Newcomer Paul Flavell competed in the Luton Marathon. He was going very well up to the 20 mile point until a tumble meant that he had to jog and walk the rest of the race. Even so a very respectable finish time of 3 hours 29 minutes 50 seconds gave him 103 rd place in the 426 strong field.
On Saturday 5 th November 8 Striders made the short trip to Spalding for the inaugural Fens 10k race. The course was an out and back affair from the Springfields shopping centre. A slight breeze and a flat course made for some fast times.In the 107 strong field Paul Freemantle was the first Strider to cross the line in 24 th place in 42 minutes 17 seconds. Clive Holden 39 th (45.26) and Ted Preston 42 nd (45.52) ensured the men’s team finished in third place. Graham Potter 45 th (46.05) finished just ahead of the improving Angie Harvey 50 th (46.39). Pete Nadin 79 th (52.17) finished strongly. Denis Tindall 89 th (56.16) in his first outing of the year enjoyed the race. Pat Riches 91 st (57.14) with another impressive result continues to inspire the younger members of the Club.
On the day the clocks changed a group of Striders AC traveled to Worksop for the Half Marathon. A large field of 1,873 competitors completed the 13.1 mile course which was altered this year to take in more hills which made the task even harder. Conditions were wet, windy and extremely mild for the circuit which takes in the scenic Clumber Park.Paul Freemantle was the first Strider to cross the line in 397 th place and was delighted with his time of 1 hour 36 minutes 33 seconds. Steve Jackson 464 th (1.38.27) was happy not to lose too much form since the Loch Ness Marathon earlier in the month. Paul Pocklington 546 th (1.40.24) and Angie Harvey 788 th (1.45.50) were pleased with their efforts with both of them coming back from injury. Other finishers were Richard Dannatt 1,297 th (1.58.14), Barbara Johnson 1,783 rd (2.23.25) and Pat Riches 1,784 th (2.23.25).
On Saturday 8 th October a group of Striders took part in the the two races held at Washingborough. Most of the off-road course is on top of the flood banks at the side of the river Witham offering views of Lincoln Cathederal. The 10 mile ‘Ducks and Drakes’ race of 90 competitors was 9 down on last years entry, this was probably due to many runners saving themselves for the Lincs League cross country match the following day. Ted Preston was first home in 56 th place overall with a time of 85 minutes 26 seconds. Other placings: 64 th Jon Hird (88.09), 72 nd Mark Cozens (93.58). In the 5 mile race in a field of 59, fifteen up on last year, Leanne Ward finished in 38th place overall in 56 minutes 09 seconds. 57 th Sue Hayward (70.20), Peter Hayward (77.29).
A week after competing in the Loch Ness Marathon, Stephen Brear travelled to Portsmouth to race in the Great South Run. This is Britain’s biggest 10 mile race attracting 16,000 runners. He finished with a time of 1 hour 24 minutes 50 seconds in 3,319 th place
A large group of Striders bussed their way up the A1 for 450 miles to Inverness to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. Even with the erratic driving by Ted Preston they managed to arrive 10 hours later for pre-race registration and carbo-loading pasta party that included live Scottish music. 1,164 runners lined up for the full marathon and 1,286 for the 10K which was a record field, making it the largest participatory sports event in the Highlands.The marathon runners were conveyed in coaches to a remote spot on the high ground between Fort Augustus and Foyers. Hot drinks were available at the start but there was a bit of a queue to use the portaloos, nevertheless the race got off on time at 10am. A nice touch before the race was a parting of the massed runners by a youths rousing bagpipe band.The course follows the loch’s south-eastern shore towards Dores on the northern tip of the loch. From Dores the race heads directly into the centre of Inverness, turning left over the main bridge in the city centre. The last mile runs alongside the river Ness, before heading a short distance to finish with a lap of honour at the Inverness Queens Park Athletics Stadium.The weather conditions were cool and overcast with slight following and side breezes from the loch. Ted Preston was the first Strider to finish in 293 rd place overall in a time of 3 hours 40 minutes 39 seconds. A fall at the 24 mile stage could have spelt disaster but he picked himself up again with a resulting nasty graze to his left arm. He said that it was hard to make a good time on this very testing course but was well worth doing. He also commented that it was nice to see so many other Striders to run with. Graham Potter 397 th (3.49.10) in his fifth marathon managed a respectable time only 6 minutes off a personal best. Steve Jackson 404 th (3.49.31) competing in his first marathon was terrified of what was to come. He said that this race is not for the faint-hearted and that mountain goats would be more suited. Due to excellent coaching along the way from Graham Potter through the first half he felt that he was flying and managed to continue until the 2 mile long hill at mile 16. He then had a couple of good miles until he found out what ‘the wall’ feels like. The last 4 miles were completed on a run-walk basis. He now can’t wait for his next marathon which will probably be in London next year as he has already secured an entry for this race. In summary he said that this was the toughest course he has ever run. Clive Holden 821 st (4.27.46) concurred with Steve Jackson about the difficulty of this course. Julie Hanks 914th (4.40.21) also found the first half very fast and suffered with the long hill at mile 16. Steven Brear 1048 th (5.19.08) had a steady race and finished some 30 minutes slower than his London time in April and is already looking forward to racing in either Jersey or Amsterdam next year. Picking up an injury at the half way point (1.36) put paid to Andy Stevenson achieving a good time. Alan Buckberry would have probably have finished in around 4 hours had he not got terrible cramp in his legs and was unable to continue past the 23 mile point. He was ‘gutted’ not to finish the course as he had done all of the hard work to get to that stage. Alan had put a lot of training in for this race and this goes to show that usually even with the best preparation it’s all down to what happens on the day. The 10k race started at 11am and uses the last few miles of the marathon course. Paul Freemantle finished in 69 th place in a time of 41 minutes 51 seconds. He found the course very fast and great for trying for a personal best. Angie Harvey 250 th (48.24) agreed with Paul and seems to have turned the corner with her mysterious injury. Mandy Calladine 662 nd (56.37) was ‘well chuffed’ with the race and managed a personal best. She thinks that breakfast at a well known burger outlet helped her performance. Nicola Casburn 663 rd (56.38) enjoyed the race and was pleased with her time especially as she has not run at all since June. All runners were treated to a brilliant goodie bag, excellent quality T-shirt and hot shower. Afterwards hungry stomachs were placated with the Monster Highland BBQ then all went back to the hotel to re-hydrate and reminisce over race stories and sightings of Nessie or not.
A quartet of Striders made their way to Keyworth near Nottingham for the Crossdale 10k trail race. The weather was warm on the hilly course and adjoining tracks.Paul Freemantle was the first Strider to cross the line in 44 minutes 33 seconds. Alan Buckberry (45.47) ran a solid race with limited training due to a 2 week holiday. Ted Preston (51.37) almost didn’t run due to a poor night’s sleep and far from feeling 100% fit dug deep to achieve his time. Angie Harvey (55.27) returning from injury was delighted with her time and almost a pain free run on this testing course.
At the Great North Run, Striders numbers were down to just one entrant due to theincreased popularity of the race and the £30 bond payment requested by the organizers on top of the normal entry fee. Newcomer Kevin Waddingham finished the half marathon course from Newcastle to South Shields in 2 hours 1 minute 4 seconds. His training had been going well and was disappointed not to finish under 2 hours.
A group of Striders hired a coach to Nottingham to take part in the Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon. Alex Heatherington was the only entrant in the full marathon and finished in 248 th place out of 1,204 in a time of 3 hours 27 minutes 32 seconds beating her London time by 7 minutes.Ted Preston ended his recent poor form to finish 752 nd in the 7,086 strong field over the shorter distance. His time of 1 hour 37 minutes 53 seconds was just inside his target set just before the race. Next 1,043 rd was Jane James (1.41.14). Steve Jackson 1,547 th (1.46.18) had a poor race and put the performance down to not enough recovery time from donating blood earlier in the week. Ruth Chamberlain 2,745 th (1.53.49) is showing consistent form at the moment. Pete Nadin 3,942 nd (1.59.46) just broke the 2 hour barrier in this his only Half Marathon of the year. Clive Holden 4,139 th (2.01.53) crossed the line with Julie Hanks 4,141 st (2.01.54) twisting and injuring her knee in the process of slipping on a poorly discarded drinks bottle along the way. Mandy Calladine 5,112nd (2.13.29) in only her second attempt at this distance enjoyed the race but found the undulations around the City part of the course heavy going. Julie Porter 5,202 (2.13.23) had good support from Paul Freemantle 5,203 rd (2.13.12) who used the race as distance building exercise to aid his knee recovery. Barbara Johnson 5,625 th (2.17.24) also showing the camaraderie within the Club helped Pat Riches 5,627 th (2.17.24).
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 ten Striders took part on the half road and half track and grass course around the picturesque grounds. All 296 finishers received an excellent yellow t-shirt as a memento of the race.First home in 24 th place and 2 minutes faster than last year was Matthew Ballentyne in 41 minutes 11 seconds. Continuing his good form was Alan Buckberry (69 th 46.09). Steve Jackson (96 th 48.01) in his first attempt at this course struggled with the undulations. Paul Hardy (107 th 48.52) ensured 7 th place out of 14 for The mens’ team. Graham Potter (121 st 49.31) did just enough to edge out Clive Holden (125 th 50.04). The First lady to finish was Ruth Chamberlain (169 th 53.24). Julie Hanks (211 th 56.29) was 3 minutes slower than last year. Sue Hayward (292 nd 82.33) gained 5 th place for the Ladies’ team. It was an uplifting sight to see Pete Hayward (296 th 97.38). Prior to the 10k there was a 3k fun run. This comprises of a run down and up the big hill with a circuit around the lake. Ten of the 150 runners were Striders. First to cross the line in 16 th place was Sam Jackson in 13 minutes 04 seconds just ahead of Tom Hanks (13.48). Ben Holden (15.47) ran round with dad Clive. Sinead Johnson (16.05) just beat mum Barbara (16.11) and Joe Hanks (16.19). Harvey Potter (19.36) ran with dad Graham and was 4 minutes faster than last year and pleased to get round without stopping. Angie Harvey (20.22) used this as a tester to gauge her long term injury.
Striders were out in force again on Saturday at the 138 th Heckington Show. Conditions were perfect for the 2-lap 10 mile road course.In a small field of around 80 competitors Matthew Ballentyne was the first Strider home in 61 minutes 30 seconds gaining fifth place overall. This was a good performance considering the fact that he only had 6 hours sleep the previous evening. Next was Dave Wilcox (72.18) 10 minutes faster than he anticipated. Alan Buckberry (73.10) continues his good form. Alex Heatherington (73.40) said afterwards that her race was horrendous and she was disappointed with her time. Graham Potter (76.46) was delighted with his best performance for 2 years. Clive Holden (78.42) was gaining on Graham until about 3 miles to go then had some sort of mental blockage after the impromptu water station at the 7 mile point. Richard ‘Dan’ Dannatt (81.39) continues to improve. Ruth Chamberlain (87.50) described her race as brilliant and the weather was a major factor towards her good time. Julie Hanks (88.00) was 4 minutes faster than last year and with this appears to have ended her recent spell of poor form. It was a welcome sight to see Club President John Holderness out and about the course giving support. The race itself as usual was well organised and gives good value.
Striders made up a fifth of the total field at the weekend for the ‘Skillington Skirmish’ 6.5 mile undulating multi-terrain race. Conditions were hot with hard ground underfoot during this run in the beautiful countryside. As expected, Matthew Ballentyne was the first Strider home in 41 minutes 38 seconds securing 5 th place overall. Alan Buckberry (11 th 47.13) gained revenge against Trevor Brown (15 th 48.20) for the Spilsby race the previous week. Graham Potter (23 rd 50.48) was 2 minutes off his best for this course. Ted Preston (24 th 52.14) fell away towards the end after a good start and finished 4 minutes off last years effort. Clive Holden (28 th 53.48) has done much better here and really does not like running in these temperatures. Angie Harvey (44 th 65.19) is still going through a terrible niggling injury and we hope that she can return to form sooner rather than later. Mandy Calladine (77.00) was the final senior runner and was very pleased to complete this demanding course.Junior member Sam Jackson (41 st 61.20) ran round with dad Steve (40 th 61.20) and had a sprint for the line together. The other Junior, Ollie Watts (76.31), enjoyed this race and agreed with everyone else that this was a very enjoyable event and would like to have another go next year.
There was an even split of Sleaford Striders at the weekend with 4 going to Newark for the Notfast 10k and the other 4 off to Spilsby for the 6 mile race.At Newark, in a 300 plus field, Graham Potter was the first Strider home in 47 minutes 14 seconds being chased all the way by Paul Hardy (47.28). Clive Holden (51.44) and Julie Hanks (56.00) were tempted to jump into the river Trent to cool off from the blistering temperatures.Meanwhile at Spilsby, Matthew Ballentyne secured a top ten finish in 39 minutes. Trevor Brown (43.21) finished ahead of Alan Buckberry (44.43) and Ted Preston (47.45).
Sleaford Striders were out and about at the weekend preparing for the summer road racing season. Whilst many could be seen putting in the miles around the streets of Sleaford and surrounding villages four went to Yaxley to take part in a seven mile race. The race is an unusual distance being just a little bit further than the more conventional 10k. Starting and finishing at the school the two lap course took in a long slow up hill and several welcome steep downhill sections.The 2 o'clock start saw about 130 runners line up and a large crowd of supporters cheered them off as the horn sounded. As the run progressed the sun became stronger and temperature crept up however the run was very pleasant and very well organised with copious drink stations. The many marshals were very friendly and encouraging.Alan Buckberrydid Sleaford proudcrossing the line in 22nd place overall with a time of just 50:43. Ted Preston running a course he knew achieved his aim of breaking 8 minute miles and crossed the line with a time of 54:16. Julie Hanks recorded a personal best for 7 mile race finishing just outside the hour with 60:22 on the clock putting her in fourth place in her category. Clive Holden also finished just outside the hour.
The Woodhall Spa 10K Road Race took place on Sunday 5 June with a record breaking field of 638 athletes taking part and 350 participating in the Three Mile Fun Run and 197 in the Sprint Triathlon.The Highlight of the day was seeing the welcome return of Pete Hayward in a Striders vest taking part in the Fun Run or ‘Fun Walk’ as he called it. Some good results were achieved in the Triathlon considering it was their first time for most of them. This is a demanding event comprising a 400 metre swim, 20k bike ride and 5km run. Alex Heatherington was the first Strider to finish in 95 th place overall in 1 hour 24 minutes with her run section being her best event. Next was Paul Pocklington (117 th 1.27.11) with a slow swim time but made up in the cycling. Kevin Waddingham (122 nd 1.28.37) enjoyed the event and was consistant in all disciplines. Graham Potter (139 th 1.32.25) was pleased to shave 2 minutes off last years time and gain an extra 10 places. Pete Nadin (160 th 1.38.09) gave a good performance which he put down to his recent duathalon training. Many of the Striders taking part in the 10k later on watched and supported from the sidelines with some of them considering participating in next years’ event. 18 Striders took part in the 10k with the performance of the day going to Matthew Ballentyne in 14 th place crossing the line in 37 minutes 14 seconds. It was also a notable occasion for the Holderness family as it was the first time that all three of them have been in the same race together with Club President John letting his youngsters beat him.The weather for the race was good with a 5 minute downpour after half an hour. Full results are as follows: Matthew Ballentyne (14 th 37.14), Alan Walker (70 th 42.43), Alan Buckberry (97 th 43.36), Ben Holderness (104 th 44.01), Jane James (108 th 44.16), Lucetta Holderness (214 th 48.40), Ruth Chamberlain (223 rd 49.14), Graham Potter (236 th 49.49), Stephen Brear (241 st 50.05), Clive Holden (288 th 51.44), Julie Hanks (291 st 51.46), Julie Porter (294 th 51.53), John Holderness (378 th 55.13), Barbara Johnson (388 th 55.53), Pat Riches (390 th 56.01), Stuart Nixon (401 st 56.30), Leanne Ward (464 th 59.58). There were also another 10 runners from Sleaford.
Striders were well represented in the Ropsley 6 mile road race. The course was undulating and the race was well organised by the friendly Ropsley Road Runners Club. Conditions were windy but mild and all were happy that the all day rain had finally ceased.As expected the first Strider home in the 83 strong field was 4 th placed Matthew Ballentyne in 35 minutes 57 seconds. The first lady was Angie Harvey (48.35) still hampered by injury. Steve Jackson ran the race with a plaster cast on his arm after a mountain biking accident the previous weekend, this made for a good counter-balance to the high-tech wizardry he wears on the other.Positions and times are as follows: 4 th Matthew Ballentyne (35.57), 21 st Paul Maslem (42.43), 22 nd Trevor Brown (42.45), 25 th Dave Wilcox (43.04), 36 th Steve Jackson (45.06), 37 th Graham Potter (45.26PB), 43 rd Clive Holden (46.41), 46 th Ted Preston (47.34), 49 th Richard Danatt (47.47), 52 nd Angie Harvey (48.35), 55 th Julie Porter (50.05), 57 th Pete Nadin (50.38), 62 nd Julie Hanks (52.10), 68 th Pat Riches (55.11).
The conditions were warm and sunny near Peterborough for the Eye 10k road/off roadrace. Out of a field of 447 Martin Prest was first strider home in 69th place in 39.52secs, second in 176th place was Alan Buckberry in 44.55 and third in 232nd place was Ted Preston in 47.22. Maria Buckberry ran in the 3k fun run and finished in 28.37.
Three Striders travelled to Bourne for a 5 mile race in the woods.The course was very challenging but produced some good results. Karl Aubrey was the first Strider home in 35 minutes 10 seconds. Finishing closely behind after his winter hibernation was Paul Hardy (35.42). Emma Lord (36.30) was well placed amongst the leading ladies.
On Sunday 3rd April Sleaford Striders club Chairman Pete Nadin avoided the mad crowds at the Lincoln 10k and travelled to Kirklington, nr Newark to compete in his first ever Duathlon.
The event was a 4km off road run, followed by a 22km cycle route and a
3.75km off road run.
The mass start went up a hill (like South common) and then along public
walkways until rounding a cone and returning to the start/transition area. Within 1/4 mile of this changeover there was a 12% climb and the undulating course followed main and B-class roads including another steep climb near the finish; once again into transition to change into running shoes and the completion of the same course.
He finished 78th out of a field of 84 in a total time of 1hr 50.22, the
original target was to finish and not be last – this he achieved!!!! especially as he was up against seasoned Triathletes and Duathlete’s.
The event was very well organised and very friendly support for all competitors.
He is now looking forward to his first triathlon which will be on the first Sunday in June at Woodhall Spa.
Striders were well represented at the Flora London Marathon on Sunday many people rose to the challenge of running 26.2 miles in the biggest marathon in the world. Whilst loved ones lined the route or spent the morning in front of the TV hoping to get a glimpse of someone they knew the runners took on the added difficulty of the hot sun. as always a brilliant race and the atmosphere for runners and supporters alike was incredible. Many from Sleaford were running for the first time and raising money for charity.Amongst the local runners were several members of Sleaford Striders. First to cross the line and despite needing medical attention for a twisted ankle after just 4 miles was Alex Hetherington. Running for the first time at this distance Alex completed the course in just 3 hours 34 minuets. Next to cross the line was Graham Potter, Graham last ran this race 19 years ago shew that commitment to training pays dividends with a time of 3 hours 54 mins and raised £300 for cancer Research at the same time. Running for the first time as a Strider Paul Pocklingtonran a confident race from the red start and was rewarded with a time of only 4 hours and 4 mins. Clive Holden only decided to compete four weeks ago and had not put in the hours of training needed for this event howeverTed Preston, making a return visit to London after missing a few years, ran with him every step of the way. With Ted encouraging and at some times almost draggingClive along the pair finished in a commendable 4 hours 7 mins. Julie Porter and Julie Hanks ran the marathon together because it was 'something they want to do before they reach 40." Whilst most people would settle for getting a tattoo or going to a rock concert. For both of them it was their first ever marathon and after months of commitment they crossed the line in 4 hours 25 mins with aching legs but broad smiles. Steven Brear was another first time marathoner rising to the challenge. In his first run as a Sleaford Strider Steven had a brilliant day and ran down The Mall 4 hours 45 mins after the start of the race.
On Sunday 4 th April the impressive total of 18 Striders competed in the Lincoln 10K road race. This race attracted a field of nearly 3,000 finishers and the introduction of Chip technology ensured accurate timing which has been a big problem at this event in the past.Matthew Ballentyne was first to cross the line in 80 th place overall with an excellent time of 37 minutes 57 seconds. Other times and positions were: Alan Walker 40.32 177 th, Andy Stevenson 41.14 214 th, Karl Aubrey 42.52 318 th, Robert Hodgson 43.49 390 th, Dave Wilcox 44.08 407thBen Holderness 44.13 419 th, Trevor Brown 44.35 456th, Ted Preston 44.00, Clive Holden 45.13 525 th, Mark Cozens 49.28 1,016 th, Julie Hanks 50.56, Ruth Chamberlain 50.56 1,177 th, Jon Hird 50.35 1,146 th, Nicola Casburn 52.14 1,322 nd, Julie Porter 50-18 1,111 th, John Holderness 53.02 1,822 nd, Pat Riches 57-20, Stuart Nixon 58.44 2,019th and finally Mandy Calladine 66.00.
Four Striders made their way to Louth for a 10 mile road race. Conditions were dry and mild on the undulating course.Paul Freemantle in what will definitely be his last race before his long awaited knee operation was first to finish in 71 minutes 26 seconds. Alan Buckberry (72.33) was pleased with his time. Angie Harvey (78.20) is still not 100% right. In his second outing wearing the Striders vest, Richard ‘Dan’ Dannatt (83.12) ran a steady race which pleased him.
Four Striders went to Ashby-de-la-Zouch on Sunday morning to run the “Ashby 20”. This long established 20-mile road race sets out from Ashby and takes a two-lap route through the surrounding countryside. Being on the borders of Derbyshire the terrain is fairly hilly and one long hill going into Swepstone is tackled twice once at 5 miles and again at 14. The well-placed water station at the top of the hill is especially welcome the second time around. The event is always well supported with people from all over the country coming to test their endurance in advance of the Flora London Marathon. Sunday’s weather was perfect for running, although quite chilly, no rain and very little breeze as about 500 competitors set off at 10 o’clock.Julie Porter, Julie Hanks, Pat Riches and Ted Preston represented our town running in the white and maroon strip of Sleaford Striders. Ted is an old hand at this course having run the “Ashby 20” for many years now. Still with the remnants of a cold he none the less pushed on and managed to complete the 20 miles in a very creditable 2hours 45 minutes Julie Porter who works for Tesco and dental hygienist Julie Hanks ran together, as they are planning to do at the London marathon in just 5 weeks time. For both of them it was the first time they have been in a road race at this distance although their training had prepared them well. Running confidently in amongst the mass of runners they proved they were up to the challenge by crossing the finish line in just 3 hours 5 min. They are running in London to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. If you would like sponsor them please call 01529)413918.Pat Riches was also running her first road race at this distance. After last week’s flat race at Friskney Pat found the hills a welcome challenge. Crossing the line with 3 hours 26 minutes showing on the race clock she was very pleased with her performance. All four and many other members of Sleaford Striders are taking part in the London marathon.Graham Potter meanwhile competed in the Farmyard Frolics 10k at Brooksby College near Melton Mowbray. His time of 58 minutes 58 seconds was 2 minutes faster than last year which put him in the top half of a 600 strong field. The course which is mainly across farmers fields takes in 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!
Eight Striders made their way to Friskney near Boston for a half marathon. The course is flat which is conducive for fast times. In a rather small field of 101 runners and in breezy conditions newcomer Iain Haybittle was first home in 26 th place with a time of 1 hour 33 minutes 40 seconds. Paul Freemantle (1.34.46) had an excellent run-out in probably his last race before his knee operation. Clive Holden (1.35.40) recorded a personal best for this distance. Ted Preston (1.46.39) found the going tough although still suffering from the effects of a cold. Angie Harvey (1.47.15) was the first lady Strider to finish but still has some way to go to find her best form. This was a first for Mandy Calladine (2.10.36) whose previous highest distance was 9 miles. Pat Riches also 2.10.36 won second place in the FV55 category. Steve Jackson pulled up with an injury after only 7 miles, this is worrying as he is entered for the London marathon which is now only just over 5 weeks away.
Sunday saw the second running of the Sleaford Half Marathon at RAFC Cranwell. The race was extremely well organized and thanks go to the members of Sleaford Striders, their families, Air Training Corps, the Scouts and all other helpers on the day that made the event so smoothly.The weather was freezing and windy throughout but snow showers gave way to sunshine towards the end. Striders had 9 runners in a field of 341 from all over the country and as far away as Yeovil.Iain Haybittle was first across the line in 52 nd place with a time of 1 hour 36 minutes 03 seconds followed by Paul Pocklington (66 th 1.37.29). Paul Maslem (76 th 1.39.26) ensured the male team finished eighth overall. Other finishers were Ian Hall (122 nd 1:43:36), Alan Buckberry (137 th 1.45.52), Graham Potter (149 th 1.47.36), Paul Hardy (182 nd 1.51.08), Mark Cozens (276 th 2.03.39).The only lady Strider, Lucetta Holderness finished in a very good time of 1 hour 43 minutes 29 seconds giving her 121 st place.