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MAGNIFICENT MANCHESTER MARATHON

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date April 19, 2026
No Comments on MAGNIFICENT MANCHESTER MARATHON

Nine Spartans ran Sunday’s Manchester Marathon and there were some fantastic performances.

SIMON JACKSON led in the Spartans with 2 hours 47 minutes 51 seconds (2:47:51) for 326^th out of the 28,077 finishers. With a big improvement MIKE JEFFS was in next at 2:52:12 and 602^nd. Mike was over the moon with his result. A personal best by 6 minutes 35 seconds. He was only prevented from achieving his “A” target of 2 hours 50 by an injury at the back end of the race.

VICKY ARCHER was delighted. First female from Fairlands and a new personal best by 21 minutes took her under four hours for the first time with 3:58:43.

Another Spartan with a personal best was ANDY PRIOR with 3:43:10. That’s a twelve minute improvement.

SOPHIE PARSONS was running her first half marathon and 4:37:36 was a great result. She said it was an amazing time for her first marathon and her perfect weather too. Sophie added Manchester Marathon was my first marathon and has now given me a time to improve on next time!

JIM BROWN was amazed how well his run went following a few set backs in recent weeks. He ran 57 minutes 17 seconds faster than his marathon last year and achieved a “Good For Age” time with more than 20 minutes to spare. He finished in 4:31:23. Jim was rolling on his sponsorship for the Stevenage Community Trust from the London Landmarks Half Marathon which he ran only the previous weekend. More donations welcome 😊

TONY RANDFIELD was over the line in 3:41:01; SIMON HAIGH in 4:29:21 and CONNOR ECCLESTON in 5:32:02.

Simon said “Not a PB for me but good fun but hard work. It was great to be having a cup of tea and a shower just after midday.” Jim added With more than 28,000 finishers this was definitely a big city marathon but the organisation was excellent and the process for runners pretty much hassle free.

Position	First Name	Last Name	Time
326	Simon	Jackson	2:47:51
602	Mike	Jeffs	2:53:12
6806	Tony	Randfield	3:41:01
7226	Andy	Prior	3:43:10
10959	Vicky	Archer	3:58:43
16842	Simon	Haigh	4:29:21
17219	Jim	Brown	4:31:23
18315	Sophie	Parsons	4:37:36
25034	Connor	Eccleston	5:32:02

Vienna

MICHAEL FISHER was 193^rd in the Vienna Marathon with 2 hours 51 minutes 35 seconds. There were about 6,400 runners.

Northstowe

Despite being delayed helping an injured runner KELLY McHALE ran the Northstowe Half Marathon in 1 hour 47 minutes 41 seconds (1:47:41). She was third in category and 126 out of the 406 finishers. Kelly said it was a lovely half marathon.

Spartan in South Wales

PETE COOK ran the Newport Half Marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes 55 seconds. He was 1,067 out of the 1,421 finishers. The Newport Running Festival also included a full marathon and 10K.

South Downs Jodie

Spartans JODIE KANTAS and ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the South Downs Way 50.

Jodie was 18^th female, sixth in her age category and 150^th overall with her 9 hours 40 minutes 52 seconds.

Jodie is the current Fairlands Valley Spartans club champion. She said, “I’ll start by saying Centurions are a great race company. Six aid stations, tracker, great race brief, and a lovely hot shower at the end. The route went along the ridge of the South Downs Way. I’ve not done this area before. It was beautiful, I made sure I took it all in. You could see the sea over Brighton and white cliffs coming into a very pretty village (Alfriston). I’d planned in my head to cruise along. Sounds easier than it is. I felt really strong up to 35 miles, and then a sharp pain in my left hip and knee caused my downhills to slow. I yoyoed with a couple of guys all the way to the end. One man said around 40 miles, and now the race begins. It helped me focus and stay in the zone because at this point, I was gunning that finish line. The hardest part of the race wasn’t the hills but the wind. It was some of the strongest wind I’ve run in. I was pushed sideways, and my race number blew off. It’s so hard getting the energy to move in it. I ran most of the race with Emma Steen and Dylan Evans who both ran an incredible race. We all put a shift in! Lol

The SDW50 is a 50 mile foot race along the South Downs Way National Trail, beginning in Worthing and finishing in Eastbourne. Runners start by negotiating six miles of chalk footpaths and bridleways, climbing up to join the South Downs Way at Chanctonbury Ring. The remainder of the course is identical to the final 44 miles of the SDW100 and remains on the SDW until the final turn off – bringing runners out to finish with a lap of the track at Eastbourne. This was the 14th time the race has been run. This was the first race in the 2026 50 Mile Grand Slam of four 50 mile events.”

ADRIAN BUSOLINI was 38^th out of the 402 finishers in 7 hours 57 minutes 21 seconds. There was a strict 13 hours cut off. Amazingly there was a sprint finish with the last qualifier having only two seconds to spare and others with less than ten seconds.

Marathon and Half Update

LINDA GEORGE’s 4 hours 6 minutes 8 seconds at the Paris Marathon was a personal best by a huge 35 minutes 49 seconds.

“I did it… my first half marathon!” said JULIE BUDDEN. “13.1 miles later and I still can’t quite believe it. The last 2K was a killer and the emotions took over, but crossing that finish line made every step worth it.

A huge thank you to this amazing group – Fairlands Valley Spartans – for all the encouragement, advice, and motivation along the way. Whether it was run chats, tips, or just seeing your posts, it really kept me going.

I’m so proud to finally say I’m a half marathon finisher!” Julie finished in 3 hours 43 minutes 12 seconds. “Now” she says “What’s next?”

Many Spartans will be running this Sunday’s London Marathon.

Parkrun Highlights

Spartan KIRK NDUGU was first finisher in the Stevenage parkrun with 17:01. GAIL MACKIE was third woman with her 21:39. There were new parkrun personal bests for LINDSAY PATEMAN 30:08 and LEE POTTER 30:48.

516 finishers this time including 218 women and 35 Spartans. Despite all the other events at the weekend there were 55 Spartans at a variety of parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Kirk NDUGU	17:01
8	8	Simon JACKSON	18:52
10	10	Jay PAPA	18:56
20	20	Steve WELLS	20:09
44	3	Gail MACKIE	21:39
90	83	Daniel VILJOEN	24:13
95	87	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:22
110	97	Richard MOORE	24:59
117	103	Martin DUDLEY	25:06
130	114	Brian WHITE	25:36
143	15	Karen ELLIS	26:06
148	126	Peter SACH	26:11
160	23	Lorraine HILL	26:37
177	25	Claire EMMERSON	27:09
188	152	Darren EMMERSON	27:31
211	159	Ryan DUNNING	28:14
251	59	Lindsay PATEMAN	30:08
258	188	Steve PLATT	30:31
270	195	Lee Francis POTTER	30:48
279	68	Ella CERAULO	31:02
308	212	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:51
323	218	Keith MANTON	32:18
355	113	Pamela VILJOEN	33:08
372	235	Ahaan SHARMA	33:56
373	236	Kartik SHARMA	33:56
380	130	Hazel SMITH	34:21
389	137	Callie FINDLAY	34:54
393	138	Angie KEELING	35:08
398	143	Debbie BLANTERN	35:22
449	177	Julie MANTON	39:09
457	257	Paul HOLGATE	39:38
459	182	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:43
492	204	Nichola DURENT	48:05
515	217	Rebecca RAYNER	56:14
516	218	Sharon CROWLEY	56:15

Tags Manchester Marathon, Newport Half, Northstowe Half, Paris Marathon, parkrun, The South Downs Way

News Race Results

BRIGHTON, PARIS & BOSTON

Fairlands Valley Spartans get around. They were represented at three marathons – Brighton, Paris and Boston; a half marathon – London Landmarks; and two 10Ks – Guernsey and Flitwick – recently.

Coming Close at the Paris Marathon

MARTIN JACOB and LINDA GEORGE ran the Paris Marathon on Sunday and are super happy with the results.

Linda finished in 4:06:08 and Martin in 4:06:13.

Sub-4 was Linda’s A goal / dream goal, but with flu during marathon week, she wasn’t very hopeful. 4:05 became the next target, and she got pretty close to it. Martin was her pacer and water boy (as the water stations didn’t have bottles or cups, he was responsible for filling the flask and catching up with me).

The second half was absolute madness – lots of tunnels, uphills, and narrow running space with spectators spilling onto the course.

All in all, a tough but memorable race!

Brighton

Five Fairlands Valley Spartans were among about 14,000 runners who finished the Brighton Marathon. SHAUNA LAWLESS was 72^nd out of the 9,213 women in a great time of 3 hours 24 minutes 58 seconds. She was in the top ten per cent of all finishers.

BECKY RAYNER slipped under five hours with 4:59:36; LLOYD DIAS was close with 5:01:23 and HANNAH MANTON came in with 6:21:36.

Becky said it was a PB for her at Brighton marathon, 4:59:36. It was my first time doing this marathon, fantastic support all round the course and hit my target of under 5 hours. So happy.

LUCY PAUL had a great day running the Brighton marathon with her two eldest children. She was helping Holly round her first ever marathon and we finished in 5 hours 42 minutes (5:42:33). Lovely day for running by the sea!

Boston Fastest For Years

Spartans tackled the flat but rather windy Boston UK Marathon. Advertised as the flattest marathon in the UK. SHARON CROWLEY finished in 4 hours 48 minutes 17 seconds and was first in her age group! Sharon thinks it was her fastest marathon in 16 years.

TONY VICKERS ran the marathon in 4:23:11 and AMANDA VICKERS the half marathon in 2:39:29. There were 1020 finishers of the full marathon and 487 of the half.

London Landmarks

Not really “tapering” but JIM BROWN was happy to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise funds for the Stevenage Community Trust. He was 7,237^th out of the 19,870 finishers in 2 hours 6 minutes 54 seconds.

He said it was quite a complex course with a lot of switch backs and zig zags but it visited many of the sights of London including Downing Street, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square.

The timing was superb. Finished in sunshine, collected kit from a double decker bus, then heavy cold rain a retreat to a nearby warm café. Next Jim is down to run the Manchester Marathon only seven days later. That, said Jim, could be a struggle. Donations still welcome!

Flitwick

Not travelling quite so far as some other members, nor doing the distance but CHARLES ARNOLD ran the Flitwick 10k put on by Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers. An undulating course with steep uphills at km 7 and 8 but a lovely decline finish past spectators who were out in force as usual. Intermittent sunshine with a gusting, cool wind made for difficult conditions. Suffering with a knee problem which, thankfully, eased off after the first km, he was pleased to finish sub 50 minutes with a chip time of 49:22 and second in his age category.

Judy in Guernsey

JUDY KING ran the Guernsey Easter Running Festival 10K in 1:02:37

Not a personal best but she went on to run another 10 miles for her long run before the London Marathon, followed by a 30 minute sea swim to cool off her tired legs! It was mostly around the coast with beautiful views and lovely to run with her sister.

Bedfordshire – Feisty Phoenix

LEE POTTER covered 16.4 miles in the Bedford Feisty Phoenix event. He said he hit a wall but it was an improvement on the half marathon distance.

Less Than Five Minutes

At the opposite end of the distance scale SIMON JACKSON was fourth overall and first over 20 years in the Peter Lee Memorial 1500 metres at Ridlins with a time of 4 minutes 38.4 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights

Two parkrun milestones for Spartans at Stevenage. 50 parkruns for MATT TUTTON and MAURICE BALLARD. Matt finished in 29:29 and Maurice in 30:08. And there were new parkrun personal bests (PPB) for LEE POTTER 33:36 and ANDREW JORDAN 26:09.

CLAIRE EMMERSON was the fastest female from Spartans with her 27:13 and JAY PAPA fourth fastest in the event with 18:30.

There were 496 finishers at Stevenage’s parkrun including 32 Spartans despite many other running attractions over the weekend.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
4	4	Jay PAPA	18:30
23	22	Steve WELLS	21:24
42	40	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:30
67	62	Matthew COOKE	23:55
90	79	Daniel VILJOEN	24:52
102	88	Paul MAGUIRE	25:12
116	100	Martin DUDLEY	25:53
127	110	Andrew JORDAN	26:09
170	31	Claire EMMERSON	27:13
183	143	Darren EMMERSON	27:48
193	150	Brian WHITE	28:07
204	41	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	28:32
205	158	Ryan DUNNING	28:36
217	46	Alison SHELLEY	29:00
233	175	Matt TUTTON	29:29
250	184	Maurice BALLARD	30:08
256	61	Monica SMITHSON	30:22
257	62	Lindsay PATEMAN	30:25
288	205	Steve PLATT	31:37
292	78	Fiona CLARKE	31:44
309	87	Debbie BLANTERN	32:17
313	215	Jim BROWN	32:24
326	94	Penny SCHENKEL	32:38
332	97	Annabelle WHITE	32:45
334	99	Pamela VILJOEN	32:46
341	228	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:55
357	110	Caroline CROFT	33:29
361	235	Lee POTTER	33:36
365	236	Stephen SMITHSON	33:49
386	130	Karen PALMER	34:45
425	254	Paul SHELLEY	38:02
440	163	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:39

Tags Bedford Feisty Pheonix, Boston Marathon, Brighton marathon, Flitwick 10k, Guernsey Easter Running Festival, London Landmarks Half Marathon, Paris Marathon, parkrun, Peter Lee Memorial

News Race Results

SPEEDY SPARTANS AT ST ALBANS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date April 5, 2026
No Comments on SPEEDY SPARTANS AT ST ALBANS

The St Albans 10K has the potential to be fast and 24 Spartans were there for the Spring race on Good Friday which had well over 1,000 finishers.

GEORGIE HOOPER was first Spartan woman home and finished first in her age group (women 35 plus, W35-39) with 44:32. She decided to give a big personal best (PB) a go despite still recovering from illness, and was paced by ROSS GALLAGHER (44:31), NICK GILL (44:33) and MICHAEL FISHER (44:39). The race didn’t quite go to plan, but it was the fastest Georgie has run that course.

There was a brilliant new personal best (PB) for ALICE WELCH. Paced by club captain MIKE JEFFS she took 3 minutes 24 seconds off her old best time to finish in 44:35 only three seconds behind Georgie. Alice says she’s really looking forward to the mid week league which starts on 21^st May.

SIMON JACKSON was first Spartan. Thirteenth out of 1049 finishers and second in his category with 36:11. CHARLIE WHITE was second Spartan at 15^th with 36:18. There was a new PB for PERRY GENTRY at 21^st place with a 2:23 improvement in a sub forty 37 minutes 2 seconds.

SHARON CROWLEY was very pleased with her chip time of 57:00 mins. That was more than seven minutes quicker than last year. She was third in her age group in what was her fastest 10K for many years! After the fall at the Hillingdon 20, this race she stayed on her feet!

New Spartan KATIE BARNARD ran a new personal best of 51 minutes 4 seconds (51:04).

SAM GENTRY ran a fantastic new personal best (PB) time of 56:06. Knocking 2:31 off her 10K time. She said she had great pacing support from fellow spartan Annabelle White at the beginning and Marie Colucci pacing her for the last four miles to help her get her PB.

HAYLEY PEACH said “After missing out on a 10K PB two weeks ago at Lee Valley by two seconds I had to have another pop at it so on the way home I booked into the St Albans Easter 10K. At St Albans I got a 37 second PB, beating my 10k time from 13 years ago.”

Pos	BiB	Name	Chip
13	394	Simon JACKSON	36:10
15	748	Charlie WHITE	36:18
21	242	Perri GENTRY	37:02
133	409	Georgie HOOPER	44:32
134	208	Nick GILL	44:33
135	855	Ross GALLAGHER	44:31
139	726	Alice WELCH	44:35
140	911	Mike JEFFS	44:36
141	749	Michael FISHER	44:39
187	236	Toby ECCLESHALL	45:42
215	56	Craig BACON	47:33
308	526	Katie BARNARD	51:04
509	338	Marie COLUCCI	55:11
510	241	Sam GENTRY	56:07
558	807	Jim BROWN	58:46
576	1078	Sharon CROWLEY	57:00
632	586	Annabelle WHITE	59:12
636	1011	Joe WELLER	59:09
657	257	Sally PICKLES	59:50
740	964	Hayley PEACH	1:02:32
995	67	Niki PLUMB	1:14:21
1029	431	Lee POTTER	1:21:03
1044	730	Nichola DURENT	1:30:45
1048	767	Emma CHAPMAN	1:37:55

ATW Half and 10K

On Easter Monday Spartan DANNY SCANLON ran a half marathon on the old FVS course in Stevenage in sunny conditions. He finished in 1 hour 38 minutes 55 seconds (1:38:55) and was 39^th out of the 256 finishers. He was encouraged by cheers from a number of Spartans along the route. Not far behind TONY RANDFIELD was first man aged 65 plus with 1:39:25.

It was under two hours for JODIE WILSON with a great 1:53:48 run. She was third woman 20 plus and in the top 100 in the race.

JIM BROWN used the event to try out his Stevenage Community Trust fundraising kit. He finished in 2 hours 4 minutes 19 seconds and won his age group. He’s after sponsorship. LORRAINE HILL was not far behind with 2:11:26.

LEE POTTER completed the Spartan Six with his 1:38:55.

In the ATW 10K GAIL MACKIE came in first woman 35 plus and 24^th overall out of 231 finishers with 45 minutes 36 seconds. Four other Spartans ran the 10K. LEANNE MILLBROW 1:02:53; JANE WADEY 1:17:03; JAYNE DYMOKE 1:21:03 and EMMA CHAPMAN in 1:46:18.

Berlin Half

Recently Two Spartans ran the Berlin Half Marathon. ROSS GALLAGHER came in with 1:28:15 and JESS CLARKE with 1:49:10.

Judy in Prague

Judy King ran the Prague Half Marathon on Saturday 28th March on a cold and sunny morning. The race went along the river crossing backwards and forwards on different bridges, past the dancing building and through the old town. There were many cobbled roads which meant a concentrated effort to keep lifting your feet up to avoid tripping up. It was a great atmosphere, plenty of water stations and bananas / orange segments given out, so a bit slippery in parts!

Her daughter came to support and take photos, then took her on a 30 minute walk straight after the race to a ‘super cute cafe’!! Judy’s official time was 2:22:26.

Club 20

After racing lots of 20 mile races in recent weeks lots of Spartans turned out for Fairlands Valley Spartans Spring 20 mile training run on Sunday. As well as 20 miles for those preparing for marathons other distance options were available.

Parkrun Highlights

There were 479 finishers at Stevenage’s parkrun including a massive 46 Spartans despite being in the middle of the Easter weekend.

Several Spartans ran new parkrun personal bests (PPBs) including BECKY RAYNER. It was her 40th parkrun and on stripy Saturday it was a ppb by 2 mins 1 sec, and her first ever sub-30 at 29:35.

JODIE KANTAS also ran a new PPB, 24:24 and was third woman overall; ALICE WELCH ran a new PPB of 25:24; ADA JANUSIENNE a new PPB of 27:56; JULIE MANTON a new PPB of 37:52; and JULIE BUDDEN a new PPB of 45:04.

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was second with 17:59.

Papa Personal at Pontypridd.

Jay speeds under 18. Spartan JAY PAPA ran a parkrun in under 18 minutes for the very first time with his 17 minutes 55 seconds at Pontypridd in South Wales. He was tenth in the event.

At the same event KARL SHREEVE finished in 27:33 and JESSICA CLARKE in 31:49.

Altogether there were 71 Spartans on parkruns on Saturday. They also included SARAH ILLINGWORTH who ran the Tyne Green (Hexham) parkrun in 28:05; VICKY ARCHER 30:21 and STUART ARCHER 30:22 were at Sheringham; MARTIN JACOB 25:43 and LINDA GEORGE 29:47 at Poppintree, Dublin.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	David CHERGUIT	17:59
16	15	Perri GENTRY	21:25
57	54	Tony RANDFIELD	23:06
76	72	Charles ARNOLD	23:53
90	84	Daniel VILJOEN	24:21
92	3	Jodie KANTAS	24:24
96	89	Richard MOORE	24:30
104	96	Brian WHITE	24:49
105	5	Marie COLUCCI	24:50
106	97	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:50
108	6	Susan MCANENY	24:57
120	9	Alice WELCH	25:24
127	112	Martin DUDLEY	25:43
140	119	David RIDDELL	26:05
149	20	Lorraine HILL	26:25
154	23	Jayne RIDDELL	26:30
155	127	Peter SACH	26:33
178	32	Claire EMMERSON	27:32
189	36	Ada JANUSIENE	27:56
192	149	Darren EMMERSON	27:59
201	45	JODIE WILSON	28:18
223	55	Samantha SUTTON	29:22
224	160	Matt CLARKE	29:27
226	162	Keith ABRAHAMS	29:31
227	56	Monica SMITHSON	29:31
232	58	Rebecca RAYNER	29:35
239	170	Maurice BALLARD	29:45
244	61	Fiona CLARKE	29:52
255	179	Steve PLATT	30:06
270	188	Nick GILL	30:35
278	192	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:11
298	83	Debbie BLANTERN	31:48
316	212	Keith MANTON	32:41
349	106	Julie SHADBOLT	34:34
350	107	Penny SCHENKEL	34:35
359	232	Lee Francis POTTER	34:55
369	120	Hannah MANTON	35:41
380	240	Luke SILVER	36:18
399	135	Julie MANTON	37:52
430	154	Jayne DYMOKE	41:20
443	163	Julie BUDDEN	45:04
454	263	Kris WESTCOTT	47:45
455	169	Sam GENTRY	47:53
456	264	Thomas SAUKA	47:53
471	182	Callie CHAPMAN	50:38
472	183	Sharon CROWLEY	50:40

Tags ATW Half Marathon, Berlin Half Marathon, Club 20, parkrun, Prague Half Marathon, St Albans 10k

News Race Results

UNDULATE THE OAKLEY 20

10K & Half Marathon

The clocks have changed and dozens of Spartans are closing in on those Spring marathons.

Nine Spartans ran the Oakley 20 including KERSTIN PRIOR who accelerated by 2 minutes 25 seconds compared with her run at Debden two weeks earlier and beat three hours with 2 hours 59 minutes 22 seconds (2:59:22).

The Oakley 20 is a classic 20-mile road race and one of the most popular final long runs in the Spring marathon training calendar. With two unequal laps, 12 miles and 8 miles, it is set on a beautiful accurately measured, undulating course including the rural Bedfordshire villages of Oakley, Pavenham, Felmersham and Stevington. The race offers the perfect balance of challenge and rhythm for strong, steady pacing. With outstanding marshal support, clear signage and a professionally organised event, runners could focus entirely on their performance — and enjoy the reward at the finish: the iconic Oakley 20 finisher hoodie, a true badge of honour for a marathon season.

SAM TOPHILL was third woman 60 plus with 3:21:24.

MIKE JEFFS and MICHAEL FISHER completed the Oakley 20 in just under 2 hours 15 minutes (2:14:49), using it as a training run for their upcoming marathons. They made it an easy run for the first five miles and then marathon pace for the last 15. They said it wasn’t flat!

VICKY ARCHER finished with an excellent 3:02:05. She said “It had hills, hills and more hills! But, I ran with friends which made it enjoyable and I managed a new personal best by16 minutes! The iconic finishers’ hoodie made the hills worth it.”

ANDY PRIOR came in with 3:02:18; TONY VICKERS with 3:02:30; WAYNE SIMMONS with 3:06:38 and SAMMIE SUTTON with 3:21:19 for her first ever official 20 mile race which marks the end of training as she moves into the taper phase for the London Marathon.

There were 640 finishers.

Pos	Cat Pos	Name	Cat	Chip Time
46	13	Michael FISHER	MV35	2:14:49
47	10	Mike JEFFS	MV40	2:14:49
321	7	Kerstin PRIOR	FV55	2:59:22
338	20	Vicky ARCHER	FV45	3:02:05
341	18	Andy PRIOR	MV55	3:02:18
344	19	Tony VICKERS	MV55	3:02:30
373	13	Wayne SIMMONS	MV60	3:06:38
479	35	Samantha SUTTON	FV50	3:21:19
480	3	Samantha TOPHILL	FV60	3:21:24

Spartans Go Serpentine

Two from Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed the last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park.

On a mild breezy day Martin Wood finished in 22:35 and Jim Brown in 27:52. Jim’s best this year. Jim commented “not too bad after running into a pole on the Hillingdon 20 a few days earlier.”

Now the reality check. The race was won in 15:29 with the first woman in 17:03. Martin was eighth out of 17 MV60s and Jim seventh out of 11 MV70s.

There are some amazing runners plus good times and enjoyment for the rest of us at these lunch-time races near the Serpentine. Great if you can “flex off” and easy to get to on the 10:31 train from Stevenage.

Capital Challenge

On Saturday Sharon and Mike Crowley took part in the 10^th Capital Challenge. It was a self navigated LDWA event, starting near Waterloo and finishing at Crystal Palace. The walk crossed the Thames twice and went through many of London’s parks and green spaces. They completed the just over 25 miles event in 7 hours 41 minutes and were 77^th and 78^th out of 213 finishers.

Short Head

Second claim Spartan ROGER HEAD was in Torun, Poland for the European Masters Indoor Championships. On day one he ran in the male 60 plus 400 metres heats and qualified for the next round with a time of 59.82 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights

There were a tremendous 38 Spartans among the 541 people at the “Wear It Wild” Stevenage parkrun on Saturday. Buzzy bees; jogging jellyfish; all sorts of creatures were running around Fairlands Valley Park.

STEVE WELLS scored an age related 81.59% with his 20 minutes 22 seconds ((20:22) for the 5K. RICHARD MOORE ran his 20^th parkrun in 24:24; ADAM HILL his tenth in 25:29 and ADA JANUSIENE ran her 30^th in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 28:31. This week ANN TRYSSESOONE was the fastest female from Fairlands with 26:31.

It’s coming together again for NICK KLEANTHOUS who ran the Hove parkrun in 28:48. 57 Spartans ran parkruns this Saturday.

Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
9	Simon JACKSON	18:59
17	Steve WELLS	20:22
83	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:56
86	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:02
91	Matt CLARKE	24:08
98	Richard MOORE	24:24
110	Daniel VILJOEN	24:54
117	Paul MAGUIRE	25:09
123	Adam HILL	25:29
129	Stuart ARCHER	25:38
132	Charles ARNOLD	25:43
150	Martin DUDLEY	26:07
154	Ann TRYSSESOONE	26:13
172	Lorraine HILL	26:40
200	Ryan DUNNING	27:24
239	Darren EMMERSON	28:11
248	Ada JANUSIENE	28:31
267	Peter SACH	29:10
269	Stephen SMITHSON	29:16
291	Matt TUTTON	29:52
306	Monica SMITHSON	30:19
321	Steve PLATT	30:50
352	Julie SHADBOLT	31:42
355	Keith MANTON	31:45
361	Linda GEORGE	32:05
362	Debbie BLANTERN	32:06
366	Pamela VILJOEN	32:18
407	Hilary DAVIES	34:08
410	Claire EMMERSON	34:23
412	Penny SCHENKEL	34:28
413	Jim BROWN	34:29
414	Callie CHAPMAN	34:29
449	Stephanie MAYFIELD	36:10
457	Niki PLUMB	37:07
476	Julie MANTON	38:30
490	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:36
522	Emma CHAPMAN	47:51
524	Lindsay PATEMAN	48:16

Tags Capital Challenge, European Running Championships, Oakley 20, parkrun, Serpentine 5K

News Race Results

GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE FOR SPARTANS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date March 23, 2026
No Comments on GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE FOR SPARTANS

There were GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE medals for Spartans at the Hertfordshire County 20 mile road Championships.

The medals, celebrating Herts County Athletics centenary season, were attractive and worth having.

The county championships were incorporated in the Hillingdon 20. As the Finchley 20 and now the Hillingdon 20 that’s a famous race that was established in 1933 as the ‘Finchley 20’, now rebranded as Hillingdon 20. It is the world’s oldest continuously contested 20-mile road race. A hard race in itself it provides excellent preparation for a spring marathon, such as the London and Manchester Marathons.

The race may be a bit lumpy but SIMON JACKSON was round in 2 hours 8 minutes 7 to win SILVER for men aged 50 plus. SHARON CROWLEY won BRONZE for women 65 plus with 3:36:31 and JIM BROWN was top of the podium with GOLD for men 70 plus. He was 43 minutes 5 seconds faster than the same race last year with 3:21:53.

It was a first attempt at the distance by BECKY RAYNER which she finished in 3:51:40.

She was a bit concerned by the 4 hour cut off beforehand so was really pleased to come in under it, and it’s a PB as it was her first ever 20 miler.

After getting up with a temperature of just one degree and in thick mist it turned into a great morning for long distance running, and sitting around eating cakes afterwards,

Lee Valley Run Fest

Six Spartans enjoyed the Lee Valley Run Fest. Four took on the 10K in which DANNY SCANLON was third man 40 plus with 42 minutes 56 seconds. SALLY PICKLES took 4 minutes 48 seconds off her personal best with 57:53 and was so pleased. MATT TUTTON came in with 1:00:04; HAYLEY PEACH with 1:03:10 and NIKI PLUMB with 1:15:39. Hiya. Happy Sunday!

Niki said her result for Lee Valley 10k was 1:15:39. It was a great event and the weather was perfect. “I was aiming for 1:15 so really pleased with my result. 10 minutes quicker than the Willow 10k in October.

NICHOLA DURENT completed the half marathon in 3 hours 2 minutes 59 seconds. See said it was a chilly start before the sun came out.

Grant Goes Off For A Half And Comes Back A Winner

Spartan GRANT RAMSAY went off for a swift half. He was at the Moorathon Calf and Henk Half Marathon from Hyde Hall Farm, Buntingford.

He won this off road event in 1 hour 33 minutes 58 seconds!

Spartan Grant Ramsay said he took part in the off road half marathon event and put in a good solid run to come back in first overall. He was hoping for a quicker time, but the rugged & undulating course set him back a few minutes. It was a very enjoyable event with nice scenery and in pleasant early Spring conditions.

Ultra Lucy and Stamina Sue

SUSAN McANENY and LUCY PAUL both ran the Lea Valley Ultra 50K. Susan ran her second 50km ultra marathon with Camino running. The Lea Valley ultra starts in Welwyn GC and follows the river to Hackney where the race ended. It’s a beautiful course – flowy and flat. She said Camino runners have a relaxed vibe that was felt throughout and are really inclusive – even making sure all the women were at the front on the start line!

Susan added said “I had a pretty good run all in all, managing to hold pace and finish in 5 hours 26 – under my sub 5 hours 30 goal. I was 23^rd lady out of almost 70, so really pleased with my efforts. And nice to run it with my husband for support too!”

Spartan LUCY PAUL ran the London Lea Valley 50K on Saturday. Unfortunately she fell over at mile 12.5 but managed to complete it in 6:02:45. Despite the fall she said it was a lovely run with beautiful scenery in lovely sunshine!

Reading

Father and son JOHN and JACOB NELMS ran the Reading Half Marathon in 2 hours 10 minutes 53 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights

There were a tremendous 39 Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun on Saturday.

This time there were two Spartans in the top ten – SIMON JACKSON 18:58 and STUART ARCHER in 20:03. KAREN ELLIS defended her fastest female from Fairlands record with 25:59 with FIONA CLARKE not far behind in 26:36.

KEITH MANTON ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 31:14 and CAROLINE AUCKLAND was a first timer and finished in 34:53. MIKE CROWLEY was another PPB finisher with his 42:09.

Amongst the mini milestones ALISON SHELLEY was running her 180^th parkrun (28:34); PAUL HOLGATE his 90^th (36:07); KARTIK SHARMA his 80^th (33:53); STEVE WELLS his 70^th parkrun (20:23); AHAAN his 30^th (33:54).

This time there were 502 finishers at Stevenage including 203 women.

Elsewhere ALICE WELCH ran a fantastic new parkrun personal best (PPB) at Great Denham – 22 minutes exactly. CHARLES ARNOLD was also there pacing the 26 minute group and finishing in 25:54.

JAY PAPA was dynamite at the Gunpowder parkrun. He ran a new PPB of 18:18

And KIRK NDUGU was third in the event with 17:25.

Altogether 61 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
5	5	Simon JACKSON	18:58
10	10	Stuart ARCHER	20:03
11	11	Steve WELLS	20:23
75	69	Daniel VILJOEN	24:19
79	73	Matthew COOKE	24:25
99	90	Richard MOORE	25:08
124	14	Karen ELLIS	25:59
126	110	Brian WHITE	26:04
127	111	Matt CLARKE	26:07
143	18	Fiona CLARKE	26:36
151	22	Lorraine HILL	26:45
194	161	Ryan DUNNING	28:11
208	171	Martin DUDLEY	28:31
209	36	Alison SHELLEY	28:34
217	175	Jim BROWN	28:51
223	42	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	28:54
254	59	Claire EMMERSON	30:09
263	66	Monica SMITHSON	30:35
279	203	Keith MANTON	31:14
280	73	Debbie BLANTERN	31:15
281	204	Martin JACOB	31:16
301	83	Annabelle WHITE	31:55
314	88	Pamela VILJOEN	32:23
322	94	Nicola PATTMAN	32:39
353	240	Kartik SHARMA	33:53
354	241	Ahaan SHARMA	33:54
365	115	Angie KEELING	34:23
376	122	Caroline AUCKLAND	34:53
377	123	Sally PICKLES	34:53
387	131	Linda GEORGE	35:51
394	255	Paul HOLGATE	36:07
395	135	Karen PALMER	36:09
398	137	Nikki NATION	36:31
402	141	Jane WADEY	37:10
421	151	Julie MANTON	38:48
433	160	Tracy HAYGARTH	40:02
447	270	Mike CROWLEY	42:09
468	279	Lloyd DIAS	45:08
486	190	Penny SCHENKEL	51:14

Tags County 20 mile, Lee Valley Run Fest, Lee Valley Ultra, Moorathon Calf and Henk Half, parkrun, Reading Half

News Race Results

TWENTY IS PLENTY

The 20s are coming. Why are 20 mile races popular at this time of year? Great preparation for a Spring marathon.

Fairlands Valley Spartans had five finishers in Sunday’s Essex 20. It was dry, flat but windy at the Debden Airfield and ANDY PRIOR was 270^th in 2:46:56; KERSTIN PRIOR 345^th in 3:01:47; SIMON HAIGH 348^th in 3:02:39; JIM BROWN 388^th in a season’s best 3:12:12 and CHARLES ARNOLD 391^st in 3:13:22.

Andy said “Myself and Kerstin took on the ATW Essex 20 in our build up to Spring Marathons. Initially the sun was out and everything looked rosy, then the wind picked up and it became really hard work to get the job done.”

This was the first 20 mile race they have ever run.

Realistically said Jim I would have been more than happy with 3 hours 20 minutes, or 200 minutes equivalent to ten minute miling, so 3:12:12 and faster than last year, giving a season’s best by 3 minutes 11 seconds was great. In fact, in metric, it was a little bit better than six minutes per kilometre. Considering sometimes I can’t beat 30 minutes for a parkrun…..

Altogether there was a total of 509 finishers.

Some other 20s coming up fast include the Hertfordshire County 20 mile Championships included in the Hillingdon 20 on 22^nd March and the Oakley 20 on 29^th March. Fairlands Valley Spartans have a 20 mile club training run on 5^th April.

Barcelona!

And getting in fast with those Spring Marathons Spartan KRISTIAN ATANASOV was sub-three hours in the Barcelona Marathon. A bit windy but he finished in 2 hours 56 minutes 22 seconds for 1,706^th in a race that sold all 32,00 places.

Hertfordshire Veterans Cross Country

Four Spartans made a return trip to Cassiobury Park, Watford. This time for the Hertfordshire County Cross Country Championships for veteran runners.

Men ran 9,600 metres (about six miles) and women 7,000 metres.

Stephen Massey was 23^rd in the men’s race in 50 minutes 47 seconds. In the women’s event Jayne Riddell was 41^st in 40:28; Sharon Crowley 48^th in 43:56 and Callie Chapman 52^nd in 48:15.

Olympic Park 5K

MARTYN DOWLING ran alongside his 13 year old daughter Amelie in her first ever proper 5K race. This was at a RunThrough event in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Amelie got a fantastic time of 26:30. Next generation of Spartan in training😊

Martyn finished in 26:35. Both were third in their age groups. Martyn men 50 plus (MV50) and Amelie under 17.

Martyn paced her to sub 27 as that was her goal. Then she did a bit better.

Wanna Half? Entries have OPENED for the Stevenage Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 18^th October.

Parkrun Highlights

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans in the top ten at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. The club had 31 members running. KIRK NDUGU was first in 17:26; CHARLIE WHITE fourth in 18:08 and SIMON JACKSON seventh in 19:35.

KAREN ELLIS was the fastest female from Fairlands in 26:49 with LORRAINE HILL second in 27:07. LINDSAY PATEMAN ran a new parkrun personal best of 30:19 and KEITH MANTON a new PPB of 31:42. DEBBIE BLANTERN ran her 200^th parkrun in 32:16 and PETER SACH his 140^th in 27:12.

Altogether there were 54 Spartans at parkruns on Saturday.

Those elsewhere included WILLIAM MORLEY running the Brook Leys (Girton, Cambridge) parkrun in 19:02; SUZY HAWKINS Gunpowder (Waltham Abbey) in 22:13; STEVE WELLS Ferry Meadows (Peterborough) in 22:59; ALICE WELCH Luton Wardown in 29:18; and NICK KLEANTHOUS in Huddersfield with 30:58.

Three went to Great Denham which is getting a reputation for fast times. SALLY PICKLES came in with 27:12; SAMMIE SUTTON with 27:16 and NIKI PLUMB with 36:03.

Another three were at the Wimpole Estate – GRANT RAMSAY in 20:26; WAYNE SIMMONS in 26:33 and JAY PAPA in 26:39.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Kirk NDUGU	17:26
4	4	Charlie WHITE	18:08
7	7	Simon JACKSON	19:35
65	62	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:26
136	119	Keith HOOKER	26:35
137	120	Matt CLARKE	26:36
142	17	Karen ELLIS	26:49
147	127	Steve TINSLEY	27:02
149	19	Lorraine HILL	27:07
157	133	Peter SACH	27:12
161	136	Brian WHITE	27:25
239	189	Daniel VILJOEN	29:18
245	48	Alison SHELLEY	29:22
252	52	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:39
263	202	Jim BROWN	29:51
274	59	Lindsay PATEMAN	30:19
301	72	Monica SMITHSON	31:17
322	228	Keith MANTON	31:42
327	231	Stephen SMITHSON	31:51
329	232	Maurice BALLARD	31:57
334	93	Debbie BLANTERN	32:16
347	240	Andy JAY	32:41
350	99	Linda GEORGE	32:44
356	101	Pamela VILJOEN	32:55
400	265	Lloyd DIAS	34:22
413	130	Julie SHADBOLT	34:44
462	285	James SOUTH	36:48
485	179	Jane WADEY	38:35
494	186	Julie MANTON	39:11
540	211	Nichola DURENT	48:47
542	312	David SCOTT	49:40

Tags Barcelona Marathon, Essex 20, Herts Veteran Cross Country, Olympic park 5K, parkrun

News Race Results

LOTS OF QUICK HALVES AGAIN

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date March 8, 2026
No Comments on LOTS OF QUICK HALVES AGAIN

Fairlands Valley Spartans ran eleven new half marathon personal bests at the weekend.

Cambridge

There were eleven new PBs at Sunday’s Cambridge Half Marathon. A big event with over 14,000 runners.

SIMON JACKSON was one of two Spartan winners. He was the quickest man aged 50 plus, and the fastest from the club with 1:16:34 which gave him 187^th out of the thousands in the race.

The other winner was CHARLES ARNOLD. First man 70 plus in 1:43:17. Wow!

The most amazing personal best was by ALICE WELCH. Improving by 29 minutes 9 seconds to a fantastic 1 hour 42 minutes 42 seconds (1:42:42). Her target was to get under two hours! Alice was the fastest female from Fairlands Valley.

The first in the long list of Spartan PBs was JAY PAPA. He took another 4:10 off his previous best to finish in 1:20:49.

SALLY PICKLES was another taking a big chunk off their PB. She finished in 2:16:33 – a 24:54 improvement. Sally was really pleased with her time. This was my third half marathon and she beat her PB by 24 minutes & 2 secs. She said, “Over the moon and didn’t stop to walk at all!!”

PERRI GENTRY took his PB down by 6:26 to finish in 1:25:05.

LINDA GEORGE finished Cambridge half marathon with an official time of 1:49:40 with MARTIN JACOB who recorded 1:49:42. Linda said this was more of a dream goal for her. She was really pleased with her time and it’s a massive personal best (PB) – 7 mins 35 secs faster than her St Neots time in November 2025. She added “Martin was the perfect pacer and kept pushing me on, especially in the final kilometres when I was ready to give up.”

For NICK GILL it was his second fastest half marathon – finishing in 1:24:22, around one minute shy of his best. Managing a niggly injury for many weeks, he was grateful to get round in one piece and is incredibly proud of the many amazing Spartan performances on the day. He said, “We showed up in a big way!”

ROSS GALLAGHER improved his PB by one minute to 1:23:24. He said it was great to run again with Nick Gill and to see so many Spartans working together to achieve PBs. TERRY SAWYER ran a 1:26:48 PB. An improvement of 6 minutes 40 seconds.

ALISON SHELLEY enjoyed christening her new FVS Stripes at the Cambridge Half Marathon today. Weather quite different to last year – quite perfect for running. She finished in 2:03:30 which was six minutes faster than last year, so she was very happy! And the new vest was great too!!

Two’s the new target. SAMMIE SUTTON went round in a new personal best of 2:03:53. A 4:29 improvement. She has a new goal to get under two hours in a few months!

My fastest half marathon for years said SHARON CROWLEY. Her 2:06:24 was a season’s best by 7:02 and the fastest she’s run that course by 45 minutes.

On Sunday SAM GENTRY ran her first half marathon in 2 hours 8 minutes exactly (2:08:00). She absolutely loved it, enjoyed every minute of it. She said, “I feel like I’ve set a bench mark now and can’t wait to book the next one.”

BECKY RAYNER came in with 2 hours 28 minutes 23 seconds.

NICHOLA DURENT ran her first Cambridge half. She said the weather was perfect and that she prefers chilly to warm and that the support on course was great especially through the city. Nichola finished in 2:57:19 achieving a PB by 14 minutes 46 seconds.

A cut of 10:24 in her personal best rewarded EMMA CHAPMAN with her 3:37:12.

OLIVIA HOPKINSON joined FVS last year and took part in her first ever race today at Cambridge Half marathon. She ran with her mum, JANE WADEY and they crossed the line together at 3:11:34. Olivia found it challenging but with the right support, she hopes to run more races. Jane improved her season’s best (2025 and 2026) by 5 minutes 29 seconds.

LEE POTTER improved his half marathon time by 20 minutes 54 seconds (20:54) to 2:37:08. So he’s cut his half marathon personal best (PB) by nearly 58 minutes in two races!

MICHAEL FISHER; MIKE JEFFS; and KARL SHREEVE came in with 1:26:11; 1:26:12 and 2:09:05.

Position	Name	Chip Time	BiB	Category	Cat Pos
187	Simon Jackson	1:16:34	5410	M50-54	1
367	Jay Papa	1:20:49	8083	M30-34	93
571	Ross Gallagher	1:23:24	3776	M40-44	73
658	Nick Gill	1:24:22	3969	M35-39	117
735	Perri Gentry	1:25:05	3878	M25-29	112
826	Michael Fisher	1:26:11	3508	M35-39	136
827	Mike Jeffs	1:26:12	5475	M40-44	106
881	Terry Sawyer	1:26:48	9403	M40-44	120
3264	Alice Welch	1:42:42	11290	F25-29	132
3381	Charles Arnold	1:43:17	12075	M70-74	1
4853	Linda George	1:49:40	3886	F40-44	82
4860	Martin Jacob	1:49:42	5412	M40-44	505
8414	Alison Shelley	2:03:30	9598	F55-59	91
8481	Samantha Sutton	2:03:53	10304	F50-54	163
9009	Sharon Crowley	2:06:24	2544	F65-69	11
9307	Sam Gentry	2:08:00	3879	F45-49	266
9481	Karl Shreeve	2:09:05	9667	M55-59	330
10772	Sally Pickles	2:16:33	8412	F60-64	66
12289	Rebecca Rayner	2:28:23	8767	F40-44	497
13019	Lee Potter	2:37:08	8525	M35-39	1081
13766	Nichola Durent	2:57:19	3123	F45-49	566
13965	Jane Wadey	3:11:34	18524	F55-59	306
13966	Olivia Hopkinson	3:11:34	18238	F25-29	1185
14081	Emma Chapman	3:37:12	1920	F35-39	645

Spinning Around Battersea

Battersea Park was busy on Saturday morning. A parkrun with 1009 finishers at 9a.m. and then the Battersea Park Half Marathon with 1641 finishers at 10.30.

The whole half was completed without leaving the park! Now imagine 13.1 miles (21.1K) in 8.75 laps. Once the fast runners had lapped the tail enders for the first time a constant wave of humanity. A brilliant smooth surface on the carriage drives; almost completely flat – a maximum elevation of only 14 metres; no traffic and some sensible advice from the organisers – basically slower runners keep left – there wasn’t too much congestion; the course has tremendous potential.

JIM BROWN had attempted a half only 13 days earlier. He beat that time by 27 minutes 1 second with his 2:01:56, ran a new year’s best by 7:01 and WON his category!

Spartan PETE GENTLE was in the top 10% in 121^st position with 1 hour 26 minutes 1 second (1:26:01). A new personal best (PB) by 1:23. He said it was a great race and brilliantly organised event.

Worth a thought. With a 1030 start it was an easy trip by train from Stevenage.

Wanna Half? Entries have OPENED for the Stevenage Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 18^th October.

Parkrun Highlights

There were three new parkrun personal bests for Spartans at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. ADAM HILL 24:20; LINDSAY PATEMAN 31:21 and KEITH MANTON 32:33.

Despite being down to run a half marathon the following day SIMON JACKSON was top five in the event at fourth in 18:43.

There were several Spartan mini-milestones including GAIL MACKIE 140^th parkrun in 26:07 – she was the fastest female from Fairlands; RYAN DUNNING 150^th parkrun in 28:45; MATT CLARKE 190^th in 29:36; LIZ CROWLEY 20^th in 29:53 and THOMAS SAUKA 180^th in 55:38.

Altogether there were 56 Spartans at parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
4	4	Simon JACKSON	18:43
51	45	Tony RANDFIELD	23:41
65	56	Adam HILL	24:20
67	57	Matthew COOKE	24:22
80	67	Daniel VILJOEN	24:51
114	18	Gail MACKIE	26:07
140	114	Martin DUDLEY	26:59
150	26	Karen ELLIS	27:08
155	124	Peter SACH	27:15
164	32	Carole SHELDRICK	27:36
212	160	Ryan DUNNING	28:45
241	56	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:27
245	183	Matt CLARKE	29:36
255	59	Elizabeth CROWLEY	29:53
259	192	Brian WHITE	29:57
262	194	Steve TINSLEY	30:01
270	65	Fiona CLARKE	30:16
271	200	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:21
291	211	Steve PLATT	31:04
300	78	Lindsay PATEMAN	31:21
308	82	Debbie BLANTERN	31:46
328	231	Keith MANTON	32:33
342	102	Pamela VILJOEN	33:05
357	111	Sally PICKLES	33:36
360	114	Samantha SUTTON	33:42
359	113	Alison SHELLEY	33:42
365	118	Julie SHADBOLT	33:53
388	132	Callie CHAPMAN	34:41
404	260	Kartik SHARMA	35:23
405	261	Ahaan SHARMA	35:24
419	144	Karen PALMER	36:07
422	147	Niki PLUMB	36:25
448	164	Julie MANTON	38:36
454	170	Marleen VAN ZWIETEN	38:57
463	178	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:43
490	196	Emma WELCH	42:58
523	294	Thomas SAUKA	55:38

Tags Battersea Half Marathon, Cambridge Half Marathon, parkrun

News Race Results

HALF MARATHON FUN FOR SPARTANS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date March 1, 2026
No Comments on HALF MARATHON FUN FOR SPARTANS

The first day of Spring, meteorological – we’ll come to the astronomical in three weeks, saw many Spartans at races or on club training runs.

Southwold

BECKY RAYNER completed the Southwold Half Marathon, finishing with a chip time of 2:18:39. That’s a 5 minutes 24 seconds improvement on her PB (personal best).

She said this was her first time doing this race. It was a mixed terrain course incorporating roads and tracks around Southwold and the nearby village of Walberswick. Very picturesque, well supported and a very well organised event with the bonus of a cookie and a donut at the finish line. What’s not to like?

London Half

LEE POTTER celebrated the first day of meteorological Spring with a 25 minutes 4 seconds personal best at the London Half Marathon based in the Queen Elizabeth Park. Only a week after his previous best at the Baldock Beast he finished in 2 hours 32 minutes 53 seconds.

Great Yarmouth

It was Great Yarmouth for JESSICA CLARKE where she ran the half marathon in 1:52:21.

Berkhamsted Half Marathon

Completing the Half Marathon fun ANDREW SHAW ran the Berko Half. The Berkhamsted Half was Andy’s third go at racing over the half marathon distance. It is a hilly course but take in some spectacular views of Ashridge House. Andy really enjoyed completing the event and was chuffed to finish in 1:35:23, a 9 minute PB that he attributes to joining FVS and the Tuesday evening intervals.

He was 176^th out of the 1263 finishers. It’s lumpy but great once you get to nine miles!

Wanna Half? Entries have OPENED for the Stevenage Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 18^th October.

Friday Fun

JIM BROWN ran the Last Friday of the Month 5K. A nice little trundle around Hyde Park on Friday after some difficult running weeks.

First kilometre took a nervous 5:59 but Serpentine 5K completed in 28:40. Jim says this is a friendly lunch-time race with a very convenient café. Nice open start so you can go as fast, or not, as you like.

Parkrun Highlights

Fairlands Valley Spartans were second and third in Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. KIRK ran the 5K in 17:50 and SIMON JACKSON in 17:58. Simon got the highest age grade score on the day, 82.10%.

Despite the very wet morning there were 510 finishers including 210 women and 29 Spartans. KAREN ELLIS was the fastest female from Fairlands in 27:36 which gave her 150^th overall.

There was a new parkrun personal best for LINDSAY PATEMAN, 31:49.

51 plus Spartans ran a parkrun on Saturday. Those elsewhere included their furthest from Fairlands runner MIKE REYNOLDS who ran the Wanaka parkrun on the South Island of New Zealand in 27:55 and ADAM HILL in Poland running the Krakow parkrun in 23:38.

HAYLEY PEACH improved to 30:04 at the Albert parkrun in Middlesbrough with ANDREW SMITH finishing in 30:05.

BECKY RAYNER ran the notoriously hard Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun, all on sand, in 48:59; NIKKI NATION was on the High Peak trail completing the Black Rocks parkrun in 35:18 and ROWENA ROUTLEDGE at the Penrose parkrun, Helston in Cornwall with 31:46.

Not quite so far away CHARLES ARNOLD finished the Jubilee parkrun in Bedford with 24:23; WILLIAM MORLEY was sub 20 with 19:18 at Coldham’s Common near Cambridge and ALICE WELCH ran the Pocket parkrun at St Neots in 31:29.

GRANT RAMSAY ran the Wimpole Estate event in 22:55 with JONATHAN JONES in 35:13. JOHN HARRIS and LEWIS GREEN went round the Letchworth parkrun in 24:34 and 25:17. JAY PAPA and JESS CLARKE were glowing after their Sizewell parkrun with 26:55 and 28:38.

Stripes on Saturday next Saturday as it will be the first Saturday of the month.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Kirk NDUGU	17:50
3	3	Simon JACKSON	17:58
94	80	Daniel VILJOEN	25:54
111	92	Paul MAGUIRE	26:20
150	24	Karen ELLIS	27:36
159	126	Andrew JORDAN	27:57
184	142	Ryan DUNNING	28:39
191	37	Alison SHELLEY	28:49
210	46	Lorraine HILL	29:19
254	185	Jim BROWN	30:33
257	60	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	30:36
276	199	Keith HOOKER	31:11
294	75	Lindsay PATEMAN	31:49
305	81	Debbie BLANTERN	32:10
354	235	Keith MANTON	33:53
357	109	Callie CHAPMAN	34:04
365	114	Pamela VILJOEN	34:17
386	123	Nicola HATHERLY	35:03
398	254	James SOUTH	35:26
402	255	Paul HOLGATE	35:39
408	135	Niki PLUMB	35:48
409	136	Sally PICKLES	35:49
463	170	Julie MANTON	40:32
465	172	Tracy HAYGARTH	40:46
483	187	Rosemary ONABAWORIN	45:01
499	283	Thomas SAUKA	52:24
510	201	Sharon CROWLEY	64:07

Tags Great Yarmouth, Last Friday of the Month, London Half, parkrun, Southwold Half

News Race Results

SPARTANS AND THE BEAST

Spartans and the Baldock Beast.

The Baldock Beast Half Marathon really is a beast, hilly with some off road sections but Spartan SAM SUTTON was first woman 50 plus and ran a new half marathon personal best (PB) by 13:59 with 2:08:11. She said it was a hilly and windy course so not the easiest to get a pb on but she thinks she enjoyed it though

A total of eleven Spartans ran including ADAM HILL who was running his first ever half marathon. He said the race went really well. Adam was originally aiming for a sub 2 hour 30, but seven miles in, seeing the opportunity to go for a sub two hour, he went for it! 1:59:14. Not bad for a first half on that course!

The fastest female from Fairlands was JAYNE RIDDELL with 2:01:15.

SHARON CROWLEY tamed the Beast was tamed with a chip time of 2:14:04. That’s almost 20 minutes faster than she’s ever run that course.

LEE POTTER beat his personal best by about 37 minutes.

The quickest Fairlands Valley Spartans were TERRY SAWYER in 1:38:22 and DANNY SCANLON in 1:43:44.

Pos	BiB	Name	Cat	Gun Time	Chip Time
28	2720	Terry SAWYER	MV40	1:38:24	1:38:22
46	2975	Danny SCANLON	MV40	1:43:48	1:43:44
103	2822	Keith HOOKER	MV40	1:54:22	1:54:08
130	2816	Adam HILL	MS	1:59:35	1:59:14
137	2992	Jayne RIDDELL	FV60	2:01:28	2:01:15
162	2936	Samantha SUTTON	FV50	2:08:26	2:08:11
184	2938	Sharon CROWLEY	FV60	2:14:20	2:14:04
205	2934	Pete COOK	MV50	2:20:26	2:20:11
227	2729	Jim BROWN	MV70+	2:29:28	2:28:57
233	2716	Tim ROBINSON	MV50	2:36:16	2:35:49
247	2939	Lee POTTER	MS	2:58:50	2:58:02

Winning Natalie at the Bedford Half

Spartan NATALIE LAWRENCE was the first woman in Sunday’s Bedford Half Marathon with a superb time of 1 hour 23 minutes 11 seconds. She was in the top ten overall in a race with 600 finishers.

JAY PAPA took a group round and was 44^th in 1:29:21. JESS CLARKE squeaked under two hours with 1:59:34; SOPHIE PARSONS with 2:00:20 and SAM TOPHILL, fourth in her category, finished in 2:00:32.

Position	Name	Gun	Chip	Cat Pos
10	NATALIE LAWRENCE	1:23:11	1:23:03	1
44	JAY PAPA	1:29:45	1:29:21	20
344	SAMANTHA TOPHILL	2:03:59	2:00:32	4
364	JESS CLARKE	2:05:20	1:59:34	25
377	SOPHIE PARSONS	2:07:42	2:00:20	28

Bedford 10K

TOBY ECCLESHALL was 47^th in 45:43 and EMMA CHAPMAN 389^th in 1:38:19.

Over the Ridge With Jodie

It was further than a marathon for JODIE KANTAS on Sunday. She ran the North Downs Ridge 50K, a trail event near Dorking, in 6 hours 11 minutes 11 seconds. Total elevation 3,000 feet. Jodie said it was a training run for a bigger distance so took it nice and easy, any excuse, but she thought the mud would have prevented her going much faster anyway. She was eighth female and second in her age group which was a nice surprise.

Obviously building up. Jodie did a 20 mile event on the North Downs in January.

Cross Country League Update

The results are out. Fairlands Valley Spartans were fifth out of the eighteen clubs in the series of five cross country races run between September and February.

After last weekend when 21 “hardcore” Spartans finished the last race, the “big squelch” at Watford, in this season’s cross country league they found they had some trophy winners in the series.

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT and GEORGIE HOOPER were trophy winners in the cross country league. David was second man 40 plus just eleven points behind the winner and Georgie second woman 35 plus just nine points behind the winner.

JIM BROWN was a near miss in the medals at fourth in the men 70 plus category. He missed out by four points. Although he was one of only two in the category to finish all five races it was the best of four to count.

SHARON CROWLEY was fifth woman 65 plus.

Six Spartans ran all five races in the league. They were Charles Arnold; Jim Brown; Matt Cooke; Callie Chapman; Sharon Crowley and Mark Freeman.

Position	Name	Official Time	Own Time	Category
7	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	37:19	37:18	M
29	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	39:44	39:43	M
64	MIKE JEFFS	43:54	44:30	M
107	GEORGIE HOOPER	48:11	48:09	F
123	DANNY SCANLON	49:42	49:39	M
141	CHARLES ARNOLD	51:21	51:19	M
164	MATT COOKE	53:02	53:00	M
178	JODIE KANTAS	53:40	53:40	F
186	TONY VICKERS	54:21	54:20	M
187	STEPHEN MASSEY	54:22	54:22	M
198	JO COOKSLEY	55:11	55:03	F
251	MARK FREEMAN	62:27	62:29	M
252	SHARON CROWLEY	62:29	62:37	F
273	CLAIRE EMMERSON	66:00	65:59	F
274	LIZ CROWLEY	66:02	65:59	F
275	PENNY SCHENKEL	66:03	66:00	F
278	SAMMIE SUTTON	66:49	66:49	F
279	LLOYD DIAS	67:13	67:17	M
289	JIM BROWN	71:09	71:07	M
295	CALLIE CHAPMAN	74:39	74:15	F
300	JANE DYMOKE	81:07	81:09	F

Parkrun Highlights

Club Champion SIMON JACKSON ran his 100^th parkrun on his 50^th birthday. He took his balloons and fancy dress round the Stevenage parkrun in 28 minutes 55 seconds.

555 people including 210 women finished the 442^nd local parkrun and they included 29 Spartans. Many Spartans ran new parkrun personal bests (PPBs) or achieved new milestones.

The PPBs were by ADAM HILL at 81^st in 24:42; SALLY PICKLES 219^th in 28:32; BECKY BIRT 348^th in 32:03; KEITH MANTON 373^rd in 32:55 and JULIE BUDDEN 528^th in 45:59.

The mini-milestones were ANDREW PATTERSON running his 20^th parkrun as part of Simon the century runner’s “escort” in 28:57; PENNY SCHENKEL 140^th parkrun in 43:53; NIKI PLUMB 80^th parkrun tail walking in 59:57; NICHOLA DURENT 40^th parkrun in 39:40; and HAYLEY PEACH 30^th parkrun in 39:40

KIRK NDUGU was second overall in the event with 17:39 just eight seconds off the winner. GAIL MACKIE was fastest female from Fairlands in 26:52 and LORRAINE HILL second in 27:11.

Recently JAY PAPA won a parkrun. The first time he’s done that. He won the Wisbech parkrun with 18 minutes 23 seconds. Thirty seconds ahead of the next runner. JESSICA CLARKE was at the same event and finished in 29:09. There were 204 finishers. Well done Jay!

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Kirk NDUGU	00:17:39
81	74	Adam HILL	00:24:42
115	101	Daniel VILJOEN	00:25:35
131	113	Peter SACH	00:26:05
141	122	James SOUTH	00:26:20
165	20	Gail MACKIE	00:26:52
173	22	Lorraine HILL	00:27:11
219	38	Sally PICKLES	00:28:32
229	181	Simon JACKSON	00:28:55
233	185	Andrew PATTERSON	00:28:57
260	201	Jim BROWN	00:29:31
285	215	Stephen SMITHSON	00:30:14
317	72	Alison SHELLEY	00:31:07
348	84	Rebecca BIRT	00:32:03
355	255	Nick KLEANTHOUS	00:32:15
364	94	Lindsay PATEMAN	00:32:35
367	260	Andy JAY	00:32:38
373	265	Keith MANTON	00:32:55
405	119	Callie CHAPMAN	00:34:13
411	275	Paul HOLGATE	00:34:30
422	131	Pamela VILJOEN	00:35:18
479	164	Julie MANTON	00:39:32
482	166	Hayley PEACH	00:39:40
481	165	Nichola DURENT	00:39:40
493	173	Tracy HAYGARTH	00:40:51
523	192	Penny SCHENKEL	00:43:53
528	196	Julie BUDDEN	00:45:59
554	209	Samantha SUTTON	00:59:56
555	210	Niki PLUMB	00:59:57

Tags Baldock Beast, Bedford 10K, Bedford Half Marathon, Cross Country, north downs ridge 50k, parkrun

News Race Results

THE BIG SQUELCH – WATFORD X/C

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date February 15, 2026
No Comments on THE BIG SQUELCH – WATFORD X/C

On Sunday morning 21 “hardcore” Spartans finished the last race in this season’s cross country league. Meanwhile 12 more were in London for the Winter 10K. On Saturday 37 Spartans ran the Valentine’s Day parkrun in Stevenage – one became a caped crusader.

Sunday’s Cross Country League race in Watford was described as one big squelch. The 21 Spartans who finished have built some bigger characters. Days and days of rain finished off with continuous heavy rain throughout the race meant the route was very wet making for damp shoes, mud splattered everywhere, some tricky stretches and it wasn’t warm!

The fastest Spartan in the 300 plus finishers was DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT who was seventh overall. He ran the soggy undulating six miles in 37 minutes 18 seconds (37:18). ADRIAN BUSOLINI was second Spartan at 29^th in 39:43 and club captain MIKE JEFFS third in 44:30.

GEORGIE HOOPER was the fastest female from Fairlands at 107^th in 48:09 with JODIE KANTAS was second woman in 53:40 and JO COOKSLEY third in 55:03.

Eleven men and ten women finished from FVS which meant the club had complete men’s and women’s teams which is more than can be said for some other clubs.

Position	Name	Time
7	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	37:18
29	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	39:43
64	MIKE JEFFS	44:30
107	GEORGIE HOOPER	48:09
123	DANNY SCANLON	49:39
141	CHARLES ARNOLD	51:19
164	MATT COOKE	53:00
178	JODIE KANTAS	53:40
186	TONY VICKERS	54:20
187	STEPHEN MASSEY	54:22
198	JO COOKSLEY	55:03
252	MARK FREEMAN	62:29
253	SHARON CROWLEY	62:37
274	CLAIRE EMMERSON	65:59
275	LIZ CROWLEY	65:59
276	PENNY SCHENKEL	66:00
279	SAMMIE SUTTON	66:49
280	LLOYD DIAS	67:17
290	JIM BROWN	71:07
296	CALLIE CHAPMAN	74:15
301	JANE DYMOKE	81:09

London Winter 10K

Twelve Spartans were among about 20,000 people who ran the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run on Sunday.

ALISON SHELLEY said to say it was really cold and wet is a bit of an understatement, with rain setting in before we even started and continuing through and after the race. It was impossible to avoid the many big puddles so we just had to embrace the water! Despite this there were over 19,500 finishers. She had a goal to try and finish under the hour but due to the weather decided to not worry about the watch and just do her best with the conditions. So Alison was quite surprised – and happy – when she finished in 56:42 (chip time) with a negative split.

Despite the weather a great day, supporting Cancer Research UK.

ALICE and JOSHUA WELCH both ran the London Winter 10K. This was Joshua’s first race as a Spartan and they both ran new PBs (personal bests). Alice finished in a new 10K PB of 47 minutes 59 seconds (47:59) and Joshua in a new 10K PB of 57:53.

It was also PB time for REBECCA RAYNER. She finished in 63:10.

KEITH HOOKER ran a new personal best of 43:33 but the fastest Spartan was DAVE COOK. He was 14^th in the very large field with 34:27.

Pos	Name	Bib	Category	Chip time
14	Dave Cook	27112	MSEN	34:27
951	Keith Hooker	817	M45	43:33
1818	George Halfpenny	10931	MSEN	46:47
2244	Alice Welch	22847	FSEN	47:59
4848	Peter Sach	255	MSEN	53:44
6733	Alison Shelley	22119	F55	56:42
7542	Joshua Welch	12349	MSEN	57:53
9080	Vishal Shah	4270	M40	1:00:02
9627	Karl Shreeve	9429	M55	1:00:54
10991	Rebecca Rayner	20990	F40	1:03:10
19206	Emma Chapman	6786	F35	1:40:41
19488	Lee Potter	13089	M35	2:00:52

Farnborough Half

Spartan SAM TOPHILL beat two hours with 1:59:25 at the Farnborough Half Marathon.

Parkrun Highlights

Chilly but there was a break in the grey skies and 593 finished the Valentine’s Day parkrun in Stevenage on Saturday.

The 37 Spartans included two achieving new milestones. One was a major milestone celebrated by wearing the big red cape round the 5K. MIKE JEFFS FVS men’s club captain ran his 50^th parkrun which he finished in 28:09. Just behind him was NICK GILL who finished his 150^th in 28:12.

LEE POTTER ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 34:02. New member JADE JENKINS was a first timer with 34:09.

Spartans elsewhere included JESSICA CLARKE 29:09 at Wisbech; REBECCA RAYNER at Southwark in 34:15 and DARRYL STEVENS in Edinburgh with 37:27.

Position	Gender Position	Parkrunner	Time
15	15	Perri GENTRY	20:27
30	30	Stuart ARCHER	21:44
32	32	Steve WELLS	21:47
45	43	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:43
54	51	Alexey ZHERDEV	22:58
88	83	Matthew COOKE	24:19
157	143	Keith HOOKER	26:43
172	18	Karen ELLIS	27:12
190	162	Ryan DUNNING	27:35
206	176	Lee PICKERSGILL	27:53
207	28	Georgie HOOPER	27:54
208	29	Lorraine HILL	27:55
217	182	Mike JEFFS	28:09
218	183	Nick GILL	28:12
219	184	Andy PRIOR	28:12
228	187	James SOUTH	28:29
261	204	Daniel VILJOEN	29:21
303	65	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	30:38
308	236	Jim BROWN	30:52
322	245	Steve PLATT	31:24
328	75	Hannah MANTON	31:42
338	81	Monica SMITHSON	32:01
348	87	Linda GEORGE	32:24
352	90	Debbie BLANTERN	32:27
355	92	Penny SCHENKEL	32:35
393	278	Lee Francis POTTER	34:02
394	110	Sally PICKLES	34:03
399	114	Alison SHELLEY	34:07
401	116	Jade JENKINS	34:09
402	117	Sam GENTRY	34:10
415	127	Pamela VILJOEN	34:34
425	290	Keith MANTON	34:56
440	139	Angie KEELING	35:34
495	317	Lloyd DIAS	38:23
515	183	Julie MANTON	40:52
516	184	Stephanie GAJIC	40:57
569	219	Samantha SUTTON	53:50

Tags Farnborough Half Marathon, London Winter 10k, parkrun, Watford Cross Country

News Race Results

SPARTANS CHAMPIONS NIGHT

The big winners at the Fairlands Valley Spartans presentation evening were JODIE KANTAS, SIMON JACKSON and SAMMIE SUTTON.

Fairlands Valley Spartans running club packed into the Hotel Cromwell, Stevenage on Friday evening for their annual dinner, dance and presentation evening.

Jodie Kantas won the women’s and overall club championships. Simon Jackson the men’s championship.

Sammie Sutton was Spartan of the Year, most improved female Spartan during 2025 and won the head coach’s award. She really embedded herself in the Spartan community, supported newer runners, helping other runners to achieve their goals with advice and pacing. Run leader, run director, smashing out new personal bests, organising kit and driving minibuses. A very worthy winner.

The chair’s award went to VICKY ARCHER. Chair TIM ROBINSON said she was someone he couldn’t have done without in 2025. A great sounding board and extremely pro-active. Someone who has been active on the committee pretty much from joining the club and taken on additional responsibilities including cross country.

The president’s award is for someone who spends a lot of time volunteering for the club. Without volunteers we woouldn’t be able to run the club, put on races and events like tonight. In 2025 she headed up the Spartan Charity of the Year. The winner was CAROLYN LINSELL.

The most improved male Spartan was PETER SACH whose achievements included cutting his 5K time from 28:34 to 25:51 and his five miles from 57:22 to 43:24.

The Spartans organise a huge range of running activities so there were a huge range of awards including female open short Jodie Kantas; female age graded YUKO GORDON; female open long Jodie Kantas; female age graded long Yuko Gordon; male open short ANDREW PATTERSON; male age graded short Simon Jackson; male open long Simon Jackson and male age graded long CHARLIE ARNOLD.

Fairlands Valley Spartans were formed in 1984 during the huge boom in marathon running in the 1980s and the first year that women were allowed to run an Olympic Marathon. The first London Marathon had been in 1981. The club’s long distance championships consists of the best of three from full marathon; 20 miles race; half marathon and ten miles race. The short distance championships include 10 kilometres; 5 miles; 5 kilometres and 1500 metres.

The raffle on the night raised £1390 for the club’s charity. Thanks to Tracy Pez, Hazel Smith and Penny Schenkel for their amazing work The club charity for 2026 is Ehlers-Danlos Support UK – Ehlers-Danlos Support UK.

And they kept the dancing going until midnight. There probably should have been a special award for DANNY SCANLON. Definitely an endurance sports club.

Having to pass go 8.75 times !!

Andy and Kerstin Prior decided to take on Battersea Half marathon on Sunday but they didn’t realise it was 8.75 laps of a 2.4 kilometre circuit when they entered.

They said the event was organised through Run UK Events and it was a very slick operation from arrival to departure, with a great medal as well.

The park is almost flat, so for the PB hunters out there is it well worth a road trip.

Kerstin ran a 1:54:03 and finished third V50 lady. Andy ran a 1:42:10 and finished sixth V50 male with a new personal best (PB).

Both are building towards Spring Marathons and this was one of two key races in the build up.

Dorney Lakes – a 10K splash

Spartan JULIE BUDDEN ran her first 10K race on Saturday. She “enjoyed” heavy wind and wind as she ran round Dorney Lake so not much shelter. Julie said it was a flat course, great for a first race, and she knows how she can improve next time.

Parkrun Highlights

It was unpleasant Saturday morning with the woods option closed due to the ground conditions but still 568 ran the 440^th Stevenage parkrun. This was a first Saturday of the month stripes day for Fairlands Valley Spartans and an amazing 53 from the club were running.

They included SUZY HAWKINS who was running her 100^th parkrun and wearing the celebration cape which she took round in 26:06.

GAIL MACKIE and ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER were the fastest females from Fairlands. They both went round in 24:44 and were both top ten women.

JODIE WILSON ran a new person best of 25:53.

62 Spartans were running parkruns. Those elsewhere included MATTHEW COOKE who ran a Milan parkrun in 23:17.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
11	10	Jay PAPA	19:48
41	34	Kirk NDUGU	22:08
49	42	Steve WELLS	22:20
65	57	John HARRIS	22:55
83	75	Martin WOOD	23:53
95	86	Tony RANDFIELD	24:15
106	9	Gail MACKIE	24:44
107	10	Ashley SCHOENWETTER	24:44
116	104	Charlie WHITE	25:06
128	111	Charles ARNOLD	25:34
139	15	Jodie WILSON	25:53
146	17	Suzy HAWKINS	26:06
147	18	Georgie HOOPER	26:06
148	127	Daniel VILJOEN	26:07
158	134	Paul MAGUIRE	26:21
169	141	James SOUTH	26:34
208	171	Matt CLARKE	27:46
218	179	Ryan DUNNING	28:05
230	36	Fiona CLARKE	28:16
234	38	Karen ELLIS	28:20
243	44	Marie COLUCCI	28:31
244	194	Nick GILL	28:32
257	48	Lucy PAUL	28:51
259	50	Alison SHELLEY	28:56
260	204	Nick KLEANTHOUS	28:59
268	210	Matt TUTTON	29:19
275	214	Jim BROWN	29:29
280	218	Stephen SMITHSON	29:40
294	62	Samantha SUTTON	30:08
329	242	Keith HOOKER	31:13
332	79	Sophie PARSONS	31:23
359	258	Steve PLATT	32:04
371	263	Tim ROBINSON	32:38
391	109	Hannah MANTON	33:04
394	112	Penny SCHENKEL	33:08
397	114	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:13
401	116	Caroline CROFT	33:21
413	124	Monica SMITHSON	33:44
425	281	Kartik SHARMA	34:18
426	282	Ahaan SHARMA	34:19
428	130	Callie CHAPMAN	34:20
454	147	Angie KEELING	35:26
465	298	Keith MANTON	35:53
473	157	Pamela VILJOEN	36:15
482	162	Jayne DYMOKE	37:02
486	307	Lloyd DIAS	37:39
512	181	Rebecca RAYNER	40:29
521	188	Julie MANTON	41:26
527	193	Nikki NATION	42:54
528	194	Tracy HAYGARTH	42:58
538	323	Mike CROWLEY	45:43
539	200	Sharon CROWLEY	45:44
568	332	David SCOTT	61:56

Tags Battersea Half Marathon, Dorney Lakes, parkrun, Presentation Evening

News Race Results

WATFORD HILLS WERE ALIVE

A Fab Four from Fairlands tackled the hilly but popular Watford Half Marathon on Sunday morning.

It was one of those days when everything seemed to be damp, though during the race there was no more than drizzle, but that didn’t stop Spartan JAY PAPA pacing a group to squeeze under the key 1:30 barrier with 1 hour 29 minutes 25 seconds. WAYNE SIMMONS was under two with 1:59:01.

Not yet risking 100% but getting back into it JIM BROWN was content with his 2:07:37 and LUCY PAUL looked very comfortable going round in 2:10:54.

Position	Name	Time	Percentage
112	JAY PAPA	1:29:25	64.71%
870	WAYNE SIMMONS	1:59:01	60.06%
1115	JIM BROWN	2:07:37	62.14%
1159	LUCY PAUL	2:10:54	52.67%

1589 finishers.

Peddars Way Ultra 2026

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI loves a trail run and this time it was the 76 kilometres of the Peddars Way starting from Knettishall, near Thetford and heading for the coast.

He was fourth in 7 hours 11 minutes 45 seconds.

Serpie

It was like a Spring morning in Hyde Park for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K. Spartan JIM BROWN enjoyed his lunch-time run in 29:01.

Parkrun Highlights

Nudging 600 again there were 582 finishers in Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. That included 229 women and 38 Spartans. This was the 439^th Stevenage parkrun.

LINDA GEORGE set a new parkrun PB of 25:37 of 25:37 and was the fastest female from Fairlands. It was a century for JAMES SOUTH. A new major milestone of 100 parkruns. This one in 25:48.

ANDREW JORDAN achieved a new parkrun PB of 27:33.

Spartans elsewhere included CHARLIE WHITE; GEORGIE HOOPER; JAY PAPA; NICK GILL and CHARLES ARNOLD who were all at the Great Denham parkrun. Charlie was second overall in 17:31; Georgie third woman and under 20 with 19:54 finishing with Jay 19:54 and Nick 19:55. Charles came in with 22:43.

PETER SACH ran the Peel parkrun, Salford in 27:27. There were three at Letchworth – LEWIS GREEN 24:55; TONY RANDFIELD 28:21 and SUZY HAWKINS 29:31.

No doubt warming up part of the course for the following day’s Watford half marathon JESSICA CLARKE ran the Cassiobury parkrun in 29:18.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
42	41	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:37
82	78	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:18
106	98	Paul MAGUIRE	25:11
121	11	Linda GEORGE	25:37
122	108	Martin DUDLEY	25:39
128	114	James SOUTH	25:48
172	147	Matt CLARKE	27:00
193	25	Karen ELLIS	27:29
194	162	Andrew JORDAN	27:33
209	173	Ryan DUNNING	27:56
218	31	Fiona CLARKE	28:05
235	190	Daniel VILJOEN	28:26
252	44	Claire EMMERSON	28:57
269	51	Alison SHELLEY	29:27
304	229	David ACKERY	30:31
316	234	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:49
340	81	Sally PICKLES	31:35
342	246	Steve PLATT	31:38
381	110	Caroline CROFT	32:52
392	260	Keith HOOKER	33:05
403	121	Hayley PEACH	33:27
404	122	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:36
410	127	Rebecca RAYNER	33:53
422	133	Hannah MANTON	34:26
438	143	Pamela VILJOEN	34:54
442	146	Angie KEELING	35:11
444	279	Paul HOLGATE	35:21
463	283	Keith MANTON	36:20
469	285	Maurice BALLARD	36:34
504	298	Lee Francis POTTER	39:03
512	191	Maria THORNE	39:26
523	199	Stephanie GAJIC	40:42
524	200	Julie MANTON	41:13
540	210	Niki PLUMB	42:17
556	311	Stephen SMITHSON	46:49
558	218	Monica SMITHSON	46:55
580	323	Roger BIGGS	63:31
582	230	Sharon CROWLEY	63:37

Tags parkrun, Peddars Way Ultra, Serpentine, Watford Half

News Race Results

PBs AT BEDFORD 10

A lot of water had fallen from the sky but 15 from Fairlands Valley Spartans made the trip to Bedford on Sunday morning.

ALICE WELCH ran a brilliant new personal best (PB) in the 10 miles event. She improved by more than ten minutes to 1:24:12. That bodes well for a sub two hour half marathon in the Spring. The quickest Spartans were NICK GILL 22^nd out of the 455 finishers with 1:05:17 and JAY PAPA 39^th with 1:09:23.

The second female from Spartans was SAM TOPHILL with 1:29:49 while SOPHIE PARSONS was third with 1:32:15. SIMON HAIGH beat 90 minutes with 1:29:41.

JIM BROWN had been under the weather, to put it mildly, for two weeks and having decided to start decided the best plan was to try to stick to an average of six minutes for every kilometre. Mission accomplished with 1 hour 35 minutes 34 seconds despite a slip on a muddy hairpin bend at about 11.3 kilometres. He was second in his age category.

JACOB and JOHN NELMS ran together with Jacob coming in at 1:37:29 and John at 1:37:43. Jacob was second male under 23. There were 455 finishers.

One or two tricky bits on the amended 10 mile course but basically flat and fast and great on the sections when you could see other Spartans going in the opposite direction.

Unfortunately getting around the floods meant the Bedford five mile event was shortened to 7.5 kilometres.

There were 317 finishers including six Spartans in the 7.5 kilometres event with GRANT RAMSAY coming in 20^th with 29 minutes 44 seconds (29:44). Grant was second man 50 plus. ROSS GALLAGHER was 23^rd with 30:33.

BECKY RAYNER was on for a very good five mile time but finished in 46:13. Great potential for another attempt.

MARTIN HAIGH came in with 42:34; DAVID ACKERY with 44:27 and PENNY SCHENKEL with 47:33.

Linda Shield

LINDA GEORGE won Fairlands Valley Spartans handicap ten event and was recently presented with the Bryan Moore Sheild.

Parkrun Highlights

54 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday and 32 were in Stevenage for the 438^th event. There was another high overall turnout with 576 finishers including 227 women.

LEE PICKERGILL ran his 120^th parkrun in 24:52. LEE POTTER a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 36:53. JAMES SOUTH has one to go to his century milestone. He ran his 99^th in 30:21.

JAY PAPA and JESSICA CLARKE ran the very first Holywell King George V playing fields parkrun. It’s in West Watford. Jay finished in 25:42 and Jessica in 28:41. There were 206 finishers.

Altogether 54 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
37	31	Elliott WHITE	21:56
64	56	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:58
82	72	Tony RANDFIELD	23:58
98	86	Matthew COOKE	24:24
109	95	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:52
136	114	Peter SACH	25:56
156	132	Darren EMMERSON	26:39
171	23	Lorraine HILL	27:18
175	144	Matt CLARKE	27:24
201		Fiona CLARKE	28:06
252	45	Annabelle WHITE	29:13
257	46	Claire EMMERSON	29:16
267	208	Jim BROWN	29:32
268	209	Daniel VILJOEN	29:33
294	224	James SOUTH	30:21
296	226	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:22
307	68	Monica SMITHSON	30:55
331	83	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	31:44
351	96	Debbie BLANTERN	32:26
386	115	Hannah MANTON	33:21
397	264	Kartik SHARMA	34:00
396	263	Ahaan SHARMA	34:00
407	127	Julie SHADBOLT	34:23
418	137	Nicola PATTMAN	34:54
457	162	Jayne DYMOKE	36:25
469	289	Lee Francis POTTER	36:53
470	166	Sally PICKLES	36:54
471	167	Rebecca RAYNER	36:55
475	291	Keith MANTON	37:28
489	176	Penny SCHENKEL	38:25
505	188	Julie MANTON	40:05
519	196	Stephanie GAJIC	41:08
521	198	Tracy HAYGARTH	41:38
572	327	Roger BIGGS	56:22
576	227	Sharon CROWLEY	62:21

Tags Bedford 10, parkrun

News Race Results

FRED HUGHES SIX

Fenzyfoto

A super six Spartans took on the Fred Hughes 10 mile race on the outskirts of St Albans.

They were MIKE JEFFS 1:07:44; LUCY PAUL 1:31:54; KARL SHREEVE 1:33:12; SHARON CROWLEY 1:37:47; REBECCA RAYNER 1:44:41 and NICHOLA DURENT 2:20:43. There were 981 finishers.

Sharon achieved the highest age score of the Spartans with 69.61%. She was fourth woman 65 plus. Becky beat her Buntingford time, set only three weeks ago, by more than three minutes for a new personal best (PB) of 1:44:41. An improvement of 3 minutes 2 seconds.

Lucy Paul said the weather conditions were perfect and she didn’t even mind the hills!

Nichola Durent was a bit nervous before the start after having a bad run at Buntingford a few weeks before but she finished in 2:20:43 gaining a 1 minute 24 seconds PB. The course was nice with some hills as expected. Everyone was so supportive. Nichola said she would definitely do this event again.

Meanwhile large numbers of Spartans enjoyed one of three club training sessions on Sunday morning.

Hatfield

Recently Spartans LEANNE and JODIE WILSON ran the Hatfield 10K. Leanne was 174^th in 55:29 and Jodie 176^th in 55:31. There were 350 finishers.

Update – Panshanger Cross Country

Last weekend’s turnout of 22 men and 16 women Spartans for the fourth cross country league race was fantastic. That’s more than two complete men’s and women’s teams.

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was third man 40 plus in the race and the fastest for Fairlands Valley with 31 minutes 36 seconds (31:36) for the 8.6 kilometres. That gave him tenth overall.

There were 411 finishers. The FVS combined team were fifth out of 18 clubs at this race.

GEORGIE HOOPER was the club’s quickest women with 40:27 giving her 22^nd place out of 159 female finishers. New member SHAUNA LAWLESS was next at 28^th with 42:19.

There will be an opportunity to move up one or two places at the fifth and final league race this season which will be in Watford on 15^th February.

Pos	Name	Official
10	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	31:36
18	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	32:24
71	NICK GILL	35:57
79	ADRIAN DONNELLY	36:36
82	DECLAN TRAYNER	36:48
86	MIKE JEFFS	37:00
141	GEORGIE HOOPER	40:27
143	STUART ARCHER	40:29
163	STEVE MAYFIELD	41:51
168	DANNY SCANLON	42:08
171	CHARLIE ARNOLD	42:16
172	SHAUNA LAWLESS	42:19
249	DAVID RIDDELL	45:37
250	MATT COOKE	45:41
259	TONY VICKERS	46:12
270	JAY PAPA	46:44
271	ANDY PRIOR	46:44
275	STEPHEN MASSEY	47:06
311	ALICE WELCH	49:51
318	PETE COOK	50:12
319	JAYNE RIDDELL	50:16
328	MARK FREEMAN	51:37
339	LINDA GEORGE	52:35
344	SIMON SYPULA	53:24
349	JIM BROWN	53:58
353	CLAIRE EMMERSON	54:08
354	PENNY SCHENKEL	54:14
358	LUCY PAUL	54:43
363	SHARON CROWLEY	55:21
370	STEVE TINGLEY	56:16
381	BECKY RAYNER	57:49
384	CALLIE CHAPMAN	58:54
389	SAMANTHA SUTTON	59:17
390	SAM GENTRY	59:17
391	HAZEL SMITH	59:18
402	PAUL HOLGATE	65:40
404	LIZ CROWLEY	65:41
405	AMANDA VICKERS	66:48

Parkrun Highlights

56 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday and 32 were in Stevenage. Overall numbers are recovering well after the bad weather cancellation two weeks ago. This week 586 finishers which would have been considered exceptional not long ago.

Amongst the Spartans KIRK NDUGU was third overall 18:38. SIMON JACKSON has just one to go to his century milestone. He ran his 99^th parkrun in 19:34 for tenth place. It was good to see GRANT RAMSAY back in Stevenage. Grant was 12^th in 19:38.

GAIL MACKIE was the fastest female from Fairlands this week with 24:35. ANDREW JORDAN ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 27:34 and LINDAY PATEMAN a new PPB of 32:16. Others achieving mini-milestones included SARAH ILLINGWORTH 230^th parkrun in 29:31; SIMON FRASER 40^th parkrun in 29:51; MONICA SMITHSON 130^th with 31:08; STEVE SMITHSON 120^th in 34:15; NICK KLEANTHOUS 270^th in 35:19; MEL BROWN 30^th in 48:53 and ROGER BIGGS 230^th in 60:42. ROGER HEAD was first man 80 plus in 38:54!

Away Spartans included STEVE WELLS 22:06 at Milton Keynes; CHARLES ARNOLD 23:42 at Panshanger; MATTHEW COOKE 24:01 at Frank’s Farm (Elsworth near Cambridge); LEWIS GREEN 24:33 at Coldham’s Common (Cambridge); MARTIN WOOD 25:37 at Endcliffe (Sheffield) 25:37; SUZY HAWKINS 27:16 and CRAIG BACON 28:33 at Letchworth; JAY PAPA 30:18 and JESSICA CLARKE 30:19 at Milton Keynes.

Altogether 56 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Kirk NDUGU	18:38
10	10	Simon JACKSON	19:34
12	12	Grant RAMSAY	19:38
28	27	Mike JEFFS	21:37
54	51	Tony RANDFIELD	23:09
98	7	Gail MACKIE	24:35
110	97	Daniel VILJOEN	24:49
111	98	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:50
151	130	Martin DUDLEY	26:39
182	26	Lorraine HILL	27:15
193	160	Andrew JORDAN	27:34
199	165	Ryan DUNNING	27:52
224	181	Keith HOOKER	28:36
233	185	James SOUTH	28:50
241	188	Nick GILL	28:59
259	52	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:31
263	55	Claire EMMERSON	29:34
266	202	David ACKERY	29:40
272	205	Simon FRASER	29:51
278	208	Jim BROWN	29:59
306	220	Steve PLATT	31:01
311	80	Monica SMITHSON	31:08
333	88	Debbie BLANTERN	31:50
342	92	Lindsay PATEMAN	32:16
352	97	Caroline CROFT	32:39
399	263	Stephen SMITHSON	34:15
401	125	Linda GEORGE	34:22
426	145	Angie KEELING	35:16
428	270	Nick KLEANTHOUS	35:19
434	149	Hannah MANTON	35:25
493	296	Keith MANTON	38:09
503	305	Roger HEAD	38:54
518	310	Lee Francis POTTER	40:38
528	201	Julie MANTON	41:07
531	204	Tracy HAYGARTH	41:41
554	217	Penny SCHENKEL	48:52
555	218	Melody BROWN	48:53
583	330	Roger BIGGS	60:42

Tags Fred Hughes 10, hatfield 10k, panshanger, parkrun

News Race Results

GOING WELL AT PANSHANGER

Panshanger Cross Country

It was looking a bit doubtful in the days leading up to the weekend but despite a cold start Sunday’s cross country league race went ahead. 38 Spartans, 22 men and 16 women, finished. That’s more than two complete men’s and women’s teams and a great turnout for an away event after some difficult days.

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was top ten with just 31 minutes 45 seconds for the undulating two lap 8.6 kilometre course in Panshanger Park. ADRIAN BUSOLINI was not far behind at 18^th in 32:24. Men’s teams consisted of the first eight runners from a club.

The male “A” team was completed by NICK GILL 71^st in 35:57; ADRIAN DONNELLY 79^th in 36:37; DECLAN TRAYNER 82^nd in 36:44; MIKE JEFFS club captain 86^th in 37:00; STUART ARCHER in 40:26; STEVE MAYFIELD in 41:48.

GEORGIE HOOPER was a strong leader for the Spartan women. She was 141^st overall in 40 minutes 25 seconds with new member SHAUNA LAWLESS second in 42:10. There were five runners in women’s teams. The other three in the female “A” team were ALICE WELCH who after a slow start over the first kilometre romped away to finish in 49:41; JAYNE RIDDELL 50:12 and LINDA GEORGE 52:27.

Three of the FVS Wednesday Daylight Runner regulars featured at the front of the women’s “B” team with CLAIRE EMMERSON 353^rd overall, PENNY SCHENKEL 354^th and LUCY PAUL 358^th. They were within 30 seconds of each other at around 54 minutes.

Not all the ice had cleared from the course before the 10.30a.m. start but that did not present any major problems to the more than 400 runners from eighteen clubs who finished.

Times for all 38 Spartans can be found in the tables near the end of this release. The women’s positions and team results should be available from the league organisers in a few days.

The fifth and final league race this season will be in Watford on 15^th February.

Position	Name	Own Time	Gender
10	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	31:45*	M	Team “A” (M)
18	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	32:24	M	Team “A” (M)
71	NICK GILL	35:57	M	Team “A” (M)
79	ADRIAN DONNELLY	36:37	M	Team “A” (M)
82	DECLAN TRAYNER	36:44	M	Team “A” (M)
86	MIKE JEFFS	37:00	M	Team “A” (M)
141	GEORGIE HOOPER	40:25	F	Team “A” (W)
143	STUART ARCHER	40:26	M	Team “A” (M)
163	STEVE MAYFIELD	41:48	M	Team “A” (M)
168	DANNY SCANLON	42:03	M	Team “B” (M)
171	CHARLIE ARNOLD	42:15	M	Team “B” (M)
172	SHAUNA LAWLESS	42:10	F	Team “A” (W)
249	DAVID RIDDELL	45:29	M	Team “B” (M)
250	MATT COOKE	45:40	M	Team “B” (M)
259	TONY VICKERS	46:05	M	Team “B” (M)
270	JAY PAPA	46:38*	M	Team “B” (M)
271	ANDY PRIOR	46:41*	M	Team “B” (M)
275	STEPHEN MASSEY	46:59	M	Team “B” (M)
311	ALICE WELCH	49:41	F	Team “A” (W)
318	PETE COOK	50:01	M
319	JAYNE RIDDELL	50:12	F	Team “A” (W)
328	MARK FREEMAN	51:27	M
339	LINDA GEORGE	52:27	F	Team “A” (W)
344	SIMON SYPULA	53:19	M
349	JIM BROWN	53:59	M
353	CLAIRE EMMERSON	53:58	F	Team “B” (W)
354	PENNY SCHENKEL	54:03	F	Team “B” (W)
358	LUCY PAUL	54:31	F	Team “B” (W)
363	SHARON CROWLEY	55:05	F	Team “B” (W)
370	STEVE TINGLEY	56:01	M
381	BECKY RAYNER	57:38	F	Team “B” (W)
384	CALLIE CHAPMAN	58:46	F
389	SAMANTHA SUTTON	58:56	F
390	SAM GENTRY	58:56*	F
391	HAZEL SMITH	58:56*	F
402	PAUL HOLGATE	65:21	M
404	LIZ CROWLEY	66:31	F
405	AMANDA VICKERS	66:39	F

Gerry’s Ultra

Three Spartans; GERRY ROSEN, JOHN NELMS and MARTIN JACOB took on the arduous Country to Capital Ultra Marathon on Saturday. This was the traditional first ultra marathon of the year.

The country to capital ultra is a 43 mile (69 kilometres) race starting from the top of the Chilterns in Wendover and finishing at Paddington station in central London.

The route covers 20 miles of hills and trails across the Chilterns before joining the Grand Union Canal at Denham for 23 miles of canal path into London.

Conditions couldn’t have been better – blessed with glorious sunshine and lightly frozen ground there was very little of the expected mud on the trails.

After eight months preparation but Spartan GERRY ROSEN finished Saturday’s 43 miles Country to Capital Ultra in eleven hours. His longest ever race. He was delighted.

Gerry said “I took part in the Country to Capital Ultra, a race of 43 miles that starts in Wendover in the Chiltern Hills and winds its way down to Denham before picking up the Grand Union Canal, the first part in the Chilterns is 21 miles and the relentless slog on the Canal 22 miles.

My own particular race started ominously, my back pack broke before the start but luckily a temporary repair was done and at 8.45am we were off, all was going well, through the first two checkpoints without a hitch, a change of shoes and clothes. I was feeling good, then slipped over and the backpack broke again, losing more time, we eventually made it to Checkpoint 3 inside the cut off time by 15 minutes, the organisers had asked that we buddied up in pairs as from here on in, the light would fade and for safety as well, I buddied up with a lady from Germany (She was a veteran of the previous 11 C2C’s) who lived in London, we were now both tired but determined to finish, we walked very quickly, we talked and put the world to rights, it was hard going, endless long straights of nothing in pitch darkness, we made it to Checkpoint 4 bang on the cut off time. A quick refuel stop and on our way, we were told not to worry about cut off times, just to get home ASAP, checkpoint 5 came and went and it was a straight run to the finish, never has the sight of the A40 flyover at Paddington seem so beautiful and at bang on 7.30pm 11 hours after the start, 43 miles covered in 86000+ steps we crossed the line. I saw a friendly Spartan face in John Nelms who briefly waited to welcome me back .

I’m completely in bits as I write this, I’m having to replace a backpack and a new rain jacket as it got torn to shreds by brambles and thorns in the dark, I’ve lost my headphones as well. Simply put, it’s a day I won’t forget in a hurry, would I do it again? Watch this space……….”

That’s a fantastic achievement. The change in Gerry over the last year has been amazing.

John Nelms finished in 9 hours 16 minutes in his ninth finish at this event.

Martin Jacob finished just behind John in 9:42:11.

Parkrun Highlights

It was great to be back at the Stevenage parkrun after last week’s cancellation due to bad weather and unsafe conditions. Care was needed on a couple of sections which slowed the times for many but 546 including 32 Spartans were obviously keen to go and did.

Spartan ADAM HILL ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 25:51 while LORRAINE HILL ran her 370^th in 28:18 and JIM BROWN his 230^th in 32:17.

Many other parkruns were cancelled but the Spartans who ran “away” included GRANT RAMSAY at Milton Country in 20:08; MATT COOKE at Mile End in 23:25; LEWIS GREEN 25:03, CHARLES ARNOLD 26:23, GEORGIE HOOPER 28:29 and YUKO GORDON 29:11 at Letchworth; CHRIS HOLLAND 26:38 at Rutland Water; JAY PAPA 28:03 and WAYNE SIMMONS 28:14 at Dunstable Downs; SUZY HAWKINS 28:05 at Wendover Woods and KARL SHREEVE 29:38 at Brook Leys.

Altogether 48 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
22	21	Mike JEFFS	21:15
34	31	Simon JACKSON	21:52
42	38	Steve WELLS	22:20
56	50	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:09
68	62	Tony RANDFIELD	23:37	Volunteer
137	119	Adam HILL	25:51	New PPB
147	125	Daniel VILJOEN	26:13
168	141	Darren EMMERSON	26:54
179	25	Karen ELLIS	27:16	Fastest Female From Fairlands
202	166	Ryan DUNNING	28:11
208	30	Lorraine HILL	28:18	370 parkruns
212	172	James SOUTH	28:21
258	199	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:32
290	63	Carole SHELDRICK	30:49
317	75	Alice WELCH	31:19
362	248	Jim BROWN	32:17	230 parkruns
398	122	Erica GRAYSON	33:17
397	121	Debbie BLANTERN	33:17
410	129	Samantha SUTTON	33:36
411	130	Annabelle WHITE	33:37
445	153	Hilary DAVIES	35:07
449	155	Nicola PATTMAN	35:16
456	160	Hannah MANTON	35:40
488	288	Keith MANTON	38:35
505	190	Sally PICKLES	40:21
507	192	Hayley PEACH	40:47
509	194	Julie MANTON	40:48
508	193	Niki PLUMB	40:48
532	298	Thomas SAUKA	52:03
542	303	Roger BIGGS	59:41
543	218	Sharon CROWLEY	59:42	Volunteer
544	219	Rebecca RAYNER	59:43	Volunteer

Tags Country to Capital Ultra, Cross Country, panshanger, parkrun

News Race Results

NEW YEAR RESOLVED

Fairlands Valley Spartans had a fantastic few days over Christmas and New Year including:

A boost in the Sunday cross country league.
57 Spartans were among 911 finishers in the record breaking Christmas Day parkrun in Fairlands Valley Park.
GOLDS and SILVER as 32 Spartans ran the Hertfordshire 10 mile championship.
Great turnout on a sunny day for the FVS Daylights Run on New Year’s Eve.
KIRK NDUGU won the Stevenage New Year’s Day parkrun.
JIM BROWN was the first Spartan to finish a licensed race in 2026. He raced round the New Year’s Day 10K in Hyde Park.
47 Spartans ran the New Year’s Day parkrun in Stevenage.

Resolved To Run On New Year’s Day.

JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL got themselves out of bed, onto the train and were the first Spartans to complete a licensed race in 2026. They ran the New Year’s Day 10K in Hyde Park, London.

It was very cold before the start and Jim decided it was a gloves and long sleeves morning but once he got going he ran a 52 second negative split to finish in 54:55. That’s 25 seconds faster than two years ago. He was second in his age group. The race was not held on New Year’s Day in 2025 due to bad weather.

The NYD 10K was on an interesting course in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens which went close to the Albert Memorial.

Penny finished in 69:52. One on the board for 2026 plus medals and free socks! There were 563 finishers.

Then they both went to see the 8,000 performers in the London Parade. The New Year’s Day parade which started at Green Park. Only a short walk from the finish line. 10K and a New Year celebration. Not a bad day out.

A Last One

Squeezing in a last race of the year 2025 four Spartans made a New Year’s Eve trip to St Albans. SIMON JACKSON was top ten at ninth in 36 minutes 5 seconds. He was first man 45 plus. JAY PAPA and NICK GILL finished in 39:04 and 39:05 and KARL SHREEVE came in at 57:44. There were 942 finishers.

County Cross Country

Two Spartan women ran in the Hertfordshire County Cross Championships on Saturday. Over 8,000 metres (about five miles) JACKIE PERRY was 35^th in 42:29 and SHARON CROWLEY 38^th in 47:02.

In the senior men’s race over 11,750 metres (about 7.3 miles) ADRIAN BUSOLINI was 20^th in 40:48 and RALPH DADSWELL 38^th in 45:52. There were 64 finishers.

That event was not affected by the icy conditions in the same way as for some road runs though there were some very cold volunteer marshals in Fairlands Valley Park!

Parkrun Highlights

Spartan KIRK NDUGU won the New Year’s Day Stevenage parkrun in 18 minutes 19 seconds. This time NATALIE WHITE was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 25:20.

SAMANTHA SUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best of 27:34.

There was a big milestone for JAY PAPA who ran his 100^th parkrun in a celebratory 32:27.

47 Spartans ran the 435^th Stevenage parkrun. There were 598 finishers including 294 men and 276 women (some names unknown).

Stevenage parkrun saw its 150,000 finisher on New Year’s Day. That run brought the total up to 150,215.

Visits to family and friends helped encourage some parkrun tourism over the holiday period. Parkruns visited on New Year’s Day included Barnstaple (Sally Pickles 29:27); Blickling, Norwich (Becky Rayner 34:33); Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea (Claire and Darren Emmerson 29:49 and 27:33); Letchworth (Charles Arnold 23:46 and Lewis Green 28:24); Panshanger (Nicola Pattman 36:42); Rotherham (Sharon and Mike Crowley 29:42 and 44:47); Sizewell (Nick Kleanthous 33:07) and Stanborough (Mark Goodwin 30:57).

Icy patches forced the cancellation of several parkruns, including Stevenage, on Saturday 3^rd January. However ten Spartans made their way to Henlow Bridge Lakes, an off road course, where SIMON JACKSON was second in 18:45. New parkrun personal bests were run by TONY RANDFIELD 24:42 and SAMANTHA SUTTON 28:40. The other Spartans were CHARLES ARNOLD 24:28; JOHN NELMS 24:39; SUZY HAWKINS 25:23; NICK GILL 30:17; GEORGIE HOOPER 30:18; ALICE WELCH 32:55 and MICHAEL O’KEEFE 43:58.

Four Spartans were at Letchworth KRIS WESTCOTT 22:32; JOHN HARRIS 24:56; LEWIS GREEN 25:30 and YUKO GORDON getting back to running and very pleased to dip under 30 minutes with 29:37.

Meanwhile STEVE TINSLEY ran Great Notley, Essex in 29:09; CHARLIE WHITE Oakland College in 19:26; LORRAINE HILL ran Panshanger in 30:40; JAY PAPA Pymmes, Edmonton in 20:08; CHRIS HOLLAND Rutland Water in 29:59; STEVE WELLS Snowden Field, Peterborough in 23:03; JAMES SOUTH Stanborough in 30:10; GRANT RAMSAY 20:26 and JONATHAN JONES 35:29 were at Wimpole Hall

Position	parkrunner	Gender	Age Group	Time
1	Kirk NDUGU	Male	VM35-39	18:19
1	86 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	1/294	73.98% age grade	PB 16:39
8	Simon JACKSON	Male	VM45-49	19:08
8	96 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	8/294	76.48% age grade	PB 16:53
26	Charlie WHITE	Male	SM30-34	20:53
26	161 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	25/294	62.49% age grade	PB 17:53
54	Kris WESTCOTT	Male	VM40-44	22:42
54	95 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	49/294	61.53% age grade	PB 18:14
69	Toby ECCLESHALL	Male	VM35-39	23:23
69	193 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	63/294	56.74% age grade	PB 20:56
81	Matthew COOKE	Male	SM30-34	24:12
81	244 parkruns \| Member of the 100 ClubMember of the Volunteer 50 Club	69/294	54.20% age grade	PB 18:33
117	Natalie WHITE	Female	VW35-39	25:20
117	22 parkruns	18/276	59.41% age grade	PB 20:53
125	Peter SACH	Male	SM30-34	25:50
125	135 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	106/294	50.52% age grade	PB 25:41
129	Lloyd DIAS	Male	VM35-39	25:58
129	60 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	108/294	51.41% age grade	PB 25:32
142	Tanya BRAZIER	Female	VW45-49	26:37
142	10 parkruns	25/276	59.67% age grade	PB 24:25
143	Susan MCANENY	Female	VW45-49	26:37
143	32 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	26/276	61.49% age grade	PB 24:09
150	Martin JACOB	Male	VM40-44	26:56
150	47 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	120/294	51.42% age grade	PB 21:52
160	Jodie WILSON	Female	SW25-29	27:09
160	28 parkruns	30/276	54.51% age grade	PB 26:14
178	Samantha SUTTON	Female	VW50-54	27:34
178	207 parkruns \| Member of the 100 ClubMember of the Volunteer 50 Club	40/276	60.82% age grade	New PPB!
192	Lorraine HILL	Female	VW55-59	27:57
192	368 parkruns \| Member of the 250 ClubMember of the Volunteer 25 Club	48/276	66.55% age grade	PB 25:15
199	Andy PRIOR	Male	VM55-59	28:09
199	44 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	146/294	55.54% age grade	PB 23:28
200	Lucy PAUL	Female	VW45-49	28:12
200	20 parkruns	51/276	57.45% age grade	PB 27:18
201	Kerstin WEINER	Female	VW55-59	28:14
201	59 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	52/276	63.28% age grade	PB 24:16
205	Karen ELLIS	Female	VW55-59	28:27
205	40 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	54/276	64.50% age grade	PB 24:38
208	Lee PICKERSGILL	Male	VM40-44	28:31
208	118 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	151/294	48.98% age grade	PB 22:41
216	Mike REYNOLDS	Male	VM60-64	28:39
216	131 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	158/294	58.00% age grade	PB 23:37
232	Suzy HAWKINS	Female	VW45-49	29:03
232	95 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	59/276	57.03% age grade	PB 19:38
234	Claire PULLEN	Female	VW55-59	29:10
234	60 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	60/276	64.69% age grade	PB 22:03
237	Georgie HOOPER	Female	VW35-39	29:14
237	72 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	62/276	52.00% age grade	PB 23:24
272	Erica GRAYSON	Female	VW55-59	30:24
272	41 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	78/276	59.54% age grade	PB 26:50
318	Steve PLATT	Male	VM50-54	31:42
318	103 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	206/294	47.27% age grade	PB 25:25
346	Harriet PACE	Female	SW20-24	32:19
346	17 parkruns \| Member of the 10 Club	119/276	45.80% age grade	PB 29:56
352	Jay PAPA	Male	SM30-34	32:27
352	100 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	218/294	39.86% age grade	PB 18:43
353	Wayne SIMMONS	Male	VM60-64	32:27
353	47 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	219/294	50.28% age grade	PB 24:08
355	Nick GILL	Male	VM35-39	32:29
355	145 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	221/294	41.10% age grade	PB 18:14
364	Ada JANUSIENE	Female	VW40-44	32:41
364	28 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	129/276	47.78% age grade	PB 28:36
370	Debbie BLANTERN	Female	VW55-59	32:50
370	191 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	133/276	55.13% age grade	PB 27:47
417	Carole SHELDRICK	Female	VW50-54	34:10
417	52 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	163/276	50.29% age grade	PB 26:35
418	Caroline CROFT	Female	VW50-54	34:11
418	131 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	164/276	51.58% age grade	PB 28:28
427	Linda GEORGE	Female	VW40-44	34:21
427	22 parkruns	169/276	44.78% age grade	PB 26:34
463	Jayne DYMOKE	Female	VW45-49	36:09
463	10 parkruns	194/276	45.83% age grade	PB 35:11
472	Paul HOLGATE	Male	VM65-69	36:47
472	86 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	262/294	46.90% age grade	PB 26:27
481	Sam GENTRY	Female	VW45-49	37:18
481	14 parkruns	205/276	44.41% age grade	PB 30:13
504	Hannah MANTON	Female	SW25-29	38:48
504	40 parkruns \| Member of the 25 Club	220/276	38.14% age grade	PB 28:00
526	Jane WADEY	Female	VW55-59	41:37
526	73 parkruns \| Member of the 50 ClubMember of the Volunteer 50 Club	233/276	45.33% age grade	PB 31:31
533	Tracy HAYGARTH	Female	VW55-59	42:09
533	182 parkruns \| Member of the 100 Club	239/276	43.53% age grade	PB 28:30
534	Julie MANTON	Female	VW60-64	42:13
534	53 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	240/276	45.32% age grade	PB 38:03
540	Michael O’KEEFE	Male	VM60-64	42:43
540	233 parkruns \| Member of the 100 ClubMember of the Volunteer 25 Club	282/294	37.89% age grade	PB 25:07
570	Thomas SAUKA	Male	VM50-54	49:30
570	177 parkruns \| Member of the 100 ClubMember of the Volunteer 25 Club	287/294	29.80% age grade	PB 19:39
577	Julie BUDDEN	Female	VW45-49	54:30
577	3 parkruns	268/276	29.72% age grade	PB 46:38
584	Yuko GORDON	Female	VW70-74	59:10
584	54 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	273/276	40.25% age grade	PB 22:33
588	Jessica CLARKE	Female	SW25-29	59:41
588	76 parkruns \| Member of the 50 Club	276/276	24.80% age grade	PB 24:47

Tags Cross Country, New Year's Day 10k, parkrun, St Albans

News Race Results

A RECORD BREAKING CHRISTMAS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 28, 2025
No Comments on A RECORD BREAKING CHRISTMAS

Golds and Silver for Fairlands Valley Spartans as 32 ran in the County 10 Championships

A superb run by DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won him a great GOLD medal in the Hertfordshire County Ten Mile Championships for veteran runners. He finished in 57:39, tenth overall compared with 1:05:27 in the same race in December 2024 and reduced his all-time personal best (PB) by 1:59.

David said, “The Spartans were out in force today!

Really pleased with today’s race, especially after last year’s race not going at all to plan. Super proud with a new 10 mile PB, picking up both race and Herts Vets wins in the MV40 age category with really strong competition from St Albans Striders and Ware Joggers, and helping to win the Men’s Team silver.”

JIM BROWN won the male 70 plus GOLD by improving by 1 minute 40 seconds on his 2024 time on the same course in the same race. He finished in 1:30:35 (90:35).

He said, “That was a surprise. Delighted to get ahead of some people I haven’t beaten for at least twelve years. A little chilly but no sign of Saturday’s frost and nothing like some previous years with their snow and ice. The descent from six mile marker was wonderful.”

Silver Spartans. In addition to the gold individual medals the Spartan men’s team of David Harris-Cherguit; ROSS GALLAGHER with a season’s best 1:06:18; ADRIAN DONNELLY with a new PB of 1:06:39 and TERRY SAWYER running his first “10” in 1:09:31 won SILVER.

The County Championships were included in the Buntingford End of Year 10 open to all aged 16 or more event. Although not eligible for the county event Spartan CHARLIE ARNOLD was easily the fastest 70 in the open race. He finished in 1:15:17, a new season’s best by 1:54, and a margin of almost six minutes (5:56).

NICK GILL was second Spartan home in 1:01:22 – 2 minutes 37 seconds quicker than his previous 10-mile PB on the same course in 2023. He was really pleased with the effort and the time as he builds up towards a half marathon PB attempt in March, and loved seeing so many Spartans wearing their stripes with pride!

CLAIRE PULLEN was the fastest female from Fairlands with 1:24:37. Next were ANN TRYSSESOONE 1:34:29 and SAM SUTTON achieving a tremendous 20 minutes 2 seconds personal best with 1:35:11. The next largest gain was 12 minutes 16 seconds for BECKY RAYNER who had a great finish to the year taking her PB to 1:47:43.

Between them the 32 Spartans produced eight new personal bests (PB) and eight new season’s bests (SB).

There were 641 finishers.

Pos.	Bib	Name	Net Time
10	311	David Harris-Cherguit	57:39
31	266	Nick Gill	1:01:22
52	772	Charlie White	1:03:45
59	537	Jay Papa	1:05:15
71	256	Ross Gallagher	1:06:18
74	203	Adrian Donnelly	1:06:39
110	632	Terry Sawyer	1:09:31
135	614	Sam Simmons	1:11:50
146	634	Danny Scanlon	1:12:21
167	148	Mark Collins	1:13:29
175	366	Simon Jackson	1:14:18
188	25	Charles Arnold	1:15:17
231	342	Keith Hooker	1:18:07
232	259	Pete Gentle	1:18:07
233	369	Mike Jeffs	1:18:08
318	579	Claire Pullen	1:24:37
363	736	Tony Vickers	1:28:51
389	101	Jim Brown	1:30:35
418	143	Matt Clarke	1:32:16
445	721	Ann Tryssesoone	1:34:29
455	686	Samantha Sutton	1:35:11
477	662	Hazel Smith	1:37:06
483	142	Fiona Clarke	1:37:27
495	418	Karen Liddle	1:38:57
506	346	Tricia Hopper	1:39:45
558	170	Sharon Crowley	1:45:36
572	590	Rebecca Rayner	1:47:43
590	635	Penny Schenkel	1:49:42
610	150	Hayley Peach	1:54:19
619	735	Amanda Vickers	1:58:27
634	339	Paul Holgate	2:08:36
641	210	Nichola Durent	2:27:20

Christmas Day Record Breaker – Thursday 25^th December.

At least 57 Fairlands Valley Spartans were in Fairlands Valley Park for the record breaking Stevenage parkrun on Christmas Day. Record breaking!! 911 completed the 5K course beating the previous record by 161. There were also 49 volunteers helping to make the event a success. Some of those were also Spartans.

That was spectacular. A bit chilly but a beautiful sunny morning with loads of santas, a lot of elves and little helpers, and huge variety including penguins; Kiwi Christmas; grinch; reindeer; turkeys; Christmas trees; snowmen and crackers. Even the bollards had Santa hats.

Spartan times ranged from 17:37 to 58:04. ADRIAN BUSOLINI and ANDREW PATTERSON were top ten at sixth with 17:37 and seventh with 17:52. WILLIAM MORLEY ran a new parkrun personal best of 19:08 and CHARLIE ARNOLD was first man over 70 with 23:18 – a winning margin of 6:34!

This time the fastest female from Fairlands was CLAIRE PULLEN in 27:40 with JAYNE RIDDELL in 28:33 and SAMANTHA SUTTON also sub 30 with 29:59. Great times considering how congested the course was in places for this very popular event.

MARIAN MORLEY ran her milestone 50^th parkrun in 30:23 and MARK GOODWIN, coming back to running, his 25^th in 33:49. Those with mini-milestones included CAROLINE CROFT 130^th in 38:51; CALLIE CHAPMAN 90^th in 39:06; KARL SHREEVE 30^th in 40:23 and TRACY HAYGARTH her 180^th in 45:57. Meanwhile MIKE CROWLEY completed his very first parkrun in 45:57.

More than 236,000 people ran a parkrun on Christmas Day!

Position	FVS parkrunner	Gender	Age Group	Time
6	Adrian BUSOLINI	Male	VM35-39	17:37
7	Andrew PATTERSON	Male	VM40-44	17:52
13	Simon JACKSON	Male	VM45-49	18:39
17	William MORLEY	Male	SM20-24	19:08
43	Stuart ARCHER	Male	VM40-44	20:54
60	Charlie WHITE	Male	SM30-34	22:00
61	Mike JEFFS	Male	VM40-44	22:01
88	Danny SCANLON	Male	VM40-44	23:11
91	Charles ARNOLD	Male	VM70-74	23:18
104	Kris WESTCOTT	Male	VM40-44	23:45
108	Keith HOOKER	Male	VM45-49	23:49
139	Tony RANDFIELD	Male	VM65-69	24:25
141	Daniel VILJOEN	Male	VM45-49	24:25
267	Claire PULLEN	Female 43/360	VW55-59	27:40
297	Jayne RIDDELL	Female 53/360	VW60-64	28:33
298	David RIDDELL	Male	VM60-64	28:35
337	Ryan DUNNING	Male	VM50-54	29:26
352	Samantha SUTTON	Female	VW50-54	29:59
354	Perri GENTRY	Male	SM25-29	30:02
374	Marian MORLEY	Female	VW60-64	30:23
391	Vishal SHAH	Male	VM40-44	30:57
397	Jay PAPA	Male	SM30-34	31:10
398	Richard MOORE	Male	VM45-49	31:10
404	Kerstin WEINER	Female	VW55-59	31:15
432	Nick KLEANTHOUS	Male	VM60-64	31:56
438	Shauna LAWLESS	Female	SW25-29	32:05
475	Andy PRIOR	Male	VM55-59	32:50
485	Monica SMITHSON	Female	VW60-64	33:03
486	Ada JANUSIENE	Female	VW40-44	33:05
496	Jim BROWN	Male	VM70-74	33:16
510	Mark GOODWIN	Male	VM65-69	33:49
532	Steve PLATT	Male	VM50-54	34:20
536	Debbie BLANTERN	Female	VW55-59	34:27
542	Claire EMMERSON	Female	VW50-54	34:37
543	Darren EMMERSON	Male	VM55-59	34:37
548	Jodie WILSON	Female	SW25-29	34:59
549	Leanne WILSON	Female	SW25-29	35:00
560	Georgie HOOPER	Female	VW35-39	35:15
561	Tracy PEZ	Female	VW50-54	35:16
592	Alice WELCH	Female	SW25-29	35:58
611	Andy JAY	Male	VM60-64	36:32
612	Nick GILL	Male	VM35-39	36:36
639	Lucy PAUL	Female	VW45-49	37:32
671	Stephen SMITHSON	Male	VM55-59	38:12
692	Caroline CROFT	Female	VW50-54	38:51
700	Hilary DAVIES	Female	VW60-64	39:03
703	Callie CHAPMAN	Female	VW40-44	39:06
744	Karl SHREEVE	Male	VM55-59	40:23
754	Jane WADEY	Female	VW55-59	40:41
756	Hazel SMITH	Female	VW50-54	40:44
763	Sam GENTRY	Female	VW45-49	40:52
853	Tracy HAYGARTH	Female	VW55-59	43:40
867	Mike CROWLEY	Male	VM65-69	45:57
873	Rebecca RAYNER	Female	VW40-44	47:39
876	Elizabeth CROWLEY	Female	VW35-39	48:18
877	Sharon CROWLEY	Female	VW65-69	48:26
904	Thomas SAUKA	Male	VM50-54	58:04

A Couple of Charlies and other parkrun highlights

On Saturday 27^th CHARLIE ARNOLD broke the 70 plus age group record at Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun with 23 minutes 8 seconds (23:08). Meanwhile Spartan CHARLIE WHITE finished in 22:52.

MIKE REYNOLDS ran the Princes Park, Liverpool parkrun in 28:01 and SARAH ILLINGWORTH Tyne Green, Hexham in 28:25 but JENNY GARRETT wins the prize for parkrun tourism this week. She was one of 1,053 finishers at the Albert Park, Melbourne parkrun which she ran in 39:19 and got an “A” for her parkrun alphabet.

Cold enough for one or two slippery patches and only two days after the record busting Thursday but still 424 including 26 Spartans turned out for the regular Saturday Stevenage parkrun on 27^th December.

For a selection of other events coming up soon see Coming Events later in this release.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
5	5	Simon JACKSON	18:37
15	15	Perri GENTRY	20:36
65	61	Matthew COOKE	23:56
87	7	Claire PULLEN	25:13
100	88	Daniel VILJOEN	25:50
123	16	Jodie WILSON	26:33
132	113	Darren EMMERSON	26:51
207	47	Claire EMMERSON	29:12
209	49	Carole SHELDRICK	29:14
249	69	Ada JANUSIENE	31:04
256	74	Fiona CLARKE	31:24
257	177	Matt CLARKE	31:24
260	76	Sophie PARSONS	31:38
263	179	Ryan RIDDELL	31:42
272	186	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:07
275	83	Alice WELCH	32:19
285	189	Chris HOLLAND	33:16
313	110	Hilary DAVIES	34:41
345	133	Sam GENTRY	36:44
387	222	Tony RANDFIELD	42:44
396	225	Michael O’KEEFE	46:14
411	233	Thomas SAUKA	52:20
412	234	Roger BIGGS	53:30
414	170	Samantha SUTTON	54:36
415	235	Matthew PATTMAN	54:37
424	240	Jim BROWN	60:21

Cross Country Update

A great turnout and some real efforts have moved Fairlands Valley Spartans up in the Sunday League cross country. Their women’s team were ninth in the second event but jumped up to fourth in the third fixture. The women’s over 35 team jumped from tenth to second! In the combined scores for men and women FVS are now fifth out of the 18 clubs with some other clubs not far in front.

In the run up to Christmas more than fifty, 23 women and 29 men, Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the cross country league race in Stevenage on Sunday morning 21^st December. 21 other Spartans volunteered as marshals or helped in other ways.

On an undulating three lap course in the south field of Fairlands Valley Park GEORGE HALFPENNY was the fastest Spartan over the 7.75 kilometres. He was 15^th in 28:59.

The next two Spartans were also under 30 minutes. ADRIAN BUSOLINI 18^th in 29:18 and DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT 30^th in 29:55.

NATALIE LAWRENCE was the fastest female from Fairlands, and third woman overall, with her 31:36 lapping many of the men. Next came SHAUNA LAWLESS in 36:51 and SUZY HAWKINS in 36:56.

Celebrating his birthday didn’t slow CHARLIE ARNOLD who ran round in 36:50.

This was a first cross country league race for many Spartans including George Halfpenny (28:59), Graham Hoare (38:18), Shauna Lawless (36:51), Sally Pickles (49:09), Amanda Vickers (57:05) and Chris Watling (42:43).

There were 403 finishers. The next and fourth Sunday League race will be in Panshanger Park on Sunday 11^th January.

Position	Name	Official	Category
15	GEORGE HALFPENNY	28:59	MSenior
18	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:18	MSenior
30	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	29:55	M40
54	NATALIE LAWRENCE	31:36	W35
58	DAN HUKIN	31:56	M40
75	JAY PAPA	32:54	MSenior
76	NICK GILL	32:56	MSenior
92	ADRIAN DONNELLY	33:19	M40
106	GRANT RAMSAY	34:05	M50
138	LIAM WELLER	36:10	MSenior
139	ANDY SHAW	36:12	M50
158	CHARLIE ARNOLD	36:50	M60
159	SHAUNA LAWLESS	36:51	WSenior
161#	SUZY HAWKINS	36:56	W45
163	LEWIS GREEN	37:11	M40
166	GEORGIE HOOPER	37:23	W35
189	GRAHAM HOARE	38:18	M50
190	KEITH HOOKER	38:21	M40
201	MELVIN AUBURN	38:42	MSenior
202	MATT COOKE	38:43	MSenior
247	CHLOE SIMPSON	41:21	W35
250	ALICE WELCH	41:25	WSenior
265	ANDY PRIOR	42:13	M50
272	CRAIG BACON	42:36	M50
275	CHRIS WATLING	42:43	MSenior
278	JO COOKSLEY	42:50	W35
295	DARREN EMMERSON	43:35	M50
300	PETE COOK	43:47	M50
304	JACKIE PERRY	43:59	W55
315	SIMON SYPULA	44:36	M40
319	LINDA GEORGE	44:56	W35
321	ADAM HILL	45:23	MSenior
322	MARK FREEMAN	45:27	M60
335	SAM SUTTON	46:39	W45
336	JON SYPULA	46:46	M40
338	JACOB NELMS	46:54	MSenior
341	JIM BROWN	46:58	M70
346	SAM GENTRY	47:44	W45
350	CLAIRE EMMERSON	48:16	W45
351	SHARON CROWLEY	48:24	W65
352	EMILY GRIEVES	48:47	WSenior
353	STEVE TINSLEY	48:56	M40
355	ANNABELLE WHITE	48:59	WSenior
357	SALLY PICKLES	49:09	W55
370	LIZ CROWLEY	51:01	W35
375	BECKY RAYNER	51:31	W35
381	CALLIE CHAPMAN	53:44	W35
384	BECCA BIRT	54:13	W45
393	AMANDA VICKERS	57:05	W45
394	JAYNE DYMOKE	57:16	W45
395	PAUL HOLGATE	59:03	M60
399	JANE WADEY	62:56	W55

Tags Buntingford 10, Cross Country, parkrun

News Race Results

HAPPY CHRISTMAS & A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 21, 2025
No Comments on HAPPY CHRISTMAS & A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

Stevenage Cross Country

In the run to Christmas more than fifty, 23 women and 29 men, Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the cross country league race in Stevenage on Sunday morning. 21 other Spartans volunteered as marshals or helped in other ways.

On an undulating three lap course in the south field of Fairlands Valley Park GEORGE HALFPENNY was the fastest Spartan over the 7.75 kilometres. He was 15^th in 28:59.

The next two Spartans were also under 30 minutes. ADRIAN BUSOLINI 18^th in 29:18 and DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT 30^th in 29:55.

NATALIE LAWRENCE was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 31:32 lapping many of the men. Next came SHAUNA LAWLESS in 36:50.

Celebrating his birthday didn’t slow CHARLIE ARNOLD who ran round in 36:48.

This was a first cross country league race for many Spartans including George Halfpenny, Graham Hoare, Shauna Lawless, Sally Pickles, Amanda Vickers and Chris Watling.

There were about 400 finishers. The next Sunday League race will be in Panshanger Park on Sunday 11^th January.

Position	Name	Time	Category
15	GEORGE HALFPENNY	28:59	MSenior
18	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:18	MSenior
30	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	29:55	M40
54	NATALIE LAWRENCE	31:32*	W35
58	DAN HUKIN	31:20*	M40
75	JAY PAPA	32:50	MSenior
76	NICK GILL	32:55	MSenior
92	ADRIAN DONNELLY	33:55	M40
106	GRANT RAMSAY	34:04	M50
138	LIAM WELLER	36:08	MSenior
139	ANDY SHAW	36:10	M50
158	CHARLIE ARNOLD	36:48	M60
159	SHAUNA LAWLESS	36:50	WSenior
163	LEWIS GREEN	37:10	M40
166	GEORGIE HOOPER	37:20*	W35
169	SUZY HAWKINS	36:55*	W45
189	GRAHAM HOARE	38:18	M50
190	KEITH HOOKER	38:19	M40
201	MELVIN AUBURN	38:40	MSenior
202	MATT COOKE	38:42	MSenior
247	CHLOE SIMPSON	41:21	W35
250	ALICE WELCH	41:22	WSenior
265	ANDY PRIOR	42:02**	M50
272	CRAIG BACON	42:15	M50
275	CHRIS WATLING	42:42	MSenior
278	JO COOKSLEY	42:44	W35
295	DARREN EMMERSON	43:38	M50
300	PETE COOK	43:45	M50
304	JACKIE PERRY	44:00	W55
315	SIMON SYPULA	44:34	M40
319	LINDA GEORGE	44:55	W35
321	ADAM HILL	45:20	MSenior
322	MARK FREEMAN	45:25**	M60
335	SAM SUTTON	46:36	W45
336	JON SYPULA	46:44	M40
338	JACOB NELMS	46:56	MSenior
341	JIM BROWN	46:57	M70
346	SAM GENTRY	47:43	W45
350	CLAIRE EMMERSON	48:14	W45
351	SHARON CROWLEY	48:24	W65
352	EMILY GRIEVES	48:43	WSenior
353	STEVE TINSLEY	48:55	M40
355	ANNABELLE WHITE	48:59	WSenior
357	SALLY PICKLES	49:06	W55
370	LIZ CROWLEY	51:03	W35
375	BECKY RAYNER	51:27	W35
381	CALLIE CHAPMAN	55:44*	W35
384	BECCA BIRT	54:31*	W45
393	AMANDA VICKERS	56:56	W45
394	JAYNE DYMOKE	57:15	W45
395	PAUL HOLGATE	58:55	M60
399	JANE WADEY	62:53	W55

Last Friday Came Early

The Last Friday 5K race in Hyde Park came a week early to avoid Boxing Day. On a slightly amended course due to Winter Wonderland JIM BROWN came in with 27 minutes 35 seconds. Amazingly good weather for December helped. Jim’s time moved him up a bit in the best of six competition that ran for the twelve months of 2025.

He finished with 65.1%. The first three places were taken by women – all with over 90%.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 20^th December 2025

45 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. 23 were at Stevenage where BECKY RAYNER ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 31 minutes 36 seconds. An improvement of just over one minute.

There were 450 finishers at the 432^nd Stevenage parkrun. Ten more than last week. They included 174 women.

SIMON JACKSON and PERRI GENTRY were both in the top five. Simon fourth in 18:45 and Perri fifth in 18:49.

SUZY HAWKINS was fifth woman with her 24:03. ALICE WELCH enjoyed her tenth parkrun in 32:20. There was another parkrun PB. Congratulations to JULIE BUDDEN who finished in 46:38.

The FVS parkrun tourists were out and about. ANNETTE BELL ran the Geographe Bay parkrun in Western Australia with 26 minutes 56 seconds (26:56). About 23 degrees. Nice.

Two were at the Meon Valley trail parkrun. AHAAR SHARMA came in with 32:41 and KARTIK SHARMA with 32:43. It was on an old railway line near Wickham in Hampshire.

GRANT RAMSAY was fourth at Wimpole Estate in 20:39 with JONATHAN JONES in 34:37.

There were two Spartan PPBs at Henlow Bridge Lakes. SAM SUTTON in 28:41 and SALLY PICKLES in 29:03. Pretty good on a muddy course. NIKI PLUMB was there with 40:05 and JULIE MANTON with 41:43.

Another three were at Panshanger – CHRIS WATLING 26:22; STEVE SMITHSON 33:37; and MONICA SMITHSON 34:17. JUDY KING ran the Guernsey parkrun in 32:13.

Other Spartan destinations included Frank’s Farm (Cambridge), Great Denham, Kings Lynn, Raphael (Romford), Stanborough and Yarborough,

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
4	4	Simon JACKSON	18:45
5	5	Perri GENTRY	18:49
65	61	Lee PICKERSGILL	23:21
75	5	Suzy HAWKINS	24:03
83	78	Matthew COOKE	24:31
175	139	Ryan DUNNING	27:57
186	147	Daniel VILJOEN	28:17
191	152	Matt CLARKE	28:31
217	170	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:18
220	172	Mike REYNOLDS	29:25
248	191	David ACKERY	30:42
266	68	Rebecca RAYNER	31:36
270	199	Jim BROWN	31:39
271	71	Penny SCHENKEL	31:42
286	78	Alice WELCH	32:20
317	98	Debbie BLANTERN	33:27
361	117	Hilary DAVIES	35:36
382	244	Thomas SAUKA	37:30
411	152	Tracy HAYGARTH	42:04
419	157	Elizabeth CROWLEY	43:13
427	163	Julie BUDDEN	46:38
431	258	Roger BIGGS	48:47
450	175	Sharon CROWLEY	58:44

Tags Last Friday of the Month, parkrun, Stevenage Cross Country

News Race Results

FESTIVE FIVE FASTER

Festive Five Faster for Fairlands

The Festive Five was faster than Hatfield. So said several Fairlands Valley Spartans after Sunday’s race.

There were five new personal bests (PB); five new season’s bests (SB) and two first timers among the sixteen Spartans who ran.

Two of the personal bests were enormous. PETER SACH improved by 13:58 to 43 minutes 24 seconds (43:24) and ELIZABETH CROWLEY by 6:36 to 46:26. She was the third woman 35 plus.

The other PBs came from PETE COOK, better by two minutes exactly to an excellent 42:47; LEANNE WILSON better by 58 seconds to 44:25 and SAMANTHA SUTTON better by 21 seconds to 45:37.

SHARON CROWLEY was a winner. She was first woman 65 plus and improved her season’s best (SB) time by 13 seconds to 45:07. The others with new SBs were JIM BROWN by 37 seconds to 43:50; HAZEL SMITH by 50 seconds to 45:08; PENNY SCHENKEL by 3:44 to 53:04 and NICHOLA DURENT by 2:03 to 1:09:53. SBs were the best times in 2024 or 2025.

Sharon said, “After a late evening running the London Christmas lights 10k, it was up early to make the short trip to Welwyn to run the Festive 5. Somehow the legs worked and I finished in 45.07, 13 seconds quicker than Hatfield 5, two weeks ago! It also meant I was first veteran women 65 plus.”

Jim was very surprised but delighted. He said he was pleased to get under 45 minutes at Hatfield which is promoted as a fast flat course but confessed to a small panic when he checked his time at two miles in Welwyn Garden City thinking this is far too fast to sustain. He did and finished 37 seconds than Hatfield with his 43:50. Second in his age category was a nice bonus.

JODIE WILSON ran her first five mile race in 44:26. Getting under 45 minutes on a first attempt is pretty good going. SALLY PICKLES ran her first five in 49:07.

MIKE JEFFS was the fastest from Fairlands Valley Spartans. He was in the top ten with 31 minutes 9 seconds (31:09) and said it was great to get back into a race environment after a few weeks away. ANNABELLE WHITE was the club’s quickest woman with 41:02.

JUDY KING went round in 51:52 and JAYNE DYMOKE in 1:08:29.

All this on a two lap pavement based race starting and finishing near Stanborough Lakes. And not bad considering many of the Spartans were dressed for Christmas. Every finisher was rewarded with a seasonal chocolate bar. The Festive Five was a lovely local club organised event, by our friends in Garden City Runners.

Pos	Cat Pos	MF	BiB	Name	Chip Time	Cat
10	5	10	3914	Mike JEFFS	31:08	MV40
61	5	13	3260	Annabelle WHITE	40:57	FS
73	15	59	3467	Pete COOK	42:47	MV50
80	14	63	3010	Peter SACH	43:24	MS
82	2	65	1300	Jim BROWN	43:50	MV70+
84	7	19	1264	Leanne WILSON	44:25	FS
85	8	20	1344	Jodie WILSON	44:26	FS
95	1	26	3900	Sharon CROWLEY	45:07	FV65
96	12	27	1595	Hazel SMITH	45:08	FV45
100	15	31	3534	Samantha SUTTON	45:37	FV45
107	3	34	3221	Elizabeth CROWLEY	46:26	FV35
129	8	46	4936	Sally PICKLES	49:07	FV55
144	14	57	1588	Judy KING	51:52	FV55
148	16	59	1391	Penny SCHENKEL	53:04	FV55
187	34	94	4476	Jayne DYMOKE	1:08:29	FV45
189	35	96	1224	Nichola DURENT	1:09:53	FV45

Secret London Run Christmas Lights Tour

Dozens of Spartans could be seen running around central London on Saturday night. They were enjoying the Secret London Run Christmas Lights Tour, a 10K run that started from Charing Cross station at 6.30p.m. All dressed up. Mike Jeffs, club captain, was the grinch.

ATW Half Marathon

While the big numbers were elsewhere at the weekend some Spartans ran the ATW Marathon or 10K.

ADRAIN BUSOLINI and TONY RANDFIELD both ran season’s bests (SB) in the half. Adrian with 1:19:41 and Tony with 1:39:46. LIAM WELLER ran his first 13.1 miles event in 1:54:10. In the 10K NICK GILL finished in a new personal best (PB) of 36:56 – a 23 second improvement. LEWIS GREEN came in with 59:06 and NICK KLEANTHOUS with 1:06:32.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 13^th December 2025

The numbers at Stevenage parkrun were up again. This time 471 compared with 440 the previous week and 301 the week before that.

Many Spartans were distracted by the Festive Five, Secret Lights Run in London and other events but there were still 29 FVS at the Stevenage parkrun and others at parkruns elsewhere.

MATTHEW COOKE should be achieving a major parkrun milestone early in the New Year. On Saturday he ran his 240^th in 24:17. RYAN DUNNING ran his 140^th in 26:33. KAREN ELLIS was the fastest female from Fairlands this time with her 27:28.

CHARLIE WHITE was in Barnet where he won the Oak Hill parkrun in 18:10.

JAY PAPA 18:41 and JESS CLARKE 26:05 ran the Brook Leys parkrun in Cambridge; SOPHIE PARSONS ran Bedford in 28:03 and CLARE HOWELL Letchworth 35:04.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
47	46	Simon JACKSON	22:45
69	65	Lee PICKERSGILL	23:42
72	68	Tony RANDFIELD	23:56
74	70	Paul MAGUIRE	24:02
81	76	Matthew COOKE	24:17
102	94	Martin DUDLEY	25:03
125	111	Daniel VILJOEN	25:56
138	121	Ryan DUNNING	26:33
150	130	Matt CLARKE	26:58
162	24	Karen ELLIS	27:28
190	37	Fiona CLARKE	28:38
203	160	Peter SACH	28:51
205	161	Jim BROWN	28:57
216	47	Alison SHELLEY	29:16
243	57	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	30:03
278	205	Clive CANNON	31:32
287	212	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:56
304	79	Erica GRAYSON	32:21
313	83	Debbie BLANTERN	32:43
326	93	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:08
381	127	Annabelle WHITE	36:08
387	130	Nicola HATHERLY	36:34
391	134	Hilary DAVIES	37:04
417	153	Tracy HAYGARTH	41:28
428	161	Alice WELCH	42:05
440	263	Roger BIGGS	48:43
454	172	Samantha SUTTON	52:54
456	173	Niki PLUMB	52:59
461	276	Thomas SAUKA	56:48

Tags ATW Half Marathon, Festive 5, parkrun, secret london christmas lights

News Race Results

RUNNING TO THE CHAPEL

You know Christmas is coming when Fairlands Valley Spartans are off on their annual club run to Minsden Chapel. There was no crying in the chapel. They enjoyed that outing on Sunday.

Minsden Chapel is a scheduled monument neat Preston in Hertfordshire. The club offered a choice of 11, 8 or 4.5 mile off road runs from Stevenage or nearby and 25 took up the challenge.

Jodie’s MK Winter Half

JODIE KANTAS ran the Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon in 1 hour 47 minutes 40 seconds (1:47:40). She said, “It’s my third time at this event. Lovely course, I did a PB on it 2 years ago. 1:42:19 but didn’t have it in the tank this year. It’s along the canal. Scenic and also a nice first time half marathon. I really enjoy the course.”

Three Sub Three At Valencia Marathon

Four Spartans were among the 30,523 runners who completed the Valencia Marathon in Spain. And three beat the three hour barrier.

Ross Gallagher said it was a fantastic course and he equalled his personal best from Tokyo with 2:59:26. He was 5,591^st so well in the top 20% in a big city marathon.

DAVE COOK was top 10% at 2,174^th in 2:45:52, KIRK NDUGU 5,437^th in 2:59:19 and PETE GENTLE 6,683^rd in 3:06:02.

Parkrun Highlights – Stripey Saturday 6^th December 2025

A big jump up from the 301 of last week when 440 enjoyed the Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning. Among them were 34 Spartans and increase of eight on last time. This was stripey Saturday and some standout Spartans included NICK GILL second overall in a new parkrun PB of 18:14 and SIMON JACKSON third in 18:45.

SUZY HAWKINS was the fastest female from Spartans and third woman overall with 24:11 and ANNABELLE WHITE top ten at seventh with 24:53.

PETER SACH ran a PPB of 25:41. JODIE WILSON achieved a milestone, 25 parkruns, finishing in 28:23 and CAROLE SHELDRICK the 50 parkruns milestone in 34:07. ALICE WELCH ran a new PPB of 27 minutes 42 seconds. ALISON SHELLEY ran her 170^th parkrun in 30:40. JIM BROWN and ROGER BIGGS seem to be tracking each other on their way to their next big milestone. They are both on 225 with Jim finishing in 28:46 and Roger in 28:51.

HAYLEY PEACH ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) in 32:37 running with Spartans SAMANTHA SUTTON 32:38 and SALLY PICKLES 32:38 all the way round.

Altogether 52 Spartans ran parkruns. Some of the FVS parkrun tourists included MARTIN JACOB 25:47 and LINDA GEORGE 26:42 at the Tokoinranta parkrun. The race was by the beautiful Eläintarhanlahti Bay near Helsinki in Finland.

The Mura di Lucca parkrun in Italy has attracted a fair number of Spartans in recent years and JACKIE DOWNES was there running round the city walls in 29:07.

NICK KLEANTHOUS is well on the way to recovering his form and says he’s getting there. He ran the Brighton and Hove parkrun in 28:31, his fastest since April 2024. PAUL MAGUIRE ran the Coventry event in 29:41.

TONY RANDFIELD was fast in the forest. 21:29 at the Millenium County parkrun in the Forest of Marston Vale.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Nick GILL	18:14
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:45
57	55	Mike JEFFS	23:38
58	56	Jay PAPA	23:39
74	3	Suzy HAWKINS	24:11
87	7	Annabelle WHITE	24:53
95	85	Martin DUDLEY	25:05
117	102	Peter SACH	25:41
131	109	Darren EMMERSON	26:05
154	128	Ryan DUNNING	26:59
168	24	Alice WELCH	27:42
185	29	Lorraine HILL	28:07
191	32	Jodie WILSON	28:23
205	162	Jim BROWN	28:46
219	46	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:33
255	57	Alison SHELLEY	30:40
256	58	Hazel SMITH	30:40
278	200	David ACKERY	31:36
303	81	Hayley PEACH	32:37
305	83	Samantha SUTTON	32:38
304	82	Sally PICKLES	32:38
327	96	Debbie BLANTERN	33:36
335	103	Lindsay PATEMAN	34:01
336	104	Caroline CROFT	34:06
337	105	Carole SHELDRICK	34:07
345	227	Stephen SMITHSON	34:43
355	230	Keith MANTON	35:09
404	149	Niki PLUMB	39:44
410	154	Julie MANTON	40:39
423	249	Roger BIGGS	48:51
424	163	Julie BUDDEN	49:09
425	164	Elizabeth CROWLEY	49:10
434	171	Nichola DURENT	59:12
440	175	Sharon CROWLEY	63:25

Tags Minsden Chapel, MK Winter Half, parkrun, Valencia Marathon

News Race Results

LOTS OF SPARTAN BESTS AT HATFIELD

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 1, 2025
No Comments on LOTS OF SPARTAN BESTS AT HATFIELD

The Hatfield Five was advertised as fast and flat and despite a cool start it was for many Spartans.

David Harris-Cherguit’s result was 27:35 chip time and 27:38 gun time for a new personal best (PB), ninth place overall and third in the 45-49 age category. He was really pleased.

Nick Gill completed the Hatfield 5 in 28:55, going sub-30 for the first time and shaving almost 2 minutes off his PB (personal best) from the same event in 2022 (30:50). He found it tough, but was pleased with the effort in his first race since the Abingdon Marathon. Nick was 26th overall and third in his age category (M35-39).

Georgie Hooper finished in 34:00 – a big PB of more than 90 seconds (35:31, Hatfield 5 2022). She was third in her age category (W35-39).

GAIL MACKIE was back in 36:26 and new member JODIE KANTAS in 36:51.

LUCY PAUL was hoping for 9 minute miles so was pleased with a 43:17 finish. She thanks SUZY HAWKINS for supporting her near the finish after she had finished in 35:08.

And the Spartans won a county medal. JIM BROWN took SILVER. He was second in the men 70 plus race with 36 seconds to spare ahead of third place AND he achieved his main target of the day to get under 45 minutes which he did with 44:27. Jim said, “Unusually for me I was wearing three layers including long sleeves and gloves but it seemed to be right for the day and I was well happy with an unexpected silver.”

It was the first time LIAM WELLER represented FVS in an event! First time running an event with the club – and he said it was so lovely to have everyone to chat to before and after – and others out supporting on the course. He finished in 33 minutes 12 seconds!

SHARON CROWLEY’s 45 minutes 20 seconds was 8 minutes 32 seconds quicker than last year, BUT looking back through times for 5 mile races, she found it was her fastest for eight years. Obviously she was very happy with that!

LEANNE WILSON breezed around in a new personal best of 45:23. An improvement of 28 seconds.

SAM SUTTON completed Sunday’s Hatfield Five in 45:58 which was a 55 second PB. She commented it was a flat course but narrow and difficult to overtake but she was very pleased with her result! Now Sam has only the Buntingford 10 to go on 28th December and if she PBs that will be a PB in every distance from 5k to half marathon this year.

MATT TUTTON was surprised and pleased that he squeaked under 45 with 44:55.

It was a last marathon paced effort for ROSS GALLAGHER. He finished in 33:05.

After an enforced break PENNY SCHENKEL put on an extra jumper, took it steady and finished in 56:50.

It was a season best’s run for Jane WADEY and she was happy to finish under a hour in 59:11. She said she hadn’t run a 5 mile race since November 2022 and this was her second attempt.

26 Spartans ran and between them achieved eight PBs and nine SBs and seven were new to the distance.

Pos	No	Name	Gun Time	Net Time	Cat Pos
9	599	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	27:38	27:35	3
26	647	Nick GILL	28:58	28:55	3
28	231	Charlie WHITE	29:09	29:05	6
59	655	Jay PAPA	30:34	30:30	12
121	922	Ross GALLAGHER	33:15	33:05	17
127	593	Liam WELLER	33:22	33:12	20
149	417	Andrew SHAW	33:59	33:35	13
154	615	Georgie HOOPER	34:09	34:00	3
171	641	Charles ARNOLD	34:48	34:28	4
176	138	Tony RANDFIELD	34:59	34:41	5
193	660	Suzy HAWKINS	35:31	35:08	5
210	583	Lewis GREEN	36:12	35:37	29
233	818	Gail MACKIE	36:56	36:26	6
255	331	Jodie KANTAS	37:30	36:51	10
419	892	Jackie PERRY	42:31	42:00	6
457	438	Gemma SMITH	43:51	42:55	28
480	830	Lucy PAUL	44:30	43:17	23
527	863	Jim BROWN	45:42	44:27	6
546	387	Sharon CROWLEY	45:59	45:20	9
566	72	Matt TUTTON	46:29	44:55	53
567	443	Karl SHREEVE	46:31	45:23	61
571	427	Leanne WILSON	46:36	45:23	30
618	198	Samantha SUTTON	48:27	45:58	42
627	621	Vishal SHAH	48:45	48:12	56
833	91	Penny SCHENKEL	59:21	56:50	64
842	97	Jane WADEY	60:35	59:11	65

Serpentine

It was a beautiful bright and breezy Friday lunchtime for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. Some of the pictures make it look like the runners were on a seaside prom on a summer’s day. Spartan JIM BROWN enjoyed his race with a 28 minutes 35 seconds which slightly improved his position in the Last Friday championship table.

The next event will be on Friday 19^th December. That’s a week earlier than usual to avoid Boxing Day.

Bass Belle

PAUL and ALISON SHELLEY ran in the Brainstrust Bass Belle 10 miler on Sunday. That was their fourth time running the race although the last time was back in 2022. It was well organised as always, and they were lucky with the weather! Unfortunately Paul’s Achilles gave up after six miles so he pretty much hobbled to the finish. Alison was 239^th in 1:35:59 and Paul 223^rd in 1:33:52.

Other Spartans ran the Bass Belle mixed terrain event. GRANT RAMSAY 35^th out of 359 in 1:10:54 and MONICA SMITHSON 342^nd in 1:56:16.

The Slopes of Finsbury Park

Four hilly laps constituted the Finsbury Park 10K. JOHN and JACOB NELMS ran together to finish in 56:06 and 56:10. They were 104^th and 105^th out of the 198 finishers.

JAYNE DYMOKE ran the Finsbury Park 5K in 34 minutes 53 seconds (34:53). She was 46^th out of the 83 finishers.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 29^th November 2025

It was miserable before the start of Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun which is probably why numbers were reduced to 301 though Fairlands Valley Spartans were up a bit on 26. Spartan SIMON JACKSON was third with 18:57. JULIE MANTON ran her 50^th parkrun in 38:57. LORRAINE HILL was the fastest female from Fairlands in Fairlands with 28:33.

PETER SMITH and SEAN MILLWOOD enjoyed some parkrun tourism at the Carlingwark Loch event at Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire. Peter came in with 25:17 and Sean in 37:13.

Altogether 42 Spartans were at parkruns. Others included ALICE WELCH and SAM GENTRY at the Bug Hunter Waters parkrun near Northstowe. Alice was round in 25:50 and Sam in 27:30.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	00:18:57
26	23	Stuart ARCHER	00:23:08
32	29	Toby ECCLESHALL	00:23:21
34	31	Tony RANDFIELD	00:23:27
48	43	Charles ARNOLD	00:23:53
53	46	Lee PICKERSGILL	00:24:03
56	49	Paul MAGUIRE	00:24:11
76	65	Daniel VILJOEN	00:25:37
90	75	Peter SACH	00:26:52
91	76	Kris WESTCOTT	00:26:55
116	94	Ryan DUNNING	00:28:12
120	19	Lorraine HILL	00:28:33
161	118	Nick KLEANTHOUS	00:30:10
220	63	Caroline CROFT	00:33:17
228	68	Pamela VILJOEN	00:33:34
239	151	Ahaan SHARMA	00:34:21
240	152	Kartik SHARMA	00:34:22
244	75	Karen ELLIS	00:34:46
245	76	Julie SHADBOLT	00:34:47
248	156	Keith MANTON	00:35:10
264	88	Nicola HATHERLY	00:37:35
266	90	Niki PLUMB	00:38:19
269	92	Julie MANTON	00:38:57
273	95	Penny SCHENKEL	00:39:37
274	164	Michael O’KEEFE	00:39:38
300	114	Callie CHAPMAN	00:58:22

Tags Bass Belle, Finsbury Park 10k, Hatfield 5, parkrun, Serpentine

News Race Results

CIARAN GOES SHORTER

After two weeks of half marathon excitement Fairlands Valley Spartans had a quieter weekend before a series of five mile races start next Sunday. That doesn’t mean nothing happened and we have:

Olympic Park 10K

Spartan CIARAN McANENY ran the RunThrough 10k at the Olympic Park on Sunday. It was his first 10k in over 13 years yet he finished with a chip time of 38:32, 22^nd overall and first man 50 plus. It was 150 kilometres shorter than his last race and no feed stations!

Jay Papa

Mid week JAY PAPA ran the Emirates Stadium 5K in 18 minutes 45 seconds (18:45).

Norwich Half

ROB WRIGHT was amongst more than 2,100 runners in the Norwich Half Marathon. He finished in 1 hour 46 minutes 37 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 22^nd November 2025

There was a mega milestone for DARREN EMMERSON at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. He caped up for his 250^th parkrun which he finished in 29 minutes 34 seconds. In the same event and the same time CLAIRE EMMERSON ran her 200^th with parkrun regular Luna the dog.

Probably the horrible forecast but numbers were down a little though still an impressive 385 including 22 Spartans. SIMON JACKSON was top five in 18:37. SAM SUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 28:12; BECKY RAYNER a new PPB of 32:38; KEITH MANTON improving by a whole minute to a new PPB of 34:48 and MICHAEL O’KEEFE ran his 230^th parkrun in 38:45.

Altogether 39 Spartans ran parkruns. Those elsewhere included SUZY HAWKINS (and dog) second woman in 27:11 and YUKO GORDON fourth woman in 27:47 at Letchworth.

JAY PAPA 28:54 and JESSICA CLARKE 28:55 ran the Upton Court parkrun near Slough.

North Yorkshire attracted CHARLIE WHITE and ANNABELLE WHITE who ran the Dalby Forest parkrun, not far from Pickering, in 24:45 and 27:26

GRANT RAMSAY went round the WIMPOLE HALL parkrun in 20:47 and JONATHAN JONES followed him in with 35:18.

Then at Henlow Bridge Lakes PAUL MOULD came with 27:39 and ALICE WELCH with 31:56.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
5	5	Simon JACKSON	18:37
20	19	Steffan FORD	20:33
24	23	Mike JEFFS	21:08
39	35	Tony RANDFIELD	22:25
76	63	Martin DUDLEY	24:44
91	76	Daniel VILJOEN	25:12
123	101	Matthew COOKE	26:18
148	122	Matt TUTTON	27:27
168	27	Samantha SUTTON	28:12
175	142	Jim BROWN	28:33
209	41	Claire EMMERSON	29:34
210	163	Darren EMMERSON	29:34
235	177	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:25
288	82	Rebecca RAYNER	32:38
298	90	Caroline CROFT	33:26
325	216	Keith MANTON	34:48
347	113	Niki PLUMB	37:59
350	226	Michael O’KEEFE	38:45
374	231	Roger BIGGS	48:01
375	134	Jayne DYMOKE	48:51
376	232	Lee POTTER	49:22
384	140	Sharon CROWLEY	66:46

Tags Emirates Stadium 5K, Norwich Half, Olympic Park 10K, parkrun

News Race Results

SPECIAL FOR SPARTANS AT ST NEOTS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date November 16, 2025
No Comments on SPECIAL FOR SPARTANS AT ST NEOTS

A magnificent seven Spartans had a great time, or times, at the St Neots Half Marathon.

LINDA GEORGE from Fairlands Valley Spartans completed the St Neots Half Marathon on Sunday with a chip time of 1:57:15, which is a 2 minute 43 second personal best (PB) from her 2024 Cambridge Half. This also marks her third consecutive PB in the last three weeks – starting with the cross country race, followed by the FVS 10 Mile Handicap, and now the half marathon.

Linda said a big shout-out to MARTIN JACOB, who paced her throughout the race and finished just behind her in 1:57:16.

Goodness said JIM BROWN. I started further back but finished in 1 hour 57 minutes 6 seconds (1:57:06).

It took me twelve attempts this year to get under two hours now I’ve beaten last week’s time by another 1 minute 11 seconds and looking at the official result it looks like I’ve hit a magic round number age target of 70% which I thought was unachievable.

That’s a new season’s best (SB). Jim’s fastest half in 2024 was 1:58:59 and until now his fastest half in 2025 was 1:58:17. Certainly shows that the Wednesday daylight runs haven’t done any harm. Jim said it was great to have Linda and Martin a few seconds ahead or behind for a lot of the race after the first climb through Abbotsley and me nearly stalling on Pitsdean Road after the brook. To compensate for those climbs the last 5K was wonderful. Despite being tired it took me 27:18 – faster than I’ve run a parkrun this year!

What’s happening? Jim said it’s a pity the year is running out particularly for road races. Maybe I should have lined up a second marathon (quiver, quiver) to make up a bit for the roasting experience in April……

It was BECKY RAYNER’s first time doing the St Neots Half Marathon. She didn’t even remember entering it. In fact she was certain that she hadn’t entered due to the 2.5 hour cut off, which would mean improving on her year’s best from the Stevenage Half just one month ago by over 20 minutes. Imagine her surprise when she realised two weeks ago that she had obviously had a moment of madness and had actually entered.

After being reassured that they were not too strict on the cut off and checking previous years’ results Becky decided to give it a go and just try my best.

It was a lovely course, and not only did she beat her time at Stevenage by 26 minutes and 54 seconds, but she also beat her PB from 2023 by 11 minutes and 4 seconds! Coming in under the cut off in 2:24:03. Something she did not think was possible. Absolutely over the moon

JAY PAPA was the fastest Spartan with 1:26:31. He was 62^nd. Jay said he had a very enjoyable morning. That was his third year doing it. He loves this race. This was his fastest on this course by two minutes and his second quickest half marathon time overall. He was really chuffed with how it went this morning. Felt strong.

ROSS GALLAGHER included his race in a long 21 mile training run and finished 72^nd with 1:27:04. And KARL SHREEVE should be very pleased with his 2:11:43.

There were 1015 finishers.

Pos	BiB	Name	Cat Pos	Category	Gun Time	Chip Time
62	879	Jay Papa	33.	MS 17-39	1:26:36	1:26:31
72	1370	Ross Gallagher	1	MV50-59	1:27:08	1:27:04
647	458	Linda George	50.	FV35 -44	1:57:47	1:57:15
648	626	Martin Jacob	120.	MV40-49	1:57:49	1:57:16
655	171	Jim Brown	4.	MV70+	1:58:02	1:57:06
868	1057	Karl Shreeve	144.	MV50-59	2:12:52	2:11:43
956	966	Rebecca Rayner	82.	FV35 -44	2:25:32	2:24:03

Brighton 10K

JODIE KANTAS ran the popular Brighton 10K race in 45 minutes 37 seconds. She was 831^st out of the 2933 finishers.

Gerry Goes Ultra for Ultra

GERRY ROSEN had a 32 miles dress rehearsal for the Country to Capital on Saturday. The full ultra marathon event will be 43 miles but he ran from Wendover to West Drayton via Chesham, Chorleywood and Uxbridge fortified with peanut butter sandwiches and sausage rolls with some mud to keep him entertained.

Wish him well for 10^th January 2026.

Cross Country Update

Detailed results just released by the Sunday Cross Country League show that Fairlands Valley Spartans maintained their sixth out of 18 position after the second fixture. Their men are sixth and women eighth.

240 men and 173 women ran in the second race. The third race will be in Stevenage on Sunday 21^st December.

Two Mikes and a Sharon at Sundon

Sharon Crowley, Mike Crowley and Mike Newbitt, took part in the Sundon Saunter, starting and finishing from Barton -le-Clay. They were pleasantly surprised how firm the ground was after all the rain!

They all completed the long route of 27.89 miles. Sharon and Mike Crowley in 8 hours 35 minutes. Mike Mewbitt in 9 hours 36 minutes.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 15^th November 2025

Thirty Spartans ran the Stevenage parkrun. After Saturday CLAIRE EMMERSON is only one short of her century so a 100 milestone celebration will be along very soon. JOSHUA WELCH was a first timer with 30:17 and ALICE WELCH also 30:17 ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB). JULIE SHADBOLT ran her 20^th parkrun in 36:27.

Julie Manton ran a new Parkrun PPB on Saturday at Stevenage 38.03 with the help of Hannah Manton 38:04 keeping her going! Together with Keith (35:48) it was a family outing. And she said she had loads of support from the lovely FVS Run Together Group too!

Suttons in Hove

Megan, Rose and Samantha Sutton all ran at Hove Promenade parkrun. Both Megan and Samantha got a parkrun 5K PB. Samantha’s was a 58 second PB with a time of 27.37 and Megan’s around 1 and a half minutes with a time of 23.13. Rose ran an excellent time of 32.34 having not run for a couple of months.

HAYLEY PEACH was in Wales running the Aberystwyth parkrun. She was visiting her son at university. This was her second park run here. It’s a pancake flat course on tarmac. She first did the course on 13 September 2025 with a time of 37.35. This week it was a park run pb of 32.10, an improvement of 5 minutes 25 seconds. MICHAEL O’KEEFE pushed the parkrun tourism a little further with 33:34 at the Zuiderpark event in Den Haag.

Altogether there were 57 Spartans running parkruns in the UK and in the Netherlands.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
35	34	Tony RANDFIELD	21:59
64	59	Stuart ARCHER	23:19
89	81	Daniel VILJOEN	24:19
110	101	Martin DUDLEY	24:48
115	104	Charles ARNOLD	24:58
144	130	Darren EMMERSON	26:18
149	15	Annabelle WHITE	26:23
153	135	Martin JACOB	26:28
192	27	Lorraine HILL	27:33
203	31	Fiona CLARKE	27:47
212	174	Ryan DUNNING	28:00
224	181	Matt CLARKE	28:24
268	62	Elizabeth CROWLEY	30:01
269	63	Claire EMMERSON	30:02
278	206	Joshua WELCH	30:17
279	69	Alice WELCH	30:17
337	99	Ada JANUSIENE	31:44
373	121	Caroline CROFT	32:52
390	132	Erica GRAYSON	33:09
391	250	Ahaan SHARMA	33:11
392	251	Kartik SHARMA	33:12
394	133	Pamela VILJOEN	33:19
399	136	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:32
443	269	Keith MANTON	35:48
447	270	Stephen SMITHSON	36:14
449	271	Jim BROWN	36:25
450	170	Julie SHADBOLT	36:27
451	171	Penny SCHENKEL	36:28
479	186	Julie MANTON	38:03
480	187	Hannah MANTON	38:04

Tags Brighton 10k, Country to the Capital, Cross Country, hove parkrun, parkrun, St Neots Half, Sundon Saunter

News Race Results

BECKY AND LINDA WIN BRYAN MOORE AND PAUL MAGUIRE RACES

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date November 9, 2025
No Comments on BECKY AND LINDA WIN BRYAN MOORE AND PAUL MAGUIRE RACES

Fairlands Valley Spartans had an early start for their Paul Maguire Handicap 5 mile and Brian Moore Handicap 10 mile races in Stevenage on Sunday morning. BECKY RAYNER and LINDA GEORGE were the main winners.

It was cold and misty particularly at the north end of the course but there were some excellent times with Rebecca Rayner winning the Paul Maguire trophy in a new 5 mile personal best (PB) time of 55 minutes 33 seconds (55:33), 4:07 quicker than her previous PB and a massive 12:57 better than handicap.

Second to finish was Amanda Vickers in her first 5 mile race with a time of 54:38, 5:22 better than handicap and third was Jane Wadey in 1:00:05, 4:23 ahead of handicap. Jon Sypula was first man in the five miles with 49:39, 2:07 quicker than handicap, with Danny Scanlon second man, 1:18 better than handicap in a SB 34:13, and Tony Vickers third man with a new PB of 39:12 on his birthday. Fastest runner was Simon Jackson in 29:58, with Danny Scanlon’s 34:13 second quickest and Charlie Arnold’s season’s best (SB) 36:20 third fastest. Alison Wood was the fastest woman in 38:31, with Carole Sheldrick second quickest in 44:43 and Claire Pullen third fastest in 44:58.

Linda George was the winner of the Brian Moore Handicap 10 mile shield in a new PB time of 1:33:32, 2:28 quicker than handicap, with Ann Tryssesoone second lady equalling her season’s best (SB) time of 1:31:27, 1:33 ahead of handicap and Alice Welch 3rd lady in her first 10 mile in 1:34:40. Ralph Dadswell was first man (2nd overall) in a new SB time of 1:08:08, 2:22 quicker than handicap, with Matt Clarke second man in 1:36:10 and Simon Sypula third man in 1:36:07.

Fastest 10 mile time of the day was Ralph’s 1:07:08 with Ross Gallagher second quickest in 1:10:00 despite running half a mile further than intended and Keith Hooker third fastest in 1:14:21. Ann Tryssesoone’s 1:31:27 was the fastest female time with Jayne Riddell second quickest in 1:33:01 and Linda George’s 1:33:32 third fastest. There were 40 runners.

The events pay tribute to Paul Maguire, who won the Spartan of the Year award prior to his passing in 2008 at the age of 42 after a long battle with cancer and Bryan Moore a founding member of Fairlands Valley Spartans who passed away in the 1980s. The event raised funds for the club’s charity of the year – the Willow Foundation.

A massive thanks to Paul Holgate for organising; to Tracy Pez, Michael O’Keefe, Tim Robinson, Penny Schenkel and Jenny Garrett for their excellent organisation with the start and finish, and also to Keith Fenwick, Martin Jacob and Jim Brown for their photography on the day.

In handicap races it’s not the fastest runners who win but the best improvers. The predicted slower runners start first followed at intervals by others based on recent performances.

Subbing at Carver Barracks. Remembrance Half and 10K

Spartan JIM BROWN got under two hours at the Remembrance Half Marathon based at Carver Barracks near Saffron Walden on Saturday.

He said “Whoop. Whoop. I didn’t mess this one up. I wanted to see if I could get under two hours this year despite all those birthdays. This was my twelfth attempt in 2025 but I made it at the Remembrance Runs Half Marathon with 1:58:17. A year’s best by 3:51 which gave me first man 70 plus and 69.55% – a four per cent leap on most other “bests” in 2025. Gave myself a little pat on the head for the pace judging considering a few slopes and a bit of wind. Sunny morning. Conditions suited me. Uncluttered course. Loads of space. Great. 5:36 per kilometre which is almost exactly nine minute miling.”

SIMON HAIGH was second man 55 plus with 1:45:21. There were 110 finishers.

In the Remembrance 10K CRAIG BACON was first man 55 plus with 45 minutes exactly and NICK KLEANTHOUS got under one hour with 59:20. There were 222 finishers.

Gower Trail Marathon

On Saturday new member Andy Shaw and Suzy Hawkins completed the Gower trail marathon.

Suzy said, “The first mile was on the beach, sand dunes, and through rivers, while the second mile took in 577 ft of elevation. This set the tone for the rest of the day. With more than 4000 feet of climbing, knee deep mud, lots of sand and steps. However, the sun was shining and the scenery stunning. We ran together until mile 13 when sandy wet rucked up socks were making my feet incredibly painful, and I planned to withdraw from the race, Andy went on without me leaving me with family who came to support, one of who produced some clean dry socks and wet wipes, allowing me to continue.”

Andy finished 5 hours 11 minutes 49 seconds which gave him second in his age group. Suzy followed him in 5 hours 18 min 27 seconds. She was fourth female.

With only two men going under 4 hours and one woman going under 5 hours this was never going to be a PB course. There were 98 finishers.

New York Marathon – Missed in Some Reports Due to Time Difference.

Paul Shelley reports. We ran NYC Marathon!! Alison and our daughter Molly ran an amazing race, running the whole thing together finishing in 4.29.18. Molly had a 15 minute PB (personal best). I ran in the Abbott world age group championship in 3.29.46, struggled from mile 21, it was brutal from there until Park Lane. Proud to have collected two medals. Crowds were fab and with our other daughter, Daisy, spectating made it very special. It was let down by the bus queue in the morning one hour and getting through security, another hour which meant I nearly missed my wave. But what an amazing experience.

Yuko Gordon beat four hours with 3:52:47. She was fourth woman 70 plus.

She said she probably shouldn’t have run with her recent injuries (knee and Achilles), too soon after Berlin too, but too much to give away to withdraw so late, particularly all expenses spent were considerable, which are not refundable.

Nevertheless, she’s glad it’s over without dropping out. Yuko said “It was a hell of a battle for me. Marathon is a monster after all. I need some rest before London.”

There were 59,000 finishers.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 8^th November 2025

Nine Spartans enjoyed a trip to the Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun and five of them ran new parkrun personal bests.

The Fairlands Five were MEGAN SUTTON 25:44; SAMANTHA SUTTON 29:36; KEITH MANTON 34:33; NICOLA HATHERLY 36:22 and NIKI PLUMB 39:43. SALLY PHILLIPS and HAYLEY PEACH were first timers with 34:52 and 40:00 exactly. SALLY PICKLES 34:46 and JULIE MANTON 40:33 completed the outing.

25 Spartans ran at Stevenage where there were 515 parkrunners including 203 women. Two Spartans were in the top ten. SIMON JACKSON third in 18:47 and KIRK NDUGU seventh in 19:31. CAROLE SHELDRICK was fastest female from Fairlands with 27:22.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:47
7	7	Kirk NDUGU	19:31
98	85	Matthew COOKE	24:17
111	96	Martin DUDLEY	24:37
132	110	Daniel VILJOEN	25:10
159	133	Darren EMMERSON	26:14
195	29	Carole SHELDRICK	27:22
201	164	Ryan DUNNING	27:41
209	36	Lorraine HILL	28:05
216	170	Matt CLARKE	28:21
266	60	Fiona CLARKE	29:29
273	200	Steve TINSLEY	29:43
306	77	Sharon CROWLEY	30:42
333	96	Annabelle WHITE	31:47
352	106	Caroline CROFT	32:32
366	116	Pamela VILJOEN	33:04
371	240	Michael O’KEEFE	33:12
384	128	Karen ELLIS	33:37
401	253	Kartik SHARMA	34:14
400	252	Ahaan SHARMA	34:14
414	143	Lindsay PATEMAN	35:10
425	150	Penny SCHENKEL	36:01
472	179	Hazel SMITH	40:12
476	182	Alice WELCH	40:52
497	286	Roger BIGGS	49:14

Tags Brian Moore 10 Mile Handicap, New York Marathon, parkrun, Paul Maguire 5 Mile Handicap, Remembrance run

Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK CROSS COUNTRY

Going to bed with a miserable forecast including light rain 30 Spartans woke up to a lovely morning to tackle the second in the season of cross country league races. This one was in Trent Park near Cockfosters.

The club were delighted two complete men’s and women’s teams finished. The 18 men and 12 women from Fairlands Valley Spartans were among more than 400 runners on the undulating 4.7 miles (7.58 kilometres) course.

In a very competitive race at the fast end Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won a top ten place with eighth in just 28 minutes 5 seconds (28:05).

The third Spartan to finish and first female from Fairlands was NATALIE LAWRENCE having a great run for 48^th overall in 31 minutes 21 seconds (31:21).

The second Spartan was MICHAEL FISHER at 23^rd in 29:49.

The women’s “A” team was Natalie (31:21); SUZY HAWKINS (43:39); JACKIE PERRY (44:00); JAYNE RIDDELL (45:04) and LINDA GEORGE (45:52). SAM GENTRY led in the “B” team with 47:24.

The others in the top 100 were ADRIAN DONNELLY (33:11); DANNY SCANLON (33:54) and DECLAN TRAYNER (34:36).

Position	Name	Time	Cat	Comments
8	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	28:05	M40	Men “A” team.
23	MICHAEL FISHER	29:49	Male Senior	Men “A” team
48	NATALIE LAWRENCE	31:21	W35	Women “A”
74	ADRIAN DONNELLY	33:11	M40	Men “A”
75	DANNY SCANLON	33:54	M40	Men “A”
98	DECLAN TRAYNER	34:36	M40	Men “A”
123	CHARLIE ARNOLD	35:49	M60	Men “A”
134	ANDY SHAW	36:24	M50	Men “A”
139	DELVIN AUBURN	36:35	Male Senior	Men “A”
165	STEPHEN MASSEY	37:50	M50	Men “B”
176	MARTIN WOOD	38:15	M60	Men “B”
198	MATT COOKE	39:05	Male Senior	Men “B”
287	SUZY HAWKINS	43:39	W45	Women “A”
292	JACKIE PERRY	44:00	W55	Women “A”
294	NICK GILL	44:11	Male Senior	Men “B”
303	PETE COOK	44:34	M50	Men “B”
306	MARK FREEMAN	44:50	M60	Men “B”
309	JAYNE RIDDELL	45:04	W55	Women “A”
320	LINDA GEORGE	45:52	W35	Women “A”
341	SAM GENTRY	47:24	W45	Women “B”
359	JIM BROWN	48:51	M70	Men “B”
365	SHARON CROWLEY	49:47	W65	Women “B”
372	SAMANTHA SUTTON	50:02	W45	Women “B”
391	CALLIE CHAPMAN	52:10	W35	Women “B”
398	BECKY RAYNER	56:07	W35	Women “B”
400	PAUL HOLGATE	56:27	M60	Men “B”
401	NICK KLEANTHOUS	57:07	M60
404	JAYNE DYMOKE	59:39	W45
409	MICHAEL O’KEEFE	60:46	M60
410	JANE WADEY	62:58	W55

Bedford

Spartan MELANIE STALEY was 33^rd out of the 267 finishers in the Bedford Half Marathon with 1:38:05 which got her third woman 45 plus. There were three from Fairlands Valley Spartans in the Bedford 10K – ELLOTT WHTE and NATALIE WHITE finished together in 52:35 and LEE POTTER was successful in 1:44:22. 343 finishers in the 10K.

Knebworth House

Nine Spartans ran at Knebworth House on Sunday morning.

Hertfordshire 10K

In the Hertfordshire 10K ADAM HILL was really happy with his result as he was aiming for a sub 1 hour and got a personal best (PB) in for 10K! He finished in 58:20.

The first from Fairlands Valley to finish was CHRIS WATLING with 52:12. ALICE WELCH came in with an excellent 57:21; RYAN RIDDELL with 59:21 and SALLY PICKLES with 64:14.

There were 661 finishers.

Hertfordshire Half Marathon

Over 13.1 miles WAYNE SIMMONS came in with 2 hours 6 minutes 29 seconds (2:06:29) and JESS CLARKE, organiser of the Stevenage Half Marathon, with 2:06:30.

SOPHIE PARSONS finished in 2:12:03 and JUDY KING in 2:21:19.

There were 1271 finishers.

New York Marathon

Paul Shelley reports. We ran NYC Marathon!! Alison and our daughter Molly ran an amazing race, running the whole thing together finishing in 4.29.18. Molly had a 15 minute PB (personal best). I ran in the Abbott world age group championship in 3.29.46, struggled from mile 21, it was brutal from there until park lane. Proud to have collected two medals. Crowds were fab and with our other daughter, Daisy, spectating made it very special. It was let down by the bus queue in the morning one hour and getting through security, another hour which meant I nearly missed my wave. But what an amazing experience.

Yuko Gordon beat four hours with 3:52:47. She was fourth woman 70 plus.

Nevertheless, she’s glad it’s over without dropping out. Yuko said “It was a hell of a battle for me. Marathon is a monster after all. I need some rest before London.”

Serpentine

It was noticeably warmer in Hyde Park than Stevenage on Friday and despite the light rain and breeze JIM BROWN enjoyed the Last Friday 5K run at the Serpentine and the café stop afterwards. He was happy with his 27:37 and improved a little in the year long overall championship table.

MARTIN WOOD was 124^th in 23:08.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 1^st November 2025

First parkrun of GMT and there were 501 finishers at Stevenage. There was a Halloween theme and a stripes day for Spartans.

PERRI GENTRY was second at Stevenage with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 18:22 and MEGAN SUTTON the fastest female from Spartans with a new parkrun personal best of 24:50. SAMANTHA SUTTON was another with a PPB – 28:55.

The 501 Stevenage parkrunners included 216 women. 17 FVS women and 14 FVS men.

LLOYD DIAS got his Saturday morning parkrun in at Leavesden Country! He clocked a 26:00. It’s a nice, easy course, but it was super slippery out there today – his road shoes were not the best choice. Lloyd to power-walk a few bits to avoid a slide!

53 Spartans ran parkruns around the country. CHARLIE WHITE ran at the Stanborough parkrun. A first timer he was sixth in 19:40. There were 292 runners.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Perri GENTRY	18:22
27	22	Jay PAPA	21:56
84	65	Martin DUDLEY	24:48
87	16	Megan SUTTON	24:50
89	68	Matt CLARKE	24:52
102	79	Martin JACOB	25:35
109	84	Daniel VILJOEN	25:54
133	98	Darren EMMERSON	26:39
169	128	Ryan DUNNING	27:43
181	39	Susan MCANENY	28:13
208	45	Samantha SUTTON	28:55
216	47	Lorraine HILL	29:08
225	160	Jim BROWN	29:28
250	64	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	30:14
290	89	Sally PICKLES	31:29
303	192	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:00
307	194	Stephen SMITHSON	32:05
314	101	Alice WELCH	32:19
347	210	Michael O’KEEFE	33:39
357	125	Pamela VILJOEN	33:57
364	130	Caroline CROFT	34:07
365	131	Carole SHELDRICK	34:08
388	146	Jayne DYMOKE	35:20
395	227	Keith MANTON	35:49
424	166	Nicola HATHERLY	38:03
448	182	Annabelle WHITE	40:58
454	187	Nichola DURENT	42:02
455	188	Hayley PEACH	42:03
458	190	Julie MANTON	43:17
464	196	Emma CHAPMAN	47:26
469	252	Roger BIGGS	50:05

Tags Bedford 10K, Cross Country, Hertfordshire Half and 10K, New York Marathon, parkrun, Serpentine, Trent Park Cross Country

News Race Results

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON

Seven Spartans were on the south coast to tackle Beachy Head on the weekend the clocks changed.

Four did the full Beachy Head Marathon. ROBERT WRIGHT made it into the top half of the finishers at 430^th with 5:26:35; TIM ROBINSON came in with 6:54:56; HAZEL SMITH and NIAMH SMITH, mother and daughter, walked round together in 8 hours and 7 seconds (8:00:07). There were 1005 finishers. There is no way times at Beachy Head can be compared with a normal road marathon.

Becky Rayner and Nichola Durent did the Beachy Head Half Marathon for the first time and finished together in 4:08:09. They said the event was well organised and the marshals and check points were great having drinks and a selection of snacks.

The weather was perfect, clear skies and beautiful views with a bit of wind .

The first part of the course was up a very steep hill with some steps. This was also the finish back down the hill. Seven Sisters was hillier than they expected but we finished and it was a great day.

On Saturday CALLIE CHAPMAN ran the Beachy Head 10K in 1:17:39.

Sharon in Snowdon

Well it was certainly challenging weather for Sharon Crowley’s 32nd Marathon Eryri! Torrential rain at times, hail, wind and cold made for difficult running, but Sharon dug deep and finished almost an hour quicker than last year with 5 hours 41 minutes 28 seconds (5:41:28) finishing 7th in her age group.

Paul Holgate finished in 7:16:22. He said the 41st running of the Snowdonia marathon, now called Eryri marathon, welcomed some real Welsh weather with wind, rain, hail and bitterly cold. Paul Holgate in his 35th consecutive time was 39 minutes slower than in 2024.

There were 2,208 finishers.

Charles’ Ten

CHARLES ARNOLD ran the Fenland 10 mile race on Sunday. It was organised by Fenland Running Club. This was the 40th year of the event. The course winds around villages just outside of Wisbech and run on roads which are partly closed for the event. The course is flat, but when the wind blows, as it was, it can be quite a battle where it is very open. His time was 1:14:31 which got him second in his age category.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 25^th October 2025

The last parkrun before the clocks changed and there were 477 finishers in the Stevenage parkrun on Saturday. They included 181 women and 32 Spartans.

It was a tight finish in Stevenage with only 19 seconds between the first four runners. Spartan CHARLIE WHITE was fourth with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 17:53.

TONY RANDFIELD achieved a major milestone, 250 parkruns. He finished in 24:39.

There was another milestone from KEITH MANTON. His 50^th parkrun with a 36:50 finish.

LUCY KIND was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 27:50 and LINDSAY PATEMAN ran another PPPB. This time it was 33:07.

Altogether 55 Spartans were at parkruns on Saturday.

Some of those away from Stevenage were GRANT RAMSAY 20:33 at Edinburgh; PAUL SHELLEY 21:47 and ALISON SHELLEY 31:05 at Great Denham; SUSAN McANENY 23:22 and CIARAN McANENY running with an over 80 relative 59:13 at Holy Cross College, Stabane in Northern Ireland; ANDY PRIOR 23:23 and KERSTIN PRIOR 25:52 in Norwich; MEGAN SUTTON 26:12 and SAMANTHA SUTTON 29:26 in Witney; SUZY HAWKINS 27:26 and ALICE WELCH 30:21 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; JESSICA CLARKE 29:05 at Irchester Country near Wellingborough; NICK KLEANTHOUS 29:39 at Gunpowder, Waltham Abbey; REBECCA RAYNER 36:03 at Eastbourne and DARRYL STEVENS 39:47 at Alderford Lake in Shropshire 39:47.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
4	4	Charlie WHITE	17:53
22	21	Simon JACKSON	20:59
23	22	Danny SCANLON	21:01
71	65	Craig BACON	23:39
75	69	Paul MAGUIRE	23:45
92	85	Daniel VILJOEN	24:27
99	90	Tony RANDFIELD	24:39
114	101	Matthew COOKE	25:16
128	114	Jay PAPA	25:29
150	132	Matt TUTTON	26:19
152	133	Matt CLARKE	26:25
186	29	Lucy PAUL	27:50
217	35	Lorraine HILL	28:46
251	48	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:34
255	49	Carole SHELDRICK	29:46
262	52	Claire EMMERSON	29:55
282	215	David ACKERY	30:28
291	67	Fiona CLARKE	30:53
312	227	Steve PLATT	31:48
347	97	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:07
351	99	Pamela VILJOEN	33:09
354	101	Caroline CROFT	33:15
362	105	Penny SCHENKEL	33:49
363	246	Jim BROWN	33:50
374	111	Jayne DYMOKE	35:11
378	252	Michael O’KEEFE	36:00
394	260	Keith MANTON	36:50
437	153	Tracy HAYGARTH	40:53
445	271	Dave PEACH	42:06
463	277	Roger BIGGS	50:16
466	278	Stephen SMITHSON	50:35
477	281	Darren EMMERSON	65:50

Tags Beachy Head, Fenland 10 Mile, parkrun, Snowdon Marathon

News Race Results

FREYA WINS STEVENAGE HALF

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date October 19, 2025
No Comments on FREYA WINS STEVENAGE HALF

The Stevenage Half Marathon was a fantastic success. Lovely two lap course if a little testing in places. And despite a forecast it was dry throughout for most finishers. And, we think for the first time, it was won by a woman.

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won the Hertfordshire County Championships for men with 1 hour 17 minutes 25 seconds (1:17:25) but he didn’t win the race. After 13.1 miles he was beaten by eleven seconds by Freya Weddell from St Albans.

Fairlands Valley Spartans were delighted with GOLD and BRONZE in the men’s team competition and SILVER and BRONZE in the women’s team championship.

The men’s GOLD team consisted of David, the new men’s champion; KIRK NDUGU third senior man in 1:21:17; ROSS GALLAGHER 1:30:49 – his best time this year by 52 seconds; and TERRY SAWYER 1:33:28 – a personal best by 2:58. The silver team were GRANT RAMSAY 1:36:14; MATT GIFFORD 1:39:57; MICHAEL FISHER 1:40:00 and MARTIN JACOB in 1:40:46 – a new PB by 3:50. Four to count in the men’s teams.

LINDA GEORGE 2:07:43; VICKY ARCHER 2:08:50 and new Spartan JODIE WILSON 2:10:57 won SILVER in the women’s championship. LEANNE WILSON, also new to the club, 2:11:00; ALISON SHELLEY 2:12:00 and ALICE WELCH in her first half with 2:12:17 won BRONZE. Three counted for women’s teams.

TONY VICKERS reduced his half marathon time by 22 minutes 33 seconds (!) with his 1:55:21 and ALEX SCOFIELD his by 9:36 with 1:58:30.

JIM BROWN was third man over 70 with 2:02:59 and PETER SACH cut his PB by 9:53 with 2:17:42. Also amongst the new PBs were SAMANTHA SUTTON down 3:49 with 2:21:44 and AMANDA VICKERS down 8:07 with 2:47:11.

Just over 400 entered the event and there were 347 finishers including 43 Spartans.

The event was organised by a local community running club, Fairlands Valley Spartans and included the Hertfordshire county senior championships.

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

This was the real thing. Fairlands Valley Spartans have organised the Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon since 1984. There were dozens of volunteers from FVS including the race director Jessica Clarke and local organisations such as the Scouts.

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

It was a great local event for spectators and supporters.

Pos	Cat Pos	MF	Name	Cat	Chip	Age %
2	1	1	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	MV40	1:17:25	82.0%
7	3	6	Kirk NDUGU	MS	1:21:17	73.4%
21	9	19	Kristian ATANASOV	MS	1:29:23	65.3%
27	11	24	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	1:30:43	67.0%
38	14	34	Terry SAWYER	MV40	1:33:28	65.7%
48	2	6	Melanie BATE	FV40	1:35:35	72.7%
55	8	49	Grant RAMSAY	MV50	1:36:14	69.5%
57	20	50	Lewis GREEN	MS	1:36:41	60.6%
76	12	67	Matt GIFFORD	MV50	1:39:52	68.1%
77	29	68	Michael FISHER	MS	1:39:55	58.8%
78	27	69	Martin JACOB	MV40	1:40:39	60.4%
100	18	89	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	1:44:28	65.6%
105	41	94	Melvin AUBURN	MS	1:45:25	55.9%
106	19	95	Simon HAIGH	MV50	1:45:23	66.3%
127	39	113	Lee PICKERSGILL	MV40	1:49:07	56.2%
128	46	114	Perri GENTRY	MS	1:49:07	53.4%
156	29	137	Tony VICKERS	MV50	1:55:21	58.9%
177	48	148	Richard MOORE	MV40	1:58:06	54.0%
178	49	149	Pete GENTLE	MV40	1:58:11	53.6%
185	60	156	Alex SCOFIELD	MS	1:58:30	49.1%
209	69	172	Lloyd DIAS	MS	2:02:20	48.1%
212	3	175	Jim BROWN	MV70+	2:02:59	66.2%
228	14	44	Linda GEORGE	FV40	2:07:21	53.1%
234	16	49	Vicky ARCHER	FV40	2:08:32	54.4%
235	57	186	Matt TUTTON	MV40	2:08:25	46.9%
236	16	187	Martin DUDLEY	MV60	2:08:41	56.3%
239	36	188	Andy PRIOR	MV50	2:08:59	53.6%
245	77	191	Keith HOOKER	MS	2:09:21	44.9%
248	25	56	Jodie WILSON	FS	2:10:28	49.7%
251	27	58	Leanne WILSON	FS	2:10:31	49.7%
256	14	61	Alison SHELLEY	FV50	2:11:30	60.5%
258	30	63	Alice WELCH	FS	2:11:51	49.2%
262	15	65	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	FV50	2:13:21	58.9%
271	80	202	Peter SACH	MS	2:17:42	42.3%
277	43	206	Tim ROBINSON	MV50	2:19:07	49.2%
283	44	209	Pete COOK	MV50	2:21:16	49.4%
286	17	76	Samantha SUTTON	FV50	2:21:44	52.1%
331	25	100	Amanda VICKERS	FV50	2:47:11	44.7%
332	30	101	Jayne DYMOKE	FV40	2:47:26	43.5%
334	31	102	Rebecca RAYNER	FV40	2:50:57	40.1%
335	22	233	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	2:54:21	44.1%
346	98	237	Lee POTTER	MS	3:36:48	27.2%
347	46	110	Emma CHAPMAN	FS	3:47:36	28.9%

Abingdon Marathon – Slightly Agonising

The five Spartans at the Abingdon Marathon came home with some great achievements. CHARLIE COOK cut his marathon PB time by 2:24 with his 3 hours and just 29 seconds (3:00:29); NICK GILL by 13:39 to 3:00:40 and JAY PAPA by 5:21 to 3:06:40.

TONY RANDFIELD ran his fastest marathon this season with 3:38:47 and GERRY ROSEN improved by 8 minutes on his 2024 Stevenage Marathon time with 5:23:25. He’s having a week’s R&R now but off again next weekend as he prepares for an ultra.

Nick Gill said, “The Abingdon Marathon… what a rollercoaster! The aim going in was 2:55, but with a firm eye on my first sub-3. What followed was 15 miles of cruising along around that pace, and then disaster… cramp! For the remaining 11 miles I was managing bouts of cramp in both legs, picking it up when it eased and slowing down when it hit hard. It ended with a slightly agonising 3:00:40 finish – but 13 minutes and 39 seconds quicker than my previous best (April 2024). Yes we chase times on the clock and yes I would love it if my marathon time started with a “2” – but the biggest feeling I take away from it is how lucky I am to have so many amazing people in my life. The support from my Spartans family and wider running community was incredible. I’m so grateful”

Centurion Running – 100 miles in a day and two new belt buckles

Spartan Ciaran McAneny took part in the Centurion Running Autumn 100 mile race at the weekend.

Based in Goring the race is an out and back course across four legs; with Leg 1 along the Thames Path, Legs 2 and 3 on the Ridgeway and Leg 4 back on the Thames Path.

Ciaran had a near perfect day, setting a new PB by almost two hours in a time of 17:11:57, finishing 7th overall and taking home the V50 win.

JOHN NELMS was 128^th with 25 hours 59 minutes. Such an amazing effort from both of them.

Yorkshire Ten

Chris Watling enjoyed his annual outing to the Yorkshire Ten Mile run. He was hoping to be somewhere between 1 hour 30 and 1 hour 25 but did it in 1:24:16. Perfect running weather and with a start and finish in Heslington. He was very pleased.

Great South Run

PAUL MAGUIRE ran the Great South Run in Portsmouth and Southsea on Sunday.

He finished the ten mile course in 1 hour 22 minutes. The atmosphere was brilliant despite the wet and windy weather. Paul was very happy with my time which was my first official run for more than a year so he’ll take that. He ran with his son Ronan who has trained with Spartans in the past and who finished in 1 hour and 8 minutes.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 18^th October 2025

The Stevenage Half Marathon was the big news this week but there were 459 parkrunners at Stevenage on Saturday and 36 of them were Spartans.

A new parkrun, Stanborough, has been welcomed to the Hertfordshire family of parkruns but there were still 447 parkrunners at Stevenage on Saturday morning. 35 were from Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time
2	2	Simon JACKSON	18:27
11	9	Grant RAMSAY	19:58
35	30	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:10
41	35	Steve WELLS	22:22
63	54	Daniel VILJOEN	23:30
70	60	Tony RANDFIELD	24:00
99	82	Jay PAPA	25:10
105	85	Darren EMMERSON	25:26
168	31	Eva RAMSEY	27:44
170	130	Ryan DUNNING	27:47
176	33	Sharon CROWLEY	28:01
177	135	Matt CLARKE	28:02
200	39	Lorraine HILL	28:46
222	166	Kartik SHARMA	29:23
224	48	Fiona CLARKE	29:27
255	184	Ahaan SHARMA	30:30
278	72	Monica SMITHSON	31:16
323	99	Pamela VILJOEN	33:21
331	105	Lindsay PATEMAN	33:33
340	107	Caroline CROFT	33:50
341	108	Carole SHELDRICK	33:51
353	221	Jim BROWN	34:27
355	114	Penny SCHENKEL	34:28
354	113	Tracy PEZ	34:28
365	121	Sally PICKLES	35:05
375	229	Stephen SMITHSON	35:53
378	230	Paul HOLGATE	36:17
380	129	Karen ELLIS	36:25
379	128	Jenny GARRETT	36:25
381	231	Keith MANTON	36:39
382	130	Jo MANSFIELD	37:04
400	236	Paul JENNINGS	38:48
405	146	Beverley HARLOW	39:58
408	149	Tracy HAYGARTH	40:38
436	172	Debbie BLANTERN	47:24
441	246	Roger BIGGS	49:50

Tags Abingdon, Centurion Running, Great South Run, parkrun, Stevenage half marathon, York 10 Miles

News Race Results

WILLOW 10K

Great Eastern Run

This year’s Great Eastern Run in Peterborough was a fantastic event for fast times with eleven Spartans joining the fun.

Spartan KRISTIAN ATANASOV blasted round Sunday’s Great Eastern Run taking 3 minutes 58 seconds (3:58) of his half marathon personal best and finishing top 100 with 1 hour 16 minutes 31 seconds.

Kris said “here is a little summary of how I think the race went:

Even before the race started, it felt a bit rushed and a little panicked as I was not at the right pace zone and feared I’d have to start with a lot of traffic ahead of me. Luckily, I managed to get into a good position less than three minutes before the start was given.

We went with a bit a of an easy start, then got into a good fast paced rhythm, feeling I could sustain a great pace till the end. The fog was ever present on the roads but there was barely any wind, which made the conditions, very good for a PB (personal best) attempt.

My legs started to feel a bit heavy just after the mid point in the race but I was determined to push myself until the end and managed with the uplift from the spectacular audience to finish strongly and grab myself a 3 minutes and 58 seconds improvement in the half marathon.

Overall, had a great time, achieving a new high in my running season, surrounded by amazing Spartan runners and a cheerleader. The event organisation was very much on top, and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

Club men’s captain MIKE JEFFS was another happy Spartan. He took 1:06 of his PB to go sub 1:20 (under 80 minutes) with 1:19:16.

Then PETE GENTLE really stirred things up taking 25 minutes 35 seconds (25:35!) off his PB by finishing in 1:27:24. There was another PB from ANNABELLE WHITE who improved by 2:50 to 1 hour 46 minutes exactly.

After a week off with a niggle ROSS GALLAGHER treated this one as a progression run as part of a Sunday long run. His chip time was 1:35:48.

A half marathon is never easy but JIM BROWN really enjoyed his run. OK a bit of misty specs but otherwise the conditions were pretty much spot on for him. Despite 4,701 finishers and being in “the masses” there were no hold ups, very efficient water stations, no significant hazards, a great running surface and if anything slightly downhill for the second half.

It was possible to run across the start line and keep going at a consistent pace. 28:32 for the first 5K and 28:12 for the last 5K gives some idea. He finished in 2:02:08. His best time this year by 1 minute 26 seconds.

Jim said “Of course it might have been nice to have been 129 seconds faster but maybe I can get closer to a significant barrier another time. Great to be able to walk to Stevenage station get on a train, easy walk to the race start and just run.”

SHARON CROWLEY said it was a chilly morning for the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough, but for her it was almost a 40 minute improvement from her Cambridge Half back in March. She finished in 2 hours 13 minutes 26 seconds and was very happy with that.

GERRY ROSEN’s time was 2:28:17, beating his Ealing Half time by almost two minutes. He’s off to the Abingdon Marathon next weekend.

Pos	First Name	Second Name	Gen	Category	Cat Pos	Chip Time
99	Kristian	Atanasov	M	MO	68	1:16:31.1
169	Mike	Jeffs	M	M40-44	36	1:19:16.8
322	Simon	Fraser	M	MO	189	1:24:03.8
452	Pete	Gentle	M	M45-49	52	1:27:24.10
814	Charles	Arnold	M	M65-69	4	1:34:30.7
892	Ross	Gallagher	M	M40-44	137	1:35:48.3
1673	Annabelle	White	F	FO	162	1:46:00.8
2549	Caroline	Barter	F	F45	63	1:56:22.3
3006	Jim	Brown	M	M70-74	5	2:02:08.4
3665	Sharon	Crowley	F	F65-69	11	2:13:26.3
4214	Gerry	Rosen	M	M50-54	249	2:28:17.1

Willow 10K at Hatfield

The Willow Foundation is Fairlands Valley Spartans charity of the year and 25 Spartans ran the Willow 10K on Sunday.

A couple beat 50 minutes. STEPHEN MASSEY with 48:56 and TONY VICKERS who was second in his age category with 49:14. JO COOKSLEY was second woman 35 plus with 51:12. ALICE WELCH took a big 4 minutes 20 seconds chunk off her 10K personal best (PB) when she finished in 57:18 and SAM GENTLY took 1:23 off her personal best with 58:38. Her first time under 60 minutes. SALLY PICKLES improved by 2:05 to 1:03:19.

It was a hilly course but SAM SUTTON ran her second fastest 10K with 1:02:02 at the Willow 10K.

HAZEL SMITH said it was a lovely route, and it was great to support the club’s charity of the year!

Hazel finished third in her age category and 97th overall with a chip time of 55 minutes exactly.

Position	Name	Time (Chip)	Time (Gun)	Category
52	STEPHEN MASSEY	48:56	49:03	M35
57	TONY VICKERS	49:14	49:21	MV55
70	JO COOKSLEY	51:12	51:18	F35
84	JAYNE RIDDELL	53:17	53:25	F55
97	HAZEL SMITH	55:00	55:14	F50
109	LINDA NOLAN	55:43	55:56	F60
125	ALICE WELCH	57:04	57:18	FOpen
133	DAVID RIDDELL	58:23	58:39	MV60
137	SAM GENTLY	58:38	58:53	FV45
156	TIM ROBINSON	59:56	1:00:08	MV55
181	SAM SUTTON	1:02:02	1:02:16	FV50
193	SALLY PICKLES	1:03:19	1:03:34	FV60
200	JOLYON BLAND	1:03:57	1:04:24	M35
212	NICK KLEANTHOUS	1:05:06	1:05:29	M60
235	LIZ CAVELL	1:08:05	1:08:20	F65
254	AMANDA VICKERS	1:10:18	1:10:30	F50
266	JAYNE DYMOKE	1:12:37	1:12:56	F45
267	SALLY PHILLIPS	1:13:31	1:13:45	F60
282	JANE WADEY	1:16:44	1:16:58	F55
300	BECKY RAYNER	1:20:58	1:21:54	F40
316	NIKI PLUMB	1:25:07	1:25:21	F45
322	LEE POTTER	1:28:57	1:29:53	M35
326	EMMA CHAPMAN	1:31:51	1:32:22	F35
327	JANE WHITROW	1:38:52	1:39:43	F55
328	ABBIE WHITROW	1:38:52	1:39:43	FOpen

Lucy in Budapest

LUCY PAUL joined Fairlands Valley Spartans two months ago. She’d taken most of last year off running and was just building up again by herself. She says the Tuesday intervals and last Sunday’s 10 miler with the club have definitely improved her running and increased my confidence. She finished the Budapest marathon on Sunday in 4:31:42. Now she’s looking forward to lots more running with FVS.

Manchester Half

Spartan KEITH HOOKER ran the Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday. His previous personal best was 1 hour 41 minutes. Now it’s 1:35:32.

Bournemouth 10K

Lovely weather and no hills for the Bournemouth 10K said PETE COOK. He finished in a season’s best 52:14.

Back in the Spartans

NATALIE LAWRENCE was first woman and eighth out of the 260 runners in the Love Luton Runfest Half Marathon on Sunday. Her time was 1:23:51!

Running the River

The Run the River 10K saw MATTHEW NEWTON finish in 49 minutes 33 seconds (49:33). He was 55^th out of the 284 finishers in the multi-terrain event along the Lee Valley,

Here Comes The Stevenage Half

Organised by a local community running club, Fairlands Valley Spartans, and with more than 350 entries so far the Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 19^th October at 10a.m. Entries are open to all aged 17 plus but it will include the Hertfordshire county senior championships.

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

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

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

This is the real thing. Fairlands Valley Spartans have organised the Stevenage Marathon and Half Marathon since 1984. There will be dozens of volunteers from FVS and local organisations such as the Scouts. Can you come and stand / wave / cheer / point on 19^th October? Contact shm@fvspartans.org.uk

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

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

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

This will be a great local event for spectators.

Bristol and Bath Railway Marathon

Tricia Hopper ran the Bath & Bristol Railway Marathon on Sunday 12 October organised by Relish Running. It was a mostly flat, tarmac out and back route. An enjoyable and friendly run in perfect conditions.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 11^th October 2025

Spartan GAIL MACKIE was first woman with 22 minutes 19 seconds. HAYLEY PEACH ran a new parkrun PB with 35:55.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:29
14	14	Grant RAMSAY	20:29
18	18	Danny SCANLON	21:08
36	1	Gail MACKIE	22:19
47	42	Matthew COOKE	22:39
75	68	Daniel VILJOEN	24:14
100	89	Stuart ARCHER	25:01
105	93	Darren EMMERSON	25:13
107	10	Claire PULLEN	25:21
136	117	Matt TUTTON	26:23
147	127	Matt CLARKE	26:51
167	141	Jim BROWN	27:58
210	39	Lorraine HILL	29:21
229	45	Ada JANUSIENE	29:51
230	46	Fiona CLARKE	29:52
285	197	David ACKERY	31:49
300	204	Matthew NEWTON	32:27
312	210	Kartik SHARMA	33:02
313	211	Ahaan SHARMA	33:03
320	214	Luke SILVER	33:45
324	92	Pamela VILJOEN	33:56
338	100	Lindsay PATEMAN	34:37
352	109	Penny SCHENKEL	35:36
357	112	Hayley PEACH	35:55
358	113	Caroline CROFT	35:57
359	114	Carole SHELDRICK	35:58
372	120	Jenny GARRETT	37:37
373	121	Julie SHADBOLT	37:38
394	134	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:18
400	244	Paul JENNINGS	39:57
408	143	Melody BROWN	41:16
429	256	Roger BIGGS	50:32
435	159	Nikki NATION	52:50
436	258	Tony RANDFIELD	53:01
442	163	Bonnie BRAZIL	57:06

Tags Bournemouth 10K, Bristol and Bath Railway Marathon, Budapest Marathon, Great Eastern Run, Luton Half Marathon, Manchester Half, parkrun, Run the River 10K, Stevenage half marathon, Willow 10k

News Race Results

SPARTANS AT STANDALONE

There were 27 Spartans at the Standalone 10 and some were very happy including SAMANTHA SUTTON beat one hour for 10K for the first time. Her time was 59:09 which improved her personal best (PB) by a massive 5 minutes 15 seconds (5:15)

GEORGIE HOOPER was the fastest female from Spartans and her 43:32 was a new personal best (PB) by 1:02.

Wow. PETER SACH took 10 minutes 10 seconds (10:10) off his personal best when he finished in 53:39.

MONICA SMITHSON was over one minute quicker than last year, so she was happy with that. Her 1:04:06 represents a new season’s best by 30 seconds.

SHARON CROWLEY improved her season’s time by 1:11 to 57:54; SALLY PICKLES but her PB by 36 seconds to 1:05:24 and JANE WADEY reduced her 2025 time by 2:30 to 1:15:48. GAIL MACKIE improved to 1:15:48.

Pos	Cat	Name	Cat	Gun	Chip
92	24	Adrian DONNELLY	MV40	41:08	40:58
100	47	Nick GILL	MS	41:31	41:24
159	48	Paul MOULD	MV40	43:29	43:18
162	49	Danny SCANLON	MV40	43:31	43:22
168	10	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	43:40	43:29
170	7	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	43:41	43:32
183	11	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	43:56	43:46
234	9	Gail MACKIE	FV35	45:44	45:34
261	70	Lewis GREEN	MV40	46:33	46:11
468	5	Claire PULLEN	FV55	51:14	50:50
471	31	Anita WELTZ	FV35	51:16	50:52
537	36	Martin DUDLEY	MV60	52:54	52:05
592	15	Jamie HADDLETON	MU20	54:12	53:47
604	182	Peter SACH	MS	54:29	53:39
626	46	Megan SUTTON	FS	55:02	54:13
638	10	Jackie PERRY	FV55	55:16	54:51
688	9	Jim BROWN	MV70	56:27	55:37
699	50	Sophie PARSONS	FS	56:40	55:52
823	4	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	59:04	57:54
892	65	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	1:00:21	59:09
1087	50	Monica SMITHSON	FV55	1:05:17	1:04:06
1122	51	Sally PICKLES	FV55	1:06:37	1:05:24
1283	70	Jane WADEY	FV55	1:17:01	1:15:48
1308	87	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	1:21:46	1:19:55
1310	168	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	1:23:13	1:21:25
1313	140	Nichola DURENT	FV45	1:27:24	1:25:36
1323	280	Lee POTTER	MS	1:34:18	1:32:29

Westward Ho! on the North Coast 110

On Saturday ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the North Coast 110 miles trail event. That followed the north coast of the south west peninsula. A self navigation event based on the South West Coastal Path it included more than 7000 metres of elevation; starting at 7.30a.m; Storm Amy, a blown hip flexor and taking 34 hours 1 minute and 33 seconds including going through the night. Enough said!

Epping Forest 50K

Spartan TERRY SAWYER completed the Epping Forest 50K on Saturday. He said it was a nice and fun event despite the wind. Terry completed the Ultra event in 4 hours 50 minutes 31 seconds (4:50:31).

Here Comes The Stevenage Half

Organised by a local community running club, Fairlands Valley Spartans, and with more than 304 entries so far the Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 19^th October. Entries are open to all aged 17 plus but it will include the Hertfordshire county senior championships.

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

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

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

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

This will be a great local event for spectators.

Cardiff Half Marathon

After three weeks of no running and almost a week of food poisoning the week of the run SUE HAMER was pleased to finish the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes 50 seconds.

That’s the fourth of the four superhalfs done, next stop Prague.

MICHAEL FISHER cut his PB by 3.5 minutes at the Cardiff Half Marathon.

He said, “I’ve seen some criticism earlier in the year about the Superhalf events but have to say that this was run pretty perfectly in my eyes.

The course itself was tough, with hills in the back half and Storm Amy causing a 3km section in the middle to be tougher than it should. Two short sharp hills right near the end sapped the energy from my legs which meant that sprint finish wasn’t quite there to sneak under that 1.21 mark! A very near miss with 1:21:02. All in all, what a good day out in the Welsh Capital.”

Cambridge 10K

MATT TUTTON ran the Cambridge 10K on Sunday. He was really pleased with his chip time of 54:43 given it’s been a few months since his last 10k. A flat course is always favourable. Credit to the pacer who did a great job keeping everyone motivated which helped to get him home in under 55 minutes.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 27^th September 2025

There were black numbers for wind speeds on Saturday morning but Stevenage parkrun went ahead in sunshine with 455 finishers despite a Spartan awayday and a forecast that might have put some off.

The 455 included 171 women and 34 Spartans. The 34 included SIMON JACKSON second with 18:40; LEE PICKERSGILL with a new PPB of 22:41; CHRIS WATLING 25:09 running his 20^th parkrun; new member JODIE WILSON the fastest female from Fairlands with 26:36; STEVE TINSLEY 27:30 in his 80^th parkrun; and LINDSAY PATEMAN running a new parkrun personal best of 34:04.

Some Spartans had planned a trip to Bushey, home of the original parkrun, for the 21^st Anniversary of parkrun, but that event was cancelled due to the weather so they diverted the minibus to get a parkrun “V,” the Valentines parkrun at Ilford. This was a two lap event on flat tarmac paths.

The eleven Spartans had a great time including REBECCA RAYNER running a milestone 25^th parkrun in 39:23 and NICOLA HATHERLY her 70^th parkrun in 37:24. There were 379 finishers.

Altogether 56 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. This was a first of the month stripes day. 34 were at the 421^st Stevenage parkrun where there were 455 finishers.

Stevenage Parkrun

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Simon JACKSON	18:40
17	16	Grant RAMSAY	21:25
19	18	Tony RANDFIELD	21:30
37	34	Lee PICKERSGILL	22:41
45	42	Martin JACOB	22:56
51	47	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:06
76	70	Paul MAGUIRE	24:13
81	75	Martin DUDLEY	24:21
88	82	Daniel VILJOEN	24:33
109	99	Chris WATLING	25:09
131	117	Charlie WHITE	26:18
145	16	Jodie WILSON	26:36
165	142	Ryan DUNNING	27:16
174	148	Steve TINSLEY	27:30
203	168	Matt CLARKE	28:12
211	33	Carole SHELDRICK	28:22
224	176	Jim BROWN	28:48
235	43	Harriet SMITH	29:03
237	44	Fiona CLARKE	29:08
252	51	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	29:45
296	212	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:34
309	76	Alice WELCH	31:53
322	83	Annabelle WHITE	32:42
337	94	Pamela VILJOEN	33:13
358	108	Lindsay PATEMAN	34:04
374	237	Lloyd DIAS	35:29
388	128	Julie SHADBOLT	36:16
394	247	Stephen SMITHSON	36:37
396	131	Hayley PEACH	36:40
417	150	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:53
422	252	Paul JENNINGS	42:12
431	159	Melody BROWN	44:41
432	160	Penny SCHENKEL	44:55
442	258	Roger BIGGS	50:47

Valentines Parkrun

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
30	28	Matthew COOKE	22:45
68	60	Peter SACH	25:09
83	10	Megan SUTTON	25:54
166	39	Jessica CLARKE	29:47
167	119	Jay PAPA	29:48
168	40	Hazel SMITH	29:48
171	41	Samantha SUTTON	29:57
265	84	Jayne DYMOKE	34:49
299	103	Nicola HATHERLY	37:24
313	110	Rebecca RAYNER	39:14
316	112	Niki PLUMB	39:32

Tags Cardiff Half, Epping Forest 50K, North Coast 110, parkrun, Standalone 10K, Stevenage half marathon

News Race Results

EIGHT AT HITCHIN

Hitchin 5K

Eight Spartans enjoyed Sunday’s Hitchin 5K.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welwyn Half and 10K

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

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

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

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

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

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

Running Through The Glen

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

Ealing Half

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

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

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

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

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

Gerry’s next stop will be the Abingdon Marathon.

New Best in Vitality 10K

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

Resolution 5K

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

Yuko Selected

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

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

Here Comes The Stevenage Half

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

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

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

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

Last Friday

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

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 27^th September 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross Country

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Race Results

Andrew and Eloise Win Handicap 5K

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross Country

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

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

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

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

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

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

Berlin Station

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

Ouse Valley Way Marathon

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

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

Letchworth 5K

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

Marmite Creative juices 10k Canicross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Race Results

TROPHIES AT HATFIELD THREE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Spartan women, 11 men ran all three races.

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

Spartans at Stevenage 10K and 5K

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

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

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

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

Alice Welch:

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

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

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

5K

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

10K

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

Kelly Raised Thousands

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

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

Harvathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sue at Copenhagen Half Marathon

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

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

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

Langdale Half Marathon

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

Takeover – Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 13^th September 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Race Results

MEDALS AT HATFIELD BESTS in 5K

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

Nikon Z8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Famous Fairlands Five at Great North Run

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

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

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

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

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

Bedford Running Festival

Bedford 20

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

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

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

Bedford Half

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

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

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

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

Twilight 10K

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

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

Big Half in London

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enduro Stampede

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

EMAC

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

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

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

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

At least 59 Spartans ran a parkrun somewhere on Saturday.

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

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

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

News Race Results

TEN PERSONAL BESTS AT HATFIELD 5K!!

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date August 31, 2025
No Comments on TEN PERSONAL BESTS AT HATFIELD 5K!!

28 Spartans beat 30 minutes at the Hatfield 5K on Wednesday evening AND there were ten new personal bests for Fairlands Valley Spartans.

The near perfect running conditions helped CHARLIE WHITE to beat 17 minutes with a fantastic Fairlands 16:59 which got him 20th place overall and a personal best (PB). NICK GILL was just one place behind at 21^st with a new PB of 17 minutes exactly.

Nick said “17:00 for me – 25 seconds quicker than my previous PB on the same course in 2023. Would I liked to have dipped under the 17-minute barrier? Yes! Do I care? No! Delighted with the race and the time, while deep into marathon training. One year ago my longest run on the comeback from injury was 33 minutes, now I’m running faster than ever before. It was a fantastic Spartans turnout with so many incredible performances!”

SIMON JACKSON was close behind at 25^th with 17:04 and MIKE JEFFS made it into the club’s Fab Four at 29^th with 17:11.

MEGAN SUTTON 181^st got under 25 minutes for the first time with a new 5K personal best of 24 minutes 32 seconds.

A “train” of Spartans arrived just after 27 minutes. Four in 15 seconds and in consecutive positions. They were JIM BROWN 209^th in 27:27; PENNY SCHENKEL 210^th in a new season’s best (SB) of 27:34; KARL SHREEVE in 27:40 and SHARON CROWLEY second woman 65 plus in a new SB of 27:42. They were pursued by SAM GENTRY 215^th with a new personal best (PB) of 28:05 and SAMMIE SUTTON 218^th with a new PB of 28:37. CALLIE CHAPMAN 224^th ran her best 5K for several years dipping under 30 minutes with 29:56.

The other PBs were ROSS GALLAGHER 17:24 (a 32 second improvement); PERRI GENTRY 17:29; MICHAEL FISHER 17:39; NATHAN KIRLEY 17:44 and TONY RANDFIELD 20:30.

The fastest female from Fairlands was GEORGIE HOOPER with 20:24.

MARIE COLUCCI 22:11 (SB); ANNABELLE WHITE 22:25; JO COOKSLEY 23:33 (SB) and HAZEL SMITH 26:10 (SB) beat the Spartan rush.

BRIAN WHITE was second man 70 plus with 26:03.

Pl.	AG	Name	Cat	Time*
20	14	Charlie WHITE	MS	16:59
21	15	Nick GILL	MS	17:00
25	7	Simon JACKSON	MV40	17:04
29	8	Mike JEFFS	MV40	17:11
32	10	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	17:24
35	23	Perri GENTRY	MS	17:29
38	24	Michael FISHER	MS	17:39
41	25	Nathan KIRLEY	MS	17:44
84	25	Kris JEROME	MV40	19:29
112	10	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	20:30
113	43	Matthew JACKSON	MS	20:27
114	5	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	20:24
128	14	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	21:15
136	45	Matthew COOKE	MS	21:39
145	5	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	22:11
148	17	Annabelle WHITE	FS	22:25
151	22	Andy PRIOR	MV50	22:33
173	10	Jo COOKSLEY	FV35	23:33
181	24	Megan SUTTON	FS	24:32
198	2	Brian WHITE	MV70	26:03
200	14	Hazel SMITH	FV45	26:10
209	6	Jim BROWN	MV70	27:27
210	9	Penny SCHENKEL	FV55	27:34
211	29	Karl SHREEVE	MV50	27:40
212	2	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	27:42
215	15	Sam GENTRY	FV45	28:05
218	17	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	28:37
224	14	Callie CHAPMAN	FV35	29:56
227	28	Rose SUTTON	FS	30:34
231	28	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	35:17
232	14	Jane WADEY	FV55	37:27
235	16	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	41:09

Coming Up Soon – the Stevenage Half Marathon

Organised by a local community running club and with more than 225 entries so far the Stevenage Half Marathon will be on Sunday 19^th October. Entries are open to all aged 17 plus but it will include the Hertfordshire county senior championships.

The two lap course will include Fairlands Valley Park, Grace Way the railway station and other parts of Stevenage. The event HQ will be at Hampson Park Community Centre.

Fairlands Valley Spartans have been organising half and full marathons in Stevenage for more than 40 years. See https://stevenagehalfmarathon.org.uk/

Last Friday

After a satisfying 5K in Hatfield on Wednesday evening Spartan JIM BROWN enjoyed the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. After a lot of rain overnight there was one flood on the course but pleasant conditions for the lunch-time event which he finished in 28 minutes 44 seconds. That let him knock off his slowest time for earlier in the year in the best of six in a calendar competition. He is now sitting on 64.1%.

MARTIN WOOD was 126^th in 22:57 and second claim club member RALPH DADSWELL 56^th in 19:47.

Hawaii Five – O Take Two – Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 30^th August

A Hawaii Five – O revival and a beautiful morning brought out 590 parkrunners including 295 women for Saturday morning’s parkrun in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. 33 of them were Fairlands Valley Spartans and it was an FVS one-two at the fast end. ANDREW PATTERSON was quickest in just 16 minutes 44 seconds (16:44) and SIMON JACKSON second in 17:55. This time the fastest female from Fairlands was GAIL MACKIE with 26:07.

SAMMIE SUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 29 minutes 1 second (29:01) at the Jubilee parkrun in Bedford. NIKI PLUMB completed the same event in 43:27.

Altogether 51 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Some of the others were CHARLES ARNOLD 22:53 and JOHN NELMS 23:34 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; JAY PAPA 23:50 at Huntingdon; MATTHEW COOKE 24:01 and DARREN EMMERSON 25:14 at Pocket; MIKE REYNOLDS 27:05 in Fareham (Hampshire); NICK GILL 27:19 in Letchworth; STEVE TINSLEY 28:50 at Westmill; KEITH ABRAHAMS 29:17 at Blandford; DANIEL SUTTON 30:09 and CHRIS HOLLAND 31:24 at Rutland and DARRYL STEVENS 40:05 at Oaklands College.

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

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Andrew PATTERSON	16:44
2	2	Simon JACKSON	17:55
49	46	Tony RANDFIELD	22:45
69	65	Lee PICKERSGILL	23:29
93	84	Daniel VILJOEN	24:29
128	108	Charlie WHITE	25:40
144	19	Gail MACKIE	26:07
152	126	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:23
164	134	Grant RAMSAY	26:35
173	141	Martin JACOB	26:48
184	149	Andy PRIOR	27:01
195	158	Peter SACH	27:18
202	162	Mark BEASLEY	27:35
203	33	Karen ELLIS	27:38
225	177	Matt TUTTON	28:06
226	178	David ACKERY	28:08
231	182	Ryan DUNNING	28:18
290	66	Kerstin WEINER	29:45
292	215	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:48
296	71	Harriet SMITH	29:52
315	78	Carole SHELDRICK	30:13
318	81	Ada JANUSIENE	30:23
340	90	Debbie BLANTERN	30:55
395	121	Pamela VILJOEN	32:29
409	266	Chris WATLING	33:08
455	279	Lloyd DIAS	35:08
457	163	Caroline CROFT	35:11
472	175	Annabelle WHITE	35:51
499	194	Karen PALMER	37:51
514	204	Lindsay PATEMAN	38:47
582	308	Roger BIGGS	57:38
584	256	Carolyn LINSELL	57:44
587	258	Linda GEORGE	62:13

Tags Hatfield 5K, parkrun, Serpentine 5K, Stevenage half marathon

News Race Results

TIM AND SALLY WIN 5K HANDICAP

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date August 24, 2025
No Comments on TIM AND SALLY WIN 5K HANDICAP

Perfect running conditions helped all 15 Spartans who ran this month’s Handicap 5K to finish ahead of their handicap time. The event which was in Stevenage on Thursday evening was won by Tim Robinson 4 minutes 46 seconds (4:46) better than handicap with a season’s best (SB) time of 26 minutes 29 seconds (26:29).

Sally Pickles was winning woman equalling her previous season’s best (SB) time of 30:39, 3:21 better than handicap. Jayne Dymoke was second lady in a new (personal best) PB time of 36:11, finishing together with Sharon Crowley who was third lady. Charlie Arnold was second man in 22:04 and Paul Maguire third man with 25:55.

Charlie’s 22:04 was the fastest time of the night with Craig Bacon second quickest in 22:56. Jo Cooksley was the fastest woman with 24:45 and Yuko Gordon second quickest lady in 25:42, while new member Jodie Wilson was third fastest lady in 29:13.

Thank you Mike Crowley and Mark Freeman for their assistance with the start and finish and to Paul Holgate for organising the event.

In handicap events the slower runners start first and the others based on recent performances set off at intervals to chase them and each other. If everyone runs “to form” they will all finish together. In fact the best improver, while maybe not the fastest runner on the night, crosses the finish line first and wins.

The final handicap 5K of the year will be in Stevenage on Thursday evening 18^th September.

Pos	First Name	Last Name	Time	Hcap	Finish Time	Comp Hcap
1	TIM	ROBINSON	26:29	13:45	40:14	4:46
2	SALLY	PICKLES	30:39	11:00	41:39	3:21
3	JAYNE	DYMOKE	36:11	6:15	42:26	2:34
4	SHARON	CROWLEY	36:11	6:15	42:26	2:34
5	YUKO	GORDON	25:42	16:45	42:27	2:33
6	JUDY	KING	29:48	13:15	43:03	1:57
7	MARLEEN	VAN ZWIETEN	38:39	4:45	43:24	1:36
8	JODIE	WILSON	29:13	14:15	43:28	1:32
9	CHARLES	ARNOLD	22:04	21:30	43:34	1:26
10	LEANNE	WILSON	29:22	14:15	43:37	1:23
11	PAUL	MAGUIRE	25:55	17:45	43:40	1:20
12	KARL	SHREEVE	28:16	15:30	43:46	1:14
13	SAMANTHA	SUTTON	29:46	14:15	44:01	0:59
14	CRAIG	BACON	22:56	21:15	44:11	0:49
15	JO	COOKSLEY	24:45	19:30	44:15	0:45

Alice in London

New Spartan ALICE WELCH ran the LDNX London 10K in a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 5 minutes 18 seconds (1:05:18). Well done Alice all those Kenyan Hills and joining a running club has massively paid off! There is more to come from Alice. The Spartans are so proud of you. There were 4,665 finishers.

Adrian in Gosfield

A win for ADRIAN BUSOLINI at the Gosfield Backyard Ultra with 31 laps or 207 kilometres in 31 hours.

Adrian said, “It was a lovely fair weather weekend for another backyard ultra, this time in Gosfield, Essex. A compact 6.7km course full of twists and turns, loops and loopbacks, marked by hundreds of little orange flags in the grass. Every hour, on the hour, run a lap and get back to the corral ready to go again. Last one standing wins the trophy.

A friendly bunch of 51 souls set out on this loopy backyard adventure. Seven of us made it 24 hours (100 miles); including me, in spite of some pretty dippy decisions like running a yard in sandals. One of the 24 hour runners was Jemima, who set a new women’s record. Given she only had a couple of ultras under her belt, the ease with which she flew around those 24 laps blew me away.

The next couple of laps took a few scalps, so it wasn’t long before only three of us remained. We were probably the predictable trio. Dom had been struggling earlier but seemed to have bounced back like a man on a mission. Jan had started the race with an injury but appeared his usual ebullient self, radiating energy and positivity. I, in contrast, was probably quite inscrutable. Unbeknownst to those around me I had no intention of DNF’ing here. So when Dom hung up the towel, and it was just the BYU (Back Yard Ultra) master Jan and I left slogging it out, it appeared we could be in for a very long stretch.

Fortunately Jan didn’t fancy spending the week weaving around Gosfield School’s sports field for the second year on the trot, so after 30 laps & some 200km Jan genially bowed out for the assist (second place), leaving the final lap for me to hammer round in a segment course record. I was home in time to rest up and enjoy the Benington Chilli Festival the following day, to be rounded off with a jar of Jan’s exceptional homemade jam. A long weekend to be savoured with plums and habaneros.”

31 yards, 31 hours, 207km

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 23^rd August

29 Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed the Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning. DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won in 17:45; SIMON JACKSON was fourth in 18:20 and PERRI GENTLY fifth in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 18:39. That’s three Spartans in the top five.

GAIL MACKIE was second woman with 22:18.

SAM GENTRY ran her tenth parkrun in a new PPB of 30:13; CAROLE SHELDRICK her fortieth in 34:27 and LINDSAY PATEMAN a new PPB with 39:40. JIM BROWN was first man 70 plus with 27:48. A former Spartan, ROGER HARDMAN donned the celebration cape for his 100^th milestone and was second man over 75 with 32:34.

50 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Some of those at other parkruns included DAVID RIDDELL 22:58 and JAYNE RIDDELL 27:11 at Holkham; ANDY PRIOR 23:21 and KERSTIN PRIOR 26:06 at Scunthorpe; CHARLES ARNOLD 24:14; DAVID VILJOEN 24:46 and PAMELA VILJOEN 32:04 at Letchworth; JESSICA CLARKE 24:36 at Kings Lynn; DARREN EMMERSON 25:30 and CLAIRE EMMERSON 29:27 at Pocket; JOHN NELMS 25:36 at Ross-On-Wye; LORRAINE HILL at Glasgow Victoria Park; PETER SACH 28:11 and SALLY PICKLES 30:43 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; NICOLA HATHERLY 37:40 in Rickmansworth and TRACY HAYGARTH in Westmill.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	17:45
4	3	Simon JACKSON	18:20
5	4	Perri GENTRY	18:39
25	24	Tony RANDFIELD	21:18
36	2	Gail MACKIE	22:18
51	46	Jay PAPA	23:05
76	69	Matthew COOKE	24:09
81	73	Martin DUDLEY	24:25
111	96	Toby ECCLESHALL	25:29
121	14	Claire PULLEN	25:42
126	15	Rhiannon GRIFFIN	25:55
159	131	Steve TINSLEY	27:04
172	140	Ryan DUNNING	27:45
173	141	Jim BROWN	27:48
236	57	Sharon CROWLEY	29:32
246	62	Sam GENTRY	30:13
256	65	Fiona CLARKE	30:24
261	68	Penny SCHENKEL	30:33
270	73	Eva RAMSEY	30:55
273	76	Debbie BLANTERN	31:00
346	120	Carole SHELDRICK	34:27
347	121	Caroline CROFT	34:28
408	232	Lloyd DIAS	38:11
423	172	Lindsay PATEMAN	39:40
439	184	Beverley HARLOW	41:43
442	187	Rebecca RAYNER	42:49
445	190	Niki PLUMB	43:53
453	196	Carolyn LINSELL	48:00
454	238	Roger BIGGS	48:02

Tags Gosfield Backyard Ultra, Handicap 5k, LDNX, parkrun

News Race Results

CELEBRATIONS AT PARKRUN

See later for the Stevenage running community’s big thank you to Angus Kindley for volunteering 500 times at local parkruns.

Chepstow Running Festival

On Saturday Spartan GERRY ROSEN tamed four laps of Chepstow Race Course to finish the running festival half marathon. He said the course was not flat, not undulating, in between if that makes sense. There’s a hill very similar to the end of the MK20, zero shade, it was hot, very friendly marshals and a few Spartan shout outs, now to enjoy the very rare Welsh sunshine, Iechyd Da !!

Gerry took part in the Chepstow Half Marathon in the running festival at Chepstow Racecourse. There were also 5K and 10K runners with over 700 in total taking part.

It was rolling terrain and run on gravel and concrete. Unfortunately the clouds dispersed just in time for the start and that made for a very hot difficult morning. Four laps of the inside of the Racecourse with a very cheeky sharp steep hill thrown in every time. He finished in a time of 2 hours 40 minutes.

Richmond to Thames Barrier

Another day, another member doing an Ultra! Spartan JOHN NELMS ran the Richmond to Thames barrier – 33 miles, four river crossings, overall downhill course. He was 33^rd in 7 hours 15 minutes exactly.

Stopsley Trail Ten

YUKO GORDON ran the Stopsley Trail ten mile race in 1:35:17 which got her fifth woman overall and first woman 70 plus. She said it was tough but beautiful.

Second in Stour

Back on the long trails again ADRIAN BUSOLINI was second in the Stour Valley Path 100 kilometre event with 9 hours 33 minutes 27 seconds.

EMAC 2025

Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team has qualified for the final of the East of England Masters (EMAC) track and field competition. They won the local league by an amazing 81 points.

They won their fourth and last counting event by 20 points. The team consisted of MONICA BROWN, LIZ CROWLEY, SHARON CROWLEY, KAREN DODSWORTH, YUKO GORDON, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, JOYLYN SAUNDERS- MULLINS and TESSA STEPHENSON, was held in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 30^th July.

The final is being held at Thurrock on Saturday 6th September.

The Spartan men finished a very credible third.

EMAC organise events for veteran athletes.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 16^th August – a big thank you to Angus

Forty one Spartans joined a massive celebration of the 500^th time Angus Kindley has volunteered at a parkrun. They were part of a moving party of 526 parkrunners around the 5K in Fairlands Valley Park. And others from FVS were helping as volunteers themselves.

And the Spartans had four finishers in the top ten. They were SIMON JACKSON third in 17:40; MIKE JEFFS fourth in 18:04; CIARAN McANENY fifth in 18:20 and KIRK NDUGU seventh in 18:41.

There was a big milestone for STEVE PLATT. His 100^th parkrun so he caped up and ran round in 31 minutes 20 seconds (31:20).

Congratulations to MEL BROWN who achieved her milestone of 25 parkruns in 42:50.

There were three new parkrun personal bests (PPBs) – PETER SACH in 26:38; SALLY PICKLES in 30:52 and LINDSAY PATEMAN in 42:23.

JAY PAPA ran his 80^th parkrun in 20:37.

Angus may not be a Spartan but he’s given thousands of people a little bit of joy on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Thank you from FVS.

More than 53 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Those elsewhere included SHARON CROWLEY who ran a new course best of 30:06 at the Mile End parkrun with the bonus of being first in her age group. SIMON HAIGH finished the Clacton Sea Front parkrun in 22:57; and YUKO GORDON ran the Storeys Field event in 23:25.Recently two Spartans were out of the country. JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL took the opportunity to run the Haga parkrun at Solna on the outskirts of Stockholm. A beautiful morning, almost perfect conditions and an interesting course. Two laps 60% gravel, 40% asphalt. Bit of an uphill slog to the one kilometre marker but a very fast section and a run past the Koppartälten (copper tents) which now has an amazing park café. Jim went round in 29:32 and Penny in 31:34. This was Haga’s 366^th event and they had 210 finishers.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	17:40
4	4	Mike JEFFS	18:04
5	5	Ciaran MCANENY	18:20
7	7	Kirk NDUGU	18:41
13	13	Ralph DADSWELL	19:40
23	23	Jay PAPA	20:37
54	51	Charles ARNOLD	22:29
55	52	Paul SHELLEY	22:31
67	62	David RIDDELL	22:57
85	79	Daniel VILJOEN	23:47
118	105	Darren EMMERSON	25:09
135	119	Matt TUTTON	25:43
154	17	Rhiannon GRIFFIN	26:30
158	134	Peter SACH	26:38
166	138	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:59
167	23	Gail MACKIE	27:00
169	25	Jayne RIDDELL	27:03
207	163	Ryan DUNNING	28:03
216	42	Alison SHELLEY	28:20
225	171	David ACKERY	28:31
256	187	Tony RANDFIELD	29:22
285	70	Claire EMMERSON	30:05
289	72	Samantha SUTTON	30:11
293	74	Ashley JOHNSON	30:15
307	81	Fiona CLARKE	30:31
318	82	Sally PICKLES	30:52
331	88	Debbie BLANTERN	31:06
342	231	Steve PLATT	31:20
357	238	Jim BROWN	32:00
359	99	Penny SCHENKEL	32:05
398	124	Callie CHAPMAN	33:38
414	136	Pamela VILJOEN	34:13
432	148	Carole SHELDRICK	35:55
433	149	Caroline CROFT	35:56
455	162	Karen PALMER	37:54
466	169	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:37
484	181	Lindsay PATEMAN	42:23
488	184	Melody BROWN	42:50
508	284	Roger BIGGS	48:48
509	192	Nikki Katherine NATION	48:50
523	203	Chloe CHAPMAN	1:02:03

Tags Chepstow Running Festival, EMAC, parkrun, Richmond to Thames Barrier, Stopsley 10 miles, Stour Valley Path 100

News Race Results

SECOND IN STOUR

Stopsley Trail Ten

YUKO GORDON ran the Stopsley Trail ten mile race in 1:35:17 which got her fifth woman overall and first woman 70 plus. She said it was tough but beautiful.

Second in Stour

Back on the long trails again ADRIAN BUSOLINI was second in the Stour Valley Path 100 kilometre event with 9 hours 33 minutes 27 seconds.

EMAC 2025

Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team has qualified for the final of the East of England Masters (EMAC) track and field competition. They won the local league by an amazing 81 points.

The final is being held at Thurrock on Saturday 6th September.

The Spartan men finished a very credible third.

EMAC organise events for veteran athletes.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 9^th August

More than 53 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. They included a winner, at least two parkrun personal bests (PPB) and a bit of parkrun tourism.

26 Spartans were among the 512 at Stevenage parkrun where the fastest time was by Spartan SIMON JACKSON with 18 minutes 21 seconds (18:21). SAMMIE SUTTON ran another personal best, that’s in consecutive weeks, of 29:21 and JAYNE DYMOKE ran a new PPB of 36:55. There were several mini-milestones – LEE PICKERSGILL running his 110^th in 23:23; MATT TUTTON his 40^th in 25:10; and STEVE PLATT made it one to go to 100 with his 31:59.

Two Spartans were out of the country. JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL took the opportunity to run the Haga parkrun at Solna on the outskirts of Stockholm. A beautiful morning, almost perfect conditions and an interesting course. Two laps 60% gravel, 40% asphalt. Bit of an uphill slog to the one kilometre marker but a very fast section and a run past the Koppartälten (copper tents) which now has an amazing park café. Jim went round in 29:32 and Penny in 31:34. This was Haga’s 366^th event and they had 210 finishers.

Elsewhere six Spartans were at Henlow Bridge Lakes – PAUL MOULD 20:39; MATT GIFFORD 21:56; HANNAH MANTON 30:26; SALLY PICKLES 30:39; PAUL JENNINGS 34:17 and NICOLA HATHERLY 39:34.

YUKO GORDON ran the Great Denham parkrun in 23:54. Several other Spartans were at other parkruns.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Simon JACKSON	18:21
22	21	Mike JEFFS	20:36
71	63	Lee PICKERSGILL	23:23
74	66	Matthew COOKE	23:35
98	88	Martin DUDLEY	24:09
118	106	David RIDDELL	24:49
125	110	Darren EMMERSON	25:03
130	114	Matt TUTTON	25:10
166	18	Rhiannon GRIFFIN	26:29
182	153	Matthew NEWTON	027:11
209	31	Jayne RIDDELL	27:48
247	193	Steve TINSLEY	28:41
252	51	Claire EMMERSON	28:52
262	54	Samantha SUTTON	29:21
269	205	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:31
311	82	Debbie BLANTERN	30:41
312	221	Maurice BALLARD	30:42
345	237	Steve PLATT	31:59
365	109	Alison SHELLEY	33:03
367	111	Monica SMITHSON	33:06
375	115	Caroline CROFT	33:38
378	117	Eva RAMSEY	33:42
424	146	Jayne DYMOKE	36:55
435	152	Jane WADEY	37:31
474	175	Hazel SMITH	43:00
473	174	Nichola DURENT	43:00

Tags EMAC, parkrun, Stopsley 10 miles, Stour Valley Path 100

News Race Results

SPARTANS WOMEN SOAR TO EMAC FINALS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date August 3, 2025
No Comments on SPARTANS WOMEN SOAR TO EMAC FINALS

Following her personal best in the Stevenage parkrun on Sunday SAMMIE SUTTON ran her second fastest parkrun ever. She ran the Run Through Foundation 10K on Sunday in 64 minutes 25 seconds. That’s only 14 seconds slower than her 10K PB which she set in 2018.

JAY PAPA was in the Olympic Park, Stratford for the same event and was 101^st out of the 3,025 finishers with 39:16.

Yuko Wins On The Autodrome

Spartan YUKO GORDON was the first woman 70 plus in Sunday’s Half Marathon on the Bedford Autodrome. Her time was 1:48:39.

Yuko said “the wind was much stronger than I hoped and it was strong head wind for two thirds of the course. I was so sluggish for first 5 miles today and almost wanted to stop and go home.

After that, I felt suddenly more settled and my legs and breathing started working.

Still, the final mile was tough, tough and tough with the head wind. And wasn’t it quite warm too? I was 9 minutes slower than my last race here 3 years ago.”

EMAC 2025

Fairlands Valleys Spartans women’s team has qualified for the final of the East of England Masters (EMAC). As a result of the fourth and final counting district event and on provisional results winning the League by an amazing 81 points (this could change very slightly but will not affect their qualification).

The last district event was held in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 30^th July.

The final is being held at Thurrock on Saturday 6th September and I am sure you will all join me in wishing them the best of luck.

The Spartan Men finished a very credible third.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 2^nd August

More than 53 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday.There were 560 parkrunners at Stevenage event 412 up 100 on the previous week and up 215 on the week before that. 32 Spartans ran the 5K in Fairlands Valley Park.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	17:01
6	5	Simon JACKSON	18:14
36	33	Alexey ZHERDEV	20:55
44	40	Mike JEFFS	21:29
56	51	Craig BACON	22:10
69	61	Lee PICKERSGILL	22:46
106	92	Martin DUDLEY	24:27
117	101	Stuart ARCHER	24:57
132	112	Darren EMMERSON	25:23
157	128	Jay PAPA	26:03
172	138	Ryan DUNNING	26:28
183	147	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:52
184	29	Gail MACKIE	26:52
267	61	Claire EMMERSON	29:00
288	68	Sophie PARSONS	29:28
290	207	Ryan RIDDELL	29:30
310	82	Samantha SUTTON	29:51
311	214	Jim BROWN	29:51
322	89	Annabelle WHITE	30:17
347	232	Steve TINSLEY	30:57
360	241	Steve PLATT	31:32
362	106	Sally PICKLES	31:34
393	256	Paul JENNINGS	33:17
405	130	Carole SHELDRICK	33:41
406	131	Caroline CROFT	33:42
435	148	Chloe CHAPMAN	35:37
492	186	Hilary DAVIES	38:56
495	189	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:26
518	207	Melody BROWN	42:23
528	215	Nichola DURENT	44:27
531	218	Carolyn LINSELL	45:33
534	219	Emma CHAPMAN	46:07

Tags Bedford Half Marathon, EMAC, parkrun, Run Through Foundation 10K

News Race Results

FAST FAIRLANDS IN BEDFORD

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 27, 2025
No Comments on FAST FAIRLANDS IN BEDFORD

Patrick Anyadi made it back-to-back Handicap 5k victories as he improved his personal best (PB) by 2 minutes 2 seconds (2:02) to finish in 25:33, closely followed by the first lady, Samantha Sutton in a Season’s Best time of 30:12, just two seconds slower than her PB record from 2017. Becca Birt was second lady in her first 5k with a time of 37:25, while Peter Sach finished second man in 25:59 and Jane Wadey third lady with a Year’s Best of 37:38 despite having to stop briefly in the home straight. Karl Shreeve was the third man in a year’s best (YB) 28:02.

Danny Scanlon was fastest runner of the night with a Year’s Best 22:19, Craig Bacon second quickest in 23:23 and John Nelms third fastest in a SB 23:24. Megan Sutton was fastest female in 25:45, with Emily Grieves second quickest in 29:18 and Sam Gentry third fastest in 29:22.

There was also a Year’s Best time for Nichola Durent in 43:59.

Handicap races are won by the best improvers not the fastest runners.

22 Spartans ran. The next handicap 5K will be on Thursday evening 21^stAugust.

Position	First Name	Last Name	Time	Race	Fem. Race
1	PATRICK	ANYADI	25:33	5
2	SAMANTHA	SUTTON	30:12	14	4
3	BECCA	BIRT	37:25	18	8
4	PETER	SACH	25:59	8
5	JANE	WADEY	37:38	19	9
6	EMILY	GRIEVES	29:18	11	2
7	KARL	SHREEVE	28:02	10
8	JUDY	KING	30:26	15	5
9	DANNY	SCANLON	22:19	1
10	SAM	GENTRY	29:22	12	3
11	JOHN	NELMS	23:24	3
12	NICHOLA	DURENT	43:59	20	10
13	SHARON	CROWLEY	43:59	21	11
14	LIZ	CARVELL	31:51	16	6
15	TONY	VICKERS	25:14	4
16	TIM	ROBINSON	30:05	13
17	CRAIG	BACON	23:23	2
18	AMANDA	VICKERS	33:34	17	7
19	MEGAN	SUTTON	25:45	6	1
20	MARTIN	DUDLEY	25:57	7
21	CHRIS	WATLING	26:39	9
22	EMMA	CHAPMAN	46:36	22	12

Doug Anderson 5K

Ten Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed a fast Wednesday evening in Bedford for the Doug Anderson 5K. The race went so well for MIKE JEFFS that he improved his personal best (PB) by 24 seconds to 17:08 for second man 40 plus. He was only beaten by one second! He was eleventh overall out of the 405 finishers.

ADRIAN BUSOLINI finished with him for twelfth overall and another 17:08.

CHARLIE WHITE came in at 17:21 and NATHAN KIRLEY completed four Spartans under 18 minutes with 17:59.

ROSS GALLAGHER was third man 40 plus in 18:01 and PAUL SHELLEY won the 55 plus category with 18:05. JAY PAPA made it seven Spartan under 20 minutes with his 18:43.

Meanwhile CHARLES ARNOLD was second man 65 plus with 21:54 and JESSICA CLARKE beat 24 with 23:49. With MATT TUTTON finishing in 24:38 all ten were under 25 minutes.

Position	Name	Time
11	MIKE JEFFS	17:08
12	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	17:08
19	CHARLIE WHITE	17:21
29	NATHAN KIRLEY	17:59
30	ROSS GALLAGHER	18:01
32	PAUL SHELLEY	18:05
44	JAY PAPA	18:43
120	CHARLES ARNOLD	21:54
164	JESSICA CLARKE	23:49
191	MATT TUTTON	24:38

Serpentine

Dry, bright, humid and 25 degrees for the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park, London. Spartan JIM BROWN completed a series of six this year with 28 minutes 54 seconds (28:54). Now he’s got an opportunity to maybe improve on a couple of the times over the next few months. The next race will be at 12.30p.m. on Friday 29^th August.

Challenge Round Up

131 completed the recent Fairlands Valley Challenge multi-terrain event from Stevenage. 32 of them were Fairlands Valley Spartans. Five distances were offered. The most popular was the half marathon which was finished by 50 people including 14 Spartans. 27 finished the 50 kilometre Ultra event and 21 the marathon.

Arty Spart

The FVS Daylight running group enjoyed a running tour of some of the new underpass art in Stevenage. They run for about an hour at 10a.m. on Wednesdays.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 26^th July

There were 460 parkrunners at Stevenage, up 115 on the previous week. 28 Spartans ran the 5K in Fairlands Valley Park.

On his way to second place DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 17:09. TONY VICKERS also ran a new parkrun PB (PPB). His was 24:38.

DANIEL VILJOEN ran his 300^th parkrun in 24:40 and ADA JANUSIENE her 20^th in 30:28.

LINDSAY PATEMAN was a first timer with 44:20.

Altogether 50 Spartans ran parkruns those elsewhere included SALLY PICKLES whop ran a new park run PB (PPB) of 32:15 at Panshanger. In addition ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran 17:55 at Endcliffe, Sheffield and SUSAN McANENY ran the Harleston Magpies, Diss event in 25:44.SUZY HAWKINS was in Bude for the Tamar Lakes parkrun which she ran in 23:39.

Tags Doug Anderson 5k, Fairlands Valley Challenge, Handicap 5k, parkrun, Serpentine

News Race Results

SPARTANS KEEP THE RUNNERS RUNNING

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 20, 2025
No Comments on SPARTANS KEEP THE RUNNERS RUNNING

Fairlands Valley Spartans organised events for hundreds of runners over the last few days.

There was a beautiful evening for the Relays in the Park on Thursday with 431 running. No so great on Sunday but many enjoyed the Fairlands Valley Challenge.

Each team in the relay had to run four 3K legs. 48 Spartans ran. Some quick individual runs by Spartans included SIMON FRASER 09:56; DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT 10:09; NICK GILL 10:21; GEORGIE HOOPER 12:29; MARIE COLUCCI 13:16 and JESSICA CLARKE 14:04.

Entrants could choose one of five different distances – 10K, Half Marathon, 18 miles, Marathon or 50K Ultra – in the Fairlands Valley Challenge. All were multi-terrain and self-guided.

Rank	BiB	Name	Time	Cat	Team
20.	54/A	Simon FRASER	09:56	MS	FVS {One of}
30.	55/D	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	10:09	MV40	Callies Sprint ish Sisters + 2
43.	2/B	Nick GILL	10:21	MS	Magic Mike & Friends
56.	2/D	Mike JEFFS	10:28	MV40	Magic Mike & Friends
65.	54/C	Ross GALLAGHER	10:36	MV40	FVS {One of}
67.	2/A	Michael FISHER	10:38	MS	Magic Mike & Friends
69.	54/B	Nathan KIRLEY	10:42	MS	FVS {One of}
70.	15/C	Perri GENTRY	10:43	MS	FVS Pioneers
90.	15/A	Paul SHELLEY	11:00	MV50	FVS Pioneers
91.	54/D	Jason ANDERSON	11:01	MV40	FVS {One of}
103.	15/B	Pete GENTLE	11:07	MV40	FVS Pioneers
108.	2/C	Jay PAPA	11:10	MS	Magic Mike & Friends
137.	29/C	Terry SAWYER	11:40	MV40	Mankini Boys
142.	29/A	Ralph DADSWELL	11:46	MV60	Mankini Boys
144.	110/D	Grant RAMSEY	11:49	MV50	M,N,P,G
148.	15/D	Kris WESTCOTT	11:53	MV40	FVS Pioneers
173.	8/A	Keith HOOKER	12:21	MV40	Whizzy Rascals
179.	33/B	Georgie HOOPER	12:29	FV35	Blister Sisters
182.	55/C	Matt COOKE	12:33	MS	Callies Sprint ish Sisters + 2
209.	29/B	Danny SCANLAN	13:05	MV40	Mankini Boys
213.	110/A	Matt GIFFORD	13:13	MV50	M,N,P,G
217.	33/D	Marie COLUCCI	13:16	FV45	Blister Sisters
232.	3/D	Charlie ARNOLD	13:30	MV60	Supercallis….
236.	8/C	Lee PICKERSGILL	13:33	MV40	Whizzy Rascals
267.	33/A	Jessica CLARKE	14:04	FS	Blister Sisters
277.	29/D	Richard MOORE	14:11	MV40	Mankini Boys
293.	3/A	Chris WAITING	14:30	MS	Supercallis….
295.	28/B	Megan SUTTON	14:32	FS	The Fairlands Four
298.	110/C	Patrick ANYADI	14:37	MS	M,N,P,G
299.	55/B	Jo COOKSLEY	14:40	FV35	Callies Sprint ish Sisters + 2
304.	8/B	Pete COOK	14:42	MV50	Whizzy Rascals
307.	8/D	Tony VICKERS	14:44	MV50	Whizzy Rascals
309.	33/C	Yuko GORDON	14:45	FV65	Blister Sisters
319.	28/A	Peter SACH	15:01	MS	The Fairlands Four
355.	110/B	Nick KLEANTHOUS	16:12	MV60	M,N,P,G
359.	4/C	Carole SHELDRICK	16:18	FV45	2 fast 2 furious
362.	28/C	Rose SUTTON	16:26	FS	The Fairlands Four
364.	28/D	Karl SHREEVE	16:28	MV50	The Fairlands Four
366.	3/C	Linda NOLAN	16:33	FV55	Supercallis….
370.	4/D	Liz CROWLEY	16:55	FV35	2 fast 2 furious
380.	55/A	Hannah MANTON	17:15	FS	Callies Sprint ish Sisters + 2
387.	91/C	Sam GENTRY	17:34	FV45	JuSSSt runners
390.	91/D	Judy KING	17:35	FV55	JuSSSt runners
402.	3/B	Callie CHAPMAN	18:16	FV35	Supercallis….
404.	91/A	Sally PICKLES	18:19	FV55	JuSSSt runners
413.	4/A	Liz CARVELL	19:25	FV65	2 fast 2 furious
415.	91/B	Sally PHILLIPS	19:37	FV55	JuSSSt runners
431.	4/B	Nichola DURENT	26:44	FV45	2 fast 2 furious

St Albans Summer 10K

So different to some recent weekends it was a bit damp at St Albans for the Summer 10K.

Two Spartans were there. JIM BROWN and HANNAH MANTON. Raining at the start and some signs of Saturday’s deluge but no great problems. Jim finished in 57:06 and Hannah in 1:16:05. There were 456 finishers.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 19^th July – a wet one

The heavens opened and it poured on Saturday morning but there were still 345 at Stevenage parkrun and 18 of them were Spartans. NICK KLEANTHOUS achieved a major milestone, his 250^th parkrun and got to wear a very wet green cape to celebrate his achievement. Nick said “250th Park Run completed. Started park running in January 2018. Joined FVS 2019. No parkruns during Lockdown, continued July 2021. Milestone T-shirt now ordered. Not the best day for it today and cape got a little heavy.”

CHARLIE WHITE was third in 18 minutes 47 seconds (18:47).

Spartans elsewhere included PAUL MOULD 22:04 and MATT GIFFORD 22:47 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; SUZY HAWKINS first woman 24:55; MARIE COLUCCI 30:19; GEORGIE HOOPER 31:26; and NICK GILL 34:13 at Letchworth; ALISON SHELLEY 26:32 and PAUL SHELLEY 26:33 at Great Denham; JESSICA CLARKE 29:12 at Tewkesbury and SAMANTHA SUTTON 31:25 at Jersey Farm.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Charlie WHITE	18:47
8	8	Perri GENTRY	19:21
59	52	Tony RANDFIELD	23:25
68	61	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:06
70	63	Matthew COOKE	24:09
87	75	Martin DUDLEY	24:56
93	81	Daniel VILJOEN	25:10
98	84	Tony VICKERS	25:29
126	104	Martin JACOB	26:42
129	107	Ryan DUNNING	26:47
148	123	Jay PAPA	27:33
155	127	Toby ECCLESHALL	27:41
156	19	Gail MACKIE	27:42
237	47	Pamela VILJOEN	31:07
241	180	Steve PLATT	31:28
255	185	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:32
282	70	Caroline CROFT	34:47
283	71	Carole SHELDRICK	34:48

Tags 3K Relays, parkrun, St Albans 10k

News Race Results

MARIE AND GEORGIE ARE WINNERS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 13, 2025
No Comments on MARIE AND GEORGIE ARE WINNERS

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Marie, Georgie, Olivia, Sharon, Simon, Paul and Ralph from Fairlands Valley Spartans were all major award winners in the four race Mid Week League series.

On Wednesday evening all the clubs in all three divisions gathered in Welwyn Garden City for the traditional “mob match” and prize presentations.

MARIE COLUCCI had a clear lead in the women 45 plus competition with 12 points compared with her nearest rivals 24 and 26.

GEORGIE HOOPER and OLIVIA LACIGOVA tied in first place for women 35 plus. They were both on 12 well ahead of the third runner with 41. SHARON CROWLEY was first woman 65 plus.

In the men’s senior (20 -34) contest Spartan SIMON FRASER was equal second with 23 points. PAUL SHELLEY was third man 50 plus with 21 and RALPH DADSWELL won the 60 plus with just 6 points (two first places and two seconds).

The Fairlands Valley veterans (i.e. 35 plus) were second in the division two team competition.

The “mob match” is perhaps a little less competitive and a bit more fun than the counting races but nevertheless 53 Spartans ran the race and many gave it a good go on another warm evening.

GEORGIE HOOPER 49:34 and MARIE COLUCCI 50:35 were the first Spartan women to finish. Their “A” team of eight runners was completed by TRACY PEZ 53:35; MEGAN SUTTON 57:18; OLIVIA NATION 57:20; CLAIRE EMMERSON 59:28; JESSICA CLARKE 1:01:05 and JUDY KING 1:02:08. PENNY SCHENKEL led in the “B” team with 1:03:27.

Six Spartan men beat 40 minutes for the nominal 10 kilometres. They were ADRIAN BUSOLINI 36:50; NICK GILL 37:19: MIKE JEFFS 37:24; CHARLIE WHITE 37:39; DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT 39:11 and DANNY HUKIN 39:23.

The men’s “A” team of 12 runners was completed by PETE GENTLE 41:02; RALPH DADSWELL third man 60 plus in 41:04; PAUL MOULD 42:47; MICHAEL FISHER 43:04; PAUL SHELLEY 43:21 and TERRY SAWYER 43:25. MARK COLLINS led in the men’s “B” team with 43:39.

Parts of the course were a bit congested for the 637 runners and there were some tricky kerbs but it was a great opportunity for members of 22 running clubs to meet up and enjoy each other’s company.

Position	First Name	Last Name	Time	Cat.	Cat Pos
33	Adrian	Busolini	36:50	S
43	Nick	Gill	37:19	S
46	Mike	Jeffs	37:24	V 40	13
49	Charlie	White	37:39	S
77	David	Harris-Cherguit	39:11	V 40	25
80	Danny	Hukin	39:23	V 40	26
122	Pete	Gentle	41:02	V 40	42
123	Ralph	Dadswell*	41:04	V 60	3
155	Paul	Mould	42:47	V 40	55
161	Michael	Fisher	43:04	S
168	Paul	Shelley	43:21	V 50	26
169	Terry	Sawyer	43:25	V 40	59
176	Mark	Collins	43:39	V 40	61
234	Alexey	Zherdev	45:55	V 40	75
236	Matthew	Cooke	46:00	S
239	Craig	Bacon	46:09	V 50	37
248	Charlie	Arnold	46:30	V 60	14
259	Peter	Orton	46:57	V 60	17
287	Keith	Hooker	48:16	V 40	80
288	Melvin	Auburn	48:18	S
315	Danny	Scanlon	49:15	V 40	87
324	Georgie	Hooper	49:34	V 35	9
345	Marie	Colucci	50:35	V 45	12
346	Simon	Haigh	50:35	V 50	66
371	Andy	Prior	51:33	V 50	71
389	Martin	Wood	52:46	V 60	31
410	John	Nelms	53:35	V 50	78
411	Tracy	Pez	53:35	V 45	25
430	Darren	Emmerson	54:16	V 50	82
431	Tony	Vickers	54:24	V 50	83
486	Megan	Sutton	57:18	S
487	Olivia	Nation	57:20	S
490	Jim	Brown	57:27	V 70	6
500	Simon	Sypula	58:23	V 50	94
520	Claire	Emmerson	59:28	V 45	42
538	Karl	Shreeve	1:01:02	V 50	99
539	Jay	Papa	1:01:04	S
540	Jessica	Clarke	1:01:05	S
550	Judy	King	1:02:08	V 55	30
561	Penny	Schenkel	1:03:27	V 55	31
585	Rose	Sutton	1:05:48	S
587	Sam	Gentry	1:05:57	V 45	51
590	Sharon	Crowley	1:06:12	V 65	7
609	Tim	Robinson	1:08:12	V 50	107
613	Liz	Carvell	1:08:47	V 65	8
614	Paul	Holgate	1:08:50	V 60	54
615	Samantha	Sutton	1:08:53	V 45	57
618	Andy	Jay	1:09:54	V 60	55
622	Nick	Kleanthous	1:10:46	V 60	56
626	Callie	Chapman	1:12:20	V 35	50
627	Hazel	Smith	1:12:20	V 45	60
633	Sally	Phillips	1:15:23	V 55	42
634	Amanda	Vickers	1:16:05	V 45	62

Saucony London 10K

Today MATT TUTTON took part in the Saucony London 10K starting outside The Ritz and finishing on Whitehall. He swapped the FVS stripes (temporarily!) for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity white vest with multi coloured cells. Despite a knee niggle he managed a time of 52:18.

Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 12^th July.

Another warm one with about 23 degrees at 9a.m. but there were 459 finishers in Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. 26 of them were Fairlands Valley Spartans.

The fastest Spartan of the weekend was Pete GENTLE at Hastings with 18:09. Altogether 42 ran parkruns. Spartans elsewhere included Jay PAPA 22:42 and Jessica CLARKE 31:29 at Ferry Meadows (Peterborough); Charles ARNOLD (23:02), John NELMS (23:38); Caroline BARTER (26:44) and Peter SACH (31:44) at Henlow Bridge Lakes; Thomas SAUKA (26:19) at Panshanger (Hertford / WGC); Matt NEWTON (27:02) at Gunpowder (Waltham Abbey); Yuko GORDON (27:59) at Letchworth; Andy JAY (29:21) at Westmill; Hannah MANTON (29:56) at Gorleston Cliffs and Keith ABRAHAMS (36:08) at Lanhydrock (Bodmin).

Back in Stevenage SIMON JACKSON was third in 18 minutes 14 seconds (18:14) MEGAN SUTTON was the fastest female from Spartans with 25:15.

JIM BROWN ran his 200^th Stevenage parkrun in 27:59.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:14
14	14	Paul SHELLEY	20:47
47	46	Tony RANDFIELD	22:55
62	60	Matthew COOKE	23:28
83	80	Martin DUDLEY	24:36
89	85	Daniel VILJOEN	24:50
97	7	Megan SUTTON	25:15
103	94	Lee PICKERSGILL	25:32
110	99	Darren EMMERSON	25:48
131	119	Ryan DUNNING	26:44
169	147	Jim BROWN	27:59
206	31	Claire EMMERSON	29:15
260	199	Matt CLARKE	31:11
264	53	Samantha SUTTON	31:29
270	56	Fiona CLARKE	31:36
272	58	Debbie BLANTERN	31:40
284	65	Alison SHELLEY	32:00
286	209	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:04
305	77	Penny SCHENKEL	33:09
309	80	Monica SMITHSON	33:13
337	230	Paul JENNINGS	34:00
361	239	Lloyd DIAS	35:01
375	112	Chloe CHAPMAN	35:57
376	113	Caroline CROFT	36:03
456	271	Roger BIGGS	55:08
458	162	Sharon CROWLEY	56:22

Tags Mid Week League, parkrun, Saucony London 10k

News Race Results

SATURDAY STRIPES

Ware Tens

Spartans Alison and Paul Shelley ran the “Ware Running Festival” 10 mile race on Sunday. They said it’s always a very well marshalled and well organised race.

Alison finished in 1:34:18 and Paul was pleased to finish 14^th overall in 1:07:39.

They both found it quite a tough course as always with uneven and stony terrain in parts and undulating. At least the pot holes didn’t have water in them this year though parts of the tow path quite difficult to run on as the surface is very uneven. They were grateful to complete before the massive thunderstorm and downpour.

It was Nick Gill’s first Ware 10 (mile) on Sunday. He finished in 1:11:52 for 31st place. Nick used the race as part of a 15-mile/24kilometre long run, and did a progression run -starting steady and getting faster every mile to the finish! It was a lovely route with lots of support from fellow runners and marshals – and the sun shined for us!

ROBERT WRIGHT finished in 1:17:36 and MATT TUTTON in 1:32:58. In addition CALLIE CHAPMAN ran the Ware 10K in 1:09:57.

Eastern Masters!

Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team won the Eastern Masters Athletic Outdoor Track & Field fixture at Corby on Wednesday evening. Their winning margin was a huge 48 points. Between them MONICA BROWN, SHARON CROWLEY, KAREN DODSWORTH, YUKO GORDON, TESSA STEPHENSON and JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS scored 93 points compared with 45 for second placed Milton Keynes AC. After three matches FVS lead the Central West Division with 204 points ahead of Bedford and County on 156 and Milton Keynes with 136.

The events included 100 metres, 400 metres, one mile, 2 kilometre walk, hammer, shot, long jump, high jump and relays with age groups from 35 plus to 70 plus. EMAC organise events for athletes aged 35 plus.

Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon

The Chiltern Ridge Half Marathon started in Wendover and Spartan SUZY HAWLINS was there. The event is a scenic trail run taking over 500 metres of elevation. Some of the climbs were more of a scramble than a run.

Suzy said she made the mistake of starting too far back and was held up on single track for the first couple of miles.

She finished in 2:03:07 for eighth women and said it was a lovely event and will return next year.

Race for Life

Dozens of Spartans were volunteer marshals for Sunday’s Race for Life in Stevenage.

Parkrun Highlights, Stripes Day Saturday 5^th July.

Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun with 553 taking part. Forty of them were Fairlands Valley Spartans. They included RICHARD MOORE with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 22:58; WAYNE SIMMONS with a new PPB of 24:17; TONY VICKERS with a new PPB of 24:48; MEGAN SUTTON fastest female from Fairlands, fourth woman and a new PPB of 25:07 and EMMA CHAPMAN with a new PPB of 45:33.

It was the quickest parkrun of the year for JIM BROWN who ran his 199^th Stevenage parkrun in 27:25. He was first 70 plus and ROGER BIGGS first 75 plus with 49:24.

CLAIRE EMMERSON ran her 190^th parkrun in 27:55 and RYAN DUNNING his 120^th in 28:02.

The first in from FVS was PERRI GENTRY under 20 minutes with 19:35. MIKE JEFFS was next Spartan with 22:01.

Altogether 49 Spartans ran parkruns. Some others included SALLY PICKLES and NIKI PLUMB who visited Westmill parkrun. Sally finished in 34:16 and Niki in 41:25.

CHARLIE WHITE was second in the New Earswick (York) parkrun with a new PPB of 17 minutes 33 seconds (17:33).

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
12	11	Perri GENTRY	19:35
45	41	Mike JEFFS	22:01
57	51	Tony RANDFIELD	22:24
68	61	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:52
69	62	Matthew COOKE	22:53
75	68	Richard MOORE	22:58
76	69	Jay PAPA	22:59
89	81	Charles ARNOLD	23:36
95	86	Craig BACON	23:50
104	95	Wayne SIMMONS	24:17
111	101	Martin DUDLEY	24:24
120	110	Daniel VILJOEN	24:37
125	115	Tony VICKERS	24:48
134	4	Megan SUTTON	25:07
141	129	Darren EMMERSON	25:24
182	13	Sophie PARSONS	26:44
199	19	Jackie PERRY	27:18
204	175	Jim BROWN	27:25
211	182	Simon SYPULA	27:38
221	27	Claire EMMERSON	27:55
226	189	Ryan DUNNING	28:02
247	202	Peter SACH	28:21
255	40	Penny SCHENKEL	28:36
259	41	Carole SHELDRICK	28:49
261	42	Hannah MANTON	28:53
277	220	Lee PICKERSGILL	29:20
280	223	Keith ABRAHAMS	29:24
331	69	Debbie BLANTERN	30:54
354	79	Samantha SUTTON	31:44
356	262	Paul JENNINGS	31:52
361	83	Pamela VILJOEN	32:01
363	266	Steve PLATT	32:06
410	110	Caroline CROFT	33:55
508	172	Jane WADEY	40:06
519	316	Lloyd DIAS	43:03
523	182	Nichola DURENT	44:33
524	183	Sharon CROWLEY	44:34
526	185	Rebecca RAYNER	45:26
527	186	Emma CHAPMAN	45:33
538	322	Roger BIGGS	49:24

Tags Chiltern Half Marathon, EMAC, parkrun, Race for Life, Ware Ten

News Race Results

SPARTANS STAY UP

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74 Fairlands Valley Spartans made absolutely sure the club stayed in division two of the Mid Week League when they raced 10K near Buntingford on Wednesday evening. This was the fourth and final counting race in the series and 28 FVS women and 46 FVS men took part. In fact over the series they did so well they came close to promotion to division one.

More than 600 tackled the undulating and sometimes quite narrow course with a brute of a climb from 9K to the finish.

That did not seem to worry two Spartan Olivias too much. OLIVIA HAMILTON and OLIVIA LACIGOVA were ninth and 18^th women in the race with 44:30 and 46:13. In between came GEORGIE HOOPER tenth woman with 44:47 and second in her age category. In fact there were THREE Olivias in the Spartans “A” team of eight runners. OLIVIA NATION finished her first 10K race in 54:31. The others in the top Spartan eight were MARIE COLUCCI, third in her age category with 47 minutes exactly; JAYNE RIDDELL 53:08; JO COOKSLEY in 53:25 and JESSICA CLARKE in 54:06.

Just outside the “A” team there was an impressive 54:51 by MEGAN SUTTON and YUKO GORDON was second woman 65 plus with 55 minutes exactly. LINDA NOLAN finished in a personal best (PB) 56:28 and LINDA GEORGE in a PB 57:24 with CLAIRE EMMERSON chasing down runners from other clubs to give herself 58:36, her best time this year.

HANNAH MANTON improved by 11 minutes 10 seconds from the Stevenage race to finish in 1:01:31.

The Spartan men got ten runners under 40 minutes with SIMON FRASER showing the way at fifth overall with 34:48. ANDREW PATTERSON was 12^th man with 36:04 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI 22^nd in 37:16.

PAUL SHELLEY was third man 50 plus with 38:59; RALPH DADSWELL first man 60 plus with 40:55 and JIM BROWN third man 70 plus in 59:01.

PERRI GENTRY 39:25 and MARTIN JACOB 47:37 both ran new personal bests.

On the night the Spartan men were third out of the seven division two clubs racing. Altogether there were 16 clubs in the event. The FVS women were fourth. Overall Fairlands Valley Spartans were third in the series with 42 points which compares with Royston second on 47 and Ware winners with 51 but well ahead of Bishops Stortford who were fourth with 28. Stevenage Striders and Harlow were relegated.

Another amazing turnout meant the Spartans had three complete men’s teams, three complete women’s teams and 14 other runners!

Now the Spartans can look forward to the “mob match” which will be in Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday 9^th July and to the Relays in the Park which the Spartans are hosting on Thursday evening 17^th July.

Race	Women	First Name	Last Name	Time	Cat.
159	9	Olivia	Hamilton	44:30	S
167	10	Georgie	Hooper	44:47	V 35
213	18	Olivia	Lacigova	46:13	V 35
228	21	Marie	Colucci	47:00	V 45
369	51	Jayne	Riddell	53:08	V 55
373	53	Jo	Cooksley	53:25	V 35
392	60	Jessica	Clarke	54:06	S
400	63	Olivia	Nation	54:31	S
409	67	Megan	Sutton	54:51	S
415	69	Yuko	Gordon	55:00	V 65
436	74	Sally	Reeve	56:08	V 45
445	77	Linda	Nolan	56:28	V 55
450	80	Alison	Shelley	56:41	V 55
463	82	Linda	George	57:24	V 35
490	93	Claire	Emmerson	58:36	V 45
505	101	Carole	Sheldrick	59:46	V 45
507	103	Annabelle	White	59:50	S
523	110	Hannah	Manton	1:01:31	S
539	118	Judy	King	1:02:45	V 55
568	130	Sharon	Crowley	1:06:31	V 65
576	134	Liz	Carvell	1:08:32	V 65
579	136	Samantha	Sutton	1:09:19	V 45
592	141	Amanda	Vickers	1:11:03	V 45
595	142	Ada	Janusiene	1:11:32	V 35
597	143	Callie	Chapman	1:12:07	V 35
598	144	Penny	Schenkel	1:12:08	V 55
599	145	Hazel	Smith	1:12:09	V 45
601	146	Sally	Phillips	1:15:21	V 55

Race	Men	First Name	Last Name	Time	Cat.
5	4	Simon	Fraser	34:48	S
14	12	Andrew	Patterson	36:04	V 40
28	22	Adrian	Busolini	37:16	S
49	35	Steffan	Ford	38:55	V 40
52	37	Paul	Shelley	38:59	V 50
60	43	Michael	Fisher	39:17	S
62	44	Nick	Gill	39:22	S
63	45	Perri	Gentry	39:25	S
64	46	Nathan	Kirley	39:28	S
70	49	Ross	Gallagher	39:56	V 40
83	59	Jay	Papa	40:45	S
84	60	Kirk	Ndugu	40:46	S
88	61	Ralph	Dadswell*	40:55	V 60
106	72	Terry	Sawyer	41:44	V 40
140	91	Pete	Gentle	43:46	V 40
168	102	Stuart	Archer	44:48	V 40
173	104	Paul	Mould	44:57	V 40
198	113	Charlie	Arnold	45:45	V 60
203	116	Alexey	Zherdev	45:53	V 40
222	125	Keith	Hooker	46:38	V 40
226	127	Peter	Orton	46:56	V 60
227	128	Craig	Bacon	46:57	V 50
241	136	Matthew	Cooke	47:36	S
242	137	Martin	Jacob	47:37	V 40
244	139	Tony	Randfield	47:42	V 60
272	148	Melvin	Auburn	48:49	S
291	152	Lee	Pickersgill	49:28	V 40
316	161	Simon	Haigh	50:51	V 50
349	171	Matt	Tutton	52:33	V 40
351	172	Darren	Emmerson	52:39	V 50
354	174	Alex	Scofield	52:43	S
357	176	Martin	Wood	52:47	V 60
364	178	Joseph	Wasnock	52:55	S
370	181	Martin	Dudley	53:11	V 60
372	182	Tony	Vickers	53:23	V 50
387	186	John	Nelms	53:53	V 50
439	199	Lloyd	Dias	56:14	S
452	204	Simon	Sypula	56:43	V 50
453	205	Pete	Cook	56:46	V 50
496	210	Jim	Brown	59:01	V 70
504	211	Karl	Shreeve	59:44	V 50
524	217	Tim	Robinson	1:01:32	V 50
527	218	David	Ackerley	1:01:35	S
552	224	Steve	Tinsley	1:04:04	V 40
583	232	Paul	Holgate	1:10:00	V 60
588	233	Nick	Kleanthous	1:10:32	V 60

Eastern Masters!

The Eastern Masters Athletic Club held its Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Sandy on Saturday. Temperatures were up to 34C with a very blustery wind. Five Spartan athletes were competing in their FVS Stripes across a range of age groups, with many medals being won.

On the track, Gold Medals were won by Roger Head in the 400 metres for men over 80 (in 1:51.0) and Sharon Crowley for 1500 metres and 2km Race Walk (7:58.5 & 16:42.4) meanwhile Tessa Stephenson was happy with her season best times in the 100m & 200m (18.9s & 38.7s) as she continued her return to competition after two years off through injury.

In the field events Joylyn & Tim Saunders-Mullins led the way in the over 70 age group. Tim won Gold in the Hammer (29.36m), Bronze in the Shot Putt (8.03m) and was fourth in the Discus (14.28m), whilst Joylyn also won Golds in the Shot Putt (6.32m) and Javelin (19.45m).

Fairlands Valley Spartans masters athletes next head out to Corby for the third meeting in the Eastern Masters League on Wednesday evening (2^nd July).

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 28^th June.

Not quite as hot as last week but another warm parkrun in Stevenage. At 9a.m. Saturday morning it was about 21 degrees but this time numbers jumped back up to beyond 500 with 517. There were 26 Spartans and three of them including the fastest runner were in the top five.

SIMON FRASER was first with 17:17; KIRK NDUGU third with 17:31 and SIMON JACKSON fourth with 17:40.

TONY VICKERS ran his tenth parkrun in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 25:50. Running her 130^th parkrun GAIL MACKIE was the fastest female from Fairlands with 26:42 and HAZEL SMITH ran her 60^th parkrun in 29:12.

Altogether 49 Spartans ran parkruns. Those elsewhere included CHARLIE WHITE coming sixth with 17:48 at Heslington; JAY PAPA 18:51, KEITH HOOKER 21:46, ANNABELLE WHITE 22:26 and JESSICA CLARKE 23:59 at Storeys Field; MATTHEW COOKE 22:20 at Jubilee, Bedford; MATT GIFFORD 22:58, CHARLES ARNOLD 25:55 and CAROLINE BARTER 26:46 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; PAUL SHELLEY 23:38 and ALISON SHELLEY 32:54 at Lanhydrock; SUZY HAWKINS 24:51 and NICK GILL 28:24 at Letchworth; DARREN EMMERSON 25:44 and CLAIRE EMMERSON 28:28 at Pocket; JANE McFARLANE 28:43 at Hafan Pwllheli; KEITH ABRAHAMS 29:10 at Salisbury; MATTHEW NEWTON 31:06 at Gunpowder and ROGER BIGGS 50:49 at Medina, Isle of Wight.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Simon FRASER	17:17
3	3	Kirk NDUGU	17:31
4	4	Simon JACKSON	17:40
11	11	Ciaran MCANENY	19:15
16	16	Grant RAMSAY	19:38
85	79	Thomas SAUKA	24:20
97	90	Pete COOK	24:49
130	118	Tony VICKERS	25:50
153	135	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:42
154	12	Gail MACKIE	26:42
177	150	Ryan DUNNING	27:11
196	23	Susan MCANENY	27:39
213	174	Jim BROWN	28:06
241	42	Fiona CLARKE	29:12
242	43	Hazel SMITH	29:12
269	205	Maurice BALLARD	30:02
309	68	Debbie BLANTERN	31:37
315	231	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:45
361	95	Monica SMITHSON	33:18
387	109	Carole SHELDRICK	34:12
388	110	Caroline CROFT	34:14
409	126	Chloe CHAPMAN	35:33
410	264	Paul JENNINGS	35:35
436	141	Hilary DAVIES	36:49
497	300	Lloyd DIAS	48:11
504	304	Tony RANDFIELD	50:44

Tags Buntingford 10, EMAC, Mid Week League, parkrun

News Race Results

PATRICK AND ROSE WIN HANDICAP 5K

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date June 22, 2025
No Comments on PATRICK AND ROSE WIN HANDICAP 5K

A very warm evening made for a difficult run in Thursday’s Handicap 5K but that didn’t stop new member Patrick Anyadi storming round in 27:35, 2:40 better than handicap, to win the event, closely followed by Rose Sutton in a year best time of 29:56, Elizabeth Crowley was second woman in 30:01 and Jane Wadey third woman with 39:06. Karl Shreeve was second man in 28:42 and Matt Tutton third man with 25:13.

Jay Papa was fastest runner on the night in 19:36, with Paul Mould second quickest in 20:46 and Charles Arnold third fastest in 23:07. Marie Colucci was fastest lady with a year’s best (YB) 23:15, with Annabelle White 2^nd quickest (24:35) and Megan Sutton 3^rd fastest in 25:23.

There were also personal bests (PBs) for Alex Scofield (23:43) and Joseph Wasnock (24:05).

In handicap races the slower runners start first and chased by the others starting at intervals based on recent races.

Thank you to Mike Crowley, Mark Freeman, Keith Fenwick, Brian White and Hannah Sypula for their help and support.

The July handicap will be on Thursday evening 24^th July.

Pos	FIRST NAME	LAST NAME	Time	H’cap
1	PATRICK	ANYADI	27:35	2:40
2	ROSE	SUTTON	29:56	2:34
3	ELIZABETH	CROWLEY	30:01	2:14
4	KARL	SHREEVE	28:42	1:48
5	JANE	WADEY	39:06	1:24
6	SHARON	CROWLEY	39:06	1:24
7	MATT	TUTTON	25:13	1:17
8	SAMANTHA	SUTTON	32:50	1:10
9	JAY	PAPA	19:36	1:09
10	MEGAN	SUTTON	25:23	1:07
11	YUKO	GORDON	27:07	0:53
12	ALEX	SCOFIELD	23:43	0:47
13	LEE	PICKERSGILL	24:03	0:42
14	JOSEPH	WASNOCK	24:05	0:40
15	RICHARD	MOORE	24:23	0:22
16	TONY	VICKERS	26:44	0:16
17	MARIE	COLUCCI	23:15	0:15
18	PAUL	MOULD	20:46	0:14
19	JUDY	KING	30:35	0:10
20	PETE	COOK	26:23	0:07
21	JON	SYPULA	29:18	(0:03)
22	ANNABELLE	WHITE	24:35	(0:05)
23	PAUL	MAGUIRE	25:58	(0:13)
24	CHARLES	ARNOLD	23:07	(0:37)
25	TIM	ROBINSON	29:41	(0:56)
26	JAYNE	RIDDELL	27:35	(1:20)
27	CRAIG	BACON	24:20	(1:35)

Bedfordshire 10K

The Bedfordshire 10K was held in the evening of the longest day. Largely on cycleways and substantially flat. Four Spartans ran and three got under 39 minutes.

CHARLIE WHITE came in with 36:28.

MIKE JEFFS said it was a hot, sweaty, tough 10K. He didn’t think he’d ever been more exhausted after an event before like he was for this. However he ran a new four second personal best (PB) of 36 minutes 44 seconds (36:44).

ROSS GALLACHER got under 39 for the first time with 38:58, a ten second personal best and third in his age category and GRANT RAMSAY finished in 42:07.

And…. Mike Jeffs won the Shephalbury Park dads race on sports day

Beat the Sunset – Summer Solstice 10K

Two Spartans ran to “Beat the Sunset” in the Summer Solstice 10K on Friday evening. PAUL SHELLEY was twelfth out of the 262 finishers and first man 50 plus with 38:17 while ALISON SHELLEY was 230^th and fourth woman 55 plus with 55:17.

Serpentine Sizzled

Only 27 degrees in Hyde Park on Friday lunch-time. After a cautious first two kilometres in the heat JIM BROWN sped up a bit and was happy to complete the hot and humind Serpentine 5K in 27 minutes 31 seconds.

Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra. Victory with 23 laps.

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI says Longbridge is a wonderful backyard race with a community ethos and a focus on sustainability. The game is to run a 6.7km course with a lap every hour, every hour, with the victor being the last person standing. For those who have not taken part in a backyard ultra before it is a last-man/woman-standing event where you must begin a new lap on the hour, every hour. The race will only end when there is just one more runner remaining to start a lap.

It was the hottest day of the year, which caused many runners considerable difficulty when the sun rose on the second day. Being quite comfortable in hot conditions, Adrian was able to capitalise on this, knocking out a series of faster laps to stamp his authority on the race. Victory came sooner than he (or perhaps anyone) anticipated, at just 23 laps, in a race that usually runs to about 30 laps. Such was the effect of the afternoon temperatures. 23 laps worked out at 95.84 miles.

It was a great day out with the legendary Jan Voorspoels in support, and such a friendly group of runners, marshals and of course Darren, the race director, and family, in the beautiful setting of the South Downs. If you fancy giving a backyard race a go, I can’t think of a better recommendation than Longbridge.

Welwyn 10K

Sunday morning saw MATT TUTTON run the Welwyn 10K at Panshanger Park in 57:11. He was happy enough as he says he wilts at the first sign of warm weather. Not surprisingly it was hot and very dusty with the wind creating a dust bowl. Very different course conditions to the cold and frosty Panshanger Parkrun he ran in January!

Bass Belle Trail

The Bass Belle 10K is a trail event from Bassingbourn. Five or six degrees cooler than Saturday but still pretty warm.

MONICA SMITHSON’s time was 1 hour 13 minutes for the approximately 10K race.

Herts Hobble

Recently four Spartans enjoyed the Herts Hobble. This is a long distance cross country event from Baldock. KAREN LIDDELL and TRISHA HOPPER finished the 26.8 miles in 7 hours 39 minutes and SHARON and MIKE CROWLEY in 8 hours 27 minutes.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 21^st June.

At 9a.m. Saturday morning it was 22 degrees, not the really high temperatures later in the day, as 440 runners lined up for the 406^th Stevenage parkrun. Thirty were from Fairlands Valley Spartans. Indeed three of the first five finishers were FVS. They were KIRK NDUGU second in 17:44; SIMON JACKSON third in 17:55 and PERRI GENTRY fifth in 19:019.

This week GAIL MACKIE was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 27:02.

A total of 48 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Those elsewhere included NICK KLEANTHOUS on the Isle of Wight with 35:02; PETER SACH at Jubilee, Bedford in 28:58 and three at Henlow Bridge Lakes – PAUL MOULD in 21:59; CHARLES ARNOLD in 24:01 and MATT GIFFORD in 25:56.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Kirk NDUGU	17:44
3	3	Simon JACKSON	17:55
5	5	Perri GENTRY	19:19
68	66	Charlie WHITE	23:59
72	70	Matthew COOKE	24:06
87	83	Pete COOK	25:05
101	95	Daniel VILJOEN	25:41
109	102	Darren EMMERSON	25:59
126	116	Matt TUTTON	26:39
141	130	Toby ECCLESHALL	27:02
142	9	Gail MACKIE	27:02
153	136	Ryan DUNNING	27:25
160	18	Lorraine HILL	27:46
171	20	Linda GEORGE	28:05
190	159	Mark BEASLEY	28:56
194	162	Matt CLARKE	29:01
200	165	Jim BROWN	29:08
202	31	Claire EMMERSON	29:13
220	40	Penny SCHENKEL	29:48
247	52	Fiona CLARKE	30:46
266	201	Maurice BALLARD	31:36
308	79	Pamela VILJOEN	33:18
311	82	Debbie BLANTERN	33:25
320	226	Paul JENNINGS	33:49
352	103	Hilary DAVIES	36:40
372	112	Jane WADEY	38:25
390	255	Lloyd DIAS	40:24
428	271	Roger BIGGS	53:29
435	149	Callie CHAPMAN	58:01
436	150	Chloe CHAPMAN	1:02:57

Tags Bass Belle, Bedfordshire 10k, Handicap 5k, Herts Hobble, Longbridge Backyard Ultra, parkrun, Serpentine, Summer Solstice 10K, Welwyn 10k

News Race Results

JUST ONE POINT IN IT

Fairlands Valley Spartans are ahead on score and just need one extra race point to secure promotion in the Mid Week League. They are way ahead of all the other clubs in participation but after three out of the four evening races just need that one more competitive point.

Going into the third Mid Week League race the tussle for the vital second place was really tight.

And then on Thursday evening an amazing 77 Spartans, 30 women and 47 men, made the journey to Ware to run and finish in race three.

That meant FVS had three complete women’s teams of eight and three complete men’s teams of twelve finish the multi-terrain and undulating 9.5 kilometre race.

On the night ADRIAN BUSOLINI, sixth overall in 34:21 and SIMON FRASER, seventh overall in 34:30 led in the Spartans with SIMON JACKSON close to top ten at 14^th in 34:56. Even the FVS “A” teams twelfth counter, PAUL SHELLEY was well under 40 minutes with 38:53.

They helped the team to second place

In the age group tussles RALPH DADSWELL was second 60 plus in 39:33; BRIAN WHITE first 70 plus in 52:39 and JIM BROWN third 70 plus in 56:18.

There were some high category places for Spartans in the women’s race. OLIVIA LACIGOVA was tenth overall but won the 35 plus category with 43:57; GEORGIE HOOPER was second with 44 minutes exactly. MARIE COLUCCI was second in the 45 plus contest with 46:12. All eight team “A” women squeaked under 54 minutes to put them in third place.

All this means that after three out of the four races Fairlands Valley Spartans are just short of the vital second spot with 33 points compared with Royston’s 34. However the FVS score is 144 so one point in the last races would be enough.

Race one 609 runners from divisions two and three – 87 Spartans

Race two 515 runners from divisions two and three – 62 Spartans

Race three 385 runners from division two only– 77 Spartans.

16 clubs took part in races one and two and seven in race three so that’s fantastic participation by FVS. More Spartans ran in race three than from any other club.

After three races Fairlands Valley Spartans will not be relegated but it would be great to win that promotion.

The fourth and final counting race will be in Royston on Wednesday evening 25^th June.

Spartan Men’s Results

Race	Time	Name	Surname	Cat.
6	34:21	Adrian	Busolini	S
7	34:30	Simon	Fraser	S
14	34:56	Simon	Jackson	V 40
25	36:06	Kirk	Ndugu	S
33	36:39	Mike	Jeffs	V 40
37	36:51	David	Harris-Cherguit	V 40
39	37:02	Michael	Fisher	S
42	37:20	Nathan	Kirley	S
48	37:56	Steffan	Ford	V 40
52	38:20	Ross	Gallagher	V 40
58	38:45	Richard	Bate	V 40
60	38:53	Paul	Shelley	V 50
66	39:11	Perri	Gentry	S
72	39:33	Ralph	Dadswell*	V 60
85	40:59	Terry	Sawyer	V 40
87	41:08	Stuart	Archer	V 40
91	41:39	Paul	Mould	V 40
94	41:56	Mark	Collins	V 40
108	42:55	David	Riddell	V 60
112	43:14	Alexey	Zherdev	V 40
114	43:35	Jay	Papa	S
119	43:53	Charlie	Arnold	V 60
120	43:55	Nick	Gill	S
123	44:00	Tony	Randfield	V 60
136	45:59	Craig	Bacon	V 50
141	46:12	Keith	Hooker	V 40
189	49:22	Simon	Haigh	V 50
199	50:25	Martin	Wood	V 60
209	51:03	Martin	Dudley	V 60
222	52:16	Martin	Jacob	V 40
227	52:37	Alex	Scofield	S
228	52:39	Brian	White	V 70
232	52:56	Darren	Emmerson	V 50
235	53:09	Tony	Vickers	V 50
246	53:34	Joseph	Wasnock	S
260	54:24	Pete	Cook	V 50
271	55:14	Lloyd	Dias	S
281	56:07	Patrick	Anyadi	S
283	56:18	Jim	Brown	V 70
285	56:23	Simon	Sypula	V 50
294	57:10	Paul	Maguire	V 50
304	58:13	Ryan	Riddell	S
313	58:43	Tim	Robinson	V 50
316	59:14	Karl	Shreeve	V 50
329	1:01:26	David	Ackerley	S
350	1:04:38	Nick	Kleanthous	V 60
352	1:04:50	Paul	Holgate	V 60

Spartan Women’s Results

Race	Time	Name	Surname	Cat.
122	43:57	Olivia	Lacigova	V 35
124	44:00	Georgie	Hooper	V 35
142	46:12	Marie	Colucci	V 45
170	48:18	Annabelle	White	S
205	50:54	Vicky	Archer	V 35
206	50:55	Tracy	Pez	V 45
212	51:15	Jayne	Riddell	V 55
252	53:55	Sally	Reeve	V 45
263	54:35	Olivia	Nation	S
273	55:24	Jessica	Clarke	S
275	55:30	Linda	George	V 35
277	55:39	Megan	Sutton	S
299	57:48	Sophie	Parsons	S
300	57:52	Linda	Nolan	V 55
312	58:39	Jo	Cooksley	V 35
332	1:01:47	Claire	Emmerson	V 45
333	1:01:48	Hannah	Manton	S
342	1:02:43	Sharon	Crowley	V 65
351	1:04:40	Sam	Gentry	V 45
357	1:05:41	Ada	Janusiene	V 35
358	1:05:44	Callie	Chapman	V 35
360	1:05:52	Liz	Carvell	V 65
365	1:07:36	Hazel	Smith	V 45
366	1:07:37	Penny	Schenkel	V 55
367	1:07:38	Elizabeth	Crowley	V 35
370	1:08:46	Samantha	Sutton	V 45
376	1:10:14	Sally	Phillips	V 55
377	1:11:50	Amanda	Vickers	V 45
383	1:18:40	Jane	Wadey	V 55
384	1:22:34	Marleen	Van Zwieten	V 55

Prifysgol Abertawe Hanner Marathon

The Swansea Half Marathon was also a representative international masters race and Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON was running for England. Ashley had a fall during the race but got up and finished in 1 hour 27 minutes 16 seconds (1:27:16).

MARIE COLUCCI also ran the Swansea half marathon. Despite a fuelling error she was pleased with her time of 1.45.40 on tired legs. She said there were beautiful views along the course!

There were 5,730 finishers. Ashley was 295^th overall, easily top 10%, and Marie 1,358^th.

Ten Times Up Death Hill

Spartan JIM BROWN completed his birthday weekend – and Father’s Day – by running up “Death Hill” ten times. Yes the Finsbury Park Half Marathon consists of nine complete laps but with the lead in and lead out that means runners have to climb what the organisers call death hill ten times.

It was tough and warm. Jim was happy to win his category with 2:06:46 which he noted was almost 24 minutes faster than the age group below him.

Hyrox Harris

John Harris was at the HYROX World Champs in Chicago on Friday 13th June. He qualified to represent England at the World Champs back in April at the Warsaw Hyrox event.

A tough but wonderful occasion and he was so proud to represent his country

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 14^th June.

Spartan SIMON JACKSON won the Stevenage parkrun by a big margin with his 17 minutes 57 seconds in his 70^th parkrun.

GRANT RAMSAY was top ten with 19:46.

Other mini-milestones included TOBY ECCLESHALL running his 180^th parkrun in 24:06; DARREN EMMERSON his 230^th in 25:29 and ANNBALLE WHITE her 180^th in 30:32.

LORRAINE HILL was the fastest female from Fairlands in27:26.

Birthday Boy JIM BROWN finished in 28:07 beating the next runner in his category by more than 16 minutes.

47 Spartans ran in parkruns on Saturday.

Tags Finsbury Park Half Marathon, Hyrox World Championships, Mid Week League, parkrun, Ware MWL

News Race Results

LOADSA SPARTANS AT MID WEEKS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date June 8, 2025
No Comments on LOADSA SPARTANS AT MID WEEKS

There were 609 runners in race one of this season’s Mid Week Road Race League which was held in Stevenage on Wednesday 28^th May and 87 of them were from Fairlands Valley Spartans. 16 clubs took part so that’s fantastic participation by FVS.

The Spartan men and Spartan women were both second in the Division Two race. Overall the club were equal first on points. That’s a great start to the series.

GEORGIE HOOPER was second in her category with 44:34, MARIE COLUCCI was second in hers with 46:01 and OLIVIA LACIGOVA fourth in hers with 44:59. MEGAN SUTTON ran a new personal best of 54:57, amazing on that course. Women’s “A” teams consisted of eight runners and the Spartans had a total of 35 female runners.

SIMON FRASER was sixth overall with 34:22. DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was tenth man and third in his category with 35:27. RALPH DADSWELL was fastest man 60 plus with 39:45. Men’s “A” teams consisted of 12 runners and the Spartans had a total of 52 male runners.

In addition FVS won the veteran women’s competition and won the veterans combined men and women event.

Then there was another tremendous turnout from Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Watford midweek race on Wednesday 4^th June. Sixty three ran the away event. When the results are published FVS should be near the top of the table after two events in the series of four.

The next league race will be in Ware on Thursday evening 12^th June.

Super Six at St Albans Half

The St Albans Half Marathon will never be flat but at least the Spartans Super Six who raced were spared the scorching temperatures common on this event in recent years.

SIMON HAIGH was first in for FVS with 1 hour 48 minutes 2 seconds. JIM BROWN improved his best time for this year by 19 seconds with 2 hours 3 minutes 34 seconds (2:03:34) and after some serious acceleration and tactical stuff in the last mile got third male over 70 by seven seconds. So a former Mayor of Stevenage beat a former Mayor of St Albans by seven seconds. Tony from St. Albans is five weeks younger. All good entertainment.

Next Spartan in was MATT TUTTON with 2:07:17 with SUE HAMER running 2:07:33. Soon SARAH ILLINGWORTH was pushing for the line and 2:12:27. PENNY SCHENKEL said she enjoyed the hills and ran in with 2:23:28.

There were 2,162 finishers.

PB Georgie at Hitchin Half

Spartan GEORGIE HOOPER ran a great new personal best at the Hitchin Half Marathon. Remembering the event’s nickname of the Hitchin Hard Half and all those hills 1:40:38 was very good going. She was third in her category.

ADRIAN DONNELLY was 13^th out of the 192 runners with 1:31:59.

Ultra Hannah

Spartan HANNAH MANTON completed 10 laps at Endure24 (80km/50miles)!

She said the trail course was muddier than any football pitch she’d ever played on.

Hannah finished the ten five mile laps in Wasing Park, Reading in 23 hours 46 minutes 2 seconds. 1142 completed the event.

JESSICA CLARKE and JAY PAPA were part of a team of four “Jays Gems” at ENDURE24!

They managed 27 laps (135 miles) as a team of four, constantly having someone out on the course. Jay and Jess both smashed out 7 laps (35 miles) each!

Jess said this is such a physical challenge but also a huge mental challenge, running through the night in the pitch black, doubling up to 10 mile laps so your team gets more rest takes a lot of determination!

Despite the rain, mud and the yellow weather warning, we had an insane weekend of running! Bring on 2026

Penny Spartan of the Month

The mug for Spartan of the Month (SOTM) for May has been awarded to PENNY SCHENKEL.

Penny was Mayoress of Stevenage for 2024 to 2025 and attended over 200 civic commitments along with continuing her normal ‘day job’.

Despite last year’s disappointment with a stress fracture and having to defer her London Marathon place she got on with preparing to run this year.

Penny ended up running one of the most sensible races enjoying every step and wore her Spartan stripes with pride!

Her stripes caught the eye of lots of photographers meaning she had a big beaming smile, an appearance on TV and even gave a little jig on the finish line!

Marston Vale Forest 5K

CHARLIE ARNOLD ran Friday evening’s Marston Forest 5K in 21:05.

Tewin 10K

HAZEL SMITH said she had a lovely day out in Tewin. She took exactly 65 minutes for a very hilly 10K route.

Meanwhile MICHAEL FISHER was fourth in the event in 42:07; TONY RANDFIELD came in with 54:20; SUSAN McANENY with 58:26; ANDY JAY with 1:09:04 and CALLIE CHAPMAN with 1:18:15. Su said she enjoyed it a lot and was third in her age category. There were 140 finishers.

JANE WADEY ran the Tewin 5K in 38:48. She said she booked the run last minute on Saturday, not having done a Trail 5k before. Was a bit nervous but it was a lovely setting and very low key which helped settle my anxiety. She watched the 10k runners go and then about five minutes later it was our turn. There were some costumes including a unicorn which kept stopping at first, laces etc. It was a different course to the 10k although there was one bit they ran same as me and then another bit which was very steep up for me but straight downhill for them.

She was really pleased when she realised she had a chance of beating her Saturday park run result which she did by 30 seconds and then waited for the 10k runners to finish.

Swansea

MARIE COLUCCI ran the Swansea half marathon on Sunday. Despite a fuelling error she was pleased with her time of 1.45.40 on tired legs. She said there were beautiful views along the course!

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 31^st May and Saturday 7^th June.

The 627 runners at Stevenage on 31^st May included 30 from Fairlands Valley Spartans running club.

MEGAN SUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best of 25 minutes 12 seconds and ROSEMARY ONABAWORIN improved to 41:59.

Spartans took first and fourth at the Panshanger parkrun on 31^st May with ANDREW PATTERSON in 17:09 and SIMON JACKSON in 18:23.

Then there were 526 finishers at the Stevenage parkrun on 7^th June. First Saturday of the Month so a stripey day for Fairlands Valley Spartans which brought out 38 runners from the club.

JESS CLARKE, 30:41 and JAY PAPA 30:44 both ran Newbury parkrun.

Tags Endure24, Hitchin Half, Marston Forest 5k, Mid Week League, parkrun, St Albans Half, Swansea Half, Tewin 10k

News Race Results

BREEZE ALONG AT DORNEY

Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed an outing to Dorney Lake on Sunday. Alongside the Olympic rowing course so flat but very windy. In the half marathon PENNY SCHENKEL was fourth woman 50 plus with 2 hours 18 minutes 58 seconds (2:18:58). That’s a new season’s best and improvement on Watford 2:27:41 and 2:20:54 at Berkhamsted this year. TERRY SAWYER finished in 2:21:30.

JIM BROWN won the men 70 plus contest with 2:12:51.

CALLIE CHAPMAN ran the 5K in 32:45 and TONY RANDFIELD the 10K in 47:21.

Jim said he knew it was going to be hard before reaching the one kilometre marker. There was no protection from the westerly breeze in the first half of each of the four laps. The wind whipped across the water which was immediately on our left hand side. However if you had the legs the tailwind for the 2.7 kilometres return on a parallel route was wonderful.

Broad Oak 10K

In the Hatfield Broad 10K on holiday Monday SIMON HAIGH was 237^th in 47:12 and LORRAINE HILL 617^th in 56:19. There were 1,297 finishers.

Chiltern Half Marathon

On Sunday NICK GILL did the Chiltern Half Marathon in Buckinghamshire. It’s a two-lap course on the trails with a fair few hills, but beautiful scenery! He used it as a training run and to practice long run fuelling at a steadyish pace, so very happy to cross the line in 1:45:47 and to finish in fifth place!

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 24^th May – Ninth Birthday at Stevenage

There was a Where’s Wally theme at Stevenage parkrun’s ninth birthday which attracted 563 runners to Saturday morning’s 5K run in Fairlands Valley Park.

The 563 included a massive 37 from Fairlands Valley Spartans running club who had the winner and two others in the top six.

Some Spartan highlights included KIRK NDUGU won the run in 18 minutes 28 seconds. NICK GILL was fifth with 19:22 and PAUL SHELLEY sixth in 19:45. KEITH HOOKER ran a new parkrun personal best of 22:03 to come in 46^th.

Then there were four deci, mini milestones. MARTIN DUDLEY ran his 240^th parkrun in 24:31; STEVE TINSLEY his 70^th in 28:12; ALISON SHELLEY her 160^th in 29:05 and PENNY SCHENKEL a volunteer walker this time her 120^th in 52:22.

This time CLAIRE EMMERSON was the fastest female from Fairlands with 28:52.

Elsewhere SIMON JACKSON won the Blandford parkrun in 17 minutes 20 seconds.

At the Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun JAY PAPA was third in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 19:57. SUZY HAWKINS was fourth woman in 24:53 and JESS CLARKE fifth with a new PPB of 25:11. MEGAN SUTTON ran a new PPB of 27:02.

GRANT RAMSAY was at Wimpole Estate with 20:54.

Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	Kirk NDUGU	18:28
5	Nick GILL	19:22
6	Paul SHELLEY	19:45
12	Perri GENTRY	20:22
40	Mike JEFFS	21:35
46	Keith HOOKER	22:03
51	Toby ECCLESHALL	22:15
111	Martin DUDLEY	24:31
123	Darren EMMERSON	25:23
128	Pete COOK	25:37
140	Daniel VILJOEN	25:55
162	Ryan DUNNING	26:37
227	Steve TINSLEY	28:12
245	Kartik SHARMA	28:37
251	Claire EMMERSON	28:52
255	Jim BROWN	29:03
256	Alison SHELLEY	29:05
262	Peter SACH	29:15
271	Matt CLARKE	29:37
279	Sharon CROWLEY	29:55
344	Steve PLATT	31:47
385	Paul JENNINGS	33:34
403	Pamela VILJOEN	34:10
422	Carole SHELDRICK	34:56
423	Caroline CROFT	34:58
445	Hannah MANTON	36:00
472	Karen PALMER	37:40
488	David SCOTT	39:17
501	Jane WADEY	41:09
504	Nicola HATHERLY	41:33
505	Niki PLUMB	41:34
507	Tracy HAYGARTH	41:40
550	Penny SCHENKEL	52:22
553	Callie CHAPMAN	55:04
562	Monica SMITHSON	1:04:01
563	Stephen SMITHSON	1:04:02

Tags Broad Oak 10k, Chiltern Half Marathon, Dorney Lake, parkrun

News Race Results

SPARTANS AT 400M RELAYS AND 5K HANDICAP

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date May 19, 2025
No Comments on SPARTANS AT 400M RELAYS AND 5K HANDICAP

Fairlands Valley Spartans were busy on Wednesday.

Shorter, much shorter for some Spartans, at the 4 x 400 metre relay event in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday evening. Two FVS teams came out winners and 28 club members in seven teams were running.

MIKE JEFFS, MICHAEL FISHER, JAY PAPA and NICK GILL won senior male and overall with 4 minutes 6 seconds. Michael Fisher was third of the 104 runners with 58 seconds; Mike Jeffs and Nick Gill were fourth and fifth with 1 minute exactly.

Spartan women WON the veteran race with 6:11. Their team consisted of LIZ CROWLEY 1:24; SAM SUTTON 1:57; SHARON CROWLEY 1:36 and JO COOKSLEY 1:23.

It was second place in the senior race for TRACY JACKSON 1:35; GEORGIE HOOPER 1:17; MARIE COLUCCI 1:23 and GABRIELLE O’BRIEN 1:18. Georgie was tenth and Gabrielle eleventh out of all the women running.

Rank	Bib	Name	Cat	Team	M/F	Time
3.	5/B	Michael FISHER	MS	Magic Mike and Friends	M	00:58
4.	5/A	Mike JEFFS	MV40	Magic Mike and Friends	M	01:00
5.	5/D	Nick GILL	MS	Magic Mike and Friends	M	01:00
15.	7/B	Keith HOOKER	MV40	Sonic Boom Boys	M	01:05
22.	5/C	Jay PAPA	MS	Magic Mike and Friends	M	01:07
30.	10/A	Dave STEPHENSON	MV60	Mixed Relay Team	M	01:09
48.	10/D	Chris WAITLING	MS	Mixed Relay Team	M	01:15
49.	9/B	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	Spartans Ladies Team 3	F	01:17
51.	9/D	Gabrielle O’BRIEN	FS	Spartans Ladies Team 3	F	01:18
53.	4/A	Susan MCANANY	FV45	Female Relay Team 2	F	01:19
57.	7/C	Charlie ARNOLD	MV60	Sonic Boom Boys	M	01:21
58.	4/D	Annabelle WHITE	FS	Female Relay Team 2	F	01:21
62.	3/D	Jo COOKSLEY	FV35	Spartan Ladies 1	F	01:23
64.	10/C	Megan SUTTON	FS	Mixed Relay Team	F	01:23
66.	9/C	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	Spartans Ladies Team 3	F	01:23
68.	3/A	Liz CROWLEY	FV35	Spartan Ladies 1	F	01:24
69.	7/D	Brian WHITE	MV70	Sonic Boom Boys	M	01:25
76.	4/B	Vicky ARCHER	FV35	Female Relay Team 2	F	01:29
82.	7/A	Pete COOK	MV50	Sonic Boom Boys	M	01:32
83.	4/C	Hazel SMITH	FV45	Female Relay Team 2	F	01:35
86.	9/A	Tracy JACKSON	FV45	Spartans Ladies Team 3	F	01:35
88.	3/C	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	Spartan Ladies 1	F	01:36
90.	11/D	Judy KING	FV55	360 + 1	F	01:37
91.	10/B	Tessa STEPHENSON	FV55	Mixed Relay Team	F	01:40
96.	11/C	Sally PICKLES	FV55	360 + 1	F	01:51
99.	11/A	Liz CARVEL	FV65	360 + 1	F	01:55
100.	3/B	Sam SUTTON	FV45	Spartan Ladies 1	F	01:57
101.	11/B	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	360 + 1	F	02:00

Amanda Wins Handicap

AMANDA VICKERS won the Spartans handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening.

She smashed her PB (personal best) by 1:26 to finish in 32:46, with Alice Welch second woman (3rd overall) in a debut 5k time of 34:51 and Sam Gentry third woman (9^th overall) in a new PB of 29:03.

The first man was new member Nic Cashman in 23:53, with Karl Shreeve second man with 29:05 and Kartik Sharma the third man in a SB (season’s best) time of 28:04.

Nathan Kirley was fastest man on the night, 26 seconds quicker than his previous best time in 18:56, with Kris Westcott 2nd quickest with 20:18 and Perri Gentry 3rd fastest in 20:28.

Oli Lacigova was quickest lady in 22:57, with Sally Reeve second fastest in 25:04 and Jackie Perry third in 25:43.

Time difference between 1st and last position was just 3:42.

In handicap races the slowest runners, on recent form start first, and the others follow at intervals appropriate to the performances. In theory if no-one improves or slows down everyone will finish together.

Very well done the 19 Spartans who took part in this month’s Handicap 5k and a big thank you to Mark Freeman for his much appreciated assistance.

The next handicap 5K will be on Thursday 19^th June.

POS	NAME	SURNAME	TIME	H’cap
1	AMANDA	VICKERS	32:46	3:29
2	NIC	CASHMAN	23:53	3:07
3	ALICE	WELCH	34:51	2:54
4	KARL	SHREEVE	29:05	2:40
5	KARTIK	SHARMA	28:04	2:11
6	NICK	KLEANTHOUS	29:50	2:10
7	NATHAN	KIRLEY	18:56	2:04
8	PERRI	GENTRY	20:28	2:02
9	SAM	GENTRY	29:03	1:42
10	OLI	LACIGOVA	22:57	1:48
11	JO	COOK	36:20	1:25
12	JACKIE	PERRY	25:43	1:17
13	KRIS	WESTCOTT	20:18	1:12
14	TIM	ROBINSON	27:23	0:52
15	MIKE	REYNOLDS	28:15	0:30
16	MARTIN	DUDLEY	25:46	(0:01)
17	SALLY	REEVE	25:04	(0:19)
18	CRAIG	BACON	22:49	(0:04)
19	SAMANTHA	TOPHILL	26:43	(0:13)

Stort Five

CHARLIE ARNOLD ran the Stort 5 mile race at Cammas Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak

He was eighth in 37:25.

Colchester Zoo Duo

Jess Clarke and Jay Papa ran the Colchester Zoo Stampede 10K together.

They both finished in 55 minutes 24 seconds. There were 1,857 finishers.

Hackney Half

PETER SACH completed the Hackney Half marathon in 2:27:35 (2 hours 27 minutes 35 seconds). He said the atmosphere as always was brilliant with people lining the streets in support, and thankfully the weather this year was much milder than last year. There were 20,901 finishers!

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 17^th May

High numbers again at Stevenage parkrun with 572 finishers.

KIRK NDUGU was second in 17 minutes 15 seconds (17:15) and SIMON JACKSON fifth in 19:43. SHARON CROWLEY enjoyed herself continuing her recent improvement at 228^th with 28:35. JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL enjoyed the last time they could wear their Mayor and Mayoress T shirts with 29 minutes 11 seconds. Jim broke the unofficial world mayor chain record the previous week.

ANNABELLE WHITE was the fastest female from Fairlands with 27:57.

55 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Spartans elsewhere included JOHN HARRIS at the Rothay Park parkrun, Ambleside. He finished 13^th in 21:18.

Stevenage parkrun will celebrate its ninth birthday on Saturday 24^th May. There’s a celebration and a Where’s Wally? theme.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Kirk NDUGU	17:15
5	5	Simon JACKSON	19:43
23	21	Tony RANDFIELD	21:33
70	63	Lee PICKERSGILL	23:33
96	85	Martin DUDLEY	24:15
100	89	Daniel VILJOEN	24:41
153	130	Ryan DUNNING	26:43
204	37	Annabelle WHITE	27:57
228	49	Sharon CROWLEY	28:35
238	178	Matt CLARKE	28:51
252	186	Jim BROWN	29:11
251	60	Penny SCHENKEL	29:11
268	64	Fiona Clarke	29:31
295	212	Steve PLATT	30:15
326	92	Debbie BLANTERN	31:04
328	93	Ada JANUSIENE	31:05
333	96	Monica SMITHSON	31:13
398	133	Caroline CROFT	33:56
433	154	Hilary DAVIES	35:09
447	268	Nick KLEANTHOUS	35:58
453	170	Hannah MANTON	36:08
470	276	Lloyd DIAS	37:37
475	184	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:01
483	189	Jane WADEY	38:35
523	217	Nichola DURENT	45:06
530	285	Roger BIGGS	46:16
533	224	Emma CHAPMAN	47:22
553	238	Nikki Katherine NATION	53:02

Tags 400m relays, Colchester Zoo Stampede 10K, Hackney Half, Handicap 5k, parkrun, Stort 5

News Race Results

HOT SPARTANS ON THE GREENWAY

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date May 11, 2025
No Comments on HOT SPARTANS ON THE GREENWAY

It was seriously hot for the Greenway Challenge in Letchworth. Several of the 17 Spartans grouped up in the sun as they tackled the 13.1 miles multi-terrain event.

Spartan ADRIAN DONNELLY was a bit of a star. He won the men 40 plus category and was fifth overall with 1 hour 38 minutes 41 seconds (1:38:41). NICK GILL and PETE GENTLE came in 36^th and 37^th in 1:52:59. SUZY HAWKINS was the fastest female from Fairlands in 1:53:59 with TOBY ECCLESHALL not far behind in 1:54:17.

Next came a Spartan quadruplet. ANNABELLE WHITE and ALEX SCOFIELD in 2:08:06 then MARIE COLUCCI and GEORGIE HOOPER in 2:08:17.

FVS club chair TIM ROBINSON was back in 2:43:39 a little in front of another Spartan pair TRICIA HOPPER in 2:45:01 and KAREN LIDDLE in 2:45:04.

A famous Fairlands Five rounded it off for FVS. VICKY ARCHER 126^th in 2:51:16 then CLAIRE EMMERSON 127^th; HAZEL SMITH 128^th; TRACY PEZ 129^th and PENNY SCHENKEL 130^th all in 2:51:17.

There were 145 finishers.

Pos	Cat Pos	Name	Time
5	1	Adrian DONNELLY	1:38:41
36	7	Nick GILL	1:52:59
37	11	Pete GENTLE	1:52:59
43	4	Suzy HAWKINS	1:53:49
45	8	Toby ECCLESHALL	1:54:17
78	9	Annabelle WHITE	2:08:06
79	15	Alex SCOFIELD	2:08:06
81	7	Marie COLUCCI	2:08:17
82	12	Georgie HOOPER	2:08:17
118	26	Tim ROBINSON	2:43:39
119	3	Tricia HOPPER	2:45:01
121	4	Karen LIDDLE	2:45:04
126	21	Vicky ARCHER	2:51:16
127	18	Claire EMMERSON	2:51:17
128	19	Hazel SMITH	2:51:17
129	20	Tracy PEZ	2:51:17
130	6	Penny SCHENKEL	2:51:17

Five Miles Frazzle but some Spartans top threes.

Some like it hot. Others were not quite so sure at the Phoenix Five mile race in Stevenage. Thirteen Spartans ran. Pretty warm with little shade but a straightforward course from Shephalbury Park to Fairlands Valley Park and back.

MIKE JEFFS and PAUL SHELLEY excelled. Mike was first man 40 plus and fourth out of the 272 finishers in 29 minutes 55 seconds; Paul second man 50 plus and seventh in 31:06.

JESS CLARKE was second senior woman (18-39) and tenth woman overall in 40:44 and LORRAINE HILL third woman 55 plus in 43 minutes exactly.

Lots of room for improvement but JIM BROWN completed a full set of both club championships for this year with 46:20.

Pos	Cat Pos	Name	Chip Time
4	1	Mike JEFFS	29:55
7	2	Paul SHELLEY	31:06
10	5	Jay PAPA	31:43
74	2	Jess CLARKE	40:44
95	3	Lorraine HILL	43:00
123	38	Lloyd DIAS	45:19
129	5	Jim BROWN	46:20
163	15	Sarah ILLINGWORTH	50:17
164	15	Nick KLEANTHOUS	50:12
171	27	Karl SHREEVE	51:41
197	13	Monica SMITHSON	54:53
211	27	Callie CHAPMAN	56:34
229	17	Alice WELCH	59:15

Spartans On Track

Fairlands Valley Spartan sent a team of nineteen to the first fixture in the EMAC track and field series this year.

The FVS women’s team of SHARON CROWLEY, YUKO GORDON, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, NIKKI NATION, JOYLYN SANDERS-MULLINS, TESSA STEPHENSON and ALISON WOOD won with 74.0 points compared with 49.0 for second placed Bedford & County.

CHARLES ARNOLD, JIM BROWN, MARK COLLINS, MARK FREEMAN, STEVE FEELY, MIKE JEFFS, STEVE MAYFIELD, ANDREW PATTERSON, GRANT RAMSAY, TIMOTHY SAUNDERS-MULLINS, PAUL SHELLEY and DAVID STEPHENSON were third in the men’s competition with 73.0.

The track was very busy with a number of 1500 metre races. The 1500 features in the Spartans short distance championships. ANDREW PATTERSON won the men 35 to 49 race in 4:23.1; ALISON WOOD won the women 50-59 in 5:56.6; SHARON CROWLEY the women 60 plus in 7:46.0 and YUKO GORDON the women 70 plus in 6:45.7.

There were useful placings by GRANT RAMSAY second man 50 plus 5:21.6; CHARLES ARNOLD second man 60 plus in 6:06.6; CHRISTINE LATHWELL second woman 35 plus in 5:33.5 and JIM BROWN third man 70 plus in 8:11.8. The event was in Sandy on Wednesday evening.

The next two EMAC fixtures will be in Bedford on Wednesday 4^th June and in Corby on Wednesday 2^nd July. EMAC, Eastern Masters Athletics Club, is for East of England veterans aged 35 plus.

Semington Slog 10K

PETE COOK said the Semington Slog 10K was a lovely sunny outing in the Wiltshire Countryside undulating to start with then a nice flat path along the Kennet and Avon Canal followed by the reason it’s called a slog for the last 5K. He took more than a minute off his personal best (PB) when he finished in 56:35.

MK Marathon Weekend

At about 12 degrees conditions were relatively kind for marathon running in Milton Keynes on May Day Holiday Monday.

A bit of a breeze but TONY RANDFIELD went through 10K in 49:40 and half marathon in 1:45:51 and reached the finish line in 3 hours 45 minutes 29 seconds. JESSICA CLARKE was through 10K in 1:00:12 and halfway in 2:06:51 and the finish line in 4:34:33. With a much better run than in Brighton a few weeks ago HANNAH MANTON in was at 10K in 1:23:45; halfway in 2:41:19 and finished in 5:27:05. There were 1,934 finishers.

Hannah said “It didn’t quite go to plan despite feeling strong, blisters definitely got the better of me! Multiple stops were needed to change plasters, and even swap trainers at the halfway point, but I’ll take it as lessons learned and more training towards my ultra in June!”

JOHN NELMS was running the half marathon. He went through 10K in 1:02:45 and finished in 2:02:15. There were 2,316 finishers in the half marathon.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 10^th May – including the 400^th parkrun in Stevenege

Stevenage parkrun celebrated a major milestone on Saturday morning 10^th May. It was be the 400^th Stevenage parkrun. So far there have been 132,505 finishes in just under nine years with an average time of 30 minutes 11 seconds.

There was another huge turnout – 653 runners – and 30 of them were Spartans.

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI won the event by a good margin. He ran the 5K in 17 minutes 52 seconds (17:52). That was 54 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

GRANT RAMSAY was back in the top five at fourth with 19:15.

It was a double century for JIM BROWN. His 200^th parkrun on the 400^th parkrun. He finished in 28:56. DANIEL VILJOEN ran his 290^th in 25:14; MARK BEASLEY his 150^th in 25:43 and JAYNE RIDDELL her 110^th in 27:03.Yuko Gordon was second woman and 27^th overall in the Letchworth parkrun with 25:04.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Adrian BUSOLINI	17:52
4	4	Grant RAMSAY	19:15
20	17	Perri GENTRY	21:04
26	23	David RIDDELL	21:39
59	54	Matthew COOKE	23:14
99	92	Paul MAGUIRE	24:37
101	94	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:38
118	107	Darren EMMERSON	25:14
119	108	Daniel VILJOEN	25:14
141	126	Mark BEASLEY	25:43
160	138	Ryan DUNNING	26:07
169	145	Matt TUTTON	26:22
195	162	Steve TINSLEY	27:03
193	22	Jayne RIDDELL	27:03
221	26	Lorraine HILL	27:27
287	221	Jim BROWN	28:56
301	228	Matt CLARKE	29:18
300	60	Sharon CROWLEY	29:18
343	251	Kartik SHARMA	30:34
382	99	Debbie BLANTERN	31:20
423	273	Ahaan SHARMA	32:17
448	142	Penny SCHENKEL	33:08
472	297	Stephen SMITHSON	34:21
500	169	Hilary DAVIES	35:19
528	313	Lloyd DIAS	36:30
550	200	Hannah MANTON	37:46
574	217	Nicola HATHERLY	39:12
630	341	Roger BIGGS	47:03
649	350	Tony RANDFIELD	56:56
652	263	Claire EMMERSON	1:02:57

Tags EMAC, Greenway Challenge, Milton Keynes Marathon, parkrun, Pheonix Five, Semington Slog 10k

News Race Results

GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE FOR SPARTANS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date May 4, 2025
No Comments on GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE FOR SPARTANS

There were silver and bronze county medals for Fairlands Valley Spartans on Sunday morning. 24 ran the Hitchin 10K which included the Hertfordshire championships for veteran runners.

In the open race Spartan CHARLIE WHITE was 12^th out of the 893 finishers in a new personal best (PB) of 36 minutes 5 seconds. Charlie’s PB was 11 seconds quicker than the St Albans 10K two weeks ago and a 1 minute 17 second improvement since last year.

The fastest female from Fairlands was ASHLEY KING who was in the top 90 runners and in the County championships won a BRONZE medal with 42 minutes 29 seconds (42:29).

Spartan JIM BROWN was very pleased with himself. Despite a hard time in the London Marathon heat last Sunday afternoon he won SILVER in the County championships with a reasonable time of 55 minutes 57 seconds. That’s second man 70 plus.

There were many great achievements including MEGAN SUTTON improving her personal best by 2 minutes 4 seconds to 56:20 and SAM GENTRY with a new PB of 1:01:08, a reduction of 1 minute 10 seconds. JUDY KING got under one hour for the first time with her new PB of 27:43.

SAMANTHA SUTTON ran her fastest 10K since 2021 with 1:19:21. PENNY SCHENKEL and BECKY RAYNER were other London Marathon finishers who had a good run. Penny came in with 1:02:42 and Becky with 1:19:21.

The Spartans second woman JO COOKSLEY beat 50 minutes with 49:39.

JACKIE PERRY was second in the women 60 plus age group. Her chip time was 52 minutes 46 seconds.

To participate in the county championships runners had to be eligible by birth or place of residence.

Pos	CatPos	MF	BiB	Name	Cat	Chip Time	Age Gd
12	5	12	4409	Charles WHITE	MV30	36:05	74.1%
49	13	45	3836	Adrian DONNELLY	MV40	40:31	71.5%
88	15	77	3386	Mike GUEST	MV50	42:34	74.2%
89	5	12	4799	Ashley KING	FV30	42:29	72.8%
117	3	103	26	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	44:08	80.8%
123	43	108	3803	Toby ECCLESHALL	MV30	44:23	60.7%
187	40	163	3224	Danny SCANLON	MV40	46:40	60.6%
237	79	203	7296	Joseph WASNOCK	MV30	48:11	55.3%
275	20	47	7119	Jo COOKSLEY	FV30	49:39	61.9%
390	2	81	3700	Jackie PERRY	FV60	52:46	76.6%
412	77	325	3563	Matt TUTTON	MV40	52:55	52.1%
484	71	359	883	Tim ROBINSON	MV50	55:09	56.6%
507	3	370	3663	Jim BROWN	MV70+	55:57	65.8%
537	22	152	2338	Megan SUTTON	F20	56:20	53.1%
570	8	170	4142	Judy KING	FV60	57:43	67.0%
605	69	192	1605	Amy SAWYER	FV30	58:15	51.6%
615	32	416	7303	Andy JAY	MV60	59:01	55.8%
684	69	246	857	Sam GENTRY	FV40	1:01:08	54.1%
722	42	274	625	Penny SCHENKEL	FV50	1:02:42	57.4%
723	43	275	4944	Hazel SMITH	FV50	1:02:42	54.7%
729	91	451	196	Karl SHREEVE	MV50	1:02:57	50..1%
817	56	343	3710	Samantha SUTTON	FV50	1:08:18	49.6%
881	104	395	1589	Rebecca RAYNER	FV40	1:19:21	39.7%
893	10	489	4758	Roger BIGGS	MV70+	1:42:15	38.3%

Resolution 5000

Eleven Spartans ran in the Resolution 5000 at Ridlins Track in Stevenage.

Only days after running a full marathon in Manchester SIMON JACKSON was racing round 12.5 laps of the track to be second in the event with 17 minutes 2 seconds. NICK GILL was fifth with 17:50 and PAUL SHELLEY sixth in 18:05.

GEORGIE HOOPER was the fastest female from Fairlands third woman in the event with 21:15, a new personal best by three seconds. ANNABELLE WHITE was not far behind in 22:42.

The other Spartans were ROSS GALLAGHER 19:13; PAUL MOULD 19:24; MATT TUTTON in 24:24; MARTIN DUDLEY in 24:32; SHARON CROWLEY in 29:11 and PAUL HOLGATE in 33:12. There were 58 runners.

Nick Gill. 17:50 for me at the Resolution 5k – my third fastest over the distance and my quickest on the track. I was aiming for sub-18, so really pleased with the run and how I paced it. Thanks to everyone for the fantastic support!

Ross Gallagher said his 19:13 was a good marker to build on.

Pos	Name	Time	MF	CatPos	Cat	Age Gd
2	Simon JACKSON	17:02	2	1	MV40	85.1 %
5	Nick GILL	17:50	5	3	MS	73.7 %
6	Paul SHELLEY	18:05	6	2	MV50	84.8 %
13	Ross GALLAGHER	19:13	13	4	MV40	70.9 %
17	Paul MOULD	19:24	17	6	MV40	70.2 %
27	Georgie HOOPER	21:15	3	3	FS	70.5 %
35	Annabelle WHITE	22:42	6	5	FS	64.9 %
43	Matt TUTTON	24:24	35	14	MV40	55.8 %
46	Martin DUDLEY	24:32	38	2	MV60	65.8 %
56	Sharon CROWLEY	29:11	11	1	FV60	68.3 %
57	Paul HOLGATE	33:12	46	4	MV60	51.3 %

MK Marathon Weekend

At about 12 degrees conditions were relatively kind for marathon running in Milton Keynes on May Day Holiday Monday.

JOHN NELMS was running the half marathon. He went through 10K in 1:02:45 and finished in 2:02:15. There were 2,316 finishers in the half marathon.

Medals at Track Championships

Fairlands Valley Spartans came away from the Hertfordshire track championships for veterans with a good crop of medals. SHARON CROWLEY won GOLD for women 60 plus in the 1500 metres with 7 minutes 44 seconds (4:53.85), a recent improvement of 12 seconds, and SILVER in the hammer with 16.19 metres.

It was GOLD for SIMON JACKSON in the men 40 plus 1500. It took him just 4 minutes 34 seconds (4:34.25).

PAUL SHELLEY won GOLD in the men 50 plus 1500 metres with a personal best of 4:53.85 and CRAIG BACON took the SILVER with 5:33.86. That was Craig’s first 1500 since 2019.

ANNABELLE WHITE won GOLD in the senior women’s 1500 with 6:13.53.

Moving carefully after the road 10K championships the previous day JIM BROWN won 1500 metres GOLD for men 70 plus. However it was a bit of a journey. It took him 8:37.67.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 3^rd May – 400^th parkrun coming up

The FVS “takeover” of Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun resulted in a large turnout of 598 runners completing the five kilometres around Fairlands Valley Park. Some were proudly wearing their London Marathon finishers T shirts from six days earlier.

The Spartans provided nearly all the officials, the marshals, all the pacers and the tailwalkers – and 45 Spartans ran. PAUL MOULD a first timer was seventh in 19:47 and MIKE JEFFS, also top ten, was eighth in 19:50. MARTIN JACOB ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 21:52 and MARIE COLUCCI was a top ten woman with 23:41.

LEE PICKERSGILL celebrated a milestone with his 100^th parkrun which he finished in 25:23. There were also PPBs for PETER SACH 27:31 and JUDY KING 28:37. Judy improved by 36 seconds.

Altogether 75 Spartans were running a parkrun on Saturday morning. One was enjoying a really memorable run along the city walls at Lucca in Italy. The Mura di Lucca parkrun. JACKIE DOWNES finished in 29 minutes 46 seconds. There were 115 finishers.

Stevenage parkrun celebrates a major milestone on Saturday morning 10^th May. It will be the 400^th Stevenage parkrun. So far there have been 131,852 finishes with an average time of 30 minutes 11 seconds.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
7	7	Paul MOULD	19:47
8	8	Mike JEFFS	19:50
42	39	Martin JACOB	21:52
44	41	Jay PAPA	21:58
50	47	David RIDDELL	22:09
91	80	Tony RANDFIELD	23:23
98	86	Ross GALLACHER	23:29
107	10	Marie COLUCCI	23:41
113	97	Charlie WHITE	24:17
118	101	Martin DUDLEY	24:25
135	115	Daniel VILJOEN	25:03
146	125	Lee PICKERSGILL	25:23
149	127	Darren EMMERSON	25:25
158	135	Mark BEASLEY	25:36
167	144	Matthew COOKE	25:56
172	149	Ryan DUNNING	26:01
218	183	Steve TINSLEY	27:27
222	186	Peter SACH	27:31
234	192	Charles ARNOLD	27:45
269	48	Judy KING	28:37
278	218	Vishal SHAH	28:43
298	59	Claire EMMERSON	29:16
303	62	Carole SHELDRICK	29:29
308	66	Jessica CLARKE	29:35
336	76	Sophie PARSONS	30:47
339	251	Ryan RIDDELL	30:52
350	86	Pamela VILJOEN	31:10
355	89	Debbie BLANTERN	31:15
361	258	Steve PLATT	31:23
366	97	Nikki NATION	31:30
376	105	Annabelle WHITE	31:45
385	265	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:11
386	111	Elizabeth CROWLEY	32:13
426	275	Paul HOLGATE	33:35
435	141	Yuko GORDON	33:58
478	171	Hazel SMITH	36:00
482	172	Hannah MANTON	36:08
498	298	Maurice BALLARD	37:24
526	307	Lloyd DIAS	40:02
552	216	Melody BROWN	42:50
581	235	Emma CHAPMAN	49:20
583	325	Roger BIGGS	50:02
590	242	Rebecca RAYNER	54:56
597	248	Alison SHELLEY	62:10
598	249	Sharon CROWLEY	62:12

Tags 1500m track, Hitchin 10K, MK Marathon, parkrun, Resolution 5k

News Race Results

SPARTANS AT LONDON 45

It was a hot one with many club members running through the afternoon but ANDREW PATTERSON from Fairlands Valley Spartans seemed super cool at the finish having run the London Marathon in a fantastic 2 hours 36 minutes 23 seconds. He was 444^th out of a record breaking more than 55,646 so easily top 1%.

The first female from Fairlands was ASHLEY JOHNSON. So close to sub three with 3:00:39. She broke a club record.

SIMON FRASER got there with 2:49:29.

LINDA GEORGE was chuffed with her London Marathon time (4:41:57) this year — and it’s a personal best PB (12 minutes 15 seconds faster) than last year’s London Marathon! She was really happy with how it went. Soaked herself in water throughout the course and used every shower on the route, which helped her manage the heat. Also managed a happy jump picture at the meeting point after the race!

CAROL PAUL completed her 23rd London Marathon and 362nd marathon in 5:02:43 on a very warm day in London.

Someone else who has run more than half of the 45 London Marathon was JIM BROWN. Not in the best shape and suffering in the heat but got round in 5:28:40 raising funds for the Mayor’s charities.

Very definitely mission accomplished for PENNY SCHENKEL who completed her first ever marathon in 5 hours 45 minutes 16 seconds.

MELANIE BATE came in with an excellent 3:09:54 and LORRAINE HILL with 5:00:14.

Some with later starts really suffered in the afternoon heat but stuck it out and got the medal. They included first timers SIMON SYPULA 5:22:55 and PETE COOK 5:56:33. Also CLARE DAVIES 5:52:19 and SARAH PARFITT 6:16:27.

New member OLIVIA NATION came in with 4:49:50.

Manchester

AND three Spartans were running the Manchester Marathon where SIMON JACKSON was sub three with 2 hours 48 minutes 17 seconds. He was 200^th out of more than 23,000. KEITH HOOKER ran a new personal best of 3:51:01 and LLOYD DIAS finished in 5:25:41.

Gerry “Not The London Marathon”

GERRY ROSEN ran the half marathon in the Phoenix Running “Not the London Marathon” event.

Almost 300 people took part including people running their virtual marathons and there were a few people there from all corners of the world, USA, Australia to name a few.

It was his first running event since his Ultra a month ago, but it went well and he finished in a respectable 2 hours 26min 47secs , Gerry says room for improvement as always.

Easy Friday

With Sunday very much on his mind JIM BROWN ran / walked around the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in 34:08. It was sunny, mild with a light breeze in Hyde Park.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 26^th April

It may have been the day before tens of thousands ran the London Marathon but 564 ran the 398^th Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning including 22 Spartans.

Amongst them were CLAIRE EMMERSON who ran her 180^th parkrun in 28:28.

Elsewhere three were at the Henlow Bridges parkrun where MATT GIFFORD was 35^th in 24:33; JOHN NELMS 46^th in 25:24 and NICK GILL running there for the first time who was 56^th in 25:59. There were 201 finishers.

Three others were at Panshanger. Running there for the first time PETER SACH was 162^nd in 28:22; SALLY PICKLES, another first timer, was 216^th in 32:43 and NIKI PLUMB 277^th in 48:23. There were 318 finishers.

Altogether 47 Spartans were running parkruns – and not just in the UK.There will be a Spartan “takeover” at Stevenage parkrun this Saturday 3^rd May and the local parkrun will be celebrating its 400^th run on 10^th May.

Tags London Marathon, Manchester Marathon, Not the London Marathon, parkrun, Serpentine 5K

News Race Results

A GOOD FRIDAY FOR A FAST RUN

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date April 20, 2025
No Comments on A GOOD FRIDAY FOR A FAST RUN

Twenty two Spartans, 16 women and six men enjoyed a great morning at the St Albans Easter 10K at St Albans on Good Friday.

A lovely morning helped bring were some fantastic results for Fairlands Valley including SIMON JACKSON fourth out of 968 with 35 minutes 14 seconds (35:14) which got him second man 45 plus.

Another top ten runner was CHARLIE WHITE at eighth with a new personal best (PB) of 36:17.

CHARLES ARNOLD ran his fastest ever time as a Spartan, a season’s best (SB) of 43:47 and second man 65 plus.

There was a three second improvement for GEORGIE HOOPER taking her to a new PB of 44:54 and ANNABELLE WHITE ran a new PBPB “post baby personal best” of 48:16.

Her first time in Spartans stripes for ages SU McANENY went to set a benchmark and finished with a two second PB, 48:43.

PENNY SCHENKEL improved by 4 minutes 13 seconds to 1:00:06 and JIM BROWN by 1:06 this year to 54:39 which lifted him to second man 70 plus.

SAM GENTRY knocked five minutes off her PB and finished in 1:02:18.

Running her first official 10K since 2023 JANE WADEY finished in a season’s best 1:23:24.

SHARON CROWLEY said it was unexpectedly warm but she finished in 1:04:21.

Pos	Name	Time
4	Simon JACKSON	35:14
8	Charlie WHITE	36:17
18	Nick GILL	38:03
64	Ross GALLAGHER	41:00
116	Charles ARNOLD	43:47
130	Georgie HOOPER	44:54
196	Marie COLUCCI	48:42
201	Annabelle WHITE	48:16
217	Susan MCANENY	48:43
374	Jim BROWN	54:39
575	Penny SCHENKEL	1:00:06
596	Nikki NATION	1:01:14
656	Megan SUTTON	1:03:09
688	Sam GENTRY	1:02:18
756	Sharon CROWLEY	1:04:21
772	Liz CARVELL	1:05:50
828	Samantha SUTTON	1:10:12
846	Callie CHAPMAN	1:09:25
908	Sally PHILLIPS	1:14:12
921	Rose SUTTON	1:16:27
944	Rebecca RAYNER	1:19:46
961	Jane WADEY	1:23:24

A Big Win For Kristian

Spartan KRISTIAN ATANASOV won the Tarnovo Ultra 51K trail race in Bulgaria which was based in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. It was an incredible race with lots of mud and great competition. Only 30 seconds separated the top three. This was a new personal best on this course by Kristian. A 37 minute improvement from 5 hours 25 minutes in 2024 to 4:48:32 and winning in 2025. It earnt him about 400 euros worth of prizes.

Ibiza Marathon

JAY PAPA was 76^th out of 1,042 finishers in the recent Ibiza Marathon with his time of 3 hours 22 minutes 21 seconds (3:22:21). JESSICA CLARKE finished in 4:16:11.

Norfolk Marathon

Spartan ROB WRIGHT ran the Norfolk Marathon. With a start and finish overlooking the sea in Cromer he finished in 4:07:12 and was 167^th out of about 500 runners.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 19^th April

Dozens of Spartans ran in the 397^th Stevenage parkrun which attracted 574 finishers. The Spartan highlights included DAVID HARRIS- CHERGUIT second in 19 minutes 31 seconds; JOHN HARRIS ran his milestone 100^th parkrun in 21:14; PETE COOK another personal best, this time 24:31; FIONA CLARKE ran her 220^th parkrun in 29:22; NICK KLEANTHOUS his 240^th in 32:01; LLOYD DIAS finished his 40^th in 52:16 and PENNY SCHENKEL was an Easter bunny in 34:02.

Tags Ibiza Marathon, Norfolk Coastal Marathon, parkrun, St Albans Easter 10K, Tarnovo Ultra 51K

News Race Results

SPARTANS MAKE PBs AT NEWPORT

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date April 13, 2025
No Comments on SPARTANS MAKE PBs AT NEWPORT

In the Newport Marathon a time of 2:48:19 brought a new marathon PB (personal best) for DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT. He said it was a great course, a really well organised race and there was a quality field with great groups to work with on pacing.

David said he was super happy with a new PB, making all the early starts and running up Martins Way worthwhile.

He was bought rapidly back down to earth shortly after finishing by his kids in the Fun Run who both left him for dust!

VICKY ARCHER ran the Newport Half Marathon with an aim to go sub 1:50. She said Stuart ran with her keeping her on track and was amazing! They crossed the line in 1:47:42! That’s a PB of just over 4 minutes.

Vicky said “1:47 is a time I thought was out of reach a few months ago… hard work and consistency pays off.”

Spartan Six at Flitwick

BRIAN WHITE ran his first race since moving up to the 70 category and met some very good vets at the Flitwick 10K. He was fourth in his age category on a fairly challenging course in 47 minutes 20 seconds. The weather was perfect and the race very well organised.

Spartan YUKO GORDON finished first woman 65 plus with 49:16.

She said, “I haven’t trained much for the last three weeks with my injury after the bad fall during the MK 20 Mile race last month and I couldn’t reach my usual racing pace at all today. Fortunately I won my age group but my time was nearly three minutes slower than two years ago.”

JOHN NELMS and JACKIE PERRY finished together in 54:08 and 54:09.

JIM BROWN set off thinking about a “58” based on recent running so was very happy with 55 minutes 45 seconds. PENNY SCHENKEL continued her good progress towards the London Marathon with a 6:30 minutes per kilometre run to give her a time of 64 minutes 13 seconds.

Pos	First name	Last name	Chip time
140	Brian	White	47:20
194	Yuko	Gordon	49:16
316	John	Nelms	54:08
317	Jackie	Perry	54:09
350	Jim	Brown	55:45
548	Penny	Schenkel	64:13

April in Paris

Tim ROBINSON ran the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon 2025 in a time of 5:43:33. It’s the 4th time he has completed the Paris Marathon. A beautiful route starting and finishing at the Arc De Triomphe and taking in many famous Paris landmarks.

Rotterdam

DAVE COOK said he was disappointed with his run at the Rotterdam Marathon but he was still well under three hours with his 2:52:21.

In the same race MICHAEL FISHER struggled to hold his pace for the first 10km and then it got better. Felt warmer than forecasted so water was a must. The fast start punished him from 34 kilometres onwards so he held himself slightly to ensure that he could still hit my targeted time. He got it right with a PB improvement of 11 minutes and a Sub 2 run of 2 hours 57 minutes 13 seconds (2:57:13).

Euro Matt

On Saturday MATT TUTTON ran the Half Marathon at the European Running Championships in the small city of Leuven in Belgium. The atmosphere was fantastic, course was flat and the weather was very warm but beautiful. He beat his previous PB and finished in 2 hours 1 minute and 22 seconds. Not enough to finish in top 25 Brits to score points although we finished 5th so no additional medal to bring home. It is a great weekend with 10k and marathon on Sunday. He was looking forward to watch both elite and recreational runners come through. Next edition will be in Belgrade in 2027.

Ultra Spartans.

Ciaran McAneny raced in the UKA 2025 British Championship 24 hour race on the track at Crawley from noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday.

In a race that started fast and saw many contenders burn their matches early in warm weather; Ciaran kept control of his early pace to move up through the field as others dropped out.

Spartan Ciaran was one of three runners who closed in on the lead as the day progressed. He made his way into second, until the closing stages when he started to struggle to maintain pace and eventually came away with a British Championship Bronze Medal and a distance of 201.3 kilometres.

The race itself was won outright with an astonishing run by Sarah Webster who finished with a distance of 243.4km and a new British Women’s 100 mile record of 14:05 along the way.

On Saturday, MARTIN JACOB ran his first 50 mile ultramarathon – the South Downs Way 50. He was initially worried it might be a very warm day, but it turned out to be a pleasant day for the run. There were a few brutal hills along the way, but aside from those, he enjoyed every bit of the race. He finished in 11:30:47, with a strong sprint at the end. Super happy with the result !

Sharon and Mike Crowley took part in Capital Challenge, a self navigated long distance walk north and south of the River Thames. On a very warm day and after almost 28 miles they finished in 9 hours 15 minutes.

Ibiza Marathon, Saturday

JAY PAPA was 76^th out of 1,042 finishers in Saturday’s Ibiza Marathon with his time of 3 hours 22 minutes 21 seconds (3:22:21).

Hyrox Harris

JOHN HARRIS completed the Warsaw Hyrox in 1 hour 26 minutes 40 seconds (1:26:40). 1-26-40 finishing 6th V60 at his first attempt. Hyrox is an indoor fitness competition combining eight kilometres of running with eight functional workout stations.

Club Championships Are Go

The Fairlands Valley Spartans club championships last all year and started on 1^st January 2025.

There are long and short distance options. For the long it will be the best of three out of 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles and full marathon (42.2 kilometres). For the short the best of three out of 1500 metres, 5 kilometres, 5 miles and 10 kilometres. Counting races must be licensed with a certified accurate course – there are hundreds to chose from.

By the end of March, the first quarter, only PENNY SCHENKEL had completed a female three distance series so she is leading the women’s long distance series with 56.4%. BRIAN WHITE is leading the men’s long distance with 74.9% while JIM BROWN is second on 66.0%.

This won’t last for long as many other Spartans had already recorded two fast times for either the long or short distances.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 12^th April

Over 500 parkrunners again at Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning with 501 finishers. 24 were Spartans.

PETE COOK made into the top 100 at Stevenage parkrun and ran another parkrun personal best (PPB). This time it was 24:51. He was 26 seconds behind TANYA BRAZIER who also ran a new PPB, for her it was 24:25.

It was a double century for ROGER BIGGS. He ran his 200^th parkrun in 48:33. LORRAINE HILL ran her 350^th in 26:16.

CHARLIEV WHITE was the quickest Spartan at Stevenage with 18:09 and JO COOKSLEY the Fastest Female From Fairlands with 24:16.

SIMON JACKSON did 16:56 at the Great Denham park run on Saturday. PAUL SHELLEY ran the same event in 17:41.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
5	5	Charlie WHITE	18:09
28	27	Tony RANDFIELD	21:17
54	52	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:01
84	5	Jo COOKSLEY	24:16
88	6	Tanya BRAZIER	24:25
93	79	Chris WATLING	24:38
98	82	Pete COOK	24:51
110	90	Stuart ARCHER	25:15
127	104	Darren EMMERSON	26:01
134	14	Lorraine HILL	26:16
235	172	Kartik SHARMA	29:12
248	181	Thomas SAUKA	29:34
252	53	Claire EMMERSON	29:46
259	58	Penny SCHENKEL	30:08
269	66	Hannah MANTON	30:35
274	189	Peter SACH	30:53
301	87	Debbie BLANTERN	31:44
318	96	Fiona CLARKE	32:30
319	205	Matt CLARKE	32:31
321	206	Maurice BALLARD	32:32
420	159	Tracy HAYGARTH	37:49
426	163	Hilary DAVIES	38:04
481	200	Nichola DURENT	46:01
487	257	Roger BIGGS	48:33

Tags European Running Championships, Flitwick 10k, Ibiza Marathon, Newport Marathon, Paris Marathon, parkrun, Rotterdam Marathon, Warsaw Hyrox

News Race Results

SPARTANS TAKE ON BERLIN, BRIGHTON AND LONDON

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date April 6, 2025
No Comments on SPARTANS TAKE ON BERLIN, BRIGHTON AND LONDON

Fairlands Valley Spartans ALEX SCOFIELD and JOE WASNOCK smashed their first marathons on Sunday at Brighton and both finished in 4:53, with Joe around 40 seconds behind Alex. They ran together for 23 miles. Their official times were Alex 4:53:00 and Joe 4:53:31.

TRICIA HOPPER ran the Brighton Marathon in 4 hours 59 minutes 39 seconds.

Berlin

SUE HAMER did Berlin half marathon on Sunday, the second of her super-half marathons, and got a personal best (PB) of 1:58:08, shaving 1 minute 50 seconds off her last PB at Bedford…

A great race, perfect conditions and a very enjoyable race

London Landmarks

Unfortunately the London Landmarks half marathon was about 700 metres short due to an incident that delayed the start. The 15-minute delay in the start time was due to a military wreath-laying ceremony near the traditional finish line exit, requiring a course reconfiguration and a 700-metre reduction in length.

Spartan times for the approximately 20.4 kilometre race included: Danielle Ally: 1:58:55, Harry Newberry: 2:07:22 and Olivia Nation 2:08:09.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 5^th April

Over 500 parkrunners again at Stevenage parkrun on Saturday morning and the fastest runner was from Fairlands Valley Spartans. This was the Spartans stripey Saturday and 36 from the club were running the 5K. A great number considering how many Spartans were at other events over the weekend.

JESSICA CLARKE was the red caped crusader as she completed her major milestone of 50 parkruns. She finished in 29 minutes 55 seconds.

Spartan SIMON JACKSON was first of the 511 parkrunners at Saturday’s 395^th parkrun in Stevenage.

Eight Spartans had an outing to the Great Denham parkrun which CHARLIE WHITE won in 17 minutes 16 seconds. NICK GILL was six out of the 280 runners in 18:44 and ANNABELLE WHITE sixth woman in 23:23.

NICK KLEANTHOUS enjoyed some parkrun tourism with a 31:32 at Penistone. ALISON WOOD ran the Clapham Common parkrun in 21:43. PAUL SHELLEY 27:20 and ALISON SHELLEY 29:02 both ran at Bedford and PAUL JENNINGS had a good run at Barclay (Hoddesdon) with 27:39.

ALAN GOODWIN volunteered at Stevenage for the 100^th time.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Simon JACKSON	17:13
4	4	David Harris-Cherguit	18:26
12	12	Grant RAMSAY	19:11
31	28	Tony RANDFIELD	21:22
40	37	Matthew COOKE	22:14
64	58	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:13
86	77	Daniel VILJOEN	24:10
89	80	Martin DUDLEY	24:17
123	109	Pete COOK	25:14
124	110	Martin JACOB	25:15
148	123	Darren EMMERSON	25:57
149	124	Ryan DUNNING	26:00
173	147	Lee PICKERSGILL	26:44
175	20	Lorraine HILL	26:49
204	172	Mark BEASLEY	27:30
207	27	Tracy PEZ	27:37
210	175	Andy JAY	27:43
231	40	Claire EMMERSON	28:10
263	204	Kartik SHARMA	28:58
293	221	Steve PLATT	29:50
296	66	Jessica CLARKE	29:55
297	222	Jay PAPA	29:58
311	75	Sharon CROWLEY	30:25
321	79	Penny SCHENKEL	30:43
322	233	Jim BROWN	30:45
336	88	Monica SMITHSON	31:37
349	96	Debbie BLANTERN	32:11
375	109	Pamela VILJOEN	33:27
390	259	Peter SACH	33:58
411	132	Jo MANSFIELD	35:20
419	138	Caroline CROFT	35:59
445	156	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:47
447	157	Jane WADEY	39:05
477	278	Roger BIGGS	45:07
484	179	Nichola DURENT	46:27
501	190	Chloe CHAPMAN	52:14

Tags Berlin Half Marathon, London Landmarks Half Marathon, parkrun

News Race Results

MORE 20s. FAST 15s

Spartans were running from 1500 metres to 50,000 metres at the weekend.

50,000 – Ultra Gerry

GERRY ROSEN took part in London Lea Valley Ultra race on Saturday.

It’s a 50 kilometre race that starts in Welwyn Garden City and follows a disused railway line, the Cole Green Way over to Hertford, it then follows the River Lea all the way to finish by the Olympic Stadium in Hackney Wick. It was Gerry’s first attempt at an Ultra. There were three aid stations en route and glorious weather to be had and it proved to be successful as he finished the course in a respectable 7 hours 11 minutes 55 seconds (7:11:55). It’s a perfect introduction into the world of Ultra Marathon running and he’ll be back next year.

32,206 – More 20s

Four Spartans recently ran the Oakley 20 mile race.

JAY PAPA was 39^th out of the 569 finishers in 2 hours 18 minutes 32 seconds (2:18:32); and TERRY SAWYER 201^st in 2:51:32. JESS CLARKE took a huge chunk off her personal best with 2:55:07 and CHARLES ARNOLD was third man over 65 with 2:55:43.

5000 – Serpentine

It was sunny, mild with a light breeze by the Serpentine for the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. After a slow first kilometre Spartan JIM BROWN was 225^th in 27 minutes 56 seconds (27:56; 64.1%).

As usual there was a great range of runners in Hyde Park. The winner finished in 16 minutes 16 seconds; the first woman in 18:39 and the last to come in was an 85 year old with 40:43.

SUE HAMER ran the recent Lee Valley 10K in a time of 54.47. She was tenth in the 50-59 age category.

1500 – Peter Lee Memorial Open Meeting

Four Spartans ran 1500 metres at the Peter Lee Memorial Open race on Sunday.

In race A PAUL SHELLEY ran a new PB of 5 minutes 1 second (5:01:00) beating his best of last year by 21 seconds.

ANDREW PATTERSON was second in race B with a season’s best 4 minutes 22.8 seconds.

SIMON JACKSON came in with 5:23:28 and SHARON CROWLEY finished with a personal best 7 minutes 56 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 29^th March

Spartan SIMON JACKSON was first of the 545 parkrunners were at Saturday’s 394^th Stevenage parkrun which is finished in exactly 17 minutes.

34 Fairlands Valley Spartans ran at Stevenage. GRANT RAMSAY was sub 20 with 19:28. CRAIG BACON ran a new parkrun personal best of 21:23 and LINDA GEORGE a new PPB of 26:34. Linda was also the fastest female from Fairlands. PENNY SCHENKEL ran round in 28 minutes exactly, her fastest since 2018 and an improvement of 3:41 on her best time so far this year. JIM BROWN was first man 70 plus with 28:40. Altogether 46 Spartans were at parkruns across the country. Those away from Stevenage included JOHN NELMS 24:55 and SUZY HAWKINS 25:46 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; THOMAS SAUKA among 194 at the new Oaklands College parkrun; and JESSICA CLARKE 28:22 at the Shrewsbury parkrun.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Simon JACKSON	17:00
13	13	Grant RAMSAY	19:28
33	32	Craig BACON	21:23
34	33	Tony RANDFIELD	21:26
41	40	David RIDDELL	21:56
46	45	Matthew COOKE	22:08
77	72	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:54
83	76	Martin DUDLEY	24:09
146	130	Ryan DUNNING	26:05
149	132	Darren EMMERSON	26:09
165	145	Martin JACOB	26:23
173	22	Linda GEORGE	26:34
177	154	Jay PAPA	26:56
199	171	Mark BEASLEY	27:16
201	28	Lorraine HILL	27:19
203	173	Steve TINSLEY	27:21
223	35	Penny SCHENKEL	28:00
252	204	Jim BROWN	28:40
265	211	Matt CLARKE	29:04
279	56	Fiona CLARKE	29:39
289	227	Kartik SHARMA	29:56
308	70	Elizabeth CROWLEY	30:49
317	241	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:03
318	72	Hannah MANTON	31:05
324	76	Monica SMITHSON	31:17
344	90	Debbie BLANTERN	31:46
348	249	Paul JENNINGS	31:53
387	263	Stephen SMITHSON	33:03
455	149	Nicola HATHERLY	37:18
456	150	Chloe CHAPMAN	37:20
465	290	Lloyd DIAS	37:35
470	160	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:01
521	302	Roger BIGGS	47:26
544	212	Sharon CROWLEY	58:09

Tags Lea Valley Ultra, Oakley 20, parkrun, Peter Lee Memorial, Serpentine 5K

News Race Results

GOLD AND BRONZE SPARTANS

Fairlands Valley Spartans brought home GOLD and BRONZE medals from Sunday’s County 20 mile championships.

SIMON JACKSON flew around the four lap Hillingdon course in 2 hours 2 minutes 8 seconds for the Hertfordshire County Bronze for men 40 plus.

JIM BROWN had a hard time of it in the second half with the trippy pavements, kerbs and generally not being in a good place but persisted getting a terrible time of 4:04:58 but holding on to win County Gold for men 70 plus. He said seventy smiling marshals helped get home round and certainly, in minutes per pound, he got good value for his entry fee.

Barcelona Marathon

Kristian ATANASOV ran a fantastic sub three race at the Barcelona Marathon. He finished in 2 hours 51 minutes 57 seconds (2:51:57).

Wymondham

Today Carol Paul ran the Wymondham 20 in Norfolk, just to the south/west of Norwich.
The race started in the Town and went 2 miles out of town through the country lanes where the competitors completed a 8 mile loop twice and then back to Wymondham. The course was undulating with a big hill in the last mile. Conditions were quite humid and Carol finished in 3:28:26, 5th in her age group F60-64 and 382nd out of 462. The race was really well organised with loads of marshals.

Twin Lakes

BRIAN WHITE ran the Twin Lakes 20 in 2 hours 42 minutes 1 second (2:42:01). He was 87^th out of the 572 finishers in the multi-terrain event.

Ashridge Sam

It was a first time for SAM TOPHILL at the Ashridge Boundary Run. She said it was not her usual running terrain !! – but she went round the 17.5 miles in 3:09:06.

TIM ROBINSON finished in 3:54:31. The off road course with 1600ft of ascent took in Ivinghoe Beacon and a section of stairs through the woods! Was a tough run with most of the trails dried out, exposed tree roots, and heavily rutted tracks. The prize for completion was the traditional Beanie.

Classic Cross Country

Spartan MATTHEW NEWTON ran the classic cross country Orion 15 in the Epping Forest near Chingford. He finished in 2 hours 33 minutes 38 seconds.

Lee Valley PB Matt

On Sunday morning, MATT TUTTON ran the 10K at the Lee Valley Run Fest with a few other Spartans. It was a flat course starting and finishing at the Olympic White-Water centre venturing through the Lee Valley Country Park. Conditions were decent and he managed a chip time of 51:37 which is now is new 10k PB. He was very happy to take a chunk of time off my personal best!

DANNY SCANLON ran the same race in 44:57.Two Spartans ran the ATW Run Fest Half Marathon. SIMON HAIGH with 1:43:30 and MARTIN HAIGH with 2:09:28.

Preparing for Spring Events

42 Spartans took part in the FVS club 5, 10, 15 and 20 mile training runs on Sunday.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 22^nd March

A total of 498 parkrunners were at the 393^rd Stevenage parkrun and despite it being the start of a very busy weekend 23 were Spartans. SIMON JACKSON was third in 18 minutes 30 seconds (18:30). He was running his 60^th parkrun.

Altogether 40 Spartans were at parkruns across the country.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
3	3	Simon JACKSON	18:30
11	10	Grant RAMSAY	19:46
27	23	Tony RANDFIELD	21:34
37	29	Matthew COOKE	22:21
67	53	Martin JACOB	23:33
85	66	Daniel VILJOEN	24:15
161	118	Darren EMMERSON	26:46
172	125	Matt CLARKE	26:56
177	128	Ryan DUNNING	27:05
184	132	Mark BEASLEY	27:14
217	150	Jim BROWN	28:26
237	48	Fiona CLARKE	28:56
241	163	Peter SACH	29:01
252	53	Claire EMMERSON	29:17
254	168	Paul JENNINGS	29:19
313	193	Steve PLATT	30:41
336	91	Debbie BLANTERN	31:36
368	224	Kartik SHARMA	33:18
392	109	Pamela VILJOEN	34:48
420	125	Chloe CHAPMAN	36:12
421	126	Nicola HATHERLY	36:16
451	143	Hannah MANTON	38:49
488	261	Roger BIGGS	47:05

Tags Ashridge Boundary, Barcelona Marathon, Classic Cross Country, Club 20, County 20 mile, Lee Valley Run Fest, parkrun, Twin Lakes 20, Wymondham 20

News Race Results

MARIE AND ANDREW CHAMPIONS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date March 16, 2025
No Comments on MARIE AND ANDREW CHAMPIONS

Fairlands Valley Spartans packed into Stevenage’s Cromwell Hotel on Friday to celebrate their champions for 2024. For racing awards were centred around two big blocks of races. The short series was based on 1500 metres, 5K, 5 miles and 10K races throughout the year and the ones that counted were the best three out of the four. Then the long series was similar but based on 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles and full marathon (42.2 kilometres or 26.2 miles). Awards were made to the first three men and women purely based on speed and based on age related percentages.

So the female open short contest was won by ASHLEY JOHNSON with 76.8%, followed by MARIE COLUCCI on 62.9% and SALLY REEVE on 59.9%.

YUKO GORDON scored an incredible 101.3% in the female age graded table with JAYNE RIDDELL second on 69.0% and SHARON CROWLEY third with 66.1%.

Moving up the to the open long series for women. SAMANTHA TOPHILL won with 54.2%. Marie Colucci was also second in this series. She scored 53.4%. CHLOE CHAPMAN was third with 50.1%.

Onto the women’s Age Graded Long and this was also won by Yuko Gordon. This time with 98.6%. ALISON SHELLEY was second on 62.7% and SHARON CROWLEY third with 58.8%.

In the Male Open Short contest ANDREW PATTERSON was first with 79.7%; MIKE JEFFS second with 72.9% and JAY PAPA third with 67.5%.

Moving onto the Male Age Graded Short series SIMON JACKSON won with 84.1%; PAUL SHELLEY was second on 81.9% and GRANT RAMSAY third with 79.3%..

Andrew Patterson won the men’s “open long” with 79.8%; DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was second with 72.2% and MIKE JEFFS third on 68.4%.

In the Age Graded Long series for men SIMON JACKSON was first with 81.3%; PAUL SHELLEY second with 77.9% and STUART ARCHER third with 70.6%.

Looking through the open results it’s not surprising that ANDREW PATTERSON is the Spartans overall male champion and MARIE COLUCCI the overall female champion. With two wins out of two Andrew becomes the Spartans club champion.

The club likes to recognise improvement the Most Improved Spartan – Male was Mike Jeffs and the Most Improved Spartan – Female was JUDY KING. RunTogether Starter of the year was PETER SACH.

There were lots of prizes for running fast but there were also prizes for being incredibly helpful.

The Chair’s Award went to CALANTHA CHAPMAN; the Head Coach Award to ANDY PRIOR; the President’s Award to MICHAEL O’KEEFE and the “Cathy Craig Spartan of the Year” award, which is voted on by club members went to MIKE JEFFS. Mike is the new men’s captain.

Twenty’s Plenty for Spartan Threesome

Three Spartans tackled the Essex 20 mile race on Sunday. A little chilly and breezy on Debden Airfield but PENNY SCHENKEL set a new personal best for the distance.

DAVE COOK was first in with 2:13:47 and 95^th out of the 466. A careful JIM BROWN came in 396^th with 3:15:23. Last year Penny ran this distance in 3:50:16. This year 3:45:52 so that’s a personal best by 4 minutes 24 seconds (4:24).

There are various 20 mile race options this weekend including the county championships which will be in Hillingdon.

In the Debden 10K Spartan SIMON HAIGH was first man 60 plus with 46 minutes 12 seconds (46:12).

Thirsk Pete

PETE SMITH ran the Thirsk 10 mile race in 1 hour 19 minutes 5 seconds (1:19:05).this morning.

Bath Half

And BECKY RAYNER ran the Bath Half Marathon on 16th March in 2 hours 57 minutes 58 seconds (2:57:58).

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 15^th March

A total of 538 parkrunners were at the 392^nd Stevenage parkrun and 36 were Spartans. took part. 36 Spartans.

A special mention goes to Spartan PAUL JENNINGS who ran his double century, his 200^th parkrun which he finished in 33:01. That’s a significant mini or arbitrary milestone. He should be running round the park with a 250 cape by the middle of next year. TRACY HAYGARTH and DEBBIE BLANTERN ran their 160^th parkruns, in 38:58 and 33:09 while STEVE WELLS ran his 150^th in 22 minutes exactly.

Altogether 47 Spartans were at parkruns. Spartans at other parkruns included WILLIAM MORLEY 18:51 at Storeys Field; PAUL MOULD 21:01 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; SIMON HAIGH 25:41 at Westmill; MARTIN JACOB 25:51 and LINDA GEORGE 31:26 at Barnsley; ANTON McCALLA 30:01 at Market Harborough; NICK GILL 30:14 in Letchworth; DANIEL SUTTON 30:32 at Rutland Water; JONATHAN JONES 36:23 and DZENANA TOPIC 36:47 at the Wimpole Estate.

Tags Bath Half, Essex 20, parkrun, Thirsk 10

News Race Results

CAMBRIDGE JOY

A lovely sunny day and 29 Spartans ran the sell out Cambridge Half Marathon. A few found it a bit warm but many got new personal bests or otherwise ran some really good times.

First in for FVS was ANDREW PATTERSON, 83^rd out of 14,000 runners in just 1 hour 14 minutes 19 seconds (1:14:19). Next in was SIMON JACKSON, 132^nd in 1:16:06. SIMON FRASER was also under 80 minutes at 24^5thwith 1:19:09.

ASHLEY JOHNSON was Fairlands fastest female and she ran a fantastic 1:25:37. She was second female 45 plus in the race.

This season, said MARTIN JACOB, I started doing some strength workouts. Turns out it’s doing the trick. On Sunday he ran the Cambridge Half marathon in 1:44:29. This a PB by 1 minute 27 seconds. He is super happy with the results.

LINDA GEORGE also ran in Cambridge. She finished in 02:00:23. This was her second fastest half marathon. She is very pleased with results considering it was a hot day.

Woo! JESSICA CLARKE ran a new personal best of 1:49:24 and JAY PAPA cut his PB by nearly three minutes to 1:24:59.

Spartan MIKE JEFFS ran the Cambridge Half Marathon for the third year in a row and it was another PB (personal best) 1:20:22 shaving 2 minutes 50 seconds off his previous best.

PAUL SHELLEY went around in an impressive 1:24:13 with ALISON SHELLEY finishing in 2:09:37.

1:25:57 for NICK GILL on Sunday. He was hoping to sneak under 1:25, but the warm weather took it out of him in the second half. But still, his second fastest half marathon and the comeback from injury continues! It was great to run with fellow Spartans Jay and Michael who both smashed their PBs (personal bests), and so much brilliant running all round.

Brian WHITE said it was great to be part of a large FVS team running the Cambridge Half marathon in some very nice sunshine. A great tour of a few of the colleges and the surrounding countryside. He finished in 1:44:49

SHARON CROWLEY said it was far too hot for her. She finished in 2:51:32.

Seven Spartans averaged under 4 minutes per kilometre for all 21.1kilometres.

Position	Name	Time	Category
83	Andrew Patterson	1:14:19	M40-44
132	Simon Jackson	1:16:06	M45-49
245	Simon Fraser	1:19:09	M35-39
293	Mike Jeffs	1:20:22	M40-44
414	Anthony Cahill	1:22:19	M40-44
503	Stuart Mead	1:23:40	M40-44
540	Paul Shelley	1:24:13	M55-59
573	Michael Fisher	1:24:48	M35-39
592	Jay Papa	1:24:59	M25-29
643	Ashley Johnson	1:25:37	F45-49
670	Nick Gill	1:25:57	M35-39
1188	Ross Gallagher	1:31:35	M40-44
1389	Mark Collins	1:33:29	M45-49
1893	Matthew Newton	1:37:20	M40-44
2034	Terry Sawyer	1:38:31	M40-44
2545	Robert Wright	1:41:56	M40-44
2992	Martin Jacob	1:44:29	M40-44
3057	Brian White	1:44:48	M65-69
3968	Jessica Clarke	1:49:24	F20-24
4024	Andy Prior	1:49:41	M55-59
4559	Keith Hooker	1:52:34	M45-49
6368	Linda George	2:00:23	F40-44
8178	Alison Shelley	2:09:37	F55-59
8737	Megan Sutton	2:12:43	F25-29
11864	Rose Sutton	2:37:10	F20-24
12269	Samantha Sutton	2:42:50	F50-54
12362	Emma Southerington	2:44:10	F50-54
12784	Sharon Crowley	2:51:32	F65-69
13355	Rebecca Rayner	3:11:11	F40-44

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 8^th March

Many stayed away or kept the pace down in preparation for Sunday’s Cambridge Half Marathon but there were still over 500 runners, 504, at Stevenage parkrun and 29 were Spartans. Altogether 42 from FVS ran parkruns on Saturday.

It was the special red cape for NIKI PLUMB who ran her 50 parkruns milestone in 38:14. This week LORRAINE HILL was the fastest female from Fairlands with 26:43. JIM BROWN ran his fastest parkrun this year with 27:52 and NICOLA HATHERLY ran her 60^th with 38:12.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
9	9	Grant RAMSAY	19:26
33	31	Tony RANDFIELD	22:02
81	71	Martin JACOB	23:57
93	82	Martin DUDLEY	24:33
144	120	Steve TINSLEY	26:38
151	18	Lorraine HILL	26:43
170	23	Sophie PARSONS	27:18
172	24	Suzy HAWKINS	27:22
176	143	Matt CLARKE	27:29
190	153	Jim BROWN	27:52
219	168	Darren EMMERSON	28:27
233	176	Jay PAPA	28:47
247	49	Fiona CLARKE	29:21
292	213	Paul JENNINGS	31:04
298	66	Claire EMMERSON	31:10
303	218	Ryan DUNNING	31:20
329	229	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:20
348	93	Linda GEORGE	32:54
376	242	Stephen SMITHSON	34:15
379	244	Paul HOLGATE	34:28
397	124	Chloe CHAPMAN	35:10
418	136	Hannah MANTON	36:20
434	146	Karen PALMER	37:08
443	154	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:04
444	155	Nicola HATHERLY	38:12
445	156	Niki PLUMB	38:14
493	187	Rebecca RAYNER	48:05
492	186	Nichola DURENT	48:05
503	194	Callie CHAPMAN	72:17

Tags Cambridge Half Marathon, parkrun

News Race Results

20s PLENTY AT OUNDLE

SAMANTHA TOPHILL ran the Oundle 20 mile race on her birthday. Sam finished in 3 hours 14 minutes 8 seconds (3:14:08) and was second in her age group.

Berko is not Flat

After a ceilidh on Saturday evening. JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL’s long “easy” run turned out to be the Berkhamsted Half Marathon. Not flat! It was a lovely sunny morning but there was still some black ice on the course after the previous night’s low temperatures. There were a record 1400 entries. Jim finished in 2:03:56 and Penny ran her fastest recent half marathon with 2:20:54.

By the Seaside

Spartan ROBERT WRIGHT ran the Great Yarmouth Seafront Half Marathon in 1:37:25.

Burghley Seven

On Sunday morning MATT TUTTON ran the Burghley 7 mile Road Race in a chip time of 58:49 which he was very happy with. He said conditions were perfect under the clear blue sky with the finish outside Burghley House.

John Harris Muddy in Letchworth

JOHN HARRIS was second in the muddy first Saturday in the month 5K race in Letchworth. He finished in 22:24.

Serpentine Last Friday of the Month

It might have been frosty leaving Stevenage that morning but it was sunny, mild and with a light breeze in Hyde Park, London for Serpentine’s Last Friday of the Month 5K. JIM BROWN finished in 28:26.

This was the first of Jim’s races in three days.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 1^st March – stripey Saturday

There were sixty Spartans at parkruns on Saturday 1^st March – stripes day.

39 from Fairlands Valley won at their local parkrun in Stevenage. SIMON JACKSON was second in 17:21 and GRANT RAMSAY seventh in 19:05.

LINDA GEORGE and JUDY KING both ran new parkrun personal bests. Linda in 27:03 and Judy in 29:13.

PETE COOK ran his 30^th parkrun in 25:50. HANNAH MANTON ran her 25^th in 33:01; and PAUL HOLGATE his 80^th in 35:49.

Despite a large turnout of 581 runners ALISON SHELLEY and JIM BROWN worked their way through and helped each other to their fastest parkruns so far this year. Jim coming in with 28:14 and Alison with 28:29.

Spartans elsewhere included MATTHEW NEWTON at Ingrebourne Hill parkrun (Rainham) which he finished in 19:57; JESSICA CLARKE and JAY PAPA at England’s most easterly town, Lowestoft, where they finished in 22:30 and 23:31; ANDY JAY on Tooting Common in 28:51 and SAMANTHA SUTTON and MATTHEW PATTMAN were in Cheshire completing the Delamere parkrun in 42:11 and 53:03.

Tags Berkhampstead Half Marathon, Burghley, Great Yarmouth, Letchworth 5K, Oundle, parkrun, Serpentine

News Race Results

NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY

A cross country on Parliament Hill is always tough. Usually muddy and the climbs start from the gun. Finishing there in a national championship is a major achievement and Fairlands Valley Spartans finished with complete teams in the men’s and women’s senior championship.

For the men it was a 12 kilometre test while the women ran 8 kilometres (about five miles).

JAYNE RIDDELL was first female for Fairlands. She finished in 56 minutes 38 seconds. HAZEL SMITH was next in 59:33 with SOPHIE PARSON not far behind her in 59:42.

MICHAEL FISHER was first Spartan in the men’s race with 1:01:57 and CHARLIE WHITE next in for FVS with 1:03:14.

Teams of four were needed in the women’s race, six in the men’s competition.

Taming the Baldock Beast

The Baldock Beast is a very demanding half marathon. Hills, off road sections and almost always a strong wind. Seventeen Spartans tamed the beast this year.

NICK GILL said 1:40:38 for me today in one of my favourite races – been doing the Beast since 2013! Completed the race as part of a 16.5-mile training run which included easy, steady and goal half marathon pace… which proved interesting in the uphill sections!

MARTIN JACOB and LINDA GEORGE tamed the beast — they felt strong. Martin had this run planned as part of his training for the South Downs Way 50 race, and Linda jumped in last minute, because she didn’t want to miss out. Linda said Martin ran ahead to take some of the head wind, making it just that little bit easier for me. They took it easy on the uphills, walking them, and ran the flats and downhills. They both finished with the same gun time which is 2:12:25

What can we say about TIM ROBINSON? He ran the national cross country championships on Saturday and then the Baldock Beast on Sunday. He finished in 2:24:09.

GERRY ROSEN finished in 2:24:05. He was totally surprised as he expected to finish nearer to 2 hours 40 minutes. He guesses good training pays off!!

PENNY SCHENKEL was another thinking 2:40 before the start so she was happy with her 2:27:14. The last hundred metres to the finish line was tough.

Place	Name	Category	Chip Time	Cat Pos
14	Melanie Bate	FV35	01:31:10	1
17	Paul Shelley	MV50	01:33:11	3
42	Adrian Donnelly	MV40	01:40:04	10
49	Nick Gill	Senior Men	01:40:38	24
67	Terry Sawyer	MV40	01:44:38	18
160	Chris Watling	Senior Men	02:00:35	60
164	Elliott White	Senior Men	02:01:09	62
177	Pete Cook	MV50	02:03:28	31
200	Yuko Gordon	FV55+	02:06:39	5
217	Martin Jacob	MV40	02:12:25	51
227	Simon Sypula	MV50	02:15:35	42
243	John Nelms	MV50	02:19:46	46
244	Samantha Tophill	FV55+	02:20:17	10
263	Gerry Rosen	MV50	02:24:05	50
264	Tim Robinson	MV50	02:24:06	51
269	Jim Brown	MV60	02:25:09	13
270	Penny Schenkel	FV55+	02:27:14	13

Bedford 10K

Olivia Hamilton had a great run in the Bedford 10K on Sunday. She was first women 23 – 35 in 46 minutes 16 seconds (46:16) and 39 out of the 285 finishers.

Sophie Parsons was the third female aged under 23 in 58:50. She was 140^th so top half overall.

Bedford Half Marathon

Spartan BRIAN WHITE was first veteran man (65-69) in the Bedford Half Marathon with 1 hour 44 minutes 19 seconds, which is a new hip PB! He was 85^th in the race. Brian said it was a very nice two lap course and the weather was kind. Bedford Half Marathon (23.02.2025).

JOSEPH WASNOCK finished in 1:48:45; ANNABELLE WHITE in 1:49:21 and ANN TRYSSESOONE in 1:58:18.

SHE HAMER ran the Bedford Half, in under 2 hours… just, by the skin of her teeth, in 1:59:58. That’s PB (personal best) for her. She’s on a roll. PBs so far this year 5K, 10K and now the half marathon.

Olympic Park Half Marathon

DANNY SCANLON ran his first half marathon in near on 18 months at the Olympic Park Half Marathon.

It was a twisting turning run taking in all of the main Olympic venues.

He managed a 1:38:05 and said it was great to be running a half again!

London Winter 10K

It was fun to run the 10th anniversary of the London Winter Run. PETER SACH did it in 1:04:45.

Royal Norwich

On Sunday Carol Paul ran the Royal Norwich half marathon which was from the royal Norwich golf course. The course was around the country lanes to the north west of Norwich. The course was very undulating and reminded Carol of the Watford half marathon. It was a very blustery day and Carol completed the course in 2:06:13, she was 516th out of 815 runners and was 3rd in the w60-64 age group.

Watford X/C Update

Two weeks after the Watford Half Marathon and it was still chilly and hilly in Cassiobury Park but Fairlands Valley Spartans had a great turnout for Sunday’s cross country league race.

Racing over six miles ADRIAN BUSOLINI was first in for FVS and top 5% in the race with his 37 minutes 32 seconds (37:32) for 15^th position. It was tight between MIKE JEFFS 27^th in 39:40 and NICK GILL 28^th in 39:41.

OLIVIA HAMILTON was first woman for the club in 48:42 with GEORGIE HOOPER and ELLA CERAULO not far behind in 50:19 (171^st overall) and 51:05 (182^nd).

Olivia was running her first cross country for FVS and it was great to see Ella back.

17 women and 17 men ran for Fairlands Valley Spartans at the event, one of the highest totals for any of the twenty clubs participating.

Their greater numbers and some good performances mean the club has moved up various tables in the league after a slow start.

On the day their combined team was fifth out of 20.

Pos.	Name	Official
15	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	37:32
27	MIKE JEFFS	39:41
28	NICK GILL	39:42
52	PAUL SHELLEY	41:21
65	ADRIAN DONNELLY	42:14
114	STEVE MAYFIELD	46:21
127	MATT GIFFORD	47:09
135	CHARLIE ARNOLD	47:32
145	BRIAN WHITE	47:57
156	OLIVIA HAMILTON	48:46
168	SIMON HAIGH	49:57
171	GEORGIE HOOPER	50:21
182	ELLA CERAULO	51:00
184	DAVID RIDDELL	51:03
262	LLOYD DIAS	56:56
271	HAZEL SMITH	57:36
286	JANE RIDDELL	58:39
294	THOMAS SAUKA	59:39
300	DAVID ACKERY	1:00:38
310	KIRSTEN LIGHTBODY	1:01:39
315	MEGAN SUTTON	1:02:08
316	PENNY SCHENKEL	1:02:18
320	TIM ROBINSON	1:02:56
328	MARK FREEMAN	1:04:29
332	JUDY KING	1:05:28
336	JIM BROWN	1:05:54
341	NIKKI NATION	1:07:39
348	SHARON CROWLEY	1:12:41
351	SAM SUTTON	1:13:02
352	CALLIE CHAPMAN	1:13:57
361	BECKY RAYNER	1:18:27
364	SALLY PHILLIPS	1:20:53
369	NICHOLA DURRANT	1:36:38
370	NIKI PLUMB	1:36:39

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 22^nd February

Despite all the other attractions there were fifty Spartans at parkruns on Saturday 22^nd February. 33 were among the 564 parkrunners in Stevenage where SIMON JACKSON was second with 17:32 and STEVE SMITHSON completed his 100^th in 39:28.

There was a bit of parkrun tourism with Spartan KIRK NDUGU. He WON the Caffarella run in Rome with 17:10.

YUKO GORDON was first woman in the Great Denham parkrun with 22:47.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
2	2	Simon JACKSON	17:32
40	37	Matthew COOKE	22:16
56	52	Tony RANDFIELD	23:18
80	74	Toby ECCLESHALL	24:00
93	85	Martin DUDLEY	24:34
101	92	Daniel VILJOEN	24:44
142	125	Ryan DUNNING	25:54
150	133	Matt TUTTON	26:00
179	22	Megan SUTTON	27:07
226	184	Jim BROWN	28:52
230	187	Jay PAPA	28:59
232	189	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:01
250	199	Mark BEASLEY	29:27
251	46	Jessica CLARKE	29:28
300	65	Lorraine HILL	30:54
339	244	Steve PLATT	32:04
349	92	Debbie BLANTERN	32:21
356	99	Pamela VILJOEN	32:42
385	122	Annabelle WHITE	33:38
398	131	Samantha SUTTON	34:24
423	146	Caroline CROFT	35:12
452	161	Hannah MANTON	36:21
473	173	Monica SMITHSON	37:56
475	175	Beverley HARLOW	38:04
490	185	Callie CHAPMAN	39:26
491	294	Stephen SMITHSON	39:28
492	186	Sally PHILLIPS	39:29
494	187	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:34
506	194	Karen PALMER	40:03
532	214	Niki PLUMB	44:15
538	217	Nichola DURENT	44:48
545	308	Roger BIGGS	48:17
559	226	Hayley PEACH	55:09

Tags Baldock Beast, Bedford 10K, Bedford Half Marathon, London Winter 10k, National Cross Country, Olympic Park Half Marathon, parkrun, Watford Cross Country

News Race Results

SPARTAN NUMBERS JUMP AT WATFORD

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date February 16, 2025
No Comments on SPARTAN NUMBERS JUMP AT WATFORD

Two weeks after the Watford Half Marathon and it was still chilly and hilly in Cassiobury Park but Fairlands Valley Spartans had a great turnout for Sunday’s cross country league race.

OLIVIA HAMILTON was first woman for the club in 48:42 with GEORGIE HOOPER and ELLA CERAULO not far behind in 50:19 (171^st overall) and 51:05 (182^nd).

Olivia was running her first cross country for FVS and it was great to see Ella back.

17 women and 17 men ran for Fairlands Valley Spartans at the event, one of the highest totals for any of the twenty clubs participating.

Position	Name	Time
15	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	37:32
27	MIKE JEFFS	39:40
28	NICK GILL	39:41
52	PAUL SHELLEY	41:30*
65	ADRIAN DONNELLY	42:09
114	STEVE MAYFIELD	46:20
127	MATT GIFFORD	47:07
135	CHARLIE ARNOLD	47:31
145	BRIAN WHITE	47:57
156	OLIVIA HAMILTON	48:42
168	SIMON HAIGH	50:00
171	GEORGIE HOOPER	50:19
182	ELLA CERAULO	51:05
184	DAVID RIDDELL	50:59
262	LLOYD DIAS	56:34
271	HAZEL SMITH	57:33
286	JANE RIDDELL	58:38
294	THOMAS SAUKA	59:36
300	DAVID ACKERY	60:37
310	KIRSTEN LIGHTBODY	61:41
315	MEGAN SUTTON	62:03
316	PENNY SCHENKEL	62:13
320	TIM ROBINSON	62:52
328	MARK FREEMAN	64:23
332	JUDY KING	65:24
336	JIM BROWN	65:51
341	NIKKI NATION	67:29
348	SHARON CROWLEY	72:48
351	SAM SUTTON	73:25
352	CALLIE CHAPMAN	73:53
361	BECKY RAYNER	78:15
364	SALLY PHILLIPS	80:49
369	NICHOLA DURRANT	96:36
370	NIKI PLUMB	96:36

Love Welwyn 10K.

Meanwhile four Spartans were at the Love Welwyn 10K in Welwyn Garden City.

SUE HAMER ran 3 minutes 48 seconds faster than last year and set a new personal best of 54:27. MICHAEL FISHER finished 20^th in 40:21; TONY RANDFIELD in 45:36 and MARIE COLUCCI in 56:52. There were 364 finishers.

Pos	Bib	Name	Chip Time
20	296	Michael FISHER	40:21
61	343	Tony RANDFIELD	45:36
163	288	Sue HAMER	54:27
196	39	Marie COLUCCI	56:52

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 15^th February

There were at least 46 Spartans at 14 different parkruns on Saturday 15^th February. 29 Spartans were among the 493 finishers at Stevenage.

ANDREW PATTERSON from FVS won the Stevenage run with 17 minutes 5 seconds (17:05) and ASHLEY SCHOENWETTER was second woman with 21:55.

Spartan ANNABELLE WHITE enjoyed herself at the Hunstanton Promenade parkrun. Lovely and flat if a bit windy on the out and back course. Her time of 22 minutes 43 seconds (22:43) will have boosted her enjoyment.

On a trip back to Edinburgh GRANT RAMSAY ran the Holyrood parkrun in 19:25.

More than seventeen Spartans have already entered the Baldock Beast Half Marathon which will be on Sunday 23^rd February.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	1	Andrew PATTERSON	17:05
19	19	Simon JACKSON	20:49
33	2	Ashley SCHOENWETTER	21:55
36	34	Tony RANDFIELD	22:07
85	78	Daniel VILJOEN	24:09
91	83	Martin DUDLEY	24:18
123	110	Ryan DUNNING	25:44
138	16	Karen ELLIS	26:14
154	23	Lorraine HILL	26:50
167	28	Sue HAMER	27:13
173	141	Jay PAPA	27:22
189	154	Matt CLARKE	28:07
198	159	Maurice BALLARD	28:22
219	42	Jessica CLARKE	29:00
229	179	Jim BROWN	29:12
287	209	Paul JENNINGS	30:36
298	217	Thomas SAUKA	30:53
300	218	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:57
312	83	Monica SMITHSON	31:41
317	88	Debbie BLANTERN	31:52
327	94	Pamela VILJOEN	32:17
377	244	Lloyd DIAS	34:17
405	144	Chloe CHAPMAN	36:17
422	155	Hannah MANTON	37:39
434	165	Tracy HAYGARTH	38:34
445	172	Niki PLUMB	39:17
446	173	Nicola HATHERLY	39:22
461	185	Jane WADEY	42:17
462	186	Rebecca RAYNER	42:47

Tags Love Welwyn 10K, parkrun, Watford Cross Country

Committee Motivation News

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

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date February 11, 2025
No Comments on FAIRLANDS VALLEY SPARTANS RAISE OVER £36,000 FOR PANCREATIC CANCER UK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News Race Results

FARNBOROUGH IS REALLY COOL

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date February 9, 2025
No Comments on FARNBOROUGH IS REALLY COOL

Spartan SAM TOPHILL said the Farnborough Winter Half Marathon was a really well organised and popular event – 3000 capacity sell out! Traffic free and reasonably flat. Samantha beat two hours with a chip time of 1 hour 55 minutes 18 seconds – and the goody bag was pretty good.

Punchbowl Devil

The Punchbowl Marathon passes through some of the best of the Surrey countryside and Spartan THOMAS SAUKA completed the 30 mile option in 7 hours 32 minutes.

The event is a walk (or run) on the footpaths and bridleways of Surrey. It is a challenge not a race. Two routes were offered – 30 and 20 miles – both started in Tilford and passed around the scenic Devil’s Punchbowl with the 30 visiting Elstead, Frensham Ponds and Seale, passing over Crooksbury Hill and the commons of Hankley, Elstead, Puttenham, Ockley and Frensham.

It’s a bit different. Participants are required to carry a cup/mug, compass, route description, map case & whistle, hat & gloves, waterproofs, good torch for those finishing after 5pm, and warm clothing.

Run for the Cake

Karen Liddle and Tricia Hopper completed the Run for the Cake Trail Marathon. It was organised by Zig Zag Running and consisted of eight laps around Ferry Meadows in Peterborough. The finished in a time of 5 hours and 46 minutes.

A lovely route around the lakes and by some woods. They said it was very well organised and worth taking part, especially for the big slice of cake at the end.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 8^th February

There were at least 40 Spartans at parkruns on Saturday. 27 Spartans among the 479 finishers at Stevenage.

GRANT RAMSAY was top ten with 19 minutes 1 second (19:01) and GAIL MACKIE a top ten woman at sixth with 23:26.

There were some quite high scoring mini milestones with DANIEL VILJOEN on 280 with 24:25; MARTIN DUDLEY on 230 with 25:00; CHLOE CHAPMAN on 170 with 34 minutes exactly; and JIM BROWN on 190 walking round in 47:02. STEVE SMITHSON has one to go to a major milestone. He completed his 99th in 34:38.

Spartans enjoying parkruns elsewhere included HARRIET SMITH with a bit of parkrun tourism at Donaupark, Austria which she finished in 26:26. Meanwhile PAUL MOULD finished Bedford in 20:47; MATTHEW NEWTON Pymmes in 23:34; NICK GILL Letchworth in 24:49; PAUL SHELLEY Wimpole Estate in 26:44; MARIA SWIFT Bug Hunters in 26:49; LUCY FIELD University Parks in 27:19; JAY PAPA 27:58 and JESSICA CLARKE 29:58 at Milton Country, near Cambridge; and ANDREA WESTCOTT 34:48 in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
4	4	Grant RAMSAY	19:01
37	31	Tony RANDFIELD	22:25
52	6	Gail MACKIE	23:26
72	64	Daniel VILJOEN	24:25
87	79	Martin DUDLEY	25:00
96	86	Ryan DUNNING	25:25
107	97	Matt TUTTON	25:51
136	17	Lorraine HILL	26:34
204	167	Matt CLARKE	29:08
237	48	Fiona CLARKE	29:57
246	191	Mike REYNOLDS	30:21
258	196	Steve PLATT	30:47
259	197	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:49
273	206	Paul JENNINGS	31:22
292	74	Pamela VILJOEN	32:14
299	79	Penny SCHENKEL	32:26
307	85	Debbie BLANTERN	32:32
320	93	Monica SMITHSON	33:00
349	111	Chloe CHAPMAN	34:00
367	238	Stephen SMITHSON	34:38
394	140	Nicola HATHERLY	36:37
425	160	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:11
445	175	Niki PLUMB	41:24
466	265	Jim BROWN	47:02
470	266	Roger BIGGS	48:42
478	196	Sharon CROWLEY	64:30
479	197	Elizabeth CROWLEY	64:49

Tags Farnborough Half Marathon, parkrun, Run for the Cake

News Race Results

COOK WINS AT OLYMPIC PARK

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date February 2, 2025
No Comments on COOK WINS AT OLYMPIC PARK

Spartan DAVE COOK WON the Olympic Park 5K in 16:56.

A Champion at Watford.

First thing there were worries there would be ice patches on the course of the Watford Half Marathon but no, apart from a short section at the second water station, it was fine. Although it was never warm runners enjoyed start to finish sun shine.

Fairlands Valley Spartans have a new county champion. JIM BROWN won GOLD in the men 70 plus with his 2 hours 3 minutes 53 seconds (2:03:53). Jim aimed to be back in Cassiobury Park in less than two hours and he did that with a bit to spare. The gold medal was a good bit of icing on the cake.

This, to put it politely, was a lumpy course and NICK GILL did well with his 1:31:01 which got him 150^th position out of the 1552 who finished so top 10%. Nick said, “I did the Watford Half Marathon Sunday morning, finishing in 1:31:01. After doing the event for the first time last year, I knew it was a tough course so decided to turn it into a training run/workout instead. I started steady and got faster by 15 seconds each mile until I got to my goal half marathon pace, which I then remained at for the entire second half… and it worked out perfectly! My only regret was a bit of a sprint finish – if I’d been 16 seconds slower to cross the line I would have bagged the random £2,000 spot prize!”

PENNY SCHENKEL continued her London Marathon preparations beating 2:30 with her 2:27:41.

Last Friday of the Month 5K

Sometimes the days fall like that as two days before the Watford Half JIM BROWN was racing the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. After a slow start he was happy with his 27 minutes 20 seconds (27:20). The next one will be at 12.30p.m. on Friday 28^th February. These are measured and timed races and cost £6.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 1^st February

There were at least 50 Spartans at parkruns on Saturday. This week it was stripey Saturday and there were 37 Spartans among the 578 finishers at Stevenage.

NICK KLEANTHOUS celebrated his birthday with 30:51 for the five kilometres. This week there were two Spartans in the top ten with MIKE JEFFS fourth in 18:24 and JAY PAPA sixth in 18:43.

There were two parkrun milestones. RYAN DUNNING ran his 100^th in 25:09 and MATTHEW NEWTON his 50^th in 28:58. SUE HAMER ran a new parkrun personal best of 26 minutes 5 seconds (26:05). There were mini-milestones for TOBY ECCLESHALL and DAVID RIDDELL. Toby is 170^th in 23:54 and David is 160^th in 23:31.

Spartans elsewhere included ELIZABETH and SHARON CROWLEY Mile End parkrun. Elizabeth finished in 29:47 and Sharon in 34.16.

Tags Last Friday of the Month, Olympic park 5K, parkrun, Watford Half

Club News Race Results

SIMON WINS ESSENDON

Spartan SIMON FRASER won the Essendon Country Club 10K on Sunday with an amazing 36 minutes 42 seconds (36:42) on what was a tough course, icy, muddy, lumpy paths and hilly. He said it was fun.

Birthday Best in Bedford

MIKE JEFFS celebrated his birthday in his new shorts with a 25 seconds improvement to his personal best (PB) for ten miles at the Bedford 10. His 1:00:05 was not quite the outcome he was after but he was over the moon with his time and seventh place overall. Just six seconds to go.

Spartan DAVE COOK did beat the hour. He was fourth with 58:48.

Nick GILL finished in 1:05:41. He was aiming for more like 1:05 flat, but still pleased with nearly a minute improvement compared to the Buntingford 10 four weeks ago. He said it was great to see a good lot of Spartans.

Third in his age group BRIAN WHITE finished in 1:19:34. He said it was his first time doing a race alongside the Bedford Embankment. He thoroughly enjoyed the whole race and the bonus was a very flat route.

JIM BROWN and SOPHIE PARSONS finished in 1:36:07 and 1:36:34.

Nine Spartans ran the race. The others were CRAIG BACON 1:17:32; SIMON HAIGH 1:19:57; MARTIN HAIGH 1:25:57.

There were 437 finishers.

Pos	BiB	Name	Chip Time	Category	Age Grade
4	252	Dave COOK	58:48	Ages 20-34	74.35
7	277	Mike JEFFS	1:00:05	Ages 40 – 44	75.79
19	58	Nick GILL	1:05:41	Ages 35 – 39	67.16
92	41	Craig BACON	1:17:32	Ages 50 – 54	65.31
106	47	Brian WHITE	1:19:34	Ages 65 – 69	73.69
118	4	Simon HAIGH	1:19:57	Ages 55 – 59	64.82
170	24	Martin HAIGH	1:25:57	Ages 35 – 39	50.85
281	12	Jim BROWN	1:36:07	Ages 70 – 74	61.65
298	65	Sophie PARSONS	1:36:34	Ages 20 – 34	48.78

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 25^th January

There were three Spartans in the top ten at Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun.

Over 500 again with 523 runners 27 of whom were from Fairlands Valley Spartans.

ANDREW PATTERSON was first with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 16 minutes 25 seconds; SIMON JACKSON fifth in 17:46 and GRANT RAMSAY eighth in 18:54.

On Robert Burns birthday JIM BROWN was first kilt with 29:52 and MAURICE BALLARD ran a new PPB of 27:58.

NICK KLEANTHOUS was running his 230^th parkrun and finished in 31:58; PAMELA VILJOEN her 260^th which she completed in 31:37.

Elsewhere JOHN NELMS ran Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun in 24:55; SUZY HAWKINS Wendover in 25:32; MARIA SWIFT Bug Hunter Waters (Northstowe, Cambridgeshire) in 28:39; MICHAEL O’KEEFE Harlow in 32:38; NICK GILL Letchworth in 32:50; PAUL JENNINGS Panshanger in 34:09; Jonathan JONES 38:45 and DZENANA TOPIC 38:45 at the Wimpole Estate; NICOLA HATHERLY 41:01 at Jersey Farm (St Albans) and DARRYL STEVENS 57:58 in Brockenhurst.

Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
1	Andrew PATTERSON	16:25
5	Simon JACKSON	17:46
8	Grant RAMSAY	18:54
31	Tony RANDFIELD	22:41
75	Daniel VILJOEN	24:26
97	Martin DUDLEY	25:12
138	Darren EMMERSON	26:37
166	Matt TUTTON	27:16
179	Karen ELLIS	27:45
196	Maurice BALLARD	27:58
204	Matt CLARKE	28:11
214	Fiona CLARKE	28:12
220	Mark BEASLEY	28:34
231	Claire EMMERSON	28:57
257	Steve TINSLEY	29:36
269	Jim BROWN	29:52
324	Pamela VILJOEN	31:37
337	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:58
356	Monica SMITHSON	32:56
372	Stephen SMITHSON	33:45
398	Peter SACH	34:36
416	Jo MANSFIELD	36:25
423	Chloe CHAPMAN	36:40
457	Tracy HAYGARTH	39:19
470	Rebecca RAYNER	40:37
471	Sharon CROWLEY	40:45
502	Roger BIGGS	47:06

Tags Bedford 10, essendon country club 10k, parkrun

Club News Race Results

ADRIAN ARRIVES

Amazing ADRIAN BUSOLINI has finished the Montane Winter Spine Race. He finished in just over 134 hours (134:02:24) – so nearly 34 hours to spare. Spartan Adrian was 42^nd out of the 78 who finished. 82 others started but did not make it to the finish.

The Montane Winter Spine is widely regarded as Britain’s Most Brutal endurance race. It’s a non-stop, 268 mile (432 kilometres) race along the most iconic and demanding national trail in Britain; the Pennine Way. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 168 hours to reach the elusive village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. They climb over 10,000 metres as the route crosses some of the most beautiful but difficult terrain found in England, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. It’s a truly epic challenge that will tests physical resilience and mental fortitude. The up to 150 participants will experience the full intensity and ferocity of the British Winter including deep snow, storm force winds and driving rain.

Spartan Adrian started from Edale, Derbyshire at 0800 on Sunday 12^th January and had to be finished at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders by 0800 on Sunday 19^th. He encountered daytime temperatures between zero and 10 degrees but night times between minus ten and plus degrees.

County Ten Championships

Eight Spartans, four women and four men, ran the Hertfordshire County 10 Mile Championships on an undulating course in St Albans on Sunday. They were incorporated in the Fred Hughes 10 event. Chilly but nothing like the freezing conditions at the Hatfield 10K last week.

Under the hour for ten miles is always a great achievement and Spartan SIMON FRASER did it with 58 minutes 13 seconds (58:13) which gave him 42^nd place out of the 1,012 finishers.

Next came MICHAEL FISHER in 1:05:33 and MATTHEW NEWTON in 1:11:05.

YUKO GORDON was second woman 70 plus with 1:18:40.

JIM BROWN ran what he called a “magic time.” He couldn’t do it last year but wondered if he could beat 90 minutes. It wasn’t looking good at five miles – 45:25 – but a big effort in the second half saw him cross the line in 1:29:59 for a season’s best. Achieving a target by one second is a bit magic, one second the other way would be very disappointing.

Then there was ANNE TRYSSESOONE with 1:31:27. PENNY SCHENKEL improved on her last attempt by more than two minutes to finish in 1:41:06.

SHARON CROWLEY was almost four minutes faster than the time she ran at Buntingford at the end of 2024 with her 1:53:18.

The next county championship will be the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday 2^nd February 2025. Includes the county championships for seniors (all adults, men and women).

Position	Name	Chip Time
42	Simon FRASER	58:13
125	Michael FISHER	1:05:33
217	Matthew NEWTON	1:11:05
354	Yuko GORDON	1:18:40
603	Jim BROWN	1:29:59
653	Ann TRYSSESOONE	1:31:27
844	Penny SCHENKEL	1:41:06
970	Sharon CROWLEY	1:53:18

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 18^th January

A small increase ion temperature saw attendance jump up by nearly seventy at Saturday’s parkrun in Stevenage. There were 544 finishers including 24 Spartans. CAROLINE CROFT ran her 100^th parkrun in 33 minutes 15 seconds. GRANT RAMSAY was top ten with 18:52 and ASHLEY JOHNSON was a top ten woman with 23:13.

There were 22 Spartans at other parkruns including a first visit to the Oaklands College parkrun for JANE WADEY. She definitely recommends trail shoes for this one. It was a two lap course which Jane reckons was 60% mud. She finished in 39:21.

Jane added, “As I’m a member of the deaf park run runners, I knew that there would be BSL (British Sign Language) at Oaklands college park run this weekend. I offered to volunteer but as they said they had enough I decided to run instead. It was the inaugural event and was opened by the High Sheriff Annie Brewster JP and we were welcomed by the Principal of Oaklands College.There were 254 in attendance with various local clubs represented. The course was quite muddy in places so trail shoes might be a good idea. It is two laps, some of it is on paved paths but then you run around the edge of the rugby fields and through the woods but on the whole it is pretty flat.”

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time
8	7	Grant RAMSAY	18:52
73	65	Tony RANDFIELD	23:04
77	68	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:10
80	8	Ashley JOHNSON	23:13
83	73	Craig BACON	23:18
103	90	Daniel VILJOEN	24:12
107	94	Martin DUDLEY	24:37
135	116	Ryan DUNNING	25:25
156	133	Mark BEASLEY	26:13
164	20	Lorraine HILL	26:44
188	155	Matt CLARKE	27:34
193	28	Fiona CLARKE	27:43
224	178	Jim BROWN	28:36
247	191	Paul JENNINGS	29:25
255	48	Claire EMMERSON	29:35
268	203	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:56
316	79	Pamela VILJOEN	31:22
329	88	Monica SMITHSON	31:49
367	109	Caroline CROFT	33:15
380	118	Nikki NATION	34:09
393	124	Chloe CHAPMAN	34:47
401	252	Stephen SMITHSON	35:07
501	198	Tracy HAYGARTH	42:51
517	284	Roger BIGGS	46:47

Tags County Championships, Montane Spine, parkrun

News Race Results Races

ADRIAN IS ON THE SPINE

Amazing ADRIAN BUSOLINI is tackling the Montane Winter Spine Race.

Spartan Adrian started from Edale, Derbyshire at 0800 on Sunday 12^th January and has to be finished at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders by 0800 on Sunday 19^th. He will encounter daytime temperatures between zero and 10 degrees but night times between minus ten and plus degrees.

After 8 hours 51 minutes and 31 miles (50K) Adrian crossed the M62 near Green Withers reservoir. By 6p.m. Sunday he was on Chelburn Moor, not far from Todmorden and heading for the first check point at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire which he got to at 8.01p.m. with 42 miles (68K) completed.

Wearing number 122 Adrian can be tracked here

Hybrid Hatfield 10K

It was seriously cold Saturday night and into Sunday morning and the only way the Hatfield 10K went ahead was with a course change to avoid a section of the Alban Way that had flooded and then frozen. That introduced a 500 metre cross country section on each of the new two laps.

Spartan NICK GILL was 18^th out of the 374 finishers with 38 minutes 44 seconds (38:44); new member LORRAINE HILL 202^nd with 55:11; CONOR ECCLESTON 229^th with 56:43; JIM BROWN 259^th with 57:59 and JUDY KING 294^th with 62:18.

Nick’s goal for Sunday’s Hatfield 10k was sub-40, so he was very pleased to get round in 38:44. Yes the course had to be changed and cut short due to the wintry conditions, but getting this time when running in trail shoes felt fantastic. Well done to the organisers for getting the race on.

Jim said it felt bitterly cold arriving at the event and it stayed significantly below zero for the whole race. With the course change runners were advised to use trail shoes but after studying the new course map I tried an old pair of marathon trainers. Actually it was fine. The only significant challenge was a frozen puddle right across the track just before getting back on tarmac though wow my lungs weren’t wild about heavy breathing that cold air. I set out with stiff legs complaining about the temperature for the first kilometre and doubting that under an hour was likely but did that so content.

Lorraine enjoyed her first race in a Spartan vest.

Back in the USA

ALISON SHELLEY was back in the USA and ran the San Diego Resolution Run Half Marathon in California on Saturday 11 January.

She had originally booked to run it two years ago but was unable to travel due to a skiing accident injury.

Alison said, “I had to cancel this race and the Chicago Marathon, and rehab for a year. So it was really good to finally get to run it! (And to wear my stripes in the US for the second time in 6 months!). It was a very cold start at 07:15 am but once the sun came up it was beautiful conditions and lovely route around the waters edge. I had a chatty run and was very happy with my time of 2:09:30.”

Doughnut Dash

Only four days before GERRY ROSEN was in the Caribbean and 30° heat, by Sunday morning he was taking part in the Phoenix running doughnut dash and it was -5° (minus five).

Although he wasn’t sure how he was going do after a week of inactivity, it went surprisingly well, half marathon done in 2 hours 31 minutes 30 seconds (2:31:30), and his just reward was two doughnuts afterwards and a giant medal

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 11^th January

Minus three degrees but that didn’t stop 476 turning up for Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. 32 were from Fairlands Valley Spartans.

The birds were sitting on ice in the middle of the lake but the light was fantastic and the company good.

Spartan SIMON JACKSON was second overall in 18 minutes 12 seconds. While the two fastest females from Fairlands this week were GAIL MACKIE in 23:07 and new member ELLA CERAULO in 23:43. Another new member, LORAINE HILL came in with 30:06.

SUSAN MCANENY ran her 25^th parkrun in 31:42; SHARON CROWLEY her 80^th in 40:09 and MARK BEASLEY his 140^th in 27:30.

Altogether 42 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Those away from Stevenage included GRANT RAMSAY fifth at Wimpole Estate in 19:49; MATT NEWTON 25:20 at Pymmes; MATT TUTTON 26:38 at Panshanger; SUZY HAWKINS 27:33 at Wendover Woods; MAURICE BALLARD 27:45 at Castle Park; NICK GILL 28:30 at Letchworth and MICHAEL O’KEEFE 31:37 at Leavesden Country.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
2	2	Simon JACKSON	18:12	Second overall
48	6	Gail MACKIE	23:07	Fastest FVS female
58	52	Tony RANDFIELD	23:32
65	57	Jay PAPA	23:52
81	71	Martin DUDLEY	24:30
83	73	Daniel VILJOEN	24:34
118	11	Ella CERAULO	25:43	New member
136	116	Ryan DUNNING	26:21
145	123	Darren EMMERSON	26:54
152	127	Matt CLARKE	27:08
162	24	Fiona CLARKE	27:24
164	135	Mark BEASLEY	27:30	140 parkruns
167	26	Andrea WESTCOTT	27:35
218	41	Claire EMMERSON	29:33
251	56	Lorraine HILL	30:06	New member. 340 parkruns
266	193	Jim BROWN	30:35
280	200	Ciaran MCANENY	31:01
295	76	Susan MCANENY	31:42	25 parkruns
309	84	Elizabeth CROWLEY	32:18
310	215	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:19
313	216	Paul JENNINGS	32:21
317	88	Jessica CLARKE	32:31
320	90	Monica SMITHSON	32:38
321	91	Pamela VILJOEN	32:40
330	221	Jonathan JONES	33:07
354	117	Caroline CROFT	33:56
358	121	Annabelle WHITE	34:01
391	140	Hilary DAVIES	35:48
435	171	Sharon CROWLEY	40:09	80 parkruns
434	170	Nicola HATHERLY	40:09
438	172	Tracy HAYGARTH	40:28
474	261	Stephen SMITHSON	62:57

Tags doughnut dash, hatfield 10k, parkrun, resolution run half marathon, winter spine

News Race Results

NEW YEAR BREEZES IN

Five brave Spartans tackled the county cross country championships for seniors on Saturday 4^th January. Men ran 11.75 kilometres and women 8 kilometres. All before the snow landed.

In the women’s race JAYNE RIDDELL was 42^nd in 45 minutes exactly. First Spartan in the men’s race was ADRIAN BUSOLINI at 24^th in 41:29. Then came MIKE JEFFS 46^th in 43:25; PETER GENTLE 61^st in 48:23 and DAVID ACKERY 78^th in 1:08:01.

Senior means runners age 20 or over. There will be a cross country championships for veterans in a few weeks. Date to be announced.

First Ultra of the Year

Spartan John NELMS joined 300 other runners and completed the 43 mile country to capital ultra marathon on Saturday. Starting in Wendover on top of the Chilterns, the course winds down 20 miles through the hills to Denham where it picks up the grand union canal. Runners then have a further 23 miles to get to the finish near Paddington in central London.

The weather was kind this year with a light frost meaning minimal mud on the hills and John completed the 43 mile route in 9 hours 25 minutes.

This is his eighth appearance at this event and his 108th marathon (or longer event) overall.

Regent’s Park 10K

In horrible conditions Spartan SIMON FRASER ran Sunday’s Regent’s Park 10K by Mornington Chasers in 36 minutes 57 seconds (36:57).

New Year’s Eve 10K

The New Year’s Eve 10K in St Albans was a lovely way to end the year.

The event was over before the wind and the deluge. Spartan JAY PAPA beat 40 minutes when he finished 42^nd in 39:57.

TIM ROBINSON was 453^rd in 56:46 and PAUL HOLGATE 679^th in 1:09:22.

All 802 finishers were offered a free glass of Prosecco to celebrate.

By Wednesday the New Year’s Day 10K in Hyde Park was postponed due to the conditions but the Stevenage parkrun went ahead.

Parkrun Highlights New Year’s Day and Saturday 4^th January

There were an amazing 2,686 runs including more than 166 by Spartans at the five Stevenage parkruns held over the Christmas and New Year period. A big thank you to all the volunteers.

Will the weather stop it? Won’t it? The go ahead was not given until 8a.m. and still 509 people turned up to run the New Year’s Day special parkrun in Stevenage. 33 of them were from Fairlands Valley Spartans.

ADRIAN BUSOLINI has a good win at Stevenage parkrun with his 17:18. MEGAN SUTTON set a new parkrun personal best of 27:14.

SAMANTHA SUTTON ran her 100^th Stevenage parkrun in 34:15. So far she’s run 174 parkruns altogether.

Elsewhere in Letchworth Spartan JOHN HARRIS was 12^th in 24:10 and SUZY HAWKINS 22^nd and second woman with 26:04. There were 102 finishers in Letchworth.

Then on Saturday 4^th January another 530 runners turned out for Stevenage pasrkrun.

SIMON JACKSON and GRANT RAMSAY were both in the top ten with Simon second in 17:59 and GRANT RAMSAY fourth in 18:41.

New member LORRAINE HILL was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 27:05.

KEITH HOOKER ran his 30^th in 27:25; CLAIRE EMMERSON her 170^th in 29:25; MAURICE BALLARD his 30^th in 29:48; TRACY HAYGARTH her 150^th in 29:48; REBECCA RAYNER her 10^th in 45:29 and ROGER BIGGS his 190^th in 48:36.

PENNY SCHENKEL two days away from starting her marathon training ran her 100^th Stevenage parkrun, her 111^th overall, in 31 minutes 41 seconds.

Elsewhere ROSE and SAM SUTTON enjoyed some parkrun tourism at Hove Promenade. Rose finished in 31:20 and Sam in 32:15. MONICA and STEVE SMITHSON were at Luton Wardown. Monica finished in 32:46 and Steve in 36:05.

Altogether 45 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Some others were NICOLA KENNEDY 24:12 at Hunstanton Promenade; SUZY HAWKINS 25:43 and NICK GILL 31:12 at Letchworth; JAY PAPA 30:16 at Huntingdon; TIM ROBINSON 31:42 at Westmill; MICHAEL O’KEEFE 32:31 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; CHRIS HOLLAND 34:57 and DAVID SUTTON 39:09 at Rutland Water; and MATTHEW NEWTON 36:15 at Grovelands (Enfield).

Cross Country

The team results are in and as predicted by the much greater Spartan participation and performance the club did much better in the recent cross country league race. On the day the men’s “A” team were third out of 20 clubs and the “B” team were also third in that category. The men’s masters (veterans) were second. In the series the FVS men have moved up to fifth and the male masters up to third.

The women’s team were ninth out of 20 clubs on the day helping to give the club a combined fifth that morning.

Tags Country to Capital Ultra, New Years Eve 10k, parkrun

Club News

SPARTANS END YEAR WITH BUNTINGFORD TEN

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 29, 2024
No Comments on SPARTANS END YEAR WITH BUNTINGFORD TEN

New Fairlands Valley Spartans club captain MIKE JEFFS ran a new personal best of one hour and just 31 seconds (1:00:31) in Sunday’s Buntingford 10. He was fourth man 40 plus and 38^th out of the 524 finishers. Mike said he took on the very difficult hilly End of Year 10, beat his ten mile personal best (PB) by 1 minute 28 seconds with a start line to finish off the year beating PBs in 1500 metres; 5k; 10k; 10 miles; half marathon and full marathon.

A great turnout of 27 Spartans tackled the race on a chilly, misty but calm and dry morning.

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT said his time on Sunday was 1:05:22 which had to be dug deep for and it was great to see so many Spartans racing.

PAUL SHELLEY was third man 55 plus with his 1:03:57 and NICK GILL came in with 1:06:34. Nick said he was very happy with a season’s best and getting closer to his 1:03:59 PB at the 2023 Buntingford 10… maybe he can beat that in 2025!

YUKO GORDON was second woman 70 plus with 1:18:09 and a 96.55% age score.

The race incorporated the British Masters Athletics Federation championships and the Hertfordshire championships for seniors (18 plus).

Fairlands Valley did well amongst those running in the county championships. Paul Shelley was fastest man 55 plus with his 1:03:57; Jo Cooksley fastest woman 35 plus with her 1:28:37 and Jim Brown fastest man 70 plus with 1:32:02. Also Mike Jeffs was second fastest 40 plus with 1:00:31 and Wendy Tharani third fastest woman 50 plus with 1:34:07.

There were five Spartan personal bests (Mike Jeffs, Paul Shelley, Charlie Arnold 1:17:11, Keith Hooker 1:18:50 and Annabelle White 1:25:20) and three season’s bests (Sam Tophill 1:28:06, Tim Robinson 1:31:33 and Penny Schenkel 1:43:22) in the race.

Position	First name	Last name	Net time	category
38	Mike	Jeffs	1:00:31	MV40
66	Paul	Shelley	1:03:57	MV55
77	David	Harris-Cherguit	1:05:22	MV45
90	Nick	Gill	1:06:34	MV35
97	Adrian	Donnelly	1:07:43	MV45
170	Jay	Papa	1:15:01	MSEN
189	Charles	Arnold	1:17:11	MV65
204	Yuko	Gordon	1:18:09	FV70
217	Keith	Hooker	1:18:50	MV45
290	Annabelle	White	1:25:20	FSEN
317	Samantha	Tophill	1:28:06	FV55
322	Jo	Cooksley	1:28:37	FV35
353	Tim	Robinson	1:31:33	MV55
355	Jim	Brown	1:32:02	MV70
369	Wendy	Tharani	1:34:07	FV50
376	Ann	Tryssesoone	1:34:34	FV55
379	Thomas	Sauka	1:34:27	MV45
399	Alison	Shelley	1:37:18	FV55
420	Karen	Liddle	1:39:57	FV65
439	Megan	Sutton	1:42:15	FSEN
451	Penny	Schenkel	1:43:22	FV55
504	Sharon	Crowley	1:57:00	FV65
505	Paul	Holgate	1:58:20	MV65
510	Rose	Sutton	2:01:46	FSEN
511	Samantha	Sutton	2:01:47	FV45
517	Rebecca	Rayner	2:08:25	FV40
525	Nichola	Durent	2:27:01	FV45

Gerry’s Frozen Phoenix

On Sunday Spartan GERRY ROSEN took part in the ‘Frozen Phoenix’ a running event organised by Phoenix Running

Gerry said it was his sort of event. Low key, turn up, grab your ‘ankle’ timing chip and away you go. It was an out and back of 1.6 miles each way alongside the River Thames, totally pan flat, he completed six laps and a bit more for a total of 20 miles in a respectable time of 3 hours 48 minutes.

He said you can take your own supplies or use what’s provided and Gerry said it was very well stocked, all those household sweets we love and know, right up his street, and they know their runner. ‘Would you like some crisps’ he was asked after he finished, very welcome.

Gerry will be back there after his holiday for the annual doughnut dash on the 12th January and as you might guess there’s doughnuts which he guesses can be eaten during the run……

50 Plus Spartans At Record Breaking Christmas Day Parkrun

We said watch out for the special on Christmas Day and wow. The record for Stevenage parkrun was broken by 107 as 750 enjoyed the festive fun on Wednesday morning.

The 750 included more than 53 Spartans including PAUL SHELLEY who achieved a major milestone with his 100^th parkrun which he ran in a celebratory 34 minutes 51 seconds.

THOMAS SAUKA ran his 160^th in 26:13 and WILLIAM MORLEY his 30^th in 19:42. He was 15^th in the race.

ANNABELLE WHITE was the fastest female from Spartans with her 23:37.

Misty, Mild and Still at the Serpentine

It was misty, mild and still in Hyde Park as Spartan JIM BROWN tried to up his pace a little for the first time in weeks at the Last Friday of the Month 5K. He was reasonably successful for the first 3K and finished third man 70 plus in 28:30. Jim was keen to take part and finish as he became one of only three runners to do all of the twelve races in the Serpentine series this year. The lunch-time event continues to amaze in many ways. The winner finished in 14 minutes 56 seconds and the first woman in 17:04!

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 28^th December

After a wonderful record breaking Christmas Day 467 ran parkrun on a grey Saturday morning 28^th December.

41 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday 28^th. The majority, 26, were at Stevenage.

ASHLEY JOHNSON was second woman and first Spartan in 20:01, just eighteen seconds behind the first woman. They were 11^th and 12^th in the race. That was Ashley’s 25^th parkrun.

Other mini-milestones included MIKE REYNOLDS running his 220^th parkrun in 28:57; PAUL JENNINGS his 190^th in 29:46 and HILARY DAVIES her 60^th in 36:20.

Elsewhere TIM ROBINSON was at Panshanger running his 190^th parkrun in 33:24 and ANDY JAY at Westmill for his 160^th parkrun which he ran in 30:24.

Santa Canta

Some Spartans including Mike Jeffs as The Grinch, Callie Chapman, Nick Gill, Ross Gallagher and Georgie Hopper ran the postponed Santa Canta in Letchworth. The storm got in the way the previous weekend.

Spartans Star in Herts Annual Runners Awards

Fairlands Valley Spartans did well in the Herts Annual Runners Awards with someone nominated in every category.

Mike Jeffs won male runner of the year. The Stevenage Marathon, organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans, was second in race of the year. Keith Fenwick was second in volunteer of the year. Yuko Gordon was second and Ashley Johnson third in female runner of the year.

Cross Country

The women’s team were ninth out of 20 clubs on the day helping to give the club a combined fifth that morning.

Tags Buntingford 10, Cross Country, Frozen Pheonix, parkrun, Serpentine

News

RUNNING TO THE CHAPEL

Dozens of Spartans enjoyed their traditional pre-Christmas off road run to the Minsden Chapel near Preston in North Hertfordshire. A very chilly morning but about fifty ran.

Runners had a choice – start in the Old Stevenage High Street to run about 11 miles, start at the Meadway for about 8 miles and start at the Rusty Gun for about 4.5 miles.

Parkrun Highlights 21^st December – Islands North and South

34 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday 21^st. The majority, 24, were at Stevenage.

On Saturday Spartan SIMON JACKSON achieved his 50^th parkrun milestone and was second in the race with 17 minutes 59 seconds.

430 ran Stevenage. That’s comparable with the 421 last week but watch out for the extra on Christmas Day!

Spartans elsewhere included two who went north and south to run on islands. ROS INGRAM was on Orkney finishing the Kirkwall parkrun in 27:10 and JUDY KING ran the Guernsey parkrun in 31:56.…..

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
2	2	Simon JACKSON	00:17:59	50^th parkrun. Second
5	4	Grant RAMSAY	00:18:40
10	9	Jay PAPA	00:19:42
32	25	Tony RANDFIELD	00:22:22
61	8	Tracy PEZ	00:23:26
89	75	Martin DUDLEY	00:24:40
106	88	Daniel VILJOEN	00:25:14
137	113	Darren EMMERSON	00:26:16
166	139	Andy JAY	00:27:20
175	23	Ann TRYSSESOONE	00:27:29
197	158	Matt CLARKE	00:28:28
215	168	Thomas SAUKA	00:29:05
224	176	Steve PLATT	00:29:27
236	43	Claire EMMERSON	00:29:53
248	187	Paul JENNINGS	00:30:20
259	55	Pamela VILJOEN	00:30:43
268	197	Michael O’KEEFE	00:31:16
287	68	Samantha SUTTON	00:32:18
310	84	Caroline CROFT	00:33:47
348	228	Paul HOLGATE	00:36:23
367	115	Hilary DAVIES	00:38:01
416	148	Penny SCHENKEL	00:50:11
417	254	Jim BROWN	00:50:12
430	158	Sharon CROWLEY	01:02:48	Tailwalker

Santa Canta

Tags Minsden Chapel, parkrun

News

SIXTY TURNOUT FOR FAIRLANDS CROSS COUNTRY

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 15, 2024
No Comments on SIXTY TURNOUT FOR FAIRLANDS CROSS COUNTRY

The temperature reached double figures and the sun came out for the cross country league fixture in Fairlands Valley on Sunday morning. And it was Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoying themselves in Fairlands Valley Park as about 60 from the club ran the race and many others volunteered to make it a success.

ANDREW PATTERSON from FVS was second in the race in 27 minutes 42 seconds (27:42). ADRIAN BUSOLINI also beat 30 minutes for the almost five miles. He was eleventh in 29:29. CHARLIE WHITE, BRIAN BRACKSTONE and SIMON JACKSON chased each other in at 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th with 30:15; 30:20 and 30:23. New club captain MIKE JEFFS was 31^st in 31:01.

MARIE COLUCCI led in the Spartan women with 40:08. TRACY PEZ 41:47; YUKO GORDON 42:12; JESS CLARKE 43:47 and JAYNE RIDDELL 46:07 completed the FVS women’s “A” team.

A fantastic turnout and wonderful running by Fairlands Valley Spartans which will no doubt boost them in the team standings when they are published.

Altogether about 400 runners from 20 clubs ran three laps, a total of 7.8 kilometres, around the south field.

The full accurate results including team results should be available from the league organisers in the next day or two.

The next cross country league race will be in Watford on Sunday 16^th February.

Position	Name	Time	Category	Comments
2	ANDREW PATTERSON	27:42	M40	M team “A”
11	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:29	MS	M team “A”
22	CHARLIE WHITE	30:15	MS	M team “A”
23	BRIAN BRACKSTONE	30:20	M50	M team “A”
24	SIMON JACKSON	30:23	M40	M team “A”
31	MIKE JEFFS	31:01	M40	M team “A”
33	CHRIS WESTCOTT	31:09	M50	M team “A”
35	DECLAN TRAYNOR	31:21	M40	M team “A”
44	PAUL SHELLEY	31:39	M50	M team “B”
73	NICK GILL	33:58	MS	M team “B”
81	ROSS GALLAGHER	34:21	M40	M team “B”
87	ADRIAN DONNELLY	34:47	M40	M team “B”
89	STUART ARCHER	34:37	MS	M team “B”
99	JAY PAPA	35:13	MS	M team “B”
125	TERRY SAWYER	36:44	M40	M team “B”
126	JOHN HARRIS	36:50	M60	M team “B”
147	STEVE MAYFIELD	37:30	M50	M team “C”
155	BRIAN WHITE	39:03	M60	M team “C”
177	MELVIN AUBURN	39:27	MS	M team “C”
180	DANNY SCANLON	39:38	M40	M team “C”
213	JOE WASNOCK	41:17*	MS	M team “C”
214	ALEX SCOFIELD	41:20*	MS	M team “C”
235	MARTIN WOOD	42:23	M60	M team “C”
241	TONY VICKERS	42:30	M50	M team “C”
244	DARREN EMMERSON	42:58	M50
250	THOMAS SAUKA	43:10	M40
266	DAVID RIDDELL	44:03	M50
276	DAVID ACKERY	44:30	MS
286	LLOYD DIAS	45:32	MS
319	JIM BROWN	47:43	M70
329	STEVE TINSLEY	48:43*	M40
333	SIMON SYPULA	49:09	M40
334	ROBERT WRIGHT	49:09	M40
353	ANDY JAY	49:24*	M50
357	MARK FREEMAN	49:27	M60
364	STEVE PLATT	51:46	M50
367	TIM ROBINSON	52:09	M50
384	NICK KLEANTHOUS	59:25	M60
387	PAUL HOLGATE	64:00	M60

Fairland Cross Country Results (Men)

Position	Name	Time	Category	Comments
190	MARIE COLUCCI	40:08	W45	W team “A”
	TRACY PEZ	41:47	W45	W team “A”
227	YUKO GORDON	42:12	W65	W team “A”
	JESS CLARKE	43:47		W team “A”
294	JAYNE RIDDELL	46:07	W55	W team “A”
	TRACEY JACKSON	46:35		W team “B”
	HAZEL SMITH	46:39		W team “B”
	ANNABELLE WHITE	46:44		W team “B”
	GEORGIE HOOPER	46:44		W team “B”
325	PENNY SCHENKEL	48:40*	W55	W team “B”
331	KIRSTEN LIGHTBODY	49:11	W45	W team “C”
341	MEGAN SUTTON	49:33	WS	W team “C”
354	LIZ CROWLEY	50:42	W35	W team “C”
357	CLAIRE EMMERSON	50:36	W45	W team “C”
365	JUDY KING	51:09	W55	W team “C”
379	SHARON CROWLEY	56:26	W65
380	SAM SUTTON	57:04	W45
382	CALLIE CHAPMAN	58:09	W35
388	BECKY RAYNER	64:00	W35
396	NICHOLA DURENT	76:01	W45

Fairlands Cross Country Results (Women)

Parkrun Highlights 14^th December

With less crazy weather participation in the Stevenage parkrun jumped up to 421 and this Saturday 27 Spartans were running.

Spartan JAY PAPA got to wear the bright red milestone cape as he was running his 50^th parkrun. He celebrated in 31 minutes 21 seconds.

CRAIG BACON achieved a new parkrun personal best with 21 minutes 58 seconds and GRANT RAMSAY was in the top five at fourth with 18:31.

Mini-milestones were run by DANIEL VILJOEN 270^th parkrun in 25:20; JIM BROWN 180^th parkrun and category winner in 27:34; and MATT CLARKE 150^th parkrun in 28:35.

A total of 421 parkrunners took part in the Stevenage race.Many other Spartans were running parkruns elsewhere including MATT NEWTON 20:47 at Gunpowder; KEITH HOOKER 25:35 at Edgbaston Reservoir; MARTIN WOOD 27:40 at St. Albans; TIM ROBINSON 29:22 at Panshanger; CHLOE CHAPMAN 30:30 at Great Denham

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
4	4	Grant RAMSAY	18:31	Top Five
34	32	Craig BACON	21:58	New PPB
59	53	Tony RANDFIELD	23:13
62	55	David RIDDELL	23:19
81	71	Martin JACOB	24:22
105	93	Daniel VILJOEN	25:20	270^th parkrun
110	97	Ryan DUNNING	25:33
136	15	Jayne RIDDELL	26:55	Fastest female from Fairlands
153	128	Jim BROWN	27:34	180^th parkrun. 1^st MV70.
178	142	Matt CLARKE	28:35	150^th parkrun
179	29	Fiona CLARKE	28:36
184	146	Toby ECCLESHALL	28:45
185	31	Gail MACKIE	28:46
226	169	Maurice BALLARD	30:35
233	53	Annabelle WHITE	30:49
235	55	Penny SCHENKEL	30:52
241	175	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:14
242	59	Monica SMITHSON	31:15
246	178	Jay PAPA	31:21	50^th parkrun – milestone!
253	182	Paul JENNINGS	31:47
255	183	Michael O’KEEFE	31:56
267	189	Peter SACH	32:19
304	201	Stephen SMITHSON	33:58
313	97	Caroline CROFT	34:42
377	138	Hilary DAVIES	39:56
391	147	Pamela VILJOEN	41:48
401	234	Roger BIGGS	48:19

Tags Cross Country, fairlands cross country, parkrun

News

STORMY DARRAGH BUT SPARTANS KEEP ON RUNNING

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date December 8, 2024
No Comments on STORMY DARRAGH BUT SPARTANS KEEP ON RUNNING

Festive Five

Despite Stormy Darragh 30 Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the Festive Five in Welwyn Garden City and ANDREW PATTERSON won it! His 27 minutes 5 seconds (27:05) was more than two minutes quicker than the next runner.

SAM GENTRY said despite it being harder with the rain and wind, she still really enjoyed it and was pleased with her time. She finished in 51:35.

Spartan MIKE JEFFS was third man 40 plus and fourth overall with 30:12; ANNABELLE WHITE third senior woman (i.e. 18 plus) with 39:54 and VICKY ARCHER third woman 35 plus with 41:56.

BRIAN WHITE commented on the stormy conditions but still finished in exactly 38 minutes.

Fantastic to see so many Fairlands on a trip to a race.

Pos	Cat Pos	MF	BiB	Name	Category	Time	Comments
1	1	1	462	Andrew PATTERSON	MV40	27:05	Winner
4	3	4	41	Mike JEFFS	MV40	30:12	3^rd MV40
14	8	14	213	Terry SAWYER	MV40	35:35
32	4	28	523	Brian WHITE	MV60	38:00
45	3	10	120	Annabelle WHITE	FS	39:54	3^rd FS
47	8	37	245	Dave STEPHENSON	MV60	40:13
64	3	17	529	Vicky ARCHER	FV35	41:56	3^rd FV35
65	7	18	241	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	41:56
81	15	60	497	Pete COOK	MV50	44:47
91	14	27	505	Tracy PEZ	FV45	45:58
92	15	28	548	Hazel SMITH	FV45	45:58
95	6	30	164	Megan SUTTON	FS	46:12
109	14	72	447	Andy JAY	MV60	48:53
121	15	44	11	Judy KING	FV55	50:36
122	16	45	98	Nikki NATION	FV55	50:38
125	17	47	525	Monica SMITHSON	FV55	51:18
128	21	49	451	Sam GENTRY	FV45	51:35
129	18	50	149	Tessa STEPHENSON	FV55	52:06
133	6	53	445	Liz CROWLEY	FV35	53:02
136	18	81	36	Michael O’KEEFE	MV60	54:20
137	24	56	513	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	54:24
141	7	60	254	Callie CHAPMAN	FV35	55:07
143	21	62	506	Liz CARVELL	FV55	55:19
155	26	87	553	Peter SACH	MS	57:22
171	27	84	446	Marleen VAN ZWIETEN	FV55	1:02:56
172	36	85	516	Donna SEALY-BELL	FV45	1:02:57
173	12	86	452	Jo COOK	FV35	1:02:56
183	39	96	508	Nichola DURENT	FV45	1:11:56
184	5	97	448	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	1:11:56
185	15	98	184	Rebecca RAYNER	FV35	1:11:55

Winter Half

Four Spartans ran the Stevenage Winter Half. SIMON JACKSON was fifth out of the 312 finishers and first man 40 plus in 1:20:23. JAY PAPA was 27^th in 1:32:15; MATT GIFFORD finished in 1:39:33 and LLOYD DIAS in 2:29:08.

Simon said “After many months of minimal training, Kieran somehow got me out racing. Conditions were horrendous, with rain, wind and hills.” There were 312 finishers.

Cross Country Coming Up

The next Sunday cross country league race will be in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage on Sunday morning 15^th December.

Parkrun Highlights 7^th December

Stormy Darragh did its worst and participation at the 376^th Stevenage Parkrun was half many recent totals. Windy, raining and generally unpleasant but there were still 234 who ran the Saturday morning 5K including ten Spartans including CAROLYN LINSELL and SHARON CROWLEY who were there as volunteer tailwalkers.

GRANT RAMSAY was top ten again with his 19 minutes 30 seconds.

Altogether 14 Spartans ran parkruns which reflects the conditions and the cancellation of some events due to the conditions. That didn’t stop NICK GILL who ran Letchworth in 24:58.

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
9	9	Grant RAMSAY	19:30	Top Ten
29	27	Jay PAPA	22:32
63	58	Martin JACOB	25:03
87	75	Ryan DUNNING	27:00
158	115	Paul JENNINGS	31:50
165	118	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:40
213	68	Tracy HAYGARTH	41:17
232	147	Tony RANDFIELD	55:32
233	82	Carolyn LINSELL	55:34	Tail walker
234	83	Sharon CROWLEY	55:35	Tail walker

Tags Festive 5, parkrun, Stevenage Winter Half

News Race Results

YUKO’S A WINNER

Spartan YUKO GORDON won in the British Masters 5K Championships at Battersea Park Sunday morning. She won GOLD in for women 70 plus, just a stride – one second – ahead of the second W70 lady. Yuko’s finish time was 22:45.

Trail 50K PB

MARTIN JACOB did the St Edmund’s Trail 50K ultra marathon on Sunday. The course was slightly more than 50k. He ran just a bit more than 52k and finished in 5:42:18. That’s a huge PB (personal best) improvement of 1:52:20 from last year’s Lea Valley 50k ultra.

Simon Haigh Lanzarotte

SIMON HAIGH ran the 50K Lanzarotte International Running Challenge in 4 hours 27 minutes 10 seconds and was 88^th out of the 380 male participants. His time included the Vince Regan Memorial Classic 10K run in 56:04 and La Vuelta de Tinajo 21K in 1:46:29.

Serpentine Last Friday of the Month

JIM BROWN ran his fastest road 5K this year on Friday lunchtime.

Enjoying the sunny, mild with a light breeze, conditions he ran 27:05 at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. That have Jim a pretty good age score which moved him up the series championship table but was only good enough for fifth man 70 plus which demonstrates what an amazing event the “Last Friday” can be. The next event is on Friday 27^th December and they have a New Year’s Day 10K on Wednesday 1^st January.

Hot in Valencia

Valencia Marathon for ROBERT WRIGHT in a time of 3:41:26. He said it was a busy hot marathon.

Grant Ramsay

GRANT RAMSAY ran the Goodwood Marathon in 3 hours 10 minutes 58 seconds. It was on the Motor Racing circuit.

He finished in 42nd overall out of 150 finishers.

After 25 years, Grant decided to make event his last Marathon and focus on shorter distance events.

Cross Country Coming Up

The next Sunday cross country league race will be in Stevenage on 15^th December.

Parkrun Highlights 30^th November

It was a misty morning for the 375^th Stevenage parkrun. 21 Spartans were there including KIRK NDUGU who was a brilliant second overall in just 17 minutes 55 seconds.

There were 428 runners at Stevenage including 166 women.

Spartans elsewhere included SUZY HAWKINS who ran the Wendover Woods parkrun in 25:26.

Tags lanzarotte international running challenge, parkrun, st edmunds trail 50k, Valencia Marathon

News Race Results Races

SPARTANS BEAT BERT AT HATFIELD FIVE

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date November 24, 2024
No Comments on SPARTANS BEAT BERT AT HATFIELD FIVE

Storm Bert did his best to confound them but Fairlands Valley Spartans had a good team at Sunday’s Hatfield Five and several ran new lifetime best times (PBs) and season’s bests (SB) for the five miles (8.05 kilometres).

MIKE JEFFS was 25^th out of the 735 finishers and third in his race category with a new personal best of 29 minutes 6 seconds, an improvement of 2 minutes 46. Under 30 minutes and a PB in those tricky conditions. Amazing.

At exactly 30 minutes DAN HUKIN was next in at 36^th position. PAUL SHELLEY continues to knock chunks off his PBs. This time it was 21 seconds off his five miles with 30:10. He was second in his category.

ASHLEY JOHNSON was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 31:59 and in the top ten women.

CRAIG BACON took 1:31 of his PB with 35:09.

Altogether three new personal bests and nine new season’s bests for Fairlands Valley Spartans.

735 finishers. 20 Spartans.

Pos	Name	Time	Category	Cat Pos	Gender	Gen Pos	Comments
25	MIKE JEFFS	29:06	Ages 40 – 44	3	Male	24	PB (2:46). 3VM40
36	Dan HUKIN	30:00	Ages 45 – 49	4	Male	34	SB (0:36)
39	Paul SHELLEY	30:10	Ages 55 – 59	2	Male	37	PB (0:21). 2VM55
60	Ross GALLAGHER	31:24	Ages 40 – 44	11	Male	54
74	Ashley JOHNSON	31:59	Ages 40 – 44	2	Female	10	2VW40
101	Nick GILL	33:35	Seniors	35	Male	89
104	Mark COLLINS	33:41	Ages 45 – 49	15	Male	92
147	Craig BACON	35:09	Ages 50 – 54	12	Male	130	PB (1:31)
161	Danny SCANLON	35:50	Ages 40 – 44	26	Male	141	SB (0:19)
192	Charles ARNOLD	37:19	Ages 65 – 69	6	Male	167	PB (5:34)
239	Marie COLUCCI	39:00	Ages 45 – 49	8	Female	43	SB
251	Brian WHITE	39:36	Ages 65 – 69	8	Male	204	SB
335	Matthew NEWTON	42:07	Ages 40 – 44	40	Male	255	SB
372	Jackie PERRY	43:18	Ages 60 – 64	8	Female	100
444	Jim BROWN	45:25	Ages 70 +	7	Male	297	SB (0:20)
570	Penny SCHENKEL	50:18	Ages 55 – 59	32	Female	218
576	Nikki NATION	51:01	Ages 55 – 59	33	Female	223	SB (9:03)
634	Sharon CROWLEY	53:52	Ages 65 – 69	8	Female	262	SB (1:11)
685	Callie CHAPMAN	58:34	Ages 40 – 44	34	Female	302	SB (4:01)
696	Rebecca RAYNER	59:49	Ages 40 – 44	37	Female	312

Parkrun Highlights 23^rd November

Storm Bert was largely responsible for reducing the turnout at Stevenage parkrun from 510 the previous week to 357 but despite some fights into the wind alongside the large lake in Fairlands Valley Park the 26 Spartans enjoyed some good runs.

YUKO GORDON was fourth woman and won her category with 24 minutes 19 seconds. KAREN ELLIS was ninth woman and won her category with 25:38. JIM BROWN won his with 31:36 and ROGER HEAD his with 34:43.Meanwhile MARTIN DUDLEY was running his 220^th parkrun in 25:03; CHLOE CHAPMAN her 160^th in 31:35; SAMANTHA SUTTON her 170^th in 32:49 and CAROLYN LINSELL volunteering as a walker on the day her 130^th with 56:53

Position	Gender Position	FVS parkrunner	Time	Comments
45	43	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:51
53	4	Yuko GORDON	24:19	4^th woman. First in category.
55	51	Daniel VILJOEN	24:21
57	52	Chris WATLING	24:29
68	62	Martin DUDLEY	25:03	220 parkruns
82	9	Karen ELLIS	25:38	9^th woman. First in category.
85	73	Tony RANDFIELD	25:39
86	74	Darren EMMERSON	25:40
106	93	Martin JACOB	26:13
184	33	Claire EMMERSON	29:03
212	46	Pamela VILJOEN	30:01
220	161	Steve PLATT	30:17
224	165	Paul JENNINGS	30:25
241	175	Thomas SAUKA	31:05
242	176	Nick KLEANTHOUS	31:09
255	62	Chloe CHAPMAN	31:35	160 parkruns
256	182	Jim BROWN	31:36	First in category
257	63	Penny SCHENKEL	31:38
270	189	Michael O’KEEFE	32:23
274	192	Stephen SMITHSON	32:32
281	74	Samantha SUTTON	32:49	170 parkruns
301	202	Roger HEAD	34:43	First in category
325	104	Hannah MANTON	38:24
350	218	Roger BIGGS	47:53
353	123	Carolyn LINSELL	56:53	130 parkruns
357	127	Sharon CROWLEY	59:18

Tags Hatfield 5, parkrun

News Race Results

SAMANTHA AND MIKE WIN HANDICAP

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date November 17, 2024
No Comments on SAMANTHA AND MIKE WIN HANDICAP

33 Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the club’s handicap races in Stevenage on Sunday Morning. They had a choice of Bryan Moore Ten or the Paul Maguire Five. All were raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Winner of the 5m race was Samantha Sutton in a personal best (PB) time of 53:42, with Karl Shreeve first man (2^nd overall) in a season’s best (SB) 46:18. Tracy Pez was second lady in a SB 38:38 and Megan Sutton third lady in a PB 44:43. Paul Shelley was second man in a PB 30:31 and Mark Freeman third with a 45:24 SB.

Fastest runner in the 5 mile event was Simon Jackson in 29:05 with Paul Shelley’s 30:31 second quickest and Grant Ramsay third fastest with 31:21. Tracy Pez’s 38:38 was the fastest female time with Jayne Riddell 2^nd quickest with a PB time 44:12 and Megan Sutton 3^rd quickest with a PB of 44:43.

Mike Jeffs was the winner of the 10 mile race in a PB time of 1:01:59 with Andrew Patterson 2^nd with a SB 55:44 and Nick Gill 3^rd in 1:08:55. First lady was Jo Cooksley in a SB 1:26:23 with Samantha Tophill 2^nd lady in a SB 1:28:36 and Annabelle White 3^rd lady in 1:36:00.

Andrew Patterson’s 55:44 was the fastest time and Mike Jeffs’ 1:01:59 2^nd quickest with Ralph Dadswell 3^rd fastest in 1:08:15. Jo Cooksley’s 1:26:23, Sam Tophill’s 1:28:36 and Annabelle White’s 1:36:00 were also the three fastest female times.

19 of the 33 finishers beat their handicap time, they improved, and there were also 19 finishers within 2 minutes of the handicap set.

In handicap races the slower runners start first and others follow at intervals based on recent performances. If everyone runs as their handicap predicts they would all finish together. Thus the winner is the person who improves the most, not necessarily the fastest runner on the day.

Best for Martin at St Neots

On Sunday Spartan MARTIN JACOB ran the St Neots half in 1:45:56. There were a couple of steep hills along the route, but the last 6k was a smooth downhill and ideal for a fast finish. Martin took 47 seconds off his personal best (PB).

JAY PAPA was under 90 minutes with 1 hour 28 minutes 42 seconds for 109 out of the 1111 finishers and WENDY THARANI came in with in 2:07:39.

Shillington Shuffle

It was a sunny Sunday start for the Shillington Shuffle from Barton Le Clay. The route went straight up the Barton hills! Then through the villages of Lilley, Pirton, Howell, Lower Stondon, Meppershall, Shillington, Hexton and back to Barton.

Spartans Sharon and Mike Crowley finished in 8 hours 29 minutes; Paul Holgate in 8:53 and Mike Newbitt in 9:45.

Both Sharon and Mike were awarded their S-S-S Triple Challenge, for completing the Shillington Shuffle, Steppingley Step and Sundon Saunter.

Parkrun Highlights 16^th November

30 of the 510 at the 373^rd Stevenage parkrun were Spartans. This week FVS had two in the top five with GRANT RAMSAY who ran his 150^th parkrun and was fourth with 18:43 and KIRK NDUGU fifth with 18:57.

KAREN ELLIS was fastest female from Fairlands with 25:29.

A major parkrun was achieved by PAMELA VILJOEN who ran her 250^th parkrun in 29 minutes 58 seconds (29:58). FIONA CLARKE ran her 201^st in 27:53.

STEPHANIE MAYFIELD ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 29:13 for the 5K and ELIZABETH CROWLEY a new PPB of 29:37.

Recording his 80^th parkrun STEVE PLATT finished in 29:53.

JIM BROWN was aiming for sub 28 and despite congestion in the last 800 metres made it with three seconds to spare. 27:57 and 200^th position.

Spartans elsewhere included MATT GIFFORD 20:49 at Great Denham; JOHN HARRIS with 21:23 at Sandy water, Llanelli; SUZY HAWKINS 22:27 and second woman at Watermeadows, Towcester; MAURICE BALLARD 28:00 at Castle Park, Bishops Stortford; MIKE REYNOLDS 28:16 at Panshanger; LUCY FIELD 28:20 at University Parks; MARIA SWIFT 28:42 at Bug Hunter Waters, Cambridge; NICK KLEANTHOUS 29:07 at Preston Park, Brighton; ANNABELLE WHITE with 30:03 at St Albans; CHRIS HOLLAND 30:41 at Rutland Water; CHLOE CHAPMAN 31:38 at Ifield Mill Pond near Crawley; NICK GILL 32:24 at Letchworth; JONATHAN JONES 35:46 and DZENANA TOPIC 35:57 at Wimpole Estate.

Tags 10 mile handicap, 5 mile handicap, parkrun, Shillington Shuffle, St Neots Half

News Race Results

PAUL EXCELS AT DEBDEN

It was three laps for four Spartans on Saturday morning and PAUL SHELLEY was an amazing third overall in the Remembrance Runs Half Marathon at Carver Barracks near Debden in Essex.

He finished in 1 hour 23 minutes 18 seconds, a new personal best (PB) by three minutes, and WON his category. JIM BROWN won his category beating his nearest rival by three minutes. His 1 hour 56 minutes exactly (1:56:00) was his best this year by 2 minutes 59 seconds.

SAM TOPHILL ran an excellent 1:53:12 and DAVE ACKERY ran a well paced event to beat two hours with 1:59:43.

Jim said it was a bit chilly but no wind and no rain. Almost ideal. He was quite pleased to put it mildly. Jim’s recent parkruns have been 28:42 and 28:12. On Saturday his 5Ks were 27:36; 27:26; 27:22 and 27:34 taking him to 20K and the last 1.1K was at the same rate. And only six days after running a half at Knebworth in 2:02:15.

Gran Canaria Night Run

JAY PAPA ran the Night Run 10K at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. He finished in 56:40. There were a huge number of runners.

Spartan Sam’s Achievement

SAM GENTRY started with the Fairlands Valley Spartans run together group at the end of August and started her Spartans membership in September this year. Last Sunday she ran her first ever race, a 10K. It was the Hertfordshire race at Knebworth House. Her chip time result was 1 hour 7 minutes 15 seconds. As her aim was to do it in 1 hour 10 minutes she was very happy with her result.

Cross Country Update

28 Fairlands Valley Spartans – eleven women and 17 men – turned out for the third cross country league race in four weeks on Sunday 3^rd November. That’s a much stronger women’s team than last time and helped the club’s performance. The race was in Trent Park. The detailed results showed that FVS have moved up to sixth out of 20 in the combined score and fifth in the men’s competition.

At Trent Park DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT ran 19 seconds faster than seven days earlier and moved up from 10^th to sixth overall. This time ADRIAN BUSOLINI was one second faster with his 29:12 and he was 15^th.

TRACEY JACKSON led in the Spartan women with her 39:33 for 40^th woman with YUKO GORDON second Spartan and 45^th in 40:40.

It seemed warmer and drier in Trent Park than previous years when the event has been a bit of a mudfest. There were 405 finishers including 152 women.

The next Cross Country League race, race four, will be in Stevenage on Sunday 15^th December.

Parkrun Highlights 9^th November

26 of the 449 at the 372^nd Stevenage parkrun were Spartans. GRANT RAMSAY moved up to second, only missing out on the top sport by nine seconds, with his 18:30.

KAREN ELLIS ran her 30^th parkrun and was the fastest female from Fairlands with 25:30. PAUL JENNINGS ran his 90^th in 30:34 but PAMELA VILJOEN is only one away from a very special milestone. She ran her 249^th in 29:24.

Elsewhere at Henlow Bridge Lakes JOHN HARRIS finished in 22:45 and SUZY HAWKINS in 28:23; YUKO GORDON ran Letchworth in 26:02; MEGAN SUTTON 27:54 and SAMANTHA SUTTON 34:09 at Panshanger; CHRIS HOLLAND 28:14 at Rutland Water; JONATHAN JONES 36:30 and DZENANA TOPIC 36:33 were at the Wimpole Estate and DARRYL STEVENS was in Cranleigh with 39:03.

Tags Cross Country, Knebworth House, parkrun, Rememberance Runs Half

News Race Results

BOOST AT TRENT PARK CROSS COUNTRY

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date November 3, 2024
No Comments on BOOST AT TRENT PARK CROSS COUNTRY

28 Fairlands Valley Spartans – eleven women and 17 men – turned out for the third cross country league race in four weeks. That’s a much stronger women’s team than last time and helped the club’s performance. The race was in Trent Park.

This Sunday DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT ran 19 seconds faster than seven days earlier and moved up from 10^th to sixth overall. This time ADRIAN BUSOLINI was one second faster with his 29:12 and he was 15^th.

TRACEY JACKSON led in the Spartan women with her 39:33 with YUKO GORDON second in 40:40.

It seemed warmer and drier in Trent Park than previous years.

The Spartan men improved to fourth out of 20 in the men’s race at Barley only a week ago.

The next Cross Country League race, race four, will be in Stevenage on Sunday 15^th December.

Spartan One Two At Bedford

Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON was first female in Sunday’s Bedford 10K with a brilliant sub 40 time of 39:50 chip time and Spartan MARIE COLUCCI was sixth with 48:52.

Ashley and Marie were first and second in the women 40 plus category and 11^th and 34^th out of all the 263 finishers.

Ashley said, “It was a twisty, turny course. Some muddy, cross country parts. So not as fast as I’d hoped but a win is a win.”

Knebworth – A Win by 15 seconds and Penny was Early

Six Spartans ran the Hertfordshire Half Marathon from Knebworth House.

Spartan KRISTIAN ATANASOV had a top ten run finishing in 1:20:33. He was ninth out of 1,362 finishers and second senior male.

CHRIS WATLING said it was a tough course, very undulating. He didn’t feel overly prepared for today coming off the back of two injuries and only two x 5km treadmill runs during recovery over the last two weeks, but he was very happy with his time! 1:53:45.

Chris added it was good preparation for the Baldock Beast in Feb! Great event and support. Good to see a few Spartans out there today too!

JIM BROWN reckons he’s still trying to get out of marathon mode and didn’t think there was a sensible chance of getting under two hours on the rolling course but, but with a reasonable last four kilometres he got sight of the leading runner in his category, caught him after going through the gate into the grounds of Knebworth House and dug in to be first man 70 plus by a margin of 15 seconds.

PENNY SCHENKEL was early. Clearly delighted she beat her predicted time by more than 28 minutes and finished in 2 hours 31 minutes 55 seconds (2:31:55). The London plan is clicking in.

MARK COLLINS was 80^th in 1:33:47 and CLAIRE EMMERSON finished in 2:15:05.

New York Marathon – a Spartan in the Big Apple

Spartan ROSS GALLAGHER ran the New York Marathon in 3 hours 2 minutes 43 seconds (3:02:43).

He ran on Sunday to complete his Abbott World Marathon Majors 6 Stars.

Ross said it was a fantastic race and up there with some of the best crowds at any race with the Bronx a personal favourite. The bridges were just as tough as people say… and he thought parks were flat… Central Park isn’t.

Resolution Track 5K

Five Spartans were among the 39 runners who went 12.5 times round Ridlins Track on Wednesday evening. This was the Resolution 5K, a guaranteed no hills event.

After spinning around for 19 minutes 15 seconds JAY PAPA was the first Spartan to finish. SIMON JACKSON wasn’t far behind in 19:27 then MATT GIFFORD 20:49; BRIAN WHITE 22:31 and KARL SHREEVE in 27:12.

Pos	MF	CatPos	Name	Cat	Time	Age Gd
7	7	3	Jay PAPA	MS	19:15	66.7 %
10	10	4	Simon JACKSON	MV40	19:27	73.9 %
19	19	6	Matt GIFFORD	MV50	20:49	72.5 %
26	24	1	Brian WHITE	MV60	22:31	76.5 %
35	30	10	Karl SHREEVE	MV50	27:12	56.4 %

39 ran.

Parkrun Highlights 2^nd November

Exactly the same number of runners, 527, finished the award winning Stevenage parkrun this week as the previous Saturday. There were 227 women and 300 men.

This time Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was well in the top ten at fourth with his 18:33. KAREN ELLIS was fastest female from Spartans with 25:38.

PAUL SHELLEY has just one parkrun to go before a major milestone. He finished his 99^th in 24:49. MARTIN JACOB ran his 20^th in 26:20.

So far there have been 117,694 finishes by 15,674 different people at the 371 Stevenage parkruns. They won the top award at the Recent Stevenage Together awards.

Spartans running parkrun 5Ks elsewhere included SIMON JACKSON 19:59 at Great Denham; ADRIAN DONNELLY tenth at Henlow Bridge Lakes in 22:15; YUKO GORDON 23:09 at Storey’s Field; SUZY HAWKINS was first woman at Wendover Woods in 23:34; MEGAN SUTTON 27:07 and SAM SUTTON 32:45 at Bedford; LUCY FIELD 27:43 at Sandhurst Memorial; CHRIS HOLLAND 30:20 at Rutland Water; CHLOE CHAPMAN 30:57 at the Pocket parkrun; and STEVE SMITHSON who was the lonesome Spartan at Panshanger. He said he had a slightly slippy and challenging powerwalk. He finished in 255th place out of a field of 317 parkrunners in 34:13

Recently Spartans ASHLEY JOHNSON and NIKKI NATION ran the South Norwood parkrun.

South Norwood parkrun ran an event for Black History Month and one of the local running groups called Emancipated Run Crew did a take over.

Ashley was first woman out of 82 in 20:47 and NIKKI NATION 28^th in 30:03. 215 ran and Ashley as fifth overall!

An official ParkRun film crew were there and they interviewed both Nikki and I.

It’s on Facebook if you want to watch it:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/4Q61SH4SanLStP7y/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Tags Bedford 10K, Cross Country, Knebworth House, New York Marathon, parkrun, Resolution 5k, Trent Park Cross Country

News Race Results

BARLEY CROSS COUNTRY

A last minute course change saw 15 Spartans running the second cross country league race near Barley on a sunny Sunday morning. On a 7.7 kilometre farmland course DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT took just 28 minutes 53 seconds to be first finisher for FVS and tenth overall. ADRIAN BUSOLINI was close behind at eleventh with 29:11; MIKE JEFFS 21^st with 30:12; GRANT RAMSAY 27^th with 30:24 and DECLAN TRAYNOR 30^th with 30:40. So five Spartans in the first thirty.

Clearly a demanding race programme of three cross country races in four weeks with the Stevenage Marathon in the middle had some impact on participation but those that were there had a great time. The next cross country will be in Trent Park on Sunday 3^rd November.

Position	Name	Time	Comments
10	DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT	28:53	“A” team
11	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	29:11	“A” team
21	MIKE JEFFS	30:12	“A” team
27	GRANT RAMSAY	30:24	“A” team
30	DECLAN TRAYNOR	30:40	“A” team
66	ADRIAN DONNELLY	33:35*	“A” team
73	STUART ARCHER	34:10	“A” team
113	BRIAN WHITE	36:50*	“A” team
131	CHARLES ARNOLD	37:53
135	DANNY SCANLON	38:01
151	MELVIN ALBURN	38:35
180	MARTIN JACOB	40:09
187	DAVID ACKERY	40:38
254	JIM BROWN	47:13
287	CALLIE CHAPMAN	55:03

15 Spartans

Marathon Eryri – Snowdon

The 40^th running of Marathon Eryri took place on a glorious Autumn day with lots of sunshine and beautiful reflections in the numerous lakes along the course which runs around the Snowdon mountain with three big climbs at miles 2-4 miles; 13-15 miles and 22-24 miles. Four Spartans took part this year including Paul Holgate running his 35^th consecutive Snowdon marathon (every year it has been held since 1988) and Sharon Crowley running her 32^nd consecutive Snowdon (more than any other female), while Steph Mayfield and husband Steve (running for his 1^st claim club Stevenage & North Herts AC) took part for their very first time.

Results: Steve Mayfield in a season’s best 3:57:55; Steph Mayfield in 5:19:51; Sharon Crowley in 6:39:47 and Paul Holgate in 6:41:36.

The Coolest Run – Polar Circle Marathon Greenland

JOHN HARRIS ran the Coolest Marathon in the World, and in his opinion the most beautiful.

He said the Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland is a marathon to savour and enjoy, rather than his normal head down run as fast as he can type of marathon.

Apparently it was minus 10 degrees at the start, with the wind across the open spaces making it much colder.

The sun came out later making it the perfect scenic run.

John said the shoe crampons did their job on the Ice Cap and apart from doing the splits after 2K, he managed to stay on his feet.

It was not a flat marathon by any means, with over 1800 feet of climb during the 26.2 miles. A truly memorable marathon and one John highly recommends. He finished in 5:34:17

Beachy Head Half Marathon

Tim Robinson ran the Beachy Head Half Marathon on Sunday 27th October. Usually running the Marathon, he decided to drop down to the half distance following last week’s Stevenage Marathon where he ran 5:02:06 in very poor weather conditions. Beachy Head felt very tough despite perfect conditions with heavy legs.

Making the most of the long downhill sections between mile 4 and 8 left enough in reserve for the final 4 climbs over four of the Seven Sisters and the fast downhill off Beachy Head. 2:46:54.

Serpentine

After a careful first kilometre following his recent marathon Spartan JIM BROWN ran the Last Friday of the Month 5K in 27:49. That slightly improved his average in the series to 64%.

The next Serpentine lunch-time run in Hyde Park will be on Friday 29^th November.

Ricky Road for Matt

MATT TUTTON ran the Ricky Road 10 mile as part of Team KitAid. He said it was a lovely run in the Autumn sunshine, through countryside and by houses he could only afford through creative means. There were a couple of unwelcome hills and a long descent towards the finish line. In the Chilterns who’d thought.

Matt also decided to break a habit of a lifetime as he approached the finish line … with a smile! He finished in 1:32:03.

Parkrun Highlights 26^th October – Spooky

Compared with the previous week the numbers jumped up by nearly 200 as 527 ran the spooky Stevenage parkrun on the Saturday before Halloween.

There were 27 Spartans with GRANT RAMSAY first in at sixth with 18:35. GAIL MACKIE was fastest female from Fairlands, 12^th woman in 25:33.

CAROLINE CROFT ran her 90^th parkrun in 34:49 and despite taking a black cat and an enormous spider round with him JIM BROWN still managed to be first man 70 plus with his 34:50.Altogether 47 Spartans ran parkruns. Those elsewhere included WILLIAM MORLEY 19:33 and STEVE WELLS 21:05 at Storeys Field (Cambridge); ALISON WOOD 23:57 and MARTIN WOOD 26:11 at Barnstaple; JACKIE PERRY 26:41 at Colby; MIKE REYNOLDS 26:45 at Panshanger; SUZY HAWKINS 28:49 at Henlow Bridge Lake; MATT CLARKE 29:55 at Rickmansworth; NIKKI NATION 30:03 at South Norwood; and NICK KLEANTHOUS 31:29 at Eastbourne

Tags Beachy Head

Half Marathon News Race Results Races

WET, WINDY, WONDERFUL STEVENAGE MARATHON

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date October 20, 2024
No Comments on WET, WINDY, WONDERFUL STEVENAGE MARATHON

Despite strong winds and rain more than 700 runners completed Sunday 40^th anniversary Stevenage Marathon and Half organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.

From the start at the corner of Grace Way and Martins Way to the finish in Hampson Park it was a windswept run, particularly going south with some black numbers in the wind speeds in the weather forecast, and undulating but there were some fantastic runs.

The marathon was won by Stephen Buckle from St Albans in 2 hours 40 minutes 32 seconds (2:40:32) but, by 14 seconds, Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Suzy Hawkins was first woman in 3:32:21.

And the Spartans were third and fourth in the men’s race. David Harris-Cherguit third in 2:50:20 and Adrian Busolini fourth and first senior (over 18) in 2:55:17.

There were 303 finishers in the marathon and 413 in the half. The Spartans were wearing their stripes with pride – 38 first claim Spartans finished the full 26.2 miles marathon and 30 the half marathon.

ALISON and PAUL SHELLEY were incredible. They ran the Chicago Marathon last week and came home to run Stevenage this week. Just home so sending our results although pretty sure you will have them all.

Alison said, “That was pretty brutal today – tough course and tough conditions on tired legs. But we are super proud to have both completed the decennial FVS Stevenage Marathon as a ‘Chicago Chaser’!!!”

Paul’s time was 3:42:06 and Alison 4:54:22.

Despite the conditions there were marathon personal bests by CRAIG BACON 3:39:10; MARTIN JACOB 3:57:30 and GERRY ROSEN 5:33:36

There was a clean sweep GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE for Fairlands Valley Spartans in the County team championships for veteran men (over 40s) and veteran women (over 35s).

The male winners were DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT (2:05:20), CRAIG BACON (3:39:10), PAUL SHELLEY (3:42:06) and MARTIN JACOB (3:57:30). Silvers went to LIAM HERBERT (3:57:47), ROBERT WRIGHT (4:17:32), MATT GIFFORD (4:18:40) and MATT CLARKE (4:49:11) and Bronzes to MARTIN DUDLEY (4:53:19), JIM BROWN (4:55:05), TIM ROBINSON (5:02:06) and PAUL HOLGATE (6:10:35). (Teams of four).

The women team winners were:

GOLD – SUZY HAWKINS (3:32:25); CLAIRE PULLEN (4:08:04) and SAM TOPHILL (4:19:44). SILVER – ALISON SHELLEY (4:54:58); TRICIA HOPPER (4:57:06) and LINDA GEORGE (5:11:37). BRONZE – KAREN LIDDLE (5:17:15); FIONA CLARKE (5:23:06) and SHARON CROWLEY (6:14:16). (Teams of three).

Fairlands Valley Spartans are a local community running club in Stevenage and are celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year. The half is organised every year but the full 26.2 miles marathon is a bit special. It only takes place every ten years.

Apart from 68 finishers FVS organised the event including dozens of volunteers including marshals, lead bikes and finish funnel.

Big thanks to the Hertfordshire Sports Partnership and the University of Hertfordshire who brought 14 volunteers – mostly overseas students and UH staff. Ten different nationalities. John O’Callaghan from HSP said, “Great event despite at times, atrocious weather conditions.” The Hertfordshire Sports and Active Recreation Partnership are one of the Mayor’s good causes this year.

ALL the proceeds from Sunday’s events will go to charity. This year it is Pancreatic Cancer UK which was chosen by the club in memory of a much loved member.

There was huge Spartan success in the Hertfordshire County Marathon Championships.

The Spartan men won GOLD and BRONZE in the male senior (over 18) team county championships. The club’s women won GOLD and SILVER in the female senior team competition.

LINDA GEORGE (5:11:37) won BRONZE for women 35 plus; SUZY HAWKINS (3:32:25) for women 45 plus; CLAIRE PULLEN (4:08:04), Sam TOPHILL (4:19:44) and ALISON SHELLEY (4:54:58) GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE for women 55 plus; and KAREN LIDDLE (5:17:15) and SHARON CROWLEY (6:14:16) GOLD and SILVER for women 65 plus).

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT (2:50:20) was GOLD for men 40 plus and JIM BROWN (4:55:05) GOLD for men 70 plus.

Civic Team

Irrespective of time JIM BROWN was delighted to finish the Stevenage Marathon. It was his first marathon back in 1994 and this time he became the first Stevenage Mayor, as Mayor, to complete the Stevenage Marathon. And he won a County GOLD medal for his age group. Jim got round in 4:55:05. He was lead bike in 2014.

The Mayoress, Penny Schenkel, was the lead bike this time.

Stevenage Half

There were 413 finishers in Sunday’s 40^th anniversary Stevenage Half Marathon. It was won by BEN TACEY in 1:13:48. FREYA WEDDELL from St Albans was first woman with 1:20:02, more than ten minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

SIMON FRASER was the first Spartan finisher. Sub 90 minutes with 1 hour 28 minutes 17 seconds (1:28:17) for 17^th position.

YUKO GORDON was the fastest female from Fairlands. She won her category and a county GOLD medal with 1:45:44.

There were new personal bests from DAVID ACKERY 2:01:52; JUDY KING 2:22:51; SAMANTHA SUTTON 2:46:29.

There were some great Spartan results in the county half marathon championships for veteran runners, part of the race. The women’s team consisting of Yuko (above); JAYNE RIDDELL 1:57:51 and SUE HAMER 2:05:00 won SILVER only one point behind the gold medallists AND SARAH ILLINGWORTH 2:17:53; Judy (above) and JO COOKSLEY 2:27:25 won BRONZE in the female veterans’ team championship (women over 35, teams of three).

The Spartan veterans were also second in the veteran men’s championship with SILVER going to TERRY SAWYER (1:38:45), BRIAN WHITE (1:43:58), MATT TUTTON (2:02:17) and BEN TORREGIANI (2:03:12) (males over 40, teams of four).

Jayne won individual bronze for women 55 plus and BRIAN WHITE individual silver for men 60 plus with his 1:43:58.

303 finishers in marathon – 38 first claim Spartans; 413 finishers in half – 29 first claim FVS.

Super PB in Amsterdam

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON ran a new marathon personal best in the Amsterdam Marathon. A fantastic 2 hours 34 minutes 9 seconds. A personal best by more than two minutes. He was top 100, 95^th out of 16,763 finishers.

SIMON JACKSON did 2.46.10 at the Amsterdam marathon on Sunday. He finished sixth in his age group and said there was amazing crowd, nice course and a good weekend with friends.

Go Georgie at the Abingdon Marathon

Spartan GEORGIE HOOPER ran the Abingdon Marathon and broke her personal best by 43 minutes!! She finished in 3:46:02. CHARLES COOK ran the same race in 3:02:53.

York 10 Miles

CHRIS WATLING ran the York 10 miler for the third year in a row. 1.24:24

Results Out For Cross Country

The official results are now in for last week’s cross country, the first league race this season. Only six clubs beat 1,000 points and FVS were sixth out of the 20 clubs with 880 making them the best club from Stevenage. The Spartans three leading women were TRACY PEZ 19^th in 38:14 for the 7.6 kilometres; ZOE JACKSON 37^th in 40:42 and ELODIE MOAKES in 41:56. The club’s leading three men were GRANT RAMSAY 25^th in 30:33; JAY PAPA 40^th in 31:46 and ADRIAN DONNELLY 53^rd in 32:48.

The club were delighted to finish two complete teams in both the men’s and women’s races.

There were 288 finishers. 109 women and 178 men. The next cross country league race will be near Royston on Sunday 27^th October.

Ashley Beats 20 Year Record

Spartan ASHLEY JOHNSON beat a 20 year record at the Great Eastern Run. Her 1 hour 24 minutes 25 seconds beat the club record for women 35 plus and was a personal best by 33 seconds.

Chicago Extra

There was a big personal best (PB) of 10 minutes 6 seconds (10:06) achieved by PAUL SHELLEY at the Chicago Marathon. ALISON SHELLEY said it was definitely was Fairlands Fortitude for her – She said she couldn’t fuel enough and hit the wall but still super proud of the finish and time, coming back from injury, after a one year deferral.

Alison continued. “An amazing experience and trip, having both qualified for ‘good for age’ entry …and we wore our FVS stripes with pride!”

Paul went through half way in 1:31:42 and maintained that pace to finish in 3 hours 3 minutes 30 seconds (3:03:30). Alison went through a half marathon in 2:08:12 and then demonstrated Fairlands fortitude to finish in 4:28:14.

Parkrun Highlights 19^th October

Yuko beat 100%. Yes Spartan YUKO GORDON beat an age related score of 100% at Saturday morning’s Stevenage parkrun. Her 23:24 gave her a score of 100.07%.

The weather and the Stevenage marathon the following day kept the numbers down a bit but there were still 337 runners including 16 Spartans at the Stevenage parkrun.

Tags Abingdon, Amsterdam Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Cross Country, Great Eastern Run, parkrun, Stevenage half marathon, Stevenage Marathon, York 10 Miles

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HERE COMES THE STEVENAGE MARATHON

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date October 13, 2024
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The Stevenage Marathon and 40^th Anniversary Half Marathon are this Sunday 20^th October. They will start from the corner of Grace Way and Martins Way at 10a.m.

There are 900 entries. 500 in the half and 400 in the full marathon.

Fairlands Valley Spartans are a local community running club in Stevenage and are celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year. They are the organisers. The half is organised every year but the full 26.2 miles marathon is a bit special. It only takes place every ten years.

ALL the proceeds will go to charity. This year it will be Pancreatic Cancer UK which was chosen by the club in memory of a much loved member.

The finish will be in Hampson Park. The races are open and will include county championships for Hertfordshire.

For more information please visit

Enter

Double Double at Cross Country as season launches on 13^th October

The first cross country league race of the new season was in Hoddesdon on Sunday and 26 Spartans finished. This was on a multi-lap 7.6 kilometres course with a couple of pinch points.

GRANT RAMSAY was first in for Fairlands Valley Spartans at 26^th in 30 minutes 32 seconds. He was in the first 10% finishers. Next came JAY PAPA at 43^rd with 31:46.

TRACY PEZ was the fastest female from Fairlands with 38:02 which put her in 137^th place overall (men and women). ZOE JACKSON was the club’s next woman with her 40:27 for 182^nd.

The club were delighted to finish two complete teams in the men’s and women’s races.

Team results should be available from the event organisers in a few days.

Despite several others being committed to other events before they knew the date 26 Spartans finished. 16 men and 10 women. Eight counted in men’s teams. Five in women’s. The next cross country league race will be on Sunday 27^th October.

Position	Name	Time	Team	Comments
26	GRANT RAMSAY	30:32	Team MA	M50. Top 10%.
43	JAY PAPA	31:46	Team MA	SM
56	ADRIAN DONNELLY	32:48	Team MA	M40
66	NICK GILL	33:18	Team MA	SM
102	STEVE MAYFIELD	35:46	Team MA	M50
105	MATT GIFFORD	35:50	Team MA	M50
120	BRIAN WHITE	36:47	Team MA	M60
137	TRACEY PEZ	38:02	Team WA	W45
165	SIMON HAIGH	39:27	Team MA	M50
181	DAVID ACKERY	40:24	Team MB	SM
182	ZOE JACKSON	40:27	Team WA	W35
189	DARREN EMMERSON	41:14	Team MB	M50
196	TONY VICKERS	41:24	Team MB	M50
198	ELODIE MEAKES	41:30*	Team WA	W45
211	MARTIN WOOD	42:47	Team MB	M60
232	JON SYPULA	44:55	Team MB	M40
240	ANDY JAY	45:44	Team MB	M50
242	MARK FREEMAN	45:49	Team MB	M60
245	CLAIRE EMMERSON	46:11	Team WA	W45
263	MICHELLE HOLTON	47:00*	Team WA	W45
264	JIM BROWN	48:39	Team MB	M70
265	PENNY SCHENKEL	48:39	Team WB	W55
266	LIZ CROWLEY	48:39	Team WB	W35
278	NIKKI NATION	51:25	Team WB	W55
280	CALLIE CHAPMAN	55:55	Team WB	W35
282	SHARON CROWLEY	57:26	Team WB	W65

PBs at Peterborough Half – the Great Eastern Run

DAN HUKIN didn’t think for one second he had this in the locker but a chip time of 1:19:24 gave him a 2.5 minute PB (personal best) that he had had from 2006. Dan was 139^th out of the 3,238 finishers in the Great Eastern Run (the Peterborough Half Marathon).

In the same race Ross Gallagher’s 1:24:25 a new PB by more than four minutes.

Ross ran with Ashley Johnson and they both got exactly the same time, nice course and perfect conditions. They were 238^th and 239^th in the race with Ashley fourth in her age group.

Late News – Chicago

Just in. Spartans ALISON and PAUL SHELLEY completed the Chicago Marathon.

Lovely to Run the Royal Parks Half Marathon

HAZEL SMITH and VICKY ARCHER ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon together on Sunday. They both finished in 1:57:49.

Vicky said, “I’ve never run in London before so I really enjoyed the city part of it, especially running up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace! The parks were very pretty but the route was quite congested in places. It was so lovely to run with Hazel and enjoy it together. A lovely run.”

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GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE AT STANDALONE

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date October 6, 2024
No Comments on GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE AT STANDALONE

Gold, silvers, bronzes and five new personal bests were among the rewards for the 34 Fairlands Valley Spartans who ran Sunday’s Standalone 10K in Letchworth.

Spartan SIMON JACKSON was the fastest from FVS. He was the quickest man 40 plus, won GOLD in the County veteran championships and was 14^th overall out of 1294 finishers in 35 minutes 20 seconds. Suzy won silver as SUZY HAWKINS was second woman 45 plus in 43:06 and CLAIRE PULLEN took bronze in the same category with 49:11.

There were two bronze teams – Simon; ADRIAN DONNELLY (40:54); MATT GIFFORD (43:36) and DANNY SCANLON (44:07) for the men (teams of four) and Suzy, Claire and TRACY PEZ (52:25) for the women (teams of three).

SALLY REEVE was first of the brand new personal bests with 51:28, an improvement of 29 seconds. Then came PETE COOK 53:11; ANDREA WESTCOTT 54:22; MEGAN SUTTON 60:24 and ROSE SUTTON 69:49.

Birthday girl PENNY SCHENKEL enjoyed lots of birthday greetings around the course and a good 10K run taking 64:42, her best this year.

Pos	Name	Cat	5K time	10K time*	AG%	Comments
14	Simon JACKSON	MV40	17:21	35:20	83.5%	GOLD & Bronze Team
16	Simon FRASER	MS	18:02	35:35	76.8%	YB
82	Adrian DONNELLY	MV40	20:21	40:54	70.8%	Bronze Team. SB
143	Suzy HAWKINS	FV45	21:19	43:06	77.4%	SILVER Bronze Team. SB
155	Matt GIFFORD	MV50	21:59	43:36	71.0%	Bronze Team
171	Danny SCANLON	MV40	22:12	44:07	64.0%	Bronze Team. YB
219	Brian WHITE	MV60	22:47	45:50	77.9%
243	Charles ARNOLD	MV60	23:48	46:24	75.6%	YB
343	Claire PULLEN	FV55	25:18	49:11	76.1%	BRONZE Bronze Team. YB
356	John HARRIS	MV60	25:13	49:30	66.9%
357	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	25:13	49:30	62.7%
360	Nick GILL	MS	25:18	49:31	54.1%
452	Sally REEVE	FV45	26:33	51:28	68.0%	PB (0:29)
463	Martin DUDLEY	MV60	26:36	51:34	63.1%	YB
488	Tracy PEZ	FV45	26:23	52:25	65.4%	Bronze Team
489	Hazel SMITH	FV45	26:23	52:26	65.4%	SB
521	Nikki WILBY	FV35	26:40	52:57	58.2%
531	Pete COOK	MV50	26:51	53:11	59.4%	PB (0:47)
567	Jon SYPULA	MV40	28:06	54:04	53.9%	SB
595	Andrea WESTCOTT	FV45	28:26	54:22	64.3%	PB (0:51)
645	Ann TRYSSESOONE	FV55	28:37	55:30	67.3%	SB
660	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	28:02	56:00	58.5%
871	Megan SUTTON	FS	29:12	1:00:24	49.6%	PB (2:05)
968	Alison SHELLEY	FV55	32:01	1:03:11	57.1%
990	Jo COOKSLEY	FV35	33:26	1:03:01	48.0%
1050	Monica SMITHSON	FV55	32:00	1:05:34	57.8%
1052	Jim BROWN	MV70+	34:51	1:04:41	55.7%
1053	Penny SCHENKEL	FV55	34:52	1:04:42	54.8%	Birthday. YB
1147	Rose SUTTON	FU20	35:04	1:09:49	43.0%	PB (39:25)
1172	Callie CHAPMAN	FV35	36:35	1:10:11	43.6%	SB
1186	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	35:07	1:12:13	46.3%	SB
1225	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	38:14	1:14:27	45.9%
1248	Jan FRY	FV65	39:51	1:17:21	59.8%	SB
1249	Hannah SYPULA	FV45	39:51	1:17:22	42.5%	SB

20 Years of Parkrun – Parkrun Highlights 5^th October

Parkrun celebrated its 20^th birthday on Saturday and 44 Spartans joined in the celebrations.

There were 465 finishers at Stevenage parkrun and 31 of them were Spartans. They included GRANT RAMSAY fourth in 18:55 and KAREN ELLIS fastest from Fairlands in 26:08.

Spartans running other parkruns included GAIL MACKIE 21:37 at Storeys Field; PETE SMITH 22:59 at North Yorkshire Water Park; KELLY McHALE third woman and only missing her PB by five seconds with 23:34 and MIKE REYNOLDS 30:18 at Panshanger; CHLOE CHAPMAN 33:13 and ANNABELLE WHITE 33:14 at Castle Park (Bishops Stortford).

From a start with just 13 runners and five volunteers in Bushy Park on 2 October 2004 there are now more than 10 million parkrunners around the world.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time	Comments
4	4	Grant RAMSAY	18:55	Top Ten
17	16	Simon JACKSON	20:40
46	44	Martin JACOB	22:45	parkrun PB
48	46	Paul SHELLEY	22:59
62	59	Daniel VILJOEN	23:39
84	77	Martin DUDLEY	24:41
86	79	Matt CLARKE	24:51
112	99	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:01
116	10	Karen ELLIS	26:08	Fastest FVS female
117	103	Ryan DUNNING	26:10
150	17	Fiona CLARKE	27:04
200	160	Paul JENNINGS	28:51
203	163	Nick KLEANTHOUS	28:56
218	169	Jim BROWN	29:15
224	173	Ryan RIDDELL	29:28
231	49	Sophie PARSONS	29:41
232	50	Pamela VILJOEN	29:42
246	183	Maurice BALLARD	30:05
259	60	Alison SHELLEY	30:27
311	85	Debbie BLANTERN	32:53
318	218	Paul HOLGATE	33:14
329	95	Megan SUTTON	34:01
336	101	Samantha SUTTON	34:37
343	106	Linda GEORGE	35:02
365	119	Tracy HAYGARTH	36:27	140 parkruns
385	240	Lloyd DIAS	38:10
443	261	Roger BIGGS	48:28
454	266	James SOUTH	53:13
455	173	Helen HARRIS	53:39
458	268	Tony RANDFIELD	56:47
460	176	Carolyn LINSELL	60:48

Tags parkrun, Standalone 10K

News Newsletter Race Results Racing

HITCHIN & BERLIN WINNERS

Spartan ANDREW PATTERSON won the Hitchin 5K in 16 minutes 10 seconds.

Other Spartan highlights included – on the basis of one runner one prize MIKE JEFFS took the male 40 plus award with his 18:01. He was eighth overall. BRIAN WHITE was second man 60 plus in 22:28 and ANDY JAY third in 27:36. JACKIE PERRY was second woman 60 plus in 27:36.

MARIE COLUCCI was the fastest female from Fairlands with 23:05 while HARRIET SMITH was not far behind with 23:45.

Pos	CatPos	MF	BiB	Name	Category	Time	Grade	Comments
1	1	1	3739	Andrew PATTERSON	MV40	16:10	86.5%	Winner!
8	2	8	4848	Mike JEFFS	MV40	18:01	76.0%	2^nd MV40
29	8	28	4579	Mark COLLINS	MV40	19:49	72.6%
36	16	35	2653	Nick GILL	MV30	19:56	66.8%
87	2	73	2713	Brian WHITE	MV60	22:28	76.6%	2^nd MV60
106	6	20	3072	Marie COLUCCI	FV40	23:05	68.9%
116	6	25	3697	Harriet SMITH	FV30	23:45	61.9%
137	37	103	1558	Daniel VILJOEN	MV40	24:25	58.8%
141	2	36	4021	Jackie PERRY	FV60	24:52	76.1%	2^nd FV60
194	3	129	2797	Andy JAY	MV60	27:36	57.5%	3^rd MV60
257	16	100	1469	Pamela VILJOEN	FV50	30:01	55.7%
306	39	134	1528	Callie CHAPMAN	FV40	32:29	46.3%
345	47	166	3686	Rebecca RAYNER	FV40	37:59	39.9%

Yuko’s A Winner In Berlin

At the Berlin Marathon Spartan YUKO GORDON won her age category, women 70 plus, in 3:34:45.

That makes it her third time winning out of three outings in Berlin.

SIMON FRASER was easily under three hours with 2:48:09 and KEITH HOOKER had an excellent run to come in with 4:12:02. There were tens of thousands of runners.

Great Shelford 5K

CHARLES ARNOLD took his Spartan stripes to South Cambs and the 11th annual Great Shelford 5K. An England Athletics (EA) certified out-and-back road race, flat and picturesque so no excuses for not getting at least a season’s best (SB) of 21:28.

Tags Berlin Marathon, Great Shelford 5k, Hitchin 5k

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ONE HOUR TRIAL

Fairlands Valley Spartans tried something new on Saturday. A one hour time trial at Ridlins Track. How far can you run in 60 minutes? Well for KRISTIAN ATANASOV it was 15.68 kilometres!

Ten kilometres was a neat target for many people but even that represented 25 laps of the track.

There was another stand out performance by YUKO GORDON. Her 12.21 kilometres represented an age grade performance of 104.65%. If it had been an official session that would have been a new British record.

The whole event was organised by BRIAN WHITE who was second overall with 12.58 kilometres (85.65%). The others in the top ten were MATT CLARKE 11.05 kms (65.62%); JIM BROWN 10.82 kms (75.44%); JOHN NELMS 10.63kms (65.62%); MARK FREEMAN 10.55 kms (75.19%); FIONA CLARKE 10.27kms (70.73%); ANDY JAY 10.27kms (67.93%) and JUDY KING 10.01 kms (83.03%). There were 17 runners for this first running of the event.

Position	Name	Total Distance (K)	% Age Grading
1	KRISTIAN ATANASOV	15.68	–
2	BRIAN WHITE	12.58	85.65%
3	YUKO GORDON	12.21	104.65%!
4	MATT CLARKE	11.05	65.62%
5	JIM BROWN	10.82	75.44%
6	JOHN NELMS	10.63	65.62%
7	MARK FREEMAN	10.55	75.19%
8	FIONA CLARKE	10.27	70.73%
9	ANDY JAY	10.11	67.93%
10	JUDY KING	10.01	83.03%
11	LIZ CROWLEY	9.36	57.2%
12	CALLIE CHAPMAN	8.67	55.25%
13	SALLY PHILLIPS	8.6	71.3%
14	PAUL HOLGATE	8.44	61.73%
15	SAM SUTTON	7.72	54.75%
16	SHARON CROWLEY	7.57	69.5%

Vitality London 10K

Spartan CHARLES ARNOLD ran the Vitality London 10K in 46 minutes 51 seconds and BECKY RAYNER finished in 1:23:21.

Charles said, “I took my stripes to the Vitality London 10000 today. Travelling down I encountered torrential rain which had me wondering what to expect on the all road course. Fortunately when I emerged at Green Park the rain had stopped, and, although damp, there were no issues with standing water. We were ushered in our waves onto the Mall and had to wait as the elites and faster waves ahead took off. My target was sub 48 minutes and to achieve a negative split, which was helped as we set off and approached the first pinch point under Admiralty Arch. The course is fairly flat with a small climb up to Holborn Viaduct and from a personal point of view is my PB course from many moons ago. I was running for 48 but saw myself on target for sub 47 so kept pushing to hold that during the final km from Parliament Square up Birdcage Walk to the finish in front of Buckingham Palace, finishing in 46:51, a season’s best.

It is a good event and a good course, well organised (as you would expect from a London Marathon event) and well attended, if a tad expensive (the cost of closed roads in the centre of London!)”

Handicap 5K

Very well done all 22 runners in this month’s Handicap 5k. Paul Holgate organised and thank you to Sharon Crowley, Keith Fenwick and Samantha Sutton for their assistance, support and photography.

Winners were Sally Pickles, 1:16 quicker than last months 5k in 35:49, and David Ackery, 1:31 faster than his previous handicap 5k in 24:56, closely followed by pacing assistants Annabelle White and Amanda & Tony Vickers. Steve Tinsley finished second man, 8 seconds quicker than August in 28:13 and Tim Robinson third man in 27:43 despite starting 1:30 later than handicap! Marleen Van Zwieten was second lady in 40:25 – almost identical to her previous time and Liz Carvell 3rd lady in 31:46, just behind another pacer on the night (Nikki Nation).

The fastest runner on the night was Charles Arnold in 22:59, with Yuko Gordon (23:17) second quickest (fastest lady). Marie Colucci (24:07) was third quickest (2nd fastest lady) and Chris Watling 2nd fastest man in 24:17. David Ackery was third fastest man and Jo Cooksley (25:16) third fastest woman.

Three Peaks Challenge

Barry and Trudie King, Karen Liddle and Tricia Hopper took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Sat 21 September 2024. The challenge is to complete the three very different, but all tough peaks in a time of 12 hours. Trudie King came in at 9 hours 42 minutes, Barry King in 9 hrs 47 mins, with Karen Liddle and Tricia Hopper in 9 hrs 53 mins. All were very pleased to complete in under 10 hours and enjoyed a well earned pint at the end.

Tags Handicap 5k, one hour trial, Three Peaks, Vitality London 10K

5K Series News Race Results Races

ASHLEY & ALISON SERIES WINNERS

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date September 15, 2024
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Spartans ASHLEY JOHNSON and ALISON WOOD were series winners in the Hatfield 5K races. Ashley won the women 35 plus category with a total time of exactly 57 minutes for the three 5K races. Her third 5K was her fastest. A new personal best of 18 minutes 46 seconds, an improvement of ten seconds. Alison won the women 55 plus with a total of 1:03:29. Her third race took 20:56.

21 Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in the final event and despite some great runs in race two they achieved four new personal bests. MIKE JEFFS by 3 seconds to 17:34; ANDREA WESTCOTT by 10 seconds to 25:43; and MEGAN SUTTON by another 6 seconds to 26:42, and Ashley.

CALLIE CHAPMAN ran her best 5K this season by 2:19 with her 31:50; SAMANTHA SUTTON by 12 seconds to 33:03. SHARON CROWLEY was delighted to get under 29 minutes with 28:53, her fastest this year by 15 seconds and JANE WADEY dipped under 35 minutes with 34:57, her fastest this year by 9 seconds.

ANDREW PATTERSON was the fastest Spartan in the race with his 16 minutes 18 seconds (16:18) which got him sixth overall in the race and second in his age group.

7 Spartan men and 8 women completed the whole series. All three had to be completed to count.

Pos	Name	Cat	Total	Race 1	Race 2	R ace 3	Best 2	Comments
5.	Ashley JOHNSON	FV35	57:00	19:14	18:59	18:48	37:46	Winner FV35
12.	Alison WOOD	FV55	1:03:29	21:17	21:08	21:04	42:12	Winner FV55
35.	Andrea WESTCOTT	FV45	1:19:32	27:22	26:16	25:55	52:10	9^th FV45
37.	Hazel SMITH	FV45	1:25:09	27:32	25:25	32:13	52:56	10^th FV45
39.	Megan SUTTON	FS	1:21:39	27:31	27:11	26:58	54:08	8^th senior
47.	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	1:29:40	30:54	29:33	29:14	58:46	7^th FV65
51.	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	1:42:02	34:56	33:41	33:26	1:07:06
54.	Jane WADEY	FV55	1:47:43	36:57	35:32	35:14	1:10:46

Hatfield Series Results – Spartan Women

Pos	Name	Cat	Total	Race 1	Race 2	R ace 3	Best 2	Comments
15.	Mike JEFFS	MV40	53:58	18:34	17:51	17:35	35:25	6^th MV40
22.	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	56:09	18:36	17:59	19:35	36:34	10^th MV40
30.	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	57:04	18:46	18:37	19:42	37:22	6^th MV 50
43.	Mark COLLINS	MV40	59:17	20:03	19:37	19:37	39:14
61.	Matt TUTTON	MV40	1:12:00	23:59	23:10	24:52	47:09
74.	Jim BROWN	MV70	1:24:10	29:15	27:17	27:39	54:55	4^th MV70

Hatfield Series Results – Spartan Men

Stevenage 10K on 15^th September

Eleven Spartans kept it local on Sunday and ran the Stevenage 10K.

MIKE JEFFS stormed round the undulating course in 37 minutes 28 seconds which WON his age group and got him fourth overall out of the 305 finishers. BRIAN WHITE was second MV60 in 46:43 while JAY PAPA was ninth senior in 40:23.

Brian said there were ideal cool, sunny and still conditions for a picturesque run around some Stevenage cycle tracks.

Several other Spartans volunteered as marshals.

Runaway Racing

Spartans Ciaran and Su McAneny ran the Runaway Racing Suffolk Coastal 50km on Saturday. Running from Lowestoft to Aldeburgh on the coastal pathway, it was a beautiful, scenic route passing by all the summer beach hotspots! It was Su’s first Ultra and she hit the wall sooner than expected, but dug herself out of it with Ciaran’s support. They Crossed the line together to receive a medal from the mayoress!

Win For Yuko

YUKO GORDON ran the picturesque Pleshey Half Marathon on Sunday in 1:42:02. She won the women 70 plus category. With around 380 finishers the course was mostly on quiet village roads.

Tags Hatfield 5k Series, Pleshey Half Marathon, Runaway Racing Suffolk 50km, Stevenage 10K

5K Series News Race Results Races

MEDALS FOR SPARTANS

There were medals of all colours for Fairlands Valley Spartans at the second in the series of Hatfield 5K races which included the county championships for veterans. ASHLEY JOHNSON won GOLD in the women 35 plus category with 18:56; ALISON WOOD won GOLD in the women 55 plus with 20:53; YUKO GORDON won SILVER in the women 65 plus with 22:19 and the men’s team of JONATHAN PARR (16:40); MIKE JEFFS (17:49); ROSS GALLAGHER (17:56) and GRANT RAMSAY (18:27) won team BRONZE.

22 Spartans ran and there were five new personal bests (PBs) – ROSS GALLAGHER by 35 seconds; PAUL SHELLEY by 11 seconds to 18:31; ASHLEY JOHNSON by 14 seconds; MATT TUTTON by 47 seconds to 22:53 and MEGAN SUTTON took another 22 seconds off her PB from only a week earlier with 26:48. ANDREA WESTCOTT equalled her previous PB of 25:53.

16 of the Spartans who ran in the first race of the series improved on those times including HAZEL SMITH by 2:08 to 25:02; JIM BROWN by 2:01 to 26:54; PAUL HOLGATE by 1:42 to 32:07; JANE WADEY by 1:27 to 35:06 and SHARON CROWLEY by 1:21 to 29:08.

The next Hatfield 5K race is this Wednesday evening 11^th September.

Pos	MF	AG	BiB	Name	Cat	Time	Grade	Comments
11	10	4	2200	Jonathan PARR	MV40	16:40	81.1 %	Team Bronze
32	29	12	3991	Mike JEFFS	MV40	17:49	75.8 %	Team Bronze
36	32	14	4400	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	17:56	75.8 %	Team Bronze (PB 0:35)
55	50	8	5129	Grant RAMSAY	MV50	18:27	80.1 %	Team Bronze
58	52	9	3985	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	18:31	81.7 %	PB (0:11)
70	7	1	3993	Ashley JOHNSON	FV35	18:56	81.9 %	GOLD (F35; PB 0:14)
87	77	34	4517	Mark COLLINS	MV40	19:28	72.1 %
114	21	1	4464	Alison WOOD	FV55	20:53	85.4 %	GOLD (F55)
142	33	2	4249	Yuko GORDON	FV65	22:19	98.0 %	SILVER (F65)
165	123	52	4354	Matt TUTTON	MV40	22:53	58.4 %	PB (0:47)
166	43	10	5116	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	22:57	68.8 %
180	128	27	2202	John NELMS	MV50	23:45	63.2 %
200	63	16	4350	Hazel SMITH	FV45	25:02	64.8 %	2:08 Imp.
210	141	17	5127	Andy JAY	MV60	26:04	60.5 %
212	70	18	4383	Andrea WESTCOTT	FV45	25:53	64.9 %	=PB
216	72	19	4495	Megan SUTTON	FS	26:48	54.2 %	PB (0:22)
218	146	7	4396	Jim BROWN	MV70	26:54	65.6 %	2:01 Imp
237	86	8	4570	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	29:08	67.5 %	1:21 Imp
244	91	22	2199	Monica SMITHSON	FV55	30:56	58.2 %
246	155	20	4348	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	32:07	52.3 %	1:42 Imp
251	92	21	4589	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	33:15	48.4 %
256	96	24	4367	Jane WADEY	FV55	35:06	50.8 %	1:21 Imp

Bedford Festival of Running

Several Spartans ran a half marathon or 20 miles at the Bedford Festival of Running. Despite a thunderstorm and some long sections of cross country, particularly near the end of the race, many got some really good times.

ANDY PRIOR said, “Myself and Kerstin ran Bedford Half Marathon today, a mixture of Road and trail which was a bit treacherous in the last two miles.

Luckily they were giving alcohol free beer to all finishers which helped with the wait to get away from venue!!!”

Andy finished in 1:43:06 and Kerstin in 1:57:12.

JIM BROWN needed a 13 mile training run and he got it with 2:02:19 for the 13.1, good enough for third in category, and CONOR ECCLESTON came in with 2:41:41.

Half – 869 finishers

Position	Name	Time	Age	Pace	Comments
125	ANDREW PRIOR	1:43:06	50-59	4:53 m / km
346	KERSTIN PRIOR	1:57:12	50-59	5:33 m /km
450	JIM BROWN	2:02:19	70-79	5:47 m / km	3^rd MV70
826	CONOR ECCLESTON	2:41:41	20-29	7:39 m /km

20 – 298 finishers

CRAIG BACON said “20 miles for me at Bedford and finished in 2:44:56. This was a milestone run in preparation for the Stevenage Marathon in six weeks time.

The plan was to run the first seven miles at a steady 9 minute/mile pace, then run the next 7 at 8:30 pace and the final 6 miles at target marathon pace of 8 minutes/mile. Loved the first 7 miles despite the thunderstorm. Nice and easy. Second 7 I discovered that I can’t run at 8:30 pace and ended up with most of it at 8:15 minutes/mile. Last 6 was a slog, including a fair portion of it being off road and muddy due to the earlier rain. However, I managed to be on pace or under for 5 or 6 miles.

Final result was a 13 minute PB (although I’ve only run 1 other 20 mile race, which was 13 years ago). Very happy. Two more big weeks of training and then it’s downhill all the way to marathon day.”

ROSS GALLAGHER was the fastest from Fairlands at 28^th out of the 298 finishers, top ten per cent, and pretty much spot on three hour marathon pace with 6:52 per min.

He was followed by PAUL SHELLEY 2:39:30; Craig, SAMANTH TOPHILL 3:05:57 and ALISON SHELLEY 3:33:53.

Position	Name	Time	Pace	Comments
28	ROSS GALLAGHER	2:17:24	6:52 min/mile
78	PAUL SHELLEY	2:39:30	7:58 min/mile
98	CRAIG BACON	2:44:56	8:14 min/mile	PB
154	SAMANTHA TOPHILL	3:05:57	9:17 min/mile
246	ALISON SHELLEY	3:33:53	10:41 min/mile

5K / 10K

On Saturday JAY PAPA ran the Bedford 5K race in 19:07 and was 11^th out of the 350 finishers. CHARLES ARNOLD ran the Bedford Twilight 10k in 47:22.

Tremendous Trio at the Great North Run.

The biggest half marathon and three Spartans were at the Great North Run with MIKE JEFFS running an excellent 1 hour 23 minutes 54 seconds (1:23:54 and 587^th); CHRIS WATLING 1:57:20 (13,305^th) and SARAH ILLINGWORTH 2:14:24 (23,856^th). There were 60,000 runners. Mike said, ”The crowds, the atmosphere was electric throughout the whole race even with it hammering it down with rain.”

St Albans Stampede

Karen Liddle and Tricia Hopper took part in the St Albans Stampede 2024; a 12 hour endurance challenge on Saturday 7 September 2024, starting at 9am.

The route is 4.01 miles around Heartwood Forest, Wheathampstead, over varying off road terrain. Karen completed 9 laps (36 miles – 1st female in her age category) and Tricia completed 11 laps (44 miles – 2nd female in her age category) in 10 hrs.56 mins.

A thoroughly enjoyable day with perfect weather conditions, great support from the volunteers and friendly atmosphere

Inter Area Championships

YUKO GORDON represented Eastern Masters at the England Masters Athletics Association Inter Area Championships at Corby on Saturday 7th. She ran 400m, 800m and 1500m and came second in all of them. Eastern Masters won overall championship along with women’s and men’s trophies. Teams came from nine regions including Scotland and Wales.

Round The Garden

JOHN HARRIS did the Run around the Garden 5K in Letchworth.

He was second man 60 plus and 24^th in the race with 21:21.

NIKKI NATION won her category with 31:25. There were three other Spartans – BRIAN WHITE 22:58; KEITH ABRAHAM 27:27 and NICK GILL 31:26.

Tags Bedford Festival, Great north run, Hatfield 5k Series, Inter Area Championships, Round the Garden 5K, St Albans

5K Series News Race Results Races

VICKY AND MEGAN PB AT HATFIELD

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date September 1, 2024
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Twenty two Spartans raced in the County 5K open road championships at Hatfield on Wednesday evening. Eight were rewarded with new personal bests (PBs) so well worth the trip. ASHLEY JOHNSON was eighth woman in the county and first in her category in the open race with a new PB of 19 minutes 10 seconds (19:10). ALISON WOOD was also a Spartan category winner with 21:10 and YUKO GORDON was second in hers with 22:39.

VICKY ARCHER took a huge chunk, three minutes, off her 5K personal best when she finished in 23:38. Meanwhile MEGAN SUTTON wanted to get under 28 minutes and did it with something to spare with her new 27:10 PB, an improvement by 1:19.

The fastest Spartan was MIKE JEFFS 57^th out of the 258 finishers in 18:29 with ROSS GALLAGHER close behind in 18:31, a PB by three seconds, and PAUL SHELLEY chasing in with 18:42, a new PB by 21 seconds.

TERRY SAWYER improved by 2:20 to 19:44; ANDY PRIOR by five seconds to 22:42; and MATT TUTTON by 19 to 23:40.

The next Hatfield 5K race is this Wednesday evening 4^th September.

Pos.	Gen	Cat Pos	Name	Category	Time	Grade	Comments
57	52	14	Mike JEFFS	MV40	18:29	72.9 %
59	54	16	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	18:31	73.3 %	PB 0:03
66	60	9	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	18:42	81.0 %	PB 0:21
79	9	1	Ashley JOHNSON	FV35	19:10	80.8 %	1^st FV35. PB 0:08
92	81	30	Terry SAWYER	MV40	19:44	69.3 %	PB 2:20
102	87	32	Mark COLLINS	MV40	19:53	70.6 %
120	21	1	Alison WOOD	FV55	21:10	84.8 %	1^st FV55
150	33	2	Yuko GORDON	FV65	22:39	96.3 %	2^nd FV65
158	122	25	Andy PRIOR	MV50	22:42	66.7 %	PB 0:05
159	123	11	Brian WHITE	MV60	22:54	74.6 %
173	45	11	Vicky ARCHER	FV35	23:38	64.9 %	PB 2:58
174	129	47	Matt TUTTON	MV40	23:40	56.4 %	PB 0:19
191	54	12	Kerstin PRIOR	FV45	25:19	67.2 %	SB 1:07
209	63	15	Andrea WESTCOTT	FV45	27:03	62.2 %	SB ?
212	65	21	Megan SUTTON	FS	27:10	53.5 %	PB 1:19
213	66	16	Hazel SMITH	FV45	27:10	59.9 %	YB 10:45
232	152	6	Jim BROWN	MV70	28:55	61.1 %
242	87	9	Sharon CROWLEY	FV65	30:29	64.6 %
248	160	23	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	33:49	49.5 %
249	89	18	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	34:32	46.6 %	SB 0:19
254	92	26	Jane WADEY	FV55	36:33	48.8 %
256	94	27	Jane WHITROW	FV55	37:35	47.5 %	SB 2:05

FVS Handicap 5K 29^th August

The next evening, Thursday, the club held a 5K handicap race and 17 Spartans took part.

The winners were new members Sam & Perry Gentry, six and a half minutes ahead of handicap in 38:28 followed by Marleen Van Zwieten, beating her handicap by 4:36 in 40:24. Steve Tinsley finished second man in a year best time of 28:21 with Rose Sutton third lady in a new personal best time of 29:53 and Peter Sach third man in 29:54.

The fastest runner on the night was Nathan Kirley in a new personal best of 19:22, 1:53 quicker than his previous handicap 5k, with new member Michael Fisher second quickest in 21:03 and Craig Bacon third fastest in 22:41. Judy King was quickest woman in 29:27, 42 seconds faster than her previous handicap 5k, with Rose Sutton second quickest and Liz Carvell third fastest in a year best time of 31:23.

Handicap races are won by the best improvers. The slower runners, based on previous recent performances, start first and others at intervals based on their results try to catch them before the finish.

Next month’s final evening Handicap 5k of the year will be on Thursday 19^th September.

Pos	First NAME	Last NAME	Time	R	F	PB	Impr	H’CAP	Adj	Time	H’Cap
1	SAM	GENTRY	38:28	15			New	0:00		38:28	6:32
2	PERRY	GENTRY	38:29	16	7		New	0:00		38:29	6:31
3	MARLEEN	VAN ZWIETEN	40:24	17	8			0:00	(0:01)	40:23	4:36
4	STEVE	TINSLEY	28:21	7		YB	1:44	12:45	0:03	41:09	3:54
5	ROSE	SUTTON	29:53	9	2	PB	1:09	12:15	0:09	42:17	2:52
6	JUDY	KING	29:27	8	1		0:42	13:00	0:01	42:28	2:33
7	PETER	SACH	29:54	10			0:53	12:45	(0:02)	42:37	2:21
8	SALLY	PHILLIPS	37:57	14	6	YB		4:45		42:42	2:18
9	LIZ	CARVELL	31:23	11	3	YB	0:06	11:30	(0:02)	42:51	2:07
10	NATHAN	KIRLEY	19:22	1		PB	0:15	23:45	(0:05)	43:02	1:53
11	MICHAEL	FISHER	21:03	2			New	22:00	0:05	43:08	1:57
12	CHARLES	ARNOLD	22:55	4				20:15		43:10	1:50
13	SALLY	PICKLES	37:05	12	4			6:45		43:50	1:10
14	PETE	COOK	26:54	6			0:08	17:00	0:01	43:55	1:06
15	CRAIG	BACON	22:41	3				21:15	0:01	43:57	1:04
16	JANE	WADEY	37:24	13	5			7:45	(0:01)	45:08	(0:09)
17	DANNY	SCANLON	22:59	5				22:15	0:01	45:15	(0:14)

Fairlands Five at Big Half

The heat in London made the race that bit harder but a famous five from Fairlands made a really good job of Sunday’s “Big Half.” STUART MEAD was 958^th out of nearly 17,000 runners in 1:30:09; TERRY SAWYER 1,650^th in 1:36:26, ROBERT WRIGHT 8,453^rd in 2:07:53 and running her first half marathon race MEGAN SUTTON was 10,537^th in 2:17:53. SAMANTHA SUTTON came in with 3:03:41.

Serpentine 30^th August

It was warm, sunny with a light breeze and excellent visibility in Hyde Park on Friday. That enabled JIM BROWN to run his fastest road 5K this year. 27 minutes 23 seconds (27:23) in the Last Friday of the Month event.

Dorney for Alison and Paul

On a warm day ALISON and PAUL SHELLEY ran Sunday’s Dorney Lake Half Marathon and both won their age groups. Paul in 1:30:46 and Alison in 2 hours 5 minutes 52 seconds.

Speeding Up

MIKE JEFFS is getting his speed back. He finished the hot sweaty and gruelling Cambridge Biomedical Centre 10K in 39:28.

Parkrun Highlights 31^st August Hawaii Five – O

In case of adversity go with the flow, or maybe the wave. Stevenage parkrun had a hacking attack and found themselves temporarily named Hawaii 5 – O. They decided to own it and had a theme of Hawaiian wear. Lots of Spartans joined in with that fun and dug out those shirts, shorts and Hawaiian leis.

24 Spartans ran and three of the top five females were from FVS. ASHLEY KING first in 20:52; SUZY HAWKINS third in 21:28 and GAIL MACKIE fifth in 22:26.

GRANT RAMSAY maintains his record as a top ten finisher. This time he was fifth in 18:49. There were 439 finishers at Stevenage including 174 women. Local event #362. Up considerably on the previous week.

Parkrun started at Bushy Park in 2004. That event ran for the 1,000^th time on Saturday and there were thousands of runners. The 20^th anniversary of parkruns will be in October.

Spartans elsewhere included YUKO GORDON with a season’s best 22:18 – that’s 105.01% – at Storeys Field; JOHN HARRIS 23:15; RYAN RIDELL 29:34; GEORGIE HOOPER 30:19 and NICK GILL 30:29 at Letchworth; MATTHEW NEWTON 26:18 at Pymmes; PETE SMITH 26:37 at North Yorkshire Water; DANIEL SUTTON 27:22 at Rutland Water; ANDY JAY 27:42 at Hunstanton Promenade; ANNABELLE WHITE 35:11 and CHLOE CHAPMAN 35:12 at Aldenham; NICOLA PATTMAN 33:25 at Gorleston Cliffs; JONATHAN JONES 37:24 and DZENANA TOPIC 37:25 at Wimpole Estate; and DARRYL STEVENS 44:44 at Banstead Woods.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time	Comments
5	5	Grant RAMSAY	18:49	Top Ten
17	1	Ashley SCHOENWETTER	20:52	First woman. 40^th Parkr.
26	3	Suzy HAWKINS	21:28	Third woman
41	5	Gail MACKIE	22:26	Fifth woman
58	49	Daniel VILJOEN	23:45
85	71	Lee PICKERSGILL	24:52
87	73	Toby ECCLESHALL	24:55
97	80	Darren EMMERSON	25:32
155	30	Hazel SMITH	27:58
170	127	Jay PAPA	28:14
198	148	Tony RANDFIELD	29:02
226	160	Nick KLEANTHOUS	30:07
230	60	Claire EMMERSON	30:17
235	164	Maurice BALLARD	30:28
284	85	Monica SMITHSON	32:48
288	189	Paul JENNINGS	33:02
308	97	Jenny GARRETT	33:54
310	99	Penny SCHENKEL	33:57
311	198	Jim BROWN	33:57
318	199	Paul HOLGATE	34:51
339	119	Pamela VILJOEN	36:07
348	209	James SOUTH	36:28
350	210	Stephen SMITHSON	36:41
437	174	Sharon CROWLEY	01:02:37	Volunteer. 70^th Parkrun.

Tags Big Half, Cambridge Biomedical Centre 10k, Dorney Lake, Handicap 5k, Hatfield 5k Series, parkrun, Serpentine 5K

Club News Race Results Races

ANDREW IS A WORLD MASTER

Fairlands Valley Spartans ANDREW PATTERSON competed for Great Britain in the World Masters Athletics Championships this week in Gothenburg. He was ranked 25th going into the heats of the 1500 metres for men 40 plus on Friday. The conditions were horrid with heavy winds and rain. He managed to finish fourth in his heat in 4.19. The top two from each heat went through to the final and the next 10 fastest runners. Andrew sneaked into the final as the 10th fastest. The only Brit to qualify for the final.

Sunday was the final and it was delayed 30 minutes due to thunder and the conditions were still windy when we started. Making the final was a bonus and the aim was to not finish last, and finished in a season’s best 4.17 and 13th. The championship style racing of slowly starting was tough going and Andrew who runs fantastic half and full marathons says he didn’t have the track speed to match his competitors. Overall he said it was a great experience.

Rolling Around A Velopark…

On Saturday 24th August CHRIS WATLING ran the Lee Valley Velo Park half marathon at the Olympic Park in Stratford.

He said it was 13 times one mile laps around a hilly course, with heavy rain from the offset. It was tough, but Chris enjoyed it and finished in 1 hour 53 minutes 46 seconds (1:53:46) exactly half way with 76^th out of 152.

Got a few shout-outs from the race organisers in his Spartan vest!

Parkrun Highlights 24^th August

It was third again for Spartan GRANT RAMSAY as he finished the Stevenage parkrun in 19:02. Miserable weather and the late summer public holiday probably contributed to keeping the total number of finishers to 327 and that included 22 from FVS.

At Stevenage STEVE PLATT ran his 75^th parkrun in 28:44; ALISON SHELLEY her 150^th in 30:30; PAMELA VILJOEN her 240^th in 38:45 and TREVOR BROOM his 25^th in 55:16.

Eleven of the 22 Spartans were under 30 minutes.

Altogether 46 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Spartans elsewhere included JONATHAN PARR who won the Sandringham parkrun in 17 minutes 52 seconds (17:52). JOHN HARRIS was third man at Letchworth in 21:48 with MEGAN SUTTON coming in at 28:35 and GEORGIE HOOPER at 29:33; SUZY HAWKINS was fourth woman at Milton Keynes with 24:44; SIMON HAIGH finished the Gunpowder parkrun in 25:56; LIZ CROWLEY 30:36 at Mile End (London) and SHARON CROWLEY 31:31 at Boston (Lincolnshire); SAMANTHA SUTTON 35:17 and MATTHEW PATTMAN 37:49 at Holkham; and DARRYL STEVENS at Brockenhurst in 47:15.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time	Comments
3	3	Grant RAMSAY	19:02	Third overall
29	26	Paul SHELLEY	22:05
47	43	Toby ECCLESHALL	23:05
64	59	Daniel VILJOEN	23:57
89	80	Darren EMMERSON	25:13
98	88	Ryan DUNNING	25:37
106	96	Keith HOOKER	26:07
147	20	Gail MACKIE	27:42
168	136	Steve PLATT	28:44	75^th parkrun
191	147	Jay PAPA	29:27
195	151	Jim BROWN	29:35
209	46	Alison SHELLEY	30:30	150^th parkrun
211	157	Pete COOK	30:33
215	48	Annabelle WHITE	30:42
219	51	Claire EMMERSON	30:59
223	54	Ashley JOHNSON	31:05
222	53	Nikki Katherine NATION	31:05
248	70	Caroline CROFT	32:57
263	80	Chloe CHAPMAN	34:29
278	179	Paul JENNINGS	36:21
288	94	Pamela VILJOEN	38:45	240^th parkrun
324	191	Trevor BROOM	55:16	25^th parkrun

Spartans at Stevenage parkrun #361

STOOP

And four Spartans did the STOOP (Stevenage Outer Orbital Path) walk. All 44 kilometres, or 27 miles, of it.

Tags Lee Valley Velo Park Half, parkrun, STOOP, World Masters

Club Half Marathon News Race Results Races

CHALLENGING BURNHAM

Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT was third overall in Sunday’s Burnham Beeches Half Marathon with a superb time of 1 hour 17 minutes 33 seconds (1:17:33).

He said the course was scenic, well marshalled and supported and with a couple of challenging hills at mile 6 and 10. It was great to get racing in the new stripes off to a flying start! Great also to see another Spartan at the race.

WENDY THARANI finished in 2:15:36. She said it was the usual undulating and scenic course which she has enjoyed before, two laps, through the woods. Great organisation and lots of great stalls in the race village.

World Masters Athletics Championships, 3000m Steeplechase

Spartan Grant Ramsay represented Team GB in the 3000 metres steeplechase, at the World Masters Athletics Championships, in Gothenburg, Sweden. Ramsay both ran and hurdled well to achieve a season’s best time of 12:30. This also happened to be his best time for well over two years. It was a very strong field and Ramsay had to settle for 18th, which was all in his age category of M50 (men over 50).

Ramsay was pleased with his performance, which involved running at 4:10 per kilometre and to fluently leap hurdles at his age.

Parkrun Highlights 17^th August

Two Fairlands Valley Spartans in the top ten and first woman as 27 Spartans were among the 444 finishers of Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. GRANT RAMSAY was third in 18:32 and PAUL SHELLEY tenth in 20:19. SUZY HAWKINS was first woman with 21:14.

Also at Stevenage MATT TUTTON ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 23:59; JAY PAPA ran his 40^th parkrun in 27:48; JIM BROWN won his age group with 27:55; MEGAN SUTTON ran her 20^th in a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 28:29; MATT CLARKE ran his 140^th in 29:16 and LLOYD DIAS his 25^th in 40:05.

Spartans elsewhere included JONATHAN PARR fourth in 17:23 at Teignmouth promenade parkrun; ADRIAN DONNELLY in 21:08 and MATT GIFFORD 28:16 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; JOHN HARRIS 21:19 and JACKIE PERRY 28:41 at Letchworth; DAVID RIDDELL 25:35 and JAYNE RIDDELL 27:27 at Holkham (Norfolk); GRAHAM BLACKBURN 28:40 at Medina, Isle of Wight in 28:40; ANDY JAY 28:57 at Westmill (Ware); CHLOE CHAPMAN 31:43 at Jersey Farm (St Albans); PAUL JENNINGS 31:48 at Watergrove, Rochdale; JANE WADEY 36:16 at Penrose (Cornwall); DARRYL STEVENS at Brockenhurst (New Forest) in 49:32 and TREVOR BROOM 1:06:13 in the Roding Valley.

Position	Gender Position	Name	Time
3	3	Grant RAMSAY	18:32
10	10	Paul SHELLEY	20:19
22	1	Suzy HAWKINS	21:14
29	26	Matthew NEWTON	22:00
56	51	Daniel VILJOEN	23:27
66	61	Matt TUTTON	23:59
101	90	Darren EMMERSON	25:22
105	94	Lee PICKERSGILL	25:30
107	96	Mark BEASLEY	25:41
118	106	Ryan DUNNING	26:16
172	143	Jay PAPA	27:48
176	145	Jim BROWN	27:55
189	154	Steve PLATT	28:25
190	32	Megan SUTTON	28:29
212	43	Fiona CLARKE	29:12
214	167	Matt CLARKE	29:16
256	63	Alison SHELLEY	30:51
273	73	Claire EMMERSON	31:37
296	86	Caroline CROFT	32:45
336	109	Samantha SUTTON	35:05
352	120	Tracy HAYGARTH	36:14
385	144	Pamela VILJOEN	38:55
396	230	Lloyd DIAS	40:05
403	232	Nick KLEANTHOUS	41:49
435	246	Tony RANDFIELD	52:54
443	180	Monica SMITHSON	59:16
444	247	Stephen SMITHSON	59:17

FVS Parkrun Results – 17th August

Tags Burnham Beeches Half, parkrun

Club News Race Results Races

SPINNING AROUND AT THE RESOLUTION 5K

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date August 4, 2024
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Fifteen Spartans were spinning around at Ridlins Track on Wednesday. They were running 12.5 times 400 metres anti-clockwise laps in the Resolution 5K.

It was 1, 2, 3 for the Spartan men 40 plus. SIMON JACKSON was first, third overall, in 16:39 with ANTHONY CAHILL second in 18:06 and ROSS GALLACHER third in a new personal best (PB) of 18:34.

GEORGIE HOOPER was second woman overall with 21:30 and CRAIG BACON second man 50 plus with 21:39, his best 5K since 2021.

YUKO GORDON won her age group with 23:41 – worth 92.8% and KERSTIN PRIOR was first in hers in 26:28.

JANE WADEY was running her first race since being injured in 2023. She was hoping for a better result but it was very hot. She was very grateful for all the club support from other runners though and hope to improve now.

Altogether there were 51 finishers. 51 at a track event makes it pretty busy.

Pos	Name	Time	MF	CatPos	Cat	Age Grade
3.	Simon JACKSON	16:39	3	1	MV40	86.3 %
10.	Anthony CAHILL	18:06	10	2	MV40	75.9 %
11.	Ross GALLAGHER	18:34	11	3	MV40	72.8 %
14.	Jay PAPA	18:59	14	10	MS	67.7 %
23.	Georgie HOOPER	21:30	2	2	FS	69.7 %
25.	Craig BACON	21:39	23	2	MV50	69.7 %
33.	Melvin AUBURN	23:22	30	19	MS	56.2 %
35.	Yuko GORDON	23:41	4	1	FV70+	92.8 %
36.	Brian WHITE	23:59	32	2	MV60	71.8 %
38.	Matt TUTTON	24:50	34	8	MV40	54.4 %
39.	Martin DUDLEY	25:01	35	3	MV60	63.9 %
44.	Kerstin PRIOR	26:28	7	1	FV50	65.1 %
46.	Tim ROBINSON	26:41	38	5	MV50	57.0 %
48.	Paul HOLGATE	33:29	39	4	MV60	50.4 %
50.	Jane WADEY	36:17	11	2	FV50	49.1 %

Resolution 5k

Two Winners at the Grand Prix!

There were four Fairlands Valley Spartans in the GP events at the Bedford Autodrome Running GP on Sunday.

GRANT RAMSAY beat 90 with 1 hour 28 minutes 3 seconds in the Half Marathon with GERRY ROSEN finishing in 2:29:34.

However if you have a two hour milestone in mind JIM BROWN was consistent throughout and finished in 1:59:59 which won the men 70 plus category. YUKO GORDON ran the 10K and was another age group winner with her 47 minutes 2 seconds (47:02). She was seventh woman overall.

Gerry said, “If a certain brand of beer did days like today, this would be one of them, not only did I get to meet royalty today in the shape of Yuko but equally as royal I got to say hello to Grant & Jim. As for the racing and half marathon to be precise, it couldn’t have got it any better then this, well for me anyway !!!

As usual started off too quick, then sense kicked in and I got round, not only in a respectable time, but for me a sub 2h 30, 2 hours 29 minutes 34 seconds to be precise. I’m thoroughly making up for a lost three years, loving it, now for one of my favourite suppers, Chicken Kiev. Next stop on the racing calendar, the Great North Run early next month, oh and this time I’ll do it, having deferred the past 3 times…..”

I had thought that this sort of circuit or airfield racing could be boring said Jim but it does have advantages like no pinch points or road crossings so it is easier to run steady state throughout. I did not have a significant target in mind but my four 5Ks were all within a minute of each other despite a little bit of breeze and with just over a kilometre to go I realised how close I was to breaking a significant barrier. My acceleration over the last kilometre was almost impressive. So much better to get 1:59:59 than 2:00:00 and not bad for someone who is far from 25 years old.

Tags Bedford Autodrome, Resolution 5k

5k FVS Handicap Club Fairlands Valley Challenge News Race Results Races

SPARTANS HANDICAP 5K

26 Spartans ran this month’s Handicap 5K. Paul Holgate, Mike & Sharon Crowley and Mark Freeman made it possible.

Winner was Steve Platt in 27:55, 2 minutes 35 seconds (2:35) better than handicap, with Adrian Busolini second, 2:22 ahead of handicap in 17:38 and Simon Jackson third, 2:09 better than handicap in 17:36.

Rose Sutton was first lady, first woman across the line and 1:46 better than handicap in 31:14, with Samantha Sutton second, 1:15 ahead of handicap in 36:09 and new member Megan Coates third, 1:23 better than handicap in 36:22.

Simon Jackson was the fastest runner on the night with his 17:36, with Adrian Busolini second quickest (17:38) and Nathan Kirley 3rd fastest with 19:39.

Samantha Tophill was quickest woman, 25:45, with Megan Sutton second quickest, 28:46 and Rose Sutton (31:14) 3rd fastest.

19 of the finishers were within two minutes of their calculated handicap and the time difference between 1^st and 21^st position was just 2:26.

In handicap races the slower runners start first at intervals determined by recent performances. If everyone runs to form they will all finish together so the winners are the best improvers.

The last handicap 5k of the year will be on Thursday 19th September.

Pos	F	FIRST NAME	SURNAME	TIME	R	F	H’CAP	ADJ	FINISH TIME	IMPR	COMP. H’CAP
1		STEVE	PLATT	27:55	16		14:30		42:25	0:03	2:35
2		ADRIAN	BUSOLINI	17:38	2		25:00	(0:01)	42:37		2:22
3		SIMON	JACKSON	17:36	1		25:15		42:51		2:09
4		CHRIS	WATLING	23:19	6		19:30	0:21	43:10	0:46	2:11
5	1	ROSE	SUTTON	31:14	20	3	12:00		43:14	New	1:46
6		PETE	COOK	26:47	15		16:30	(0:01)	43:16	0:15	1:43
7	2	SAMANTHA	SUTTON	36:09	23	6	7:15	(0:02)	43:22		1:36
8		NATHAN	KIRLEY	19:39	3		23:45		43:24		1:36
9	3	MEGAN	COATES	36:22	24	7	7:15		43:37	New	1:23
10		MELVIN	AUBURN	24:01	8		19:45	(0:03)	43:43		1:14
11	4	SAMANTHA	TOPHILL	25:45	12	1	18:00	(0:01)	43:44		1:15
12	5	MEGAN	SUTTON	28:46	17	2	15:00	0:01	43:47		1:14
13		CRAIG	BACON	22:35	5		21:15	(0:02)	43:48		1:10
14		MATT	TUTTON	25:11	11		18:45		43:56		1:04
15		CHARLES	ARNOLD	23:43	7		20:15	0:01	43:59		1:02
16	6	GILLIAN	KNOWLES	32:11	22	5	12:00	0:01	44:12		0:49
17	7	LIZ	CARVELL	32:01	21	4	12:15	(0:03)	44:13	0:02	0:44
18		PETER	SACH	30:47	19		13:30	(0:03)	44:14		0:43
19		ROBERT	WRIGHT	22:15	4		22:30	(0:01)	44:44	1:40	0:15
20		LLOYD	DIAS	26:20	13		18:15	0:11	44:46		0:25
21		TIM	ROBINSON	29:06	18		15:45		44:51		0:09
22		DAVID	ACKERY	26:27	14		19:00	(0:03)	45:24		(0:27)
23		BRIAN	WHITE	24:32	10		22:00	(0:02)	46:30		(1:32)
24	8	SHERYL	HOTT	47:53	25	8	0:30		48:23	New	(3:23)
25	9	ROSEMARY	ONABAWORIN	47:57	26	9	0:30		48:27		(3:27)
26		KRISTIAN	ATANSOV	24:11	9		24:30		48:41	New	(3:41)

Spartans Handicap 5k Results

Serpentine

JIM BROWN enjoyed the sunshine in Hyde Park running 28:36 in the Last Friday of the Month 5K. He reports pleasant and sunny conditions and that he’s completed a series of six with an average of 64.0%. The next race will be at lunch-time on Friday 30^th August.

Fairlands Valley Challenge

Results from the Fairlands Valley Challenge the previous weekend show that 118 people finished the off road event.

16 completed the 10 kilometres with Spartan MIKE JEFFS first in with 1 hour 7 minutes 18 seconds (1:07:18); 21 finished the 13 miles with Will Mitchell, Gemma Smith, Phil Gover, Jess Clark and Caitlin Evans coming in together with 2:50:46; Alex Statham led in the 25 people in the 18 miles option with 2:45:04; 41 went round 26 miles with Alistair Flowers first with 3:55:43.

15 finished the 50 kilometres with Mark O’Dell first back in 4:53:18. Spartan JAY PAPA completed his first ever ultra in 6:00:17.

Tags FV Challenge, Handicap 5k, Serpentine 5K

Club Fairlands Valley Challenge Fairlands Valley Relays News Race Results Races

SPARTANS HOST RELAYS IN THE PARK

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 21, 2024
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Just days after a successful takeover of a Stevenage parkrun Fairlands Valley Spartans ORGANISED and provided dozens of volunteer marshals for Thursday evening’s Relays in the Park in Fairlands Valley.

What’s more 41 Spartans ran. Their successes included WINNING the veteran mixed team with ANDREW PATTERSON (09:39), SAM PRETTY (11:23), ASHLEY JOHNSON (11:29) and JONATHAN PARR (10:05) and their veteran women’s team coming second.

The fastest Spartan over the 3K were Andrew Patterson 10^th out of 432 in 9 minutes 39 seconds (9:39) and KIRK NDUGU 15^th with 9:50. Both under 10 minutes. Their fastest women were SAM PRETTY 11:23 and ASHLEY JOHNSON 11:29. Both under 11:30.

The Relays in the Park included the Hertfordshire County Championships. Every team – men, women, mixed, open or veteran – had to run four stages of exactly three kilometres.

Pos	Team	Name	Category	Team	Time
10.	35/A	Andrew PATTERSON	MV40	FVS Mix 1	09:39
15.	39/A	Kirk NDUGU	MS	FVS M3	09:50
23.	35/D	Jonathan PARR	MV40	FVS Mix 1	10:05
25.	39/C	Simon JACKSON	MV40	FVS M3	10:05
39.	39/D	Adrian BUSOLINI	MS	FVS M3	10:21
55.	36/B	Charlie COOK	MS	FVS M1	10:36
57.	39/B	Brian BRACKSTONE	MV50	FVS M3	10:38
78.	36/D	Jason ANDERSON	MV40	FVS M1	10:56
87.	36/A	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	FVS M1	11:02
90.	36/C	Jay PAPA	MS	FVS M1	11:04
109.	35/B	Sam PRETTY	FV35	FVS Mix 1	11:23
119.	35/C	Ashley JOHNSON	FV35	FVS Mix 1	11:29
128.	61/C	Ross GALLAGHER	MV40	FVS M6	11:40
157.	53/D	Ashley JOHNSON	FV45	FVS W1	12:11
162.	95/A	Ralph DADSWELL	MV50	FVS M5	12:17
168.	38/B	Craig BACON	MV50	FVS M2	12:19
172.	38/A	Robert WRIGHT	MV40	FVS M2	12:22
185.	38/D	Danny SCANLON	MV40	FVS M2	12:33
193.	37/B	Ryan RIDDELL	MS	FVS Mix 2	12:40
195.	37/A	David RIDDELL	MV50	FVS Mix 2	12:40
201.	53/B	Alison WOOD	FV45	FVS W1	12:45
220.	53/C	Suzy HAWKINS	FV45	FVS W1	13:04
234.	38/C	Andy PRIOR	MV50	FVS M2	13:20
238.	56/B	Liam HERBERT	MV40	FVS M4	13:23
257.	53/A	Marie COLUCCI	FV45	FVS W1	13:38
283.	61/A	Ben TORREGGIANI	MV40	FVS M6	14:14
302.	61/B	David ACKERY	MS	FVS M6	14:38
310.	95/D	David ACKERY	MS	FVS M5	14:53
313.	95/B	Martin DUDLEY	MV60	FVS M5	14:56
320.	56/C	Lloyd DIAS	MS	FVS M4	15:03
327.	37/D	Sophie PARSONS	FS	FVS Mix 2	15:12
355.	37/C	Jayne RIDDELL	FV55	FVS Mix 2	15:46
356.	95/C	Vish SHAH	MS	FVS M5	15:48
359.	61/D	Peter COOK	MV50	FVS M6	15:50
360.	56/A	Simon SYPULA	MV50	FVS M4	15:50
367.	56/D	Nick KLEANTHOUS	MV60	FVS M4	16:01
386.	88/D	Megan SUTTON	FS	FVS W2	16:52
398.	41/C	Peter SACH	MS	FVS Mix 3	17:44
403.	41/D	Judy KING	FV55	FVS Mix 3	18:03
407.	88/C	Rose SUTTON	FS	FVS W2	18:10
414.	41/A	Liz CARVELL	FV55	FVS Mix 3	19:03
415.	41/B	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	FVS Mix 3	19:03
429.	88/A	Sally PICKLES	FV55	FVS W2	21:45
430.	88/B	Samantha SUTTON	FV45	FVS W2	21:47

FVS 3k Relay Times

Three Gold Medals

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans won GOLD medals in the County 10K track championships on Wednesday night.

After 25 laps YUKO GORDON won GOLD for women 70 plus in 47 minutes 24 seconds (47:24.70); DAVID BOWKER won GOLD for men 65 plus in 48:09 and JIM BROWN won GOLD for men 70 plus in 53:50.

No hills and no wind. What was there not to like said Jim. A great outing for three Spartan veterans.

Memorial 5K

Also on Wednesday MATT TUTTON ran his fastest 5K this year with his 24:49 at the Doug Anderson 5K in Bedford. JAY PAPA beat 20 with 19:21; CHARLIE ARNOLD came in with 22:52 and PAUL HOLGATE with 32:20.

St Albans Summer 10K

JIM BROWN ran the St Albans Summer 10K in exactly 56 minutes (56:00). Good enough for third place in his category.

Three Events Organised in Nine Days

Not only did Fairlands take over the local parkrun on Saturday 13^th July and organise the Relays in the Park on Thursday 18^th July then they organised the Fairlands Valley Challenge off road event on Sunday 21^st July. More on the challenge soon.

Tags 3K Relays, County Championships, Doug Anderson 5k, St Albans 10k

Club Midweek League News Race Results

SPARTANS PARKRUN TAKE OVER

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 14, 2024
No Comments on SPARTANS PARKRUN TAKE OVER

Co-ordinated by JANE WADEY Fairlands Valley Spartans organized another really successful take over of the Stevenage parkrun on Saturday. Take overs are when one organisation takes on most of the volunteer roles at a parkrun.

There were 477 finishers including 39 Spartans. The Spartan pacers helped to get 25 people to new parkrun personal bests. They included CHRIS WATLING with a new PPB of 23:01 and DAVID ACKERY with 24:44. ASHLEY JOHNSON one of the pacers celebrated her 20^th parkrun with 23:52. MARK BEASLEY ran his 130^th in 25:46; MARIE COLUCCI, another pacer, her tenth with 27:41; and new member Rosemary ONABAWORIN her first in 42:24.

There were 477 finishers including 39 Spartans. Many other Spartans were marshals, helping to set up the event, volunteering in all sorts of ways.

Jim and Yuko win in League

YUKO GORDON and JIM BROWN were prizewinners in Division One of the Mid Week League. Proving that Fairlands Valley Spartans just keep going they both won the oldest categories with Yuko winning the series for women aged 65 and over and Jim winning for men aged 70 plus. There were 14 MV70s.

The awards were made after the “Mob Match” 10K in Welwyn Garden City in which 21 Spartans raced.

The fastest Spartan in the mob match was KIRK NDUGU, 17^th in 36:13; with ADRIAN BUSOLINI and BRIAN BRACKSTONE not far behind with 36:59 (24^th) and 37:23 (27^th). WENDY THARANI was the fastest female from Fairlands with 59:35 chased in by CLAIRE EMMERSON who finished in 59:39.

Race	First Name	Last Name	Time	Gen Pos	Cat	Vet	Cat.	M/F	Improve	Team
17	KIRK	NDUGU	36:13	17			S	M	0:19	1
24	ADRIAN	BUSOLINI	36:59	23			S	M	0:57	2
27	BRIAN	BRACKSTONE	37:23	25	3	12	V 50	M	0:51	3
71	JAY	PAPA	41:47	64			S	M		4
99	ROBERT	WRIGHT	44:07	83	31	49	V 40	M	2:34	5
158	CHARLIE	ARNOLD	48:27	122	12	78	V 60	M	0:32	6
186	SIMON	HAIGH	50:19	134	25	90	V 50	M	2:23	7
210	DAVID	ACKERY	52:12	150			S	M	0:24	8
236	MARTIN	DUDLEY	54:04	161	21	114	V 60	M	0:09	9
240	DARREN	EMMERSON	54:19	163	32	116	V 50	M		10
253	PETE	COOK	55:27	169	34	121	V 50	M	3:31	11
262	JIM	BROWN	56:28	174	5	125	V 70	M	3:49	12
282	WENDY	THARANI	59:35	98	32	70	V 45	F
283	CLAIRE	EMMERSON	59:39	99	33	71	V 45	F	2:57
284	TIM	ROBINSON	59:40	183	42	134	V 50	M	0:36
300	NICK	KLEANTHOUS	1:01:07	186	25	137	V 60	M	1:07
306	JUDY	KING	1:02:14	116	19	81	V 55	F	1:22
323	LIZ	CARVELL	1:05:44	126	23	90	V 55	F	2:22
329	SHARON	CROWLEY	1:08:48	131	9	95	V 65	F
335	JANE	WADEY	1:15:12	134	25	98	V 55	F	1:56

Mob Match 10k Results

Parkrun Highlights 13^th July (#355)

Altogether 59 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Spartans at parkruns elsewhere included JAY PAPA 19:49 at Congleton; CHLOE CHAPMAN 27:07 at Kings Lynn; PETE SMITH 28:15 at North Yorkshire Water Park; DZENANA TOPIC 37:38 and DARRYL STEVENS 46:05 at the Wimpole Estate; and TRACY HAYGARTH 40:31 at Westmill.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time	Comments
11	11	Grant RAMSAY	19:51	Pacing (20)
27	25	Charlie WHITE	20:53	Pacing (21)
49	47	David RIDDELL	22:11
65	61	Chris WATLING	23:01	New PPB
66	62	Graham HOARE	23:03
80	5	Ashley JOHNSON	23:52	Pacing (24). 20 parkruns.
102	95	David ACKERY	24:44	New PPB
111	9	Georgie HOOPER	24:57	Pacing (25)
131	119	Lee PICKERSGILL	25:36
137	124	Mark BEASLEY	25:46	130 parkruns
142	13	Annabelle WHITE	25:53	Pacing (26)
144	129	Ryan DUNNING	25:58
145	130	Martin DUDLEY	26:00
153	135	Charles ARNOLD	26:14	Pacing (27)
173	147	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:45
174	25	Gail MACKIE	26:45
211	39	Marie COLUCCI	27:41	Pacing (28). 10 parkruns.
248	192	Andy JAY	28:57	Pacing (29)
257	196	Matt CLARKE	29:14
269	203	Peter SACH	29:26	100 parkruns
281	207	Keith HOOKER	29:47	Pacing (30)
296	215	Jim BROWN	30:44	Pacing (31)
313	82	Monica SMITHSON	31:28
326	229	Nick KLEANTHOUS	32:00	Pacing (32)
347	103	Yuko GORDON	32:49	Pacing (33)
357	241	Paul JENNINGS	33:21
374	120	Penny SCHENKEL	34:22
375	248	Matthew NEWTON	34:23
381	124	Hilary DAVIES	34:42
385	128	Jane WADEY	34:58	Take over co-ordinator
396	134	Jo MANSFIELD	35:53
397	256	Stuart ARCHER	35:57
414	147	Sally PICKLES	37:18
425	156	Samantha SUTTON	37:48
456	275	Andy PRIOR	41:57
459	173	Rosemary ONABAWORIN	42:24	First parkrun
460	174	Kerstin WEINER	42:47
476	185	Nichola DURENT	50:54	Tail end
477	186	Sharon CROWLEY	51:40	Tail end

Parkrun Results

Tags Mid Week League, parkrun

Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK – MIDWEEK LEAGUE

Post author By Peter Sach
Post date July 7, 2024
No Comments on TRENT PARK – MIDWEEK LEAGUE

There was a lot on in the world on Thursday 4^th July but 30 Spartans – 19 men and 11 women made it to the final counting event in this summer’s Mid Week League race.

Run in Trent Park, Cockfosters this was a largely off tarmac event with some grinding climbs in the woods. It was dry!

On the night the fastest from Fairlands was KIRK NDUGU with 36:47 for 25^th place out of the 194 male finishers. ADRIAN BUSOLINI 38^th in 37:56; JONATHAN PARR 41^st in 38:02; BRIAN BRACKSTONE 43^rd in 38:14 and third man over 50 were also under 40 minutes on the tough course.

108 women finished. SUZY HAWKINS was the fastest female from Fairlands, 26^th woman in 46:56. YUKO GORDON won her age group with 51:14. She was 47^th woman overall.

The “Mob Match” will be in Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday 10^th July.

Race	Cat	Vet	No.	Time	Name	Surname	Cat.	M/F	Female Pos.
143	10	17	1020	46:56	Suzy	Hawkins	V 45	F	26
193	1	34	1100	51:14	Yuko	Gordon	V 65	F	47
217	18	44	1073	53:19	Jo	Cooksley	V 35	F	59
248			1090	56:55	Sophie	Parsons	S	F	77
259	28	64	1075	58:37	Wendy	Tharani	V 45	F	82
275	32	72	1091	1:02:36	Claire	Emmerson	V 45	F	92
280	16	76	1085	1:03:36	Judy	King	V 55	F	96
293	20	84	1078	1:08:06	Liz	Carvell	V 55	F	104
295	21	86	1099	1:10:32	Monica	Smithson	V 55	F	106
299	24	87	1086	1:13:19	Callie	Chapman	V 35	F	107
301	22	88	1079	1:17:08	Jane	Wadey	V 55	F	108

Race	Cat	Vet	No.	Time	First Name	Last Name	Cat.	M/F	Male Pos
25			1014	36:47	Kirk	Ndugu	S	M	25
38			1028	37:56	Adrian	Busolini	S	M	38
41	16	18	988	38:02	Jonathan	Parr	V 40	M	41
43	3	19	1027	38:14	Brian	Brackstone	V 50	M	43
74			1002	41:16	Jay	Papa	S	M	72
127	22	64	996	45:51	Matt	Gifford	V 50	M	107
131	43	68	997	46:19	Alexey	Zherdev	V 40	M	111
136	46	71	1010	46:41	Robert	Wright	V 40	M	114
145	4	75	987	47:11	Brian	White	V 60	M	119
180	8	94	990	50:25	Charlie	Arnold	V 60	M	140
211	38	110	992	52:42	Simon	Haigh	V 50	M	156
226	63	115	1011	54:31	Matt	Tutton	V 40	M	162
249			1022	56:55	Ryan	Riddell	S	M	172
262	45	130	1016	58:58	Pete	Cook	V 50	M	178
269	6	132	999	1:00:20	Jim	Brown	V 70	M	180
271	46	133	1024	1:01:05	Tim	Robinson	V 50	M	182
274	18	134	1021	1:02:14	Nick	Kleanthous	V 60	M	183
291			1026	1:07:37	Peter	Sach	S	M	188
298	20	142	986	1:11:37	Paul	Holgate	V 60	M	192

A Win For Yuko at the Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K

YUKO GORDON won her age group F70 (and 60 & 65 as well) at Newport Pagnell Carnival 5K, near Milton Keynes in 22:20 on Saturday 6th July. It was a flat fast course over traffic free main road with 500 plus runners. Crowds were surprisingly big along the course.

After Mount Chingford and the Trent Park Woods recently, she felt this was too good to be true. However, a fast course is one thing but she said my legs had a problem adjusting to the speed this time. Still, she was happy with the season’s best.

The Carnival 5K is a uniquely fast and flat 5k road race through the historic market town of Newport Pagnell. On closed roads in front of thousands, it’s run ahead of the annual town Carnival Parade. The race finishes on the carnival meadow in the show arena where there’s a day of entertainment and fun. For the 4th consecutive year, there were two different runs. One to suit all abilities: The ‘Serious’ 5K and the family fun 5K.

Ware 10 + 10 – PB for Paul

GERRY ROSEN took part in the Ware 10 (miles). It was a two lap affair with a nasty uphill first mile. A tough little cookie. Gerry was hoping to beat 2hrs and well and truly did it, his time was 1 hour 52 minutes 10 seconds.

The fastest of the eight Spartans was PAUL SHELLEY 20^th of the 269 finishers with 1:07:25; third in his age group and a new personal best (PB) by eight seconds. ALISON SHELLEY was first female from Fairlands at 190^th with 1:33:06; ANNABELLE WHITE was 198^th with 1:35:09 and FIONA CLARKE 212^th with 37:47.

MATT DUTTON took part in the 10 mile race at the Ware festival of running with a chip time of 1:32:56. His first ever 10 mile race. Matt said he managed to miss the heavy rain showers but large puddles were an obstacle at mile 1 and 6 guaranteeing wet feet!!

CHRIS WATLING was 112^th in 1:21:51 and ROBERT WRIGHT 65^th with 1:15:30.

269 finishers.

JANE WHITROW ran the Ware 10K. She said the event was really well organised with lots of water stations and friendly marshals. Jane finished 239^th in 1:21:17.

Pos	MF	CatPos	Bib	Name	Cat	Gun	Chip
20.	19	3	8901	Paul SHELLEY	MV50	1:07:27	1:07:25
65.	55	23	2178	Robert WRIGHT	MV40	1:15:48	1:15:30
112.	91	36	2127	Chris WATLING	MS	1:22:09	1:21:51
188.	134	45	8942	Matt TUTTON	MV40	1:33:19	1:32:56
190.	55	9	8902	Alison SHELLEY	FV55	1:33:28	1:33:06
198.	60	15	8896	Annabelle WHITE	FS	1:35:30	1:35:09
212.	67	20	8906	Fiona CLARKE	FV45	1:38:09	1:37:47
254.	160	43	8829	Gerry ROSEN	MV50	1:52:32	1:52:10

Race for Life

Some Spartans including JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL ran the Stevenage Race for Life. Jim’s event was lucky but Penny’s finished in a downpour.

EMAC – Spartans 2 and 3.

Fairlands Valley Spartans were second and third in the latest Eastern Masters track and field league event.

The FVS women including SHARON CROWLEY, CHRISTINE LATHWELL; MARIAN MORLEY; JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS; TESSA STEPHENSON and ANDREA WESTCOTT were second with 118 points, just 19 behind the winners.

The men were third in their match with 86. Their team included CHARLES ARNOLD; MARK FREEMAN; NICK KLEANTHOUS; STEVE MAYFIELD; TIMOTHY SAUNDERS-MULLINS and DAVID STEPHENSON.

The event included running from 100 metres to one mile (1609 metres); walking 2 kilometres; throwing and jumping. The league is for male and female veteran athletes aged from 35 upwards divided in various age categories.

The next EMAC track and field fixture is in Sandy on Wednesday evening 31^st July.

Parkrun Highlights 6^th July

DANIEL VILJOEN achieved a major parkrun milestone on Saturday morning. His run at Stevenage was his 250^th which he finished in 24 minutes 4 seconds (24:04). There were 19 Spartans among the 363 finishers of the very wet 354^th Stevenage parkrun including SIMON JACKSON second in 17:40 and GRANT RAMSAY sixth in 18:57.

ANNABELLE WHITE ran her 150^th parkrun in 31:32.

19 of the 363 finishers at a very wet Stevenage parkrun were Spartans.

Spartans elsewhere included SUZY HAWKINS 25:03 at Henlow Bridge Lakes; NICK KLEANTHOUS 33:11 at Tamar Lakes near Bude and CHLOE CHAPMAN 34:05 at Lanhydrock, Bodmin.

Tags EMAC, Mid Week League, MWL, Race for Life, Trent Park, Ware Ten

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS CELEBRATE THEIR 2023 WINNERS!!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date March 17, 2024
No Comments on SPARTANS CELEBRATE THEIR 2023 WINNERS!!

Lots of Spartans enjoyed the club’s dinner and presentation evening at the Cromwell Hotel in Stevenage on Friday evening.

YUKO GORDON is the new overall club champion with amazing scores of 100.2% for the short distance and 102.8% for the long distance series.

ANDREW PATTERSON won the men’s open short distance with 79.0%, including winning the Hitchin 5K by 50 seconds, and the open long with 78.6%.

ASHLEY JOHNSON won the women’s race at Hitchin by a similar margin and won the club’s open short distance championship for women with 73.9%.

The age graded short championship for men went to SIMON JACKSON with 85.3%.

FIONA CLARKE won the club’s open long distance championship for women with 54.7% just ahead of HARRIET SMITH on 54.0%.

NICK GILL and VICKY ARCHER were the most improved Spartans.

The Starter of the Year was JUDY KING. The volunteer awards were Chair’s award MICHAEL O’KEEFE; Head Coach’s award JOHN HARRIS; President’s Award BRIAN WHITE; Cathy Craig Spartan of the Year CALLIE CHAPMAN.

Some of our amazing winners! Photo Credit Keith Fenwick

The full list of amazing winners are noted as follows:

Female Open Short

1^st Ashley Johnson

2^nd Vicky Archer

3^rd Kerstin Prior

Female Age Graded Short

1^st Yuko Gordon

2^nd Sharon Crowley

3^rd Nicola Andersson

Female Open Long

1^st Fiona Clarke

2^nd Harriet Smith

3^rd Sam Maidens

Female Age Graded Long

1^st Yuko Gordon

2^nd Sharon Crowley

3^rd Wendy Tharani

Male Open Short

1^st Andrew Patterson

2^nd Nick Gill

3^rd Mike Jeffs

Male Age Graded Short

1^st Simon Jackson

2^nd Grant Ramsay

3^rd John Harris

Male Open Long

1^st Andrew Patterson

2^nd Simon Fraser

3^rd Grant Ramsay

Male Age Graded Long

1^st Simon Jackson

2^nd David Harris-Cherguit

3^rd Pete Smith

Overall Champion – Male – Andrew Patterson

Overall Champion – Female – Yuko Gordon

Overall Club Champion – Yuko Gordon

Most Improved Spartan – Male – Nick Gill

Most Improved Spartan – Female – Vicky Archer

The Lisa Potter Starter of the Year Award – Judy King

Chairs Award – Michael O’Keefe

Head Coaches Award – John Harris

Captains Awards – Liz Crowley and Michael O’Keefe

Presidents Award – Brian White

The Cathy Craig Spartan of the Year Award – Callie Chapman

Essex 20

NICK GILL ran 2:17:10 at Sunday’s Essex 20. He decided to race it, aiming for sub 3-hour marathon pace (6:50 per mile/4:15 per km). Managed to do exactly that and even split all the laps, and really enjoyed running with two guys – Matt and Callum – pretty much the whole way. His last 20-mile race was back in 2019 at the Hillingdon 20 when he did 2:46:03 – so a big improvement on that.

Needing to up his miles from a half marathon in preparation for the London Marathon JIM BROWN thought the Essex 20 would be the ideal opportunity. He decided to chunk it up into 5Ks and see how long he could keep them under 30 minutes. It went a lot better than expected and he finished in 3 hours 6 minutes 31 seconds, a 7 minute 20 second improvement on the fastest 20 he raced last year.

Blickling Multi Terrain Half Marathon

The Blickling multi-terrain half marathon near Aylsham in Norfolk saw CAROL PAUL come third in her age group (60 – 64) with 2:08:36. She said the weather was ideal for running but underfoot it was a bit mucky.

Carol with her medal after her amazing run!

Milton Keyenes Festival

SOPHIE PARSONS ran in the 10k event at the Milton Keynes Festival. It was hillier than she expected but she managed to complete the course in a brilliant time of 57:43!

Sophie reunited with Chester after her run.

Parkrun

Total turnout at Stevenage parkrun went past 500 again on Saturday. This time to 518 and no doubt helped by the large number of Spartans who turned out to support Jane WADEY, Kerstin WEINER and Nicola HATHERLY for their fiftieth parkruns.

For the Consolidated Results please click the link

Tags Blickling, Essex 20, MK Festival, Presentation Night 2024

Club News Race Results

PB’s GALORE AT CAMBRIDGE!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date March 3, 2024
No Comments on PB’s GALORE AT CAMBRIDGE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Berkhampstead Half

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

Parkrun Results

For the Consolidated Results please click the link

Tags Berkhampstead Half Marathon, Cambridge Half Marathon

Club News Race Results

BEATING THE BEAST AT BALDOCK

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date February 25, 2024
No Comments on BEATING THE BEAST AT BALDOCK

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

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

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

Spartans having fun at the Baldock Beast! – Photo credit Tony Randfield

Position	Name	Chip Time	Comments
3	ADRIAN BUSOLINI	1:20:20	Podium
93	THOMAS SAUKA	1:51:12
120	JOHN NELMS	1:56:21
162	TIM ROBINSON	2:03:43
183	CHLOE CHAPMAN	2:07:12
225	MICHAEL O’KEEFE	2:21:41
232	JIM BROWN	2:21:24	Final starter
233	PENNY SCHENKEL	2:24:20

London Winter 10K

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

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

Brighton Half Marathon

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

Ann on Ann Street after finishing the half!

Serpentine 5K

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

Parkrun 24^th February

For the Consolidate Results please click the link

Tags Baldock Beast, Brighton Half Marathon, London Winter 10k

Club News Race Results

SILVER FOR ANDREW

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

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

National Masters Indoor Championships

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

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

Success all round!

Spartan Parkrun Highlights 17^th February

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

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

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

Tags British Masters Indoor Championships

Club News Race Results

BEDFORD TEN

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

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

Hyde Park 5k

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

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

Run The Sun

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

Parkrun 27^th January

For the Consolidated Results please click the link

Tags Bedford 10, Hyde Park5k, Run the Sun

Club News Race Results

AMAZING ADRIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yuko Wins At Farnborough

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

Parkrun 20^th January

For the Consolidated Results please click the link

Tags Farnborough Half Marathon, Fred Hughes 10, Montane Spine

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS TAKEOVER STEVENAGE PARKRUN!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date January 7, 2024
No Comments on SPARTANS TAKEOVER STEVENAGE PARKRUN!

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

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

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

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

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

Tromso Polar Night Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

Ultra John Goes Country to Capital

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

Welwyn Half Marathon

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

County Cross Country

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

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

Walt Disney World Marathon

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

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

Tags 43 Mile Ultra, County Cross Country, Parkrun Takeover, Tromso Night Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, Welwyn Half Marathon

Northstowe

Spartan in South Wales

South Downs Jodie

Marathon and Half Update

Parkrun Highlights

Coming Close at the Paris Marathon

Brighton

Boston Fastest For Years

London Landmarks

Flitwick

Judy in Guernsey

Bedfordshire – Feisty Phoenix

Less Than Five Minutes

Parkrun Highlights

ATW Half and 10K

Berlin Half

Judy in Prague

Club 20

Parkrun Highlights

Papa Personal at Pontypridd.

Spartans Go Serpentine

Capital Challenge

Short Head

Parkrun Highlights

Lee Valley Run Fest

Grant Goes Off For A Half And Comes Back A Winner

Ultra Lucy and Stamina Sue

Reading

Parkrun Highlights

Barcelona!

Hertfordshire Veterans Cross Country

Olympic Park 5K

Parkrun Highlights

Cambridge

Spinning Around Battersea

Parkrun Highlights

Southwold

London Half

Great Yarmouth

Berkhamsted Half Marathon

Friday Fun

Parkrun Highlights

Spartans and the Baldock Beast.

Winning Natalie at the Bedford Half

Bedford 10K

Over the Ridge With Jodie

Cross Country League Update

Parkrun Highlights

London Winter 10K

Farnborough Half

Parkrun Highlights

Having to pass go 8.75 times !!

Dorney Lakes – a 10K splash

Parkrun Highlights

Hatfield

Update – Panshanger Cross Country

Parkrun Highlights

Panshanger Cross Country

Gerry’s Ultra

Parkrun Highlights

Resolved To Run On New Year’s Day.

A Last One

County Cross Country

Parkrun Highlights

Christmas Day Record Breaker – Thursday 25th December.

A Couple of Charlies and other parkrun highlights

Cross Country Update

Stevenage Cross Country

Last Friday Came Early

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 20th December 2025

Festive Five Faster for Fairlands

Secret London Run Christmas Lights Tour

ATW Half Marathon

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 13th December 2025

Jodie’s MK Winter Half

Three Sub Three At Valencia Marathon

Parkrun Highlights – Stripey Saturday 6th December 2025

Serpentine

Bass Belle

The Slopes of Finsbury Park

Christmas Day Record Breaker – Thursday 25^th December.

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 20^th December 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 13^th December 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Stripey Saturday 6^th December 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 29^th November 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 22^nd November 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 15^th November 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 8^th November 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 1^st November 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 25^th October 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 18^th October 2025

Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 11^th October 2025