wrc

Goyt Valley 10K

Thursday 23rd May 2013

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Scott Wilson (Macc)	M	39:50
5	Malcolm Fowler	M50 (1)	42:57
7	Graham Taylor	M45 (1)	43:03
11	Mike Hill	M45	44:03
23	Matt Taylor	M	47:19
26	Gareth Trimble	M40	49:08
27	Andy Watts	M60	49:09
28	Rachel Nolan (Pennine)	F45 (1L)	49:33
33	George Livesey	M65 (1)	50:34
34	Janine Ellis	F40 (1)	50:46
38	Alan Turner	M45	51:41
40	Gavin Mendham	M60	52:09
50	Chris Cannon	M55 (1)	55:01
64	Ian Ashcroft	M65	57:37
80	Elspeth Gibson	F40	1:02:46
98	Martin Wheeldon	M60	1:18:58
Sw            Don Bullough
(98 finishers)

Full results available at : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2013/goyt.htm - or for pdf version at : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2013/goyt.pdf

Team Prizes (3x)

Mens  >  1. WRC 17pts  2. Sale 18pts

Ladies > 1. Goyt Valley Striders 27pts

Malcolm says, (approx) £600 raised on behalf of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.

Don

British Masters Road Relays, Sutton Park, Saturday 18th May

Running, an essentially individual and self fulfilling sport, rarely brings people together to perform as a team. The British Masters Road Relays in Sutton Park this Saturday, was an example of running being a fine team sport and illustrates the value of belonging to a quality club. There are many other events on the calendar that some might feel are a little 'mass participation', but not so the Nationals. WRC entered three teams, M35, W35 and W45 in a field of what one of our group described as 'proper runners'.

I'm pleased to report that our teams represented our club very well, with each runner producing individual and collective performances beyond what was hoped for. The measured 3 mile single lap was undulating and the weather kind. A good course.

A great result for those of us who were there, both as an effort and an experience. It's a little like the Cross Country without the mud, but with added sausage and cake (great catering, both on-site and from the girls)...and excellent team spirit.

Thanks to all for a great day out.

 

 

 

Results (in full here http://www.joelee.co.uk/resindex.html )

 

M35 (33 Teams)

1st Thames Hare & Hounds   2h 06.56m

Ian Harkness                              15.44m

Chris Daniels                              16.11m

Andy Weir                                  16.05m
Ben Reynolds                              15.37m

Brian T-Pelham                           16.12m

John McFarlane                           15.57m

Matt Jones                                  15.31m

Simon Wurr                                15.39m

17th Wilmslow RC                 2h 21.23m

Graham MacNeil                          16.56m

Tom McGaff                                17.38m

Mike Hill                                     18.13m

Peter Speake                               15.41m

Nick Bishop                                 18.20m

Craig Hunt                                   18.27m

Jeremy Bygrave                           17.57m

Richard Hirons                             18.11m

 

W35 (24 Teams)

1st Serpentine RC            1h 14.36m

Victoria Carter                     18.19m

Teresa Laubenque                19.15m

Jane Fanning                       18.37m

Liz Wynn                             18.25m

6th Wilmslow RC               1h 18.17m

Sharon Johnstone                 18.44m

Diane McVey                        18.32m

Diane Bygrave                      20.16m

Janine Ellis                           20.45m

 

W45 (17 Teams) 

1st Winchester & Dist AC    55.34m

Jane Gandee                         19.23m

M McCallum                          18.46m

Lucy Elliot                             17.25m

12th Wilmslow RC               1h 07.22m

Nicky Mowat                          21.46m

Carolyn Hirons                       23.12m

Sharon Jones                         22.23m

 

 

Richard and Di

Garstang Gallop 10K, Lancs

Sunday 21st April 2013

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	John Lloyd (Todmorden)	M35	36:07
13 (1L)	Rebecca Sheffield (unat)	F	39:58
18 (2L)	Diane McVey	F35	41:54
(138 Finishers)

Mobberley 'Round the Runway' Race

Thursday, 18th April 2013

Full results available at : www.race-results.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Mick Hall at : http://www.mickhall-photos.com

Don

Paris Marathon...Breaking news : Jonathan Dunkley and Andy Watts

Hot off the press with only the initial detail.

Jonathan Dunkley knocked 12 minutes off his marathon time, clocking a watch time of 3.03.38 at Paris today.

Well done Jonathan...His WHM form suggested a good marathon time around the corner !

Rob now suitably inspired to commit to some good Tuesday night sessions.

And chasing Jonathan all the way and seemingly getting quicker all the time was Andy Watts in 3.11.36

Andy will no doubt be knocking our reps on Tuesday night !

Well done to you both. 

Nick.

Mow Cop Hill race

Part of the 2011 SS, but this year, a good chance for some to assess their fitness and get another race in. In many parts the conditions were dry underfoot with other stretches of boggier ground to be found on the downhill stretch.

Its a low key afffair but enjoyable and the weather...another sign that if not BST, that Spring is with us !

1st Damian Nicholls 

18th Tom Peers

26th Nick Bishop  

31st Simon Bolton

34th Tony Hulme

80th Rachel Peers

88th Trevor Faulkner

96th Belinda Carp

100 ran.

Belinda, enjoyed herself so much, she actually ran an extra mile having got lost en route !

Post race ramblings ...

• Rachel...Saying how she just loved the race...NOT !!
• Damian approcahed by three young ladies...

       3YL : Were you the winner today ? 

       DN : Thats me !

        3YL : Did you run all the way up the hill on the back stretch ?   

        DN :  I sure did !

        3YL : Wow you are our hero !!

         Exit Damian stage left with a certain swagger to his stride !!  Note to Trevor, while it 

          is equally possible that you likewise may have run both hill sections, any similar chat up

          line is yet tbc !! It may only be the race winner that receives such attention !! :) 

A pleasant morning out.

Nick

The usual photos at : http://www.racephotos.org.uk/   

Don   

More Wilmslow Half pictures

Pictures from Don are now on the web at this location.

 

Half Marathon coverage

We had Alex Miller take a short video of the race yesterday.

I hope it captures the mood and feel of the race.

Enjoy.

The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paTPOcL8738

Nick.

 

 

Wilmslow Half - results updates

A couple of updates to the published Half results:-

Matthew Hodgson MOPEN 380  1:39:40 901 734 1:39:36 795 

Plus there were a couple of names (Mike Davies, Ned Spencer) listed under 'Wilmslow', but who are not club members. If there are any other errors/changes please let Ian Ashcroft and Andy Watts know.

Wilmslow Half - photos

First batch of photos from one of our in-house photographers (Rod) is here.  More pictures when I get them (plus of course the Mick Hall set in due time).

Time to start writing a short account of your day at the Half, to send to Ian/Simon!

Andy

Wilmslow Half

Sunday March 24th.

http://www.tdl.ltd.uk/   for more detail

Rob	Downs	M45+	1	01:13:42	18	01:13:42	18
Peter	Speake	MOPEN	15	01:13:56	20	01:13:55	20
Jim	Pendrill	M40+	7	01:18:37	53	01:18:36	53
Tom	McGaff	M55+	2	01:20:33	74	01:20:32	75
Jonathan	Dunkley	MOPEN	62	01:21:54	90	01:21:49	92
Philip	Smith	MOPEN	82	01:23:28	121	01:23:14	119
James	Eyre	MOPEN	85	01:23:50	126	01:23:44	127
Diane	McVey	F35+	7	01:24:22	133	01:24:18	136
Craig	Hunt	M40+	25	01:24:33	139	01:24:28	140
Jeremy	Bygrave	MOPEN	95	01:25:00	146	01:24:55	147
Rob	Gilbert	M40+	27	01:25:15	150	01:25:13	156
Thomas	Peers	MOPEN	98	01:25:24	157	01:25:21	164
Mark	Bradbury	MOPEN	112	01:26:16	178	01:26:08	186
Richard	Hirons	M45+	27	01:29:29	284	01:29:06	282
Andy	Watts	M60+	2	01:29:41	289	01:29:34	298
Ian	Smallwood	M50+	13	01:30:42	333	01:30:35	336
Paul	Norris	M55+	5	01:32:00	374	01:31:29	371
Paul	Garnett	M50+	18	01:32:23	390	01:31:53	393
Janine	Ellis	F40+	6	01:33:45	437	01:33:38	461
Jon	Bale	M50+	26	01:34:07	454	01:33:44	469
Nicky	Mowat	F50+	2	01:35:08	500	01:35:01	534
Geoff	Gilbert	M60+	7	01:35:19	508	01:34:38	503
Jarrod	Homer	M45+	63	01:35:22	513	01:35:15	549
Pete	Stock	M55+	12	01:36:21	555	01:35:41	566
Becky	Ellis	FOPEN	23	01:36:22	556	01:34:39	505
Alan	Turner	M45+	74	01:36:30	565	01:36:07	579
Kate	Sutton	F50+	3	01:38:02	642	01:37:46	667
Patrick	Grannan	M60+	8	01:38:21	658	01:37:59	679
Matthew	Taylor	MOPEN	374	01:39:24	721	01:38:45	736
Gavin	Mendham	M60+	10	01:40:25	782	01:39:44	804
Stephen	Russell	M50+	61	01:42:24	908	01:41:22	918
George	Livesey	M65+	2	01:42:27	914	01:42:19	979
Rachael	Peers	FOPEN	44	01:42:28	916	01:42:12	973
Andrew	Dodd	M40+	142	01:43:04	947	01:42:40	1012
Sally	Price	F35+	29	01:43:33	983	01:42:54	1029
Huma	Rahman	F40+	26	01:44:44	1065	01:43:42	1104
Simon	Fenton	M70+	3	01:48:53	1348	01:48:33	1462
Peter	Watson	M70+	4	01:49:45	1415	01:49:32	1550
Graham	Screawn	M45+	181	01:50:20	1456	01:49:32	1549
Sue	Strang	F45+	26	01:50:20	1457	01:49:39	1563
Ian	Ashcroft	M65+	6	01:51:44	1569	01:50:43	1668
Chris	Cannon	M55+	44	01:52:12	1611	01:51:11	1699
Clare	Hawkes	F50+	13	01:53:19	1712	01:52:38	1816
Zoe	Eyre	F35+	63	01:53:54	1757	01:52:05	1776
Claire	McCluskey	FOPEN	132	01:54:22	1797	01:53:08	1870
Janet	Wyles	F45+	51	01:57:17	2036	01:56:35	2171
Nina	Birch	FOPEN	169	01:57:53	2075	01:56:39	2178
Mike	Davies	M50+	141	01:58:11	2091	01:56:50	2195
Ned	Spencer	M55+	67	02:00:38	2283	01:57:44	2252
Charlotte	Hooper	F55+	10	02:03:56	2497	02:03:14	2627
Sarah	Miles	FOPEN	241	02:04:10	2507	02:02:57	2607
Belinda	Carp	F45+	72	02:04:21	2513	02:03:33	2646
Trevor	Faulkner	M70+	7	02:06:16	2633	02:05:06	2733
Gail	Hill	F40+	135	02:06:29	2648	02:05:27	2748
Catriona	Marshall	F45+	95	02:09:55	2832	02:06:23	2804
Leanne	Byrne	FOPEN	361	02:13:34	3033	02:11:14	3065

Club Records

The Club Records (see link above) has been updated to include 20-Mile races.  

In general, we do our best to spot when a club record has been broken, but if anyone feels they have an legitimate claim to a club record while running for Wilmslow RC then please make it known so that it can be verified.

Don / Tony

Stafford 20

Sunday 10th March 2013

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Andi Jones (Stockport Harriers)		1:43:19
25	Tracy Entwistle (Warrington RR)	L40 (1L)	2:13:15
40	Craig Hunt		2:17:14
46	Sharon Johnstone	L40 (2L)	2:18:51
116	Gareth Trimble	M40	2:35:52
139	Nicky Mowat	L50 (2)	2:39:12
170	Patrick Grannan	M60	2:44:48
192	Gavin Mendham	M60	2:49:39
(337 finishers)

The weather of minus 2 and sleet was reminiscent of the conditions of the Manchester marathon.  However according to our expert witness, Gavin, it wasn’t quite as bad as that day!

The course consists of three laps, one of 8 miles and two of 6 miles.  Therefore we had the same hill to climb three times, our reward being the downhill on the other side.  It is not a particularly interesting course especially the two miles along a main road.  The friendly faces of Elspeth and Oliver (Sharon’s husband) encouraged us up a short sharp ascent to the university at the end of each lap.

I was lapped by the two front runners but in fact lapped some of the slower runners which is always satisfying!  The race was well organized with plenty of marshals freezing to death at their posts.  I kept thinking it must be much worse spectating than running.  Many thanks to Elspeth and Oliver. 

Sharon had a fantastic race, coming 2^nd lady.  Craig’s time bodes well for London.  The rest of us were happy to use it as training for London and hoping the conditions will have improved by April.

Nicky

Chernobyl 10k

There were 3 Wilmslow runners in the Chernobyl 10k (27th January, Preston).  All the ice and snow had been washed away by the rain, but it was a breezy day so no PBs.

1 Tom Charles 33:13 (Trafford)
4 Olivia Walwyn 35:43 (City of Norwich AC)
25 Diane McVey 39:47 (2nd lady and 1st F35)
53 Paul Garnett 41:45 
82 Paul Norris 43:30
 476 ran

Whitley 10k

The organiser of the Whitley 10k has let us know about the 2013 race - it will be on April 14th.  A nice little leg-warmer for the London Marathon, perhaps?  Details and entry form are on their web-site.

Andy

Tatton Half Marathon

Sunday 4th November 2012

Pos	No	Name	Sex	Cat	Cat Pos	Race Time	Chip Time
1	1001	Tarus Elly (Salford)	Male	MSNR	1	01:09:09	01:09:09
5	572	Rob Downs	Male	V45	1	01:14:15	01:14:15
20	1278	Julia Matheson	Female	V45	1	01:22:24	01:22:23
29	1530	Thomas Peers	Male	MSNR	16	01:24:41	01:24:39
44	2134	Robert Wilson	Male	V45	4	01:27:22	01:27:20
60	1067	Sharon Johnstone	Female	V35	3	01:28:51	01:28:42
61	2190	James Eyre	Male	MSNR	35	01:28:51	01:28:23
71	723	Paul Garnett	Male	V50	3	01:29:41	01:29:32
120	1459	Paul Norris	Male	V55	5	01:33:41	01:33:33
125	1411	Nicky Mowat	Female	V50	1	01:34:18	01:34:12
129	621	Janine Ellis	Female	V40	3	01:34:29	01:34:22
150	1908	Matthew Taylor	Male	MSNR	74	01:35:40	01:35:32
186	1982	Alan Turner	Male	V45	19	01:37:30	01:37:24
244	933	Richard Hirons	Male	V45	28	01:39:39	01:38:52
257	2198	Dave Wheable	Male	V45	31	01:39:59	01:39:48
335	770	Patrick Grannan	Male	V60	4	01:43:31	01:41:30
344	1570	John Porteous	Male	V55	9	01:44:09	01:44:03
428	2191	Clare Hawkes	Female	V50	4	01:46:52	01:46:37
458	1085	Sharon Jones	Female	V45	15	01:47:50	01:46:59
632	932	Carolyn Hirons	Female	V45	21	01:52:43	01:51:52
742	2170	Janet Wyles	Female	V45	26	01:55:23	01:54:52
1300	919	Gail Hill	Female	V40	99	02:15:08	02:13:08
1301	556	Andrew Dodd	Male	V40	169	02:15:08	02:13:08
1304	2196	Leanne Byrne	Female	FSNR	179	02:15:09	02:12:51
(1553 finishers)

Full results at : http://www.cheshirehalfmarathon.co.uk/race_results_2012.php

Race photos courtesy of Bryan Dale at : http://www.racephotos.org.uk/ (allow 2-3 days for full posting)

and Mick Hall at : http://www.mickhall-photos.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?action=viewphotos&eventid=105369

Don

Snowdonia Marathon

The Snowdonia Marathon, which took place last Saturday, 25th October, is always a tough run, though conditions this year were near-perfect, cold but sunny with only a light breeze to add a bit of edge to the last few miles.  Devotees of the Snowdonia will be relieved to know that the course has changed slightly in recent years.  The new start is closer to Llanberis, avoiding both the one-mile jog to the start, and the intensley frustrating tour of Llanberis at the end, which took the race within a few hundred yards of the finish before turning the wrong way for a final turn round the town.  The new course starts closer to the Electric Mountain buildings and finishes with a straight run into the old High Street, which is closed for the event.  It is now a very professional and well-organised race.

The race organisation has thus been much improved, but not my performance, as I went well up to 20 miles and then hit the wall in classic fashion, being forced to walk up the final hill, and coming down the other side even more slowly as the cramp set it.  The same could not be said of Adam, who judging by his time had a blazing run.

Adam Neale   3:22:10  91st place
Andy Watts   3:42:08  253rd place

The winner was Rob Samuel in a time of 2:35:42, first lady was Emily Gelder in 3:06:26, and 1,481 runners finished.

Andy

Macclesfield 5K - new race

Sunday 30th September 2012

A new race for those who don't fancy the full hilly half-marathon.  Starts at 10.15am, after the half-marathon start, and follows the same route for the short loop only.  Other info applies as for the main race.

Full details at : http://www.macc-5k.co.uk/

Postal entries now closed but you can enter online or on the day.

Don

Race coming up - Green Drive Five

The Green Drive 5-miler is on Sunday 21st October at Lytham St. Annes.  It's a quality 5 mile race (also being used as the Lancashire AA Championship) - for anyone who wants to record a time over 5 miles!  Flyer is here.

Thunder Run 24hr

28th-29th July 2012

Well done to all those crazy people who took part in this 10k relay last weekend. They had to complete as many 10k laps as possible within 24 hours on an undulating off road course with camping around it.

The Wilmslow Wide Boys comprised Pete Stock, Mark Bale, Richard Hirons, Aron Myers and Jeremy Bygrave, most of whom did 6 laps. They came 6^th out of 45 teams.

The Wilmslow Warriers included Sharon Jones, Carolyn Hirons, Nina Birch, Janine Ellis, Chris Canon and Andy Dodd. They came 92^nd out of 188 in their category.

Very commendable performances.

2012 Cheshire Grand Prix (after Gt Warford 10m)

Below are the current Cheshire RRGP standings after yesterday's race.

Download Cheshire RRGP after Warford 10m

Congratulations to Sharon, Katy G, and Diane B for winning the team prize yesterday and increasing our lead over Vale Royal.  Sharon and Katy are now competing for the woman’s title.  What a debut for Peter Speake even if the result can’t be counted for the Cheshire GP.

Nicky

Forest 5 - Inter Club Challenge

Wednesday 18th July 2012

Position	Name	Cat	Time
1	Damian Nicholls	M	33.37
5	Rob Wilson	MV40(2)	38.26
6	Jim Pendrill	MV40	38.38
10	Barry Archbold	M	39.18
15	Graham Screawn	MV40	40.13
23	James Eyre	M	41.55
24	Steph Curtis (Pennine)	FV40 (1L)	42.04
30	Craig Hunt	MV40	42.42
31	Andy Watts	MV60(1)	42.56
33	Richard Hirons	MV40	43.33
34	Jon Bale	MV50	43.39
39	Katy Green	F	45.1
42	Paul Norris	MV50	45.32
43	Tony Hulme	MV60(2)	45.49
46	Kate Sutton	FV50(2)	46.43
47	Diane Bygrave	F	47.22
53	Janine Ellis	FV40	48.33
69	Nicky Mowat	FV50	50.36
71	Sharon Jones	FV40	51.02
74	Carolyn Hirons	FV40	52.02
75	Julie Lucas	FV40	53.38
79	Don Bullough	MV50	54.17
82	Simon Fenton	MV60	54.58
87	Trevor Faulkner	MV70(1)	59.31
(91 finishers)

Full results available at : http://www.macclesfield-harriers.co.uk/

Inter Club Challenge (10 to count)
1	Macclesfield Harriers (130)
2	Wilmslow RC (188)
3	Goyt Valley Striders (450)
4	Congleton (only 5R)

Don

Summer Handicap

The Summer Handicap on Sunday (15th July) went well, reflecting thorough organisation by Trevor.  The weather, despite the forecast, was excellent and the tough route was enjoyed by all 17 participants (though there were a number of route 'variations'!).  Thanks to Trevor, and all the many helpers who marshalled the route.

Great pictures here from Simon.

Andy

Wizard 5

Thursday 12th July 2012

Full race results can be found at : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2012/wizard.pdf

Don

Warrington 10K

Wednesday 20th June 2012

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	B. Fish (Blackburn Harriers)	M	00:31:58
15	A. Whittingham	M40	00:36:36
21	M. Hill	M40	00:37:33
33	K Brough (Warrington AC)	F	00:39:10
118	S. Fenton	M50	00:47:34
204	G. Hill	F35	00:54:10
205	J. Ellis	F40	00:54:11
294	M. Wheeldon	M50	01:13:37
(301 finishers)

Full results at : http://www.ukresults.net/2012/warr10k.html

Don

Bowdon 5K

Thursday 7th June 2012

Pos	Name	Cat	Time
1	Liam Renton (Warrington AC)	MJ	15.56
12	Graham MacNeil	M45 (1)	17.24
22	Andrew Whittingham	M40	17.42
32	Louise Blizzard (Belgrave)	F35	18.15
100	Alan Turner	M45	21.35
124	Chris Cannon	M55	22.38
131	Andrew Dodd	M40	22.54
148	Simon Fenton	M65	24.03
158	Roy Pownall	M60	24.55
168	Gail Hill	F45	26.26
169	Julie Lucas	F45	26.32
(188 finishers)

Don

Abersoch 10K

Saturday 9^th June 2012

After a week of relentless rainfall, it finally stopped just in time for the start of the Abersoch 10k.

It was a very exciting atmosphere with a dj playing at the start line and 100's of people lining the streets of the holiday village ready to watch.  700 runners were ready and waiting and even a
couple of celebrities had turned out to run.

The race started - heading up through the village and a very scenic route was to follow. We passed caravan parks where most came out to shout support, we ran along off road tracks with a sea view to the side.

I knew I had gone off too fast when Mark Bale appeared next to me!  I slowed off a little and enjoyed the route. Then came the killer hill, followed by another - then phew - a straight bit- which lasted about 5 seconds before turning a corner to find there was another climb.

Now on the tops with yet more beautiful views and still support on every road which was spurring us on.  We ran back past the lovely caravan parks with the sea views but this time through a very windy Abersoch golf course.  I pushed on through it, only to be overtaken by a lady at the end of the golf course who thanked me for taking her wind!  We now head down to the beach for the last stretch to the finish line.

100's of cheering people lined the beach.  I built up to a sprint finish over-taking the wind-lady but wobbling everywhere in the deep uneven sand!  Not a good look, but quite pleased with my time.

 

Mark Bale:  36.44 / 11th male - category position: 9th

Jeremy Bygrave:  38.04 / 22nd Male - category position: 16^th

Diane Bygrave:  42.01 / 8th Female  - 2^nd F35

 

A great race which I can highly recommend.

Diane Bygrave

Chester Half Marathon

CHESTER HALF MARATHON – 13^th May 2012

Getting up at 6am on a Sunday is not nearly so bad when it’s a beautiful, sunny morning.  Having downed the mandatory porridge I was all set.  Judith picked me up with Peter, her husband and Don coming along to support.

We started on the race course where there was plenty of room for runners, spectators, loos, refreshment stalls etc. 

Apparently they had changed the course this year but as I had never run it I was doing it ‘blind’, although I knew it was pretty flat.  There was a slight incline up to 6 miles where we did a loop and you could see the faster runners coming back.  The return journey was gradually downhill which suited me fine, good terrain for overtaking.  Some people got their own back nearer the end , one in particular when he finally stopped chatting! 

I was aiming to get under 1.40 and at about 8-9 miles was ambitious to get 1.35 .  I felt pretty good but just during the last mile or so my calves started to cramp and then there was a sting in the tail, a hill coming back into the town centre where the race finished. 

I really enjoyed the race, my first half marathon this year.  It was very well organised, plenty of drinks and gel stations.  The weather was perfect, sunny but breezy.  I was surprised when I heard that I had won first LV50. - there’s life in the old dog yet! 

Judith was running her debut half marathon and was aiming for two hours which she did – very precisely and was still smiling at the end. 

The beauty of having a 9.00 am race start was that we were back by lunchtime feeling very virtuous.

Robert Baker          1.09.25          1st
Nicky Mowat           1.37.28         374                 LV50 1
Judith Davidson      2.00.18         1981              LV55 5

Nicky

Manchester Marathon - from the spectator's point of view

A week on from the London marathon and what a change of conditions.  Don and I sheltered from the wind and rain in the Slug and Lettuce with a cappuccino.  At 10.30 we decided it was time to brave the elements to cheer on our friends.  First to appear was Gavin looking very confident well in front of the 3.30 pacer.  Amanda came springing along ten minutes later and Sharon not far behind both looking very happy and positive.  Geoff was leading his daughter and they were well within their predicted time.  When it got to the 2 ¼ hour mark and Angie and Clare hadn’t passed we surmised that they hadn’t started or maybe they were heavily in disguise. 

I was supporting a friend running for the Christie.  Her request for paracetamol at this 11 mile marker did not bode well. 

A short trip on the metro took us to Stretford where it was easy to find a viewing spot near the finish.  By this time it had stopped raining but we marched up and down the road to keep the circulation going – it was incredibly cold. 

The first WRC runner was Sharon who as she passed us at 26 miles knew that she had made a fantastic pb.  Gavin didn’t look so happy, his pace had dropped dramatically but at least he was nearly home.  A number of ambulances full of hypothermic runners dodged between those dragging themselves along to the finish.  Verity Gilbert was letting Dad lead her in.  Geoff has definite potential as a pacer!  No sign of Amanda.  We had a brilliant view of the finishers.  How could we both have missed her.   

The runners started to thin out now as time was ticking on past the 6 hours mark.  We squelched our way across to the Christie tent  hoping to find our friend  but alas she wasn’t there.  After a reviving cup of tea we hopefully returned to the finish where by now the finishers were scarce.   Just as we were getting very worried a call summoned us back to the Christie tent where poor Geli was being revived.  Unfortunately her wheels had come off and she had had to return by a series of ambulances and buses!

What a day!  I take my hat off to all the runners running in such appalling conditions.  As for us spectators we needed a hot bath and probably a new pair of shoes!

Nicky

Bramhall parkrun

Those who've taken part in the parkrun lately might enjoy these videos from the last few weeks by Alex Miller:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVIbQ44rQ_s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf_PbMcpuNM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUzSyYqDBNk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7_0xZ-fAk4

Bramhall parkrun is organised by a team from WRC: Nick, Janine, Martin, Jim, Nina, Kate, Graham and Rob are around most weeks along with local volunteers.  A few recent WRC recruits have "graduated" from the parkrun.

For those who haven't tried it parkrun is a free 5k every Saturday morning 9.00am start and a easy way to rev up your pace ahead of the 5km Summer Series / GP races.  It's also a gentle way back after a marathon recovery.

Bramhall is quite busy at this time of year.  If you like a quieter race then try Woodbank, Platt Fields, Wythenshawe etc.  More details at www.parkrun.com

Rob