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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.
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.
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 |