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News

BEWARE OF THE DARK SIDE!!

Post author By Coach
Post date September 4, 2012
333 Comments on BEWARE OF THE DARK SIDE!!

With the darker nights beginning to move into our evening training sessions please remember to wear appropriate clothing and ensure that you are visible. Please have a read of our ‘Be safe, be seen, be a Spartan’ for further advice.

Fairlands Valley Spartans – be safe, be seen and be a Spartan v6 September 2011

Thanks

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: SIMON AND KAREN WIN 5K

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date September 3, 2012
29 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: SIMON AND KAREN WIN 5K

SIMON AND KAREN WIN 5K

Track and Tri Wins by Grant and Natalie

August Handicap 5K

There were many excellent times from the forty runners in Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Handicap 5K on Thursday night. They included seven new personal bests, four season’s bests and eight year best times for 2012. There were nine people running their first 5K.

SIMON HARRIS was first to finish, recording his third Handicap 5K victory. He ran a new year best time of 27 minutes 39 seconds (27:39), 41 seconds quicker than previously. Newcomer Khil Shah was second in 27:49, 3:26 quicker than handicap, and Ian Simpson 3^rd just 10 seconds behind, in his first 5K in just 22:59.

KAREN ELLIS finished first female, 2:29 ahead of handicap, in 25;01, with Claire Coker 2^nd in a new PB of 23:57, 43 seconds quicker than her previous PB, and Rhiannon Griffin 3^rd in a PB time of her own of 21 minutes 2 seconds.

In handicap events the slower runners, on previous form, start first and if everyone runs to handicap everyone finishes together. However the fastest runner on the night was GRANT RAMSAY, overtaking 34 runners to finish 6^th overall in 17 minutes 11 seconds. Christopher Westcott was second quickest in a new personal best (PB) time of 17:55, and Liam Herbert third fastest with 18:27, just 19 seconds outside his own PB time despite the increased difficulty of the Stevenage 5K course.

LISA BURGESS was the fastest female in a new PB of 20:29, with Rhiannon 2^nd quickest (21:02) and Tracy Pez 3^rd fastest in 22:51.

Other PBs included Sai Naidoo, +2:13 to 27:25, Peter Carpenter +1:12 to 29:28, Vishal Shah +0:32 to 22:54 and Maddie Pritchard + 0:11 to 23:08, while the Season’s Best times were by Steve Gough (+1:26), Mark Goodwin (+0:29), Dawn Easby (+0:28) and Mark Cheadle (+0:03), and the year best times included Nick Witcombe (+6:38), Adrian Donnelly (+2:42) and Selvan Naicker (+0:12).

A big thank you to Chris Leigh, Mark Beasley, Christine Sharman and Mike & Sharon Crowley gave excellent support and assistance on the night.

There is a perfect opportunity to compete again on the Handicap 5k course in the Stevenage 5k on Sunday 9^th September and the first Autumn Handicap 5k of 2012 will be on the 25^th October.

Full 5K Results:

Pos	Name	Time	Time Position	Female Position	Comments
1	SIMON HARRIS	27:39	32		Event winner. Year’s best by 41 seconds.
2	KHIL SHAH	27:49	33		1st 5K
3	IAN SIMPSON	22:59	17		1st 5K
4	ADRIAN DONNELLY	19:53	6		YB
5	SAI NAIDOO	27:25	31		PB (2:13)
6	GRANT RAMSAY	17:11	1
7	DAVID BOWKER	18:42	4		YB
8	OLLY TEW	22:44	12		1st 5K
9	TODD GRAY	18:47	5
10	VISHAL SHAH	22:54	14		PB (0:32)
11	CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT	17:55	2		PB (0:23)
12	KAREN ELLIS	25:01	27	9	First woman.
13	STEVE GOUGH	28:10	35		SB
14	MARK CHEADLE	24:38	24		SB
15	CLAIRE COKER	23:57	22	7	PB (0:43)
16	RUSS ANDREWS	27:58	34		1^st 5K
17	RHIANNON GRIFFIN	21:02	9	2	1st 5K
18	MARK GOODWIN	21:31	10		SB
19	ANDY JAY	23:24	20
20	DEREK WOOD	22:55	15		1st 5K
21	LIAM HERBERT	18:27	3
22	NICK WITCOMBE	26:00	29		YB
23	DAWN EASBY	23:37	21	6	SB
24	SELVAN NAICKER	24:08	23		YB
25	MADDIE PRITCHARD	23:08	19	5	PB (0:11)
26	LISA BURGESS	20:29	7	1	PB (0:14)
27	PETER CARPENTER	29:28	37		PB (1:12)
28	ROGER BIGGS	22:58	16
29	JULIE SIMMONS	23:03	18	4	1st 5K
30	MARIA THORNE	26:39	30	10
31	NICOLA LORIMER	24:48	25	8	YB
32	GRAHAM HILL	29:29	38		1st 5K
33	RYAN DUNNING	22:33	11
34	BARRY OSBORNE	20:40	8		1st 5K
35	ANDREA WESTCOTT	28:26	36	11	YB
36	PAUL HOLGATE	25:40	28
37	TRACY PEZ	22:51	13	3
38	ROBERT SHAW	25:01	26
39	CHAS AVIS	36:05	40		YB
40	SARAH SAPSTEAD	31:01	39	12

PB = personal best; SB = season’s best; YB = year best.

Grant Wins In Southern League

GRANT RAMSAY won Sunday’s Southern League 5,000 metres track race in 16 minutes 25 seconds, his fastest time for over three years. He was also fourth in the 2,000 metres steeple chase in 7 minutes 28 seconds.

PB Ann At Bedford 10K

Ann Tryssesoone reduced her personal best by over a minute when she ran Sunday’s Bedford 10K in 50 minutes 26 seconds. It was a well organised race making use of the local cycle paths and taking in the local scenery and river.

Peter’s First Tri

PETER CARPENTER has completed his first triathlon and was second in his age group (65-69) at the Thames Turbo Triathlon 4.

He took 10 minutes 31 seconds for the 426 metres swim; 47 minutes 45 seconds for the 21.5 kilometres cycle and took 30 minutes 50 seconds for the 5K run. With transitions his total time was 1 hour 33 minutes 1 second.

There were 500 entries. Overall Peter was 347^th out of the 418 who finished.

Barnard’s First Ever Podium At Ironman Debut

NATALIE BARNARD was third in the Galway 70.3 Triathlon. Her first podium placing at the ironman distance. She was the youngest pro by 5-9yrs!

It was her fastest swim by 5 minutes; had a strong but hard bike and ran 13.25miles in 1 hour 35 minutes exactly.

Kent Coastal Marathon.

On a hilly first half and a flat second half ROGER BIGGS and CAROL PAUL ran the Kent Coastal Marathon with its hilly first half and a flat second half. Roger completed the course in 3 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds and Carol in 4:43:24. DAVE PAUL did the supporting half marathon in 2:25:20

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race THIS Sunday 9^th September. See www.fvspartans.org.uk

Then there is the Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23^rd September which includes the County Championship Five and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November. All three races are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans. The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Serpentine 5K on Friday 28^th September.
Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7^th October.
Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 25^th October.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.

The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.

Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

News

September edition of Catch a Coach!

Post author By Coach
Post date September 3, 2012
2 Comments on September edition of Catch a Coach!

This month’s edition of Catch a Coach is now out!!! You can read all of the details at: Catch a Coach newsletter September 2012 v0.1

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: GRANT FOR GB IN EUROPE

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date August 28, 2012
28 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: GRANT FOR GB IN EUROPE

GRANT FOR GB IN EUROPE

Europe Medals for Iris * Enter Now For The County 5K

Fairlands Valley Spartans GRANT RAMSAY was the first runner home for Team GB in the European Veterans Marathon Championships which were held in Hradek, Czech Republic at the weekend. He was fifth in the male veteran (40 plus) age group with an overall position of 21^st out of the 500 runners with a time of 2 hours 51 minutes 40 seconds.

Euro Medals On The Track

Meanwhile IRIS HORNSEY was in Zittau in Germany for the weekend where she took part in the European Veterans Athletic Championships.

She ran in four events in the Women’s 70+ age group:

In the 1500 metres Iris came seventh in a time of 7 minutes 22.05 seconds. She was a bit disappointed and realised she went off too fast. The temperature was a sticky 35 degrees though and everyone’s time was down!

The 400 metres was a better race for Iris on a cooler day. She came fifth in a time of 1:30.68.

Then in the 800 metres Iris came third in a time of 3:30.37 and won a BRONZE medal! She was absolutely thrilled!

Then the next day there were the relays. In the 4×100 metres W70 Team, she ran the second leg in the Great Britain Team which finished second in a time of 1:17.45 and won a SILVER medal! (They were beaten by the Germans who had a really good team of sprinters but they were very pleased with themselves)

BBC 10K

The Regent’s Park run was a pleasant early evening 10K for three Spartans after their days work in London. It was organised by the BBC Running Club on a fast three lap course round Regents Park with a cooling temperature and a light wind making for near perfect running conditions. STEVE MAYFIELD completed his sixth race in 10 days, finishing 24th in a new personal best (PB) of 42 minutes 43 seconds. STEPH MAYFIELD came in 74th in 52:55 just ahead of PAUL HOLGATE in 54:40.

Mayfield On Track

With the track and field season recommencing after the Olympics, STEVE MAYFIELD made up for lost time by getting to three open graded meetings in just over a week. Starting at Blackheath and Bromley, he was third in heat two of the 1500 metres in 5 minutes 10.5 seconds.

Two days later Steve was at Lea Valley for their sprints evening. These are held monthly through the summer and often attract the odd international, on this occasion Montell Douglas (current GB women’s 100 metres record holder) was the star athlete. Steve set a new personal best (PB) of 13.40 in heat two of the 100 metres then ran 27.08 to take fourth place in heat 3 of the 200m,

After squeezing in a 5 mile road race in Tewksbury, Steve was back on the track this week at Woodford Green. In the midst of a short sharp rain shower he ran a season’s best of 2 minutes 26.36 in the 800 metres, before dashing off to do the long jump.

Serpentine

Although he says he struggled throughout battling a stitch, and the race followed a tough week of duathlon training in preparation for representing GB in the World Duathlon Championships in four weeks time, SIMON JACKSON, completed the Friday lunch-time Serpentine 5K in 17 minutes 9 seconds. He was ninth out of the 151 finishers.

Spartans Club Chair BEV HARLOW ran a new personal best of 24 minutes 43 seconds, beating a PB set ten years ago, so she is quite pleased and will certainly do this race again. Bev was 121^st.

JIM BROWN ran an age related season’s best time of 21 minutes 51 seconds. He was 77^th.

The race was on the temporary Kensington Gardens course. Once the Olympics and Paralympics are over the Serpentine 5Ks will revert to the usual course in Hyde Park and the usual date, the last Friday of the Month.

Liam’s Diamond PB

LIAM HERBERT used his Bank Holiday Monday to race on the track for the first time this year, by running 1500 metres in the Peterborough Diamond Games. Running in the first of three open graded races, Liam maintained a consistent pace with his final lap being his fastest, and accelerated to a new personal best (PB) time of 4 minutes 49.8, taking an impressive 32.1 seconds off his previous best.

Newmarket Duathlon

Last Sunday, DANNY HUKIN competed in his first Duathlon race at Newmarket consisting of a 3 mile run; 14mile bike and 3mile run. With a midday start in 30 degree heat as well pre race nerves to contend with, it was a tough duathlon debut. Danny finished in 21st place and 9th in his age category in a strong field.

Thames Meander Trail Marathon trail Marathon

The Thames Meander Trail Marathon on Saturday was an event from Kingston-Upon-Thames, with a 1 mile road start and 2.5 miles in Richmond Park, before turning East along the south towpath to reach halfway at Putney Bridge, then returning back along the same route. Apart from hilly sections with in the park, the course was basically flat, although roughish trail at times.

After a reasonable first half, Roger struggled in the later stages to finish in 4 hours 28 minutes 27 seconds and 102^nd out of 181 finishers.

Pathfinder Event

Twelve Spartans travelled to Conington near Huntingdon on Monday for the Pathfinder event that visits the several World War Two RAF Airfields in the area. The race was on a a combination of minor road, trails, paths & fields, that took part in lovely running conditions, over a pretty flat course.

Spartan times in the 42 kilometre event were MIKE NEWBITT (4:57:30); CAROL PAUL (5:08:30); ROGER BIGGS (5:21:57); SHARON CROWLEY, TRICIA HOPPER, KAREN LIDDLE and DAVID BOWKER (all 5:44:59) and DAVE CARTER (8:00:00).

DAVE PAUL and MIKE CROWLEY finished the 32 kilometres event in 4 hours 44 minutes 30 seconds and 5:18:20 respectively.

ROBERT and PAULINE HARDY both completed the 14 kilometres option in 4:03:55.

Smugglers Trod Off Road Marathon — Saturday, 25^th August 2012

MIKE NEWBITT took part in the Smugglers Trod Off Road Marathon from Robin Hoods Bay, Yorkshire on Saturday. He took exactly six hours.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9^th September, Paul Maguire Memorial Five on 23^rd September which includes the County Championship Five and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November. All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans. The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Soon

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Spartans Handicap 5K on Thursday evening 30^th August.
County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Serpentine 5K on Friday 28^th September.
Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7^th October.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: FAST AT FERRY MEADOWS

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date August 20, 2012
173 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: FAST AT FERRY MEADOWS

FAST AT FERRY MEADOWS

Plus It’s Never Too Late

Fast at Ferry Meadows

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ RICHARD BATE and LIAM HERBERT ran superb 5K times on Wednesday evening. The Barney Memorial 5K provided the perfect scenic background for some fast times. Based at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, and taking in a relatively flat circuit of a lake and the surrounding countryside, conditions were overcast but otherwise cool and great for racing.

In a strong field, due to this race also being a Cambridgeshire County Champs race, RICHARD BATE finished 11th out of 223 finishers in a new season’s best (SB) time of 16 minutes 53 seconds. LIAM HERBERT ran a new personal best (PB) time of 18 minutes 20 seconds, finishing in 34th place.

It’s Never Too Late

76 year old JOHN TYRRELL joined Fairlands Valley Spartans at the beginning of the track and field season in April. He become a member of the club’s Eastern Vets team and progressed steadily over the season.

On Thursday 16th August, John ventured up to Sandy, Bedfordshire to enter the Biggleswade Throws Fest along with throwers from all over Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

He had good competition in the Discus throwing a personal best of 19.30 metres and the Shot in 6.76 metres. Both throws were a metre improvement on his previous best.

He will be 77 in October. John has proved it’s never too late to take up athletics.

Aquaman Aquathlon

DARREN WILBY and NIKKI ANDREWS did the Aquaman aquathlon in Banbury in scorching sunshine (nice for the swim, not for the run!). It was a 1500 metres pool swim followed by a 10km run, 5km of which was off road and very hilly. Nikki just about beat Darren on the swim but in the end they finished not too far apart considering the staggered start. Darren’s total was 1 hour 23 minutes 42 seconds for 15^th place in a strong field. Nikki’s total was 1 hour 24 minutes 25 seconds for 16^th. Detailed times below:

Darren

Wilby

Senior

00:30:48
swim

00:52:54
run

01:23:42
total

Nikki

Andrews

Senior

00:30:23
swim

00:54:02
run

01:24:25
total

The run times include transition.

Northumberland Trail

ROGER BIGGS took a train ride north to the coastal village of Alnmouth for the Northumberland Coast Trail Marathon. This hugged the coast to the north and back again. With a warm start, but raining by the end, he finished in 5 hours 5 minutes 56 seconds.

Wilting On Wight

STEVE BLOCK ran/walked the Isle of Wight Half Marathon on Sunday. On a hilly course and very hot day he was glad just to finish! His time was 2 hours 27 minutes 23 seconds.

Enter Now!

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Serpentine 5K on Friday 24^th August (note unusual date).
County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7^th October.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: CROWLEYS DIP IN DOVEDALE

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date August 14, 2012
41 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: CROWLEYS DIP IN DOVEDALE

CROWLEYS DIP IN DOVEDALE

Gold Connection * Here Come The Fives

Dovedale Dipper

Spartans MIKE and SHARON CROWLEY took on the Dovedale Dipper based at Hartington in Derbyshire. Sharon completed the marathon run in a time of 7 hours 21 minutes, finishing in 120th place. Mike completed the 15 mile walk in 4 hours 53 minutes, the 10th finisher. The weather was generally OK, Mike getting just a few spots of rain and missing the showers, but Sharon getting drenched at one point! Mike’s brother, Gregory, won the marathon race in 3 hours 45 minutes!

Gold Connection

Spartans PETE and KAREN SMITH are celebrating. Their niece, Katherine Copeland and her partner Sophie Hosking won the Olympic Gold Medal for Women’s Lightweight Double Sculls on Saturday 4th August. They are extremely proud of her.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9th September, Championship Five Miles on 23rd September and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November. All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans. The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Please see the separate release about the Paul Maguire Five.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.
Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7th October.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BOWKER WINS BRITISH MASTERS

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date August 6, 2012
129 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: BOWKER WINS BRITISH MASTERS

BOWKER WINS BRITISH MASTERS
Monica Takes Silver * Grant Ready for Europe

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ DAVID BOWKER won GOLD in the British Masters Athletics Federation Championships at Oxford on Sunday. He was first vet (50 plus) in the 10 kilometre walk with a time of 66 minutes 48 seconds.

MONICA BROWN took silver in the Heptathlon which was held on Saturday and Sunday though she says she had a mixed competition.

She was disappointed to be down on her jumps and 200 metres after last week’s EVAC championships but was pleased to see an improvement in her throws with personal bests (PB) in both the shot and javelin. The overall result was a Silver Medal in my age group (W45).

Day One: The day was a mixture of sunshine and occasional showers but luckily athletes managed to avoid the rain but sadly not the wind. Hurdles- 17.05 seconds, High Jump – 1.30 metres, Shot – 6.87 metres (PB), 200 metres sprint – 29.91 seconds.

Day Two: Heavy rain and more wind. There were showers just before the long jump, javelin in the rain and heavy rain and lightning during the 800 metres. Mmonica was hoping that the thought of getting soaked and possibly struck by lightning might help her to run faster for the 800 metres but sadly that was not the case. Long Jump – 4.03 metres, Javelin 17.60 metres (PB), 800metres — 3 minutes 18.10 seconds.

Overall an enjoyable couple of days, made better by being joined on the Sunday by fellow Spartans. Dave Bowker for the BMAF 10K Walk Championships and Grant Ramsay for the BMAF 10K Run Championships. Her silver medal was in the women (45 plus) category.

GRANT RAMSAY was fourth man (40 plus) in the British Masters 10K Track Champs, Oxford in 34 minutes 47 seconds.

A nice confidence booster ahead of the European Vets Marathon Championships, which will be in the Czech Republic on Aug 25th. He will be representing team GB.

And, of course, lots of Spartans have been watching or helping the London Olympics.

John’s Golds, Silver and Bronze.

In the recent EVAC (East of England) championships Spartan JOHN TYRELL was first in the male (75 plus) category javelin with 16.57 metres; second in the hammer with 11.32 metres; third in the discus with 18.32 metres and fourth in the shot with 5.97 metres.

Enter Now!

The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9^th September, Championship Five Miles on 23^rd September and Championship Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November. All are in Stevenage and all are for seniors and veterans. The championships are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Serpentine 5K on Friday 24^th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Standalone 10K in Letchworth on Sunday 7^th October.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

News

Catch a Coach newsletter – August 2012

Post author By Coach
Post date August 4, 2012
214 Comments on Catch a Coach newsletter – August 2012

Hi,

Here is this months edition of the Catch a Coach newsletter, highlighting 10 of the best for August, a key 1K intervals session in the month, plus hints and tips for getting more from your running. I hope you enjoy it!

Catch a Coach newsletter August 2012v0.2

News

Membership Information Survey – Prize draw winner

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date July 31, 2012
126 Comments on Membership Information Survey – Prize draw winner

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the first membership information survey this month. The response was better than anticipated which means more useful feedback and opinions were generated. Your views really do matter, and both the club and Liam (who is now in the final stages of his University dissertation project) are very appreciative for all your efforts.

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the prize draw for the £20 Amazon gift voucher, selected at random from everyone who completed the survey, is Vivienne Honey.

Congratulations … your prize is on its way to you Vivienne!

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: TEN GOLDS, FOUR SILVERS, TWO BRONZES

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date July 30, 2012
No Comments on NEWS RELEASE: TEN GOLDS, FOUR SILVERS, TWO BRONZES

TEN GOLDS, FOUR SILVERS, TWO BRONZES

Roger’s Night Fever * Hot In Bedford

Fairlands Valley Spartans won ten GOLD medals, four SILVER medals and two BRONZE medals in regional championships on Sunday. Five women and two men travelled up to Sandy in Bedfordshire to compete in the Eastern Veterans Athletic Club (EVAC) track and field championships.

EVAC is the area club most veterans in the East of England belong to, which allows them to compete for their clubs in the league matches.

The Spartan group of Monica Brown, Dave Bowker, Sharon Crowley, Iris Hornsey, Steph Mayfield, Steve Mayfield and Tessa Stephenson battled against the inclement weather and came home with ten golds, four silvers, two bronze medals and three club records between them.

Monica Brown who used the championships as a warm up to next week’s British Masters Heptathlon Championships at Oxford by winning 100m, 200m, High Jump and Long Jump in a season’s best length in her age group.

Steve Mayfield had to fight the elements to win the male 45 age group Javelin with a new personal best and club record along with Dave Bowker who improved his own club record in the 2000 metre walk.

Full results

Monica Brown 1st W45 (GOLD women 45 plus) 100 metres 14.1 seconds; 1st W45 200 metres 29.6 seconds; 1st W45 Long Jump 4 metres 55; and 1st W45 High Jump 1 metre 35

Iris Hornsey 1st W70 (GOLD women 70 plus) 400 metres; and 1st W70 800 metres

Sharon Crowley 1st W50 (GOLD women 50 plus) 2k Walk 14 minutes 18 seconds; and 3rd W50 1500 metres

Stephanie Mayfield 1st W35 (GOLD women 35 plus) Hammer 16 metres 51; 2nd W35 100 metre Hurdles 24.1 seconds; and 3rd W35 Pole Vault 1 metre 70

Tessa Stephenson 2nd W50 (SILVER women 50 plus) Discus 14 metres 35; and 2nd W50 Shot Putt and club record (for 3kg weight) 7 metres 53

Dave Bowker 1st M50 (GOLD men 50 plus) 2000 metre Walk and club record 11 minutes 17.5 seconds

Steve Mayfield 1st M45 (GOLD men 45 plus) Javelin and club record 28.11 metres; 2nd M45 Long Jump 4 metres 42 centimetres; and 3rd M45 100 metres 13.7 seconds

Bedford

On the hottest day of the year so far, evening temperatures were perfect for running at the Doug Anderson 5k in Bedford on Wednesday, with 5 Spartans competing:

LIAM HERBERT was 38^th of the 351 finishers equalling his personal best (PB) time of 18 minutes 29 seconds; KEVIN SMYTH was 108^th in a season’s best (SB) 21 minutes 1 second; ANDREW HULL 119^th in a SB 21:26; PAUL HOLGATE 214^th in 25:13 and IRIS HORNSEY was first Vet 70 plus in 28 minutes 24 seconds.

Madeyarun Marathon x2

On Saturday 28th July in brilliant sunshine CAROL PAUL and Mike Newbitt took part in day one of the Madeyarun around the reservoir trail marathon. This was a trail marathon consisting of seven laps around Brackmills reservoir in Northampton. Finishing with superb sun tans Carol completed the course in 4 hours 42 minutes and Mike completed it in 5 hours and 3 minutes. Not content with doing one marathon over the weekend they toed the line again on Sunday morning to run it again but this time it started in sunshine then there were showers and then heavy rain and strong winds with thunder and lightning. Mike completed the course in 4 hours 56 minutes and Carol finished in exactly 5 hours.

Enigma Night Fever Marathon

With forthcoming marshal duties at the Olympics, ROGER BIGGS took the opportunity to fit in a midweek marathon on Wednesday. On a lovely warm evening the runners in the Enigma Night Fever Marathon had to complete 17 laps of Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes. Roger completed the marathon in 4:14:30.

Enter Now!

With the numerous sporting events taking place during the next couple of months now is a good time to remind you about entering two Fairlands Valley Spartan races.

Both of these events also incorporate the Hertfordshire Country Champs — Vets and Seniors — so don’t miss out.

Fairlands Valley Spartans 5K – 10:30am, Sunday 9 September 2012

(This year we are only holding one 5K race — DON’T MISS OUT!)

Run on the usual Spartans course but in complete daylight, you will be able to see every inch of this undulating but fast course. Entries will be capped at 300 runners and it incorporates the Vets and Senior Herts County Champs — so it is bound to fill up fast.

Enter online at:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=71675&ms=

Further event details, plus postal entry forms, are available from the Spartans website here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/ai1ec_event/5k-race-incorporating-the-herts-county-championships/?instance_id=

‘Like’ this event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FV5kSeries

The Paul Maguire Memorial 5 Mile – 10:30am, Sunday 23 September 2012

Re-launched this year on a new fast undulating course that takes in some of the lakes and our famous cycle-ways. This event is to remember Paul Maguire, a much admired Spartan, who passed away in 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Profits from the race will be donated to the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth.

Entries will be capped at 300 runners and it incorporates the Vets and Senior Herts County Champs — so, again, it is bound to fill up fast.

Enter online at:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=71094&ms=

Further event details, plus postal entry forms, are available from the Spartans website here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/ai1ec_event/paul-maguire-5-mile-race-incorporating-the-herts-county-championships/?instance_id=

Please support your local running events.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Serpentine 5K on Friday 24^th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)
County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: IRIS IS A TREBLE CHAMPION

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date July 23, 2012
39 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: IRIS IS A TREBLE CHAMPION

IRIS IS A TREBLE CHAMPION

326 Relay in the Park plus 487 in Fairlands Off Road Challenge

326 runners plus spectators and dozens of helpers enjoyed a great sunny evening in Fairlands Valley Park on Thursday for Fairlands Valley Spartans’ annual relays which included the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire road relay championships. Each runner ran three kilometres.

The 218 men and 108 women were organised into 35 women’s and 45 men’s or mixed teams.

The men’s race, five stages totalling 15 kilometres, was won by St. Albans Striders in 47 minutes 17 seconds and the women’s race, three stages totalling nine kilometres, was won by Garden City Runners in 33 minutes 59 seconds. The fastest woman was Louise Peters of Stopsley Striders in 10 minutes 37 seconds, the fastest man Edward Shepherd of Herts Phoenix in 8 minutes 53 seconds.

Fairlands Valley Spartans had four men’s teams and two women’s teams. Two others ran as individuals. Two Spartans beat ten minutes for the undulating three kilometres — GRANT RAMSAY, 20th in 9 minutes 45 seconds, and SIMON JACKSON, 27th in 9:52.

ALISON WOOD beat twelve minutes to finish in 11:27 with RHIANNON GRIFFIN second fastest Spartan woman in 12:19.

LIAM HERBERT improved by 32 seconds to 10:21 (49th); VISHAL SHAH by 29 seconds to 13:30 (242nd); MARK CHEADLE by 38 seconds to 14:12 (262nd). Many other Spartans were running in the relays for the first time.

Pos	Name		Team	Time	Comments
20	Grant Ramsay	M	FVS ‘A’	9:45
27	Simon Jackson	M	FVS ‘A’	9:52
35	Andrew Patterson	M	FVS ‘A’	10:05
38	Shaw Pye	M	FVS ‘A’	10:08
49	Liam Herbert	M	FVS ‘B’	10:21	32 seconds improvement on 2011
51	Rob Willis	M	FVS ‘B’	10:23
62	Chris Westcott	M	FVS ‘A’	10:29
72	Brian Brackstone	M	FVS ‘B’	10:37
96	Todd Gray	M	FVS ‘B’	10:58
97	David Bowker	M	FVS ‘B’	10:59
127	Alison Wood	F	FVS women’s ‘A’	11:27	11th woman
134	Martin Wood	M	FVS ‘C’	11:35
144	Steve Mayfield	M	FVS ‘C’	11:45
148	Tony Bradford	M	FVS ‘C’	11:46
152	Adrian Donnelly	M	FVS Individual	11:53
186	Rhiannon Griffin	F	FVS women’s ‘A’	12:19
214	Ryan Dunning	M	FVS ‘C’	12:57
236	Julie Simmons	F	FVS individual	13:23
242	Vishal Shah	M	FVS ‘C’	13:30	29 seconds improvement on 2011
244	Jim Brown	M	FVS ‘D’	13:32
256	Ian Runner	M	FVS ‘D’	13:59
258	Claire Coker	F	FVS women’s ‘B’	14:05
262	Mark Cheadle	M	FVS ‘D’	14:12	38 seconds improvement on 2011
263	Trudie Molloy	F	FVS women’s ‘A’	14:13
268	Karen Ellis	F	FVS women’s ‘B’	14:19
288	Paul Holgate	M	FVS ‘D’	15:16
292	Katie Bradford	F	FVS women’s ‘B’	15:35
324	Matthew Holgate	M	FVS ‘D’	22:04

Fairlands Valley Challenge

487 runners and walkers took part in Fairlands Valley Spartans’ hugely successful Fairlands Valley Challenge off road event. They included 35 Spartans, seven in the 50 kilometres “Ultra;” ten in the 26.4 miles marathon; five in the 18 miles event; twelve in the 12 miles event and one in the 10 miles.

In the “Ultra” they were MATT GILL (6 hours 17 minutes); CHRIS LEIGH (6:27); JAMIE KELLETT (6:46); TRICIA HOPPER (7:48); KAREN LIDDLE (6:48); JENNIFER ROBERTSON (7:49); and SHARON CROWLEY (7:49).

Over 26.4 miles there were CAROL PAUL (5 hours 16 minutes); MIKE NEWBITT (5:16); ROGER BIGGS (5:17); ROB SHAW (5:22); CLAIRE WHITTLE (5:44); ROB HARDY (5:58); PAUL HOLGATE (6:05); DAVID PAUL (6:19); MICHAELA SANDERS (8:20) and BIG DAVE CARTER (9:03).

The five in the 18 miles event were STEVE GREEN (2 hours 49 minutes); SAM HARTE and RHIANNON GRIFFIN (both 3:14); LISA LIVERSIDGE (3:54) and LORRAINE WYATT (3:55).

Then the dozen in the twelve were YVONNE JONES (2 hours 7 minutes); TRACY BULLOT, VISHAL SHAH and LEE POTTER (all in 2:17); JEANETTE COLLINS (2:25); TRACY STILES and LISA JERROM (both 2:52); DARRYL STEVENS (2:56); PAULINE HARDY (3:18); KATRINA DOYLE, LISA POTTER and KERRY SETTERFIELD (all in 3:51).

SIMON HARRIS completed ten miles in 3 hours 10 minutes.

Iris Is A Treble Champion

Spartan IRIS HORNSEY competed in the BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation) Track and Field Championships at Derby and came home with THREE GOLD medals. She’s a three times national champion!

On Saturday Iris ran in the 1500 metres in the morning and finished first in the W70+ age group (women aged 70 plus) in a time of 7 minutes 19.27 seconds. Then in the afternoon she competed in the 400 metres and finished first again in her age group in a time of 91.18 seconds.

The next day Iris ran in the 800 metres race and was first W70 again in a time of 3 minutes 30.05 seconds.

Roger’s Romantik Marathon

ROGER BIGGS was in Fuessen, Bavaria, Germany on the edge of the Alps for the Konigsschlosser Romantik Marathon. A stunning course 50% alongside water, 50% tarmac, 50% track / trail. Rain at the start yet still scenic, with the famous King’s Castle always in view. With some chest problems Roger was delighted to run all the 42.195 kilometres in 4 hours 18 minutes 3 seconds.

Friday 5K

Friday lunchtime’s 5K race was not on the Last Friday of The Month and was not round the Serpentine due to preparations for the Olympics.

Dry, mild, overcast with a moderate breeze for the popular event.

If anything the temporary course in Kensington Gardens was faster than the usual one. Practically dead flat and really wide for the first few hundred metres until the first turn.

JIM BROWN was third in his age category with a time of 23 minutes 9 seconds.

If you want to have a go at this course it will be used again at 12.30p.m. on Friday 24th August.

Trent Park Aquathlon Saturday

NIKKI ANDREWS swam / ran the Trent Park Aquathlon on Saturday. It was the first time the organisers had invited other clubs to join in and it was a really fun race: 400 metres pool swim then a 4.7km (ish) cross country (but flat) run. It was very muddy! Nikki finished the swim in 7 minutes 52 seconds then the run (including transition which took ages as competitors had to walk through the pool area!) was 23 minutes 2 seconds, giving a total of 30 minutes 54 seconds. That gave her 12th position overall and 4th lady.

Enter Now!

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Serpentine 5K on Friday 24th August (note different Friday and starting point due to the Olympics and Paralympics)

County 5K Championships and Open 5K in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.

Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.

Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

News

Cross Country Q and A – 31st July

Post author By Coach
Post date July 22, 2012
No Comments on Cross Country Q and A – 31st July

What is Cross Country running all about? What’s involved in running off road? What kit do you need? Don’t I have to wear cross country spikes?

If you want to know the answers to these questions and much more then come along to the Q and A session after training on 31st July. We are holding the session at our training base at Marriotts to start immediately after training (approximately 8:15pm).

See you there!!

Fairlands Valley Challenge News Races

FVC 2012 Results

FAIRLANDS VALLEY CHALLENGE 2012 was a HUGE success, and that’s all down to YOU … by supporting our event this year, and for the past 17 years! Our race directors would like to take the opportunity to say a very big thank you to all the runners, walkers, spectators, stalls and service providers, volunteers and race officials who came down to spend a very nice Sunday in July with us (we were blessed to have great weather!).

ALMOST FINALISED results from our 2012 event are here:

FVC2012 v3

(Updated 18th July – there are still a few names missing – please contact us if you see your number but not your name!)

Please check through and let us know if you spot any amendments that we need to make. We are relying on our runners, and especially our walkers, to let us know their START TIMES if they started earlier or later than the advertised times below. This will allow us to correct the positions and finish times of all entrants to ensure that our results are as accurate, full and fair as possible.

If you notice anything about your time which is not quite correct, or can provide your own recorded finish time, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Please contact Mr Paul Holgate by email at paul.holgate@bt.com to let him know.

With your help, we hope to finalise our results by the middle of this week. Thank you very much for your assistance, in advance (and thank you to Paul for his help in compiling these results!)

START TIMES:

08:00 – 08:15 – Walk 50K Ultra

08:45 – Trail Run 50K Ultra *Massed Start

08:00 – 09:00 -Walk 26.2 Miles

09:30 – Trail Run 26.2 Miles Marathon *Massed Start

09:00 – 10:00 -Walk 18.7 Miles

10:00 – Trail Run 18.7 Miles *Massed Start

10:00 – 11:00 -Walk 12.3 Miles

10:30 – Trail Run 12.3 Miles *Massed Start

We hope you enjoyed our event and would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, stories and see your photos from the day.

Email us at fvc@fvspartans.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FVSChallenge

Fairlands Valley Challenge is an off-road challenge event using footpaths, tracks, bridleways and some minor roads. Navigated by written route descriptions through some beautiful Hertfordshire Countryside. Usually blessed with lovely sunny weather and famous for its bread pudding at the check points and free BBQ after! See you in 2013!!!

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: SPARTAN WOMEN WIN LEAGUE

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date July 16, 2012
71 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: SPARTAN WOMEN WIN LEAGUE

SPARTAN WOMEN WIN LEAGUE

County Gold and Silver for Dave and Jim

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ women have won the Central Division Track and Field League. They will now go forward to the East of England Veterans Final on Sunday 23^rd September.

The club’s team of MONICA BROWN, SHARON CROWLEY, CHRIS FEELY, JAN FRY, IRIS HORNSEY, STEPH MAYFIELD, CAROLYN SHORTLAND, JULIE SIMMONS and TESSA STEPHENSON only needed to finish within 22 points of past winners and hosts of the last fixture Marshall Milton Keynes to win. In fact they kept within two points, MMK 135 to Spartans 133, and were well ahead of Corby (96); Bedford and County (89); Kettering (86); Wellingborough (56) and Biggleswade (4).

The men – DAVE BOWKER, JIM BROWN, MARK GLADING, BARRY KING, STEVE MAYFIELD, ANDY NEATHAM, SIMON PROCTOR, MICK SHORTLAND, DAVE STEPHENSON, JOHN TYRRELL – finished a strong third with 120 points compared with 151 for Bedford and County and 140 for Marshall Milton Keynes with Kettering a distant fourth with 83 followed by Wellingborough (81); Corby (31) and Biggleswade (24).

This was achieved with the help of many club and age bests including 200 metres MICK SHORTLAND men 60 plus 35.9 seconds (also beating the M55 record); 400 metres hurdles MARK GLADING men 50 plus 115.7 seconds; Mile Walk male 50 plus DAVE BOWKER set a new club record for all ages of 9 minutes 22.7 seconds; Triple jump male 40 plus new Spartan SIMON PROCTOR set a new club record for all ages of 10.11 metres; Discus male 45 plus STEVE MAYFIELD set a new club record of 21.94 metres and beat the all ages javelin record with 27.40 metres; also in the discus male 75 plus JOHN TYRRELL threw 17.15 metres (also breaking the M70 and M65 records); and the 1 x 400 metres, 2 x 200 metres and 1 x 400 metres male 40 plus relay team of STEVE MAYFIELD, DAVE STEPHENSON, SIMON PROCTOR and ANDY NEATHAM set a new club record of 3 minutes 4.9 seconds.

The winning women team were already high achievers but IRIS HORNSEY beat the female 70 plus record for 200 metres with 42.0 seconds and for the triple jump with 5.14 metres; JULIE SIMMONS beat the female 55 plus 800 metres record with 3 minutes 2.6 seconds (also beating the W50 record) and the 3,000 metres record with 12 minutes 57.4 seconds (also beating the W45 and W50 records); SHARON CROWLEY beat the all ages mile walk for women with 10 minutes 55.5 seconds; STEPH MAYFIELD beat the all ages pole vault record with 1.90 metres while MONICA BROWN pushed the 45 plus pole vault record up to 1.30 metres; in the discus TESSA STEPHENSON beat the women 50 plus record for the discus with 16.54 metres and CAROLYN SHORTLAND beat the women 55 plus record with 13.42 metres.

The ladies won four of their 26 events, with KERRY JAMES claiming a double in the F35 800m and 3000m. JULIE SIMMONS, having recently moved up to F55, won a close 3000m to go with her 2^nd place in the 800m. MONICA BROWN won the F45 200m, added second places in the Triple Jump, Javelin and Pole Vault making her top scorer for the ladies team with 25 individual points. Second place finishes were also earned by CHRIS FEELY in the F45 800m, STEPH MAYFIELD in the F35 Pole Vault, IRIS HORNSEY in the F55 Triple Jump, TESSA STEPHENSON F35 Discus and CAROLYN SHORTLAND F55 Discus. SHARON CROWLEY broke the ladies club record coming 2^nd in the 1 mile walk, whilst JAN FRY scored a 3^rd place in the same event for the F55s.

The men’s team had two 1^st places to celebrate, both going to DAVE BOWKER as he continues his return to fitness. His 1 mile walk was a new club record and his 3000m made it a treble for the club over the longest distance. ANDY NEATHAM also ran a fine 3000m but lost out to a rival Milton Keynes runner and they ended their head to head battle over the season at 2-2. New club member SIMON PROCTOR set a new club record coming 3^rd in the M40 triple jump. STEVE MAYFIELD earned second places in the M40, Pole Vault, Discus and Javelin (all PBs) and with a 3^rd in the 800m top scored for the men with 23 points. However MARK GLADING was the busiest and bravest Spartan, successfully negotiating the 400m hurdles for the first time by club make 50 plus (M50), before taking on a further four events and a relay leg. MICK SHORTLAND achieved 2^nd places in both the M60 throws, and came 3^rd in the 200m whilst JIM BROWN took on the remaining M60 events, coming second in the one mile walk, third in the 3,000 metres and fourth in the 800 metres. Between them they collected 32 valuable points. Then they both took up the baton in the M50 relay. DAVE STEPHENSON, BARRY KING and JOHN TYRELL completed the men’s team.

The relays brought the evening to a close and provided their traditional excitement. Several places over the evening were decided by very close finishes, but none closer than the fight for 2^nd place in the F45 relay. With Kettering leading comfortably and Milton Keynes equally comfortable in 2^nd MONICA BROWN ran an incredible anchor leg for the team managing the seemingly impossible task of catching the Milton Keynes runner and passing her inches from the line. The M40 team followed up with a club age record in the relay for the 3^rd match running, taking over 11 seconds off the previous best for the 400m/200m/200m/400m.

Gold and Silver in County 10K

Conditions were really horrible for the Hertfordshire 10K County Championships on Thursday night. There was continuous heavy rain and large puddles on many parts of Sandy Track but DAVE BOWKER won GOLD in the Vet 50 plus category in 41 minutes 37.2 seconds and JIM BROWN SILVER in the Vet 60 plus category with a season’s and age category time of 46 minutes 19.6 seconds.

Iris, Bev and Tracy Win Mid Week Medals

IRIS HORNSEY won the women’s 65 plus category in the Mid Week Road Race League series; TRACY PEZ was second woman 35 plus; BEV HARLOW tied on points with the winner in the 55 plus category but narrowly lost on the tie-breaker formula.

Mob Match

The “mob match” is the end of series combined race for both divisions after which the presentations were made for the 2012 Mid Week Road Race League. Spartan numbers were down compared with the counting events due to EVAC Track and Field (see separate story) and other commitment but twenty club members enjoyed the nine kilometres essentially trail event in Trent Park, north London.

SIMON JACKSON ran a superb race in 33 minutes exactly to finish sixth out of more than 300 runners and ANDREW PATTERSON was 17^th in 34:20. TRACY BULLOT (188^th in 45:52) and CLAIRE COKER (200^th in 46:53) were the club’s fastest women.

The other Spartans were ROB WILLIS (23^rd in 34:47); ANDREW HULL (143^rd in 43:02); ROGER BIGGS (171^st in 44:49); VISHAL SHAH (196^th in 45:58); KAREN ELLIS (207^th in 47:27); PAUL HOLGATE (233^rd in 49:26); MARK CHEADLE (237^th in 49:40); STEVEN DOBNER (261^st in 52:34); MARIA THORNE (270^th in 53:26); NICK WITCOMBE (274^th in 53:46); JULIE TWOMEY (276^th in 54:04); LORRAINE THOMAS (279^th in 54:15); ISABEL GREEN (286^th in 55:11); TRACY STILES (294^th in 57:20); LISA JERROM (295^th in 57:20) and SIMON HARRIS (305^th in 1 hour 3 minutes 19 seconds).

Position	Name	Category	Time
6	Simon Jackson	S	33:00
17	Andrew Patterson	S	34:20
23	Rob Willis	S	34:47
143	Andrew Hull	V 40	43:02
171	Roger Biggs	V 60	44:49
188	Tracy Bullot (F)	V 35	45:52
196	Vishal Shah	S	45:58
200	Claire Coker (F)	V 35	46:53
207	Karen Ellis (F)	V 35	47:27
233	Paul Holgate	V 50	49:26
237	Mark Cheadle	S	49:40
261	Steven Dobner	S	52:34
270	Maria Thorne (F)	V 35	53:26
274	Nick Witcombe	V 40	53:46
276	Julie Twomey (F)	V 45	54:04
279	Lorraine Thomas (F)	V 45	54:15
286	Isabel Green (F)	S	55:11
294	Tracy Stiles (F)	V 35	57:20
295	Lisa Jerrom (F)	V 35	57:20
305	Simon Harris	S	1:03:19

Grant Ramsay

GRANT RAMSAY competed in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge on Wednesday evening. Over 5.6 kilometres in Battersea Park, London he was 27^th out of 7,000 in 19 minutes 46 seconds.

Then he was third in the 3,000 metres steeplechase at a Southern League Track Meeting in Woking with a time of 11 minutes 8 seconds.

Tony Goes Bare Foot.

TONY ARGYROU ran barefoot for the City 5K on Thursday evening. He was 913^th out of more than 6,000 with a time of 22 minutes 15 seconds.

Enter Now!

The Spartans host the Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19^th July. The relays will be in Fairlands Valley Park with each runner racing over three kilometres. Men’s teams consist of five runners, women’s teams three. The club host the County Championship 5K road race on Sunday 9^th September and Five Miles on 23^rd September. These are within open races — everyone can have a go. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

The 3K relays are great for spectators. If you are not running why not come along to Fairlands Valley Park and support our local runners. The race starts at 7.30p.m.

Fairlands Valley Challenge

Fairlands Valley Spartans organised a hugely successful Fairlands Valley Challenge off road event on Sunday. Results will be available soon.

Coming Event

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
Serpentine 5K on Friday 20^th (note different Friday and starting point due to Olympic preparations)
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: IT MIGHT AS WELL RAIN UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date July 9, 2012
52 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: IT MIGHT AS WELL RAIN UNTIL SEPTEMBER

IT MIGHT AS WELL RAIN UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Off Road Challenge and Relays Coming Soon

Tracy is first lady

Fairlands Valley Spartans’ TRACY PEZ was fastest woman in the North Herts first Saturday of the Month 5K race. On a course that was muddy and slippery in places she finished in 23 minutes 34 seconds.

Hard Hitchin

Eight Spartans splashed their way around a very wet Hitchin Hard Half Marathon on Sunday.

KERRY FLAIN was 27^th out of the 215 finishers in 1 hour 35 minutes 10 seconds; two minutes later JO LAING was 33^rd in 1:37:11. MIKE KING was 48^th in 1:41:03 and ANDREW HULL 75^th in 1:47:36.

TREVOR SETTERFIELD finished in 1:55:23; MADELEINE PRITCHARD in 1:59:20; BARBARA WILSON in 2:02:23 and PAUL HOLGATE in 2:10:47.

Position	Name	Time
27	KERRY FLAIN (M)	1:35:10
33	JO LAING (F)	1:37:11
48	MIKE KING	1:41:03
75	ANDREW HULL	1:47:36
??	TREVOR SETTERFIELD	1:55:23*
145	MADELEINE PRITCHARD (F)	1:59:20
156	BARBARA WILSON (F)	2:02:23
186	PAUL HOLGATE (M)	2:10:47

There were 215 runners.

Summer (?) Festival Marathon

On Saturday 7th July just a few days after getting over yet another cold CAROL PAUL travelled to Milton Keynes for the Enigma Summer Festival Marathon. The race was over an undulating seven and half laps around Caldecotte Lake. Carol finished in 4 hours 58 minutes 15 seconds.

British 10K London

JANET COX ran her first 10 kilometres race at the British 10K in London on Sunday. Also a wet race she finished in 1 hour 19 minutes 53 seconds.

Soggy Spartans

Two Spartans braved the rain on Tuesday to take part in the Milton Keynes 10k. Roger Biggs finished 235^th of the 392 runners in 47 minutes 44 seconds and Paul Holgate took 52:19 for 311^th position.

And dozens of Spartans were lining the streets of Stevenage to see the Olympic flame. On Monday morning at 7:30a.m. founder Spartan member KEVIN LAWLOR carried the Olympic torch in Luton

Enter Now!

The Spartans host the Fairlands Valley Off Road Challenge this Sunday 15^th July and the Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19^th July. The relays will be in Fairlands Valley Park with each runner racing over three kilometres. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

News

Take part in the FVS Membership Information Survey!

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date July 4, 2012
174 Comments on Take part in the FVS Membership Information Survey!

The first club Membership Information Survey is now available to fill out online here:

http://fvspartans.org.uk/members-2/membership-survey/

Essentially it is a 25 question long survey which centres on you and your relationship with the club: what training sessions you do, how you find out information about the club and its activities, and how you rate the information sources such as the website, forum, emails and more.

The data gathered will help one of our members, Liam Herbert, with his studies into information needs and behaviour within sport as part of his masters degree for City University London. The survey has also been designed to provide feedback to help the club improve the services they provide to members. The process is anonymous and all feedback given will be treated so that no member can be easily identified if it is used.

As an added incentive for you, one person who completes the survey will be chosen at random to win a £20 Amazon gift voucher! All you need to do is to fill out the online survey, and give your name and email address at the end when prompted to do so.

If you have any questions on this project, please contact Liam by email liam.herbert1@city.ac.uk or by mobile 07871396873

News

July’s edition of Catch a Coach is here!!!

Post author By Coach
Post date July 4, 2012
2 Comments on July’s edition of Catch a Coach is here!!!

This month’s edition of Catch a Coach has arrived!!!

Take a look at our 10 of the best and why not have a go at introducing the core stability exercises featured into your training. More details of these can be found within the coaching section of the website.

Enjoy!!

Catch a Coach newsletter July 2012v0.1

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BATTLING 58 GO DOWN FIGHTING

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date July 2, 2012
1 Comment on NEWS RELEASE: BATTLING 58 GO DOWN FIGHTING

BATTLING 58 GO DOWN FIGHTING

Off Road Challenge and Relays Coming Soon

There were some brilliant individual performances by Spartans in the last counting Mid Week League race of the season which was over seven undulating miles at St. Albans on a very warm evening . For example NATALIE BARNARD was third senior woman in 46 minutes 22 seconds with SAM PRETTY fifth in 47:32. Club Vice-Chair BEV HARLOW was second woman veteran (55 plus) in 1:01:28.

CRAIG HALSEY is in the middle of a gruelling triathlon training programme but still came 14^th overall in just 41 minutes 29 seconds. The other Spartans in the top thirty were SHAW PYE 21^st in 42:31; GRANT RAMSAY 22^nd in 42:37: and ANDREW PATTERSON, 29^th in 43:05.

Seven miles, unlike say 10 kilometres or 10 miles, is not a standard race distance so there were no personal bests but compared with the same race last year there were many improvement — ANDY PRIOR by a huge 7 minutes 44 seconds to 1:01:44 (257^th); STEVEN DOBNER by 4:06 to 1:06:54 (289^th); VISHAL SHAH by 3:49 to 58:25 (233^rd); JENNIFER ROBERTSON by an impressive 3 minutes 44 seconds to 53 minutes 18 seconds (169^th); JIM BROWN by 2:53 to 56:41 (216^th); DAWN EASBY by 2:40 to 58:14 (230^th); MARIE COLUCCI by 2:05 to 56:51 (219^th); LISA BURGESS by 1:49 to 49:56 (112^th); PAUL HOLGATE by 1:31 to 1:01:40 (260^th); NICK WITCOMBE by 1:21 to 1:07:00 (291^st); JULIE SIMMONS by 1:19 to 55:16 (201^st); PETE SMITH by one minute exactly to 49:28 (104^th); LEE LAWRENCE by 29 seconds to 52:41 (154^th);

New Spartan RUTH RILEY ran her first race for the club in 1 hour 5 minutes 46 seconds.

However the efforts of the 58 Spartan finishers were not quite enough to make up the extra points Fairlands Valley Spartans needed to stay in Division One so it will be Division Two next year. The club have often yo-yo’d between the two divisions in the past and look forward to seeking promotion next year.

Full results for all 58 Spartans in the seven mile race at St. Albans on 28^th June 2012:

Race	Name	Time	Comments inc improvements compared with 2011
14	Craig Halsey	41:29
21	Shaw Pye	42:31
22	Grant Ramsay	42:37
29	Andrew Patterson	43:05
52	Danny Hukin	45:30
56	Todd Gray	45:52
63	Natalie Barnard	46:22	3rd senior woman
79	Sam Pretty	47:32	5th senior woman
97	David Bowker	49:07
98	Adrian Donnelly	49:07
104	Pete Smith	49:28	1:00
112	Lisa Burgess	49:56	1:49
135	Kerry James	51:05
143	Steve Elder	51:38
147	Darren Wilby	52:18
154	Lee Lawrence	52:41	0:29
167	Tracy Pez	53:22
169	Jennifer Roberston	53:18	3:44
170	Mick Connell	53:16
179	Jon Sypula	53:56
181	Mark Goodwin	53:55
185	Roger Biggs	54:12
187	Nikke Andrews	54:33
188	Andrew Hull	54:20
193	Rhiannon Griffin	54:59
201	Julie Simmons	55:16	1:19
216	Jim Brown	56:41	2:53
219	Marie Colucci	56:51	2:05
220	Paul Pickard	57:01
221	Ryan Running	57:04
229	Derek Wood	58:08
230	Dawn Easby	58:14	2:40
231	Gaynor Knight	58:16
233	Vishal Shah	58:25	3:49
239	James Day	59:11
241	Tony Argyrou	59:50
242	Helene Miller	59:56
244	Robert Shaw	1:00:22
251	Andy Jay	1:01:04
254	Dan Simms	1:01:06
257	Andy Prior	1:01:16	7:44
258	Claire Coker	1:01:15
259	Beverley Harlow	1:01:28	Second FV55
260	Paul Holgate	1:01:40	1:31
273	Roger Hardman	1:04:02
275	Steve Carter	1:05:05
279	Ruth Riley	1:05:46
280	Julie Twomey	1:05:55
281	Sharon Crowley	1:05:53
285	Nicky Collins	1:06:13
286	Lorraine Thomas	1:06:25
289	Steven Dobner	1:06:54	4:06
291	Nick Witcombe	1:07:00	1:21
292	Isabel Green	1:07:00
303	Graham Hill	1:11:35
304	Maria Thorne	1:11:40
310	Tracy Stiles	1:12:23
314	Victoria Sealy	1:13:24

There were 321 finishers.

Durham Duo

ROGER BIGGS and MICHAELA SANDERS were in County Durham at the weekend for the Hamsterly Forest Trail Marathon. In good conditions but on a hilly three lap course Roger finished in 4 hours 55 minutes 49 seconds and Michaela in 5:40:41.

Regent’s Park 10K

On Sunday PETE SMITH ran the Regent’s Park 10K in 42 minutes 25 seconds.

Hadrian’s Wall

Recently Spartans TRICIA HOPPER and KAREN LIDDLE took part in the Hadrian’s Wall ultra 69 mile race over 2 days, finishing in a total 16 hours and 57 minutes.

They both feel tired but fab and even had a little left to break into a sort of sprint over the Millennium Bridge. Tricia and Karen quite rightly are really chuffed at their achievement.

Roger’s a Winner in Hardest Marathon

ROGER BIGGS took part in possibly the hardest road marathon in the UK recently — the Lancaster Castle Marathon. There was a long climb out Lancaster into the surrounding countryside, then several stiff climbs before a monster hill at 18 miles. Despite this, Roger ran the whole 26.2 miles in good conditions. Roger’s time was good enough over a tough course to place as the first vet 60, winning £50 for his troubles, with a time of 4 hours 8 minutes 10 seconds.

Herts Hobble

Nine Spartans slipped and slid their way around a not surprisingly extremely muddy Hertfordshire Hobble which this year took in the Hertfordshire villages of Bramfield, Chapmore End, Westmill, Thunderidge, Sacombe, Dane End, Little Munden, Green End, Great Munden, Ardeley, Walkern, Benington and Watton-at-Stone.

Their times for the 26.4 miles were Carol Paul 5 hours 35 minutes 24 seconds; Mike Newbitt 5:35:24; Sharon Crowley 6:14:42; Paul Holgate 6:14:42; Dave Paul 6:18:11; Rob Hardy 6:23:54; Chas Avis 7:14:41 and Dave Carter 8:00:00.

Ramsay’s Recovery

GRANT RAMSAY continued his road to recovery with an impressive sixth place in the Colworth 8.1 mile trail race and a time of 56 minutes 50 seconds. There were 200 finishers.

Enter Now!

The Spartans host the Fairlands Valley Off Road Challenge on Sunday 15^th July and the Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19^th July. The relays will be in Fairlands Valley Park with each runner racing over three kilometers. Enter now. There are details on www.fvspartans.org.uk

New Course, New Bests at Serpentine

Two Spartans ran the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K race on Friday, which this month was moved to Kensington Gardens to allow Olympic organisers to prepare the race’s normal venue Hyde Park for the Triathlon. The new two lap circuit was moderately flat and fast, which the stripy duo worked to their advantages by each recording new personal best times.

Liam Herbert finished 22nd out of the 180 finishers in a new PB time of 18 minutes 29 seconds, and placed 11th in his category.

Steve Mayfield also ran a new lifetime best time of 20:20, finishing 49th overall and a brilliant first in his category.

The race conditions were warm and dry with a gusty wind.

Watford Track

Contrasting races for two Spartans at Watford on Wednesday, but a more than satisfactory result for both of them. The evening kicked off with the 100 metres, the opening heat was won by STEVE MAYFIELD in a new personal best (PB) 13.52 seconds. Almost three hours later, having patiently waited through 19 heats of the 1500 metres, RICHIE BATE lined up for the final event of the night. In a fast 3000 metres race amongst a high quality field he ran a new PB of 9:21.18. Steve also competed in the Long Jump with a best of 4.47 metres.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
Paul Maguire Memorial and County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 4 – St. Albans 7 Miles – Thursday 29th June 2012

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date June 29, 2012
119 Comments on MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 4 – St. Albans 7 Miles – Thursday 29th June 2012

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: BIG PUSH NEEDED IN MID WEEK LEAGUE

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date June 25, 2012
45 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: BIG PUSH NEEDED IN MID WEEK LEAGUE

Trish & Karen at the end of their Hadrians Wall adventure

News Release 24^th June 2012

BIG PUSH NEEDED IN MID WEEK LEAGUE

Getting in the Olympic Mood

Fairlands Valley Spartans will have to work hard in Thursday evening’s fourth and last counting event in the Mid Week Road Race League after a mishap in the Harlow race on Wednesday. In order to avoid relegation the club is calling on all who can to run the seven mile event in St. Albans on the 28th.

A slightly reduced but still impressive contingent of sixty two Spartans lined up for Wednesday’s Mid Week League race which was on a largely cross country 10K course in Harlow. The running surface and undulating terrain did not seem to worry some as their were several personal best times.

ROB WILLIS (35^th) ran his first 10K for the club in 38 minutes 14 seconds; DARREN WILBY (135^th) improved to 45:09; JON SYPULA (152^nd) to 45:54; JULIE SIMMONS (175^th) to 47:21; RHIANNON GRIFFIN (180^th) to 47:38; JENNIFER ROBERTSON (195^th) to 48:44; VISHAL SHAH (201^st) to 49:05; TONY VICKERS (204^th) to 49:14; TRACY BULLOT (226^th) to 51:19; and SARAH SAPSTEAD (312^th) to 1:04:46. Many improved on their times on the faster Welwyn Garden City course!

TRUDIE MOLLOY and SIMON STEWART ran their first 10Ks in 52:19 and 52:49 respectively.

SIMON JACKSON (11^th in 35:56); SHAW PYE (16^th in 36:20); ANDY NEATHAM (17^th and fourth “vet” in 36:22); GRANT RAMSAY (30^th in 37:42) and ANDREW PATTERSON (31^st in 37:53) were the fastest men for the club. TRACY PEZ (150^th in 45:51); Julie Simmons (above); Rhiannon Griffin (above); Jennifer Robertson (above) and DAWN EASBY (198^th in a season’s best 48:48) were the quickest Spartan women.

IRIS HORNSEY was the first woman vet (65 plus) in a season’s best 59:35; BEV HARLOW was second woman vet (55 plus) in 52:22: and BARRY OSBORNE was third vet man (60 plus) in 43:42.

A club casualty on a bridleway just over 5K stopped or delayed several Spartans who were in the top half of the field. This inevitably had an effect on the team result.

The Spartan men came fourth out of the six teams but unfortunately their women, more dramatically affected by the incident and missing some of their faster runners, came last. This meant the club were fifth on the night and in the same position in the league. They must improve to at least fourth to survive in division one.

The results for all sixty Spartan finishers will be found at the very end of this release.

Hadrians Wall

This weekend Spartans TRICIA HOPPER and KAREN LIDDLE took part in the Hadrians Wall ultra 69 mile race over 2 days, finishing in a total 16 hours and 57 minutes.

They both feel tired but fab and even had a little left to break into a sort of sprint over the Millenium bridge. Tricia and Karen quite rightly really chuffed at their achievement.

Roger’s a Winner in Hardest Marathon

ROGER BIGGS took part in possibly the hardest road marathon in the UK on Sunday — the Lancaster Castle Marathon. There was a long climb out Lancaster into the surrounding countryside, then several stiff climbs before a monster hill at 18 miles. Despite this, Roger ran the whole 26.2 miles in good conditions. Roger’s time was good enough over a tough course to place as the first vet 60, winning £50 for his troubles, with a time of 4 hours 8 minutes 10 seconds.

Herts Hobble

Ramsay’s Recovery

GRANT RAMSAY continued his road to recovery with an impressive sixth place in the Colworth 8.1 mile trail race and a time of 56 minutes 50 seconds. There were 200 finishers.

Olympic Warm Up

Fairlands Valley Spartans got in the Olympic mood with their own torch procession and games at Ridlins Track on Sunday afternoon.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

***********

Full Mid Week League result for all 60 Spartans:

Race	Pos	Name	Surname	Cat.	Time	PB
11	11	Simon	Jackson	S	35:56
16	16	Shaw	Pye	S	36:20	YB
17	17	Andy	Neatham	V 40	36:22	PB
30	29	Grant	Ramsay	S	37:42
31	30	Andrew	Patterson	S	37:53
35	34	Rob	Willis	S	38:14	1st 10K
40	39	Chris	Westcott	S	38:29
55	52	Danny	Hukin	S	39:18	YB
71	65	Todd	Gray	S	40:57
86	78	Pete	Smith	V 50	42:20
88	80	Barry	Osborne	V 60	42:21	3rd MV60
110	97	Steve	Mayfield	V 40	43:42	YB
135	116	Darren	Wilby	S	45:09	PB
140	119	Steve	Elder	V 50	45:16	YB
144	122	Lee	Lawrence	S	45:29
150	24	Tracy	Pez	V 35	45:51
151	127	Matt	Gill	S	45:48
152	128	Jon	Sypula	S	45:54	PB
157	131	Jody	Flett	S	46:13	YB
159	133	Mark	Goodwin	V 50	46:10
162	136	Robert	Evans	S	46:25
175	30	Julie	Simmons	V 45	47:21	PB
177	146	Roger	Biggs	V 60	47:24
180	33	Rhiannon	Griffin	S	47:38	PB
195	40	Jennifer	Robertson	S	48:44	PB
198	43	Dawn	Easby	S	48:48	SB
201	158	Vishal	Shah	S	49:05	PB (equal)
204	159	Tony	Vickers	V 40	49:14	PB
220	165	Andy	Jay	V 40	50:31
221	166	James	Day	S	50:31
222	167	Matthew	Palacio	S	50:54
226	57	Tracy	Bullot	V 35	51:19	PB
231	60	Trudie	Molloy	V 35	52:19	1st 10K
233	172	Robert	Shaw	V 60	52:26
235	62	Beverley	Harlow	V 55	52:22	2nd FV55
236	173	Simon	Stewart	S	52:49	1st 10K
238	174	Paul	Holgate	V 50	52:47
243	65	Sarah	Pike	S	53:38
245	66	Karen	Ellis	V 35	53:57
247	179	Steve	Pike	V 50	54:15
250	181	Steve	Carter	V 40	54:46
251	182	Mark	Cheadle	S	54:54
252	69	Stephanie	Mayfield	V 35	54:50
260	72	Sharon	Crowley	V 45	55:37
266	188	Nick	Witcombe	V 40	56:06
267	189	Chris	Leigh	V 40	56:05
268	190	Barry	King	V 40	56:05	YB
271	79	Julie	Twomey	V 45	56:19
272	192	Roger	Hardman	V 60	56:10
280	86	Lorraine	Thomas	V 45	58:12	YB
281	87	Victoria	Sealy	S	58:15
287	91	Jeanette	Collins	V 45	59:14
288	92	Iris	Hornsey	V 65	59:35	1st FV65 SB
293	97	Lisa	Gavigan	V 35	1:00:22
296	100	Andrea	Westcott	V 35	1:00:48
304	107	Claire	Drake	S	1:02:01	1st 10K
311	111	Tracy	Stiles	V 35	1:04:45
312	112	Sarah	Sapstead	S	1:04:46	PB (equal)
318	201	Jim	Brown	V 60	1:13:50
319	202	Mick	Connell	V 50	1:13:50

There were 320 finishers. 203 men and 117 women.

News

FVS taking part in Stevenage Library Sports Information Day!

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date June 25, 2012
49 Comments on FVS taking part in Stevenage Library Sports Information Day!

News

Free Club race entry 2012 – details

Post author By Coach
Post date June 18, 2012
32 Comments on Free Club race entry 2012 – details

As the Spartan Race Calendar is starting to get into full swing, your club will be asking for your help with organising and supporting our club races.

Spartan races either support local charities or contribute to club funds which in turn keep the clubs membership fees at its current low price.

Our club races cannot take part without your assistance and support. Your committee would hope each member would be prepared to help with at least one a race a year…. We often see the same members of the club helping out time and time again, with a club membership of 350+ this should not be the case.

For those members who help with one of our events the club would like to continue the offer of an option of a FREE race entry for a future club race during the 2012 season.

How does this work for 2012?

If you help with any of the events below:

Midweek League Home Fixture
Fairlands Valley Challenge
3K Relays
Paul Maguire 5
5K race
Stevenage Half Marathon

You can claim a free race entry to any of these Fairland Valley Spartan Races

Paul Maguire 5 **
5K race
Stevenage Half **

** The proceeds of these two races are donated to good causes, if you are happy to pay for your entry as normal and forgo your free race entry to support these charities please do. Use the normal race entry form.

There are a few conditions that must be met for you to qualify:

When helping with a club race, your assistance must be for the whole race and leave you in a position where you are not able to run, for you to qualify for a free race.
The free entry can only be taken by the specific member and is not transferable.
A free race entry cannot be carried over into the following year.
A free race entry should be claimed using the club entry form attached below.

Free Race Entry Form 2012

Each member will be entitled to only one free race entry (even if they help with more than one club race — sorry).

Regards

Club Committee

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: WOMEN FIRST IN EVAC

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date June 18, 2012
529 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: WOMEN FIRST IN EVAC

WOMEN FIRST IN EVAC FIXTURE

National Championship Bronze for Monica

Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed a day at the races on Wednesday. The club hired a mini bus to take their team to Kettering for the third fixture of the EVAC (Eastern Veterans Athletic Club) central division track and field league.

Travelling the furthest distance out of the four meetings did not deter the women’s team winning the match with a score of 142.5 with Milton Keynes in second place with 119.5 followed by Bedford, Kettering and Corby. The men’s team were definitely stronger than before and finished a close third place in 100.5 to Bedford 105.5 and Milton Keynes winning the match with 141 points.

Good performances were produced by Rosie Canham, Monica Brown, with wins in the 100 metres in their age groups. Carolyn Shortland won the shot putt in the older age group (over 55 years) then completed in the hammer in the youngest age (35 plus) and came second.

In the men’s team Steve Mayfield continued to progress by winning the men’s over 40 years age group long jump along with Andy Neatham who won the over 40 1500 metres comfortably and Mick Shortland who won the over 60 Shot Putt.

Dave Bowker returned from injury to win the over 50 walk. Dave Stephenson produced a great run in the men’s 4×100 metres to put the team into first place, along with Steve Mayfield, Paul Pickard and Andy Neatham they set a new club record of 55.0 seconds.

Overall, after three of the four matches, the Spartan women lead the Central Division with the men in third place. If they keep this up in the fourth match on 11^th July both could be at the regional final.

A few statistical highlights from Wednesday night’s EVAC match at Kettering:

There are two new club records and one equalled, and a number of age group bests.

Outright Club Records

Mens 4x100m 55.0 by the M40 team in 1st place. The club’s first ever men’s relay win at EVAC.

Mens 2000m Walk 11.17.7 – Dave Bowker in 1st place M50.

Womens High Jump 1.33 metres – Monica Brown in 1st place W45 (equals her own Club Record)

1500 metres 4.34.8 – Andy Neatham in 1st place M40

M50 (plus) team – 4×100 metres relay in 64.3 seconds.

400m 65.8 – John Harris -who turned 50 within the last month.

Long Jump 3.95 – John Harris

High Jump 1.30 – John Harris

Shot Putt 9.03 – Mick Shortland M60.

Hammer 31.75 – Mick Shortland M60.

2000 metres walk 14.55.4 – Jan Fry (W60)

400 metres 97.6 seconds – Iris Hornsey (W70)

Long Jump 2.67 metres – Iris Hornsey (W70)

Monica and Mayfield at Masters Championships

Spartans multi eventers were in action at the British Masters Athletics Federation Outdoor Pentathlon in Oxford. In the W45 (Women 45 plus) category MONICA BROWN won Bronze with a points total of 2577 and in the very competitive M45 (Men 45 plus) category STEVE MAYFIELD was fifth with a points total of 2243.

Monica’s results were hurdles 16.44 (PB — personal best), high jump 1.36 (PB equalled), shot 6.48 metres, long jump 4.39 metres and 800 metres 3 minutes 13 seconds.

Steve’s results were long jump 4.58 metres, javelin 24.32 metres (SB — season’s best), 200 metres 28.19 seconds (SB), discus 20.29 metres (SB), 1500 metres 5.10.14. Steve improved on last year’s performance in four of the five events.

Marston Forest 5K

In the Marston Forest 5K on Friday evening Spartan Richard Bate finished a fantastic fifth out of 339 in a time of 17 minutes 4 seconds. Liam Herbert ran a new personal best (PB) time of 18:34, his fifth PB this year, to finish in the top thirty in 26th.

Paul Holgate completed the course in 25:27, in 159th place.

Lee Morris closely followed Paul in with a time of 25:46 (166th) and Helen Morris finished in 32:16, in 304th place overall.

Conditions were surprisingly humid and windy around a deceptively punishing course, which was run on relatively flat country footpaths circling the Marston Forest Centre. Good times but all in all it felt like hard work!

Done 10K

ANDY NEATHAM ran in the Dunmanway 10k in West Cork, Ireland on Sunday morning. It was a well organised and chip timed event, with an undulating course through the Cork countryside. The event started in bright sunshine, but the runners all finished sodden in an absolute deluge! Andy finished 10th out of 428 finishers, was 3rd Vet (2nd V45) in 36 minutes 38 seconds, a new VPB (veterans PB).

Roger’s Holly Trail

Roger Biggs ran the Holly Trail Challenge Trail Marathon on Saturday. Based on Lightmoor near Telford it consisted of 31 laps on muddy tracks. It was raining most of the time. Roger says it was very undulating and really tough but he kept going to finish in 4 hours 32 minutes 43 seconds

Tracy’s First Half

New member TRACY BULLOT ran her first half marathon in the recent St Albans Half Marathon. She finished in an excellent 1 hour 56.44 seconds

The club are preparing for the third Mid Week Road Race League Division One fixture which will be in Harlow this Wednesday 20^th June.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.
Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: THREE SPARTAN HALF HEROES

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date June 11, 2012
120 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: THREE SPARTAN HALF HEROES

THREE SPARTAN HALF HEROES
Plus Strathearn, Southend and Sheringham

Three Fairlands Valley Spartans ran the Heroes Half Marathon based on Bassingbourn on Sunday. LEE MORRIS was 286^th in 2 hours 6 minutes 28 seconds, MARIANNE SILSBY 372^nd in 2:21:49 and HELEN KINCH 40^5thin 2:43:54. There were 409 finishers.

Strathearn Marathon

ROGER BIGGS travelled to Highland Perthshire for the scenic (when you could see through the mist) Strathearn Marathon from a Second World War Prisoner of War Camp near Comrie.

The first five miles were probably as hard a start as you will find in any road marathon in the UK, with several hard hills coming later. However the second half was easier than the first as Roger turned a 2:01 :54 at halfway into a finishing time of 3:57:03 with a very strong finish.

Southend Half Marathon

PAUL HOLGATE enjoyed pleasant sea breezes along with 2,000 other runners at the Southend Half Marathon. He just missed out on a sub 2 hours time as he finished in 2:03:39.

Sheringham — Poppyline Marathon

On Sunday CAROL PAUL was in Sheringham, Norfolk where she ran the Poppyline Marathon (26.9 miles off road) on a hot and humid day. Her time was 5 hours 46 minutes and 10 seconds

The club are preparing for the third Mid Week Road Race League Division One fixture which will be in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.
Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: ALL TO RUN FOR IN MWL

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date June 7, 2012
98 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: ALL TO RUN FOR IN MWL

ALL TO RUN FOR IN MIDWEEK LEAGUE

Plus Stuart’s Comrades Marathon

A huge contingent of 95 Fairlands Valley Spartans travelled to Welwyn Garden City for the second 10K race in the Mid Week Road Race League series.

Both the men and the women finished fourth of the six ‘A’ teams for fourth position overall. However the men were just six points short of Garden City Runners in third and the women only 33 shy of third place Trent Park.

At the half-way point of the league the men are third just 10 scoring positions behind Trent Park in second, both have 8 league points each. The Spartan women are fifth only 5 scoring positions behind Barnet & District but two league points adrift.

St Albans are running away at the top and Harlow adrift at the bottom, but the 2^nd., 3^rd., and 4th positions are unbelievably close and there is still has everything to play for, so the club is encouraging another big turnout for race 3 which will be in Harlow on Wednesday 20th June.

In Thursday’s race RICHARD BATE was the first Spartan finisher with a superb new personal best of 34 minutes 37 seconds and eighth position overall.

Richard Bate, Craig Halsey (35:16), Simon Jackson (35:42), Andy Neatham (36:42), Lee Reynolds (36:44) and Chris Westcott (37:14) were all in the top 30 finishers of the 400 runners taking part. Andy was also 5th V40.

Natalie Barnard (41:49), Lisa Burgess (42:17), Kerry James (43:36) and Tracy Pez (44:36) were in the top 30 female finishers out of 138 women, with Natalie an excellent 7th and Lisa 9th, while Kerry was 5th V35 and Tracy 8th. Julie Simmons (48:20) was 9th V45, Tony Osborne (59:10) 2nd V70, Iris Hornsey (1:01:03) 1st V65 and Jan Fry (1:04:46) 8th V55. 71 Spartans recorded their fastest 10K time of the year with 43 personal bests, 10 season’s bests and 18 other year bests.

Times for all 95 Spartans can be found at the very end of this release.

Comrades Marathon

STUART HAYCROFT ran the very gruesome Comrades Marathon in South Africa on Sunday. The Comrades is a 56 mile ultra marathon from the city of Petermaritzburg to the city of Durban. Stuart finished in 10 hours 32 minutes.

Hatfield Broad Oak

TREVOR SETTERFIELD set a new personal best of 43 minutes 27 seconds and came 171^st out of 1106 runners at the Bank Holiday Hatfield Broad Oak 10K on Monday.

TONY ARGYROU was 401^st in 48:41.

With a blistering downhill finish PAUL HOLGATE blew MICK CONNELL away and beat him by less than a second in a 10K season’s best time. Paul was 502^nd in 50:57 and Mick 503^rd also in 50:57.

DAVID CLARKE was 511^th in 51 minutes 6 seconds, SHARON CROWLEY 669^th in 54:32 and PAUL FORDE 730^th in 55:49.

The village had its usual festive atmosphere with marquees in the churchyard and 1500? runners gathered in Cage End at the start.

Watford Warm Up

Two Spartans warmed up for the midweek league fixture with exciting 1500 metres races at Watford Track the evening before. Race entry is on the day and heats are allocated according to runners expected times, starting with the slowest heat and ending with the fastest. In heat 7, CHRIS WESTCOTT stayed near the rear of the field for the first two laps then moved gradually through the pack in lap three. He ran an excellent last lap of under 70 seconds, reigning in the leading group, and was closing rapidly on the leaders and crossed the line in third place with a new PB of 4:41.56. Returning from injury STEVE MAYFIELD started at the back of heat 2, but improved his position as other runners slowed and caught the leader with 250 metres to go. The final 100m was neck and neck with Steve edging it by just 0.07 seconds to win the heat in 5:09.99.

Kent Road Runner Marathon — On A Bike Course

ROGER BIGGS ran 17 undulating laps of the new purpose built Cyclo Park near Gravesend on Monday in the Kent Road Runner Marathon. He ran another consistent race on a tough course to finish in 3:58:28.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.
Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

Mid Week Road Race Leagues Times for all 95 Spartans

Race	Name	Surname	Cat.	Time	PB
8	Richard	Bate	S	34:37	PB
13	Craig	Halsey	S	35:16	YB
17	Simon	Jackson	S	35:42
19	Andy	Neatham	V 40	36:42	PB
21	Lee	Reynolds	S	36:44
28	Chris	Westcott	S	37:14	PB
50	Liam	Herbert	S	39:05
61	Jake	Amos	S	39:26	1st 10K
64	Todd	Gray	S	39:39
70	Jamie	Drackford	S	40:13	PB
75	Christopher	Kremer	S	40:32	1st 10K
83	Sam	Harte	S	40:48	PB
93	Phil	Gale	V 40	41:21
97	Danny	Hukin	S	41:31	YB
107	Natalie	Barnard	S	41:49	SB
109	Tony	Bradford	V 40	42:03	YB
112	Lisa	Burgess	S	42:17
118	Davie	Stafford	S	42:25	PB
133	Pete	Smith	V 50	43:15
145	Mark	Beasley	V 50	43:31	YB
148	Kerry	James	V 35	43:36	SB
153	Steve	Mayfield	V 40	44:06	YB
160	Adrian	Donnelly	S	44:22	YB
163	Kevin	Smyth	V 50	44:24
170	Tracy	Pez	V 35	44:36	SB
181	Darren	Wilby	S	45:17	PB
184	Lee	Lawrence	S	45:26	PB
188	Matt	Gill	S	45:29	PB
193	Trevor	Setterfield	V 40	45:45
201	Mark	Goodwin	V 50	46:05
202	Robert	Evans	S	46:09	YB
211	Dave	Stephenson	V 40	46:31	SB
213	Jon	Sypula	S	46:27	PB
215	Ryan	Dunning	S	46:37	YB
229	Jim	Brown	V 50	47:07
230	Hadrian	Cooper	S	47:16	YB
231	Roger	Biggs	V 60	47:20	YB
233	Mark	Glading	V 50	47:24	SB
241	Clive	Cannon	V 50	47:57	YB
242	Andrew	Hull	V 40	48:06
246	Julie	Simmons	V 45	48:20
252	Derek	Wood	S	48:30	1st 10K
255	Rhiannon	Griffin	S	48:35	1st 10K
265	Vishal	Shah	S	49:05	PB
266	Andy	Jay	V 40	49:14	YB
272	Marie	Colucci	V 35	49:37	SB
274	Tony	Vickers	V 40	49:48	PB
282	Matthew	Palacio	S	50:28	1st 10K
283	James	Day	S	50:29	SB
288	Claire	Coker	V 35	50:22	PB
290	Andy	Prior	V 40	50:39	PB
293	Nikki	Collins	S	50:53	PB
294	Rachel	Payne	S	50:55	PB
299	Marc	Green	S	51:24
301	Tracy	Bullot	V 35	51:44	PB
302	Stephanie	Mayfield	V 35	51:47	PB
303	Robert	Shaw	V 60	51:51
310	Sarah	Pike	S	52:24
311	Karen	Palmer	V 45	52:19	PB
312	Karen	Ellis	V 35	52:37	PB
314	Chris	Leigh	V 40	52:40	SB
315	Paul	Holgate	V 50	52:46
316	Steve	Carter	V 40	52:54	PB
319	Steve	Pike	V 50	53:06
322	Anton	McCalla	S	53:26	PB
327	Sharon	Crowley	V 45	53:37	YB
329	Mark	Cheadle	S	53:53	SB
333	Katie	Bradford	S	54:10	PB
335	Katy	Jinks	V 35	54:22
338	Nick	Stewart	V 50	54:57
341	Maria	Thorne	V 35	55:35	PB
342	Julie	Twomey	V 45	55:42	PB
346	Lisa	Gavigan	V 35	55:59	PB
349	Gary	Dempsey	V 40	56:09	YB
352	Ruth	Murtagh	V 35	56:43	PB
354	Gaynor	Knight	V 45	57:30	1st 10K
355	Louisa	Bill	S	57:32	PB
360	Victoria	Sealy	S	57:55	PB
361	Nick	Witcombe	V 40	58:03
365	Andrea	Westcott	V 35	58:00	YB
367	Jeanette	Collins	V 45	58:46	YB
368	Sarah	Hukin	S	58:57	PB
369	Anthony	Osborne	V 70	59:10	YB
371	Steven	Dobner	S	59:15	PB
377	Iris	Hornsey	V 65	1:00:03	SB
380	Melissa	Gibson	V 35	1:01:08	PB
382	Annette	Young	S	1:01:43	1st 10K
383	Nicky	Freeman	V 45	1:02:39	PB
385	Tracy	Stiles	V 35	1:02:47
387	Karen	Smith	V 45	1:03:06
391	Sarah	Sapstead	S	1:04:46	1st 10K
392	Jan	Fry	V 55	1:04:46	PB
398	Jo	Cahill	V 45	1:22:04	YB
399	Jo	Eley	V 45	1:22:04	1st 10K
400	Simon	Harris	S	1:28:50

Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race â€“ Official Results Race 2 – WGC 7 MILES â€“ THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2012

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date June 4, 2012
5 Comments on MWL Division 1 Race â€“ Official Results Race 2 – WGC 7 MILES â€“ THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2012

News

Meeting point-training Tuesday 5th June

Post author By Coach
Post date June 1, 2012
42 Comments on Meeting point-training Tuesday 5th June

Please note that Marriotts is closed for the Bank Holiday on Tuesday 5th June so the training session at 7pm will start from the main car park in Fairlands Valley (off of Six Hills Way).

News

June edition of Catch a Coach!

Post author By Coach
Post date May 31, 2012
1 Comment on June edition of Catch a Coach!

The latest edition of the Catch a Coach newsletter from the coaching team is available here! Just click on the link below.

Catch a Coach newsletter June 2012v01.2

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: IT’S HOT AGAIN!

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date May 29, 2012
No Comments on NEWS RELEASE: IT’S HOT AGAIN!

IT’S HOT AGAIN! Edinburgh, Whipsnade, Hyde Park

For the third year running it was hot, hot, hot for the Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon.

In the half marathon with fantastic support from Katrina Doyle, Debbie Blackburn and Jayne Pinner GRAHAM BLACKBURN finished just before the sun burst through with a great time of 1 hour 29 minutes 33 seconds.

Also in the Half Marathon ANDY JAY finished in 1 hour 54 minutes 41 seconds and PHIL RUSHTON in 2:01:30. NICK WITCOMBE ran a new personal best for the second week running with his time of 2 hours 6 minutes 12 seconds. TRACY STILES ran her fastest half this year with 2:08:06. KAREN SMITH ran her first half marathon in 2 hours 12 minutes 4 seconds

MARIA RUSHTON took 2:16:30. JACKIE MORRISON and LES BUTLER both ran their best half marathons this year with the same time – 2:26:30; and KERRY SETTERFIELD completed the race in 2:30:30.

The Marathon runners started just as the faster half marathon runners were finishers and had 26.2 miles of hot roads to contend with though they were near the banks of the Forth for much of the race and almost on the beach at Portobello.

JO LAING ran an excellent London Marathon qualifying time and new personal best (PB) of 3 hours 5 minutes 20 seconds. She was 195^th out of thousands of runners; PETE SMITH’s new PB of 3 hours 14 minutes 9 seconds gives him a “Good For Age” entry for London; TODD GRAY finished in 3 hours 34 minutes 52 seconds; ROGER BIGGS in a year’s best time of 3 hours 51 minutes 17 seconds; CLIVE CANNON finished in 4:09:30; SARAH O’BRYAN in 4:27:30; and KAREN LIDDLE in a new PB of 4:33:30.

Wilting At Whipsnade

Sunday’s Whipsnade 10K was VERY warm but over an enjoyable three lap course past the zebras, flamingos and rhinos inside Whipsnade Zoo. There were Spartan starters although CHRIS WESTCOTT collapsed from exhaustion less than 1k from the finish not too long after lapping wife Andrea, who not surprisingly then retired from the race to ensure Chris was okay, so just the 11 finish times.

ANDY NEATHAM was first to finish with an impressive eighth position overall out of 562 finishers in 37 minutes 59 seconds. MADDIE PRITCHARD was the next Spartan finisher completing her first ever 10K in 49:11. She was 19th woman out of the 270 female finishers. Those were both very good times in such warm conditions.

Spartan times: Andy Neatham, 8^th in 37:59; Maddie Pritchard 108^th in 49:11 (PB); Dan Sims 113^th in 49:31; Paul Holgate 203^rd in 54:39; Stephen Block 260^th in 57:09; Sarah Hukin 321^st in 60:14; Danny Hukin 322^nd in 60:15; Lisa Jerrom 417^th in 65:46; Gemma Nash 472^nd in 68:34; Jan Fry 485^th in 69:45; Anne-Marie Neatham 507^th in 72:32.

Excellent preparation for Thursday’s 10K league race!

Sweltering Serpentine

The Serpentine was looking very tempting during the Last Friday of the Month 5K race which started at 12.30p.m. It was hot in Hyde Park with conditions described by the organizers as sunny, hot, windy with lots of pollen. Spartan JIM BROWN finished with salt stinging his eyes in a fairly controlled time of 23 minutes 14 seconds. He was 115^th out of the 194 finishers and eighth in his category.

Blistering BUPA

RUTH MURTAGH completed the BUPA London 10K in 59 minutes 38 minutes. She was it was too blooming hot and had to walk for 1.3 miles. Ruth hopes to do much better in the Mid Week League race on Thursday evening.

Go For It At Welwyn Garden City

After a fantastic turnout and good result in the first Mid Week Road Race League event of the season Fairlands Valley Spartans are going all out for more than one hundred runners at the next fixture which is a 10K race in Welwyn Garden City this Thursday evening, 31^st May. Everyone can contribute to the club’s success provided they have joined and wear the stripy vest.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mid Week Road Race League 10K fixture in Welwyn Garden City at 7.45p.m. on Thursday 31^st May.
EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.
Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

News

Sport Relief – thank you so much!!!!

Post author By Coach
Post date May 21, 2012
No Comments on Sport Relief – thank you so much!!!!

I promised shortly after the event that I would give you all an update on the funds raised from the Stevenage Sport Relief.

I heard from the organisers today and they have confirmed that the money is still rolling in. The latest figure for our event is a massive £4800!!! This does not include entry fees as these are used to contribute towards the overall running costs for the events.

This is an amazing achievement. I would like to say a big thanks to all of you who took part and helped raise this incredible total as well as those who gave up their time so freely on the day to make it such a huge success.

Thanks

Coach Leigh

Club News

NEWS RELEASE: MEN SECOND IN MID WEEK 10K

Post author By Tracy Pez
Post date May 21, 2012
26 Comments on NEWS RELEASE: MEN SECOND IN MID WEEK 10K

News Release
20^th May 2012

MEN SECOND IN MID WEEK 10K
Roger’s 700^th Marathon

350 runners including 92 from Fairlands Valley Spartans raced round Stevenage on Tuesday night in the opening First Division Mid Week Road Race League fixture of the season.

The club’s men finished a brilliant second and the women fifth (only 19 points behind Trent Park in fourth and probably only 1 runner away from an even higher position) to give third position overall, two points behind Barnet & District and one point ahead of Trent Park and Garden City Runners.

The overall scores in the first race were 1^st St. Albans Striders 279 (12 league points); 2^nd Barnet and District AC 620 (9 league points); 3^rd Fairlands Valley Spartans 652 (7 league points); 4^th Trent Park Running Club 703 (6 league points); 5^th Garden City Runners 788 (6 league points) and 6^th Harlow Running Club 1,368 (2 league points).

As expected the league is fascinatingly close and the club will need just as big a, if not a bigger, turnout for the race in Welwyn Garden City on the 31st May.

There were some brilliant individual performances including: Simon Jackson, Richard Bate and Lee Reynolds in the top 20 finishers. Jo Laing & Lisa Burgess both in the top ten women. Andy Gardner, Andy Neatham & Brian Brackstone among the top 10 veteran (40 plus) finishers. Barry Osborne second veteran (60 plus); Jo Laing third veteran woman (35 plus) and Kerry James in the top ten in that category. Julie Simmons in the top ten veteran women (45 plus), Bev Harlow first veteran woman (55 plus) and Iris Hornsey first veteran woman (65 plus).

The Spartans’ leading men included:

10. Simon Jackson (35:02 PB); 13. Richard Bate (35:18); 15. Lee Reynolds (35:44); 24. Andy Gardner (36:37); 25. Andy Neatham (36:42); 26. Andrew Patterson (36:45); 27. Brian Brackstone (36:45); 36. Chris Westcott (37:26 PB); 48. Liam Herbert (38:35); 55. Todd Gray (39:03); 68. Salva Guardiola who ran his first 10K in 39:57 and 69^th Phil Gale (39:54)

The club’s leading women included:

5. Jo Laing (39:44, 3^rd FV35); 9. Lisa Burgess in a new personal best of 42 minutes 11 seconds; 22. Kerry James (43:53); 27. Katy Jinks in a new personal best of 44 minutes 44 seconds; 32. Tracy Pez (46:03); 38. Julie Simmons (48:08); 51. Beverley Harlow first FV55+ in a new personal best of 50:52; 53. Claire Coker running her first 10K in 51 minutes exactly; 54. Nicola Lorimer in a new PB of 51 minutes exactly; 55 Sarah Pike in a new personal best of 51:14; 56. Nicky Collins in a new PB of 51:26; and 57^th Rachel Payne in a new PB of 51:28.

Others running their first 10K included Kerry Flain (40:51); Jamie Kellett (42:23); Sam Harte (43:28); Lee Thorpe (45:36); Tony Vickers (50:30); Tracy Bullot (56:00); Anton McCalla (57:40); Julie Twomey (58:20); Louisa Bill (59:33); Victoria Sealy (59:40); Melissa Tyler (59:51); Steven Dobner (59:52); Melissa Gibson (1:02:23) and Nicky Freeman (1:04:50).

The times for all 92 Spartans can be found at the very end of this release. The race director was Steve Smithson, the race referee Jim Brown and there were dozens of Spartans supported by members of North Herts Road Runners marshalling and helping in other ways.

The next league race will be in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31^st May.

Simon Back On Track

Spartan SIMON HARRIS was in action back on the track at Chelmsford on Saturday, taking part in the disabled athletics Eastern region championships meeting. Simon won a medal of each colour – gold in 100 metres, silver in 200 metres and a bronze in shot putt.

Lee and Helen’s First Trail Race

HELEN and LEE MORRIS ran their first “trail” race on Sunday. It was the Wimpole Hall (HooHaah) 10K.

They both finished in 1 hour 11 minutes and say it was a bit muddy but excellent, well organised. Shame it was so cold though. All in all they enjoyed it and would recommend it for next year.

Roger’s 700^th!

ROGER BIGGS ran the Richmond Park Marathon in 4 hours 32 minutes 29 seconds on Sunday. It was an undulating three lap trail run within the Royal Park. Roger says a bit cold and windy for late May but OK. This was his 700^th race over the full marathon distance or further.

Wheathampstead 10K

Sunday’s Wheathampstead 10km was an off road multi-terrain event utilising the Ayot Greenway, the old track bed that was once the Welwyn – Luton railway line and negotiating a few obstacles in the form of flights of steps and the odd kissing gate. The race was full, with 800 runners.

Running his first race having been injured with a severe Achilles injury in July 2011 ANDREW HULL finished in 45 minutes 30 seconds. ANN TRYSSESOONE took 56 minutes 10 seconds.

Ironman Rodger the Rocket

On Saturday 19th May, Rodger McPherson competed in the Ironman Triathlon in Lanzarote. Described as the toughest Ironman in the world, Rodger swam the 2.5 mile sea swim in 1hr 6mins, cycled 112 miles around the mountainous Island in 7hrs 59mins and then ran a marathon in 32 degree heat in 5hrs 29mins, completing the course, including transitions, in 14hrs 57mins Rodger came 203rd in his age group.

Coming Events

Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:

Mid Week Road Race League fixture in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31^st May.
EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20^th June.
Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24^th June.
Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28^th June.
Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11^th July.
EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11^th July.
Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15^th July.
Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19^th July.
County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9^th September.
County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23^rd September.
Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th November.

Join The Spartans

The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.

If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk

E N D S

More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859

www.fvspartans.org.uk

MWRRL 10K Times for all 92 Spartans

Race	M/F	Cat	Name	Surname	Cat.	M/F	Time	PB	Impr
10	10	8	Simon	Jackson	S	M	35:02	PB	0:01
13	12	9	Richard	Bate	S	M	35:18
16	15	11	Lee	Reynolds	S	M	35:44
25	24	5	Andy	Gardner	V 40	M	36:37	SB	0:36
26	25	6	Andy	Neatham	V 40	M	36:42	?
27	26	19	Andrew	Patterson	S	M	36:45	SB	1:03
28	27	7	Brian	Brackstone	V 40	M	36:45	SB	1:31
37	36	22	Chris	Westcott	S	M	26:00	PB	1:05
50	48	28	Liam	Herbert	S	M	35:00
58	55	32	Todd	Gray	S	M	39:03	SB	0:46
72	68	34	Salva	Guardiola	S	M	39:43*	1st 10K	New
73	5	3	Jo	Laing	V 35	F	39:44	SB	0:11
74	69	27	Phil	Gale	V 40	M	39:54	SB	0:41
82	77	37	Kerry	Flain	S	M	40:51	1^st 10K	New
84	79	2	Barry	Osborne	V 60	M	40:59	?	0:38
96	91	36	Graham	Blackburn	V 40	M	41:31
101	94	13	Pete	Smith	V 50	M	41:39	SB	1:16
109	9	4	Lisa	Burgess	S	F	42:11	PB	3:01
112	100	45	Jamie	Kellett	S	M	42:23	1^st 10K	New
121	107	41	Mike	King	V 40	M	42:48	SB	0:05
130	114	45	Tony	Bradford	V 40	M	43:16
135	117	48	Sam	Harte	S	M	43:28	1^st 10K	New
142	121	50	Davie	Stafford	S	M	43:40	PB	0:28
146	22	9	Kerry	James	V 35	F	43:53
147	124	19	Kevin	Smyth	V 50	M	44:06
159	132	51	Adrian	Donnelly	S	M	44:29
163	27	12	Katy	Jinks	V 35	F	44:44	PB	2:06
171	142	58	Trevor	Setterfield	V 40	M	45:17
172	143	54	Lee	Thorpe	S	M	45:36	1^st 10K	New
178	147	26	Mark	Beasley	V 50	M	45:46
179	148	27	Mark	Goodwin	V 50	M	45:46
183	32	14	Tracy	Pez	V 35	F	46:03	SB	0:02
193	159	56	Ryan	Dunning	S	M	46:39
198	163	57	Jamie	Drackford	S	M	46:59	SB	New
199	164	58	Jon	Sypula	S	M	47:00	PB	4:17
202	166	59	Matt	Gill	S	M	47:12
205	168	12	Roger	Biggs	V 60	M	47:30
209	172	34	Dan	Simms	V 50	M	47:41	PB	2:14
212	174	35	Mick	Connell	V 50	M	47:55
213	38	10	Julie	Simmons	V 45	F	48:08	PB	0:39
214	175	68	Paul	Pickard	V 40	M	48:11
224	183	61	Hadrian	Cooper	S	M	48:45
227	184	62	Robert	Evans	S	M	48:51
232	188	63	Richard	Moore	S	M	49:30*	SB	0:01
237	191	64	Vishal	Shah	S	M	49:31	PB	1:27
241	193	65	Marc	Green	S	M	49:49*	YB	4:23
242	194	70	Andy	Jay	V 40	M	49:40	YB	2:15
244	196	71	Tony	Vickers	V 40	M	50:30	1^st 10K	New
249	198	66	James	Day	S	M	50:43	SB	New
251	51	1	Beverley	Harlow	V 55	F	50:52	PB	0:31
253	201	73	Rob	King	V 40	M	51:05	SB	1:38
255	53	20	Claire	Coker	V 35	F	51:00	1^st 10K	New
256	54	21	Nicola	Lorimer	V 35	F	51:00	PB	1:30
257	55	20	Sarah	Pike	S	F	51:14	PB	1:12
258	202	46	Paul	Holgate	V 50	M	51:12	YB	2:21
260	204	18	Robert	Shaw	V 60	M	51:25
261	56	21	Nicky	Collins	S	F	51:26	PB	2:37
262	57	22	Rachel	Payne	S	F	51:28	PB	1:18
264	206	47	Steve	Pike	V 50	M	51:38	SB	New
271	62	23	Karen	Ellis	V 35	F	53:06	PB	1:47
273	63	15	Karen	Palmer	V 45	F	53:07	PB	2:28
276	210	19	Roger	Hardman	V 60	M	53:21	SB	0:38
281	66	17	Sharon	Crowley	V 45	F	53:45
284	215	76	Nick	Witcombe	V 40	M	53:57	PB	0:18
285	216	50	Nick	Stewart	V 50	M	54:05	SB	New
292	73	28	Isabel	Green	S	F	54:44	PB	0:52
294	75	29	Katie	Bradford	S	F	55:05	PB	4:29
295	76	19	Ruth	Bradford	V 45	F	55:05
300	80	27	Tracy	Bullot	V 35	F	56:00	1^st 10K	New
301	220	77	Steve	Carter	V 40	M	55:50	SB	New
302	81	28	Lisa	Gavigan	V 35	F	56:00	PB	0:19
304	222	69	Mark	Cheadle	S	M	56:37
310	224	70	Anton	McCalla	S	M	57:40	1^st 10K	New
313	88	30	Tracy	Stiles	V 35	F	57:35	SB	0:54
318	93	24	Julie	Twomey	V 45	F	58:20*	1^st 10K	New
319	94	25	Karen	Smith	V 45	F	58:21*	PB	0:09
320	225	78	Andy	Prior	V 40	M	58:22
327	100	34	Louisa	Bill	S	F	59:33	1^st 10K	New
329	101	35	Victoria	Sealy	S	F	59:40	1^st 10K	New
330	228	80	Barry	King	V 40	M	59:40
331	102	36	Melissa	Tyler	S	F	59:51*	1^st 10K	New
332	229	71	Steven	Dobner	S	M	59:52	1^st 10K	New
333	103	1	Iris	Hornsey	V 65	F	1:00:05	SB	2:05
335	230	56	Doug	Hall	V 50	M	1:00:05
336	105	35	Dawn	Andrews	V 35	F	1:00:10	PB	2:43
337	231	3	Anthony	Osborne	V 70	M	59:58*	YB	0:25
341	108	36	Melissa	Gibson	V 35	F	1:02:23	1^st 10K	New
342	109	37	Lisa	Jerrom	V 35	F	1:02:51
344	111	38	Rebecca	Hart	V 35	F	1:04:31	PB	7:05
345	112	28	Nicky	Freeman	V 45	F	1:04:50	1^st 10K	New
347	233	81	Steve	Gough	V 40	M	1:05:50	SB	New
350	234	72	Simon	Harris	S	M	1:11:20	YB	0:01

Midweek League News

MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 1 – Stevenage 10k – Tuesday 15th May 2012

Post author By fvsadmin
Post date May 16, 2012
139 Comments on MWL Division 1 Race – Official Results Race 1 – Stevenage 10k – Tuesday 15th May 2012

</frame></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1934 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1934"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-golds-in-county-champs/">NEWS RELEASE: GOLDS IN COUNTY CHAMPS</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> 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xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-golds-in-county-champs/#comments">162 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on NEWS RELEASE: GOLDS IN COUNTY CHAMPS</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>GOLDS IN COUNTY CHAMPS, </strong><strong>Progress in EVAC League</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Six Spartans brought home 17 medals including THIRTEEN GOLDS from the Hertfordshire Veterans Track & Field County Championships which were at Watford on Saturday.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">In the 1500 metres, IRIS HORNSEY, SHARON CROWLEY and STEPH MAYFIELD posted strong times for the club’s short course championships with Iris & Sharon winning gold and Steph silver in their respective age categories. Steph was first Spartan home in a new PB of 6:39.23 closely followed by Sharon in 6:42.73, whilst Iris’s time of 7:16.31 gave her a fantastic 85% age grading. Sharon later took a second gold on the track with 14:29.01 in the 3000m. Sharon and Steph had another close contest in the Hammer, with both throwing new PBs of 17.25m and 17.39m respectively, the latter earning Steph a gold for the F35s. She won a second gold in the 100 metres hurdles (23.94) and another silver in the Pole Vault (1.80m) making it four PBs from four events.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">MONICA BROWN had a sprint double with golds in the 100 metres (14.21) and 200 metres (29.85) and later added a third F40 gold in the Long Jump.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">MARC GREEN was the sole Spartan representative in the men’s 5000 metres and won gold for the M35s in 22:38.47. STEVE MAYFIELD struggled with injury, but still managed clear 2.0m to win gold in the M40 pole vault and throw 23.05 to win the M40 javelin. He took further golds in the M40 discus and 800 metres, and bronze medals in the long and triple jumps.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>An Eye On The Final</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Fairlands Valley Spartans are targeting a place in the EVAC (Eastern Veterans) final after their women were second and men a comfortable third out of the seven clubs in the second of the four league matches which was in Bedford on Wednesday evening.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The next fixture is in Kettering on Wednesday 13<sup>th</sup> June.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>St Albans 10K</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">RACHEL PAYNE ran the St Albans 10K in a new personal best of 52 minutes 44 seconds.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Chris Leigh’s Comeback</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">After a break of 21 months since his last race CHRIS LEIGH ran the Marlow 5 on Sunday. He last ran this race in 2007 and it is still superbly organised. Over a flat course taking runners through the town and then back close to the river in a single loop he managed to hold on to complete the race in 36 minutes 52 seconds. A T-shirt, an excellent medal and a bulging goody bag awaited him at the finish — he thinks he will be back again next year!!</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Great West Patrick</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong>PATRICK MARSHALL ran the Great West Run half marathon in 1 hour 45 minutes 39 seconds. He says it was a lovely race.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Curragh Biggs</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">ROGER BIGGS was running in the Kildare Marathon on Sunday. The race was held at the home of Irish Horse racing ‘The Curragh’ in County Kiladare, Ireland. On a moderately undulating course on quiet road in a big lop around the Racecourse. he ran a good even race, running the second half quicker than the firstt to finish in 3:56:34. Regards</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Becca Trailblazer</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">BECCA HART took part in the Runners World Trailblazer at Bedgebury Forest in Kent on Saturday 12 May 12. It was a great event, the first of 3 x 10k trail runs, and very well organized. The day was perfect for running but the ground not so! After 20 consecutive days of rain, the sun decided to shine on race day, thankfully it wasn’t all on tracks and there were some dry trails! This was Becca’s first solo event and she completed the 10k trail race in 1:11:36. The next one is in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire on May 26<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Coming Events</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage at 7.45p.m. on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League fixture in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31<sup>st</sup> May.</li> <li>EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13<sup>th</sup> June.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20<sup>th</sup> June.</li> <li>Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24<sup>th</sup> June.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28<sup>th</sup> June.</li> <li>Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> September.</li> <li>County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> September.</li> <li>Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> November.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Join The Spartans</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation</span> by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a> Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website <span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.fvspartans.org.uk</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 </strong><strong>815859</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/"><strong>www.fvspartans.org.uk</strong></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1921 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1921"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/sundays-have-just-got-even-better/">Sundays have just got even better!!</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" 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C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/sundays-have-just-got-even-better/#comments">46 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on Sundays have just got even better!!</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Starting from this weekend the club are introducing an additional training group category to complement the existing two groups that normally organise Sunday runs. This will mean in future you are likely to see three different run options on a Sunday! The groups are being identified by their<strong> long run pace*</strong>, as follows:</p> <p><strong>Group A</strong> – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* of 8 min/mile or faster;</p> <p><strong>Group B</strong> – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* of between 8 min/mile and 10:30 min/mile;</p> <p><strong>Group C</strong> – designed to cater for runners at a long run pace* slower than 10:30 min/mile</p> <p>As a coaching team we will do our best to organise a run for each of these groups on each Sunday. Ocassionally even we are fallable though!! Please have a look at the details that are shown in the training programme by going to the training programme option within the calendar drop down menu on the new website home page. Simples! We will aim to post details of each Sunday run by the end of Thursday (or earlier) each week. The routes being used by the groups will be varied and will incorporate off road and on road running. its a great way to explore the countryside surrounding Stevenage (and if you go out with Coach Leigh – the surrounding countryside of Bedfordshire and Bucks – only joking!!)</p> <p>I hope you continue to enjoy what we are offering on Sundays! The three groups should now be able to cater for the full range of runners within the club. Please let us know what you think, your feedback is really valuable to us.</p> <p>Thank you<br /> <strong>Chris Leigh, </strong><strong>Head Coach</strong></p> <p><strong>*</strong> this is a pace that equates to approximately 65%-70% of maximum heart rate. You should be able to hold a conversation at this pace and not be gasping for air in between the odd word!! If you are struggling to speak, you are running too fast. In terms of effort level, this type of run equates to a 6-7 out of 10 where 10 is the effort you exert on a race (i.e. maximal!). You are training your aerobic energy system and not trying to push through your lactate threshold! If you are in any doubt about pacing for these runs please have a word with the coach.</p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1828 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1828"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-greenway-challenge/">NEWS RELEASE: GREENWAY CHALLENGE</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 C6.28819444,5.02154581 5.9104347,5.39930556 5.44444444,5.39930556 C4.97845419,5.39930556 4.60069444,5.02154581 4.60069444,4.55555556 L4.60069444,4.09375 Z M6.28819444,2.40625 L11.7118056,2.40625 L11.7118056,1 C11.7118056,0.534009742 12.0895653,0.15625 12.5555556,0.15625 C13.0215458,0.15625 13.3993056,0.534009742 13.3993056,1 L13.3993056,2.40625 L14.75,2.40625 C16.4586309,2.40625 17.84375,3.79136906 17.84375,5.5 L17.84375,15.875 C17.84375,17.5836309 16.4586309,18.96875 14.75,18.96875 L3.25,18.96875 C1.54136906,18.96875 0.15625,17.5836309 0.15625,15.875 L0.15625,5.5 C0.15625,3.79136906 1.54136906,2.40625 3.25,2.40625 L4.60069444,2.40625 L4.60069444,1 C4.60069444,0.534009742 4.97845419,0.15625 5.44444444,0.15625 C5.9104347,0.15625 6.28819444,0.534009742 6.28819444,1 L6.28819444,2.40625 Z M1.84375,8.95486111 L1.84375,15.875 C1.84375,16.6516504 2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-greenway-challenge/">May 7, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-greenway-challenge/#respond">No Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on NEWS RELEASE: GREENWAY CHALLENGE</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <h2><strong>GREENWAY CHALLENGE, Nats Tri Third; Muddy First Saturday</strong></h2> <p>Seven Spartans took up the Greenway Challenge off road half marathon and finished as follows:</p> <p>LISA BURGESS 1 hour 40mins 2 seconds (female); KATY JINKS 1:41:14 secs (female); JODY FLETT 1:47:30 (male); RYAN DUNNING 1:52:30 (male); ROB KING 1:52:31 PB (male); MARC GREEN 2:10:30 (male) and RON COHEN 2:39:56 (male)</p> <p>They say it was a good course of mainly trail and paths with a few steep climbs but the weather held out and it ended up being really good running conditions! Marc enjoyed it even though he got a little lost and did some extra miles!!</p> <h2>Nat Third In International Tri</h2> <p>Last weekend NATALIE BARNARD raced her first 70.3 of the season at the Lisbon International 70.3 where she raced the same event last year. That was her first ever long distance event.</p> <p>As ever, her swimming proved the strongest of the three disciplines, exiting in fifth place overall and in a faster time from last year of 25min22sec (for 1900m).</p> <p>After never riding or racing on a time trial (TT) bike, which would debut on this race, she clearly found it a massive shift up from last years’ road bike, by holding off the eventual winner Alison Rowatt for two hours before being overtaken in a new 10min personal best (PB) of 2 hours 35 minutes (for 90km).</p> <p>Barnard unfortunately punctured 1200m before the second transition which cost her a few minutes and the overall final position on the podium.</p> <p>The run proved, as ever, to be Barnard’s weaker of the three disciplines. She fought hard to keep second position from the Irish athlete, but a mixture of blisters, bruised toes bone and heat meant that she took the final slot of the podium to make it a British 1,2,3.</p> <p>Natalie’s next event focus is the UK Ironman 70.3 in June where she faces her biggest competition yet!</p> <h2>Sub 40s At The Regent’s Park 10K</h2> <p>Two Spartan stars competed in the May Regent’s Park 10K on Saturday morning. Conditions were a little grey, windy but otherwise pleasant for the three lap circuit of the park. RICHARD BATE finished a fantastic FIFTH out of the 484 runners, in a time of 36 minutes dead.</p> <p>LIAM HERBERT ran a new personal best time of 38:24, finishing 17th overall. He took 14 seconds off his previous 10K PB which was set at the same race last month, and claims his fourth personal best this year.</p> <h2>First Saturday of the Month</h2> <p>On a very wet and muddy course, JOHN HARRIS was fourth in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K with a time of 19 minutes 59 seconds. TRACY PEZ was second lady.</p> <h2>Bank Holiday Running</h2> <p>After missing the Manchester Marathon last week due to a cold CAROL PAUL was back in action on Bank Holiday Monday for the wet and cold Belfast Marathon. The course was hilly in the first half and flattened out in the second half. Carol completed the course in 4 hours 39 minutes 59 seconds. ROGER BIGGS ran the same event in 3 hours 57 minutes 32 seconds.</p> <p>Also on Bank Holiday Monday, STEPHANIE MAYFIELD took part in the Kimpton Fun Run. In cool conditions she ran 51mins 25seconds over the 9 kilometres undulating, multi-terrain course which due to the recent rain was a little boggy in places!</p> <h2>Coming Events</h2> <p>Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <p>– Herts County Track and Field Championships on Saturday 12th May.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15th May.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League fixture in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31st May.<br /> – EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13th June.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20th June.<br /> – Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24th June.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28th June.<br /> – Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11th July.<br /> – EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11th July.<br /> – Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15th July.<br /> – Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19th July.<br /> – County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.<br /> – County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.<br /> – Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.</p> <h2>Join The Spartans</h2> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p>Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p>Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p>If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk</p> <p><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859</p> <p>www.fvspartans.org.uk</p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1675 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news category-newsletter" id="post-1675"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/catchacoach/newsletter/" rel="category tag">Newsletter</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/catch-a-coach-may-2012-edition-now-available/">Catch a Coach – May 2012 edition now available!</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 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latest edition of Catch a Coach here:</p> <p><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Catch-a-Coach-newsletter-May-2012v0.1.pdf">http://fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Catch-a-Coach-newsletter-May-2012v0.1.pdf</a></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1665 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1665"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-spartan-track-stars-two-more-sub-3-at-mk/">News Release: Spartan Track Stars & Two more Sub 3 at MK</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 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Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-spartan-track-stars-two-more-sub-3-at-mk/">April 30, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-spartan-track-stars-two-more-sub-3-at-mk/#comments">120 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on News Release: Spartan Track Stars & Two more Sub 3 at MK</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <h2>Spartan Track Stars: Women Win, Men Move Up To Third; Two More Sub 3 At MK</h2> <p>It felt more like winter than the start of a summer track and field league at Ridlins on Wednesday but the Fairlands Valley Spartans veterans athletics team enjoyed their finest performance to date with the women’s team winning and the men a comfortable third in the opening match in the Eastern Veterans Athletics Club (EVAC) central division. In the contest with six other clubs the men showed how much they have improved since last season. If they can keep that up they could qualify for the East of England finals in September.</p> <p>This was the first ever track and field home match hosted by Spartans who organised a successful event in difficult weather conditions.</p> <p>The ladies won twelve events in total with some surprises coming in the field events where the Spartans often struggle against specialist athletics clubs. Ladies captain TESSA STEPHENSON lead the way, dropping down an age group, winning the women 35 plus (F35) Long Jump, High Jump and Shot. MONICA BROWN also had a hat-trick of 1st places, in the F45 100m, High Jump and Long Jump. There was a clean sweep for the team in the Ladies Hammer, with wins for STEPH MAYFIELD in the F35, SHARON CROWLEY F45 and CAROLYN SHORTLAND whose 18.41m for the F55s was the longest ladies throw of the night. Steph followed up with a surprise win in her first ever attempt at the 100m hurdles.</p> <p>On the track IRIS HORNSEY won the F55 1500m to add to her 2nd place in the Long Jump. ROSIE CANHAM was twice beaten narrowly, but had the consolation of a new personal best (PB) of 14.3 seconds in the 100 metres and an excellent 67.5 in the 400 metres. Second places were also earned by CHRIS FEELY in the F45 sprint hurdles and in the 2km walk by SHARON CROWLEY F45 and JAN FRY F55 whose 15:01 beat her previous PB by 26 seconds.</p> <p>The men enjoyed mixed fortunes and were forced into several last minute changes. In the opening event, team captain DAVE STEPHENSON won the men 40 plus (M40) 2km walk then withdrew from competition to help officiate. Injury restricted DAVE BOWKER’s participation, but he made it a double in the walk winning the M50 in a new PB of 11:23. STEVE MAYFIELD registered just one jump before injury also cut his evening short, however it was good enough to claim 1st in the M40 Long Jump.</p> <p>As a result of these setbacks, several new team members took on more than they expected; some at very short notice! JOHN HARRIS stepped in to do the 100m, 400m and High Jump, and ANDY NEATHAM produced one of the best performances of the night with second in the 1500m in 4:43.4 pushing an exceptional Milton Keynes athlete all the way. BARRY OSBORNE also recorded a superb 1500m time of 5:41.3 to claim maximum points for the M60s after coming 3rd in the Long Jump. JOHN TYRELL and BARRY KING were the other debutants, the latter being summoned from tea making duties to lead off the M40 relay team. MICK SHORTLAND dropped down an age group to help out the M50s and despite the heavier weights achieved 2nd places in the Hammer and Shot.</p> <p>The evening ended with the medley relay races which consisted of 2 x 200 metres, 1 x 400 metres and 1 x 800 metres. They were some of the most exciting relays seen for a while. In the male vet 40 plus event Andy Neatham swept past several runners in his 800 metres to finish second. In the vet 50 plus race DAVE BOWKER handed over to JIM BROWN who gradually caught a Bedford and County runner before kicking past him at 600 minutes to take second place by eleven seconds and gain lots of valuable points.</p> <p>In the women’s medley Julie Simmons ran a great final 800 metres to win the race by just 1.3 seconds. JULIE SIMMONS ran a fine 800m leg on her EVAC debut for the Spartans to bring them home first in the F45 medley relay. In the women 35 plus race Rosie Canham passed several runners to lift the team into third place.</p> <p>PAUL PICKARD and PAUL HOLGATE completed the men’s team and ensured it fielded an athlete and collected points in all bar three of the 26 events.</p> <p><strong>The team scores:</strong></p> <p>Women — Fairlands Valley Spartans 159; Marshall Milton Keynes 143; Kettering Town Harriers 84.5; Bedford & County 81; Corby 51.5; Biggleswade 12 and Wellingborough 6.</p> <p>Men — Bedford & County 146; Marshall Milton Keynes 125; Fairlands Valley Spartans 105; Kettering 74; Biggleswade 54; Corby 42 and Wellingborough 34.</p> <p>The Spartan women’s team consisted of MONICA BROWN, SHARON CROWLEY, CHRIS FEELY, JAN FRY, IRIS HORNSEY, STEPHANIE MAYFIELD, CAROLYN SHORTLAND, JULIE SIMMONS, TESSA STEPHENSON while DAVE BOWKER, JIM BROWN, JOHN HARRIS, PAUL HOLGATE, STEVE MAYFIELD, ANDY NEATHAM, BARRY OSBORNE, PAUL PICKARD, MICK SHORTLAND, DAVE STEPHENSON and JOHN TYRELL competed for the men.</p> <p>Stevenage and North Herts Athletics Club played a huge part in facilitating this fixture for Fairlands Valley Spartans and supplying officials, with STEVE FEELY in particular working incredibly hard behind the scenes. The next EVAC match is at Bedford on May 9th.</p> <h2>Christopher and Lee Excel In Rain and Wind</h2> <p>Another two Spartans have beaten the three hour marathon barrier. Following Grant Ramsay and Simon Jackson’s achievement in London CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT and LEE THORP went sub three on Sunday. What’s more both were running their first marathon! It was windy and incredibly wet for the inaugural Milton Keynes Marathon. So wet that part of the course had to be changed due to flooding. A fantastic twenty three Spartans completed the race. A huge success for Fairlands Valley only a week after the London Marathon. In April 68 different Spartans ran a marathon. They clocked up 76 marathons between them!</p> <p>Chris Westcott was 17th out of the 2,923 finishers in 2 hours 57 minutes 17 seconds and Lee Thorp 21st in 2 hours 29 minutes 3 seconds.</p> <p>DAVIE STAFFORD (3:44:47); STEVE GREEN (3:48:41); ANDY PRIOR (4:26:35); VISHAL SHAH (4:31:20); STEPHEN BLOCK (4:32:11); TREVOR SETTERFIELD (5:13:06); HANNAH SYPULA (5:19:06) and SARAH HUKIN (5:33:31) were also running their first marathons. That makes 26 new marathon runners in just two weeks for Fairlands Valley Spartans.</p> <p>Despite the conditions five Spartans ran new personal bests — JAMIE DRACKFORD by 23 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes 7 seconds; NIKKI ANDREWS to 3:50:07; MARK GOODWIN to 3:54:14; STUART HAYCROFT by 14 minutes to 3:54:25 and BARRY KING by a huge 57 minutes to 4:26:36;</p> <p>FVS Club Chair GRAHAM BLACKBURN ran a good time at London then just a week later he finished this marathon in just 3 hours 33 minutes 31 seconds. ROB SHAW and PAUL HOLGATE ran their best times for 2012 — Rob at 4:31:14 and Paul 4:36:53:</p> <p>The other Spartans who waded MK were TODD GRAY (3:16:44); MARK BEASLEY (3:46:03); PHIL RUSHTON (4:31:40); ROGER BIGGS (4:42:30) and TONY ARGYROU (5:33:29).</p> <p>Full results for all Spartans:</p> <p>Position Name Time Comments<br /> 17 CHRISTOPHER WESTCOTT 2:57:17 1st marathon<br /> 21 LEE THORP 2:59:03 1st marathon<br /> 139 TODD GRAY 3:16:44<br /> 311 JAMIE DRACKFORD 3:30:07 PB by 23 minutes<br /> 377 GRAHAM BLACKBURN 3:33:31<br /> 570* DAVIE STAFFORD 3:44:47 1st marathon<br /> 592 MARK BEASLEY 3:46:03<br /> 689 STEVE GREEN 3:48:41 1st marathon<br /> 780 NIKKI ANDREWS (F) 3:50:07 PB<br /> 899 MARK GOODWIN 3:54:14 PB<br /> 859 STUART HAYCROFT 3:54:25 PB by 14 minutes<br /> 1794 ANDY PRIOR 4:26:35 1st marathon<br /> 1795 BARRY KING 4:26:36 PB by 57 minutes<br /> 1834 ROB SHAW 4:31:14 YB<br /> 1807 VISHAL SHAH 4:31:20 1st marathon<br /> 1903 PHIL RUSHTON 4:31:40<br /> 2047 PAUL HOLGATE 4:36:53 Year’s Best<br /> 1932 STEPHEN BLOCK 4:32:11 1st marathon<br /> 2100 ROGER BIGGS 4:42:30<br /> 2571 TREVOR SETTERFIELD 5:13:06 1st marathon<br /> 2634 HANNAH SYPULA (F) 5:19:06 1st marathon<br /> 2754 SARAH HUKIN 5:33:31 1st marathon<br /> 2755 TONY ARGYROU 5:33:29</p> <h2>Jim Moves Up In Hyde Park</h2> <p>It was blustery and wet underfoot in Hyde Park on Friday but Fairlands Valley Spartans’ JIM BROWN ran his fastest 5K race for many years. Having run his last 5K in 22 minutes 56 seconds he worked out an ambitious plan to take 22:30 for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K and finished in 21 minutes 49 seconds! That’s a year’s best by 1 minute 7 seconds and could qualify him for the “A” race next time.</p> <h2>Coming Events</h2> <p>Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <p>– EVAC Track and Field event in Bedford on Wednesday 9th May.<br /> – Herts County Track and Field Championships on Saturday 12th May.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15th May.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League fixture in Welwyn Garden City on Thursday 31st May.<br /> – EVAC Track and Field event in Kettering on Wednesday 13th June.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Harlow on Wednesday 20th June.<br /> – Spartans v NHRR “Olympic” Fun Event on Sunday 24th June.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League Seven Miles in St. Albans on Thursday 28th June.<br /> – Mob Match at Trent Park on Wednesday 11th July.<br /> – EVAC Track and Field event in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 11th July.<br /> – Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15th July.<br /> – Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19th July.<br /> – County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.<br /> – County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.<br /> – Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.</p> <h2>Join The Spartans</h2> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p>Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p>Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website www.fvspartans.org.uk Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p>If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website www.fvspartans.org.uk</p> <p><strong>E N D S</p> <p>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859</p> <p><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a></strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1625 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news" id="post-1625"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/change-of-training-session-aston-hills-3rd-may/">CHANGE OF TRAINING SESSION – ASTON HILLS 3rd MAY</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/coach/">Coach</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 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2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/change-of-training-session-aston-hills-3rd-may/">April 29, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 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originally scheduled for Thursday 3rd May has been moved to Thursday 7th June for safety reasons.</strong><br /> A 4-6 x 800 metres training session will be run this Thursday in its place.</p> <p>Thank you</p> <p> </p> <p>Coach Leigh</p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1476 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1476"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-massive-38-spartans-finish-london-marathon/">NEWS RELEASE, MASSIVE 38 SPARTANS FINISH LONDON MARATHON</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 C6.28819444,5.02154581 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<span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-massive-38-spartans-finish-london-marathon/">April 23, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-massive-38-spartans-finish-london-marathon/#respond">No Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on NEWS RELEASE, MASSIVE 38 SPARTANS FINISH LONDON MARATHON</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <h2>TWO SPARTANS SUB THREE AT LONDON</h2> <h2>Massive 38 Spartans finish London Marathon</strong></h2> <h2>Lyndsey and James win 5K</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: left;"> Spartans GRANT RAMSAY and SIMON JACKSON both beat the three hour barrier in Sunday’s London Marathon. Grant was in the top 1% of the 37,000 plus runners. He was 314<sup>th</sup> overall in a magnificent championship qualifying time of 2 hours 43 minutes 57 seconds – his best time for three years. Simon was 687<sup>th</sup> in 2 hours 53 minutes 38 seconds.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">They were among a massive thirty eight Fairlands Valley Spartans who completed the 26.2 miles. Sixteen were running their first marathon and eight others ran new personal bests by big margins — a real demonstration of how well the club helps runners prepare for the marathon.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">STEPHEN BIGGS was running his first marathon and beat his dad, ROGER by 43 seconds. Stephen was 9,851<sup>st</sup> in 3:56:08 and Roger 10,068<sup>th</sup> in 3:56:51. That 217 runners crossed the line in those 43 seconds shows how busy the finish is at that time.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The other first timers in the Virgin London Marathon were DICLUM LOY (2,783<sup>rd</sup> in 3:02:11); PAUL WADESON (11,082<sup>nd</sup> in 4:00:05); GARY CRETTON (18,823<sup>rd</sup> in 4:30:49); KAREN PALMER (19,207<sup>th</sup> in 4:32:24); ANNE-MARIE NEATHAM (21,724<sup>th</sup> in 4:42:11); SALLY BEASLEY (22,302<sup>nd</sup> in 4:44:37); LEE POTTER (22,665<sup>th</sup> in 4:46:04); RODGER McPHERSON (24,069<sup>th</sup> in 4:51:44); ANDY INGRAM-TEDD (25,748<sup>th</sup> in 4:58:56); MARIA RUSHTON (26,589<sup>th</sup> in 5:03:26); LARYA BARTON (27,638<sup>th</sup> in 5:08:31); ELEANOR GLADING (28,819<sup>th</sup> in 5:10:42); JO CAHILL (31,921<sup>st</sup> in 5:39:13): HILARY DAVIES (32,601<sup>st</sup> in 5:45:23); and DAWN TAYLOR (36,631<sup>st</sup> in 8:001:11).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Two Spartan women improved their personal bests by more than eleven minutes to beat 3 hours 30 minutes for the first time. They were KERRY JAMES (4,296<sup>th</sup> in 3 hours 28 minutes 32 seconds, an improvement of 11 minutes 13) and SAM PRETTY (4,316<sup>th</sup> in 3:28:38, an improvement of 11:01).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The other Spartan personal bests (PBs) were by MICHAEL GREEN (2,864<sup>th</sup> in 3:17:17, an improvement of 4:13); ROB EVANS (7,075<sup>th</sup> in 3:44:14, an improvement of 10:46); HELENE MILLER (8,524<sup>th</sup> in 3:51:02, an improvement of 10:43); JON SYPULA (11,890<sup>th</sup> in 4:03:34, an improvement of 26:57); STEVE KEMP who improved by more than an hour to 4 hours 15 minutes 34 seconds (14,781<sup>st</sup>); and KAREN LIDDLE (24,124<sup>th</sup> in 4:52:02, an improvement of 22:44).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">SHARON CROWLEY (20,837<sup>th</sup> in 4:38:42) was running her 14<sup>th</sup> London Marathon.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Results for all the Spartans in the London Marathon:</p> <table class="alignleft" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73"> <p align="center">Position</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="255"> <p align="center">Name</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="76"> <p align="center">Time</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="237"> <p align="center">Comments</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">314</td> <td valign="top" width="255">GRANT RAMSAY</td> <td valign="top" width="76">2:43:57</td> <td valign="top" width="237">Champ time. Top 1%.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">687</td> <td valign="top" width="255">SIMON JACKSON</td> <td valign="top" width="76">2:53:38</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">1379</td> <td valign="top" width="255">SIMON BELL</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:02:11</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">2783</td> <td valign="top" width="255">DICLUM LOY</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:16:33</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">2864</td> <td valign="top" width="255">MICHAEL GREEN</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:17:17</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (4:13)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">3334</td> <td valign="top" width="255">GRAHAM BLACKBURN</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:21:33</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">4296</td> <td valign="top" width="255">KERRY JAMES (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:28:32</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (11:13)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">4316</td> <td valign="top" width="255">SAM PRETTY (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:28:38</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (11:01)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">7075</td> <td valign="top" width="255">ROB EVANS</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:44:14</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (10:46)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">8236</td> <td valign="top" width="255">RICHARD HAZLEDENE</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:49:47</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">8524</td> <td valign="top" width="255">HELENE MILLER (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:51:02</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (10:43)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">9851</td> <td valign="top" width="255">STEPHEN BIGGS</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:56:08</td> <td valign="top" width="237">Son beats father in 1<sup>st</sup> marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">10068</td> <td valign="top" width="255">ROGER BIGGS</td> <td valign="top" width="76">3:56:51</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">11082</td> <td valign="top" width="255">PAUL WADESON</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:00:05</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">11840</td> <td valign="top" width="255">AMANDA BROOK (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:03:22</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">11890</td> <td valign="top" width="255">JON SYPULA</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:03:34</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (26:57)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">14070</td> <td valign="top" width="255">KEVIN SMYTH</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:12:44</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">14395</td> <td valign="top" width="255">BEV HARLOW (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:13:59</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">14781</td> <td valign="top" width="255">STEVE KEMP</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:15:34</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (over an hour)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">16006</td> <td valign="top" width="255">MARK GLADING</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:20:05</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">18592</td> <td valign="top" width="255">TRICIA HOPPER (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:29:46</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">18823</td> <td valign="top" width="255">GARY CRETTON</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:30:39</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">19207</td> <td valign="top" width="255">KAREN PALMER (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:32:24</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">19238</td> <td valign="top" width="255">RICHARD MOORE</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:32:29</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">20837</td> <td valign="top" width="255">SHARON CROWLEY (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:38:42</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">21724</td> <td valign="top" width="255">ANNE-MARIE NEATHAM (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:42:11</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">22302</td> <td valign="top" width="255">SALLY BEASLEY (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:44:37</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">22665</td> <td valign="top" width="255">LEE POTTER</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:46:04</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">24069</td> <td valign="top" width="255">RODGER McPHERSON</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:51:44</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">24124</td> <td valign="top" width="255">KAREN LIDDLE (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:52:02</td> <td valign="top" width="237">PB (22:44)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">24748</td> <td valign="top" width="255">CRAIG SNOWDEN</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:54:45</td> <td valign="top" width="237"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">25748</td> <td valign="top" width="255">ANDY INGRAM-TEDD</td> <td valign="top" width="76">4:58:56</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">26589</td> <td valign="top" width="255">MARIA RUSHTON (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">5:03:26</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">27638</td> <td valign="top" width="255">LARYA BARTON (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">5:08:31</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">27819</td> <td valign="top" width="255">ELEANOR GLADING (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">5:10:42</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">31921</td> <td valign="top" width="255">JO CAHILL (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">5:39:13</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">32601</td> <td valign="top" width="255">HILARY DAVIES (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">5:45:23</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="73">36631</td> <td valign="top" width="255">DAWN TAYLOR (F)</td> <td valign="top" width="76">8:00:11</td> <td valign="top" width="237">First marathon</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;"> <p style="text-align: left;">Dozens of other Spartans helped at the finish. Without the volunteers the London Marathon would be impossible to organise.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <h2>Lyndsey and James Win 5K</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Thirty one runners braved the weather on Thursday night to take part in the 63<sup>rd</sup> running of the Fairlands Valley Spartans’ Handicap 5K.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> LYNDSEY CARLISLE was first to finish. She claimed her second Handicap 5K victory by running a new personal best (PB) time of 31 minutes 51 seconds, 1:40 quicker than her previous PB and 4:39 ahead of handicap. LOUISA BILL was second female, and third overall in her first race with a time of 28 minutes 46 seconds and VICTORIA SEALY was third woman, in a new PB of 27:33 – 53 seconds faster than before.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The winning man, in second position overall, was newcomer JAMES COOPER in 27:33, 3:26 faster than handicap. Another first timer, CHRIS HILTON, set a handicap new course record time of 16 minutes 33 seconds to finish second male and fifth overall. This was three seconds quicker than the previous record.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">RICHARD BATE was third man in a new seasons best (SB) time of 16:57, five seconds quicker than previously.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Chris and Richard were also fastest and second fastest runners on the night, with ROB WILLIS third quickest in a new PB time of 18:31. LIAM HERBERT (18:41 YB) and STEVE WILLIAMSON (19:11) were also inside 20 minutes.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">TRACY PEZ was the fastest female equalling her year’s best (YB) time of 22:22, with MADDIE PRITCHARD second quickest in a new YB time 23:21, and SARAH PIKE third fastest in 26:03.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">In addition to those already mentioned above, Sarah Sapstead also took 29 seconds off her PB time to 30:05 and Amanda Vickers 0:51 to 36:58, while there were SB times for Steve Pike (+0:05) and James Day (+0:07), and YB times for Selvan Naicker (+0:26), Matthew Holgate (+0:38) and Andy Jay (+0:16).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The start and finish was superbly organised by Graham Blackburn, Mike Crowley, Jim Brown and Jayne Pinner. Barry King, Sharon Crowley, Kerry Setterfield and Lee Reynolds supported runners around the course, and the Spartan Starter Group provided lots of vocal encouragement.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Next up is the first midweek league race, in Stevenage, on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May. The Handicap 5Ks will return at the end of this year’s league races in the Summer.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <h2>Madrid Marathon</h2> <p style="text-align: left;"> For the first time in twenty years CAROL PAUL was not running the London Marathon. But she was running 26.2 miles in Madrid. On a hot day and on a hilly course Carol’s third marathon in two weeks was completed in 4 hours 28 minutes 50 seconds. KEVIN LAWLOR finished in 5:18:43. MIKE NEWBITT and DAVE PAUL came in together in 5:19:24.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <h2>Mayor of Hertford’s 10K</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Eight Spartans competed in the recent Mayor of Hertford’s charity race which was over about 10 kilometres. DUNCAN MARSHALL was third overall in 37 minutes 5 seconds. The others were SIMON BELL (40:30); ANDY JAY (51:55); DYFED THOMPSON-SMITH (53:29); JEANETTE COLLINS (1:00:27); TRACY STILES (1:02:30); and KATIE and ANNETTE BELL finishing together in 1:03:40. This was Katie’s first 10K.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">They said it was a lovely run, along trails and road, well organised with some nice goodies at the finish.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> <h2>Coming Events</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>EVAC track and field league match in Stevenage on Wednesday evening 25<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Serpentine Last Friday 5K on Friday 27<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Herts County Track and Field Championships on Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Relays in the Park (3K legs) on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> September.</li> <li>County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> September.</li> <li>Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> November.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;"> <h2>Join The Spartans</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 400 members and encourages <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation</span> by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a> Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website <span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.fvspartans.org.uk</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a></strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1334 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1334"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-charlie-is-cirfd/">NEWS RELEASE: CHARLIE IS CiRF’d</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 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Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on NEWS RELEASE: CHARLIE IS CiRF’d</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Over the weekend (14th/15th April) our Assistant Head Coach, <a title="Charlie Patterson — Assistant Head Coach" href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/catchacoach/coaches/charlie-patterson-assistant-head-coach/">Charlie Paterson</a>, put the finishing touches to the Coach in Running and Fitness (CiRF) course by passing through the assessment phase. This now means that Charlie is CiRF qualified and a ‘fully fledged’ coach within the coaching team. The course is particularly demanding, requiring a commitment to attend workshops over two weekends as well as building up a comprehensive coaching diary with training plans and relective notes. The course is completed with a written test and practical assessment. Congratulations to Charlie!</p> <p><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CharlieP.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1337" title="CharlieP" src="http://fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CharlieP.jpg" alt="" width="342" height="345" /></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1318 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1318"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-15th-april-2012-iris-steve-win-track-field/">NEWS RELEASE: 15TH APRIL 2012, IRIS & STEVE WIN TRACK & FIELD</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 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16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-15th-april-2012-iris-steve-win-track-field/">April 15, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-15th-april-2012-iris-steve-win-track-field/#comments">133 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on NEWS RELEASE: 15TH APRIL 2012, IRIS & STEVE WIN TRACK & FIELD</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /> </strong></p> <h2>IRIS AND STEVE WIN TRACK AND FIELD</h2> <h2>Fast at Flitwick</h2> <p>IRIS HORNSEY and STEVE MAYFIELD were the winners at a chilly Fairlands Valley Spartans Track and Field Championships on Sunday afternoon. There were even the odd hail storms at the event which was kindly hosted by Stevenage and North Herts AC as part of their meeting at Ridlins. Several Spartans were taking part in Track & Field for the first time since schooldays and everybody enjoyed the event. Each athlete completed a sprint, a middle distance event, a jump and a throw and the results were age adjusted and then points awarded. Following on from her recent National Masters Indoor Titles, IRIS HORNSEY won the Womens event with MONICA BROWN second and TESSA STEPHENSON third.<br /> <strong><br /> </strong>In the men’s event STEVE MAYFIELD finished just ahead of DAVE STEPHENSON with BILL TUCK third.</p> <p>The scoring system was based on taking the performance, age grading it and then using tables to provide a points score for each event. Points were added up for the four events and the person with the highest total wins.</p> <p>Overall the results were as follows:</p> <p>Women – Iris Hornsey 314; Monica Brown 308; Tessa Stephenson 301; Julie Simmons 240; Sharon Crowley 236; Steph Mayfield 195 and Jo Laing 182.</p> <p>Men — Steve Mayfield 337; Dave Stephenson 329; Bill Tuck 306; Andy Neatham 305; Kieran Feetham 272; Paul Holgate 237; Mark Cheadle 208; Simon Harris 147 and Matthew Holgate 43.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>Fast at Flitwick</h2> <p>Fourteen Spartans were at the Flitwick 10K on Sunday. For some it was a last bit of preparation before the London Marathon. The Spartan runners included PHIL GALE (54<sup>th</sup> in 40:35); MATT JAMIESON (158<sup>th</sup> in 44:50); TRACY PEZ (213<sup>th</sup> in 46:28); CRAIG SNOWDEN (320<sup>th</sup> in 49:26); DAN SIMS running his first 10K (324<sup>th</sup> in 49:55); RICHARD MOORE (326<sup>th</sup> in 49:35); PAUL HOLGATE (451<sup>st</sup> in 53:33); NICK WITCOMBE (478<sup>th</sup> in 54:15); KAREN PALMER (521<sup>st</sup> in 55:35); JOHN WILDEN (576<sup>th</sup> in 56:33); TONY OSBORNE was running his first road race since June 2011 and was the fifth “Vet 70” (659<sup>th</sup> in 60:23); KERRY SETTERFIELD (728<sup>th</sup> in 64:15); LEE MORRIS (782<sup>nd</sup> in 68:58) and HELEN MORRIS (783<sup>rd</sup> in 68:59).</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>Brighton Rocks for Carol</h2> <p>CAROL PAUL ran her second marathon in six days at Brighton after running her best time (4:15:40) since November 2008 at Utrecht, Holland the previous week. She ran the Brighton Marathon in windy over cast conditions in a time of 4 hours 18 minutes 4 seconds.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Two Inaugurals for Roger</h2> <p>On Sunday ROGER BIGGS ran the inaugural Worcester Marathon in 4 hours 4 minutes 54 seconds. It was on a hilly two lap course in sunny but cold conditions. Last week he ran the inaugural Humberside Marathon in 4 hours 6 minutes 58 seconds.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>Cambourne for Dania</h2> <p>DANIA HEATH ran the Cambourne 10K in Cambridgeshire on Sunday in 58 minutes 26 seconds (620<sup>th</sup>). RHIANNON HOWE was 890<sup>th</sup> in 66:51. There were 1,001 finishers.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>Andrenalin War</h2> <p>MARC GREEN completed the Andrenalin War army assault course 10k on the Dunstable Downs on Saturday. Rope swings, tubes, netting, slides, see-saws, balance bars and hills did not stop Marc finishing in an excellent 54.30</p> <p> </p> <h2>Bests for Grant and Liam</h2> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>LIAM HERBERT, GRANT RAMSAY and DON GREGORY ran the Victoria Park Open Five with a fleet of exceptional runners. To put it into perspective, the winning time was 23 minutes 28 seconds and the fastest woman crossed the line in 27:04.</p> <p>Both ran new personal bests (PB).</p> <p>Liam’s PB time of 30 minutes 28 seconds represented an improvement of 2 minutes 59 seconds, coming off the back of last weekend’s improvement over 10K. He was delighted to take approximately 3 minutes off his last 5 mile personal best time which was set at the same race last year (33:27). Just goes to show what a difference a year, and being coached to run the distance specifically, makes. Liam placed 76th out of 174 finishers. This was his second personal best in six days and third PB of the year.</p> <p>Meanwhile Grant Ramsay finished in a superb time of 27 minutes 37 seconds. That he was 34<sup>th</sup> shows the quality of the entries. He improved his PB by ten seconds.</p> <p>Don Gregory was 110th in 35m 41s.</p> <p>There was a bit of a head-wind which meant the long expansive flats around the park dragged and that was off-putting. All in all, it was a great fast competitive course and he look forward to returning back there for a third attempt in 2013. Well worth the trip to Hackney.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>First Saturday</h2> <p>Spartan JOHN HARRIS was fifth overall in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K with a time of 19 minutes 17 seconds — a new season’s best.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h2>Ultra Ladies</h2> <p>On Saturday (7<sup>th</sup>) Sharon Crowley,Trica Hopper and Karen Liddle took on the challenge of ‘The Bedford Clanger’ a 28 mile ultra trail marathon around the Bedfordshire countryside. They were all delighted to finish in 5 hours 55 minutes 7 seconds.</p> <p>Karen and Tricia then completed another 21 miles in training on Sunday as they continued their preparations for the 70 mile Hadrian’s Wall weekend event in June.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Carol’s Best Marathon Since 2008</h2> <p>CAROL PAUL did the Utrecht Marathon in Holland on Sunday and ran her best time since November 2008. She completed the flat, wet and windy race in 4 hours 15 minutes 40 seconds.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Running, Jumping, Throwing</h2> <p>Spartan MATTHEW HOLGATE enjoyed a great day at the Olympic Challenge organised by Stevenage and North Hertfordshire Athletics Club. He threw the shot putt 4.44 metres; achieved 1.30 metres in the long jump and ran the 100 metres in 20.38 seconds.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dozens of Spartans will be running the London Marathon and dozens more will be helping at the finish. Without the volunteers the London Marathon could not take place.</p> <h2>Coming Events</h2> <p>Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <ul> <li>Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>London Marathon on Sunday 22<sup>nd</sup> April.</li> <li>EVAC track and field in Stevenage on Wednesday 25<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Serpentine Last Friday 5K on Friday 27<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> September.</li> <li>County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> September.</li> <li>Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> November.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Join The Spartans</strong></p> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 430 members and encourages <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation</span> by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Now the clocks have changed they will be even more popular. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.<strong> </strong></p> <p>Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p>Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a> Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p>If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website <span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.fvspartans.org.uk</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>E N D S</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 </strong><strong>815859</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/"><strong>www.fvspartans.org.uk</strong></a></p> <p align="center"> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1154 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-club category-motivation category-news" id="post-1154"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/motivation/" rel="category tag">Motivation</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/spartan-jukebox/">Spartan Jukebox!</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> 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17.84375,5.5 L17.84375,15.875 C17.84375,17.5836309 16.4586309,18.96875 14.75,18.96875 L3.25,18.96875 C1.54136906,18.96875 0.15625,17.5836309 0.15625,15.875 L0.15625,5.5 C0.15625,3.79136906 1.54136906,2.40625 3.25,2.40625 L4.60069444,2.40625 L4.60069444,1 C4.60069444,0.534009742 4.97845419,0.15625 5.44444444,0.15625 C5.9104347,0.15625 6.28819444,0.534009742 6.28819444,1 L6.28819444,2.40625 Z M1.84375,8.95486111 L1.84375,15.875 C1.84375,16.6516504 2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/spartan-jukebox/">April 12, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/spartan-jukebox/#respond">No Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on Spartan Jukebox!</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <figure class="featured-media"> <div class="featured-media-inner section-inner medium"> <img width="720" height="524" src="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs.jpg 720w, https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs-300x218.jpg 300w, https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs-148x107.jpg 148w, https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs-31x22.jpg 31w, https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs-38x27.jpg 38w, https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fvs-295x215.jpg 295w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /> </div> </figure> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <h2>GET MOTIVATED WITH MUSIC</h2> <h2>We need your help to top-up our Spartan jukebox!</h2> <p>Getting out and training is one thing, but what helps to motivate you to start your run and to want to keep on going?</p> <p>You might have a target time or distance in your head, but getting from start to finish might seem like a bit of a chore.</p> <p>Running to a beat or musical tempo might help you to maintain your tempo pace and to spur you on until the very end!!!</p> <p>Many runners regularly take out an iPod or MP3 player with them on a solo run. Of course, we ask our club runners NOT to bring these to training as wearing earphones mean that you will not be able to hear our coaches’ instructions and warnings relating to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or hazards. Similarly, most race organisers ban the use of personal MP3 players from their events for very much the same reason.</p> <p>Enjoy listening to, and running to, music in our own time as we understand that it does have benefits but just be careful out there! 🙂</p> <p>You may have noticed that we have placed a Spotify Music Player on the home page of this website. It holds a list of songs which we hope we motivate you to get out there and run. Give them a good listen if you ever need inspiration before that next long training run.</p> <p><strong>We are going to compile regular play-lists of YOUR favourite motivational running songs, so we need your input!</strong></p> <p><strong>If you would like to share your musical choices with the rest of the club, please write a comment on this page and we’ll do our best to include them in an upcoming play-list!</strong></p> <p>Or if you have made your own complete playlist on Spotify, even better!<br /> Please make sure that the playlist is ‘published’ and then copy and paste the Spotify URI into a new comment and I will update the widget so we can all hear your motivational music. If you have any anything to say about the songs themselves, please include them in your comment.</p> <p>If you need help doing this, let me know (generally all you need to do is create a new playlist and then right click on that playlist in the menu bar on the right, and select ‘copy Spotify URI’). I’ll alternate the playlists so that everyone gets a go!</p> <p>Our current play-list for April 2012 includes the following contributions from our members:</p> <p>To get you motivated, we asked ‘PB Machine’ Liam Herbert to share (and talk through) some of his favourite running songs, so over to Liam:</p> <ol> <li><em><strong>The Launch </strong></em><strong>– DJ Jean</strong> (get way to get to ‘launch’ yourself off at the start of your run. A classic song which builds nicely as you settle into your pace)</li> <li><em><strong>Good Luck </strong></em><strong>– Basement Jaxx</strong><strong> </strong>(dance songs motivate me to run more than any other genre … and Basement Jaxx are fantastic at this! This song remind me that I’ve only just set out but to keep my focus on the road/cycle path and to continue working hard)</li> <li><strong><em>We Speak No Americano</em> – Yolanda Be Cool</strong> (possibly my favourite dance song at the moment – only slightly behind on trends! Love the quirkiness of the bouncy beat which really makes me want to shuffle on)</li> <li><strong><em>Lose Control</em> – Missy Elliott</strong> (this song sounds like some sort of deranged video game and generates a great hard base beat to get me to push on)</li> <li><em><strong>Morning After Dark</strong></em> <strong>– Timbaland</strong> (yes this is the hip-hop section of my run! Another song with electronica influences and a crazy BPM to try to get up with!)</li> <li><strong><em>SexyBack</em> – Justin Timberlake</strong> (a drop in speed on this, but this song has an almost mechanical consistency which helps when I feel like I’m dropping off the pace ever so slightly … by making me remember the need to maintain a consistent pace)</li> <li><strong><em>Sandstorm</em> – Darude</strong> (firmly back into classic dance music territory, this is a great number for that part of the run where you have been going well but feel the need to explode out and increase your pace. Energetic!)</li> <li><strong><em>Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)</em> – Backstreet Boys</strong> (the optimal boy-band to run along to! Not as full-on as some of the earlier dance numbers, but catchy sing-a-long lyrics are great for keeping your mind off of the evitable fatigue you feel as you get towards the end of your run)</li> <li><strong><em>Fireflies</em> – Owl City</strong> (the pace is slowing down, but you don’t want to drop off completely. This song had a ploddy beat but explodes back up in the chorus. Almost time to wind down and wrap up a good training run…)</li> <li><strong><em>Porcelain</em> – Moby</strong> (my premier cool-down track. Its keeps a strong beat to remind you to keeping moving and not to stop immediately at the end of your run. The song is also very pretty and relaxing and gives me a great calming assurance that I’ve just enjoyed a great run).</li> </ol> <p>Can you do better than this? If so, post a comment and let us know the song(s) that get you motivated!</p> <p>Soooo get your groove on Spartans, and share some beautiful sounds! 😉</p> <p><em><strong>Our current play-list</strong></em>.<strong><em> Give it a listen!!!</em></strong></p> <p><em>Please note that you will need to have the Spotify software installed on your PC before you can use this feature. You can download it for FREE by following the instructions in the box below.</em><br /> [spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:user:1122177190:playlist:03cMAIbwLkiwkY4JF3VFkn”]</p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-1093 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-1093"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-8th-april-2012-bests-for-grant-liam/">News Release: 8th April 2012, Bests for Grant & Liam</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 C6.28819444,5.02154581 5.9104347,5.39930556 5.44444444,5.39930556 C4.97845419,5.39930556 4.60069444,5.02154581 4.60069444,4.55555556 L4.60069444,4.09375 Z M6.28819444,2.40625 L11.7118056,2.40625 L11.7118056,1 C11.7118056,0.534009742 12.0895653,0.15625 12.5555556,0.15625 C13.0215458,0.15625 13.3993056,0.534009742 13.3993056,1 L13.3993056,2.40625 L14.75,2.40625 C16.4586309,2.40625 17.84375,3.79136906 17.84375,5.5 L17.84375,15.875 C17.84375,17.5836309 16.4586309,18.96875 14.75,18.96875 L3.25,18.96875 C1.54136906,18.96875 0.15625,17.5836309 0.15625,15.875 L0.15625,5.5 C0.15625,3.79136906 1.54136906,2.40625 3.25,2.40625 L4.60069444,2.40625 L4.60069444,1 C4.60069444,0.534009742 4.97845419,0.15625 5.44444444,0.15625 C5.9104347,0.15625 6.28819444,0.534009742 6.28819444,1 L6.28819444,2.40625 Z M1.84375,8.95486111 L1.84375,15.875 C1.84375,16.6516504 2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-8th-april-2012-bests-for-grant-liam/">April 9, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-8th-april-2012-bests-for-grant-liam/#comments">62 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on News Release: 8th April 2012, Bests for Grant & Liam</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <h2 style="text-align: left;">BESTS FOR GRANT AND LIAM</h2> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Ultra Women</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">LIAM HERBERT and GRANT RAMSAY ran Saturday’s Victoria Park Open Five with a fleet of exceptional runners. To put it into perspective, the winning time was 23 minutes 28 seconds and the fastest woman crossed the line in 27:04.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Both ran new personal bests (PB).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Liam’s PB time of 30 minutes 28 seconds represented an improvement of 2 minutes 59 seconds, coming off the back of last weekend’s improvement over 10K. He was delighted to take approximately 3 minutes off his last 5 mile personal best time which was set at the same race last year (33:27). Just goes to show what a difference a year, and being coached to run the distance specifically, makes. Liam placed 76th out of 174 finishers. This was his second personal best in six days and third PB of the year.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile GRANT RAMSAY finished in a superb time of 27 minutes 37 seconds. That he was 34<sup>th</sup> shows the quality of the entries. He improved his PB by ten seconds.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">There was a bit of a head-wind which meant the long expansive flats around the park dragged and that was off-putting. All in all, it was a great fast competitive course and he look forward to returning back there for a third attempt in 2013. Well worth the trip to Hackney.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">First Saturday</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Spartan JOHN HARRIS was fifth overall in the North Herts First Saturday of the Month 5K with a time of 19 minutes 17 seconds — a new season’s best.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Ultra Ladies</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">On Saturday (7<sup>th</sup>) Sharon Crowley,Trica Hopper and Karen Liddle took on the challenge of ‘The Bedford Clanger’ a 28 mile ultra trail marathon around the Bedfordshire countryside. They were all delighted to finish in 5 hours 55 minutes 7 seconds.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Karen and Tricia then completed another 21 miles in training on Sunday as they continued their preparations for the 70 mile Hadrian’s Wall weekend event in June.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Running, Jumping, Throwing</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Spartan MATTHEW HOLGATE enjoyed a great day at the Olympic Challenge organised by Stevenage and North Hertfordshire Athletics Club. He threw the shot putt 4.44 metres; achieved 1.30 metres in the long jump and ran the 100 metres in 20.38 seconds.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Fairlands Valley Spartans Track and Field Championships take place at Ridlins Track, Stevenage between 12 noon and 5p.m. this Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> April.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Coming Events</h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Spartans Track and Field Championships on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>London Marathon on Sunday 22<sup>nd</sup> April.</li> <li>EVAC track and field in Stevenage on Wednesday 25<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Serpentine Last Friday 5K on Friday 27<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> September.</li> <li>County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> September.</li> <li>Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> November.</li> </ul> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Join The Spartans</h2> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 430 members and encourages <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation</span> by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Now the clocks have changed they will be even more popular. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.<strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a> Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website <span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.fvspartans.org.uk</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859 </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a></strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-946 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-946"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-1st-april-2012/">News Release: 1st April 2012, Olympic Five</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 20"><path fill="" d="M18,19 C18,19.5522847 17.5522847,20 17,20 C16.4477153,20 16,19.5522847 16,19 L16,17 C16,15.3431458 14.6568542,14 13,14 L5,14 C3.34314575,14 2,15.3431458 2,17 L2,19 C2,19.5522847 1.55228475,20 1,20 C0.44771525,20 0,19.5522847 0,19 L0,17 C0,14.2385763 2.23857625,12 5,12 L13,12 C15.7614237,12 18,14.2385763 18,17 L18,19 Z M9,10 C6.23857625,10 4,7.76142375 4,5 C4,2.23857625 6.23857625,0 9,0 C11.7614237,0 14,2.23857625 14,5 C14,7.76142375 11.7614237,10 9,10 Z M9,8 C10.6568542,8 12,6.65685425 12,5 C12,3.34314575 10.6568542,2 9,2 C7.34314575,2 6,3.34314575 6,5 C6,6.65685425 7.34314575,8 9,8 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/author/tracy-pez/">Tracy Pez</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post date </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="19" viewBox="0 0 18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 C6.28819444,5.02154581 5.9104347,5.39930556 5.44444444,5.39930556 C4.97845419,5.39930556 4.60069444,5.02154581 4.60069444,4.55555556 L4.60069444,4.09375 Z M6.28819444,2.40625 L11.7118056,2.40625 L11.7118056,1 C11.7118056,0.534009742 12.0895653,0.15625 12.5555556,0.15625 C13.0215458,0.15625 13.3993056,0.534009742 13.3993056,1 L13.3993056,2.40625 L14.75,2.40625 C16.4586309,2.40625 17.84375,3.79136906 17.84375,5.5 L17.84375,15.875 C17.84375,17.5836309 16.4586309,18.96875 14.75,18.96875 L3.25,18.96875 C1.54136906,18.96875 0.15625,17.5836309 0.15625,15.875 L0.15625,5.5 C0.15625,3.79136906 1.54136906,2.40625 3.25,2.40625 L4.60069444,2.40625 L4.60069444,1 C4.60069444,0.534009742 4.97845419,0.15625 5.44444444,0.15625 C5.9104347,0.15625 6.28819444,0.534009742 6.28819444,1 L6.28819444,2.40625 Z M1.84375,8.95486111 L1.84375,15.875 C1.84375,16.6516504 2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-1st-april-2012/">April 2, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-1st-april-2012/#comments">28 Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on News Release: 1st April 2012, Olympic Five</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>OLYMPIC FIVE</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>PBs at Twenty and 10K</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center">Four Spartans were among the first ever to finish a race inside the new London Olympic Stadium. They were taking part in the National Lottery Five Mile Race on Saturday.</p> <p>ANDY NEATHAM was 70<sup>th</sup> in 29 minutes 41 seconds (10<sup>th</sup> MV45); NICKY GILMORE 1,965<sup>th</sup> in 41:28; BEV HARLOW was 2,476<sup>th</sup> in 43:21; and JAN FRY 4,377<sup>th</sup> on 51 minutes exactly.</p> <p>Bev, the Spartans Vice-Chair, said it was a real privilege to take part in the Olympic Park run. It was well organised with the 5,000 runners going off in four waves. The course meandered around the Olympic Park before entering the stadium through the athlete’s tunnel with the final 300metres on the athletics track. It was very exciting to enter the stadium to the music from Chariots of Fire.</p> <p>Still on an Olympic theme could we be seeing DAVID BOWKER on TV this summer?</p> <p>At last the rating and paperwork is complete and he can officially try to qualify for the Paralympic Marathon by running a target time in the London Marathon.</p> <p>Starting with the elite runners he’ll be aiming for the “A” standard of 2 hours 55 minutes or better. Three “A” standard places are available. The “B” standard is no slower than 3 hours 15 minutes but only one “B” place is available and only the fastest will get it.</p> <p><strong>Oakley 20</strong></p> <p>KERRY JAMES completed Sunday’s Oakley 20 mile road race today in a time of 2hrs 32 mins 36 seconds! That’s a personal best (PB) by almost four minutes from the same course two years ago. She was fifth female veteran (40 plus).</p> <p>BARRY KING also enjoyed the perfect running conditions and took 6 minutes 47 seconds off his old PB when he finished in 3 hours 11 minutes 13 seconds.</p> <p>PAULETTE ELDRIDGE ran her first twenty mile race in 2 hours 55 minutes.</p> <p><strong>PB Machine Runs Again</strong></p> <p>LIAM HERBERT recorded another personal best (PB) Sunday morning at the Regents Park 10K. He was kept alert by having to hurdle over a dog chasing over a squirrel on the first lap</p> <p>Liam’s 38 minutes 38 seconds made him 15<sup>th</sup> out of the 430 finishers. His previous best was 39:39 at last year’s Standalone 10K.</p> <p>PETE SMITH was 62<sup>nd</sup> in 43 minutes exactly.</p> <p><strong>Last Friday</strong></p> <p>SIMON JACKSON enjoyed the hot and sunny weather on Friday lunchtime when he ran the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K. He was very happy with his time of 17 minutes 3 seconds and 11<sup>th</sup> overall.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Yakima River Canyon Marathon — Saturday, 31<sup>st</sup> March 2012</span></strong></p> <p>While the UK was warm & Sunny, ROGER BIGGS started the scenic YAKIMA RIVER CANYON MARATHON in light snow. The course followed the River Canyon south to Yakima, and while it was mostly downhill, the course got its vengeance with two long and tough hills.</p> <p>Roger struggled to find his recent form, but dragged his time down nearer to 4 hours with a fast three mile downhill section, finishing in 4:05:15.</p> <p> </p> <p>Dozens of other Spartans enjoyed the club twenty mile training run as they prepared for the London Marathon which will be on Sunday 22<sup>nd</sup> April.</p> <p><strong>Coming Events<br /> </strong></p> <p>Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <ul> <li>Spartans Track and Field Championships on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>London Marathon on Sunday 22<sup>nd</sup> April.</li> <li>EVAC track and field in Stevenage on Wednesday 25<sup>th</sup> April.</li> <li>Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15<sup>th</sup> May.</li> <li>Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19<sup>th</sup> July.</li> <li>County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> September.</li> <li>County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23<sup>rd</sup> September.</li> <li>Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> November.</li> </ul> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Join The Spartans</strong></p> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 430 members and encourages <span style="text-decoration: underline;">participation</span> by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Now the clocks have changed they will be even more popular. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p>Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p>Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a> Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website <span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.fvspartans.org.uk</span></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong> </strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 </strong><strong>815859</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://fvspartans.org.uk/"><strong>www.fvspartans.org.uk</strong></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <hr class="post-separator styled-separator is-style-wide section-inner" aria-hidden="true" /> <article class="post-855 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-club category-news" id="post-855"> <header class="entry-header has-text-align-center"> <div class="entry-header-inner section-inner medium"> <div class="entry-categories"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Categories </span> <div class="entry-categories-inner"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/club/" rel="category tag">Club</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </div> </div> <h2 class="entry-title heading-size-1"><a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-25th-march-2012/">News Release: 25th March 2012, Claire wins 5k</a></h2> <div class="post-meta-wrapper post-meta-single post-meta-single-top"> <ul class="post-meta"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text"> Post author </span> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="18" height="20" viewBox="0 0 18 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18 19"><path fill="" d="M4.60069444,4.09375 L3.25,4.09375 C2.47334957,4.09375 1.84375,4.72334957 1.84375,5.5 L1.84375,7.26736111 L16.15625,7.26736111 L16.15625,5.5 C16.15625,4.72334957 15.5266504,4.09375 14.75,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.09375 L13.3993056,4.55555556 C13.3993056,5.02154581 13.0215458,5.39930556 12.5555556,5.39930556 C12.0895653,5.39930556 11.7118056,5.02154581 11.7118056,4.55555556 L11.7118056,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.09375 L6.28819444,4.55555556 C6.28819444,5.02154581 5.9104347,5.39930556 5.44444444,5.39930556 C4.97845419,5.39930556 4.60069444,5.02154581 4.60069444,4.55555556 L4.60069444,4.09375 Z M6.28819444,2.40625 L11.7118056,2.40625 L11.7118056,1 C11.7118056,0.534009742 12.0895653,0.15625 12.5555556,0.15625 C13.0215458,0.15625 13.3993056,0.534009742 13.3993056,1 L13.3993056,2.40625 L14.75,2.40625 C16.4586309,2.40625 17.84375,3.79136906 17.84375,5.5 L17.84375,15.875 C17.84375,17.5836309 16.4586309,18.96875 14.75,18.96875 L3.25,18.96875 C1.54136906,18.96875 0.15625,17.5836309 0.15625,15.875 L0.15625,5.5 C0.15625,3.79136906 1.54136906,2.40625 3.25,2.40625 L4.60069444,2.40625 L4.60069444,1 C4.60069444,0.534009742 4.97845419,0.15625 5.44444444,0.15625 C5.9104347,0.15625 6.28819444,0.534009742 6.28819444,1 L6.28819444,2.40625 Z M1.84375,8.95486111 L1.84375,15.875 C1.84375,16.6516504 2.47334957,17.28125 3.25,17.28125 L14.75,17.28125 C15.5266504,17.28125 16.15625,16.6516504 16.15625,15.875 L16.15625,8.95486111 L1.84375,8.95486111 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-25th-march-2012/">March 28, 2012</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-comment-link meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <svg class="svg-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" focusable="false" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M9.43016863,13.2235931 C9.58624731,13.094699 9.7823475,13.0241935 9.98476849,13.0241935 L15.0564516,13.0241935 C15.8581553,13.0241935 16.5080645,12.3742843 16.5080645,11.5725806 L16.5080645,3.44354839 C16.5080645,2.64184472 15.8581553,1.99193548 15.0564516,1.99193548 L3.44354839,1.99193548 C2.64184472,1.99193548 1.99193548,2.64184472 1.99193548,3.44354839 L1.99193548,11.5725806 C1.99193548,12.3742843 2.64184472,13.0241935 3.44354839,13.0241935 L5.76612903,13.0241935 C6.24715123,13.0241935 6.63709677,13.4141391 6.63709677,13.8951613 L6.63709677,15.5301903 L9.43016863,13.2235931 Z M3.44354839,14.766129 C1.67980032,14.766129 0.25,13.3363287 0.25,11.5725806 L0.25,3.44354839 C0.25,1.67980032 1.67980032,0.25 3.44354839,0.25 L15.0564516,0.25 C16.8201997,0.25 18.25,1.67980032 18.25,3.44354839 L18.25,11.5725806 C18.25,13.3363287 16.8201997,14.766129 15.0564516,14.766129 L10.2979143,14.766129 L6.32072889,18.0506004 C5.75274472,18.5196577 4.89516129,18.1156602 4.89516129,17.3790323 L4.89516129,14.766129 L3.44354839,14.766129 Z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/news-release-25th-march-2012/#respond">No Comments<span class="screen-reader-text"> on News Release: 25th March 2012, Claire wins 5k</span></a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </header> <div class="post-inner thin "> <div class="entry-content"> <p><strong><br /> CLAIRE WINS 5K<br /> Spartans at Sandy + Sport Relief</strong></p> <p>There was an excellent turn-out of almost 60 Spartans for Thursday evening’s Handicap 5K, with 53 finishers from 54 starters, fantastically supported at the start and finish by Liam Herbert, Mark Beasley and Andy Prior; and those who helped others around the course — Bill Tuck, Chris Leigh, Sharon Crowley, Barbara Wilson, Lee Reynolds and Andy Prior.</p> <p>On a beautiful evening for running 40 of the 53 finishers recorded their fastest 5K of 2012, with 12 personal bests (PB) and 6 season bests (SB) including, in addition to those mentioned below, Kieran Feetham +2:09 to 20:57, Victoria Sealy +0:39 to 28:26 and Sean Millwood +0:11 to 30:55.</p> <p>First to finish, in her first 5K with the club, was Claire Coker in an excellent 27:10, 2:50 ahead of handicap, closely followed by Jo Eley, supported by Andy Prior, who continued to improve her 5K PB, this time by another 2:43 to 41:35, and with Jennifer Robertson third in a new PB of her own of 22:29, 3:51 quicker than previously.</p> <p>The winning man was Steve Pike, in a new SB time 24:17, 2:26 ahead of handicap and 46 seconds quicker than his previous best SB time, followed by Dan Sims in a new PB of 23:44, 1;09 quicker than before, and with Steven Dobner third man in a new PB of his own, 2:01 faster at 27:50.</p> <p>GRANT RAMSAY was the fastest runner on the evening in a new Year Best time of 16:45 to move from 53rd position at the start to 12th position by the end, with Rebecca Newstead & Lee Reynolds second quickest in yet another female Handicap 5K course record, smashing another 38 seconds off her time set in February, to 17:43.</p> <p>Rob Willis was also well inside 20 minutes, with 18:44, as were Todd Gray 18:59, Steve Williamson 19:06 and Graham Blackburn 19:47. Next quickest female was Katy Jinks in 22;04, with Tracy Pez third quickest in a new year’s best time of 22:22.</p> <p>Next month will see the final Handicap 5k before a break for the Midweek League. It will be on Thursday 19th April 2012.</p> <p><strong>Sandy Ten</strong></p> <p>Spartan LEE THORP beat the hour in his first ten mile road race which was Sunday’s Sandy Ten. He finished tenth out of the 500 competitors in 59 minutes 13 seconds. Club Secretary STEPH MAYFIELD ran a new personal best to finish 288th in 1 hour 24 minutes 29 seconds.</p> <p>There was a good turnout from Fairlands Valley Spartans with the club’s other runners including Graham Blackburn 1:07:13 (61st); Steve Mayfield 1:09:58 (94th); Pete Smith 1:10:30 (103rd); Claire Haddleton 1:11:25 (124th); Mike King 1:11:25 (125th); Davie Stafford 1:12:17 (137th); David Moss 1:13:04 (149th); Rob Brady 1:13:30 (156th); Maddie Pritchard 1:24:45 (290th); Paul Holgate 1:24:54 (294th); Karen Ellis 1:27:47 (323rd); Maria Thorne 1:30:26 (350th); Sharon Crowley 1:32:00; Dania Heath 1:33:30 and Mark Cheadle 1:49:15.</p> <p><strong>Busy Bell<br /> </strong><br /> Recently SIMON BELL ran the Milton Keynes 10km race in 38 minutes 22 seconds and was second Vet 40. He also ran the Finchley 20 in 2 hours 15 minutes 48 seconds</p> <p><strong>Round The Rowing<br /> </strong><br /> TREVOR and KERRY SETTERFIELD ran a warm, flat half marathon around the Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake, near Windsor on Sunday. Trev finished in 1 hour 47 minutes 6 seconds and Kerry in 2 hours 24 minutes 5 seconds.<br /> <strong><br /> Spartans Help Sport Relief<br /> </strong><br /> Many Spartans helped organise Sunday’s Sport Relief event in Stevenage.</p> <p>Amongst those running was LIAM HERBERT who did 25 laps (“10K”) in 39:44, in the full stripy outfit (oh yes the shorts!), with blue stripy face paint and neon blue hair. His inspiration was Sonic the Hedgehog (fast with spiky blue hair) but he received comparisons to Braveheart and Avatar as well! He says it was a great event to be involved in, for a very good cause!</p> <p>SIMON HARRIS ran 10K in 1 hour 11 minutes 21 seconds and MATTHEW HOLGATE ran a mile in ten minutes 17 seconds.</p> <p>ALISON SUCKLING completed the Brentwood Half Marathon in 2 hours 13 minutes 7 seconds while several other Spartans were amongst the 455 enjoying the Stevenage Start of Summertime Specials (SSoSS) cycle rides.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Now the clocks have changed they will be even more popular. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p><strong>Coming Events</strong></p> <p>Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:</p> <p>– Spartans Track and Field Championships on Sunday 15th April.<br /> – Handicap 5K in Stevenage on Thursday evening 19th April.<br /> – London Marathon on Sunday 22nd April.<br /> – EVAC track and field in Stevenage on Wednesday 25th April.<br /> – Mid Week Road Race League 10K in Stevenage on Tuesday 15th May.<br /> – Fairlands Valley Challenge (Off Road) on Sunday 15th July.<br /> – Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19th July.<br /> – County 5K Championships in Stevenage on Sunday 9th September.<br /> – County 5 Miles Championship in Stevenage on Sunday 23rd September.<br /> – Stevenage Half Marathon on Sunday 4th November.<br /> <strong><br /> Join The Spartans</strong></p> <p>Live in or near Stevenage? Like running? Fairlands Valley Spartans is your local running club and is on the up! The club was voted the UK’s Best Running Club in 2010. It now has over 430 members and encourages participation by all. The Spartans have a varied training programme to suit those who want to run 5 kilometres through to full marathons.</p> <p>The Spartans weekday training sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Now the clocks have changed they will be even more popular. Go along to drama studio next to the gymnastics centre at Marriotts School — a Sports College, Telford Avenue, Stevenage (SG2 0AN) at 7p.m. Up to five running groups go out on training nights — there will be one to suit you!</p> <p>The Spartan Starter group starts from Marriotts at 7.30p.m. every Monday (except public holidays) and 7p.m. every Thursday.</p> <p>Most long Sunday morning training sessions start 9.30a.m. sharp. Spartan track training sessions are held at Ridlins Athletics Track, Woodcock Road, Stevenage most Saturdays from 9.15a.m. There are events to enter every Sunday. Newcomers are very welcome — those who have not done very much running yet might prefer to start with a Thursday, Saturday or Monday session.</p> <p>Try a few sessions before joining. Membership is only £27 per year. Concessions are available. Membership forms are available on the Spartans website <a href="http://forum.fvspartans.org.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=dereferer;url=http://fvspartans.org.uk%A0" target="_blank">www.fvspartans.org.uk </a>Please ask if you would like a paper copy.</p> <p>If you want to know more about the Spartans please contact Jim Brown (01438 354505 or 0793 968 7509), Stephanie Mayfield 01438 815859 or visit their website<a href="http://forum.fvspartans.org.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=dereferer;url=http://fvspartans.org.uk" target="_blank">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a></p> <p><strong>E N D S</strong></p> <p>More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859</p> <p><a href="http://forum.fvspartans.org.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=dereferer;url=http://fvspartans.org.uk" target="_blank">www.fvspartans.org.uk</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="section-inner"> </div> </article> <div class="pagination-wrapper section-inner"> <hr 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tag-link-position-20" style="font-size: 8pt;" aria-label="Great South Run (3 items)">Great South Run</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/tag/greenway-challenge/" class="tag-cloud-link tag-link-240 tag-link-position-21" style="font-size: 8pt;" aria-label="Greenway Challenge (3 items)">Greenway Challenge</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/tag/handicap-5k/" class="tag-cloud-link tag-link-126 tag-link-position-22" style="font-size: 12.888888888889pt;" aria-label="Handicap 5k (10 items)">Handicap 5k</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/tag/hatfield-5/" class="tag-cloud-link tag-link-162 tag-link-position-23" style="font-size: 8pt;" aria-label="Hatfield 5 (3 items)">Hatfield 5</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/tag/hatfield-5k/" class="tag-cloud-link tag-link-291 tag-link-position-24" style="font-size: 10pt;" aria-label="Hatfield 5K (5 items)">Hatfield 5K</a> <a href="https://www.fvspartans.org.uk/tag/hatfield-5k-series/" class="tag-cloud-link tag-link-391 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