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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 M 40 MA 
25 JONATHAN PARR 29:24 29:19 M S MA 
26 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 29:27 29:28 M S MA 
52 KELVIN BEYOKU 31:21 31:22 M S MA 
54 PAUL HEWETT 31:22 31:25 M S MA 
74 CHRIS LATHWELL 32:07 32:08 F 45 FA 
79 STUART ARCHER 32:49 32:29 M S MA 
88 STEVE WELLS 33:10 33:08 M 60 MA 
123 DANNY SCANLON 34:32 34:33 M 40 MA 
138 PETE SMITH 35:16 35:16 M 50 MB 
142 THOMAS SAUKA 35:31 35:32 M 40 MB 
150 JOHN HARRIS 35:46 35:47 M 50 MB 
203 TRACEY JACKSON 38:07 38:10 F 45 FA 
206 YUKO GORDON 38:14 38:14 F 65 FA 
255 MATT CLARKE 41:15 41:16 M 40 MB 
266 LUKE GURNEY 41:20 41:31 M S MB 
292 ANDY JAY 43:20 43:27 M 50 MB 
298 TIM ROBINSON 44:29 44:30 M 50 MB 
306 WENDY THARANI 45:14 45:19 F 45 FA 
320 FIONA CLARKE 45:57 46:08 F 35 FA 
329 NICK KLEANTHOUS 46:52 46:56 M 50 MB 
338 MARK FREEMAN (47:31) 47:47 M 60  
339 CHLOE CHAPMAN 47:35 47:49 F S FB 
340 VICKY ARCHER 47:38 47:49 F 35 FB 
357 MARIAN MORLEY 49:51 49:53 F 55 FB 
358 TAHER THARANI 50:02 50:04 M 50  
366 JIM BROWN 51:07 51:11 M 60  
371 LIZ CROWLEY 52:06 52:40 F S FB 
375 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 53:41 53:45 M 50  
381 SHARON CROWLEY 55:45 56:00 F 55 FB 
385 JONATHAN JONES 56:21 56:29 M 50  
386 CATHY CRAIG 56:22 56:33 F 65 FC 
389 JUDY KING 57:48 57:55 F 55 FC 
390 MONICA SMITHSON (58:48) 58:48 F 55 FC 
391 JANE WHITROW 59:48 59:26 F 55 FC 
396 SALLY PHILLIPS 1:00:38 1:02:39 F 55 FC 
397 STEPH BIGGAR 1:02:30 1:02:50 F 35  
Categories
Club News Race Results

TWO WINS FOR FAIRLANDS

Spartan SIMON JACKSON won the Festive Five road race at Welwyn Garden City on Sunday morning.  He took just 27 minutes 56 minutes, a new personal best, to get round the tricky two lap course and finished nine seconds ahead of his nearest rival. 

Simon Jackson at the Festive 5

Next in was JOHN HARRIS at 23rd with 35:05. 

NICK KLEANTHOUS was one of many in fancy dress.  He said it was a very well organised event with great marshalling.  He finished in 43:47, that’s just over three minutes faster than last time, then enjoyed a lovely cake stall at end and the a box of chocolates handed out at the finish line. 

ANDY JAY was delighted to maintain an average of eight minutes per mile and finished 45th with 39 minutes 54 seconds. 

The fastest female from Fairlands was HAZEL SMITH in 42 minutes 20 seconds.  ERICA GRAYSON and SUE HAMER went round in 48:25 and 48:30.  Then there was a little Spartan procession of three with CATHY CRAIG in 50:40; PENNY SCHENKEL smiling in 50:50 and JIM BROWN in 50:51.  Soon along came JONATHAN JONES in 51:54 and DZENANA TOPIC in 51:56.  Twelve Spartans ran the event. 

Nick, Hazel and Andy looking pleased with their winning choclates!

Pretty miserable and damp on the way to the start but the rain held off during the race itself and only started again on the way home. 

(The full result for all twelve Spartans is near the end of this release). 

Andrew Wins At Goodwood 

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON raced and WON the Goodwood Marathon on Sunday.  It consisted of a short out and back followed by 11 laps of the motor racing circuit.  

The wind was 18mph, whilst it was Glorious Goodwood with it behind him, the cross winds and facing the wind was tough going. The first nine laps were consistent at 13:59 to 14 minutes 12 seconds. But the last couple of laps were a slog.  He could feel his legs cramping so it wasn’t until the final mile that he knew he would finish with a new personal best (PB).  

The first half Andrew was in fourth place, but in the second half he moved up on to the podium and on the penultimate lap moved in to first.  He took the race victory in 2 hours 37 minutes 26 seconds (2:37:26) beating his previous best marathon time by 4 minutes 20 seconds. 

It was a great end to the race year for Andrew with PBs at 1500, 3000, 5K, 10K, 10 miles, half and marathon.  He won the Stevenage Half Marathon two weeks ago. 

Triumphant Andrew after his big win!

Yuko In Spain 

YUKO GORDON ran the Valencia marathon.  The course was flat, nice and warm but windier later in the morning.  She managed an amazing time of 3:29:02. 

Yuko had to run under 3 hours 48 minutes to claim the points she needed to qualify for next year’s Age Group World Championships, so she’s OK with 3:29.  Yuko says she will rest from marathons till next spring, hopefully have a good rest from the distance and back to basic conditioning over this winter.  

Three Canta With Santa 

JOHN HARRIS and deer friend took part in the Santa Canta 5K in Letchworth and ran it in 26:06. 

John and his friend Rudolph!

CAROLE SHELDRICK and new FVS member DAVID KENNEDY also enjoyed some festive fun at the NHRR Santa Canta 5K.  David ran as a Christmas cowboy with a time of 25:56 and Carole as a Christmas Elf with a time of 33:25. 

They said it was such a fun event and topped off with a medal and mince pie to finish. 

Spartans getting into the festive spirit!

Running in the Chapel 

A bit earlier than some years due to running calendar complications but many other Spartans enjoyed a festive Sunday trail run to Minsden Chapel.  There were three choices of distance – 11 miles; 8 miles or 4.5 miles. 

The annual Spartans ‘bench shot’ whilst running Minsden Chapel.

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 4th December 2021 

As we head towards the end of another year, the first Saturday of December saw twenty-four Fairlands Valley Spartans head out to represent the club at Parkrun events. 

New personal best times were set by two runners on the Stevenage course.  ASHLEY JOHNSON finished as the first female, at only her third Parkrun, with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) time of 22 minutes and 22 seconds; and CHLOE CHAPMAN was the 12th female to complete the run in her new PPB of 26 minutes and 39 seconds. 

Also in Stevenage, both MARK BEASLEY and KAREN PALMER edged ever closer to attending 100 events with their 99th runs in times of 28 minutes and 47 seconds and 34 minutes and 31 seconds respectively. 

Other milestone runs saw JAMES MCSWEENEY complete the Littleport parkrun and his 80th event in 24 minutes and 23 seconds; MIKE REYNOLDS finish his 75th Parkrun in 27 minutes and 58 seconds on the Endcliffe, Sheffield course; MICHAEL O’KEEFE ran at Houghton Hall in 28 minutes and 40 seconds to complete 125 events; and, DARRYL STEVENS reached his 175th run at Lancing Beach Green, West Sussex in 37 minutes and 14 seconds. 

(You can find all the Spartan parkrun times near the end of this release). 

Spartans Committee for 2021 / 2022 

Fairlands Valley Spartans held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.  There was a tremendous enthusiastic turnout at Stevenage Hockey and Cricket Club.  The club’s chair David Scott reported that the Spartans recovery from the Covid period was good with 48 new members in just the last few months. 

It was possible to organise a very successful Stevenage Half Marathon and the club’s five and ten mile handicap races.  Now the Spartans are looking forward to two cross country leagues races before Christmas including the one they are hosting in Stevenage on 19th December.  Then next year they are already planning for the return of the mid week 10K league; the 3K Relays in the Park; the off road challenge; the remaining fixtures in the 21/22 cross country league and they already have a date for the 2022 Stevenage Half Marathon – Sunday 6th November. 

Brian White, head coach, added that despite the interruptions caused by COVID Fairlands Valley Spartans still organised 384 free coached sessions between 1st January and 30th November 2021.  The Spartans train at 7p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays with up to five groups going out.  Then there is the Spartan Starter group on Mondays; track based sessions on Saturday mornings and longer steady runs (typically about 10K and 10 miles) from various locations on Sunday mornings.  Plus access to a host of events including county championships some of which are free and many where club membership brings a discount. 

The new Fairlands Valley Spartans committee is Chair David Scott; Vice Chair Vicky Archer; Secretary Wendy Tharani; Treasurer Andrew Patterson; Head Coach Brian White; Men’s Team Captain & Committee Mark Freeman; Ladies’ Team Captain & Committee Callie Chapman; Press Officer & Committee Jim Brown (0793 968 7509); Membership Secretary Debbie Blantern; President Sophie Cowan with the additional committee members Steffan Ford, Sue Hamer, Paul Holgate, Tim Robinson, Hazel Smith, Tessa Stephenson and Hannah Sypula. 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

Spartans at the Festive Five 

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Gen Pos Chip Time % 
1 Simon JACKSON MV40 1 1 27:56 82.7% 
23 John HARRIS MV50 5 20 35:05 73.9% 
45 Andy JAY MV50 10 37 39:54 63.7% 
59 Hazel SMITH FV45 4 13 42:20 62.7% 
67 Nick KLEANTHOUS MV50 14 51 43:47 59.1% 
88 Erica GRAYSON FV45 8 28 48:25 57.4% 
90 Sue HAMER FV45 10 30 48:30 56.7% 
107 Catherine CRAIG FV55+ 7 44 50:40 68.7% 
108 Penny SCHENKEL FV45 19 45 50:50 54.7% 
109 Jim BROWN MV60+ 12 64 50:51 55.8% 
112 Jonathan JONES MV50 18 65 51:54 48.6% 
114 Dzenana TOPIC FV55+ 8 48 51:56 55.6% 

Spartans at parkruns on Saturday 4th December. 

  

Parkrun Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time  
Stevenage parkrun 25 1 Ashley JOHNSON 22:22 1st Fem. PPB 
 (18 Spartans) 27 24 Barry OSBORNE 22:46  
  33 30 Toby ECCLESHALL 22:59  
  42 37 Martin DUDLEY 24:16  
  48 42 Lee PICKERSGILL 24:43  
  87 12 Chloe CHAPMAN 26:39 PPB 
  88 70 Jim BROWN 26:42 1st Age 
  91 14 Gail MACKIE 26:57  
  101 18 Fiona CLARKE 27:11  
  119 87 Mark BEASLEY 28:47  
  121 88 Matt CLARKE 28:51 99th PR 
  132 32 Debbie BLANTERN 30:15  
  163 49 Sharon CROWLEY 32:12  
  168 109 Stephen SMITHSON 32:53  
  169 52 Judy KING 33:01  
  185 60 Karen PALMER 34:31 99th PR   
  227 84 Helen HARRIS 56:49  
  228 127 Roger BIGGS 58:04  
           
Endcliffe parkrun (Sheffield) 239 154 Mike REYNOLDS 27:58 75th PR  
           
Houghton Hall parkrun 60 49 Michael O’KEEFE 28:40  
           
Evesham parkrun 24 21 Nigel STRONGITHARM 24:37  
           
Letchworth parkrun 2 2 Grant RAMSAY 20:22 2nd in race 
           
Littleport parkrun 16 15 James MCSWEENEY 24:23 80th PR  
           
Lancing Beach Green parkrun 62 34 Darryl STEVENS 37:14 175th PR  

(PPB = Parkrun personal best; 175th PR = 175th parkrun). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SUNDAY BESTS FOR SPARTANS

21 Fairlands Valley Spartans competed in two races on Sunday.  Despite the cold three ran new personal bests (PB) and 16 ran new season’s bests (SB). 

Hatfield Five 

At the Hatfield Five which started and finished at the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane site DAN HUKIN ran well under thirty minutes to finish 40th out of the 545 with 29 minutes 28 seconds.  MARK GOODWIN was well up in the men 60 plus category with 37 minutes 34 seconds and 209th overall. 

VISH SHAH was pleased how fast his race was and his 42:26 finish time. 

Image courtesy of ATW

PENNY SCHENKEL improved her season’s best time to 47:55; MONICA SMITHSON to 48:45; and SHARON CROWLEY to 55:55 but DZENANA TOPIC took the limelight with a brand new personal best of 53 minutes 4 seconds.  There were four Spartan women and four Spartan men. 

There were 545 finishers who also included JIM BROWN with 47:55. 

Image courtesy of ATW

Five mile races are quite rare these days but there will be another one in Welwyn Garden City this Sunday – the Festive Five. 

Bassingbourn Bass Belle 

Thirteen Spartans ran the Bass Belle Ten.  Two DARREN EMMERSON and JACKIE DOWNES ran new personal bests and ten others ran new season’s bests. 

GRANT RAMSAY was first finisher for the club with 67 minutes 25 seconds (SB).  He was 25th out of the 331 finishers.  YUKO GORDON was eighth women with 1:15:09 (SB). 

Darren Emmerson’s new personal best is 1 hour 22 minutes 51 seconds and Jackie Downe’s new PB stands at 1:27:20. 

HAZEL SMITH said, “It was bitterly cold with patches of ice.  I’m super pleased with my time as it was my first long run in a few weeks.   

KAREN ELLIS ran a season’s best (SB) of 1:28:53 and Hazel a SB of 1:28:54. 

1:43:52 was good enough for PAUL HOLGATE to beat his Ware Ten time by 19 seconds to set a new season’s best.  He said it was a bitterly cold bright day with lots of ice on the 1.5 miles off-road section so very pleased. 

The others with new season’s bests for ten miles were CLAIRE EMMERSON 1:36:22; CATHY CRAIG 1:44:19; ERICA GRAYSON 1:45:08; SUE HAMER also 1:45:08 and JONATHAN JONES 1:52:51. 

The 331 finishers also included JENNY GARRETT in 1:36:23. 

Warming up after a chilly run.

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 27th November 2021 

Storm Arwen caused havoc around the UK but it didn’t stop 19 Spartans completing their Parkruns.  All their parkrun milestones and best positions were achieved at Stevenage on Saturday. 

NIC PATTMAN and HARRIET PACE both achieved personal bests with 28:23 and 29:56 respectively.  SUZY HAWKINS was first lady in the race finishing with a time of 20:05.  

GRANT RAMSAY was the fastest of the 17 Spartans, completing in 19:14 and finishing third overall. 

GRACE COVENTRY finished in 25:02 and was 5th lady, achieving her best time this year (YB).  THOMAS SAUKA (21:26) and CAROLE SHELDRICK (27:20) also ran year’s bests. 

DEBBIE BLANTERN achieved an unofficial milestone of 70 Parkruns. 

MIKE REYNOLDS was the only Spartan at Panshanger this time.  He finished 43rd in 24:44. 

At the Kingdom Parkrun in Penshurst, Kent MICHAEL O’KEEFE was 48th in 31:52. 

Tables 

Spartans at the Hatfield Five (Sunday 28th): 

Pos Name Gun Chip Category Cat Pos Gender Gender Position Comments 
40 Dan HUKIN 29:33 29:28 Ages 40 – 49 9 Male 36 SB 
209 Mark GOODWIN 38:02 37:34 Ages 60 – 69 11 Male 160 SB 
304 Vishal SHAH 43:20 42:26 Ages 30 – 39 42 Male 213 SB 
408 Jim BROWN 49:25 47:55 Ages 60 – 69 24 Male 238  
409 Penny SCHENKEL 49:26 47:55 Ages 50 – 59 46 Female 162 SB 
417 Monica SMITHSON 49:52 48:45 Ages 50 – 59 48 Female 168 SB 
470 Dzenana TOPIC 54:22 53:04 Ages 50 – 59 65 Female 207 PB 
500 Sharon CROWLEY 57:27 55:55 Ages 60 – 69 22 Female 233 SB 

There were 545 finishers. 

Spartans at the Bass Belle 10 Sunday 28th November): 

Pos First Name Last Name Time Comments 
25 Grant Ramsay 1:07:25 SB 
57 Yuko Gordon 1:15:09 SB.  8th woman. 
114 Darren Emmerson 1:22:51 PB 
161 Jackie Downes 1:27:20 PB 
177 Karen Ellis 1:28:53 SB 
178 Hazel Smith 1:28:54 SB 
237 Claire Emmerson 1:36:22 SB 
238 Jenny Garrett 1:36:23 x 
267 Paul Holgate 1:43:52 SB 
283 Cathy Craig 1:44:19 SB 
285 Erica Grayson 1:45:08 SB 
286 Sue Hamer 1:45:08 SB 
314 Jonathan Jones 1:52:51 SB 

There were 331 finishers. 

Spartans at parkrun on Saturday 27th November 

Spartans (17) at Stevenage Parkrun 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time    
3 3 Grant RAMSAY 00:19:14  
6 1 Suzy HAWKINS 00:20:05  
13 12 Thomas SAUKA 00:21:26 YB 
24 22 Andrew MCGUINNESS 00:22:21  
39 36 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:23:27  
57 51 James MCSWEENEY 00:24:39  
63 5 Grace COVENTRY 00:25:02 YB 
74 63 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:26:07  
88 14 Carole SHELDRICK 00:27:20 YB 
90 15 Gail MACKIE 00:27:35  
101 79 Sam SIMMONS 00:27:59  
102 20 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:28:00  
110 25 Nicola PATTMAN 00:28:23 PB 
123 30 Harriet PACE 00:29:56 PB 
128 34 Debbie BLANTERN 00:30:07 70th 
146 41 Caroline CROFT 00:31:23  
171 51 Hilary DAVIES 00:33:55  
Categories
Club News Race Results

GOLD AND SILVER FOR SPARTANS

Sunday’s Stevenage Half Marathon was a huge success and Fairlands Valley Spartans took first and second in the 13.1 miles races. 

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON won the event overall in a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 12 minutes 53 seconds and also took GOLD in the Hertfordshire County Championships.  SIMON JACKSON was second in 1 hour 15 minutes 48 seconds and took SILVER in the county champs.  Together with DAVID HARRIS CHERGUIT (PB 1:19:25) and STUART ARCHER (PB 1:26:27) they won GOLD in the County team competition and won the team contest in the race. 

Mens Gold County team winners!

The Spartans won GOLD in the county team competition with LIZ SMITH after a rapid acceleration in the last five miles finishing with 1 hour 53 minutes 59 seconds; ALISON SHELLEY (PB 1:57:22) and WENDY THARANI (1:57:50).  Three to count in the women’s competition. 

Our smiling Ladies Gold County team winners!

And Bronze for Women and Men 

Then there were County team BRONZE medals for the women’s team of ANN TRYSSESOONE (2:01:14), CHLOE CHAPMAN (improving her PB by more than nine minutes to 2:01:39) and KERSTIN WEINER (2:04:07) and the men’s team of GRANT RAMSEY (1:27:32); DANNY SCANLON (1:28:56); TONY RANDFIELD (1:33:34) and PAUL SHELLEY (1:36:57). 

Ladies Bronze County team winners!
Mens Bronze County team winners!

David Harris Cherguit was first man aged 40 plus in the race and Tony Randfield, running his first half as a Spartan, was first man aged 60 plus. 

The Spartans topped and tailed the event with a total of 38 runners.  Dozens more Spartans and their friends marshaled, rode lead and sweep bikes, provided water stations, supervised the shuttle buses and did the other jobs that made it a success. 

A handful of our wonderful marshals, chief marshal, lead bike and yummy cakes that were for sale (there were lots more!)

On a cold but mainly sunny morning the race started on Ridlins Athletics track then followed two equal laps on cycleway and footpaths via Gresley Way, Six Hills Way, Fairlands Valley Park north and south, football club, Broadhall Way to cross Woodcock Road and into the second lap before finishing on the track. 

This time there was a welcome tailwind in the south part of Fairlands Valley Park.  After a one year gap due to Covid it was back and it was great. 

There were several half marathon first timers including MIKE JEFFS (1:31:22); NICK KLEANTHOUS (1:57:45); CHRIS SAUNDERS (2:12:32); NICHOLA DURENT (3:16:32) and JUDY KING (3:18:39).  LEE PICKERGILL ran a new PB of 1:47:45; NIGEL STRONGITHARM ran a new PB of 1:48:08, and NICHOLA ANDERSSON a new PB of 2:04:48.  STEPH BIGGAR ran her first ever real race, everything else has been virtual, and finished in 3:16:32. 

TIM ROBINSON was aiming for sub 2 hours and managed to improve on his target and achieve 1:54:33 in his fastest half since 2017. The long incline at mile 8 was hard going, sapped a lot of energy and lost some time but was the only part of the course that presented any real difficulty. 

JIM BROWN was apprehensive after two recent disaster half marathons including a DNF (did not finish) but improved his time from August (2:04:05) by 5 minutes 56 seconds to 1:58:09 to get under two hours by maintaining almost exactly nine minute miles all the way round. 

The first woman in the race was ELIZABETH PARRY from Garden City Runners in 1 hour 22 minutes 45 seconds with KERRIE HAMLIN from Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers second in 1:26:38 and JUSTINE LYNCH from Belgrave Harriers third in 1:26:50. 

The Last Fly 

Fairlands Valley Spartans were represented in the last Fly 5K in the current series on Saturday.  This virtual free run anywhere event on a Saturday morning helped to get a lot of people through lockdown when all in person events were cancelled.  More than 15,000 Fly 5K runs have been recorded since the series was launched.  This was race 80. 

In the MARIAN MORLEY was 55th and first woman aged 55 plus in 26 minutes 41 seconds; NICOLA ANDERSSON was 71st in 29:02 and PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN went round together to finish 100th equal in 30:56.  This was Jim’s 58th Fly 5K and he received a special not (virtual) T-shirt for running at least fifty. 

There will be a Christmas edition and a real reunion in 2022. 

St Neots 

CRAIG BACON said, “Sunday at the St Neots Half Marathon was my first mass event since February 2020.  There have been months of solo running and virtual events since the last time I lined up at the start of a race with over 1000 people ready to complete the 13.1 miles. 

There was a chill in the air as I made my way to the start and so I was glad that I had put my woolly hat and gloves in my kit bag.  We gathered at the line and at 10 o’clock we were sent on our way out of St Neots and along the Huntingdonshire country roads.  The route was a figure of eight course with a rise at about 3 miles, another before half way and then a final hill at 9 miles.  The hills did mean there was an opportunity to go downhill too, so every cloud has a silver lining. 

I finished in a time of 1 hour 41 minutes 16 seconds, which is 2 minutes 19 seconds faster than my pre-pandemic Half in 2020.  It was also my fastest Half since May 2016.  I finished 303rd overall, 233rd male and 54th male vet 50.” 

Fellow Spartan John Harding finished in 2:11:10 to finish 823rd overall and 535th male. 

Parkrun Highlights 

This week 30 Spartans participated across 8 different parkrun venues. 

A couple of first timer mentions:  KIERAN FEETHAM at Plymvalley in 23:18 and EVA RAMSEY at Cassiobury in 23:21.  

PETER CARPENTER was at Squerryes Winery parkrun at Westerham running a new PB of 44:19.  GRAHAM HOARE also got himself a new PB 23:29 at Southsea parkrun and YUKO GORDON was second female at Letchworth in 23:50. 

GRANT RAMSAY was first Spartan home out of the 21 Spartans at Stevenage in 19:06.  KEN JUDE was running his 99th parkrun at Stevenage.  MARK GOODWIN was the sole Spartan at Panshanger this week clocking 23:43. 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

Spartan Gun Times At The Stevenage Half Marathon 

Pos Race No Name GunTime Category Cat Pos Gender Gen Pos  
1 321 Andrew PATTERSON 01:12:55 Top3 1 Male 1 PB 
2 218 Simon JACKSON 01:15:50 Top3 2 Male 2 YB 
8 179 David HARRIS-CHERGUIT 01:19:30 Ages 40 – 49 1 Male 8 PB 
26 13 Stuart ARCHER 01:26:33 Ages 20 – 39 12 Male 25 PB 
29 346 Grant RAMSAY 01:27:35 Ages 40 – 49 8 Male 26  
31 369 Danny SCANLON 01:29:00 Ages 40 – 49 10 Male 28  
37 224 Mike JEFFS 01:31:22 Ages 20 – 39 15 Male 33 New 
46 347 Tony RANDFIELD 01:33:39 Ages 60 – 69 1 Male 42 New 
79 375 Paul SHELLEY 01:37:02 Ages 50 – 59 17 Male 69 YB 
82 384 Peter SMITH 01:37:07 Ages 50 – 59 18 Male 71 SB 
87 178 John HARRIS 01:37:29 Ages 50 – 59 20 Male 75 SB 
100 277 Reece McCULLAGH 01:40:42 Ages 20 – 39 32 Male 65 SB 
121 140 Nick GILL 01:44:47 Ages 20 – 39 33 Male 102 SB 
135 110 Toby ECCLESHALL 01:48:06 Ages 20 – 39 36 Male 112 YB 
136 399 Nigel STRONGITHARM 01:48:08 Ages 50 – 59 31 Male 113 PB 
137 329 Lee PICKERSGILL 01:48:08 Ages 20 – 39 37 Male 114 PB 
184 387 Liz SMITH 01:54:30 Ages 40 – 49 16 Female 38 YB 
189 357 Tim ROBINSON 01:54:56 Ages 50 – 59 38 Male 150 SB 
206 376 Alison SHELLEY 01:57:42 Ages 50 – 59 7 Female 47 PB 
211 241 Nick KLEANTHOUS 01:58:10 Ages 50 – 59 41 Male 163 New 
218 411 Wendy THARANI 01:58:26 Ages 40 – 49 20 Female 50 SB 
219 50 Jim BROWN 01:58:27 Ages 60 – 69 9 Male 169  
222 118 Robert EVANS 01:58:37 Ages 40 – 49 59 Male 170 SB 
243 419 Ann TRYSSESOONE 02:01:30 Ages 50 – 59 8 Female 59 YB 
244 62 Chloe CHAPMAN 02:02:15 Ages 20 – 39 20 Female 60 PB 
254 437 Kerstin WEINER 02:04:30 Ages 50 – 59 9 Female 67 SB 
257 406 Jon SYPULA 02:05:10 Ages 40 – 49 66 Male 189 SB 
259 12 Nicola ANDERSSON 02:05:23 Ages 50 – 59 11 Female 70 PB 
270 323 Carol PAUL 02:07:41 Ages 50 – 59 13 Female 75 SB 
288 367 Chris SAUNDERS 02:13:02 Ages 20 – 39 59 Male 207 New 
309 202 Paul HOLGATE 02:23:16 Ages 60 – 69 15 Male 216 SB 
312 362 Gerry ROSEN 02:27:19 Ages 50 – 59 60 Male 218 SB 
313 458 Robert WRIGHT 02:27:19 Ages 20 – 39 62 Male 219  
320 378 Karl SHREEVE 02:32:46 Ages 50 – 59 62 Male 223 SB 
334 444 Jane WHITROW 03:17:05 Ages 50 – 59 22 Female 109 SB 
335 36 Steph BIGGAR 03:17:09 Ages 40 – 49 49 Female 110  
336 107 Nichola DURENT 03:17:10 Ages 40 – 49 50 Female 111 New 
337 236 Judy KING 03:18:39 Ages 50 – 59 23 Female 112 New 

Chip times were not available at the time of writing. 

Spartans at parkrun   

Stevenage parkrun 

A total of 291 runners took part including 21 Spartans. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
5 4 Grant RAMSAY 00:19:06 
21 20 Andrew MCGUINNESS 00:21:53 
68 59 James MCSWEENEY 00:24:33 
80 68 Darren EMMERSON 00:25:04 
118 21 Fiona CLARKE 00:27:11 
127 101 Ken JUDE 00:27:37 
156 117 Matt CLARKE 00:28:57 
159 37 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:29:00 
169 41 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:36 
175 128 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:30:10 
176 44 Gail MACKIE 00:30:14 
177 45 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 00:30:17 
180 47 Catherine CRAIG 00:30:29 
190 131 Jim BROWN 00:30:55 
191 54 Penny SCHENKEL 00:30:56 
201 60 Tracy HAYGARTH 00:31:54 
210 66 Karen PALMER 00:32:55 
215 69 Beth FOLEY 00:33:43 
226 142 Stephen SMITHSON 00:34:37 
289 113 Helen HARRIS 00:53:51 
290 166 Roger BIGGS 00:59:19 

Plymvalley parkrun 

A total of 110 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
9 8 Kieran FEETHAM 00:23:18 

Southsea parkrun 

A total of 357 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
86 76 Graham HOARE 00:23:29 

Brockenhurst parkrun 

A total of 138 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
138 62 Darryl STEVENS 00:45:09 

Panshanger parkrun 

A total of 247 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
34 32 Mark GOODWIN 00:23:43 

Cassiobury parkrun 

A total of 407 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
77 7 Eva RAMSEY 00:23:21 

Letchworth parkrun 

A total of 97 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
17 2 Yuko GORDON 00:23:50 

Squerryes Winery parkrun (Westerham) 

A total of 86 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time   
84 47 Peter CARPENTER 00:44:19 

  

Categories
Club News Race Results

YUKO A WINNER AT SAFFRON WALDEN

The Remembrance Runs were held at Debden Airfield near Saffron Walden around the perimeter of the airfield.  The airfield is in remote rural countryside in Essex and it was a challenging drive to get there. 

The course was flat, mainly dry and the surface was concrete and tarmac.  Five Spartans joined the run, Jonathan Jones, Paul Shelley, David Pattman, Dzenana Topic and Yuko Gordon.   

Yuko Gordon running the 5K finished first in her age category with 22 minutes 25 seconds  The other four Spartans ran the 10K.  Paul was sixth overall and second man 50 plus in 39 minutes 21 seconds.  David came in with 49:27, Jonathan 1:01:16 and Dzenana 1.04.55 

The Stevenage Half is this Sunday, 21st November. 

The Stevenage Half Marathon is this Sunday and it’s full but you can turn out to cheer on the hundreds of runners on 21st November.  The race starts at 10am and is two laps of the course noted in the picture below. 

Choose your favourite spot to cheer on the runners! 

Escape From Meriden, the Centre of England  

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI has escaped from Meriden.  Starting from the stone cross in Meriden which marks the traditional centre of England, he was given a bright orange boiler suit, and 24 hours to ‘escape’ from Meriden – to get as far as one can, as the crow flies.  Adrian wound up at Heathrow Airport; quite a way short of his target, but nonetheless a novel self-supported run along a mix of roads, towpaths and trails for 100+ miles.  The canal sections were a highlight, along with various cries of “what the **** is he wearing” in Coventry city centre (the orange boiler suit was a hit!)  

Adrian looking extremely happy in his boiler suit!

Alton Towers 

FIONA, MATT, ETHAN and TALA CLARKE had a great family weekend at Alton Towers.  On Saturday they all did the 10K race. 

The lead up to the race was a bit messy but once they got going it was a fun race, passing all the major attractions through the theme park. 

The entry fee got them a medal, a t-shirt and park entry for the rest of the day.  Great value if like them you enjoy running and rollercoasters.  Best of all said Fiona it was easy to get the kids involved. 

Someone recognised their Spartan vests and acknowledged that they were a long way from Stevenage.  It was lovely to get a shout out 130 miles from home. 

Ethan and Tala both finished with new personals bests (PBs) – Tala with 57 minutes 40 seconds and Ethan with 1:06:59.  Tala was 619th and Matt 621st in 57:41.  Ethan was 1,107th and Fiona 1,110th in 1:07:03.  Fiona added it was so good to have this shared experience. 

On Sunday Matt ran the half marathon in 1 hour 49 minutes 37 seconds and was 395th out of the 1,865 finishers. 

The Clarke family enjoying their adventure at Alton Towers.

Blesma 11K 

CAROLYN LINSELL should have been running the BLESMA 11k Remembrance Day virtual event with NICOLA ANDERSSON. 

However due to her little ‘misadventure’ last Sunday she could no longer take part.  KAREN ELLIS very kindly took her place and ran with Nicola.  Carolyn met them at the start for two minutes silence and to cheer them on. 

Carolyn’s son pushed her in the wheelchair to the football ground side of the park and then she hobbled on her crutches all the way back to the start point.  The girls caught her right near the end so they finished together!  

Well done ladies! Happy smiles all round and we wouldn’t expect to see anything less!

The Last Fly 

The last Fly 5K in the current series will be the 80th on Saturday 20th November.  This virtual free run anywhere event on a Saturday morning helped to get a lot of people through lockdown when all in person events were cancelled.  More than 15,000 Fly 5K runs have been recorded since the series was launched.  There will be a Christmas edition and a real reunion in 2022. 

In the penultimate and 79th Fly 5K JIM BROWN was second in his age group and 25th overall in 26 minutes 31 seconds; NICK KLEANTHOUS was just behind at 26th in 26:33 and NICOLA ANDERSSON 48th in 27:15. 

Nick and Jim ‘flying’ round their Fly 5K at Stevenage Parkrun.

Parkrun Highlights 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, Grant Ramsay grabs a top five finish and Ashley Schoenwetter was first female home at Stevenage. 

Stevenage Parkrun Results where 283 runners including 17 Spartans took part.  GRANT RAMSAY 19 minutes 18 seconds (4th), TOBY ECCLESHALL 22:04 (20th), ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER 22:43 (33rd), JAMES McSWEENEY 24:45 (65th), SUSAN McANENY 25:34 (84th), GRACE COVENTRY 25:47 (88th); JIM BROWN, first in age group with  26:31 (105th), NICK KLEANTHOUS 26:33 (106th), MARK BEASLEY 26:43 (110th), NICOLA ANDERSSON 27:15 (121st), GAIL MACKIE 27:19 (123rd), CATHY CRAIG 30:39 (173rd), TRACY HAYGARTH 31:02 (179th), BETH FOLEY 33:10 (210th), SALLY PHILLIPS 33:50 (217th), ROGER BIGGS 57:37 (280th), HELEN HARRIS, the volunteer tailwalker 61:01 (283rd). 

Away days: 

Brockenhurst (Dorset): Darryl Stevens 47-56 (133rd out of 133 runners) 

Gunpowder (North London): Paul Jennings 31-40 (101st out of 152 runners). 

Letchworth (Hertfordshire): John Harris 21-46 (11th out of 108 runners), Georgie Hooper 29-23 (67th), Nick Gill 29-24 (68th).  

Panshanger (Hertfordshire): Mike Reynolds 27-31 (95th out of 229 runners). 

Squerryes Winery (Kent): Peter Carpenter 44-46 (90th out of 98 runners). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

ROBERT AND VICKY WIN 10 AND 5 MILE RACES

Fairlands Valley Spartans woke up to sunshine but a moderate breeze from the west for their Bryan Moore Shield and Paul Maguire Memorial 10 and 5 mile handicap road race events in Stevenage on Sunday morning. 

48 Spartans took part.  28 in the 10 and 20 in the five mile race.  21 women recorded a time.  There were some close finishes between people who may have started more than half an hour apart. 

ROBERT EVANS beat his handicap time by a substantial 6 minutes 36 seconds to win the 10 mile Bryan Moore event just 18 seconds ahead of his nearest rival with a net time of 1 hour 30 minutes 24 seconds.   

In the five mile race VICKY ARCHER beat her handicap by 2 minutes 14 seconds to win the Paul Maguire trophy.  She beat second placed PAUL SHELLEY by just 28 seconds.  Vicky completed her run in 45 minutes 46 seconds. 

In the ten CHARLIE WHITE came in second with a 6:18 improvement and a total time of 68 minutes 42 seconds.  Two others were less than two minutes behind – ANDREW PATTERSON with a fantastic time of 55 minutes 33 seconds, the fastest on the day and an improvement of 5 minutes 27 seconds, 1 minute 9 seconds behind the winner and JIM BROWN improving by 4:41 to 1:26:19 and 1:55 behind Robert. 

KELLY EVANS was first woman in the ten and eighth overall.  She improved by 1 minute 18 seconds to 1:31:12.  TRACY PEZ was second female and tenth overall almost matching her handicap time of 1:22:30 with 1:22:27.  SUZY HAWKINS was third and 14th overall but went round in a rapid 1 hour 11 minutes 21 seconds. 

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

First Ten in Ten – Bryan Moore Shield 

Position Name 1st lap 2nd lap Total Behind Winner 
1 ROBERT EVANS 45:01 45:23 1:30:24 Zero 
2 CHARLIE WHITE 35:28 33:14 1:08:42 @ 18 seconds 
3 ANDREW PATTERSON 27:48 27:45 55:33 @ 1:09 
4 JIM BROWN 42:52 43:27 1:26:19 @ 1:55 
5 ADRIAN DONNELLY 32:32 34:59 1:07:31 @ 2:07 
6 SIMON JACKSON 28:14 29:02 57:16 @ 2:52 
7 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 30:00 31:10 1:01:10 @ 4:16 
8. KELLY EVANS (1st F) 46:46 44:26 1:31:12 @ 5:18 
9. JON SYPULA 46:27 46:36 1:33:03 @ 6:19 
10. TRACY PEZ (2nd F) 41:50 40:37 1:22:27 @ 6:43 
14. SUZY HAWKINS (3rd F) 35:23 35:58 1:11:21 @ 7:57 

Paul Shelley’s time in the five was 32 minutes 14 seconds.  Three others were less than a minute behind the winner – THOMAS SAUKA at 36 seconds with 36:52; STUART ARCHER at 42 seconds in 32:28 and STEVE MAYFIELD at 58 seconds in 38:44. 

ALISON SHELLEY was second woman and seventh to finish.  She was 2 minutes 17 seconds behind the winner in 41:03.  The third woman and tenth overall was PENNY SCHENKEL at 3:03 with 48 minutes 19 seconds. 

First Ten in Five – Paul Maguire Memorial Five 

Position Name Time Behind Winner Comments 
1. VICKY ARCHER (1st F) 45:46 Zero 1st woman 
2. PAUL SHELLEY 32:14 @ 28 seconds  
3. THOMAS SAUKA 36:52 @ 36 seconds  
4. STUART ARCHER 32:28 @ 42 seconds  
5. STEVE MAYFIELD 38:44 @ 58 seconds  
6. BARRY OSBORNE 35:31 @ 1:15  
7. ALISON SHELLEY (2nd F) 41:03 @ 2:17 2nd woman 
8. VISHAL SHAH 46:11 @ 2:25  
9. MICHAEL O’KEEFE 47:35 @ 2:49  
10. PENNY SCHENKEL (3rd F) 48:19 @ 3:03 3rd woman 

In handicap events estimated times are based on recent performances.  The slowest runners start first with others following at intervals that should, in theory, get everyone over the finish line together.  First over the line, the best improver, is the winner even if they weren’t the fastest in the race. 

This is not an easy event to organise.  A huge thanks to STEFFAN FORD and the event team for making it happen.  And it raised hundreds of pounds for Feed Up, Warm Up. 

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

Chilly looking Spartans at the end of the Handicap races – The sun shone and the wind even helped drive them up the hills!

Here Comes The Stevenage Half!  It’s on 21st November 

The Stevenage Half Marathon is almost full.   

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open but going fast!  To secure your place please follow this link to enter Stevenage Half Marathon 

Fast Parr At Dorney Lake 

JONATHAN PARR came second at the Dorney Lake 5K Sunday morning with a time of 16 minutes 20 seconds. 

The Last Fly 

The last Fly 5K in the current series will be the 80th on Saturday 20th November.  This virtual free run anywhere event on a Saturday morning helped to get a lot of people through lockdown when all events were cancelled.  More than 15,000 Fly 5K runs have been recorded since the series was launched.  There will be a Christmas edition and a real reunion in 2022. 

This time JIM BROWN was third in his age category with 26 minutes 43 seconds.  Wonder how many people will register with Fly 5K and run on the 20th. 

Knebworth House 

Five Spartans were at the Knebworth House events.   

Luke casually showing us all how a PB is achieved!

ROBERT WRIGHT; LUKE GURNEY, MARK WILLIAMS and new member TONY RANDFIELD ran the Hertfordshire Half Marathon.  Tony was 80th out of the 1,065 runners with a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 35 minutes 54 seconds.  He was second man 60 plus.  Robert was 190th in a new course best 1 hour 43 minutes 55 seconds and Luke was 477th in a new PB of 1:56:08.  Mark Williams ran round the half at what he called a gentle pace for 1:58:46 and was 559th but then he had run the Thames Meander Marathon the previous day, Saturday, which he finished in a new personal best of 3 hours 46 minutes 1 second.   

JANE McFARLANE was encouraging friends new to running and ran the 10K in 68 minutes 20 seconds.  The Stevenage Half Marathon is on Sunday 21st November. 

Tony and Robert proudly showing off their medals after both getting a PB!

Parkrun Highlights  

On Spartan stripey Saturday, the first Saturday of November, thirty Fairlands Valley Spartans ventured out to represent their club at Parkrun events around the country. 

EVA RAMSEY was the first female to finish the Stevenage course in 22 minutes and 42 seconds, closely followed by ASHLEY JOHNSON, running her second Parkrun, who was the fourth in a time of 23 minutes and 2 seconds. ANDREW MCGUINNESS was the fastest of the 23 Spartans, finishing in 22 minutes and 18 seconds. 

Continuing the trend, in Letchworth GEORGIE HOOPER was the third female to finish with a time of 26 minutes and 22 seconds.  A Top 20 finish was also recorded by TIM SABAN in 23 minutes and 48 seconds on the Bideford course (19th male). 

CATHY CRAIG did the Brockenhurst parkrun, a New Forest trail which is described as undulating. Although there were lots of horses hanging around at the start, luckily none were actually on the gravel path route. Since she was on my holidays, she just walked up the hills, and finished first in her age group in 32 minutes exactly. 

(You can find all the Spartan parkrun times near the end of this release). 

Tables 

Spartans at parkrun on Saturday 6th November: 

  Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time 
Stevenage parkrun 30 29 Andrew MCGUINNESS 00:22:18 
  35 1 Eva RAMSEY 00:22:42 
  45 4 Ashley JOHNSON 00:23:03 
  54 48 Martin DUDLEY 00:23:46 
  71 59 Lee PICKERSGILL 00:24:53 
  75 63 Tim ROBINSON 00:25:09 
  76 64 David PATTMAN 00:25:11 
  87 73 Chris SAUNDERS 00:25:49 
  90 75 Danik BATES 00:25:54 
  94 79 James SOUTH 00:26:11 
  106 86 Jim BROWN 00:26:44 
  108 87 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:26:51 
  110 89 Mark BEASLEY 00:26:54 
  119 25 Fiona CLARKE 00:27:14 
  120 94 Matt CLARKE 00:27:14 
  127 96 Barry OSBORNE 00:27:35 
  139 36 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:27:57 
  179 125 Paul JENNINGS 00:29:32 
  199 63 Caroline CROFT 00:30:59 
  201 64 Debbie BLANTERN 00:31:04 
  233 85 Theresa KEAST 00:32:49 
  237 88 Beth FOLEY 00:33:03 
  304 129 Helen HARRIS 01:03:44 
          
Houghton Hall parkrun 79 56 Michael O’KEEFE 00:28:33 
          
Brockenhurst parkrun 118 31 Catherine CRAIG 00:32:00 
          
Pomphrey Hill parkrun 230 134 Darryl STEVENS 00:40:29 
          
Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun 183 136 Edward HARE 00:27:53 
          
Bideford parkrun 21 19 Tim SABAN 00:23:48 
          
Letchworth parkrun 24 3 Georgie HOOPER 00:26:22 
  25 21 Nick GILL 00:26:22 
Categories
Club News Race Results

BRUTAL BALDOCK BEAST

Baldock Beast Half Marathon 

It was brutal for the beast on Sunday.  Fairlands Valley Spartans NEIL ROBINSON, KAREN ELLIS, TIM ROBINSON, MICHAEL O’KEEFE, TRISH HOPPER and KAREN LIDDLE ran the Baldock Beast half marathon. 

Weather conditions were terrible with a yellow warning issue by the Met office, the organisers were considering cancelling the event but the forecast was for it to clear at around 11am and with five minutes to go, the runners were called to the start line. 

The first mile and a half are up hill and the runners were exposed to horizontal rain and high winds, with ankle deep water, but once over the brow of the hill and into Wallington the conditions improved and running was easier. 

Tim still had the Beachy Head Marathon in his legs and adopted a strategy of walking up the steep hills. 

The last couple of miles the sun came out and the rain stopped but the wind still made running very difficult. 

Tim said it was another superbly organised event by local runners. 

Neil Robinson was first back for the Spartans with 1 hour 58 minutes 58 seconds.  The first female from Fairlands was Karen Ellis in 2:05:23.  Tim Robinson came in with 2:07:35 and Michael O’Keefe with 2:20:28.  Tricia Hopper and Karen Liddle finished together in 2:31:47 and 2:31:48.  Not a race for personal bests! 

     
Place Name Category Chip Time Grading 
     
119 NEIL ROBINSON MV40 1:58:58 51.60 
150 KAREN ELLIS FV45 2:05:23 60.75 
160 TIM ROBINSON MV50 2:07:35 52.38 
191 MICHAEL O’KEEFE MV50 2:20:28 49.67 
211 TRICIA HOPPER FV45 2:31:47 50.75 
212 KAREN LIDDLE FV55+ 2:31:48 55.85 
Baldock Beast Half results

Lulworth Cove Marathon – and a bit 

“Actually the hardest things I’ve ever done” said WENDY THARANI about Sunday’s Lulworth Cove Marathon.  This was off road either going steeply uphill or steeply downhill for almost 30 miles.  She said there was typical coastal changeable weather weather but some lovely sunshine and stunning scenery including Lulworth’s Cove and Durdle Door.  Wendy completed the 29.41 miles in 8 hours 58 minutes 20 seconds. 

Amazing Wendy at Lulworth Cove!

Serpentine  

There were two Spartans at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. 

Spartan YUKO GORDON scored the highest age graded score in the race 94.2% with 22 minutes 25 seconds. 

The fastest woman raced round in 18:28.  She was an FV50 but that ONLY scored 93.5%. 

The fastest man went round in 15:26 but that was only good enough for 85.5%. 

The Last Friday 5K can be an amazing event at the top end but also a great way to spend a Friday lunch-time.  Of course several went for coffee in the Serpentine Kitchen afterwards. 

Conditions were described by the organisers as mild, dry but wet underfoot and windy. 

Compared with recently JIM BROWN made a marginal gain of seven seconds to finish with 26 minutes 44 seconds.  A bit disappointing but his quickest “real” 5K for a long time (real in the sense of an accurately measured and properly timed race with other people). 

Position Name Time Comments 
75 YUKO GORDON 22:25 Best age graded 
115 JIM BROWN 26:44 Seven second improvement 

Two Weeks To Go!  Here Comes The Stevenage Half!  It’s on 21st November. 

Inspired by the London and Manchester Marathons?  Now you can be one of hundreds running in Stevenage on Sunday 21st November as entries for the town’s half marathon are open.  This year the race is a couple of weeks later than usual.   

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open but are going fast!  To make sure that you secure your place visit the following link to enter the race!  Go to https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/   

This years medal is awesome!

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 30th October 2021 

Twenty two Spartans headed out to run at seven different Parkrun venues on Saturday. 

Congratulations to JONATHAN PARR who came first at Stevenage with a time of 17 minutes 7 seconds. This was Jonathan’s 16th win.  He is currently at third place for the most first place finishes at Stevenage. 

There were four other top ten gender positions this week with GRANT RAMSAY third (19:20, Stevenage), KELLY EVANS 6th (26:34, Erddig, near Wrexham), DAVID PATTMAN 10th (19:58, Gunpowder, Waltham Abbey) and GAIL MACKIE 10th (26:30 , Stevenage).There were no official Parkrun milestones this week but MONICA SMITHSON and BETH FOLEY have both reached an unofficial milestone of 40 Parkruns at Stevenage.Well done and congratulations to all.(You can find all the Spartan parkrun times near the end of this release). 

The rain doesn’t stop play at Stevenage Parkrun.

Tables    

Spartans at parkrun on Saturday 30th October: 

Position Gender position   Time Comments 
Stevenage parkrun         
1 1 Jonathan PARR 17:07   
3 3 Grant RAMSAY 19:20   
17 17 Thomas SAUKA 21:38   
28 28 Toby ECCLESHALL 23:06   
35 33 Andrew MCGUINNESS 23:37   
78 10 Gail MACKIE 26:30   
79 11 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 26:30   
111 87 Nick KLEANTHOUS 28:41   
140 31 Monica SMITHSON 30:15 40th 
154 39 Caroline CROFT 31:28   
178 53 Beth FOLEY 34:07 40th 
Gunpowder parkrun         
11 10 David PATTMAN 19:58   
74 22 Nicola PATTMAN 28:16   
Houghton Hall parkrun         
73 51 Michael O’KEEFE 28:36   
Erddig parkrun (Wrexham)         
46 6 Kelly EVANS 26:34   
Higginson parkrun, Marlow         
76 20 Tracy HAYGARTH 33:34   
The Great Field parkrun         
336 174 Darryl STEVENS 41:26   
Westmill parkrun         
19 16 Andy JAY 25:37   
Ferry Meadows parkrun         
75 61 Steve WELLS 23:44   
Categories
Club News Race Results

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON

On Saturday 23rd October, Fairlands Valley Spartans TIM ROBINSON and ROBERT WRIGHT ran the Beachy Head Marathon.  They were joined by Tony Randfield who is one of the Stevenage parkrun event directors.

Due to heavy flooding in the Alfriston area, the course was modified to be two laps of the half marathon course.  This gave the trio an ideal opportunity to examine the course on fairly fresh legs before the hills made their full effects felt.

The first lap was taken at an easy pace and the 15 miles were covered in three hours.  This included four of the Seven Sisters.  A long down hill between 4.4 miles and 8 miles could only mean one thing, all the serious hill work would be between 8 and 12 miles, even worse as it would be two laps, the last four miles were going to be tough.  But confident they could finish in well under their 6 hour target, the three continued to eat into the mileage with tales of their previous marathons.

Sausage rolls were served at 18 miles, and a steep hill shortly after gave some time to recover and consume the rolls before the long downhill section.

The last four miles were tough, but all three stuck together and the gathering clouds threatening rain, cleared.  In the final downhill section, the finish line band could be heard playing Sweet Caroline, and there was just enough energy to join in singing the chorus as all three crossed the line together in 5 hours 26 minutes 55 seconds (5:26:55).

The 2850ft of elevation gain was obviously not enough for the day and Robert and Tony then ran round the school field to make up their Garmin distance to 26.2 miles.  Robert could now claim his New York marathon virtual marathon which had to be run the same day.

Jonathan Wins At EMAC 5K

Two Spartans ran in the EMAC 5K championship which was around Willen Lake in Milton Keynes on Saturday.  12 degrees with a chilly wind made for some fast times with the winner crossing the line in 15:51.  JONATHAN PARR was third overall and first man over 35 (M35) in 16 minutes 16 seconds.  PAUL HOLGATE finished 47th of the 48 finishers in his fastest time of his last 17 5K races, 28:41, 1:29 quicker than his Stevenage Parkrun time earlier in the day and 54 seconds faster than his previous season best time.

EMAC run competitions for veteran athletes in the East of England.

Cross Country Teams

Cross Country teams.  Numbers were down a bit due to so many Spartans being distracted by other races which had been rescheduled from earlier in the year due to the pandemic but the club finished mid-table in the first race.  The team results were published after the individual scores.

In the combined scores the Spartans were tenth out of the 19 qualifying clubs with 1,024 points, only just behind East London runners with 1,002.  The women were 12th and the men tenth.  The Spartan female and male veterans were both ninth.  There were 395 finishers giving an average of 21 per club.   Fairlands Valley had 27.

The Spartan men’s “A” team included five who were in the top one hundred overall.  They were JONATHAN PARR eleventh who raced around the just under five miles event in 28 minutes 48 seconds, ADRIAN BUSOLINI (25th in 30:31); STEVE WELLS (81st in 32:53); DANNY SCANLON (88th in 33:18); and GRANT RAMSAY (98th in 33:41).  The men’s “A” team of eight was completed by JOHN HARRIS (36:04); TOM SAUKA (37:03) and TOBY ECCLESHALL (37:50).

It was teams of five for the women’s race and the Spartans “A” team were CHRISTINE LATHWELL (10th woman in 32:30); TRACEY JACKSON (38:19); WENDY THARANI (43:38); NICOLA ANDERSSON (45:06) and PENNY SCHENKEL (47:47)

The next cross country league race will be in Trent Park, North London on Sunday 12th December.

Parkrun Highlights for Saturday 23rd October 2021

There were plenty of personal bests (PBs) this weekend for Spartans at parkrun.

ANDY JAY ran a new PB in Teignmouth (22:48) in his fifth run there.  At Fareham, MIKE REYNOLDS clocked a new PB of 22:27 in his second run there.

MICHAEL O’KEEFE ran at Houghton Hall and ran a PB of (27:42) on his 8th run there.  DAVID PATTMAN was at Gunpowder registering a new PB of 22:07 at his 101th parkrun and third run at that venue.

In Stevenage, there were PBs for JACKIE DOWNES (26:25) and VICKY ARCHER (28:34).  FIONA CLARKE was at Dudley parkrun (26:42) and regular tourist DARRYL STEVENS was a first timer at the birthplace of parkrun in Bushy (41:12).

ASHLEY JOHNSON is one of the very few Spartans to have raced outside the UK in the last 18 months.  She ran the Amsterdam Bos parkrun in 22 minutes 14 seconds.  She was second woman and ninth overall in her first ever parkrun.  Ashley said it was beautiful but cold.  A great course.

 Position  Gender Position  ParkrunnerRun Time  
Bushy1016580Darryl STEVENS00:41:12
Dudley569Fiona CLARKE00:26:32
Stevenage76Grant RAMSAY00:18:55
Stevenage4238Toby ECCLESHALL00:22:20
Stevenage7064Martin DUDLEY00:23:56
Stevenage9985Danik BATES00:25:25
Stevenage11196Mark BEASLEY00:25:46
Stevenage11816Ashley SCHOENWETTER00:25:59
Stevenage11917Gail MACKIE00:26:00
Stevenage13319Jackie DOWNES00:26:25
Stevenage136113Nick KLEANTHOUS00:26:33
Stevenage139115Darren EMMERSON00:26:36
Stevenage143117Jim BROWN00:26:41
Stevenage15427Jenny GARRETT00:27:05
Stevenage16330Chloe CHAPMAN00:27:30
Stevenage17235Penny SCHENKEL00:28:19
Stevenage17737Vicky ARCHER00:28:34
Stevenage17838Claire EMMERSON00:28:34
Stevenage211155Paul HOLGATE00:30:10
Stevenage25573Theresa KEAST00:32:18
Stevenage27385Beth FOLEY00:33:16
Stevenage325125Helen HARRIS00:55:42
Teignmouth Promenade 2531Andy Jay00:22:48
Fareham2827Mike Reynolds00:22:27
Houghton Hall 8567Michael O’Keefe00:27:42
Gunpowder2420David Pattman00:22:07

Categories
Club News Race Results

CROSS COUNTRY IS BACK !

 

Cross Country is back and despite many other races elsewhere 27 Spartans, 15 men and 12 women, ran the first Sunday League fixture of 2021 at Cheshunt on Sunday morning.  A little bit of rain loosened up what is usually a very dry event at the start of the season. 

The fastest Spartan, eleventh of about 400 runners, was JONATHAN PARR who raced around the just under five miles event in 28 minutes 48 seconds.  Four other Spartans were in the top one hundred overall.  They were ADRIAN BUSOLINI (25th in 30:31); STEVE WELLS (81st in 32:53); DANNY SCANLON (88th in 33:18); and GRANT RAMSAY (98th in 33:41).  The men’s “A” team of eight was completed by JOHN HARRIS (36:04); TOM SAUKA (37:03) and TOBY ECCLESHALL (37:50). 

It was teams of five for the women’s race and the Spartans “A” team were CHRISTINE LATHWELL (32:30); TRACEY JACKSON (38:19); WENDY THARANI (43:44); NICOLA ANDERSSON (45:06) and PENNY SCHENKEL (47:47). 

FVS men at cross country (teams of eight): 

Overall Position Name Time Comments 
11 JON PARR 28:48 A team 
25 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 30:31 A team 
81 STEVE WELLS 32:53 A team 
88 DANNY SCANLON 33:18 A team 
98 GRANT RAMSAY 33:41 A team 
145 JOHN HARRIS 36:04 A team 
164 TOM SAUKA 37:03 A team 
178 TOBY ECCLESHALL 37:50 A team 
213 DAVE PATTMAN 39:35  
214 STEVE DOBNER 39:36  
290 ANDY JAY 43:19  
303 NICK KLEANTHOUS 44:26  
336 JIM BROWN 47:36  
351 KEN JUDE 48:29  
368 SIMON SYPULA 51:30*  
Steve and Dave enjoying the mud!

FVS women at cross country (teams of five): 

Overall Position Name Time Comments 
74 CHRISTINE LATHWELL 32:30 A team 
195 TRACEY JACKSON 38:19 A team 
293 WENDY THARANI 43:44 A team 
309 NICHOLA ANDERSSON 45:06 A team 
341 PENNY SCHENKEL 47:47 A team 
371 CATHY CRAIG 53:19 B team 
375 SHARON CROWLEY 54:33 B team 
384 CALLIE CHAPMAN 57:11 B team 
385 KAREN ELLIS 57:11 B team 
386 HAZEL SMITH 57:11 B team 
387 BETH FOLEY 57:11  
390 JANE WHITROW 59:27  
Callie, Hazel & Karen are all smiles as usual!
  • The next cross country league race will be in Trent Park, North London on Sunday 12th December. 

Chelmsford Marathon 

PETE SMITH said the Chelmsford Marathon was a well organised race, great marshals (like ours) a touch undulating and with a few tight turns, but generally a good course.  Pete was well happy with his 3 hours 26 minutes 24 seconds.  MARIE COLUCCI just wanted to get round but got a brilliant 4:03:10. 

Marie & Pete both ran a fabulous marathon!

Paris Marathon 

JOHN NELMS travelled to Paris to run his 102nd lifetime marathon and his 16th and probably last of 2021. 

Hot, sunny and surprisingly humid conditions slowed the times and he finished in a comfortable 4 hours 19 minutes.  A beautiful course passing most of the famous Parisian sights and a VIP tent at the finish line (thank you Tom Robinson ) 
 

Bedford Autodrome 

STUART ARCHER ran Bedford Autodrome on Sunday.  He did the half marathon distance in 1:29:15, under one and a half hours.  He said that it was a breezy course but he enjoyed it and even got a picture with the Stig afterwards. 

Stuart was all smiles after meeting The Stig!

Oxford Half 

Spartan RICHARD COWLISHAW completed the Oxford Half on Sunday in 1 hour 33 minutes and 32 seconds.  That’s his fastest ever competitive half marathon.  He was 491st out of 12932 runners. 

Richard said, “This is one of the best half marathons I have run.  It was flat, perfect weather, great crowds and a good wide route, with a park run towards the end.  I would recommend this event to anyone.” 

Cambridge Half 

CAROLYN LINSELL ran the Cambridge Half Marathon in 2 hours 26 minutes 12 seconds.  Carolyn said, “On Sunday I ran my fourth Cambridge Half Marathon with my friend Hannah Morgan Gray (we ran the virtual VLM – Virtual London Marathon together  two weeks ago).  We were going well when Hannah felt a niggle in her ankle/foot & we had to slow right down & she had to walk several times.  I kept running & zig zagging as I promised we would run this together & I would not leave her.” 

Great South Run 

JENNY GARRETT ran the Great South Run ten miles event in 1 hour 31 minutes 33 seconds. 

She said there were perfect running conditions on Sunday with lots of support around the whole course and it was nice to be out showing off the Spartan stripes.  ED HARE finished in 1 hour 26 minutes 17 seconds and JONATHAN JONES in 2:00:51. 

Inspired by the London and Manchester Marathons?  Here Comes The Stevenage Half! 

Inspired by the London and Manchester Marathons?  Now you can be one of hundreds running in Stevenage on Sunday 21st November as entries for the town’s half marathon are open. 

With only five weeks to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual). 

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  Go to https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/  This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021.   

Parkrun report for Saturday 9th October 2021 

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, SUZY HAWKINS just missed out on a sub-20 minute at Stevenage and was second female to finish (finishing eight seconds behind the first female runner). 

Stevenage Parkrun Results where 327 runners took part.  SUZY HAWKINS 20-05 (8th), ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER 22-14 (24th and 4th female), CRAIG BACON 23-38 (47th), MARTIN DUDLEY 23-48 (51st), HAZEL SMITH 24-22 (63rd), DANIK BATES 25-14 (83rd and with a buggy), MATT CLARKE 26-46 (126th), NICK KLEANTHOUS 27-34 (137th), JIM BROWN 28-01 (141st), PENNY SCHENKEL 28-11 (142nd), TOBY ECCLESHALL 28-35 (150th), CHLOE CHAPMAN 28-42 (155th), ERICA GRAYSON 29-13 (172nd), JO BOWDERY 29-18 (176th), STEVE SMITHSON 29-34 (184th), PAUL JENNINGS 30-16 (195th), TRACEY HAYGRATH 31-34 (231st), CAROLINE CROFT 31-41 (237th) and BETH FOLEY 33-53 (266th).  

Parkrun Away days:  

Gunpowder (Waltham Abbey): STEVEN DOBNER 23-34 (40th out of 152 runners), DAVID PATTMAN 23-34 (41st).  

Letchworth (Hertfordshire): NICK GILL 21-48 (12th out of 94 runners), GEORGIE HOOPER 26-01 (38th). 

Panshanger (Hertford): MIKE REYNOLDS 25-06 (62nd out of 207 runners).  

Rushmere (Bedfordshire): MICHAEL O’KEEFE 29-31 (73rd out of 141 runners).  

Rutland Water (Rutland): DARRYL STEVENS 41-39 (210th). 

Categories
Club News Race Results

MAGNIFICENT MANCHESTER

Eight Spartans In Manchester!  Entries are open for our own Stevenage Half Marathon! 

Eight Spartans excelled themselves by finishing the Manchester Marathon on Sunday. 

For PAUL and ALISON SHELLEY it was their second ever marathon.  It was warmer than they’d expected it to be and they both gave it their all.  Paul improved his personal best by 14 minutes and finished in 3 hours 13 minutes 36 seconds.  He was 1,098 out of the 9,473 men and 61st out of 929 men aged 50 plus.  Alison took 23 minutes off her personal best (PB) with 4 hours 13 minutes 16 seconds and was 84th out of the 415 women aged 50 plus. 

MATT CLARKE was pleased to get under four hours, 3:58:01, despite disruptions to his preparation.  For FIONA CLARKE it was an emotional run but she completed her target of three marathons this year with 4 hours 52 minutes 21 seconds.  Fiona was raising money for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust.  She said that for her it was an ugly race, very scrappy, the hardest of the three but she did it! 

WENDY THARANI ran the London Marathon only a week earlier but she still finished Manchester in 4 hours 38 minutes 55 seconds.  DAVID PATTMAN came in with 4:01:07 and STEVEN DOBNER with 4:12:53. 

Wendy and Fiona are all smiles at the Manchester finish line!

For LIZ SMITH it was an experiment to see if her prodigious cycling fitness could get her round a marathon.  It did. She finished with a smile in 5 hours 10 minutes 34 seconds. 

Position Name Time Comments 
1148 PAUL SHELLEY 3:13:36 PB (13 minutes) 
4948 MATT CLARKE 3:58:01  
5366 DAVID PATTMAN 4:01.07  
6476 STEVEN DOBNER 4:12:53  
6527 ALISON SHELLEY 4:13:16 PB (23 minutes) 
9036 WENDY THARANI 4:38:55 Ran London 
10130 FIONA CLARKE 4:52:21 Three Done 
11402 LIZ SMITH 5:10:34  

Metropolis 

On Sunday, ADRIAN BUSOLINI participated in the inaugural running of Metropolis, a story-driven night time ultra experience through central London.  Starting with some properly engaging & atmospheric immersive theatre, runners were given new identities and tasked with completing a range of mandatory and optional missions to help the RUN resistance network.  

Guided by What 3 Words locations, they had to devise optimised route choices on the fly, accounting for factors such as time windows, deadlines, water supply, and the practicalities of navigating around London on a Saturday night; all the while evading ‘The Eyes’ who were trying to hunt us down with the help of GPS tracking. Ultimately we had to connect with a resistance leader to learn of our extraction location, and make it to the rendezvous point before ‘the last transport from Metropolis’. Billed as a 50 kilometres race, Adrian ended up exceeding 75 from targeting a number of the bonus missions. 

The race directors Richard and Mark put a lot of effort into devising this experience, crafting the backstory, preparing the theatrical elements & actor roles, the technological live tracking for the missions, and practicalities of the Eyes hunting participants; down to the details such as the witty mission locations, origami birds, and the extraction location embedded in a fortune cookie. If you fancy a memorable, immersive experience that also happens to involve a fair amount of running, then keep an eye out for what Richand and Mark come up with next. 

Results are yet to be finalised, but according to the current state of the leaderboard I finished in second, somehow… 

Adrian taking on Metropolis

Jonathan Second At Windsor 

Spartan JONATHAN PARR was second at the Windsor Autumn 5K around Dorney Lake in 16 minutes 7 seconds. 

Yuko Is World Champion 

YUKO GORDON from Fairlands Valley Spartans is a marathon world champion.  She won the World Age Group Championships which were incorporated in the London Marathon.  Her time was 3 hours 25 minutes 30 seconds.  She was 6 minutes 54 seconds ahead of her nearest rival Sharon Smith (3:32:24) and 13 minutes 8 seconds ahead of third placed Jeannie Rice from the USA 3:38:380.  

Having cleaned up Yuko went straight back into London for the WANDA age group marathon party. 

(Yuko’s victory was confirmed after last week’s release had been distributed.  Twenty Spartans finished the race). 

Yuko, our very proud World Champion celebrating in style!

Royal Parks Half 

GERRY ROSEN has had a really difficult year with Covid and other issues but he beat his half marathon personal best by seven minutes with 2 hours 35 minutes 30 seconds at the Royal Parks Half Marathon. 

Run With Willow 

Two Spartans CAROLYN LINSELL and JIM BROWN ran the Willow Foundation 10K at Hatfield House on Sunday.  Jim said it was a really relaxed and friendly wind down after the previous week’s London Marathon though he was woken up by a cattle grid at about five kilometres.  Carolyn finished in 55 minutes 26 seconds, her third fastest 10K, and Jim in 58:20.  Carolyn was 39th and Jim 51st out of the 131 runners.  This was a mixed terrain event with the start very close to Hatfield Station. 

Carolyn & Jim at the Willow 10K

Inspired by the London and Manchester Marathons?  Here Comes The Stevenage Half! 

Inspired by the London and Manchester Marathons?  Now you can be one of hundreds running in Stevenage on Sunday 21st November as entries for the town’s half marathon are open. 

With only six weeks to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual). 

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  Go to https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/   

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 9th Oct 2021 

Although many were enjoying an England Athletics track training session at Ridlins or preparing for races the next day a warm October morning saw twenty two Fairlands Valley Spartans attend Parkrun events. 

In Stevenage, CHARLOTTE KEARNEY ran a personal best (PB) time of 29 minutes and 44 secondss, completing the course in the top 40 females.  On her 75th Parkrun outing, GAIL MACKIE finished as the 8th female in 25 mins and 32 secs closely followed by ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER in 25 mins and 33 secs (9th female).  TOBY ECCLESHALL was the first male Spartan to complete the course in 22 minutes and 13 seconds. 

Elsewhere MICHAEL O’KEEFE and JAMES McSWEENY respectively ran the Henlow Bridge Lakes and Hillsborough Forest routes for the first time in 28 mins and 48 secs and 24 mins and 08 secs. 

HELEN HARRIS and JIM BROWN were both running their 60th parkruns. 

(All the Spartans running parkruns on Saturday are included near the end of this release). 

Time To Get Muddy 

The cross country season starts this Sunday 17th October with a Sunday League race at Cheshunt. 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

Spartan Parkrun Results: 

  Position Gender Position Parkrunner Time   
Stevenage parkrun 27 24 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:22:13   
  72 8 Gail MACKIE 00:25:32   
  73 9 Ashley SCHOENWETTER 00:25:33   
  94 81 Jim BROWN 00:26:37   
  97 83 Mark BEASLEY 00:26:43   
  119 96 Matt CLARKE 00:27:47   
  133 24 Nicola ANDERSSON 00:28:31   
  145 112 Paul JENNINGS 00:29:04   
  146 28 Penny SCHENKEL 00:29:08   
  149 31 Fiona CLARKE 00:29:17   
  159 117 Danik BATES 00:29:41   
  160 37 Charlotte KEARNEY 00:29:44 PB! 
  161 38 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:29:44   
  218 62 Theresa KEAST 00:32:58   
  221 65 Beth FOLEY 00:33:15   
  284 102 Helen HARRIS 00:51:01   
  286 163 Roger BIGGS 01:06:49   
            
Wimpole Estate parkrun 233 87 Sally PHILLIPS 00:35:21   
            
Canons Park parkrun 18 15 Tim SABAN 00:22:27   
            
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun 83 66 Michael O’KEEFE 00:28:48   
            
Hillsborough Forest parkrun 22 18 James MCSWEENEY 00:24:08   
      
Westmill parkrun 23 17 Andy JAY 00:26:06   

www.fvspartans.org.uk 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS IN LONDON

Inspired by London?  Now run in Stevenage! 

After an absence of 889 days the massed start London Marathon returned to the streets of London on Sunday and dozens of Fairlands Valley Spartans were there either running or helping as volunteers in the finish area.  The Spartan finish line volunteers were still handing out bags at 6.45p.m! 

Twenty Spartans finished the 26.2 miles race. 

Among them was YUKO GORDON who missed a world record by less than a minute.  Yuko’s time was 3:25:30 and she beat the current world W70 record holder Jeannie Rice (USA) who was also running.  She missed the world record by 43 seconds but she said the London course is not easy particularly from the red start which is hillier.  Having cleaned up Yuko went straight back into London for the marathon party. 

SUZY HAWKINS enjoyed her run.  She set a new record of 3 hours 11 minutes 36 seconds for women over 45 and has qualified for another championship place.  Her mum Eileen said… “This amazing young woman has just completed the London Marathon in 3 hours 11 minutes even though she said she was not fit having completed a ¾ Ironman triathlon two weeks ago and a full Ironman just a few weeks before that.  We are so proud of you.  You are truly awesome Suzy Hawkins.” 

New Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON was delighted to beat her 3 hours 40 minutes target with 3:39:09 in her first “real” marathon.  She ran the virtual London Marathon in the rain last year. 

DANNY SCANLON ran 3 hours 6 minutes 22 seconds in his first ever marathon. 

There was a new personal best (PB) by 23 seconds for HAZEL SMITH with 4 hours 23 minutes 24 seconds.  It’s unusual for a mother and daughter to come out of the same London Marathon ballot but Hazel’s mum CATHY CRAIG went round in 5 hours 40 minutes 21 seconds. 

JIM BROWN also qualified for the Age Group World Championships but after some running setbacks in the last few weeks he adopted a “sensible” get round strategy.  He was determined to get round his twentieth London Marathon. 

ADA JANUSIENE said her first London Marathon was a truly wonderful experience.  She finished in 5 hours 3 minutes 5 seconds. 

Three Spartans beat the three hour barrier – SIMON JACKSON in 2:44:54; ANDREW PATTERSON in 2:47:58 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI in 2:48:52. 

This was a different London Marathon with changed starting and finish arrangements and many entries dating back to 2019 but it was great to see the thousands back to running the usual course from Blackheath, past the Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, around East London, then back passing the Tower of London to finish on the Mall.  All the Spartan runner were extremely grateful to the volunteers, many from running clubs, that worked for many hours to make the event possible. 

ADA JANUSIENE 5.03.05, ADRIAN BUSOLINI 2.48.52, ANDREW PATTERSON 2.47.48, ASHLEY JOHNSON 3.39.09, CATHY CRAIG 5.40.21, DANNY SCANLON 3.06.22, DAVID PRICE 4:38:32 , HAZEL SMITH 4.23.24, JAN FRY 5.49.14, JIM BROWN 4.44.11, JOHN NELMS 4.19.57, JON SYPULA 4.19.20, MARTIN DUDLEY 4.40.50, PAUL JENNINGS 5:32:59, SIMON JACKSON 2.44.54, STUART HAYCROFT 3.01.44, SUE HAMER 4.40.38, SUZY HAWKINS 3.11.36, WENDY THARANI 5.00.22, YUKO GORDON 3.25.30 

(A table of all the Spartan finishers can be found near the end of this release). 

Inspired by the London Marathon?  Here Comes The Stevenage Half! 

Inspired by the London Marathon?  Thousands running round London.  Now you can be one of hundreds running in Stevenage on Sunday 21st November as entries for the town’s half marathon are open. 

With only seven weeks to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual). 

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  Go to https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/   

Dorney Marathon 

Three Spartan ran the Dorney Marathon on Sunday.   

SUSAN and CIARAN McANENY ran Dorney Lakes Marathon together, coming in pretty much bang on the 4 hour mark; 4:00:08.  Annoyingly close to that attractive sub 4 hour for Susan (Ciaran is usually a sub 3 when he’s not keeping his wife company on a course!!) but still a 36 minute PB (personal best) for her! 

It’s well organised and a great spectator course.  They said it was good to see friendly Spartan Ken Jude working there for the event too!  

ROBERT WRIGHT ran the same event in 3 hours 47 minutes 11 seconds. 

Virtual Carolyn and Marian 

CAROLYN LINSELL and MARIAN MORLEY ran Sunday’s virtual London Marathon nearer home.  Despite some problems with the tracking app Carolyn and Marian both completed the 42.2 kilometres. 

Marian Morley ran her virtual London Marathon at a 5.3k laps event run by ZigZag at Hinchingbrooke Country Park.  She said, “The course was mostly trail and in parts was very muddy.  I could have done with trail shoes as some areas very slippery after the rain.  The London Marathon App didn’t work properly.  The GPS was faulty and my time was filed as 4 hours 12 minutes.  The more realistic reality was 5 hours 30 minutes – I’m not sure I could have done better as I’ve had a bad cold all week, although at the half way point I was on track for a sub 5 hour run but faded in the second half – the glitching with the Marathon App was not emotionally helpful once I’d realised it was faulty. 

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 2nd Oct 2021 

This week saw a less than usual number of Spartans running at various Parkrun likely due to a packed Autumn racing calendar, with the London Marathon and many others taking place on Sunday3rd October.  Despite the reduced number, the enthusiasm for the ones who turned up was as high as usual. 

NIC and DAVID PATTMAN were tourists at Sizewell Norfolk, taking on this scenic seaside parkrun finishing in 22:55 and 31:37 respectively. 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE tried out Banbury parkrun for the first time (30:36), having tried out 35 different venues previously. 

The fastest Spartan was STEVE WELLS finishing with a time of 19:44 (10th male) at Stevenage.  The fastest Spartan lady was ASHLEY KING (4th female) also at Stevenage, completing in 22:27. 

(All the Spartans running parkruns on Saturday are included near the end of this release). 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

Spartans at the London Marathon 

First Name Last Name Time Position 
SIMON JACKSON 02:44:54 631 
ANDREW PATTERSON 02:47:48 791 
ADRIAN BUSOLINI 02:48:52 3,574 
STUART HAYCROFT 03:01:44 2,163 
DANNY SCANLON 03:06:22 2,586 
SUZY HAWKINS 03:11:36 299 
YUKO GORDON 03:25:30 766 
ASHLEY JOHNSON 03:39:09 1,539 
JON SYPULA 04:19:20 12,084 
JOHN NELMS 04:19:57 12,174 
HAZEL SMITH 04:23:24 5,093 
DAVID PRICE 04:38:32 14,670 
SUE HAMER 04:40:38 6,679 
MARTIN DUDLEY 04:40:50 14,968 
JIM BROWN 04:44:11 15,375 
WENDY THARANI 05:00:22 8,625 
ADA JANUSIENE 05:03:05 8,884 
PAUL JENNINGS 05:32:59 49,353 
CATHY CRAIG 05:40:21 11,552 
JAN FRY 05:49:14 11,995 

(Women’s positions are gender positions) 

Spartan Parkrun Results: 

There were eighteen Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun. 

11 10 Steve WELLS 19:44 

29 4 Ashley KING 22:27 

48 39 Mike REYNOLDS 23:52 

59 48 James MCSWEENEY 24:20 

87 70 Barry OSBORNE 25:47 

88 71 Steven DOBNER 25:48 

133 106 Nick KLEANTHOUS 27:57 

142 23 Fiona CLARKE 28:13 

158 29 Chloe CHAPMAN 29:20 

179 36 Erica GRAYSON 30:12 

182 138 Tim ROBINSON 30:25 

185 140 Toby ECCLESHALL 30:31 

187 141 Stephen SMITHSON 30:33 

188 39 Gail MACKIE 30:39 

189 40 Monica SMITHSON 30:41 

203 48 Tracy HAYGARTH 31:31 

231 67 Karen PALMER 33:04 

239 72 Beth FOLEY 34:14 

MICHAEL O’KEEFE completed the Banbury parkrun in 30 minutes 36 seconds which gave him 113rd place. 

Ed HARE was 89th at the Lee-on-the Solent parkrun in 26 minutes 7 seconds. 

In Sizewell DAVID PATTMAN was eighth in 22:55 and NICOLA PATTMAN 47th (and eighth woman) in 31:37 and at the Charlton parkrun DARRYL STEVENS was 320th in 44 minutes 14 seconds. 

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS AT STANDALONE

Women Win EMAC * Here Comes London 

Twenty two Spartans raced around the Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday and their women won prizes at opposite ends of the age spectrum.  ABBIE PEZ was first junior lady (under 20) with 50 minutes 2 seconds and YUKO GORDON was first woman over 65 with 45 minutes 53 seconds.  CLAIRE PULLEN was first woman over 55 with 47:12. 

The Standalone 10K included the Hertfordshire County Championships for veteran runners and the Fairlands Valley Spartans first team of four consisted of DEAN CARPENTER 100th out of 747 overall (including seniors) in 44 minutes 10 seconds; JON FILBY 110th in 45:06; MARK GOODWIN 157th in 47:19 and ANDY JAY 227th in 50:21. 

Yuko Gordon led in the Spartan women in 120th in 45:53 with Claire Pullen 153rd in 47:12; TRACY PEZ 171st in 47:47.  It was teams of three for the women’s event.  A second women’s team was brought in by KAREN ELLIS and NICOLA ANDERSSON 326th and 327th in 53 minutes 31 seconds and completed by CAROL PAUL 401st in 56:29. 

(All the Fairlands Valley Spartan times can be found in a table towards the end of this release). 

Spartan Women Win In The East 

The ladies track and field team saw off competition from the best athletics clubs across the East of England to regain the masters (veterans) championship trophy they last won in 2017.  The team dominated from start to finish, cruising to victory with 255 points.  Second placed Peterborough/Nene Valley AC scored 235.5 points, and Marshal Milton Keynes AC placed third with 232.5 points. 

The team were out in force, fourteen Spartan women, and really enjoyed the competition and great conditions. 

Wins came from JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS (once again dropping down an age group) – W50 (women aged 50 plus) 100 metres and W50 javelin throw (also finishing a very close second in the W50 200m).  TESSA STEPHENSON – W60 200 metres (also finished 2nd placed W60 100m and W60 shot put).  ALISON WOOD – W50 800m (also 2nd placed W50 in the 1500m).  CHRISTINE LATHWELL – winning both W35 1500m and W35 3k.  NIKKI WILBY – W35 high jump (also 2nd W35 pole vault, 2nd W35 triple jump, and 2nd W35 400mH).  ANDREA WESTCOTT – W50 triple jump (also 4th place W50 high jump and 6th place W50 long jump). 

YUKO GORDON won an additional trophy having clocked an amazing age graded 99.5% in the W60 3km and also easily won the W60 800m. 

The team’s strength in depth meant that all events were covered, earning vital points.  

Team members bolstering the tally were CALLIE ‘Cocktail’ CHAPMAN – third place W35 long jump, 5th placed W35 100m, and 6th place W35 200m.  SUZY HAWKINS – 3rd place in both W35 400m and W35 800m.  KAREN DODSWORTH – dropping down an age group to cover W50 400m and finishing 5th, also placed 5th in W60 discus throw and W60 long jump, and 4th place in W60 triple jump.  SHERYL HANN – also dropped down to cover W50 3km and placed 7th.  SHARON CROWLEY – first place B string 2km walk and 6th placed W60 hammer throw.  CATHY CRAIG – fourth place in the A string 2km walk (also bravely covered the W50 300mH, finishing in 5th place).  STEPHANIE BIGGAR – 2nd place W35 hammer throw, 3rd place W35 shot put, 4th place W35 javelin throw, and 5th place W35 discus throw.  MARIAN MORLEY – 2nd place in both W50 shot put and discus throw, and 4th place W50 hammer throw. 

A full day of events, which started at 10:30 am, finished with the (usually) all important relay races.  In reality, victory had already been sealed!  The W35 team (Suzy Hawkins, Cocktail Chapman, Nikki Wilby, and Christine Lathwell) still battled well and finished second.  The W50 team (Joylyn Saunders-Mullins, Sharon Crowley, Karen Dodsworth, and Tessa Stephenson) finished third. 

It was a truly excellent day, with great team spirit and support throughout.  Mike Crowley and Chris Westcott should also get a mention for their help and support during a very long day. 

Jonathan Second In Surrey 

JONATHAN PARR finished 2nd in the Mercer Surrey 5k at Woking on Sunday morning with a time of 16 minutes 18 seconds. 

Happy Spartan at Bedford Autodrome 

CAROLE SHELDRICK was the solo Spartan at the Bedford Autodrome 10K on Sunday. 

She said, “What an amazing event they put on.  I have got to say, I wasn’t too sure how this run would go for me.  I felt under trained, so was just hoping I’d manage to get round in one piece so I was very happy with my time of 56:28.  One happy Spartan.” 

Running Through The Glen 

ZOE JACKSON was celebrating in the sun after completing the Robin Hood Half Marathon.  Pacing someone with a target time of 125 minutes she finished, on target, in 2 hours 3 minutes 16 seconds.  Zoe said it was a great course with fantastic support the whole way round the city, and we were very lucky with the weather!  

Serpentine 5K 

Sunny, warm, light breeze, the odd parakeet and a cafe near the finish.  “What’s not to like?” said JIM BROWN after finishing the second of the revived Last Friday of the Month 5Ks – the Serpentine 5K? 

Jim achieved a marginal improvement on last month in this lunch-time race in Hyde Park. 

His official time was 26:53 and 123rd.  Last month was 26:58.  Both on the two lap version of the Serpentine course. 

Jim commented it was very enjoyable, more should try it, but I seem to be the wrong sort of consistent at the moment. 

Parkrun Highlights 25th September 2021  

Members of Fairlands Valley Spartans took part across 10 different UK parkruns this week.  There were PBs for ANTON McCALLA on his second appearance at Market Harborough (26:30).  It was PB o’clock for ED HARE at Lee-on-the-Solent (23:03) in his fourth run at that venue. 

 In Stevenage ADRIAN DONNELLY clocked a new PB of 20:26.  Eighteen Spartans were running in Stevenage while several others were helping this week. 

 (The full list of Spartan parkrun times will be near the end). 

The 72nd Fly 5K – Saturday 25th September. 

Lots of “real” races going on including the London Marathon this Sunday (3rd) but the virtual Fly 5K races continue and two Spartans were in the action.  NICOLA ANDERSSON was 65th in 28:34 and PAUL HOLGATE 78th in 30:27.  He was third veteran man 60 plus and this was his 70th Fly 5K. 

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.  The first of the free virtual races was in June 2020. 

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon 

With only eight weeks to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual). 

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  You can enter by following this link:  Stevenage Half Marathon 

Tables 

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below.   

Spartans at Standalone: 

       
Place Gun Time Name Chip Time Category Number Comments 
       
100 00:44:28 DEAN CARPENTER 44:10 Vet Men 40-49 781  
110 00:45:24 JON FILBY 45:06 Vet Men 40-49 68  
120 00:45:56 YUKO GORDON 45:53 Vet Ladies 65+ 379 1st 65+ 
153 00:47:30 CLAIRE PULLEN 47:12 Vet Ladies 55-64 677 1st 55+ 
157 00:47:37 MARK GOODWIN 47:19 Vet Men 60-69 58  
171 00:48:06 TRACY PEZ 47:47 Vet Ladies 45-54 864  
219 00:50:21 ABBIE PEZ 50:02 Junior Ladies U20 872 1st U20 
227 00:50:40 ANDY JAY 50:21 Vet Men 50-59 767  
291 00:52:57 MARTIN DUDLEY 52:06 Vet Men 50-59 782  
326 00:54:26 KAREN ELLIS 53:31 Vet Ladies 45-54 512  
327 00:54:26 NICOLA ANDERSSON 53:31 Vet Ladies 45-54 403  
401 00:57:12 CAROL PAUL 56:29 Vet Ladies 55-64 432  
443 00:58:18 JIM BROWN 57:27 Vet Men 60-69 111  
473 00:59:36 BARRY KING 58:36 Vet Men 50-59 139  
483 00:59:56 ERICA GRAYSON 57:49 Vet Ladies 45-54 106  
501 01:00:43 MICHAEL O’KEEFE 60:02 Vet Men 50-59 67  
539 01:02:59 SELVAN NAICKER 62:17 Vet Men 50-59 717  
549 01:03:43 PAUL HOLGATE 63:01 Vet Men 60-69 735  
620 01:08:01 MARIAN MORLEY 66:45 Vet Ladies 55-64 333  
744 01:33:15 HAYLEY PEACH 90:58 Vet Ladies 35-44 127  
745 1:34:24 NICHOLA DURENT 92:07 VL 35-44 104  
746 1:34:24 SHARON CROWLEY 92:08 VL 55-64 661  

  

Other Spartans ran but did not count in the county veteran championships (e.g. too young or do not live in Hertfordshire). 

Spartan Parkrun Results: 

Stevenage parkrun 

A total of 307 runners took part. 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
     
6 6 Steve WELLS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:19:43 
10 10 Adrian DONNELLY Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:20:26 
51 47 Barry OSBORNE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:23:07 
67 58 Sam SIMMONS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:24:13 
116 96 Danik BATES Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:26:33 
118 98 Nick KLEANTHOUS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:26:41 
121 17 Julie SIMMONS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:26:52 
155 29 Nicola ANDERSSON Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:28:32 
170 131 Matt CLARKE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:29:01 
185 40 Natalie WHITE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:29:33 
197 45 Debbie BLANTERN Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:30:14 
202 148 Paul JENNINGS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:30:38 
233 61 Carole SHELDRICK Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:32:14 
236 63 Dzenana TOPIC Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:32:22 
239 66 Caroline CROFT Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:32:37 
257 75 Beth FOLEY Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:33:47 
270 80 Fiona CLARKE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:34:37 
274 83 Theresa KEAST Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:35:23 

Houghton Hall parkrun 

A total of 158 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
73 49 Michael O’KEEFE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:28:43 

Brockenhurst parkrun 

A total of 141 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
141 77 Darryl STEVENS Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 01:02:16 

  

Market Harborough parkrun 

A total of 276 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
108 80 Anton MCCALLA Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:26:30 

Wimpole Estate parkrun 

A total of 276 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
99 17 Trudie MOLLOY Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:28:13 
258 147 Barry KING Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:42:47 

Lee-on-the-Solent parkrun 

A total of 383 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
61 51 Edward HARE Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:23:03 

Letchworth parkrun 

A total of 101 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
87 22 Caren THAIN Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:37:21 

  

Littleport parkrun 

A total of 115 runners took part. 

  

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Club   Run Time   
19 17 James MCSWEENEY Fairlands Valley Spartans RC 00:23:38 
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTAN IMPROVERS

Team Medals * Handicap 5K

28 Spartans took part in Thursday evening’s Handicap 5K around Stevenage.

Winner on the night was DAVID PRICE in a time of 24 minutes 34 seconds 3:26 better than handicap with FIONA CLARKE firstfemale in 26:14, 2:46 better than handicap.  NICOLA HATHERLY was second female in 34:44 and CAROLYN LINSELL third female in 26:24, while CHLOE CHAPMAN was fourth female in 26:58.  MATT CLARKE was 2nd male in 23:02 with DANNY HUKIN 3rd male in 18:34 and STUART ARCHER 4th male in 19:27.

The winners are, in effect, the best improvers.  In a handicap event the slowest go off first with the faster ones following according to recent performances.  In theory if everyone runs to form they will all finish together.  In practice the first ones over the finish line will be those that have improved the most, or those that have slowed down the least.

DANNY HUKIN was fastest on the night with his 18:34 and STUART ARCHER second quickest with his 19:27, while BRIAN WHITE was third quickest in 21:15 and PETE SMITH fourth fastest in 21:40.  MARIE COLUCCI was quickest female in 22:56, with TRACEY JACKSON & TRACY PEZ second and third fastest in 23:32 and FIONA CLARKE fourth quickest with her 26:14.

There were Season Best times for Chloe Chapman, Matt Clarke, Danny Hukin, Andy Jay, Marie Colucci, Jane McFarlane, Tracey Jackson, Tracy Pez, Peter Smith, Nigel Strongitharm and Sharon Crowley, and Year Best times for Fiona Clarke, Nicola Hatherly, Stuart Archer, Dean Carpenter, Mark Beasley, Sally Pickles, Nick Kleanthous, Kelly Evans and Dzenana Topic.

The race was in Stevenage on the Fairlands, Verity, Martins, Grace and back to Fairlands Way course with the start near Webb Rise and the finish under Douglas Drive.

The club thanked Paul Holgate, Cathy Craig, Mark Freeman, Angie Keeling and Adrian Busolini for their much appreciated support, assistance and photos which made the event a success.

Spartans at the Stevenage 10K

After months of cancellations and postponements it was great to enjoy the company of others at a “real” race in Stevenage.  Twenty Spartans ran the Stevenage 10K on Sunday.

The Spartan men’s team of four consisted of BRIAN WHITE in 42 minutes 21 seconds; LUKE GURNEY 50:12; JAMES McSWEENEY 51:19 and, to his surprise, JIM BROWN in 55:21.

Brian was third runner aged 60 plus and 23rd out of the 393 finishers.  Luke said it was hilly but worth it for the cake and was 100th.  James was 118th and Jim 171st.

NICOLA ANDERSSON was the fastest female from Fairlands.  She was 168th in 55 minutes 11 seconds.  CAROLYN LINSELL was second woman aged 65 plus and 177th with her 56 minutes 8 seconds.  SARAH ILLINGWORTH was third Spartan woman and 188th overall with 56:59.  Sarah said “It was certainly not a PB (personal best) but given the lack of races over the last 17 months and sporadic training not too bad.  Great race, well organised, friendly and only five minutes from my front door.  Post race cake is always a bonus!”  PENNY SCHENKEL was fourth female from Spartans in 1:02:15.  Penny, SUE HAMER and ERICA GRAYSON were 262nd, 263rd and 264th.

CHRISTINE ZVEREV recorded a chip time of 1 hour 8 minutes 40 seconds for the Stevenage 10K.  She said, “The course was a bit hilly in places but I still kept the time under 1 hour 10minutes and I did manage a 5K PB of 29 minutes 5 seconds on the way round.  That’s a win in my book.”

The County Championships for veteran runners (those aged 35 and over will be in the Standalone 10K this Sunday.

(All the Spartan results from the Stevenage 10K can be found near the end of this release.

Adrian’s Century Run

ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the Cotswold Way Century, finishing in 25 hours, in ninth place. The Cotswold Way Century is a 102 miler along the Cotswold Way walking path, which runs north to south through the hills and villages of the Cotswolds, finishing outside the Abbey in Bath.  It’s incessantly hilly, and navigation requires constant vigilance; however, weather conditions were favourable, there was great camaraderie out on the course, and the vegan chili at Painswick aid station was awesome.

Swansea 10K

Spartan ROBERT EVANS had a good run in the Swansea 10K with 52 minutes 54 seconds. 

Parkrun Highlights 18th September 2021

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, there was a first finisher (event winner) at Exmouth in Devon where Jonathan Parr powered home in a time of 16-46 whilst Steve Wells took on the Great Notley course near Braintree, Essex and tackled the ‘big hill’ twice to finish in third with a time of 20-11 

Stevenage Parkrun Results: SAM SIMMONS 21-50 (31st) – Parkrun PB, EVA RAMSEY 23-02 (49th), PAUL SHELLEY 23-14 (56th), ASHLEY KING 23-16 (57th), CLIVE CANNON 23-40 (65th), DARREN EMMERSON 24-44 (83rd), GAIL MACKIE 25-23 (98th), JULIE SIMMONS 26-10 (117th), DAVID PATTMAN 26-52 (137th), STEVE DOBNER 26-52 (138th), JIM BROWN 27-41 (157th), MATT CLARKE 29-00 (183rd), CHLOE CHAPMAN 29-05 (187th), NICOLA ANDERSSON 29-07 (192nd), DEBBIE BLANTERN 29-31 (202nd), STEPHEN SMITHSON 31-51 (254th), FIONA CLARKE 33-28 (281st) and BETH FOLEY 33-34 (286th).  In its ninth week back Stevenage parkrun was up to 358 runners.

The Spartans on parkrun away days were: 

Brockenhurst (Dorset): DARRYL STEVENS 53-47 (156th out of 156 runners).

Canons Park (North London): TIM SABAN 24-46 (37th out of 192 runners).

Exmouth (Devon): JONATHAN PARR 16-46 (1st out of 313 runners). 

Great Notley (Essex): STEVE WELLS 20-11 (3rd out of 221 runners). 

Lee-on-the Solent (Hampshire): ED HARE 27-39 (175th out of 418 runners). 

Letchworth (Hertfordshire): NICK GILL 21-49 (14th out of 128 runners), GEORGIE HOOPER 25-11 (33rd), CAREN THAIN 38-31 (113th). 

Luton Wardown (Bedfordshire): MICHAEL O’KEEFE 28-18 (94th out of 280 runners). 

Medina (Isle of Wight), NICK KLEANTHOUS 28-29 (83rd out of 199 runners). 

University of Stirling (Stirlingshire, Scotland): STUART STABLES 22-31 (18th out of 131 runners).

The 71st Fly 5K – Saturday 18th September.

Four regular Spartans competed in the 71st run anywhere Fly 5K on Saturday.  JIM BROWN was 70th in 27 minutes 41 seconds; NICK KLEANTHOUS 79th in 28:23; NICOLA ANDERSSON 86th in 29:05 and PAUL HOLGATE 97th in 30:55.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.  The first of the free virtual races was in June 2020.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

With only two months to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual).

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open and you can enter by clicking this link: Stevenage Half Marathon.  This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021. 

Each Year the Spartans nominate a charity to support and the chosen charity for 2021 is Feed Up Warm Up.

Tables

Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 16th September

PosFIRST NAMELAST NAMEOWN TIMERFH’CAPTIMECOMP H’CAPPBImpr
1DAVIDPRICE24:3412 17:0041:323:26PB 
2FIONACLARKE26:1415416:0042:172:46YB1:52
3NICOLAHATHERLY34:4426137:3042:202:46YB 
4CAROLYNLINSELL26:2417616:1542:332:21  
5CHLOECHAPMAN26:5819815:4542:432:17SB0:33
6MATTCLARKE23:027 19:4542:452:13SB0:13
7DANNYHUKIN18:341 24:1542:512:11SB 
8STUARTARCHER19:272 23:3042:592:03YB0:22
9ANDYJAY23:4610 19:3043:191:44SB1:40
10DEANCARPENTER21:535 21:3043:231:37YB 
11MARKBEASLEY25:3913 18:0043:411:21YB0:04
12MARIECOLUCCI22:566120:4543:421:19SB 
13SALLYPICKLES36:1227147:3043:431:18YB 
14JANEMcFARLANE27:4221916:0043:451:18SB 
15TRACEYJACKSON23:328220:1543:471:13SB 
16TRACYPEZ23:329320:1543:481:13SB1:09
17PETERSMITH21:404 22:1543:561:05SB0:54
18NICKKLEANTHOUS25:5814 18:0043:581:02YB0:04
19BRIANWHITE21:153 22:4544:001:00  
20VISHALSHAH27:2620 16:3044:191:04  
21NICOLAANDERSSON26:2116518:0044:220:39  
22NIGELSTRONGITHARM24:0711 20:1544:220:38SB0:33
23STEPHANIEBIGGAR36:4528 7:4544:300:30  
24JUDYKING33:29251211:3045:050:01  
25KELLYEVANS26:5418718:3045:24(0:24)YB 
26DZENANATOPIC31:52231014:4546:37(1:37)YB 
27SHARONCROWLEY32:20241114:4546:53(2:05)SB2:21
28TIMROBINSON28:2922 18:4547:13(2:14)  

Stevenage 10K – Sunday 19th September (394 finishers)

PostCatNameCatGun TimeChip TimeAGradeComments
23.3Brian WHITEMV600:42:220:42:2181.9%3MV60  3rd Team
100.29Luke GURNEYMS0:50:450:50:1252.6%3rd Team
109.25Nigel STRONGITHARMMV5051:2050:0362.7% 
118.33James MCSWEENEYMS0:52:000:51:1951.8%3rd Team
168.19Nicola ANDERSSONFV450:55:340:55:1162.4% 
171.11Jim BROWNMV600:55:450:55:2161.6%3rd Team
177.2Carolyn LINSELLFV650:56:310:56:0873.7%2FV65
188.21Sarah ILLINGWORTHFV450:57:120:56:5959.9% 
219.51John HARDINGMS0:59:380:58:2444.8% 
255.19Paul HOLGATEMV601:02:301:01:5654.4% 
262.36Penny SCHENKELFV451:02:591:02:1555.0% 
263.37Sue HAMERFV451:03:011:01:5054.3% 
264.38Erica GRAYSONFV451:03:011:01:4955.7% 
296.19Monica SMITHSONFV551:06:141:05:3055.7% 
313.23Angie KEELINGFV351:07:541:06:4046.2% 
320.26Toni NICHOLSFV351:08:351:07:2045.2% 
326.27Christine ZVEREVFV351:09:121:08:4044.4% 
337.54Tracy HAYGARTHFV451:11:151:10:3149.2% 
342.56Carole SHELDRICKFV451:12:031:10:4945.9% 
344.24Karen PALMERFV551:12:031:10:5050.5% 
Categories
Club News Races

LUKE COMPLETES HIS FIRST MARATHON!

LUKE GURNEY thoroughly enjoyed his first marathon which was at Brighton.  He said it was a difficult final few miles but the gorgeous sea views and the mass crowds kept him going.  He finished in 4 hours 28 minutes 6 seconds.

Tom Happy in the New Forest

Spartan THOMAS SAUKA said “I’ll have that” after running the off road New Forest Marathon in 5 hours 41 minutes 53 seconds.  He added, “43.13 kilometres of beautiful New Forest trails, well happy and they even had beer at the finish line.”

Great North Run Half Marathon

STEVEN DOBNER said the Great North Run was an awesome race.  He loved every second and really enjoyed this year’s out and back course.  He ran at his planned marathon pace but kicked on as he felt good and finished in 1 hour 54 minutes 47 seconds.

ADRIAN DONNELLY ran 1:28:01 in the Great North Run, and was thrilled to beat my personal best (PB) by four minutes.  The route was changed to an out and back finishing back in Newcastle so we had the added bonus of crossing the iconic Tyne bridge twice.  He said, “It was great to get also get unexpected cheer from another Spartan going in the opposite direction.”

Baldock Rat Run 5K

Spartan JOHN HARRIS ran the Baldock Rat Run 5K in 21 minutes 59 seconds.  He was 11th overall whilst TIM ROBINSON completed in 30:27.

SUE HAMER and ERICA GRAYSON also did the Baldock Rat Run.

Sue finished in 29 minutes and 32 seconds and Erica in 29:35.

Sue said it was an interesting run, the dark tunnel being an interesting challenge, especially if you were still wearing sunglasses!!

Richmond Run Festival

FIONA CLARKE ran her second road marathon finishing in 5:48:55 whilst SAM SIMMONS finished in 3:41:58. 


MATT CLARKE and CHLOE CHAPMAN completed the half marathon in 1:31:58 and 2:13:38 respectively.

Parkrun Highlights

Thirty Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in Parkrun Events across the UK this week.  A total of 324 people ran at Stevenage.

ANDREW PATTERSON dominated the Hove Promenade event coming first overall in a time of 16 minutes 18 seconds.  While JONATHAN PARR demonstrated similar flair coming second, in 17 mins 13 secs, at the Cassiobury run.  Finishing in the top 20 on the Sandy water course, CRAIG BACON ran a time of 21 mins and 33 secs (16th).

In Stevenage, four Spartans finished in the top 40 females, GAIL MACKIE was 13th in 25 minutes 51 seconds closely followed by JULIE SIMMONS (17th) in 26 minutes and 14 seconds, DEBBIE BLANTERN (28:45) and PENNY SCHENKEL (29:34).

NICK KLEANTHOUS ran his 90th parkrun.

(You can find all the Spartan parkrunners in a table near the end of this release).

The 70th Fly 5K

Four Spartans enjoyed the 70th Fly 5K on Saturday.  They were NICK KLEANTHOUS 70th in 28:02; JIM BROWN 84th in 29:30; PENNY SCHENKEL 85th in 29:34 and PAUL HOLGATE 87th in 29:50.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.  The first virtual race was in June 2020.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Only just over two months to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon and it’s time to start getting ready and entered.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual).  You can enter here: Stevenage Half Marathon

Each Year the Spartans nominate a charity to support and the chosen charity for 2021 is Feed Up Warm Up.

Tables

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below. 

Spartans at Parkruns on Saturday 11th September.

 PositionGender PositionParkrunnerTime 
Stevenage parkrun     
 5148Toby ECCLESHALL00:23:11 
 5552Barry OSBORNE00:23:18 
 6761James MCSWEENEY00:24:12 
 7063Clive CANNON00:24:22 
 8373Darren EMMERSON00:24:57 
 9885Mark BEASLEY00:25:43 
 10213Gail MACKIE00:25:51 
 11417Julie SIMMONS00:26:14 
 150119Nick KLEANTHOUS00:28:01 
 160125Mike GREEN00:28:29 
 16532Debbie BLANTERN00:28:45 
 182137Jim BROWN00:29:33 
 18338Penny SCHENKEL00:29:34 
 197149Paul SHELLEY00:29:53 
 199150David PATTMAN00:29:56 
 200151Edward HARE00:29:57 
 201152Steven DOBNER00:29:58 
 22450Chloe CHAPMAN00:31:21 
 23156Fiona CLARKE00:31:35 
 232166Matt CLARKE00:31:36 
 25469Beth FOLEY00:33:20 
 303189Paul JENNINGS00:38:53 
      
Brockenhurst parkrun     
 11268Darryl STEVENS00:41:35 
      
Wimpole Estate parkrun     
 286101Sally PHILLIPS00:35:00 
      
Cassiobury parkrun     
 22Jonathan PARR00:17:13 
      
Hove Promenade parkrun     
 11Andrew PATTERSON00:16:18 
      
Dunstable Downs parkrun     
 4432Michael O’KEEFE00:28:59 
      
Sandy Water parkrun     
 1616Craig BACON00:21:33 
Categories
Club News Race Results

100 FOR JOHN AT THE STAMPEDE

Spartan JOHN NELMS has run one hundred marathons. That’s 100 full marathons of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres) or even longer Ultra Marathons. He ran his 100th at the St Albans Stampede on Saturday. John was escorted across the finish line by his wife Sharon and son Jacob then welcomed to the 100 Club reception by a large number of Spartans.

St Albans Stampede

Altogether twenty Spartans completed at least four four mile laps at the St Albans Stampede.

The Stampede was a 12 hour event around a four mile loop. Runners completed as many laps as they could within the time limit.

TRICIA HOPPER was the leading Spartan with an incredible 11 laps (44 miles).

ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran nine laps or 36 miles in 6 hours 16 minutes 34 seconds while KAREN LIDDLE and BARRY KING did eight (32 miles). Not surprisingly four Spartans did seven as that got them past the significant 26.2 miles. They were YUKO GORDON, JOHN NELMS, HAZEL SMITH and SHARON CROWLEY.

Six laps (24 miles) were completed by CLAIRE EMMERSON, NEAL MUGGLETON and JACQUELINE DOWNES. SUE HAMER, ERICA GRAYSON and DARREN EMMERSON did five (20 miles) while JENNY GARRETT and GERRY ROSEN did four (16 miles).

(Times for all the Fairlands Valley Spartans can be found in a table near the end of this release).

Fairlands Fantastic 4 at the Stampede

There was also a relay team, the Fairlands Fantastic Four at the St Albans Stampede. In the four person team relay event TRACY PEZ (4 laps), ANDY JAY (4), CHRIS HOLLAND (4) and TIM ROBINSON (5) came in 12th out of 28 teams. A total of 17 laps with a time of 11 hours 50 minutes 5 seconds.

The course was four mile lap over undulating off road terrain. Chris started the team off with his first lap under 36 minutes followed by Tim with another 36 minutes lap. Then Andy Jay, who is training for the Manchester Marathon ran four consecutive laps in just under three hours through the hottest part of the day. The team took a short break to greet John Nelms as he finished his 100th marathon, before resuming with more laps. Tim finished his last running lap at 7:50 and it was agreed that two more sub 40min laps would not be achievable to finish before 9pm. The decision was taken to walk one final lap all together as a team by torchlight. Tracy, Chris and Tim completed the lap to finish just inside the cut off – in time for pizza and beer refreshments. A superb local event, recommended.

Bedford Twenty and Half

In the Bedford Running Festival ALISON and PAUL SHELLEY ran their first official twenty mile race. Paul finished in 2 hours 49 minutes 43 seconds and Alison in 3:15:07. They said it was a tough, hot race. DANNY SCANLON was 28th in 2:23:21 and DAVID PATTMAN ran a new personal best (PB) of three hours and thirty seconds (3:00:30).

STEVEN DOBNER came in with 3:03:18; MATT CLARKE with 3:15:43 and FIONA CLARKE with 3:23:12.

In the Bedford “Spring” half marathon KAREN ELLIS said she started too fast but she was third in her age category with 2:07:54.

Spartan Ladies Finish On Top – East of England Track and Field

The Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team consisting of SUZY HAWKINS, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, STEPHANIE BIGGAR, CALLIE CHAPMAN, ASHLEY JOHNSON, NIKKI WILBY, MONICA BROWN, MARION MORLEY, ALISON WOOD, ANDREA WESTCOTT, TESSA STEPHENSON, CATHY CRAIG, JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, KAREN DODSWORTH, SHERYL HANN, IRIS HORNSEY, SHARON CROWLEY and YUKO GORDON have WON their division in the East of England track and field league for veterans (35 plus, EMAC).

Spartan Ladies sealed victory in the EMAC Central Division on Wednesday by winning the last league fixture at Milton Keynes. It was a close run thing, but gutsy performances and the return of two stalwarts saw the team win on the evening by 4 points and take the division by a 77 point margin.

Christine Lathwell and Alison Wood both returned from injury to run the mile, with Christine finishing second woman 35 plus (W35) and Alison winning the W50. Cathy Craig won the W60 mile race after warming up with a victory in the W60 300 metres hurdles! Sharon Crowley also used the hurdles as a warm up, finishing second in the W50 before throwing the hammer and finishing third W60.

Joylyn Saunders-Mullins and Tessa Stephenson continue to dominate the sprint events, both winning the 200m and Joylyn once again dropping an age group to compete in the W50 category. Joylyn also scored points in the javelin, finishing 2nd in W60 with a throw that would have won the W50 category! 

Regular training sessions at the track are paying off for Stephanie Biggar, who threw personal bests (PBs) in both hammer (second place) and javelin (third place). Marion Morley also threw a new PB in the hammer (second place) and also finished second in the javelin.

Other individual points were won on the night by Nikki Wilby, who stayed true to form by winning the W35 high jump, and Callie Chapman, who finished second in the W35 200m. 

The ladies relay teams – Nikki, Callie, Cathy, Christine and Tessa, Sharon, Marian, Alison rounded off the evening in style, winning both races and setting us up nicely for the final on 25th September.

A slightly depleted men’s team battled bravely, finishing fourth on the night and fourth overall in the Central Division. Wins on the night came from DAVE STEPHENSON (M50 200m) and TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS (M60 hammer). Other points were scored by ANTON McCALLA (third placed in M35 200m, javelin, and triple jump), GRANT RAMSAY (4th placed M35 mile), BARRY OSBORNE (3rd placed M60 mile), PAUL HOLGATE (5th placed M60 200m and 4th placed M60 mile), STEVE GOUGH (4th placed M50 javelin).  The relay team finished 4th.

Parkrun Highlight 4th September 2021

Thirty three Spartans headed out to run at seven different Parkrun venues.

Congratulations to SUZY HAWKINS who got a new PB at Stevenage with a time of 19:38. Suzy also claimed the titles of the Fastest Lady at Stevenage and the Fastest Spartan of the week.

DARRYL STEVENS was in Rosliston (Swadlincote) to try out Parkrun at a new venue to him.

There were no official Parkrun milestones this week but JOHN HARRIS has reached an unofficial milestone of 60 Parkruns at Letchworth.

PETE SMITH was sixth at the East Brighton parkrun in 23:34 and STEVE WELLS won the Ferry Meadows parkrun in 19:49.

Well done and congratulations to all.

Fly 5k

JIM BROWN ran his 50th Fly 5K on Saturday. This was the 69th Fly 5K. There were 147 runners from 38 clubs. He was second in his category and 53rd overall in 26 minutes exactly

PENNY SCHENKEL was 79th in 28:54 and PAUL HOLGATE 103rd in 31:04.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Only just over two months to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon it’s time to start getting ready and entered. This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November

Entries are open and so please follow the link to enter: Stevenage Half Marathon

Tables

Spartans at the Stampede

PosRace NoNameLapsDist DoneTimeFastest LapSlowest LapAverage LapStart
1827Tricia HOPPER114411:14:1400:44:4601:39:5801:01:1708:59:59
2936Adrian BUSOLINI93606:16:3400:27:2501:15:5200:41:5008:59:59
4028Karen LIDDLE83211:14:1400:49:2702:38:2601:24:1608:59:59
4126Barry KING83211:14:1600:49:2802:38:2701:24:1708:59:59
4350Yuko GORDON72804:35:5300:37:5700:41:4800:39:2408:59:59
5458John NELMS72806:16:5800:38:4401:13:5400:53:5108:59:59
5552Hazel SMITH72806:17:0000:39:5101:11:5000:53:5108:59:59
5916Sharon CROWLEY72806:57:0700:49:2801:09:0700:59:3508:59:59
6537Claire EMMERSON62406:17:0000:40:0601:29:1201:02:5008:59:59
6629Neal MUGGLETON62406:17:0100:40:0801:28:5801:02:5008:59:59
6954Jacqueline DOWNES62407:03:4600:39:4903:05:0901:10:3708:59:59
7649Sue HAMER52004:27:0200:47:4001:07:1200:53:2408:59:59
7748Erica GRAYSON52004:27:0300:47:4001:07:1100:53:2408:59:59
7938Darren EMMERSON52004:39:2000:39:5301:16:1500:55:5208:59:59
8256Jenny GARRETT41604:47:4700:40:0602:10:2301:11:5608:59:59
8341Gerry ROSEN41605:12:5200:46:4702:10:3001:18:1308:59:59

There was also a four person relay team consisting of CHRIS HOLLAND (4); ANDY JAY (4); TRACY PEZ (4) and TIM ROBINSON (5) who completed a total of 17 laps in 11:50:05.

Spartans at Parkruns, 4th September


PositionGender PositionParkrunnerTime
Rosliston





16495Darryl STEVENS00:41:40New Venue






Stevenage





91Suzy HAWKINS00:19:38PB

5346Andrew MCGUINNESS00:23:24

6152Barry OSBORNE00:23:45

6756James MCSWEENEY00:24:05

7059Clive CANNON00:24:20

9374Toby ECCLESHALL00:25:40

9677Thomas SAUKA00:25:55

9879Jim BROWN00:26:00

10787Nick KLEANTHOUS00:26:34

11618Caroline BARTER00:27:07

14125Penny SCHENKEL00:28:33

15131Gail MACKIE00:29:28

15533Debbie BLANTERN00:29:42

16339Fiona CLARKE00:30:12

164117Matt CLARKE00:30:13

21767Georgie HOOPER00:33:06

218142Nick GILL00:33:07

25572Beth FOLEY00:33:28

24484Carole SHELDRICK00:34:31

24585Caroline CROFT00:34:32

24686Karen PALMER00:34:33

26999Shelbe MOONBEAM00:37:00






Houghton Hall





8367Michael O’KEEFE00:27:55






Wimpole Estate





25965Sally PHILLIPS00:34:59






Letchworth





8458John Harris00:30:4260th

12044Caren THAIN00:36:53

Categories
Club News Race Results

ADRIAN CONQUERS THE CCC

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Only eleven weeks to go to the Stevenage Half Marathon and it’s time to start getting ready.  This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual).

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021.  You have got time to get fit to run and you can train with www.fvspartans.org.uk  Once you join all the many training sessions each week and the advice is free.

The Stevenage Half Marathon began in 1984 and takes place annually with a full marathon every 10 years (the next Stevenage marathon is due 2024).Race headquarters is at Ridlins Athletic Stadium, with the race itself comprising of two loops taking in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage Showground, before passing Stevenage Football Club before returning to Ridlins Stadium for your second lap and then the race to the finish on the track at Ridlins.The route is completely road or cycle way based, so there are no muddy sections to worry about and is completely signposted and marshalled so you can be sure of a warm welcome and encouragement all the way around the 13.1 miles.Although designed as a charity fundraising event, the course is officially measured and previously has hosted the Hertfordshire Road Running Half Marathon and Marathon championships, attracting some of the top local elite athletes and the occasional World Record Holder.The event is a charity fundraiser, with volunteers from Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club, The Rotary Club of Stevenage, Grange Rotary Club, Stevenage Scouts and Stevenage Air Cadets giving their time freely to make the event a huge success.  All proceeds go to local charities.  The 2019 event provided in excess of £3000 in donations to worthy causes and the Spartans hope the Stevenage Half Marathon 2021 is even more successful.

Each Year the Spartans nominate a charity to support and the chosen charity for 2021 is Feed Up Warm Up.To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

CCC

‘After years of dreaming’ ADRIAN BUSOLINI was in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France for the CCC (Cormayeur; Champex; Chamonix) this weekend.  This Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc is a run through Italy, Switzerland and France around the Mont Blanc massif.  Just before the start the cold weather mandatory kit extensions were unexpectedly triggered so he’s got more clothing than in any other event.

With the 100k course having over 6k of ascent it made for the most climbing that Adrian has ever done in a day (possibly even a week!) and it was the first time he had raced with poles. 

Starting in Courmayeur (Italy) the course worked its way through Champex-Lac (Switzerland) and finished in Chamonix (France).  Adrian said, ‘The course was beautiful and brutal in equal measure.  The support from the locals was unparalleled and the nightmare finish in Chamonix was a moment to savour.’  He finished 227th of 2011 participants of which 433 did not finish.  Final running time was 16 hours 45mins 47 seconds.

Hitchin 5K

A number of Spartans took to Hitchin town centre on Sunday to race 5K.  STUART ARCHER was first Spartan home in 19.49 and came 7th overall, winning his age category.  BRIAN WHITE came in with a time of 21.21 and was also 1st in his age category.  YUKO GORDON gained a time of 22.25 and was 3rd over all woman.  She said that she’d hoped to run it inside the British W70 record of 22.12 but it was not the case on the day but it was a nice feeling to have won an open prize.  VISHAL SHAH ran it in 27.29 and ERICA GRAYSON ran the course in 27.38 having gone straight to the race from a night shift!  SUE HAMER swiftly followed her in 28.52.  MONICA SMITHSON looked strong at the finish coming in with 30.05.

Velo Park 10K

On Saturday SHELBE MOONBEAM ran 10K at London’s Velo Park.  Having never been to the course before she thought the course was flat until she arrived and saw the hills!  It is a lap course of 6 one mile loops.  Shelbe said ‘It was the hardest run I think that I have ever done.  By mile 4 I was ready to give up but I carried on and am so proud of myself!’

She wanted to complete the race in 1 hour 20mins but her finished time was actually 1.18.16.

Last Fridays are back

Despite being made to work very hard coaching on Thursday evening JIM BROWN was determined to make it to Hyde Park for the first Last Friday of the Month 5K since February 2020.  With a slow start he went round in 26 minutes 58 seconds which was good enough to get him in the top 100.  This was on the two lap course.  The lunch-time events have been organised by the Serpentine Running Club since 1992.

Flying On Number 68 – Saturday 28th August.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.

Two Spartans recorded times this week.  JIM BROWN with a time of 26.58.  He was 81st and 3rd in the V65 age category.  PAUL HOLGATE was 118th recording a time of 31.11, he was 4th in the V60 category.  160 times in total were recorded for the Fly 5k this week.

Parkrun Highlights 28th August 2021 – sixth week back

The end Summer holiday season saw Spartans travelling a little further afield for their parkrun fix.

There were plenty of first time runs: JENNY GARRETT at St Albans in 28:14, TRACY STILES at Sedgefield (32.13), BETH FOLEY at Blickling in Norfolk (33:59), MARIAN MORLEY at Sherwood Pines near Mansfield (26:53) and JAMES McSWEENEY at Soham Village College (24:22).

A trio of Spartans at Wimpole Estate: BARRY KING (27:32), NICK WITCOMBE (35:25) and SALLY PHILLIPS in a new PB of 35.26. MICHAEL O’KEEFE was at Houghton Hall near Dunstable (29.07). VERITY FISHER and DANNY SUTTON were at their now “home” parkrun of Rutland Water running 31:38 and 31:39 respectively. KAREN PALMER took a short trip to Letchworth (33:56).

Back in Stevenage, there was a speedy field with the male course record narrowly missed. There were PBs for SUZY HAWKINS (19:52) and ANDREW McGUINESS (21:01).

Tables

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below. 

Spartans in parkruns.  Full results for 28th August are below:

St Albans parkrun

A total of 417 runners took part

PositionGender PositionParkrunner  Run Time  
11Jonathan SCOTT00:17:59
41Rebecca FLAHERTY00:18:54
20140Jenny GARRETT00:28:14


Stevenage parkrun

A total of 287 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  Parkrunner  Run Time  
11Oscar BELL00:15:29
55Jonathan PARR00:16:55
111Harriet KEALY00:19:31
1312Steve WELLS00:19:45
152Suzy HAWKINS00:19:52
2723Andrew MCGUINNESS00:21:01
5146Toby ECCLESHALL00:23:04
6355Martin DUDLEY00:23:50
6958Sam SIMMONS00:24:22
7362Matt CLARKE00:24:26
9779Tim ROBINSON00:25:57
10183Mark BEASLEY00:26:02
12499Steven DOBNER00:27:13
125100Nick GILL00:27:13
12721Georgie HOOPER00:27:17
145111David PATTMAN00:28:37
176132Roger HEAD00:30:54
177133Paul JENNINGS00:30:59
211141Stephen SMITHSON00:32:57
23470Fiona CLARKE00:35:10
244154Kartik SHARMA00:36:10

Sedgefield Parkrun

A total of 234 runners took part

PositionGender Position  Parkrunner  Run Time  
11Andy HARDY00:18:09
251Izzy MORGAN00:23:13
16240Tracy STILES00:32:16

Houghton Hall parkrun

A total of 182 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  Parkrunner  Run Time  
11Perry PAYNE00:16:45
21Rosie MCNABOLA00:18:25
8768Michael O’KEEFE00:29:07

Wimpole Estate parkrun

A total of 333 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  Parkrunner  Run Time  
11Chris DARLING00:17:18
241Carla BROWN00:21:07
144117Barry KING00:27:32
269170Nick WITCOMBE00:35:25
27088Sally PHILLIPS00:35:26

Blicking parkrun

A total of 235 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  parkrunner  Run Time
11Neil ADAMS00:16:57
221Amy MARTIN00:21:18
18265Beth FOLEY00:33:59

Sherwood Pines parkrun

A total of 273 runners took part

Position  Gender PositionparkrunnerRun Time 
11Peter UDALL00:17:47
271Cheralynne TODD MCINTRYE00:22:17
10010Marian MORLEY00:26:53

Rutland Water parkun

A total of 311 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  parkrunner  Run Time  
11Mark POPPLE00:17:12
41Hannah LORD00:18:40
21374Verity FISHER00:31:38
214130Daniel SUTTON00:31:39

Letchworth parkrun

A total of 155 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  parkrunner  Run Time  
11Peter CLARKE00:19:08
451Frances STANTON00:26:05
12741Karen PALMER00:33:56

Soham Village College parkrun

A total of 115 runners took part

Position  Gender Position  parkrunner  Run Time  
11James SMITH00:17:01
51Bethan EVERSON00:19:03
3328James MCSWEENEY00:24:22


Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS RUNNERS UP

Mid Week League

Fairlands Valley Spartans were runners up in the 2021 series of Mid Week Road Race League 10K races. They were comfortably in second place in the top division with 27 points and a score of 1,624 positions. Trent Park won with 31 points and a score of 1,158 while North Herts were third with 25 points and a score of 1,850. (A low score is a good score as, for example, first place scores only one point). The Spartan men WON while the club’s women were second.

The result was confirmed in the fourth race when the Spartans men and women were both third but overall the club came second. FVS kept up their participation rates compared with other clubs. There are six clubs in division one. In race four 21 of the 76 women were Spartans and 36 of the 94 men were from the Stevenage based club.

Spartan highlights from race four included SIMON JACKSON second overall in 34 minutes 51 seconds; ANDREW PATTERSON third overall in 35:13 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI sixth overall in 36:16.

BRIAN WHITE was first man over 60 with 44:26; BARRY OSBORNE first man over 70 with 44:36 and WILLIAM MORLEY first male under 20 with 55:12. SIMON JACKSON was also second man over 40.

In the women’s race YUKO GORDON was in the top ten and first over 65 with 46 minutes 19 seconds and CAROLYN LINSELL second over 65 with 57:25.

JO BOWDERY was eleventh in 46:58 and TRACY PEZ fifteenth in 48:40. ZOE JACKSON just missed the top twenty at 21st in 51:46.

As the league has not had any massed start races this year all these times were recorded virtually; in the Spartans specially organised wave 10K event or in open and accurately measured 10K races.

24 Spartans ran all four midweek 10K races.

(Look near the end of this release for tables giving results for all 57 Spartans).

Big Half

In the Vitality Big Half Marathon YUKO GORDON was first in her age category, 70 plus, with 1 hour 38 minutes 35 seconds.

Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON ran an excellent 1 hour 42 minutes 21 seconds in the event which attracted nearly 10,000 runners.

MARIAN MORLEY was running her first race in London and her first half other than the New Forest Virtual Half Marathon in 2020.

She said it was really enjoyable and finished in 2 hours 7 minutes 36 seconds which is a half marathon personal best (PB) and added there was good entertainment on the route and quite a few spectators.

SUE HAMER and ERICA GRAYSON finished together in 2:15:55.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open. This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021. This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual).

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Tessa Takes Gold at National Championships

In a very close race, TESSA STEPHENSON became National 200 metres Gold Medallist in the race for Women aged 60 to 64 at the British Masters Championships, held in Derby at the weekend. After trailing the leader all the way, Tessa raised herself to take the lead in the last few metres in a time of 32.58 seconds. Earlier in the day, she had finished in sixth place in the 100m in a time of 15.86 seconds, using this as a warm up for her preferred event. In the category for men aged 55 to 59, her husband DAVE competed in the 400 metres finishing in second for the Silver Medal in a time of 65.45 seconds.

At the same championships GRANT RAMSAY was third man 45 plus in the 3,000 metres steeplechase with 12 minutes 10.84 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights 21st August 2021 – fifth week back

Stevenage Parkrun hit a new post lockdown record with 341 finishers in the fifth week back. 24 of them were Spartans.

Parkrun report by Danik Bates

Steve Wells was the only Spartan to manage a sub-20-minute 5km on Saturday morning at the course in Stevenage whilst Suzy Hawkins was spot on twenty minutes. 341 runners took part in this week’s event. 

Results: STEVE WELLS 19-52 (10th), SUZY HAWKINS 20-00 (13th), BARRY OSBORNE 21-26 (32nd), JAMES MCSWEENY 23-53 (71st), MARTIN DUDLEY 24-07 (79th), CLIVE CANNON 24-29 (92nd), DARREN EMMERSON 24-40 (102nd), KAREN ELLIS 25-29 (118th), SAM SIMMONS 25-55 (132nd), NICK KLEANTHOUS 26-14 (139th), JIM BROWN 26-34 (144th), DANIK BATES 26-38 (147th and with a stroller), NICOLA ANDERSSON 27-26 (164th), STEVEN DOBNER 27-46 (172nd), DAVID PATTMAN 27-47 (173rd), TOBY ECCLESHALL 28-04 (180th), PAUL HOLGATE 29-47 (200th), FIONA CLARKE 32-11 (241st), MATT CLARKE 32-12 (242nd), CHLOE CHAPMAN 32-28 (244th), TRACEY STILES 32-56 (247th), HILARY DAVIES 33-01 (248th), BETH FOLEY 34-30 (267th) and SHELBE MOONBEAM 41-27 (312th). 

Away days: 

Upton House (near Poole, Dorset): JOHN ROXBOROUGH 26-29 (128th), KEN JUDE 26-47 (138th). There were 337 runners.

Wimpole Estate (Cambs): BARRY KING 28-38 (144th), NICK WITCOMBE 35-47 (242nd). There were 295 runners.

Rutland Water (Rutland): DANIEL SUTTON 25-56 (90th), VERITY FISHER 32-18 (197th). There were 265 runners.

Millennium County – Forest of Marston (Beds): MICHAEL O’KEEFE 29-02 (68th). There were 129 runners.

Littlehampton Promenade (West Sussex): DARRYL STEVENS 36-53 (162nd). There were 179 runners.

CAROLYN LINSELL enjoyed her first run in her Spartans stripes! She ran the Hunstanton Promenade parkrun was first in her age group and took two seconds of her parkrun PB with 25:57.

A total of 33 Spartans.

Flying On Number 66 and 67

In anticipation of Sunday’s celebration numbers were down a bit for Saturday’s 66th virtual Fly 5K. However there were 151 runners including three Spartans. JIM BROWN was 68th and second in category with 26 minutes 34 seconds; NICOLA ANDERSSON 78th in 27:24 and PAUL HOLGATE second in his category and 99th with 29:46.

Fly 67 was the live celebration on Sunday. It was at Drift Limits, Bovingdon near Berkhamsted on Sunday 22nd August to bring people together who had not seen each other through months of virtual racing. The same three Spartans took part. NICOLA ANDERSSON in a new Fly 5K personal best of 25:43; JIM BROWN in 26:04 and PAUL HOLGATE in 29:36.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.

Sharon Sprints for Bronze in the Virtual Coast Challenge

After nearly 3,000 kilometres SHARON CROWLEY “sprinted” for club bronze in the Virtual Coast Challenge. She “crossed the line” in Bristol on Tuesday evening having followed an anticlockwise route starting from Bristol and following the coasts and borders of England. As she completed the 2,970 kilometres fourth placed BRIAN WHITE was on 2,921.7 kilometres, less than 50 behind.

The other Spartans through the 2,000 kilometre mark by Tuesday evening were JON SYPULA 2,327.2; KEN JUDE 2,255.6; CATHY CRAIG 2,191.9; HAZEL SMITH 2,174.8, LIZ CROWLEY 2,083.4 and PAUL HOLGATE on 2011.3. They and four other Spartans have until the end of the year to finish the event but the “podium” is complete.

Categories
Club Events Races

LEE VALLEY * ABBATHON

Six Spartans raced in the Lee Valley regional park near Waltham Cross on Sunday.  Starting and finishing by the White Water Rafting Centre in the half marathon DANNY SCANLON was 20th out of the 227 finishers in 1 hour 30 minutes 34 seconds.  SAM SIMMONS was 52nd in 1:41:22. 

JIM BROWN “got the miles in” with 2:04:07 and PAUL JENNINGS came in with 2:19:50.

In the 10K Spartan THOMAS SAUKA ran a sub fifty with 48 minutes 38 seconds and NICK KLEANTHOUS got within seconds of a new personal best with 53:36.

Nick said, “The course was quite hilly and uneven in places.  However the event was very well organised and I was only 11 seconds away from a personal best.  I’m happy with that.”

There were 227 finishers in the half marathon and 129 in the 10K.

Burnham Beeches Half Marathon

Spartans WENDY and TAHER THARANI were at the scenic Burnham Beeches Half Marathon.  Wendy finished in 2 hours 1 minute 49 seconds and Taher in 2:38:18.  There were 453 finishers.

Abbathon – Thank You For The Music

JENNY GARRETT and HAZEL SMITH had a fantastic time singing their way around the Abbathon trail marathon in Cambridge.  Undulating with difficult terrain, they both finished with a respectable time of 5 hours 14 minutes 1 second, including completing one 5.3 kilometre lap in full Abba costumes. 

The event was run by Zigzag, they were fantastic organisers.  Jenny came away with a special Happy Birthday badge after being sung to by all competitors whilst Hazel won the lucky race number with free entry to a future event – winner takes it all!!! 

Letchworth 5K

JOHN HARRIS ran the North Hertfordshire first Saturday of the month 5K in 21 minutes 16 seconds on 7th August.  He was seventh out of 52 runners.  The event is run monthly by NHRR with the next event taking place on 4th September.

10K Times

Many Spartans spent the week recording 10K times for the fourth and final round of this year’s Mid Week League.  So far there are 57.  The full results and league standings in a few days but it’s looking pretty certain that Fairlands Valley Spartans are comfortably in second place in Division One.  Second place in the top division – pretty good going.

24 Spartans have run all four midweek 10K races.

Parkrun Highlights 14th August 2021 – fourth week back

This week there were 19 Spartans out of the 290 finishers at the Stevenage Parkrun.

Staying close to home with the rest of the country, twenty-nine Fairlands Valley Spartans ran at seven UK Parkrun Events this week.

Impressively parkrun PBs were recorded for four runners from the group.  The Stevenage course saw SAM SIMMONS record a time of 22 minutes and 3 seconds, STEVE ELDER run in 26 minutes and 58 seconds and STEPHANIE GAJIC in 35 minutes and 37 seconds, on her second ever parkrun.  In addition, SALLY PHILLIPS conquered the Wimpole Estate event in 36 minutes and 37 seconds.

In other achievements STEVE WELLS (19:48) was 9th overall in Stevenage and recorded an impressive age related score over 80%.  GAIL MACKIE (25:42) and KAREN ELLIS (25:49) finished as the 11th and 12th females, respectively.  EVA RAMSEY (23:11) was the first female to finish the Aldenham course and JONATHAN PARR (16:54) finished fourth at the Norwich event.

(All the times for all 29 Spartan parkrunners can be found near the end of this release).

Flying On Number 65

Just one Spartan ran in last week’s Fly 5K.  JIM BROWN finished in 28:57 and was second his age category.  He was 95th out of the 159 finishers (83 women and 76 men) and this was his 46th virtual Fly 5K.

Battle for Bronze in the Virtual Coast Challenge

With less than 100 of the 2,970 kilometres to go SHARON CROWLEY has edged ahead of BRIAN WHITE and is now in bronze medal position amongst the Spartans in the club’s virtual race around the coasts and borders of England.  On Wednesday Sharon was on 2,850.7 kilometres and Brian on 2845.6 – “only a parkrun” apart, by Saturday Sharon opened the gap a little more by reaching 2885.4 when Brian was on 2859.7.  However, on Sunday the battle for bronze tightened up again with Sharon on 2890.9 and Brian on 2888.2 only 2.7 kilometres behind.

PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN have completed and were seventh and tenth nationally.

The other Spartans through the 2,000 kilometre mark by Sunday were JON SYPULA 2,291.2; KEN JUDE 2,255.6; CATHY CRAIG 2,160.8 and HAZEL SMITH 2,154.3.

Tables

Spartans in parkruns.  Full results for 14th August are below:

 PositionGender PositionParkrunnerTimeComments
Norwich parkrun44Jonathan PARR00:16:54 
      
      
Stevenage parkrun99Steve WELLS00:19:4880.3%
 2726Sam SIMMONS00:22:03PB
 5750David PATTMAN00:24:07 
 5851Steven DOBNER00:24:08 
 6356Matt CLARKE00:24:30 
 8311Gail MACKIE00:25:42 
 8512Karen ELLIS00:25:4967.46%
 9218Georgie HOOPER00:25:57 
 9373Nick GILL00:25:58 
 11490Steve ELDER00:26:58PB
 12498Jonathan JONES00:27:33 
 15133Fiona CLARKE00:28:43 
 15234Debbie BLANTERN00:28:45 
 155116Jim BROWN00:28:58 
 159119Nick KLEANTHOUS00:29:14 
 179126Paul JENNINGS00:30:35 
 23980Karen PALMER00:35:03 
 24081Beth FOLEY00:35:04 
 24785Stephanie GAJIC00:35:37PB
      
      
Houghton Hall parkrun6555Michael O’KEEFE00:28:46 
      
      
Wimpole Estate parkrun181135Barry KING00:28:22 
 316110Sally PHILLIPS00:36:37PB
 325195Nick WITCOMBE00:37:25 
 344129Helene FOUCOURT00:39:31 
      
      
Aldenham parkrun161Eva RAMSEY00:23:11 
      
      
Rutland Water parkrun9579Daniel SUTTON00:25:56 
 19663Verity FISHER00:31:11 
      
      
Seven Fields parkrun9764Darryl STEVENS00:39:04 

MWL results

FVS PositionNameTimeGenWhereComments
1SIMON JACKSON34:51MWave 4 
2ANDREW PATTERSON35:13MVirtual 
3ADRIAN BUSOLINI36:16MWave 4 
4JONATHAN PARR40:34MVirtual 
5ANDREW VAUGHAN40:43MSt AlbansSB
6STUART ARCHER41:47MWave 4SB
7STEVE WELLS41:53MWave 4 
8KELVIN BEYIOKU42:00MWave 41st 10K
9ADRIAN DONNELLY42:54MWave 4 
10MATTHEW NEWTON43:14MVirtual 
11BRIAN WHITE44:26MWave 4 
12BARRY OSBORNE44:36MSt AlbansSB
13PETE SMITH45:17MWave 4 
14YUKO GORDON46:19FWave 4 
15JO BOWDERY46:58FWave 4 
16CRAIG BACON47:36MVirtual 
17MARK GOODWIN47:36MWave 4 
18TOBY ECCESHALL47:40MWave 4 
19JOHN NELMS48:12MVirtualSB
20THOMAS SAUKA48:38MLee Valley 
21TRACEY PEZ48:40FWave 4 
22JON SYPULA48:53MWave 4 
23LUKE GURNEY49:25MWave 4PB (0:08)
24SAM SIMMONS49:39MWave 4 
25ANDY JAY49:42MWave 4SB
26LEE PICKERSGILL50:50MWave 4 
27TIM ROBINSON51:20MVirtualSB
28DARREN EMMERSON51:21MWave 4 
29ZOE JACKSON51:46FWave 4 
30JOHN HARRIS51:56MVirtual 
31NICK KLEANTHOUS53:36MLee Valley 
32NIKKI WILBY53:42FWave 4SB
33MATT CLARKE54:03MVirtual 
34HAZEL SMITH54:26FTreadmill 
35JIM BROWN54:56MSt Albans 
36DANIEL BATES54:57MPoland 
37WILL MORLEY55:12MVirtual 
38LIZ SMITH56:05FVirtual 
39CHLOE CHAPMAN57:24FWave 4 
40DEBBIE BLANTERN57:25FWave 4 
41CAROLYN LINSELL57:25FWave 4 
42NICOLA ANDERSSON58:16FWave 4 
43JOHN HARDING59:01MVirtual 
44PAUL HOLGATE59:43MMilton KeynesSB
45WENDY THARANI60:00FMill Green 
46FIONA CLARKE61:11FVirtual 
47JAN FRY61:31FVirtual 
48VISH SHAH61:54MWave 4SB
49CATHY CRAIG63:44FSt AlbansSB
50SHARON CROWLEY63:50FWave 4SB
51JAMES KILROY66:03MWave 4SB
52ANGIE KEELING67:23FVirtual 
53TONI NICOLS69:08FVirtual 
54CARMEL THORNTON70:33FWave 4PB (12:31)
55GERRY ROSEN71:06MVirtualSB
56PENNY SCHENKEL72:00FWave 4 (TBC) 
57STEPHANIE BIGGAR78:01FVirtual 
Categories
Club News Race Results

DEFIB FROM SPARTANS

August 7th, being the first Saturday of the month, saw a number of Fairlands Valley Spartans attending the recently returned Stevenage parkrun in their club vests – the Spartan stripes, and the presentation of a defibrillator which was part funded by a donation made by the club. Richard Glaister, Event Director, said “We really appreciate the £500 donation we have received from Fairlands Valley Spartans. We used to be able to access the defibrillator in the park’s office, but having our own one means we can respond quickly to any incidents.”

David Scott, Chair of Fairlands Valley Spartans added “there has always been a close link between FVS and Stevenage parkrun, with many of our committee members and runners being run directors, volunteers or participants. We are really pleased to be able to help support this event which has, and will continue to have, such a positive impact on the local running community.”

32 Spartans ran Saturday’s event and many others were helping as volunteers. This week there was a total of 327 parkrunners in Stevenage which compares with 256 on restart day (24th July) and 296 last week

Stevenage parkrun takes place from Fairlands Valley lakes at 9am every Saturday morning. Fairlands Valley Spartans have sessions available for runners of all abilities five days a week.

Parkrun Highlights 7th August 2021

Forty four Spartans headed out on the third week of UK Parkrun’s return, to run at 11 different Parkrun venues.

DAN BATES was the furthest travelled Spartan, completing the Dąbrówka Parkrun in Poland with a time of 23:26.

Congratulations to MARION MORLEY got a new PB (personal best) at Stevenage on her 40th parkrun with a time of 26:30. The Fastest Spartan was STEVE WELLS (Stevenage, 20:04) and fastest Spartan lady was EVA RAMSEY (Stevenage, 23:07).

STEPHANIE GAJIC and KAREN HOWLAND were in Stevenage to try out Parkrun for the very first time.

There were no official Parkrun milestones this week but several Spartans reached unofficial milestones including Marion MORLEY (40th), Matt CLARKE (60th), Michael O’Keefe (110th) and Tim ROBINSON (160th). This was FIONA CLARKE’s 100th parkrun in Stevenage. Well done and congratulations to all.

(All the times for all 44 Spartans can be found near the end of this release).

Summer 10K

Four Spartans tackled the St Albans Summer 10K on Sunday. Not so much summer as there was rain for parts of the race and some parts of the course were slippery but perhaps a welcome change for some from the extremely hot conditions at Drift Limits on 18th July.

In the “A” race ANDREW VAUGHAN was 30th in 40 minutes 43 seconds a 1:37 improvement on three weeks earlier.

BARRY OSBORNE won the men 70 plus race with 44:36. He was 73rd.

After a very slow start JIM BROWN “bullied” himself round the “B” race. He was 195th overall in 54 minutes 56 seconds and CATHY CRAIG came in 288th in 63:44. There were 342 finishers.

MK10K and loadsa 10Ks

With Milton Keynes Open University not yet available for sporting events, this year’s Milton Keynes East Midlands Grand Prix (EMGP) 10K moved to a new venue around Willen Lake on Tuesday evening. In almost perfect weather conditions PAUL HOLGATE finished in 200th position of the 219 finishers in a Season’s Best time of 59:43, his fastest 10 kilometre race since the 31st December 2018.

Also on Tuesday 3rd August JAN FRY ran 10K in 61 minutes 31 seconds.

These 10K times matter as the Spartans are now into the “window” for recording times for the fourth Mid-Week Road Race League fixture.

Fairlands Valley Spartans are in second place in Division One (the top division) of the Mid Week Road Race League.

Like the other league fixtures there will not be a single massed start event. Runners race their own accurate 10K and then submit times. The window for race four is between Monday 2nd August and Sunday 15th August (inclusive). There will be a “wave” opportunity for Spartans to record a time on Tuesday 10th August but members can record a time for an accurate 10K on any day and submit it up to 15th August.

Flying On Number 64

Three Spartans took part in the 64th Fly 5K. JIM BROWN was third in his category with 25:59; NICOLA ANDERSSON 28:58 and PAUL HOLGATE second in his category with 29:17.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions. There will be a celebration live Fly 5K at Drift Limits, Bovingdon on Sunday 22nd August.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open. This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021. This year the race will be on Sunday 21st November (a couple of weeks later than usual).

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Battle for Bronze in the Virtual Coast Challenge

With only about 100 of the 2,970 kilometres to go SHARON CROWLEY has edged ahead of BRIAN WHITE and is now in bronze medal position amongst the Spartans in the club’s virtual race around the coasts and borders of England. Sharon is now on 2,844.1 kilometres and Brian on 2826.5.

Other Spartans through the 2,000 kilometre mark are JON SYPULA 2274.0; KEN JUDE 2256.6; CATHY CRAIG 2,100.5 and HAZEL SMITH 2049.9.

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTAN WOMEN STAY ON TOP

Spartan ladies stay on top!  The third of four Eastern Masters Track and Field league competitions was held in Bedford on Wednesday, with the Spartan ladies extending their lead over rivals Marshall Milton Keynes once again.  A spot in the final, to be held in September, is pretty much guaranteed.

The team welcomed another new joiner, the fifth new member this season!  ASHLEY JOHNSON bravely fought through an injury to finish fourth in the W35 (women aged 35 plus) 400 metres.  CALLIE CHAPMAN (third place long jump) and CATHY CRAIG (2km walk B string winner) both recorded personal bests (PBs) with Callie also finishing third in the W35 100 metres sprint.

Wins on the night included JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, again dropping down to a younger age group (W50) and winning both 100 and 400 metres.  TESSA STEPHENSON won both W60 400m and shot put.  SUZY HAWKINS (W35) and YUKO GORDON (W60) continue to dominate the distance events in their age groups, both winning their 1500m races.  SHARON CROWLEY came close to a PB and won the 2km A String walk.

The remaining points were scored by SHERYL HANN (third place W60 100m and second place W50 1500m), STEPHANIE BIGGAR (4th place W35 shot put and 5th place discus), MARIAN MORLEY (3rd place W50 shot put and second place discus), IRIS HORNSEY made a welcome return to competition (3rd place W60 discus), ANDREA WESTCOTT (2nd place W50 long jump) and NIKKI WILBY (second place W35 pole vault).  The women also had two relay teams – Callie, Suzy, Nikki and Cathy finished third in the W35 category.  Sharon, Yuko, Joylyn, and Tessa won the W50+ race.

The men’s team had a much improved turn out, finishing in fourth place, just six points behind third spot!  Andy Patterson broke the club 1500m record, finishing second in the M35 race.  Andy also tried his hand at discus (4th place).  ANTON MCCALLA returned to the team, earning points in M35 100m, shot put, long jump, and relay.  STEVE MAYFIELD also multi-tasked, earning points in M50 100m, discus, long jump, and relay.

PAUL HOLGATE seemed to be on the track every time you looked, running the M60 100m, 400m, and 1500m!  The other point scorers were CHRIS WESTCOTT (M35 400m and relay), DAVE STEPHENSON (M50 400m, shot put, and relay), BARRY OSBORNE (M60 1500m and relay), STEVE GOUGH (B string 2km walk and relay), RON WESTCOTT (M60 shot put and discus).  GRANT RAMSAY completed the relay team and also took the opportunity to non-score in 1500m and long jump while he was there.  TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS also decided on the night to get some practice in by throwing but non-scoring in the discus.

 

London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM)

Some of the really big city events are coming back and five Spartan women were among about 11,000 runners at the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday.  This is London’s central half marathon through Westminster and the City.

Spartan SHELBE MOONBEAM was there doing her very first half marathon.  She was running for Tommy’s Charity who help families who have lost a child.  She did it for Little Moonbeam who was born sleeping in Oct 2009 at 21 weeks and has raised £395 so far.

Shelbe wanted to run a sub 3 hours half – that’s 15 minutes or under each mile.  The first ten miles were all under 15 minutes but by mile 11 she was running on empty.  Her finish time was 3 hours 2 minutes and 4 seconds.  She is very happy and proud of that.

JACKIE DOWNES finished in 2 hours 1 minute 27 seconds, 3735th.

LINDA NOLAN finished in a time of 2 hours 5 minutes 25 seconds for 4,337th.

FIONA CLARKE came in at 2 hours 7 minutes 13 seconds and was 4,643rd, ADA JANUSIENE finished in 2:19:09.  Ada was 6,440th, Jackie, Linda and Fiona were all in the top half.  Shelbe had 574 finishers behind her.

 

Spartan Sets a New British Record at the Running Grand Prix

Spartan YUKO GORDON broke a British record by nearly three minutes in the Running Grand Prix at the Bedford Autodrome recently.  She reduced the half marathon record for women aged 70 and over to just 1 hour 37 minutes 50 seconds and only missed the world record by 12 seconds.

 

Mid-Week Road Race League race four coming up

Fairlands Valley Spartans are in second place in Division One (the top division) of the Mid Week Road Race League and race four is coming up fast.

Like the other fixtures this year runners will race in their localities and then submit times.  The window for race four is between Monday 2nd August and Sunday 15th August (inclusive).  There will be a “wave” opportunity for Spartans to record a time on Tuesday 10th August but members can record a time for an accurate 10K on any day and submit it up to 15th August.

 

Parkrun Returns Week Two – 296 in Stevenage

On the second week since the long awaited return of parkrun, Spartans took part across seven different locations, many taking part as “first timers” making their debut at new venues.

First timers were: SALLY PHILLIPS was at Wimpole Hall (39:44), CAREN THAIN at Letchworth (37:13) and TIM ROBINSON (28:53) joining regular Rutland Water parkrunners DANNY SUTTON (28:54) and VERITY FISHER (35:20).  DARRYL STEVENS was at Prospect parkrun near Reading (42:25) and JO BOWDRY ran a speedy new parkrun personal best of 22:36 at Tetbury Goods Shed.

Back at “home base” in Stevenage, 24 Spartans ran.  There were two personal bests (PBs): ADRIAN DONNELLY in 20:30 and ANDREW MCGUINNESS in 21:24.  STEVEN DOBNER completed his longest run ever of 20 miles with the last three at the Stevenage parkrun.

(Full results are below near the end of this news release).

 

Bedford Paul – Storm Eva

138 runners braved Storm Eva to compete in a Bedford 10K on Friday.  The rain stopped in time for the run but it was still slippery underfoot in patches around the country park course.  PAUL HOLGATE finished in 128th position in one hour and 57 seconds (1:00:57).

 

Flying On Number 63

168 runners from 46 clubs ran in the 63rd virtual Fly 5K on Saturday morning.  Fairlands Valley Spartans qualified in the team competition and came sixth with MARIAN MORLEY second woman 55 plus and 75th with 26 minutes 24 seconds; PAUL HOLGATE 121st in 30:08; JIM BROWN 123rd in 30:13 and PENNY SCHENKEL 124th in 30:14.

Fly 5K was one of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.  There will be a celebration live Fly 5K at Drift Limits on Sunday 22nd August.

 

Parkrun results

24 Spartans were among the 296 enjoying the second Stevenage parkrun since the restart.  296 is up 40 from race one which was the 200th Stevenage parkrun.

Position   Gender Position   Parkrunner   Run Time   Comments
15 13 Adrian DONNELLY 00:20:30 Parkrun PB
25 20 Andrew MCGUINNESS 00:21:24 Parkrun PB
43 34 Toby ECCLESHALL 00:22:29
62 52 Barry OSBORNE 00:23:55
65 54 Danik BATES 00:24:13
68 9 Eva RAMSEY 00:24:19
90 73 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:26:02
94 15 Natalie WHITE 00:26:12
109 83 Darren EMMERSON 00:26:48
110 20 Jenny GARRETT 00:26:48
122 24 Chloe CHAPMAN 00:27:31
138 28 Fiona CLARKE 00:28:19
153 112 Steven DOBNER 00:29:51 End of 20 miles
161 114 Jim BROWN 00:30:16 3rd VM 65-69
164 41 Penny SCHENKEL 00:30:20
176 49 Catherine CRAIG 00:31:14
183 52 Charlotte SMITH 00:31:50
184 53 Gail MACKIE 00:31:51
192 126 Paul JENNINGS 00:32:29
193 57 Hazel SMITH 00:32:35
194 58 Callie CHAPMAN 00:32:35
202 64 Tracy STILES 00:33:05
214 74 Karen PALMER 00:33:44
251 90 Beth FOLEY 00:36:31

 

 

 

Categories
Club News Race Results

PARKRUN IS BACK

Spartan Sets a New British Record at the Running Grand Prix

Spartan YUKO GORDON broke a British record by nearly three minutes in the Running Grand Prix at the Bedford Autodrome on Sunday.  She reduced the half marathon record for women aged 70 and over to just 1 hour 37 minutes 50 seconds and only missed the world record by 12 seconds.

The world record of 1:37:38 was set by Lavinia Petrie of Australia,  the old British record was held by Angela Copson in 1:40:33.  Yuko said she was a little tired.  “I didn’t taper for this race.  Apart from the 10K at Drift Limits, I ran the Doug Anderson 5Km at Bedford Park on Wednesday, both races were pretty hot and humid.”

Two other Spartans competed in the event.

JIM BROWN tackled the twenty mile race and got rain early on.  He said a “20” was probably a bit ambitious at the moment but he won the male 65 plus category and was 18th overall with 3 hours 6 minutes 37 seconds.

In the half marathon GRANT RAMSAY was 26th and second man 45 plus with 1:26:42.

 

Wednesday 5K

Warm temperatures did not stop the Doug Anderson 5K from making its return after a two year absence on Wednesday evening.  With an improved wider start position and run in the opposite direction to usual YUKO GORDON finished an impressive 95th in 22:46 and PAUL HOLGATE ran 30:16 for 226th position out of the 291 finishers just three days after completing the previous Sunday’s very hot Off-Road challenge.

 

Huge Smiles In Fairlands Valley as Parkrun is Back!!

Parkrun is back for the first time since March 2020 and there were a lot of Spartans out in force for the 5km events which were held all around the country on Saturday morning (24th July).  Stevenage Parkrun, located at Fairlands Valley Lakes saw twenty-four Spartans among the 256 runners taking part.  Fastest on the day and first one to cross the finish line was JONATHAN PARR in 16-56 and not far behind him was ADRIAN BUSOLINI in 17-34 which gives him a Parkrun-personal best time.  STEVE WELLS was just outside the top ten finishers, coming in 11th at 20-08.  There was a Parkrun PB (personal best) for NICOLA ANDERSSON who finished in 27-07 (109th).

Other Spartan results: TOBY ECCLESHALL 22-28 (33rd), DAVID PATTMAN 23-28 (49th), CLAIRE PULLEN 23-44 (53rd), THOMAS SAUKA 23-47 (55th), MARTIN DUDLEY 23-48 (57th), STEVEN DOBNER 24-06 (59th), DANIK BATES 25-13 (81st and with a buggy), JONATHAN JONES 27-01 (106th), MARK BEASLEY 27-14 (112nd), CHLOE CHAPMAN 28-37 (125th), JIM BROWN 28-50 (129th), DEBBIE BLANTERN 28-53 (130th), PAUL JENNINGS 28-56 (131st), FIONA CLARKE 30-42 (155th), MONICA SMITHSON 30-53 (159th), PAUL HOLGATE 32-00 (176th), HILARY DAVIES 32-44 (181st), TRACY STILES 33-26 (190th), KAREN PALMER 33-56 (194rd) and BETH FOLEY 38-01 (219th).

This was the 200th Stevenage parkrun.  Several of the helpers on the day were from Fairlands Valley Spartans many of whom were in fancy dress to mark the occasion.  The Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Sandra Barr, came along to see everyone off.

Parkrun away days:

Lee-on-the-Solent (Hampshire): EDWARD HARE 23-38 (45th out of 310 runners).

Panshanger (Hertford): KEN JUDE 27-29 (105th out of 187 runners).

Market Harborough (Northamptonshire): ANTON MCCALLA finished in 28-21 (130th out of 231 runners).

Houghton Hall (Bedfordshire): MICHAEL O’KEEFE 32-52 (94th out of 133 runners).

Letchworth (Hertfordshire): JOHN HARRIS 33-17 (73rd out of 111 runners).

Itchen Valley Country (Hampshire): DARRYL STEVENS 44-08 (9th out of 116 runners).

 

Fairland Valley Challenge

Fairlands Valley Spartans hosted the Fairlands Valley Challenge in warm conditions recently.  This was a mostly off road trail event with a choice of four distances – half marathon; 18 miles; marathon (42.2 km) and a 50K ultra marathon.  With a Covid secure wave start participants left Marriotts School between 8a.m. and 9.30a.m.  Altogether 145 took part and had great fun.  There were intermediate checkpoints at Watton-at-Stone; Tewin and Datchworth with several runners making an unofficial lolly and smiles stop in Broadwater.  The last finisher came back at 6.40p.m.  A huge number of volunteer Spartans made the event possible.

143 completed one of the four events and 29 of those were Spartans.  In the half marathon with 42 finishers the 12 Spartans were led in by JENNY GARRATT and CLAIRE EMMERSON at 23rd and 24th in 3 hours 18 minutes 44 seconds.  The full marathon, 26.2 miles of mostly off road trails was the most popular choice.  It had 58 finishers.  STUART WONFOR, at 24th was first Spartan with 6 hours 18 minutes 44 seconds.

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was second in the 50 kilometres Ultra event coming in at 4 hours 34 minutes 9 seconds and STUART ARCHER sixth with 6:02:33. There were 24 finishers including three Spartans.

In the 18 miles events there were 21 finishers including 7 Spartans.  ZOE JACKSON, LEE PICKERSGILL and SUSAN McANENY were second, third and fourth with 3:56:09; 3:56:09 and 3:56:10.  All on a scorching hot day.

TIM ROBINSON, event organiser on behalf of the club, gave massive thanks to all the helpers.  A large team of people assembled under very difficult circumstances.  They included:

 

  • SHARON CROWLEY and LIZ CROWLEY who sourced food and juice. Liz also put on Mike (Crowley’s) boots and transported food and helpers around.
  • CATHY CRAIG, NICOLA HATHERLY and JUDY KING
  • ANDY PRIOR, KERSTIN WEINER and TONY RANDFIELD.
  • NICK KLEANTHOUS, FIONA CLARKE, CHLOE CHAPMAN, JENNY GARRETT – the Datchworth Dream Team.
  • STEVE SMITHSON who organised the start table.
  • HANNAH SYPULA, JAN FRY and NICK FRY who stayed all day in the heat at the finish line.

145 runners and walkers started and 143 finished.

 

Mid-Week Road Race League race three

Spartans second in Division One race three.  Fairlands Valley Spartans tied with St Albans Striders on nine race points but beat them on individual scores by 535 to 545 to take second spot.  Just one runner turning up can make all that difference.  In the race the Spartan men were second on 312 and the women third on 223.

63 Spartans recorded a time for race three in the Mid Week Road Race League 10K series.  There were 21 women and 42 men.  There will be a fourth fixture.  Like the others runners will race in their localities and then submit times.  The window for race four is between Saturday 2nd August and Sunday 15th August (inclusive).  There will be a “wave” opportunity for Spartans to record a time on Tuesday 10th August.

 

Flying On Number 62

Despite the return of parkrun over 170 runners took part in the 62nd virtual Fly 5K.  JIM BROWN was 113th and second in his age group with 28 minutes 33 seconds and PAUL HOLGATE 146th in 31:53.

Fly 5K and (not) parkrun were two of the stars of lockdown keeping runners moving and in touch during the restrictions.  Parkrun is back but Fly 5K continues.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday mornings some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days.  For example this week JIM BROWN ran 27:26 on Sunday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

 

Tables

Spartan Results Mid Week 10K Race Three – Women

 

Pos Cat Vet Time First Name Surname Cat. FVS Team
10 2 8 43:12 Suzy Hawkins V 45 A
14 1 11 46:41 Yuko Gordon V 65 A
27 12 22 52:16 Alison Shelley V 45 A
28 9 23 52:21 Michelle Reeves V 35 A
29 13 24 52:45 Wendy Tharani V 45 A
36 2 30 55:35 Carolyn Linsell V 65 A
39 56:24 Chloe Chapman S A
40 17 33 56:34 Claire Emmerson V 45 A
41 12 34 56:46 Vicky Archer V 35 B
42 13 35 56:58 Fiona Clarke V 35 B
47 19 40 58:15 Nicola Andersson V 45 B
51 21 44 1:01:00 Kerstin Weiner V 45 B
52 22 45 1:01:06 Hazel Smith V 45 B
55 3 48 1:01:57 Jan Fry V 65 B
57 18 50 1:02:06 Linda George V 35 B
63 4 56 1:05:24 Cathy Craig V 65 B
67 25 59 1:06:26 Dzenana Topic V 45
70 10 60 1:08:31 Monica Smithson V 55
75 22 64 1:10:00 Angie Keeling V 35
79 14 68 1:15:02 Sharon Crowley V 55
83 24 72 1:21:31 Stephanie Biggar V 35

 

 

Spartan Results Mid Week 10K Race Three – Men

 

Pos Cat Vet Time First Name Surname Cat. FVS Team
5 2 2 35:07 Simon Jackson V 40 A
6 35:34 Adrian Busolini S A
7 35:38 Andrew Patterson S A
8 35:40 Jonathan Parr S A
21 9 11 38:41 Danny Hukin V 40 A
30 5 16 41:03 Paul Shelley V 50 A
31 6 17 41:13 Steve Wells V 50 A
34 13 20 41:32 Andrew Vaughan V 40 A
37 41:43 Matthew Newton S A
43 43:58 Stuart Archer S A
44 2 28 44:01 Brian White V 60 A
46 44:05 Nick Gill S A
48 44:30 Ronan Maguire S B
50 12 31 44:48 Pete Smith V 50 B
52 45:18 Todd Gray S B
53 19 33 45:24 David Pattman V 40 B
59 47:11 Ben Peachey S B
60 47:58 Andrew McGuinness S B
63 48:12 Dan McAlpine S B
64 23 40 48:13 Steven Dobner V 40 B
66 4 42 48:18 Mark Goodwin V 60 B
68 24 44 49:08 Jon Sypula V 40 B
70 17 46 49:15 Craig Bacon V 50 B
71 49:27 Lee Pickersgill S B
72 18 47 49:41 Darren Emmerson V 50 C
73 19 48 49:48 Nigel Strongitharm V 50 C
77 50:48 Martin Jacob S C
78 51:09 Luke Gurney S C
83 7 54 52:20 Jim Brown V 60 C
85 52:33 Edward Hare S C
88 23 58 53:39 Tim Robinson V 50 C
90 27 60 56:24 Matt Clarke V 40 C
91 56:37 Mick Andrews S C
92 56:43 Daniel Bates S C
95 25 63 57:37 Ken Jude V 50 C
98 30 66 59:26 Kartik Sharma V 40 C
99 27 67 1:00:24 Jonathan Jones V 50
100 10 68 1:00:57 Paul Holgate V 60
101 31 69 1:01:01 Simon Sypula V 40
102 32 70 1:01:19 Paul Jennings* V 40
107 28 75 1:06:54 Taher Tharani V 50
110 1:10:00 John Harding S

 

 

 

Fairlands Valley Challenge 18th July 2021

Half Marathon Distance – Spartan Times

Pos Bib First Name Surname Category Time
23 22 Jenny Garratt WV45 03:18:44
24 23 Claire Emmerson WV45 03:18:44
25 132 Ada Janusiene F 03:40:06
26 134 Sam Simmons M 03:40:07
27 135 Calantha Chapman WV35 03:40:07
28 138 Carolyn Linsell WV55 03:40:17
31 21 Vicky Archer WV35 03:44:02
32 131 Linda Nolan WV55 03:44:03
33 133 Hazel Smith WV45 03:45:28
37 16 Darryl Stevens MV50 04:09:48
41 106 Pauline Hardy WV65 05:40:17
42 107 Robert Hardy MV70 05:40:17

 

 

Fairlands Valley Challenge 18th July 2021

18 Mile Distance – Spartan Times

 

Pos Bib First Name Surname   Start
2 50 Zoe Jackson F 03:56:09
3 51 Lee Pickersgill M 03:56:09
4 52 Susan McAneny WV35 03:56:10
5 24 Wendy Tharani WV35 04:02:05
6 123 Robert Wright M 04:11:56
20 108 Christine Zverev F 06:39:36
21 116 Luke Gurney M 06:39:36

 

Marathon Distance – Spartan Times

Pos Bib First Name Surname   Start
24 66 Stuart Wonfor MV40 06:18:44
33 42 Daniel Bates M 06:58:54
35 15 Paul Holgate MV60 07:28:55
52 14 Sharon Crowley WV55 08:34:22
55 1 Tricia Hopper WV45 10:24:24
56 2 Barry King MV50 10:24:24
57 3 Karen Liddle WV55 10:24:24

 

 

50K Ultra Distance – Spartan Times

 

Pos Bib First Name Surname   Start
2 63 Adrian Busolini M 04:34:09
6 17 Stuart Archer M 06:02:33
11 5 Jon Sypula MV40 06:58:20

 

145 started across the four distances, 143 finished including 29 Spartans.

#

Categories
Club News Race Results

FAIRLANDS CHALLENGE IN THE SUNSHINE

Fairlands Valley Spartans hosted the Fairlands Valley Challenge in warm conditions on Sunday. This was a mostly off road trail event with a choice of four distances – half marathon; 18 miles; marathon (42.2 km) and a 50K ultra marathon. With a Covid secure wave start participants left Marriotts School between 8a.m. and 9.30a.m. Altogether 145 took part and had great fun. There were intermediate checkpoints at Watton-at-Stone; Tewin and Datchworth with several runners making an unofficial lolly and smiles stop in Broadwater. The last finisher came back at 6.40p.m. A huge number of volunteer Spartans made the event possible.

TIM ROBINSON, event organiser on behalf of the club, gave massive thanks to all the helpers. A large team of people assembled under very difficult circumstances. They included:

  • Sharon Crowley and Liz Crowley who sourced food and juice. Liz also put on Mike (Crowley’s) boots and transported food and helpers around. 

  • Cathy Craig, Nicola Hatherly and Judy King

  • Andy Prior, Kerstin Weiner and Tony Randfield.

  • Nick Kleanthous, Fiona Clarke, Chloe Chapman, Jenny Garrett – the Datchworth Dream Team.

  • Steve Smithson who organised the start table. 

  • Hannah Sypula, Jan and Nick Fry who stayed all day in the heat at the finish line.

145 runners and walkers started and 143 finished.

The results will be published soon.

Three Firsts for Spartans at Drift Limits

Five Fairlands Valley Spartans went to the Drift Limits races at Bovingdon on Sunday. They came away with THREE first and TWO second places!

Spartan JIM BROWN said it was seriously way too hot, certainly for me, on those runways but five Spartans went to Drift Limits and three WON their categories; another one was second in theirs. One was second overall in their race.

It was officially 27 degrees in the shade but there was no shade and those old airfield runways, now a motor racing circuit were like huge tarmac radiators. The effective or “feels like” temperature was estimated at 33 degrees (91.4F).

In the 5K race JONATHAN PARR WON the M35 category and second overall with 16 minutes 47 seconds. STUART HAYCROFT was second in the M40 with 18:13.

Things were really heating up by the time the 10K race got underway but ANDREW VAUGHAN was 25th overall in 42:20; YUKO GORDON was FIRST woman 70 plus and 33rd in 46:40; and JIM BROWN was FIRST man 65 plus and 43rd in 53:42.

The 10K runners included the postponed and deferred entries from a 10K that would have been in February. In cooler conditions this would have been a very fast event.

Ultra 5K

Three Spartans ran an Ultra 5K at Box End Park near Kempston, Bedford.

Basically it was a 5K race every hour for five hours. The first race was at 9am, then at 10a.m., 11a.m., 12 noon, and 1p.m. All on a very technical off-road course. Spartan BRIAN WHITE said the weather conditions for each 5K were 1. Warm; 2. Hot. 3; Very hot; 4. extremely hot and 5. Mad Dogs and Englishmen (go out in the midday sun).

His series of races were completed in 1. 23 minutes 35 seconds; 2. 24:17; 3. 24:42; 4. 2:.41 and 5. 26:20. His total time was 2 hours 4 minutes 36 seconds giving him sixth position overall and first aged 50 plus.

SUE HAMER was 49th in a total of 3:25:09 and ERICA GRAYSON 50th in 3:25:12.

Nikki for the High Jump

NIKKI WILBY represented EMAC (Eastern veterans) in the high jump at the inter area track and field competition in Nuneaton at the weekend.

It was very competitive and there were some amazing performances in all of the events!

She was very happy to clear 1.30 on her first attempt but couldn’t continue to due to injury. She was fifth. Nikki also jogged 100 metres to get some points for the team.

Mid-Week Road Race League race three

So far 63 Spartans have recorded a time for race three in the Mid Week Road Race League 10K series. These can be found at the end of the release. Full story when the league result is published in a few days.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open. This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021 and this year the race will be on Sunday 21st November, a couple of weeks later than usual.

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Flying On Number 61

38 clubs participated in Saturday morning’s Fly 5K and there were five Spartans – NICOLA ANDERSSON was 63rd in 27:11; MARIAN MORLEY second woman 55 plus and 75th in 27:56 for her tenth Fly 5K; PAUL HOLGATE 118th in 29:52 for his 60th Fly 5K; PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN hugging the shade around the King George V playing fields and Town Centre Gardens for 144th equal in 32 minutes 5 seconds. Jim was second in his age group.

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday mornings some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days. For example this week JIM BROWN ran 26:00 on Thursday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Parkrun Coming 24th July 2021

Fairlands Valley Spartans and many others are looking forward to the 200th Stevenage Parkrun which will be the first local parkrun when the events can restart. It will be at 9a.m. on Saturday 24th July. The 199th Stevenage parkrun was on Saturday 14th March 2020.

(Normally all the week’s Spartan parkrun results can be found near the end of our release).

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England. PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done. She was seventh overall in the whole country with a total time of 170 hours 25 minutes and 12 seconds.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181). At 7.15p.m. on Monday 21st June JIM BROWN ran across the virtual finish line in Bristol to claim second place. He was tenth overall in 231 hours 7 minutes and 54 seconds.

The Spartan podium is almost complete but the race for third sport could be close. On Monday morning 19th July third placed BRIAN WHITE was on 2671 kilometres but fourth placed SHARON CROWLEY was on 2620 as they headed back to Bristol.

The other ten Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event. Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

Tables

Full results for all Spartans when there are a lot at an event will be listed below. It’s back!

MWRRL Race Three 10K Times

Name

M/F

Time

Note

SUZY HAWKINS

F

43:12

Thursday 15th July

YUKO GORDON

F

46:40

Drift Limits Sunday 18th

ALISON SHELLEY

F

52:16

Wave Tuesday

MICHELLE REEVES

F

52:21

Wednesday 14th

WENDY THARANI

F

52:45

Wave Tuesday

CAROLYN LINSELL

F

55:35

Wave Tuesday added

CHLOE CHAPMAN

F

56:24

Wave Tuesday adjusted

CLAIRE EMMERSON

F

56:34

Wave Tuesday added

VICKY ARCHER

F

56:46

Wave Tuesday added

FIONA CLARKE

F

56:58

Wave Tuesday

NICOLA ANDERSSON

F

58:15

Wave Tuesday

KERSTIN WEINER

F

61:00

PH

HAZEL SMITH

F

61:06

Wave Tuesday

JAN FRY

F

61:57

Wave Tuesday

LINDA GEORGE

F

62:06

Wave Tuesday

CATHERINE CRAIG

F

65:24

Wave Tuesday added

DZENANA TOPIC

F

66:26

Hatfield 10K

MONICA SMITHSON

F

68:31

Saturday 17th July

ANGIE KEELING

F

70:00

Saturday 17th July

SHARON CROWLEY

F

75:02

Saturday 10th July

STEPHANIE BIGGAR

F

81:31

PH

SIMON JACKSON

M

35:07

Thursday 15th

ADRIAN BUSOLINI

M

35:34

Wave Tuesday

ANDREW PATTERSON

M

35:38

Thursday 15th

JONATHAN PARR

M

35:40

Hatfield 10K

DAN HUKIN

M

38:41

Thursday 15th

PAUL SHELLEY

M

41:03

Wave Tuesday added

STEVE WELLS

M

41:13

Wave Tuesday

ANDY VAUGHAN

M

41:32

Wave Tuesday

MATTHEW NEWTON

M

41:43

Wave Tuesday

STUART ARCHER

M

43:58

Wave Tuesday

BRIAN WHITE

M

44:01

Wave Tuesday

NICK GILL

M

44:05

Wave Tuesday

RONAN MAGUIRE

M

44:30

Wave Tuesday

PETE SMITH

M

44:48

Saturday 17th track

TODD GRAY

M

45:18

PH

DAVE PATTMAN

M

45:24

Wave Tuesday

BEN PEACHEY

M

47:11

PH

ANDY McGUINNESS

M

47:58

Hatfield 10K

DAN McALPINE

M

48:12

PH

STEVEN DOBNER

M

48:16

Wave Tuesday

MARK GOODWIN

M

48:18

Wave Tuesday

JON SYPULA

M

49:08

Wave Tuesday

CRAIG BACON

M

49:15

Saturday 17th July

LEE PICKERSGILL

M

49:27

Wave Tuesday

DARREN EMMERSON

M

49:41

Wave Tuesday

NIGEL STRONGITHARM

M

49:48

Wave Tuesday

MARTIN JACOB

M

50:48

Wave Tuesday

LUKE GURNEY

M

51:09

Wave Tuesday

JIM BROWN

M

52:20

Thursday 15th

ED HARE

M

52:33

Monday 12th

TIM ROBINSON

M

53:39

Wave Tuesday

MATT CLARKE

M

56:24

Wave Tuesday adj

MICHAEL ANDREWS

M

56:37

Wave Tuesday

DANIEL BATES

M

56:43

PH

KEN JUDE

M

57:37

Wave Tuesday

KARTIK SHARMA

M

59:26

Saturday 17th July

JONATHAN JONES

M

60:24

Hatfield 10K

PAUL HOLGATE

M

60:55

Wave Tuesday

SIMON SYPULA

M

61:01

Wave Tuesday

PAUL JENNINGS

M

61:19

PH

TAHER THARANI

M

66:54

Hatfield 10K

JOHN HARDING

M

70:00

Saturday 17th July

63 (21F and 42M)

Categories
Club News Race Results

VITALITY SPARTANS

The Vitality London 10K was relocated to Hatfield House and Spartan JONATHAN PARR excelled with sixth out of the 1,428 finishers in just 35 minutes 40 seconds. He was third male senior (18-39). Club Secretary WENDY THARANI said the race was on a gorgeous undulating course through the beautiful Hatfield House gardens. She was 584th in 56:19.

ANDY McGUINNESS was 250th in 47:58 while JONATHAN JONES came in with 1:00:24; DZENANA TOPIC with 1:06:26 and TAHER THARANI with 1:06:54.

Get Your 10K Done

The third remote Mid Week Road Race League 10K is underway and members have up to Sunday 18th July to run an accurate 10K either alone, in a small group or as part of another event. Another “wave” event in Stevenage on Tuesday 13th July has been organised to give another opportunity for members to run.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open. This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021 and this year the race will be on Sunday 21st November.

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Before that the club’s Fairlands Valley Challenge (off road) is coming up fast and will be this Sunday 18th July. It’s a classic trail event with several distance options – half marathon, 18 miles, marathon or a 50 kilometre ultra. See http://www.fvchallenge.org.uk/

Flying On Number 60

43 clubs participated in Saturday morning’s Fly 5 and there were three Spartans – JIM BROWN 59th and third male 60 plus in 26:20; MARIAN MORLEY won the women 55 plus category with 27:39 at 73rd and PAUL HOLGATE 115th with 30:54.

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday mornings some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days. For example this week NICOLA ANDERSSON ran a 26:46 5K on Sunday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England. PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done. She was seventh overall in the whole country with a total time of 170 hours 25 minutes and 12 seconds.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).

The Spartan podium is almost complete but the race for third sport could be close. On Sunday 11th July evening third placed BRIAN WHITE and fourth placed SHARON CROWLEY were both in Wales as they followed the border south. Brian was in Penley on 2582 and Sharon in Connah’s Quay on 2544 just 38 kilometres, less than a marathon, behind.

The other ten Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event. Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

Categories
Club News Race Results

WARE TENS * EMAC WIN

Sunday’s Ware Ten mile race was a tough multi-terrain event with a few hills in the five mile lap.  That didn’t stop Spartan DANNY SCANLON improving his ten mile personal best (PB) by 2 minutes 15 seconds to come 14th out of the 242 finishers and sixth senior man (up to 35) with 1 hour 5 minutes 57 seconds.

Danny said, “I ran the Ware 10 today and finished 14th in a time of 1.05.57, which included a stumble with 500 metres to go!!!   This is a new 10 mile PB, beating my previous 10 Mile PB  of 1:08:12 back in 2018!  It was a well organised race and great to see so many Spartan Stripes out there today!!”

PAUL SHELLEY was next in for the Spartans with 1:14:25, with BRIAN WHITE close behind at 1:14:39 to take second place in the men age 60 plus competition.

MATT CLARKE was another taking a chunk out of his PB, this time 6 minutes 11 seconds, for 1:18:37.  MARK GOODWIN had him in sight at the end, 1:18:54 gave him third place in the men 60 plus category.

The club’s fastest woman was JO BOWDERY in 1:21:54 for sixth senior woman (up to 35).  GRACE COVENTRY was running her first ten mile race and did it with ease finishing in 1:27:53 and tenth female senior.

ANDY JAY and ALISON SHELLEY neatly straddled the mid point in the race.  Andy was 121st in 1:28:30 – a season’s best improvement of six seconds and Alison 122nd in 1:28:31 for sixth in her category.

PAUL HOLGATE, CHLOE CHAPMAN and CHARLOTTE KEARNEY raised a cheer with their sprint finish.  In their first ten miler Chloe was 204th in 1:44:12 and Charlotte 206th in 1:44:13 but Paul just squeaked ahead in 1:44:10 for 203rd.

The other Spartans were DAVID PATTMAN 1:21:19; STEVE DOBNER 1:22:53; JIM BROWN 1:26:00; LEE PICKERSGILL 1:30:00; FIONA CLRKE 1:33:31 and PAUL JENNINGS 1:45:05.

YUKO GORDON ran an amazing age score of 93.5%, was 22nd out of 193 in the whole race and won the women 65 plus category.  She said, “It was lovely, wasn’t it?  The course had a bit of everything and interesting. The atmosphere was one of the friendliest.  I was fourth woman in 48:01.”

KIERAN FEETHAM was leading the 10K for a while but faded in the second half.  However he reduced his season’s best time by 7 minutes 46 seconds and finished twelfth in 46:00.  JONATHAN JONES was 103rd in 1:00:27 and DZENANA TOPIC 144th in 1:07:22.

For many people these were their first open races since February 2020.  Full Spartan results can be found in the table at the end of this release.

 

 

Mid Week League 10Ks

Eighty Spartans helped Fairlands Valley to fourth place in the second Mid Week Road Race League event.  The Spartans contributed 38 of the 142 women and 52 of the 175 men in the race.  There were FIVE Spartans women’s teams and FOUR men’s teams.  Brilliant participation!

Several Spartans achieved in podium positions – SUZY HAWKINS first woman 45 plus, and fifth overall, with 40 minutes 39 seconds; YUKO GORDON first woman 65 plus with 45:18; CLAIRE PULLEN first woman over 55 with 46:28; CAROLYN LINSELL 3rd woman over 65 with 51:48.  The leading senior (20 to 35) was HEATHER JONES with 44:28.

Amongst the men SIMON JACKSON was first man 40 plus and fifth overall in 34:05; BRIAN WHITE was second man 60 plus in 42:30; BARRY OSBORNE first man 70 plus in 46:29 and WILLIAM MORLEY first under 20 in 50:35. ANDREW PATTERSON was the Spartans leading senior man at fourth overall in 34 minutes exactly.

Participation in the Mid Week Road Race League is an important free benefit when members join Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Times for the third race can be recorded between 5th and 18th July or in the club’s “Wave 10K” event on Tuesday 13th July.

All the Spartan times for the second race can be found near the end of this release.

 

East of England Track and Field – FVS Ladies Win Again

 

The ladies track and field team extended their lead in the EMAC (East of England veterans) Central division with a convincing win at Cambridge on Wednesday. The team welcomed another new joiner, NIKKI WILBY, who won both the high jump (HJ and pole vault (PV) competitions in the women’s 35 plus (W35) category.  Fairlands Valley Spartans won three 3 HJ events, with ANDREA WESTCOTT in the  W50 (who also won the W35 hurdles) and KAREN DODSWORTH in the W60 age group. Other wins on the night included JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, who not only dropped down an age group to race in the W50 200m, but beat everyone in the W35 age category too! Joylyn added to the points tally, finishing a close runner up in the W60 javelin throw (JT).  TESSA STEPHENSON focussed on the 200 metres and won the W60 by a massive margin. SUZY HAWKINS continues to impress in the distance events, easily winning the W35 3K having lead from the start.
MARIAN MORLEY won the W50 JT which is amazing as she only recently started training in that event.  Marian also competed in the W50 high jump (HT), finishing third.

The remaining points were picked up by CALLIE CHAPMAN (second place in W35 200m), YUKO GORDON (competing against younger athletes in the W50 3K and finishing third), SHERYL HANN (second place in  both the W60 3K and 80 metres hurdles), SHARON CROWLEY (second place in both the 1500 metres A string walk and W60 HT), CATHY CRAIG (first place in 1500m B string walk), STEPHANIE BIGGAR recently took up JT and HT and finished third in both events for W35. The relay races made a welcome return to the competition with Suzy, Callie, Nikki, and Cathy finishing second in the W35 category and Tessa, Joylyn, Yuko, and Karen winning the W50 age group.

The men’s team improved on their previous performance, finishing fourth on the night.  JON PARR made his debut for the team, finishing second in the M35 200m. The team welcomed back DAVE BOWKER (3k and 1500m A string walk), BARRY OSBORNE (3k), and GRANT RAMSAY (relay), bolstering the points tally earned by STEVE MAYFIELD (HT and JT) DAVE STEPHENSON (200m and HJ), Andrew Patterson (3k, HT, and HJ), Ron Westcott (1500m B string walk and JT), TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS (HT) and STEVE GOUGH (JT).  Several of the team also completed events as non-scorers.  The M35 relay team (Jon, Andy, Grant, and Chris Westcott) had a decent crack at the club record, but couldn’t beat the time recorded in 2018

 

Suffolk Trail Festival

JENNY GARRETT, VICKY & STUART ARCHER, NEAL MUGGLETON, KERSTIN WEINER, DARREN and CLAIRE EMMERSON took part in the 24 hour run at the Suffolk Trail Festival this weekend.  They all had a great time clocking up the 5 mile laps.

Stuart completed 10; Neal 9; Claire 7; Jenny, Vicky and Darren 6 each; Kerstin 5 giving a total of 245 miles.

 

Cathy’s Four in Two

CATHY CRAIG fourth event in two weeks was the Holkham 10k and she finished in 1:06:36. It was on an undulating route and it was very humid on the day.  Cathy was quite happy with the result after completing a 55 mile Ultra two weeks ago and being part of the EMAC relay and completing a race walk in Cambridge on Wednesday.

 

Fen Gallop

Spartan JAMES McSWEENEY ran the Fen Gallop 10K on Sunday.

He said, “Really nicely organised race in Willingham, Cambridgeshire. Quite a lot of uneven trails which made it trickier than expected so I was happy enough with my time of 52 minutes 2 seconds.”

 

First Saturday

Following two back to back Marathons in the previous days, JOHN HARRIS incorporated the North Herts First Saturday of the month 5K, as part of an 11 mile progressive run.  He clocked 22.52 for the 5k distance.

 

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open.  This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021 and this year the race will be on Sunday 21st November.

The Stevenage Half Marathon began in 1984 and takes place annually with a full marathon every 10 years (the next Stevenage marathon is due 2024).

Race headquarters is at Ridlins Athletic Stadium, with the race itself comprising of two loops taking in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage Showground, before passing Stevenage Football Club before returning to Ridlins Stadium for your second lap and then the race to the finish on the track at Ridlins.

The route is completely road or cycle way based, so there are no muddy sections to worry about and is completely signposted and marshalled so you can be sure of a warm welcome and encouragement all the way around the 13.1 miles.

Although designed as a charity fundraising event, the course is officially measured and previously has hosted the Hertfordshire Road Running Half Marathon and Marathon championships, attracting some of the top local elite athletes and the occasional World Record Holder.

The event is a charity fundraiser, with volunteers from Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club, The Rotary Club of Stevenage, Grange Rotary Club, Stevenage Scouts and Stevenage Air Cadets giving their time freely to make the event a huge success.  All proceeds go to local charities.  The 2019 event provided in excess of £3000 in donations to worthy causes and the Spartans hope the Stevenage Half Marathon 2021 is even more successful.

Each Year the Spartans nominate a charity to support and the chosen charity for 2021 is Feed Up Warm Up.

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Before that the club’s Fairlands Valley Challenge (off road) is coming up fast and will be on Sunday 18th July.  It’s a classic trail event with several distance options – half marathon, 18 miles, marathon or a 50 kilometre ultra.  See http://www.fvchallenge.org.uk/

 

Flying On Number 59 – Spartans Have A Team

Fairlands Valley Spartans had a team compete in Saturday morning’s Fly 5K inter-club competition.  This was the 18th inter club event and was part of the 59th Fly 5K.

The team were NICOLA ANDERSSON 85th out of the 185 finishers in 27 minutes 19 seconds – she was eighth in her age category; MARIAN MORLEY 97th and third in her category with 28:11; PENNY SCHENKEL 104th equal in her 30th Fly 5K with 28:33 and top ten in her category; JIM BROWN also 104th equal in his 40th Fly 5K – he was second in his category; NICK KLEANTHOUS 130th in 30:03 and PAUL HOLGATE 141st in 31:33.  To qualify the club had to have at least six finishers including at least one woman and one man.  FVS had three of each.

The club were sixth in the event which attracted 185 runners from dozens of clubs.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday mornings some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days.  For example this week JIM BROWN ran a 25:53 during a longer event on Sunday morning; NICK KLEANTHOUS 29:21 on Thursday; ALISON SHELLEY 29:42 and PAUL JENNINGS 34:39 both on Saturday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

 

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England.  PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done.  She was seventh overall in the whole country with a total time of 170 hours 25 minutes and 12 seconds.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).  At 7.15p.m. on Monday 21st June JIM BROWN ran across the virtual finish line in Bristol to claim second place.  He was tenth overall in 231 hours 7 minutes and 54 seconds.

The Spartan podium is almost complete.  By Sunday 4th July third placed BRIAN WHITE was on 2509 kilometres and in Widnes but SHARON CROWLEY was not far behind.  She’s in Southport with 2450.

The other ten Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event.  Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

 

Tables

All Eighteen Spartans in the Ware 10 (ten miles):

Pos Name Cat Cat Pos Time Grade FVS
14. Danny SCANLON MS 6 1:05:57 68.3% PB (2:15) & 6th MS
39. Paul SHELLEY MV50 10 1:14:25 67.3% YB (New)
41. Brian WHITE MV60 2 1:14:39 76.4% 2nd MV60
56. Matt CLARKE MV40 13 1:18:37 62.1% PB (6:11)
59. Mark GOODWIN MV60 3 1:18:54 70.2% 3rd MV60 & YB
73. David PATTMAN MV40 14 1:21:19 57.1% YB (New)
77. Jo BOWDERY FS 6 1:21:54 60.6% 6th FS & SB (New)
86. Steven DOBNER MV40 18 1:22:53 57.9% YB (4:29)
110. Jim BROWN MV60 6 1:26:00 68.4% YB (1:40) 6th MV60
119. Grace COVENTRY FS 10 1:27:53 56.1% 10th FS 1st attempt
121. Andy JAY MV50 25 1:28:30 59.1% SB (0:06)
122. Alison SHELLEY FV45 6 1:28:31 64.9% 6th FV45
130. Lee PICKERSGILL MS 42 1:30:00 50.1% YB (New)
151. Fiona CLARKE FV35 16 1:33:31 55.7%  
203. Paul HOLGATE MV60 10 1:44:10 53.7% SB (New)
204. Chloe CHAPMAN FS 17 1:44:12 47.4% First attempt.
206. Charlotte KEARNEY FS 18 1:44:13 47.3% First attempt.
208. Paul JENNINGS MV40 33 1:45:05 45.6% PB (2:15)

 

MWRRL – All 38 Spartan Women (38 women out of 142)

 

SCOTT’s TRAVEL MIDWEEK ROAD RACE LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 FVS
RACE 2 – Virtual 10k – 14th-27th June 2021 159
Pos Cat Vet Time Name Surname Cat. Club M/F 8 Team 4
5 1 3 40:39 Suzy Hawkins V 45 FVS F 5 A 3 1st Vet 45
16     44:28 Heather Jones S FVS F 16 A  
17 7 10 44:40 Michelle Reeves V 35 FVS F 17 A 10
20 1 12 45:18 Yuko Gordon V 65 FVS F 20 A 12 1st Vet 65
22 1 14 46:28 Claire Pullen V 55 FVS F 22 A 14 1st Vet 55
25     47:38 Joanne Bowdery S FVS F 25 A  
25 9 17 47:38 Marie Colucci V 35 FVS F 25 A 17
29     49:01 Gail Mackie S FVS F 29 A  
34 10 22 49:48 Tracy Pez V 45 FVS F 34 B 22
36 11 24 50:22 Claire Emmerson V 45 FVS F 36 B 24
38 11 25 50:30 Zoe Jackson V 35 FVS F 38 B 25
48 3 35 51:48 Carolyn Linsell V 65 FVS F 48 B 35 3rd Vet 65
52 14 39 52:14 Wendy Tharani V 45 FVS F 52 B 39
56 20 42 53:21 Vicky Archer V 35 FVS F 56 B 42
58     53:45 Charlotte Smith S FVS F 58 B  
61 17 45 54:01 Jenny Garrett V 45 FVS F 61 B 45
64 19 47 55:51 Debbie Blantern V 45 FVS F 64 C 47
69 22 52 56:26 Nicola Andersson V 45 FVS F 69 C 52
72 23 55 56:49 Alice Poole V 35 FVS F 72 C 55
74 7 57 56:54 Helen Harris V 55 FVS F 74 C 57
89 31 70 59:55 Penny Schenkel V 45 FVS F 89 C 70
89 9 70 59:55 Celia Taylor V 55 FVS F 89 C 70
92 33 73 1:00:00 Mo Warrillow V 45 FVS F 92 C 73
97 5 78 1:01:41 Jan Fry V 65 FVS F 97 C 78
100 36 80 1:02:00 Dzenana Topic V 45 FVS F 100 D 80
104 28 84 1:02:54 Linda George V 35 FVS F 104 D 84
105 15 85 1:02:56 Monica Smithson V 55 FVS F 105 D 85
107 29 87 1:03:30 Christine Zverev V 35 FVS F 107 D 87
118 34 98 1:06:54 Angie Keeling V 35 FVS F 118 D 98
119 18 99 1:07:00 Marian Morley V 55 FVS F 119 D 99
122 35 102 1:07:58 Toni Nicholls V 35 FVS F 122 D 102
128 36 108 1:12:00 Callie Chapman V 35 FVS F 128 D 108
131 42 110 1:15:25 Nicola Hatherly V 45 FVS F 131   110
132 25 110 1:15:25 Judy King V 55 FVS F 132   110
133 43 112 1:16:13 Hazel Smith V 45 FVS F 133   112
139 28 118 1:21:44 Sharon Crowley V 55 FVS F 139   118
141 46 120 1:33:00 Anne-Marie Neatham V 45 FVS F 141   120
142     1:53:00 Elizabeth Crowley S FVS F 142   0

 

MWRRL – All 52 Spartan Men (52 men out of 175)

SCOTT’s TRAVEL MIDWEEK ROAD RACE LEAGUE – DIVISION 1 FVS
       
RACE 2 – Virtual 10k – 14th-27th June 2021 448
Pos Cat Vet Time Name Surname Cat. Club M/F 12 Team 6  
4     34:00 Andrew Patterson S FVS M 4 A    
5 1 1 34:05 Simon Jackson V 40 FVS M 5 A 1 1MV40
10     34:53 Jonathan Parr S FVS M 10 A    
20     36:37 Adrian Busolini S FVS M 20 A    
25     37:15 Alexander Boddy S FVS M 25 A    
43     39:51 Danny Scanlon S FVS M 43 A    
44 16 22 40:07 Jason Anderson V 40 FVS M 44 A 22  
53     40:49 Todd Gray S FVS M 53 A    
57 22 32 41:08 Adrian Donnelly V 40 FVS M 57 A 32  
60 24 35 41:15 Stuart Haycroft V 40 FVS M 60 A 35  
63 11 37 41:18 Steve Wells V 50 FVS M 63 A 37  
64     41:19 Nick Gill S FVS M 64 A    
69 28 41 41:43 Danny Hukin V 40 FVS M 69 B 41  
75 2 47 42:30 Brian White V 60 FVS M 75  B 47 2MV60
84     43:44 Sam Simmons S FVS M 84  B    
87 31 54 44:19 David Pattman V 40 FVS M 87  B 54  
91 23 57 44:45 Pete Smith V 50 FVS M 91  B 57  
95     45:50 Toby Eccleshall S FVS M 95  B    
98 1 63 46:29 Barry Osborne V 70 FVS M 98  B 63  1MV70
99     46:31 David Price S FVS M 99  B    
101 4 65 46:37 Mark Goodwin V 60 FVS M 101  B 65  4MV60
104 37 67 46:46 Jon Sypula V 40 FVS M 104  B 67  
107 26 70 47:04 Craig Bacon V 50 FVS M 107  B 70  
112     47:55 Lee Pickersgill S FVS M 112  B    
113     47:58 Stuart Archer S FVS M 113  C    
113     47:58 Ben Peachey S FVS M 113  C    
118     48:41 Martin Blackburn S FVS M 118  C    
121 6 79 49:21 Mike Reynolds V 60 FVS M 121  C 79  
122 30 80 49:22 Nigel Strongitharm V 50 FVS M 122  C 80  
123     49:24 Martin Jacob S FVS M 123  C    
124 31 81 49:29 Darren Emmerson V 50 FVS M 124  C 81  
126     49:33 Luke Gurney S FVS M 126  C    
128 32 83 49:53 Martin Dudley V 50 FVS M 128  C 83  
129 33 84 49:56 Andy Jay V 50 FVS M 129  C 84  
130 44 85 50:19 Steven Dobner V 40 FVS M 130  C 85  
131     50:32 Terry Sawyer* S FVS M 131  C    
133 1   50:35 William Morley U 20 FVS M 133 D    1MU20
137 47 90 50:56 Matt Clarke V 40 FVS M 137  D 90  
138 35 91 50:59 John Harris V 50 FVS M 138  D 91  
140 9 93 51:12 Jim Brown V 60 FVS M 140  D 93  
141 36 94 51:34 Graham Blackburn V 50 FVS M 141  D 94  
142     51:37 James McSweeney S FVS M 142  D    
147 37 97 52:22 Ken Jude V 50 FVS M 147  D 97  
150 39 100 52:37 Tim Robinson V 50 FVS M 150  D 100  
151 40 101 52:42 Nick Kleanthous V 50 FVS M 151  D 101  
157     55:31 Edward Hare S FVS M 157  D    
160 13 108 57:44 Steve Pike V 60 FVS M 160  D 108  
162 44 110 59:28 Karl Shreeve V 50 FVS M 162  D 110  
165 52 113 1:00:17 Kartik Sharma V 40 FVS M 165   113  
167 47 115 1:01:18 Jonathan Jones V 50 FVS M 167   115  
169 14 117 1:02:16 Paul Holgate V 60 FVS M 169   117  
173     1:07:38 John Harding S FVS M 173    
Categories
Club News Race Results

MID WEEK DOZENS * MK FUN

Dozens of Fairlands Valley Spartans have registered times for the second Mid Week Road Race League fixture for 2021. Fifty ran in the club’s “Wave 10K” run from Fairlands Valley Park on Tuesday and many others have submitted times which were achieved in other events or virtually. As the pandemic restrictions made it impractical for all the clubs to come together for real race, fixtures one and two were run locally in limited size waves, in other secure events or virtually. Altogether 89 times will be submitted to the league – 37 women and 52 men.

Thirteen men finished in less than 42 minutes and nine women in less than 50 minutes.

Some stand out performances included ANDREW PATTERSON with 34 minutes exactly; SIMON JACKSON improving by three seconds on race one with 34:05 and JONATHAN PARR with 34:53.

SUZY HAWKINS took 1 minute 11 seconds off her race one time with 40:39 and HEATHER JONES a whopping 3 minutes 19 seconds off hers with 44:28. MICHELLE REEVES was also under 45 with 44:40.

The wave format was a great solution and enjoyed by those that took part.

The league result for race two will be declared in a few days. All Spartan times for race two can be found in a table near the end of this release.

Participation in the Mid Week Road Race League is an important free benefit when members join Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Solstice 10K

There was not much chance of chasing the sunset at Monday evening’s Summer Solstice 10K as conditions were appalling with continuous rain, failing light and some dark off road sections.

However five Fairlands Valley Spartans made good work of the race with SIMON JACKSON third overall and second veteran in just 34 minutes 5 seconds; SAM SIMMONS 53rd in 43:44; DAVID PATTMAN narrowly missing a personal best with 44:19 for 59th; STEVE DOBNER 139th in 50:19 and JIM BROWN 146th in 51:12.

It’s just as well all five finished at least thirty minutes before the cut off time of 9.30p.m. By then it was dark in St Albans.

Position

Name

Time

Comments

3

SIMON JACKSON

34:05

2nd male veteran

53

SAM SIMMONS

43:44

59

DAVID PATTMAN

44:19

139

STEVEN DOBNER

50:19

146

JIM BROWN

51:12

There were 338 finishers. The Spartan times also counted towards their mid week league performances.

Spartans at the Milton Keynes Running Festival

Spartans ran 5Ks, a Half and Full Marathons during the Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend. In the Rocket 5K YUKO GORDON ran what would have been a world record for women aged 70 plus in a ratified event. She finished 113th overall in 21 minutes 58 seconds.

THOMAS SAUKA was a bit quicker than he expected. 75th in 20:34. There were 628 finishers.

Yuko said, “The race started at 7am by staggered start. It was like a leisurely Parkrun atmosphere but with much less people. The start area looked pretty empty. I started with only five other ladies but soon I was on my own along the traffic free quiet highway. It was lovely to have the big empty road all to myself but I found it difficult to sustain racing intensity. As it sounds ‘Rocket 5K’, it was a fast course of basically a down hill but there was a little catch of a few twists and turns going in and out of under passes.

My time was 21 minutes 58 seconds, unofficially the new world record for W70, previous record was 12:06 but my time is unlikely be ratified due to the A to B course.”

Have Fun With Fairlands

In Saturday’s Milton Keynes half marathon JAMES UTTING was 34th out of the 1,073 finishers in 1:26:45. Not only was he fast, he was having fun.

Not only was this a PB (personal best) for James but also a world record time for the fastest half marathon dressed in Lederhosen! His time to beat was 1:36:39 and although waiting to be ratified by the team at Guinness it’s certainly a time well beaten!

SAM SIMMONS and MARCUS RIDLEY came in at 196th and 197th with 1:45:08 and 1:45:09. Still in the top third JIM BROWN was 285th in 1 hour 51 minutes 46 seconds and edging closer to his 70% target. He was encouraged when the official website said his age corrected time was 1:22:49!

Then on Sunday despite completing a 100 mile race only two weeks ago ADRIAN BUSOLINI went sub three in the Milton Keynes Marathon. He finished in 2 hours 56 minutes 5 seconds and was an excellent 44th out of the 847 finishers. TIM ROBINSON was 711th in 4:58:27.

All of the races started in waves of up to 24 people and, very unusually, the race finished indoors which was a bit disconcerting on Saturday when you ran in from bright sunshine. Chip timing took care of the fact that different people started at different times.

North Downs 30K

Two Spartans went off road in the North Downs 30K trail race from Gravesend in Kent. JOHN HARRIS finished in 2:43:34 and DAVID BOWKER in 3:20:30. They said it was very tough and hilly on a humid day but enjoyable. It incorporated steep hills, gates, stiles, cattle and the British Masters Championship.

Flying On Number 58

The Spartans are still flying. Despite the return of more or less normal racing there were 185 runners in Saturday morning’s Fly 5K #58. NICOLA ANDERSSON ran 25:49; JIM BROWN recorded 26:14 for 5K during his half marathon; NICK KLEANTHOUS finished in 28:10 and PAUL HOLGATE in 33:00.

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days. For example this week JIM BROWN ran a 25:20 on Monday; NICK KLEANTHOUS 26:08 on Tuesday and PAUL JENNINGS 29:48 on Friday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Parkrun Roundup 26th June 2021 – we have a runner!

We have a Spartan who has run an official Parkrun! Well done JUDY KING, the first for many months, who celebrated her birthday by completing the Guernsey Parkrun in 33 minutes 51 seconds.

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England. PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) who ran across the virtual finish line in Bristol to claim second place. She was also 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181) who is currently in third place.

BRIAN WHITE maintained his third place and was on the Lytham Road, Warton heading for Preston with 2412 kilometres done. SHARON CROWLEY, fourth, was near Grange-over-Sands with 2334 and KEN JUDE, fifth, was near Scots Gap with 2,071. On Sunday Brian was on 2446 and approaching Southport.

The other nine Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event. Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

Entries for the Stevenage Half Marathon are open. This club and community event has a history going back 37 years and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans. With a break due to Covid 19 in 2020 it’s back for 2021 and this year will be on Sunday 21st November.

The Stevenage Half Marathon began in 1984 and takes place annually with a full marathon every 10 years (the next Stevenage marathon is due 2024)

To enter have a look at https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Before that the club’s Fairlands Valley Challenge (off road) is coming up fast and will be on Sunday 18th July. It’s a classic trail event with several distance options – half marathon, 18 miles, marathon or a 50 kilometre ultra. See http://www.fvchallenge.org.uk/ 

Tables

Here are all 89 Spartan times from race two with the race one times for the same people for comparison:

Position*

Name

Surname

MWL2

MWL1

Improvement from race one

1

Andrew

Patterson

34:00

33:36

2

Simon

Jackson

34:05

34:08

0:03

3

Jonathan

Parr

34:53

34:20

4

Adrian

Busolini

36:37

36:37

5

Alexander

Boddy

37:15

36:35

6

Danny

Scanlon

39:51

39:45

7

Jason

Anderson

40:07

8

Suzy

Hawkins (F)

40:39

41:50

1:11

9

Todd

Gray

40:49

40:40

10

Adrian

Donnelly

41:08

11

Stuart

Haycroft

41:15

41:34

0:19

12

Steve

Wells

41:18

41:55

13

Nick

Gill

41:19

41:39

0:20

14

Danny

Hukin

41:43

42:32

0:49

15

Brian

White

42:30

16

Sam

Simmons

43:44

43:20

17

David

Pattman

44:19

18

Heather

Jones (F)

44:28

47:47

3:19

19

Michelle

Reeves (F)

44:40

20

Pete

Smith

44:45

44:15

21

Yuko

Gordon (F)

45:18

46:30

1:12

22

Toby

Eccleshall

45:50

46:51

1:01

23

Claire

Pullen (F)

46:28

48:39

2:11

24

Barry

Osborne

46:29

25

David

Price

46:31

50:24

3:53

26

Mark

Goodwin

46:37

47:04

0:27

27

Jon

Sypula

46:46

49:53

3:07

28

Craig

Bacon

47:04

46:34

29=

Joanne

Bowdery (F)

47:38

46:54

29=

Marie

Colucci (F)

47:38

47:57

0:19

31

Lee

Pickersgill

47:55

47:07

32

Stuart

Archer

47:58

44:18

33

Martin

Blackburn

48:41

40:41

34

Gail

Mackie (F)

49:01

35

Mike

Reynolds

49:21

51:50

2:29

36

Nigel

Strongitharm

49:22

48:35

37

Martin

Jacob

49:24

38

Darren

Emmerson

49:29

51:22

1:53

39

Luke

Gurney

49:33

50:22

0:49

40

Tracy

Pez (F)

49:48

48:40

41

Martin

Dudley

49:53

50:38

0:45

42

Andy

Jay

49:56

51:54

1:58

43

Steven

Dobner

50:19

47:36

44

Claire

Emmerson (F)

50:22

54:36

4:14

45

Zoe

Jackson (F)

50:30

51:14

0:44

46

Terry

Sawyer*

50:32

47

William

Morley

50:35

45:07

48

Ben

Peachey

50:38

45:05

49

Matt

Clarke

50:56

50

John

Harris

50:59

51

Jim

Brown

51:12

50:45

52

Graham

Blackburn

51:34

49:31

53

James

McSweeney

51:37

51:34

54

Carolyn

Linsell (F)

51:48

52:38

0:50

55

Wendy

Tharani (F)

52:14

54:40

2:26

56

Ken

Jude

52:22

57

Tim

Robinson

52:37

52:05

58

Nick

Kleanthous

52:42

53:21

0:39

59

Vicky

Archer (F)

53:21

54:36

1:15

60

Charlotte

Smith (F)

53:45

46:50

61

Jenny

Garrett (F)

54:01

52:22

62

Ed

Hare

55:31

63

Debbie

Blantern (F)

55:51

55:06

64

Nicola

Andersson (F)

56:26

52:44

65

Alice

Poole (F)

56:42

66

Helen

Harris (F)

56:54

67

Steve

Pike

57:44

68

Karl

Shreeve

59:28

57:11

69=

Penny

Schenkel (F)

59:55

1:02:00

2:05

69=

Celia

Taylor F)

59:55

71

Mo

Warrillow (F)

1:00:00

1:04:55

4:55

72

Kartik

Sharma

1:00:17

73

Jonathan

Jones

1:01:18

58:11

74

Jan

Fry (F)

1:01:41

1:00:11

75

Dzenana

Topic (F)

1:02:00

1:00:04

76

Paul

Holgate

1:02:16

1:01:59

77

Linda

George (F)

1:02:54

78

Monica

Smithson (F)

1:02:56

1:04:03

1:07

79

Christine

Zverev (F)

1:03:30

1:01:08

80

Angie

Keeling (F)

1:06:54

1:09:58

3:04

81

John

Harding

1:07:38

57:33

82

Toni

Nicolls (F)

1:07:58

1:03:51

83

Callie

Chapman (F)

1:12:51

1:02:00

84=

Nicola

Hatherley (F)

1:15:25

84=

Judy

King (F)

1:15:25

1:11:45

86

Hazel

Smith (F)

1:16:13

56:11

87

Sharon

Crowley (F)

1:21:44

1:40:01

18:17

88

Anne-Marie

Neatham (F)

1:33:00

89

Elizabeth

Crowley (F)

1:53:00

89 so far (37F; 52M)

Categories
Club News Race Results

ULTRA AND TRAIL WEEKEND FOR SPARTANS

Teamwork makes the dreamwork!! Karen Ellis, Jackie Downes, Neal Muggleton, John Nelms and Hazel Smith ran the Race to the King (RTTK), part of the South Downs Way, in 13 hours 53 minutes and 51 seconds. The route was undulating with 5278 feet of elevation across the 55 miles route. The route started at Goodwood Race Course, Chichester and finished at the beautiful Winchester Cathedral with stunning views along the way.

Altogether Seven Spartans completed the Ultra Marathon in the very humid conditions. This route has around eight quite steep hills and some rough, stony paths. One hill seemed to go on forever and at times only walking was possible. It was Karen Ellis’s longest race, so she was happy to finish strongly. The rest of her team of five consisted of Hazel Smith, Jackie Downes, John Nelms and Neal Muggleton. They finished together at around 9pm, just as a torrential downpour started and darkness began to fall.

The other two Spartans, Sharon Crowley and Cathy Craig finished in 16 hours 30 minutes at around 11.30. For them, running in the dark, with the muddy, slippy conditions underfoot was quite a challenge. Sharon had been injured in 2019, so it was an amazing achievement to train from not being able to run at all to be able to complete such a tough Ultra. Everyone was pleased with what they did and extremely thankful for the support of fellow Spartans Mike Crowley, Jenny Garrett and Julie Shadbolt.

MK24

As if 55 miles wasn’t enough DAVID BOWKER won the Milton Keynes 24 hour race. Here the target is to see how many 6.55 mile laps can you complete in 24 hours. He ran 15 laps in 23 hours and 45 minutes. He won by one lap.

Hampshire Hoppit

The Hampshire Hoppit marathon and half marathon are both multi-terrain trail races, i.e. predominantly off-road and are approximately 26.2 miles and 13.1 miles long. They use routes that are clearly marked and marshalled, and include local sections of famous long distance footpaths, the Wayfarers Walk and (for the marathon) the Harrow Way. Both are scenic single-lap courses that start and end at Kingsclere on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, reaching some of the highest points in Hampshire with views across the county. There is about 650 metres of elevation gain in the marathon. There are occasional quiet road sections or road crossings that have marshals.

Unlike road races, it is accepted that the actual distance for trail races is difficult to measure.

Spartans CHARLOTTE SMITH and ROBERT WRIGHT together with Charlotte’s sister Harriet tackled the full marathon. Robert finished in 4:59:54 and Charlotte in 5:31:30.

The race start had a new location this year. It was on a part of the Kingsclere Stables estate that is around two miles south of the village.

Victoria Park 10K

The Victoria Park 10K started warm and dry but very humid early morning in a quiet London park. It was more like a time trial, with one runner starting every 10 seconds. The Spartans’ YUKO GORDON was seventh woman overall in 45 minutes 18 seconds.

Flying On Number 57

The Spartans are still flying. On Saturday morning total numbers were a down a bit to 185 due to the return of “real” racing but three Spartans were “there” to enjoy the 57th Fly 5K.

JIM BROWN was second in his category with 26 minutes 24 seconds at 65th overall; NICOLA ANDERSSON 90th in 28:39 and PAUL HOLGATE 139th in 31:57.

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days. For example this week ALISON SHELLEY ran a 28 minutes 48 seconds 5K on Wednesday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England. PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).

By Sunday 20th June JIM BROWN, in second place, had less than a parkrun to go, 2.73 kilometres and was 99.91% done. BRIAN WHITE has maintained his third place and is by the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool with 2396 kilometres done. SHARON CROWLEY, fourth, has done some catching up and is near Haverthwaite in the Lake District on 2324.

Meanwhile KEN JUDE is the fifth Spartan through 2,000 kilometres. He’s on 2047 at West Chevington heading west to Carlisle.

This virtual event was another great distraction and motivation during the months of restrictions on racing and training together. It started in Bristol and followed the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction. The other nine Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event. Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

Grant on Track

In the Southern League Meet at Lee Valley, London GRANT RAMSAY ran the 1500 metres in 4:44:18 and the 2000 metres steeplechase in 7:25:65. These were his best performances since 2018.

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN IN TOP LEAGUE!

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the first Mid Week League fixture of 2021 and not only on performance but also participation.

Winning a fixture in division one, the top division, is a huge achievement.

The Spartan men won with a score of 298 giving them six points while their women were third with 184 for four points. That meant they tied on points with North Herts Road Runners but won with a lower total score 482 compared with 576. Remember that in running events the winner gets one point for first place so low totals are better.

The Stevenage club was helped hugely by ANDREW PATTERSON coming second overall with just 33 minutes 36 seconds; SIMON JACKSON sixth in 34:08 and JONATHAN PARR seventh in 34:20. SUZY HAWKINS was ninth in the women’s race with 41:50. There was a stack of women’s category winners with Suzy first woman 45 plus; YUKO GORDON first woman 65 plus in 46:30; ABBIE PEZ first under 20 in 47:45 and CLARE PULLEN first 55 plus in 48:39.

WILLIAM MORLEY was first under 20 in the men’s race with 45:07.

All of the Spartan women’s “A” team of eight runners finished in under 48 minutes. The others were GEORGIE HOOPER 46:08; CHARLOTTE SMITH 46:50; JOANNE BOWDERY 46:54; HEATHER JONES 47:47 and GRACE COVENTRY 47:54. And MARIE COLUCCI led in the “B” team with 47:57.

All twelve of the men in the Spartan men’s “A” team finished in less than 41 minutes. Eight were under 40.

Nearly 100 Spartans ran – 46 women and 51 men. That means FIVE complete Spartan teams, teams of eight, finished the women’s race and FOUR complete teams, teams of twelve, finished the men’s race. Altogether 156 women from six clubs ran in division one. There were 173 men.

They were the only Stevenage based club to finish with complete teams in any division. Free participation in the mid week series is part of the club’s offer. With 97 members finishing between 33 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes you can see that a wide range of abilities was very welcome.

Full results for all 46 women (eight per team) and all 51 men (twelve per team) can be found at the end of this release.

St Albans Hot and Hilly Half Marathon

The temperature was pushing 26 degrees and the 13.1 miles course nothing like flat but that did not stop Spartan HEATHER JONES running an amazing new personal best of 1 hour 43 minutes 50 seconds at Sunday’s St Albans Half Marathon. That’s an improvement of about six minutes.

DANNY SCANLON was so close to beating the “magic” one and a half hours but 1:30:26 was impressive in those conditions. He was 61st out of about 1600 finishers.

Meanwhile after his efforts last week JIM BROWN considered the temperature and thought he’d be pleased to get round with a nine minutes per mile average, giving say 1:58 so just under two hours; but he used all four water stations, carried a bottle for more than half the miles, and felt good enough at ten miles “only a parkrun to go” to speed up a bit for 1:55:36 and got in the top half of the field at 582nd despite another birthday coming along on Monday.

LUKE GURNEY said it was the hardest race he had ever done but came in with 2:05:33. KELLY EVANS was held up while an accident was sorted but came in with 2:07:13. JONATHAN JONES, DZENANA TOPIC and CHRISTINE ZVEREV kept in sight of each other almost all the way round and finished with 2:50:00; 2:50:03 and 2:51:09. New member Christine said, “it was great to finally join in all the fun in a big event. Lovely atmosphere and great encouragement.”

Position

Name

Time

Comments

61

DANNY SCANLON

1:30:26

269

HEATHER JONES

1:43:50

PB (6th F 20-29)

582

JIM BROWN

1:55:36

887

LUKE GURNEY

2:05:33

922

KELLY EVANS

2:07:13

1526

JONATHAN JONES

2:50:00

1527

DZENANA TOPIC

2:50:03

1531

CHRISTINE ZVEREV

2:51:09

SDW 100 – a Century on the South Downs Way

ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the SDW100 on Saturday, in 21 hours 30 minutes 54 seconds. That’s 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne along the South Downs Way. 

This was his first real 100 mile race, which he completed almost 7 hours faster than last year’s virtual CR1C around Stevenage, comfortably achieving the 24 hour target he had set myself. 

The morning brought perfect running weather, but this soon developed into the heatstroke-inducing conditions that had been predicted for the afternoon (whilst it wasn’t all that hot in absolute terms, there’s almost no shade on the South Downs Way). Correspondingly, there was a high rate of DNFs (did not finish) this year. Adrian said, “Whilst I held up well through much of the afternoon, I really began to struggle late afternoon into the evening, with my pace faltering, muscles failing, hydration and fuelling strategy becoming confused, and willpower and self-belief waning. 

Sunset eventually brought the respite I needed, and soon after I regained my physical and mental form, and an acute determination to break 24 hours. With this, there was strong running, including relentlessly assaulting the hills, all the way to the finish. The only real hiccup was getting somewhat lost after following some incorrect route signage at the summit of the final hill before the descent to Eastbourne. After considerable backtracking and path exploration, I eventually spotted some headlights descending in the distance, which gave me the direction I needed to locate the correct path.

The race finished at the running track at Eastbourne Sports Park, which presented an opportunity to properly open the taps for a sprint finish lap. The legs felt like they were ticking over like clockwork as I gratuitously chased down the runner half a lap ahead (who spotted the danger last minute and surprisingly replied with a stonking 25m sprint finish himself – there were smiles all round at the finish line!) It was an immensely satisfying finish to a successful day on the trails. I was very happy with the PB, and have a lot of positives to take forward into the summer season.”

Peterborough 10K

PAUL HOLGATE reports that the postponed 10K at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough was very well organised.

STEVE WELLS was 82nd out of the 892 finishers and third man 55 plus with 41 minutes 58 seconds and Paul 711th in 1:06:19.

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England. PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).

On Sunday 13th June JIM BROWN, in second place, had crossed the River Severn and is closing in on Bristol with 2,805 kilometres (94.45%) done. BRIAN WHITE has maintained his third place and is approaching Fleetwood with 2376 kilometres. SHARON CROWLEY, fourth, is through ~Carlisle and starting to head down the west coast with 2192 kilometres.

This virtual event was another great distraction and motivation during the months of restrictions on racing and training together. It started in Bristol and followed the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction. The other ten Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres and have until December to finish the event. Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

Flying On

The Spartans are still flying. On Saturday morning five took part in the 56th virtual Fly 5K. NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a Fly PB (personal best) of 24 minutes 48 seconds. With the next day’s half marathon on his mind JIM BROWN was 114th in 27:58. NICOLA ANDERSSON was 129th in 28:50; PAUL HOLGATE 166th in 32:54 and PENNY SCHENKEL 178th in 34:32. There were 217 runners from 48 clubs and several different countries.

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days. For example JIM BROWN took 26 minutes 50 seconds to run the first 5K of Sunday’s St Albans Half Marathon.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS BACK ON TRACK

The Fairlands Valley Spartans (FVS) Track Teams are back in Action.  Despite the unpredictable weather, it was great to get back to competing in the EMAC (Eastern Veterans Track and Field) league in Sandy on Wednesday evening.  The FVS ladies team won the fixture, finishing 10 points ahead of their major rivals, Marshall Milton Keynes AC.

Four women made their debut for FVS – Marian Morley (2nd place discus throw (DT)), Stephanie Biggar (3rd place in both shot (SP) and DT), Karen Dodsworth (2nd place long jump (LJ), and winner in both triple jump (TJ) and DT), and Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (winning both 100 metres and 400 metres in a younger age group!) while others tried events for the first time – Callie Chapman (3rd place 100m) and Sheryl Hann (2nd place 800m).  Other winners on the night were Suzy Hawkins (800m and 2nd place 400m), Tessa Stephenson (100m and 400m and 2nd place SP), and Monica Brown (LJ and 4th place SP).  The remaining points were won by Andrea Westcott (2nd place 800m, 3rd place LJ, and 2nd place TJ), Yuko Gordon (2nd place 1 mile walk) and Sharon Crowley (4th place 1 mile walk)

The men’s team had six competing, including debutante Steve Gough who did the walk to get his bearings!

Dave Stephenson finished first (400m), 2nd place (100m), and 3rd place (SP). Steve Mayfield contributing to our points tally with his usual four events finishing 3rd (LJ) and 4th (TJ, SP, 100m), Andy Patterson finished 3rd on his debut in triple jump and 4th in 800m.  Ron ‘Pops’ Westcott placed 4th (SP) and 5th (DT), the winner was 15 years his junior! Mark Freeman placed 3rd (1 mile walk) and 5th (100m), Chris Westcott nursing his hamstring to a very respectable 4th place in 400m and Steve Gough finished in 4th place on his debut in the walk.

The competition is fierce as Andy Patterson ran 2.09.07 which is close to the club record to finish fourth!!!  EMAC is great fun and a huge learning curve for all involved!!!

Due to COVID restrictions, there were no relays to round off the evening, but everyone enjoyed the tasty homemade triple chocolate brownies.  The next fixture is in Cambridge on 30th June, where Captain’s Cake of the Day will be lemon drizzle……….

 

Hertfordshire Half and 10K

The Hertfordshire Half and 10K, based on Knebworth House, are – politely – undulating.  This time the challenge was slightly greater with the switch from a cool end of year to summer.  Indeed this was the postponed by pandemic 2020 event.

Three Spartans took on the full 13.1 miles.  Looking at the course and conditions beforehand JIM BROWN thought he’d struggle to get under two hours but he maintained a steady pace throughout to finish in 1 hour 53 minutes 30 seconds.  That gave him third in his category and 394th out of the 1,096 finishers.  Next at 479th came CHARLOTTE SMITH in 1:56:48 with club secretary WENDY THARANI coming in with 2:09:29 (728th).

There was a socially distanced wave start for both races.

In the 10K JAMES McSWEENEY came in with 51 minutes 34 seconds; JONATHAN JONES with 1:02:03 and DZENANA with 1:06:06.  There were 319 finishers.

The even more local Stevenage Half Marathon, organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans, is on Sunday 21st November and entries are open.

 

Yuko at Boston (UK)

On the public holiday Monday Fairlands Valley’s YUKO GORDON ran the Boston (UK) Marathon in 3 hours 26 minutes 29 seconds.  She was first woman 70 plus and 265th out of the 693 finishers.

 

Jonathan WINS Fly 5K Anniversary Run

JONATHAN PARR took Spartan participation in Fly 5K to a new level when he won Saturday’s Fly 5K anniversary race with 16 minutes 49 seconds in his first Fly race.

This was Fly 5K’s first birthday and the 55th event.  There were 220 runners from 48 clubs.  Also on Saturday morning NICOLA ANDERSSON was 101st in 27:32; PENNY SCHENKEL and JIM BROWN were 119th equal with 29 minutes exactly and PAUL HOLGATE was 181st in 33:32.

The first Fly 5K virtual race was on 6th June 2020 and the Saturday morning events, including the window when parkrun would have been, has helped keep many runners motivated and involved during the long months of lockdown.

 

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England.  PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday 25th May with all 2,970 kilometres done.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).

On Sunday 6th June JIM BROWN had reached Woodcroft in the Wye Forest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  Soon he will briefly cross into Wales as he heads to Chepstow Castle / Cas – gwent.  Jim is on 2,738 kilometres (92%).

This virtual event was another great distraction and motivation during the months of restrictions on racing and training together.  It started in Bristol and followed the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction.  The other twelve Spartans are still clicking up the kilometres.  Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday some other Spartans ran (not) parkruns on other days.  For example JIM BROWN ran a 5K in 26 minutes 51 seconds, two minutes 9 seconds faster than his Saturday effort during Sunday’s Hertfordshire Half Marathon and on Tuesday ALISON SHELLEY registered qa (not) parkrun in 30:29.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Categories
Club News Race Results

ANDREW WINS HITCHIN 10K

Fairlands Valley’s ANDREW PATTERSON won Sunday’s Hitchin 10K with a time of just 33 minutes 36 seconds!  He was more than a minute clear of the next runner with a new personal best and course record.

In addition on a super Spartans Sunday CHARLOTTE SMITH was first female senior with 46:50; PAUL SHELLEY was first male 50 plus with 40:16; ALISON SHELLEY first female 50 plus with 50:30; BRIAN WHITE was second male 60 plus with 41:55; and WILLIAM MORLEY was third male under 20 with 45:07.  That’s four Spartans first places, a second and a third!  GEORGIE HOOPER ran a new personal best (PB), less than a week after her last one, of 46:08; STEVE DOBNER improved to 47:36 and MARIAN MORLEY ran a new PB of 54:23.

Paul and Alison said they enjoyed the course despite the hill at about 3.5 kilometres and a nicely organised event with great marshalling.  It was really good to race again and with the camaraderie of the Spartans.

There were 21 Spartans amongst the 348 finishers in the race.  Find all their results in the table near the end of this release.

The race was another opportunity to record a time for race one in the Mid Week League and some Spartans achieved improvements compared with Tuesday (see below).  They were Andrew Patterson (37 seconds); Brian White (1:20); PETE SMITH (12 seconds); William Morley (1:35); Georgie Hooper (33 seconds); Charlotte Smith (2:53); JIM BROWN (2:50); NICOLA ANDERSSON (1:16); NICK KLEANTHOUS (21 seconds); MARIAN MORLEY (13 seconds); KARL SHREEVE (41 seconds) and JONATHAN JONES (3:49).

 

Wave 10K

This year’s Mid Week Road Race League (MWRRL) has started without clubs travelling to fixtures but staying in their home areas.  Fairlands Valley Spartans offered a secure waved start on a measured course and 81 took up the challenge on Tuesday.  Despite the event finishing in the rain there were outstanding performances from SIMON JACKSON (34:08); ANDREW PATTERSON (34:13) and ADRIAN BUSOLINI (36:37) who was running just three days after a 44 miles ultra event.

NICK GILL improved his personal best by 25 seconds to 41:41.  GEORGIE HOOPER by a full 2 minutes 30 seconds to 46:41.  HEATHER JONES set a new mark of 47 minutes 47 seconds and VICKY ARCHER was left speechless by her new personal best of 54:36.

Position Name Time Comments
1 SIMON JACKSON 34:08
2 ANDREW PATTERSON 34:13
3 ADRIAN BUSOLINI 36:37 3 days after 44
4 ALEX SISLEY 39:04
5 JAMES UTTING 39:33
6 DANNY SCANLON 39:45
7 TODD GRAY 40:40
8 MARTIN BLACKBURN 40:41
9 STUART HAYCROFT 41:34
10 NICK GILL 41:41 PB (0:25)
11 SUZY HAWKINS 41:50
12 MATTHEW NEWTON 42:00
13 BRIAN WHITE 43:15
14 JAMES KAY 43:21
15 STUART ARCHER 44:18
16 PETE SMITH 44:27
17 YUKO GORDON 46:30
18 CRAIG BACON 46:34
19 GEORGIE HOOPER 46:41 PB (2:30)
20 WILLIAM MORLEY 46:42
21 TOBY ECCLESHALL 46:51
22 JO BOWDERY 46:54
23 MARK GOODWIN 47:04
24 LEE PICKERSGILL 47:07
25 ABBIE PEZ 47:45
26 HEATHER JONES 47:47 PB
27= ANDY McGUINNESS 47:57
27= MARIE COLUCCI 47:57
29 NIGEL STRONGITHARM 48:35
30 CLAIRE PULLEN 48:39
31 TRACY PEZ 48:40
32 GRACE COVENTRY 48:48
33 CHARLOTTE SMITH 49:43 2 days after marathon
34 CRAIG WILSON 49:51
35 JON SYPULA 49:53
36 DAVE PRICE 50:24
37 LUKE GURNEY 50:32
38 MARTIN DUDLEY 50:38
39 ZOE JACKSON 51:14
40 CHRIS HOLLAND 51:18
41 DARREN EMMERSON 51:22
42 ANDREW SMITH 51:27
43 MIKE REYNOLDS 51:50
44 ANDY JAY 51:54
45 TIM ROBINSON 52:05
46 JENNY GARRETT 52:22
47 CAROLYN LINSELL 52:38
48 JIM BROWN 53:35 2 days after marathon
49 NICK KLEANTHOUS 53:42
50 NICOLA ANDERSSON 54:00
51= CLAIRE EMMERSON 54:36
51= MARION MORLEY 54:36
51= VICKY ARCHER 54:36 PB (speechless)
54 WENDY THARANI 54:40
55 LINDA NOLAN 54:56
56 DEBBIE BLANTERN 55:06
57 JACKIE DOWNES 56:10
58= HAZEL SMITH 56:11
58= KAREN ELLIS 56:11
60 TRICIA HOPPER 56:18
61 BARRY KING 56:29
62 KERSTIN WEINER 56:58
63 JON HARDING 57:33
64 KARL SHREEVE 57:52
65= CHLOE CHAPMAN 58:17
65= MICHAEL ANDREWS 58:17
67= JAN FRY 60:00
67= SIMON SYPULA 60:00
69 DZENNA TOPIC 60:04
70 CHRISTINE ZVEREV 61:08
71= CALLIE CHAPMAN 62:00
71= JONATHAN JONES 62:00
71= PENNY SCHENKEL 62:00
74= KAREN PALMER 63:51
74= TONI NICHOLLS 63:51
76 MONICA SMITHSON 64:03
77= ANGIE KEELING 69:58
77= SALLY PHILLIPS 69:58
79 TRACY STILES 71:34
80 JUDY KING 71:45
81 RACHAEL MILLER 72:25

In addition SU McANENY and CIARAN McANENY ran their 10K virtually in 49 minutes 54 seconds.  That will be included in the MWRRL result for race one.  Race two will also be virtual and is between 14th and 27th June.

 

London to Brighton

Spartan JOHN HARRIS ran from London to Brighton in 12 hours 41 minutes and 8 seconds.  This was 64 miles on a very challenging course with elevations over 5,100 feet in the hot sun on Saturday.

 

Racing Round England

The Spartans have a winner in their Bristol to Bristol virtual run, cycle and walk challenge around the coasts and borders of England.  PENNY SCHENKEL crossed the finish line during the Spartans Wave 10K run on Tuesday with all 2,970 kilometres done.

She was 434 kilometres ahead of JIM BROWN (2536) and 789 ahead of BRIAN WHITE (2181).

By the end of the month Jim had reached Leominster, Herefordshire with 2664 and Brian was in Maryport, Cumbria with 2212.  The only other Spartan with over 2,000 kilometres so far was SHARON CROWLEY with 2050.  She has done the left turn in Northumberland and is heading towards Hadrian’s Wall.  The other ten Spartans are still chasing around England and so far have a team total of 22,875.7 kilometres.

This virtual event was another great distraction and motivation during the months of restrictions on racing and training together.  It started in Bristol and followed the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction.  Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.

 

Fly 5K Number 54

Four Spartans raced in Saturday morning’s Fly 5K, the 54th running of the virtual event.

NICOLA ANDERSSON led the Spartans in with a new personal best of 25 minutes 46 seconds.  In the middle of a very active week JIM BROWN backed off a bit to take 28:19 but was still second in his age group. PENNY SCHENKEL ran 31:52 and PAUL HOLGATE 32:12.

The Saturday morning virtual Fly races started during the first lock down to help keep people active.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a (not) Parkrun on Tuesday in 26:32 and JIM BROWN went faster on Sunday with 24:59 in the second half of his 10K.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Tables

Full results for all Spartans are listed below.  It’s back!

Spartans at Hitchin on Super Sunday:

Position Name Time Comments Comp MWRRL 1
1 ANDREW PATTERSON 33:36 Overall winner PB 37 seconds
13 PAUL SHELLEY 40:16 1MV50
20 NICK GILL 41:46
22 BRIAN WHITE 41:55 2MV60 1:20
36 SAM SIMMONS 43:20
42 SIMON JACKSON 43:46 5MV40
51 PETE SMITH 44:15 12 seconds
62 WILLIAM MORLEY 45:07 3rd male U20 1:35
74 GEORGIE HOOPER 46:08 PB.  4th FV30. 33 seconds
85 CHARLOTTE SMITH 46:50 1st female senior 2:53
100 STEVE DOBNER 47:36 PB (1:05)
144 ALISON SHELLEY 50:30 1st FV50
147 JIM BROWN 50:45 2:50
162 ANDY JAY 52:19
168 NICOLA ANDERSSON 52:44 1:16
177 NICK KLEANTHOUS 53:21 21 seconds
190 MARIAN MORLEY 54:23 PB 13 seconds
220 KARL SHREEVE 57:11 41 seconds
223 SUE HAMER 57:34
238 JONATHAN JONES 58:11 3:49
284 DZENANA TOPIC 1:02:32
Categories
Club News Race Results

PETERBOROUGH FELT VERY REAL!

That definitely felt real.  Eight Spartans headed north for Peterborough Marathon on Sunday morning.

This was essentially a flat race but with some awkward turns and muddy sections.  A bit of a nagging head wind in places but all the Spartans finished in the dry before the day’s deluge began.

CHARLOTTE SMITH beat four hours in only her second marathon and now has a new personal best of 3 hours 55 minutes 43 seconds.  GRANT RAMSAY kept up his amazing record of sub three marathons with 2:54:56.  He was 38th out of the 561 finishers.  Grant had hoped to beat 2:50 but the course was not to his liking.  47 of Grant’s 51 marathons have been under three hours.

MATT CLARKE kept up a consistent pace for 3:49:43.  If it wasn’t for a tricky last four miles JOHN HARRIS may well have beaten four but came in with 4:01:06.

JIM BROWN freely admitted that he hadn’t had the time to prepare for a full marathon but grabbed the opportunity to get one done after so long.  He was pleased and surprised to keep a nine minute mile pace going to the 20 mile marker which he reached in exactly three hours.  Then it became grit and determination and a liquid mud section within the last 5K wasn’t great if you were tired.  Still he got round in 4 hours 6 minutes 13 seconds so achieved a target of running a marathon while he was Mayor of Stevenage.

JOHN NELMS cruised in with 4:10:45 followed by ED HARE at 4:25:20 and FIONA CLARKE setting out on a series of marathons with 4:29:47.  This was Fiona’s first proper” marathon and the first of three raising money for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity.

The Spartans team (team of three) were 17th in the race.

Position Name Time Comments
38 GRANT RAMSAY 2:54:56 4MV45
243 MATT CLARKE 3:49:43  
282 CHARLOTTE SMITH 3:55:43 PB
305 JOHN HARRIS 4:01:06  
327 JIM BROWN 4:06:13 5MV65
347 JOHN NELMS 4:10:45  
387 ED HARE 4:25:20  
406 FIONA CLARKE 4:29:47  

561 finishers

 

Classic Quarter for Spartan Three

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was one of three Spartans that tackled the Classic Quarter on Saturday.  It’s at 44 mile trail run from the southernmost point of England to the most westerly.  He said it was a cold, dreary, rainy start (following a 5am coach trip to Lizard Point); but it soon warmed up, and the sun broke through for what was a glorious day on the coastal trail.  It wound its way through hidden coves and beaches, up and down hills, and of course into the headwind (mild, thankfully).  However, it proved difficult to maintain pace as the technical difficulty of the route escalated after Mousehole, with rocky terrain to navigate that sometimes bordered on scrambling, just at the point the legs and mind were tiring.  A confusing factor was seeing participants occasionally shooting past, sprinting up the tricky hills like they’d only just started; these turned out to be relay runners, who had quite literally just started!  There was a fabulous welcome back at the finish line at Land’s End.  It’s one of those routes that feels incredibly rewarding to complete.

Adrian finished the 44 miles in 8 hours 54 minutes 26 seconds and was 20th in the event.

Anthony Hewitson and Jason Hawthorne, both newbies with FVS, also completed the Endurance Ultra Classic Quarter.

What started as a really wet and windy day quickly turned into glorious blue skies on this race from Lizard Point (the most Southerly part of the UK) to Lands End (the most Westerly point).  In Jason’s first Ultra (Anthony is a vet with races like MDS Marathon des Sables under his wings) they ran together and completed the 44 miles in 11 hours 42 minutes, which saw them placed 136 and 137 out of the field of 184 that ran the solo race.  The total number of runners on the day was 551 with many relay teams either sharing a half or a quarter the distance.

They said it was a great event, really well organised and now comes highly recommended.

 

Racing Round England

In the Spartans run, cycle, walk around the coasts and borders PENNY SCHENKEL is only 13 kilometres from the finish line back in Bristol.  That’s 99.57% done.  She hopes to include the Spartans 10K wave running race on Tuesday to get her over the line.

Including some help from Sunday’s marathon JIM BROWN has crossed the Mersey and is in Frodsham, Cheshire.

In bronze medal position BRIAN WHITE is right by Hadrian’s Wall at Greenhead.  He’s on 2120 kilometres.

SHARON CROWLEY, fourth, is through Middlesbrough heading for Haverton Hill with 1949 kilometres done.

KEN JUDE 1611 is at Kirton near Boston in Lincolnshire.  CATHY CRAIG 1503 is in the Norfolk Coast area of outstanding natural beauty.  While HAZEL SMITH 1483, seventh is in West Runton heading for Sheringham.

The virtual event started in Bristol and is following the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction.  Many other clubs are participating in the Virtual Coast Challenge.  The team total for all fourteen Spartans is 21,731 kilometres.

Bib no. Now Last Week Participant Location
120 2957.3 2834.6 Penny Schenkel Outskirts of Bristol
118 2521.0 2424.07 Jim Brown Frodsham, Cheshire
115 2119.6 2077.8 Brian White Right by Hadrians Wall at Greenhead
99 1949.1 1899.1 Sharon Crowley Through Middlesbrough, Haverton Hill
108 1610.7 1537.9 Ken Jude Kirton near Boston, Lincolnshire
110 1503.1 1439.1 Cathy Craig Morston, Norfolk Coast AONB
128 1483.1 1414.9 Hazel Smith West Runton, heading for Sheringham
98 1447.2 1332.2 Jon Sypula Horsey, Norfolk
100 1301.6 1190.6 Liz Crowley Martello Beach in Essex
102 1299.2 1248.5 Paul Holgate St. Osyth in Essex
113 968.1 951.2 Liz Carvell Rottingdean, Essex
109 939.1 909.2 Tracy Pez Kingston Course, east of Littlehampton
136 911.8. 863.5 Wendy Tharani Approaching Bognor Regis
114 720.4 690.2 Lee Pickersgill West Dorset Heritage Coast at Langton Herring.

 

Fly 5K Number 53

Four Spartans raced in Saturday morning’s Fly 5K, the 53rd running of the virtual event.

This time NICOLA ANDERSSON was the fastest from Fairlands with 27 minutes 43 seconds.  This was her 30th Fly 5K.

Feeling nostalgic JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL followed the paused Stevenage parkrun course.  In an otherwise quiet Fairlands Valley Park Jim was second in his age group with 28 minutes 46 seconds and Penny scored 28:48.  They were 123rd and 124th out the 210 finishers.  Jim and Penny are the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress of Stevenage and this was a small compensation for there being no parkruns for their whole time in office.

PAUL HOLGATE came in 186th with 34:40.

The Saturday morning virtual Fly races started during the first lock down to help keep people active.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Friday NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a (not) Parkrun on Monday in 27:39 and JIM BROWN ran a (not) parkrun 26:21 on Thursday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

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Club News Race Results

REUNION 5K! PB ANDY

Spartans ANDREW PATTERSON and ADRIAN BUSOLINI took part in the Reunion 5K on Saturday. This was one of the pilot events in the government’s Events Research Programmes, organised to provide scientific data for the government on how mass-participation events can resume safely from June.

It was held at Kempton Racecourse in Surrey. The weather was horrid on the drive down but held up for the race.

There were two races and Andrew took part in the first one, Adrian was in the second.  There were some differences in the way the two races were organised.

Runners started the first race side by side with another runner two metres apart.  The pairs went off every couple of seconds.  Andrew set off in the 12th pairing.  The course was flat and reasonably fast.  The only tricky part was from 3.5k to 4.5k where it went from tarmac to trail.  He managed to keep to pace over these five furlongs and then manage to make up a few more places to finish third across the finish line with the second best time in the race.  His time was 15:58, which was a Personal Best (PB) by 40 seconds!  Andy said it was great to be racing and hopefully helping to demonstrate that mass participation events can return.  Fingers crossed!

ADRIAN BUSOLINI was in the second race and finished in 17 minutes 32 seconds.

 

Two In Kew

SAM SIMMONS and FIONA CLARKE ran the Kew Gardens 10K on Sunday.

Fiona said the race was completely within Kew Gardens on its tarmac paths, meandering around the greenhouses and exhibits but we did get to see the insides during the race.  There were no spectators allowed which meant the atmosphere was slightly lacking but the race was very well organised.

Sam finished in an impressive 43 minutes 9 second his previous PB (personal best) by over two minutes.  Fiona completed the race in 51:34.

Then they did another 6k cool down on the Thames towpath watching the rowing boats go by.  All in all, a great morning out.

 

Racing Round England

As lock down eases a little more PENNY SCHENKEL is potentially only a day’s cycle ride from the finish line in the Spartans virtual race around the coasts and borders of England.  She has run, walked or cycled 2,834 of the 2,970 kilometres and is closing in on Bristol.

In second place JIM BROWN is by the River Ribble in Penwortham, Preston with 2,424 kilometres or 82% of the event done.

BRIAN WHITE is through 2,000 kilometres and at Scot’s Gap not far from Hadrian’s Wall

SHARON CROWLEY, fourth, has reached the seagulls, dogs, ice cream and fantastic views at Whitby with 1899 kilometres done.  KEN JUDE 1538 and CATHY CRAIG 1439 are both in Norfolk while HAZEL SMITH, seventh is at the most easterly point of England just north of Lowestoft.

The virtual event started in Bristol and is following the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction.  The team total for all fourteen Spartans is 20,813 kilometres.

Bib no. New Last Week Participant Location
120 2834.6 2726.6 Penny Schenkel Severn Valley
118 2424.07 2279.02 Jim Brown Penwortham, Preston
115 2077.8 1983.8 Brian White Scot’s Gap
99 1899.1 1815.0 Sharon Crowley Whitby, Yorkshire
108 1537.9 1424.1 Ken Jude Hunstanton, Norfolk
110 1439.1 1377.9 Cathy Craig Hemsby, Norfolk
128 1414.9 1372.0 Hazel Smith Most easterly point, Lowestoft
98 1332.2 1209.9 Jon Sypula Felixstowe
100 1190.6 1190.6 Liz Crowley Gillingham, Kent
102 1248.5 1179.6 Paul Holgate UP ONE.  South Woodham Ferrers
113 951.2 929.0 Liz Carvell Shoreham-by-Sea
109 909.2 883.4 Tracy Pez Approaching Bognor Regis
136 863.5 805.2 Wendy Tharani Fareham, Hampshire
114 690.2 646.4 Lee Pickersgill Charmouth

 

Country to Capital

Recently Spartan JOHN HARRIS ran the Country to Capital 43 mile race with a time of 6 hours 52 minutes 1 second.  Country to Capital is a 43 mile point to point Ultra Marathon starting at the Chiltern Way Academy, Church Lane in Wendover and finishing at the Waterside Cafe in the Little Venice Canal basin close to London’s Paddington station.  The route is a mix of country trails and canal towpath.  John was 66th.  There were 197 finishers.

 

Fly 5K Number 52

Five Spartans raced in Saturday morning’s damp Fly 5K, the 52nd running of the virtual event.  Damp but not unpleasant.

JIM BROWN, in real life running round Fairlands Valley Park, got in the top one hundred at 94th with 26 minutes 2 seconds which was good enough for second place in his category.

Next was JAMES McSWEENEY at 113th in 26:55.  NICK KLEANTHOUS was 144th in 28:32.  PENNY SCHENKEL ran her 25th Fly 5K in exactly 30 minutes for 162nd.  PAUL HOLGATE was 187th in 31:44.  There were 230 finishers.

The Saturday morning virtual Fly races started during the first lock down to help keep people active.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Friday NICK KLEANTHOUS ran a (not) Parkrun in 27:35

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Categories
Club News Race Results

COUNTRY TO CAPITAL

Spartan JOHN HARRIS ran the Country to Capital 43 mile race on Saturday with a time of 6 hours 52 minutes 1 second.  Country to Capital is a 43 mile point to point Ultra Marathon starting at the Chiltern Way Academy, Church Lane in Wendover and finishing at the Waterside Cafe in the Little Venice Canal basin close to London’s Paddington station.  The route is a mix of country trails and canal towpath.  John was 66th.  There were 197 finishers.

Racing Round England
In their race around England Spartan team leader PENNY SCHENKEL is closing in on the finish line with 2605 of the 2970 kilometres done.  With more rthan 200 kilometres done in the last week she has been near the Welsh border for a while and has reached Bomere Heath in Shropshire heading for Shrewsbury.
Penny has a lead of nearly 400 kilometres on second placed JIM BROWN on 2213.  He is in Crosscanonby, Cumbria having passed through the Solway Firth Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within sight of Scotland.  Now he’s heading for Workington and settling into the long slog against the prevailing wind
On his way through Middlesbrough BRIAN WHITE is on 1945.
Fourth placed SHARON CROWLEY is coming into Hull with 1765 kilometres.  KEN JUDE is up into fifth place on 1368 and is nearly into Aldeburgh in Suffolk.
CATHY CRAIG and HAZEL SMITH are both in Essex.  Cathy is on 1312 in Thorpe-le-Soken and has opened up a 19 kilometre gap on her daughter who is in Thorrington with 1293.
LIZ CROWLEY is up one place to eighth and in Gillingham, Kent on 1191.  Ninth place JON SYPULA is also in Kent at How Green with 1177 as is PAUL HOLGATE tenth with 1126 and between Margate and Westgate.
The chasers are still going well LIZ CARVELL, 923 in Bognor Regis; TRACY PEZ 858 at Swanwick, Southampton; WENDY THARANI, 767 at Corfe Castle and LEE PICKERSGILL, 607 in Dartmouth just about to get on the ferry to Kingswear.
In the virtual race around England the Fairlands Valley Spartans team have already covered a total of 19,149 kilometres, the equivalent of more than six times round the course, and are now scattered between Devon and Shropshire.  The event started in Bristol and is following the coasts and borders of England in an anti-clockwise direction.

Bib no. Now Last Week Participant Location
120 2604.9 2377.9 km Penny Schenkel Bomere Heath, Shropshire
118 2212.8 2045.1 km Jim Brown Crosscanonby, Cumbria
115 1944.9 1874.7 km Brian White Middlebrough
99 1764.9 1642.0 km Sharon Crowley Coming into Hull
108 1368.0 1249.7 km Ken Jude Approaching Aldeburgh (UP)
110 1312.3 1256.4 km Cathy Craig Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex
128 1293.0 1240.9 km Hazel Smith Thorrington, Essex
100 1190.6 1087.0 km Liz Crowley Gillingham, Kent (UP)
98 1176.6 1100.4 km Jon Sypula How Green, Kent
102 1125.9 1063.7 km Paul Holgate Margate – Westgate, Kent
113 923.2 899.1 km Liz Carvell Just past Bognor Regis
109 858.4 825.1 km Tracy Pez Swanwick, Southampton
136 766.9 737.8 km Wendy Tharani Corfe Castle – Studland
114 607.1 580.7 Lee Pickersgill Dartmouth, Devon

Fly 5K 50th Edition
Five Spartans celebrated the fiftieth Fly 5K.  They were JIM BROWN 112th and second Vet 65 plus in 25 minutes 29 seconds; NICOLA ANDERSSON 116th with a personal best of 25:49; MARIAN MORLEY 179th and second female 55 plus with 28:56; PENNY SCHENKEL 191st in 29:20 and PAUL HOLGATE 201st in 29:57.
The virtual Fly races started during lock down to help keep people active.

(Not) Parkrun
In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday NICOLA ANDERSSON and JIM BROWN ran (not) ParkRun times of 26:28 and 26:52.
(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Categories
Club News Race Results

20s PLENTY FOR ED

ED HARE ran the Goodwood Running Grand Prix on Sunday morning.  It consisted of 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, 20 miles or Marathon distances.  He took on the 20 mile challenge as a training run towards the Peterborough Marathon next month and came away with a 2 hours 48 minutes 51 seconds time which was a personal best (PB) by over 3 minutes.  Ed said it was a fantastic event with almost 1000 competitors and certainly the largest attended event since the pandemic started that he’d seen.

He added, “Runners were sent off socially distanced and in fours and there were staggered starts all morning for all the different events.  It felt very safe around the event village and certainly gives you confidence that larger events can happen this year.  The strangest part of the morning was light aircraft taking off and landing in the middle of the track, but certainly helped taking the attention away from how my legs were.”

 

For Real – a Half Marathon

Jim halfThe half marathon was always a favourite distance for JIM BROWN and on Saturday he was able to run the first real one this year.  Organised by Run Through this was 0.1 miles plus thirteen laps of the cycling circuit in the Lee Valley Olympic Park.  There were plenty of turns and sharp little inclines but at least with only one mile per loop the headwind stretches didn’t last too long.

Jim was keen to tick off every mile at just under nine minutes which, having made great use of the Spartans steady five training session to practice, he did to finish in 1 hour 52 minutes 23 seconds.  He was the last runner across the start line in the phased starting arrangements but with his steady pace caught a few and ended up in the middle of the finishers and second in his age category.  There were over 200 finishers.

 

Rock Up ‘n’ Race

Six months after their last Rock Up ‘n’ Run race along the River Lea towpath from Stanstead St Margarets Paul Holgate and Roger Biggs returned to join the fun organised by Fordy Runners.  Paul beat his October time by 11 minutes 38 seconds, finishing the half marathon in 2:37:48, while Roger was pleased to complete the 10k event in 1:31:50, only slightly slower than his October time despite the chilly headwind to contend with this time.

 

Sunday 25th April: Big Cow Formula 5 Duathlon

A normal duathlon is run-bike-run but the Big Cow Formula 5 Duathlon was run-bike-run-bike-run.  Hence the Formula 5 name.  The run was 5K on mainly an off-road undulating course in Emberton Country Park.  The bike was 40K on roads, around Newport Pagnell which was again undulating, and there was quite a stiff breeze.  BRIAN WHITE entered to test out his endurance fitness and it’s obviously not that bad!  He was second veteran 65 plus and 49th overall in 2 hours 37 minutes 33 seconds.

 

Racing Round England

In their race around England ten of the fourteen Fairlands Valley Spartans have completed more than 1,000 kilometres and team leader PENNY SCHENKEL is already pushing the headwind down the west coast.  She is approaching Fleetwood, northern terminus of the Blackpool Tramways with 2,378 kilometres done.  Penny has a lead of more than 300 kilometres within the Spartans and is eighth overall in the national competition.

Second placed JIM BROWN has just turned left towards Carlisle.  He is at West Chevington near Alnmouth and more than two thirds of the way round with 2045 kilometres.

Early leader BRIAN WHITE is third and making good progress with 1,875 kilometres and has reached Cloughton in North Yorkshire.  Fourth placed SHARON CROWLEY is in Wainfleet St Mary, near Skegness and Gibraltar (!) with 1642 kilometres.

CATHY CRAIG and HAZEL SMITH have switched positions since last week.  Cathy is on 1256 and has opened up a 15 kilometre gap on her daughter but KEN JUDE has got between them again with 1250.  All three are in Essex.

JON SYPULA ON 1,100 IS COMING THROUGH Deal in Kent.  He’s 13 kilometres ahead of LIZ CROWLEY who is in Dover.  PAUL HOLGATE is the latest Spartan through 1,000 kilometres.  He’s on 1,064 and between Dymchurch and Hythe near the narrow gauge stream railway.

In the virtual race around England the Fairlands Valley Spartans team have already covered a total of 17,980 kilometres, the equivalent of six times round the course, and are now scattered between Devon and Lancashire.

 

Bib no. Distance Participant Location
120 2377.9 km Penny Schenkel Fleetwood
118 2045.1 km Jim Brown West Chevington
115 1874.7 km Brian White Cloughton, North Yorks
99 1642.0 km Sharon Crowley Wainfleet St Mary, near Gibraltar
110 1256.4 km Cathy Craig Purleigh, Essex
108 1249.7 km Ken Jude South Woodham Ferrers, Essex
128 1240.9 km Hazel Smith Wickford, Essex
98 1100.4 km Jon Sypula Deal, Kent
100 1087.0 km Liz Crowley Dover, Kent
102 1063.7 km Paul Holgate Dymchurch – Hythe, Kent
113 899.1 km Liz Carvell East Wittering
109 825.1 km Tracy Pez New Forest
136 737.8 km Wendy Tharani Leaving Weymouth
114 580.7 Lee Pickersgill South Devon AONB

 

Fly 5K #49

NICOLA ANDERSSON was the fastest finisher from Fairlands in Saturday’s 49th Fly 5K.  She was 133rd out of runners all over the world in 28 minutes 14 seconds.  PENNY SCHENKEL was on five seconds and two positions behind at 28:19 and 135th.

MARIAN MORLEY was 143rd and third woman 55 plus in 28:35 and PAUL HOLGATE 203rd in 31:52.

Next week’s Fly 5K #50, on Saturday 1st May, includes an inter-club competition and the Spartans are hoping for a successful team entry.

The virtual Fly races started during lock down to help keep people active.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday JIM BROWN recorded 26 minutes 11 seconds in the first 5K of his half marathon race.  NICOLA ANDERSSON had run 27:38 on Friday.  The other (not) parkrun Spartans on Saturday were TOM SAUKA 22:11 and ALISON SHELLEY 28:45.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

Categories
Club News Race Results

BACK TO RACING FOR FV SPARTANS

St Albans 10K – Good Friday

Nine Spartans enthusiastically grabbed the opportunity of the first real race of the year which was just down the road in Hertfordshire.  Five achieved new personal bests.  They ran the St. Albans 10K, a wave start socially distanced event, but a race nevertheless.  Fairlands Valley’s SIMON JACKSON cut his 10K personal best (PB) by 70 seconds with in an outstanding 33 minutes 39 seconds for a top ten finish, ninth out of 540, and third male 40 plus.  Simon said it was lovely to race again.

ANDREW PATTERSON was in the top twenty.  19th with 34 minutes 13 seconds.  A PB improvement by 49 seconds

MATT and FIONA CLARKE both cut their PBs by two minutes.  Matt to 46:51 and Fiona to 49:15, her first 10K run under 50 minutes.  She said it was great having people around again.  ROBERT WRIGHT ran a new personal best of 47:08.

The other Spartans were WILLS JENNINGS 50:55; NEIL ROBINSON 51:25; JIM BROWN 52:58 and ANN TRYSSESOONE 54:07.

Everyone got into the UK’s top 500 rankings as this was the first licensed 10K race of the year.

Position Name Time Comments
9 SIMON JACKSON 33:39 3M40.  PB by 70 sec.
19 ANDREW PATTERSON 34:13 PB by 49 seconds.
218 MATT CLARKE 46:51 PB by 2 minutes
224 ROBERT WRIGHT 47:08 PB
277 FIONA CLARKE 49:15 PB by 2 minutes first sub 50
307 WILLS JENNINGS 50:55
314 NEIL ROBINSON 51:25
355 JIM BROWN 52:58
384 ANN TRYSSESOONE 54:07

 

There were two big starts with seven Spartans off at 9a.m. and two at 10.15a.m. and little waves within the big starts.  540 finishers.

 

Saturday Marathons – two winners in two marathons.

Saturday was day two of “real” races and Fairlands Valley Spartans were at two marathons.

Sam SimmonsAt Dorney Lake ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran a new personal best of 2 hours 50 minutes 9 seconds and was 98th out of the 444 finishers.  SAM SIMMONDS had a great run.  Sam said, “It’s been a whole year of training and keeping focussed for a marathon as I missed out on my target sub 4 hours by 3 minutes.  I ran the Dorney Lake marathon. It was so well organised rolling starts everything was social distanced as well to make things safer. So lucky to have James Kilroy filming live and other Spartans there running around the course.  I ran a new PB of 3:26:31.”

YUKO GOIMG_7053RDON was first woman 70 plus with a fantastic 3:29:01.

Meanwhile GRANT RAMSAY was running his 50th marathon and 46th under three hours at Kempton Park.  His 2:56:13 won him the men 45 plus category and he was sixth overall.

The course involved eight laps on flat surface, but conditions were windy. Ramsay ran a good steady race.

This race increased Grant’s sub three hour time span to 22 years, with his first “sub 3 marathon ” dating back to 1999.  He said it was a good first race back following the recent COVID restrictions.

 

Awards

While they couldn’t hold their presentation evening and dinner due to pandemic restrictions past chair Sophie Cowan chased around Stevenage to make sure four special awards were presented.

She said, “Whilst 2020 was a year that many will want to forget, there were some amazing club achievements.  Here are a few highlights – this is not an exhaustive list!

Ashley King, Brian and TimMichelle Reeves, Gail Mackie, Suzy Hawkins and Ella May Hard completed their marathon relay in 2:54:43 in April 2020 with the handovers streamed for us to watch.

Jonathan Parr broke the club 5K record at the Milton Keynes 5K in March 2020, recording a time of 16 minutes 35 seconds.

Simon Jackson’s World Record for indoor iron man of 8hr 17 minutes 12 seconds. Many Spartans spent a lovely sunny day supporting Simon at SG1 radio.

Michelle Reeves broke the club women’s marathon record and three hours with 2:58:03 at Dorney Lake in October 2020.

All the members who contributed miles to the marathons of the world!

Without further ado, the award winners for the year were:

 

Starter of the Year           Steph Biggar

Steph started running in lockdown 1 and completed the couch to 5k in her garden! Since joining FVS, Steph has become a regular at Monday, Tuesday and Thursday sessions. Steph clearly loves her running and that enthusiasm is contagious. Congratulations Steph.

 

Chair’s Award                    Jim Brown

Jim has been an FVS member since 1992.  He has been Press Officer since 1996, 25 years, and first joined the Committee in the last century.  Jim has been involved in coaching and leading groups for many years and got his first coaching qualification in 2010.  Jim’s commitment to the club is apparent. Over the lockdown, Jim has worked tirelessly to keep a flow of Spartan news in the press – no easy task.  Thank you for your commitment to FVS Jim.

 

Head Coach’s Award          Tim Robinson

This year’s Head Coach award goes to Tim for all his work on IT and coaching groups behind the scenes.

 

Spartan of the Year            Brian White

The 2020 Spartans’ Spartan of the Year is very well deserved. Thank you for all the planning behind the scenes involved in getting the pod sessions back up and running and for posting daily challenges and keeping everyone motivated over lock down 1, 2 and 3!

Due to the very disrupted race calendar the 2020 and 2021 club championships will be combined.

 

Racing Round England

While their relay race round the Americas finished last week fourteen Spartans continue their virtual race around England.

The Fairlands Valley Spartans team have already covered a total of 14,751.7 kilometres and are now scattered between Cornwall and Yorkshire.

PENNY SCHENKEL has built on the lead she took two weeks ago and well up the east coast at Filey in Yorkshire.  She is 1,854 kilometres into the 2,970 kilometre event.

It is so bracing for JIM BROWN who has reached Skegness after battling a chilly north wind.  His 1642 kilometres means he’s taken second place by 29 kilometres.

BRIAN WHITE is also well past half way.  In third place with 1,613 kilometres he is approaching Boston in Lincolnshire.

SHARON CROWLEY is in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and fourth with 1362.

Next come three Spartans with just over 1,000 kilometres.  They are HAZEL SMITH, fifth in Folkestone with 1,071; CATHY CRAIG up to sixth just past Rye and into Kent with 1,040 and KEN JUDE, seventh on 1,021 at St. Leonards.

PAUL HOLGATE is in Emsworth, ninth with 883 while a 127 kilometre week has shot JON SYPULA into the top ten with 792.

The event, the Virtual Coast of England Challenge started in Bristol and Fairlands Valley Spartans together with many others are running, walking or cycling 2,970 kilometres anti-clockwise round the coasts and borders of the country.

TRACY PEZ (744 approaching West Lulworth); LIZ CARVELL (707 in the West Dorset Heritage Coast); WENDY THARANI (577 in the South Devon AONB) and LEE PICKERSGILL (482 near Caerhays Castle) continue their pursuit though will have to accelerate a bit if they are going to be in the pack for the finish..

If not they are well on target to be back in Bristol by the end of the year.

 

Position Name Distance Last Week Location
1. PENNY SCHENKEL 1,853.5 1596.6 Filey in Yorksire
2. JIM BROWN 1,641.9 1450.1 Skegness so bracing, up from third.
3. BRIAN WHITE 1,613.3 1482.2 Nearly in Boston.
4. SHARON CROWLEY 1,361.5 1247.3 Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB
5. HAZEL SMITH 1,070.9 966.1 Folkestone, Kent.
6. CATHY CRAIG 1,039.6 945.1 Just past Rye. Up from  seventh.
7. KEN JUDE 1,020.5 958.3 St Leonards.
8. LIZ CROWLEY 966.4 894.7 Brighton Marina.
9. PAUL HOLGATE 883.2 816.4 Emsworth
10. JON SYPULA 792.0 665.3 Friars Cliff, Christchurch.  Up from 12th.
11. TRACY PEZ 743.8 701.9 Approaching West Lulworth
12. LIZ CARVELL 706.8 667.2 West Dorset Heritage Coast
13. WENDY THARANI 576.6 510.8 South Devon AONB.
14. LEE PICKERSGILL 481.9 442.6 Caerhays Castle.

Team total = 14,751.7 kilometres.

Stripey Saturday and Fly 5K #46

And Saturday 3rd was the first of the month and Stripey Saturday when the Spartans have donned their club kit for Fly 5K, (not) parkrun and training runs since before the pandemic.  Something they’ve kept up throughout the restrictions.

Club numbers were down a bit in the Fly 5K possible due to the restart of real races and the Easter weekend but some enjoyed the virtual 5K motivator.  Having raced the previous day JIM BROWN was content with 28:26 which gave him second in category.  PENNY SCHENKEL 30:32.  PAUL HOLGATE 32:09 and MARIAN MORLEY 47:06.

The virtual Fly races started during lock down to help keep people active.

 

(Not) Parkrun

In addition to those using the same effort to record Fly 5K times on Saturday JIM BROWN recorded 26 minutes 12 minutes in the first half of his 10K run on Friday so that gave him a (not) parkrun time. .  NICOLA ANDERSSON ran 29:36 on Wednesday, THOMAS SAUKA 21:12 on Saturday and ALISON SHELLEY 24:12 on Sunday.

(Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

 

Group Runs Are Back

The return to club training went really well helped by some glorious evenings.  Members have to book in advance to keep the numbers within Covid guidance and there are several starts at different places around Stevenage.

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Club News Race Results

LEADERS REACH KENT IN ENGLAND RACE

 

Another Fly team.  Although the minimum size for Fly 5K teams has been increased Fairlands Valley Spartans got onto the leaderboard for the 12th Fly inter-club competition on Saturday morning.  Teams have to include women and men with at least six finishers.

Enjoying a great local morning four Spartan women and three men ran the virtual race.

They were MARIAN MORLEY 167th in 25 minutes 15 seconds; NICOLA ANDERSSON 213th in a new personal best (PB) of 26:37; JIM BROWN 264th in 28:10; PAUL HOLGATE 307th in 29:48; NICK KLEANTHOUS 321st in 30:21; PENNY SCHENKEL 354th in 32:05 and STEPHANIE BIGGAR in 36:33.

Overall participation hit a new record with 432 runners.  The Spartans were 13th equal team in what is rapidly becoming an international competition.  This was the 41st Fly 5K.

These are virtual events.  Everyone runs between 8a.m. and 12 noon on a Saturday morning but in different places and only in ones and twos.

The next Spartan stripey Saturday will be on Saturday 6th March.  On Sunday 14th March there will be a range of Fly virtual events from 5K to an ultra 50K.

 

Racing Round England

Fairlands Valley Spartans are racing round England.  They started in Bristol and are running, walking or cycling 2,970 kilometres round the coasts and borders of the country.

By the end of February two, BRIAN WHITE and PENNY SCHENKEL had already completed at least 1,000 kilometres and two others JIM BROWN and SHARON CROWLEY had exceeded 500 miles.

Brian still leads.  He has reached Walmer in Kent with 1,094 kilometres but Penny is closing the gap.  She is on 1,037 kilometres and in Rye, East Sussex.
Jim has clocked up 892 kilometres (554 miles) and is “in” Chichester, West Sussex with Sharon heading towards Debden Purleigh after a peep at the Solent.  Sharon is on 838 kilometres.

The others of the ten who have covered more than 500 kilometres are KEN JUDE 700 at West Bay, near Bridport; HAZEL SMITH 677 who is near Seaton tram terminus; CATHY CRAIG 671 at Branscombe; LIZ CROWLEY 587 kilometres; PAUL HOLGATE 531 kilometres and TRACY PEZ 519 kilometres.

Nearly all the Spartans have turned the corner at Lands End.  All aim to finish by the end of the year.  The team total is 9,135 kilometres.

 

(Not) Parkrun – Scanlon Sub 20

In addition to those combining (not) Parkrun times with Fly 5Ks five other Spartans ran (not) Stevenage Parkruns.  On Monday NICK KLEANTHOUS ran 29 minutes 21 seconds; on Tuesday JIM BROWN ran a 5K in 27:10; on Thursday PAUL JENNINGS 27:48 and on Friday DANNY SCANLON beat 20 minutes with 19:10.  Then on Saturday ALISON SHELLEY ran her virtual 5K in 27 minutes 59 seconds.  The average time at Stevenage was 31 minutes 11 seconds.

On Sunday HÉLÈNE FOUCOURT ran the Wimpole Hall virtual (not) Parkrun in 37 minutes 31 seconds.  (Not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.

 

North America Done Now It’s Central and South America!

Virtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run almost 24,000 miles in just over 100 days in their relay race across North, Central and South America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico they have now several days into South America and heading for Lima in Peru where there is a marathon and the start of the Inca Trail.  On Saturday, day 112, they completed 106 miles with 65 members posting a distance.  The total distance so far is 23,652 miles.

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CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS ARE IN

The FVS Cross Country Challenge results are in.  In this event Spartans were challenged to run five kilometres and/or five miles on tarmac in November and see how close they could get to those times cross country in December or January when the ground was likely to be quite soft.

There were 18 finishers in the 5 mile event and 22 for the 5 kilometres.  The women’s event was far closer than the men’s, with some ladies even beating their road times in the mud!

The leading places in the 5 miles were:

Ada Urbonaite-Janusiene won the women’s competition by ONE second beating her road time by 2mins 25 seconds; Linda Nolan was second, 2 minutes 24 seconds quicker; and Jan Fry third with 2 minutes 53 slower.  Normally you would expect the cross country times to be slower.

Paul Holgate won the men’s event, 1 min 30 secs slower; Pete Smith was second at 2 min 12 secs slower and Craig Bacon third at 3 mins 32 secs slower

Over five kilometres (3.1 miles) mother and daughter SHARON and LIZ CROWLEY were joint winners of the women’s competition going 1 minute 26 seconds faster than their road time.  YUKO GORDON was second 1 minute 35 slower and ELLA CERULO third 1 minute 35 slower.  Liz Carvell missed out on 3rd place by just 1 second!

KEN JUDE won the men’s contest with a cross country time 2 minutes 14 slower than on road.  PETER CARPENTER was second 3 mins 52 slower.  JIM BROWN who took the running in snow on KGV field option was third man at 4 minutes 18 slower

Organiser NIKKI WILBY congratulated everyone who took part – She hoped everyone enjoyed it and that it encouraged some more to go out and get muddy.  The Spartans hope they can get to enjoy some real cross country races next winter.

 

Fly 5K

It was seriously cold on Saturday morning but while overall participation fell from 410 to 307 the Fairlands Valley Spartans contingent increased from seven to eight!  Five women and three men.

JAMES McSWEENEY beat the chill with a new Fly 5K personal best (PB) of 23 minutes 5 seconds.  He was 66th overall.  Despite a short section of walking to negotiate ice on Grace Way JIM BROWN won his category with 26 minutes exactly.

NICOLA ANDERSSON finished her 21st Fly 5K in 28 minutes 19 seconds.  In her second Fly 5K LIZ CARVELL reduced her time to 30:18.

Next came organiser of the day PAUL HOLGATE completing his 38th Fly 5K race in 30:31.  Feeling a long way from the southern hemisphere PENNY SCHENKEL came in with 31:21.

TESSA STEPHENSON was running her second Fly 5K and reduced her PB to 31:37 and BETH FOLEY ran her third in 37:10.

The landmark 40th Fly 5K event is this Saturday.

Position Name Time Comments
66 JAMES McSWEENEY 23:05 Fly 5K PB.  6th Fly 5K
124 JIM BROWN 26:00 1st MV65 plus.  21st Fly
181 NICOLA ANDERSSON 28:19 21st Fly 5K
219 LIZ CARVELL 30:18 Fly 5K PB.  2nd Fly 5K
223 PAUL HOLGATE 30:31 38th Fly
234 PENNY SCHENKEL 31:21 14th Fly
242 TESSA STEPHENSON 31:37 Fly 5K PB.  2nd Fly.
288 BETH FOLEY 37:10 3rd Fly 5K

These are virtual events.  Everyone runs between 8a.m. and 12 noon but in different places and only in ones and twos.

 

Race Around The Coast of England Virtual Challenge

The 18 Spartans continued their quest to complete the 2,970 km around the coast of England by the 31st December.  Following an anti-clockwise route starting from Bristol, at the end of week six, BRIAN WHITE is through Portsmouth on the South Coast, 901 kilometres into the journey, with PENNY SCHENKEL closing in on Weymouth (720 km) and SHARON CROWLEY close to Dartmouth at 620 km.

JIM BROWN is approaching Blackpool, the one in South Devon (599 km), while CATHY CRAIG (516 km) and HAZEL SMITH (513 km) are between St Austell and Plymouth, closely followed by KEN JUDE (505 km), while LIZ CROWLEY (450 km) and PAUL HOLGATE (418 km) are approaching Lands End.  TRACY PEZ (378 km) and LIZ CARVELL (385 km) are around Penzance and JON SYPULA (340 km) has reached Newquay, closely followed by KERSTIN WEINER (304 km), while LEE PICKERSGILL (257 km) is at Widemouth Bay.  ANDY PRIOR (226 km) and WENDY THARANI (214 km) are between Ilfracombe and Newquay while SIMON SYPULA (69 km) and LISA JERROM (40 km) are now outside of Bristol at the start of their journeys.

BRIAN WHITE                     901 km                 30%

PENNY SCHENKEL               720 km                 24%

SHARON CROWLEY          621 km                 21%

JIM BROWN                        599 km                 20%

CATHY CRAIG                     516 km                 17%

HAZEL SMITH                     513 km                 17%

KEN JUDE                             505 km                 17%

LIZ CROWLEY                      450 km                 15%

PAUL HOLGATE                 418 km                 14%

LIZ CARVELL                        385 km                 13%

TRACY PEZ                           378 km                 13%

JON SYPULA                        340 km                 11%

KERSTIN WEINER              304 km                 10%

LEE PICKERSGILL               257 km                   9%

ANDY PRIOR                       226 km                   8%

WENDY THARANI             214 km                   7%

SIMON SYPULA                   69 km                   2%

LISA JERROM                        40 km                   1%

In addition to those combining Fly 5Ks three other Spartans ran (not) Stevenage Parkruns.  They were PAUL JENNINGS 27:35; ALISON SHELLEY 27:48 and NICK KLEANTHOUS 29:54.

And in the ValeStephanie Biggarntine’s Gin Run virtual half marathon STEPH Pam Bently TaylorBIGGAR and PAM BENTLEY-TAYLOR followed a single lap course around Stevenage.  They both finished in 3 hours 10 minutes.  It was a first 13.1 miles for them but although it was windy, cold and hard work they both loved it.

 

 

North America Done Now It’s Central and South America!

Virtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run nearly 21,000 miles in their relay race across North, Central and South America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA, Canada and Mexico they are now close to San Jose in Puerto Rico.

On Sunday, day 99, they completed an impressive 570 miles with 68 members recording a distance.  So far they have run a total of 20,719 miles.

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Club News Race Results

STRIPEY SPARTAN SATURDAY

On the day that the Parkrun World Record for women was reduced to 15 minutes 45 seconds by Lauren Reid in Parramatta several Spartans were racing around their virtual Fly 5Ks, (not) Parkruns or enjoying training runs.  This was the Spartans’ Stripey Saturday.

Nicola AndersonAttendance for the 38th Fly 5K reached a new record of 410 as runners seek motivation in the continued absence of Parkruns and “real” races.

This time there were a magnificent seven Spartans.  This time three of them got into the top half of the field and two reached the milestone of their 20th Fly 5K.  Having followed the Spartans 5K improver programme JIM BROWN was pleased to get under 25 minutes for the first time in a while with 24 minutes 53 seconds which gave him 171st overall and second in his category.  He was running his twentieth Fly 5K.  MARIAN MORLEY was running her first Fly 5K and put in a tremendous effort with 25:06, second in her category and 180th overall.

Next was NICK KLEANTHOUS in 26:08 for 202nd.  NICOLA ANDERSSON was the second Spartan running a twentieth Fly 5K.  She finished with 27:47.

PENNY SCHENKEL continued to chip a few seconds off her time with 29:22 fifteen seconds better than the previous week which was 23 better than the week before that.

PAUL HOLGATE and LIZ CARVELL completed the Spartan team with 29:29 and 31 minutes 23 seconds.

It was also the day for Fly 5Ks inter-club competition and the Spartans try to get a complete team of finishers.

 

Position Name Time Comments
171 JIM BROWN 24:53 2MV65.  20th Fly
180 MARIAN MORLEY 25:06 2FV55.  1st Fly
202 NICK KLEANTHOUS 26:08
256 NICOLA ANDERSSON 27:47 20th Fly
295 PENNY SCHENKEL 29:22
298 PAUL HOLGATE 29:29
332 LIZ CARVELL 31:25

 

This was the 11th Fly Inter Club competition and this time each club had to have at least five finishers including at least one female and one male.  The Spartans had four women and three men.  They were 11th in the 11th competition with 595 points.

In addition PAUL JENNINGS 27:43; BETH FOLEY 37:01; ALISON SHELLEY with Berties the dog 30:25 and JUDY KING with a new personal best of 32:11 ran (not) parkruns.   Marian Morley’s 25:06 was a (not) Parkrun personal best.

 

Coast Challenge

Nick KleanthousAt the end of Week Five into the Virtual Coast of England Challenge, on Sunday, there were now 18 Spartans taking part with BRIAN WHITE continuing to lead the way 772 kilometres into the challenge at Poole on the South Coast.  PENNY SCHENKEL has already completed 640 km and is between Dawlish and Exmouth with SHARON CROWLEY at Plymouth (540 km).  JIM BROWN is between Fowey and Looe in Cornwall on 512 kilometres.  CATHY CRAIG (450 km) and KEN JUDE (444 km) are near Falmouth and PAUL HOLGATE (362 km) is at St Ives. LIZ CROWLEY (346 km), TRACY PEZ (344 km) and LIZ CARVELL (340 km) are between Newquay and St Ives and HAZEL SMITH is coming into Newquay. JON SYPULA (265 km) is at Bude and KERSTIN WEINER (248 km) and LEE PICKERSGILL (229 km) are between Ilfracombe and Newquay. Meanwhile ANDY PRIOR (177 km) is approaching Ilfracombe with WENDY THARANI (158 km), SIMON SYPULA (69 km) and LISA JERROM (20 km) on their way to Ilfracombe.

The challenge started in Bristol and goes anti-clockwise around England.  The total distance will be almost 3,000 kilometres – 2,970 kilometres – running, walking and cycling all count towards the totals.  The team total is already 5,521.4 kilometres but who will finish first?

There may be no live races, with all the restrictions, but there are many opportunities to take part in virtual events or enjoy training runs in ones and twos.

 

North America Done Now It’s Central and South America!

Virtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run more than 19,000 miles in their race across North, Central and South America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA and Canada they are now on the Pan – American Highway through Mexico.  A tour of South America will follow.

On day 91, Saturday, the Spartans completed 341 miles with 48 miles posting a distance.  Total distance 19,157 miles.

Chichen Itza in Mexico was visited and on Sunday they were due to reach Cancun which has a marathon.

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Club News Race Results

THE COAST OF ENGLAND VIRTUAL CHALLENGE

Fourteen Spartans took up the Coast of England Virtual Challenge organised by ResultsBase to give their training a continued focus through lockdown and beyond, aiming to complete the 2970 kilometres around the coast of England by the 31st December 2021, competing at their own pace, fast or slow, on a bike, or walk, a run or swim.  The challenge began in Bristol near the Severn Estuary and started by tackling the south coast path around Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

From Plymouth the route heads east across the bottom of the UK including the Jurassic Coast.  Following this you then journey towards Southampton, Brighton and finally Dover before following the Kent coast to the Thames Estuary.  But it doesn’t stop there!  You then continue to the east coast and onto the north Norfolk path heading through small towns such as Sheringham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton.  Once this has been tackled it’s time to head up north, exploring the Yorkshire coast and cities like York and Whitby.

The Northumbrian coast is next before heading up to the Scottish border where the Spartans will venture to Hadrians Wall and then back down to the Lake District.  Coming back more inland they then walk, bike or run to Liverpool before brushing by Wales and taking on the final part of their epic journey by heading to Offa’s Dyke, then through the stunning Forest of Dean back to Bristol.

At the end of January BRIAN WHITE leads the way 672km into the challenge and is now heading along the South coast between Exmouth and Weymouth.  SHARON CROWLEY has completed 410km as she makes her way around Lands End, with KEN JUDE close behind at 360km through St Ives.  CATHY CRAIG has completed 342 km, midway between Newquay and St Ives, while TRACY PEZ (297km), PAUL HOLGATE (294km), LIZ CARVELL (294km) and LIZ CROWLEY (277km) are all heading towards Newquay, with JON SYPULA (222km) and LEE PICKERSGILL (200km) both now through Ilfracombe.  KERSTIN WEINER (201km), ANDY PRIOR (136km) and WENDY THARANI (109km) are heading towards Ilfracombe, and SIMON SYPULA (69km) and LISA JERROM (8km) have both left Bristol on the start of their journeys.

Fairlands Five in Fly 5K.  Despite poor weather in many areas a record 301 runners raced in Saturday’s virtual Fly 5K race.  The conditions may have been reflected by JIM BROWN taking more than two minutes longer than the previous week but winning his category with 27 minutes 15 seconds.

NICOLA ANDERSSON returned to Fly 5K action with 28:28.  NICK KLEANTHOUS took 29 minutes 21 seconds.  PENNY SCHENKEL improved by 23 seconds on seven days earlier with 29:37 and PAUL HOLGATE came in with 31:01.

 

Jim         Brown                                                   27:15     160

Nicola    Andersson                                          28:28     183

Nick       Kleanthous                                         29:21     206

Penny   Schenkel                                              29:37     215

Paul       Holgate                                                31:01     242

 

As (not) Parkruns don’t have to be run on a Saturday some different times are possible.  This week they were Marian Morley 25:19; Paul Shelley 26:34 (Wednesday); Jim Brown 26:44; Nick Kleanthous 27:15 and Alison Shelley 27:26.

There may be no live races, with all the restrictions, but there are many opportunities to take part in virtual events or enjoy training runs in ones and twos.

 

USA Done Now It’s Canada

CanadaVirtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run nearly 18,000 miles in their race across North America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA they have completed a tour of Canada by running more than 800 miles over the weekend.  On Saturday they have completed the Vancouver Marathon, something Spartan CAROL PAUL has done in real life, and visited Vancouver Island.  From there it was a short journey to Victoria for the Spartans completion of the Trans – Canadian Highway.  On day 84, Saturday, FVS completed 217 miles with 39 members posting a distance.

Then on Sunday, day 85, 79 members ran an impressive 609 miles to complete the Trans Canadian Highway.  That had kept the Spartans busy for a total of 22 days, 5205 miles and had included seven marathons.

The total distance run so far is 17,898 miles.

Now they are taking a bus trip to San Antonio in Texas where they will pick up the Pan – American Highway through Mexico.  A tour of South America will follow.

 

On and Off Road Challenge

Results will soon be available for the Spartans’ on and off road challenge.  They were encouraged to run a 5K and/or 5 miles in November and then see how close they could get off road over the same distances in December or January.

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SPARTAN 1 – 2 IN FLY 5K

There may be no live races, with all the restrictions, but there are many opportunities to take part in virtual events or enjoy training runs in ones and twos.

 

Fly 5K

Although it was about zero degrees dry surfaces, sunshine and a lack of wind meant some good times were likely for those running their Fly 5K virtual race in Stevenage on Saturday morning.

Fairlands Valley Spartans had three new runners – Brian White, Michael Andrews and Tessa Stephenson – who helped to bring them up to nine participants.

There was a Spartan one two in the male 65 plus category with BRIAN WHITE first, and 31st overall, with 21 minutes 12 seconds and JIM BROWN maintaining his second place from last week and 94th overall with 24:39.

Marion MorleyNICK KLEANTHOUS was next in 28:21 at 165th.  MICHAEL ANDREWS teamed up with PAUL HOLGATE to come 173rd equal with 28 minutes 43 seconds – a new Fly 5K personal best for Paul.

PENNY SCHENKEL chipped 29 seconds off last week’s time to come 200th exactly in thirty minutes exactly.

In her first Fly 5K TESSA STEPHENSON was 229th in 32:16; LIZ CARVELL was 235th in 32:35; and BETH FOLEY, running her second Fly 5K, was 258th in 37:04.  275 times were recorded.

As well as the Fly 5Ks several other 5K times were recorded in (not) Parkruns which do not have to be run on Saturday morning.  On Thursday PAUL JENNINGS took 29:05; on Friday NICOLA ANDERSSON finished in 31:30 while on Saturday there was MARIAN MORLEY in 25:35 and JUDY KING in 34:31.

And on Sunday it snowed……

 

USA Done Now It’s Canada

Virtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run nearly 16,000 miles in their race across North America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA they are now in Canada.  Having completed the Winnipeg Marathon they are heading for Regina in Saskatchewan, which also has a marathon.

On Saturday, day 77 of their virtual relay, they completed 313 miles with 55 members posting a distance.  The total distance covered so far in 15,879 miles.

 

On and Off Road Challenge

There are just a few days for Spartans to run their off road part of the club’s on and off road challenge.  They were encouraged to run a 5K and/or 5 miles in November and then see how close they could get off road in December or January.

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A NEW CHALLENGE TO KEEP RUNNING

Five Spartans tooHelene Foucourtk up the Fly 5K virtual challenge on Saturday morning.  They were JAMES McSWEENEY 24:18; JIM BROWN 26:40; PAUL HOLGATE 30:01; LIZ CARVELL 30:46 and PENNY SCHENKEL 31:05.  There were 229 finishers with James at 67th; Jim third in his category at 111th; Paul at 166th; Liz at 174th and Penny at 178th.

The 10th inter club FLY 5K league event will be this Saturday morning 16th January.  The club will be trying to get at least four women and four men taking part.  This is a virtual event and runs can be anywhere between 8a.m. and 12 noon.

 

USA Done Now It’s Canada

Trans canada highwayVirtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run nearly 13,000 miles in their race across North America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

Having covered the USA they have started the Trans-Canada highway route and are heading for Moncton where they will visit the Magic Mountain.

On Saturday, day 63 of their relay, they completed 254 miles with 42 members posting a distance.  The total distance run so far is 12,856 miles.

 

New Challenges In Strange Times

BRIAN WHITE, Spartans Head Coach, is coming up with some fresh challenges to keep Spartans motivated and running during the new lockdown.  The first one is to improve 5K times over a four week period.

There are five sessions a week starting with a benchmark 5K; hill technique; recovery run; interval set; and easy time on feet longer run.

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NEW YEAR NEW TARGETS

Spartan Head Coach BRIAN WHITE is a European winner.  Racing in the European Masters Virtual 5K he was 24th overall in 21 minutes 50 seconds and third (bronze position) in the men 65 plus category and part of the winning (gold) GBR team.  Qualifying runs had to be done between 26th and 3st December.

 

New Year

Karen and JulieMany Spartans weren’t going to miss the chance for a resolution run on Friday 1st January and five took advantage of the Fly 5K New Year Specials.  As well as not being on a Saturday they were special in allowing participants to run more than one 5K.  JAMES McSWEENEY was the fastest Spartan with 24 minutes 23 seconds giving him 69th out of the 258 times recorded.  In his first 5K JIM BROWN was 155th and third male 65 plus with 29:30 but in his second he was a bit quicker with 26:28 which moved him up to 109th and second in his category.  PENNY SCHENKEL was 175th in 30:27.  LIZ CARVELL also ran a double in her first she ran 30:30 for fourth female 60 plus then she went again in 34:36.  PAUL HOLGATE was 233rd in 34:17.  This was Fly event 32.

Saturday 2nd being the first Saturday of the month was stripey Saturday for the Spartans and some of those tackled the virtual Fly 5K event 33 which was in the usual Saturday morning slot.  JAMES McSWEENEY was 78th in 25 minutes 50 seconds and JIM BROWN 93rd in 26:30 which was good enough for third in his category.  NICK KLEANTHOUS came in with 28:21 for 117th.  PENNY SCHENKEL was 146th in 31:21 and PAUL HOLGATE 156th in 32:24.  182 times were recorded.  Other Spartans enjoyed training runs in ones and twos.

Unlike Fly 5Ks (not) Parkruns can be run on any day of the week.  Ten Spartans recorded times for (not) Parkrun number 29 and those that were different to the Fly times were BARRY OSBORNE 24:39; JIM BROWN 25:13 (run on Tuesday); PAUL SHELLEY 26:54; ALISON SHELLEY 26:58; PAUL JENNINGS 27:03 and NICOLA ANDERSSON 27:20.

It’s been a busy few days for Paul Holgate.  In addition to his Fly 5K exploits he ran the BMAF virtual 10K on New Year’s Eve.  His 1 hour 10 minutes 35 seconds got him 407th place.  On Sunday he recorded 1:01:02 in the Virtual Stevenage Cross Country 5 miles Challenge.  That was 1:29 slower than December due to softer ground

 

USA Done Now It’s Canada

Tracy and AbbieVirtually nothing stops Fairlands Valley Spartans and they have now run more than 11,000 miles in their race across North America.  Lockdown 2 – Briefly Tier 3 – Now Tier 4 and they continue into 2021.

FVS have completed Route 66 and 34 standard, or ultra, marathons across the US.  They are now in Canada and heading to St Johns in Newfoundland to pick up the Trans-Canadian Highway.  On day 56, Saturday, they completed 275 miles with 56 members posting a distance.  Their total distance in this relay is 11,389 miles.

 

Tables

Full results for all Spartans would normally be listed below – back soon.  Here’s the virtual (not) ParkRun Spartan results for the week including 2nd January:

Name Time
JAMES McSWEENEY 24:23
BARRY OSBORNE 24:38
JIM BROWN 25:13
PAUL SHELLEY 26:54
ALISON SHELLEY 26:58
PAUL JENNINGS 27:03
NICOLA ANDERSSON 27:20
NICK KLEANTHOUS 28:21
PENNY SCHENKEL 31:21
PAUL HOLGATE 32:24

 

That was event 29.

 

Fly 5k Event 32 (New Year’s Day)             

James McSweeney          24:23       69

Jim Brown                         26:28    109         2nd MV65

Jim Brown (2)                    29:30     155         3rd MV65

Penny Schenkel                30:27    175

Liz Carvell                            30:30     176         4th FV60

Paul Holgate                     34:17     233

Liz Carvell (2)                     34:36     234

258 times recorded

 

Fly 5k Event 33 (Sat 2/1/21)

James McSweeney          25:50       78

Jim Brown                           26:30       93         3rd MV65

Nick Kleanthous                               28:21     117

Penny Schenkel                31:21     146

Paul Holgate                       32:24     156

182 times recorded

Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN TRACK CHALLENGE

 

Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the inaugural track challenge in Stevenage on Wednesday night.  Teams consisted of five runners and every team had to include at least one woman and one man.  Everyone ran 5K, twelve and a half laps of Ridlins 400 metres track.

5ktrackThe winning team consisted of DAVID HARRIS – CHERGUIT in 17 minutes 38 seconds; STUART HAYCROFT in 17:41; GRANT RAMSAY in 17:48: JAMES KAY who was delighted with a big personal best of 18:30 which got him over a 10mph average and GAIL MACKIE in 19:07.  They were nearly two minutes (1:30:47 to 1:32:22 total time) ahead of their nearest rivals.

This was a novel but enjoyable event with chip timing on a track and a total of 53 people running.

There were six other Spartans – SUZY HAWKINS in 19:28; JIM BROWN in a new year’s best time of 24:29 with some incredibly consistent 400 splits; MONICA SMITHSON with 27:14; CATHY CRAIG 27:37; ROGER BIGGS 31:59 and PAUL HOLGATE 32:57.

 

Spartan Women Third In the East of England

The Spartan women’s team were third in the East of England veterans track and field championships on Sunday.  Only two points behind second place.

The ten strong team were KAREN BROOM, MONICA BROWN, CALLIE CHAPMAN, CATHY CRAIG, SHARON CROWLEY, SUZY HAWKINS, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, TESSA STEPHENSON, ANDREA WESTCOTT and ALISON WOOD

monicaemacThey won their division of the league on the way to qualifying for the final.

Monica won all her events, High Jump, Triple Jump, 100m, Javelin Throw and a leg of the W50 relay.  The W50 relay team of Tessa Stephenson, Sharon Crowley, Monica Brown and Alison Wood remained unbeaten throughout the season and the final, winning comfortably.

There were also individual wins for Christine Lathwell, Alison Wood and Tessa Stephenson.  Andrea Westcott did a PB in the W35 Hammer. Callie Chapman and Karen Broom did their first final.  Suzy Hawkins covered the W35 400, 800m and relay.  Cathy Craig covered the W60 events with Sharon. A very effective team.

 

Jim Wins In Welwyn

welwynhalfJIM BROWN found Sunday’s Welwyn Autumn Half Marathon hard but he can’t have been struggling as badly as others in his age group as he WON the veterans 60 plus category.  Jim was pleased and surprised to win, it was by five minutes, and wondered what the others were doing.  He finished in 1:55:29.

With a target of 1:50 MATT CLARKE ran his first road half marathon in an excellent 1:48:07.

ANDREW VAUGHAN was the fastest Spartan with 1:30:28, he was 18th out of the 260 finishers, with JAMES KAY next at 46th in 1:39:51.

ROGER BIGGS was second veteran 70 plus in 2:42:22 and WENDY THARANI finished in 2:07:26.

 

Fiona and Chloe run the Forest of Lights

Spartans FIONA CLARKE and CHLOE CHAPMAN enjoyed the Forest of Lights event in Thetford Forest on Friday night.  They both ran six laps in 2 hours 2 minutes 34.6 seconds for 109th and 110th position.

SAM SIMMONS ran four laps in 1:15:37.3.

forestoflightFiona said, “It has a week of a lot of running for me since the 5 Rivers Challenge last Sunday.

Chloe Chapman and I ran at a new event, the Forest of light run last night (Friday 20th Sep) at Thetford forest. The idea is to run as many 3k loops in a time limit of 2 hours, the last lap must start before the 2 hours ends.

As it was a night run, the forest was at places lit with fairy light display, not bright, so body/head torches were essential. The event could have been organised a bit better. The registration took so long and was quite chaotic we missed the start by 12 minutes, the announcer thought we were the first runners back from the first loop. That made me chuckle!

I also learnt that finding your way back to the car in a forest in the dark is not an easy feat! I think we did an additional 2k just by walking around searching.

Despite the mishaps, the run itself was fun and the marshals were fabulous.  We completed six loops in 2 hours 2 minutes 36 seconds so we are really pleased with our effort.

With slight improvement, I think this could be a really good event. It hasn’t put me off going again.

Having got home past 1am, I still managed a Parkrun Saturday morning. I think a week off running may be justified.”

 

Richard Cowlishaw at Rutland

At the Rutland Water Half Marathon Spartan Richard Cowlishaw was 67th out of 525 in 1 hour 44 minutes 58 seconds.

This was his first half marathon event in five months.  Richard was out for two months in the summer due to a neck injury and started running again only three ago.

 

Get Ready For The Stevenage Half Marathon

The Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 3rd November.  It’s been organised since 1984.  Have a look at www.fvspartans.org.uk  Train with the Spartans for the 13.1 miles event.  The route follows the town’s famous cycleways and tarmac footpaths through the parks of Stevenage.  All proceeds go charity.  The charity for 2019 is Mind, the mental health charity.

 

Parkrun Highlights 21st September 2019

Two Spartans were on international duty this weekend running in Helsinki and Florence. Sheryl Hann was in Florence, Italy (26.07) and Ros Ingram was one of 40 runners in Helsinki, Finland (25:53).

Closer to home three Spartans were at Wimpole Hall.  Trudie Molloy run her first ever Parkrun (27:04).  Husband Barry King ran (28:48) and Nick Witcombe (33:30).

There was a trio of Parkrun PBs at Stevenage: Eva Ramsay (21:32 2nd female), Abigail Pez (23:23) and Marian Morley (27:24).  Dean Carpenter was 4th overall (19:21).  Abbie Pez knocked two minutes off her previous Parkrun PB coming in 5th lady and 1st in her age category.  The Emmersons made it a family affair all crossing the line in 35:35.

There was a strong contingent of Spartans in Letchworth with course PBs for David Scott (25:58) and James Nicholls (27:17). There was also a PB for John Roxborough at Aldenham country park (22:27).

Darryl Stevens went to Catford for first time (34:56) and Jane Whitrow was at Panshanger (32:47).

(Parkrun results for all Spartans can be found near the end of this release).

 

Tables

Parkrun Results Saturday 21st September

Stevenage parkrun

A total of 378 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
4 4 Dean CARPENTER 00:19:21
19 2 Eva RAMSEY 00:21:32
42 5 Abigail PEZ 00:23:23
44 39 Martin BLACKBURN 00:23:37
48 42 Ryan DUNNING 00:23:40
57 7 Tracy PEZ 00:24:00
77 14 Verity FISHER 00:24:55
103 86 Stephen SMITHSON 00:26:02
108 90 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:26:09
113 94 Edward HARE 00:26:26
121 101 Jonathan JONES 00:26:39
143 27 Marian MORLEY 00:27:24
164 38 Jackie DOWNES 00:28:29
165 127 Andy PRIOR 00:28:32
174 39 Debbie BLANTERN 00:29:02
179 139 Chris HOLLAND 00:29:12
183 142 David ACKERY 00:29:25
184 42 Karen PALMER 00:29:31
185 43 Kerstin WEINER 00:29:32
234 170 Paul JENNINGS 00:31:46
257 74 Nicola HATHERLY 00:32:45
274 192 Roger BIGGS 00:34:13
300 96 Chloe EMMERSON 00:35:35
301 97 Claire EMMERSON 00:35:35
302 205 Darren EMMERSON 00:35:35
368 227 Anthony OSBORNE 00:51:10
372 144 Nichola DURENT 00:55:55
373 145 Hayley PEACH 00:55:55

 

Wimpole Estate parkrun

A total of 388 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
140 24 Trudie MOLLOY 00:27:04
178 138 Barry KING 00:28:48
286 192 Nick WITCOMBE 00:33:30

 

Panshanger parkrun

A total of 364 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
271 78 Jane WHITROW 00:32:47

 

Aldenham parkrun

A total of 159 runners took part.

 

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
16 16 John ROXBOROUGH 00:22:27
86 76 Thomas SAUKA 00:29:44

Firenze (Italy) parkrun

A total of 68 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
29 6 Sheryl HANN 00:26:07

 

Letchworth parkrun

A total of 200 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
49 40 David SCOTT 00:25:58
67 55 James NICHOLLS 00:27:17
105 76 Matt CLARKE 00:30:12
108 31 Fiona CLARKE 00:30:32
126 83 Steven DOBNER 00:31:48
127 84 David PATTMAN 00:31:49
180 82 Nicola PATTMAN 00:38:57
181 99 Matthew PATTMAN 00:39:00

 

Catford parkrun

A total of 257 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
218 140 Darryl STEVENS 00:34:56

 

Tokoinranta (Helsinki) parkrun

A total of 40 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
16 4 Ros INGRAM 00:25:53
Categories
Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WIN COUNTY GOLD

 

speedymedalFairlands Valley Spartans women’s team WON the Hertfordshire County 5 kilometre title on Wednesday night.  MICHELLE REEVES, ALISON WOOD and TANYA BRAZIER took the GOLDS.  Michelle also won BRONZE in the individual county championships.

Ten of the fifteen Spartans in the open race were women as were the first four club members to finish.  They were ASHLEY KING, fourth senior overall in 19 minutes 21 seconds; SUZY HAWKINS, winner of the women 35 plus category in 19:31; Michelle in 19:45; and Alison, third woman 45 plus in 20:18.

Tanya was second woman 35 plus with 21:17 and YUKO GORDON won the women 65 plus event with 22:14.

TIM SABAN was the first man in for the Spartans with 20:27.  He was followed by BARRY OSBORNE second man 60 plus in 20:41 and JIM BROWN in 25 minutes exactly.

GRACE BROWN came in with 25:37; KEN JUDE with 26:14; ANTON McCALLA with 26:25; SHERYL HANN 26:44; ERICA GRAYSON 27:08 and SHARON CROWLEY in 28:54.

The 5K championships for veteran runners are on Wednesday 11th September.

 

Bedford Running Festival

It was great for runners not to have to endure the extreme temperatures of the previous weekend and many Spartans enjoyed the Bedford Running Festival which included half marathon, 10K and 5K races.

PAUL SHELLEY said, “What a great weekend at the Bedford Running Festival.  I ran the Twilight 10K on Saturday evening in a new PB (personal best) of 40.35 which felt great – even got a sprint finish in!  Sunday saw the Half Marathon in which I set a new PB of 1.31.26 (with a stop as both shoe laces came undone) but I had nothing left in the tank for the last three miles!! What an amazing weekend with a great atmosphere amongst the runners, spectators and the FVS family.”   Paul was 133rd out of the 2,516 finishers.

TIM SABAN ran an impressive 1:36:05.

In the half DAVID PATTMAN’s time was 1:44:12 which is roughly eight minutes faster than his previous PB.

Valuable time was lost in the congested first three miles of the half marathon but JIM BROWN cut his time from the previous week by six minutes to 1 hour 51 minutes 51 seconds.

On a bright and sunny Bedford Half Marathon, ROB EVANS beat his two hour target by completing the course in 1:56:47.

There was a double PB for STEVE DOBNER with 52:26 in the Twilight 10K and 1:59:02, a five minute improvement, in the half marathon.

Steve said, “On a tight course with not many places to move through the field to start with I was surprised by my PB in the 10K as I didn’t set out to achieve one.  Sunday’s half marathon was run in ideal conditions and although I felt Saturday evening’s 10K I am very happy to beat my PB by over five minutes.  Many thanks to Ed Hare for pacing me round.

ED HARE had a great weekend with the Spartans at Bedford.  He said, “I tried to push as hard as I could during the Twilight 10K and just fell shy of my PB target not helped by the congestion and a very tight course, but I was still very pleased to finish with 47:53 my second ever fastest 10K.  I ran the half with Steven Dobner the next morning and had a great time running with him and finishing with a 1:59:02.”

SAM SIMMONS was another Spartan scoring a double PB (personal best) – 24 minutes 27 seconds in the Bedford 5K and 2:00:31 in the half marathon.

ALISON SHELLEY took five minutes off her PB when she finished in 2 hours 2 minutes 46 seconds.

Spartans JON SYPULA and SIMON SYPULA finished in 2:04:29 and 2:05:53.

ERICA GRAYSON ran Saturday’s Bedford Festival of Running Twilight 10K in 57:18 and Sunday’s Half Marathon in 2:13:17 with ROBERT WRIGHT at 2:13:19.

JONATHAN JONES came in with 2:23:40 and KAREN BROOM with 2:30:08.

ROWENA ROUTLEDGE first half marathon as a guide runner.  She said it was a fantastic experience, tough at times, but had a brilliant time and a great result!  They both came in with 2:31:48.  DZENANNA TOPIC completed the 13.1 miles in 2:43:56.

GRACE BROWN ran the Bedford Twilight 10K in 50 minutes 36 seconds.

 

Maidenhead Half

grantscottishvetsYUKO GORDON was first woman 60 plus in the Maidenhead Half Marathon with 1:36:03,  At ten miles she had run a post 65 PB of 72 minutes and her 5K was faster than Wednesday but the warm sunshine tired her a little towards the end.

Along with Yuko Gordon’s excellent run, GRANT RAMSAY took part and represented the Celtic Nations (combined team from Scotland, Wales and Ireland) against the English Masters.

It was England who went on to win the contest.  Ramsay was happy with his run, despite  re-occurring injury problems and pleased to be the firstt Scottish athlete home, in a time of 1 hour 27 minutes 17 seconds.

 

Spitfire 10K

On Saturday morning a few Spartans completed the Spitfire 10K at the Hendon RAF base, hilly course with a nice finish though the hanger and under the Sunderland aircraft.  LEE PICKERSGILL’s time was 50 minutes 58 seconds.

In his first official races since the Brighton Marathon last April GERRY ROSEN did a double header with the Spitfire 10K at the RAF museum in 1 hour 9 minutes 22 seconds and then with tired legs the Bedford Twilight on Saturday evening in 1:15:11.

 

Twisty 5K

ANDREW PATTERSON ran the Inter Advertising 5k on Thursday night around Regent’s Park. The course was flat but quite twisty.  Media firms seem to generate speedy runners with the top three finishing in sub 16:15s.  A summer of injuries made for a tough slog, he finished seventh in 16:54.

 

St Albans Stampede

Roger Biggs competed in the St Albans Stampede at the weekend.  The event is a 12 hour ultra, held in the Village of Sandridge near Wheathampstead over a four mile multi terrain undulating course.  Roger took part in the solo event, where each entrant can run for up to twelve hours.  He completed his fifth lap (20 miles) in a time of 6:10:21.  Roger finished in 78th of the 87 runners.

 

Last Friday

It was dry and sunny with a medium breeze for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K.  On the two lap boathouse course JIM BROWN improved on Wednesday evening’s time at Hatfield by six seconds to finish in 24:54.

 

Get Ready For The Stevenage Half Marathon

The Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 3rd November.  Have a look at www.fvspartans.org.uk  Train with the Spartans for the 13.1 miles event.

 

Parkrun Highlights 31st  August 2019

Another busy parkrun Saturday saw Simon Jackson finish second at Blandford in Hampshire in a new PB of 16:59.

Congratulations to John HARRIS who completed his 50th parkrun at Ellenbrook Fields in 19:32.

At Stevenage Eva Ramsay was first lady in 22:42.  Dean Carpenter was 6th in 19:17.  There was a new PB of 25:13 for Nick Kleanthous.  Jon Filby completed his first parkrun in 24:29.

Over at Jersey Farm near St Albans John Roxborough ran a new PB (22:34).

Over 1,000 runners were at Willen Lake Milton Keynes.  Graham Hill finished in 39:18.

Four Spartans were in Bedford, Andy Jay was in Teignmouth and Darryl Stevens at his regular haunt in Brockenhurst.  Barry King and Nick Witcombe continued on Nick’s faffing to 50 parkruns at off road Wimpole.

 

Tables

 

Parkrun Results Saturday 31st August

 

A full list of the Spartan results is below.

 

Bedford parkrun

A total of 367 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
14 13 Simon BELL 00:20:01
107 14 Annette BELL 00:25:46
239 169 David PATTMAN 00:30:28
240 170 Steven DOBNER 00:30:29

 

Milton Keynes parkrun

A total of 1075 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
864 497 Graham HILL 00:39:18

 

Stevenage parkrun

A total of 377 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
6 6 Dean CARPENTER 00:19:27
16 16 Stuart ARCHER 00:21:21
20 20 Adrian DONNELLY 00:21:43
32 32 Danny SCANLON 00:22:41
33 1 Eva RAMSEY 00:22:42
39 38 Thomas SAUKA 00:23:04
50 48 Darren EMMERSON 00:23:47
53 50 Barry OSBORNE 00:23:50
65 59 Ryan DUNNING 00:24:15
66 60 Jon FILBY 00:24:29
70 64 Michael ANDREWS 00:24:42
77 70 Robert Lloyd EVANS 00:24:59
86 78 Nick KLEANTHOUS 00:25:13
109 99 Nigel STRONGITHARM 00:26:05
125 110 Tim ROBINSON 00:26:42
131 115 Andy PRIOR 00:27:10
134 17 Fiona CLARKE 00:27:21
169 30 Sofia CARPENTER 00:28:42
170 140 David ACKERY 00:28:44
171 31 Marian MORLEY 00:28:49
172 32 Debbie BLANTERN 00:28:50
178 145 Luke GURNEY 00:29:00
188 36 Jenny GARRETT 00:29:14
189 37 Kerstin WEINER 00:29:14
198 41 Alison SHELLEY 00:29:36
202 43 Julie SIMMONS 00:29:39
205 161 Paul JENNINGS 00:29:44
349 136 Caren THAIN 00:41:58
371 217 James SOUTH 00:53:33
377 158 Hazel JONES 00:57:34

 

Brockenhurst parkrun

A total of 134 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
117 73 Darryl STEVENS 00:35:19

 

Wimpole Estate parkrun

A total of 399 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
164 136 Barry KING 00:27:33
298 217 Nick WITCOMBE 00:33:48

 

Blandford parkrun

A total of 229 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
2 2 Simon JACKSON 00:16:59

 

A total of 321 runners took part.

 

Ellenbrook Fields parkrun

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
15 15 John HARRIS 00:19:32
88 12 Kelly MCHALE 00:24:54

 

 

Teignmouth Promenade parkrun

A total of 262 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
66 57 Andy JAY 00:25:47

 

Jersey Farm parkrun

A total of 206 runners took part.

 

Position   Gender Position   parkrunner   Run Time  
19 18 John ROXBOROUGH 00:22:34
Categories
Club News Race Results

GOLD FOR YUKO IN HATFIELD

 

YUKO GORDON won county gold in the VW65 category, finishing in 22 mins 44 secs to take the medal. She was joined on the county podium by CATHY CRAIG who took bronze in the same category in a season’s best of 28:28.

CALLUM STEWART was 3rd in the open race in 16:15 and ANDREW PATTERSON 7th in a year’s best time of 16:40. Conditions were very blustery and with the quick runners stating that the course was running 15 to 20 seconds slower than Race 1 a fortnight earlier Andrew will have been gutted to miss a PB by a single second.

KEN JUDE was fourth Spartan finisher in a year’s best time of 23:15, and there was also a year’s best of 26:33 for PAUL HOLGATE.

ANDY JAY (23:48), KAREN PALMER (25:52), HAZEL SMITH (28:17), MONICA SMITHSON (28:21), ANDREA WESTCOTT (28:46), ROGER BIGGS (31:17) and SHAROM CROWLEY (33:39) were the other members of the Spartan contingent racing in Hatfield

 

EMAC Final

The Spartans women’s Masters Track and Field team were bronze medal winners in the EMAC Final in Milton Keynes. The defending champions were just one point behind silver medalists Royston. Milton Keynes took the trophy.

A full report will follow next week.

 

Hull Marathon

NATALIE LAWRENCE was second woman to finish in the Hull Marathon on 3:05:12 but was unfortunately sent the wrong way by a marshal as she approached the stadium at the finish, costing her around 3 minutes as she tried to find the entrance to the stadium.

 

Seenland Marathon

ADRIAN BUSOLINI was in Germany to run in the Seenland Marathon. He completed in a time of 3:35:56, smashing his personal best by other 30 minutes.

 

Twilight Bay Run Half Marathon at Wynnum

JIM BROWN is currently down under and took the opportunity to take part in the Twilight Bay Run Half Marathon. The Saturday evening event was flat for the most part but the last 10k were run in very dark conditions. Jim finished 185th out of 628 finishers in 1:49:29

 

St Paul’s Walden Bury Run 10k

Four Spartan women ran in the St Paul’s Walden Bury 10k race, which was off-road, muddy, hilly and a nice taster ahead of the forthcoming cross-country season.

ISABEL GREEN was quickest Spartan, and 5th woman, in 48:35. KAREN PALMER was 20th woman in 59:42 with CAROLE SHELDRICK close behind in 59:46. CAROLINE CROFT ran 1:01:28.

 

Leighton Buzzard 10 Mile Race

ROGER BIGGS was in Leighton Buzzard for the annual 10 mile event. It rained for the entire event, and got quite cold on equinox day. Not one of Roger’s better days, but he was glad to get over the finish line in 1:57:10. It was Roger’s 1800th running event, made up of exactly 900 marathons, and 900 everything else.

 

VAC 10k Track Championships

DAVID BOWKER ran in the VAC 10k Championships at the Millenium Arena in Battersea Park. He finished 4th in the M60 category in a time of 43:26.

 

Harvest Trail Half Marathon

THOMAS SAUKA ran the Harvest Trail Half Marathon the weekend before, finishing 44th in 1:54:10. He was joined there by SOPHOCLES GEORGIOU. Sophocles reported the event as by far the hardest he has done with lots of trip hazards through the woods above Royston Heath. Thomas survived a fall over one of the tree roots before continuing on to his creditable finish.

 

Rutland Marathon

Also the weekend before, YUKO GORDON ran the marathon at Rutland Water. With 281 finishers from 460 entrants, who were joined by a further 1400 or so taking the half marathon option. This low key event is characterised by stunning views, for which participants must pay over the steep climbs and descents, uneven gravelly paths and strong headwinds on flat, exposed areas.

Yuko enjoyed the experience, finishing in 3:56:09, and will return again in future years (although not next as she is intending to run Berlin which clashes).

 

Get 4th November In Your Diary

More than 270 people have already entered the Stevenage Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 4th November.  This superb local event is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans and includes the senior county championships.  It’s on an accurately measured and licensed course starting from Ridlins and including Fairlands Valley Park.  All the surplus from this volunteer organised event will go to charity.  The 2018 Charity for the Stevenage Half Marathon Charity is Kawasaki Kid.  Don’t miss out.  Enter now.  Go to https://www.activetrainingworld.co.uk/events/2018/11/04/stevenage_half_marathon or via www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

Parkrun Round Up Saturday 23rd September

This week’s Parkrun events saw Fairlands Valley Spartans’ posting results from as far afield as Capalaba, Australia. While closer to home PB results were recorded for JAMES MCSWEENEY in 23 mins and 12 secs and PAUL JENNINGS in 27 mins and 49 secs at the Stevenage event, for Tim ROBINSON in 24 mins at the Groveland run, and for BARRY KING at Wimpole estate in 24 mins and 45 secs. DANNY SCANLON was 5th overall in a time of 19 mins and 19 secs alongside VERITY FISHER who was the 9th woman to finish in 24 mins and 49 secs and CHRIS HOLLAND who ran 24 mins and 28 secs at his 70th Parkrun in Stevenage. At the same event CATHERINE CRAIG and HAZEL SMITH finished their 20th and 30th events in 56 mins and 22 secs and 56 mins and 23 secs, respectively.

First time runs at new locations saw KEN JUDE finish the Heartwood Forest run in 24 mins and 31 secs alongside JOHN ROXBOROUGH in 22 mins and 05 secs, SHERYL HANN the Ashton Court event in 30 mins and 19 secs, JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL complete in 31 mins and 32 secs and 31 mins and 33 secs respectively in Capalaba, Australia, MICHELLE MARCHANG run St Albans in 31 mins and 53 secs, and DARRYL STEVENS complete the Mile End run in 39 mins and 48 secs.

In Stevenage, KERSTIN WEINER was the 27th woman to finish in a time of 28 mins and 39 secs, MATTHEW PATTMAN the 30th man in 22 mins and 51 secs, SALLY PHILLIPS the 34th woman in 29 mins and 48 secs, and TRACY STILES the 40th woman in 30 mins and 55 secs. Followed by DANIEL SUTTON, JAMES SOUTH, CRAIG BACON, MICHAEL O’KEEFE, and DAVE SMITH and DAVID SCOTT all in the top 100 men with times of 25 mins and 04 secs, 25 mins and 19 secs, 25 mins and 22 secs, 26 mins and 03 secs, 26 mins and 35 secs respectively. ROGER BIGGS completed the event in 31 mins and 53 secs and STEVEN DOBNER in 35 mins and 43 secs.

(See the end of this release for all Saturday’s Spartan Parkrun results).

 

Tables

 

Hatfield 5k Series – Race 2

 

Gun PB Chip Pos Impr Notes
Callum Stewart 16:13 x 16:15 3
Andrew Patterson 16:38 YB 16:40 7 01:37
Yuko Gordon 22:51 x 22:44 128 County Gold
Ken Jude 23:25 YB 23:15 137 02:15
Andy Jay 23:55 x 23:48 147
Karen Palmer 26:04 x 25:52 188
Paul Holgate 26:42 YB 26:33 195 00:39
Hazel Smith 28:32 x 28:17 213
Monica Smithson 28:35 x 28:21 214
Cathy Craig 28:48 SB 28:28 215 00:53 County Bronze
Andrea Westcott 29:05 x 28:46 218
Roger Biggs 31:35 x 31:17 233
Sharon Crowley 34:01 x 33:39 243

 

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 23rd September

Parkrun Pos Gen Parkrunner Time Notes
Grovelands 59 52 Tim ROBINSON 0:24:00 PB!
Ashton Court 224 71 Sheryl HANN 0:30:19
Heartwood Forest 37 36 John ROXBOROUGH 0:22:05
78 69 Ken JUDE 0:24:31
St Albans 338 106 Michelle MARCHANT 0:31:53
Stevenage 5 5 Danny SCANLON 0:19:19
32 30 Matthew PATTMAN 0:22:51
40 37 James MCSWEENEY 0:23:12 PB!
65 59 Chris HOLLAND 0:24:28 70th event
73 9 Verity FISHER 0:24:49
80 69 Daniel SUTTON 0:25:04
83 72 James SOUTH 0:25:19
84 73 Craig BACON 0:25:22
96 83 Michael O’KEEFE 0:26:03
112 97 Dave SMITH 0:26:35
113 98 David SCOTT 0:26:35
138 117 Paul JENNINGS 0:27:49 PB!
149 27 Kerstin WEINER 0:28:39
161 34 Sally PHILLIPS 0:29:48
171 40 Tracy STILES 0:30:55
183 139 Roger BIGGS 0:31:53
234 156 Steven DOBNER 0:35:43
279 115 Catherine CRAIG 0:56:22 20th event
280 116 Hazel SMITH 0:56:23 30th event
Mile End 308 196 Darryl STEVENS 0:39:48
Wimpole Estate 94 84 Barry KING 0:25:45 PB!
Capalaba 83 55 Jim BROWN 0:31:32
84 29 Penny SCHENKEL 0:31:33

 

Categories
Club News Race Results

GRANT NATIONAL CHAMPION

 

Reece Mac McCullagh did his first 5K on New Year’s Day 2018 (yes this year), found out he enjoyed running and hasn’t looked back.

He has already progressed to ‘long distance’ completing two 50K races in the summer and then on Sunday finished the 100K Chiltern Ultra.

reece

JOHN NELMS, who was participating in the same event, said, “I’ve been running ultra distance for six years and I’ve never seen such determination and fight through mental and physical barriers as I saw from Reece yesterday.  And he ran 15 miles without socks!!!!  An awesome achievement my friend and a pleasure to run with Reece in the rain.”

 

British Masters Athletics Open Track and Field Championships in Birmingham

GRANT RAMSAY is the British (M45) 3000 metres Steeplechase Champion.  He won the title at Birmingham on Sunday in 11 minutes 22 seconds.

Grant said he had a nasty fall at the congested water jump on the first lap.  He lost around 20 metres on the lead runner but pulled it back.  He had slipped on the wet barrier (despite wearing spikes) landing on both knees.  The Irish runner who he was with him fell also!  He managed to get back up, regain composure and come from behind to take the national title.

In Saturday’s 3,000 metres race walk for men 55 plus DAVID BOWKER was third in 19 minutes 20.81 seconds.  On Sunday he was second in the 5K walk with 32:34.

TESSA STEPHENSON was seventh in the women 55 plus 100m on day one.  On day two she was sixth in the W55 200m in 33.27 in the rain and into a headwind in the final straight.

 

Yuko Falls But Wins

YUKO GORDON was another Spartan that fell but went on to win.  She ran the Downham Market 10K in 45 minutes 55 seconds for 50th overall, 5th woman and WINNING the women 65 plus category.

She had a bad fall after 9 km mark, lost several positions but says it was a very well organised inaugural race.  There were 375 finishers.

 

Chase The Sun

JAMES McSWEENEY “chased the sun” on Wednesday night.  He finished the Chase the Sun 10K in Brockwell Park, Brixton in 51 minutes 26 seconds.  He says it was tough and consisted of three laps around the park with three big hills on each lap.  James said there were nice views of London after the last hill on each lap but thinks he forgot to look after the first lap.

 

Get 4th November In Your Diary

More than 220 people have already entered the Stevenage Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 4th November.  This superb local event is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.  Don’t miss out.  Enter now.  Go to https://www.activetrainingworld.co.uk/events/2018/11/04/stevenage_half_marathon or via www.fvspartans.org.uk

 

EMAC

The Spartan women’s and men’s teams have both qualified for the final East of England (EMAC) veteran track and field championships which will be at the Stantonbury Campus in Milton Keynes on Sunday 23rd September.

 

Parkrun Round Up Saturday 25 August 2018

39 Spartans completed parkruns this weekend, covering 12 different venues with four achieving new personal bests (PBs).

In Stevenage, Nigel STRONGITHARM achieved a new PB of 24:07, whilst Steven DOBNER raced well to finish in 26:02 (PB).  Ten Spartans achieved top 50 gender positions including Marie COLUCCI who started late and still finished fourth lady in 23:44.  Others included Verity FISHER eighth female 25:07, Kelly EVANS ninth female in 25:09, Alison SHELLEY was 15th woman in 26:06, Todd GRAY 18th man in 19:58, Karen PALMER 18th woman in 26:49, Hazel SMITH 31st woman in 29:31, Callie CHAPMAN 41st woman in 30:29, Darren EMMERSON 45th man in 22:47 and Martin DUDLEY 47th man in 23:02.

At Westmill, Andrew PATTERSON was first finisher in 18:17 with Mark GOODWIN eighth in 23:28 and Andy JAY 23rd in 25:26.  Fourth female was Tracy PEZ in 26:17 and Tim ROBINSON finished in a time of 39:11.

James McSWEENEY ran well in Littleport to bring in a new PB 23:12 and Niki PLUM achieved a new PB of 33:17 in Ellenbrook Fields.  Heartwood Forest saw husband and wife team Steve and Isabel GREEN come in 20:24 and 23:45 respectively.

 

(See the end of this release for all Saturday’s Spartan Parkrun results).

 

 

Tables

Parkruns Saturday 25th August

Parkrun Pos Gen Parkrunner Time Notes
Barclay 49 37 Michael O’KEEFE 00:27:07
Brockenhurst 44 36 James SOUTH 00:25:05
Castle Park 42 38 John ROXBOROUGH 00:22:48
Ellenbrook Fields 19 17 Barry OSBORNE 00:20:39
Ellenbrook Fields 177 55 Niki PLUMB 00:33:17 PB
Harlow 74 62 Paul JENNINGS 00:28:43
Haverfordwest 110 27 Sheryl HANN 00:32:18
Heartwood Forest 12 12 Steve GREEN 00:20:24
Heartwood Forest 36 4 Isabel GREEN 00:23:45
Littleport 42 40 James MCSWEENEY 00:23:12 PB
Lymington Woodside 160 98 Darryl STEVENS 00:39:42
Reading 27 26 Michael BIRONNEAU 00:20:34
Stevenage 18 18 Todd GRAY 00:19:58
Stevenage 46 45 Darren EMMERSON 00:22:47
Stevenage 49 47 Martin DUDLEY 00:23:02
Stevenage 62 4 Marie COLUCCI 00:23:44
Stevenage 63 59 Daniel SUTTON 00:23:50
Stevenage 67 63 Nigel STRONGITHARM 00:24:07 PB
Stevenage 85 8 Verity FISHER 00:25:07
Stevenage 86 78 Lee PICKERSGILL 00:25:07
Stevenage 87 9 Kelly EVANS 00:25:09
Stevenage 89 80 Sam SIMMONS 00:25:19
Stevenage 108 94 Steven DOBNER 00:26:02 PB
Stevenage 110 96 Jim BROWN 00:26:03 2nd MV65
Stevenage 112 15 Alison SHELLEY 00:26:06
Stevenage 123 18 Karen PALMER 00:26:49
Stevenage 172 31 Hazel SMITH 00:29:31
Stevenage 190 41 Callie CHAPMAN 00:30:29
Stevenage 202 155 Roger BIGGS 00:31:38
Stevenage 213 55 Iris HORNSEY 00:32:44
Stevenage 234 165 David SCOTT 00:34:04
Stevenage 251 81 Ella GOWER 00:35:31
Stevenage 259 172 Dave PEACH 00:36:06
Stevenage 274 97 Hazel JONES 00:37:46
Westmill 1 1 Andrew PATTERSON 00:18:17
Westmill 8 8 Mark GOODWIN 00:23:28
Westmill 23 21 Andy JAY 00:25:26
Westmill 28 4 Tracy PEZ 00:26:17
Westmill 62 37 Tim ROBINSON 00:39:11  reece
Categories
Club News Starter Group

This Girl Can in Herts 6th – 12th June

Lock Up BlueClear Border

This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It’s a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

The Herts Sports Partnership is promoting a week of This Girl Can events in Hertfordshire from Monday 6th June to Sunday 12th June, focusing this year on summer sports and outdoor activity.

Fairlands Valley Spartans will be part of that campaign and the Starters’ sessions on Monday and Thursday have been promoted on the Herts Sports Partnership’s This Girl Can In Herts portal, where any Spartans interested in trying other activities will also be able to find details of events taking place that week.

TGC Square

Categories
Club News

Important: MWL Div1 Race 1 Address

Please note the venue for the St Albans Striders-hosted Division 1 race on Tuesday 17th May is different to the location used for races that we have previously been involved in.

The new location’s address is as follows:

Highfield Park
Highfield Lane
St Albans
AL4 0RE

Please make sure you update any SatNav address you may have for the St Albans MWL race.

Categories
Club News

Results from April 5k Handicap

Very well done to race winner, new member Jordan Quicke in 23:51, 4:09 better than handicap and 2nd place Iain McKean in 18:43, 3:47 ahead of handicap. Winning lady was Sarah Sapstead, improving her PB by 2:00 to 27:34, with Lee Pickersgill 3rd man, 4th overall in a PB of his own, 24:53, 1:47 faster than his previous PB. New member Leanne Royale was 2nd female, 3:18 ahead of handicap in 23:42, and Nikki Tout 3rd female, improving her PB by 1:22 to 26:48.

Fastest runner on the night was Andy Neatham in a SB 18:07, while Danny Hukin recorded a SB of his own with 18:26, and Iain’s 18:43 3rd quickest, while Liam Herbert also recorded a sub-20 minute time in a YB time of 19:51.

Quickest female was Angela Armitage, improving her PB by 1:55 to 23:07, with Leanne Royal’s 23:42 2nd quickest and Sofia Carpenter 3rd fastest in 24:43.

There were also PBs for Paul Harris, Liam Errington, Olwen Batty, Darren Emmerson, Karl Shreeve, Brian Bailey, Jane McFarlane, Dave Quicke and Claire Hyde; a SB for Monica Smithson; and, YBs for Mark & Callum Beasley, Dean Carpenter, Steve Smithson and Peter Carpenter.

Time difference between 1st-32nd finisher was 4:44 (3:52 2nd-29th) and 88% of finishers were within 2 minutes of their adjusted handicap, with 56% within 1 minute.

There will be a break now for the midweek league events in May-July that I hope you will all be able to join in and the Handicap 5k will return in August.

Best regards

Paul Holgate

April 5k Handicap Result

Categories
Club News

Results from March 5k Handicap

Many thanks to the 14 Spartans taking part in last night’s 95th running of the club Handicap 5k. A big thank you also to Ian Alexander and Jim Brown for their much appreciated support with the start and finish.

Race winner in a new PB time of 24:15 was Rob Doe, followed by Lee Pickersgill in a new PB time of his own of 25:00, with Craig Halsey 3rd in an excellent 16:42, the fastest Handicap 5k time recorded in 4 years, just 9 seconds from Chris Hilton’s 2012 course record time.

Winning lady was new member Victoria Brett in 29:50, 1:25 quicker than handicap, with Verity Fisher 2nd in 24:05, 0:25 better than handicap and Bernadette Millwood 3rd in 30:45.

Fastest runner on the night was Craig, with James Kilroy 2nd quickest in 21:31, 1:09 ahead of handicap, and Mark Goodwin 3rd quickest in 22:23.

Verity was quickest lady, with Victoria 2nd fastest and Bernadette 3rd.

There was also a PB for Tim Robinson, 4th overall, in 22:37 and year best times for Martin Dudley, 23:17 and Peter Carpenter 31:22.

Time difference between 1st-13th finisher was 5:22 and 80% of finishers were within 1:25 minutes of their adjusted handicap.

The last Handicap 5k before this year’s Midweek League will be on Thursday 21st April 2016.

Best regards

Paul

March 5k Handicap Results

Categories
Club News

Sunday XC League – Individual Positions by Age Group

The final individual age-related positions from the 2015/16 Sunday Cross Country League are available at the link below.

Congratulations to Craig Halsey (2nd senior man), Andrew Patterson (3rd senior),  Grant Ramsay (2nd in age group) and David Riddell (3rd in age group)

Top ladies result was Hazel Clark, 11th in her age group with others in the top 20 too.

Well done to all those mentioned, and to every Spartan who ran and made it such a fantastic cross country season for the club.

Sunday Cross Country League 2015-16 Age Related Results

Categories
Club News

Results from February 5k Handicap

Perfect running conditions saw some very fast times from the 25 Spartans taking part in this month’s Handicap 5k as almost every participant beat their handicap time, including the fastest female course time recorded in over 4 years, 8 PBs, 2 Season Best and 13 year best times.

A big thank you to Nick Witcombe for his excellent support with the start and finish, and also to all of the starter group giving much appreciated support around the course.

Winner on the night was newcomer Neil Robinson, a massive 5:23 quicker than handicap in 24:37, followed by Sarah Atkinson, supported around the course by Jim Brown to a new personal best time 28:37, 2:54 quicker than previous.

2nd female was Andrea Westcott in 26:37, 2:38 ahead of handicap, with Liz Carvell 3rd female in a year best time of 28:09, 14 seconds quicker than in January.

Simon Sypula was 2nd man, taking 61 seconds off his PB to finish in 27:01, with Andy Jay 3rd man in a new season best time of 22:26.

Fastest runner on the night, despite having to start early and complete most of the run on her own, in the fastest female course time for more than 4 years, was Natalie Lawrence in a new PB time of 18:44.

Claire Cox was 2nd quickest female, with 23:06 for her first 5k with the club, and Isabel Green was 3rd quickest in a new PB time of 23:19, taking 24 seconds off her previous quickest time.

Fastest man was Keith Coughlin in 18:49, 1:11 better than handicap. Liam Herbert was 2nd quickest man, celebrating his birthday in style by running a warm-up lap of the 5k course in 21:36 and following that with 20:20 for the Handicap 5k itself, and James Kilroy was 3rd fastest man in a new personal best time of 21:17.

There was also a PB for Karl Shreeve (+0:35 to 6:37), while David Bowker power-walked his way around the circuit in a new season best time of 31:12, 1:20 faster than in January.

24 of the 25 finishers beat their handicap, with 76% finishing within 1 minute of their adjusted handicap time, and the time difference between 2nd-24th position was just 2:29.

The March Handicap 5k will be on Thursday 17th March 2016. Hope to see as many Spartans as possible, not least because the event does work so much better with more taking part.

Best regards

Paul

Results here: Result 18Feb16

Categories
Club News

Individual and Team Results from Royston XC

The full individual and team results from the final event of the Cross Country League Season are available on the link below.

It was a fantastic day for the club with individual race wins on the day in both the men’s and women’s events, a win on the day for the women’s A team and second on the day for the men’s A team, and a third place over the season for the men’s A team. A record turnout of Spartans for a cross country race made it a great end to the league season. Full story to follow in Jim’s weekly news brief.

Royston Cross Country Results

Categories
Club News

Results from the last 5k of 2015

36 finishers from 38 starters in last night’s Handicap 5k. Very well done to Sofia for listening to her body and stopping when she needed to and many thanks to Martin for staying with her. Thank you also to Ann Tryssesoone, Mark Freeman and Georgina & Daniel Green for their excellent help with the start and finish.

Well done also to Chris Holland on an excellent win in a season best time of 22:28, 3:52 ahead of handicap, closely followed by newcomer Rob Bright in 28:28, 3:32 better than handicap, and with Danny Hukin 3rd in a new season best time of his own, 18:51, 2:24 quicker than handicap.

Winning lady was Olwen Batty in a new personal best time 26:52, 1:40 faster than her previous PB, with Andrea Westcott 2nd lady, 2:05 ahead of handicap in 27:55, and Tessa Stephenson 3rd lady in a season’s best 26:28, 1:47 better than handicap.

Fastest runner on the night was Grant Ramsay in 16:49, 3 seconds quicker than his last handicap 5k back in January 2014, with Danny’s 18:51 the 2nd fastest time of the night and Steve Green 3rd quickest in 20:04, 1:11 ahead of handicap.

Tracy Pez was the fastest lady equalling her fastest time of the year with 22:04, with Suzy Hawkins 2nd quickest in a year best time of 22:14 and Isabel Green 3rd quickest in a new PB time of 23:46.

There were also PBs for Darren Emmerson, Alex Nee, Simon Sypula, Sean Millwood, Bev Redfern, Vikki Meredith and Dominic Jay, SB’s for James Kilroy, Mark Goodwin, Dave Stephenson and Sharon Crowley, while Callum Beasley, Dean Carpenter, Andy Jay, John Nelms, Vish Shah and Bernadette Millwood all beat their previous Handicap 5k time, and there was a also a YB time for Alistair Baldwin.

The time difference between 3rd – 30th positions was less than 2 minutes and 86% of finishers were with 1½ minutes of their adjusted handicap.

Next Handicap 5k is on Thursday 21st January 2016.

Results here: Result 17Dec15

Categories
Club News

Individual and team scores from Willian XC 6/12/15

Team scores for cross country last Sunday are out…our amazing men’s team were first – and overall the mighty FVS came second!! Well done all!!

Willian_Results (2)

Categories
Club News

Cross Country Willian, Sunday 6th December, 10am (Earlier start time)

** DETAILS OF OUR NEXT CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE FIXTURE **

6th Dec 2015 Race Start : 10-00am (NOTE THE EARLIER START!)

Race HQ The Fox pub in Willian has kindly agreed to be Race HQ (SG6 2AE).

PLEASE REMOVE MUDDY SHOES ETC BEFORE ENTERING THE BUILDING

There will be toilets available as well as hot drinks on sale before the race from 9am.

Parking is at a premium so PLEASE car share wherever possible. Limited parking located at the Nuffield Gym which is a 5 minute walk from the Fox pub. The walk from the gym to the Fox will be clearly signposted. Address for parking: Nuffield Gym, Letchworth Lane, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3NP. Parking is also available along Letchworth Lane, Baldock Lane, Willian Road and the surrounding roads – please be mindful of usual parking regulations and the local community when parking. PLEASE NOTE: There is no parking available at The Fox Pub or behind the church for runners.
There is a short walk / jog to the start (shown on the map) so please arrive as early as possible.
Cycling / jogging– if you live locally we encourage you to cycle or run to Race HQ – there will be a safe area to lock your bike at the pub

Categories
Club News

XC Cheshunt Results – FVS in 3rd place!

FVS in 3rd place overall with ladies in 2nd place and men 3rd!! A huge well done and thank you to all who ran – hope to see even more Spartans out at Trent Park on the 22nd November!

Cheshunt Results

Categories
Club News

5 and 10 mile Handicap Sunday 20th September – start times here

Handicap and start times now attached. Meet at Marriotts Centre in time for your allocated start time of the distance you would like to run.

Don’t worry if your name is missing, handicap times blank, or handicap inconsistent with your existing form, simply let Paul Holgate know at paul.holgate@bt.com, 07764 237659 or on the forum and he can calculate times for you.Handicap 5m and 10m 2015

Categories
Club News

5k Handicap Results – 17th September 2015

Many thanks to MARK BEASLEY and SHARON CROWLEY for their assistance with the start and finish, and to all 35 runners who took part.

WResult 17Sep15

Fastest runner on the night was JASON ANDERSON in a PB of 17:30, with KEITH COUGHLIN 2nd quickest in a new PB time of 17:32, and BRIAN BRACKSTONE 3rd fastest with 17:36.

Quickest lady was NICOLA HABERLAND in a new PB time of 23:19, with VERITY FISHER 2nd quickest in 25:01, as she continues her return to form following injury, and JANE McFARLANE 3rd fastest in a new PB of 25:38.

There were also PBs for SARAH SAPSTEAD (29:34), RICHARD KENNEDY (20:50), MICHELLE BOLGER (38:02), STEVE GREEN (19:42), MARTIN DUDLEY (23:31), LIAM ERRINGTON (23:00), ELAINE LEDGER (38:43), ANGIE WATERS (36:10), JOHN WASMUNTH (29:28) and ROB DOE (39:27) despite running an extra 2k off the route of the 5k course.

JAMES KILROY, MARK GOODWIN, TRACY PEZ and STEVE MAYFIELD (in his first event since breaking his foot earlier in the year) all recorded season best times (fastest time in the last 2 years) and there were year best times for PETER CARPENTER and SELVAN NAICKER, and LIZ CARVELL improved her 5k time by 1:11 since last month’s handicap.

The total time difference between 2nd-34th position was just 5 minutes and 9 seconds and 77% of finishers ran within less than 1 minute of their adjusted handicap time (91% within 2 minutes).

Full results and statistics attached.

This Sunday sees the club’s annual 5 mile and 10 mile handicaps from Marriotts school, where it is hoped that as many Spartans as possible will be able to take part, and the next handicap 5k will be on Thursday 22nd October 2015.

Categories
Club News

Provisional FVS Relay Results

Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you to all who helped at the Fairlands Valley Relays on Thursday 30th July. Please find attached the results (these are provisional, please let us know of any errors).

Relays2015

Categories
Club News

Challenge – 12, 18, 26 and Ultra results

Congratulations again to all who ran at one or more of our events over the Fairlands Valley Challenge Weekend.

Please find attached provisional results from Sunday’s Challenge events. (Last updated 30th July)

If you spot any errors please email paul.holgate@bt.com

FVCResults2015 v 3

Categories
Club News

Challenge – 6 mile event results

Challengers! THANK YOU all so much for coming to support our inaugural 6 mile Challenge event today. We loved seeing you – thank you for the smiles, thanks and kind words. We counted 63 runners and walkers out … and safely back in! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out to make today happen. We hope you enjoyed the brand new course – if you want it back next year, we want to hear from you! Also a big shout out to our Weekend Challengers who have completed day one … and will be back tomorrow doing anything from 12 miles to 50K as their day two challenge!!!

The results from today are attached

FVC6mResults complete

Categories
Club News

Mid Week League Results, Race 1 sees FVS in 1st Place

Congratulations to all runners for their excellent performances last night at the first MWL race of the season.

Also, a huge well done to the race directing team and to all the wonderful marshals around the course. Thank you all for giving up your time to support another great FVS event.

Results here: race1stev2

Categories
Club News

Please renew your membership for 2015-2016

Dear members,

I hope your running year has gone well so far and that you are beginning to enjoy the prospect of lighter evenings.

It is now time to renew your membership of Fairlands Valley Spartans (1st April).

The annual subscription rates are as follows:

Full membership 1st claim (includes UKA affiliation)                         £37

Full membership 1st claim (excludes UKA affiliation)                       £25

Full membership 2nd claim (excludes UKA affiliation)                      £18

Full time student/unemployed/OAP (includes UKA affiliation)           £25

Full time student/unemployed/OAP (excludes UKA affiliation)         £13

Junior member (includes UKA affiliation)                                          £20

Junior member ( excludes UKA affiliation)                                        £8

Nominated Life member (includes UKA affiliation)                            £12

Nominated Life member (excludes UKA affiliation)                          £0

Associate member ( non running)                                                      £0

Please note that the UKA affiliation fee has gone up to £12.

I hope that you will agree that these rates represent excellent value as the subscription covers:

  • hire of the premises at Marriotts
  • coach training is paid for by the club
  • use of the track every Saturday morning ( other local clubs pay a track fee on top of their subscription every time they use the track)
  • trophies for club championships
  • subsidies for social events
  • discounts at many local and online stores ( eg Sweatshop, Trisports, Countryside-a full list of benefits will be available to members once renewal has been completed)Renewal is done through the link on the website www.fvspartans.org.ukIt is a sad fact that some people forget to renew their membership on an annual basis and this is something we are working hard to rectify this year.If you do not renew your membership by the end of April you will no longer be deemed to be a member of the club. Anyone wishing to leave the club should email membership@fvspartans.org.uk so that we are aware. We have had a few instances of people entering races as an FVS member even though their membership has not been renewed.Any UKA affiliated member wishing to leave FVS to join another club needs to fill in the relevant form from UKA and have it signed by an officer of FVS.I hope that you will feel able to renew your membership promptly – anyone with difficulties in being able to do this please email membership@fvspartans.org.uk. It is vital that we are up to full strength ready for the Midweek League season which starts on 12th May with our race. All those running for FVS must be paid up members of the club.Some of our members are 2nd claim members and I would just like to clarify the rules as regards competing.
  • The following is an extract from the UKA rules:

RULE 3 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

(1) (A) First Claim Club. The First Club joined by athletes will be known as their First Claim Club and such athletes will be defined hereinafter as First Claim members. This status will remain in place until they give notice that they wish to terminate their membership of that Club. Such termination shall only be effective once all outstanding tangible assets of the former Club held by the athlete have been returned. If athletes wish to commence membership of a new First Claim Club membership then they must comply with the requirements set out in paragraph (6) below and rule 5 (7-9).

(b) Athletes should be registered in the current year with their National Association in order to compete as a First Claim athlete in Open Team Competition.

(c) Once athletes have represented a Club in First Claim Open Team Competition they are ineligible to compete for another Club in Open Team Competition until the transfer process to that Club has been completed in accordance with these Rules.

(2) Second Claim Club. Notwithstanding athletes having a First Claim Club as defined in (1) above they are permitted to become a member of a Second Claim Club. Whilst this may be for social, coaching or other reasons that athlete may compete for that Club in competitions which specifically state in its rules that its competition is open to Second Claim members. Such an athlete is hereafter defined as a Second Claim member.

(3) Higher Competition Club. Senior and Under 20 track and field athletes may apply for registration to compete for a ‘Higher Competition Club’in Senior Track and Field league competitions only. The application, which shall be made to UK Athletics, must be accompanied by the requisite fee which will be determined annually by the Board of UK Athletics. The application will require approval and endorsement by UK Athletics.

The full rules can be found on the UKA website.

Social media is a wonderful form of communication, but all members are reminded not to post anything which could bring the club into disrepute. Please be positive in the way you portray our club in the public domain and, if you should have any complaints, please approach a member of the committee in the first instance.

I urge you to renew your membership promptly and look forward to working with you again in the 2015/16 season.

Kind regards,

Beverley Harlow

Club Chair

Categories
Club News

Results from Cross Country Watford

Results from the third Cross Country match of the season, held at Cassiobury Park, Watford are now available

 

Watford_Results

Categories
Club News

Catch A Coach, October

This month the focus is on injuries, not for any particular reason, but occasionally injuries happen so preparation can be key!

Catch A Coach (October)

 

Categories
Club News

CLUB AGM

Dear Spartans,
We are fast approaching the AGM which is on Friday 28th November, 7:30pm, at the Ellen Terry Suite at the Gordon Craig – please put the date in your diaries.
There will be coffee available and, as last year, there will be a pay bar. We also hope to be holding the Virgin London Marathon draw, and there will be a draw for a free place for the Milton Keynes Marathon (4th May 2015) which anybody present at the AGM is able to enter, so please do come along and join the fun.
If you would like to contribute more to your club, there will be vacancies in the coming year. In particular we are looking for a treasurer, a membership secretary and a race promoter, but there will also be a need for other committee members. If you think you would like to know more, or think you could help out please contact Viv Honey on secretary@fvspartans.org.uk.
Any nominations for life members must be notified to Viv Honey by 21st October so that they can be discussed by the committee in advance of the AGM.
The official notice of the AGM along with any changes to the constitution will be sent out at least 28 days in advance of the meeting.
Regards,
Beverley Harlow
Chair

Categories
Club News

Stevenage Half and Stevenage Marathon Entry List

The current entry list for the full and half marathon being held on 2nd November is now available here:

SHM & MAR Entries 2014 (Updated 19/10/14)

Entries are still open, details of how to enter and of the route are available here:

Categories
Club News

Catch-A-Coach

Catch A Coach (September)

The latest issue of Catch-A-Coach is now available!  Full of interesting news, particularly to those in Group 3 who have unwittingly been part of an experiment….!!  Happy reading!!

Categories
Club News

FVS Track & Field Champs – 13th September 2014

Meeting starts at 12 pm; last events start at 5.30pm.; for Club members only and invited disability athletes.

Each Athlete chooses to compete in one event from each of the groups listed below (NB cannot choose 300/400m and 800m)

Disability athletes please choose three events ensuring only one from each event group

SPRINT
100m
200m
300m
400m

MIDDLE DISTANCE
800m
1500m
3000m

JUMPS
Hurdles
Long jump
Triple Jump
Pole Vault

THROWS
Shot
Discus
Hammer
Javelin

Entry forms to be submitted to Tessa Stephenson by Tuesday 2nd September at the latest. Entry fee of £5.00 per athlete to be handed in with the entry form.

Points gained for each performance are added together The points tables used are the AAA 5 star award tables

After the event, a barbecue (or similar refreshments) will be available while the points are added and the winners decided.

LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

ENTRY FORM:

Fairlands Valley Spartans
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS; September 13th 2014

FIRST NAME:

SURNAME:

Date of birth:

AGE GROUP Please circle one
u20 21-34 35-44 45+

Male or Female… please cross out as appropriate

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE EVENT FROM EACH COLUMN
and CIRCLE

SPRINT MIDDLE DISTANCE JUMPS THROWS
Hurdles
(Not U11s) 800m High Jump Shot
100m
1500m Long jump Discus
200m
3000m
(not u11/u13) Triple Jump
(not u11/u13) Hammer
(not u11/u13)
300m
(only u15g/u17w) Can’t choose 300/400m & 800m Pole Vault Javelin
400m
(not u11/u13) 400

(Disability athletes only)
Disability athletes please choose three events ensuring only one from each event group

THIS PART OF THE FORM, TOGETHER WITH £5.00 ENTRY FEE,
TO BE GIVEN TOTessa Stephenson
NO LATER THAN Tuesday 2nd September 2014

Categories
Club News

Challenge route maps and directions now avaialble

Your Challenge Race Directors are pleased to announce the course maps and route directions are now available for the event on 20th July.

You can enter the official event via Runners World: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=82201&ms=

Ultra:
Challenge 50k – 2014

Challenge 50k Loop-2014

Ultra mile route 2014

Marathon:

26 mile route 2014

Challenge 26-2014

18 Miles

18 mile route 2014

Challenge 18

12 Miles

12 mile route 2014

Challenge 12-2014

Categories
Club News

MWL Division 1 Race 2 (Chingford) Results

Thank you to everybody who was able to make the 2nd Midweek fixture in Chingford. Turnout was lower than for our home fixture resulting in FVS finishing 6th in all of the races to drop into the relegation zone at the half way stage of the competition. However the battle for survival could not be any closer with Orion Harriers on 10 points and both Garden City Runners and Fairlands Valley Spartans both with 9 points. Indeed just 1 more lady runner of 51 minutes or quicker would have been enough to have maintained 4th position overall, proving once again that if we can manage to get enough members to turn out we can survive in division 1. The next fixture is this Thursday (12th June) in Trent Park so please do come along if you possibly can. Race starts at 7:45pm and meeting & car share arrangements will be being notified shortly.

Grant Ramsay continued his excellent form from race 1 finishing 11th overall and 3rd V40 in 34:57, with Simon Jackson in close attendance in 14th position in 35:10. Andrew Patterson was 3rd man home in 35:55, 12 seconds quicker than in 2013, followed by Todd Gray in 39:00. Davie Stafford 39:39 was 1:30 faster than last year and Pete Smith 41:21 was 41 seconds better than in 2013.

Tracy Pez led the ladies home in 19th position overall and 6th V35 in 43:41, 2:02 faster than last year, followed by Michelle Reeves 46:50, Clare Moore 47:39, 1:48 better than 2013, Hazel Clark 48:16, and Isabel Green 49:09.

Dyfed Thomson-Smith also improved his time on 2013, by 29 seconds to 49:45, as did Maria Thorne +0:42 to 56:04, and Steve Gough +1:15 to 57:10.

Full list of times and stats for all runners and the 38 FVS finishers attached.

Don’t forget this Thursday 12th June sees our next race, at Trent Park. Hope to see as many of you as possible.

Chingford full results
FVS Results

Categories
Club News Races

Entry form for Relays on 31st July now available

It isn’t long until the ever popular FVS 3k relays which take place on Thursday 31st July this year.

The event incorporates the Hertfordshire Road Relay Championship for Seniors and Veterans and also incorporates the Herts County and ARC short relay championships.

If you wish to enter a team to compete in the ARC Short Relay Championships you need to enter before the day. Please refer to the ARC website for the conditions of entry.

An entry form is available here:
3k Relays – Entry form

Categories
Club

OAKLEY TWENTIES, LONDON’S CALLING, Manesh and Rosie Win 5K

The Oakley 20 is a useful check point and training run in the countdown to the London Marathon and other Spring marathons.

Unlike London the course is quite undulating. It was cold, windy but dry as six Spartans ran Sunday’s twenty mile race.

LIAM HERBERT was 80th out of the 880 finishers in 2 hours 22 minutes 6 seconds. An improvement of 7 minutes 2 seconds over his previous personal best. PETER SMITH was 127th in 2:29:29; VISHAL SHAH 318th in 2:48:44; MATT GILL 360th in 2:51:40; MARK CHEADLE 508th in 3:04:24 and BARRY KING 619th in 3:16:01.

Hyde Park 20

Meanwhile MARK BEASLEY was taking on a different twenty. He ran the Hyde Park 20 in 2 hours 38 seconds and was 92nd place out of approx. 500 finishers. The course consisted of 5 x 4 mile laps, but Mark says it was not as boring as it sounds.

Several other Spartans took part in the club’s training twenty in and around Stevenage.

Hillingdon Half

ANDY PATTERSON and SIMON JACKSON did the Hillingdon Half Marathon on Sunday. The race was promoted as fast and flat but the in fact the event was anything but that.

The course was undulating and very twisty turny added to which the wind made conditions tough. Both Spartans did very well indeed to finish top 21 in a very competitive race. Simon sneaked the first Spartan place & tenth overall in 1 hour 17 minutes 43 seconds and Andy was shortly behind at 21st in 1:19:49.

Thursday 5K

The March winner was newcomer MANESH CHUDASAMA, smashing his handicap by 4 minutes 18 seconds to finish in 19 minutes 42 seconds in his first run with the club. MARTIN DUDLEY finished second, beating his previous fastest time on the course by 32 seconds to finish in 23:46. Last month’s winner STEPHEN PACEY was third taking 1:08 off his February time to finish just ahead of newcomer MARK BIRK, who was fourth in 25:50.

ROSIE CANHAM was the first female to finish, with a new PB (personal best) time of 21:30. IRIS HORNSEY was second continuing to improve her time every month as she ran 34 seconds quicker than her previous run to finish in 30:14. KERSTIN WEINER was third in 26:15 despite having to start early and run on her own for the whole distance.

LIAM HERBERT was fastest runner on the night, supported by Richard Bate, to finish in 19:02, 1:13 quicker than handicap, with Mannesh’s 19:15 second fastest, and ADRIAN DONNELLY third quickest, in 20:14.

Rosie was quickest female, with MICHELLE REEVES second quickest in 24:09 and Kerstin third fastest.

There was also a new personal best by MARTIN PRICE as he improved his time to 21:50 and DAVID PEACH in his first run with the club. There was year best times for Iris, Kerstin, Michelle and JAN FRY.

The April handicap 5K will be on the Thursday 17th April.

Pos Name Time Comments
1 MANESH CHUDASAMA 19:42 Event Winner. Second fastest. PB
2 MARTIN DUDLEY 23:46 PB
3 STEPHEN PACEY 26:35 PB
4 MARK BIRT 25:50 PB
5 ROSIE CANHAM (F) 21:30 First woman. PB
6 MARTIN PRICE 21:50 PB
7 DANIEL BATES 20:23
8 ADRIAN DONNELLY 20:14
9 LIAM HERBERT 19:02 Fastest runner
10 IRIS HORNSEY (F) 30:14 Second woman
11 VISHAL SHAH 22:02
12 KERSTIN WEINER (F) 26:15
13 DAVID PEACH 27:38 PB
14 MARK GOODWIN 22:42
15 MICHELLE REEVES (F) 24:09
16 JAN FRY (F) 30:15
17 ALASTAIR BALDWIN 28:30

Spartans and Sport Relief

On Sunday 23rd March the Stevenage Mile for Sport Relief took place at Ridlins End running track. 170 athletes of all ages from 3 months to 80 years old were sponsored to cover 1, 3 or 6 miles through all weather conditions ranging from hail to sunshine. The event, supported by Sainsbury, was hosted by Fairlands Valley Spartans Running Club and raised approximately £700 in on line and on-the-day donations.

London’s Calling

The London Marathon is coming up fast. It’s on Sunday 13th April. Fairlands Valley Spartans are always well represented. This year their entrants are ROGER BIGGS, JIM BROWN, CLAIRE COKER, JAMIE DRACKFORD, ROBERT EVANS, KATE HANLON, RICHARD HAZLEDENE, KAREN LIDDLE, TRUDIE MOLLOY, CLARE MOORE, CAROL PAUL, DAVE PAUL, JOHN ROXBOROUGH, THOMAS SAUKA, MARJ SHANAHAN, PETE SMITH, HANNAH SYPULA and KERSTIN WEINER.

Fairlands Valley Spartans are organising a coach to the London Marathon on Sunday, 13 April for those running. Spaces are available at £10, departing from Stevenage Old Town at 6.30a.m. Further details given on booking. If you are interested please contact Roger Biggs on roger@thebiggs.net or 07748 326301.

Gin Pit Paul

This weekend CAROL PAUL ran the Gin Pit Double based on the outskirts of Manchester. These were trail marathons. On Saturday she ran the 26.2 miles in 5 hours 33 minutes in rain and hail stones. On Sunday she ran in sunshine but it was really windy and she took 5 hours 58 minutes.

Coming Events

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

• Last Friday 5K in Hyde Park on Friday 28th March
• London Marathon on Sunday 13th April
• Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 17th April
• Herts 1500 and Veterans Track and Field Championships on 5th May
• First Mid Week Road Race League (10K) race in Stevenage on Tuesday 13th May
• Second Road Race League (5 miles) race in Chingford on Wednesday 4th June
• Third Road Race League (9K) race in Trent Park on Thursday 12th June
• Fourth Road Race League (10K) in St Albans on Tuesday 1st July
• Mid Week Mob Match (10K) in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 17th July
• Off Road Challenge in Stevenage on Sunday 20th July
• Relays in the Park in Stevenage on Thursday 31st July
• Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday 2nd November

Join The Spartans

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

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

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

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

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

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

E N D S

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

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

RHIANNON IS COUNTY CHAMPION, Bronze for Julie and Christopher

RHIANNON GRIFFIN won the 60 metres sprint GOLD at the Herts County Indoor Championships. Her time was 9.34 seconds. She also came fourth in the 400 metres in 71 seconds. CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT claimed the BRONZE medal in the Men’s 800 metres. He clocked 2:11.07 for a new club age group best.

Julie’s Bronze At Cross Country

On a lovely Spring day – sunny, warm and a little windy – JULIE SIMMONS was a BRONZE medallist in the Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships. She was third in the women (55 plus) category and 16th overall in the race with a time of 27 minutes 16 seconds for the 3.2 miles. PETA WILSON was 23rd in the race in 28:57; LORRAINE THOMAS 35th in 34:05 and SHARON CROWLEY 38th in 35:44.

Colchester Half Marathon

DANIEL BATES finished 137th out of 1,618 runners with a time of 1 hour 35 minutes 43 seconds.

London Marathon

Fairlands Valley Spartans are organising a coach to the London Marathon on Sunday, 13 April for those running. Spaces are available at £10, departing from Stevenage Old Town at 6.30a.m. Further details given on booking. If you are interested please contact Roger Biggs on roger@thebiggs.net or 07748 326301.

Coming Events

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

• Club training 20 on Sunday 23rd March
• Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 20th March
• Last Friday 5K in Hyde Park on Friday 28th March
• Herts 1500 and Veterans Track and Field Championships on 5th May
• First Mid Week Road Race League (10K) race in Stevenage on Tuesday 13th May
• Second Road Race League (5 miles) race in Chingford on Wednesday 4th June
• Third Road Race League (9K) race in Trent Park on Thursday 12th June
• Fourth Road Race League (10K) in St Albans on Tuesday 1st July
• Mid Week Mob Match (10K) in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 17th July
• Off Road Challenge in Stevenage on Sunday 20th July
• Relays in the Park in Stevenage on Thursday 31st July
• Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday 2nd November

Join The Spartans

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

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

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

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

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

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

E N D S

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

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club News

BIG WINS FOR GRANT AND SHARON AT CHAMPIONS NIGHT

Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed their Presentation Evening, Dinner and Disco at Chesfield Downs on Friday evening. They celebrated another successful year including promotion to the top division in the Mid Week Road Race League and their women’s team victory in the East of England track and field league. The competition for many club awards was intense as can be seen in the results.

RHIANNON GRFFIN won the female open short distance championship by just 0.2%. She scored 71.0% to just beat the 70.8% by LISA BURGESS. JENNIFER ROBERTSON got the third medal position with 67.0% not far ahead of MADDIE PRITCHARD on 65.4%.

The short distance championship consisted of the best three out of 1500 metres, 5 kilometres, 5 miles and 10 kilometres.

In the female age-graded short distance championship JULIE SIMMONS scored an impressive 80% plus. She wonm with 80.7%. TRACY PEZ was second with 69.6% and BEVERLEY HARLOW third with 68.3%. LISA GRAY came close to a top three placing with 65.8%.

RICHARD BATE won the male open short distance championship with 78.6%; GRANT RAMSAY was second on 77.4% and SIMON JACKSON third, just 0.4% behind, on 77.0%. Andrew Patterson was fourth with 72%.

In the male age graded short distance championship ANDY NEATHAM won with a fantastic 86.1%; BARRY OSBORNE was second on 82.5% and DAVID BOWKER third on 80.4%. All three over 80% and SIMON BELL was fourth on 79.6%, a score that would have been good enough to win on some occasions.

JO LAING won the female open long distance championship with 70.7%; LISA LIVERSIDGE was second with 53.5% and LORRAINE WYATT third on 47.9%.

All long distance championships count the best three out of 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles and full marathon.

In the female Age-Graded Long distance championship JAN FRY won wuith 63.4%; SHARON CROWLEY second with 55.9% and TRACY STILES third with 49.3%.

GRANT RAMSAY won the male Open Long distance championship with 78.6%; SIMON JACKSON was second with 75.2% and CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT third with 72.5%. DANIEL BATES was fourth on 61.1%. In the men’s age graded long distance championship GRAHAM BLACKBURN was first with 71.5%; PETE SMITH second with 70.9% and TODD GRAY third on 68.4%. This was another highly competitive category. MARK GOODWIN only missed third place by 0.4%.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of some outstanding champions.

David Bowker represented Hertfordshire in the 3000 metres walk and won the EVAC 5 mile championship for male veterans (50 plus).

Iris Hornsey won gold in the 1500 and 800 metres at the British Masters Athletics Championships

Monica Brown won gold at the British Masters heptathlon plus silver in the long jump and high jump.

Grant Ramsay represented Hertfordshire and Scotland in another outstanding year of running

Steve Mayfield won bronze in the British Masters Outdoor Pentathlon for male veterans (45 plus).

A special award was made to the winning women’s team in the East of England veterans’ track and field league. They were Chris Feely, Monica Brown, Rosie Canham, Sharon Crowley, Christine Latham, Stephanie Mayfield, Julie Simmons, Carolyn Shortland, Tessa Stephenson, Peta Wilson and Louise Oliver

RHIANNON GRIFFIN and STEVE MAYFIELD won the club’s own track and field championship.

The captain’s awards went to ANDY JAY and RHIANNON GRIFFIN. TRACY PEZ won the chair’s award for service to the club.

As the presentations reached their peak NICK WITCOMBE was declared Spartan of the Year; SHARON CROWLEY was confirmed as the overall female champion and GRANT RAMSAY overall male champion and champion of champions.

(More than 100 images are available).

Windy Silverstone

There were very windy conditions, never good on the exposed course, including a strong headwind for most of the final three miles for the Silverstone Half Marathon but MARTIN PRICE improved his half marathon time by 7 minutes 23 seconds to record a new personal best of 1 hour 42 minutes 57 seconds.

Clare Moore ran a controlled race at 9 minute per mile pace as part of her marathon training. She finished in 1:55:05 and said ‘It was really nice to run a relaxed race with no pressure. I ended up enjoying the atmosphere and high fiving spectators along the way. The best moment was seeing the mighty Weirwolf come flying past me on his way to winning the wheelchair race.’

PETE SMITH finished in 1:32:29 and STEVE ELDER in 1:38:53.

Paul Holgate improved his 2014 half marathon time by 10 minutes to finish in 2:09:29 and JO CAHILL improved her personal best to 2:24:30.

PB for Maddie
It was a bit windy in Regents Park but MADDIE PRITCHARD improved her 10K personal best by about a minute to 44:31.

Swavesey – Off Road Half Marathon
GRANT RAMSAY was second overall and first veteran in the Swavesey Off Road Half Marathon. Despite windy conditions which proved a challenge to all runners over the Cambridgeshire Fens he finished in 1 hour 17 minutes 28 seconds. SIMON BELL was eighth in 1:26:13.

Spartans First and Second in First Saturday RaceFairlands Valley Spartans were first and second in a very wet and muddy First Saturday of the Month 5K in Letchworth at the weekend.

ANDREW PATTERSON was first in 17 minutes 59 seconds with SIMON JACKSON second in 18:17. JOHN HARRIS was fifth in 21:08 and CRAIG BACON 27th in 24:47. Despite being stopped by a dog LISA GRAY was 30th in 26:13. LISA KASPERPOWICZ was 38th in 27:23. There were 70 finishers.

Sunny For Serpentine
Friday’s Last Friday of the Month 5K started grey with a cold breeze but finished in sunshine. Fairlands Valley Spartans’ JIM BROWN improved his season’s best by eight seconds to finish the race round Hyde Park in 22 minutes 44 seconds. He was 134th out of the 215 finishers with a score of 71.18%%. The winning time was 15:59 with the last runner back in 35:06.

Cambridge Boundary Run

On Sunday Carol Paul ran the Cambridge boundary marathon. Starting from the Holiday Inn this was 26.2 miles around the boundary of Cambridge in a clockwise direction on footpaths and off road paths across fields. At times it was very cold and windy. She completed the course in 5:19:02

And A PB For Davie At Reading
DAVIE STAFFORD ran the Reading Half Marathon in a new personal best of 1 hour 31 minutes exactly, and he raised £250 for the NSPCC. DANIEL BATES enjoyed a great result of 1:33:07 and said it was a great course. FIONA KEELEY completed her first half marathon in 2:38:20.

Treviso Marathon – Sunday, 2nd March 2014Roger Biggs was in Northern Italy for a popular marathon finishing within the walled city of Treviso. This was Roger’s first marathon since Mid October, struggling with unfit legs and a far from 100% Achilles, he finished in 5 hours 31 minutes 33 seconds.

London Marathon
Fairlands Valley Spartans will be organising a coach to the London Marathon on Sunday, 13 April for those running . Spaces are available at £10, departing from Stevenage Old Town at 6.30a.m. Further details given on booking. If you are interested please contact Roger Biggs on roger@thebiggs.net or 07748 326301.

Coming Events

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

• Veterans Cross Country Championships in Royston on 16th March
• Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday 20th March
• Last Friday 5K in Hyde Park on Friday 28th March
• Herts 1500 and Veterans Track and Field Championships on 5th May
• First Mid Week Road Race League (10K) race in Stevenage on Tuesday 13th May
• Second Road Race League (5 miles) race in Chingford on Wednesday 4th June
• Third Road Race League (9K) race in Trent Park on Thursday 12th June
• Fourth Road Race League (10K) in St Albans on Tuesday 1st July
• Mid Week Mob Match (10K) in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 17th July
• Off Road Challenge in Stevenage on Sunday 20th July
• Relays in the Park in Stevenage on Thursday 31st July
• Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday 2nd November

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

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

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

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome – those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

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

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

E N D S

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

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Categories
Club

Andrea Westcott – Committee Member

Categories
Club

David Cadogan – Committee Member

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

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

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

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

Categories
Club News

VLM 13th April 2014: Baggage entries open

The draw for guaranteed places was held at the AGM on Friday, 22nd April 2013. Details are shown at the bottom of this article.

Now that the draw has taken place, we can ask for volunteers to work on the baggage lorries at the finish of the London Marathon.

Roger did say that he would not take names until after the draw, so whether or not you have already sent an email, please re-apply.

For those new to the club, we are allocated 3 lorries, where the job is to sort all the bags that are transported from the start, and then hand them to the runners as they make there way very gingerly from the finish line.

For this you get:
1) Free coach transport from Stevenage and return

2) Refreshments & water

3) An article of London Marathon kit.

4) A souvenir medal

5) A payment to FVS for each person supplied

6) Priority for a club guaranteed place in 2015

7) A great day out

This assumes that everything is the same as in 2013, we are awaiting written confirmation

Please reply to:
roger@thebiggs.net
07748 326301

Winners of the club draw:
Baggage places:
Claire Coker, Trudie Molloy, Rob Shaw & Jim Brown

Club Places:
Karen Liddle, Clare Moore, Charlie Paterson & Kerstin Weiner

Reserve:
Richard Hazeldene

Categories
Club News

VLM draw, AGM, Kit sales and help the Philippines, this Friday, 22nd November!

This Friday, 22nd November the club AGM will be taking place. This event is being held in the Ellen Terry Suite at the Leisure Centre, Stevenage, from 7.30pm. FVS training t-shirts will be on sale for £5, and if anybody has any reasonable t-shirts of any sort they would like to donate to the Philippines then please bring them along and hand them to Beverly Harlow who is collecting.

The club draw for the Virgin London Marathon will also be taking place. This is especially for those members who were rejected in the open ballot. Fairlands Valley Spartans receive guaranteed entries for up to 9 members. Those members to receive one of these entries will be decided in a club ballot.

To be eligible for the ballot:

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

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

3) You may be asked to prove your ballot rejection

If you meet the above criteria and would like to be included in the Spartan ballot, then please let Roger Biggs know. If applying, and you were a baggage volunteer in 2013, then please make sure Roger is aware, as you get an extra chance in the ballot.

We hope to see as many of you as possible on Friday

Categories
Club News

Spartans win the SoSporting award at the Pride of Stevenage awards night

Fairlands Valley Spartans were represented by Club Chair Beverley Harlow, Team Captains Tracy Pez and Nick Witcombe, and Rob Shaw at the Pride of Stevenage awards night on Saturday 26th October 2013.

The four were delighted and honoured to accept the prestigious SoSporting award on behalf of the club along with a donation towards club activities. The awards were sponsored by various local businesses including The Advertiser newspaper and North Hertfordshire College.

A short video made about the club is viewable here:

Categories
Club News

Dear Members – a letter from our Chair

Dear Member,

I should like to take this opportunity to thank all those of you who have freely given of your time and talents this year to support Spartan events whether as race directors, marshals, time keepers, cheer leaders, coaches etc, the list is endless. This has been a very successful period for FVS and that would not be possible without all the volunteers who give so much.

One of the ways in which we keep our membership subscription so low is by organising events, such as the Fairlands Valley Challenge, which raise funds for the club. Some of our other events, such as the half marathon, and events which we support such as the Race for Life, Hospice 5K and Herts Air Ambulance Fun Run help local charity organisations to raise funds. This is as aspect of the club which raises our profile in the local area as well as helping those charities.

One of the problems we have experienced recently is the difficulty in recruiting enough volunteers from the membership to adequately support these events. It has frequently been the case this year that it is only very close to the event, after continued pleading on behalf of the organisers that we have enough volunteers to safely continue with the event. This in turn makes people feel reluctant to commit to become race directors and often means that the same few people end up doing most of the work.

So, we need to address this problem to ensure that we can continue to operate as we have done in the last few years. We have already started to cut back on the number of events we organise but this means that there are fewer events in which runners can participate and may mean that subscriptions will need to rise in the future.

I would like, therefore, to ask you all to consider volunteering for at least one event during the year, as a marshal or race director or in another capacity according to your inclination. I freely acknowledge that some people have done more than their share over many years and will (hopefully) continue to do just that, but it is not really fair on them.

I think that many people feel that they don’t have the necessary skills to become race directors, for example, so we will be providing a workshop to give information about exactly what is involved. It does not have to be a single person but can be a team effort with the workload split between several people. I would encourage as many of you as possible to consider attending the workshop when it is advertised, if only to find out what others do on your behalf.

The next big event is the Stevenage Half Marathon and we shall be recruiting helpers for a number of jobs including marshalling. This event really puts our club on the running map and this year the main charity is the Magic of Play Appeal at Lister Hospital.

Another opportunity to contribute towards the club is at the Annual General Meeting which is held in November. This year it will be on Friday 22nd November at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre in the Ellen Terry Suite at 7.30pm.Tea and coffee will be provided and there will be a bar to make it a more social occasion than it has been recently. There will be a draw for a place in next year’s Milton Keynes Marathon and, if possible we will conduct the VLM draw. Last year only 30 people attended the AGM which means that decisions are taken by a small representation of the membership. Again, I would ask you all to consider attending and note the date in your diary.

We shall be needing some key members of the committee to replace those who are standing down this year. In particular we need a treasurer and/or assistant treasurer If you would like to find out more about these roles please speak to a member of the committee or email me on chairman@fvspartans.org.uk.

Once again, I want to emphasize my thanks to those members who always step forward to help when asked to. Let’s try to spread the load a bit and build on the fantastic work of those people who do so much to make this club the club we want it to be.

Happy running.

Beverley Harlow
Club Chair

Categories
Club News

FVS win Pride of Stevenage SoSport Award

Fairlands Valley Spartans are proud winners of a Pride of Stevenage award.

The club have been awarded the prestigious SoSport award which will presented on the 26th October at a celebratory event being held at the Leisure Centre.

As a winner the club will also be asked to take part in the production of a video – watch this space for details as you may have a chance to star in the film!

Congratulations to all members who have contributed to making FVS the great club it is – each member plays a key part in making FVS deserving of this award. Thank you.

SoStevenage

Categories
Club News

5k Handicap Results from 5th September

More than 40 participants in last night’s Handicap 5k excellently supported
by Bernie with the start and finish and thanks also to Rob Shaw for issuing
finish raffle tickets after completing the run himself first.

First to finish was indeed Rob, proving excellent progress in his recovery
from injury as he completed the course almost 10 minutes quicker than
expected in 30:25.

Winning female was Cathy Craig, recording 27:43 in her first 5k with the
club, with Kerstin Weiner 2nd lady in 27:12 for her debut 5k and with Sue
Hamer 3rd female in anew PB time of 27:29 – over 2 minutes quicker than her
previous PB, with Amy Waring 4th lady in 28:51 on her first 5k.

2nd man was another debutee, newcomer Richard Bates, 6th overall in 30:40,
with another newcomer, Shane Bingley 3rd man in a PB time of 23:46.

In 8th & 9th positions overall were Andy Jay excellently paced around the
course by a very speedy, young Ella Pez on her scooter, while Hannah
Davidson posted her first 5k time of the year in 26:54 in 10th position.

Fastest time on the night was 16:57 by Grant Ramsay, with debutee Carlos
Vasquez 2nd quickest in 17:36 and another first timer, Ian Yenney
3rdfastest in 17:55. Todd Gray was 4th quickest, equalling his fastest
time of the year with 18:27, while David Bowker improved his Year Best
time by 25 seconds to 19:18, 5th fastest.

Newcomer Sara Brooks was quickest female in 23:15, with Clare Moore
2nd fastest in a new PB time of 23:27 – 43 seconds ahead of her
previous best, and Lisa Gray 3rd quickest with 24:33 despite carrying
an injury on the night.

Dave Smith also improved his PB time, by 29 seconds to 20:24, and there
were also year best times for Anton McCalla, Graham Blackburn, Mark Goodwin
and Andy Prior, while Callum Beasley, Sofia Carpenter, Nick Emmett,
Alastair Baldwin, Claire Baker, Andrew Jordan & Jacqui Brown made it 15
debutees running their 1st 5k with the club overall, although for Andrew it
was closer to 6.5k after a slight detour, still managing 25:54 despite the
extra distance.

A hiccup with starting some of the first runners too early and Andrew’s
detour made the total time between 1st-41st longer than would be expected
for a handicap race, except for these anomalies, the total time difference
was only 5:21 between 7th-39th positions and just 4:10 between 8th-38th,
while 63% of finishers were with 2 minutes of their handicap time.

Next Handicap 5k will be scheduled for the 17th October 2013.

Results here: 5k Results 5th Sept(1)

Categories
Club News

Spartans Scoop a haul of Trophies at the Mob Match

Results are now on our forum.

Categories
Club News

Challenge Update

Plans are going well for the Fairlands Valley Challenge being held on Sunday 21st July and entries are coming in thick and fast.

Don’t worry though, you can still sign up to run either 12, 18, 26 or 30 miles around the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside here.

Route maps and descriptions are still being amended as we check and risk assess the course, but the latest versions are available here.

Don’t forget, you can also follow us on Twitter (@fvchallenge) and on Facebook!

Categories
Club News

MWL – Team Spartans Win Division 2 and gain promotion!!

Well done one and all! Fantastic result!

Results attached.

Don’t forget the Mob Match on July 17th, and Celebration drinkies on Friday 26th July (Details coming soon!)

Race 4 results

Categories
Club News

Spartans win the first MWL match of the season

Despite the weather an excellent turn out of runners ensured FVS won the first match, now to repeat our performance at Chingford on the 29th May! Results attached.

Race1Div2 (1)

Categories
Club News

Renew your membership!

You have until the end of April to renew your FVS membership. Once you’ve renewed you’ll receive a cool band to show you are a paid up member!

You can renew online here

[ggisinlinepost id=”720″]

Categories
Club Spartan in the spotlight

Spartan in the Spotlight – Meet Rhiannon

RG

 

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


Name: Rhiannon Griffin.

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

When did you join FVS ? End of May 2012.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spartans in the Spotlight, Meet Ann Tryssesoone

 

Ann

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

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

Occupation:

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

When did you join the FVS ?

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

Why did you join the FVS ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your favourite running distance(s) ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks.

Categories
Spartan in the spotlight

Meet Davie Stafford

553890

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

 

Occupation: Self Employed/Window Cleaner

 

Family: wife Hailey, Daughter Isla-May

 

When did you join FVS ?  2010

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

THIS WEEKS NEWS RELEASE

News Release                                                                                                 3rd February 2013

 

WATFORD HALF

Tough Guy

It was a beautiful day for the ten Spartans running Sunday’s Watford Half Marathon.  Despite the undulating course four ran new personal bests (PBs) for the 13.1 miles.  MATTHEW GILL improved by 23 seconds to 1 hour 40 minutes 46 seconds (524th); VISHAL SHAH by 4 minutes to 1:43:55 (654th) and BARRY KING by a massive 7 minutes 36 seconds to 1:52:08 (982nd) and JENNIFER ROBERTSON by an incredible 12 minutes 32 seconds to 1:41:30.  She was first woman for the club and 545th overall in the popular race which had 1,703 finishers.

DEAN CARPENTER was the fastest for Fairlands Valley.  He was 317th in 1:34:19.  SUZY HAWKINS finished in 1:44:34 (691st) and KIM TYLER in 1:58:48 (1,229th). 

STEPHEN BLOCK was 1,259th in 1:59:10; PAUL HOLGATE 1,477th in 2:08:47 and NEIL MAIDENS 1,641st in 2:23:48.  Paul reckons he overtook 98 runners in the second half of the race. 

Position Name Time   (Chip) Comments
317 DEAN   CARPENTER 1:34:19  
524 MATTHEW   GILL 1:40:46 PB   (23 seconds)
545 JENNIFER   ROBERTSON (F) 1:41:30 PB   (12:32)
654 VISHAL   SHAH 1:43:55 PB   (4 minutes)
691 SUZY   HAWKINS (F) 1:44:34  
982 BARRY   KING 1:52:08 PB   (7:36)
1229 KIM   TYLER (F) 1:58:48  
1259 STEPHEN   BLOCK 1:59:10  
1477 PAUL   HOLGATE 2:08:47  
1641 NEIL   MAIDENS 2:23:48  

Tough Guy Rob

ROB EVANS, along with seven team mates from work, travelled to Perton near Wolverhampton last week to take part in TOUGH GUY 2013.  The challenge began with a grueling 5-6 mile cross-country run including hill slaloms, deep mud and wooden obstacles before taking on the 3-4 mile “Killing Fields” assault course.

The team had to battle water temperatures of minus 10 degrees C, very deep mud obstacles, electric shocks, claustrophobia, barbed wire, 12 metre high cargo nets with dual rope and plank walks.  As a measure of the toughness of the course there was a shortage of medical staff, ambulances and air ambulances to cope with the number of competitors suffering injuries and hypothermia.  Even some of the rescue divers (in dry-suits!) had hypothermia.  Approximately one third of the 5,000 entrants did not complete the course.

All eight members of the team were tremendously proud to have successfully completed the event.

Tracy First Lady

Spartan TRACY PEZ was first lady in the North Herts first Saturday of the month 5K.  She was 23rd overall in 25 minutes 9 seconds.  KIERAN FEETHAM was 15th in 23:47 and SARAH FEETHAM 50th in 28:40.

The course was very muddy and slippery.  Kieran lost his shoe at one point and had to stop to put it on.

Coming Events

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

  • Spartans Handicap 5 and 10 mile races on Sunday 10th February (new date).
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • County Veterans Cross Country Championships at Willian, Letchworth on Sunday 17th March 2013.
  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Fairlands Valley Challenge on Sunday 21st July.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.

Categories
Club News

THIS WEEKS NEWS RELEASE

News Release                                                                                                 27th January 2013

 

CHAMPIONS NIGHT FOR SPARTANS

Spartans In Italy

 

GRANT RAMSAY is Fairlands Valley Spartans’ overall champion for 2012.  He won the long and short distance championships for men.

Nearly one hundred members of the club enjoyed their Presentation Evening and Disco at Knebworth Barns on Friday.

The award winners were:

IRIS HORNSEY won the women’s short distance age related championship; JULIE SIMMONS was second and club chair BEVERLEY HARLOW third.  All runners in short distance championships had to run three out of 1500 metres, 5 kilometres, 5 miles and 10 kilometres.

BARRY OSBORNE was delighted to win the men’s short distance age related championship; ANDY NEATHAM was second and DAVID BOWKER third.

In the female long distance age graded championship KERRY JAMES won with Beverley Harlow second and Sharon Crowley third.  In all long distance championships runners had to run three out of 10 miles; half marathon; 20 miles and full marathon.

The male age graded championship was won by SIMON BELL with GRAHAM BLACKBURN second and PETE SMITH third.

ANN TRYSSESOONE was surprised and really delighted to win the award for most improved female in 2012.  ANDY PRIOR was the most improved male.

RHIANNON GRIFFIN was the Starter of the Year AND came second in the female open short distance championship.  JO LAING won that championship and KERRY JAMES came third.  In the open championship it’s simply the case that the fastest runners win.

Jo Laing also won the long distance open championship for women.  In this case NIKKI ANDREWS was second and PAULETTE ELDRIDGE third.

Grant Ramsay won the men’s open short distance championship with SIMON JACKSON second and RICHARD BATE third.  Grant also won the long distance championship with ANDREW PATTERSON second and CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT third.

STEVE SMITHSON won the Chairman’s Award for services to the club.

The contest for the prestigious Spartan of the Year was so close that there were two winners — Steve Smithson and CHRIS LEIGH.

Having won both open categories Jo Laing was the overall female champion.  Grant Ramsay won both male categories with fantastic scores making him the male champion and overall club champion.

Sharon Crowley and Mark Cheadle won the Captains’ Awards which were presented by Tracy Pez and Nick Witcombe.

In addition Simon Harris was congratulated for winning the Paul Pearce Disability Award; as were David Bowker who won gold in the British Masters Athletics Federation Championships; Iris Hornsey who won gold and silver at the British Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships and three golds at the British Masters Athletics Championships; Monica Brown who won silver at the British Masters heptathlon, silver in the pentathlon and bronze in the British Masters Athletics Federation outdoor pentathlon; and Grant Ramsay who represented Team GB in the European Veterans Marathon Championships

Lots of pictures of the presentation evening are available from the gallery on www.fvspartans.org.uk or direct from Jim Brown (0793 968 7509).

Spartans In  Italy

Two Spartans were in Naples, Italy for a marathon & half marathon on Sunday.  It was a lovely sunny day and after a coolish start almost perfect running weather.  The course took in much of Central Naples including its cobbled streets, which were rather wearing.  Roger Biggs completed the marathon in 4:19:44 and Barbara Wilson the half marathon in 2:16:49.

Cheadle in Canterbury

On Sunday the sun came out to thaw the roads of Canterbury which meant the 10 miles road race could go ahead after several local races had been cancelled recently.  The sun was bright, the wind strong and hills steep!  MARK CHEADLE ran the undulating 10 mile course in a new personal best of 1:22:27 taking nearly 10 minutes of his old PB.

Coming Events

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

 

  • Spartans Handicap 5 and  10 mile races on Sunday 10th February (new date).
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • County Veterans Cross Country Championships on Sunday 17th March 2013.
  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.

 

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: PRESENTATION EVENING THIS FRIDAY

News Release  20th January 2013

 

PRESENTATION EVENING THIS FRIDAY

No Races In Snow But Spartans Still Run

Fairlands Valley Spartans Annual Presentation Evening and Disco will be on Friday 25th January at Knebworth Barns.  Tickets are £25.00 which includes a hot buffet and disco. The evening starts at 7.30p.m.  The fun will continue until midnight.

Presentations will be made to Club Champions and of course to the Spartan of the Year. Awards will be made for leading positions in, for example, the women and men’s long and short distance championships both the fastest and age related.  Book now to be sure of a place, particularly if you think you might be in the top three in any category and even if you don’t as your company will be welcome.

Spartans and their friends will be warmly welcomed to help make this a great celebration of ‘The UK’s Best Running Club.  More details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Spartans Move Up In Cross Country League

The huge turnout of 41 Spartans in the recent Cross Country race on Therfield Heath, Royston dramatically improved the club’s position in the league.  The men were hovering around tenth but came third out of the seventeen teams and the women are seventh with their “B” team first in that competition.

The next league cross country league race will be in Watford on Sunday 17th February.

Snow Go For County Championships

Many Spartans had entered Sunday’s Fred Hughes 10 at St. Albans which was to include the Hertfordshire ten mile road race championships.  Unfortunately the snow and ice meant it was not safe for a competitive event for 800 runners to go ahead.  However several Spartans enjoyed some fun runs in the snow.  Pictures are available.

The championships may be included in another event later in the year.

Coming Events

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

  • Spartans Presentation Evening and Dance on Friday 25th January.
  • Spartans Handicap 5 and 10 mile races on Sunday 27th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • County Veterans Cross Country Championships on Sunday 17th March 2013.
  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.
Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GREAT TURNOUT FOR XC AND PRESENTATION EVENING ON THE 25TH

News Release                                                                                                 13th January 2013

 

PRESENTATIONS ON THE 25th

Great Turnout for Cross Country

Fairlands Valley Spartans Annual Presentation Evening and Disco will be on Friday 25th January at Knebworth Barns.  Tickets are £25.00 which includes a hot buffet and disco.  The evening starts at 7.30a.m. and continues until midnight.

Presentations will be made to Club Champions and of course to the Spartan of the Year.  Book as soon as possible to be sure of a place.

Spartans and their friends will be warmly welcomed to help make this a great celebration of ‘The UK’s Best Running Club.’  More details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Huge Turnout for Cross Country League

Fairlands Valley Spartans fielded three women’s teams and two men’s teams, a total of 41 runners, in Sunday’s Cross Country league race on Therfield Heath, Royston.

It was cold, hard and hilly but there were many excellent Spartan performances.  Six men finished in the top 50 — SIMON JACKSON was sixth in 34 minutes 16 seconds; ANDREW PATTERSON 17th in 35:45; CRAIG HALSEY 26th in 36:38; LEE REYNOLDS 37th in 37:55; LIAM HERBERT 39th in 38:09 and TODD GRAY 46th in 39:02.

For the women the first six were RHIANNON GRIFFIN, 123rd overall in 43 minutes 4 seconds; KATY JINKS 173rd in 46:51; NIKKI ANDREWS 179th in 47:06; TRACY PEZ 192nd in 48:10; JULIE SIMMONDS 206th in 49:45 and ROSIE CANHAM 212th in 49:45.

Results for all 41 Spartans follow.

Men:

 

Position Name Time
11 SIMON   JACKSON 34:16
17 ANDREW   PATTERSON 35:45
26 CRAIG   HALSEY 36:38
37 LEE   REYNOLDS 37:55*
39 LIAM   HERBERT 38:09
46 TODD   GRAY 39:02
63 ADRIAN   DONNELLY 40:10
72 DAVIE STAFFORD 40:21
109 DEAN   CARPENTER 42:20
126 STEVE   MAYFIELD 43:26
128 MARTIN   WOOD 43:38
178 MARK   CHEADLE 46:57
187 MATTHEW   PALARIO 47:28
205 VISHAL   SHAH 50:00*
214 DEL WOOD 50:06
221 STEVE   PIKE 50:56
228 ANTHONY   WHITE 51:31”
232 ANDY   INGRAM-TED 51:53
256 DAVID   CADOGAN 53:55
257 ANDY   JAY 54:05
273 PHIL   RUSHTON 56:07
294 NICK   WITCOMBE 58:27

 

Women:

 

Position Name Time
123 RHIANNON   GRIFFIN 43:04
173 KATY   JINKS 46:51
179 NIKKI   ANDREWS 47:06
192 TRACY   PEZ 48:10*
206 JULIE   SIMMONDS 49:15
212 ROSIE   CANHAM 49:45*
218 SARAH   PIKE 50:17
219 CLAIRE   COKER 50:19*
233 KAREN   ELLIS 52:02
235 ANN   TRYSSESOONE 52:05
244 HANNAH   DAVIDSON 53:31
248 KAREN   LIDDLE 53:04
270 TRICIA   HOPPER 56:01
280 MARIA   THORNE 56:50*
283 KAREN   PALMER 57:05
291 JEANETTE   COLLINS 58:05                                                                                                                                                                     
298 SHARON CROWLEY 59:15
308 LORRAINE THOMAS 1:01:17
309 LIZ   CROWLEY 1:01:24

The next and final cross country league race will be in Watford on 17th February.  The County Cross Country Championships for veterans are on 17th March.

Mystery MK 10K

On Sunday STEPHEN BLOCK ran in the Race Timing Systems ‘Mystery’ 10K around Willen Lake in Milton Keynes.  The mystery was that the course was a secret until the day before the race!   He achieved a new personal best with his first sub-50 minute 10K with a time of 49:45.

Half Marathon Update

This year’s Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 3rd November.

Coming Events

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

  • Fred Hughes Ten, including County Championships, on Sunday 20th January.
  • Spartans Presentation Evening and Dance on Friday 25th January.
  • Spartans Handicap 5 and 10 mile races on Sunday 27th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • County Veterans Cross Country Championships on Sunday 17th March 2013.
  • Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21st April.
  • Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd November.

 

 

Categories
Club News

This weeks What’s On Newsletter

Here is this week’s Whats On newsletter.  Please take a look and start to plan next week’s training and social activities with the club!

REMEMBER – 25th January sees the club’s presentation evening at Knebworth Barns.  Don’t forget to buy your tickets and also vote for Spartan of the Year.  Go to the club website home page for details.

 

209 12th January 2013

 

 

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE-LADIES SHOW THE WAY IN CROSS COUNTRY

News Release                                                                                                 6th January 2013

LADIES SHOW THE WAY IN CROSS COUNTRY

Lisa Wins 5K * Grant Wins Again

Fairlands Valley Spartans ladies showed the men the way in Sunday’s Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships which were held on a hard, hilly and very muddy course at Haileybury College, Hertford.

The women’s race was very competitive and over eight kilometres.

The Spartan team was eighth with RHIANNON GRIFFIN 21st in 39 minutes 49 seconds; Julie Simmons 38th in 43.42; Karen Ellis 47th in 47.47; Karen Liddle 48th in 48.25; Sharon Crowley 52nd in 50.07; Tricia Hopper 54th in 51.19 and Maria Thorne 57th in 53.25.

In the men’s race over 11 kilometres SIMON JACKSON was 21st in 44 minutes 55 seconds and GRAHAM BLACKBURN 84th in 58 minutes 8 seconds.

The next cross country race is on Sunday 13th January at Royston.

Lisa and Martin Win Handicap

32 Spartans got 2013 off and running at the club’s Handicap 5k on Thursday. The first 5 finishers were all running their first 5K with the club, with the winning time recorded by LISA LIVERSIDGE in 24:45, 3½ minutes ahead of handicap, followed by RUTH REILLY in 26:38 and SARAH HEADLAND 28:28, both 2½ minutes better than handicap.

The winning man was newcomer MARTIN OLIVANT (5th overall) in 27 minutes exactly, 2:15 ahead of handicap, with DEAN CARPENTER 2nd man, 4:37 quicker than his previous handicap 5K, to finish in less than 20 minutes for the first time, and MARK CHEADLE 3rd in a new PB of his own of 23:07, 36 seconds faster than before.

Fastest runner on the night was LIAM HERBERT, 1½ minutes ahead of handicap, in 18:44, with CRAIG HALSEY back from a long lay-off with injury, 2nd quickest in a new PB time of 18:50, and TODD GRAY third fastest in 19:33, with ADRIAN DONNELLY in a new season’s best (19:44) and CRAIG HALSEY (19:57) also both quicker than 20 minutes.

Fastest female was RHIANNON GRIFFIN who overtook 15 runners to finish 12th overall in 21 minutes 4 seconds, 12 seconds faster than in November, with newcomer SUZY HAWKINS second quickest in 23:34, 2:18 better than handicap.  JENNIFER ROBERTSON was third fastest, in 24:02, 1:43 ahead of handicap.

VISHAL SHAH 22:33, SELVAN NAICKER 23:21 and LORRAINE WYATT 27:59 also recorded new personal bests.  There were also a season’s  best for PETE SMITH 21:41.

 

Event Position

 Name

Time

Speed Position

Female Speed

Comments

1

 LISA   LIVERSIDGE

24:45

19

6

1st 5K

2

 RUTH   REILLY

26:38

23

8

1st 5K

3

 SARAH   HEADLAND

28:28

31

11

1st 5K

4

 SUZY   HAWKINS

23:34

13

2

1st 5K

5

 MARTIN   OLIVANT

27:00

26

1st 5K

6

 CHRIS   LEIGH

25:06

20

7

 DEAN   CARPENTER

19:57

5

PB (4:37)

8

 MARIA   THORNE

26:00

22

7

9

 JENNIFER   ROBERTSON

24:02

15

3

10

 MARK   CHEADLE

23:07

10

PB (0:36)

11

 KAREN   ELLIS

24:39

17

5

12

 PETE   SMITH

21:41

7

SB

13

 ADRIAN   DONNELLY

19:44

4

SB

14

 LIAM   HERBERT

18:44

1

15

 RHIANNON   GRIFFIN

21:04

6

1

16

 CRAIG   HALSEY

18:50

2

PB (0:03)

17

 MARK   GOODWIN

22:05

8

18

 SARAH   PIKE

24:31

16

4

19

 VISHAL   SHAH

22:33

9

PB (0:04)

20

 ROBERT   SHAW

25:28

21

21

 PAUL   PICKARD

23:47

14

22

 RUSS   ANDREWS

28:19

30

23

 SELVAN   NAICKER

23:21

11

PB (0:08)

24

 ROGER   BIGGS

23:23

12

25

 TODD   GRAY

19:33

3

26

 LORRAINE   WYATT

27:59

27

9

1st 5K

27

 SHARON   CROWLEY

28:00

28

10

28

 EARL   BROWN

28:39

32

29

 NICK   WITCOMBE

26:52

24

30

 ANDY   PRIOR

26:52

25

31

 MARK   BEASLEY

24:39

18

32

 PAUL   HOLGATE

28:14

29

The next Handicap 5K date soon now that the new access arrangements to Marriotts have opened.

Flying Start To New Year

GRANT RAMSAY got 2013 off to a flying start by running the Edinburgh Portobello Promenade 4 mile race in a new personal best of 21 minutes 57 seconds.  He was happy to sneak below 22 minutes, in windy conditions.  Grant was twelfth

NIKKI COLLINS and JIM BROWN both ran in the Serpentine New Year’s Day 10K.  Nikki was happy with her time of 51 minutes 57 seconds.  She was 292nd out of the 567 runners.  Jim was 151st in 46 minutes 15 seconds.  It was cool but there was bright sunshine and a light wind.

Eve Ely

Other Spartans got a character building end to 2012 at the extremely windy Ely 10K.

SIMON JACKSON was ninth out of the 539 finishers in 35 minutes 46 seconds; RICHARD BATE 19th in 37:08; LIAM HERBERT 49th in 40 minutes exactly; RHIANNON GRIFFIN 115th, and 15th female, in 44 minutes 49 seconds; ANDY PRIOR 255th in a new personal best of 49 minutes 51 seconds and PAUL HOLGATE 444th in 59:23.

Mountain Ash

Even later in 2012 HELEN and LEE MORRIS completed the Nos Galan race in Mountain Ash, on the evening of New Year’s Eve.  Lee finished in 26 minutes 46 seconds and Helen in 32 minutes 11 seconds.

The race always features a mystery runner to commemorate the local personality in whose memory the race is held.  This year it was the Olympian Dai Green.

Krakow 10K

ANDY NEATHAM ran in the Krakow New Year’s Eve 10K.  There was a 5K and 10K, starting together with the courses separating at 2.5k.  Over 1250 runners toed the start line, many in fancy dress, for which prizes were awarded.  Andy ran the 10k, finishing 29th, and 3rd veteran (40 plus), out of 754 finishers in 39 minutes 26 seconds.  It was his slowest ever 10k, but as it was Andy’s first race since his worst ever injury back in August, he was reasonably happy.

First Saturday 5K

ANDREW PATTERSON won the North Herts First Saturday 5K on Norton Common on Saturday morning.  The weather was good, the Common, however, was very boggy.

He finished in 19 minutes 5 seconds.  He says that at some points it felt like he was sinking in the mud and in the up hill mud trails thought he was going backwards.  A strong first lap was enough to kill off the opposition and he won by well over one minute.

Although not exactly PB (personal best) friendly, he’d recommend this race as a good alternative to the free local park runs in Bedford and St Albans.

Fastest UK Marathon This Year As Grant Wins Enigma

Spartans’ GRANT RAMSAY won the fastest UK marathon so far this year when he won Saturday’s Enigma Winter Marathon, Bletchley in 2 hours 47 minutes 43 seconds.  This was a course record by three minutes.

The course consisted of 7.5 laps round the outside of Caldecote Lake.

ROGER BIGGS was 30th in 4 hours 2 minutes 24 seconds.  CAROL PAUL finished in 4 hours 49 minutes 18 seconds.  There were 63 finishers.

Hilly Buntingford

As always Sunday’s Buntingford Ten was hilly but this year it was crisp and sunny rather than dull and icy.  Thirty Spartans competed in the ten miles event.

ADRIAN DONNELLY (65th in 1 hour 8 minutes 43 seconds); JOHN HARRIS (67th in 1:08:53); DEAN CARPENTER (70th in 1:09:07) and GRAHAM BLACKBURN (79th in 1:10:26) were all in the top 100 finishers.

MARK GOODWIN (131st in 1:14:44); ANN TRYSSESOONE (233rd with a 12 minutes 36 seconds improvement to 1:21:49); BARRY KING (298th in 1:25:59); TRICIA HOPPER (331st in 1:28:48) and KAREN LIDDLE (332nd in 1:28:55) all ran new personal bests.

SARAH PRICE (221st in 1:20:50) was the fastest Spartan woman.  TRACY PEZ was a few seconds behind (224th in 1:21:08).  Ann Tryssesoone was 233rd (see above) and KAREN ELLIS 295th in 1:26:19.

 

Position Name Time Comments
65 ADRIAN DONNELLY 1:08:43
67 JOHN HARRIS 1:08:53
70 DEAN CARPENTER 1:09:07
79 GRAHAM BLACKBURN 1:10:26
127 MATT GILL 1:14:09
131 MARK GOODWIN 1:14:44 PB
158 JAMIE DRACKFORD 1:16:33
159 SAM HARTE 1:16:36
211 ROGER BIGGS 1:20:16
221 SARAH PRICE (F) 1:20:50
224 TRACY PEZ (F) 1:21:08
233 ANN TRYSSESOONE (F) 1:21:49 PB (12:36)
298 BARRY KING 1:25:59 PB
295 KAREN ELLIS (F) 1:26:19
306 BARBARA WILSON (F) 1:26:54
309 KATY BAXTER (F) 1:27:02
331 TRICIA HOPPER (F) 1:28:48 PB
332 KAREN LIDDLE (F) 1:28:55 PB
339 KAREN PALMER (F) 1:29:44
364 LISA KASPEROWICZ (F) 1:32:54
366 ROGER HARDMAN 1:33:03
387 RICHARD HAZLEDENE 1:34:27
400 LYNNE COOPER (F) 1:37:10
407 MARIA THORNE (F) 1:37:56
410 LORRAINE THOMAS (F) 1:38:52
411 CHRISTINE HARDMAN (F) 1:39:13
412 GRAHAM HILL 1:39:36
420 TONY OSBORNE 1:40:16
424 SHARON CROWLEY (F) 1:40:50
442 PAUL HOLGATE 1:43:20

474 finishers.

Portsmouth Coastal

ROGER BIGGS ran one of the most popular trail marathons in England recently.  It was the Portsmouth Coastal Trail Marathon.  The course hugged the coastline from Southsea round Hayling Island and back again on a mixture of tarmac, paths & trails.  On a dull and windy day, rather wet underfoot, but without the expected rain, Roger Biggs completed the 26.2 miles in 4 hours 45 minutes 8 seconds.

Half Marathon Update

Following the successful Stevenage Half Marathon on 4th November, the organisations listed below who helped with marshalling, car parking and water stations, have all been given donations: Stevenage Scout groups, Stevenage Sea Cadets, The Rotary Club of Stevenage and The Rotary Club of Stevenage Grange.

In addition, the following charities have also been given donations towards their work:  Shine; Herts. Society for the Blind; Lister Hospital Children’s Ward; Greenside School; and the Herts Air Ambulance.

Thanks everyone who helped make this a very worthwhile event in spite of the weather!

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Presentation Evening and Dance will be on Friday 25th January.  The email address for voting for Spartan of the Year is soty@fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

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

  • Cross  Country League on Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 13th January.
  • Fred Hughes Ten, including County Championships, on Sunday 20th  January.
  • Spartans Presentation Evening and Dance on Friday 25th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • County Cross Country Championships for Veterans on Sunday 17th March.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April.

 

Categories
Spartan in the spotlight

Meet your Chairman, Beverley Harlow

FVS Chairman
FVS Chairman

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

Name:  Beverley Harlow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Andy Jay.

Categories
Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BUNTINGFORD DOZENS AND A BOXING DAY WIN

News Release                                                                                                 30th December 2012

As always Sunday’s Buntingford Ten was hilly but this year it was crisp and sunny rather than dull and icy.  Thirty Spartans competed in the ten miles event.

ADRIAN DONNELLY (65th in 1 hour 8 minutes 43 seconds); JOHN HARRIS (67th in 1:08:53); DEAN CARPENTER (70th in 1:09:07) and GRAHAM BLACKBURN (79th in 1:10:26) were all in the top 100 finishers.

MARK GOODWIN (131st in 1:14:44); ANN TRYSSESOONE (233rd with a 12 minutes 36 seconds improvement to 1:21:49); and BARRY KING (298th in 1:25:59) all ran new personal bests.

SARAH PRICE (221st in 1:20:50) was the fastest Spartan woman.  TRACY PEZ was a few seconds behind (224th in 1:21:08).  Ann Tryssesoone was 233rd (see above) and KAREN ELLIS 295th in 1:26:19. 

Position Name Time Comments
65 ADRIAN   DONNELLY 1:08:43  
67 JOHN   HARRIS 1:08:53  
70 DEAN   CARPENTER 1:09:07  
79 GRAHAM   BLACKBURN 1:10:26  
127 MATT   GILL 1:14:09  
131 MARK   GOODWIN 1:14:44 PB
158 JAMIE   DRACKFORD 1:16:33  
159 SAM   HARTE 1:16:36  
211 ROGER   BIGGS 1:20:16  
221 SARAH   PRICE (F) 1:20:50  
224 TRACY   PEZ (F) 1:21:08  
233 ANN   TRYSSESOONE (F) 1:21:49 PB   (12:36)
298 BARRY   KING 1:25:59 PB
295 KAREN   ELLIS (F) 1:26:19  
306 BARBARA   WILSON (F) 1:26:54  
309 KATY   BAXTER (F) 1:27:02  
331 TRICIA   HOPPER (F) 1:28:48  
332 KAREN   LIDDLE (F) 1:28:55  
339 KAREN   PALMER (F) 1:29:44  
364 LISA   KASPEROWICZ (F) 1:32:54  
366 ROGER   HARDMAN 1:33:03  
387 RICHARD   HAZLEDENE 1:34:27  
400 LYNNE   COOPER (F) 1:37:10  
407 MARIA   THORNE (F) 1:37:56  
410 LORRAINE THOMAS (F) 1:38:52  
411 CHRISTINE   HARDMAN (F) 1:39:13  
412 GRAHAM   HILL 1:39:36  
420 TONY   OSBORNE 1:40:16  
424 SHARON CROWLEY (F) 1:40:50  
442 PAUL   HOLGATE 1:43:20  

There was 474 finishers.

Boxing Day Win

GRANT RAMSAY ran off Christmas with the very wet and muddy Pirton 2.5 mile Boxing Day race.  He won by a large margin in 14 minutes 42 seconds.  Another victory for Fairlands Valley Spartans, the UK’s best running club.

JOHN HARRIS ran the later 3.2 miles race at Pirton.  He was 12th overall and third veteran (50 plus) in 22 minutes 20 seconds.

Portsmouth Coastal

ROGER BIGGS ran one of the most popular trail marathons in England recently.  It was the Portsmouth Coastal Trail Marathon.  The course hugged the coastline from Southsea round Hayling Island and back again on a mixture of tarmac, paths & trails.  On a dull and windy day, rather wet underfoot, but without the expected rain, Roger Biggs completed the 26.2 miles in 4 hours 45 minutes 8 seconds.

Glynneath

Helen and Lee Morris ran a very wet and windy Glynneath 5 mile race on Boxing Day.  Lee finished in 43 minutes 17 seconds and Helen in 52 minutes 56 seconds.

Krakow 10K

ANDY NEETHAM ran in the Krakow New Year’s Eve 10K.  There was a 5k and 10k, starting together with the courses separating at 2.5k.  Over 1250 runners toed the start line, many in fancy dress, for which prizes were awarded.  Andy ran the 10k, finishing 29th, and 3rd veteran (40 plus), out of 754 finishers in 39 minutes 26 seconds.  It was his slowest ever 10k, but as it was Andy’s first race since his worst ever injury back in August, he was reasonably happy.

Half Marathon Update

Following the successful Stevenage Half Marathon on 4th November, the organisations listed below who helped with marshalling, car parking and water stations, have all been given donations: Stevenage Scout groups, Stevenage Sea Cadets, The Rotary Club of Stevenage and The Rotary Club of Stevenage Grange.

In addition, the following charities have also been given donations towards their work:  Shine; Herts. Society for the Blind; Lister Hospital Children’s Ward; Greenside School; and the Herts Air Ambulance.

Thanks everyone who helped make this a very worthwhile event in spite of the weather!

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Presentation Evening and Dance will be on Friday 25th January.  The email address for voting for Spartan of the Year is soty@fvspartans.org.uk? 

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

  • Handicap 5K on Thursday  evening 3rd January 2013.
  • County Cross  Country Championships at Haileybury  College on Sunday 6th  January.
  • Cross Country League on  Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 13th January.
  • Fred Hughes Ten, including County Championships, on Sunday 20th January.
  • Spartans Presentation  Evening and Dance on Friday 25th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April.
  • Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 3rd January 2013.
  • County Cross  Country Championships at Haileybury College on Sunday 6th January.
  • Cross Country League on  Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 13th January.
  • Fred Hughes Ten, including County Championships, on Sunday 20th January.
  • Spartans Presentation Evening and Dance on Friday 25th January.
  • Cross Country League in Watford on Sunday 17th February.
  • Virgin London Marathon on 21st April.

 

Categories
Club News

ENTRANCE TO MARRIOTTS

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
As you will be aware from the updates in our ‘Whats On’ weekly newsletter, the new school at Marriotts will shortly become operational.  This will include the improvements to the Sports Centre and with it the use of the new school entrance from Brittain Way (the road off of the roundabout opposite Shephall Way/Ken Brown motors). We have had confirmation that the existing entrance from Telford Avenue should continue to be used for our training up to and including 3rd January (including the handicap 5K) i.e. no changes for us yet!
Things are pretty fluid at the moment with the arrangements over the school so as soon as we receive a further update regarding the use of the new entrance we will let you know.
Best wishes for the New Year!