Press Report 19th June 2012

The Freckleton half-marathon is the oldest race of its type in Britain and is always fully subscribed some months beforehand. Linked to Freckleton club day, the race starts and finishes in the village on Sunday with a route taking it through Wrea Green, Lytham and Warton.

Lytham St Annes Road Runners fielded fourteen entrants as well as helping marshal the well-organised race. Showing strength in depth the first six for the club all chalked up times of under ninety minutes. The first of these was Joe Greenwood in eighteenth. Greenwood is steadily improving and indeed beat the current club champion, Andy Draper, by a minute. Draper was 21^st from nearly 600 finishers.

Just a further four places behind and setting a personal best at this distance was Simon Denye. In 33^rd position overall Graham Webster again finished as the first vet 60 in a race.

 Another performance of note was that of Mel Koth. Although 100^th overall Koth was the second FV35, with a new personal best by 32 seconds.

 

Mark Willett and Rob Goodall had both ran long distances the day before as part of their ultra-distance preparation. Despite this Willett still managed a sub-ninety minute finish while Goodall was another to achieve a personal best.

Lytham results from Freckleton: Joe Greenwood 18^th, 1:22:37; Andy Draper 21^st, 01:23:36; Simon Denye 25^th, 01:24:15; Graham Webster 33^rd, 01:25:44; Tony Croft 49^th, 01:29:00; Mark Willett 54^th, 01:29:21; Mel Koth 100^th, 01:33:48; Roy Stevens 184^th, 01:43:17; Kevin Ashworth 204^th, 01:45:01; Gill Murphy 361^st, 01:58:23; Bob Clough 417^th, 02:05:06; Rob Goodall 418^th, 02:05:07; Graham Young 439^th, 02:06:46 and Chris Holland 467^th, 02:10:09.

 

Wednesday saw another mass turnout from Lytham at the Preston inter-club, the third of the summer series. The twenty-seven who raced couldn’t equal the previous round's best-ever second place in the open competition but they did take fourth in the open, vets and vet 50s.

 

In was in the vet 60 category where Lytham excelled however with Graham Webster again winning the category. He was joined in the team by the first woman V60, Elspeth MacPherson, and by Roy Stevens. They missed out on first place by just one point and so remain second in their table at the halfway stage in the series.

 

The weather for this year’s Lancashire Schools track and field championships put a severe damper on young athletes achieving their qualifying times for the national championships next month. Lytham junior members George Rowley and Alexander Stanier both represented Fylde schools at the event with Alex competing in the intermediate boys 3000m. Notwithstanding that he had never raced this distance before he acquitted himself very well running an even pace throughout with a strong finish in the final 200m. His finishing time was 10:15 (tbc).

 

George Rowley has had little competitive experience on the track but you would not have thought so on Saturday. He lined up in the junior boys 800m and from the gun he took control of the race moving into an early lead which he comfortably maintained for the remainder of the race to finish the Lancashire Schools Champion in 2:13.2.

 On Sunday seven year old Simon Holt competed in a novel U11’s 2012m race organised by Blackpool Council at Stanley Park. Despite a fast start by many of the young athletes Simon set off at a sensible pace and he soon began to move past those that had started too quickly. Towards the end of the race he had moved into second place which he kept until the finishing line finishing in a superb time of 8:43, just 21seconds behind the winner who was more than three years his senior.

Lytham St Annes Road Runners’ took part in the thirtieth Welsh Castles relay at the weekend amongst the worst rainstorms in Wales for many years. It was a credit to the organisers that the race was held at all, more so with so little disruption. The rain failed to dampen Lytham’s team spirit and the team achieved the highest finish in its’ eight years of competing in this event.

Starting in the shadow of Caernarfon Castle on Saturday morning the race consists of twenty stages over two days covering 209 miles to Cardiff Castle. The stage distances range from 8.6 to 13.1 miles. While some are fairly flat there are the six “mountain stages” which are particularly tough.

There were five newcomers to the Lytham team this year including club champion Andy Draper who took on stage 14, considered the toughest of all. At 10.8 miles it isn’t the longest but competitors climb over 1000 feet, mostly later in the race. In what is also a very competitive leg Draper did well to finish 21^st.

In stages twelve and thirteen fellow newcomers Tom Howarth and Kevin Ashworth also ran well, finishing 14^th and 27^th respectively. Emily Hargreaves travelled all the way from Austria to compete and was rewarded with nineteenth position overall and second lady in her stage.

Tony Croft took on the final leg on Saturday, which, at 13.1 miles, is also the longest of the competition. This is another tough mountain stage where competitors have to climb over 500 feet in the first 1.5 miles. Croft ran extremely well over the half-marathon distance to finish in just over 90 minutes.

The best Lytham performance however was reserved for the final stage with Nigel Thompson again excelling here. His sixth place lifted the team’s final position to 26^th overall ensuring not only their highest finish to date but also the best from the Lancashire clubs taking part this year.

Lytham Welsh Castle Results: Stage 1: Colin Nelson 70:12, 35^th; 2: Emily Hargreaves 71:02, 19^th; 3: Terry Hellings 74:30, 29^th; 4: Nigel Simpkin 72:03, 32^nd; 5: Bec Willetts 78:36, 46^th; 6: Laura Ashworth 81:50, 38^th; 7: Mel Koth 67:55, 41^st; 8: Graham Webster 76:03, 31^st; 9: Ali Smith 69:06, 42^nd; 10: Tony Croft 90:06, 29^th; 11: Mark Willet 86:57, 36^th; 12: Tom Howarth 69:17, 14^th; 13: Kevin Ashworth 73:59, 27^th; 14: Andy Draper 70:41, 21^st; 15: Willie Richmond 90:49, 31^st; 16: Richard Storey 71:46, 49^th; 17: Fiona Geldard 79:15, 54^th; 18: Dave Dunn 64:23, 19^th; 19: Roy Upton 83:31, 28^th; 20: Nigel Thompson 63:49, 6^th.   

LSARRC Press Report 5th June 2012

Bradley Robertson

The second meet of the mid-Lancs track and field season was held at Witton Park, Blackburn on Saturday. The outstanding performance for Lytham St Annes Road Runner came from the club’s only junior competing on the day, Bradley Robertson.

Since joining the club Bradley has improved immensely and Saturday was his first ever race on the track. He ran a superb race to finish sixth in the U15 Boys 800m with a time of 2:23:30.

Also at the event were Mark Willett, Graham Webster and Tom Howarth competing in a variety of races. All three took part in the 1500 metres with Tom coming out on top in twelfth. Mark was a place behind with Graham a couple of seconds behind him.

Mark Willett & Graham Webster

Tom Howarth

Lytham seniors results from Blackburn: 400m heat 1; Mark Willett 5th 1:62.3. 800m: Tom Howarth 11th 2:27.7, Graham 14th 2:33:20. 1500m: Tom 05:05.5, 12th, Graham 5:12.6 15th, Mark 13th, 5:10.9. 3000m: Tom 9th, 10:46.7, Graham 10th, 11:06.1.

The following day Graham Webster was back on the track at the Northern Veterans Track and Field Championships. Graham was joined by Colin Laidlaw and Terry Hellings for a successful trip to Leigh Sports Village. The three athletes competed in eight events to win eight medals.

In the 1500 metres Graham came 4th overall and 2nd in the M60 category for a silver medal with a time of 5:19.2. Terry was just one place behind but still earning the M55 silver. Terry dashed straight from that finish to the long jump pit where he jumped 3.28m for the M55 gold.

Just 20 minutes later Graham and Terry were joined by Colin for the 3000m. Graham was again first back for Lytham in 11:10 for 8th place and the M60 gold. Next was Terry in 12:0.8 for the M55 silver. Not far behind was Colin to take the M55 bronze.

A few minutes later Graham was at it again, this time in the 800m. Understandably tired by this time Graham still managed to finish 9th overall to earn the M60 silver. Colin also competed in the shot putt with a best throw of 6.24m for the M55 silver.

On Sunday heavy rain, stormy winds and hail deterred many from entering the Longridge Lions 7 on Sunday but not a group of ladies from Lytham. Running her second race in two days Mel Koth took the FV35 prize and was the second lady, completing the seven miles in 50:16.

Also in the prizes was Laura Ashworth who was the second FV35 and 31st overall in 55:39. Both ladies achieved personal bests. Completing the trio was 56th placed Linda Baxter in 64:46.

The previous day Mel had took part in the Parkrun at Avenham Park, Preston. This is a free race and welcomes runners of all abilities. On an accurately measured and scenic 5k Mel was the first lady and set a new
women’s course record with 21:11. Also running was Rob Goodall, finishing 45th in 26:41 to set a new pb.
Also on Saturday Mark Willett proved that he isn’t just a distance runner by finishing twelfth in the Catforth 5k in 19:02. Also competing were Dawn Bloor, 36th; Julia Rolfe, 38th; and Karen Lanigan, 44th.

Bettering his position if not his time Mark ran the same distance again on Monday in the Diamond Jubilee 5k. Mark was seventh in 19:19. V50 Pam Hardman and FV65 Dawn Lock both earned jubilee mugs by winning their respective age categories.

The final Thursday of the month is club handicap night. Fine running conditions led to many excellent performances with eight of the 25 competitors earning personal bests. First back on the 4.35 mile summer course was last year's runner-up Rob Goodall, finishing comfortably ahead of Steve Quarmby with Linda Baxter the first lady in third place. The fastest time of the night was yet another pb by rapidly improving Joe Greenwood in 24.48. There was a welcome return to the handicap after three year's absence by the club's outstanding vet 65 Elspeth McPherson whose sub-eight minute mile time of 34.16 is quite exceptional for her category.

LSARRC Press Report 29th May 2012

After competing in two marathons at the end of April on Saturday Mark Willett ran his longest ever race, the inaugural Dukeries Ultra 40 in Sherwood Forest. This was his second ultra-distance event and one that he merely considered to be a warm-up to a fifty-miler in July. Given the recent weather however it was a “warm-up” in more ways than one.

Starting at 9am and keeping well-hydrated Mark found the first thirteen miles or so quite easy. Then the temperature soared with a predictable effect. Despite this Mark still chose the forty-mile option over thirty when given the choice at mile 21. Regular checkpoints serving drinks and high-energy foods helped and, after 31 miles, Mark got second wind and finished the forty in less than seven hours.

His precise time was 6:56:24 to claim14th position from the 73 brave souls who managed to do the full distance. This is a huge triumph of physical and mental stamina, especially in such conditions and augurs well for Mark’s forthcoming fifty-miler.

Amongst others from Lytham St Annes Road Runners suffering in weekend’s heat were Willie Richmond, Mel Koth and Bec Willetts. On Sunday Willie changed his target to “just to finish” in the Sheffield half-marathon. Over 5700 completed the race and many others didn’t so Willie’s position of 458th in 1:36:30 was excellent. He was also the 45th MV45.

Meanwhile in Manchester Mel Koth was also putting in a stirling performance in the Sale 5. Incorporating a couple of laps of Wythenshaw Park this is a fast course and, as such, attracts a high-quality field. The heat claimed a number of casualties but Mel persevered to claim the first FV35 place and 59th overall. Remarkable in such conditions was that her time of 34:10 was just three seconds shy of her personal best at this distance.

Bec Willetts completed in the second Howgill Harriers 10k in Kirby Stephen. Bec did well to get 22nd place in 54:19 on a hilly course without shade.

The conditions were slightly more bearable in the Blackpool Beach 10k where Joe Greenwood came fourth in 37:21. Sylvia Gittens was the 22nd lady from 51, despite the only one being over the age of 60.

Also in Blackpool was the Blue Light 5 Mile. This is held on the promenade at Bispham in aid of the Gynn Square memorial fund. Barbara Holmes was the first FV50 in 41:54 while her 13 year-old son Tom was 46th overall in 46:31. Barbara commented that the weather reminded her of when she ran in Dubai except that Bispham was hotter!

Finally last week Emily Hargreaves was the second woman in the “Self Transcendence 5k” in Battersea Park, London.

LSARRC Press Report 22nd May 2012

On Wednesday Mel Koth and Tony Croft of Lytham St Annes Road Runners travelled to Rivington to take part in the first of the Horwich Jubilee Road Race series, a five miler. This is a tough little run consisting of a couple of laps around Rivington reservoir and incorporating several climbs. Due to a diversion forced upon the organisers by road works the course was actually 5.3 miles. Mel was the third FV35 and tenth lady with a time of 36:56 while Tony was the seventh vet 50 in 33:32.


On Sunday Mel was in action again competing in her ninth Great Manchester Run 10k. A record 40,000 started making running a decent pace in such a crowd difficult. Despite this Mel’s time was a good 41:42. Finishing 754th overall, Mel was the 53rd lady.


On the same day four Lytham Athletes competed in the Worden Park 10k in Leyland. This was run on a fine day over a moderately undulating course. Setting the pace for Lytham was ultra runner Mark Willett who came a very respectable eleventh from 174 with a personal best time of 39:42. Next in for the club and just a couple of places behind was vet 60 Graham Webster, who in spite of recovering from a cold, also took the second vet 60 position in 40:16.

Competing for the ladies were Linda Baxter and Fiona Geldard, both recovering from injury. In this circumstance vet 45 Linda was pleased with her time of 54.15 earning 100th place. Chasing behind was Fiona, also a vet 45, taking 112th position in 56:24 to happily finish within her target time. All four runners are hoping to be fit enough to make the 20 strong team for the Welsh Castles relays next month.

LSARRC Press Report 15th May 2012

A sunny evening on the St Annes seafront

After over a decade of competing in the annual inter-club grand prix series on Thursday Lytham St Annes Road Runners celebrated their best set of results to date. In the open competition the club achieved it’s highest ever placing of second. The club also won an age category for the first time, the vet 60s.

Graham & Roy

The occasion was the second of this season’s inter-club races and Lytham were the hosts. The vet 60 stars were Graham Webster and Roy Stevens who were the first and third respectively in the category. But the team is made up of three and they couldn’t have won without Elspeth MacPherson, making a surprise return to the club to finish twelfth.


The first in for Lytham was club champion Andy Draper in fourth, achieving a personal best over the accurate five-mile course. This was despite the strong wind and rain on the St Annes promenade course. Half a minute behind Andy counting eighth was Joe Greenwood, with Tom Howarth and junior Alex Stanier a second apart in 18th and 19th respectively. Tony Croft was the first veteran for Lytham.


Lytham Results for the IC: Andy Draper 28:41, 4th; Joe Greenwood 29:12, 10th; Tom Howarth 30:43, 18th; Alex Stanier 30:44, 19th; Tony Croft 31:10, 22nd; Mark Willett 31:14, 23rd; Simon Denye 31:32, 28th; Graham Webster 32:26, 44th; Willie Richmond 32:58, 50th; Roy Upton 33:00, 51st; Terry Hellings 34:00, 61st; Mel Koth 34:32, 67th & 9th woman; Dave Dunn 34:41, 71st; Colin Nelson 35:33, 6th; Colin Laidlaw 36:12, 96th; Laura Ashworth 36:22, 99th; Roy Stevens 36:25, 100th; Katherine Hoyland 36:39, 105th.


Elsewhere two of the club’s juniors competed in the Lancashire Track & Field championships at Stanley Park over the weekend. Ella Moulding ran in the U13 girls 1500m and, despite having never raced the distance before and being at the lower end of the age group, she produced a superb performance to finish fourth in 5:27.5.
Camryn Spector, competing in the U15G 800m, defied her lack of track experience to run a very strong race and claim fourth in her heat with a personal best time of 2:47.3.


Alexander Stanier ran in the Blackpool 10k fun run and in challenging blustery conditions he ran superbly to finish first in his 13 to 15 age group and seventeenth overall in a time of 37:27.

In the same race Elspeth MacPherson also excelled. Despite being a vet 60 she won the female age 55 and over category by over five minutes.



The Blacksticks Blue 10k took place on Sunday and three runners from Lytham earned the complimentary Blacksticks Blue cheese given to all competitors. And they were earned after the slog up the side of Beacon Fell during mile three. Steve Quarmby and Bec Willetts tackled this race for the first time to finish 57th and 97th respectively while Laura Ashworth ran a course pb to win a bottle of wine for being the first FV35. Should go well with the cheese.

LSARRC Press Report 1st May 2012

Joe Greenwood

In a rather wet Fleetwood 10 Mile Road Race Lytham’s only representative Joe Greenwood excelled by finishing ninth with a time of 63:59. The event took place on Sunday on the promenades of Fleetwood, Rossall and Cleveleys on a flat and, when it doesn’t rain so much, a fast course.

Joe was also in action on Thursday when a new season started for the monthly handicap. Joe was the fastest on the night with a personal best to boot but, with it being a handicap, finished third. Tom Howarth marked his return to the area by winning this closely fought race where the top ten all finished within a minute of each other.

Racing on the summer course for the first time this year Steve Quarmby and the current champion, Kevin Ashworth, also achieved pbs.