk, 4th M60 Shot Put), Chris Westcott (2nd place M35 400m and M35 3k), Pete Smith (2nd place M60 3k and M60 Triple Jump, 3rd place M60 High Jump), John Harris (3rd place 1m A string walk, 4th place M35 High Jump), Steve Mayfield (3rd place M50 Hammer Throw, 4th place M50 Shot Put, and 4th place M50 Triple Jump).  The men’s relay team finished 4th

EMAC in action!

Bedford 10K 

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT WON the Run Bedford Super Fast 10 kilometre race in 35 minutes 7 seconds, a new 10K PB (personal best)and a first place result for Spartans. 

He says his training is clearly paying off and looking good for the Edinburgh Half Marathon at the end of the month and that it was great to see fellow Spartan KELVIN BEYIOKU, who had another great run after the Hitchin 10km last week.  Kelvin was third in 37:04. 

Super speedy’s – Kelvin and David.

Greenway Challenge 

Fifteen Spartans ran the Greenway Challenge Half Marathon from Standalone Farm, Letchworth on Sunday. Nearly all the 13.1 miles were off road.    

Their fastest was ADRIAN DONNELLY fourth overall in 1 hour 28 minutes 29 seconds. 

Next in was JOHN HARRIS, second male 50 plus in 1 hour 33 minutes 16 seconds for 11th place.  NICK GILL came in with 1:42:27 then TONY RANDFIELD who was first man 60 plus with 1:48:01. 

TRICIA HOPPER and CLAIRE PULLEN were Fairlands first females in 2:17:00.   

SAM SIMMONS and MARCUS RIDLEY came in 87th and 88th with 1:56:51 and 1:56:53. 

Attempting his first long run after an encounter with Omnicron at the start of April JIM BROWN carefully paced himself round in 2 hours 9 minutes 17 seconds. 
CLAIRE EMMERSON, WENDY THARANI, TIM ROBINSON, SIMON SYPULA and VICKY ARCHER all ‘skipped’ around the greenway in about 2 hours 20 minutes. 

Vicky said, “We never set out to ‘race’ today.  The aim of the game was to be chatty and have some fun which we achieved beautifully!  The sun shone and we had a lovely morning out with cake at the end.” 

SAMANTHA SUTTON enjoyed a lovely morning with 2:53:15. 

Wendy, Claire, Tim, Simon and Vicky enjoyed the sun!

Pednor 

DARREN and CLAIRE EMMERSON took part in the Pednor Five road race on Holiday Monday.  In the Chilterns and not flat Darren was 109th in 39 minutes 59 seconds and Claire 151st in 43:27.  There were 197 finishers. 

Darren and Claire leaving the Chiltern hills behind them on Bank Holiday Monday.

Stort Five 

DAVE PATTMAN and STEVE DOBNER ran the Stort5 on Sunday.  Dave finished sixth overall and second in his age category in 39:39 and Steve was ninth and fourth in his age category in 41:36. 
The course is almost completely off-road and luckily the farmer had kindly rolled a section after the rain this week to take away the worst of the ruts.  Beautiful morning but you cannot really takes your eyes off the ground as it was so uneven so Steve said he had I no idea what the countryside looked like.  A brilliant relatively local event. 

Fun in the sun – Steve and Dave.

Blesma 11K 

After a delay of six months NICOLA ANDERSSON, CAROLYN LINSELL and KAREN ELLIS ran their 11K for the Blesma charity on Saturday morning.  Their total time, they ran together, was 1 hour 8mins and 56 seconds for the 6.81 miles. 

Saturday morning’s stripey running at Stevenage parkrun concluded the Blesma 11k with Nicola, Carolyn, and Karen incorporating parkrun (no.95 for Nicola) with medal presentation at the finish.  lt’s a first having medals at parkrun… 

The charity run was last November for Remembrance Sunday but Carolyn unfortunately broke her foot a few days beforehand.  Karen then kindly stepped up to run this with Nicola instead.  When Blesma heard about Carolyn’s accident etc. they kindly sent a third medal for Karen back in December. 

Several months on with Carolyn fully recovered and still improving on her stamina and strength they chose Saturday… They raised a total of £151 for Blesma The Limbless Veteran’s and want to thank those again who donated.  After all this time it was lovely to give Karen her medal for running the 11K a second time with us, a total of two and a bit parkruns runn in one. 

The girls finally with their medals!

John runs another 100 

JOHN NELMS finished his fifth 100 mile event Sunday on the Centurion running Thames Path 100.  Starting in Richmond, London at 0930 Saturday morning, John ran / walked through the day and night to finish in Oxford at 1100 Sunday morning. 

Amazing John still smiling after 100 miles!

Parkrun Highlights 7th May 

Fairlands Valley Spartan members were out in force wearing their club vests on the first Parkrun of the month, aka Stripey Saturday. Thirty two members took part at six different venues across the country. 

JANE WADEY ran a personal best (PB) of 32:28 at Stevenage after joining FVS in January this year.  She has improved her 5K time by 8 minutes since her first Parkrun in August 2021, crediting track training and Monday starters sessions which helped her achieve this amazing improvement. 

There were a few Year Best achieved this weekend, including MARTIN DUDLEY (23:49), SALLY PHILLIPS (34:01), SAMANTHA SUTTON (34:27), JAMES MCSWEENEY(24:04) and MICHAEL O’KEEFE (32:19) having ran their best times for this year. 

The title of fastest Spartan in Stevenage went to GRANT RAMSAY, crossing the line at 18:59 at Stevenage and fastest female Spartan of the week was ALISON SHELLEY (26:54) both at Stevenage.  The fastest Spartan anywhere was CHRIS WESTCOTT running in Bangor, Northern Ireland with 18:26.  Also running in Bangor ANDREA WESTCOTT finished in 28:35. 

Although there were no official milestones achieved by members this week, MATT CLARKE has completed his 90th and TIM ROBINSON his 170th Parkrun at Stevenage. 

Parkrunners.

Tables

Spartans at the Greenway Challenge 

Position Name Time  
ADRIAN DONNELLY 1:28:29 3rd MV40 
11 JOHN HARRIS 1:33:16 2nd MV50 
31 NICK GILL 1:42:27  
45 TONY RANDFIELD 1:48:01 1st MV60 
87 SAM SIMMONS 1:56:51  
88 MARCUS RIDLEY 1:56:53  
127 JIM BROWN 2:09:17  
145 TRICIA HOPPER 2:17:00  
146 CLAIRE PULLEN 2:17:00  
157 VICKY ARCHER 2:21:15  
158 CLAIRE EMMERSON 2:21:15  
159 WENDY THARANI 2:21:15  
160 TIM ROBINSON 2:21:16  
161 SIMON SYPULA 2:21:16  
186 SAMANTHA SUTTON 2:53:15  

Spartans at parkruns 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comments 
Stevenage parkrun (26 Spartans)         
Grant RAMSAY 18:59   
49 44 Martin DUDLEY 23:49 YB 
65 58 Sam SIMMONS 24:34   
101 87 Tim ROBINSON 26:06 170th 
116 18 Alison SHELLEY 26:54   
119 98 Matt CLARKE 27:03 90th 
126 103 David PATTMAN 27:15   
127 104 Jim BROWN 27:19 2MV65 
140 111 Mark BEASLEY 28:16   
152 32 Debbie BLANTERN 29:00   
153 33 Fiona CLARKE 29:01   
159 119 Steven DOBNER 29:35   
160 37 Mo WARRILLOW 29:37   
181 130 Stephen SMITHSON 31:32   
184 50 Carolyn LINSELL 31:58  
185 51 Nicola ANDERSSON 31:59   
186 52 Karen ELLIS 31:59   
190 56 Tracy HAYGARTH 32:14   
194 58 Chloe CHAPMAN 32:26   
195 59 Jane WADEY 32:28 PB 
199 62 Caroline CROFT 32:55   
214 71 Sally PHILLIPS 34:01 YB 
217 72 Samantha SUTTON 34:27 YB 
243 149 Tony RANDFIELD 42:54   
249 151 Roger BIGGS 47:13   
264 103 Helen HARRIS 56:01   
Brockenhurst parkrun         
84 55 Darryl STEVENS 43:01   
Bangor parkrun         
Christopher WESTCOTT 18:26   
110 23 Andrea WESTCOTT 28:35   
Littleport parkrun         
36 30 James MCSWEENEY 24:04 YB 
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun         
56 35 Michael O’KEEFE 32:19 YB 
Westmill parkrun         
24 22 Andy JAY 26:01   

26 Spartans out of 268 at Stevenage. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

TEAM WINNERS AT HITCHIN 10K

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the team award at Sunday’s Hitchin 10K.  They had 25 out of the 518 finishers with several top twenty positions. 

JONATHAN PARR was second overall and first in his category with a fantastic 34 minutes 24 seconds.  KELVIN BEYIOKU was fifth in 36:42. 

In her first ever 10K race ASHLEY JOHNSON won her category and was fourth woman overall in 42 minutes 37 seconds. 

NICK GILL took eight seconds off his 10K personal best finishing in 41 minutes 28 seconds and he was 18 seconds quicker than the same race last year. 

ADRIAN DONNELLY was 13th man in 39:33; MARIE COLUCCI 18th woman in 47:51 and GEORGIE HOOPER was twentieth woman in 48:28. 

Hitchin 10K speedy’s

SHARON CROWLEY ran her first official 10k in a very long time!  She finished in 1 hour 5 minutes 21 seconds.  JIM BROWN improved his St Albans 10K time by exactly one minute when he finished in 56:29.  He said it was great seeing so many Spartans at an event again. 

The 25 Spartans were JONATHAN PARR 34:23; KELVIN BEYIOKU 36:41; ADRIAN DONNELLY 39:33; ROSS GALLACHER 40:19; NICK GILL 41:28; ASHLEY JOHNSON (F) 42:37; MARIE COLUCCI (F) 47:51; GEORGIE HOOPER (F) 48:28; ANDY JAY 50:28; VISH SHAH 50:49; LUKE GURNEY 51:29; ZOE JACKSON (F) 51:43; NIKKI WILBY (F) 51:51; KARK SHREEVE 54:46; SARAH ILLINGWORTH (F) 55:52; STEVE PIKE 55:54; JIM BROWN 56:29; MONICA SMITHSON (F) 1:02:01; CHRISTINE ZVEREV (F) 1:03:27; NICOLA PATTMAN (F) 1:04:13; STEVEN DOBNER 1:04:14; SHARON CROWLEY (F) 1:05:21; JONATHAN JONES 1:09:38; DZENANA TOPIC (F) 1:10:10 and SAMANTHA SUTTON (F) 1:12:40. 

Lots of stripes at the Hitchin 10K

Milton Keynes Sub Four and PBs (Personal Bests for Hazel and Rob) 

TIM ROBINSON and HAZEL SMITH ran the Milton Keynes marathon which was hotter than expected and had some sneaky hills towards the end. 
Both were very pleased with their times, Tim 4:35:22 and Hazel 3 hours 59 minutes 40 seconds.  It was a massive PB (personal best) of around 24 minutes from Hazel’s last marathon in October.  Hazel says that joining the Spartans peak performance group and following the training plan from Steffan Ford has improved her overall fitness and pace.  Hazel was over the moon to dip under 4 hours for the first time ever. 

Our amazing Hazel and superb Tim!

Also TRICIA HOPPER, KAREN LIDDLE and BARRY KING ran and completed the Milton Keynes Marathon.  As with many people/runners this was their first marathon since Covid. 

Tricia Hopper ran the 26.2 miles in 4:28:30, this was her 87th marathon. 

Karen and Barry ran together in 5.55.34.  Karen has now completed 76 marathons and Barry 56. 

Happy Spartans pleased to be back racing again.

Spartan ROB WRIGHT ran a new personal best (PB) of 1:35:31 at the Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2022. 

Rob being very cool with his medal.

Belfast 

CATHY CRAIG ran the Belfast Marathon on a cold dull day. 
All went well until around mile 17 when she was a bit sick and the queasiness never really left her.  Still, she managed a watch time of 5:29:47, which was just within her second target time of 5:30. 

This lady never ceases to amaze us!

Vitality London 10k 

DEBBIE BLANTERN ran the Vitality London 10K, her first race since December 2019. She was super happy with her time of 58 minutes 41 seconds. 

She said this will give her a big confidence boost to get more races booked this year. 

Having run the Hitchin 10K in 1:12:40 on Sunday SAMANTHA SUTTON ran the Vitality 10000 in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes 55 seconds. 

Also in the London 10000 CHARLIE WHITE ran a new personal best (PB) of 38 minutes 46 seconds and ANNABELLE WHITE a “pregnant best” of 55:41. 

A well earned medal by Debbie!

Serpentine 

JIM BROWN was at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K.  Some amazing runners show up for these lunch-time races.  Jim was 146th out of 166 with 27 minutes 46 seconds.  Slowly knocking off a few seconds since coming back from illness.  It was dry but cold and breezy. 

Good News for YUKO 

YUKO GORDON is out of action at the moment but received some good news from British Masters last week.  Her half marathon record has been ratified as a new British record for women over 70. 

She ran a gun time of 1:40:02 (chip time 1:39:58) at Bedford on 27th March this year.  Yuko did run 1:37:50 last summer but it was a chip time (and not ratified) as a gun time was not available with Covid restrictions.  The previous record was 1:40:43 (chip time 1:40:33) held by Angela Copson. 

Parkrun Highlights 30th April 

First Spartan home at Stevenage parkrun was TONY RANDFIELD on his 98th parkrun in 20.59.  

SAM SIMMONS took a trip to Bedford and ran 25:51 on his first outing there.  Sam may have clocked the longest “parkrun” this week running just over 16 miles with parkrun included. 

A parkrun “first timer” event for JAMES MCSWEENEY at Letchworth (25:55)   

MIKE REYNOLDS was at Panshanger (25:12) and ED HARE was at Lee on the Solent (23:25).  DARRYL STEVENS was at Brockenhurst running 45.34. 

Stevenage Parkrunners.

Other parkrun results are below. 

Stevenage parkrun 

A total of 225 runners took part. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
12 11 Tony RANDFIELD 00:20:59 
16 15 Thomas SAUKA 00:21:15 
33 29 Matt CLARKE 00:23:14 
92 75 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:27:06 
106 20 Claire EMMERSON 00:27:57 
110 87 Jim BROWN 00:28:05 
111 22 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:08 
112 88 Steven DOBNER 00:28:08 
116 24 Mo WARRILLOW 00:28:21 
117 91 David PATTMAN 00:28:22 
131 34 Fiona CLARKE 00:29:37 
165 49 Caroline CROFT 00:32:01 
182 56 Samantha SUTTON 00:35:06 

Tables. 

Spartans at the Hitchin 10K. 

Pos Cat MF BiB Name Category Time Chip Grade Comments 
435 Jonathan PARR MV30 34:24 34:23 79.5% 2nd overall.  1st M30. 
48 Kelvin BEYIOKU M20 36:42 36:41 72.8% 5th overall.  2nd M20. 
13 12 159 Adrian DONNELLY MV40 39:38 39:33 71.5%  
23 11 22 228 Ross GALLAGHER MV30 40:23 40:19 67.7%  
35 17 34 204 Nick GILL MV30 41:33 41:28 64.5% PB 
42 203 Ashley JOHNSON FV40 42:42 42:37 74.1% Winner F40.  4th woman. 
117 18 116 Marie COLUCCI FV40 48:05 47:51 66.8%  
125 20 270 Georgie HOOPER FV30 48:35 48:28 62.8%  
167 16 139 629 Andy JAY MV50 50:43 50:28 63.5%  
172 66 143 579 Vishal SHAH MV30 51:03 50:49 53.2%  
187 68 156 221 Luke GURNEY MV30 51:57 51:29 51.4%  
191 14 33 284 Zoe JACKSON FV30 52:12 51:43 59.5%  
195 15 36 603 Nikki WILBY FV30 52:20 51:51 58.7%  
259 34 201 524 Karl SHREEVE MV50 55:26 54:46 56.0%  
283 70 281 Sarah ILLINGWORTH FV50 56:33 55:52 61.3%  
286 215 448 Stephen PIKE MV60 56:35 55:54 59.6%  
303 224 70 Jim BROWN MV60 57:03 56:29 62.6% PCPB 
401 16 132 541 Monica SMITHSON FV50 1:02:46 1:02:01 58.7%  
413 52 140 625 Christine ZVEREV FV30 1:03:55 1:03:27 48.3%  
432 56 155 436 Nicola PATTMAN FV40 1:05:02 1:04:13 49.0%  
433 86 278 157 Steven DOBNER MV40 1:05:03 1:04:14 45.4%  
446 167 128 Sharon CROWLEY FV60 1:06:06 1:05:21 61.3%  
471 52 287 294 Jonathan JONES MV50 1:10:23 1:09:38 45.3%  
476 32 186 573 Dzenana TOPIC FV50 1:10:55 1:10:10 51.3%  
488 69 193 560 Samantha SUTTON FV40 1:13:28 1:12:40 45.0%  

518 finishers.  25 Spartans. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

BOSTON THREE PARTY

Three Spartans took part in the iconic 126th Boston Marathon in the USA last week. 

 
The Boston weather can be unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in one day, to the infamous headwind blowing up from the sea to storms and glorious sunshine. 


As far as Boston weather was concerned, MICHELLE REEVES, STUART HAYCROFT and JACKIE DOWNES struck it lucky with glorious sunshine lighting up the New England streets bringing incredible support all the way! 

 
Stuart and Michelle boarded the yellow school buses to transport them to the streets ready to start their race in Hopkinton just after 10am, with Jackie Downes starting after 11:15. 

 
Michelle and Stuart ran the first 20 miles together to the sound of “Way to go Stuart” “Keep it up Stuart” from the crowds, and were focused on taking in the whole experience. 

 
At mile 16, there’s the Newton Hills.  A series of mini crests in prime position when a marathon just starts to feel tough, finishing with the infamous “Heartbreak Hill” at mile 20. 

 
Michelle, feeling good after the hills pushed on in the last six miles to finish in 3 hours 6 minutes 21 seconds.  A result she was really pleased with after the main goal of “enjoying the experience”. 

 
Stuart finished in 3:18:16, spending a bit longer to high five the crowds who loved the guy with “Stuart” and a Union Jack on his top.  Jackie finished in a great 4:15:23. 

 
All celebrated with a pint in the famous Cheers pub after!

Golds Galore at County Track and Field Championships 

There were seventeen (17) GOLD medals and one silver for Fairlands Valley Spartans in the Hertfordshire County AAA Veteran Championships at Ridlins on Saturday. 

TESSA STEPHENSON and ANDREA WESTCOTT each won three GOLD medals.  Tessa in the 100 metres, 200 metres and shot, Andrea in the shot, javelin and high jump. 

The other multiple GOLD medal winners were SHARON CROWLEY in the hammer and 1500 metres; JIM BROWN in the 1500 and 5000 metres. 

STUART ARCHER won GOLD in the senior men’s 1500 with 5 minutes and half a second (5:00:5), PAUL SHELLEY gold in the male 50 plus 1500 with 5:19.0 and THOMAS SAUKA took silver in the male 45 plus with 5:45.4. 

The Spartan men running 1500m

SUZY HAWKINS won GOLD in the women’s 45 plus with 5:46.8; SUSAN McANENY gold in the women’s 40 plus with 6:24.9 and Sharon Crowley taking gold in the women’s 60 plus with 8:14.6. 

Our 1500m women

DAVE STEPHENSON won the male 55 plus 100 metres in 14.2 seconds and CIARAN McANENY won the male 45 plus 5,000 metres in 17 minutes 57.3 seconds. 

CAROLYN LINSELL and JIM BROWN provided entertainment for some of the officials and spectators by running sensibly but side by side all the way round 12.5 laps to finish in exactly the same time of 28 minutes 2.8 seconds and win two gold medals in their 65 plus categories in the 5,000 metres. 

Birthday Boy at Dorney Lake 

Birthday Boy PETE SMITH turned sixty and won his age category at the Dorney Lake Marathon on Sunday.  He finished in 3 hours 24 minutes 40 seconds and was 46th male and 49th overall. 

Happy Birthday Pete!

SAM SIMMONS and CHLOE CHAPMAN ran the half marathon at Dorney.  Sam finished in 1:44:49 and Chloe in 2:05:50 

Chloe was pleased with that three weeks after the Manchester Marathon. 

Chloe and Sam all smiles at Dorney Lake!

Parkrun Highlights 23rd April 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, we have members running at home around Fairlands as well as far afield as the weather starts to brighten up and the temperatures are rising. 

Stevenage: 311 runners took on the course and GRANT RAMSAY managed to finish fourth with a time of 18:48. Afterwards Grant said: Would have won it if it was not for those meddling kids half my age!! It was my best 5K time since February 2020.  With no barriers and water jumps, it was relatively easy compared to last weekend’s 3K steeplechase.  

Other results at the lakes were:  Craig Bacon 24-31 (72nd), Darren Emmerson 24-42 (77th), Nick Kleanthous 25-00 (89th), Alison Shelley 26-26 (119th), Nicola Andersson 28-08 (153rd), Debbie Blantern 29-07 (180th), Mark Beasley 30-03 (204th), Chloe Chapman 30-39 (216th), Tracy Haygarth 33-29 (241st), Simon Sypula 38-28 (283rd) and Roger Biggs 50-39 (305th).  

Stevenage Parkrun

Other away day results: 

Panshanger (Hertford, Herts): Mike Reynolds 26-39 (93rd out of 201 runners).  

Letchworth (Herts): Nick Gill 21-44 (14th out of 126 runners), Georgie Hooper 28-10 (66th). 

Wimpole Hall Estate (Cambs): David Pattman 28-34 (134th out of 249 runners), Mo Warrillow 28-35 (135th), Steven Dobner 28-36 (136th). 

Henlow Bridge (Beds): James McSweeney 26-05 (18th out of 79 runners).  

Squerryes Winery (Kent): Michael o’Keefe 31-15 (109th out of 145 runners).  

Rugby (Warwickshire): Darryl Stevens 37-01 (125th out of 134 runners). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

GOOD FRIDAY FOR LUCKY THIRTEEN

Fairlands Valley Spartans SIMON JACKSON was fifth overall and first veteran in the St Albans 10K on Good Friday.  He was under 35 minutes with 34 minutes 37 seconds.  There were 633 finishers. 

ROSS GALLAGHER also beat 40 with 39 minutes 18 seconds for 35th place. 

Thirteen Spartans enjoyed the run the others being ANDREW VAUGHAN 41:08; SAM SIMMONS 45:46; TRACY PEZ 48 minutes exactly; ABBIE PEZ 48:04; DAVID PATTMAN 49:16; GEORGIE HOOPER 50:10; STEVEN DODNER 54:13; NICOLA ANDERSSON 56:06; JIM BROWN 57:29: DZENANA TOPIC 1:15:52 and JONATHAN JONES 1:15:57. 

Happy Spartans in the sun

Ramsay Top Of The Euros 

On Saturday GRANT RAMSAY took part in the first London Inter Club Challenge (LICC) meeting of the season.  All members of running clubs outside of London are also welcome.  He got a very good result in the 3000 metres steeplechase and achieved high positions in World & European Masters Rankings. (No 1 in Europe)!  This was over 35 barriers which included 7 water jumps.  Grant won his event in 12 minutes 1 second which shot him up to the number one spot in the rankings. 

Winning Grant!

Ten Marathons in Ten Days for Davie 

On Monday DAVIE STAFFORD today completed his 10 marathons in 10 days challenge in Walton on Thames with Phoenix Running.  His average time over the 10 days was 4 hours 1 minute and 16 seconds.  His fastest marathon was on day 5 when he ran a 3.55.40.  Every day had a different name – Fortitude; Gauntlet; Dauntless; Resolute; Perseverance; Adversity; Intrepid; Indomitable; Unbreakable and Invincible  

Davie and his amazing collection of medals!

Boston UK Marathon 

ROB WRIGHT ran the Boston Marathon, the UK one, in a new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 35 minutes 46 seconds. 

Rob reminding us that the best part of racing is the chilling afterwards!

Parkrun Highlights 16th April 

The Saturday of the Easter weekend saw thirty Fairlands Valley Spartans run in Parkrun events worldwide. 

Running in Stevenage’s Spring sunshine resulted in a first-place finish and parkrun PB for Ciaran McANENY in a time of 17 minutes and 23 seconds.  With Vishal SHAH also running a PB of 25:01 and Suzy HAWKINS completing the course as the first female in 20:16.  

Paul MAGUIRE joined those running PBs with a time of 23:46 at the Westmill event. 

Trying out new courses for the Bank holiday were Monica SMITHSON (31:20) and Steve SMITHSON (34:34) at the Thomas Mills event.  Darryl STEVENS headed all the way to the Netherlands for his 193rd Parkrun to complete the Kralingse Bos course in 37:07. 

301 finishers at Stevenage including nineteen Spartans. 

Stevenage parkrun

Tables 

Spartans at the St Albans 10K 

Pos Name Time Category Cat Pos Gender Gen Pos Age Grade % Pace 
Simon JACKSON 34:37 Ages 40 – 49 Male 82.87 3:28 min/km 
35 Ross GALLAGHER 39:18 Ages 30 – 39 12 Male 29 68.54 3:56 min/km 
56 Andrew VAUGHAN 41:08 Ages 50 – 59 Male 49 71.85 4:08 min/km 
146 Sam SIMMONS 45:46 Ages 30 – 39 34 Male 120 56.99 4:38 min/km 
185 Tracy PEZ 48:00 Ages 40 – 49 12 Female 39 68.91 4:50 min/km 
188 Abbie PEZ 48:04 Under 20 Female 40 61.91 4:50 min/km 
221 David PATTMAN 49:16 Ages 40 – 49 58 Male 172 57.10 4:59 min/km 
232 Georgie HOOPER 50:10 Ages 30 – 39 16 Female 53 59.72 5:02 min/km 
327 Steven DOBNER 54:13 Ages 40 – 49 85 Male 243 53.26 5:29 min/km 
370 Nicola ANDERSSON 56:06 Ages 50 – 59 14 Female 101 60.02 5:40 min/km 
408 Jim BROWN 57:29 Ages 60 – 69 19 Male 284 59.92 5:54 min/km 
600 Dzenana TOPIC 01:15:52 Ages 50 – 59 54 Female 249 46.62 7:39 min/km 
602 Jonathan Clive JONES 01:15:57 Ages 50 – 59 81 Male 351 40.83 7:39 min/km 

Tables – Spartan parkrunners on Saturday 16th April: 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage Ciaran MCANENY 00:17:23 
  17 Suzy HAWKINS 00:20:16 
  51 42 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:23:01 
  68 56 Danik BATES 00:24:01 
  73 60 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:22 
  79 65 Darren EMMERSON 00:24:50 
  85 70 Vishal SHAH 00:25:01 
  127 29 Fiona CLARKE 00:27:04 
  128 94 Sam SIMMONS 00:27:05 
  159 116 Matt CLARKE 00:28:21 
  161 118 Jim BROWN 00:28:30 
  168 41 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:50 
  225 70 Caroline CROFT 00:32:08 
  237 77 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:33:08 
  246 83 Hilary DAVIES 00:33:54 
  266 98 Samantha SUTTON 00:35:39 
  299 119 Helen HARRIS 00:52:46 
  300 120 Vicky ARCHER 00:53:25 
  301 121 Claire EMMERSON 00:53:26 
          
Westmill 13 13 Paul MAGUIRE 00:23:46 
  22 19 Andy JAY 00:25:21 
          
Ferry Meadows 20 19 Steve WELLS 00:19:40 
          
Wimpole Estates 100 82 Steven DOBNER 00:26:43 
  101 83 David PATTMAN 00:26:48 
          
Brandon Country Park 33 28 James MCSWEENEY 00:26:15 
          
Thomas Mills 46 18 Monica SMITHSON 00:31:20 
  54 26 Stephen SMITHSON 00:34:34 
          
Kralingse Bos 43 26 Darryl STEVENS 00:37:07 
          
Henlow Bridge Lakes 77 48 Michael O’KEEFE 00:33:38 

 

Categories
Club News Race Results

JONATHAN WINS AT KEW

Fairlands Valley Spartans JONATHAN PARR has won another race.  He won the Kew Gardens 10K on Saturday with a time of 33 minutes 54 seconds.  It was part of the Richmond Running Festival and he beat 1886 other runners. 

Great Welsh Half 

Carmarthenshire was the setting for a great result for JOHN HARRIS.  He ran the Great Welsh Half Marathon in 1 hour 31 minutes 4 seconds, was 38th out of the 576 finishers and first runner aged 55 plus.  The event started and finished in Pembrey Country Park and was along the Welsh scenic coastal path. 

John enjoying his Welsh half marathon!

Essex 

THOMAS SAUKA completed the Essex walker LDWA challenge marathon, in 5 hours 47 minutes.  He said the event is run in a lovely area, starting at Galley Wood Heritage Centre, which is a lovely wooded area, going out to Ingatestone and back to the start, some lovely villages and lanes around the course as well as woodland. 

This was his first marathon of the year.  He said he’s a bit out of practice but looking forward to the next one. 

Ibiza Relay Marathon 

Callie CHAPMAN and Hazel SMITH ran the relay marathon in Ibiza.  Hazel ran the first half then handed over to Callie before they both reunited to cross the finish line together. 

It was hot and hilly but both were over the moon with their combined time of 4 hours 35 minutes 18 seconds. 

The girls living their best lives in Ibiza!

Flitwick 

CATHY CRAIG had to run her 20 miles training run on a very windy Thursday instead of the weekend after discovering midweek that she had an entry in Sunday’s Flitwick 10K.  Sunday was a perfect day for a run in beautiful hilly countryside with a nice downhill finish. She ran it in 63:31, third in her age category, a nice way to start tapering for her marathon. 

Cathy enjoyed her 10k with friends.

Brighton Marathon and 10K 

WENDY THARANI completed the Brighton marathon in 5.12.22 only a week after running the Manchester Marathon!  She now deserves a massive rest!  EMMA SOUTHERINGTON finished in 6 hours 20 minutes 18 seconds. 

The amazing Wendy and Emma all smiles in sunny Brighton!

SAMANTHA SUTTON took part in the Brighton 10K on Sunday and finished with a time of 1 hour 12 minutes 54 seconds. 

Sam getting stuck into the running life of a Spartan!

Calderdale Hike 

On Saturday Sharon and Mike Crowley took part in the 42nd Calderdale Hike back after a break of two years.  The walk started and finished in Sowerby Bridge, the suggested route followed part of the Pennine Way and over the M62.  The route involved over a 1000 metres of climb, the pair completed the short walk of 27 miles in 8 hours and 45 minutes, Sharon being second lady home. 

Spartan legend Sharon and her husband Mike taking on the Calderdale Hike together!

Parkrun Highlights 9th April 

SIMON JACKSON won the Stevenage parkrun in 17 minutes 2 seconds, a parkrun PB for him. 

Twenty six Spartans headed out to nine different venues for Parkrun last Saturday with Darryl STEVENS running at Stadspark, Netherlands! 

Grant RAMSAY also achieved a top ten finish at Stevenage, with a time of 19:24. 

Stevenage parkrun winner Simon with other Spartans.

Congratulations to Jenny GARRETT and Michael O’KEEFE who have achieved unofficial milestones of 40th and 130th Parkruns.  Jim BROWN achieved his own unofficial milestone of 75 parkruns, halfway to his next T shirt, and this was his first run of any kind since an encounter with Omnicron. 

There were 211 runners at Stevenage including 18 Spartans. 

John ROXBOROUGH tried out another new venue at Bury Field, Newport Pagnell.  That’s John’s 101st different parkrun venue. 

Spartan parkrunners on Saturday 9th April 

Stevenage parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
Simon JACKSON 17:02 Winner 
Grant RAMSAY 19:24 Top Ten  
17 17 Tony RANDFIELD 21:06   
38 35 Sam SIMMONS 23:58   
46 43 Toby ECCLESHALL 24:17   
58 53 Darren EMMERSON 25:14   
105 84 Matt CLARKE 27:33   
110 21 Debbie BLANTERN 28:00   
145 42 Fiona CLARKE 31:20   
146 43 Chloe CHAPMAN 31:22   
151 102 Jim BROWN 31:34 75th 
152 46 Jenny GARRETT 31:35 40th 
166 55 Tracy HAYGARTH 33:39   
199 76 Gail MACKIE 41:40   
204 80 Angie WATERS 44:52   
208 120 Roger BIGGS 46:48   
Gunpowder parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
85 24 Mo WARRILLOW 27:15   
86 59 David PATTMAN 27:16   
Brandon Country Park parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
41 31 James MCSWEENEY 26:56   
Panshanger parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
71 62 Mike REYNOLDS 25:34   
Teignmouth Promenade parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
42 35 Andy JAY 24:17   
Stadspark parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
21 Darryl STEVENS 39:42 Netherlands 
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
47 26 Michael O’KEEFE 32:54 130th 
Bury Field parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
16 15 John ROXBOROUGH 24:57   
Categories
Club News Race Results

MANCHESTER MARATHON

Spartan STUART ARCHER ran the Manchester Marathon in 3 hours 4 minutes 59 seconds.  He was 1,538th out of the 14,168 runners in the super flat but chilly race. 

Stuart says his preparation for this one wasn’t great.  It included a rolled ankle in January, Achilles issues in February and Covid in March.  Not the best prep for a marathon but these things don’t stop us 😉 

So, he said, “not really knowing what I could do I chose a different game plan.  Went at a faster pace and tried to hang on for the last 10K.  Hoping to sneak under 3 hours… 

Finished in 3:04:59.  Not sub 3 But still six minutes off my previous best in Liverpool two years earlier.” 

Next in was MATT CLARKE, 5,062nd in 3:45:09.  That was a 4 minutes 35 seconds improvement.  Matt and FIONA CLARKE had both run Manchester in October.  One of the impacts of the race calendar being affected by the pandemic. 

Fiona finished in 4:46:45 which is six minutes quicker than the last attempt and her second fastest marathon.  Considering this was two weeks post Covid recovery, she was very happy with it. 

Matt and Fiona with their medals

CHLOE CHAPMAN ran Manchester marathon.  She was  chuffed with her time of 4:43:29.  She said it didn’t quite go to plan but she cut her PB (personal best) by 39 minutes (previously 5:22:12).  The course was a lot hillier than she expected.  Chloe said the Spartan support was great. 

Chloe all smiles are completing the marathon

WENDY THARANI said it was a very cold Manchester.  She finished in 4:49:43. 

Amazing Wendy!!

Fast At Saffron Walden 

The power of a flat course said LUKE GURNEY after finishing the Essex Half Marathon in a new personal best of 1 hour 44 minutes 25 seconds.  He was proudly wearing his Spartan stripes as he beat his previous time by 12 minutes.  His previous PB was 1:56:09.  Over the moon with this as he had a target of reaching sub 1:50.  Lovely sunny morning and flat course.  Started to tire around the 10 mile mark but got there!  Really happy with this! 

Luke ringing the PB bell!

RICKY PEARCE finished the full marathon in 3 hours 14 minutes 6 seconds.  He was seventh senior man. 

Regents Park 10K 

Regents Park was lovely, beautiful sunshine and nice cafés afterwards for YUKO GORDON’s 10K.  She won her category and was fourth out of all the women in the race with 46:27. 

Zig Zag Cirque du Sore Leg 

CIARAN McANENY won the Zig Zag 6 hour Track Race at Wodson Park in Ware on Sunday.  Official results show that he completed 200 laps of the track (80km) which is a 25 lap personal best over six hours. 

In fact he’s validating the result as he recorded 202 laps on his Garmin and in Strava which would bring his distance over 50 miles in 6:01:50 (6 hours plus the final lap). 

Ciaran and his flying feet!

ELLIE McDERMOTT did the Zig Zag six hour challenge at Ware Track on Sunday.  She covered 25 miles in the Cirque du Sore Legs. 

You’ll be pleased to know they changed direction after three hours! 

First Saturday 

In Letchworth JOHN HARRIS ran the NHRR First Saturday of the month 5K in 20 minutes 34 seconds.  He was seventh overall. 

Parkrun Highlights 2nd April 

Stripey Saturday rolled around again on a chilly morning at Fairlands Valley, Stevenage.  ROGER BIGGS celebrated his 100th parkrun donning the 100 parkrun cape.  Well done Roger! 

Roger in his 100 parkruns cape!

SUZY HAWKINS was first woman in 20:14.  GRAHAM and MARTIN BLACKBURN clocked 24:26 and 21:25 ahead of their move to pastures new.  Congratulations to DEBBIE BLANTERN on her new PB of 27:47 and also JANE WADEY 34:15 on her 25th parkrun.   

KELLY MCHALE ran a new personal best (PB) of 24 minutes 29 seconds at Wimpole Estate. 

There were a trio of Spartans at Gunpowder parkrun: StEVE DOBNER (24:03) plus MO WARRILLOW and DAVID PATTMAN both in 27:07. 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE at Henlow Bridge Lakes (35:51). 

Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun 

A total of 192 runners took part.  19 Spartans. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comments 
Suzy HAWKINS 00:20:14 First woman 
19 14 Martin BLACKBURN 00:21:25  
21 16 Tony RANDFIELD 00:21:41  
54 44 Graham BLACKBURN 00:24:26  
71 57 Darren EMMERSON 00:25:34  
78 63 Tim ROBINSON 00:26:02  
89 15 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:26:46  
105 21 Claire EMMERSON 00:27:46  
106 22 Debbie BLANTERN 00:27:47 PB 
117 88 Sam SIMMONS 00:28:52  
118 24 Erica GRAYSON 00:28:53  
140 40 Monica SMITHSON 00:30:59  
141 41 Sharon CROWLEY 00:31:33  
143 43 Caroline CROFT 00:32:04  
153 50 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:34:07  
155 52 Jane WADEY 00:34:15 25th parkrun 
169 63 Samantha SUTTON 00:37:38  
187 105 Roger BIGGS 00:48:43 100th parkrun 
189 75 Helen HARRIS 00:54:04  
Categories
Club News Race Results

ABBIE’S A WINNER

Three Spartans were on the podium at the Lee Valley Half Marathon. 

ABBIE PEZ won the under 20 category with 1 hour 44 minutes 11 seconds; MARK GOODWIN was second, only missing first by seven seconds, in his with 1:43:45 and CLAIRE PULLEN second in hers with 1:44:29. 

TRACY PEZ finished in an excellent time of 1:45:46. 

All on a two lap flat course from the Lee Valley white water centre, Waltham Cross. 

In the Lee Valley 10K NICHOLA DURRENT teamed up with her running partner in crime STEPH BIGGAR to finish in 1 hour 23 minutes 35 seconds.  JONATHAN JONES came in at 68 minutes 59 seconds and DZENANA TOPIC at 69 minutes 17 seconds.  They said it was a lovely course. 

Lots of smiles and stripes at Lee Valley

TIM ROBINSON was at a similarly named Olympic venue but this was the Lee Valley Velopark in the Olympic Park.  He was there on Saturday for the Velopark Ten. 

He said poor pacing for the first three 1 mile laps meant the last five miles were too hard, especially as the sun came out on the hottest day of the year so far.  Tim finished the ten miles in 1:38:14 for 15th place and first MV50 (men 50 plus). 

Tim at the Velopark 10

Herts Veteran Cross Country Championships 

ROGER HARDMAN was nearest to the medals in the Hertfordshire Veteran Cross Country Championships.  He was fourth in the men over 70 race with 40 minutes 1 second for the 6.4 kilometres course. 

This was the last cross country race of the season and run at Trent Park the reverse way to the Sunday League event.  Women and men aged 60 and above ran 6.4 kilometre (four miles).  Younger veteran men ran 9.6 kilometres (6 miles).  The Spartan results were: 

MARTIN WOOD was 15th in the men 50 plus race with 47 minutes 55 seconds for 9.6 kilometres.  LINDA NOLAN sixth female 60 plus in 39:26 and SHARON CROWLEY 14th female 60 plus in 43:57 both over 6.4 kilometres.   

NICK KLEANTHOUS was 16th male 60 in 36 minutes 15. 

Our cross country veterans!

Sibling Fun 

There was Sibling fun at the Bedford Autodrome Marathon.  Ashley Pearson, GRANT RAMSAY’s sister, smashed it to win the ladies race.  Her 3 hours 12 minutes 35 seconds (3:12:35) was a 12 minutes personal best and qualifies her for the London Marathon Championship race for the first time. 

GRANT RAMSAY says he was well out of sorts and not race fit over 26 miles.  Although he was averaging 45 to 50 miles a week in training, the lack of races over 5K and no speed work, (sciatic nerve issues) did show up.  He did test positive for Covid 13 days ago, but can’t use that as an excuse, as the effects on him were minimal.  

Only a week after the Great Yarmouth cycle sportive YUKO GORDON was also at Bedford Autdrome but for the half marathon. 

She says she didn’t quite get the result she hoped for though she won her age group and was ninth out of all the women in race.  Yuko says the temperature was cool and perfect but it was windier than last year.  The smooth tarmac was wonderful but making pace and keeping concentration were the difficult part in this kind of venue and event.  It was like a personal time trial, each runner was aiming for a different distance and knowing nobody to hang on, so the only way to go was to listen her breathing.  Yuko said she felt better after half way when she caught up with another woman and changed her strides to match her rhythm.  The other runner kept pushing against the head wind and left Yuko along the windy side of course.  She might have paid the price for that as Yuko passed her at three miles to go.  Yuko was two minutes slower than last year in 1:39:58 and was first woman 70 plus. 

Grant and his sister.

Orion 15 

Spartan JOHN HARRIS completed the classic Orion 15 cross country race in 2 hours 12 minutes 22 seconds (2:12:22) finishing 52nd out of 148 . 

It was a tough challenging 15 miles course through Epping forest with many hills (1500 feet of elevation), knee high mud pools, stiles and lots of twists and turns.  John highly recommends the event. 

John taking on the epic cross country course.

Parkrun Highlights 26th March 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit we have a first female finisher at Stevenage, a fourth place finish at Cassiobury and some members running in university and castle grounds.  

5th female and a new personal course pb of 24:09 for SUSAN McANENY at Stevenage parkrun this weekend.   

Stevenage: Ashley Schoenwetter was first female runner home on Saturday with a time of 21-44, finishing 12th out of 251 runners. Other finishers: Tony Randfield 22-40 (28th), Susan McAneny 24-09 (51st – Parkrun PB), Steven Dobner 24-11 (52nd), Alison Shelley 25-03 (64th – Parkrun PB), Andy Jay 25-05 (65th), Jim Brown 27-00 (92nd), Nicola Andersson 28-12 (114th), Chloe Chapman 28-15 (116th), Vicky Archer 28-16 (117th), David Pattman 28-34 (124th), Mo Warrillow 28-34 (125th), Debbie Blantern 28-56 (130th), Toby Eccleshall 29-25 (140th), Luke Silver 31-06 (161st), Helen Harris 36-20 (209th), Samantha Sutton 36-44 (215th), Angie Waters 39-35 (230th), Roger Biggs 48-41 (240th).  

Sunny Parkrun at Stevenage

Other away day results: 

Cassiobury (Watford, Herts): Jonathan Parr finished fourth out of 405 runners on the two and half flat lap course. Jonathan finished with a time of 16-26, gaining a Parkrun PB in the process.  Jonathan also finished thirteen seconds behind the first finisher, six seconds behind second and five seconds behind third.  Very tight at the business end of the field.  

Daventry (Northamptonshire): Darryl Stevens 39-05 (178 out of 192 runners).Fareham (Hampshire): Mike Reynolds 31-39 (146 out of 223 runners).  

Millfield (North Yorkshire): Caroline Croft 32-08 (66 out of 107 runners).  

Panshanger (Hertford): Jane Whitrow 52-51 (222nd out of 222 runners). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

NICK AND GEORGIE BESTS IN STAFFORD

Stafford Half Marathon 

There were perfect conditions for NICK GILL and GEORGIE HOOPER at the Stafford Half Marathon.  They made the most of a fast course and both achieved substantial personal bests.  Nick ran a 1:34:01 PB.  His previous best was 1:37:50 at the Stevenage Half Marathon in 2017.  Georgie ran a 1:48:58 PB.  Her previous PB was 1:54:22 at the Richmond Half in 2019. 

Great Yarmouth Endurance Weekend 

Several Spartans enjoyed a weekend of running at Great Yarmouth.  

After several disappointing runs this year JIM BROWN was a bit happier with his half marathon at Great Yarmouth managing to get under two hours with 1 hour 57 minutes 3 seconds, a year’s best by 5 minutes 22 seconds. 

ELLIE McDERMOTT ran the half in 2 hours 28 minutes 18 seconds.  A bit of a cold north easterly breeze but it stayed dry. 

In the Great Yarmouth 10K CHRISTINE ZVEREV raced up and down the seafront and finished in 64 minutes 29 seconds. 

Happy campers at Great Yarmouth!

Ashridge Boundary Run 

SUSAN McANENY and ZOE JACKSON had a beautiful spring day to enjoy the scenic and very undulating course of the Ashridge Boundary trail run. 

They thoroughly enjoyed the run, taking it at a casual pace and walking some of the bigger hills.  They enjoyed reaching Ivinghoe beacon and the views that rewarded them with.  

They finished the 16.5 miles in 3 hour 10 minutes and enjoyed the homemade cake at the finish! 

THOMAS SAUKA finished in 2:42:39 and WENDY THARANI in 3:42:36. 

Blue skies and sunshine at Ashridge!

Parkrun Highlights 19th March 

Twenty-four Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in the Spring sunshine at Parkrun events this weekend, making it a Saturday morning of milestones. 

TOBY ECCLESHALL ran his 100th event on the Stevenage course in a time of 23 minutes and 26 seconds while DARRYL STEVENS ran for the 190th time at the Brockenhurst event in 45 minutes and 48 seconds.  

At Woodhouse Moor, Leeds PAUL MAGUIRE ran a parkrun PB times of 23 minutes and 9 seconds.  Paul said, “This was a three lap run around the park with a hill climb at the end of each lap and the end.  It was a big field of 450 runners and I was very pleased with my time of 23:09.  I was 97th overall and third in my age category.” 

NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a parkrun PB at Preston Park with 25 minutes and 25 seconds. 

In addition, STEVE WELLS was third overall in Thetford running a time of 20 minutes and 24 seconds. 

Stevenage parkrunners

Tables 

Spartans at Parkrun on Saturday 19th March 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage 24 22 Matt CLARKE 00:22:24 
  26 24 Craig BACON 00:22:30 
  32 30 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:23:26 
  36 34 Andrew MCGUINNESS 00:23:46 
  59 55 Steven DOBNER 00:24:52 
  110 99 Darren EMMERSON 00:27:49 
  123 18 Claire EMMERSON 00:28:07 
  127 106 David PATTMAN 00:28:27 
  128 22 Mo WARRILLOW 00:28:28 
  132 25 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:42 
  137 27 Fiona CLARKE 00:28:57 
  166 42 Sharon CROWLEY 00:30:38 
  178 51 Caroline CROFT 00:31:41 
  268 150 Roger BIGGS 00:47:54 
  271 109 Hazel SMITH 00:56:34 
  272 110 Callie CHAPMAN 00:56:38 
          
Woodhouse Moor 97 78 Paul MAGUIRE 00:23:09 
          
Gunpowder 118 64 Paul JENNINGS 00:33:51 
          
Brockenhurst 124 68 Darryl STEVENS 00:45:48 
          
Thetford Steve WELLS 00:20:24 
          
Preston Park 147 111 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:25:25 

272 finishers at Stevenage. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

RUN SEVEN WON SEVEN IN SEVEN DAYS

If you thought last week was good this week was amazing for Spartan results. 

Seven Victories in Seven Days for Adrian Busolini 

It’s hard to describe the achievement of Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI who ran seven marathons in seven days, WON all seven of them and broke the event record by more than 30 minutes.  He is the Enigma Week @ the Knees Champion following an incredible week in Milton Keynes.  Adrian’s total time was 22 hours 56 minutes 11 seconds, so he took 39 minutes 24 seconds off of the course record. 

His average time for each of the seven marathons was 3 hours 16 minutes 36 seconds.  His fastest: 2:53:11, and his slowest 3:33:58. 

Here’s his story: 

“Seven marathons in seven days with 7 wins and a new7 in 7 record (finishing the last one in 3:05:09).  Enigma Week @ the Knees Champion. 

After the Arc of Attrition, I felt I could use a different sort of challenge. One that didn’t involve wading through bogs, or slipping down rocky paths in the middle of the night. The answer popped up on my Facebook feed: Foxy from Enigma Running had one place remaining on his “Week at the Knees” 7 marathons in 7 days race. 

The journey started on Monday at Willen Lake. I planned to run easy 3:30s. However, once I got going, I was delighted with my free-flowing gait and got a bit carried away, finishing in 2 hours 53 minutes – barely five minutes shy of my personal best (PB).  This seemed to raise a few eyebrows amongst the competition.  Unfortunately, this was immediately followed by my picking up a flat tyre on my return journey, which threw a major spanner in the works for my recovery plan! 

On Tuesday, I paid for Monday’s hard effort and impaired recovery with a 3:19 finish.  Still quick enough to secure first place, but the effort it took felt significantly greater than my 2:53. Wednesday followed a similar pattern, with muscular tightness and fatigue taking its toll, resulting in a 3:33 finish, my slowest of the week. By this point, I was sensing I might have blown my chances on the very first day. Would I be able to recover and complete the week? 

Thursday brought a change of venue to Caldecotte Lake.  The different scenery, coupled with fantastic sunny conditions, on-site support from FVS’ own ultra legend John Nelms, and a friend who joined the race alongside me (taking first female spot), all helped raise my mood.  I kept it fairly slow & steady, and at least managed a more consistent race, finishing in 3:28.  This felt much better than the previous two days.  Was I recovering? 

Post-race, John dropped the idea to Foxy and I that the course record of 23 hours 35 minutes, set back in 2014, might be achievable.  Back at home, I calculated it would take an average of 3:26 on the remaining days for me to break it.  The seed had been planted. 

So on Friday I set out with the goal of running 3:15, to give myself 5 minutes more leeway heading into the weekend.  It was, frankly, a horrible day: I was battling intermittent muscular problems, a caloric deficit, and all without knowing whether I was, as I hoped, recovering from Monday.  Despite not looking at my watch for the last half, I ran 3:14:45, hitting my target pace more or less dead on. 

Saturday revealed a mysterious problem with my tibialis anterior.  It could have been anything from a muscular injury to a nasty bite.  I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to complete, and was prepared to bow out if need be, but otherwise set myself a target of 3:25 to give myself another eight minutes leeway on Sunday.  Fortuitously, whatever it was resolved itself over the first 10k, enabling me to dig in and secure a 3:21 finish.  Going into Sunday, so long as I completed, I was guaranteed the overall win.  The question was whether I could break the course record by running sub 3:44. 

Frankly, Sunday felt like a formality, but it was still a marathon that needed to be run.  There were lots of fresh faces today, and even though I set off at pace, two of them sat alongside me for the first couple of kilometres.  I feared I might have to settle for a third place finish today, but when I tested them by increasing the pace by some 20 secs/k, they both dropped off.  That was the last I’d see of them. 

The rest of the race was a case of focussing on the task at hand. I vaguely fancied the sub-3, but was cautious about applying too much speed, just in case I pulled something in the final furlong.  So it was a case of keeping the pressure on to keep my two rivals at bay, whilst juggling gels, electrolytes and pace changes to make it as comfortable as one can on the seventh day of marathoning.  I finished the final race in 3 hours 5 minutes 9 seconds taking 39 minutes 24 seconds off the event record with a total of 22 hours 56 minutes 11 seconds. 

And with that, I won the Week at the Knees, breaking the course record by over 30 minutes. For good measure, I won each individual day too. This was my first attempt at the multiday format, and I think it went fairly well.” 

Milton Keynes Festival of Running 

There were two Spartans at the Milton Keynes Festival of Running.  STUART ARCHER ran a great new 20 mile personal best of 2 hours 20 minutes 13 seconds and JOHN HARRIS completed the 10K in 42 minutes 45 seconds for 37th out of the 576 finishers.  John commented it was a great course with a sting in the tail – a horrible hill in the last mile.  

Stuart and John tackling Milton Keynes

Oundle 20 Miles 

There was a new (personal best) PB for ROBERT WRIGHT at Oundle.  He ran the 20 miles in 2:36:40 for 67th overall. 

Robert with his medal after achieving a pb!

Burghley 7 

ROB EVANS took part in the Burghley 7 mile race that took place in and around the Burghley House Estate in Stamford, near Peterborough, which is best known for hosting the Burghley Horse Trials each year. 

Burghley House is the ancestral home of the Cecil family and the house provided a stunning backdrop to the event. Weather conditions were good and Rob completed the seven mile race in 59:34 despite a nosebleed at mile 3! 

Rob and a friend proudly showing off their medals!

Inter County Cross Country 

JONATHAN PARR finished sixth scorer, i.e. counted for the team, for Hertfordshire, 211th overall, in the Inter County Cross Country men’s senior race on Saturday. 

Jonathan (third from the right) with his team mates.

Yuko Is A National Champion 

Spartan YUKO GORDON is a national champion.  She won GOLD at the British Masters Cross Country Championship (National) in Tonbridge, Kent on Saturday 

Yuko won W70 over one of the toughest cross country courses 6km (for all women 35+ and men 65+, 8km for men 40-64).  If the boggy Parliament Hill is a 10, this was 9, probably Royston Heath is much kinder by comparison at 7.5.  It was a long up slope followed by steep up hill, down to catch up the speed before next up with ditches and slippery mud between.  The top three of Yuko’s age group W70 were very competitive and all faster than the winner of younger category W65. It was very competitive race and winning it was fantastic. 

Our amazing Yuko!

Parkrun Highlights 12th March 

CIARAN MCANENY leads the way this week as the fastest parkrun Spartan running at Holy Cross College parkrun in Northern Ireland, finishing at 18:07. 

Fastest lady goes to HAZEL SMITH who completed Stevenage Parkrun in 23:41 which was a year best (YB). 

Hazel said, “A week after my 20 miler and I’m over the moon to have a year’s best at Stevenage parkrun today.  I was fourth female and first in my age category with 23:41.” 

Flying Hazel – amazing work!

There were plenty of unofficial milestones achieved by members this week, with LUKE SILVER completed 40 Parkruns, PAUL SHELLEY with 50, ALISON SHELLEY with 80 and MO WARRILLOW with 150. 

GRANT RAMSAY ran his eleventh sub 20 minutes parkrun in succession at Stevenage with 19 minutes 39 seconds. 

Well done all! 

Stevenage Spartan parkrunners

Tables 

Spartans at Parkrun 

Stevenage parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comments 
Grant RAMSAY 19:39   
Paul SHELLEY 21:00 50th 
38 Hazel SMITH 23:41 YB 
41 37 Toby ECCLESHALL 23:46   
50 46 Martin DUDLEY 24:29   
55 Natalie WHITE 24:37   
59 53 Luke SILVER 24:47 40th 
100 88 Matt CLARKE 26:23   
121 103 Steven DOBNER 27:21   
122 16 Alison SHELLEY 27:22 80th 
130 109 Nick KLEANTHOUS 27:39   
155 122 David PATTMAN 29:15   
156 31 Mo WARRILLOW 29:16 150th 
158 33 Debbie BLANTERN 29:27   
213 67 Jane WADEY 35:55   
247 153 Roger BIGGS 48:46   
248 154 James SOUTH 50:18   
252 95 Helen HARRIS 58:05   
Brockenhurst parkrun       
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
132 74 Darryl STEVENS 43:47   
Holy Cross College parkrun       
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
Ciaran MCANENY 18:07   

253 finishers at Stevenage. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

FLYING FAIRLANDS AT CAMBRIDGE

There were some fantastic performances from many of the thirteen Fairlands Valley Spartans racing the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday morning. 

The fastest from Fairlands, and wow it was fast – he set a phenomenal new personal best, was SIMON JACKSON with 1 hour 12 minutes 30 seconds.  90 seconds is a lot at that standard.  He was 48th out of about 10,000 finishers in the whole race AND third in his age category.  The fastest female from the club was MICHELLE REEVES in 1:30:24. 

VICKY ARCHER took about ten minutes off her Half Marathon personal best (PB) which was set at Hampton Court two years ago.  On Sunday she was well under two hours with 1 hour 56 minutes 18 seconds.  She said she trained so hard and is feeling quite proud of herself. 

MARIAN MORLEY was delighted to report a new half marathon PB of 1:58:35 – improving by over nine minutes.  Her previous best HM was 2:07:36 at the London Big Half in 2021.  She surprised herself by running without stopping with an even cadence throughout and splits that only varied by 30 seconds – perhaps helped by being a fairly flat course.  Her son William volunteered as a helper for the event and cheered all the runners on from the side. 

LINDA GEORGE had a great time.  On her way to a new half marathon PB of 2 hours 8 minutes 27 seconds she ran her best time ever for 5K, under 30 minutes, and her best time ever for 10K, under 60 minutes. 

Then ELLIE McDERMOTT improved by 24 minutes 27 seconds in a week.  She ran the Welwyn Half in 2:43:04 but Cambridge in 2:18:37. 

Want to improve?  Fairlands Valley Spartans offer training sessions on five days a week and now can arrange one to one coaching sessions.  All are free to members. 

Meanwhile JIM BROWN was content to continue his recovery, proving to himself that he can again run 13.1 minutes without stopping and trimmed his 2022 time by 26 seconds to 2:02:25. 

The other Spartans included STUART HAYCROFT in 1:28:55 and MARTIN JACOB in 1:54:14. 

Spartans at Cambridge.

Essex 20 

WENDY THARANI, CATHY CRAIG and HAZEL SMITH travelled to Debden Airfield, near Saffron Walden to compete in the Essex 20.  Hazel said it was a lovely course with five loops of four miles each.  Some sections were quite exposed with a chilly headwind but it was basically flat. 

Hazel had a fantastic run.  She cut her 20 mile time by 49 minutes and her personal best is now 2 hours 49 minutes 13 seconds. 

Wendy Tharani had an outstanding run finishing in 3:45:39 after being ill all week and completing a 20 mile training run the previous week.  Cathy Craig won her age category with 3:55:24. 

Three happy ladies after doing fantastically well in Essex!

Silver for Andrew 

It was silver for Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON in the British Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships on Sunday.  He was taking part in the 1500m.  It was Andrew’s first race back after a hamstring tear two weeks ago.  He’d worked really hard with the physio to get to the start line, albeit he said he was being held together by tape. 

He finished in 4:19.43, took the silver medal and said he was very happy to just get through the race and not to make the hamstring worse. 

Speedy Andrew never ceases to amaze us!

Second in Surrey 5K 

It was second in Surrey for JONATHAN PARR in the Surrey 5K at Woking on Saturday.  Morning.  He was second overall and first male 35 plus in 16 minutes 9 seconds. 

Parkrun Highlights 5th March 

Anticipation of some hard races on Sunday meant there were only Spartans at three parkrun venues on Saturday and 18 stripes at Stevenage.  This week there was a total of 259 finishers. 

NICK GILL got a new personal best PB) of 20:06 on the occasion of his 80th parkrun.  GRANT RAMSAY was in eighth position in another nineteen (19:29).  Another top ten and sub 20 at Stevenage. 

 SUZY HAWKINS was first female in 21:11 on her 18th parkrun. 

Nick, Grant and Suzy at Parkrun

Further afield PETER CARPENTER was at Squerryes Winery parkrun running a new PB of 42:57.  DARRYL STEVENS was in Minehead clocking at time of 37:11. 

Smiling Parkrunners at Stevenage.

53 Times Round a Lake 

A big shout out for Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI who, as this was being written on Monday, was setting out on his quest to run seven marathons in seven days.  That’s round and round Willen Lake in Milton Keynes. 

Tables 

Spartans at the Cambridge Half Marathon: 

Pos. Bibno. Chip time Participant  Category 4M  8.5M  11.8M  13.1M  Speed Pace 
48 5604 1:12:30 Simon Jackson (M) 45-49 21:17 24:11 18:36 8:26 17.46 km/h 3:26 min/km 
819 1057 1:28:55 Stuart Haycroft (M) 40-44 26:55 29:50 22:11 9:59 14.23 km/h 4:12 min/km 
949 8130 1:30:24 Michelle Reeves (F) 35-39 26:58 30:56 22:24 10:06 14.00 km/h 4:17 min/km 
3537 5928 1:48:40 David Kennedy (M) 35-39 31:21 36:07 28:06 13:06 11.65 km/h 5:09 min/km 
4607 5607 1:54:14 Martin Jacob (M) 35-39 34:28 38:22 28:32 12:52 11.08 km/h 5:24 min/km 
4615 8656 1:54:16 Vishal Shah (M) 35-39 32:13 38:30 30:45 12:48 11.08 km/h 5:25 min/km 
5006 8761 1:56:03 Luke Silver (M) 30-34 34:01 39:11 29:56 12:55 10.91 km/h 5:30 min/km 
5060 855 1:56:18 Vicky Archer (F) 40-44 33:57 39:25 29:38 13:18 10.88 km/h 5:30 min/km 
5560 7110 1:58:35 Marian Morley (F) 55-59 36:01 39:43 29:42 13:09 10.67 km/h 5:37 min/km 
6019 3048 2:01:11 Chloe Chapman (F) 30-34 34:29 41:39 31:54 13:09 10.44 km/h 5:44 min/km 
6182 911 2:02:25 Jim Brown (M) 65-69 35:18 41:18 31:45 14:04 10.34 km/h 5:48 min/km 
7041 4477 2:08:27 Linda George (F) 35-39 37:22 43:04 33:26 14:35 9.85 km/h 6:05 min/km 
8252 1156 2:18:37 Ellie McDermott (F) 25-29 37:10 46:28 36:57 18:02 9.13 km/h 6:34 min/km 

About 10,000 finishers. 

Full Spartan results from the Stevenage parkrun are shown below: 

A total of 259 runners took part. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
Grant RAMSAY 00:19:29 
12 11 Nick GILL 00:20:06 
17 Suzy HAWKINS 00:21:11 
52 48 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:24:23 
56 52 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:32 
66 60 David PATTMAN 00:25:04 
70 Susan MCANENY 00:25:20 
75 67 Lee PICKERSGILL 00:25:30 
79 71 Matt CLARKE 00:25:42 
96 84 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:26:46 
110 93 Luke SILVER 00:27:22 
118 15 Claire EMMERSON 00:27:41 
148 113 Steven DOBNER 00:29:21 
149 30 Mo WARRILLOW 00:29:21 
185 132 Stephen SMITHSON 00:32:07 
188 48 Sharon CROWLEY 00:32:16 
218 67 Jane WADEY 00:35:04 
254 152 Roger BIGGS 00:48:02 
Categories
Club News Race Results

CELEBRATIONS AT THE PRESENTATION EVENING

There was clapping, eating and dancing on Friday evening as 88 Spartans enjoyed their presentation evening the first that’s been possible for two years. 

This was a fantastic celebration of two years of achievements and an opportunity to enjoy each others’ company after so long. 

Happy, Chatty Spartans

YUKO GORDON’s achievements at national and international level are well known and she is the club’s overall champion for 2021.  She scored 96.7% in the short distance championship and 98.9% in the long.  She was also voted Spartan of the Year. 

SIMON JACKSON won the men’s championship. 

Runners aren’t always clad in lycra!

As well as 27 awards based on the long and short distance championships the evening recognised the most improved Spartans – SAM SIMMONS and FIONA CLARKE; the Lisa Potter Starter of the Year SUSAN MURPHY and many of the club members whose voluntary efforts have made the club possible over a difficult period.  They included WENDY THARANI (Chair’s Award); MARK FREEMAN (President’s Award; PETE SMITH (Head Coach’s Award) and SHARON and MIKE CROWLEY (Captains’ Awards). 

Everyone had a lovely evening

A great night at the Cromwell Hotel, Old Stevenage which finished with some very energetic dancing. 

(All the presentation evening winners can be found near the end of this release). 

Welwyn Half 

The Welwyn Half Marathon is a bit of a hybrid with 1.5 miles of trail including some quite slippery sections and narrow footpath and pavement which caused some delays in the busy middle third of the field.  However the cold start turned into a pleasant sunny morning with a tailwind finish and there were some massive efforts from the thirteen Spartans. 

For a flattish course SUZY HAWKINS was surprised how hard the Welwyn Half Marathon felt with off road sections and narrow bumpy pavements that seemed busy with non runners.  She said she was disappointed with her time, but collecting third placed female was nice.  Suzy finished in 1 hour 32 minutes 46 seconds (1:32:46). 

Smiling Spartans with their medals!

DAVID HARRIS – CHERGUIT said it was great to see so many smiling Spartans out Sunday morning.  He was sixth overall out of the 387 finishers in the race and third man 40 plus with 1 hour 21 minutes 35 seconds. 

ANDREW VAUGHAN was second male 50 plus in 1:31:38.  ASHLEY KING took a third place in the women 35 plus contest with 1:45:40. 

There was a personal best (PB) of 1 hour 37 minutes 59 seconds for ROBERT WRIGHT.  A great achievement on a tricky course. 

JIM BROWN said it was a good quality Sunday 13 mile training run and although a little disappointed he improved his 2022 half marathon time by ten minutes to 2:02:51. 

Thirteen Spartans ran.  Others were MIKE JEFFS 1:34:39; JOHN NELMS 1:46:21; MARK GOODWIN 1:47:10; LUKE SILVER 1:54:45; NEIL ROBINSON 2:07:31; SIMON SYPULA 2:17:08 and ELLIE McDERMOTT 2:43:04 

A few Spartans in action.

(Detailed results for all the Spartans can be found near the end of this release). 

Baldock Beast 

The Spartans that tamed the Baldock Beast

Six Spartans raced the Baldock Beast Multi-Terrain and Spartan JOHN HARRIS excelled by winning the male 50 plus category with 1 hour 34 minutes 53 seconds.  He was 13th out of the 154 finishers. 

John said six Spartans tamed the beast, which included 14 hills and 856 feet of ascent.  It was definitely a run of two halves with negative splits, on a cold but sunny morning that warmed up during the race.  He said he faded over the last mile and was passed by three quicker runners but very happy with a trophy at the end. 

NICK GILL came in 25th with 1:40:38 and SUSAN McANENY comfortably beat the two hour barrier with 1:57:45.  GEORGIE HOOPER and SUE HAMER came in with 2:04:49 and 2:11:47. 

Despite running the National Cross Country the previous day TIM ROBINSON went round in 2 hours 11 minutes 47 seconds. 

National Cross Country 

Four Spartans went to Parliament Hill Fields, London for the National Cross Country Championships on Saturday.  In the ladies race SHARON CROWLEY covered the eight kilometres (8K) in 59 minutes 18 seconds. 

The men ran 12K with CIARAN McANENY taking 59 minutes 47 seconds; ANDY JAY 1:25:42 and TIM ROBINSON 1:28:05. 

The usual generous helpings of liquid mud on that course. 

Mud, glorious mud!

Battersea Park Chase the Sun 

JONATHAN PARR came third overall and first man 35 plus in the RunThrough Battersea Park Chase The Moon 5K event on Wednesday.  His time was 16 minutes 26 seconds. 

Sunny Serpentine 

It was mild, dry and sunny for Friday lunch-time’s Serpentine 5K run in Hyde Park and thinking about Sunday Spartan JIM BROWN was happy going round the two lap course in about nine minutes per mile to finish in 27 minutes 17 seconds.  The winner took 15:27! 

Parkrun Highlights 26th February 

Eunice cancelled last Saturday’s race but there were 320 runners at this week’s Stevenage parkrun.  Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was sub 20 and in the Top Ten again with 19 minutes 18 seconds and 6th Place. 

Stevenage Parkrun

The Paignton parkrun was right next to where YUKO GORDON was staying for the weekend so she popped out to join.  This was her first ever park run outside Hertfordshire.  The course was supposed to be a mixture of velo park and the adjacent grass field which was boggy and swampy.  So, Yuko was surprised to see many of the runners come in squeaky clean Nike alphafly.  She was in Inova8 Mudcrow XC shoes.  They changed the course just to three laps of the velo park and gravel path, no field.  Yuko was first woman 70 plus, eighth woman and 61st overall out of 258 in 23 minutes 49 seconds. 

Tables 

All the winners at the FVS Presentation Evening: 

Female Open Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Suzy Hawkins 73.0% 
2nd Tracy Pez 61.4% 
3rd Hazel Smith 59.0% 
 
Female Age Graded Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Yuko Gordon 96.7% 
2nd Cathy Craig 70.5% 
3rd Alison Shelley 68.6% 
 
Female Open Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Suzy Hawkins 72.3% 
2nd Marie Colucci 62.1% 
3rd Fiona Clarke 56.0% 
 
Female Age Graded Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Yuko Gordon 98.9% 
2nd Cathy Craig 65.1% 
3rd Alison Shelley 63.8% 
 
Male Open Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Andrew Patterson 80.3% 
2nd Adrian Busolini72.8% 
3rd Grant Ramsay 71.6% 
 
Male Age Graded Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Simon Jackson 84.1% 
2nd Brian White 82.2% 
3rd Barry Osbourne 81.5% 
 
Male Open Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Andrew Patterson 79.4% 
2nd Danny Scanlon 66.6% 
3rd Paul Shelley 63.5% 
 
Male Age Graded Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 
1st Simon Jackson 82.2% 
2nd Grant Ramsay 75.0% 
3rd Pete Smith 72.2% 
 

Overall Champion – Male 
Simon Jackson 
 
Overall Champion – Female 
Yuko Gordon 
 
Overall Club Champion 
Yuko Gordon 
 
Most Improved Spartan – Male – Sam Simmons 
Most Improved Spartan – Female – Fiona Clarke 
Lisa Potter Starter of the Year Award- Susan Murphy 
Chairs Award – Wendy Tharani 
Presidents Award – Mark Freeman 
Head Coaches Award – Pete Smith 
Captains Awards – Sharon Crowley and Mike Crowley 
Spartan of the Year – Yuko Gordon 

Spartans at the Welwyn Half Marathon (27th February): 

Position Name Time Category Cat Pos Gender Comments 
David HARRIS-CHERGUIT 1:21:35 Ages 40 – 49 Male 75.58 3rd MV40 
30 Andrew VAUGHAN 1:31:48 Ages 50 – 59 Male 70.68 2nd MV50 
33 Suzy HAWKINS 1:32:46 Ages 45 – 54 Female 75.73 2nd and 3rd woman 
42 Mike JEFFS 1:34:39 Ages 20 – 39 22 Male 62.26  
67 Robert WRIGHT 1:37:59 Ages 20 – 39 27 Male 60.33 PB 
120 Ashley KING 1:45:40 Ages 35 – 44 Female 61.83 3rd FV35 
123 John NELMS 1:46:21 Ages 50 – 59 12 Male 62.05  
130 Mark GOODWIN 1:47:10 Ages 60 – 69 Male 68.91  
193 Luke SILVER 1:54:45 Ages 20 – 39 69 Male 50.36  
249 Jim BROWN 2:02:51 Ages 60 – 69 10 Male 63.13  
273 Neil ROBINSON 2:07:31 Ages 40 – 49 72 Male 47.52  
322 Simon SYPULA 2:17:08 Ages 40 – 49 82 Male 46.30  
380 Eleanor MCDERMOTT 2:43:04 Ages 20 – 34 36 Female 39.72  

Spartans at the Baldock Beast 

Position Name Time Category Comments 
13 JOHN HARRIS 1:34:53 MV50 First MV50 
25 NICK GILL 1:40:38 Senior man  
88 SUSAN McANENY 1:57:45 Woman 35 plus  
111 GEORGIE HOOPER 2:04:49 Senior woman  
130 SUE HAMER 2:11:47 Woman 45 plus  
132 TIM ROBINSON 2:12:41 MV50  
Categories
Club News Race Results

CHRISTINE WINS

The individual results are out for the cross country league and Spartan CHRISTINE LATHWELL won the women 45 plus (45 to 54) category with just five points.  She won all but one of the races she ran, in the other one she was second.  TRACEY JACKSON was eighth with 51 points. 

Tracey Jackson

In the senior race (up to 39) JONATHAN PARR was fifth with 26 points and ADRIAN BUSOLINI eighth with 56. 

Jonathan and Adrian

(In these league events those with the lowest scores are the winners as your positions in your four best counting events are added up). 

In Memory Of Lisa 

Fairlands Valley Spartans past and present walked ten kilometres on Sunday in memory of Lisa Potter. 

Lisa Potter was a very kind hearted Spartans who sadly lost her battle with cancer last year. 

The starters award which will be given out at Friday’s presentation evening has been renamed The Lisa Potter Starters Award in her memory.  Lisa attended the very first Spartan starters session and was a keen to be there every week.  She was always friendly and very welcoming with new members.  

Team Lisa!

Parkrun Highlights 19th February 

The aftermath of Storm Eunice cancelled the Stevenage parkrun as there just wasn’t time to clear and check the course. 

So this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit consists of a few stripes on tour. The biggest result comes from South Africa as STUART HAYCROFT took on the Grey Goose course at the Grey Goose Game Lodge in the North-East of the country.  Stuart completed the 5km course in 20-33 finishing first out of 126 runners.  

St Albans Parkrunners

Other away day results: 

St Albans (Hertfordshire): DAVID PATTMAN 25-06 (52nd out of 207 runners), MO WARRILLOW 33-33 (170th) and STEVEN DOBNER 33-34 (171st). 

Letchworth (Hertfordshire); GEORGIE HOOPER 30-38 (65th out of 108 runners), NICK GILL 30-39 (66th). 

Panshanger (Hertford, Hertfordshire): TONY RANDFIELD 42-13 (184th out of 193 runners). 

Westmill (Ware, Hertfordshire): ANDY JAY 26-13 (14th out of 76 runners). 

Ifield Mill Pond (Crawley, East Sussex): DARRYL STEVENS 383-9 (108th out of 117 runners). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTAN JONATHAN TO REPRESENT HERTS

Fairlands Valley Spartan Jonathan Parr to Represent Hertfordshire! 

As a result of doing so well in the County Cross Country race, speedy Spartan Jonathan has been selected to represent Hertfordshire Senior Men at the Inter Counties Cross Country race in Loughborough on the 12th March! 

Subsequent to his selection he scored another top ten place in Sunday’s cross country league race on Therfield Heath. 

Up, Down and Around Therfield for the Cross Country League 

The final race in this season’s cross country league took place on Sunday and 32 Spartans were on Therfield Heath for the encounter.  JONATHAN PARR and ADRIAN BUSOLINI were both in the top twenty with Jonathan tenth with 36:31 and Adrian 15th with 37:36. 

Spartans in action!

CHRISTINE LATHWELL had a fantastic run.  She was third Spartan to finish and fifth woman in the whole race with 39 minutes 56 seconds. 

In this the last race the Spartan men were sixth out of 19 and their masters (or veterans) team eighth.  The club’s women were mid-table at 10th out of 19. 

It was a windy and very hilly course

Over the whole series the men were also sixth and the women tenth.  In the combined scores, women and men, the Spartans were sixth. 

Sprinting to the finish!

Love Welwyn 10K 

Not quite the 14th February but fourteen Spartans enjoyed the Love Welwyn 10K and six were under 50 minutes.  MIKE JEFFS and ANDREW VAUGHAN were pretty much locked together for the last couple of kilometres but Mike got away by just seven seconds at the very end to be 22nd overall in 41 minutes 35 seconds with Andrew 23rd in 41:42.  NICK GILL was also in the top thirty at 27th in 42:30. 

MARK GOOWIN just missed out on a podium place with fourth in the 60 plus category with 47 minutes 53 seconds. 

CAROLE SHELDRICK was the fastest woman from Fairlands with 53 minutes 46 seconds. 

The Spartans loved this race!

The other Spartans were CRAIG BACON 46:10; DAVID KENNEDY 48:34; CHRIS SAUNDERS 56:06; JIM BROWN 56:18; SUE HAMER 57:38; ERICA GRAYSON 58:43; MONICA SMITHSON 63:04; JONATHAN JONES 67:15 and DZENANA TOPIC in 68:40. 

Happy and smiling!

Stamford 30K – Yuko 

YUKO GORDON went to one of her annual fixtures.  The Stamford 30K.  

This was a very very hilly road race and one of the toughest road races in the region.  The only positive was the beauty of the course.  Yuko said she had often run poorly in this event in the past and Sunday was no exception.  The wet and gusty condition over the uphills made her really think ‘why am I running?’  Still she was glad that she didn’t drop out but was 10 minutes slower than two years ago with 2 hours 30 minutes 7 seconds – still wining the 70 plus category. 

41st Fat Choi 

The 41st Fat Choi run celebrates the year of the tiger and YUKO GORDON ran this with CATHY CRAIG at Fairlands Valley Park. 

It was a virtual 8k run and you could run between the 1st and 15th February. Yuko came in with a time of 52.51 and Cathy 53.23. Yuko used to belong to the Hong Kong Ladies Road Runners Club and it was a race that they did annually. Yuko has kept up the tradition. 

Cathy and Yuko in their custom t-shirts

Parkrun Highlights 12th February. 

There were only four venues covered this week but lots of Spartans were out getting their parkrun fix in Stevenage on Saturday. 

GRANT RAMSAY was second in Stevenage in 19:10 and Alison Wood was first woman with 21:47.  MARIAN MORLEY got a new PB of 25:47 on her 43rd parkrun.  SAMANTHA SUTTON completed her 99th parkrun in 36:23.  Former Chair and recently returned to the Club, TONY WILLSON, ran his first parkrun in 34:57. 

Our colourful parkrunners at Stevenage

Further afield DARRYL STEVENS was at Brockenhurst (39:03).   

A Spartan trio of PAUL SHELLEY, GEORGIE HOOPER and NICK GILL made a trip to Letchworth.  Paul was 3rd overall in 21:46.  Georgie and Nick finished in 28:55. 

There were 29 Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun where there was a total of 303. 

Our four legged Spartans also like to take part in Parkruns!

Tables 

All 32 Spartans at Sunday’s Cross Country League Fixture: 

Position Name Time Cat Comments Pace 
10 Jonathan Parr 36:28 SM MA 6:40 
15 Adrian Busolini 37:39 SM MA 6:53 
37 Christine Lathwell 39:56 FV45 5th woman.  FA 7:18 
40 Paul Hewett 40:17 SM MA 7:22 
46 Grant Ramsay 40:32 V40 MA 7:25 
87 Danny Scanlon 43:21 V40 MA 7:56 
105 John Harris 44:43 V50 MA 8:11 
112 Stuart Archer 45:07 SM MA 8:15 
113 Steve Wells 45:13 V50 MA 8:16 
137 Tony Randfield 47:12 V60  8:38 
151 Thomas Sauka 48:21 V45  8:50 
192 Daniel Bates 51:20 SM  9:23 
199 Tracy Pez 52:15 FV45 FA 9:33 
222 Luke Gurney 53:51 SM  9:51 
234 Andy Jay 55:03 V50  10:04 
260 Nick Kleanthous 58:33 V50  10:42 
265 Karen Ellis 59:20 FV45 FA 10:51 
275 Tim Robinson 1:00:27 V50  11:03 
277 Mark Freeman 1:00:52 V60  11:08 
278 Nicola Andersson 1:00:55 FV45 FA 11:08 
280 Simon Sypula 1:01:27 V40  11:14 
288 Linda Nolan 1:02:48 FV60 FA 11:29 
305 Marian Morley 1:07:00 FV55  12:15 
306 Vicky Archer 1:07:32 FV35  12:21 
307 Jenny Garrett 1:07:35 FV45  12:21 
311 Sharon Crowley 1:08:54 FV60  12:36 
313 Claire Emmerson 1:09:44 FV45  12:45 
314 Christine Zverev 1:09:45 FV35  12:45 
319 Taher Tharani 1:12:14 V50  13:12 
322 Callie Chapman 1:13:33 FV35  13:27 
325 Judy King 1:16:13 FV55  13:56 
326 Nicola Hatherly 1:16:14 FV45  13:56 

FA = women’s “A” team.  MA = men’s “A” team. 

All 14 Spartans at the Love Welwyn 10K: 

Pos BIB Name Time Category Cat Pos Gender Gen Pos Percent Pace 
22 160 Mike JEFFS 41:35 Ages 20 – 39 13 Male 21 64.89 4:09 min/km 
23 10 Andrew VAUGHAN 41:42 Ages 50 – 59 Male 22 71.14 4:10 min/km 
27 40 Nick GILL 42:30 Ages 20 – 39 14 Male 26 62.19 4:15 min/km 
62 103 Craig BACON 46:10 Ages 50 – 59 13 Male 56 64.72 4:37 min/km 
77 245 Mark GOODWIN 47:53 Ages 60 – 69 Male 70 70.20 4:47 min/km 
85 131 David KENNEDY 48:34 Ages 20 – 39 31 Male 77 54.92 4:52 min/km 
151 132 Carole SHELDRICK 53:46 Ages 45 – 54 15 Female 35 61.01 5:24 min/km 
185 37 Chris SAUNDERS 56:06 Ages 20 – 39 55 Male 138 47.94 5:38 min/km 
188 260 Jim BROWN 56:18 Ages 60 – 69 12 Male 141 62.55 5:39 min/km 
202 242 Sue HAMER 57:38 Ages 45 – 54 19 Female 57 58.61 5:48 min/km 
215 241 Erica GRAYSON 58:43 Ages 45 – 54 21 Female 67 58.19 5:55 min/km 
255 75 Monica SMITHSON 1:03:04 Ages 55 – 64 15 Female 97 56.96 6:20 min/km 
287 167 Jonathan Clive JONES 1:07:15 Ages 50 – 59 37 Male 170 46.33 6:45 min/km 
291 207 Dzenana TOPIC 1:08:40 Ages 55 – 64 17 Female 120 51.73 6:54 min/km 

Spartans at parkruns Saturday 12th February 

Spartans 29 out of 303 finishers. 

  

Position Gender Position parkrunner Run Time 
Grant RAMSAY 00:19:10 
14 14 Tony RANDFIELD 00:21:13 
20 Alison WOOD 00:21:47 
28 26 Matt CLARKE 00:22:43 
43 39 David PATTMAN 00:23:52 
46 42 Ryan DUNNING 00:23:58 
61 53 Luke SILVER 00:24:42 
62 54 Danik BATES 00:24:45 
68 58 Callum BEASLEY 00:24:55 
87 72 Sam SIMMONS 00:25:38 
92 13 Marian MORLEY 00:25:47 
102 18 Alison SHELLEY 00:26:14 
113 89 Mark BEASLEY 00:26:44 
127 98 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:27:20 
166 127 Karl SHREEVE 00:29:17 
170 34 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:24 
191 136 Steven DOBNER 00:30:47 
203 54 Erica GRAYSON 00:31:33 
204 55 Caroline CROFT 00:31:36 
215 62 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:32:23 
216 63 Fiona CLARKE 00:32:27 
223 68 Mo WARRILLOW 00:32:56 
238 77 Jane WADEY 00:34:27 
245 156 Stephen SMITHSON 00:34:49 
247 158 Tony WILLSON 00:34:57 
263 91 Samantha SUTTON 00:36:23 
285 104 Helen HARRIS 00:39:33 
291 107 Callie CHAPMAN 00:41:41 
302 178 Roger BIGGS 00:49:40 
Categories
Club News Race Results

BIG HILLS AND BIG PUDDLES AT WATFORD

Big hills and big puddles faced the seven Spartans who ran the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday.  They splashed through to the finish. 

On that course and in those conditions ROBERT WRIGHT ran an excellent 1 hour 42 minutes 27 minutes for the lumpy 13.1 miles.  Five minutes later MATT CLARKE came in with 1:47:58. 

FIONA CLARKE ran a well judged event to get close to two hours with 2:03:36.  JIM BROWN said he had a terrible day in his running office but was in the middle of a little cluster with SUE HAMER 2:11:18; Jim at 2:12:23 and WENDY THARANI at 2:13:18. 

SHARON CROWLEY ran a good steady half marathon and came in smiling with 2:33:30.  There were 1,083 finishers. 

Stripy smiles at Watford Half despite the big puddles!

Parkrun Highlights 5th February. 

Fairlands Valley Spartan members were out in force on the first Parkrun of the month, aka Stripey Saturday. Forty four members took part at seven different venue across the country. 

NICOLA ANDERSSON ran a Personal best of 26:01 at Stevenage in her 90th Parkrun, also taking the title of fastest Spartan lady this week. JONATHAN PARR was the fastest Spartan crossing the line at 17:01 at Stevenage and was first in the event. 

Happy Spartans on Saturday morning!

New Spartan JANE WADEY completed her 20th Parkrun in 34:19, a new PB! 

DARRYL STEVENS ran at Great Salterns Parkrun, Portsmouth, for the first time finishing with a time of 40:00. Astonishingly, this was the 94th venue he has tried out! 

Special mention to TONY RANDFIELD who achieved the highest age grade percentage this week with 80.26%, getting into national class level. 

Although there were no official milestones achieved by members this week, CHLOE CHAPMAN has reached 70 runs at Stevenage. 

At least 32 out of another great total of 346 finishers at Stevenage were Spartans.  Well done all! 

Tables 

Spartans at the Watford Half Marathon 

Pos BIB Name Time Cat  
329 339 Robert WRIGHT 1:42:27 Unknown  
431 1183 Matt CLARKE 1:47:58 40-49  
754 1184 Fiona CLARKE 2:03:36 35-44  
866 988 Sue HAMER 2:11:18 45-54  
870 1181 Jim BROWN 2:12:23 60-69  
882 913 Wendy THARANI 2:13:18 45-54  
1028 908 Sharon CROWLEY 2:33:30 55-64  

Spartans at parkruns Saturday 5th February 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comment 
Endcliffe parkrun         
340 218 Mike REYNOLDS 28:56   
Stevenage parkrun (32 FVS)         
Jonathan PARR 17:01 Winner 
10 Grant RAMSAY 19:20   
17 15 Tony RANDFIELD 20:31 80.26% age grade 
21 19 Stuart ARCHER 21:00   
27 25 Paul SHELLEY 21:32   
66 55 Sam SIMMONS 23:48   
70 59 Martin DUDLEY 24:04   
86 72 Darren EMMERSON 25:01   
107 11 Nicola ANDERSSON 26:01 PB, 90th 
111 92 Nick KLEANTHOUS 26:11   
112 12 Alison SHELLEY 26:12   
133 103 Mark BEASLEY 26:55   
170 130 Tim ROBINSON 28:08   
187 34 Debbie BLANTERN 28:36   
190 143 Jim BROWN 28:38   
203 42 Chloe CHAPMAN 29:19 70th 
204 151 Matt CLARKE 29:19   
212 43 Monica SMITHSON 29:38   
219 47 Fiona CLARKE 29:49   
235 167 Karl SHREEVE 30:44   
237 57 Caroline CROFT 30:46   
250 64 Tracy HAYGARTH 31:41   
259 69 Claire EMMERSON 32:15   
265 180 Jonathan JONES 32:39   
268 75 Dzenana TOPIC 32:51   
274 184 Steven DOBNER 33:10   
275 79 Mo WARRILLOW 33:12   
276 185 David PATTMAN 33:12   
295 92 Jane WADEY 34:19 PB, 20th 
343 124 Helen HARRIS 47:08   
344 204 Roger BIGGS 48:53   
Tilgate parkrun         
350 218 Darryl STEVENS 39:22   
Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun         
69 61 Edward HARE 24:32   
Letchworth parkrun         
Nick GILL 22:21   
32 Georgie HOOPER 28:34   
Sandy Water (Wales) parkrun         
John HARRIS 20:53   
Categories
Club News Race Results

YUKO BREAKS UK RECORD

PB FOR ASHELY * BUSOLINI’S ACT OF ATTRITION

Spartan YUKO GORDON broke the British road 5 kilometres age record for women on Friday.  Running at the Last Friday of the Month Serpentine 5K in Hyde Park she finished in 21 minutes 53 seconds beating the previous record for women aged 70 plus of 22:08 set by Angela Copson by 15 seconds.   It was also a race record.  While many runners would be happy with an age related score around 70% Yuko achieved 96.5%! 

There was also a good run by new Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON who won her category and got a new personal best (PB) of 21 minutes 5 seconds. 

Speedy Spartan Ashley Johnson.

Completely outshone by the two Spartan women JIM BROWN was nevertheless pleased to get under 28 minutes for the first time in what seemed like ages.  In fact with a dash for the line he beat 27 minutes with 26:58.  

Jim was pleased with his time.

The Serpentine 5K is a long established running club event.  Great to enjoy on a Friday lunchtime or if you are after a personal best or even a record it’s accurately measured and properly timed. 

It was a good day to run – mild, dry and with a modest breeze.  The next Serpentine 5K will be on Friday 25th February. 

Adrian’s Arc of Attrition 

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI completed the 100 miles Cornish Coastal Path “Arc of Attrition” ultra marathon in 28 hours 12 minutes 31 seconds. 

Adrian’s amazing weekend in Cornwall!

Here’s his story: 

“I didn’t even know what the Arc was when I added my name to its waiting list sometime last year; it was just “some legendary race” that I should probably run at some point.  So it wasn’t until I was offered a place in November, that I read the website and learned the basics.  January, 100 mile, Cornwall, coast path.  I’d already run part of the route in the 70k Classic Quarter back in May.  I rated that as one of the toughest runs I’d done, and for some reason I assumed I’d likely experienced the worst bits of the coastal path. 

I learned a bit more about it in the weeks preceding the race; notably the infamous Pendeen-St Ives section, and consequently bought an awful lot of new kit. Also, only having 4 aid stations, and 1 drop bag, presented some real challenges for an uncrewed runner like me.  The most kit I’d carried before was during the CCC; but even there, I hadn’t needed to carry 5kg of supplies in a 12l pack.  Water resupply was an open question. 

The weather conditions were described as unusually favourable, and we joked about course PBs on the start line, before the drums rang out and the blue smoke was deployed to signal the start of the Arc. 

The Arc is a bit of a beast.  The section through Lizard to Marazion is technical, tough coastal running. In May, when I ran the Classic Quarter, it was slippery. In January, it’s more slippery. And it’s pretty relentless up-and-down stuff. The downs in particular are awkward; you can’t easily use them to regenerate, as their awkwardness means you’re usually having to break, and thus pummel your quads, which you know you’ll pay for later. 

Marazion to Mousehole (via Penzance) is flat and easy, a nice period to recover & pile on the miles.  But Mousehole to Land’s End is extremely technical.  It’s only runnable in very short bursts.  It was tough in the Classic Quarter, and it’s tougher in the Arc when it’s at night.  In places, one’s foot and entire lower leg disappear into mud. When the shining lights of Land’s End Hotel rise like the sun over the crest of the hills, they act like a beacon of hope in the loneliness of the mizzley night.  At this point, my shoes were full of water, mud, sand, and stones; so my drop bag, and fresh pair of shoes and socks, at Land’s End made the world of difference. 

Pendeen to St Ives is a borderline ridiculous race section.  There’s about 20km of night-time rock-hopping, mud-wading, clambering, scrambling, slipping and sliding.  In places, my knees were swallowed up by the mud. Progress was painfully slow. Meanwhile, time ticks away. 

Arriving into St Ives was a huge relief, where I did my best to dust the worst of the debris from my socks (a lost cause), before getting back to the job of polishing off the last 35km.  An easier section; initially road, then back to the coastal path, interrupted by the infamous “Dunes of Doom”, before I finally focussed back on my finishing time and place, and began to rein in those ahead of me.  I must have gained 5-10 places in the final 10km. 

The finish through Porthtowan, ending with a brilliant hill climb up to the Eco Park, was a thoroughly enjoyable end to what was an extremely tough race.  I got a gold buckle for a sub-30 hour finish, which I’ll take with pleasure.  It was a race I was simply happy to finish uninjured. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my two pairs of socks:  I fear they are both ‘beyond economical repair’. 

I finished in 28:12:31, putting me around 31st place.” 

Parkrun Highlights 29th January. 

Late January and it was amazingly mild and sunny for the 227th Stevenage parkrun.  Many runners were in shorts and running vests without the extra layers that might be expected at this time of the year.  326 finishers this time including 24 Spartans. 

Altogether thirty-nine Fairlands Valley Spartans ran at Parkrun events around England. 

PB times were recorded at the Westmill course for Danny SCANLON. Danny completed the event in 21 minutes and 36 seconds, finishing sixth overall. 

Also hitting milestones were both MATT CLARKE and TONY RANDFIELD who ran in Stevenage.  Here they completed their 80th and 90th Parkruns respectively, in times of 26 minutes and 47 seconds and 21 minutes and 6 seconds.  MIKE REYNOLDS also hit 80 runs with a time of 26 minutes and 8 seconds at the Panshanger event. 

GRANT RAMSAY was fourth overall in Stevenage in a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds. 

The next stripy Saturday will be this Saturday 5th February. 

Tables 

Spartans at parkruns Saturday 29th January 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage (24 Spartans) Grant RAMSAY 00:19:15 
  14 14 Tony RANDFIELD 00:21:06 
  17 17 Martin BLACKBURN 00:21:31 
  56 48 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:18 
  63 54 Graham BLACKBURN 00:24:43 
  95 76 Danik BATES 00:26:12 
  98 79 David PATTMAN 00:26:19 
  110 88 Matt CLARKE 00:26:47 
  131 102 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:27:32 
  147 31 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:28 
  165 125 Jim BROWN 00:29:12 
  167 127 Karl SHREEVE 00:29:17 
  228 70 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:32:39 
  229 71 Fiona CLARKE 00:32:39 
  233 74 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:33:04 
  281 105 Mo WARRILLOW 00:36:30 
  282 160 Steven DOBNER 00:36:30 
  309 123 Bonnie BRAZIL 00:40:40 
  323 172 Roger BIGGS 00:51:54 
  325 132 Helen HARRIS 00:55:04 
          
Westmill Danny SCANLON 00:21:36 
  32 29 Andy JAY 00:26:41 
          
Dulwich 13 13 Jonathan PARR 00:16:27 
          
Panshanger 72 64 Mike REYNOLDS 00:26:08 
          
Letchworth 15 13 Nick GILL 00:26:08 
          
Kingdom (Penshurst) 82 55 Michael O’KEEFE 00:50:52 
          
Henlow Bridge 14 11 John NELMS 00:22:32 
          
Southall 99 67 Darryl STEVENS 00:38:16 
Categories
Club News Race Results

ABI WINS AT FRED HUGHES

Fairlands Valley Spartans sent men’s and women’s teams to the county road 10 mile championships for veterans in St Albans on Sunday.  Veterans start at age 35 for women and 40 for men with age category breaks every ten years.  The championships were incorporated into the open Fred Hughes 10 race. 

There were 415 women and 410 men in the race. 

Clearly ABIGAIL PEZ could not count towards a veterans’ team but she did WIN the race for women under 20 with a new personal best (PB) of 1 hours 18 minutes 53 seconds.  That’s seven and a half minutes faster than her previous ten miles PB! 

The fastest Spartan was ADRIAN DONNELLY in the first 100 of the 825 finishers with 67 minutes 16 seconds.  At 99th he led in the Spartan men’s team with JOHN HARRIS 135th in 1:09:49; PETE SMITH 193rd in 1:13:01; and MARK GOODWIN 293rd in 1:18:32. 

It was teams of three in the women’s race and YUKO GORDON and ASHLEY JOHNSON were well up there at 54th and 62nd out of 415 women.  Yuko, running against people several years younger than her, was second in the 65 plus category in 1 hour 15 minutes 35 seconds and took SILVER in the County Championships.  She had a higher age related score which was 95.00%!  MARIE COLUCCI impressed at 83rd woman and was the Spartans third counter with 1:18:45. 

A selection of our 10 milers with Abi winning in the first square!

Ten women were running for the Spartans.  The others were TRACY PEZ, 90th woman in 1:19:26; WENDY THARANI 1:31:37; CAROL PAUL 1:35:45; SUE HAMER and ERICA GRAYSON both in 1:42:37 and SHARON CROWLEY 1:51:10. 

The other three men were ANDY JAY 1:31:40; JIM BROWN happy to get round “steady state” in 1:33:48 and recovering after recent mishaps and PAUL HOLGATE 1:49:26. 

In addition ANN TRYSSESOONE was not eligible for the Spartan teams but finished in 1 hour 26 minutes 40 seconds. 

All this on the undulating roads and lanes to the south west of St. Albans including Potters Crouch, Chiswell Green and a favourite climb up past mile six to the edge of Bedmond.  So good to see this classic club organised race back. 

These were the mildest conditions many veterans of the Fred Hughes Ten could remember.  It’s usually notorious for icy patches, snowing during the event, freezing winds or just chucking down large amounts of very cold rain. 

The next county road championships will be at the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday 6th February. 

(The Spartans results table can be found near the end of this release). 

Spartan Women Jump In Cross Country 

Much greater participation helped boost the Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team to fourth out of nineteen clubs in the latest cross country league race which was at Watford.  They won the veteran women’s team race. 

This time there were five Spartan women in the top fifty and eighteen running.  They were twelfth, eleventh and eleventh in the first three races so this is a tremendous improvement.  The women’s “A” team were CHRIS LATHWELL, SUZY HAWKINS, TRACEY JACKSON, YUKO GORDON and HAZEL SMITH. 

The Spartan men were seventh at Watford with JONATHAN PARR in the top ten out of 405 finishers.  In the combined scores over the series so far the Spartans are seventh.  The final event will be on Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 13th February. 

A WIN for Jonathan – RunThrough Olympic Park 5k 

On Saturday morning Spartan JONATHAN PARR WON the Olympic Park 5K with a time of 16 minutes 9 seconds. 

Another great win for Jonathan!

Ciaran At Peddars 

CIARAN MCANENY got fifth place overall at the 48 mile Peddars Way Ultra in a time of 6 hours 52 minutes. 

The race follows the Peddars Way Trail from Knettishall Heath, just north of Bury St Edmunds, to Holme-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast; on a mix of forest path, bridleways and road. 

Beautiful, crisp, sunny weather kept the trails firm and the late morning sun was just warm enough to make for comfortable running temperatures. 

All went to plan in terms of pacing and nutrition with Ciaran finishing 24 minutes faster than his previous outing on the course. 

Ciaran was very happy and, after missing most of last year’s racing due to niggling injuries, it was great to be back on such a nice course and in a really well run and friendly event  

Ciaran still smiling after an impressive 48 miles!

Fast Five for Feetham 

Three laps 33:40 52nd out of 680. 

KIERAN FEETHAM did the Romsey 5 mile race on Sunday.  Although it’s classed as multi-terrain with a 700 metres non-tarmac section for each of the three laps it’s flat and fast. 

The race was delayed by 15 minutes and Kieran had to warm up again as it was cold.  He said he found a good group to stay with for the first three miles but then unfortunately got held up trying to pick his way through some back markers and lost that group.  So he ended up on his own into a headwind.  The last mile marker was in the wrong place so Kieran was slightly panicking why it was taking so long to complete it but he was happy to hold on for a new PB (personal best) of 33 minutes 40 seconds.  An improvement of 1 minute 42 seconds.   He was 52nd out of the 680 finishers. 

Speedy Kieran with his well earned medal!

Parkrun Highlights 22nd January 2022 

Yet another record was set at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun.  This was the 27th since parkrun restarted for the 200th local run and this time there were 365 finishers.  The highest number since lock down.  Despite some holding back for a ten mile championship race on Sunday twenty five Spartans completed a Parkrun this week, on a cold, crisp, sunny morning. 

GRACE COVENTRY ran a parkrun personal best (PB) of 24 minutes 22 seconds at Stevenage, also taking the title of fastest Spartan lady this week.  GRANT RAMSAY was the fastest Spartan crossing the line at 19:24 at Stevenage. 

Some of our Stevenage Parkrunners.

DARRYL STEVENS ran at Great Salterns Parkrun, Portsmouth, for the first time finishing with a time of 40:00.  Astonishingly, this was the 94th venue he has tried out! 

ANTON McCALLA (27:46 at Market Harborough) and PETER CARPENTER (44:29, Squerryes Winery) completed their first parkruns of the year. 

JIM BROWN (28:45) won his category and KARL SHREEVE (28:47) achieved a year best at Stevenage. 

Although there were no official milestones achieved by members this week, three Spartans have reached 70 runs at Stevenage with LEE PICKERSGILL finishing at 24:23, TRACY HAYGARTH at 31:51 and HELEN HARRIS finishing at 52:44. 

It’s stripy Saturday on Saturday, 5th February. 

Tables 

Spartans at the Fred Hughes 10 (including a county championship). 

Pos Name Time Category Cat Pos Gender Gen Pos Comments 
99 Adrian DONNELLY 1:07:16 40 – 49 28 Male 86 68.68  
135 John HARRIS 1:09:46 50 – 59 13 Male 117 76.11  
193 Peter SMITH 1:13:01 50 – 59 28 Male 159 72.29  
235 Yuko GORDON 1:15:35 65 + Female 54 95.00 Second in category 
252 Ashley JOHNSON 1:16:37 35 – 44 22 Female 62 66.71  
293 Mark GOODWIN 1:18:32 60 – 69 Male 214 70.55  
299 Marie COLUCCI 1:18:45 35 – 44 33 Female 83 65.76  
303 Abigail PEZ 1:18:53 Under 20 Female 85 62.91 PB (7:30).  Under 20 winner. 
313 Tracy PEZ 1:19:26 45 – 54 26 Female 90 67.76  
547 Andy JAY 1:31:40 50 – 59 97 Male 340 56.29  
555 Wendy THARANI 1:31:37 45 – 54 67 Female 211 58.79  
586 Jim BROWN 1:33:48 60 – 69 19 Male 353 61.71  
610 Carol PAUL 1:35:45 55 – 64 32 Female 252 64.76  
702 Sue HAMER 1:42:37 45 – 54 109 Female 318 53.99  
703 Erica GRAYSON 1:42:37 45 – 54 110 Female 319 54.63  
762 Paul HOLGATE 1:49:26 60 – 69 35 Male 400 50.75  
776 Sharon CROWLEY 1:51:10 55 – 64 64 Female 374 57.51 First ten mile race in 3 years. 

These are chip times, the time from when the runner crosses the start line to when they cross the finish line.  Gun times are “bang” to finish line and it can take those at the back several minutes to start. 

Spartans at parkruns Saturday 22nd January 

Stevenage parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
Grant RAMSAY 19:24   
78 72 Lee PICKERSGILL 24:22 70th 
79 Grace COVENTRY 24:23 PB 
152 125 Wills JENNINGS 27:47   
166 136 David PATTMAN 28:17   
168 137 Nick KLEANTHOUS 28:20   
180 141 Jim BROWN 28:45 1st in category 
182 142 Matt CLARKE 28:46   
183 143 Karl SHREEVE 28:47 YB 
228 57 Caroline CROFT 30:37   
232 59 Fiona CLARKE 30:53   
234 60 Chloe CHAPMAN 30:58   
235 165 Stephen SMITHSON 31:00   
239 63 Claire EMMERSON 31:06   
256 73 Tracy HAYGARTH 31:51 70th 
344 196 Steven DOBNER 41:15   
345 137 Mo WARRILLOW 41:15   
362 202 Roger BIGGS 49:42   
364 149 Helen HARRIS 52:44 70th 
Gunpowder parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
175 67 Karen BROOM 39:54 First parkrun since 2019 
Letchworth parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
10 Nick GILL 22:40   
32 Georgie HOOPER 26:55   
Squerryes Winery parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
89 49 Peter CARPENTER 44:29 First parkrun in 2022 
Great Salterns parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
212 127 Darryl STEVENS 40:00 New venue (of 94) 
Westmill parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   Comments 
Danny SCANLON 22:01   
Market Harborough parkrun         
Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time     
117 86 Anton MCCALLA 27:47 First parkrun in 2022 

  

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS IN CASSIOBURY

Fairlands Valley Spartan JONATHAN PARR was in the top ten for a cross country race for the second week in a row.  Last week he was eighth in the county championships.  This time he was seventh in the cross country league fixture in Cassiobury Park, Watford covering the six undulating miles in 36 minutes 12 seconds. 

The club had a good turnout of 24 men and 18 women in the race of nineteen clubs and 405 runners.  That meant they had three men’s and three women’s teams finish the race.  League teams consist of eight men and five women. 

Their fastest woman was CHRIS LATHWELL, 45th overall in 40 minutes 22 seconds.  She was fifth woman out of 169.  Next came SUZY HAWKINS, 124th in 45:17 and TRACEY JACKSON, 186th in 49:31.  YUKO GORDON was 198th in 50:12 and HAZEL SMITH fifth counter for the women’s “A” team in 225th with 51:57.  This time the Spartans had five women in the top fifty female runners. 

In addition to Jonathan Parr the Spartan men had a strong team this time with ADRIAN BUSOLINI 17th in 37:58; KELVIN BEYOKU 39th in 39:47; GRANT RAMSAY 61st in 41:48; STEVE WELLS 104th in 44:10; DANNY SCANLON 106th in 44:17; STUART ARCHER 121st in 45:13 and NICK GILL in 46:48. 

(All 42 Spartan times are near the end of this release.  The team scores will be released by the league later this week). 

Parkrun report for 15th January 

34 Spartans took part across nine different parkuns including the Spartans’ homebase of Stevenage. 

Grant and Ashley both clocking fantastic times!

Numbers at Stevenage were still high with 27 Spartans contributing to a new post lockdown record of 353 people taking part.  GRANT RAMSAY was fifth overall in 19 minutes 13 seconds; ASHLEY JOHNSON was second woman and got a new parkrun personal best (PB) of 21:48 as did NICOLA ANDERSSON with 26:34.  MO WARRILLOW was absent from her marshal position of “Mo’s corner” as she was running her second parkrun after returning from injury.  She finished in 46:52 which was great after such a long absence from running.  JIM BROWN reached an unofficial milestone of 70 parkruns.  

It may of been damp and foggy but the weather doesn’t put the Spartans off from what they do best!

MARTIN WOOD was a “first timer” in Sheffield at Endcliffe parkrun (22:53) for his 15th parkrun.  Another first timer, CATHY CRAIG joined a large field of 546 runners at Bournemouth parkrun (31:04).  Cathy said, “I was second in the WV65 age group with a time of 31:04.  Due to temporary works on the path, the course had been changed this week to a mainly off road one which had teething problems – a long bottleneck after half a mile.  They are likely to reroute again to avoid this problem.” 

Smiles all round at Stevenage Parkrun.

DARRYL STEVENS was “tail walker” at Brockenhurst (47:09).  MIKE REYNOLDS was at Panshanger (29:37); JOHN HARRIS was fifth at Letchworth (22:41),   

Fred for the Championship 

Fairlands Valley Spartans will be sending mens and womens teams to the county road 10 mile championships for veterans in St Albans this Sunday.  Veterans start at age 35 with category breaks every ten years.  The championships are incorporated into the open Fred Hughes 10 race. 

Tables 

All 42 Spartans at the cross country league race in Watford on Sunday 16th January. 

Position Name Official Time Gender / Cat Comments 
JONATHAN PARR 36:12 MS MA 
17 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 37:58 MS MA 
39 KELVIN BEYOKU 39:47 MS MA 
45 CHRIS LATHWELL 40:22 W45 FA.  5th woman. 
61 GRANT RAMSAY 41:48 M40 MA 
104 STEVE WELLS 44:10 M50 MA 
106 DANNY SCANLON 44:17 M40 MA 
121 STUART ARCHER 45:13 MS MA 
124 SUZY HAWKINS 45:17 W45 FA..18th woman. 
141 NICK GILL 46:48 MS MA 
142 WILLIAM MORLEY 46:57 MS MB 
182 MARTIN WOOD 49:14 M50 MB 
186 TRACEY JACKSON 49:31 W45 FA.  34th woman. 
198 YUKO GORDON 50:12 W65 FA.  41st woman. 
216 DAVID KENNEDY 51:25 MS MB 
218 MARK GOODWIN 51:31 M60 MB 
225 HAZEL SMITH 51:57 W45 FA.  49th woman. 
228 DANIEL BATES 52:16 MS MB 
232 MATT CLARKE 52:29 M40 MB. 
254 LUKE GURNEY 54:00 MS MB 
261 DARREN EMMERSON 54:23 M50 MB 
293 TIM ROBINSON 56:34 M50 MC 
304 NICK KLEANTHOUS 57:15 M50 MC 
306 CAROLE SHELDRICK 57:22 W45 FB 
307 MARK FREEMAN 57:35 M60 MC 
319 WENDY THARANI 58:27 W45 FB 
330 FIONA CLARKE 60:05 W35 FB 
337 NICOLA ANDERSSON 61:14 W45 FB 
359 MARIAN MORLEY 64:33 W55 FB 
360 JIM BROWN 64:36 M60 MC 
361 JENNY GARRETT 65:20 W45 FC 
362 VICKY ARCHER 65:20 W35 FC 
371 KEN JUDE 66:21 M50 MC 
374 JONATHAN JONES 66:59 M50 MC 
380 SHARON CROWLEY 68:38 W55 FC 
381 JAMES KILROY 68:52 M40 MC 
384 PAUL HOLGATE 69:29 M60 MC 
392 CHRISTINE ZVEREV 73:03 W35 FC 
393 SHERYL HANN 73:04 W55 FC 
395 MONICA SMITHSON 73:25 W55  
398 CALLIE CHAPMAN 74:24 W35  
403 NICOLA HATHERLY 78:41 W45  

24 Spartan men.  18 Spartan women.  405 finishers.  169 women.  FA means women’s (female) “A” team and so on. 

Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun 

A total of 353 runners took part.  27 Spartans. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
Grant RAMSAY 19:13 
26 Ashley JOHNSON 21:48 
37 32 Tony RANDFIELD 22:48 
66 60 Martin DUDLEY 24:28 
80 72 Nigel STRONGITHARM 25:02 
81 73 Lee PICKERSGILL 25:03 
82 Grace COVENTRY 25:05 
96 84 Vishal SHAH 25:44 
115 Nicola ANDERSSON 26:34 
130 14 Ann TRYSSESOONE 27:06 
134 111 Matt CLARKE 27:09 
139 114 David PATTMAN 27:14 
144 119 Tim ROBINSON 27:22 
150 121 Nick KLEANTHOUS 27:35 
161 131 Jim BROWN 28:02 
188 35 Fiona CLARKE 29:19 
206 40 Chloe CHAPMAN 30:08 
207 156 Karl SHREEVE 30:12 
213 45 Charlotte KEARNEY 30:48 
215 159 Stephen SMITHSON 31:02 
222 48 Caroline CROFT 31:29 
226 51 Tracy HAYGARTH 31:39 
281 83 Bonnie BRAZIL 35:38 
336 121 Mo WARRILLOW 46:52 
337 199 Steven DOBNER 46:52 
    
345 202 Roger BIGGS 49:07 
Categories
Club News Race Results

COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Spartan JONATHAN PARR was a top ten finisher in Sunday’s Hertfordshire County Cross Country Championships for seniors (aged 20 and over).  Fifteen Fairlands Valley Spartans tackled the championships which were at Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City.   

Our County Men’s runners looking fresh before the race.

The county championships are a real step up in standard and this was a chance for Spartans to test themselves against many of the best in Hertfordshire. 

First the women went on an eight kilometres (about five miles) course.  NICOLA ANDERSSON was the fastest female from Fairlands with 43 minutes 38 seconds and in 53rd place.  Next came LINDA NOLAN 67th in 51:45.  SHARON CROWLEY came in 71st with 55:23; CATHY CRAIG 73rd with 57:23 and NIKKI NATION 74th in 60:43.  Women’s teams consisted of the four fastest runners. 

Our county lady runners having fun!

The men raced 11.25 kilometres (about seven miles) over five full laps.  Jonathan Parr came in eighth in 46 minutes 48 seconds.  Six men counted towards the team championships.  Despite missing some of their faster runners the Spartans men’s team were 13th

PAUL HEWETT was 58th in 53:45 and STUART ARCHER 69th in 55:16.  The other “counters” were JOHN HARRIS 90th in 58:57; MARK WILLIAMS 99th in 60:13 and MARTIN WOOD 111th in 63:25.  There were 127 finishers. 

A selection of the stripy men in action!

(Result tables towards the end of this release). 

There’s another opportunity to try cross country this weekend.  The league race at Watford on Sunday morning 16th January. 

Victoria Park Half 

Both GERRY ROSEN and ROB WRIGHT competed in the Victoria Park Half Marathon on Sunday.  Gerry said it wasn’t pretty. Rob helped get him round after a non existent few weeks running.  They both finished in 2 hours 39 minutes 26 seconds. 

Tony at the Essex Run Fest 

New member TONY RANDFIELD ran the 5K at the Essex Runfest at Carver Barracks, Debden near Saffron Walden.  He was fourth on chip time with 21 minutes 50 seconds and first in the men 60 plus category.  There were 27 finishers.  Tony said icy conditions prevented a really fast time but it is a flattish and fast course normally. 

Parkrun report for 8th January 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, two Spartans get a top ten place finish at Stevenage – GRANT RAMSAY fifth in 19 minutes 35 seconds and DANNY SCANLON 10th in 20:10.  ASHLEY JOHNSON was third woman at Stevenage in a course PB (personal best) of 22:06.  STEVE WELLS just missed out on a sub-20 minute time at Poole.  

A few Spartans enjoying a damp Parkrun!

Stevenage Parkrun Results where 326 runners including 31 Spartans took part.   GRANT RAMSAY 19 minutes 35 seconds (5th), DANNY SCANLON 20-10 (10th), ASHLEY JOHNSON 22-06 (32nd and third female finisher, plus course PB), TONY RANDFIELD 22-52 (38th), SAM SIMMONS 24-13 (60th), HAZEL SMITH 24-14 (61st, 5th female and 1st in her age category), MARTIN DUDLEY 24-30 (70th), DARREN EMMERSON 24-40 (72nd), MARIAN MORLEY 26-23 (106th and course PB), NICK KLEANTHOUS 26-39 (111th), MATT CLARKE 26-55 (114th), LEE PICKERSGILL 27-21 (124th), NICOLA ANDERSSON 28-18 (138th), DEBBIE BLANTERN 28-46 (154th), GRACE COVENTRY 29-00 (167th), SUSAN MCANENY 29-08 (168th), ZOE JACKSON 29-08 (169th), JIM BROWN 29-30 (175th), MIKE REYNOLDS 29-32 (176th), CLAIRE EMMERSON 31-08 (212nd), DAVID SCOTT 31-08 (213th), CAROLE SHELDRICK 31-43 (224th), CAROLINE CROFT 31-46 (226th), CHARLOTTE KEARNEY 32-42 (240th), PAUL JENNINGS 32-59 (243rd), CALLIE CHAPMAN 34-11 (255th), MO WARRILLOW 39-39 (302nd), STEVEN DOBNER 48-48 (322nd), DAVID PATTMAN 48-48 (323rd) and ROGER BIGGS 49-42 (324th). 

Smiles and concentration all the way for the Spartans – was good to see some returning for the first time since injury.

Away days:  

Poole (Dorset): STEVE WELLS 20-08 (26th out of 508 runners).  Brockenhurst (Hampshire): DARRYL STEVENS 46-56 (124th out of 124th runners).    

Tables 

Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships 

Women (8 kilometres – 5 miles).  Teams of four. 

Position BiB Name Unofficial Time 
53 621 NICOLA ANDERSSON 43:38 
67 626 LINDA NOLAN 51:45 
71 623 SHARON CROWLEY 55:23 
73 622 CATHY CRAIG 57:23 
74 625 NIKKI NATION 60:43 

74 finishers 

Men (11.25 kilometres – 7 miles).  Teams of six. 

Position BiB Name Unofficial Time 
448 JON PARR 46:48 
58 444 PAUL HEWETT 53:45 
69 439 STUART ARCHER 55:16 
90 443 JOHN HARRIS 58:57 
99 454 MARK WILLIAMS 60:13 
111 455 MARTIN WOOD 63:25 
112 451 TOM SAUKA 64:08 
125 450 TIM ROBINSON 73:35 
126 446 ANDY JAY 73:54 
127 450 JONATHAN JONES 74:46 

127 finishers.  13th team. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

RUNNING INTO 2022

Four Fairlands Valley Spartans took on the New Year’s Eve 10K race at Peterborough.  A congested start and muddy course slowed times but STEVE WELLS was second male 60 plus and 60th overall in 41 minutes 40 seconds; JOHN HARRIS 97th and fourth male 55 plus in 44:15; MARIA SWIFT 439th overall in 58:22 and PAUL HOLGATE 670th in 1:06:00. 

There were 875 finishers.  John Harris ran 2001 miles in the year 2021. 

Steve crossing the finishing line!

Parkrun Highlights on New Year’s Day 1st January 2022 

New Year’s Day 2022 and a lovely morning brought forty-five Fairlands Valley Spartans out to the first Parkrun events of the year. 

JONATHAN PARR was first overall to finish the Stevenage course in a time of 16 minutes and 59 seconds, closely followed by GRANT RAMSAY and DANNY SCANLON with times of 19 minutes and 41 seconds and 20 minutes 8 seconds respectively.  ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER was the second female at the event in 21 minutes and 39 seconds, and YUKO GORDON third woman in 23 minutes and 33 seconds. 

Parkrun winner Jonathan!

Yuko won her age category as did CATHY CRAIG with her 34 minutes 16 seconds and JIM BROWN with his careful return to racing 29 minutes 56 seconds. 

A few of our Spartan parkrunners

The 39 Spartans at Stevenage contributed to a post lockdown record of 351 parkrunners in Fairlands Valley Park. 

Festive holidays meant a first time visit to Thetford for JAMES MCSWEENEY who completed the run in 25 minutes and 50 seconds, and to Haverhill for BARRY OSBORNE who ran the course in 25 minutes and 57 seconds. 

The first Saturday of the month meant that the club stripes were out in force!

(Parkrun times for all 45 Spartans can be found near the end of this release). 

Flitch Way for Tim 

On New Year’s Eve TIM ROBINSON took part in the Flitch Way Marathon.  The trail Marathon followed the Flitch Way from Felsted Eastwards to Rayne, then west as far as Takeley Street and back to Felsted.  Following a lot of rain the old railway track was extremely boggy in parts, particularly miles 13 to 20.  Although the warmest New Year’s Eve on record meant less layers the track seems flat but rises and falls continuously and is very wearing on the legs.  Tim finished in 43rd place with a time of 5:25:07. 

Tim looking as fresh as a daisy after his marathon!

Magnificent Seven Spartans Complete the Coasts and Borders 

By the deadline of 31st December seven Spartans had completed the virtual challenge to run the coasts and borders of England, a total of 2,970 kilometres “starting” and “finishing” in Bristol. 

They were PENNY SCHENKEL who finished in a moving time of 170 hours 51 minutes 5 seconds; JIM BROWN; BRIAN WHITE; PAUL HOLGATE; CATHY CRAIG: LIZ CROWLEY and SHARON CROWLEY. 

This was one of the virtual events that kept Spartans going during the pandemic restrictions. 

The Spartans of the Month for December were VICKY ARCHER and HAZEL SMITH.  Vicky, FVS Vice-Chair, for all her work on Spartan social media and Hazel for encouraging so many people during training sessions and at cross country. 

Tables 

Spartans at parkruns on New Year’s Day: 

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage Jonathan PARR 00:16:59 
  Grant RAMSAY 00:19:41 
  Danny SCANLON 00:20:08 
  25 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 00:21:39 
  28 25 Thomas SAUKA 00:22:10 
  34 30 Sam SIMMONS 00:22:58 
  43 Yuko GORDON 00:23:23 
  58 50 Nigel STRONGITHARM 00:24:15 
  60 52 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:26 
  67 59 Darren EMMERSON 00:24:53 
  85 69 Danik BATES 00:25:30 
  119 22 Ann TRYSSESOONE 00:27:00 
  134 27 Nikki WILBY 00:27:31 
  138 105 Vishal SHAH 00:27:38 
  156 115 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:28:39 
  174 46 Fiona CLARKE 00:29:40 
  175 122 Matt CLARKE 00:29:41 
  177 47 Andrea WESTCOTT 00:29:44 
  178 124 Jonathan JONES 00:29:45 
  179 48 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:46 
  185 127 Jim BROWN 00:29:56 
  187 52 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:30:10 
  193 132 James SOUTH 00:30:20 
  197 57 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:30:24 
  198 134 Tim ROBINSON 00:30:27 
  202 60 Hazel SMITH 00:30:39 
  203 61 Claire EMMERSON 00:30:41 
  204 62 Jenny GARRETT 00:30:42 
  229 75 Harriet PACE 00:31:51 
  233 148 Paul HOLGATE 00:32:12 
  238 151 Paul JENNINGS 00:32:40 
  242 83 Monica SMITHSON 00:33:07 
  243 153 Stephen SMITHSON 00:33:12 
  258 94 Karen PALMER 00:33:54 
  265 98 Catherine CRAIG 00:34:16 
  266 99 Sharon CROWLEY 00:34:18 
  337 146 Helen HARRIS 00:44:49 
  348 185 Roger BIGGS 00:49:42 
  349 186 Steven DOBNER 00:49:53 
          
Houghton Hall 84 57 Michael O’KEEFE 00:30:50 
     
Lymington Woodside 128 76 Darryl STEVENS 00:42:03 
          
Thetford 16 12 James MCSWEENEY 00:24:50 
          
Haverhill Barry OSBORNE 00:25:57 
          
Teignmouth Promenade  50 41 Andy JAY 00:24:03 
          
Hunstanton Promenade 10 Nicola KENNEDY 00:22:30 
Categories
Club News Race Results

ONE AND TWO ON CHRISTMAS DAY

All twenty seven Fairlands Valley Spartans wanted for Christmas was to join in the festive Parkrun fun at six different locations around the country on Christmas Day. 

Christmas number one goes to JONATHAN PARR finishing as first man with a time of 16:51. Spartans took one two at Stevenage with ADRIAN BUSOLINI (18:16) taking second place.  

Adrian in his stripes had Jonathan’s green elf vest in his sights

The fastest female Spartan this week was TRACEY JACKSON who finished with a time of 23:43 and was the fifth fastest lady also at Stevenage. 

Tracey leading the pack of Christmas cheer!

There were Santa, elves, Christmas crackers, little helpers, even grinches and most of the 22 Spartans at Stevenage stepped into Christmas Parkrun fun, dressed in festive clothing with a special shout out to CAROL SHELDRICK and CAROLINE CROFT dressed as elves. 

Spartans two good elves!

Other Spartans were parkrun volunteers to help make it a special morning.  There were 325 parkrunners in Stevenage. 

Visiting relations GRANT RAMSAY enjoyed the Edinburgh parkrun which he finished in less than twenty minutes with 19:47 and 40th position out of 568. 

All smiles for Grant after a sub 20 in Edinburgh!

There will be a New Year’s Day parkrun in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage at 9a.m. on Saturday.  It’s free but you need to register with parkrun beforehand. 

Andrew Wins On Boxing Day 

There was a lower attendance than usual at the Pirton Boxing Day run and miserable weather but spirits were high.  Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON won the very muddy 3.2 mile event in 17 minutes 48 seconds. 

Speedy Spartan Andrew never ceases to amaze us!

Cross Country Update 

Fairlands Valley Spartans finished the cross country league fixture in Stevenage with more than three complete men’s and three complete women’s teams.  In the participation table the club swept into second place with 45 with only Garden City Runners getting more round with 63.  This time FVS overtook Royston Runners 42 and got well ahead of Trent Park 35; North Herts Road Runners 33; St Albans Striders 26; Team Trident 25 and Watford also 25.  There are 19 clubs in the league. 

This time in the race the Spartan men were again fifth out of nineteen but not far behind Garden City Runners.  Their women were eleventh but only three points behind Ealing who were tenth.  Now the Spartans are seventh out of nineteen in the combined team score following three races. 

It was a murky and misty morning on 19th December but that didn’t stop more than 400 people enjoying five miles of cross country running around Fairlands Valley Park in the race which was organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. 

Let’s see what the club can do at the next league fixture which will be in Watford on Sunday 16th January. 

The county cross country championships are in Welwyn Garden City on 9th January. 

Paul Completes His Coasts and Borders 

With more than four days of the year still to go PAUL HOLGATE completed his virtual coast of England challenge running the full 2,970 kilometres in a moving time of 383 hours, 53 minutes and 43 seconds. 

Tables 

Spartans at parkruns on Christmas Day: 

Position   Gender Position   Name Run Time   
Stevenage parkrun       
Jonathan PARR 16:51 
Adrian BUSOLINI 18:16 
20 18 Steve WELLS 20:27 
60 Tracey JACKSON 23:43 
61 53 Thomas SAUKA 23:44 
70 59 Andy JAY 24:10 
138 100 Tim ROBINSON 27:29 
174 43 Ann TRYSSESOONE 29:05 
176 119 Ken JUDE 29:09 
184 48 Jo BOWDERY 29:31 
189 126 Matt CLARKE 29:35 
190 51 Fiona CLARKE 29:36 
192 53 Claire EMMERSON 29:38 
193 127 Darren EMMERSON 29:38 
194 54 Debbie BLANTERN 29:45 
235 72 Monica SMITHSON 31:51 
236 73 Tracy HAYGARTH 31:58 
242 77 Carole SHELDRICK 32:15 
243 78 Caroline CROFT 32:15 
244 79 Harriet PACE 32:19 
272 96 Sharon CROWLEY 34:51 
317 123 Helen HARRIS 44:53 
Edinburgh parkrun       
40 33 Grant RAMSAY 19:47 
Houghton Hall parkrun       
87 63 Michael O’KEEFE 29:30 
Panshanger parkrun       
83 72 Mike REYNOLDS 26:02 
Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun       
174 119 Edward HARE 27:24 
Bartley Park parkrun       
117 64 Darryl STEVENS 39:51 

All 45 Spartan finishers at the Stevenage cross country (19th December): 

Position Name Official Gender Category Team 
ANDREW PATTERSON 27:33 40 MA 
SIMON JACKSON 28:30 40 MA 
10 JONATHAN PARR 28:32 MA 
46 CHARLIE WHITE 30:56 MA 
57 KELVIN BEYOKU 31:32 MA 
70 STUART ARCHER 32:27 MA 
99 STEVE WELLS 33:30 50 MA 
104 DANNY SCANLON 33:34 40 MA 
142 MARK COLLINS 35:23 40 MB 
146 JOHN HARRIS 35:30 50 MB 
150 PETE SMITH 35:37 50 MB 
164 THOMAS SAUKA 36:33 40 MB 
186 STEVE MAYFIELD 37:27 50 MB 
201 MARTIN WOOD 38:00 50 MB 
210 YUKO GORDON 38:20 65 FA 
218 TRACEY JACKSON 38:34 45 FA 
226 CRAIG BACON 38:56 50 MB 
236 MARK GOODWIN 39:15 60 MB 
249 ANNABELLE WHITE 39:38 FA 
273 MATT CLARKE 40:50 40 MC 
276 TIM ROBINSON 41:02 50 MC 
280 LUKE GURNEY 41:07 MC 
284 TRACEY PEZ 41:16 45 FA 
291 DAVID KENNEDY 42:02 MC 
300 ZOE JACKSON 42:27 35 FA 
301 DARREN EMMERSON 42:28 50 MC 
306 ANDY JAY 42:44 50 MC 
319 CAROLE SHELDRICK 43:47 45 FB 
325 JON SYPULA 44:02 40 MC 
326 MARK FREEMAN 44:04 60 MC 
335 NICK KLEANTHOUS 44:55 50  
338 FIONA CLARKE 45:12 35 FB 
345 MARIAN MORLEY 45:49 55 FB 
346 NICOLA ANDERSSON 45:50 45 FB 
360 SIMON SYPULA 47:04 40  
368 ROGER HARDMAN 48:01 70  
382 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 49:43 50  
396 CATHY CRAIG 52:11 65 FB 
399 SHARON CROWLEY 53:07 55 FC 
400 PAUL HOLGATE 53:18 60  
411 JENNY GARRETT 56:03 45 FC 
412 CALLIE CHAPMAN 56:12 35 FC 
418 CHRISTINE ZVEREV 57:05 35 FC 
419 HAZEL SMITH 57:05 45 FC 
420 CLAIRE EMMERSON 57:06 45  

16 women and 29 men.  There were 421 finishers, 165 women and 256 men, altogether. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

MOVING UP AT CROSS COUNTRY

It was a murky and misty morning on Sunday but that didn’t stop more than 400 people enjoying five miles of cross country running around Fairlands Valley Park in a race organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. 

Increased participation by club members between races one and two in the Sunday cross country league lifted Fairlands Valley Spartans from tenth to seventh out of the 19 clubs taking part.  Then on Sunday at the third race, in Stevenage, there was a season’s record of 45 Spartans finishing the race and dozens of others helping. 

With well over 400 finishers it was easily the biggest turnout so far in this season’s league as well the biggest for the Spartans. 

Stripes in the mist.

This time there were three Spartans in the top ten – ANDREW PATTERSON fourth in 27 minutes 32 seconds; SIMON JACKSON ninth in 28 minutes 29 seconds and JONATHAN PARR tenth in 28:36.  Their eighth counter for the men’s “A” team was only just outside the top one hundred. 

The Fairlands women put in a good performance with YUKO GORDON 210th overall (women and men) at 38 minutes 17 seconds; TRACEY JACKSON 218th at 38:21; ANNABELLE WHITE 249th at 39:35; TRACEY PEZ 284th at 41:12 and ZOE JACKSON completing the women’s “A” team of five in 300th at 42:26. 

Spartans in action!

A good women’s “B” team is coming together as there was CAROLE SHELDRICK at 43:38; FIONA CLARKE at 45:00; NICOLA ANDERSSON at 45:40; and MARIAN MORLEY at 45:44.  Others were helping with the event. 

The other counters in the men’s “A” team were CHARLIE WHITE 46th at 30:54; KELVIN BEYOKU 57th at 31:40; STUART ARCHER 70th at 32:27; STEVE WELLS 99th at 33:23 and DANNY SCANLON 104th at 33:33. 

Happy stripy runners having fun!

Not everyone can be in the “A” team but the way the league works having a good turnout means many Spartan runners can push other clubs back by getting in front of their slower “A” runners. 

With the start and finish near the showground the eight kilometre race consisted of three laps of the southern part of Fairlands Valley Park.  Not the liquid mud of the previous week but by hugging the park boundary runners found some tough climbs to test them. 

It was good to welcome some new members trying their first cross country.  A great event organised by race director WENDY THARANI and a good team of volunteers.  

Our fantastic race director Wendy and her megaphone!

(All the Spartan finishers can be found in a table near the end of this release). 

It’s unfortunate there is a delay waiting for the team results to be published but at Trent Park the combined Spartans jumped from tenth to seventh and their women from twelfth to eleventh (though only two points off tenth) while the men leapt from tenth to fifth.  Let’s see what Sunday’s results bring and what the club can do at the next league fixture which will be in Watford on Sunday 16th January. 

The county cross country championships are in Welwyn Garden City on 9th January. 

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 18th December 2021 

It was a relatively quiet week for Spartans at Saturday’s parkrun the day before the cross country league race and as we approach Christmas and the end of 2021.   

DARRYL STEVENS was a first timer at Bath Skyline parkrun (with a challenging uphill flight of 37 steps to negotiate!) in his 177th parkrun which he finished in 39:05.  PAUL MAGUIRE was another first timer, this time at Exmouth parkrun completing the course in 26:01. 

ED HARE was at his “home” parkrun of Lee-on-the Solent finished in 23:07.  Just one Spartan representing FVS at Panshanger: MIKE REYNOLDS clocking 26:28. 

Stevenage parkrun (14 Spartans; 221 runners) 

There were 14 Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun.  GRANT RAMSAY won a top ten place at sixth, and fifth man, with 20 minutes 33 seconds.

A selection of our Stevenage Parkrunners

  The others were: 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
30 27 Sam SIMMONS 00:23:37 
38 34 Martin DUDLEY 00:24:17 
54 47 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:25:37 
94 77 Matt CLARKE 00:28:11 
101 13 Fiona CLARKE 00:28:37 
103 14 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:28:46 
131 29 Debbie BLANTERN 00:30:13 
159 41 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:32:19 
160 42 Vicky ARCHER 00:32:19 
170 49 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:32:59 
171 112 Stephen SMITHSON 00:33:15 
218 77 Helen HARRIS 00:49:28 
220 131 Roger BIGGS 00:58:59 

MIKE REYNOLDS ran the Panshanger parkrun in 26 minutes 28 seconds.  He was 80th out of the 210 finishers. 

There will be parkruns on Christmas Day including Stevenage.  No doubt there will be a good turnout of Santas, elves, reindeers…… 

Tables  

All 45 Spartan finishers at the Stevenage cross country (19th December): 

Position Name Est. Time Gender Category Team 
ANDREW PATTERSON 27:32 40 MA 
SIMON JACKSON 28:29 40 MA 
10 JONATHAN PARR 28:36 MA 
46 CHARLIE WHITE 30:54 MA 
57 KELVIN BEYOKU 31:40 MA 
70 STUART ARCHER 32:27 MA 
99 STEVE WELLS (33:23) 50 MA 
104 DANNY SCANLON 33:33 40 MA 
142 MARK COLLINS 35:29 40 MB 
146 JOHN HARRIS 35:27 50 MB 
150 PETE SMITH 35:35 50 MB 
164 THOMAS SAUKA 36:32 40 MB 
186 STEVE MAYFIELD 37:25 50 MB 
201 MARTIN WOOD (37:59) 50 MB 
210 YUKO GORDON 38:17 65 FA 
218 TRACEY JACKSON 38:21 45 FA 
226 CRAIG BACON 38:53 50 MB 
236 MARK GOODWIN 39:12 60 MB 
249 ANNABELLE WHITE 39:35 FA 
273 MATT CLARKE 40:47 40 MC 
276 TIM ROBINSON 41:02 50 MC 
280 LUKE GURNEY 41:02 MC 
284 TRACEY PEZ 41:12 45 FA 
291 DAVID KENNEDY 40:57 MC 
300 ZOE JACKSON (42:26) 35 FA 
301 DARREN EMMERSON 42:28 50 MC 
306 ANDY JAY 42:33 50 MC 
319 CAROLE SHELDRICK 43:38 45 FB 
325 JON SYPULA 43:59 40 MC 
326 MARK FREEMAN 43:30 60 MC 
335 NICK KLEANTHOUS 44:47 50  
338 FIONA CLARKE 45:00 35 FB 
345 MARIAN MORLEY 45:44 55 FB 
346 NICOLA ANDERSSON 45:40 45 FB 
360 SIMON SYPULA 47:03 40  
368 ROGER HARDMAN 47:47 70  
382 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 49:42 50  
396 CATHY CRAIG 52:08 65 FB 
399 SHARON CROWLEY (52:58) 55 FC 
400 PAUL HOLGATE 53:07 60 FC 
411 JENNY GARRETT 55:51 45 FC 
412 CALLIE CHAPMAN 56:00 35 FC 
418 CHRISTINE ZVEREV 57:01 35 FC 
419 HAZEL SMITH 57:01 45  
420 CLAIRE EMMERSON 57:01 45  

16 women and 29 men. 

All 37 Spartans at the Trent Park cross country (12th December): 

Position Name Official Time Gender Category Team 
16 SIMON JACKSON 28:24 40 MA 
25 JONATHAN PARR 29:19 MA 
26 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 29:28 MA 
52 KELVIN BEYOKU 31:22 MA 
54 PAUL HEWETT 31:25 MA 
74 CHRIS LATHWELL 32:08 45 FA 
79 STUART ARCHER 32:29 MA 
88 STEVE WELLS 33:08 60 MA 
123 DANNY SCANLON 34:33 40 MA 
138 PETE SMITH 35:16 50 MB 
142 THOMAS SAUKA 35:32 40 MB 
150 JOHN HARRIS 35:47 50 MB 
203 TRACEY JACKSON 38:10 45 FA 
206 YUKO GORDON 38:14 65 FA 
255 MATT CLARKE 41:16 40 MB 
266 LUKE GURNEY 41:31 MB 
292 ANDY JAY 43:27 50 MB 
298 TIM ROBINSON 44:30 50 MB 
306 WENDY THARANI 45:19 45 FA 
320 FIONA CLARKE 46:08 35 FA 
329 NICK KLEANTHOUS 46:56 50 MB 
338 MARK FREEMAN 47:47 60  
339 CHLOE CHAPMAN 47:49 FB 
340 VICKY ARCHER 47:49 35 FB 
357 MARIAN MORLEY 49:53 55 FB 
358 TAHER THARANI 50:04 50  
366 JIM BROWN 51:11 60  
371 LIZ CROWLEY 52:40 FB 
375 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 53:45 50  
381 SHARON CROWLEY 56:00 55 FB 
385 JONATHAN JONES 56:29 50  
386 CATHY CRAIG 56:33 65 FC 
389 JUDY KING 57:55 55 FC 
390 MONICA SMITHSON 58:48 55 FC 
391 JANE WHITROW 59:26 55 FC 
396 SALLY PHILLIPS 1:02:39 55 FC 
397 STEPH BIGGAR 1:02:50 35  

Spartan men fifth out of 19. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK TREMENDOUS

A big increase in Fairlands Valley Spartans participation meant the club did much better in race two of the Sunday Cross Country League which was in Trent Park, north London. 

This time five of the first seven Spartans were seniors, the 18 to 34 age category, and there were eight Spartans in the first 100 finishers in the race.  There were about 400 finishers from nineteen clubs and 37 of the 400 were Spartans. 

Two complete Spartan men’s teams, teams of eight, and three complete women’s teams, teams of five, finished having survived Trent Park’s traditional helpings of liquid mud. 

Muddy Spartan feet after the run – We wonder if they all clean their own shoes…

SIMON JACKSON led in the Spartan men’s “A” team.  He was 16th taking 28 minutes 24 seconds for the 7.5 kilometres event.  It was tight between JONATHAN PARR and ADRIAN BUSOLINI but Jonathan got it by nine seconds at 25th in 29:19 while Adrian was 26th in 29:28.  New member KELVIN BEYOKU and PAUL HEWETT were racing round together.  Kelvin was 52nd in 31:22 and Paul 54th in 31:25. 

STUART ARCHER came in with 32:29 and 79th and STEVE WELLS was 88th with 33:08.  DANNY SCANLON made it count in the “A” team at 123rd in 34:33. 

CHRISTINE LATHWELL was the fastest female from Fairlands at 32 minutes 8 seconds and 74th.  Christine was the sixth woman out of 154 in the race. TRACEY JACKSON came in next, 203rd at 38:10, with YUKO GORDON close up behind her, 206th at 38:14.  WENDY THARANI came in at 306th with 45:19 and FIONA CLARKE completed the women’s “A” team at 320th with 46:08. 

CHLOE CHAPMAN and VICKY ARCHER have improved hugely recently.  Chloe was 339th in 47:49 and Vicky 340th also in 47:49.  The last time Vicky ran this course, it was before the first lock down, she took over 50 minutes.  They were the first two in the women’s “B” team. 

(The team results are not yet available from the league organisers). 

The next cross country league race will be this Sunday (!) and it’s in Stevenage.  It will be three laps of Fairlands Valley south park (the showground end) and starts at 10.30a.m. 

Happy smiling Spartans despite the lovely mud!

Harriet Chases The Moon 

Wednesday evening new Spartan HARRIET PACE ran the Chase the Moon 5km at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, finishing in 29 minutes and 12 seconds – a 35 second PB (personal best). 

Massive congratulations on your PB Harriet!

Yuko Won In Spain! 

It’s been confirmed that Spartan YUKO GORDON won her age category at the Valencia Marathon with her 3 hours 29 minutes 2 seconds.  That’s a big boost to her chances of qualifying for next year’s Age Group World Championships. 

Apparently the woman originally declared the winner in the 70 plus category did not complete the full 26.2 miles. 

A Track Half 

53 laps of Wodson Park running track in Ware saw PAUL HOLGATE complete the Ware Track Half Marathon in 2:24:16. 

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 11th December 2021 – centuries 

Three Spartans KEN JUDE, NICK KLEANTHOUS and KAREN PALMER ran their 100th parkruns on Saturday morning.  Ken was 101st in 27:25; despite a penguin outfit Nick was 111th in 28:03 while Karen was showing off the century cape and was 179th in 33:44. 

Our three Centenarians!

ASHLEY JOHNSON ran a new personal best (PB) of 22 minutes 10 seconds and was second woman in the race and 23rd out of the 224 runners.  She almost certainly would have got under 22 minutes for the first time if it were not for the intervention of a loose dog at a critical moment. 

BARRY OSBORNE won his age category with 22:22 and was 26th in the race.  JIM BROWN won his with 27 minutes exactly achieving a target to get in the first hundred with 85th

New member HARRIET PACE was first junior woman (15 to 17) in 31 minutes 16 seconds. 

VICKY ARCHER new parkrun PB of 27:24 and was 100th

The fastest Spartan was JOHN HARRIS with 21 minutes 2 seconds and 16th place.  This week there were 28 Spartans. 

A selection of our Stevenage Parkrunners.

Stevenage Parkrun Results where 224 runners took part.   

John Harris 21-02 (16th), Ashley Johnson 22-10 (23rd), Barry Osborne 22-22 (26th), Sam Simmons 23-40 (40th), Martin Dudley 23-58 (46th), James McSweeney 24-39 (56th), Lee Pickersgill 26-30 (76th), Jim Brown 27-00 (85th), Vicky Archer 27-24 (100th), Ken Jude 27-25 (101st), Claire Pullen 27-38 (104th), Gail Mackie 27-40 (105th), Nick Kleanthous 28-03 (111th), Fiona Clarke 28-33 (120th), Matt Clarke 28-34 (121st), Chloe Chapman 28-57 (124th), Nicola Andersson 29-41 (133rd), Debbie Blantern 30-05 (139th), Andy Prior 30-19 (145th), Harriet Pace 31-16 (156th), Caroline Croft 21-21 (157th), Tracy Haygarth 32-11 (171st), Karen Palmer 33-44 (179th), Kerstin Weiner 33-45 (181st), Claire Emmerson 33-46 (182nd), Jenny Garrett 33-46 (183rd), Tim Robinson 37-05 (198th) and Helen Harris 51-26 (219th).   

Cranbrook County (Devon): Darryl Stevens 37-19 (78th out of 86 runners). 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

All 37 Spartans at the Trent Park cross country: 

Position Name Time Official Gender Category Team 
16 SIMON JACKSON 28:23 28:24 40 MA 
25 JONATHAN PARR 29:24 29:19 MA 
26 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 29:27 29:28 MA 
52 KELVIN BEYOKU 31:21 31:22 MA 
54 PAUL HEWETT 31:22 31:25 MA 
74 CHRIS LATHWELL 32:07 32:08 45 FA 
79 STUART ARCHER 32:49 32:29 MA 
88 STEVE WELLS 33:10 33:08 60 MA 
123 DANNY SCANLON 34:32 34:33 40 MA 
138 PETE SMITH 35:16 35:16 50 MB 
142 THOMAS SAUKA 35:31 35:32 40 MB 
150 JOHN HARRIS 35:46 35:47 50 MB 
203 TRACEY JACKSON 38:07 38:10 45 FA 
206 YUKO GORDON 38:14 38:14 65 FA 
255 MATT CLARKE 41:15 41:16 40 MB 
266 LUKE GURNEY 41:20 41:31 MB 
292 ANDY JAY 43:20 43:27 50 MB 
298 TIM ROBINSON 44:29 44:30 50 MB 
306 WENDY THARANI 45:14 45:19 45 FA 
320 FIONA CLARKE 45:57 46:08 35 FA 
329 NICK KLEANTHOUS 46:52 46:56 50 MB 
338 MARK FREEMAN (47:31) 47:47 60  
339 CHLOE CHAPMAN 47:35 47:49 FB 
340 VICKY ARCHER 47:38 47:49 35 FB 
357 MARIAN MORLEY 49:51 49:53 55 FB 
358 TAHER THARANI 50:02 50:04 50  
366 JIM BROWN 51:07 51:11 60  
371 LIZ CROWLEY 52:06 52:40 FB 
375 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 53:41 53:45 50  
381 SHARON CROWLEY 55:45 56:00 55 FB 
385 JONATHAN JONES 56:21 56:29 50  
386 CATHY CRAIG 56:22 56:33 65 FC 
389 JUDY KING 57:48 57:55 55 FC 
390 MONICA SMITHSON (58:48) 58:48 55 FC 
391 JANE WHITROW 59:48 59:26 55 FC 
396 SALLY PHILLIPS 1:00:38 1:02:39 55 FC 
397 STEPH BIGGAR 1:02:30 1:02:50 35