LSARRC Press Report 29th November 2011

Susan Samme

Sue Samme of Lytham St Annes Road Runners represented England in the 24th running of the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International on Sunday in Glasgow. This annual event attracts the best veteran athletes from the UK and Republic of Ireland and this is the third time in four years Sue has been selected.

An already challenging course was made tougher by the heavy rain and gale force winds. In a very competitive race with just 37 seconds covering the first ten places Sue enjoyed her best ever performance in this event. Completing the 6k course in 22:19 earned her the individual silver medal in the women’s 45 age category. Finishing tenth overall from a field of 126 Sue led the England W45 team home for the team gold medal.

The UKA McCain Cross-challenge took place at Sefton Park, Liverpool on Saturday. This high-profile event allows all club members to race against established internationals no matter what their standard. Many top cross-country athletes use the race to gain selection for European cross-country competition. It also counts as the second of the mid-Lancs league meetings so there was plenty to race for.

Ross Hart at Sefton Park

Lytham was represented by fourteen members including four juniors amongst the 1500 competitors. In the U13 boys competition Robbie Webb was first back for Lytham finishing 58th in 12:21 with Ross Hart not far behind in 12:42 to finish 69th. George Rowley, running his first race of the season in the U15 boys category, ran well to finish 62nd in 10:59. Kirsty Fraser also had a good race to cross the line in 19:27 to finish 52nd in the U17 girls competition

Completing for the women’s vet 35 and senior team was Linda Baxter, 118th in 39:31, five places ahead of Laura Ashworth in 40:12 and women's captain Julia Rolfe, 140th in 41:41. Making her first appearance at cross-country and gamely braving the highest level, was sixty-five year old Sylvia Gittins who helped Linda and Julia to a useful points score in the vet 45s with 155th place in 47:25.

The men faced a tough challenge in the 508 strong field. Andy Draper led the incomplete senior men's team home in 38:05 for 227th. Graham Webster ran well to finish 302nd in 40:12 and Tony Croft finished 324th in 41:08. Best score for the men was in the vet 50s where Graham, Tony and Colin Laidlaw, 441st in 45:41, consolidated the team’s position with a strong performance.

Other LSARRC Results: Senior Women: Dawn Lock, 164th, 57:53. Senior men: Colin Nelson 401st, 44:12.


Meanwhile on the same day closer to home the Wesham 10k was ran from Salwick. Peter Cruse won the MV45 category in a time of 38:52. In a large field of over 450 Karen Lanigan was the 92nd woman. Karen, a graduate from the club’s beginners group, finished in a time 01:00:11.

Other LSARRC results from Wesham: Willie Richmond 144th, 43:54; Kevin Ashworth 164th, 45:00; Tony Rudd 266th, 49:52; Graham Young 326th, 53:07; Andrew Reid 340th, 54:11 and Chris Holland 363rd, 55:43.

On Sunday Jonny Benz ran in the Best 5k race in Preston which follows a course around the footpaths of Moor Park. The 16 year old raced superbly in the challenging conditions to finish 17th with a personal best time of 19:43. New club member Jim Whitworth, an MV60, finished the 5k in a time of 27:34 to earn 97th place in a field of 185 runners.

In the monthly handicap race Debbie Cooper knocked almost two minutes from last month’s time to win. It was also an excellent performance by Patrick Houghton, a junior running his first handicap. Starting together with Debbie he stayed with her to finish second and the first junior. Taking full advantage of Linda Baxter’s absence Kevin Ashcroft ran a PB to finish second senior to gain an 18 points lead at the top of the table. Rob Goodall and Steve Quarmby were two others who ran well to record PBs. Joe Greenwood was fastest on the night with 20:30 and junior Kirsty Fraser’s 25:14 the quickest by a lady.

LSARRC Press Report 22nd November 2011

Mel Koth & Simon Denye

Preston Harriers staged the 30th running of their popular race, the Preston 10, on Sunday. Cool, still, damp and overcast conditions were not ideal for spectators but suited runners perfectly speeding Salford Harriers' national star Andi Jones to a course record in a staggering 49:43, ten miles at under 5 minutes a mile!

Best of Lytham St. Annes RRC's eleven-strong contingent was Peter Cruse who finished 25th in 59:09, a good under-hour performance for him. Simon Denye, unlikely to be familiar with this racing distance, finished 85th in 1:06:40 ahead of club-mate Mark Willett who often beats him on the shorter distances but this time finished ten places back in 1:06:59. Colin Laidlaw, recovering his form after a racing layoff, finished 171st in 1:13:19.

Mel Koth was once again best of the Lytham women finishing in 1:08:54 and 119th place, another course personal best despite suffering a cold. Behind her were Linda Baxter who is rapidly improving in 204th and 3rd FV45 in 1:16:19, and Laura Ashworth in 222nd in 1:17:28. A good but not record field of 384 completed this year's race while next year's Preston 10 will form part of the Preston Guild celebrations.

Other Lytham Results from Preston: Joe Shaw 139th, 1:10:31; Bill Lock 381st, 1:47:46 and Dawn Lock 384th, 1:47:18.

Simon Denye

Linda Baxter

Peter Cruse

Link to Lytham St Annes Road Runners Website

LSARRC Press Report 15th November 2011

A large entry of over 400 competed in the inaugural Windmill 10k in Lytham on Sunday. Many of these were unattached, that is to say not members of any running club. Lytham St Annes Road Runners were well represented by thirteen members, some achieving excellent positions.

Befitting for Remembrance Sunday a two-minute silence was observed prior to the start. The race commenced opposite Lowther gardens taking a route down to the old Land Registry before circling Fairhaven Lake. The finish was also opposite Lowther gardens. “Windmill” is an appropriate name for the race given the conditions competitors had to face. A strong headwind proved testing but they did have its benefit in the opposite direction.

Nigel tries valiantly to
out sprint his vest

First back for Lytham was Nigel Thompson in fourth place and the first vet in 35:51. Club champion Nigel has suffered injury setbacks recently so his racing appearances are rare but this was a good time.

Lytham’s Sue Samme was the first woman back in 37:37. Finishing thirteenth overall it is indicative of her current form that she was over four minutes in front of the next woman.

Other performances of note were that of Peter Cruse in seventh, and Joe Greenwood who achieved a personal best and was the final member of the quartet that made up Lytham’s winning team. Pam Hardman was third in the female vet 50s, also with a pb.

Full Lytham results: Nigel Thompson 4th & 1st vet, 35:51; Peter Cruse 7th & 3rd vet, 36:27; Sue Samme 1st woman, 37:37; Joe Greenwood 14th, 37:39; Simon Denye 22nd, 40:10; Roy Upton 29th, 40:58; Joe Shaw 48th, 42:59; Colin Laidlaw 71st, 44:27; Rob Goodall 156th, 49:57; Pam Hardman 165th & 3rd FV50, 50:33; Graham Young 197th, 52:11; Dawn Bloor 249th, 54:51 and Mark Willett 301st, 57:51.

Ultra distance races are those in excess of the 26.2 mile marathon distance. Few athletes are up to such a challenge but Mark Willett joined this elite group in spectacular fashion last week in Norwich. The Marriott’s Way ultra marathon is 36 miles, ten miles further than the London Marathon. This is a race held with ultra debutants in mind; even the entry is free to encourage participation.

Mark knew this would be a tough challenge, and a journey into the unknown never having ran further than the marathon distance. Despite sore, blistered feet and a niggling ankle Mark soldiered on to finish in a superb third place in 5:13:22; yes five hours of running!

Saturday week saw a men's team representing Lytham St. Annes RRC at the English Cross Country Association in Mansfield. A team of Men's Captain Colin Nelson, Terry Hellings, Willie Richmond and Graham Webster competed on this exciting looping course with hundreds of other runners from all over England including some of the country's foremost cross-country athletes.

The men were lucky in that the heavy rain eased for their race although the ground was very muddy. Terry Hellings led the team out on the two-lap course finishing in 21:46 before handing over to the captain for a 23:05 second leg. Willie Richmond worked hard for his 23:54 on third and was followed by Graham
Webster on his chosen final leg bringing the team back with LSARRC's fastest leg of 21:28 gaining thirteen places. The team finished very creditably in 142nd with a combined time of 1:30:15.

Finally returning to racing on Wednesday following a period of interrupted training Colin Laidlaw took part in the Civil Service Athletic Association annual cross-country championships, which this year were held at the renowned cross-country venue of Parliament Hill in London. On a perfect day for running Colin completed the 5.9 mile course in 46:58 to take 75th place out of the 105 runners.


Link to Lytham St Annes Road Runners Website

Mark Willett - Beyond the Marathon ...

About 10 miles beyond in fact - as a huge 36 miles was the distance of my first Ultramarathon along Marriott's Way in Norwich, on Sunday 6th November. And I loved it! I'd driven down to Norwich on the Friday afternoon, to stay with my cousins - and then spent Saturday doingabsolutely nothing. I wanted to completely rest my body ahead of Sunday's race, so did just that - and was even tucked-up in bed for 9pm. I awoke at 5.30am on race day ready and excited for the race - which was due off at 8am. I had a light breakfast (my usual cereal bars and diluted lucozade), prepared my kit for the day (including backpack / bladder with gels and spare socks, t-shirt etc.), used the bathroom (very important ahead of such a long race) and then headed out at 7am. I arrived at Halford's Car Park in the centre of town at dead on 7.30am and soon after everyone else arrived to register.

The Marriott's Way Ultra is organised by Tri-Anglia, who volunteer their time to allow people like me (ie. debutants over 26.2 miles) to get a feel for Ultra running. There is no race fee - but I'm sure that they could charge a decent sum if they wished, as they all did a fantastic job ahead of and during the race. I was issued with my race number - well, a big number 8 was written on my hand in black marker pen (I said it was free) - and then it was time for the off! The out-and-back route to Reepham Station meant that the 60 runners could choose from 18 or 36 miles but I hadn't a clue who was doing what as we set off. 

Prior to the race I'd decided to target around 8.30/mile pace - which would be just over 5 hours for the full 36 miles if I could hang on - or roughly 1 min slower than my marathon PB pace. Early on I just couldn't seem to resist going that bit too fast, so ended up between 8.05-8.15/mile! I got chatting to a couple of guys from Reepham Road Runners who were moving at that quicker pace and it felt comfortable to stay with them for the first 13-15 miles or so. On reflection it was pretty obvious why they were running that bit quicker than me - they were all stopping at Reepham as it was "home" for them!

So the turn arrived at around 2hrs 28 - or 8.13/mile - and I pretty much knew that those 15-25 secs per mile of extra speed would come back to haunt me later. I'd actually made it to halfway before my cousins arrived there to cheer me on - so I must have been too fast!

As I'd approached the station I'd started to count off the runners coming back towards me, starting their "home" legs. One, two, three .... and that was it .... I was in 4th place! I registered my arrival at the checkpoint, took some water and jelly beans on board and then walked out of the station to ease my legs back into it.Immediately after that I was passed by another runner - but rather than react, I decided there and then that I'd simply look to consolidate that 5th place as best as I could. This seemed a wise choice as I watched the guy in front disappear off into the distance rather rapidly (he would finish 2nd).

I was soon back into my running, albeit deliberately slower than earlier - and I must say that the second half of the race was a lonely old business after my "social" first 18 miles. I listened to a few tracks on my iPod and began to split the remaining race distance into manageable chunks in my head. The 20 mile point soon came up and then 22 was reached (notable as my cousins turned up unexpectedly to give me a much needed boost!) - then my focus turned to reaching full marathon distance. Those 4-and-a-bit miles seemed to take an age but I eventually got there at about 3.44 - so the 8-ish miles since the turn had been at just over 9 minute miles (I'd had a couple of walking breaks). 

I was now into unknown territory - and I was already suffering a fair bit. 

From about 5 miles in, despite wearing strategically placed compeed plasters, both of my feet had started to blister and feel really sore. Whilst running and talking with others I'd been able to put it to the back of my head, now they were really aching. I considered taking some ibuprofen (carried in case my ankle niggle played up) but decided to try and block the pain out instead. Between 26 and 32 miles was actually the hardest part of the race for me - with the walking breaks becoming more and more frequent. I was feeling drained mentally too, continually fighting with myself, forcing myself to keep going - then I spotted another runner ahead of me. I actually got a real lift from that - there was actually someone else in sight! 

I vowed to keep running until I got halfway across the gap, then managed to push on until I was alongside him. We exchanged a few words whilst walk / running (Ultras are very friendly / social occasions you know) and then I moved away .... seeing a second runner slightly further ahead (blimey it was total gridlock by now!). It took me a while to catch him up - and when I did we chatted and ran together for a couple of minutes. Then I put my head down and somehow managed to up the pace. 

By now there was only a couple of miles to go, so I tried to run as much as I could. Earlier on I'd worked out that I'd likely finish somewhere between 5hrs15 and 5hrs30 - but now I wanted to squeeze under the5hrs15 mark if I could. Two of the support cyclists working the route pulled alongside with about a mile to go and so I talked a little with them to get my mind off the plodding - it really helped. When they finally rode off there was only 500m to go and soon after I could see the finish line. I upped my pace (probably only in my head) to do a sort of sprint finish and then that was it - race finished - first Ultra done!

 

And I'd finished in 3rd place - in 5.13.22! 

I took a long drink and chatted with the organisers and the first two runners back - the winning time was a creditable 4hrs 51, second was 5hrs05. After a few handshakes and once a few more runners had crossed the line I then said my goodbyes and headed off. Once back at my cousins I took a nice long soak in the bathand nursed my quite badly blistered feet. Ouch! After the bath I got dressed and headed out to the pub with my cousins, Aunt and Uncle - where we had an absolutely superb 3 course meal. I had the steak. 

 

So a fantastic end to a fantastic experience! I certainly won't forget my first Ultra ..... nor will my feet!

Link to Lytham St Annes Road Runners Website

LSARRC Press Report 8th November 2011

The final race of this year’s Lancaster & Morecambe race series was held on Sunday. The Lancaster half-marathon was also the longest of the three and nine members of Lytham St Annes Road Runners started it.

On this flat, fast and scenic course Andy Draper excelled coming ninth out of over 700 competitors with a time of 01:20:27. Only four minutes behind was Graham Webster in 38th overall but also the first vet 55. Graham, who is in excellent form currently, celebrates his sixtieth birthday next year but still won the vet 55 age category by several minutes.

Sylvia Gittens

Another age category winner for Lytham was Sylvia Gittens. Sylvia, a vet 65, completed the race in under two hours. This is a fantastic achievement for someone of this age.


Also going well were Simon Denye in 57th position, Joe Shaw in 145th and Linda Baxter. Linda finished in 261st position but, to put this in perspective, was the sixth vet 45 lady. Fiona Geldard unfortunately suffered a hamstring problem and was unable to complete the race.


Full Lytham Results from Lancaster: Andy Draper 1:20:27, 9th; Graham Webster 1:24:44, 38th; Simon Denye 01:27:55, 57th; Joe Shaw 01:37:08, 145th; Linda Baxter 1:44:12, 261st; Rob Miller 01:50:02, 356th; Pam Hardman 01:55:22, 437th and Sylvia Gittens 01:59:21, 489th.



On Monday Lytham hosted the third annual sportshall competition against Kirkham Grammar School. This is a competition for the juniors organised by their chief coach Tony Croft.


The first event was speed bounce in which Lytham boys took the lead with the girls trailing by the same margin. After the jumps and javelin throw there were only two points separating the boys and Kirkham girls had established a seven point lead. In the running events Lytham boys and girls had the edge with both gaining sufficient points to establish an overall victory.


The final scores were: Boys. Lytham 82.5 Kirkham 66.5 Girls. Lytham 79 Kirkham 70. The Lytham team comprised of: Ben Reid, Tom Reid, Joe Mason, Ben Mason, Robbie Webb, Harvey Ross, Ross Hart, Jack Grimshaw, Oliver Squire, Ella Ross, Hattie Ross, Mollie Mason, Rebecca Walker, Caitlin Allen and Kira Curtis.


The 28th Through the Villages race took place from Wheelton, near Chorley on Sunday. At 8.45 miles it is not a standard length race but it is still popular, possibly due to the free food available afterwards.

Starting in Wheelton the first mile is uphill. There is another steep climb before Brinscall and another two before the finish. Despite suffering a cold prolific racer Mel Koth just improved on her time of last year to finish 62nd. Husband and wife Kevin and Laura Ashworth were 133rd and 149th respectively, with Trevor Willoughby in 154th from over 250 finishers.

Link to Lytham St Annes Road Runners Website

LSARRC Press Report 1st November 2011

The Mid-Lancs league cross-country season started on Saturday with the first race at Towneley Park, Burnley. A record entry of over eight hundred runners from forty different clubs turned out on a rather dry and windy course.

Ross Hart making his debut for Lytham

Lytham St Annes Road Runners fielded three juniors, seven women and eight men. First off were Robbie Webb and Ross Hart in the U13 boy's race. Robbie finished 17th while 11 year old Ross, on his debut for the club, also acquitted himself well to come in 29th position.

In the under 17 girls 15 year old Kirsty Fraser ran a well-paced race to finish twelfth and in the top half of the field.



In the Senior Women's race guest runner Lizzie Adams of Sheffield’s Hallamshire Harriers was in a class of her own, completing the 6K Senior Women's course in 21:58, well ahead of the best league runners. Sue Samme however, currently in top form, finished third in 23:45.



Newly promoted to division one the Lytham ladies fielded a strong team. Making up the three members of the “A” team with Sue were Mel Koth in 27th, and Linda Baxter in 43rd to finish sixth overall. The same three made up the V35 team, who were fourth. Sue, Linda and Fiona Geldard were the second V45 team.



The high turnout and quality of the field set a tough challenge for Lytham's men's team who nevertheless scored best in the V50s where Graham Webster, Terry Hellings and Tony Croft came sixth out of 25 teams. Graham had an exceptional run to be the second back for the Club and 122nd. First back for Lytham was Andrew Draper in 94th. The main team finished in 23rd position while the V40s achieved 19th.


FULL LYTHAM RESULTS: U13B: Robbie Webb, 17th 13:01, Ross Hart, 29th 13:40, U17W: Kirsty Fraser, 12th 18:49, Senior Women Susan Samme, 3rd. 23:45, Melanie Koth, 27th 27:31, Linda Baxter, 43rd 29:01, Fiona Geldard, 88th 32:24, Julia Rolfe, 90th 32:28, Pamela Hardman, 92nd 32:39, Dawn Lock, 120th 41:48. Senior Mens: Andrew Draper, 94th 39:53, Graham Webster, 122nd 41:11, Terry Hellings, 146th 42:36, Tony Croft, 170th 43:56, Roy Upton, 186th 44:36, Joe Shaw, 212th 45:50,Colin Nelson 234th 47:19, Tony Rudd, 298th 53:03, Rob Goodall, 324th 1:03:03.



Now the dark evenings have set in Lythams’s monthly handicap has been moved to it better-lit winter course. The dark didn’t put anyone off though as on Thursday 27 members took part, six of them juniors.



Steve Quarmby was the first back on the night in a very close finish with the first four finishing in eight seconds. Steve achieved a personal best for the course, as did eight other racers.

The outstanding performance was that of Alex Stanier. As well as being the first junior finisher Alex improved his own junior boys’ record and set a new junior men’s record by one second.

After seven races Kevin Ashworth is now only equal first together with Linda Baxter who finished third on the night. With five races left to go the competition is still wide open.



Despite enduring the rigours of a cross-country the day before, Mel Koth competed in Sunday’s Accrington 10k. Finishing the challenging course in 58th with a time of 43:43 Mel was also the first in the ladies vet 35 category. This was a personal best on this course for Mel despite this being her fifth race in eight days. Joining her on the day vet 55 Trevor Willoughby came 134th from the 300 finishers in 49:21.