Sleaford Striders Cross Country fees are paid for by the Club.
Cross country training is on a Sunday morning starting at 10a.m.
Held by kind permission of Mark and Paula Ireland the training takes place in North Rauceby on a field that gives practice on a realistic cross country course. This is a coached session and will help anyone thinking about running cross-country a chance practice and improve.The venue is just off the A17. Heading towards Newark you pass the petrol station on your right. At the cross roads take a left towards North Rauceby. Pass the farm on your right and the next entrance will take you into a grassed area where you can park. The field we train in is on the left about 50 yards further down the road.
2009/10 Season
Sunday 26th of October saw the first league mach in the Lincolnshire cross country season. The event held at RAF Cranwell presents runners with a challenging course that takes in woodland, hills and has them climbing over fallen trees. Athletic and running clubs from all over the county take part in this four match series.
First to run were the under 11’s boys they ran a course that included a steep hill and some standing water. Patrick James was the first Strider to finish crossing the line in7th place followed closely by Alex Carmen (8th) and Andrew Boden (9th) Alfie Leadbitter came 12th and Harry Stinson 13th. In the under11 girls race Freja Munks ran a brilliant race and finished 2nd with Nicole Davey 18th and Kirsty Carter 20th.Under 13 Boys ran a longer route that took them through the woods. Sam James was 5th to cross the line Elliot Asbury came 9th. Daniel Runacres came 15th with Joe Hanks close behind (16th). This result put the Striders U13 boys in 3rd place in the league. Under 13 Girls gained 7th place in the league with Keely McNiffe coming home in 18th place, Tilly Ireland 21st and Beth Preston 23rd.
Under 15 boys had two Striders running Josh Asbury came 11th and Adam Runacres 12th. Under 15 girls also had two Striders representing Sleaford Megan Hird (16th) and Helena (19th). As a team needs three runners Striders did not achieve a leage position in either race.
Under 17 boys saw Jonathan Davey finish in a very strong second position and James Marsay 14th
Twelve Striders represented the town in the Senior Ladies race. Jane James was 6th overall but the first in her category. Emma Marshal Tefler came 15th with Anna Thompson finishing in 25th place followed in close succession by Leanne Ward (29th), Maureen Runacres (31st), Julie Hanks (36th), Michelle Hird (38th), Lyndsey Menekas (39th), Linda Melloy (40th). Three more ladies finished in close order Jo Leadbitter (51st) Annie Giles (52nd) and Lorainne Vince (53rd) . These performances put Sleaford Striders in 5th position in the league.
The Senior Mens race also had twelve Striders representing the town. John Siddens came 4th overall but was the winner in his category. Matt Balantyne made the trip back from University to race and came 8th. Alan Oliver ran his first Cross Country and came 19th. Ed Brown came 29th followed by Andy Preston (42nd), Alex Tefler (50th). Alan Buckberry (51st) , Ian Hanks (58th), David Miller (63rd), Vince McNiffe (67th), Jon Hird (69th) and Ted Preston (73rd). This put Sleaford Striders in a very strong 4th place in the league.
Many thanks to the members of the club who volunteered to marshal this race and to Di Aurbery for all the work she put in to organise the match. Sleaford Striders were the host club for this event.
04 October 2008 Louth Open (Thanks to Clive for this report)
37 members of Sleaford Striders travelled to Louth for the Louth Open Cross Country Meeting. This is the traditional opening of the season for the club and a well organised event on a challenging course. The venue is on London Road in Louth and is run on fields set on the side of a hill.
In the under 11 boys race Ellis Jordan was the first Strider to cross the line in 7th place closely followed by Andrew Boden 12th, Gabe Lester 13th, Patrick James 18th and Alfie Leadbitter 25th. Under 11 girls saw Freya Munks return to racing after a broken arm forced her to miss the track season and she was first Strider achieving 11th place. Followed by Florence Ireland 17th, India Freeman 20th Kirsty Carter 21st and Maria Hird 26th.
Under 13 Boys saw Samuel James give a strong performance and making 6 place with Elliot Asbrey just two places behind 8th and Daniel Runacres 15th. Under 13 Girls race had three Striders with Keely McKiiffe running to 11th place followed by Tilly Ireland 12th and Bethanie Preston 14th.
Under 15 Boys had just two Striders entered with Josh Asbrey finishing in 6th place and Adam Runacres in 9th. Under 15 Girls also had just two Striders, Megan Hird finished in 6th place with Helena Hird in 7th.
The senior race combines three age groups in one race. In the Ladies race Jane James was third with Anna Thompson finishing in 6th place. Leanne Ward was 8th but first in her age group. Closely followed by Maureen Runacres 9th, Julie Hanks 10th, Margaret Parkin 12th, Michelle Hird 13th, Fiona Freeman 15th, Loraine Vince 18th and Jo Leadbitter 19th. In the Men’s race Ed Brown was 14th overall and 4th in his age group followed in close succession by Andy Preston 30th, Alan Buckberry 35th, Ian Hanks 36th, Ted Preston 40th, Jon Hird 41st, Vince McNiffe 43rd and Clive Holden 47th.
It was a great day out and as always the Striders stayed all day to cher their club mates on. Several of the ladies were running Cross country for the first time since they were at school and they really enjoyed themselves. Thank you to Julie Hanks for organising the trip. Next cross country is Linc’s League Match 1 and will be held at RAF Cranwell on October 26th. It is open to all club members however as we are the host club for this event we also need marshals if you are able to help please come along. Cross Country training this Sunday at Raucby 10 o’clock, road running training run from the football club at 9 on Sunday.
9 December 2007 Skegness
Round 4 of the Lincolnshire League Cross Country took place at a cold and windy Skegness. Striders were well represented with 28 runners making the journey. Results as follows:
U11 Girls, Tilley Ireland 7 th. U13 Girls, Beth Preston 19 th.U15 Girls, Megan Hird 22 nd, Helena Hird 23 rd. Senior/Vet Ladies Jane James 6 th, Sarah Miller 11 th, Emma Marshall 17 th, Linda Melloy 28 th, Maureen Runacres 29 th, Michelle Hird 32 nd.
U11 Boys Alex Carmen 7 th, Dan Runacres 9 th, Ben Crossley 10 th, Pat James 13 th. U13 Boys Jake Miller 2 nd, Sam James 10 th, U15 Boys Adam Runacres 8 th. Senior/Vet Men, Stuart Mc Kellar 16 th, Nick Reet 30 th, Ian Hanks 39 th, Andy Preston 40 th, Alan Buckberry 42 nd, Dave Miller 46 th, Graham Potter 48 th, Ted Preston 52 nd, Vince McNiffe 53 rd, Clive Holden 56 th, Pete Nadin 57 th.
The County Championships take pace on Sunday 6 th January at London Road, Louth. Runners must collect their disks from team manager Di Aubrey prior to racing.
The third Lincolnshire League cross country match took 33 Striders to a new venue at Riseholme College Campus Lincoln. It was very soft underfoot and the runners all finished tired and mud-splattered! As always the Striders were well supported by fellow athletes, families and friends and everyone ran with determination for their club.
Altogether 19 juniors competed and were a credit to us. In the U11 girls race Tilly Ireland 14th; India Freeman 37th: Kirsty Carter 38th and Katie Pitt 39th. U11 boys Alex Carman 16th; Daniel Runacres 25th; Benjamin Crossley 30th: Alfie Leadbitter 33rd and Patrick James 34th. U13 girls Keely McNiffe 27th and Bethany Preston 28th. U13 boys Jake Miller 4th; Daniel James 14th; Callum Foard 15th and James Ward 31st. U15 boys Adam Runacres 17th.The Ladies were well represented with 7 runners taking part. Jane James finished in 3rd position; Sarah Miller 14th; Emma Marshall 15th; Leanne Ward 23rd; Maureen Runacres and Linda Melloy finished in a dead heat to come 30th and 31st and in her first cross country Michelle Hird ran her heart out to finish 35th.8 men competed with John Siddens leading the Striders home in 11th place, Ian Hanks 47th; Vince McNiffe 62nd; Andrew Preston 64th; Alan Buckberry 65th; Ted Preston 67th and Karl Aubrey 73rd. Unfortunately Stuart McKellar was late at the start but despite being 5 minutes behind the rest he managed to overtake about half of the field! Very well done to all athletes!The 4th match in the season is at Skegness on December 9th. Regretfully, Di will not be able to attend, so please report to Julie Hanks on arrival.All Striders who wish to take part in the Championships at Louth, London Road on January 6th 2008, must either give their name to Julie at Skegness or ring Di Aubrey on 01529 307348 by December 14th at the latest. Failure to do so will mean that you cannot run, as everyone has to be registered before the day. If you need further information do not hesitate to contact Di.04 November 2007 Harlaxton
There was a brilliant turn out by the Sleaford Striders at the 2nd Lincolnshire Cross Country League match at the delightful Harlaxton Manor. Our thanks to Grantham Athletics Club for hosting this well laid out and marshalled course.
The weather was ideal and although the course was wet under foot and very hilly, it was 'enjoyed' by all and every Strider represented their club with enthusiasm and commitment- well done to all!
The results were as follows:
U11 girls:Tilly Ireland 17th and India Freeman 30th; U11 boys: Alex Carmen 12th; Jordan Ellis 18th; Daniel Runacres 23rd; Patrick James 25th; Benjamin Crossley 27th; Joe Hanks 29th and Alfie Leadbitter 32nd. U13 girls Keely McNiffe 16th and Bethany Preston 18th: U13 boys:Samuel James 9th and Callum Foard 11th. U15 girls Megan Hird 20th and Helena Hird 22nd. U15 boys Adam Runacres 9th. In the ladies race Jane James 5th; Sarah Miller 15th; Emma Marshall 18th; Leanne Ward 22nd; Linda Melloy 30th and Maureen Runacres 32nd. The men's race John Siddons 7th;Stuart McKeller 25th; Ian Hanks 30th;Dave Miller 48th;Andrew Preston 51st; Vince McNiffe 55th; Alan Buckberry 57th; Ted Preston 59th; Colin Carmen 60th; Karl Aubrey 63rd;Graham Potter 70th; Gary Wilson 74th; Clive Holden 75th and Pete Nadin 76th.
Thanks to all the supporters, families and friends. The 3rd match in the series is on November 25th at University of Lincoln, Riseholme College Campus. Enter from the A46 or A15 sign posted University of Lincoln, Lawress Hall only. There are foot and mouth restrictions on at present and they MUST be adhered to. First race U11 boys/girls at 11:50am. See you all there.
The First Lincolnshire Cross Country League Match was staged at RAF Cranwell on the 28th October 2007, hosted by Sleaford Striders. It was a blustery, showery Sunday and 33 Sleaford Striders took part in the very well attended match.
Our members were very successful, as follows: Under 11 girls: Tilly Ireland 18th: Kirsty Carter 30th: India Freeman 32nd and Katie Pitt 38th. The Under 11 boys: Alex Carman 19th; Daniel Runacres 25th; Patrick James 27th; Joe Hanks 33rd; Benjamin Crossley 34th and Alfie Leadbitter 37th. In the Under 13 girls race Keely McNiffe came 21st and Bethany Preston 22nd. The Under 13 boys Samuel James 13th; Callum Foard 16th and James Ward 27th. The Under 15 girls Helena Hird 36th and Megan Hird 37th and Adam Runacres in the Under 15 boys.
The ladies team was lead in by Jane James in 7th place followed by Sarah Miller 20th; Emma Marshall 22nd; Sam Lester 27th; Leanne Ward 33rd; Linda Melloy 39th and Maureen Runacres 40th.
The men were well represented with 10 Striders. Matthew Ballantyne led them home in 26th place in a field of nearly 100. Ian Hanks was in 33rd position followed by Dave Miller 57th; Terry Grant 59th; Vince McNiffe 60th; Andrew Preston 63rd; Alan Buckberry 66th; Ted Preston 67th; Jon Hird 75th and Peter Hayward 98th.
Team manager, Di Aubrey, wishes to congratulate all athletes and say a really big thank you to all runners, families, friends and officials who helped on the day to make this event a successful one for the Sleaford Striders.
Match 2 in the League is Sunday 4th November at Harlaxton Manor on the A607 Grantham to Melton Mowbray first race at 11:50. See you all there! Any queries Tel: Di Aubrey on 01529 307348.
Two of our youngsters have been chosen to represent Lincolnshire at the Inter Counties Championships at Nottingham on 24/02/2007; Matthew Bee for u13's and Simon Parr for U15's, so great for Striders.31 ran in total on Sunday, it was very wet, cold and windy! All made a tremendous effort. There were ten U11's running. Ellie Boyson was the first girl home to win the race, Tilly Ireland, Illana McMahon, Keely McNiffe and Bethany Preston also ran in the U11's. The Boys U11's were Aaron Smith, Alex Dickinson, Joe Hanks, Daniel Runacres and Jack Holden. The Under 13 boys won second place in the team prize, the first three home being Matthew Bee, Robson Hill and Adam Runacres. The others in this group were Ben Holden, Sam Jackson and James Ward. The other U15 to run was Tom Hanks.All those who had competed in 3 or more races got a medal in the juniors. Dave Tilley was the first man home and Jane James for the women.As always there was good support and enthusiasm from everyone and they had the tent up which was a great help. Great end to season.Team Manager Di Aubrey sends her thanks and congratulations to all runners and supporters.
Round 2 of the Lincs Cross Country took place on 29 th October at Hubbards Hill, Louth. Another large turnout of over 20 made the trip. Results are as follows: Senior/Vet men, 10 th Dave Tilley, 49 th Clive Holden, 54 th Karl Aubrey, 55 th Ian Hanks, 57 th Vince McNiffe, 58 th Ted Preston. Senior/Vet Ladies, 8 th Jane James, 19 th Julie Hanks, 23 rd Lea Ward. U11 Girls, 4 th Ellie Boyson, 16 th Keely McNiffe. U11 Boys, 3 rd Sam James, 7 th Alex Dickinson, 12 th Joe Hanks, 13 th Jo Hill, 14 th Jack Holden. U13 Boys, 15 th Adam Runacres, 21 st Robson Hill, 22 nd Ben Holden, 23 rd James Ward. U15 Boys, 19 th Tom Hanks. Round 3 is at Woodhall Spa on Sunday 26 th November.
22 Striders went to Skegness for Round 1 of the Lincs Cross Country League. The temperature was very mild on the coast but this course was as difficult as ever on the sand. As expected, first home in the men’s race in his first outing in the cross country team was Dave Tilley in 6th place overall and first vet in the 71 strong field. Making their first appearance in the Striders’ vest were Ian Hanks 55th and Vince Mc Niffe 63rd. The other runners were Paul Maslem 45 th and Clive Holden 64th. Graham Potter retired at the half way point well adrift in last place.
Jane James was first home in 8 th place in the Senior womens’ race. Other runners were Maureen Runacres 19 th, Julie Hanks 24 th and Lea Ward 25 th.
The U11 girls’ team won first place in their event thanks to Ellie Boyson 2 nd, Tilley Ireland 3 rd and Abbie Danes 5 th. Also ran Keely McNiffe 17 th and Beth Holden 19 th. The U11 boys were represented by Joe Hanks 11 th, Dan Runacres 12 th and Jack Holden 13 th. The U13 boys’ team won second place, Matthew Bee 3 rd, Adam Runacres 10 th and Ben Holden 18 th. The other runner was James Ward 20 th.
Round 3 of the Lincs cross country league moved on to RAF Cranwell last Sunday. The event was hosted and organized by members of Sleaford Striders Athletics Club. Running numbers were down as many of them were acting as course marshals. The recent cold snap hardened the ground and made the going easier over the farmers’ fields this year. Placings were as follows: U11 girls, 17 th Kate Ireland, 23 rd Beth Preston. U13 Girls, 12 th Sarah King, Ladies Race, 7 th Jane James, 11 th Louise Hayward. U11 Boys, 18 th Tom Goodwin. U13 Boys, 13 th Harry Smith, 15 th Adam Runacres. U15 Boys, Tom Hanks. Mens Race, 10 th Matthew Ballentyne, 22 nd Paul Flavell, 39 th Paul Maslen, 43 rd Dave Miller, 46 th Alan Buckberry, 47 th Paul Hardy, 50 th Ted Preston, 54 th Graham Potter.
There was another good turnout for the Striders at Skegness last week for round 2 of the Lincs Cross Country league. Conditions were favourable on the east coast in bright sunshine with a firm wind coming in from the North Sea. Alterations to the course this year meant less of the slippy mud but runners paid for this with more soft sand which was extremely hard to run on as it was near impossible to get into any kind of proper stride pattern. Results: U11 Girls; 11 th Kate Ireland, 16 th Keely McNiffe, 22 nd Beth Preston. U13 Girls; 20 th Jayne Ireland, 24 th Emily Heatherington. U11 Boys: 13 th Tom Goodwin. U13 Boys: 21 st Adam Runacres. U15 Boys: 20 th Tom Hanks, 23 rd Neil Ireland. Men’s race: 16 th Matthew Ballentyne, 32 nd Paul Hardy, 35 th Alan Buckberry, 36 th Paul Maslen, 39 th Ted Preston, 40 th Clive Holden, 44 th Graham Potter, 46 th Karl Aubrey.
Round 1 of the Lincolnshire Cross Country league match took place at London Road, Louth. Striders were well represented especially at junior level. Conditions were dry on the hilly trail/grass courses. Positions were as follows: U11 Girls (20 competitors), 11 th Daisey Wattam, 17 th Kate Ireland, 19th Beth Preston. U11 Boys, 14 th Tom Godwin. U13 Girls, 8 th Sarah King. U13 Boys, 12 th Harry Smith. U15 Boys 16 th Tom Hanks. Senior Ladies, 22 nd Pat Riches. Senior Men (58 competitors), 11 th Matthew Ballentyne, 34 th Dave Miller, 37 th Paul Hardy, 40 th Paul Maslem, 48 th Ted Preston, 50th Karl Aubrey.
Match 4 in the Lincolnshire Cross Country league took place on Sunday at Woodhall Spa Woods. Conditions were mild and dry for the sandy soil course. A fifteen strong team of Sleaford Striders competed here and all said how much they enjoyed it. In the U11 1,578 metre course, Tom Hanks is showing good improvement to finish 14 th out of 23. The men’s 8,649 metre 64 strong field contained 10 Striders. The A team consisted of Matthew Ballentyne (23rd), cross country specialist, Dave Miller (25th) and Paul Freemantle (29 th). The B team were : Rob Hodgson (30th)Karl Aubrey (32nd), and Trevor Brown (36 th). Other runners were Alan Buckberry (38 th), Ted Preston (47 th), Clive Holden (48 th) and Graham Potter (55 th). In the senior ladies 5,766 m race, Emma Lord showed consistency to finish 9 th. Angie Harvey (15 th) and Julie Hanks (23 rd) made up the A team. Female athlete of the year Pat Riches finished in 30 th.
Match 3 in the Lincolnshire Cross Country league took place on Sunday at RAF Cranwell. This was the first time the Sleaford Striders have hosted a Cross Country event. The organisers worked very hard to ensure everything went by without a hitch. Special thanks go to RAF Cranwell for allowing the venue and Ted Butcher from Lincolnshire Athletics for his expertise. Thanks also go to the Scouts and Sleaford Striders and their families including: Di Aubrey, Clive Holden, Arthur Moore, Marie Buckberry, Ted Preston and Steve Roberts. In the U11 boys 1,200 metre race there were first outings for Ben Holden (22 nd) and Adam Runacres (23 rd). Tom Hanks had another fine run in the U13 2,400 metre event to finish 13 th. The senior ladies put out another strong team in the 4,600 m race, Emma Lord (8 th), Louise Hayward (15 th) and Julie Hanks (23 rd). The men’s 9,200 metre 70 strong field contained 8 Striders. The A team consisted of Matthew Ballentyne (35 th), Dave Miller (41 st) and Rob Hodgson (43 rd). The B team were : Karl Aubrey (45 th), Trevor Brown (46 th) and, recently crowned male athlete of the year, Alan Buckberry (52 nd). Ted Preston (56 th) is getting better steadily and the final runner was Graham Potter (65 th).
On Sunday 5 th December, nine Sleaford Striders made their way to a mild Hubbards Hills near Louth for the second match in the Lincolnshire Cross Country League. The first Strider to finish in the men’s 8,379 metre race in 28 th place was Matthew Ballentyne. Second in this muddy 3-lap course was cross country specialist Dave Miller (34 th). Karl Aubrey (37 th) was the final member of the A team. First for the B team was Alan Buckberry (38 th). Clive Holden (45 th) was second. It is good to see Ted Preston (49 th) back from his ankle injury sustained in September. On the Ladies 2-lap, 5,298 metre course Emma Lord had a good race to finish 10 th. Julie Hanks finished a few places behind in 19 th. Tom Hanks crossed the line in 18 th in the U13s 2,669 metre race. 24 October 2004 SkegnessOn Sunday 24 th October, 14 Sleaford Striders made their way to a very warm Skegness for the first match in the Lincolnshire Cross Country League. Along with the usual mud and water made more difficult by a constant downpour for the previous 2 days, the course was all the more interesting for the run through the sand dunes and along the beach. The men’s course of 9,390m was run over 4 laps. In a field of 49 competitors, first home for the Striders was Matthew Ballentyne who finished in 18th place overall in 42 minutes 30 seconds. Next in was Paul Freemantle (43.31) in 23rd spot. David Miller (44.55) in 27 th ensured the ‘A’ team finished seventh. The ‘B’ team finished ninth and was made up from Karl Aubrey (45.44) in 30 th, Robert Hodgson (45.50) in 32 nd and Alan Buckberry (46.19) in 33 rd. Other runners were Clive Holden (49.20) in 40 th, Graham Potter (50.57) in 43 rd and Ted Preston (58.25) in 48 th. In the 5,548m ladies 20 strong race, Emma Lord crossed the line in 28 minutes 48 seconds giving her 6 th place. Angie Harvey (30.43) in 11 th and Julie Hanks (32.44) in 14 th gave them fourth placed team. It was nice to see Ruth Chamberlain back here again (32.58) in 15 th after her ‘killer’ comments the last time she ran here. Tom Hanks finished 12 th out of 15 entrants in the Under 13 Boys category. His time of 12 minutes 13 seconds gave him first place for his age on the 1,351m course. Most Striders agreed that this was a tough but very enjoyable and rewarding race because of the novelty of the sand.