2015 reports – Page 11 – Stilton Striders

24 May 2015 – Weald Challenge

The Weald Challenge, comprising of 3 distances; 50km Ultra, Marathon and Half Marathon, followed the long distance paths of the Wealdway and the Vanguard way. The start began at 10.30am the road outside the Primary School in Chiddingly Village. Myself and Jenny Kent ran the half marathon distance, which took us over a route made up of 75% of beautiful footpaths/bridleways snaking through undulating fields and wooded archways.

The weather started off warm, rising to an uncomfortable 20 degrees C for myself. The first check-point/drinks station was at 6.2m, so I chose to take around 300ml of water, which was lucky because of the slight mis-direction at around mile 4. This took many runners around 1.2m out of their way, and was attributed to a herd of cows taking umbrage to runners using a footpath across their field. Later, a directional arrow was also sabotaged twice during the race and took away possibilities of a course PB for those returning to the race. The race organiser was very dejected about this and sent out an apologetic email.

The drinks station was well received at my mile 7, and had coke, jaffa cakes, other cake and lots of water on offer. Trestle tables did the job!

The elevation and terrain challenged me considerably, but maybe that was due to going off way too fast, a normal occurrence! However, some single-file action at stiles gave me an opportunity to recover and I started to make some good time. At the end I received my bespoke Weald Challenge mug, which was filled quickly with free hot tea. Unbelievably, to me, on seeing the results, I clocked 1:57:30, and came 5th out of 210 entrants! Not a half PB, but well chuffed, considering the course! Jenny Kent, not yet a fully-fledged Striders Member, clocked 3:17:32 over 14.8 miles after building up to this over the last few months. Jenny also waved down a car to drive another participant, who was in a bad way, back to the village for some help. [Clive]

3 May 2015 – Geneva Marathon

This year all proceeds from the Geneva Marathon for UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) has been donated to Nepal.

The Geneva Marathon provides runners with a unique route of 42,195 km including the most beautiful landmarks of the city as well as Geneva’s historical and cosmopolitan centre and its magnificent countryside surrounding it. Starting at Chene-Bouge in the Geneva suburbs with a stunning Alpine backdrop nestled in between the Jura’s crests and the Mont Blanc summits, you will run into the heart of the outlying vineyards, the Marathon winds itself through ten villages of the Geneva district, finally dropping down to the lake side for the last six miles past the famous ‘Jet d’eau de Geneva’ crossing the finish line on the Pont du Mont-Blanc.

John and Louise Houghton competing in their fifth Geneva Marathon produced solid performances, enduring torrential rain throughout and despite a heavy chest infection Louise completed the 26.2 miles in 4hrs 38mins, John finished in 3hrs 53mins (A new course PB) [John]

20 May 2015 – Beeston Trent 5

Stuart Gregory was the only Strider to take part in the annual five mile event, which follows the river Trent and the Beeston canal. Having set a strong pace at the event in 2014, Stuart turned up hoping to at least better his time. Things were looking good after two miles as his time was matching that of the previous year, a bad third mile set this back some what before an improved mile 4 and 5 saw Stuart claw some time back to finish the event in 231st overall with a time of 47:06 around two minutes slower than 2014. [Stuart]

20 May 2015 – No Watch Race

Wednesday 20th May saw the return of one of the Strider’s traditional summer runs, the “No Watch Race”. With only the attached instructions to go by, the 23 runners lined up in Hickling on a bright spring evening and gave in their estimated times – with estimates ranging from 35 mins to 51.13, it was clear that some were planning to put in real effort on the “in the region of 5 miles” course (actually 5.2 miles).

Now, the goal of the race is to finish as close to your time estimate as possible – for many runners this means trying not to get caught up in ‘racing’ against the rest of the group. With that in mind, you would expect to see a range of finish times, some quicker than estimated, some slower, right?

Wrong. 22 of the 23 runners were quicker than predicted, often by a minute or two per mile! Either we are a pessimistic bunch, or just better runners than we give ourselves credit for – you decide….

With a few new/soon to be members, and a couple of people returning from injury, it was great to see people get into the spirit of running ‘naked’ (i.e. without a watch or GPS). We even had an epic sprint finish between Tam and John – although between them they were over 15 minutes quicker than predicted, so maybe that wasn’t ideal (although great to watch!).

The overall winner (and only person coming in slower than their predicted time) – only 17 seconds out – was Michael Atton. Maybe the key to good pacing is running 4 days after your debut marathon?

Full results here:

16 May 2015 – Keswick Festival Triathlon

It was with mixed emotions that Andy Nicholls and I dragged our families the 200 miles up to the top corner of England to take on 2 of the many events on offer at the growing Keswick Festival Weekend.For Andy, his first ever triathlon and for me my first event on proper hills. Our wives decided on the flat and opted on a 1500m swim in Derwent water.

The festival offers something for everyone with a mix of 5,10,25 or ultra50km trail runs around the hills and mountains (they felt like mountains anyway) as well as a lake swim and short or long triathlon. The long Triathlon being just £6 more than the short but twice the distance and we were sold. How hard could it be? Well, we were to find out.

Registration was early but quick and efficient in the festival village by the lake on the outskirts of Keswick. We then set up our kit and awaited the 10am start. First up, the swim. 800m in 11oC water numbed the toes and fingers and the 340 starters splashing their way around in various attempts at recognised strokes. Beginners are definitely welcome here. Out of the lake and a short run to the bike before 35km of the best climbs Keswick has to offer. The scenery is breath taking. It’s a challenging route with the declines being as hard as the inclines. At least 2 people ended their race with downhill crashes.

About 2 hours later and the 10km trail run was up last. The imposing hill / mountain-ette of Latrigg stands over Keswick daring you to tackle its paths and tackle it we did. A quick run out of town on Tarmac paths and then on to the steep trail up to the main zigzagging paths to the summit. The wind was howling but wow. What a view. From the top Keswick and festival village lies before you like a toy town next to a picture postcard scene of lake and hills was worth every blister, scrape, breath and swear word. Now, full on down hill sprint back in to town (pushing past tourists and shoppers who desperately tried to avoid a brush with 3 hour old sweat) and back in to the village to be cheered over the line in 3hrs06 for me and 3hrs38 for Andy, and to get our event medal.

The evening provided festival entertainment with Dodgy amongst other bands and lots of food stalls around. Loads of things for the kids to do too and plenty of freebies available. The following day brought the other trail runs with the ultra starting at 06:30am and the others starting from 9am.

A great weekend and a tough but picturesque introduction for Andy and me to Olympic distance multi sport. [Matt]

16 May 2015 – White Peak Marathon

It was an early start for a depleted Striders squad, ravaged by injury, missing the likes of Rob Beers, Simon Bottrill & Vicki Lowe. Conditions were perfect if a little cold, however after a hearty breakfast of poached eggs on toast the 3 intrepid athletes took to the start line, along with 166 other eager runners.

Michael Atton led from the start with his trademark pace followed by Dan Valencia & then the experienced John Houghton running in his 16th marathon. The course follows a railway line for 90% of the way with only slight changes in gradient & surface. The runners were treated to spectacular views over the beautiful Peak District national park however as tempratures rose, and fatigue set in the focus was set firmly on the 26.2 miles ahead.

Striders stalwart John Houghton came in at 3:46:09 beating his PB by 4 minutes for the marathon! The Burton Lazars man came in 71st, running a fantastic,cleverly paced race. 2nd Strider in was Dan Valencia in 4:13:07 in 112th place. Valencia has struggled with his marathon form this year, amidst rumours that his dip in form is due to his controversial new footwear. 3rd Strider in was the giant Michael ( Mick) Atton. The Old Dalby runner came in at a highly respectable 4:16:55 in his first ever marathon!

After the 3 had went through the obligatory, media, post race rub downs, & Houghton had finished in the doping tent, the 3 weary souls enjoyed a light meal in a Cramford hostelry, with wives & girlfriends, mission accomplished! [Dan]

17 May 2015 – West End 8

A warm and sunny Sunday morning greeted the runners at the final ‘winter’ league race of 2015, the West End 8. One of the more challenging league courses, the first two miles are steadily uphill, followed by nearly two miles (slightly) down and then a steep hill into (and out the other side of) South Croxton. There is then around four miles of downhill and a bit of flat into the finish.

Jason Barton had another great run to finish in 46.59 (16th overall, 12th Senior Male), followed home by Luke Eggleston (54.18), who held off Greg Pettingill (3rd MV55, 54.47). Shane Sharkey (56.10), Rich Gray (58.01) and Stuart Gregory (82.26) completed the Striders contingent.

Full results can be found on the Network website.

14 May 2015 – Leicester 5k

Thursday evening saw the first of four races in the Leicester 5k summer series. Having tasted success, both team and individual, in the winter series, three Striders made their way to the start with high hopes.

Jason Barton was first back, finishing in 6th place (5th Senior Male) in a great 17.51, with Shane Sharkey (21.11) and Stuart Gregory (27.41) also putting in solid performances.

10 May 2015 – Bosworth Half Marathon

Two striders headed to Market Bosworth to take on the best that Leicestershire and Rutland has to offer in the Bosworth Half Marathon, which incorporates the Leicestershire and Rutland ACA championships. Nearly 600 runners lined up at Market Bosworth Water Trust on a warm and mostly sunny day, with just a touch a breeze to provide some relief.

The course follows the undulating roads that wind through the villages and countryside around Market Bosworth, passing by, as the organisers point out in some detail, many sites of historical interest linked to the recently re-interred King Richard III. With two tough climbs towards the end of the race, this course offers little in the way of PB potential. First there is the 120ft climb along Fenn lane into Sutton Cheney at mile eight, closely followed by the 115ft climb into the town of Market Bosworth at mile ten. However, both Striders rose to the challenge on the day.

First Strider home was Mark Stoneley in a time of 1.33.31 (58th), followed by Iain Howe in 1.48.18 (219th). Iain Howe’s performance was particularly impressive given his recent comeback from injury. [Mark]

10 May 2015 – Wymeswold Waddle

241 runners took to a sunny undulating out-and-back course at the annual Wymeswold Waddle 5 mile road race. Only 3 Striders made the very short journey to this local and very well supported event with everyone receiving a technical tee. All Striders put in good times, Jason Barton was the first Strider back finishing in 5th place (2nd place senior) in a time of 28.57. Next home was Mike Brighty finishing strongly in 75th in a time of 37.23, and finishing the trio of Striders was Tam Nicol in 208th in a time of 49.10, who was running with Stephanie Barlow who finished well in a time of 49.09 in 207th position. A quick mention to the Wilson family from Melton, Joshua finished 29th – 33.15, David finished 98th – 39.34 and Jane finished 102nd – 39.40. (Jay)