A Fab Four from Fairlands tackled the hilly but popular Watford Half Marathon on Sunday morning.
It was one of those days when everything seemed to be damp, though during the race there was no more than drizzle, but that didn’t stop Spartan JAY PAPA pacing a group to squeeze under the key 1:30 barrier with 1 hour 29 minutes 25 seconds. WAYNE SIMMONS was under two with 1:59:01.
Not yet risking 100% but getting back into it JIM BROWN was content with his 2:07:37 and LUCY PAUL looked very comfortable going round in 2:10:54.
Position
Name
Time
Percentage
112
JAY PAPA
1:29:25
64.71%
870
WAYNE SIMMONS
1:59:01
60.06%
1115
JIM BROWN
2:07:37
62.14%
1159
LUCY PAUL
2:10:54
52.67%
1589 finishers.
Peddars Way Ultra 2026
Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI loves a trail run and this time it was the 76 kilometres of the Peddars Way starting from Knettishall, near Thetford and heading for the coast.
He was fourth in 7 hours 11 minutes 45 seconds.
Serpie
It was like a Spring morning in Hyde Park for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K. Spartan JIM BROWN enjoyed his lunch-time run in 29:01.
Parkrun Highlights
Nudging 600 again there were 582 finishers in Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun. That included 229 women and 38 Spartans. This was the 439th Stevenage parkrun.
LINDA GEORGE set a new parkrun PB of 25:37 of 25:37 and was the fastest female from Fairlands. It was a century for JAMES SOUTH. A new major milestone of 100 parkruns. This one in 25:48.
ANDREW JORDAN achieved a new parkrun PB of 27:33.
Spartans elsewhere included CHARLIE WHITE; GEORGIE HOOPER; JAY PAPA; NICK GILL and CHARLES ARNOLD who were all at the Great Denham parkrun. Charlie was second overall in 17:31; Georgie third woman and under 20 with 19:54 finishing with Jay 19:54 and Nick 19:55. Charles came in with 22:43.
PETER SACH ran the Peel parkrun, Salford in 27:27. There were three at Letchworth – LEWIS GREEN 24:55; TONY RANDFIELD 28:21 and SUZY HAWKINS 29:31.
No doubt warming up part of the course for the following day’s Watford half marathon JESSICA CLARKE ran the Cassiobury parkrun in 29:18.
The Hatfield Five was advertised as fast and flat and despite a cool start it was for many Spartans.
David Harris-Cherguit’s result was 27:35 chip time and 27:38 gun time for a new personal best (PB), ninth place overall and third in the 45-49 age category. He was really pleased.
Nick Gill completed the Hatfield 5 in 28:55, going sub-30 for the first time and shaving almost 2 minutes off his PB (personal best) from the same event in 2022 (30:50). He found it tough, but was pleased with the effort in his first race since the Abingdon Marathon. Nick was 26th overall and third in his age category (M35-39).
Georgie Hooper finished in 34:00 – a big PB of more than 90 seconds (35:31, Hatfield 5 2022). She was third in her age category (W35-39).
GAIL MACKIE was back in 36:26 and new member JODIE KANTAS in 36:51.
LUCY PAUL was hoping for 9 minute miles so was pleased with a 43:17 finish. She thanks SUZY HAWKINS for supporting her near the finish after she had finished in 35:08.
And the Spartans won a county medal. JIM BROWN took SILVER. He was second in the men 70 plus race with 36 seconds to spare ahead of third place AND he achieved his main target of the day to get under 45 minutes which he did with 44:27. Jim said, “Unusually for me I was wearing three layers including long sleeves and gloves but it seemed to be right for the day and I was well happy with an unexpected silver.”
It was the first time LIAM WELLER represented FVS in an event! First time running an event with the club – and he said it was so lovely to have everyone to chat to before and after – and others out supporting on the course. He finished in 33 minutes 12 seconds!
SHARON CROWLEY’s 45 minutes 20 seconds was 8 minutes 32 seconds quicker than last year, BUT looking back through times for 5 mile races, she found it was her fastest for eight years. Obviously she was very happy with that!
LEANNE WILSON breezed around in a new personal best of 45:23. An improvement of 28 seconds.
SAM SUTTON completed Sunday’s Hatfield Five in 45:58 which was a 55 second PB. She commented it was a flat course but narrow and difficult to overtake but she was very pleased with her result! Now Sam has only the Buntingford 10 to go on 28th December and if she PBs that will be a PB in every distance from 5k to half marathon this year.
MATT TUTTON was surprised and pleased that he squeaked under 45 with 44:55.
It was a last marathon paced effort for ROSS GALLAGHER. He finished in 33:05.
After an enforced break PENNY SCHENKEL put on an extra jumper, took it steady and finished in 56:50.
It was a season best’s run for Jane WADEY and she was happy to finish under a hour in 59:11. She said she hadn’t run a 5 mile race since November 2022 and this was her second attempt.
26 Spartans ran and between them achieved eight PBs and nine SBs and seven were new to the distance.
Pos
No
Name
GunTime
NetTime
CatPos
9
599
David HARRIS-CHERGUIT
27:38
27:35
3
26
647
Nick GILL
28:58
28:55
3
28
231
Charlie WHITE
29:09
29:05
6
59
655
Jay PAPA
30:34
30:30
12
121
922
Ross GALLAGHER
33:15
33:05
17
127
593
Liam WELLER
33:22
33:12
20
149
417
Andrew SHAW
33:59
33:35
13
154
615
Georgie HOOPER
34:09
34:00
3
171
641
Charles ARNOLD
34:48
34:28
4
176
138
Tony RANDFIELD
34:59
34:41
5
193
660
Suzy HAWKINS
35:31
35:08
5
210
583
Lewis GREEN
36:12
35:37
29
233
818
Gail MACKIE
36:56
36:26
6
255
331
Jodie KANTAS
37:30
36:51
10
419
892
Jackie PERRY
42:31
42:00
6
457
438
Gemma SMITH
43:51
42:55
28
480
830
Lucy PAUL
44:30
43:17
23
527
863
Jim BROWN
45:42
44:27
6
546
387
Sharon CROWLEY
45:59
45:20
9
566
72
Matt TUTTON
46:29
44:55
53
567
443
Karl SHREEVE
46:31
45:23
61
571
427
Leanne WILSON
46:36
45:23
30
618
198
Samantha SUTTON
48:27
45:58
42
627
621
Vishal SHAH
48:45
48:12
56
833
91
Penny SCHENKEL
59:21
56:50
64
842
97
Jane WADEY
60:35
59:11
65
Serpentine
It was a beautiful bright and breezy Friday lunchtime for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park. Some of the pictures make it look like the runners were on a seaside prom on a summer’s day. Spartan JIM BROWN enjoyed his race with a 28 minutes 35 seconds which slightly improved his position in the Last Friday championship table.
The next event will be on Friday 19th December. That’s a week earlier than usual to avoid Boxing Day.
Bass Belle
PAUL and ALISON SHELLEY ran in the Brainstrust Bass Belle 10 miler on Sunday. That was their fourth time running the race although the last time was back in 2022. It was well organised as always, and they were lucky with the weather! Unfortunately Paul’s Achilles gave up after six miles so he pretty much hobbled to the finish. Alison was 239th in 1:35:59 and Paul 223rd in 1:33:52.
Other Spartans ran the Bass Belle mixed terrain event. GRANT RAMSAY 35th out of 359 in 1:10:54 and MONICA SMITHSON 342nd in 1:56:16.
The Slopes of Finsbury Park
Four hilly laps constituted the Finsbury Park 10K. JOHN and JACOB NELMS ran together to finish in 56:06 and 56:10. They were 104th and 105th out of the 198 finishers.
JAYNE DYMOKE ran the Finsbury Park 5K in 34 minutes 53 seconds (34:53). She was 46th out of the 83 finishers.
Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 29th November 2025
It was miserable before the start of Saturday’s Stevenage parkrun which is probably why numbers were reduced to 301 though Fairlands Valley Spartans were up a bit on 26. Spartan SIMON JACKSON was third with 18:57. JULIE MANTON ran her 50th parkrun in 38:57. LORRAINE HILL was the fastest female from Fairlands in Fairlands with 28:33.
PETER SMITH and SEAN MILLWOOD enjoyed some parkrun tourism at the Carlingwark Loch event at Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire. Peter came in with 25:17 and Sean in 37:13.
Altogether 42 Spartans were at parkruns. Others included ALICE WELCH and SAM GENTRY at the Bug Hunter Waters parkrun near Northstowe. Alice was round in 25:50 and Sam in 27:30.
Going to bed with a miserable forecast including light rain 30 Spartans woke up to a lovely morning to tackle the second in the season of cross country league races. This one was in Trent Park near Cockfosters.
The club were delighted two complete men’s and women’s teams finished. The 18 men and 12 women from Fairlands Valley Spartans were among more than 400 runners on the undulating 4.7 miles (7.58 kilometres) course.
In a very competitive race at the fast end Spartan DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT won a top ten place with eighth in just 28 minutes 5 seconds (28:05).
The third Spartan to finish and first female from Fairlands was NATALIE LAWRENCE having a great run for 48th overall in 31 minutes 21 seconds (31:21).
The second Spartan was MICHAEL FISHER at 23rd in 29:49.
The women’s “A” team was Natalie (31:21); SUZY HAWKINS (43:39); JACKIE PERRY (44:00); JAYNE RIDDELL (45:04) and LINDA GEORGE (45:52). SAM GENTRY led in the “B” team with 47:24.
The others in the top 100 were ADRIAN DONNELLY (33:11); DANNY SCANLON (33:54) and DECLAN TRAYNER (34:36).
Position
Name
Time
Cat
Comments
8
DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT
28:05
M40
Men “A” team.
23
MICHAEL FISHER
29:49
Male Senior
Men “A” team
48
NATALIE LAWRENCE
31:21
W35
Women “A”
74
ADRIAN DONNELLY
33:11
M40
Men “A”
75
DANNY SCANLON
33:54
M40
Men “A”
98
DECLAN TRAYNER
34:36
M40
Men “A”
123
CHARLIE ARNOLD
35:49
M60
Men “A”
134
ANDY SHAW
36:24
M50
Men “A”
139
DELVIN AUBURN
36:35
Male Senior
Men “A”
165
STEPHEN MASSEY
37:50
M50
Men “B”
176
MARTIN WOOD
38:15
M60
Men “B”
198
MATT COOKE
39:05
Male Senior
Men “B”
287
SUZY HAWKINS
43:39
W45
Women “A”
292
JACKIE PERRY
44:00
W55
Women “A”
294
NICK GILL
44:11
Male Senior
Men “B”
303
PETE COOK
44:34
M50
Men “B”
306
MARK FREEMAN
44:50
M60
Men “B”
309
JAYNE RIDDELL
45:04
W55
Women “A”
320
LINDA GEORGE
45:52
W35
Women “A”
341
SAM GENTRY
47:24
W45
Women “B”
359
JIM BROWN
48:51
M70
Men “B”
365
SHARON CROWLEY
49:47
W65
Women “B”
372
SAMANTHA SUTTON
50:02
W45
Women “B”
391
CALLIE CHAPMAN
52:10
W35
Women “B”
398
BECKY RAYNER
56:07
W35
Women “B”
400
PAUL HOLGATE
56:27
M60
Men “B”
401
NICK KLEANTHOUS
57:07
M60
404
JAYNE DYMOKE
59:39
W45
409
MICHAEL O’KEEFE
60:46
M60
410
JANE WADEY
62:58
W55
Bedford
Spartan MELANIE STALEY was 33rd out of the 267 finishers in the Bedford Half Marathon with 1:38:05 which got her third woman 45 plus. There were three from Fairlands Valley Spartans in the Bedford 10K – ELLOTT WHTE and NATALIE WHITE finished together in 52:35 and LEE POTTER was successful in 1:44:22. 343 finishers in the 10K.
Knebworth House
Nine Spartans ran at Knebworth House on Sunday morning.
Hertfordshire 10K
In the Hertfordshire 10K ADAM HILL was really happy with his result as he was aiming for a sub 1 hour and got a personal best (PB) in for 10K! He finished in 58:20.
The first from Fairlands Valley to finish was CHRIS WATLING with 52:12. ALICE WELCH came in with an excellent 57:21; RYAN RIDDELL with 59:21 and SALLY PICKLES with 64:14.
There were 661 finishers.
Hertfordshire Half Marathon
Over 13.1 miles WAYNE SIMMONS came in with 2 hours 6 minutes 29 seconds (2:06:29) and JESS CLARKE, organiser of the Stevenage Half Marathon, with 2:06:30.
SOPHIE PARSONS finished in 2:12:03 and JUDY KING in 2:21:19.
There were 1271 finishers.
New York Marathon
Paul Shelley reports. We ran NYC Marathon!! Alison and our daughter Molly ran an amazing race, running the whole thing together finishing in 4.29.18. Molly had a 15 minute PB (personal best). I ran in the Abbott world age group championship in 3.29.46, struggled from mile 21, it was brutal from there until park lane. Proud to have collected two medals. Crowds were fab and with our other daughter, Daisy, spectating made it very special. It was let down by the bus queue in the morning one hour and getting through security, another hour which meant I nearly missed my wave. But what an amazing experience.
Yuko Gordon beat four hours with 3:52:47. She was fourth woman 70 plus.
She said she probably shouldn’t have run with her recent injuries (knee and Achilles), too soon after Berlin too, but too much to give away to withdraw so late, particularly all expenses spent were considerable, which are not refundable.
Nevertheless, she’s glad it’s over without dropping out. Yuko said “It was a hell of a battle for me. Marathon is a monster after all. I need some rest before London.”
Serpentine
It was noticeably warmer in Hyde Park than Stevenage on Friday and despite the light rain and breeze JIM BROWN enjoyed the Last Friday 5K run at the Serpentine and the café stop afterwards. He was happy with his 27:37 and improved a little in the year long overall championship table.
MARTIN WOOD was 124th in 23:08.
Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 1st November 2025
First parkrun of GMT and there were 501 finishers at Stevenage. There was a Halloween theme and a stripes day for Spartans.
PERRI GENTRY was second at Stevenage with a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 18:22 and MEGAN SUTTON the fastest female from Spartans with a new parkrun personal best of 24:50. SAMANTHA SUTTON was another with a PPB – 28:55.
The 501 Stevenage parkrunners included 216 women. 17 FVS women and 14 FVS men.
LLOYD DIAS got his Saturday morning parkrun in at Leavesden Country! He clocked a 26:00. It’s a nice, easy course, but it was super slippery out there today – his road shoes were not the best choice. Lloyd to power-walk a few bits to avoid a slide!
53 Spartans ran parkruns around the country. CHARLIE WHITE ran at the Stanborough parkrun. A first timer he was sixth in 19:40. There were 292 runners.
Patrick Anyadi made it back-to-back Handicap 5k victories as he improved his personal best (PB) by 2 minutes 2 seconds (2:02) to finish in 25:33, closely followed by the first lady, Samantha Sutton in a Season’s Best time of 30:12, just two seconds slower than her PB record from 2017. Becca Birt was second lady in her first 5k with a time of 37:25, while Peter Sach finished second man in 25:59 and Jane Wadey third lady with a Year’s Best of 37:38 despite having to stop briefly in the home straight. Karl Shreeve was the third man in a year’s best (YB) 28:02.
Danny Scanlon was fastest runner of the night with a Year’s Best 22:19, Craig Bacon second quickest in 23:23 and John Nelms third fastest in a SB 23:24. Megan Sutton was fastest female in 25:45, with Emily Grieves second quickest in 29:18 and Sam Gentry third fastest in 29:22.
There was also a Year’s Best time for Nichola Durent in 43:59.
Handicap races are won by the best improvers not the fastest runners.
22 Spartans ran. The next handicap 5K will be on Thursday evening 21stAugust.
Position
First Name
Last Name
Time
Race
Fem. Race
1
PATRICK
ANYADI
25:33
5
2
SAMANTHA
SUTTON
30:12
14
4
3
BECCA
BIRT
37:25
18
8
4
PETER
SACH
25:59
8
5
JANE
WADEY
37:38
19
9
6
EMILY
GRIEVES
29:18
11
2
7
KARL
SHREEVE
28:02
10
8
JUDY
KING
30:26
15
5
9
DANNY
SCANLON
22:19
1
10
SAM
GENTRY
29:22
12
3
11
JOHN
NELMS
23:24
3
12
NICHOLA
DURENT
43:59
20
10
13
SHARON
CROWLEY
43:59
21
11
14
LIZ
CARVELL
31:51
16
6
15
TONY
VICKERS
25:14
4
16
TIM
ROBINSON
30:05
13
17
CRAIG
BACON
23:23
2
18
AMANDA
VICKERS
33:34
17
7
19
MEGAN
SUTTON
25:45
6
1
20
MARTIN
DUDLEY
25:57
7
21
CHRIS
WATLING
26:39
9
22
EMMA
CHAPMAN
46:36
22
12
Doug Anderson 5K
Ten Fairlands Valley Spartans enjoyed a fast Wednesday evening in Bedford for the Doug Anderson 5K. The race went so well for MIKE JEFFS that he improved his personal best (PB) by 24 seconds to 17:08 for second man 40 plus. He was only beaten by one second! He was eleventh overall out of the 405 finishers.
ADRIAN BUSOLINI finished with him for twelfth overall and another 17:08.
CHARLIE WHITE came in at 17:21 and NATHAN KIRLEY completed four Spartans under 18 minutes with 17:59.
ROSS GALLAGHER was third man 40 plus in 18:01 and PAUL SHELLEY won the 55 plus category with 18:05. JAY PAPA made it seven Spartan under 20 minutes with his 18:43.
Meanwhile CHARLES ARNOLD was second man 65 plus with 21:54 and JESSICA CLARKE beat 24 with 23:49. With MATT TUTTON finishing in 24:38 all ten were under 25 minutes.
Position
Name
Time
11
MIKE JEFFS
17:08
12
ADRIAN BUSOLINI
17:08
19
CHARLIE WHITE
17:21
29
NATHAN KIRLEY
17:59
30
ROSS GALLAGHER
18:01
32
PAUL SHELLEY
18:05
44
JAY PAPA
18:43
120
CHARLES ARNOLD
21:54
164
JESSICA CLARKE
23:49
191
MATT TUTTON
24:38
Serpentine
Dry, bright, humid and 25 degrees for the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park, London. Spartan JIM BROWN completed a series of six this year with 28 minutes 54 seconds (28:54). Now he’s got an opportunity to maybe improve on a couple of the times over the next few months. The next race will be at 12.30p.m. on Friday 29th August.
Challenge Round Up
131 completed the recent Fairlands Valley Challenge multi-terrain event from Stevenage. 32 of them were Fairlands Valley Spartans. Five distances were offered. The most popular was the half marathon which was finished by 50 people including 14 Spartans. 27 finished the 50 kilometre Ultra event and 21 the marathon.
Arty Spart
The FVS Daylight running group enjoyed a running tour of some of the new underpass art in Stevenage. They run for about an hour at 10a.m. on Wednesdays.
Parkrun Highlights, Saturday 26th July
There were 460 parkrunners at Stevenage, up 115 on the previous week. 28 Spartans ran the 5K in Fairlands Valley Park.
On his way to second place DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT ran a new parkrun personal best (PPB) of 17:09. TONY VICKERS also ran a new parkrun PB (PPB). His was 24:38.
DANIEL VILJOEN ran his 300th parkrun in 24:40 and ADA JANUSIENE her 20th in 30:28.
LINDSAY PATEMAN was a first timer with 44:20.
Altogether 50 Spartans ran parkruns those elsewhere included SALLY PICKLES whop ran a new park run PB (PPB) of 32:15 at Panshanger. In addition ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran 17:55 at Endcliffe, Sheffield and SUSAN McANENY ran the Harleston Magpies, Diss event in 25:44.SUZY HAWKINS was in Bude for the Tamar Lakes parkrun which she ran in 23:39.
A very warm evening made for a difficult run in Thursday’s Handicap 5K but that didn’t stop new member Patrick Anyadi storming round in 27:35, 2:40 better than handicap, to win the event, closely followed by Rose Sutton in a year best time of 29:56, Elizabeth Crowley was second woman in 30:01 and Jane Wadey third woman with 39:06. Karl Shreeve was second man in 28:42 and Matt Tutton third man with 25:13.
Jay Papa was fastest runner on the night in 19:36, with Paul Mould second quickest in 20:46 and Charles Arnold third fastest in 23:07. Marie Colucci was fastest lady with a year’s best (YB) 23:15, with Annabelle White 2nd quickest (24:35) and Megan Sutton 3rd fastest in 25:23.
There were also personal bests (PBs) for Alex Scofield (23:43) and Joseph Wasnock (24:05).
In handicap races the slower runners start first and chased by the others starting at intervals based on recent races.
Thank you to Mike Crowley, Mark Freeman, Keith Fenwick, Brian White and Hannah Sypula for their help and support.
The July handicap will be on Thursday evening 24th July.
Pos
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
Time
H’cap
1
PATRICK
ANYADI
27:35
2:40
2
ROSE
SUTTON
29:56
2:34
3
ELIZABETH
CROWLEY
30:01
2:14
4
KARL
SHREEVE
28:42
1:48
5
JANE
WADEY
39:06
1:24
6
SHARON
CROWLEY
39:06
1:24
7
MATT
TUTTON
25:13
1:17
8
SAMANTHA
SUTTON
32:50
1:10
9
JAY
PAPA
19:36
1:09
10
MEGAN
SUTTON
25:23
1:07
11
YUKO
GORDON
27:07
0:53
12
ALEX
SCOFIELD
23:43
0:47
13
LEE
PICKERSGILL
24:03
0:42
14
JOSEPH
WASNOCK
24:05
0:40
15
RICHARD
MOORE
24:23
0:22
16
TONY
VICKERS
26:44
0:16
17
MARIE
COLUCCI
23:15
0:15
18
PAUL
MOULD
20:46
0:14
19
JUDY
KING
30:35
0:10
20
PETE
COOK
26:23
0:07
21
JON
SYPULA
29:18
(0:03)
22
ANNABELLE
WHITE
24:35
(0:05)
23
PAUL
MAGUIRE
25:58
(0:13)
24
CHARLES
ARNOLD
23:07
(0:37)
25
TIM
ROBINSON
29:41
(0:56)
26
JAYNE
RIDDELL
27:35
(1:20)
27
CRAIG
BACON
24:20
(1:35)
Bedfordshire 10K
The Bedfordshire 10K was held in the evening of the longest day. Largely on cycleways and substantially flat. Four Spartans ran and three got under 39 minutes.
CHARLIE WHITE came in with 36:28.
MIKE JEFFS said it was a hot, sweaty, tough 10K. He didn’t think he’d ever been more exhausted after an event before like he was for this. However he ran a new four second personal best (PB) of 36 minutes 44 seconds (36:44).
ROSS GALLACHER got under 39 for the first time with 38:58, a ten second personal best and third in his age category and GRANT RAMSAY finished in 42:07.
And…. Mike Jeffs won the Shephalbury Park dads race on sports day
Beat the Sunset – Summer Solstice 10K
Two Spartans ran to “Beat the Sunset” in the Summer Solstice 10K on Friday evening. PAUL SHELLEY was twelfth out of the 262 finishers and first man 50 plus with 38:17 while ALISON SHELLEY was 230th and fourth woman 55 plus with 55:17.
Serpentine Sizzled
Only 27 degrees in Hyde Park on Friday lunch-time. After a cautious first two kilometres in the heat JIM BROWN sped up a bit and was happy to complete the hot and humind Serpentine 5K in 27 minutes 31 seconds.
Longbridge 100 Backyard Ultra. Victory with 23 laps.
Spartan ADRIAN BUSOLINI says Longbridge is a wonderful backyard race with a community ethos and a focus on sustainability. The game is to run a 6.7km course with a lap every hour, every hour, with the victor being the last person standing. For those who have not taken part in a backyard ultra before it is a last-man/woman-standing event where you must begin a new lap on the hour, every hour. The race will only end when there is just one more runner remaining to start a lap.
It was the hottest day of the year, which caused many runners considerable difficulty when the sun rose on the second day. Being quite comfortable in hot conditions, Adrian was able to capitalise on this, knocking out a series of faster laps to stamp his authority on the race. Victory came sooner than he (or perhaps anyone) anticipated, at just 23 laps, in a race that usually runs to about 30 laps. Such was the effect of the afternoon temperatures. 23 laps worked out at 95.84 miles.
It was a great day out with the legendary Jan Voorspoels in support, and such a friendly group of runners, marshals and of course Darren, the race director, and family, in the beautiful setting of the South Downs. If you fancy giving a backyard race a go, I can’t think of a better recommendation than Longbridge.
Welwyn 10K
Sunday morning saw MATT TUTTON run the Welwyn 10K at Panshanger Park in 57:11. He was happy enough as he says he wilts at the first sign of warm weather. Not surprisingly it was hot and very dusty with the wind creating a dust bowl. Very different course conditions to the cold and frosty Panshanger Parkrun he ran in January!
Bass Belle Trail
The Bass Belle 10K is a trail event from Bassingbourn. Five or six degrees cooler than Saturday but still pretty warm.
MONICA SMITHSON’s time was 1 hour 13 minutes for the approximately 10K race.
Herts Hobble
Recently four Spartans enjoyed the Herts Hobble. This is a long distance cross country event from Baldock. KAREN LIDDELL and TRISHA HOPPER finished the 26.8 miles in 7 hours 39 minutes and SHARON and MIKE CROWLEY in 8 hours 27 minutes.
Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 21st June.
At 9a.m. Saturday morning it was 22 degrees, not the really high temperatures later in the day, as 440 runners lined up for the 406th Stevenage parkrun. Thirty were from Fairlands Valley Spartans. Indeed three of the first five finishers were FVS. They were KIRK NDUGU second in 17:44; SIMON JACKSON third in 17:55 and PERRI GENTRY fifth in 19:019.
This week GAIL MACKIE was the fastest female from Fairlands with her 27:02.
A total of 48 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday. Those elsewhere included NICK KLEANTHOUS on the Isle of Wight with 35:02; PETER SACH at Jubilee, Bedford in 28:58 and three at Henlow Bridge Lakes – PAUL MOULD in 21:59; CHARLES ARNOLD in 24:01 and MATT GIFFORD in 25:56.
SAMANTHA TOPHILL ran the Oundle 20 mile race on her birthday. Sam finished in 3 hours 14 minutes 8 seconds (3:14:08) and was second in her age group.
Berko is not Flat
After a ceilidh on Saturday evening. JIM BROWN and PENNY SCHENKEL’s long “easy” run turned out to be the Berkhamsted Half Marathon. Not flat! It was a lovely sunny morning but there was still some black ice on the course after the previous night’s low temperatures. There were a record 1400 entries. Jim finished in 2:03:56 and Penny ran her fastest recent half marathon with 2:20:54.
By the Seaside
Spartan ROBERT WRIGHT ran the Great Yarmouth Seafront Half Marathon in 1:37:25.
Burghley Seven
On Sunday morning MATT TUTTON ran the Burghley 7 mile Road Race in a chip time of 58:49 which he was very happy with. He said conditions were perfect under the clear blue sky with the finish outside Burghley House.
John Harris Muddy in Letchworth
JOHN HARRIS was second in the muddy first Saturday in the month 5K race in Letchworth. He finished in 22:24.
Serpentine Last Friday of the Month
It might have been frosty leaving Stevenage that morning but it was sunny, mild and with a light breeze in Hyde Park, London for Serpentine’s Last Friday of the Month 5K. JIM BROWN finished in 28:26.
This was the first of Jim’s races in three days.
Parkrun Highlights Saturday 1st March – stripey Saturday
There were sixty Spartans at parkruns on Saturday 1st March – stripes day.
39 from Fairlands Valley won at their local parkrun in Stevenage. SIMON JACKSON was second in 17:21 and GRANT RAMSAY seventh in 19:05.
LINDA GEORGE and JUDY KING both ran new parkrun personal bests. Linda in 27:03 and Judy in 29:13.
PETE COOK ran his 30th parkrun in 25:50. HANNAH MANTON ran her 25th in 33:01; and PAUL HOLGATE his 80th in 35:49.
Despite a large turnout of 581 runners ALISON SHELLEY and JIM BROWN worked their way through and helped each other to their fastest parkruns so far this year. Jim coming in with 28:14 and Alison with 28:29.
Spartans elsewhere included MATTHEW NEWTON at Ingrebourne Hill parkrun (Rainham) which he finished in 19:57; JESSICA CLARKE and JAY PAPA at England’s most easterly town, Lowestoft, where they finished in 22:30 and 23:31; ANDY JAY on Tooting Common in 28:51 and SAMANTHA SUTTON and MATTHEW PATTMAN were in Cheshire completing the Delamere parkrun in 42:11 and 53:03.
New Fairlands Valley Spartans club captain MIKE JEFFS ran a new personal best of one hour and just 31 seconds (1:00:31) in Sunday’s Buntingford 10. He was fourth man 40 plus and 38th out of the 524 finishers. Mike said he took on the very difficult hilly End of Year 10, beat his ten mile personal best (PB) by 1 minute 28 seconds with a start line to finish off the year beating PBs in 1500 metres; 5k; 10k; 10 miles; half marathon and full marathon.
A great turnout of 27 Spartans tackled the race on a chilly, misty but calm and dry morning.
DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT said his time on Sunday was 1:05:22 which had to be dug deep for and it was great to see so many Spartans racing.
PAUL SHELLEY was third man 55 plus with his 1:03:57 and NICK GILL came in with 1:06:34. Nick said he was very happy with a season’s best and getting closer to his 1:03:59 PB at the 2023 Buntingford 10… maybe he can beat that in 2025!
YUKO GORDON was second woman 70 plus with 1:18:09 and a 96.55% age score.
The race incorporated the British Masters Athletics Federation championships and the Hertfordshire championships for seniors (18 plus).
Fairlands Valley did well amongst those running in the county championships. Paul Shelley was fastest man 55 plus with his 1:03:57; Jo Cooksley fastest woman 35 plus with her 1:28:37 and Jim Brown fastest man 70 plus with 1:32:02. Also Mike Jeffs was second fastest 40 plus with 1:00:31 and Wendy Tharani third fastest woman 50 plus with 1:34:07.
There were five Spartan personal bests (Mike Jeffs, Paul Shelley, Charlie Arnold 1:17:11, Keith Hooker 1:18:50 and Annabelle White 1:25:20) and three season’s bests (Sam Tophill 1:28:06, Tim Robinson 1:31:33 and Penny Schenkel 1:43:22) in the race.
Position
First name
Last name
Net time
category
38
Mike
Jeffs
1:00:31
MV40
66
Paul
Shelley
1:03:57
MV55
77
David
Harris-Cherguit
1:05:22
MV45
90
Nick
Gill
1:06:34
MV35
97
Adrian
Donnelly
1:07:43
MV45
170
Jay
Papa
1:15:01
MSEN
189
Charles
Arnold
1:17:11
MV65
204
Yuko
Gordon
1:18:09
FV70
217
Keith
Hooker
1:18:50
MV45
290
Annabelle
White
1:25:20
FSEN
317
Samantha
Tophill
1:28:06
FV55
322
Jo
Cooksley
1:28:37
FV35
353
Tim
Robinson
1:31:33
MV55
355
Jim
Brown
1:32:02
MV70
369
Wendy
Tharani
1:34:07
FV50
376
Ann
Tryssesoone
1:34:34
FV55
379
Thomas
Sauka
1:34:27
MV45
399
Alison
Shelley
1:37:18
FV55
420
Karen
Liddle
1:39:57
FV65
439
Megan
Sutton
1:42:15
FSEN
451
Penny
Schenkel
1:43:22
FV55
504
Sharon
Crowley
1:57:00
FV65
505
Paul
Holgate
1:58:20
MV65
510
Rose
Sutton
2:01:46
FSEN
511
Samantha
Sutton
2:01:47
FV45
517
Rebecca
Rayner
2:08:25
FV40
525
Nichola
Durent
2:27:01
FV45
Gerry’s Frozen Phoenix
On Sunday Spartan GERRY ROSEN took part in the ‘Frozen Phoenix’ a running event organised by Phoenix Running
Gerry said it was his sort of event. Low key, turn up, grab your ‘ankle’ timing chip and away you go. It was an out and back of 1.6 miles each way alongside the River Thames, totally pan flat, he completed six laps and a bit more for a total of 20 miles in a respectable time of 3 hours 48 minutes.
He said you can take your own supplies or use what’s provided and Gerry said it was very well stocked, all those household sweets we love and know, right up his street, and they know their runner. ‘Would you like some crisps’ he was asked after he finished, very welcome.
Gerry will be back there after his holiday for the annual doughnut dash on the 12th January and as you might guess there’s doughnuts which he guesses can be eaten during the run……
50 Plus Spartans At Record Breaking Christmas Day Parkrun
We said watch out for the special on Christmas Day and wow. The record for Stevenage parkrun was broken by 107 as 750 enjoyed the festive fun on Wednesday morning.
The 750 included more than 53 Spartans including PAUL SHELLEY who achieved a major milestone with his 100th parkrun which he ran in a celebratory 34 minutes 51 seconds.
THOMAS SAUKA ran his 160th in 26:13 and WILLIAM MORLEY his 30th in 19:42. He was 15th in the race.
ANNABELLE WHITE was the fastest female from Spartans with her 23:37.
Misty, Mild and Still at the Serpentine
It was misty, mild and still in Hyde Park as Spartan JIM BROWN tried to up his pace a little for the first time in weeks at the Last Friday of the Month 5K. He was reasonably successful for the first 3K and finished third man 70 plus in 28:30. Jim was keen to take part and finish as he became one of only three runners to do all of the twelve races in the Serpentine series this year. The lunch-time event continues to amaze in many ways. The winner finished in 14 minutes 56 seconds and the first woman in 17:04!
Parkrun Highlights – Saturday 28th December
After a wonderful record breaking Christmas Day 467 ran parkrun on a grey Saturday morning 28th December.
41 Spartans ran parkruns on Saturday 28th. The majority, 26, were at Stevenage.
ASHLEY JOHNSON was second woman and first Spartan in 20:01, just eighteen seconds behind the first woman. They were 11th and 12th in the race. That was Ashley’s 25th parkrun.
Other mini-milestones included MIKE REYNOLDS running his 220th parkrun in 28:57; PAUL JENNINGS his 190th in 29:46 and HILARY DAVIES her 60th in 36:20.
Elsewhere TIM ROBINSON was at Panshanger running his 190th parkrun in 33:24 and ANDY JAY at Westmill for his 160th parkrun which he ran in 30:24.
Santa Canta
Some Spartans including Mike Jeffs as The Grinch, Callie Chapman, Nick Gill, Ross Gallagher and Georgie Hopper ran the postponed Santa Canta in Letchworth. The storm got in the way the previous weekend.
Spartans Star in Herts Annual Runners Awards
Fairlands Valley Spartans did well in the Herts Annual Runners Awards with someone nominated in every category.
Mike Jeffs won male runner of the year. The Stevenage Marathon, organised by Fairlands Valley Spartans, was second in race of the year. Keith Fenwick was second in volunteer of the year. Yuko Gordon was second and Ashley Johnson third in female runner of the year.
Cross Country
The team results are in and as predicted by the much greater Spartan participation and performance the club did much better in the recent cross country league race. On the day the men’s “A” team were third out of 20 clubs and the “B” team were also third in that category. The men’s masters (veterans) were second. In the series the FVS men have moved up to fifth and the male masters up to third.
The women’s team were ninth out of 20 clubs on the day helping to give the club a combined fifth that morning.
Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the team prize at Sunday’s Hitchin 10K road race plus ANDREW PATTERSON was second man and ASHLEY JOHNSON second woman overall.
Only a week after an outstanding run in the London Marathon Andrew was second in the race with 34 minutes 26 seconds, a new season’s best by 1 minute 22 seconds.
Ashley was second woman overall, first in her age category and ran a new 10K personal best (PB) by 38 seconds with 41 minutes 59 seconds (41:59).
The other Spartan team counters were DAN HUKIN 13th overall in 38:05, his best this year, and fourth in age category, and DANNY SCANLON 41st in 41:05, a season’s best by 2 seconds. The FVS team won by 1 minute and 1 second.
PENNY SCHENKEL expected she was going to take 70 minutes but took 1 minute 48 seconds off her season’s best time when she finished in 1:00:27.
JIM BROWN said he was pleased to finish the Hitchin 10K only 28 seconds outside his best time of the year with 56:06.
MICHAEL O’KEEFE was another Spartan who ran at London. He maintained a sensible 10 minutes per mile pace and finished the 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) in 1:00:06.
JANE WADEY said she was pleased with her results. 65:40 was just 38 seconds short of her PB despite running with a sore ankle.
(Photo Credit, Main Photo – Marie Colucci)
County Track and Field Championships
There were eight members of the club at the County Track and Field Championships for veterans at Ridlins on bank holiday Monday.
In the 1500 metres MO WARILLOW won GOLD in the women 45 plus race with 6 minutes 57.56 seconds (6:57.56); SHARON CROWLEY won GOLD in the women 55 plus event with 8:06.10; PAUL HOLGATE won GOLD in the men’s 60 plus category with 8:23.88 and JIM BROWN won GOLD in the 70 plus race with 7:47.26.
DAVID PATTMAN won 1500 metre SILVER in the MV40 category race with 5:37.81 and STEVEN DOBNER MV40 BRONZE with 5:43.94. THOMAS SAUKA just missed out on the medals with 5:50.56.
In the sprints DAVE STEPHENSON won the men 60 plus 100 metres in 14.2 seconds and the men 60 plus 200 metres in 29.45 seconds.
SHARON CROWLEY took SILVER in the hammer with 16.32 metres.
Photo Credit -Dave Stephenson
Serpentine
Jim Brown ran Friday’s Serpentine 5K in 27 minutes 54 seconds (27:54). He was second MV70.
Trent Park Cross Country – Three Top Tens for Spartans and Women Move Up
Despite trees being blown down by strong winds a few days ago the cross country league fixture in Trent Park, near Cockfosters went ahead. This was the second race in this season’s series and Fairlands Valley Spartans increased their turnout compared with race one. This time 34 Spartans, 19 men and 15 women, enjoyed the mud. A total of 492 including 212 women from 21 clubs competed.
Three Spartans achieved three top ten positions. SIMON JACKSON 10th overall for the five miles in 28:23 – he was also second man 40 plus; CHRISTINE LATHWELL second woman in 30:34 – and first woman 45 plus and MICHELLE REEVES eighth in 32:16. YUKO GORDON was first woman 65 plus and 48th woman in 38:16.
A stronger turnout this time meant the Spartan women moved up from 11th to sixth place. Their “A” team was completed by GEORGIE HOOPER 49th woman in 38:18 and TRACEY JACKSON 60th in 39:42. The “B” team was led in by KELLY McHALE, 61st in 39:47 with HARRIET SMITH 82nd in 41:19 and PAULA DUNNE 85th in 41:25 not far behind.
The men were 12th this time. Next in after Simon were GRANT RAMSAY 66th overall in 31:49; DANNY SCANLON 115th in 33:53; PETE SMITH 167th in 36:11 and NICK GILL 168th in 36:15.
2022 was the 37th running of the popular Snowdon Marathon, considered to be one of the best marathons in the UK despite the difficulty of the course with three BIG climbs and a very technical off-road section between 22 – 25 miles that sees many runners lose their footing and cross the finish line covered in mud. Heavy rain at the beginning and finish together with strong winds ensured this year’s race was as tricky as usual if not trickier but that did not prevent the two Spartans taking part continuing to add to their long runs of consecutive finishes in the years that the race has gone ahead. SHARON CROWLEY who has run more Snowdon marathons than any other female finished her 29th Snowdon marathon in 6 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds (6:32:25) for 1520th position while PAUL HOLGATE finished 1591st with 7:17:44 in his 32nd Snowdon marathon. (He’s run every year that the race has taken place since 1988).
There were 1,601 finishers from the 2,500 runners that entered.
Sharon with her 29th medal for Snowdon Marathon!
John Harris Selected for England
On the strength of his performance in the recent York Marathon Spartan JOHN HARRIS has been selected for England.
Next year he will be running in the England Masters Marathon Team based on his recent marathon qualifying time and top three placing. He has trained all year for this and is so pleased to make the team. The representative race will be at the Chester Marathon next October.
Well done John!!
Serpentine Thirtieth Anniversary 5K
There have been lunch-time 5Ks in Hyde Park, London since October 1992 and the thirtieth anniversary fell on Friday. Spartan PENNY SCHENKEL was delighted to improve her 5K time to 27 minutes 52 seconds (27:52). JIM BROWN went round in 27:10.
Well done on your PB Penny!
Cockbain’s Track 100
ADRIAN BUSOLINI ran the Cockbain’s Track 100. He said he was running in circles for no particular reason. Due to lack of fitness, he had planned to DNS (not start), but at the last minute decided to show up to ‘run for a few hours’. A few turned into 23.
Adrian ran 100 miles, that’s 403 laps of the 400 metre track, in 23 hours 8 minutes 59 seconds. He was 14th out of the 21 that finished, 51 started.
Adrian back out doing what he does best… long distances, although in circles this time!
Hertfordshire Half and 10K
Spartan JOHN NELMS ran the Hertfordshire Half Marathon, starting and finishing at Knebworth House, in 2 hours 8 minutes 54 seconds. He was 538th out of 900 finishers.
JANE McFARLANE was encouraging a friend to a new personal best in the Hertfordshire 10K and was 333rd out of the 501 finishers in 61 minutes 42 seconds.
Parkrun Highlights 29th October 2022
Alison SHELLEY and Jim BROWN reached their 100 Parkrun milestones on the Stevenage course in 32 minutes and 46 seconds and 32 minutes and 47 seconds respectively. They enjoyed running around in their “100” capes on what was the nearest Saturday to Halloween. At the same location, Matt TUTTON ran a PB time of 27 minutes and 23 seconds.
The FVS Ladies continued their winning streak in the Eastern Masters Athletics league meeting in perfect conditions at Cambridge on Wednesday evening. The team of 14 greatly outnumbered the opposition, allowing everyone to focus on one or two events instead of having to cope with multiple shoe changes! FVS had a clean sweep in the high jump competition, with Nikki Wilby (W35), Monica Brown (W50 – also second place shot put), and Karen Dodsworth (W60) all winning maximum points for the team. Karen also claimed first place in W50 400 metres and placed second in W50 triple jump. Other wins on the night came from Andrea Westcott in the W50 100m (also second place hammer throw with a PB!), Tessa Stephenson W60 100m, and Wendy Tharani W50 1500m. Having such a large contingent ensured every event was covered. Important points were scored by Callie Chapman (fourth place in both W35 100m and 400m), Carolyn Linsell (second place W60 400m), Fiona Clarke (second place in both W35 1500m and her first ever triple jump competition!), Cathy Craig (third place W60 1500m), Sharon Crowley (fourth place 2k walk ‘A’ and second place W60 hammer), Yuko Gordon (third place 2k walk ‘B’), Stephanie Biggar (third place W35 hammer and fourth place shot put), and Joylyn Saunders-Mullins finished in second place in a hotly contested W60 shot put. As always, the relays rounded off the evening with W35 team of Monica Brown, Callie Chapman, Fiona Clarke, and Nikki Wilby finishing in third place. The W50 team of Carolyn Linsell, Andrea Westcott, Tessa Stephenson, and Wendy Tharani were unopposed, finishing in first place.
A selection of our fab ladies at EMAC!
The men’s team had fewer competitors, seven, available but TIM SAUNDERS-MULLINS, STEVE MAYFIELD, DAVE STEPHENSON, NICK KLEANTHOUS, CHRIS WESTCOTT, GRANT RAMSAY and PETE SMITH still managed a credible fourth place finish. Tim Saunders-Mullins won the M60 hammer throw by a huge margin, with other points from Steve Mayfield (4th place in M35 100m, shot put, triple jump, and high jump then moving to his own age group to finish 4th in M50 hammer!), Dave Stephenson (3rd place in both M50 100m and 400m), Nick Kleanthous (5th place M60 100m, 2nd place 2k walk ‘A’, and 4th place M60 shot put), Chris Westcott (3rd place in both M35 400m and 1500m), Grant Ramsay (2nd place in his new age group M50 1500m), and Pete Smith (2nd place M60 1500m, 5th place M50 triple jump, 2nd place M60 high jump). The relay team finished in 4th place, just pipped to the line by 0.3 seconds!
Not forgetting our amazing men!
The ladies team have now secured their place in the final but will still be aiming for another victory in Bedford net month on Wednesday 20th July!
Two Wins At Welwyn
There were eleven Spartans and two wins at the Welwyn 10K.
MARK GOODWIN was really pleased and surprised by achieving first place in his age category. He managed a negative split, rare for him, due to the challenging hill in the first half of the race. Mark WON the Vet 60 competition with 48 minutes 1 second.
JIM BROWN’s second half was 1 minute 39 seconds faster than his first, so another negative split, and he WON the 70 plus category by three minutes with 56 minutes 56 seconds.
VISH SHAH came in with 53 minutes 53 seconds and new member HARRIET SMITH raced round in an excellent 54 minutes 27 seconds. She was in the top half of the field, 160th out of 355.
Smiles at Welwyn!
There was a new personal best (PB) for MICHAEL O’KEEFE – 61:42.
JANE WADEY said it was tough but pleased to complete her first ever measured and chip timed 10K race in 67:09.
It was a very hot run at the Welwyn 10K said CHRISTINE ZVEREV. Sadly not the sub 60 she was hoping for but Christine said it was beautiful nonetheless. She came in with 67:47.
JANE WATT, 68:26, thought it was a lovely course. Bit hot in places but it is June.
LUKE GURNEY 63:01; NICOLA HATHERLY 74:00 and JUDY KING 74:55 completed the Spartan eleven.
Hitchin Hard Half
ROBERT WRIGHT took the Hitchin Hard Half Marathon at an easy pace and finished in 2.06.10. There were 149 finishers.
Race To The Tower
SHARON CROWLEY ran a 52 mile Ultra, the Race to the Tower, which she finished in 19 hours 57 minutes 7 seconds at 4:30am. It’s a tough and very hilly event in the Cotswolds, some of it quite steep. She kept a good pace throughout and only slowed down a little near the end when it was dark. She said she needed her poles for both up and down the hills. She was supported by Mike, who was a great help, especially close to the end. An amazing achievement.
Sharon said it was one of the hardest things she’s ever done!
Amazing Sharon has done it again!
Serpentine
It was bright dry and windy for the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park where runners were entertained by the warm up for the BST festival. Jim Brown was 105th and second in his category with 27:20. He is twelfth in the year long series.
Windy maybe but it was quite neat as it was headwind where there was shelter but tailwind out in the open on the back straight. The race was won in an eye watering 14 minutes 58 seconds! The Serpentine 5K is now in its 30th year with a celebration to come in October.
Run Orwell
DAVE SCOTT took part in the Run Orwell event near Royston today, and although he’d planned for the 10k, because of the heat he made the decision to do the 5k distance instead.
It was a small event, with around 120 participants across both distances. It was mixed terrain, including some sections across private farm land which were scenic but tough! It was very much a social run for Dave, so he took it relatively easy and finished in 34:17.
Parkrun Highlights
The purple start and finish signs made a welcome return to Stevenage parkrun for the first time since March 2020. There were 238 runners including 14 Spartans.
It was a busy week for Spartans participating across 11 different venues including home base at Stevenage. JONATHAN PARR was first at Stevenage (17:16). He was exactly one minute ahead of his nearest rival.
JIM BROWN won the category by three seconds with a little scamper to the line ahead of a Garden City Runner with the two of them 105th and 107th out of 238 in the race. Jim’s time was 27:14, slightly faster than the Serpentine 5K the day before.
Lots of “First timers” this week: ROGER BIGGS at Eastbourne (44:51), the Pattmans ran in Lowestoft (David 23:04 and Nicola 35:03), MO WARRILOW and STEVE DOBNER ran together at Jersey Farm (Mo 29:27) (Steve 29:28) and YUKO GORDON was at Henlow Bridge Lakes (25:11).
There were new parkrun course PBs for PAUL MAGUIRE at Exmouth (23:48), MICHAEL O’KEEFE at Henlow Bridge Lakes (28:35) and NIKKI NATION at Stevenage (32:29),
ANDY JAY was at Westmill (28:32), JAMES MCSWEENEY at Littleport (25:04) and DARRYL STEVENS at Brockenhurst (35:46).
CATHY CRAIG ran a virtual parkrun in 31:51 to help celebrate her son’s 100th.
Tables
Spartans at the Welwyn 10K
Pos
Gender
Cat Pos
Name
Category
Chip
Age Grade
Comments
82.
74
1
Mark GOODWIN
MV60
48:01
70.1%
1st V60
157.
137
44
Vishal SHAH
MS
53:53
49.7 %
160.
21
8
Harriet SMITH
FS
54:27
54.4%
New
197.
164
1
Jim BROWN
MV70
56:56
62.4 %
1st V70
255.
197
56
Michael O’KEEFE
MV50
1:01:42
51.5 %
PB
266.
203
62
Luke GURNEY
MS
1:03:01
41.7 %
299.
88
17
Jane WADEY
FV55
1:07:09
52.9 %
First 10K race
304.
93
35
Christine ZVEREV
FV35
1:07:47
44.8 %
313.
100
37
Jane MCFARLANE
FV35
1:08:26
45.5 %
338.
117
30
Nicola HATHERLY
FV45
1:14:00
43.9 %
342.
120
23
Judy KING
FV55
1:14:55
49.2 %
Number of records: 355
The full Spartan result for Stevenage parkrun is below:
Sixty seven Spartans made the trip to St Albans on Wednesday evening for the second Mid Week League race of the season. There were 447 finishers with 25 women and 42 men from FVS.
Some of the notable performances included TONY RANDFIELD first man 60 plus (MV60) in 43:01; PETE SMITH second MV60 in 43:07. CAROLYN LINSELL second FV65 in 61:37 and SUZY HAWKINS in a fantastic 40:58, a personal best (PB) by 18 seconds, for third woman 45 plus.
Suzy was the fastest female from Fairlands at 13th out of 176 women with GABRIELLE O’BRIEN second from the club and 28th in 43:20 and MICHELLE REEVES third and 33rd woman in 44:06.
Happy chatting Spartans before the race.
ABBIE (daughter) and TRACY (mother) came in together with 48:31.
KELLY McHALE continues to improve. She made it into the “A” team with a sub fifty 49 minutes 16 seconds cutting 1:41 off her personal best. GEORGIE HOOPER also beat fifty with 49:56.
The quickest Spartan was SIMON JACKSON in 34:08 for 16th out of 271 men with SIMON FRASER not far behind at 23rd in 34:58 and ANDREW PATTERSON 31st in 35:48.
Seventeen Spartans smashed their personal bests (PB) for 10K and ten were running their first ever 10K race. The personal bests included ADRIAN BUSOLINI taking his 10K down to 36:05; KELVIN BEYIOKU down to 36:23; DANNY HUKIN down to 37:08; ROSS GALLAGHER down to 39:07 and STUART ARCHER down below 40 for the first time with 39:29. The table at the end of the release notes all the PB details along with everyone else’s results.
Getting ready for our group photo!
The Spartans had more than enough for three men’s teams of 12 runners and three women’s teams of eight runners. Everyone of the 67 Spartans contributed.
The next mid week race will be in Epping Forest, near Chingford on Wednesday evening 8th June.
Smiling on the start line – Always time for a quick photo!
Edinburgh Marathon and Half Marathon
What an emotional rollercoaster the past few months have been said Spartan MIKE JEFFS. What started out as a way just to keep fit grew legs quite rapidly with him entering his first race doing the Hertfordshire 10K 18 months ago all the way to doing his first ever marathon at Edinburgh in 3:24:02.
DAVID HARRIS-CHERGUIT got a great result in the Edinburgh Half Marathon with a new personal best (PB) of 1 hour 16 minutes 25 seconds for 51st overall and 8th in the 40 to 44 age group.
There was also a PB for CRAIG MARTIN who ran the Edinburgh Half in 1:36:29. His previous PB was 1 hour 43 minutes.
MARIE COLUCCI smashed the Half in 1 hour 43 minutes 03 seconds! After what she admitted was a grumpy start to the day this was a much better run than she was expecting and came in the top 5% of her age group!
Amazing Eddie runners!
Buxton Half
Eighth place in 1:23:58 was SIMON FRASER’s reward for battling some really tough hills, up and down, in the Buxton Half Marathon. He said there were lots of beautiful running miles.
Simon in action and still smiling!
Serpentine
JIM BROWN ran the Last Friday of the Month 5K in Hyde Park (Serpentine) for the last time before going up an age group. He was delighted to finish in his best time (YB) this year – 26 minutes 26 seconds.
Once again the top end standard was very high. Jim was 165th out of 194. It was dry, sunny, mild, with a medium breeze and the race followed with a lunch-time ice cream by the lake.
The Coaching Team Gets Even Stronger
Another boost to an already fantastic Fairlands coaching team. After six months of studying, JOHN HARRIS has qualified as a UKA Endurance Level 4 Coach. That’s the highest possible UKA Coach qualification. Well done John!!
Super Coach John!
Parkrun Highlights Saturday 28th May
Stevenage parkrun’s sixth birthday brought out several Spartans in fancy dress. There was a total of 253 runners. The 21 Spartans included GRANT RAMSAY fifth in 18 minutes 21 seconds and ALISON SHELLEY ninth woman in 25:52.
Stevenage Parkrun including the standard active wear of Where’s Wally and a Chicken!
PAUL MAGUIRE said he had a great run in Liverpool. He ran the Princes parkrun, appropriately alongside many Penny Lane Striders, in 24 minutes 22 seconds and was 140th out of 451. He said it was a lovely route around the park and by the lake and that he kept it steady and felt strong.
ANY JAY was 62nd out of 99 at Westmill, Ware in 30:55.
Away day Parkrun fun for the Evolve team!
Tables
Midweek Road Race League Race 2. St Albans 10km. Wednesday 25th May 2022
Fairlands Valley Spartans WON the team award at Sunday’s Hitchin 10K. They had 25 out of the 518 finishers with several top twenty positions.
JONATHAN PARR was second overall and first in his category with a fantastic 34 minutes 24 seconds. KELVIN BEYIOKU was fifth in 36:42.
In her first ever 10K race ASHLEY JOHNSON won her category and was fourth woman overall in 42 minutes 37 seconds.
NICK GILL took eight seconds off his 10K personal best finishing in 41 minutes 28 seconds and he was 18 seconds quicker than the same race last year.
ADRIAN DONNELLY was 13th man in 39:33; MARIE COLUCCI 18th woman in 47:51 and GEORGIE HOOPER was twentieth woman in 48:28.
Hitchin 10K speedy’s
SHARON CROWLEY ran her first official 10k in a very long time! She finished in 1 hour 5 minutes 21 seconds. JIM BROWN improved his St Albans 10K time by exactly one minute when he finished in 56:29. He said it was great seeing so many Spartans at an event again.
The 25 Spartans were JONATHAN PARR 34:23; KELVIN BEYIOKU 36:41; ADRIAN DONNELLY 39:33; ROSS GALLACHER 40:19; NICK GILL 41:28; ASHLEY JOHNSON (F) 42:37; MARIE COLUCCI (F) 47:51; GEORGIE HOOPER (F) 48:28; ANDY JAY 50:28; VISH SHAH 50:49; LUKE GURNEY 51:29; ZOE JACKSON (F) 51:43; NIKKI WILBY (F) 51:51; KARK SHREEVE 54:46; SARAH ILLINGWORTH (F) 55:52; STEVE PIKE 55:54; JIM BROWN 56:29; MONICA SMITHSON (F) 1:02:01; CHRISTINE ZVEREV (F) 1:03:27; NICOLA PATTMAN (F) 1:04:13; STEVEN DOBNER 1:04:14; SHARON CROWLEY (F) 1:05:21; JONATHAN JONES 1:09:38; DZENANA TOPIC (F) 1:10:10 and SAMANTHA SUTTON (F) 1:12:40.
Lots of stripes at the Hitchin 10K
Milton Keynes Sub Four and PBs (Personal Bests for Hazel and Rob)
TIM ROBINSON and HAZEL SMITH ran the Milton Keynes marathon which was hotter than expected and had some sneaky hills towards the end. Both were very pleased with their times, Tim 4:35:22 and Hazel 3 hours 59 minutes 40 seconds. It was a massive PB (personal best) of around 24 minutes from Hazel’s last marathon in October. Hazel says that joining the Spartans peak performance group and following the training plan from Steffan Ford has improved her overall fitness and pace. Hazel was over the moon to dip under 4 hours for the first time ever.
Our amazing Hazel and superb Tim!
Also TRICIA HOPPER, KAREN LIDDLE and BARRY KING ran and completed the Milton Keynes Marathon. As with many people/runners this was their first marathon since Covid.
Tricia Hopper ran the 26.2 miles in 4:28:30, this was her 87th marathon.
Karen and Barry ran together in 5.55.34. Karen has now completed 76 marathons and Barry 56.
Happy Spartans pleased to be back racing again.
Spartan ROB WRIGHT ran a new personal best (PB) of 1:35:31 at the Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2022.
Rob being very cool with his medal.
Belfast
CATHY CRAIG ran the Belfast Marathon on a cold dull day. All went well until around mile 17 when she was a bit sick and the queasiness never really left her. Still, she managed a watch time of 5:29:47, which was just within her second target time of 5:30.
This lady never ceases to amaze us!
Vitality London 10k
DEBBIE BLANTERN ran the Vitality London 10K, her first race since December 2019. She was super happy with her time of 58 minutes 41 seconds.
She said this will give her a big confidence boost to get more races booked this year.
Having run the Hitchin 10K in 1:12:40 on Sunday SAMANTHA SUTTON ran the Vitality 10000 in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes 55 seconds.
Also in the London 10000 CHARLIE WHITE ran a new personal best (PB) of 38 minutes 46 seconds and ANNABELLE WHITE a “pregnant best” of 55:41.
A well earned medal by Debbie!
Serpentine
JIM BROWN was at the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K. Some amazing runners show up for these lunch-time races. Jim was 146th out of 166 with 27 minutes 46 seconds. Slowly knocking off a few seconds since coming back from illness. It was dry but cold and breezy.
Good News for YUKO
YUKO GORDON is out of action at the moment but received some good news from British Masters last week. Her half marathon record has been ratified as a new British record for women over 70.
She ran a gun time of 1:40:02 (chip time 1:39:58) at Bedford on 27th March this year. Yuko did run 1:37:50 last summer but it was a chip time (and not ratified) as a gun time was not available with Covid restrictions. The previous record was 1:40:43 (chip time 1:40:33) held by Angela Copson.
Parkrun Highlights 30th April
First Spartan home at Stevenage parkrun was TONY RANDFIELD on his 98th parkrun in 20.59.
SAM SIMMONS took a trip to Bedford and ran 25:51 on his first outing there. Sam may have clocked the longest “parkrun” this week running just over 16 miles with parkrun included.
A parkrun “first timer” event for JAMES MCSWEENEY at Letchworth (25:55)
MIKE REYNOLDS was at Panshanger (25:12) and ED HARE was at Lee on the Solent (23:25). DARRYL STEVENS was at Brockenhurst running 45.34.
There was clapping, eating and dancing on Friday evening as 88 Spartans enjoyed their presentation evening the first that’s been possible for two years.
This was a fantastic celebration of two years of achievements and an opportunity to enjoy each others’ company after so long.
Happy, Chatty Spartans
YUKO GORDON’s achievements at national and international level are well known and she is the club’s overall champion for 2021. She scored 96.7% in the short distance championship and 98.9% in the long. She was also voted Spartan of the Year.
SIMON JACKSON won the men’s championship.
Runners aren’t always clad in lycra!
As well as 27 awards based on the long and short distance championships the evening recognised the most improved Spartans – SAM SIMMONS and FIONA CLARKE; the Lisa Potter Starter of the Year SUSAN MURPHY and many of the club members whose voluntary efforts have made the club possible over a difficult period. They included WENDY THARANI (Chair’s Award); MARK FREEMAN (President’s Award; PETE SMITH (Head Coach’s Award) and SHARON and MIKE CROWLEY (Captains’ Awards).
Everyone had a lovely evening
A great night at the Cromwell Hotel, Old Stevenage which finished with some very energetic dancing.
(All the presentation evening winners can be found near the end of this release).
Welwyn Half
The Welwyn Half Marathon is a bit of a hybrid with 1.5 miles of trail including some quite slippery sections and narrow footpath and pavement which caused some delays in the busy middle third of the field. However the cold start turned into a pleasant sunny morning with a tailwind finish and there were some massive efforts from the thirteen Spartans.
For a flattish course SUZY HAWKINS was surprised how hard the Welwyn Half Marathon felt with off road sections and narrow bumpy pavements that seemed busy with non runners. She said she was disappointed with her time, but collecting third placed female was nice. Suzy finished in 1 hour 32 minutes 46 seconds (1:32:46).
Smiling Spartans with their medals!
DAVID HARRIS – CHERGUIT said it was great to see so many smiling Spartans out Sunday morning. He was sixth overall out of the 387 finishers in the race and third man 40 plus with 1 hour 21 minutes 35 seconds.
ANDREW VAUGHAN was second male 50 plus in 1:31:38. ASHLEY KING took a third place in the women 35 plus contest with 1:45:40.
There was a personal best (PB) of 1 hour 37 minutes 59 seconds for ROBERT WRIGHT. A great achievement on a tricky course.
JIM BROWN said it was a good quality Sunday 13 mile training run and although a little disappointed he improved his 2022 half marathon time by ten minutes to 2:02:51.
Thirteen Spartans ran. Others were MIKE JEFFS 1:34:39; JOHN NELMS 1:46:21; MARK GOODWIN 1:47:10; LUKE SILVER 1:54:45; NEIL ROBINSON 2:07:31; SIMON SYPULA 2:17:08 and ELLIE McDERMOTT 2:43:04
A few Spartans in action.
(Detailed results for all the Spartans can be found near the end of this release).
Baldock Beast
The Spartans that tamed the Baldock Beast
Six Spartans raced the Baldock Beast Multi-Terrain and Spartan JOHN HARRIS excelled by winning the male 50 plus category with 1 hour 34 minutes 53 seconds. He was 13th out of the 154 finishers.
John said six Spartans tamed the beast, which included 14 hills and 856 feet of ascent. It was definitely a run of two halves with negative splits, on a cold but sunny morning that warmed up during the race. He said he faded over the last mile and was passed by three quicker runners but very happy with a trophy at the end.
NICK GILL came in 25th with 1:40:38 and SUSAN McANENY comfortably beat the two hour barrier with 1:57:45. GEORGIE HOOPER and SUE HAMER came in with 2:04:49 and 2:11:47.
Despite running the National Cross Country the previous day TIM ROBINSON went round in 2 hours 11 minutes 47 seconds.
National Cross Country
Four Spartans went to Parliament Hill Fields, London for the National Cross Country Championships on Saturday. In the ladies race SHARON CROWLEY covered the eight kilometres (8K) in 59 minutes 18 seconds.
The men ran 12K with CIARAN McANENY taking 59 minutes 47 seconds; ANDY JAY 1:25:42 and TIM ROBINSON 1:28:05.
The usual generous helpings of liquid mud on that course.
Mud, glorious mud!
Battersea Park Chase the Sun
JONATHAN PARR came third overall and first man 35 plus in the RunThrough Battersea Park Chase The Moon 5K event on Wednesday. His time was 16 minutes 26 seconds.
Sunny Serpentine
It was mild, dry and sunny for Friday lunch-time’s Serpentine 5K run in Hyde Park and thinking about Sunday Spartan JIM BROWN was happy going round the two lap course in about nine minutes per mile to finish in 27 minutes 17 seconds. The winner took 15:27!
Parkrun Highlights 26th February
Eunice cancelled last Saturday’s race but there were 320 runners at this week’s Stevenage parkrun. Spartan GRANT RAMSAY was sub 20 and in the Top Ten again with 19 minutes 18 seconds and 6th Place.
Stevenage Parkrun
The Paignton parkrun was right next to where YUKO GORDON was staying for the weekend so she popped out to join. This was her first ever park run outside Hertfordshire. The course was supposed to be a mixture of velo park and the adjacent grass field which was boggy and swampy. So, Yuko was surprised to see many of the runners come in squeaky clean Nike alphafly. She was in Inova8 Mudcrow XC shoes. They changed the course just to three laps of the velo park and gravel path, no field. Yuko was first woman 70 plus, eighth woman and 61st overall out of 258 in 23 minutes 49 seconds.
Tables
All the winners at the FVS Presentation Evening:
Female Open Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Suzy Hawkins 73.0% 2nd Tracy Pez 61.4% 3rd Hazel Smith 59.0%
Female Age Graded Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Yuko Gordon 96.7% 2nd Cathy Craig 70.5% 3rd Alison Shelley 68.6%
Female Open Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Suzy Hawkins 72.3% 2nd Marie Colucci 62.1% 3rd Fiona Clarke 56.0%
Female Age Graded Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Yuko Gordon 98.9% 2nd Cathy Craig 65.1% 3rd Alison Shelley 63.8%
Male Open Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Andrew Patterson 80.3% 2nd Adrian Busolini72.8% 3rd Grant Ramsay 71.6%
Male Age Graded Short – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Simon Jackson 84.1% 2nd Brian White 82.2% 3rd Barry Osbourne 81.5%
Male Open Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Andrew Patterson 79.4% 2nd Danny Scanlon 66.6% 3rd Paul Shelley 63.5%
Male Age Graded Long – 1st, 2nd and 3rd 1st Simon Jackson 82.2% 2nd Grant Ramsay 75.0% 3rd Pete Smith 72.2%
Overall Champion – Male Simon Jackson
Overall Champion – Female Yuko Gordon
Overall Club Champion Yuko Gordon
Most Improved Spartan – Male – Sam Simmons Most Improved Spartan – Female – Fiona Clarke Lisa Potter Starter of the Year Award- Susan Murphy Chairs Award – Wendy Tharani Presidents Award – Mark Freeman Head Coaches Award – Pete Smith Captains Awards – Sharon Crowley and Mike Crowley Spartan of the Year – Yuko Gordon
Spartans at the Welwyn Half Marathon (27th February):
