Whilst on a visit to Margate, Club Chairman Peter Nadin decided to go for a run before breakfast and entered the Thanet Coastal 10. The Sunday morning weather greeted him with Force 6 winds and horizontal rain, and with just 10 minutes before the start of the race he wondered if he was in the right place as there were no marshals or runners or signs!!!With just 5 minutes to go the winds dropped and the rains eased and runners appeared from everywhere. Peter decided to start towards the back and just see how the run developed especially as this was his 2 nd longest run of 2006. A steady start and warming weather the majority of the runners started taking off the wet weather kit they were wearing and the race pace picked up. With superb support from the marshals (the residents of Margate were still in their beds) Peter reached the halfway point feeling relaxed and running easy; this was soon to change as when the runners turned round to head back towards the finish they realised that the first half had been wind assisted and the return leg was into a strong headwind.
This was when Peter’s steady start paid off as he felt strong and was not affected by the winds as the other runners; if fact when others had to stop after rounding a corner into the wind he was able to overtake them. The return leg saw him overtaking many runners but he was nevertheless grateful to round the last corner and see the finish line. A completed time of 1hr 36.31 was not his quickest but was probably the most satisfying considering the conditions. The added incentive was the fact that the night before he had raised £185.00 for Diabetes UK on the strength that he complete the run.
November 12th saw the running of the annual poppy run in Boston. This 5 mile road race is to raise money in remembrance of those that have given their lives for this country. Following a minutes silence the runners set of on a lap of the track then out onto the road for a fast flat course in the Lincolnshire countryside. A fairly strong wind made parts of the course harder than usual, however it was still a good day to run. Sleaford runners were out in force with several members of Sleaford Striders making the journey and recording some great results. John Hodgkinson 34.42, Ted Preston 36.43, Andy Preston 39.42, Sam Lester 39.53, Clive Holden 39.54, Julie Porter 46.00, Sinead Johnson 46.27, Leanne Ward 46.22, Brabara Johnson 48.36. Patricia Riches 48.37, Rachel Howard 48.38, Angie Harvey 57.58,Lily Bailey 57.58. In the Junior races James Ward came 4 th in the under 13 category, Flora Hodgkinson won the Under 7 girls race, Robert Hodgkinson won the under 7 boys race with his brother Ewan coming second
Seven Striders travelled to Worksop to compete in the 25th running of the Worksop Half Marathon. This is a challenging undulating course taking you through and around the scenic Clumber Park. Weather was unseasonably warm for the 1600 runners, with warm sunshine at the start and during the race. Paul Freemantle was pleased with his time of 1.35.31, Angie Harvey ran a season's best in 1.38.33. Mike Folland continued his excellent form just missing out on his target time by some sixteen seconds, however he was still pleased with his time of 1.39.15. Alan Buckberry ran another consistent race in 1.43.09. Julie Porter showing signs of returning to form ran an excellent 2.14.49 taking some 22 minutes off her Nottingham Half Marathon time, Pete Nadin with little distance training of late, ran a conservative race in 2.16.03. Pat Riches competing in her 4th Half Marathon this year would also take over seven minutes off her Nottingham time, finishing in a solid 2.30.01.
Stephen Brear continues his steady improvement at the marathon distance. He travelled to Cardiff in October and recorded a time of 4.31.02 giving him 821 st place.
Four Striders went to Waltham near to Belvoir Castle on Saturday 14th October, to compete in the annual running of the Waltham Winder. The course is a choice of 26, 16 and 10 miles taking in roads, farmers tracks and ploughed fields. The weather was kind to the runners with a grey mister start and the occasional burst of sunshine as the race progressed. The bulk of the committed runners would race the 16 and 10 mile routes, Dave Tilley and Mike Folland would take on the 16 mile course, with Paul Freemantle and Angie Harvey the 10 mile. Half an hour would separate the start of the two races with the 16 mile race away first, with limited marshals on the course coloured markers and a map were your only guide throughout the race. Having successfully navigated the course Dave Tilley produced an excellent result in coming home first overall in the 16 mile race in 1.55, Mike Folland who relished the course would record a time of 2.21. Meanwhile in the 10 mile race Angie Harvey would cross the line as the first lady home in a time of 1.41, with Paul Freemantle crossing the line also in a time of 1.41.
At the Ducks and Drakes 10 mile off road race in Washingborough near Lincoln, Alan Buckberry in a time of 77.36 beat Ted Preston 82.58 by a few places. The course this year was more difficult due to the three extra stiles to negotiate.
On Sunday 24th September three members from Sleaford Striders, travelled just north of Lincoln to compete in the East Retford Half Marathon. Although an Autumnal start to the day with misty damp weather, it would none the less be a warm race for the duration of the 13.1 miles of the mainly rural route. The first six miles were mainly flat allowing for a fast start, however mile split times would increase as the second half became undulating with a challenging one mile uphill section around mile ten. Paul Freemantle competing in his 25th Half Marathon would cross the finish in 1.38.32, soon to follow was Mike Folland fresh from his World Triathlon Championships earlier in the month, would run an excellent 1.39.02. An off colour Angie Harvey dug deep to cross the finish in 1.44.12 and was rewarded for her efforts in winning her Vet Category.
Six Striders made their way to Nottingham to compete in the Robin Hood Half Marathon. This year the organisers changed the predominately flat course into a more scenic yet undulating course, turning it into a more challenging affair. A misty start greeted the 6500 runners, but that would soon clear away to blue skies in what was to turn into a glorious hot summers day. Paul Freemantle was first home in 1.35.15, soon to follow in a season's best was Angie Harvey 1.39.28. Barbara Johnson had a great run and was delighted with her time of 2.15.33, Clive Holden would keep company with Barbara for much of the race and also cross the line in 2.15.33. Pat Riches having run a tough race at Chesterfield the previous Sunday, opted to soak up the sunshine and superb atmosphere that Nottingham offers and ran a steady race crossing the line in 2.37.22. Julie Porter with little to no distance running in recent months did likewise and crossed the line with Pat in 2.37.21.
Sunday saw the inaugural Mablethorpe Marathon and Half Marathon. It was a strange decision to hold this event on the same day as the Robin Hood Marathon so numbers were bound to be down. Ted Preston, the only Strider, to have a go at the Marathon described the conditions as ‘roasting’. He was running well up to the 17 mile point then ‘pulled’ a muscle and struggled to finish in 4 hours 9 minutes. Pete Hayward took part in the Half Marathon along with Alan Buckberry (1.43). Dave Tilley (1.26.10) in his fourth race since joining the club in July came home in 5 th position overall.
Three Striders travelled to Chesterfield to compete in the Chesterfield Spire 10 mile road race. A pleasant journey through some rolling landscape was a clue to the race itself. The race started in strong gusting winds, thankfully without the previous day's rain! With a five mile climb straight from the Start of over 500ft in head strong winds, good times would be hard earned. After topping out at over 1000ft above sea level a welcoming 2-3 mile drop was a relief to aching limbs. With the strong winds still present another two mile uphill stretch to the finish would sap already aching legs. Paul Freemantle was pleased with his time of 1.15.21 as was Angie Harvey in 1.19.32. Pat Riches with little training in previous months would run a creditable time of 1.57.01. The trio will now travel with fellow club members to Nottingham for next Sunday's Nottingham Half Marathon.
Mike Folland travelled to Switzerland to compete in the 2006 World Triathlon Championships at Lausanne, Switzerland. This event was held in a stunning setting on the shores of Lake Geneva with a background of alpine views.1500 competitors took part in the Age Group Championships with different start times spread over 6 hours. Mike Folland was a member of the 300 strong British team and had a solid race to come 14 th out of 29 in the 65 – 69 category with a time of 3:02:47. All the times were slow due to the extreme bike course with 500m of climbing and steep technical descents as well as the vast transition area, which required 2½ km of extra running, most of it in bare feet. Mike’s splits for the first two disciplines were a bit average leaving him in 20 th place; 33:46 for the 1500m lake swim and 1:27:12 for the 25m bike time trial. However, a good run split of 47:38 for 10k, only 1 second down on the best in the Age Group, gained 6 places to be 1 st of the 4 Brits. This was a tremendous result for Mike after months of hard and often lonely training. On the following day the British contingent had a great day recovering in bright sunshine and cheering on Tim Don to win the Elite race – our first Men’s World Champion for 8 years
In the final race of the Lincoln Wellington 5k Race Series Paul Freemantle, Angie Harvey and Fiona Robertson from Sleaford Striders made their way to the Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln to compete. An overcast cool evening provided good running conditions on this excellent course. Paul Freemantle ran 20.16 his best finish in the four race series, Angie Harvey was satisfied with her time of 21.30 and Fiona Robertson was thrilled with her time of 21.47 just days after running an excellent time in the Grimsthorpe Castle 10k. In the under 15s Boy's race Simon Parr and under 13s Boy's race Mathew Bee both representing Sleaford Junior Striders, renewed their rivalry over the 3k distance. Mathew Bee would run another consistent race in a time of 11.06, with Simon coming home in 12.07. With three of the four races counting towards the overall series result, both Simon and Mathew would come first in their respective age categories. A fantastic achievement and a credit to Sleaford Junior Striders.
Bank Holiday Monday saw the annual running of the Grimsthorpe 10k and 3K Fun Run. The 10k (6.1 mile) course is run completely within the grounds of the Castle and is Multi terrain. Known for its hills and the challenge of changing surfaces this course is tough for roadrunners although the views over open countryside are a reward for the effort you have to put in. The 3k is also within the grounds and takes in farm tracks, grass and tarmac roads.10 junior members ran the 3k course with 2 adults running as well. Matt Bee, achieving 7 th position (11.03) was followed by Tom Hanks (12.57). Next in for Sleaford was Adam Runacres (14.27). Next Strider to tackle the hill to the finish line was Joe Hanks(15.46). Alex Carmen(16.18) was the next strider to cross the finish line. Tobie Carmen ran with his dad, Colin, and both crossed the line together(16.49).Daniel Runacres(16.58) was next to cross the line closely followed Ben Holden(17.03). Keely McNiffe(17.25) was first Female Strider with Bethanie Preston(18.19) not far behind her.17 members of the senior club entered the 10k and recorded some brilliant times. First in was new member Dave Tilley coming in 15 th with a time of just 39 mins, Paul Flavell was the next Strider to cross the line just 34 seconds later. Andy Stevenson made the distance in 43.48. Alan Buckberry (48.06) is a veteran of this race whilst next Strider back Trevor Brown (48.46) was running it for the first time and was surprised how hard it was. Ted Preston using this as part of his training for the Mablethorpe Marathon crossed the line in 48.46. Ian Hanks was another member running this race for the first time and was rightly very pleased with his time of 48.58. Joan Hastings was the first female Strider to finish with a superb time of 49.10 with Fiona Robertson powering up the hill to the finish line just 21 seconds behind her (49.31). Vince Mc Niffe and Paul Hardy raced to the line with Vince finishing in 50.39 and Paul 50.41. Anna Flavell managed to beat her time for road running at this distance and was just ahead of Clive Holden at the finish although both recorded a time of 54.54. Samantha Pask was the fourth Female Strider with a time of 55.53. Nik Casburn finished with a smile on her face in 57.38. Maureen Runacres used this as her first ever race and was very pleased to break the hour (59.23). Biggest cheer was saved for Julie Hanks (62.58) in her first race since the Blackpool half and preparing for the cross-country season.All these individual performances gave Sleaford second place in the ladies team competition and the male team came third in their competition.
Stephen Brear competed in the Isle of Wight half marathon in a time of 2 hours 9 minutes in preparation for his seventh running of the Great South Run. 13 August 2006 Newark Half Marathon
Four Striders travelled to Newark for the 25th anniversary of this race in what is usually one of the hottest days of the year, instead it turned out to be one of the wettest! Despite heavy rain in the build up and during the race, a sizeable field set off to tackle the mainly rural route in and around Newark. In his second race in a Striders vest, Dave Tilley would produce the race of the day finishing in an impressive time of 1.23.33, just seconds outside his personal best. Paul Freemantle was next home in a season best of 1.34.00, soon to follow again in season bests was Angie Harvey 1.40.14 and Alan Buckberry 1.41.15. Mike Folland from Sleaford who travelled with the Striders also ran a season best in 1.40.02. Despite the weather good times were achieved by all, with sights now set on next month's Mablethorpe and Nottingham Half Marathons.
In the penultimate race of the Lincoln Wellington 5k Race Series Paul Freemantle, Angie Harvey of Sleaford Striders and Mike Folland from Sleaford made their way to the Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln to compete. It was to be another warm evening with temperatures at the 19.30 start time still reaching the mid twenties. Paul Freemantle came home a second up from his previous race in 20.35, Mike Folland ran a steady 22.01 as did Angie Harvey in a time of 22.11. In the under 13s 3k Boy's race Matthew Bee and Ryan Maxfield from Sleaford Junior Striders, renewed their rivalry from race two of this 3k Series. As with the race on the 28th June, both Matthew and Ryan would contest for 1st and 2nd place. Matthew would eventually edge home 1st overall in 11.06 followed in 2nd place by Ryan in a time of 12.39, an excellent performance by both Matthew and Ryan. The final races in this well organised race series takes place next month on the 30th August at Lincoln.
Three Striders were out in force locally at the Heckington Show on Saturday. The weather, as usual, was as hot as ever at this venue. The field of about 60 runners was about the same as last year for the two lap 10 mile flat course. First home in 4 th place overall and first vet 40 was Dave Tilley in 63 minutes 48 seconds. Paul Freemantle (74.13) was pleased with this time in spite of the conditions. Alan Buckberry (78.36) finished just ahead of Angie Harvey (79:16) taking the first female vet 40 prize. Ted Preston (82.00) was slightly slower than last year. Clive Holden (90.51) in poor form at the moment got the better of Graham Potter (96.16) in their private duel at the back of the field. A nice medal was presented to all finishers with Dave Tilley and Angie Harvey collecting gift vouchers for their efforts.
At Newark Rugby Club the Notfast Running Club put on a well organized 10k race. This is a mainly flat course with a mile long incline at the half way stage. In his first race for the Striders after transferring from Boston was Dave Tilley in a superb time of 37.39, he said that he could have gone quicker had the weather been a little cooler. Paul Freemantle (43.59) had a steady race and was well up in the 400 strong field. Alan Buckberry (46.13) also had a good one finishing just ahead of Angie Harvey(46.34). Ted Preston (49.16) wants to come beck here next year and is aiming for a sub 42 minute time. Paul Hardy (50.30) suffering from all sorts was 3 minutes slower than last year. Another newcomer, Fiona Robertson (51.12) last ran this distance 15 years ago and was chuffed with her time and feels she will do better on her next outing. Graham Potter (54.55) still suffering from his back injury sustained in February was glad to get around the course and happy to be running again.
Four Striders travelled to Thurlby Village just south of Bourne to take part in the Thurlby 10k. With temperatures approaching the high 20s at the 11.00 start time, and a difficult steep climb within the first 2k then following an undulating course, this was going to be a challenging race. With an unrelenting sun and little shade down quiet country lanes time were always going to be slow. First Strider in was Paul Freemantle in a time of 45.25, Angie Harvey ran the race of the day, becoming the first lady home overall in a time of 47.10, a gritty and determined run despite the heat. Ted Preston 57.10 struggled in the conditions as did most of the competitors, Clive Holden also found the heat a problem and in deciding like Ted to abandon chasing a time and finish in a slow but more comfortable 60.55. Prior to the 10k race Steve Jackson ran with his young son Sam in the 3k Race who finished 5th overall which was an excellent result.
Three runners from Sleaford travelled to the Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln to take part in the second 5k race series hosted by Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club. The race is a three and a half lap circuit within the grounds of the Leisure Centre, and started at 19.30 in warm humid conditions. Paul Freemantle came home in a time of 20.36, Mike Folland ran a good time in 21.51 some 12secs up on his previous race. Angie Harvey of was soon to follow in a time of 22.07 again improving on her previous race. There are a further two races in this series over the next two months.
Three Senior Striders travelled north to Ranby to compete in the Rangy 10k. The Run starts and finishes outside Ranby Prison, and with a 2k section off road combined with an undulating course It makes for a challenging race. The unusual start time off 18.15 and cooler weather than the humid conditions predicted, made for a pleasant run. First Strider in was Paul Freemantle in a time of 44.10, followed in by Angie Harvey 46.59 despite suffering from a poor night's sleep previous, Ted Preston still leg weary from his Marathon exploits earlier in the month came home in a steady 50.59. Ranby Prison Running Club were the hosts of a well organised race.
Four Striders made their way to Ropsley near Grantham to take part in the Ropsley 10k. Despite the 7.30pm start the weather was still warm and humid. Paul Freemantle was forced to abandon his race a mile from the finish to come to the aide of another runner who had collapsed through the heat. (The runner from Grantham AC made a full recovery) Alan Buckberry led the way in in a good time of 44.10 closely followed in by Angie Harvey in an ever improving 44.21. Ted Preston running three days after his Full Marathon at Blackpool ran a solid 47.45. A good and well organised race hosted by Ropsley Road Runners.
On a very warm Tuesday evening two Sleaford Runners attended the Gordon Welbourn Tuesday Race which is approx 4 miles. The course was 4 laps of the Grove Leisure Centre, Balderton. Mike Folland ran in a very steady 26.45 followed by Angie Harvey in 27.02 minutes. Both runners enjoyed the course, which is predominantly grass and the fun atmosphere of the race.
Some Striders together with a loyal band of supporters headed to Blackpool to compete in the Blackpool Half and Full Marathon. To make the most of the weekend the club travelled the day before to make the most of the hot summer weather, and to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the many social delights that Blackpool had to offer. Race day was hot and humid and after a half hour delay the race both half and full started under the impressive icon that is Blackpool Tower. Running south along the promenade we were looked upon with great bemusement by many a tourist and day-trippers alike! Angie Harvey led the Striders home in 1.42 continuing her good run of form. Some 10 seconds behind, followed Paul Freemantle and despite an overnight stomach upset Alan Buckberry ran 1.45. Trevor Brown running in his first ever Half Marathon ran a creditable 1.46 cheered on loudly at the finish by his Wife and Children. Clive Holden with very little distance training so far this year ran round in a comfortable time of 1.55, Pat Riches was delighted with her 2.18 and a couple of seconds adrift of Pat was Julie Hanks making a welcome return to distance running after her long injury lay off. In the final running of the Full Marathon Ted Preston had to run a gritty race over a challenging two course in increased temperatures. His time of 4.19 was highly commendable such was the weather conditions, much was his pre race preparation the day before! A great weekend all round, with thanks to our loyal supporters who travelled with us, in particular our Club Social Secretary Maria Buckberry.
Paul Freemantle travelled to Stratford Upon Avon to take part in the Shakespeare Marathon. The rain predicted on the day did not arrive and although overcast for much of the race it was still warm. A well supported race at the start and finish but once out on this mainly rural course it was a lonely affair. The course was challenging and run over two laps, however a well marshalled and organised event from start to finish. He finished the race in 3 hours 38 minutes 55 seconds for which he was pleased.
A damp and dreary day in London failed to deter some 35,000 athletes from competing in the 26.2-mile London Marathon. Amongst them were 6 Striders. Pat Riches got round in 5 hours 30 minutes raising £500 for the Dreams Come True charity. Angie Harvey (9,597 th 3.53) raised £400 for NSPCC and commented “The weather conditions were good for running. For anyone chasing a PB it was perfect. The cheering crowds were absolutely fantastic, the marshals and helpers throughout the course were full of enthusiasm and support making this a race second to none. It’s not until you've done the run and experienced the atmosphere at the London Marathon that you understand why runners are addicted to this superb event”. Richard Dannatt (20,470 th 4.35) went well and had an amazing day. He would like to thank all the Striders for their help and support with the run up to the race.Steve Jackson (5,893 rd 3.36) in his second try at this distance shaved 13 minutes off his previous attempt. Alex Heatherington (9,770 th 3.53) had a bad day and was 20 minutes slower than last year. Paul Flavell (948 th 2.57) was the fastest Strider on t he day coming from behind James Cracknell at 15 miles to beat him by about 10 minutes at the end. He said the atmosphere was amazing and setting off from the elite runners area was great as their facilities were excellent - someone even fetched them tea and coffee before the race.
In near freezing conditions four Striders competed in the Farmyard Frolics 10k at Brooksby College near Melton Mowbray. The overall 400 strong entry for this fun run was about 200 down on previous years due to a sharp increase in the entry fee. The course which is all across farmers fields taking in some tests along the way including a tractor tyre tower, which gets bigger every year, a couple of straw bale challenges, other climbing obstacles and three times through Rearsby brook which comes up to waist level in places!First to cross the finishing line in around 20 th place was Steve Jackson in 55 minutes 48 seconds produced a better performance than the Sleaford Half Marathon the previous week. Next was Alan Buckberry who found the water feature not to his liking at all still had a smile on his face at the end but his feet were still numb 30 minutes later. Ted Preston, also around the hour point, found his longer trousers holding the water from the brook. Even so all of his running gear was discarded at the end due to the state of it. Clive Holden finished in the top third of the field just outside the one hour mark in the clear blue sky of Leicestershire and commented that this is a ‘top race’. All four really enjoyed the format and will be back here again next year.
This was the third running of the Sleaford Half Marathon from it’s new location at RAF Cranwell. 346 runners from all over the country completed the course which still makes this the largest event of it’s kind in the county. Months of hard work and planning by the members of Sleaford Striders and Trevor Brown in his first year as race organizer were evident as the run went ahead seamlessly. A slight course change this year meant that some of the worst off-road section was reduced. The course record was broken by Andy Jones from the City of Norwich Athletics Club in a time of 1 hour 15 minutes 03 seconds. The ladies record also went as well to Zara Hyde Peters from Coventry Godiva (15 th position overall 1.25.19). Striders were represented by Jane James (74 th 1.37.10), Steve Jackson (106 th 1.41.46), Paul Pocklington (108 th 1.42.06), Alan Buckberry (130 th 1.45.07), Richard Dannatt (206 th 1.56.10) and Stephen Brear (219 th 1.57.52).