Category: News

Recent information relating to club or calendar

BEFORE THE SNOW HIT!

Spartan of the Month and Milton Keynes Half Marathon

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

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

Goodwood Marathon

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

Welwyn Festive 5 miles

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

Minsden Chapel Christmas Club Run

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

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

Parkrun

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

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

Tags Festive 5, Goodwood Marathon, Milton Keynes Half Marathon, Minsden Chapel

Club News Race Results

CHRISTMAS ARRIVED AT THE FESTIVE 5!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date December 4, 2022
No Comments on CHRISTMAS ARRIVED AT THE FESTIVE 5!

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

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

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

Pos	Cat Pos	MF	Name	Chip Time	Cat	AG%	Comments
1	1	1	Andrew PATTERSON	26:34	MV40	84.3%	Winner
2	2	2	Simon JACKSON	28:26	MV40	81.9%	Second
61	7	22	Hazel SMITH	40:53	FV45	65.8%	PB (1:27)
71	4	44	Nick KLEANTHOUS	42:13	MV60	62.0%	PB (6 seconds)
111	1	65	Jim BROWN	47:06	MV70+	60.8%	1^st MV70
112	14	47	Penny SCHENKEL	47:06	FV45	59.6%

Herts Santa Run

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

Santa Canta 5K

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

John, Tracy and Yuko being very festive!

British Masters 5K Championships

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

Goodwood Marathon

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

Parkrun – 3rd December 2022

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

Tags British Masters 5k Championships, Festive 5, Goodwood Marathon, Herts Santa Run, Santa Canta

Events News Newsletter Race Results Races Racing Training

GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE

Hatfield 5 Wins

Fairlands Valley Spartans came home with GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE from the Hertfordshire County Five Mile Championships for veterans which were incorporated in the Hatfield Five on Sunday morning.

GEORGIE HOOPER (35:32 – a personal best PB by 11 minutes 39 seconds!); MARIE COLUCCI (37:18 – a season’s best SB by 3:01) and YUKO GORDON (37:42) won BRONZE in the women’s team competition.

Yuko took individual SILVER in the championship for women aged 65 plus.

The GOLD medal went to JIM BROWN who won the county championship for men aged 70 plus with exactly two minutes to spare in a year’s best (YB) time of 42 minutes 39 seconds.

Good fast five-mile races are pretty rare, and 22 Spartans took the opportunity. There were some outstanding performances in the open race as well as the county event. Every single Spartan that ran achieved a milestone. NICK GILL was fastest from Fairlands, 53^rd out of the 655 finishers in 30 minutes 50 seconds – an outstanding personal best by 16 minutes 21 seconds.

SAM SIMMONS improved his PB by 4:13 to 33:40. PETE SMITH took 3:05 off his SB to 35:12. SUSAN McANENY reduced her PB by five seconds to 39:27 and NICK KLEANTHOUS by 58 seconds to 42:19. NICOLA ANDERSSON sliced 1:17 off her life-time best with 43:38 and PENNY SCHENKEL improved her SB by 1:42 to 45:14.

MATT TUTTON took 37 seconds off his PB with 46:46 and JANE WADEY ran the PB bell with her new personal best of 52 minutes 26 seconds. An improvement of 1:48.

SHARON CROWLEY took her season’s best down by 52 seconds to 55:03 and BRIAN WHITE, JONATHAN JONES and DZENANA TOPIC ran their best five-mile times this year with 36:51; 56:55 and 57:40.

Three Spartans were running their first ever five-mile races – MIKE JEFFS in 35:32; MARCUS RIDLEY in 37:34 and HARRIET SMITH 38:59.

MARK GOODWIN equalled his five-mile time with 37:34 and DANNY SCANLON was in the top 100 with a year’s best time of 32:49.

Bests At Bass Belle Ten

Another ten Spartans were at the Bass Belle Ten, a partly off-road event based in Bassingbourn.

STEVEN DOBNER said “Rain greeted us but luckily had passed through before the start. After setting an unofficial PB in last week’s half marathon in Gosport I had a time to aim at and felt comfortable throughout. Starting quickly to find some space and to try to get the best of the tricky 1.5miles muddy and slippery off-road section in road shoes, we settled into our rhythm ticking off the kilometers and judging the effort. The little hill proved less of an obstacle this year and I was very happy to come home in a time of 1:15:05, knocking 5 minutes 31 off my previous best 10-mile race.”

DAVE PATTMAN also came home with a new personal best of 1:15:41 shaving 2 minutes off his PB. MO WARRILOW said she enjoyed the run, finished with a smile on her face and beat 90 minutes by 22 seconds.”

PAUL and ALISON SHELLEY ran Bass Belle again and said as always it was well organised and well supported. The 1:5 mile off road section was a bit tricky but otherwise a nice route. It was great to see so many Spartans.

Paul was 27^th 1:11:35 – 27th overall. Alison finished in 1:27:41.

The other Spartans were MATT CLARKE 1:25:11; MICHAEL O’KEEFE 1:35:00 in his first ten-mile race; FIONA CLARKE 1:37:39; CHLOE CHAPMAN 1:37:53 and MONICA SMITHSON 1:51:24.

Serpentine

Runners were so lucky with the conditions again for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park, London. It was sunny, mild and with a light breeze for the lunch-time event. JIM BROWN ran his best 5K of the year with 26 minutes 8 seconds and second in his age category.

Canicross

TRACY PEZ (and her dog) enjoyed a Canicross event at Grafham Water which they completed in 1 hour 21 minutes 7 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights 26^th November 2022 – Penny in the Cape

Numbers were back over 300 for the 266^th Stevenage with 314 completing the 5K Saturday morning run in Fairlands Valley Park. 24 were Spartans.

In Stevenage PENNY SCHENKEL ran her 50^th parkrun in the red celebration cape with a time of 30 minutes 49 seconds. MATTHEW NEWTON ran new PB of 20:14. ADRIAN BUSOLINI was 3^rd overall in 18:15 and GRANT RAMSAY 4^th in 18:58.

Elsewhere DARRYL STEVENS continues his tour of many different parkruns. He was a first timer at Eastville, Bristol and finished in 39:30. MATT and FIONA CLARKE were first timers at Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire with 31:07 and 31:11.

JULIET FULLWOOD was a first timer at Alexandra, Moss Side in Manchester on her first parkrun. She was fourth women in 21:59.

22 Spartans at the Hatfield Five:

Position	Name	Net Time	Open Category	Cat Pos	Gender	Gen Pos	Comments
53	Nick GILL	30:50	Senior	24	Male	49	PB (16:21)
86	Danny SCANLON	32:49	M40	30	Male	75	YB (year best)
106	Sam SIMMONS	33:40	Senior	37	Male	92	PB (4:13)
138	Peter SMITH	35:12	M60	8	Male	120	SB (3:05)
152	Mike JEFFS	35:32	Senior	50	Male	133	First 5 miles
153	Georgie HOOPER	35:32	Senior	4	Female	19	Team Bronze. PB (11:39)
181	Brian WHITE	36:51	M60	14	Male	151	YB
205	Marie COLUCCI	37:18	W40	10	Female	33	Team Bronze. SB (3:01)
210	Yuko GORDON	37:42	W70	1	Female	35	County Silver. Team Bronze. YB.
211	Marcus RIDLEY	37:34	Senior	61	Male	175	First five miles
213	Mark GOODWIN	37:34	M60	17	Male	177	SB (equal)
242	Harriet SMITH	38:59	Senior	12	Female	41	First five miles
266	Susan MCANENY	39:27	W40	17	Female	54	PB (0:05)
317	Nick KLEANTHOUS	42:19	M60	24	Male	230	PB (0:58)
334	Jim BROWN	42:39	M70	3	Male	239	County Gold. YB
354	Nicola ANDERSSON	43:38	W50	27	Female	105	PB (1:17)
414	Penny SCHENKEL	45:14	W50	36	Female	137	SB (1:42)
448	Matt TUTTON	46:46	Senior	80	Male	287	PB (0:37)
551	Jane WADEY	52:26	W50	65	Female	227	PB (1:48)
587	Sharon CROWLEY	55:03	W60	31	Female	257	SB (0:52)
596	Jonathan Clive JONES	56:55	M50	95	Male	331	YB
604	Dzenana TOPIC	57:40	W50	84	Female	271	YB

PB = personal best (lifetime); SB = season’s best; YB = year’s best. 655 finishers.

10 Spartans at the Bass Belle:

Position	Name	Time	Comments	BIB
27	PAUL SHELLEY	1:11:35	“SB” (2:50)	61
52	STEVEN DOBNER	1:15:04	“PB” (5:30)	19
56	DAVE PATTMAN	1:15:41	“PB” (1:50)	20
126	MATT CLARKE	1:25:11	“YB”	448
140	ALISON SHELLEY	1:27:41	“SB”	62
164	MO WARRILOW	1:29:38	“SB” (6:15)	84
206	MICHAEL O’KEEFE	1:35:00	First 10 miles	418
235	FIONA CLARKE	1:37:39	“YB”	447
236	CHLOE CHAPMAN	1:37:53	“PB” (6:19)	49
313	MONICA SMITHSON	1:51:24	“SB”	172

356 finishers

24 Spartans at the Stevenage parkruns on Saturday 26^th November:

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time
3	3	Adrian BUSOLINI	00:18:15	Top ten
4	4	Grant RAMSAY	00:18:58	Top ten
11	10	Matthew NEWTON	00:20:14
32	29	Paul SHELLEY	00:22:08
54	47	Martin DUDLEY	00:23:58
89	12	Gail MACKIE	00:25:43
90	75	Toby ECCLESHALL	00:25:44
95	78	Neal MUGGLETON	00:26:08
99	81	Michael O’KEEFE	00:26:15
100	82	Steven DOBNER	00:26:16
108	17	Mo WARRILLOW	00:26:41
109	87	David PATTMAN	00:26:42
134	107	Thomas SAUKA	00:27:47
161	121	Nick KLEANTHOUS	00:29:03
162	33	Alison SHELLEY	00:29:05
169	39	Chloe CHAPMAN	00:29:12
170	123	Sam SIMMONS	00:29:13
179	43	Nicola ANDERSSON	00:29:41
194	139	Jim BROWN	00:30:48
195	47	Penny SCHENKEL	00:30:49	50^th parkrun in the cape
203	53	Nikki Katherine NATION	00:31:08
234	71	Sheryl HANN	00:33:42
257	163	Stephen SMITHSON	00:34:55
264	84	Samantha SUTTON	00:35:56

314 finishers.

Tags Cross Country, parkrun

Club News Race Results

LOTS OF SMILES AT OUR HANDICAP RACES

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date November 20, 2022
No Comments on LOTS OF SMILES AT OUR HANDICAP RACES

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

BRYAN MOORE SHIELD HANDICAP 10 MILES

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

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

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

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

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

PAUL MAGUIRE MEMORIAL HANDICAP 5 MILES

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

Twenty seven Spartans tackled the five mile event.

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

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

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

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

All handicap photo credits go to the amazing Chloe Emmerson!

Gosport Half Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Neots

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

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

Sundon Saunter

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

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

Parkrun Highlights

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

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

Tables

FVS BRIAN MOORE HANDICAP 10 MILE
Position	F	NAME	SURNAME	Split 1 to 5m	Split 2 to 10m	Total Time	Speed Pos	Speed Fem	PB	Impr	Comp H’cap
1		ANDREW	PATTERSON	27:37	27:44	55:21	1		PB	0:12	6:54
2		NICK	GILL	33:28	33:35	1:07:03	3		PB	25:47	6:12
3	1	MARIE	COLUCCI	39:44	39:31	1:19:15	5	1			3:45
4		SIMON	JACKSON	29:44	29:48	59:32	2		YB	New	2:58
5		STUART	ARCHER	30:51	37:58	1:08:49	4		SB	New	1:26
6	2	ZOE	JACKSON	44:15	42:45	1:27:00	8	3	PB	New	1:00
7		MARK	GOODWIN	40:00	40:46	1:20:46	6				0:44
8		ROBERT	WRIGHT	44:15	44:25	1:28:40	9				(0:40)
9		MATT	CLARKE	44:15	44:25	1:28:40	10		YB	New	(0:40)
10		JIM	BROWN	44:15	44:38	1:28:53	11		YB	0:03	(0:53)
11	3	HARRIET	SMITH	40:27	42:58	1:23:25	7	2	PB	New	(1:25)
12	4	WENDY	THARANI	44:19	45:58	1:30:17	12	4	SB	1:20	(1:47)
13	5	VICKY	ARCHER	51:26	50:10	1:41:36	13	5	PB	2:44	(4:06)
14	6	CLAIRE	EMMERSON	51:26	50:12	1:41:38	14	6	YB	New	(4:08)
15	7	FIONA	CLARKE	51:26	50:34	1:42:00	15	7	YB	New	(4:30)

FVS PAUL MAGUIRE 5 MILE
Position	F	NAME	SURNAME	Time	Speed Pos	Speed Fem	PB	Impr	Comp H’cap
1	1	NICOLA	ANDERSSON	44:55	11	3	PB	2:13	7:05
2		STEVE	MAYFIELD	37:39	2		SB	1:05	3:06
3		TONY	VICKERS	44:08	10		PB	New	2:37
4		PAUL	SHELLEY	34:17	1		YB	New	2:28
5		JON	SYPULA	41:33	6		SB	4:54	2:27
6		NICK	KLEANTHOUS	43:17	8		PB	0:30	1:28
7		CHARLIE	WHITE	38:51	3				1:09
8		SIMON	SYPULA	46:12	13		SB	1:06	1:03
9	2	ALISON	SHELLEY	42:54	7	1	YB	New	0:51
10	3	CAROLYN	LINSELL	54:52	21	9	PB	New	0:53
11		DARREN	EMMERSON	41:22	5				0:23
12		CHRIS	WATLING	39:47	4		PB	New	0:13
13	4	ANN	TRYSSESOONE	43:34	9	2	SB	0:41	0:11
14	5	PENNY	SCHENKEL	46:56	14	4	SB	0:59	(0:11)
15	6	JANE	WHITROW	57:53	22	10	PB	0:13	(0:23)
16	7	JUDY	KING	58:04	23	11	PB	New	(0:34)
17	8	JANE	WADEY	54:04	20	8	PB	New	(0:34)
18	9	MONICA	SMITHSON	50:21	17	5	YB	New	(1:21)
19		ANDY	JAY	48:35	16		YB	New	(1:20)
20		MATT	TUTTON	47:23	15		PB	New	(1:23)
21	10	NICOLA	HATHERLY	59:38	24	12	SB	New	(2:08)
22		VISHAL	SHAH	45:19	12		YB	New	(3:04)
23	11	CHLOE	CHAPMAN	51:25	19	7	PB	New	(3:55)
24	12	HAZEL	SMITH	50:30	18	6	YB	New	(4:15)
25	13	CALLIE	CHAPMAN	1:02:35	25	13	YB	New	(10:35)
26	14	HANNAH	SYPULA	1:04:10	26	14	SB	New	(13:40)
27		ROGER	BIGGS	1:29:06	27		SB	New	(14:21)

Tags 10 mile handicap, 5 mile handicap, Gosport Half Marathon, St Neots Half, Sundon Saunter

Club News Race Results

ANDREW SMASHES A NEW PERSONAL BEST!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date November 12, 2022
No Comments on ANDREW SMASHES A NEW PERSONAL BEST!

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

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

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

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

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

33^rd Masters Cross Country International Championships

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

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

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

Westport Sea 2 Summit (Mayo)

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

Paula enjoying what Ireland has to offer!

Parkrun – 12^th November 2022

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

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

Tags Masters Cross Country International Champtionships, Remembrance run, Westport Sea 2 Summit

Club News Race Results

BRILLIANT STEVENAGE HALF MARATHON!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date November 6, 2022
No Comments on BRILLIANT STEVENAGE HALF MARATHON!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick and Ross with their awesome medals!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York Marathon

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

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

International Spartan Jackie with a friend.

Tables

All 35 Spartans in the Stevenage Half Marathon

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

Parkrun

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

Tags New York Marathon, Stevenage half marathon

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS RUN AT TRENT PARK

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date October 30, 2022
No Comments on SPARTANS RUN AT TRENT PARK

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

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

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

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

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

Full results can be downloaded here: Trent Park XC results

Snowdon Marathon

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

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

Sharon with her 29th medal for Snowdon Marathon!

John Harris Selected for England

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

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

Serpentine Thirtieth Anniversary 5K

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

Cockbain’s Track 100

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

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

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

Hertfordshire Half and 10K

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

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

Parkrun Highlights 29th October 2022

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

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

Tables

Spartans at Trent Park Cross Country – Combined Results

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

Tags Cockbain's Track 100, Herts Half, John Harris, Serpentine, Snowdon Marathon, Trent Park XC

Club News Race Results

Hills Upon Hills at Beachy Head!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date October 23, 2022
No Comments on Hills Upon Hills at Beachy Head!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mother and Daughter run the Beachy Head Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

Hazel and Cathy safely at the bottom of the final big hill!

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

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

Abingdon Marathon

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

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

Chloe, Matt and Fiona finished strong and still smiling!

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

Karen after finishing the race in an amazing time!

Cross Country – Cheshunt 16^th October

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

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

Parkrun Personal Best and Consolidated Results – Saturday 22^nd October

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

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

Tags Abingdon, Beachy Head, Cheshunt XC Results

Club News Race Results

CROSS COUNTRY LAUNCHES

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

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

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

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

A selection of our Cross Country Spartans in the sun!

International Selection and a Record for Yuko

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

There was a selection race for the England Team for the Masters International Cross Country at Markeaton Park, Derby on Saturday afternoon. YUKO GORDON won her age group and was selected to represent England for the forthcoming international championships to be held in Dublin in November.

Returning from Derby late in the evening, she finished a quick pizza dinner and had a short sleep before heading south for another race, the Great South Run ten miles in Portsmouth on Sunday morning.

Yuko said, “I anticipated a very exciting event by just looking at the number and colourful coffee coupons they sent me and it was as fantastic as I had expected.  Number 1 reason for that was the sheer number of loos, absolutely no queues! Car parking space for any thousands of cars in the waterfront adjacent to start/finish area. The course was truly flat, my racing form has been this season only around 8 minutes per mile pace even at Parkruns but the course tuned my legs into 7:20 minutes pace while I kept worrying if I’m over pacing but I managed the even pace till the end after all. I went through 5K and 10K both in my season’s best time. My 74 minutes 7 seconds (74:07) gives me the UK’s all time best record for a woman aged over 70.
If I put more effort into Tuesday club sessions and had no selection race the day before, I might be able to improve more, hopefully.
I’m glad to know that I am finally recovering from the lengthy distraction of a hamstring injury and Covid.”

Great Eastern Run

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

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

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

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

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

Paul enjoying his first half marathon in a while.

York Marathon

Spartans NICK GILL and JOHN HARRIS ran the York Marathon.

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

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

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

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

Great South Run

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

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

Our Starter ladies proudly showing off their medals!

Birthday Half

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

Parkrun

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

Tags Amsterdam Half, Cross Country, Great Eastern Run, Great South Run, York MArathon, Yuko Gordon

Club News Race Results

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

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date October 9, 2022
No Comments on Hitchin 5k, Half’s, Marathons, Hills and More!

Hitchin 5k

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

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

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

Willow 10K

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

Royal Parks Half

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

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

Craig, Callie and Vish with their medals

Chicago Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tring Ridgeway Run

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

Maverick Lincolnshire

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

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

Parkrun

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

Tags Chicago Marathon, Hitchin 5k, Maverick, Royal Parks Half, Tring Ridgeway, Willow 10k

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS WOW AT LONDON

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

Stuart and Adrian with their medals and goody bags!

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the Spartan finishers:

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

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

Dorney Lakes Marathon

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

Clarendon Way Off Road Marathon

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

Hyde Park 5K

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

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

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

Parkrun – 1st October 2022

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

Tags Clarendon Way Marathon, Dorney Lakes, Hyde Park 5k, London Marathon

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS AT STANDALONE 10K

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date September 25, 2022
No Comments on SPARTANS AT STANDALONE 10K

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodwood Marathon

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

The Great Bristol Run

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

Norfolk Coastal Marathon

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

Hatfield 5K – race three

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

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

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

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

Club Handicap 5K

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

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

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

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

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

Spartans at the start of the Club Handicap

Parkrun – 24th September

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

Tables

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

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

Spartans Handicap 5K

Pos	First Name	Last Name	Time	Speed Pos	Fem	Comments	Impr	Time	Com Hcap
1	PENNY	SCHENKEL	29:57	17	6	YB	1:55	42:57	2:03
2	CHRIS	WATLING	24:15	3				43:00	2:00
3	AMANDA	VICKERS	37:40	26	14	SB	1:54	43:10	1:50
4	SHARON	CROWLEY	37:41	27	15			43:11	1:49
5	ANNA	SWANEPOEL	27:27	11	4	PB	0:21	43:12	1:48
6	ANDY	JAY	26:56	9			2:00	43:26	1:34
7	TRACY	PEZ	26:57	10	3			43:27	1:33
8	HARRIET	SMITH	25:27	6	2	SB	0:20	43:42	1:18
9	MATT	TUTTON	29:45	16				43:45	1:15
10	JUDY	KING	35:37	22	10	YB	1:07	43:52	1:08
11	LUKE	GURNEY	23:19	2				44:04	0:56
12	MARTIN	DUDLEY	25:04	4				44:04	0:56
13	MARK	FREEMAN	25:54	7				44:09	0:51
14	KAREN	ELLIS	25:14	5	1			44:14	0:46
15	PETER	SMITH	21:48	1				44:18	0:42
16	MONICA	SMITHSON	30:41	18	7		0:37	44:26	0:34
17	TONY	VICKERS	27:58	13	5	SB		44:28	0:32
18	MICHAEL	O’KEEFE	28:03	14			0:14	44:33	0:27
19	TIM	ROBINSON	28:07	15				44:37	0:23
20	SALLY	PICKLES	36:32	24	12	YB	0:18	44:47	0:13
21	VISHAL	SHAH	26:38	8				45:08	(0:08)
22	ELAINE	LEDGER	35:14	21	9	New		45:14	(0:14)
23	ROGER	HEAD	34:50	20		YB		45:20	(0:20)
24	JANE	WADEY	31:54	19	8			45:24	(0:24)
25	NICOLA	HATHERLY	35:52	23	11	YB		45:37	(0:37)
26	CRAIG	BACON	27:55	12				45:40	(0:40)
27	JANE	WHITROW	36:42	25	13			45:42	(0:42)
28	ROGER	BIGGS	45:50	28			4:21	45:50	(0:50)

Tags Club Handicap 5k, Goodwood, Great Bristol Run, Hatfield 5K, Norfolk Coastal Marathon, Standalone

Club News Race Results

A BUSY SPARTAN WEEK!

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

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

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

Stevenage 10K

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

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

Georgie, Paula and Jane proudly showing off their medals.

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

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

Hatfield 5K

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

A selection of Spartan runners before the race.

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

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

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

New Forest Half Marathon

DARRYL STEVENS went for a run in the New Forest the New Forest Half Marathon, and finished in 2 hours 48 minutes 39 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 17^th September

 Congratulations to Nigel Strongitharm running a new PB of 24:59 at Bolberry Down parkun in Devon.  

Yuko Gordon ran a new PB of 24:01 coming 21^st on her 21^st parkrun at Henlow. 

For the full Parkrun results please go to their website by clicking the following link – Parkrun Results 17^th September

Tables

Hatfield 5K (race 2 in a series of 3).

Pos	Name	Ca	M/F	Cat Pos	Time	Chip	Age Gd	Comments
7.	Simon JACKSON	MV40	7	5	16:38	16:38	85.1%
62.	Grant RAMSAY	MV50	54	19	19:47	19:44	73.8 %
67.	Danny SCANLON	MV40	58	19	19:54	19:49	68.4 %
71.	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	62	5	20:02	19:55	82.0 %
98.	Peter SMITH	MV60	82	8	21:26	21:20	74.0 %
107.	Brian WHITE	MV60	86	10	22:10	22:08	76.2 %
121.	Mark GOODWIN	MV60	96	12	22:43	22:35	72.3 %
126.	Marcus RIDLEY	MS	98	23	23:02	22:51	56.1 %
134.	Paula DUNNE	FV35	32	9	23:24	23:15	63.5 %
146.	Susan MCANENY	FV45	39	15	23:46	23:37	65.9 %
154.	Nick KLEANTHOUS	MV60	110	16	24:17	24:05	65.3 %
190.	Andrea WESTCOTT	FV45	68	22	26:51	26:33	62.0 %
198.	Jim BROWN	MV70	125	3	27:29	27:17	63.4 %	Gold
205.	Nikki NATION	FV55	79	18	28:17	28:11	63.0 %	SB
209.	Cathy CRAIG	FV65	81	4	28:51	28:29	72.0 %	Bronze
221.	Sharon CROWLEY	FV55	90	22	30:00	29:39	64.8 %
227.	Jane WADEY	FV55	94	24	32:12	31:51	54.7 %
232.	Paul HOLGATE	MV60	135	27	35:01	34:39	47.3 %
237.	Roger BIGGS	MV70	136	8	43:30	43:07	42.3 %

Stevenage 10K

Pos	Name	Cat	5K	Time	Age Gd	Comments
4.	Simon FRASER	MS	17:23	35:06	76.2 %	2^nd senior
9.	David HARRIS-CHERGUIT	MV40	18:06	36:48	76.8 %	Team
18.	Grant RAMSAY	MV50	19:18	39:42	74.8 %	Team + 4^th MV50
26.	John HARRIS	MV60	20:25	41:56	77.3 %	Silver + Team
29.	Tony RANDFIELD	MV60	20:16	42:17	79.6 %	Bronze + Team
50.	Brian WHITE	MV60	22:25	45:38	75.9 %
75.	Mark GOODWIN	MV60	22:56	47:37	70.6 %
82.	Nick GILL	MS	24:47	48:34	54.5 %
84.	Marcus RIDLEY	MS	23:07	48:48	54.2 %
89.	Georgie HOOPER	FV35	24:09	49:27	61.0 %	Team + 4^th FV35
94.	Paula DUNNE	FV35	24:23	50:21	60.0 %	Team + 5^th FV35
175.	Jim BROWN	MV70+	28:13	58:00	61.4 %	Gold
195	Michael O’KEEFE	MV50	27:55	1:00:16
235	Jane WADEY	FV55	31:10	1:04:41	55.7%	Team & PB (2 min)

Tags Hatfield 5K, New Forest Half Marathon, Stevenage 10K

Club News Race Results

LOTS OF SPARTAN ACHIEVEMENTS!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date September 11, 2022
No Comments on LOTS OF SPARTAN ACHIEVEMENTS!

Seventeen Spartans enjoyed the first in the series of 5K races at Hatfield on Wednesday evening and five of them came away with new personal bests (PB) for the distance. Three achieved new season’s bests (SB) and one ran his fastest time this year.

SIMON JACKSON was third veteran runner and sixth overall taking six seconds of his lifetime best with 16 minutes 34 seconds. KELVIN BEYIOKU took a significant 44 seconds of his PB with 17:37. PAULA DUNNE took a 55 seconds chunk off her best time with 23:16; NICK KLEANTHOUS 39 seconds off his with 24:13 and JANE WADEY improved her PB by six seconds to 31 minutes 28 seconds.

RICHARD BATE ran a new season’s best of 18:21; ANDREA WESTCOTT of 27:32 and CATHY CRAIG was delighted to get under 30 minutes with 29:15.

Steadily coming back from injury BRIAN WHITE finished in 22 minutes 34 seconds.

YUKO GORDON was the race winner based on age grade. She scored a massive 92.7%. She was also first woman aged over 70 with her 22 minutes 56 seconds.

EMAC (Eastern Masters)

Last week we announced that the Fairlands Valley Spartans women came third in the East of England (EMAC) final. Here’s the full story:

Thirteen FVS women travelled to Bedford on Sunday (4th) to compete in the Eastern Masters Athletic Club final. Despite injuries, illness, and absences, brilliant team spirit meant all events were covered and resulted in an unexpected third place behind Peterborough/Nene Valley (1st place) and Chelmsford AC (2nd place). Medal positions changed throughout the day, and FVS were originally awarded joint second, only to discover the following day that the scores were incorrect.

Yuko Gordon won an individual award for her outstanding 99.5% age graded 1st place performance in the women 60 plus (W60) 3k race and she also won the W60 800m.

Christine Lathwell dominated the W35 distance events, winning the 800m, 500m, and the 3k!  Monica Brown excelled in the W50 jumps, winning long jump, triple jump, and high jump.  Monica also dropped down to cover W35 shot put, finishing in third place.

The other win on the day came from Nikki Wilby (W35 high jump, also 5th place 400m hurdles, and 2nd place pole vault).  With some team changes needed along the way, other points on the day were scored by Fiona Clarke (W35 5th place 100m, 6th place 200m – PB!, 4th place long jump – PB!, and 3rd place triple jump), Callie Chapman (W35 5th place 400m – PB!, 5th place hammer throw, and 6th place discus), Andrea Westcott (W50 4th place 100m, 2nd place 200m, 8th place 1500m, 3rd place 300m hurdles, and 5th place shot put), Carolyn Linsell dropped down to W50 (8th place 400m and 7th place 800m), Marion Morley (W50 8th place 3k, 6th place hammer throw, and 4th place discus), Karen Dodsworth (W60 6th place 100m, 2nd place discus, 4th place long jump, and 4th place triple jump), Sharon Crowley (W60 6th place 200m, 5th place A string 2k walk, 3rd place 300m hurdles, 4th place hammer throw), Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (W60 3rd place shot put and W50 2nd place javelin), Cathy Craig (a brave 3rd place B string 2k walk).

The W35 relay team finished in 5th place, with W50 team finishing 3rd in their race.  The team enjoyed thoroughly well deserved bubbles and cake at the end of a very long day.

Great North Run

Six Spartans ran the biggest half marathon in the world. They were in Newcastle for the Great North Run. ADRIAN DONNELLY excelled with 1 hour 26 minutes 7 seconds which gave him 691^st out of more than 35,000 finishers. STEVE DOBNER came in with 1:48:17; DAVID PATTMAN 1:49:09; MO WARRILOW 2:05:33; ROGER HARDMAN 2:14:31 and SUE HAMER 2:43:06.

Dave, Mo and Steve with the Angel of the North

Budapest Half Marathon

ROB WRIGHT went international at the weekend and enjoyed the Budapest Half Marathon which he completed in 2:17:08.

Sandy 10

Several Spartans kept it more local and ran the Sandy 10 (miles) race.

SAMANTHA PRETTY-CONNORS who sped round in 71 minutes exactly won the women 35 plus award. CLAIRE PULLEN came in fast with 77:37 followed by BRIAN WHITE 79:19; and ANN TRYSSESOONE 88:23. JIM BROWN was second 70 plus in a year’s best 88:56 with JACKE DOWNES in 1:30:49; TRICIA HOPPER in 1:31:09 and CAROL PAUL 1:41:21.

Montane Dragon’s Back Race

Six days running 380 kilometres off road down the spine of Wales. Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was running the Montane Dragon’s Back Race from Conway Castle to Cardiff Castle.

Adrian was 69^th out of the 102 finishers with a total time of 79 hours 8 minutes 14 seconds. His longest day was 15 hours 21 minutes 43 seconds. Many starters of this incredibly tough event did not finish.

Adrian said, “Six days. Trods, bogs, and bushwhacking, over some of the toughest peaks and ridges in Wales.

Scrambling, high exposure and fear. Self management, injuries and fatigue. Downpours, hail and high winds. Isolation. Dejection. Self doubt.

Cameraderie, friendship and community. Encouragement, assistance and a shared goal. Learning, growth and transformation. Fresh perspectives. Stoicism. Self confidence.

What an extraordinary group of people – participants, volunteers and staff – to invest a week with. Words can’t do it justice, but this truly was time well spent. There was also some running.”

Milton Keynes Marathon Prep 20 Miles

Two Spartans, WENDY THARANI and YUKO GORDON ran the new format of events organised by Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics Club. This was a 20 mile marathon preparation event consisting of 4 laps each of 5 miles around Willen Lake, its surrounding village roads and towpath along the Grand Union Canal. It wasn’t totally flat as it was a mixture of usual MK undulations but it was pretty and interesting.
Yuko finished 26 seconds outside of the women 70 plus (W70) UK all time best time of 20 miles in 2:46:12 but she ran only to check her present fitness and wanted to build up some mileage this week before the London Marathon, so didn’t taper.

Wendy came 174^th in 3:52:07 and after a summer of wonderful adventures consisting of epic bike rides and climbing mountains (alongside running) she was very pleased to complete the race.

Tables

Spartans at the Hatfield 5K race (race 1 in a series of 3).

Place	Name	Time	Cat	M/F	Cat Pos	Grade	Comments
6.	Simon JACKSON	16:34	MV40	6	3	85.3%	3^rd Vet. PB (0:06)
16.	Oluwatobi Kelvin BEYIOKU	17:37	MS	15	9	72.8 %	PB (0:44)
31.	Richard BATE	18:21	MV40	29	10	73.6 %	SB
41.	Grant RAMSAY	19:03	MV50	39	11	76.5 %
62.	Tony RANDFIELD	20:29	MV60	55	3	79.9 %	3^rd V60
84.	Brian WHITE	22:34	MV60	73	5	74.5 %	YB (0:44)
88.	Yuko GORDON	22:56	FV65	12	1	92.7 %	% winner
89.	Mark GOODWIN	22:58	MV60	77	7	71.3 %
98.	Paula DUNNE	23:16	FV35	19	6	63.6 %	PB (0:55)
111.	Nick KLEANTHOUS	24:13	MV60	84	10	65.1 %	PB (0:39)
153.	Jim BROWN	27:04	MV70	98	5	63.8 %
156.	Andrea WESTCOTT	27:32	FV45	57	17	60.0 %	SB (0:45)
164.	Catherine CRAIG	29:15	FV65	61	5	70.3 %	SB (1:14) Sub 30
165.	Nikki NATION	29:44	FV55	62	12	59.7 %
170.	Sharon CROWLEY	30:24	FV55	66	14	63.3 %
171.	Jane WADEY	31:28	FV55	67	15	55.8 %	PB (0:03)
178.	Roger BIGGS	43:38	MV70	107	9	41.9%

Parkrun – 10th September

For the consolidated Parkrun results please follow this link – Parkrun Results

Tags Budapest, Dragons Back Race, EMAC, GNR, Hatfield 5K, MK 20, Sandy 10

Club News Race Results

STRIPES GALORE!

Big London Half

Several Spartans ran the Big Half Marathon in London on Sunday.

Among them were TONY RANDFIELD and ROB WRIGHT who ran together. Tony finished in 1:52:13 and Rob in 1:52:19. They said it was a good race, fairly flat and it’s always great running across Tower Bridge.

There were nearly 12,400 finishers.

EMAC Ladies

The Fairlands Valley Spartans women’s team won BRONZE in the East of England final for track and field athletes aged over 35 (EMAC). The team included CAROLYN LINSELL, NICKY WILBY, CALLIE CHAPMAN, MARIAN MORLEY, CHRISTINE LATHWELL, FIONA CLARKE, KAREN DODSWORTH, JOYLYN SAUNDERS-MULLINS, YUKO GORDON, ANDREA WESTCOTT and SHARON CROWLEY.

Andrea Westcott said, “The FVS Women were in the medals at the Eastern Masters final in Bedford on Sunday, finishing third behind Peterborough and Chelmsford in a hotly contested match. The medal positions changed frequently throughout the day, but the Spartans fought bravely and finished strong.”

Yuko Gordon won Woman of the Meeting 2022!

Oakley 20

There were two Spartans running 20 mile races on Sunday. JOHN HARRIS was second man 60 plus at the Oakley 20 with 2 hours 30 minutes 39 seconds and 36^th overall.

JIM BROWN took advantage of a late transfer to run the Bedford Festival 20. He was third man over 70 and 208^th out of the 393 finishers in 3 hours 22 minutes 46 seconds.

Bedford Festival

ROSS GALLAGHER ran the Half Marathon at the Bedford Festival. He ran it in 1:32:50. It was a good race on mixed terrain which he used for some marathon pace training ahead of his run in Chicago on 9^th October.

THOMAS SAUKA ran the Bedford Festival 5K in 21 minutes 49 seconds and was 19^th out of 319. CHRIS WATLING was 49^th in 24:24.

Meanwhile FIONA and MATT CLARKE ran the Festival 10K. Fiona was 184^th in 56 minutes 1 second and Matt 95^th in 48:44. There were 655 finishers. Fiona said she was very keen to get one of the pink finisher T shirts.

Fiona and Matt with their medals and Matt modelling the pink t-shirt!

Baldock Rat Run

The Baldock 5 kilometre Rat Run is a multi terrain run around Baldock, including steps, a low tree to climb under and a dark tunnel to navigate. It is held in aid of the Garden House Hospice and is a regular event for Spartan Tim Robinson. The Rat Run is a very friendly, family orientated fun race with many children taking part and loads of activities for the younger children to do while waiting for the runners to finish.

MATT TUTTON was 68^th with a gun time of 31 minutes 6 seconds and TIM ROBINSON 71^st with 31:10. Their chip times were 30:57 and 30:56.

FVS Club 5K Handicap

Hazel (Smith), Abbie (Pez), Mark (Freeman) and Charlie (White) were winners in Thursday’s club 5K at twilight.

There were 39 finishers in Thursday evening’s Handicap 5k and thank you to Mike Crowley and Jim Brown for their assistance with the start and finish. The winner on the night was Hazel Smith recovering superbly from her recent injury with an impressive 26:12. Caroline Zverev finished 2nd lady (3rd overall), 2:32 better than handicap in 37:28 and Penny Schenkel was 3rd lady, 2:28 quicker than her July Handicap 5K time in 31:52.

Spartans after finishing their handicap 5k runs.

Mark Freeman was first man (2nd overall), 2:14 quicker than July in 25:30, with Chris Watling second man in a new PB time of 23:12, 42 seconds quicker than July, and Steve Tinsley third man in a new PB time 25:48. Charlie White was quickest runner on the night in 20:03, with Paul Shelley 2nd quickest in a year best time of 20:41, and David Pattman third quickest with 21:34.

There were only six seconds between the three fastest females. Abbie Pez was quickest female in 24:05, with Marie Colucci 2nd quickest just 1 second behind in 24:06 and Paula Dunne 3rd quickest with 24:11.

There were also new PBs for Grant Murphy (28:21), Luke Gurney (23:02) and Derek Cornelius (23:38), while Simon Sypula improved his season best time by 2:45 to 28:18, and Karen Ellis, Tracy Pez, Craig Bacon, Jane Wadey & Martin Dudley were all others to improve on their July 5k times. Total time difference between 4th – 32nd position was just 2:14 and 32 finishers were within 2 minutes of their calculated handicap time. Full results are attached. The next Handicap 5k will be on the 22nd September.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 3^rd September

First Saturday of the month is Stripey Saturday, and twenty four Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelled to 6 different Parkrun venues across the country wearing the Club Stripey vest with pride.

Congratulations and well done to Grant RAMSAY who claimed top spot at Stevenage with a time of 18:46, 12 years and 8 months since his first ever Parkrun win at Finsbury Park. Top spots were achieved through his 30s, 40s and now 50s!

The fastest female Spartan was Gail MACKIE with a time of 22:34, third female at Stevenage. Adrian DONNELLY achieved a personal best (PB) at Letchworth (3^rd, 19:51) completing the Spartans line-up of top ten finishers this week.

Luke GURNEY also achieved a PB, finishing with a time of 23:00 at Stevenage.

Tables

FVS Handicap 5K on Thursday 1^st September.

Own

Finish

Comp

Pos

NAME

SURNAME

Time

H’CAP

Time

H’cap

Impr

HAZEL

SMITH

26:12

12:30

38:42

6:18

MARK

FREEMAN

25:30

16:00

41:30

3:30

2:14

CAROLINE

ZVEREV

37:28

5:00

42:28

2:32

New

PENNY

SCHENKEL

31:52

11:00

42:52

2:08

2:28

JANE

WHITROW

35:49

7:03

42:52

2:11

CHRIS

WATLING

23:12

20:00

43:12

1:48

0:42

DAVID

KENNEDY

23:33

19:45

43:18

1:42

STEVE

TINSLEY

25:48

17:30

43:18

1:42

0:20

ALISON

SHELLEY

26:28

17:00

43:28

1:32

GRANT

MURPHY

28:21

15:00

43:21

1:39

1:19

PAUL

SHELLEY

20:41

22:45

43:26

1:34

0:03

JUDY

KING

36:44

6:45

43:29

1:16

SALLY

PICKLES

36:50

6:45

43:35

1:10

CRAIG

BACON

22:54

20:45

43:39

1:21

0:08

KAREN

ELLIS

24:55

18:45

43:40

1:20

0:16

ANNA

SWANEPOEL

27:56

15:45

43:41

1:19

LUKE

GURNEY

23:02

20:40

43:42

1:28

0:39

DARREN

EMMERSON

25:17

18:30

43:47

1:13

JANE

WADEY

31:48

12:00

43:48

1:12

0:57

ABIGAIL

PEZ

24:05

19:45

43:50

1:10

TRACY

PEZ

24:14

19:45

43:59

1:01

0:01

MARK

GOODWIN

23:44

20:15

43:59

1:01

DAVID

PATTMAN

21:34

22:30

44:04

0:56

YUKO

GORDON

24:24

19:45

44:09

0:51

NICK

KLEANTHOUS

25:36

18:45

44:21

0:39

SIMON

SYPULA

28:18

16:03

44:21

0:42

2:45

DEREK

CORNELIUS

23:38

20:45

44:23

1:07

3:35

PAULA

DUNN

24:11

20:15

44:26

0:34

New

STEVEN

DOBNER

22:36

22:10

44:46

0:09

CHARLIE

WHITE

20:03

24:43

44:46

0:12

MARTIN

DUDLEY

24:46

20:00

44:46

0:14

0:20

MARIE

COLUCCI

24:06

21:00

45:06

(0:06)

MONICA

SMITHSON

31:18

14:15

45:33

(0:33)

DZENANA

TOPIC

34:30

12:00

46:30

(1:30)

JONATHAN

JONES

32:51

13:40

46:31

(1:21)

SUSAN

MURPHY

46:45

0:00

46:45

(1:45)

SHARON

CROWLEY

46:45

0:00

46:45

(1:45)

CHRISTINE

ZVEREV

32:45

15:30

48:15

(3:15)

ROGER

BIGGS

50:11

1:15

51:26

(6:26)

Spartans at parkrun on Saturday 3^rd September

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time
Stevenage parkrun
1	1	Grant RAMSAY	18:46	Winner
16	15	Tony RANDFIELD	21:18	1^st VM60
31	3	Gail MACKIE	22:34	3^rd woman
36	33	Luke GURNEY	23:00	PB
46	41	Toby ECCLESHALL	24:26
55	50	Danik BATES	25:03
65	59	Darren EMMERSON	25:37
67	61	Sam SIMMONS	25:47
68	62	Steven DOBNER	25:48
82	73	Jim BROWN	26:51	1^st VM70
104	16	Alison SHELLEY	27:57
120	22	Claire EMMERSON	29:20
121	97	David PATTMAN	29:21
122	23	Mo WARRILLOW	29:21
128	25	Debbie BLANTERN	29:44
156	41	Monica SMITHSON	31:41
163	45	Fiona CLARKE	32:27
221	81	Helen HARRIS	52:11
Ferry Meadows parkrun
46	39	Steve WELLS	22:33
Brockenhurst parkrun
122	67	Darryl STEVENS	45:54
Rutland Water parkrun
136	94	Chris HOLLAND	32:43
Letchworth parkrun
3	3	Adrian DONNELLY	19:51	PB
16	16	Nick GILL	23:13
Squerryes Winery parkrun
154	87	Peter CARPENTER	41:49

Tags Baldock Rat Run, Bedford Festival, Big Half, Club 5k Handicap, EMAC, Oakley 20

Club News Race Results

PROMOTING RUNNING IN STEVENAGE

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date August 21, 2022
No Comments on PROMOTING RUNNING IN STEVENAGE

The main event for the Spartans this weekend took place in Fairlands Valley Park. It was a joint four part session with the Stevenage Striders on Sunday morning. The weather was ideal and there were 1K loops; chasing lamp posts; relays; hills & descents. More than forty runners enjoyed the event and the exercise.

Spartans and Striders working together to promote our much loved sport!

The two local running clubs came together to help promote running in Stevenage!

There will be more events of this kind in the future so watch this space!

Shuttleworth Marathon

Spartan YUKO GORDON ran the Shuttleworth Marathon on Sunday. She was second lady overall in 4 hours 16 minutes 2 seconds. It was a tough course, six laps of a 7km loop of off-road with a long uphills and mostly dry hard farmland. Yuko was pleased with her run as she felt my Covid fatigue is on the mend and said she felt comfortable all the way. 

Three Peaks Challenge

Spartans Claire and Darren Emmerson completed the three peaks challenge on Sunday afternoon alongside others for the Garden House Hospice. 

Claire works for Garden House and with them being the Spartans chosen charity this year it was a no brainer for her to do the challenge! As she’s always up for an adventure Darren went along with her and together they completed all three peaks in 24 hours and 48 minutes. 

Claire, Darren and their team! Well done guys on an amazing achievement!

The weather on Ben Nevis was horrendous. They had sleet, torrential rain and very strong winds with apparently a wind chill of minus 20! No chance of seeing any view and they were so wet we had wet boots for the other mountains.

Scafell pike, again by the time the mist and fog was quite thick so again no view. Snowdon was perfect weather though so beautiful views.

Challenge completed! But… Claire has said that she doesn’t want to see a mountain again for a little while. She said give me a marathon to run any day.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 20^th August

It was a busy weekend for Spartans at parkrun, taking part across nine different venues.

In Stevenage Jonathan Parr was second overall in 18 minutes exactly and Suzy Hawkins was first female in 20:13. There were parkrun PBs for Tony Randfield (20:16) and Luke Gurney (23:17). Congratulations to Monica Smithson who was running her 50^th parkrun.

Further afield Nick Kleanthous ran a new PB (personal best) of 25:00 at Preston Park, Brighton on his seventh outing there. David and Nicola Pattman were at Holkham both running PBs (24:01 for David and 35:46 for Nicola).

Over in Letchworth, Grant Ramsay was third overall in 19:47 followed by John Harris (7^th overall) in 21:15. Martin Blackburn was a first timer at Mole Valley near the Denbies Wine Estate in 22:38 and Simon Bell a first timer at Doddington Hall (20:08).

Andy Jay was at Teignmouth on his eighth outing there running 27:16.

Total finishers at Stevenage were back up to 264 with 22 Spartans running. Steve Smithson made it to his 25^th milestone volunteering to help with the Stevenage parkrun.

Tables

Stevenage parkrun (264 finishers including 22 Spartans)

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time
2	2	Jonathan PARR	18:00
10	1	Suzy HAWKINS	020:13
11	9	Tony RANDFIELD	20:16
24	21	Thomas SAUKA	21:57
43	39	Luke GURNEY	23:17
49	45	Paul SHELLEY	23:57
52	48	Matt CLARKE	24:14
53	49	Steven DOBNER	24:18
98	10	Nicola ANDERSSON	26:49
117	18	Alison SHELLEY	28:17
118	19	Fiona CLARKE	28:19
127	24	Mo WARRILLOW	28:49
142	32	Debbie BLANTERN	29:55
172	115	Matt TUTTON	32:07
179	55	Monica SMITHSON	32:34
180	56	Jane WADEY	32:36
181	57	Nikki Katherine NATION	32:37
182	58	Hazel SMITH	32:38
205	71	Claire PULLEN	35:29
208	73	Tracy HAYGARTH	35:40
247	143	Jim BROWN	43:11
256	144	Roger BIGGS	47:03

Brockenhurst parkrun

DARRYL STEVENS 81^st in 42 minutes 6 seconds.

Squerryes Winery parkrun

PETER CARPENTER 148^th in 42:22.

Tags Shuttleworth, Spartans and Striders, Three Peaks

Club News Race Results

SNETTERTON SPARTANS

Spartans Dave Pattman, Mo Warrilow and Steve Dobner took ran the Snetterton 10K on Wednesday. It was seriously hot, 29°C as they walked to the start. The event was on an open course with two laps of the motor racing circuit finishing in the pit lane. With it being so open there was nowhere to hide from the sun and every straight felt like it was into a headwind.

Steve did well to run a personal best (PB) of 47 minutes 4 seconds in those conditions with Dave coming in with 46:17 and Mo in 56:54.

Stopsley Striders Five

Spartan TONY RANDFIELD tackled the Stopsley Striders five miles undulating trail race in 36 minutes 15 seconds. He said there were two hills, one in particular was a killer but he was very happy with his time which was only 17 seconds outside his personal best.

Nicola and Carolyn’s Challenge Runs

NICOLA ANDERSON completed 240.42 miles for the British Red Cross charity Miles for Refugees 108 miles challenge. This was set over eight weeks early June to 31st July, started as a Strava badge with five other location distances to choose from if you were to set up a fundraising page with Just Giving. There was 22 miles English Channel right up to 555 miles Turkey to Croatia. Nicola stuck with Strava’s own Lviv Ukraine to Lublin Poland 108 miles being so currently relevant. Consisting mostly of running activities which were automatically uploaded to the fundraising page with a few of my own posts, a few walks and one cycle ride towards the end. She was hoping to do a long distance with the bike but for the fact she had not ridden for three years and getting a puncture she had to cut it short last Saturday. The following day it came to an end with a final walk and run, raising £235 for the British Red Cross which just beat Nicola’s Race for Life 10k raised in July 2019… The other charities she’s run for fundraising are Blesma 11k and Captain Tom 100, running 100 minutes and raising slightly more than the set target of £100 for Mind in Mid Herts for April 2021….

In addition Nicola completed 71.32 miles in just 11 runs over 16 days from 14th June -30th June for the Queens Platinum Jubilee 70 miles virtual challenge. Some of this overlapped doing Miles for refugees at the same time. All for a medal of course.

Carolyn LINSELL completed her 70 miles Jubilee Run on 30^th July after a bout of injuries just after she signed up (bruised coccyx, turned ankle and rib injury). She signed up on 14^th June but is delighted to have completed it.

Carolyn, Nicola and fellow Spartan Jane.

Runnymede Roger

Roger Biggs was breaking historic lands, with a lapped event in the Runnymede area, along the banks of the Thames in London.

Runners had the opportunity to change their intended finish distance as the event progressed.

Each lap was measured at 5km, with Roger intending to complete 10k. On another hot day you might have thought Roger would want  to down distance, but in the end, he went up to 15km then 20km.

Roger finished his run in 3 hours 33 minutes 51 seconds.

NH First Saturday 5K

JANE WHITROW said the North Herts first Saturday 5K was a very friendly get together- and it allowed Canicross.

It was Abbie’s first ever 5k without walking. JANE WHITROW finished in 35 minutes 55 seconds and ABIGAIL WHITROW in 38 minutes 57 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 6^th August

DEBBIE BLANTERN wore the celebration cape to run her 100^th parkrun. At 263 runners it was the highest attendance at Stevenage for several weeks.

With the summer holidays now in full flow, twenty-nine Fairlands Valley Spartans headed out to run in Parkrun events this Saturday morning.

Success was seen on the Stevenage course with Jonathan PARR finishing first overall in a time of 17 minutes and 31 seconds and Suzy HAWKINS completing as the first female in 19:50. Sam SIMMONS ran a parkrun PB (personal best) time of 21:38 and Debbie BLANTERN ran her 100th event in 29:10.

At the Great Denham event, PB times were recorded across the board. David PATTMAN ran a time 21:16, Steven DOBNER 21:42, and Mo WARRILLOW 25:07.

With holidays spreading the Spartan clan far and wide there have been many new Parkrun events to discover. On her first visit, Alison WOOD was the second female to finish the Barnstaple course in 21:43, and Yuko GORDON completed the event in Reading as the 12th female in 24:50. Darryl STEVENS finished at Bowling Park as the 18th male in 38:07.

Sharon CROWLEY was at the warm, sunny and flat Pegwell Bay Park Run in Kent. Her 29:53 was her fastest time since before the pandemic, coming in 100th position. She has no idea where that time came from!

Tables

Spartans at parkruns

Parkrun	Position	Gender Position	Parkrunner	Time
Reading	106	12	Yuko GORDON	00:24:50

Market Harborough	109	87	Anton MCCALLA	00:26:35

Stevenage (16 FVS)	1	1	Jonathan PARR	00:17:31
	9	1	Suzy HAWKINS	00:19:50
	16	13	Tony RANDFIELD	00:20:41
	25	21	Sam SIMMONS	00:21:38
	38	34	Thomas SAUKA	00:23:00
	53	48	Matt CLARKE	00:24:15
	101	12	Nicola ANDERSSON	00:26:26
	117	93	Toby ECCLESHALL	00:27:17
	118	18	Gail MACKIE	00:27:18
	137	27	Alison SHELLEY	00:28:33
	145	30	Debbie BLANTERN	00:29:10
	173	49	Nikki Katherine NATION	00:30:57
	191	62	Fiona CLARKE	00:32:04
	192	63	Chloe CHAPMAN	00:32:04
	214	73	Tracy HAYGARTH	00:34:24
	256	142	Roger BIGGS	00:44:26

Barnstaple	20	2	Alison WOOD	00:21:43

Pegwell Bay (Kent)	100	28	Sharon CROWLEY	00:29:53

Rutland Water	191	121	Chris HOLLAND	00:31:41

Great Denham	21	20	David PATTMAN	00:21:16
	25	24	Steven DOBNER	00:21:42
	58	8	Mo WARRILLOW	00:25:07

Sizewell	37	29	Nigel STRONGITHARM	00:25:54

Clevedon Salthouse Fields	73	62	John NELMS	00:24:24

Bowling Park	35	18	Darryl STEVENS	00:38:07

Henlow Bridge Lakes	36	31	Michael O’KEEFE	00:27:53

Sandringham	73	14	Maria SWIFT	00:29:25

Tags Canicross, Challenge Runs, Runnymede, Snetterton, Stopsley Striders 5

Club News Race Results

RETURN OF THE 5K

The Spartans club handicap 5K returned on Thursday evening and there were 41 runners.

Running round the Fairlands, Grace, Martins, Verity, Fairlands Ways course the winner on the night was a very quick SIMON FRASER in a new PB (personal best) time of 16:48, with CHRIS WATLING second in 23:54 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI third in 17:52.

ANNA SWANEPOEL won the women’s handicap with a new personal best (PB) of 27 minutes 48 seconds. PENNY SCHENKEL was second across the line with a year’s best 34:20 and KAREN ELLIS just two seconds behind third with a year’s best (YB) 25:11 which was 1:42 quicker than her previous fastest 5K time this year.

Fastest runner on the night was Simon Fraser with Adrian Busolini second quickest in 17:52 and Charlie White third quickest (19:18). GRANT RAMSAY continued his return to form at fourth fastest with 19:22. Tracy Pez was quickest female (24:15) with Karen Ellis second quickest and Nikki Wilby, 25:41, third quickest.

In handicap races the slower runners, on recent performance, start first and if everyone runs exactly to form they will all finish together. So a pursuit race and the best improver wins.

Thus SIMON FRASER was first across the line 36 seconds of CHRIS WATLING. Chris finished 12 seconds ahead of ADRIAN BUSOLINI in third even though Chris’ net time was 23:54 and Adrian’s 17:52

The next handicap 5K will be on Thursday 1^st September 2022 and it would be fantastic if the Spartans can get even more than 41 taking part next time.

A big thank you to helpers and supporters: Vicky and Stuart Archer and boys; Sharon and Mike Crowley; Jan and Nick Fry; Tony Randfield; Hannah Sypula and Tony Willson.

EMAC – East of England track and field hit by downpour

The last Eastern Masters central division competition at Bedford on 20^th July was cut short due to a downpour which left the track and field completely flooded and unsafe. Some events took place before the heavens opened, with our women’s team completing another clean sweep, this time in the distance hurdles – W35 400m Nikki Wilby, W50 300m Andrea Westcott, and W60 300m Sharon Crowley.

Stephanie Biggar won the W35 javelin competition, marking her last appearance for the team with a new PB! Christine Lathwell also scored top points, winning the W35 mile in horrendous conditions with race bibs disintegrating before crossing the line! Monica Brown won the W50 long jump, making a brave return to the event that caused her injury last year. Other points scored on the evening – Wendy Tharani (third W50 mile), Carolyn Linsell (third W60 mile), Marian Morley (second W50 javelin), Joylyn Saunders-Mullins (second W60 javelin), Fiona Clarke (fourth W35 long jump and a new PB!), and Karen Dodsworth (second W50 long jump). Tracey Jackson was due to make her debut for the team, but the weather had other ideas! 

The men’s team had wins from Chris Westcott (M35 mile) and Grant Ramsay (M50 mile) with other points from Pete Smith (second M60 mile and second M60 300m hurdles), Anton McCalla (third M35 discus), Nick Kleanthous (fifth M50 discus), Ron Westcott (third M60 discus)

The final will be held at the Bedford International stadium on Sunday 4^th September. The Spartans women’s team will be attempting to retain their championship title.

Three in Three for Jim

It was three 5K races in three days for JIM BROWN. His second was at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park on a dry, sunny, warm with a light breeze Friday lunch time. He finished in a reasonable 27 minutes 8 seconds and was second in his age group. His first was the Spartans handicap 5K on Thursday evening and his third in the Stevenage parkrun where his previous exploits came to haunt him a bit in the last 1.5 kilometres.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 30^th July

GRANT RAMSAY wearing his Team GB top from the recent world masters championships WON the Stevenage parkrun in 18 minutes 21 seconds.

Fairlands Valley Spartan members were out in force on Saturday with thirty seven members taking part at ten different parkrun venues across the country. It was a bumper weekend of achievements with personal bests, year bests, first finishes and top tens.

Stevenage Parkrun winner Grant and Sam celebrating coming 50th in his 50th Parkrun!

Congratulations to Sam SIMMONS running his 50^th Parkrun at Stevenage, coincidently finishing at 50^th place with a time of 23:45. Congratulations also go to Adrian DONNELLY (19:58 at Stevenage) and Michael O’KEEFE (27:18 at Henlow Bridge Lakes) who both achieved personal bests this weekend.

Grant RAMSAY was fastest at Stevenage, coming first with a year best (YB) time of 18:21. Alison WOOD and Sam PRETTY (who made her debut at Stevenage Parkrun) took home first and second lady with times of 21:42 (YB) and 21:55 respectively.

There were three other top ten finishers this week, with Adrian DONNELLY fifth, Ashley KING eighth lady both at Stevenage (25:15) and Karen ELLIS sixth lady at Sheringham (26:41 YB).

Four more year bests were achieved with Chloe CHAPMAN (27:15) and Claire EMMERSON (27:20) both running at Stevenage, Peter CARPENTER (43:17) at Squerryes Winery and Maria SWIFT (29:13) at Sandringham.

Stevenage Parkrunners (part photo credit to Keith Fenwick)

25 of the 229 finishers at Stevenage were Spartans. Last but not least, five Spartans reached unofficial milestones with Nicola PATTMAN completing her 20^th Parkrun, Jonathan JONES (80^th), Alison SHELLEY (90^th), Thomas SAUKA (110^th) and Martin DUDLEY (150^th) all at Stevenage.

Tables

All the Spartan handicap 5K runners in finish line order

Pos	NAME	SURNAME	Time	Fem. Pos	Comments	Speed Pos	F. Speed Pos
1	SIMON	FRASER	16:48		PB (0:03)	1
2	CHRIS	WATLING	23:54		First 10K	10
3	ADRIAN	BUSOLINI	17:52		YB (New)	2
4	ROGER	HARDMAN	28:30		SB (0:01)	24
5	ANNA	SWANEPOEL	27:48	1	First 10K	22	5
6	GRANT	RAMSAY	19:22			4
7	JOHN	NELMS	24:05			11
8	JIM	BROWN	34:20			36
9	PENNY	SCHENKEL	34:20	2	YB (New)	37	12
10	KAREN	ELLIS	25:11	3	YB (1:42)	16	2
11	JON	SYPULA	26:17		SB (New)	19
12	BRIAN	WHITE	23:18		YB (1:04)	7
13	MICHAEL	O’KEEFE	28:24			23
14	LUKE	GURNEY	23:41		PB (2:41)	8
15	MARK	GOODWIN	23:43			9
16	CRAIG	BACON	23:02			6
17	CHARLIE	WHITE	19:18			3
18	NICOLA	NATION	29:30	4	SB (0:31)	26	6
19	TIM	ROBINSON	24:54		SB (0:15)	14
20	NIKKI	WILBY	25:41	5	SB (1:50)	18	3
21	TRACY	PEZ	24:15	6	YB (New)	13	1
22	STEVE	PIKE	29:32		SB (New)	27
23	GRANT	MURPHY	29:40		First 10K	29
24	JANE	WADEY	32:45	7		34	10
25	MARK	FREEMAN	27:44		SB (New)	20
26	CHLOE	CHAPMAN	27:45	8	YB (0:30)	21	4
27	MARTIN	DUDLEY	25:06			15
28	NICK	GILL	21:52			5
29	AMANDA	VICKERS	39:34	9	SB (New)	39	14
30	VISHAL	SHAH	25:12			17
31	SALLY	PHILLIPS	34:59	10		38	13
32	DAVID	KENNEDY	24:13			12
33	MONICA	SMITHSON	30:32	11		31
34	ANNABELLE	WHITE	33:53	12		35	11
35	JONATHAN	JONES	31:57			32
36	TONY	ARGYROU	32:07		SB (New)	33	9
37	KELLY	EVANS	29:55	13	YB (New)	30	8
38	YUKO	GORDON	29:36	14		28	7
39	ANDY	JAY	28:56			25
40	SUSAN	MURPHY	45:20	15	First 10K	41	15
41	ROGER	BIGGS	43:47			40

All the Spartan parkrun results

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Time	Comments
Stevenage parkrun (25 FVS)
1	1	Grant RAMSAY	18:21	YB
5	5	Adrian DONNELLY	19:58	PB
12	12	Tony RANDFIELD	20:26	1^st in age group
15	1	Alison WOOD	21:42	First woman and YB
20	19	William MORLEY	21:53	First SM 18 – 19
21	2	Sam PRETTY	21:55	First visit to Stevenage PR
28	25	David PATTMAN	22:49
30	27	Steven DOBNER	22:58
42	38	Thomas SAUKA	23:35	110th
48	43	Martin DUDLEY	23:49	150th
50	45	Sam SIMMONS	23:54	50th
66	8	Ashley KING	25:15
70	60	Toby ECCLESHALL	25:32
75	65	Nick KLEANTHOUS	25:47
79	67	Darren EMMERSON	26:03
88	74	Simon JACKSON	26:31
89	15	Alison SHELLEY	26:42	90th
95	17	Chloe CHAPMAN	27:15	YB
96	18	Claire EMMERSON	27:20	YB
99	81	Jim BROWN	27:34	1^st in age group
130	33	Debbie BLANTERN	29:29
159	113	Jonathan JONES	31:27	80th
177	54	Marian MORLEY	33:29
187	60	Nicola PATTMAN	35:04	20th
227	87	Helen HARRIS	54:36
Sheringham parkrun
64	6	Karen ELLIS	26:41	YB
Clair parkrun (W. Sussex)
116	77	Darryl STEVENS	37:15
Panshanger parkrun
67	57	Mike REYNOLDS	25:20
Rutland Water parkrun
62	48	Chris HOLLAND	25:33
Squerryes Winery parkrun
152	91	Peter CARPENTER	41:37	YB
Land’s End parkrun
83	23	Mo WARRILLOW	29:35
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun
62	54	Michael O’KEEFE	27:18	PB
102	26	Monica SMITHSON	32:49
121	40	Tracy HAYGARTH	37:08
Sandringham parkrun
87	19	Maria SWIFT	29:13	YB
Southport parkrun
45	39	Matt CLARKE	24:14
91	19	Fiona CLARKE	27:18

Tags 5K Handicap, EMAC

Club News Race Results

RELAYS IN THE PARK

The FVS 3K Relays returned for the first time since 2018 on Thursday with 115 teams taking part. Fortunately the temperature had dropped from the previous few days, meaning the 460 runners and 30 marshals didn’t get roasted! It was great to see so many clubs taking part, with male, female and mixed teams all entering. 

In the men’s senior race Luton Athletics Club took first place, with North Herts Road Runners winning for the veterans. North Herts took the senior women’s title, with St Albans Striders winning the womens vets. Ware Joggers took both titles for the mixed race.

Fairlands Valley Spartans were third in the women’s over 35 race with SAM PRETTY 12 minutes 14 seconds; SUZY HAWKINS 11:20; ASHLEY KING 12:15 and MICHELLE REEVES 11:19 running the team’s 47 minutes 8 seconds.

Sam, Suzy, Ashley and Michelle in action.

The fastest Spartans men’s team took 38 minutes 49 seconds with SIMON JACKSON 9:29; SIMON FRASER 9:23; JONATHAN PARR 9:40 and ADRIAN BUSOLINI 10:17.

Simon J, Simon F, Jonathan and Adrian all concentrating on their run.

Every team consisted of four runners covering a total of 12 kilometres. There were two men and two women in mixed teams.

The relays in Fairlands Valley Park were great to run and to watch on a lovely sunny evening.

A selection of our lovely Spartan teams!

They included the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire road relay championships.

Full results are now available here

Wimpole Hall Trail 10K

In the Wimpole Hall Trail 10K JOHN HARRIS was 12^th in 43:45.

Brandon Country

Roger Biggs travelled to Brandon Country Park near Thetford, for a 10km trail event.

It was hilly, rough in places, a bit over-distance, and very warm. Roger completed the two lap course in 2:02:48.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 23^rd July – Nicola’s 100^th at the Stevenage 250^th

Stevenage Parkrun 250th, Nicola’s 100th and little furry Marlo’s 100th on his 10th birthday!

It was a big week at Stevenage parkrun with the venue celebrating its 250^th parkrun. There was a Spartan ladies 1 and 2 with Gail Mackie first female (22:14) and Suzy Hawkins second female (22:15). Stuart Archer was third overall (18:44), Grant Ramsay fifth (18:55) and Tony Randfield 10^th overall (20:24) won his age group and achieved a magnificent age related score of 81.45% Congrats to  Nikki Nation with a new parkrun PB (30:31). Many congratulations to Nicola Andersson celebrating her 100^th parkrun. There were 23 Spartans amongst the 252 runners.

72,801 people have run the 250 Stevenage parkruns since 2016.

Gail, Suzy, Stuart and Grant at Stevenage Parkrun.

Further afield, Maria Swift was a first timer at Sandringham parkrun (29:36). There was a new parkrun PB for Michael O’Keefe at Kingdom parkrun near Tonbridge (29:38) in his third run there. Also a PB for Darryl Stevens at Lymington Woodside (35:57).

A tale of two Paul’s at Letchworth parkrun: Paul Maguire (25:08) and Paul Jennings (34:10).

A posse of Spartans took a trip to Westmill: Paul Shelley (26:14), Alison Shelley ran a new PB (29:22), David Pattman (32:17), Mo Warrillow (32:21) and Steve Dobner (32:18).

Mike Reynolds ran the Panshanger parkrun in 25:26.

The full Spartans at Stevenage results are below.

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time	Comments
3	3	Stuart ARCHER	00:18:44	Third overall
5	5	Grant RAMSAY	00:18:55
10	9	Tony RANDFIELD	00:20:24	81.45%. Age group winner.
33	1	Gail MACKIE	00:22:14	1^st woman
34	2	Suzy HAWKINS	00:22:15	2^nd woman
63	59	Martin DUDLEY	00:24:10
78	70	Matt CLARKE	00:25:38
82	74	James MCSWEENEY	00:25:55
101	88	Jim BROWN	00:26:46	Age group winner
110	94	Mark BEASLEY	00:27:31
126	107	Nick KLEANTHOUS	00:29:04
137	20	Debbie BLANTERN	00:29:12
155	32	Nikki NATION	00:30:31	New parkrun PB
157	120	Darren EMMERSON	00:30:36
158	34	Chloe CHAPMAN	00:30:37
159	35	Fiona CLARKE	00:30:39
160	36	Claire EMMERSON	00:30:39
164	122	James SOUTH	00:31:03
177	45	Nicola ANDERSSON	00:32:07
197	55	Jane WADEY	00:33:26
206	59	Hilary DAVIES	00:34:16
238	151	Roger BIGGS	00:45:48
246	83	Helen HARRIS	00:55:32

Tags 3K Relays, Brandon Country, Parkrun 250, Wimpole Hall Trail 10K

Club News Race Results

A HOT FV CHALLENGE

It was a hot day for any kind of long distance event but 105 completed Sunday’s Fairlands Valley Challenge.

The annual Fairlands Valley Challenge is a self guided trail run through the countryside and villages in East Herts surrounding Stevenage and is organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Normally five distances are available from 10k to 50k, including half and full marathon distances. Participants are supplied with snacks and drinks at Aid Stations/check points spread out on the course.

With a severe Amber weather warning in effect, and other races around the country being cancelled, the event had to be scaled back and altered.

The 50k option was dropped and the marathon and 18 mile routes changed to two laps rather than one big lap.

Nevertheless 107 participants including 33 Spartans turned up looking for adventure and given instructions to be back soon after 1pm before the heat of the day would get too unbearable.

Some sensibly in the conditions switched down distances but all returned safely by 2pm in good spirits having had a challenging but fun time.

Despite the heat some runners managed to complete the marathon distance in around 3 hours 35 minutes.

NICOLA ANDERSSON said, “The Fairlands Valley Challenge Sunday morning, it had to be early to beat the heat and I was up for the 18 miles to begin with… I’ll eventually go for a longer than a half marathon one day, this being my fifth run over the distance and second official half event but that was one hot day. Our self navigated route to Watton at Stone, through to Datchworth and back on the multi terrain trail route through fields and woods. I provided the map instructions though Tony Randfield led the way for Carolyn Linsell and myself with his navigation skills. Myself being a first timer I’d either get lost or take much longer. It was a hot one but we got the 13plus miles done.” Nicola, Carolyn and Tony finished together in 3 hours 13 minutes.

Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI, perhaps benefitting, from his ultra advantages was fastest in the half marathon event more than 20 minutes ahead of his nearest rival.

DANNY SCANLON commented, “I ran the FV challenge for the 1st time today. Thoroughly enjoyed my half marathon and was great to run with Mr & Mrs Archer! Lovely morning, lovely run and pretty much everyone involved had a smile on their faces! Nice 2.14.29 morning half in the sun.”

FVC professionals SHARON CROWLEY and CATHY CRAIG said, “We had a super day out completing our loops in 5hrs 30 for 20 miles! The 1st 13 went quickly, then out for the next lap, by this time the heat was taking its toll, so one foot in front of the other and get to the end! The 2 Spartan ladies going the furthest…we think!”

A big thank you to TIM ROBINSON and all his volunteer helpers who were out in that heat.

2022 Fairlands Valley Challenge Provisional Results.

10 km

Kartik Sharma 1:14:48 Callie Chapman 01:47:20 Claire Emmerson 01:51:20 Sean Millwood 01:51:21 Paula Dunne 01:51:29 Sally Pickles 01:59:56 Judy King 01:59:58

Tony Willson 02:00:00 Rachael Miller 02:00:01 Steph Biggar 02:00:21 Hannah Sypula 02:00:22 Jon Sypula 02:00:23

Half

Adrian Busolini 01:35:59 Danny Scanlon 02:14:51 Chris Watling 02:17:43 Thomas Sauka 02:23:21 Susan McAneny 02:25:19 Zoe Jackson F 02:25:19 Vicky Archer 02:27:03 Wendy Tharani 02:49:20 27 Luke Gurney 02:59:23 Christine Zverev 02:59:23 43 Nicola Andersson 03:13:53 Tony Randfield 03:13:54 Carolyn Linsell 03:13:54 Darryl Stevens 03:41:03 Paul Holgate 03:48:46 Tricia Hopper 04:08:17 Karen Liddle 04:08:19 Robert Hardy 05:17:29 Pauline Hardy 05:17:29 Roger Biggs M70 05:17:32

18 Mile

Stuart Archer 03:24:46 Cathy Craig 05:25:14 Sharon Crowley 05:25:15

Marathon

Clare Moore 05:27:50 Davie Stafford 5:27:50

The Spartan spirit was in full swing despite the heat!

Grant Top Ten in World Masters

One for the international scores on the doors. Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was in Tampere, Finland for the World Masters Championships. He was sixth in the 50 plus steeplechase race with 13 minutes 2 seconds.

Ramsay was delighted with sixth place to achieve his goal of finishing in the top 10, which had a strong field.

Adrian’s Tough Century

ADRIAN BUSOLINI recently ran a 161 kilometres off road and undulating World Series Major at Val D’Aran in the Pyrenees.

He completed the 100 miles in 32 hours 15 minutes 59 seconds for 35^th place.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 16^th July

Who doesn’t enjoy cake at the end of a sunny Parkrun!

As temperatures soared across the UK, thirty-six Fairlands Valley Spartans headed out to run in Parkrun events on Saturday morning.

In Stevenage, ASHLEY JOHNSON, who ran a parkrun PB time to finish as the third female overall in 20 minutes and 55 seconds, was joined by JOHN HARRIS, the sixth male to finish the course in a time of 19 minutes and 53 seconds and, finishing as the 100th male, MATT CLARKE as he completed his 100th Parkrun event with a run of 31:06.

Matt and his daughter celebrating their milestones and third female Ashley smashing her PB!

Also running a parkrun PB was YORDAN YORDANOV in Basingstoke with a time of 25:17.

Many Spartans were off trying new courses. JONATHAN PARR ran Whitstable Parkrun in 17 minutes and 34 seconds where he was second, while ANNABELLE WHITE finished Wimpole Estate in 32:05 and NICK KLEANTHOUS ran the course at Clacton Seafront in 26:24. ALISON and MARTIN WOOD completed The Pastures (Alnwick) course in 22 minutes and 30 secondss and 25 minutes and 43 seconds, respectively, as DARRYL STEVENS ran Henlow Bridge in 38 minutes and 41 seconds, and JAMES MCSWEENY Mildenhall Hub Parkrun in 26:19.

Parkrun	Position	Gender Position	Parkrunner	Time	Comments
Stevenage (24 FVS)	7	6	John HARRIS	19:53	Top Ten. Season PB.
	14	12	Tony RANDFIELD	20:46
	15	3	Ashley JOHNSON	20:55	3^rd woman. Parkrun PB.
	45	42	Sam SIMMONS	24:00
	62	57	Craig BACON	25:26
	81	72	Toby ECCLESHALL	26:50
	85	10	Nicola ANDERSSON	27:15
	87	76	Jim BROWN	27:19	First in age
	94	15	Alison SHELLEY	27:32
	96	77	David PATTMAN	27:46
	97	17	Mo WARRILLOW	27:46
	100	78	Steven DOBNER	27:54
	103	80	Mark BEASLEY	28:21
	113	23	Debbie BLANTERN	29:10
	114	88	Michael O’KEEFE	29:13
	116	25	Vicky ARCHER	29:21
	117	26	Claire EMMERSON	29:21
	134	98	Darren EMMERSON	31:03
	135	99	Simon SYPULA	31:03
	137	100	Matt CLARKE	31:06	100^th parkrun
	169	48	Tracy HAYGARTH	34:39
	172	50	Callie CHAPMAN	34:59
	192	124	Paul HOLGATE	39:26
	203	126	Roger BIGGS	47:49

Basingstoke	87	82	Yordan YORDANOV	25:17	Parkrun PB

Whitstable	2	2	Jonathan PARR	17:34	Second

Wimpole Estate	190	53	Annabelle WHITE	32:05

Clacton Seafront	40	36	Nick KLEANTHOUS	26:24

Panshanger	34	33	Mark GOODWIN	24:26

Rutland Water	118	84	Chris HOLLAND	28:36

Letchworth	7	7	Nick GILL	21:43	Top Ten

The Pastures	16	1	Alison WOOD	22:30	1^stWoman
	33	25	Martin WOOD	25:43

Bolberry Down	39	28	Nigel STRONGITHARM	25:56

Henlow Bridge	121	65	Darryl STEVENS	38:41

Mildenhall Hub	17	16	James MCSWEENEY	26:19

Tags FV Challenge, Val D'Aran, World Masters

Club News Race Results

TRENT PARK TRAILS

A huge thunderstorm and tremendous downpour confronted Fairlands Valley Spartans as they made their way to Trent Park, Cockfosters for the fourth Mid Week League event but 29 made it, enjoyed the rainbow and finished the event. This was an evening largely off road 10K event.

The fastest of the 18 men were ADRIAN BUSOLINI 25^th in 37 minutes 59 seconds and SIMON FRASER 30^th in 38:36. PETE SMITH was the fastest 60 plus in the race with 45:53 and ROGER HARDMAN second 70 plus with 63:12.

For the women SUZY HAWKINS was 16^th in 44 minutes 40 seconds. YUKO GORDON was the fastest 65 plus woman with 53:10.

Altogether 306 runners finished the race. The end of series celebration, the mob match, is at Welwyn Garden City on the 6^th July.

Ware Ten

There were two trophies for Fairlands Valley Spartans at Sunday’s testing Ware 10 mile race. JIM BROWN won the male 70 plus award with 1 hour 34 minutes 32 seconds and JAN FRY won the women 65 plus category with 1:54:04.

ROB WRIGHT was the fastest Spartan with 1:19:52. He was 67^th out of the 260 finishers.

STEVEN DOBNER said it was super weather for a scenic run around Ware and Hertford. A few large lumps and some fast downhill sections on an enjoyable but tricky course. A fantastic local event which deserves to be supported as they always put on a great race.

He said he felt strong and happy to finish in 1:24:07 having spent most of the run alongside DAVID PATTMAN who finished a few seconds later in 1:24:11.

The fastest female from Fairlands was MO WARRILOW with 1:35:53. CHRIS SAUNDERS ran his first ten mile race in 1:36:11 and NICOLA PATTMAN came in with 1:52:59.

In the Ware 10K DZENANA TOPIC was 163^rd in 1:11:45 and JONATHAN JONES 165^th in 1:11:54.

Roger on the River Thames Towpath

On Friday ROGER BIGGS ran his longest race since September 21, with an event along the River Thames towpath in Walton-on-Thames.

Eight out-and-back laps represented a total race distance equivalent to a half marathon (13.1 miles). Roger completed the course 3:57:29

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 2^nd July

Stevenage parkrun was back above the 250 runner mark on Saturday.

Stripey Saturday saw 24 Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelled to seven different Parkrun venues across the country.

Jonathan PARR took first place at Exmouth finishing at 16:56, also taking the titles of fastest and the further travelled Spartan.

Debbie BLANTERN was the fastest female Spartan finishing at 29:27 at Stevenage.

Nikki NATION ran a personal best of 31:55, also at Stevenage.

Three runners achieved year’s best times with Sam SIMMONS (20:04) and Hilary DAVIES (33:43) at Stevenage and Chris HOLLAND (24:50) at Rutland Waters.

Unofficial milestones were achieved by Roger BIGGS completing 110th Parkruns, Michael O’KEEFE 140th and Danik BATES 220^th this weekend.

Stevenage celebrates its 250^th parkrun on Saturday 16^th July. Make sure you have your free parkrun barcode and that your parkrun profile includes Fairlands Valley Spartans.

Tables

Spartan Men

Race	Men Pos	Cat	Vet	Time	Name	Surname	Cat.	M/F	Comments
25	25			37:59	Adrian	Busolini	S	M	A team
30	30			38:36	Simon	Fraser	S	M	A team
67	64			41:52	Ross	Gallagher	S	M	A team
78	73	27	32	42:49	Adrian	Donnelly	V 40	M	A team
121	100			45:49	Nick	Gill	S	M	A team
124	102	1	57	45:53	Pete	Smith	V 60	M	1st MV60 and A team
135	108	43	63	46:57	Grant	Ramsay	V 40	M	A team
156	121	23	73	48:17	Craig	Bacon	V 50	M	A team
166	127	26	79	49:13	Martin	Wood	V 50	M	A team
168	129	51	81	49:26	David	Pattman	V 40	M	A team
174	134	5	86	49:46	Mark	Goodwin	V 60	M	A team
200	153	63	102	52:08	Steven	Dobner	V 40	M	A team
249	180	49	127	58:14	Tim	Robinson	V 50	M
267	185	14	132	1:00:43	Jim	Brown	V 60	M
275	188	2	135	1:03:12	Roger	Hardman	V 70	M	2nd MV70
286	191	55	138	1:05:01	Michael	O’Keefe	V 50	M
296	193	57	140	1:07:35	Andy	Jay	V 50	M
306	194	16	141	1:27:31	Paul	Holgate	V 60	M

194 men in the race. 18 Spartans.

Spartan Women

Race	Pos	Cat	Vet	Time	Name	Surname	Cat.	M/F	Comments
103	16	4	12	44:40	Suzy	Hawkins	V 45	F	4th FV45
204	48	13	33	52:29	Tracy	Pez	V 45	F
205	49	1	34	53:10	Yuko	Gordon	V 65	F	1st FV65
231	63	21	45	56:17	Karen	Ellis	V 45	F
250	70	24	51	58:29	Wendy	Tharani	V 45	F
261	77	23	58	59:52	Georgie	Hooper	V 35	F
290	99	38	79	1:06:14	Jenny	Garrett	V 45	F
291	100	39	80	1:06:31	Mo	Warrillow	V 45	F
301	108	20	87	1:11:51	Jane	Wadey	V 55	F
303	110	27	89	1:14:50	Callie	Chapman	V 35	F
305	112	21	91	1:27:30	Sharon	Crowley	V 55	F

11 Spartan women. 112 in race.

Spartan at the Ware Ten

Pos	Name	Chip	Category	Cat Pos	Gender	Age Grade	Pace	Comments
67	Robert WRIGHT	1:19:52	Ages 20 – 39	21	Male	55.98	4:59 min/km
91	Steven DOBNER	1:24:07	Ages 40 – 49	21	Male	57.21	5:14 min/km
93	David PATTMAN	1:24:11	Ages 40 – 49	23	Male	55.28	5:14 min/km
171	Jim BROWN	1:34:32	Ages 70+	1	Male	62.56	5:53 min/km	Winner MV70
182	Mo WARRILLOW	1:35:53	Ages 45 – 54	18	Female	57.05	5:58 min/km
185	Chris SAUNDERS	1:36:11	Ages 20 – 39	42	Male	46.23	5:59 min/km	First 10 mile race
242	Nicola PATTMAN	1:52:59	Ages 35 – 44	33	Female	45.73	7:02 min/km
243	Jan FRY	1:53:04	Ages 65+	1	Female	64.62	7:03 min/km	Winner FV65

There were 260 finishers.

Spartans at Parkruns on Saturday 2^nd July

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time
Westmill parkrun
43	34	Nick KLEANTHOUS	29:37
Stevenage parkrun
2	2	Grant RAMSAY	18:31
18	16	Sam SIMMONS	22:04	YB
63	54	James MCSWEENEY	25:20
68	57	Matt CLARKE	25:31
77	66	David PATTMAN	26:13
78	67	Danik BATES	26:21	220th
104	87	Steven DOBNER	27:41
112	90	Jim BROWN	27:58
138	28	Debbie BLANTERN	29:27
167	39	Nikki Katherine NATION	31:55	PB
173	42	Jane WADEY	32:34
184	49	Hilary DAVIES	33:43	YB
201	57	Mo WARRILLOW	35:07
202	58	Erica GRAYSON	35:07
233	79	Sharon CROWLEY	40:02
234	141	Paul HOLGATE	40:03
242	145	Tony RANDFIELD	43:22
243	146	Roger BIGGS	44:16	110th
Rutland Water parkrun
55	47	Chris HOLLAND	24:50	YB
Exmouth parkrun
1	1	Jonathan PARR	16:56
Great Dunmow parkrun
70	47	Darryl STEVENS	38:18
Hunstanton Promenade parkrun
12	1	Nicola KENNEDY	26:45
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun
49	41	Michael O’KEEFE	28:52	140th

Tags Mid Week League, Roger Biggs, Ware Ten

Club News Race Results

SPARTAN EMAC WOMEN WIN AGAIN!

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date June 26, 2022
No Comments on SPARTAN EMAC WOMEN WIN AGAIN!

The FVS Ladies continued their winning streak in the Eastern Masters Athletics league meeting in perfect conditions at Cambridge on Wednesday evening. The team of 14 greatly outnumbered the opposition, allowing everyone to focus on one or two events instead of having to cope with multiple shoe changes! FVS had a clean sweep in the high jump competition, with Nikki Wilby (W35), Monica Brown (W50 – also second place shot put), and Karen Dodsworth (W60) all winning maximum points for the team. Karen also claimed first place in W50 400 metres and placed second in W50 triple jump. Other wins on the night came from Andrea Westcott in the W50 100m (also second place hammer throw with a PB!), Tessa Stephenson W60 100m, and Wendy Tharani W50 1500m. Having such a large contingent ensured every event was covered. Important points were scored by Callie Chapman (fourth place in both W35 100m and 400m), Carolyn Linsell (second place W60 400m), Fiona Clarke (second place in both W35 1500m and her first ever triple jump competition!), Cathy Craig (third place W60 1500m), Sharon Crowley (fourth place 2k walk ‘A’ and second place W60 hammer), Yuko Gordon (third place 2k walk ‘B’), Stephanie Biggar (third place W35 hammer and fourth place shot put), and Joylyn Saunders-Mullins finished in second place in a hotly contested W60 shot put.  As always, the relays rounded off the evening with W35 team of Monica Brown, Callie Chapman, Fiona Clarke, and Nikki Wilby finishing in third place. The W50 team of Carolyn Linsell, Andrea Westcott, Tessa Stephenson, and Wendy Tharani were unopposed, finishing in first place.

The men’s team had fewer competitors, seven, available but TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS, STEVE MAYFIELD, DAVE STEPHENSON, NICK KLEANTHOUS, CHRIS WESTCOTT, GRANT RAMSAY and PETE SMITH still managed a credible fourth place finish. Tim Saunders-Mullins won the M60 hammer throw by a huge margin, with other points from Steve Mayfield (4^th place in M35 100m, shot put, triple jump, and high jump then moving to his own age group to finish 4^th in M50 hammer!), Dave Stephenson (3^rd place in both M50 100m and 400m), Nick Kleanthous (5^th place M60 100m, 2^nd place 2k walk ‘A’, and 4^th place M60 shot put), Chris Westcott (3^rd place in both M35 400m and 1500m), Grant Ramsay (2^nd place in his new age group M50 1500m), and Pete Smith (2^nd place M60 1500m, 5^th place M50 triple jump, 2^nd place M60 high jump).  The relay team finished in 4^th place, just pipped to the line by 0.3 seconds!

The ladies team have now secured their place in the final but will still be aiming for another victory in Bedford net month on Wednesday 20^th July!

Two Wins At Welwyn

There were eleven Spartans and two wins at the Welwyn 10K.

MARK GOODWIN was really pleased and surprised by achieving first place in his age category. He managed a negative split, rare for him, due to the challenging hill in the first half of the race. Mark WON the Vet 60 competition with 48 minutes 1 second.

JIM BROWN’s second half was 1 minute 39 seconds faster than his first, so another negative split, and he WON the 70 plus category by three minutes with 56 minutes 56 seconds.

VISH SHAH came in with 53 minutes 53 seconds and new member HARRIET SMITH raced round in an excellent 54 minutes 27 seconds. She was in the top half of the field, 160^th out of 355.

There was a new personal best (PB) for MICHAEL O’KEEFE – 61:42.

JANE WADEY said it was tough but pleased to complete her first ever measured and chip timed 10K race in 67:09.

It was a very hot run at the Welwyn 10K said CHRISTINE ZVEREV. Sadly not the sub 60 she was hoping for but Christine said it was beautiful nonetheless. She came in with 67:47.

JANE WATT, 68:26, thought it was a lovely course. Bit hot in places but it is June.

LUKE GURNEY 63:01; NICOLA HATHERLY 74:00 and JUDY KING 74:55 completed the Spartan eleven.

Hitchin Hard Half

ROBERT WRIGHT took the Hitchin Hard Half Marathon at an easy pace and finished in 2.06.10. There were 149 finishers.

Race To The Tower

SHARON CROWLEY ran a 52 mile Ultra, the Race to the Tower, which she finished in 19 hours 57 minutes 7 seconds at 4:30am. It’s a tough and very hilly event in the Cotswolds, some of it quite steep. She kept a good pace throughout and only slowed down a little near the end when it was dark. She said she needed her poles for both up and down the hills. She was supported by Mike, who was a great help, especially close to the end. An amazing achievement.

Sharon said it was one of the hardest things she’s ever done!

Serpentine

It was bright dry and windy for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park where runners were entertained by the warm up for the BST festival. Jim Brown was 105th and second in his category with 27:20. He is twelfth in the year long series.

Windy maybe but it was quite neat as it was headwind where there was shelter but tailwind out in the open on the back straight. The race was won in an eye watering 14 minutes 58 seconds! The Serpentine 5K is now in its 30^th year with a celebration to come in October.

Run Orwell

DAVE SCOTT took part in the Run Orwell event near Royston today, and although he’d planned for the 10k, because of the heat he made the decision to do the 5k distance instead.

It was a small event, with around 120 participants across both distances. It was mixed terrain, including some sections across private farm land which were scenic but tough! It was very much a social run for Dave, so he took it relatively easy and finished in 34:17.

Parkrun Highlights

The purple start and finish signs made a welcome return to Stevenage parkrun for the first time since March 2020. There were 238 runners including 14 Spartans.

It was a busy week for Spartans participating across 11 different venues including home base at Stevenage. JONATHAN PARR was first at Stevenage (17:16). He was exactly one minute ahead of his nearest rival.

JIM BROWN won the category by three seconds with a little scamper to the line ahead of a Garden City Runner with the two of them 105th and 107th out of 238 in the race. Jim’s time was 27:14, slightly faster than the Serpentine 5K the day before.

Lots of “First timers” this week: ROGER BIGGS at Eastbourne (44:51), the Pattmans ran in Lowestoft (David 23:04 and Nicola 35:03), MO WARRILOW and STEVE DOBNER ran together at Jersey Farm (Mo 29:27) (Steve 29:28) and YUKO GORDON was at Henlow Bridge Lakes (25:11).

There were new parkrun course PBs for PAUL MAGUIRE at Exmouth (23:48), MICHAEL O’KEEFE at Henlow Bridge Lakes (28:35) and NIKKI NATION at Stevenage (32:29),

ANDY JAY was at Westmill (28:32), JAMES MCSWEENEY at Littleport (25:04) and DARRYL STEVENS at Brockenhurst (35:46).

CATHY CRAIG ran a virtual parkrun in 31:51 to help celebrate her son’s 100^th.

Tables

Spartans at the Welwyn 10K

Pos	Gender	Cat Pos	Name	Category	Chip	Age Grade	Comments
82.	74	1	Mark GOODWIN	MV60	48:01	70.1%	1^st V60
157.	137	44	Vishal SHAH	MS	53:53	49.7 %
160.	21	8	Harriet SMITH	FS	54:27	54.4%	New
197.	164	1	Jim BROWN	MV70	56:56	62.4 %	1^st V70
255.	197	56	Michael O’KEEFE	MV50	1:01:42	51.5 %	PB
266.	203	62	Luke GURNEY	MS	1:03:01	41.7 %
299.	88	17	Jane WADEY	FV55	1:07:09	52.9 %	First 10K race
304.	93	35	Christine ZVEREV	FV35	1:07:47	44.8 %
313.	100	37	Jane MCFARLANE	FV35	1:08:26	45.5 %
338.	117	30	Nicola HATHERLY	FV45	1:14:00	43.9 %
342.	120	23	Judy KING	FV55	1:14:55	49.2 %

Number of records: 355

The full Spartan result for Stevenage parkrun is below:

Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time
1	1	Jonathan PARR	00:17:16
42	39	Sam SIMMONS	00:23:29
53	48	Toby ECCLESHALL	00:24:09
57	51	Matt CLARKE	00:24:13
62	54	Brian WHITE	00:24:32
105	87	Jim BROWN	00:27:14
116	22	Ashley SCHOENWETTER	00:27:49
132	28	Fiona CLARKE	00:28:45
139	31	Debbie BLANTERN	00:29:04
153	41	Monica SMITHSON	00:30:20
180	60	Nikki Katherine NATION	00:32:29
197	67	Samantha SUTTON	00:33:37
203	133	Stephen SMITHSON	00:34:56
230	138	Paul HOLGATE	00:42:04

Tags EMAC, Hitchin Hard Half, Race to the Tower, Run Orwell, Serpentine, Welwyn 10k

Club News Race Results

ROUND THE GARDEN 5K

There was a win for Spartan JOHN HARRIS in the Letchworth Round the Garden 5K. He dipped under 20 minutes for a season’s best 19:59, first male 60 plus and 24^th overall.

The other Spartans racing in Letchworth were DAVID KENNEDY 22:56; MONICA SMITHSON in a new season’s best (SB) of 28:32; SAMANTHA SUTTON 33:00; JANE WHITROW 34:22; and ROGER BIGGS 43:16.

Ciaran Second In Norfolk

CIARAN McANENY ran in the Positive Steps Norfolk 100km race from Castle Acre along the Peddars Way to the North Norfolk Coast, then along the coastal path to Sheringham.

It was a long day out in the sun and he says he wasn’t quite in top form; but still finished in second place overall in 10 hours 26 minutes. Some 1 hour 30 minutes behind the winner who was in a different class on the day.

Ciaran said it was another great event again from the Positive Steps team. Lovely course (despite around six kilometres of it being on soft sand and shingle beaches) and a really friendly atmosphere.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 18^th June

In this week’s roundup of Spartans on the Parkrun circuit, we have members running at home around Fairlands and around the country as far as the Isle of Wight this week.

In Stevenage 228 runners took on the course. MIKE JEFFS was first Spartan home second overall finishing in 18 minutes 48 seconds which was a course PB (personal best on that parkrun course). ANN TRYSSESOONE was first female home for the club finishing 67th in 26-25.

Other results at the lakes were: STEVEN DOBNER 22-55 (28TH), MATT CLARKE 23-51 (39TH), MARTIN DUDLEY 24-21 (45TH), ANDREW MCGUINNESS 24-58 (53RD), JAMES MCSWEENEY 26-15 (66TH), DAVID PATTMAN 26-39 (70TH), BRIAN WHITE 26-47 (73RD), MO WARRILLOW 26-52 (77TH), JIM BROWN 28-19 (101ST), DEBBIE BLANTERN 30-27 (126TH), CHLOE CHAPMAN 32-21 (158TH), FIONA CLARKE 32-22 (159TH), GRANT RAMSAY 34-31 (180TH), TRACY HAGARTH 35-05 (188TH), HILARY DAVIES 35-28 (189TH), CRAIG BACON 36-20 (194TH), SIMON SYPULA 37-17 (202ND) AND ROGER BIGGS 46-737 (223RD). 

Other away day results:

Medina (Isle of Wight): Nick Kleanthous 27-12 (86th out of 214 runners). 

Roberts Park (Shipley, West Yorkshire): Tony Randfield 21-13 (22nd out of 303 runners).

Tidworth (Wiltshire): Darryl Stevens 40-47 (91st out of 111 runners). 

Barclay (Hoddesdon, Herts): Annabelle White 31-19 (66th out of 103 runners).

Letchworth (Herts): Georgie Hooper 32-26 (75th out of 105 runners), Nick Gill 32-27 (76th out of 105 runners). 

Panshanger (Hertford, Herts): Mike Reynolds 28-10 (84th out of 182 runners).

Henlow Bridge Lakes (Henlow, Beds): Michael O’Keefe 30-21 (70th out of 126 runners). 

Tags Letchworth 5K, Norfolk 100k

Club News Race Results

Spartans in Chingford Mid Week League

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date June 12, 2022
No Comments on Spartans in Chingford Mid Week League

34 Spartans made the difficult early evening journey to Chingford for the third in the series of Mid Week League road races.

This was on a tough six mile course in Epping Forest. SIMON JACKSON was third veteran and 12^th overall in 34 minutes 58 seconds; PETE SMITH first man 60 plus in 43:52 and TONY RANDFIELD third in 44:42.

This time MICHELLE REEVES was the fastest woman for FVS with 44:24 and MARIE COLUCCI second with 47:51. ABBIE PEZ was third woman under 20 with 54:08.

CAROLYN LINSELL was second woman 65 plus with 62:24 and CATHY CRAIG third with 66:50.

There were 15 Spartan women and 19 men. The fourth and final counting race in the 2022 Mid Week Road Race series will be in Trent Park, north London at 7.45p.m. on Thursday 30^th June

All smiles happy to of accomplished ‘The Hill!’

(For all 34 Spartan times and positions please see the table near the end of this release)

Hot and Hilly in St Albans

It was hot and hilly for the St Albans Half Marathon.

Spartan JOHN HARRIS was second man 60 plus and 130^th out of the 1,600 finishers in 1 hour 34 minutes 16 seconds.

MATT CLARKE came in at 1:43:27 and FIONA CLARKE 2:07:12.

CHLOE CHAPMAN said it was a really well organised event, although there were some big hills the route was beautiful. The ice lolly at the end was much needed. She finished in 2:14:19.

John and The Clarkes with their medals after a hot half

JIM BROWN was taken ill during the race but did eventually finish in 2 hours 35 minutes exactly.

JANE WADEY ran the 5K at St Albans. She came in with 33:53. She said she found it a bit hard, as it was very hilly which she hadn’t anticipated and also hot but it was the first actual chip-timed race she has done.

ROGER BIGGS completed the 5K in 49:29.

Adrian Busolini – Grand Trail du Saint Jacques (GTSJ)

ADRIAN BUSOLINI raced the 74 kilometres Grand Trail du Saint Jacques in France. One of the UTMB (Ultra Trail) World Series events there were 3.2 kilometres of climbing. He was 23^rd in 9 hours 34 minutes 55 second. Here’s his story:

The first half of the race wends its way up and down the hillsides rising from the Allier river, which are plastered with dense forest: a vibrant, dark green carpet so uncommon in England, which has been almost entirely deforested. Frequently steep, dry and slippery, poles are highly recommended on these trails.

Starting right at the back of the first wave after getting confused by the (lack of) instructions in Monistrol, within minutes I was stuck in queues at the base of the first single track ascent. It was painfully apparent I had a gargantuan challenge on my hands to try to forge a path through, and the narrow trails in the first half of GTSJ make it a very tough course to do that. After some 30-40 or so km I had managed to clear the slower part of the field, just as the temperature rose to around 30C – but now I had to push on, and start making up time, as opposed to just places. 

50K is where the course peaks, and it’s mostly a gradual downhill thereafter, with the hilly, forested landscape making way for sweeping plains and fields. I was starting to run low on food and water, and was rationing supplies, daring not to stop at any of the public water spots alongside my fellow runners so as not to lose any more time (having been joined by marathon and 32K competitors at this point, the course was, again, fairly crowded).

As I dehydrated and cooked out in the unshaded plains, passing runner after runner stationary and bent double over their poles, I kept my eye out for the iconic symbols of Le Puy en Velay, where the race concluded: the chapel of St Michael perched incredibly atop its own extinct volcano, and the imposing terracotta statue of Mary and child similarly overlooking the city. I did not spot them until I descended into the streets of the city itself, when I cranked into another gear and pushed on through a surprisingly good crowd up the final climb to the cathedral, a stunning location for the finish.

An important lesson for future trail races: don’t hang around in reception venues waiting for instructions, or presume where the start is. Get yourself to that start line early. Recovering from a back of the pack start can be non-trivial.

That said, 23rd place in a “by UTMB” race – I’ll happily take that.

Over the Sea to Skye

STEVE DOBNER and DAVID PATTMAN completed the Isle of Skye half in 2:01.59.

The weather was against them – 50mph wind, sideways rain and hail. With an elevation gain of 368 metres, it’s definitely a challenging course but also an amazing experience.

Steve and Dave still smiling through the rain after completing their race!

British Masters Steeplechase Silver

It was SILVER for GRANT RAMSAY in the British Masters Steeplechase Championship in Derby.

Over 3,000 metres he was second man 50 plus with 12 minutes 50 seconds.

Tony in the Forest

Spartan TONY RANDFIELD won the men over 60 (MV60) award at the Marston Forest 5K on Friday. He finished in 20 minutes 46 seconds and was 62^nd out of the 341 finishers.

Hampshire Hoppit

TONY RANDFIELD and ROB WRIGHT ran the Hampshire Hoppit trail marathon. They kept together to finish in a moving time of 4 hours 45 minutes 10 seconds.

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 11^th June

Eighteen Fairlands Valley Spartans ran in Parkrun events on Saturday morning.

Mark GOODWIN ran a PB time of 22 minutes and 54 seconds on the Stevenage course. Alongside Stuart ARCHER who finished the course 3rd overall in 19 minutes and 36 seconds and Jim BROWN who won his age category in 26 minutes and 55 seconds.

Visits to new courses were completed by, Michael O’KEEFE on the Armley course in 30:17, and Tracy HAYGARTH at Fell Foot, Newby Bridge in 34:40.

Tables

Midweek Road Race League Division 1 – Race 3 – Chingford 6 miles – Wednesday 8^th June

Position	Gender Pos	Cat	Vet	Name	Surname	Time	Cat.	M/F	Comments
12	12	3	3	Simon	Jackson	34:58	V 40	M	3rd Vet
24	24			Adrian	Busolini	36:21	S	M
39	39			Simon	Fraser	37:38	S	M
85	78			Mike	Jeffs	40:50	S	M
86	79			Ross	Gallagher	40:51	S	M
90	82			Stuart	Archer	41:29	S	M
114	98			Robert	Wright	43:23	S	M
121	103	1	56	Pete	Smith	43:52	V 60	M	1st MV60
133	20	9	14	Michelle	Reeves	44:24	V 35	F
140	119	3	71	Tony	Randfield	44:42	V 60	M	3rd Vet 60
161	132	52	84	Grant	Ramsay	43:00	V 40	M
184	149	35	97	Matt	Clarke	47:17	V 50	M
194	38	13	26	Marie	Colucci	47:51	V 35	F
209	164			David	Kennedy	48:41	S	M
216	169	7	113	Mark	Goodwin	49:12	V 60	M
223	48	17	34	Tracy	Pez	49:31	V 45	F
232	176	42	119	Darren	Emmerson	50:00	V 50	M
281	80	3		Abbie	Pez	54:08	U 20	F	3rd FU20
289	205	57	146	Tim	Robinson	55:22	V 50	M
293	208	16	148	Nick	Kleanthous	56:01	V 60	M
296	85	27	64	Wendy	Tharani	56:17	V 45	F
300	88	28	66	Claire	Emmerson	56:30	V 45	F
310	213	63	153	Karl	Shreeve	56:28	V 50	M
312	96			Chloe	Chapman	57:57	S	F
313	97	30	73	Vicky	Archer	57:46	V 35	F
331	112	2	88	Carolyn	Linsell	62:24	V 65	F	2nd FV65
338	219	67	159	Michael	O’Keefe	64:05	V 50	M
339	117	32	93	Ada	Janusiene	64:07	V 35	F
341	119	39	95	Jenny	Garrett	64:14	V 45	F
342	120	23	96	Monica	Smithson	65:14	V 55	F
346	124	4	100	Cathy	Craig	66:50	V 65	F	4th FV65
350	127	25	103	Sharon	Crowley	69:12	V 55	F
352	221	68	161	Jonathan	Jones	70:19	V 50	M
353	129	33	105	Callie	Chapman	70:31	V 35	F

15 women. 19 men.

Spartans at parkruns 11^th June

Parkrun	Position	Gender Position	Parkrunner	Time
Stevenage	3	3	Stuart ARCHER	00:19:35
	26	26	Mark GOODWIN	00:22:54
	39	37	Matt CLARKE	00:24:23
	41	39	Toby ECCLESHALL	00:24:37
	54	50	James MCSWEENEY	00:25:07
	93	77	Jim BROWN	00:26:55
	94	16	Nicola ANDERSSON	00:26:56
	102	18	Fiona CLARKE	00:27:43
	115	22	Andrea WESTCOTT	00:28:17
	122	94	Kartik SHARMA	00:28:45
	160	49	Chloe CHAPMAN	00:31:47
	191	119	David SCOTT	00:35:37

Wimpole Estate	264	108	Mo WARRILLOW	00:38:34

Fell Foot, Newby Bridge	183	74	Tracy HAYGARTH	00:34:40

Letchworth	27	25	Paul MAGUIRE	00:24:09

Armley	81	53	Michael O’KEEFE	00:30:17

Tags British Masters Steeplechase, Grand Trail du St Jacques, Hampshire Hobbit, Isle of Skye Half, Marston Forest 5k, MWL, St Albans

Club News Race Results

ADRIAN TOP TEN AT BROAD OAK

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date June 5, 2022
No Comments on ADRIAN TOP TEN AT BROAD OAK

Hatfield Broad Oak

In a time of 36 minutes 35 seconds Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI was tenth out of 989 in the Hatfield Broad Oak 10K on Friday. He was sixth senior (17 to 39).

GRANT RAMSAY was 23^rd in 38:09 and MATTHEW NEWTON 101^st in 44:11.

The Hatfield Broad Oak 10K is back for the first time since 2019. Not in its usual Bank Holiday Monday slot the change of date to a Saturday and then a Friday may have reduced participation a little but pre-Covid this was a very popular event for Fairlands Valley Spartans including the opportunity to get a 10K time on a measured fairly fast course.

The County 10K championships will be in Welwyn on Sunday 26^th June.

Women Win at Milton Keynes

The FVS ladies track and field team continued to dominate the central EMAC (Eastern Veterans) division with another impressive win on Wednesday evening at Milton Keynes. Two more new joiners, and near perfect competition conditions, helped the team beat rivals Marshall Milton Keynes by an impressive 15 points. Newbies Michelle Reeves (3^rd place W35 800 metres) and Fiona Clarke (3^rd place W35 long jump and 4^th place 200 metres) really enjoyed their return to track competition after a number of years. Wins on the night came from Tessa Stephenson W60 200m (by a massive margin!), Monica Brown W50 80mH and javelin, Sharon Crowley W60 80mH (also 2^nd place A string 1k walk), Nikki Wilby W35 pole vault, and Andrea Westcott W50 long jump (also 2^nd place 800m).  Helping the team to victory with all important points were Marian Morley with a superb sprint finish to clinch 2^nd place W50 200m (also 2^nd place discus), Cathy Craig 3^rd placed W60 800m and finished 1^st place B string 1k walk, Stephanie Biggar 2^nd place W35 javelin with a new massive PB! also 2^nd place discus throw, Joylyn Saunders-Mullins 2^nd place W60 javelin, Karen Dodsworth 2^nd place W60 discus and 2^nd place long jump.  Both Cathy and Sharon were competing in new events for the first time (800m and 80mH respectively), showing that it’s never too late to try new things.

The evening was rounded off by 4x400m relays, with W35 team of Nikki, Fiona, Andrea, and Michelle finishing in second place and W50 team winners Tessa, Joylyn, Karen, and Cathy.

The men’s team finished fourth in a highly competitive league fixture with another decent turnout and a new joiner to the squad. Steve Feely dropped down an age group to compete in the M35 javelin (4^th place) and discus (3^rd place), while Pete Smith and Steve Mayfield were vying for the busiest man on the night award, covering 11 events between them!  Points were earned by Anton McCalla – 4^th place M35 200m and 2^nd place long jump; Steve Mayfield – 2^nd place M50 200m, 4^th place in javelin, discus, long jump, and M35 pole vault; Nick Kleanthous – 5^th place M60 200m, 4^th place discus, and 4^th place 1k A string walk; Chris Westcott – 2^nd place M35 800m; Pete Smith – 2^nd place M60 800m, 3^rd place in 100mH, javelin, long jump, and 4^th place pole vault.

The 4x400m relay team of Grant, Anton, Pete, and Chris finished in fourth place.

Stockholm

JOHN HARRIS ran the Stockholm Adidas 3 Mile Race. This was on a scenic undulating course in the heart of Stockholm, finishing on the track in the Olympic stadium. He was 13^th on 20:02 (20 minutes 2 seconds).

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 4^th June

Jubilee weekend has seen Fairlands Valley Spartan members travelling far and wide, with 35 members running at 11 different venues across the country. It was also the first Parkrun of the month, with all the Stripes out in force for Stripey Saturday.

Adrian DONNELLY ran a Personal best of 20:24, coming 5^th at Oldbridge, Ireland.

Three other runners achieved top 10 positions, with Grant RAMSAY 3^rd at Stevenage (18:41), Nick GILL 5^th at Letchworth (20:58) and Kelly McHALE 8^th lady at Whitehaven, Cumbria (25:14).

A special mention goes to Darryl Stevens who has completed 200 Parkruns, astonishingly running in 105 different venues over 6 years. He achieved this milestone at Somerdale Pavilion with a time of 36:45 at this parkrun in Keynsham near Bristol.

Tables

Spartan parkrunners on Saturday 4^th June:

Stevenage parkrun
Position	Gender Position	parkrunner	Run Time	Comments
3	3	Grant RAMSAY	18:41
19	18	Tony RANDFIELD	21:20
31	27	Paul SHELLEY	22:47
39	34	Danik BATES	23:04
53	47	Toby ECCLESHALL	24:05
54	48	John NELMS	24:18
56	50	Ryan DUNNING	24:26
73	62	Martin DUDLEY	25:46
82	70	Nick KLEANTHOUS	26:02
84	72	David PATTMAN	26:08
86	73	Steven DOBNER	26:09
109	18	Alison SHELLEY	28:00
111	93	Matt CLARKE	28:15
113	19	Mo WARRILLOW	28:21
119	21	Fiona CLARKE	28:44
122	23	Debbie BLANTERN	28:49
127	103	Jim BROWN	29:08
139	30	Monica SMITHSON	30:18
152	38	Chloe CHAPMAN	31:30
151	37	Annabelle WHITE	31:30
158	43	Jane WADEY	32:01
177	52	Samantha SUTTON	33:56
181	124	Stephen SMITHSON	34:19
204	132	Simon SYPULA	38:59
212	133	Roger BIGGS	45:59
Darlington South Park parkrun
233	73	Tracy HAYGARTH	32:20
Edinburgh parkrun
306	192	Kartik SHARMA	30:15
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun
69	51	Michael O’KEEFE	30:43
Holkham parkrun
176	97	Paul JENNINGS	32:40
Letchworth parkrun
5	5	Nick GILL	20:58
Littleport parkrun
33	27	James MCSWEENEY	25:33
Nant y Pandy parkrun
28	24	Paul MAGUIRE	24:22
Oldbridge parkrun
5	4	Adrian DONNELLY	20:24	PB
Somerdale Pavilion parkrun
103	66	Darryl STEVENS	36:45	200th, 105 venues
Whitehaven parkrun
34	8	Kelly MCHALE	25:14

Tags EMAC, Hatfield Broad Oak, Stockholm

Club News Race Results

SPARTANS MIDWEEK IN ST ALBANS

Post author By Vicky Archer
Post date May 29, 2022
No Comments on SPARTANS MIDWEEK IN ST ALBANS

Sixty seven Spartans made the trip to St Albans on Wednesday evening for the second Mid Week League race of the season. There were 447 finishers with 25 women and 42 men from FVS.

Some of the notable performances included TONY RANDFIELD first man 60 plus (MV60) in 43:01; PETE SMITH second MV60 in 43:07. CAROLYN LINSELL second FV65 in 61:37 and SUZY HAWKINS in a fantastic 40:58, a personal best (PB) by 18 seconds, for third woman 45 plus.

Suzy was the fastest female from Fairlands at 13^th out of 176 women with GABRIELLE O’BRIEN second from the club and 28^th in 43:20 and MICHELLE REEVES third and 33^rd woman in 44:06.

Happy chatting Spartans before the race.

ABBIE (daughter) and TRACY (mother) came in together with 48:31.

KELLY McHALE continues to improve. She made it into the “A” team with a sub fifty 49 minutes 16 seconds cutting 1:41 off her personal best. GEORGIE HOOPER also beat fifty with 49:56.

The quickest Spartan was SIMON JACKSON in 34:08 for 16^th out of 271 men with SIMON FRASER not far behind at 23^rd in 34:58 and ANDREW PATTERSON 31^st in 35:48.

Seventeen Spartans smashed their personal bests (PB) for 10K and ten were running their first ever 10K race. The personal bests included ADRIAN BUSOLINI taking his 10K down to 36:05; KELVIN BEYIOKU down to 36:23; DANNY HUKIN down to 37:08; ROSS GALLAGHER down to 39:07 and STUART ARCHER down below 40 for the first time with 39:29. The table at the end of the release notes all the PB details along with everyone else’s results.

The Spartans had more than enough for three men’s teams of 12 runners and three women’s teams of eight runners. Everyone of the 67 Spartans contributed.

The next mid week race will be in Epping Forest, near Chingford on Wednesday evening 8^th June.

Smiling on the start line – Always time for a quick photo!

Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon

What an emotional rollercoaster the past few months have been said Spartan MIKE JEFFS. What started out as a way just to keep fit grew legs quite rapidly with him entering his first race doing the Hertfordshire 10K 18 months ago all the way to doing his first ever marathon at Edinburgh in 3:24:02.

DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT got a great result in the Edinburgh Half Marathon with a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 16 minutes 25 seconds for 51^st overall and 8^th in the 40 to 44 age group.

There was also a PB for CRAIG MARTIN who ran the Edinburgh Half in 1:36:29. His previous PB was 1 hour 43 minutes.

MARIE COLUCCI smashed the Half in 1 hour 43 minutes 03 seconds! After what she admitted was a grumpy start to the day this was a much better run than she was expecting and came in the top 5% of her age group!

Buxton Half

Eighth place in 1:23:58 was SIMON FRASER’s reward for battling some really tough hills, up and down, in the Buxton Half Marathon. He said there were lots of beautiful running miles.

Serpentine

JIM BROWN ran the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park (Serpentine) for the last time before going up an age group. He was delighted to finish in his best time (YB) this year – 26 minutes 26 seconds.

Once again the top end standard was very high. Jim was 165th out of 194. It was dry, sunny, mild, with a medium breeze and the race followed with a lunch-time ice cream by the lake.

The Coaching Team Gets Even Stronger

Another boost to an already fantastic Fairlands coaching team. After six months of studying, JOHN HARRIS has qualified as a UKA Endurance Level 4 Coach. That’s the highest possible UKA Coach qualification. Well done John!!

Parkrun Highlights Saturday 28^th May

Stevenage parkrun’s sixth birthday brought out several Spartans in fancy dress. There was a total of 253 runners. The 21 Spartans included GRANT RAMSAY fifth in 18 minutes 21 seconds and ALISON SHELLEY ninth woman in 25:52.

Stevenage Parkrun including the standard active wear of Where’s Wally and a Chicken!

PAUL MAGUIRE said he had a great run in Liverpool. He ran the Princes parkrun, appropriately alongside many Penny Lane Striders, in 24 minutes 22 seconds and was 140^th out of 451. He said it was a lovely route around the park and by the lake and that he kept it steady and felt strong.

ANY JAY was 62^nd out of 99 at Westmill, Ware in 30:55.

Away day Parkrun fun for the Evolve team!

Tables

Midweek Road Race League Race 2. St Albans 10km. Wednesday 25^th May 2022

Race

Pos

Cat

Vet

No.

Time

Name

Surname

Cat.

M/F

Own Time

Impr

1055

34:08

Simon

Jackson

V 40

34:08

0:32

1065

34:58

Simon

Fraser

34:56

2:15

1053

35:48

Andrew

Patterson

V 40

35:48

1084

36:05

Adrian

Busolini

36:05

0:19

1067

36:25

Kelvin

Beyioku

36:23

0:18

1073

37:09

Danny

Hukin

V 40

37:08

0:50

1074

38:24

Grant

Ramsay

V 40

38:23

1057

39:08

Ross

Gallagher

39:07

0:19

1071

39:29

Stuart

Archer

39:29