Race Report January to March 2020

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All the remaining races in March were cancelled due to nation lockdown.

Stafford Half

Sunday 15th March 2020

Race Report wanted.

Race Results

Position
Name
Gender
Gender pos
Class
Class pos
Chip time
42
Thomas Chell
Male
39
MS
32
1:22:22
78
Richard Crump
Male
72
MS
46
1:25:25
104
Phillip Hilsdon
Male
98
MV40
16
1:27:11
105
Kian Arnott
Male
100
MS
58
1:27:16
112
Richard Rea
Male
106
MS
60
1:27:53
118
Mark Silvester
Male
117
MS
67
1:28:14
124
Liam Duggan
Male
114
MS
65
1:28:33
125
Al Langford
Male
115
MS
66
1:28:33
171
George Hodkinson
Male
158
MS
88
1:31:22
253
Antonio Treglia
Male
230
MS
128
1:35:38
298
James Bream
Male
267
MS
146
1:37:19
324
Dan Findlay-Robinson
Male
291
MS
161
1:38:23
370
Mark Duddy
Male
326
MV55
12
1:40:23
435
Darren Mattocks
Male
394
MV45
70
1:42:25
437
Spencer Holland
Male
389
MV50
44
1:42:26
439
Philip Oakley
Male
404
MV45
75
1:42:28
554
Ian Hodkinson
Male
533
MV45
98
1:45:13
596
Alan Jones
Male
512
MV50
58
1:46:20
659
Helen Richardson
Female
71
FV40
15
1:48:26
682
Sue Jones
Female
72
FV45
9
1:49:06
706
Katie Peacock
Female
81
FV35
15
1:49:41
711
Ian Williams
Male
614
MV50
74
1:49:55
732
Simon Groom
Male
631
MV45
121
1:50:40
787
Chris Skellern
Female
94
FV55
2
1:52:08
836
Steve O’Nions
Male
725
MV50
86
1:54:05
870
Melonie Deakin
Female
126
FV50
14
1:55:06
872
Isabel McCloskey
Female
136
FS
46
1:55:09
966
Scott Kelsall
Male
820
MV45
155
1:57:21
990
Michael Johnson
Male
848
MV45
162
1:58:03
1174
Kathy England
Female
252
FV55
12
2:03:46
1189
Kerri Delaney
Female
232
FS
73
2:03:59
1203
Mark Bentley
Male
940
MV55
48
2:04:26
1230
Mark Jones
Male
950
MV45
184
2:05:25
1271
Steve Turner
Male
998
MV55
59
2:06:44
1328
Peter McCloskey
Male
1026
MV60
19
2:09:04
1411
Samantha Bream
Female
344
FV40
66
2:12:26
1414
Shirley Smith
Female
355
FV55
15
2:12:31
1422
Elizabeth Stork
Female
346
FS
106
2:12:42
1455
Graham Williams
Male
1089
MV70
5
2:13:39
1508
Charlotte Ward
Female
408
FV40
86
2:16:44
1535
Julie Nokes
Female
415
FV60
6
2:17:35
1555
Tom Davall
Male
1130
MS
479
2:18:16
1665
Robert Hoare
Male
1179
MV70
7
2:25:49
1799
Liz Shillito
Female
579
FV45
91
2:46:32
1821
Sarah Gray
Female
592
FV60
9
2:52:51

Pictures of the Race

 

Knighton 20

Sunday 8th March 2020

No race report yet.

 

Position
Name
Time
Cat
Cat Pos
NSRRA
PB
29
Matt Sargent
02:13:46
MSen
17
 
 
47
Phil Hilsdon
02:20:04
M40
8
3rd M40
 
69
Richard Rea
02:30:22
MSen
27
 
 
105
Michael Dobson
02:40:46
M55
5
3rd M55
 
113
Antonio Treglia
02:44:25
MSen
38
 
 
181
Alan Jones
03:02:29
M50
12
 
 
187
Debbie McDermott
03:04:42
F50
4
 
 
206
Andrew Robinson
03:12:22
MSen
59
 
 
210
Mel Deakin
03:13:58
F50
6
3rd F50
 
213
Eddie Smith
03:15:56
M65
1
 
 
223
Melanie Gorman
03:18:04
F45
11
 
 
242
Gill Hodkinson
03:24:16
F45
13
 
 
243
Jo Oliver
03:24:17
F45
14
1st Group W, 3rd F45
 
248
Sally Haycock
03:25:57
F45
16
 
 
259
Karen Murray
03:31:13
F50
9
224
 
276
Suzanne Brotherhood
03:40:21
F50
12
 
 
293
Tracy Burrows
03:55:52
F45
23
 
 
303
Graham Williams
04:05:10
M70
3
2nd Group F, 2nd M70
 
307
Simon Bromley
04:07:11
M40
35
 
 
308
Sarah Bromley
04:07:11
F45
27
 
 

 

Florette Fradley 10k

Sunday 8th March 2020

 

 

Position
Name
Time
PB
264
Steve Martin
51:18
 

cloud 9

Sunday 1st March 2020

No race report

Pos
Name
Cat
Time
163
Simon Bromley
M40
1:33:50
261
Charlotte Ward
F40
1:59:48

Action Heart 5 miles (Dudley)

Sunday 1st March 2020

No Harriers found

walton wobble 10k

Sunday 23rd February 2020

No race report

 

Position
Name
Time
Category
Cat Pos
PB
10
Benjamin Cook
40:54
Male 01 – 17
1
 
29
Mark Duddy
45:23
Male 50 – 54
2
 
69
Helen Richardson
50:38
Female 35 – 39
2
PB
80
Saffron Latham
51:31
Female 01 – 17
1
PB
87
Richard Booth
52:10
Male 45 – 49
15
 

 

leicestershire Half

Sunday 23rd February 2020

No race report

 

Position
Name
Time
PB
490
Jackie Allen
01:52:14
PB

stafford Half practise run

Sunday 23rd February 2020

A cold wind and few heavy showers took the edge off a fantastic day. Thanks to the leaders, and Vanessa for the water station by Parkside (and the sweets).

National Cross Country Championships

Wollaston Park Nottingham

Saturday 22nd February 2020

Race Report by Dan Findlay-Robinson

The National Cross-Country is an amazing event and the 2020 running did not disappoint. A small but crack squad of Harriers made the journey to Woolaton Park, Nottingham to represent the club at this the pinnacle of the cross country season.

Upon arrival part way through the event we were greeted by the sight of tired and very muddy juniors scattered across the site having had their events earlier in the day.

Post a quick meet up with Mick for the obligatory Pre race photo, we left the support squad (Diane, James and Nikki) to make our way the short distance to the start. Unlike most years, the pen system had been removed due to the waterlogged condition of the start area. This led to the 1710 senior men running in this race to spread themselves across the start line bunching up where trees and the ponds that had sprung up could be avoided. Mick and I eyeballed the start area and lined ourselves up against the least marshy area (a futile task as it turned out) and quickly realised we were too close to the front of the pack so slid a few lines backwards. The atmosphere at the start is relaxed and you can hear plenty of chat and banter being thrown around, mostly today around this years ‘type of mid’ and how many laps is the course this year, for those interested mid that wants to suck you down to the core of the earth and 5 laps, planned by devious minds to add a physiological edge to the challenge (starting with an extra small lap, then moving through small, medium, large to finally extra large, so that each time you finish a lap you know the next one is going to be longer and harder).

Once the starters gun had gone the traditional ‘Cavalry Charge’ began, this is uphill and is 1700 men vying for the best place they can get as the course narrows while negotiating a marsh and copies amounts of mud.

The course this year definitely didn’t disappoint, in fact I’d go as far to say it was epic. Well that’s if you enjoy – copies amounts of mud, water jumps, hills and this year while tree trunks dragged across the course for you to jump.

All the Harriers ran well and did the club proud, unfortunately to qualify as an official team we needed 9 runners so a bit short this year, but one to work on in the future.

Finally The Nationals is an amazing experience that all runners should experience at least once. With next year being at Parliament Hill in London hopefully we can take a larger contingent of Harriers down on the train and introduce more people to the awesomeness that is the Nationals.

Results

Junior Men
193 – Robert Gorman – 52.50

Senior Men
1283 Dan Findlay-Robinson – 01.07.25
1357 Michael Dobson – 01.09.16
1649 Roy Clay – 01.22.15

Rugeley 10 Mile

Sunday 16th February 2020

Cancelled due to bad weather. New date 26th July 2020

Knype Pool 5

Sunday 16th February 2020

No Harriers found in the results. If you ran please let me know via info@staffordharriers.co.uk

Harriers Presentation Night 2020

Friday 14th February 2020

For a full report see our social page Click Here

Walton Wobble 10K

Sunday 9th February 2020

Due to weather postponed to 23rd

 
The Cannock Chase 10 & 5 Mile

Sunday 9th February 2020

Due to weather postponed to 8th March

Alsager 5

Sunday 2nd February 2020

Race report by Dan Findlay-Robinson

The dawning of February brings one thing, no not that first taste of alcohol or meat for 2020 (although it might also do that), but the Alsager 5 miler.

A great flat fast road race, used to open the NSRRA league and the second race in the Harriers Handicap. Also for 2020 it was being used as the British 5 mile championships so bringing additional fast runners in than usual and a great opportunity to spot some talent out on the course (unless you were as far back as I was).

As always I inserted myself into the Harriers corner of the dance studio, it was a great welcoming atmosphere with lots of banter and predictions being passed round, particularly enjoyable were the added looks of glee on people’s faces as they realised which of their competitors for the handicap had gone elsewhere providing those additional valuable points without having to work for them.

At the start line the harriers spread themselves throughout the pack based upon their individual targets and speed. This allowed flashes of yellow and black to be seen throughout the pack as the race started.

The race is pretty flat and fast throughout so allows pacing to be held fairly steady, so I set off at the target pace and settled into the rhythm, as the race spread itself out over the first mile, I realised I had some welcome company In The shape of Darren (mattocks) on my shoulder and we settled into a good rhythm and pounded through the first 3miles.

As we approached the 4th mile, I was even more grateful for the company as my head went and I dropped off the pace, but a quick bit of encouragement from Darren made me dig in and I got onto his shoulder , (another great reason to be a part of a club if you ask me, not only are you competitors but also team mates). I managed to hold on until the turn past the church where Darren pushed away and from there it was the final dig in on the finishing straight to hold off those hunting us down.

Alsager 5 was again a great race and recommended for next year for those quick enough to get an entry in.

Position
Name
Time
Bib
M/F
Category
PB
116
Matt Sargent
30:10
807
M
MSEN
PB
155
Justin Green
31:51
364
M
M45
 
189
Jake Oliver
32:58
674
M
MSEN
PB
193
Michael Dobson
33:13
263
M
M55
 
203
Antonio Treglia
33:27
937
M
MSEN
PB
216
John Scott
33:41
813
M
M50
 
267
Darren Mattocks
34:53
583
M
M45
 
277
Daniel Findlay-Robinson
35:01
314
M
MSEN
 
344
Ian Wood
37:10
1030
M
M55
 
398
Alan Jones
38:26
1071
M
M50
 
421
Mark Burrows
38:46
152
M
M45
PB
439
Mark Oliver
39:05
675
M
M50
 
452
Chris Skellern
39:42
841
F
F55
 
469
Ruth Umerah
40:14
954
F
F50
 
485
Mel Deakin
40:27
256
F
F50
 
517
Sally Haycock
41:45
418
F
F45
PB
595
Jo Oliver
43:36
673
F
F45
PB
584
Peter Williams
43:39
1019
M
M65
 
602
Ruth Edwards
43:42
291
F
F60
 
621
Karen Murray
44:14
650
F
F50
 
653
Melanie Gorman
45:09
357
F
F45
PB
675
Suzanne Brotherhood
45:48
134
F
F45
PB
707
Julie Nokes
47:50
666
F
F60
 
717
Tracy Burrows
48:02
151
F
F45
PB
725
Graham Williams
48:21
1015
M
M70
 
762
Charlotte Ward
49:36
971
F
F40
 
859
John Hateley
54:42
413
M
M75
 
891
Sarah Gray
58:00
362
F
F60
 
927
Val Stuart
01:08:39
888
F
F75
 

 

Midlands Cross Country ChampionshipsPrestwold Hall, Loughborough

Saturday 25th January 2020

Report by Michael Dobson

A busy week of running for me continued on from the Four Villages Half Marathon with a midweek outing in the Midland Services XC league in Northampton on Wednesday and then it was on to the Midlands XC Championship in Loughborough on Saturday.

The Midlands were held this year at Prestwold Hall and with an old WWII airfield on the site parking certainly wasn’t a problem. As fitting the status of the event, the degree of organisation was a level above the usual with plenty of onsite facilities provided. Also as to be expected the competition was always going to be tough but there’s something inspiring knowing you’re in the same race and on the same course as international athletes.

I believe only two Harriers represented the club on the day with Robbie Gorman in the MU20 race and myself in the Seniors. It would be great to see more Harriers signing up next year as the Midland Championship is one of my favourites. The event is big enough to demand good organisation and provisions but not as crowded or overwhelming as the Nationals can be.

Robbie was up earlier in the day and I didn’t manage to catch up with him but have found him in the results with some photos courtesy of the ever present Bryan Dale – thanks Bryan.

Race time for me was scheduled at 2:30pm and after chatting to a few familiar faces I prepared with a short warm-up. Despite the fields looking nice and green I soon discovered that it was a bit soggy under the grass in places – but as they say, it was the same for everyone!

The course was laid out to follow field boundaries mainly with an opening spur from the start gate and then onto the main course lap completed 3 times in the senior men’s race before another spur back into the finish. Going was heavy in places but on gently rolling fields with the only exception a steep short climb onto a man-made bank bordering the airfield. One thing I’ve noticed travelling around the country for XC is the different attributes to the local mud! For this race we were treated to really sticky stuff, you think it’s the fatigue that’s making your feet feel heavy but by the end, you see you’re carrying half a kilo of mud encasing each shoe!

I started the race it in the knowledge I was still carrying some fatigue from the week and paced it with this in mind. Having set off conservatively it was encouraging to move up through the field pretty consistently for some time. The wide course allowed plenty of space to pick your line with only one short stretch of single track through some woods. Approaching the end of the second lap calls from behind warned us of the passing leaders and the speed they came and flew by towards the finish was impressive. By the start of my last lap, I’d reached my place in the field where, with the exception of a little bit of to and fro, I was to finish and the turn in for the line was a welcoming sight although as it was an uphill slope on some heavy going I finished with more of a relief than a sprint!

Overall it was a great afternoon out and was an enjoyable race on a beautiful course.

Results

Men’s Seniors (12km)
1. Omar Ahmed – Birchfield Harriers/ Ethiopia – 36:44
2. Ben Dijkstra – Leicester/ Beacon Hill – 37:03
3. Karat Omar Abdullahi – Birchfield/ Ethiopia – 37:18

268. Michael Dobson – Stafford Harriers – 55:08

U20M (8km)
1. Joshua Lay – Rugby/ Loughborough Students – 26.23
2. Samuel Moakes – Sutton in Ashfield – 26:49
3. Samuel Roberts – Sheffield/ Nottinghamshire Schools – 27:07

27. Robert Gorman – Stafford Harriers – 36:49

Women’s Seniors (8km)
1. Gemma Steele – Charnwood – 29:50
2. Chloe Hubbard – Newark/ Northumbria Uni – 30:00
3. Juliet Potter – Charnwood/ Notts – 30:09

Photos courtesy of the ever present Bryan Dale — his web site is http://www.racephotos.org.uk

On tour at Bedford parkrun

Saturday 25th January 2020

Race report by Mel Deakin

It is a rare treat for me to be able to be a parkrun tourist, so I was really looking forward to running at this event as part of a weekend in the Bedford area meeting up with some friends. On the Saturday morning I woke up to a cool, dry, still day – good running conditions.

Good old google maps said the park was 1.3 miles from my accommodation, so no point getting my car out, I ran to the park as my warmup. The 1.3 miles quickly turned into 3.9 miles when I had a dfybc moment but fortunately had left myself plenty of time and got to the park for the second time at 08:45! Good race briefing for people new to this parkrun, followed by a briefing for all then a short walk down the path to the start. For those that know parkruns in our area, this is a combination of West Park Wolverhampton, and Hanley Park run – laps of a well maintained, pretty park. Common with other parkruns the start was quite busy, but there were no issues and before I knew it, we were on our way.  The course was described to me as two and a half laps around the park and it is exactly that, and apart from one little ‘lump’ (which you have to do three times) is flat and all on tarmac paths. Although it was busy, the runners quickly thinned out and I tried to keep up a good pace but was a bit distracted taking in the beauty of the park, it really is lovely. Past the Pavilion and some very enthusiastic marshals cheering us on. Before I knew it I was at the end of lap one, and got into my stride. On one part of the course you run past a gym and I could see people inside running on treadmills. I am sure they have their reasons for running inside, but there is no way I would choose to run inside on a dry day when I could run around such an amazing park.  All too quickly I was at the pavilion for the third time and heading to the finish. I whizzed through and got my token, onto scanning, very well organised and not at all phased by 455 finishers, well done!

One of the things I love about parkrun is everyone is so friendly and Bedford was no exception. Before the parkrun I talked to several people to ask them about the course. I chatted to a lovely couple who approached me after they saw my Stafford Harriers vest, they have connections to Stafford. One person did make me chuckle when they said Stafford Harriers is yellow but Bedford Harriers is gold, I believe they run in the same colours. I bought a coffee in the Pavilion at the end and got talking to some other people about running shoes and the good old Nike debate on carbon fibre plates!

I have run at seven different parkruns, and whilst they were all good and special in themselves, I will remember Bedford for one of the nicest parks – I ran on a dull overcast day and it was good,  in the summer it must be stunning. I don’t know when, if ever, I will be back in the area, but this is a parkrun I would like return to and recommend to anyone. 

Finishing times:

1st Charlie Palmer 17:30

1st Female Nicole Worthington 20:55

130th Mel Deakin 25:07 1st FV50

455 finishers

 

Open 2 the Elements 5k and 10k

Sunday 19th January 2020

Race report by Mel Deakin

This is a local event in Gnosall and this year is the third year the three of us Deakins have run it. We have always opted for the 5k, mainly because Mark prefers that distance, so this year we did the same. It is an out and back flat fast course on the Greenway. You can’t rely on good weather in January, however this year it was mild and not raining, in contrast to the other years where it has been pouring with rain and one year snowing! It was muddier underfoot than I thought, and that with a bad choice of shoes resulted in me taking a tumble whilst warming up and grazing my knees and hands. It didn’t stop me running but I was a bit more cautious than usual. A very nice wooden medal was given to us at the end. Despite my fall, I still enjoyed the run and in the circumstances was pleased with my time. Mark led the three of us home, which he deserved to do as he has been training hard. Ben wasn’t far behind me which he ran off hardly any training at all!

It was great to see other Harriers at the event and lots of familiar faces from other clubs. This local event is well supported and sells out every year. There aren’t many races about in January and this is an event I always look out for and will continue to support.

 

5k results

1st James Jennings Stafford Tri    19:00

1st female Natalie Boswell Stafford and Cannock AC 22:24

10th Mark Deakin 24:08

11th Mel Deakin 25:01

12th Ben Deakin 27:21

10k results

1st Shaun Ashworth Stone Master Marathoners 37:09

1st female Frances Vickers Birchfield Harriers 41:43

 

Position
Name
Time
PB
55th
Mark Burrows
49:08
 
135th
Tracy Burrows
01:00:57
PB
141st
Charlotte Ward
01:01:41
 

 

 

Four Villages Half Marathon – Helsby

Sunday 19th January 2020

Report by Michael Dobson

Having recently entered a new Vet category (V55) just before Christmas I was hoping to take advantage of being a ‘youngster’ in the group in 2020 so started the year early with this popular event.

After picking up a bit of a niggle in marathon training for Chester in October the last few months have been a bit of a rebuilding phase. Consequently where my fitness level was remained untested so the plan was to make this race a bit of a fact-finding mission. I’d been told the race was a very competitive race and this year it was also an EA Masters qualifying event so it would definitely help to meet that goal.

Seeking to avoid a long drive up on the day of the race Nicki and I stayed overnight on the night before which gave me the chance to the drive around the course. The recce revealed a lovely country lane route, pretty steady and flat for the first half then a steady climb for a few miles before a swift descent into the last mile. The roads looked in good condition and the only negatives were a short flooded part and some muddy stretches so they were noted for caution in the race.

On race day I woke to a frosty morning, I’d been concerned with booking an event so early in the year that bad weather might scupper any plans and it looked like this might be the case. Having recently got over one injury the prospect of risking another was a concern. The proposed mile jog from the hotel to the start as part of a warm-up had to become a careful walk on the slippery path, this all added to the concerns I had.

The start area was well organised and was busy with a field of 1700 runners. It was great to see quite a few familiar faces from Staffs clubs at the event although I only caught sight of the other Harrier who raced, Jackie Allen, after the event and I didn’t manage to get across to say Hi! – sorry. Running through usual pre-race prep I was pleased to see a thaw set in but still nervous of the surface as icy patches remained on the race village car park.

At 10.30am the start time came and we were on our way, the nature of the course called for a strong early effort to take advantage of the terrain before pacing through the hilly midsection. Although it was still quite cold I was relieved to find the road surface damp but frost-free which helped to put those concerns out of my mind and to knuckle down into the race. Off from the start I was pleased with my progress and was close to my schedule as I ticked through the miles to just over halfway but I was definitely in ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ zone. Fortunately, the early flooded stretch seen the day before had significantly drained away to allow progress without soaked feet and car tyres had cleared tracks through the muddy parts.

In my last few races, I had taken to setting off conservatively and feeling my way into them. As a first attempt at breaking out of this comfort zone this race was always going to be a little journey into the unknown. After the first seven miles it so proved as the course became a bit more challenging and I fell away from my pace targets. The reward for 4 miles of steady climbing was the promise of a sharp downhill mile before a levelling out for the finish however the accrued tiredness from the hills prevented me from taking full advantage of this. The approach to the finish was a welcome sight especially as I was starting to slip a few places back through the field. Fortunately, there was great support on the run in which helped to spur a short push to the line.

Overall, considering the time of year and the rebuilding phase I’m in I was satisfied with a chip time just outside 1:32 and was pleased to have run my fastest road Half for a couple of years. As expected the age group competition was tough and I came in 22nd of 191 in V55 with the category winner in 1:18! but I took comfort at banking a NSRRA standard 3 time in the 13-19 mile group.

Now hopefully onward and upwards!

 

Position
Name
Time
PB
350
Michael Dobson
01:32:01
PB
911
Jackie Allen
01:50:08
PB

 

TRIG Race

Sunday 12th January 2020

Race Report Darren Mattocks

The Trig Race has (as long as I can remember) always kicked off the Harriers challenge series and what a race to start with. Unique in that its self navigating between Trig points over the beautiful Cannock Chase.
This was the 4th time I’ve done it and only decided to run the night before as I’d recently done a training run of half the course which did not go well at all. This meant doubt slipped in about whether I was up to the full beast!! But as the course had been shortened slightly I figured what the hell!!
Registration at Milford Cricket club and pleasing to see a fair few Harriers also entering. Tactics and routes planned were discussed before we set off for the short walk to the start at Milford Common. A quick briefing before we are set off and I’m surprised as everybody goes the same way.
This doesn’t last for long though as once we get to the end of the cutting most head off left towards the stepping stones where as I stick to my tried tested straight on up towards Brocton Coppice where it starts getting lonely.
A steep downhill is followed very quickly by a steep uphill (it is the Chase after all) and soon I’m at Rifle Range trig point.
Then it is on towards Marquis Drive and I manage to have a chat with another runner to ease away the journey.
Running down kitbag hill is great but you know that you’ve got to later come back up!!
After taking 2 mins at the Moors Gorse crossing to chat to Brian, Jane and Sculli I’m back off again heading towards the impending climb up Castle Ring. That is a killer of a hill and I’m not ashamed to say ‘I walked’.
Coming down is soooooo much easier and as I get to the bottom I pass the Harrier group of young pups starting their climb closely followed by the other Harrier group of not so young pups!!
I’m starting to feel the pain by now and my hip flexors are protesting widely but I push on and get to the downhill before Moors Gorse and have another runner to chat with.
I take more than my allotted 2 minutes break at the crossing (almost double) but I didn’t care its only seconds after all!!
The next few miles which include going back up Kitbag Hill are I have to say very challenging, several times I had to have ‘words’ with myself to keep going and get to Glacial Boulder trig point.
From there I know its only about 2 miles left and its downhill so try kick in.
In the last 100 metres, 3 others sprinted past me but I just hadn’t got it in me to match them so let them get on with it!!!
To say I was destroyed at the end would be an understatement and it was a slow waddle back to the cricket club before the rest of the Harriers came back and discussed our runs over soup and cake.
No idea how but I’d managed to be the first Harrier home in 2 hours 24 mins. Not bad considering the conditions.
So that’s 1 challenge race down 11 to go.
I’d fully recommend anyone doing the trig race, there aren’t many races like this but only if you’ve done the training otherwise it’ll be hell. The feeling when you finish is like you’ve done a marathon.

The race was 1.2 miles short this year.

Pos
Surname
Forename
Cat
Result
49th
Mattocks
Darren
M45
02:24:17
70th
Findlay-Robinson
Dan
MSEN
02:35:51
71st
Welham
Vanessa
WSEN
02:36:04
72nd=
Duggan
Liam
MSEN
02:36:12
72nd=
Langford
Alex
MSEN
02:36:12
75th
Treglia
Antonio
MSEN
02:36:15
92nd=
Oliver
Joanne
W45
02:55:11
92nd=
Hodkinson
Gill
W45
02:55:11
94th
Smith
Eddie
M65
02:55:18
95th
Foster
Lindsey
W50
02:55:42
96th
Murray
Karen
W50
02:56:50
97th
Oliver
Mark
M50
02:56:53
98th
Jones
Sue
W45
02:57:04
99th=
Hodkinson
Ian
M45
02:59:44
99th=
Haycock
Sally
 
02:59:44

 

Kidsgrove 10K

Sunday 12th January 2020

Race Report Leon Stringer

A trip up the A34 to Kidsgrove through some heavy rain. Fortunately, this had mostly passed on arrival with just intermittent light rain for the rest of the morning. Despite race instructions mentioning alternatives if the car park was full, there were plenty of spaces at the school used for race HQ. This event was being run as two separate races: male and female.

The whole course was on a tarmac or paved surface, but North Staffs is rarely flat and the course undulated almost continually with a longish descent after about 2km that unsurprisingly we had to climb back up at 8km. The route took us around Bathpool Park where there were narrow paths with standing muddy water which got in your shoes. There was another short climb about 100m from the finish line which put paid to my hopes for a faster finish.

Support from the marshals directing runners and stopping cars was fantastic, energetic and friendly – I wonder if they managed to keep that energy for the ladies’ race!

 

Race Report Richard Booth
To be honest, running the Trig race never seemed that appealing. In a conversation with a fellow Harrier, I stated that I would prefer to run a marathon than 16 miles over the Chase in January. So when I saw the Kidsgrove 10k advertised it was pretty much a no brainer to enter.
Despite living in Stoke for 8 years I hadn’t spent much time north of Hanley so didn’t really know what to expect.
As I arrived, the rain which had been forecast to finish at breakfast was still dropping and it was clear that it would be a wet & muddy race.
The race was somewhat unique in that there were separate races for Males & Females. The only reason I can think was that as we entered Bathpool Park for a loop that it was tight in places. Coming out of the park I wondered how we would finish and we ended up on a tour going back up some of the hills we had previously dropped down, along with a few others thrown in.
Before long we were finishing in Clough Hall Park where we were given a rather good medal. I was wanting a time under 50mins so was happy with 50:14.

 

Male 10K (165 finishers):
1st Jamie Lambie (Shrewsbury AC) 33:04

Harriers:
61st Drew Wicken 46:08
103rd Richard Booth 50:12
108th Leon Stringer 50:42
151st Tom Davall 58:14

Female 10K (101 finishers):
1st Amy Grace (South Cheshire Harriers) 40:08

Harriers:
34th Ruth Edwards 55:45

 

North staffordshire road runners associations (NSRRA) 2019

Presentation Evening 10th January 2020

Report by Karen Murray

The NSRRA was set up in July 1974. Members from many running clubs are organised into groups based on ability (7 mens and 4 ladies) groups. There are also male and female age groups (16-34, 35-39, 40-45, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 70+. This gives the runners a chance to win by ability, age or both.

Stafford Harriers had a successful year within the NSRRA league. We came away with 11 Trophies. Nine Harriers attended the presentation evening, some with partners. It was at the Florence Social Club in Stoke.

We were lucky to get a table together as there was a good attendance. As always, Ken Rushton (Chairman) gave the introduction to the President, Stan Winterton. He gave an opening speech which is always funny and entertaining. How he memorises it is to be admired. Ken introduced the guest of honour to present the trophies. Colin sadly had a heart attack last year during the Cannock Chase park run but has now made a full recovery and is back to running.

It was great to have so many Harriers at the presentation evening this year.

Stafford Harriers Winners (in order of presentation):

Karen Murray – 3rd in Group W

Chris Skellern – 3rd in Group M

Chris Skellern – 2nd Age Group 55-59

Michael Dobson – 2nd in Group C

Ian Wood – 2nd in Group D

Darren Mattocks – 2nd in Group E

Graham Williams – 3rd in Group G

Michael Dobson – 2nd in Age Group 50-54

Ian Wood – Age Group 55-59

Phil Hilsdon – The George Kay Memorial Trophy for 1st L runner in Knighton 20

Spencer Holland – Compleat Runner for completing all 20 races in the league.

The Mens Team came 4th missing 3rd position by just 1point and the ladies team came 3rd.

I would encourage our runners of all abilities to join the NSRRA. It costs £10 for the year. It gives you a chance of winning a trophy as an individual or as part of the Stafford Harriers Team. Look on the NSRRA web site to view the 20 races. The first race is the Alsager 5 on 2nd of February. It would be great to see more harriers at the presentation evening next year clasping trophies or winning the team prizes.

 

Race photos by Bryan Dales

Vernons Stupid Heroes Limp Wrist Race

1st January 2020

 

What a great start to the year, two people managed to match their predicted time. We managed to raise over £400 for Katherine House Hospice.

 

Race photos by Bryan Dales

 

Pos
First Name
Surname
Club
Pre time
Actual Time
Diff
Prize
1
Diana
Wilsion-Patrick
Unattached
47:00
0:47:00
00:00
£20
1
Leonore
Wilsion-Weaver
Unattached
47:00
0:47:00
00:00
£15
3
Rosie
Monell
Rising Brook Runners
49:00
0:49:02
00:02
£12
4
Chris
Skellern
Stafford Harriers
40:07
0:40:03
00:04
£9
5
Antonio
Treglia
Stafford Harriers
39:25
0:39:18
00:07
£8
6
Scott
Palmer
Stafford Harriers
41:25
0:41:12
00:13
£7
7
Liam
Duggan
Stafford Harriers
39:06
0:39:20
00:14
£6
7
Bryan
Hynes
Unattached
44:26
0:44:12
00:14
£5
9
John
Finney
Stafford Harriers
45:00
0:44:42
00:18
£4
9
Chris
Barlow
Stone Master Marathoners
54:10
0:53:52
00:18
£3
11
Ian
Williams
Stafford Harriers
39:30
0:39:08
00:22
 
12
Claire
McHugh
Unattached
54:07
0:54:33
00:26
 
13
Vanessa
Welham
Stafford Harriers
39:47
0:39:17
00:30
 
14
Donna
Morin
Unattached
41:27
0:40:56
00:31
 
15
Ross
Norton
Unattached
40:48
0:40:16
00:32
 
15
Darren
Mattocks
Stafford Harriers
35:52
0:35:20
00:32
 
15
Alan
Jeavans
Unattached
37:42
0:37:10
00:32
 
18
Phil
McCavity
Rising Brook Runners
41:40
0:41:07
00:33
 
19
Chris
Elsley
Stafford Harriers
39:00
0:39:36
00:36
 
20
Dean
Gethin
Unattached
37:30
0:36:53
00:37
 
21
Tom
Carnes
Stone Master Marathoners
28:45
0:28:07
00:38
 
22
Tim
Hulse
Stone Master Marathoners
34:10
0:33:31
00:39
 
23
Sue
Jones
Stafford Harriers
42:00
0:41:20
00:40
 
23
Hilary
Peters
Penkridge Runners
41:02
0:41:42
00:40
 
25
Mark
Oliver
Stafford Harriers
40:01
0:40:42
00:41
 
25
Andy
Cowden
Bere Alston Trekkers
38:30
0:39:11
00:41
 
27
Joanne
Oliver
Stafford Harriers
44:23
0:45:06
00:43
 
28
Nia Rose
Nokes
Stone Master Marathoners
43:17
0:42:33
00:44
 
29
kevin
Uzzell
Stone Master Marathoners
40:30
0:39:45
00:45
 
30
Ant
Peters
Penkridge Runners
41:38
0:42:27
00:49
 
31
Lucinda
Stone
Unattached
40:25
0:41:16
00:51
 
32
Neil
Banks
Unattached
46:30
0:45:35
00:55
 
33
Pam
Davies
Stone Master Marathoners
42:42
0:41:46
00:56
 
34
Nicholas
Oxley
Unattached
38:44
0:37:40
01:04
 
35
Jayne
Dickens
Trentham R C
35:51
0:34:38
01:13
 
36
Samantha
Bream
Stafford Harriers
48:10
0:46:54
01:16
 
37
Dan
Oxley
Unattached
38:20
0:37:02
01:18
 
37
Steve
Parker
Stone Master Marathoners
44:00
0:42:42
01:18
 
39
Richard
Morin
Unattached
38:10
0:36:51
01:19
 
40
Sally
Haycock
Stafford Harriers
44:10
0:42:42
01:28
 
41
John
Scott
Stafford Harriers
34:43
0:33:04
01:39
 
41
James
Bream
Stafford Harriers
38:06
0:36:27
01:39
 
43
Martin
Cross
Stone Master Marathoners
31:00
0:29:20
01:40
 
43
Julie
Nokes
Stafford Harriers
51:45
0:50:05
01:40
 
45
Ian
Welding
Unattached
38:20
0:36:32
01:48
 
46
Cliff
Berry
Unattached
42:30
0:40:41
01:49
 
47
Richard
Shaw
Stone Master Marathoners
43:42
0:41:51
01:51
 
47
Ben
Gamble
Tipton Harriers
30:01
0:28:10
01:51
 
49
Ian
Hodkinson
Stafford Harriers
38:38
0:36:42
01:56
 
50
Ross
Banks
Unattached
41:07
0:39:03
02:04
 
51
Amy
Gamble
Stone Master Marathoners
37:37
0:35:30
02:07
 
52
Melanie
Gorman
Stafford Harriers
47:25
0:45:16
02:09
 
53
Nigel
Harmer
Rising Brook Runners
49:49
0:47:39
02:10
 
54
Jim
Hoilland
Stone Master Marathoners
41:27
0:39:16
02:11
 
55
Nick
Chadwick
Unattached
40:00
0:37:45
02:15
 
56
Paul
Hunt
Unattached
49:00
0:46:41
02:19
 
56
Ruth
Edwards
Stafford Harriers
47:25
0:45:06
02:19
 
58
Samantha
Hodgkinson
Stone Master Marathoners
43:01
0:40:35
02:26
 
59
Craig
Baxter
Stafford Tri Club
45:48
0:43:11
02:37
 
60
Mark
Bentley
Stafford Harriers
46:00
0:43:17
02:43
 
61
Simon
Bromley
Stafford Harriers
52:45
0:49:51
02:54
 
61
George
Hodkinson
Stafford Harriers
37:30
0:34:36
02:54
 
63
Sarah
Bromley
Stafford Harriers
52:46
0:49:51
02:55
 
64
Georgia
Slater
Rising Brook Runners
52:25
0:49:28
02:57
 
64
Tom
Morris
Unattached
47:35
0:44:38
02:57
 
66
Paul
Glover
Stone Master Marathoners
45:00
0:42:01
02:59
 
67
Karen
Gretton
Stafford Harriers
49:30
0:46:25
03:05
 
68
Jim
Goddard
Unattached
46:13
0:43:04
03:09
 
69
Leon
Stringer
Stafford Harriers
42:00
0:38:47
03:13
 
70
Tracy
Burrows
Stafford Harriers
52:00
0:48:14
03:46
 
71
Suzanne
Brotherhood
Stafford Harriers
52:00
0:47:40
04:20
 
72
Steph
Holbeck
Rising Brook Runners
50:12
0:44:59
05:13
 
73
Joyce
Edwards
Stone Master Marathoners
57:58
0:52:30
05:28
 
74
Darren
Grateley
Unattached
55:10
0:49:41
05:29
 
75
Joss
Clode
Rising Brook Runners
58:33
0:52:45
05:48
 
76
Lisa
Goodwin
Vegan Runners
02:00
0:56:11
05:49
 
76
Chloe
Goodwin
Unattached
02:00
0:56:11
05:49
 
78
Sarah
Grateley
Unattached
53:12
0:47:14
05:58
 
79
Jane
Fletcher
Rising Brook Runners
55:55
0:49:43
06:12
 
79
Tom
Devall
Unattached
55:27
0:49:15
06:12
 
81
Andrew
Clode
Unattached
52:50
0:46:34
06:16
 
82
Sharlotte
Ward
Stafford Harriers
53:13
0:46:41
06:32
 
83
Mandi
Edwards
Rising Brook Runners
53:43
0:47:05
06:38
 
84
Erin
Clode
Rising Brook Runners
55:43
0:48:00
07:43
 
85
Paul
Mycock
Rising Brook Runners
55:55
0:47:45
08:10
 
86
Cara
Hawkins
Rising Brook Runners
59:17
0:49:37
09:40
 
87
Chris
Morris
Unattached
47:45
0:37:11
10:34
 
88
Steve
McHugh
Stafford Harriers
45:00
0:00:00
45:00
 
89
Heather
Higgs
Rising Brook Runners
57:57
0:00:00
57:57
 

 

 

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