Category: 2015 reports

27 June 2015 – Nomad 50k

The idea was that this would be a great warm up to the Ladybower 50 which some Striders would be doing later in the year and also a good step up for those wanting to move forward from Marathon distance. So roped in were Six Striders (Tagged in?) to the highly rated and exceedingly good value Nomad 50k Ultra race promoted by those very friendly lot at Long Eaton Running Club.

There were certainly a few nerves before the day for some as the six striders (Myself, Dan Valencia, Mike Bryan, John Houghton, Michael Atton and Ultra vet Rich Gray) pondered what we`d let ourselves in for. Certainly the gang seemed more optimistic the night before after revealing we would be joined by a lady of the voyage, the lovely Zoe Sewter of Hermitage Harriers who was just as daft as us and drank as much also!

A laid back start with the group starting slowly from the start at Breaston before a long canal section past Shardlow and our first water stop at Chellaston at 10.5 miles. Already some were having problems as `Nips` Atton was having massive chafing issues either that or spending quite a few miles impersonating Dolly Parton! We headed into Derby city centre and by now the Sun was just absolutely beating down, already some of us were slowed by it, you can’t imagine how much strength it takes from you.

The next stop came around 17 miles and from then on the course became more and more offroad based especially after the village of Morley. The course was pretty well marked out but special mention to Rich who actually bothered reading a map and saved quite a few people throughout, lesson learned! Real splendid scenery but again the heat was an issue, talk was becoming less and `I’m out ` as our water bottles drained made us feel we were at times crossing the Sahara. At 26.5 miles I actually put on a fast run past the whole pack just to get to the next water stop, by now our pack is joined by a guy in black and two runners from Liverpool.

Last few miles are amongst the most scenic but also the most tiring –I may have ran the lot but I`m sure people walking were passing me at times, our pace has slowed to a crawl but the last three miles really seemed to take so long. Finally come into Breaston and decide it’s the sad time to finally empty my water bottle not knowing the actual finish is 100 yards away round the corner! Finish the race hand in hand with Mike Bryan (hope someone captured this!) first ultra done!

Best Goodie bag ever (hand pulled pint, Tech T-shirt, Jacket potato, buff, and all sorts) the stops en route were very well stocked, the feel of the race was lovely no pressure just a great ambience, marshals and helpers were mega friendly. Really would like to do this event again and be nice if we can get even more of us doing so.  [Rob]

  

26 June 2015 – Whissendine 6ix

Friday evening’s Whissendine 6ix saw an army of Striders (and soon to be Striders) turn up in both running and supporting capacities. The race had several drop-outs last year as the date coincided with the annual Rainbows 100-lap challenge, but with no fixture clash this year there was a fine attendance. A fantastic course starts off uphill with a signpost saying “Highest Point” featuring quite early on – raising you emotionally to your “Highest Point” for the race as surely it is “all downhill from here!” This false placed confidence is quickly highlighted when, at halfway, there is another sign which states “Lowest Point” – again, this sign was indicative of both geographical and emotional states!
There were some interestingly placed distance markers along the route with all competitors beating their 5k PBs by about half a mile (5k sign at 2.65 miles), however, the overall distance was accurate.

A tough course, with two challenging hills in the last two miles, finishes off with a sharp downhill sprint across the finish line – which was crossed by Darren Glover in a fantastic time of 39.20 (12th overall). Next Strider across the line was Luke Eggleston in 40.22 (17th) closely followed by a Vibram-clad Shane Sharkey in 21st place (40.57). Clive Kent was next back (41.38 – 25th) followed by a Striders Quartet of Ben Pickard (44.38 – 45th), Nicholas Smith (44.47 – 46th), Tam Nicol (45.01 – 47th) and Matt White (45.03 – 48th). Tony Allen completed in 48.15 before Max Houghton – under the watchful eye of Dad John – got back in 52.04 beating John Hudson in 52.40 and Celina Silver (55.50). They were followed by another Striders Trio (you know how we like to hunt in packs….) Holly Houghton was masterfully paced around by mum Louise to “get under the hour” in 59.28 with Laura Pickard close behind in 59.37. Completing the Striders contingent – watched closely by super-coach Rob Beers – was Stuart Gergory in 1.01.59.

The race is completed by all finishers receiving a beer brewed at the ever popular Grainstore brewery along with a commemorative Whissendine 6ix glass. Across the road from the finish line at the White Lion pub there was a band playing in the beer garden under a marquee which was amply surrounded by BBQ burger stands and a Hog Roast. A true village fete atmosphere to it. Despite being the worst thing to happen to grammar since 5ive topped the charts, the Whissendine 6ix is certainly a highlight of the summer racing calendar.  [Shane]

28 June 2015 – Tamworth Gate Gallop

Stuart Gregory was the only Strider to travel to the 30th Tamworth Gate gallop, a 10km cross country race, with the support of girl friend Natalie at the start and finish line.  As per normal Stuart started at the back of the 381 strong field and paced the first 2km at a steady pace, with so many runners and single track footpaths it was a given that times would be somewhat depressed unless you were to the front of the field.  Around the half way mark when the tracks became wider, many runners were able to put their foot down and make up for lost time early on.  At 6km it was the first couple of the stiles and, as there was no one around, both were jumped with ease, as 8km approached things got very slow again as a number of runners started to struggle with the next set of stiles. So it was off to 9km six minutes behind my PB for that course it was finally time to make some time up over the final 1km, which proved to be my fastest making two minutes up and overtaking a lot of runners in the final 400m, to finish in a expectedly slow time of 1hr 8m 27s. [Stuart]

25 June 2015 – Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix race 2

Stuart Gregory and Jason Barton attended race two of the series at Colwick Park around the five mile circuit.  Jason set off at a strong pace on the mainly flat two lap course, meanwhile Stuart Gregory started at the back of the field and paced around at a steady pace. 

Jason Barton was the first Strider home in 4th place with a time of 28:21, next back some 25 minutes later was Stuart Gregory with a slightly improved pace resulting in him finishing 360th with a time of 53.49. The next race in the series is at Wollaton Park over a single lap 5km course. [Stuart]

23 June 2015 – Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix race 1

Stuart Gregory and Jason Barton made their way to Rushcliffe Country Park for the first race in the series on a warm and sunny Tuesday evening. Jason started the 4 mile event strongly and maintained a top 10 position over the two lap course to finish in 9th place overall and 8th senior male in a time of 23:02.  Meanwhile after a hard weekends running Stuart Gregory was just over half way round, suffering a little from too much racing one may say, Stuart completed the second lap quicker than the first to finish the first of the four race series in 364th place and 96th male senior overall with a time of 43.55. The next race in the series will see a move to Colwick Park on 25th June. [Stuart]

21 June 2015 – Prestwold 10k (LRRL)

With so many races at this time of year, you could be forgiven for thinking that we might not get a great turnout for this fast, flat 10k – the latest round of the LRRL summer league.

However, it was great to see 18 Striders take their places on the start line, including a number of people making their league debut in the white and blue – we hope you all enjoyed it, especially those racing for the second time that morning! Thanks also to Ben and Laura for support round the course, and well done to the mini- Gray and Blythes in the fun run.

Around 650 runners in total (maybe more, as there were a few technology problems with the chip timing) enjoyed the sunshine, if not the breeze, and certainly most will have enjoyed the race memento by now (being a bottle of Barrow Runners branded beer…)

Jason Barton took his now traditional place as first Strider home in 36.27, with Darren Glover (39.59) following him over the line. A close battle then followed between Will Blythe (41.37 debut 10k, so PB!), Mark Stoneley (41.42 PB) and Luke Eggleston (42.08) just ahead of Andy Nicholls (43.05 PB).

Shane Sharkey (44.05), Rich Gray (44.12), Iain Howe (44.39) and Rob Beers (44.49) followed in close succession ahead of Michael Cooke (46.52), Tam Nicol (47.13) and John Houghton (47.55).

Helen Plant and Tony Allen pushed each other to sub-50 times (49.22 and 49.27 respectively – both PBs). Louise Houghton (52.34), Steph Barlow (58.02) and Stuart Gregory (time TBC) completed the Strider contingent.

Roll on the Hungarton 7 – Weds 1st July, and we even postpone our club run for the week so that Striders can attend! Entries on line (link via the Events Diary page).

21 June 2015 – Bradgate Park XC

Four Striders made their way to Bradgate Park for the 5km and 10km races, with around 100 other runners.
In the 5km race Stuart Gregory was the only Strider taking part and made hard work of the course in his third race of the weekend finishing the very tough route in 46.40 his slowest time to date with one race still to go later that morning.
In the 10km race, Rob Beers was the first Strider home and 2nd overall in a none too shabby 52.34, followed in 7 minutes later by John Houghton (8th overall) in 59.39, and Louise Houghton (2nd lady) in 1.05.05 to continue her solid form of results on a very hilly course. [Stuart]
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It’s well known that a few of the more intrepid of us would be doing the double and following this with the Prestwold 10k straight after. Following Excuses (!) by Dan and Mike , its myself, Lou and John Houghton running the 10k and Stuart Gregory doing the 5k who are rocking the Stilton colours at Bradgate this fine morning.
It is laid back and nicely organised and looks like it’ll be a growing event (the next one in March 2016), the race starts with a mainly downhill route towards Newton Linford gates although I set off far too quick not realizing my legs are badly hung over from Friday`s Beacon Hill run. Sharp left at the bottom and the first of the climbs but it’s a nice route through the park they’ve chosen, quite an incline near what I’d refer to as ‘the climbers rock’ see’s the first of people walking. Around the Tree plantation followed by the long pull up Old John which definitely see’s even more people walking (Well apart from certain people, ahem).
As the course is multiple lap, I seem to have woke up a little and kick on more the second lap, although two people passed me in the last 2k the `all runnable ` adage is a winner as going up Old John the second time I leave them standing (ok walking) . It’s all downhill from here (literally) as the guy behind me isn’t going to catch me on the descent or the rare sprint finish and I’m quite surprised to find I’m second in the 10k race!
John Houghton `s impressive form saw him 8th in the 10k and Lou Houghton 2nd lady, both Houghton`s in great form! Not a PB race by any stretch of the imagination and we`d all have done the 15k instead of racing over to Prestwold in hindsight but was a really great day overall none the less. [Rob]

20 June 2015 – Three Lakes Classic

In his second race of the weekend Stuart Gregory headed off to Rother Valley for the 15 mile hill and trail race around the three lakes that Border Rotherham and Sheffield.  With perfect running weather early on Stuart started off at a steady pace having put a lot of effort in the previous night, and continued in that vain for much of the first 5 miles, mile 6 saw the first real hill of the event a long and steady climb out of the Valley to the second and third lake at miles 8 and 10, which included two further hills along with two fast down hill sections.

From mile 11 onward it was back to the footpath and trail we went out on, by this point time was ticking and with 4 miles to go there were only 50 minutes left on the clock until the event cut off.  Knowing this, Stuart put his foot down for 2 miles and pushed from then on along the flat return into the heart of the valley to finish the event 192 out of 193 and with just 4 minutes to spare in a time of 3.11.01.  A very difficult race, with tea and cake once you’ve finished.  [Stuart]

14 June 2015 – Stathern 10k

It was the 10th anniversary of the Stathern Festival last weekend and possibly the last ever. During the two weeks of fetes, shows and celebrations, this little village plays host to a flat-ish road race – Stathern 10k. Perfect running conditions greeted a smaller field than usual with only 62 competitors taking part.
The first Strider home was Jason Barton who finished in 2nd place in a time of 35:41. In 22nd place was MRC and parkrun regular Matt White finishing in a time of 44:43. 2nd Strider back was Tony Allen finishing in 34th in a time of 50:22 and Stuart Gregory was the final Strider to finish in 57th place in a time of 1:01:51.

Nicholas Smith and Celina Silver, who were running for their first claim club Stamford Striders, both finished well with Nicholas in 26th with 45:56, and Celina finished in 44th place with a time of 54:21.  [Jay]

19 June 2015 – Beacon Hill Solstice Run

A great turn out of Striders (and a few ‘soon to join’ Striders) had a great evening at this year’s Solstice Run.  Set in Beacon Hill Country Park, it shouldn’t be a surprise that this isn’t the flattest course.  1 mile up, 1 mile down, 1 mile up (slightly less steep), 1 mile ‘undulating’ and then a fast final mile down to the finish.  With around 250 runners (including a healthy CaniX section), there was a great atmosphere.  The times suggest our runners were in a hurry to get back, no doubt influenced by the thought of the beer and barbecue generously provided by John, Lou, Steve and Mike.

First back (and presumably thirstiest Strider) was Mike Bryan, who ran a fantastic 34.04 for 13th place overall.  Rob Beers [see bonus report below] was next in 35.43 (3rd Vet 40), after an epic battle with Luke Eggleston who was just behind in 35.55. Rich Gray (37.29), John Houghton (39.21) and Simon Bottrill (“just taking it steady” in 39.28) all had good runs.  Louise Houghton continued her great form with 3rd place female CaniX runner in 41.53.

Vicki Lowe crossed the finish line in 42.19, with Max Houghton (47.40), Steve Boylan (47.56), and final Strider, finishing in a PB for that event, Stuart Gregory came home in 51.25.

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It never takes too much prodding to get me running around Beacon Hill, so the idea of a 5 mile race on a Friday evening followed by a barbecue with a horde of Stilton Striders all boxes were swiftly ticked.

Nine Stilton Striders and Two forthcoming Striders made this year’s start line- we could’ve outdone the Loughborough club`s I reckon for attendance, special mention to Lou Houghton representing Stilton`s Canix Cross division.

The Race starts with Mike Bryan on the front row tailed by Luke Eggleston and pretty quickly we are climbing the second highest hill in Leicestershire, if you’re familiar with it tis a long slow pull to the summit. The descents however are superb it’s here I get in front of Luke , only for my shoelaces to come undone near the hill`s bottom, doh!

Round the plantation and then climbing the `Charnwood Hills race` side of the Beacon, this for me is the toughest part of the Hill itself thankfully the legs kick on near the top and after one more ascent it’s a mile or so to go to the finish. Local knowledge and being pretty good on descents (“Drop the hands!”) Helps me come in as 2nd Strider and somehow still managing to not be beaten in a race by the ever improving Luke Eggleston who comes in not far behind me .

Everyone came in happy with the race and the medal we got was really good, personally chuffed with my performance as was very unconfident beforehand, course PB`s from John Houghton and an elated Stuart Gregory.

Despite the chill in the air after the run a massive thank you to Stilton`s social committee for putting on the Barbecue and Refreshments, very nice evening indeed and this may well be a tradition from now on!  [Rob]