Category: News

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

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

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

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

CCC

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

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

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

Hitchin 5K

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

Velo Park 10K

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

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

Last Fridays are back

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

Flying On Number 68 – Saturday 28^th August.

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

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

Parkrun Highlights 28^th August 2021 – sixth week back

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

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

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

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

Tables

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

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

St Albans parkrun

A total of 417 runners took part

Stevenage parkrun

A total of 287 runners took part

Sedgefield Parkrun

A total of 234 runners took part

Houghton Hall parkrun

A total of 182 runners took part

Wimpole Estate parkrun

A total of 333 runners took part

Blicking parkrun

A total of 235 runners took part

Sherwood Pines parkrun

A total of 273 runners took part

Rutland Water parkun

A total of 311 runners took part

Letchworth parkrun

A total of 155 runners took part

Soham Village College parkrun

A total of 115 runners took part

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

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

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

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

Parkrun Highlights 7^th August 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 10K

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

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

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

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

MK10K and loadsa 10Ks

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

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

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

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

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

Flying On Number 64

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

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

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

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

Battle for Bronze in the Virtual Coast Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spartan Sets a New British Record at the Running Grand Prix

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

Mid-Week Road Race League race four coming up

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

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

Parkrun Returns Week Two – 296 in Stevenage

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

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

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

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

Bedford Paul – Storm Eva

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

Flying On Number 63

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

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

Parkrun results

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

Spartan Sets a New British Record at the Running Grand Prix

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

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

Two other Spartans competed in the event.

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

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

Wednesday 5K

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

Huge Smiles In Fairlands Valley as Parkrun is Back!!

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

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

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

Parkrun away days:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairland Valley Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

145 runners and walkers started and 143 finished.

Mid-Week Road Race League race three

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

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

Flying On Number 62

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

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

(Not) Parkrun

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

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

Tables

Spartan Results Mid Week 10K Race Three – Women

Spartan Results Mid Week 10K Race Three – Men

Fairlands Valley Challenge 18th July 2021

Half Marathon Distance – Spartan Times

Fairlands Valley Challenge 18th July 2021

18 Mile Distance – Spartan Times

Marathon Distance – Spartan Times

50K Ultra Distance – Spartan Times

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

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

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

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

• Cathy Craig, Nicola Hatherly and Judy King

• Andy Prior, Kerstin Weiner and Tony Randfield.

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

• Steve Smithson who organised the start table. 

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

145 runners and walkers started and 143 finished.

The results will be published soon.

Three Firsts for Spartans at Drift Limits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ultra 5K

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

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

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

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

Nikki for the High Jump

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

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

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

Mid-Week Road Race League race three

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

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

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

Flying On Number 61

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

(Not) Parkrun

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

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

Parkrun Coming 24^th July 2021

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

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

Racing Round England

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

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

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

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

Tables

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

MWRRL Race Three 10K Times

63 (21F and 42M)

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

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

Get Your 10K Done

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

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

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

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

Flying On Number 60

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

(Not) Parkrun

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

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

Racing Round England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mid Week League 10Ks

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

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

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

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

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

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

East of England Track and Field – FVS Ladies Win Again

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

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

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

Suffolk Trail Festival

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

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

Cathy’s Four in Two

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

Fen Gallop

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

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

First Saturday

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

Entries Open for the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flying On Number 59 – Spartans Have A Team

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

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

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

(Not) Parkrun

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

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

Racing Round England

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

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

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

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

Tables

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

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

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