Fairlands Valley SpartansRecent information relating to club or calendar
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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 14th overall in just 41 minutes 29 seconds. The other Spartans in the top thirty were SHAW PYE 21st in 42:31; GRANT RAMSAY 22nd in 42:37: and ANDREW PATTERSON, 29th 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 (257th); STEVEN DOBNER by 4:06 to 1:06:54 (289th); VISHAL SHAH by 3:49 to 58:25 (233rd); JENNIFER ROBERTSON by an impressive 3 minutes 44 seconds to 53 minutes 18 seconds (169th); JIM BROWN by 2:53 to 56:41 (216th); DAWN EASBY by 2:40 to 58:14 (230th); MARIE COLUCCI by 2:05 to 56:51 (219th); LISA BURGESS by 1:49 to 49:56 (112th); PAUL HOLGATE by 1:31 to 1:01:40 (260th); NICK WITCOMBE by 1:21 to 1:07:00 (291st); JULIE SIMMONS by 1:19 to 55:16 (201st); PETE SMITH by one minute exactly to 49:28 (104th); LEE LAWRENCE by 29 seconds to 52:41 (154th);
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 28th 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 15th July and the Relays in the Park on Thursday evening 19th 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:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
***********
News Release 24th 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 (35th) ran his first 10K for the club in 38 minutes 14 seconds; DARREN WILBY (135th) improved to 45:09; JON SYPULA (152nd) to 45:54; JULIE SIMMONS (175th) to 47:21; RHIANNON GRIFFIN (180th) to 47:38; JENNIFER ROBERTSON (195th) to 48:44; VISHAL SHAH (201st) to 49:05; TONY VICKERS (204th) to 49:14; TRACY BULLOT (226th) to 51:19; and SARAH SAPSTEAD (312th) 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 (11th in 35:56); SHAW PYE (16th in 36:20); ANDY NEATHAM (17th and fourth “vet” in 36:22); GRANT RAMSAY (30th in 37:42) and ANDREW PATTERSON (31st in 37:53) were the fastest men for the club. TRACY PEZ (150th in 45:51); Julie Simmons (above); Rhiannon Griffin (above); Jennifer Robertson (above) and DAWN EASBY (198th 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
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.
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:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
***********
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.
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:
You can claim a free race entry to any of these Fairland Valley Spartan Races
** 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:
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
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 11th 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 20th June.
Coming Events
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
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 286th in 2 hours 6 minutes 28 seconds, MARIANNE SILSBY 372nd in 2:21:49 and HELEN KINCH 405th in 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 20th June.
Coming Events
Many Spartans will be enjoying a busy programme of races, social and training events over the next few weeks including the:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
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 2nd., 3rd., 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 171st out of 1106 runners at the Bank Holiday Hatfield Broad Oak 10K on Monday.
TONY ARGYROU was 401st 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 502nd in 50:57 and Mick 503rd also in 50:57.
DAVID CLARKE was 511th in 51 minutes 6 seconds, SHARON CROWLEY 669th in 54:32 and PAUL FORDE 730th 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:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
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 |
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).
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
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 195th 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, 8th in 37:59; Maddie Pritchard 108th in 49:11 (PB); Dan Sims 113th in 49:31; Paul Holgate 203rd in 54:39; Stephen Block 260th in 57:09; Sarah Hukin 321st in 60:14; Danny Hukin 322nd in 60:15; Lisa Jerrom 417th in 65:46; Gemma Nash 472nd in 68:34; Jan Fry 485th in 69:45; Anne-Marie Neatham 507th 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 115th 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, 31st 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:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
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
News Release
20th May 2012
MEN SECOND IN MID WEEK 10K
Roger’s 700th 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 1st St. Albans Striders 279 (12 league points); 2nd Barnet and District AC 620 (9 league points); 3rd Fairlands Valley Spartans 652 (7 league points); 4th Trent Park Running Club 703 (6 league points); 5th Garden City Runners 788 (6 league points) and 6th 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 69th Phil Gale (39:54)
The club’s leading women included:
5. Jo Laing (39:44, 3rd 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 57th 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 31st 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 700th!
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 700th 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:
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
E N D S
More from Jim Brown (Press Officer) 01438 354505 / 0793 968 7509 or Stephanie Mayfield (Secretary) 01438 815859
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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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* |
1st 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 |
1st 10K |
New |
|
329 |
101 |
35 |
Victoria | Sealy |
S |
F |
59:40 |
1st 10K |
New |
|
330 |
228 |
80 |
Barry | King |
V 40 |
M |
59:40 |
||
|
331 |
102 |
36 |
Melissa | Tyler |
S |
F |
59:51* |
1st 10K |
New |
|
332 |
229 |
71 |
Steven | Dobner |
S |
M |
59:52 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |
1st 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 |