This was the 23 rd running of the Worksop half marathon. Starting at 1030 outside Worksop town hall, the course lead out of town and through the National Trust’s Clumber Park. Whilst probably the most scenic of all half marathon courses, the hills made it one of the more challenging. The weather was perfect for running and 12 members of Sleaford Striders made the trip to Nottinghamshire to participate.
Martin Prest achieved an impressive personal best completing the 13.1 mile course in just 1 hour 25 minutes. Next Strider home was an on form Paul Freemantle in 1 hour 36, just a minute in front of Alan Buckberry who completed this challenging course in 1 hour 37 minutes. Clive Holden crossed the line in 1 hour 38.Robert Hodgson completed his first ever half marathon in an astounding 1 hour 41 minutes. First lady Strider was Angela Harvey who, despite running with an injury, crossed the line in 1 hour 43. Junior coach Steve Jackson did well on his return to this distance recording 1 hour 45. Second lady Strider was Julie Hanks taking 3 minutes off her recent personal best and came in 1 hour 53.Julie Porter kept Pete Nadin company around this challenging course and they crossed the line after just 2 hours and 3 minutes had passed. Pat Riches and Barbara Johnson finished this grueling course in an excellent 2 hours and 15 minutes.Chairman of Sleaford Striders, Pete Nadin said “These were excellent personal performances from members of the club and show that training really does pay dividends.”
Sunday saw the running of the popular Ropsley 10. This race over the classic distance of 10 miles is staged on the roads around Ropsley and is famed for its challenging route with hills being a major feature. The gusting wind added to difficulty.
Several members of Sleaford Striders took part with three ladies (Angie Harvey, Louise Hayward and Julie Hanks) taking the prize for first ladies team. This was in the face of some stiff competition from much bigger clubs.Individually Paul Freemantle was the first Strider to cross the line in an excellent time of 70mins 45 seconds, closely followed by Karl Aubrey (71.00) and Alan Buckberry just 8 seconds behind him. Clive Holden recorded a personal best for the distance finishing in 75.14.Angie Harvey was the first female Strider to finish and her time of 77.50 placed her fourth lady overall and second in her age group. Louise Hayward put in her best ever performance at this distance crossing the linein just80 minutes. Next in for Sleaford and also recording a personal best for the distance was Julie Hanks recording a time of 86.23 almost 5 minutes quicker than last year.And on form Julie Porter and Ruth Chamberlain crossed the line in 89.38. This was Ruth's first run since an injury in February. Pat Riches was very pleased with her new personal best and crossed the line with a big smile in 95 minutes 42 seconds. Barbara Johnson just 30 seconds behind her also recorded a personal best of 96.12.
12 year old Tom Hanks ran the 3 mile run and finished in second place with little brother Joe finishing in 4th position. This comes after Tom's 6th place in Woodall Spa a few weeks ago and shows that he has great promise for the future. Ted Preston kept Joe company all the way round and came in 5th.
Last Wednesday afternoon Clive Holden ran the RAF Wittering half marathon.The weather was perfect for running and the flat course made for fast times. Only 50 runners entered. The route was around the airfield starting and finishing at the station gym. He came 15th overall and 13th male with a time of 1.36.55, a new personal best by almost 5 minutes.
On a breezy but sunny Saturday, five Striders were treated to stunning views of Lincoln Cathedral at the two races held at Washingborough. Most of course is on top of the flood banks at the side of the river Witham. Fortunately it had been dry leading up to the race but eyes were firmly on the ground most of the time to avoid slipping on the uneven ground. In the 10 mile ‘Ducks and Drakes’ race in a field of 99, Martin Prest was first home in 14 th place overall with a time of 69 minutes 11 seconds. He normally races on the road but enjoyed the off-road nature and said that he would like to try it again next year. In 16 th place, Andy Stevenson (69:32) had a good duel with Martin having lead him for most of the race, just losing it at the end. Graham Potter, 70th (86:45) is recovering well from injury. In the 5 mile race in a field of 44, Dave Miller, fresh from his summer hibernation, finished in 4th place overall in 41 minutes 22 seconds. Barbara Prest in 37th place (58:38) enjoyed the race and is tempted to go for the 10 mile event next year. All in all this was a good day out for all of the Striders. The race itself was very cheap to enter and mementoes were received by all. 24 hours later, two Striders headed south to Corby Glen near Bourne for the road race. The unusual distance of 11k was run over the undulating course in good weather. There were sixty competitors. Karl Aubrey crossed the line in 47 minutes 46 seconds with Alan Buckberry (48:12) not far behind.
Over 40,000 runners took part in the Great North Run which is the biggest half marathon in the world. The course is also famous due to the large crowds at the start in Newcastle and at the finish along the coast in Gateshead. Pete Nadin in his 50 th attempt at this distance ran round in a nurse’s outfit in aid of McMillan nurses. With the sheer numbers taking part fast times are very hard to achieve. Alan Buckberry was the first Strider home in 1 hour 45 minutes and was also spotted by the BBC cameras. Next were Clive Holden (1:58) and Julie Hanks (2:02). Pete Nadin (2:08) improved his time over the Nottingham race by 15 minutes. Maybe he should compete in a nurse’s uniform more often.
Sunday saw the running of the local classic 10k Road race at Woodhall Spa. The undulating course is familiar to many Striders and with the sun shining a large contingent made the trip to take part. The weather was kind to the runners with only a moderate wind to make the race slightly more challenging. Timings are as follows: Martin Prest 39 minutes 26 seconds, Andy Stevenson (41:34), Karl Aubery (43:00), Alan Buckberry (44.20), Clive Holden (44.33), Emma Lord(45:09) PB, Paul Hardy(46:00), Julie Hanks (52:00), Julie Porter (53:00), Barbara Johnson (54.12), Nicola Casburn (55:00), Pat Riches (55.24), Barbara Prest(60:47), Sarah Graves (69:00), Ellen Doherty (92:00). Tom Hanks ran the 3 mile fun run and finished 6 th overall.
Eleven Striders hired a coach to enable them to take part in the Robin Hood full and half marathons. The course took in the Nottingham City centre and its castle, Wollaton Park and a journey around the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrpoint is an extra treat for the full marathon competitors.The race was well organized as usual and also well supported by the general public. En route the runners were inspired by a colliery brass band and church choir.A brisk wind was shielded by the record entry of 9,000+ runners. Alan Buckberry was running well up to the half marathon distance but suffered the results of his recent cold to achieve 4 hours 24 minutes 07 seconds for the full marathon. The only other entrant in the full distance event, Ted Preston, started with a niggle in his right ankle which got steadily worse by the fourth mile and he made the sensible decision to withdraw from the race.The first of the half marathon finishers was Paul Freemantle in 1 hour 40 minutes 35 seconds. This is further indication of his improvement this season even though the undulations were not to his liking. Angie Harvey (1:42:30) put the poor showing at Newark behind her with this performance. Graham Potter (1:47:58) was delighted with this time. Clive Holden (1:52:00) could have done better but was contented with just enjoying the race which is very commendable. Julie Hanks (1:56)knocked 8 minutes off her previous best for this distance which is testament to her training this year. Julie Porter (2:02:47) had a steady race. Barbara Johnson (2:09:51) crossed the line together with Pat Riches, who in her first attempt at this course thoroughly enjoyed this race. Pete Nadin, in his sixteenth start here, still suffering the effects of a cold said that he was just pleased to get around the course.Four Striders competed in windy conditions in the 10k race at Clumber Park. Emma Lord gained a personal best for this distance in 46 minutes 12 seconds. Barbara Prest also achieved a PB (61:00). Martin Prest was first home (40:33) followed by Karl Aubrey (43:50).
Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne was the setting on Bank holiday Monday for the 10k race. Sunny but very windy conditions were the order of the day as fifteen Striders took part on the half road and half track and grass course around the picturesque grounds.First home was Matthew Ballentyne in 43 minutes 21 seconds . Andy Stevenson, making his club return after a 2 year absence, was next (44:00). Alan Buckberry, after some average performances over the summer, is back in fine form (46:00). Karl Aubrey (46:48) was pleased to overturn the Heckington result over Ted Preston (47:38). Emma Lord was the first lady Strider to finish (48:20) and what a season she is having! Clive ‘bike chain’ Holden scraped in 2 seconds under the 50 minute barrier. Graham Potter (53:34) was chased all the way up the final incline by Julie Hanks (53:41). Julie Porter (59:00) was pleased with her performance on the day. All finishing around the hour mark were Barbara Johnson, Pat Riches and Denis Tindall. Newcomer Nicola Casburn (64:00) finished just ahead of Barbara Prest (66:06). All runners received quality t-shirts as mementos of this well organized race. It was a pity that the main events of the day were cancelled due to the boggy car park but most team members and their families stayed on for a picnic after the race.Harvey Potter, aged four, along with father Graham took part in the 3k fun run around the lake at Grimsthorpe. They recorded a time of 23 minutes 45 seconds. Harvey earned his medal and the giant lollipop handed out by the sponsors after falling over going down the steep hill at the start of the run.
Pete Nadin made his way to Thorney near Peterborough for the 5 mile road race. He managed the respectable time of 39 minutes 19 seconds
Very hot weather greeted six Striders on Sunday at the Newark Half marathon. This road race, as usual, was very well organised and had plenty of much needed water stops. A field of around 600 enjoyed the support from the enthusiastic crowds. Although not as hot as last year times were still slow. Martin Prest was the first Strider home in 1 hour 42 minutes 08 seconds. Karl Aubrey (1:43:30) kept his steady pace from start to finish. Paul Freemantle (1:46:24) didn’t have too many problems with his knees. Only a minute behind was Alan Buckberry (1:47:33). Angie Harvey (1:56:59) suffering from a bad case of cramp kept Graham Potter (1:57:50) company for the last three miles.
Warm but breezy weather greeted ten Striders at the Heckington Show 10 mile road race on Saturday. The two lap course starting and finishing in the main ring of the show ground could only attract a field of 57 competitors.
Some excellent running ensured that the first three Striders home won the team prize. In 5 th place overall was Martin Prest in 65 minutes 58 seconds. A terrific battle was fought for the next place which went to Simon Close in 16 th (71:54) narrowly beating Ted Preston into 17 th (71:54) and Karl Aubrey 19 th (72:12). Paul Freemantle had a good run to finish 20 th (72:39). Alan Buckberry, taking it steady, crossed the line in 24 th (76:01) while Clive Holden plodded round in 27 th (78:20) and an even slower Graham Potter in 40 th (83:28). Barbara Johnson and Pete Nadin crossed the line together in 51 st/52 nd (92:10). This was a PB for Barbara knocking 4 minutes off her previous best for this distance. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the revenge gained over last year’s team winners the Ropsley Road Runners.
Three Sleaford Striders went to Skillington near Grantham for the Skillington Skirmish 6.5 mile race. This race was very well organized by the Stamford Striders and consists of 1 Mile of small safe road and 5.5 miles of country trails including the Viking Way and farm tracks. In a surprisingly small field of 44 and in near perfect running conditions apart from the plague of flies Ted Preston, in his first attempt at this course, finished in 23 rd spot in 48 minutes 23 seconds. Graham Potter was next in 35 th with 53 minutes 28 seconds, over 4 minutes slower than last year. Also on her try at this race Pat Riches crossed the line in 41 st with 60 minutes 48 seconds and surely would had broken the hour barrier had she not fallen badly sustaining cuts and bruises to her elbows and hands.
6 Sleaford Striders competed in the Spilsby 6 mile race. First home in 21st place overall, in a field of 83, was Martin Prest in a time of 39 minutes 37 seconds. Next was Karl Aubrey in 28 th with 42 minutes 05 seconds. Alan Buckberry in 32 nd (43:19) just edged out Ted Preston 33 rd (43:27). Pete Nadin was very pleased with 48:10 to finish in 51 st spot. Barbara Prest was the only lady Strider; she crossed the line in 78 th (64:57).Also on this day two Striders competed in the Notfast 10k at Newark. Clive Holden just keeps getting better and better, in a field of 263 he finished in 60 th place and clocked 43 minutes and 26 seconds which equates to a pace of 7 minutes per mile. Paul Freemantle continues his recovery and finished in 71 st spot with 43 minutes 54 seconds.
On Sunday a large contingent of Striders made the short distance to Lincoln for the City of Lincoln Council 10k run.The start of the race was delayed for 1/2 hour at the request of the police to allow the large number of runners to get to the start. It was cold and in places windy. However the course this year was for the most part lined with spectators as almost 2000 runners made their way around the uphill area of Lincoln. Starting from the Yarbrough leisure centre the entrants ran to the castle then after a trip around the roads and cobbles of the castle precinct it was through a residential area and back to the leisure centre. A water station was most welcome just past the half way point, then it was back to the Castle to finish the run in the grounds. Many runners were using it as final preparation for the Flora London Marathon on April 18th as were Seaford's own Paul Hardy and Alan Buckberry. Not all of the finish times are known but Martin Prest was the first Strider home in his first race of the season. Continuing with his good form was ‘steady’ Karl Aubrey. Paul Hardy running freely finished strongly closely followed by Ted Preston in 43 minutes 40 seconds. Also close were Alan Buckberry and first lady Strider Angie Harvey 44 minutes 20 seconds. Emma Lord took the next spot. Clive Holden finished with a poor 47 minutes 45 seconds. Julie Porter in 53 minutes 30 seconds was a full minute ahead of Julie Hanks and newcomer Carrie Pick. Mandy Calladine 55 minutes 35 seconds finished just ahead of Pat Riches in 56 minutes
Three Striders competed in the Louth 10 mile race. In his first outing of the year Karl Aubrey finished with an impressive time of 69 minutes 45 seconds. Ted Preston maintained his consistency in 71 minutes 30 seconds. Alan Buckberry was the final Strider to finish in 76 minutes.
Graham Potter competed in the Farmyard Frolics 10k at Brooksby College near Melton Mowbray. The time of 1:00:39 was not important as the course was run mainly across farmers fields with some obstacles along the way including a tractor tyre tower, a couple of straw bale challenges and three times through Rearsby brook which came up to his waist in places! To finish off there were a few show jumping fences to clear-tally ho!
Fresh from his success in winning the Sleaford half marathon, John Siddens finished in 8 th position with a time of 73:23 in the Fleet half marathon. This is a quite remarkable achievement as there were 3,000 other competitors.
Sunday saw some testing weather conditions for Julie Hanks, the only Strider to take part in the Thorney 12k near Peterborough. The final 4k was against a very strong head wind. Her finish time of 68:20 works out at 9 minutes 10 seconds per mile.Meanwhile, in Leicestershire, conditions appeared to be worse for the Striders taking part in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch 20 mile race, along with the wind and rain there was also sleet and hail! First home was Ted Preston in 2:40:32. Paul Hardy, 2:42:38, is building up his mileage quite nicely for The London Marathon next month. Clive Holden, 2:45:00(8:15 pace), was the final Strider to finish and just glad to get dry!
After a 2 year absence, Sunday saw the return of the Sleaford Half Marathon held at RAF Cranwell. It was a chilly morning with little protection from the strong wind in the open countryside. John Siddens of the Sleaford Striders finished in first place overall, romping home with a full 2½ minutes to spare in a time of 1:16:28. Next Strider in 74 th place was Simon Close, 1:35:43. Trevor Holden finished in 82 nd, 1:36:48, ensuring that the men’s team finished in 6 th place out of 16 overall. Paul Hardy finished in 134 th place, 1:42:06. Alan Buckberry was next in 158 th, 1:44:39. Pete Hayward in his first race of the year returned in 209 th, 1:49:05. Ruth Chamberlain was the only lady Strider running, finishing in 348 th spot, 2:13:25. A total of 392 competitors took part in the race.
Ted Preston was the only Strider to make his way to Stamford for the Stamford Striders St Valentines 30k. This is an undulating road race on town and rural roads. Still recovering from a miserly cold he recorded a time of 2 hours 25 minutes and 32 seconds. The conditions were ideal for running and he was very pleased with this time as he cut 36 seconds off his previous best for this course.
Now the regular cross-country season has finished the Striders are turning their attention back to the road.Five members made their way to Folksworth near Peterborough for the unusual distance of 15 miles.The increased winter mileage paid dividends for Ted Preston who was the first Strider home in a time of 1:55:21. After shaking off a miserable cold, Alan Buckberry finished with 1:57:20. Clive Holden prefers his running during the winter months, it showed as he was just outside the 2 hours barrier with 2:04:19 and was thoroughly delighted with this. Paul Hardy, 2:05:30, is still recovering from an Achilles injury and used this as preparation for the London marathon in April. Pete Nadin, who has not run this sort of distance for a long time was the last Strider home in a time of 2:22.55.