Month: November 2016

6 Nov 2016 – Shepshed 7

A small group of Stilton Striders travelled to shepshed for the Shepshed 7 mile road race, a 2 lap course that goes through Garendon Park. 486 runners finished the race on a cold breezy morning, first back for Striders in an excellent 23rd place was Luke Eggleston in 43min 32 secs, followed not far behind in 27th an in form Darren Glover in 43. 57. 

First lady for the club in 175th was Vicki Lowe in an excellent 53. 42 , next was David Hall 234th ( not in the picture ) in 56. 36 , next in 307th was the improving Lynda Harris in 01. 01.02.  [Darren]

29 Oct 2016 – Snowdonia Marathon Eryri

Having waited up on New Year’s Eve to enter this race – the day had finally come for myself and Helen Widdowson to pickup our numbers and Technical T-shirts from Electric Mountain. It had been a long 6 hour journey the but the organisers were really friendly and answered all the questions we had about parking etc.

The next day we arrive nice and early so we could park close to the start/ finish line, the nerves were kicking in and we did feel somewhat intimidated by the number of runners who were sporting 100 Marathon club and Ironman shirts.At the start of the race the weather was misty but not at all cold. As we hit the first hill Helen is looking strong but we regroup on the decent, this happens on the second hill as well. After that it seems a long way till the final assent and I feel very aware of trying to conserve as much energy as possible.

Rob had advised us to try and run up the last hill at 21.5 miles and we both do apart from a few steps walking – but nearly everyone else was walking and as we neared mile 23 I started to feel strong, Helen had a green moment at this point but as we started the very slippery decent to the finish we realised we could do it under our target, this spurred us on and we pushed through to Llanberis and the very welcoming crowds at the finish line.

We had actually done it coming in at 4hrs 23seconds, pretty much as planned, from start to finish the support and the volunteers were amazing & the scenery is beautiful, will I do this again?…. I expect so. (Abi)

Action required – Xmas dinner and annual awards

Ahead of this years dinner and awards, there are a few bits of information that we need from members in the next couple of weeks:

Xmas dinner – reserve your place(s) and pay your £15 per person by Weds 23rd November at the latest.  It all takes place on Thursday 8th December at the Alpine Restaurant at The Grange – drinks from 7pm, meal at 8pm followed by awards.  No need to pre-order food, but menu is attached at this link (and if you have any other dietary requirements, just let us know).

Club person of the year award – one of the main annual awards is based solely on a vote of the members, and the award is intended to reward someone who has given something extra to the club over the last 12 months.  So please have a think about who deserves a special ‘thank you’ and email us your vote.

London Marathon place – we have qualified for 2 places for the 2017 race.  As in previous years, we would like anyone who entered the ballot, was unsuccessful, and would still like to run the race to let us know.  Please don’t be shy – we can’t award you a place if we don’t know you want it!

Club standards – why not join the growing band of Striders who have already claimed their standard for this year?  Just email us your 3 qualifying times at different distances and we’ll do the rest!  All details at the club standards page.

2 Nov 2016 – Leicester City 5k race 1

A great winter evening event made even better with all the bottles of wine the Striders team came back with (7). 8 of the 9 Striders running arrived in style in the Ateam van – driven by Theresa. This was a great fun team event.

Jay Barton stormed a pb in 2nd place 16.59, then Luke Egglestone 18.43, Mark Stoneley 19.22, Clive Kent 20.06, Wayne Hackett 20.56. The ladies team nailed it winning the ladies team event – Vicki Lowe 23.09 (and 1st v45), Theresa Coltman 23.29, (and 1st v50) and Liz Goodbourne 24.02.

Next race in this series is 7 December. [Vicki]

30 Oct 2016 – Holly Hayes XC

Holly Hayes – Race 1 of the 2016/17 Derby Runner XC series

A great turn out for the first run this year of the excellent Derby Runner Cross Country series, on Sarah Lawrence’s birthday. The debut of the shiny new club tent was successful and we have a photo to prove it!

It was a two lap course, about 5.7 miles long and only a bit undulating. After a leisurely start, we embarked on a lovely autumnal run through the woods, with only a bit of mud and five river crossings, including the Mann trap on the home straight.

Luke Eggleston came past running really well and finished in 80th place (41.22), then Greg Pettingill (46.14), Matt White (51.16), Clive Kent (55.41) and Ben Pickard (who diverted to rescue a fellow runner and finished in 57.30). Vicki Lowe was the first Stilton lady home in 63rd place (53:23), followed by Sarah Lawrence (66.51), Charlotte Allen (68.58), and finally Jenny Kent and Laura Pickard (73.50 and 73.51). The support from marshals and volunteers was fantastic with great Halloween-themed costumes and enthusiastic cheering! Followed by a lovely pub lunch at the Copt Oak.

Next time we need to remember a table, cake, flasks and mugs for tea, water, loo roll (no toilets!) and the club flag…  [Jenny]

21 Oct 2016 – Yorkshire Three Peaks Ultra

It was 8am on a bright and clear day at Hawes (Wensleydale Cheese land) where myself and 17 fellow runners headed out on the first Yorkshire Three Peaks Ultra Marathon organised by Ranger Ultras. The race consists of the Yorkshire Three Peaks sandwiched by two very boggy Fells with a total of 70km and 3200mt of ascent.

The runners took a natural split into two groups and after our first checkpoint I fell into a great pace with a fellow runner who helped me giggle and chat throughout the rest of the race. Each Peak- Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent- all varied in its terrain which added to the challenge of the race. We were blessed with a beautifully clear day which provided us all with stunning views and helped ease any niggles that showed themselves.

The support throughout the day was faultless with food, drinks and giggles a plenty. On the final leg we were presented with a stunning sunset over the Dales. The last boggy fell leading back to the village of Hawes was via head torch, even my shadow was running in a hobbling manner at this point, but the warm welcome and sense of achievement made me realise once again how much I love the world of running.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Ultra has to be my toughest running challenge to date I would highly recommend it for the stunning views and support.  [Katie]