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April 2014

Athletics Monthly

The Journal of the World Famous Scarborough Athletic Club

Some of our nine runner runners. Press Report and more photos in this edition

In this edition; Fixtures Lists. Road, Multi Terrain, Fell and Cross Country Road Rankings Scarborough Sports Development Officer’s latest Sports Bulletin Cartoon of the Month Quote of the Month. Athletics Biographies.. Lynzie Fleming Pro Am Injury Clinic Bulletin by Jenna Wheatman. Pain Press Reports From the Editor

Welcome to the April edition of the Club Magazine, and thank you to Jenna Wheatman and Lynzie Fleming for their contribution. I delayed the publication so that I could include this year’s London Marathon, at which our club was well represented in both the main event and also the Mini Marathon which is now the United Kingdom Road Race Championship for 11-17 year olds. At the other end of the age scale, Neil Scruton was the fifth fastest of the Over 65 age group. The spring road racing season is well under way, and has seen our distinctive vests at no less than 17 races this year. In two weeks time our young athletes will commence their Track and Field League season, and I wish them every success, and look forward to attending some of the meetings. In this edition is a list of two individual leagues that senior club members can attend, so whilst we do not have a team in a senior league, the opportunity exists for competition. Mick Thompson 01723 864442 [email protected]

Fixtures Club members have participated in almost all of the races listed. I can help with further information if required. Ed. Club members have participated in the under mentioned races mostly last year, or in past years

Road Kirby Moorside 10K 4 May Beverley 10K 11 May Leeds 11 May Askern 10K 21 May 25 May Melmerby (Ripon) 10K 25 May Mulgrave Castle 10K 1 June Humber Bridge 10K 1 June . Kirby Malzeard 10K 7 June Hull 10K 8 June Otley 10 mile 11 June Newton Aycliffe 10K 15 June Tees Pride 10K 15 June Kilburn 7 6 July Walkington 10K 11 July Ecup 10 mile 13 July Doncaster 5K 16 July Harrogate 10K 20 July Leeds 10K 20 July New Marske Victorian 10K 20 July Elloughton 10K 27 July York 10K 3 August Darlington 10K 10 August Whitby Regatta 4K 10 August Askern 10 mile 10 August York 5K 13 August Burnsall Feast 10 mile 23 August Eskrick 10K 24 August Tees Pride 10K 31 August Blakeneser (Hamburg) half marathon 31 August Tholthorpe 10K 7 September half marathon 7 September Master Stone half marathon 28 September Nottingam half and full marathon 28 September 28 September Redcar half marathon 28 September 5 October Chester Marathon 5 October York Marathon 12 October Our 10K 12 October Bridlington half marathon 19 October . Dresden marathon 19 October Amsterdam half marathon 19 October Cabbage Patch 10 mile 19 October Leeds Abbey Dash 10K 16 November Multi Terrain ( non extreme)

27 April. Fountains Abbey 10 K 11 May. Ravenscar half Marathon 25 May. Driffield Mucky Duck. 8.5 miles 15 June. Castle Howard 10K 6 July. Lakeland Trail half marathon 21 September. Pickering and Moors 10K 19 October Endcliffe Park, Sheffield 10K 9 November Dalby Dash 30 November Leeds Xmas 10K 14 December Great Yorkshire Pieathlon. 6K with Pie stops TBN December Loftus Poultry Run. 8 mile approx 28 December Jolly Hog (Ripon) 10K

Track and Field

Open Meetings – so far Sunday 26 May Cleethorpes

NYSD League For individuals. All on Tuesday nights

29 April Darlington 13 May Middlesborough 17 June Darlington 1 July Middleborough 15 July Darlington

City of York AC League For individuals. All at the Huntington Stadium

10 May Sunday 8 June Sunday 5 July Saturday 2 August Saturday

Championships

17/18 May Yorkshire County Cudworth 14 June North Yorks Schools TBN 14/15 June Northern Senior/U20 Manchester 11/12 July English Schools Birmingham 16/17 August Northern Under15/17 Wigan

Youth Development League Upper. U17/20 All fixtures on a Sunday

27 April Sheffield 1 June York 29 June Grimsby 27 July Middlesborough

Youth Development League Lower. U13/15

Saturday 3 May Cleckheaton Saturday 31 May Lincoln Sunday 22 June Grimsby Sunday 19 July Grimsby

Fell See also the Esk Valley Fell Race Club web site for further information..

Winter Series. (Seniors only unless indicated otherwise)

27 Apr Fox and Hounds

Summer Series

7 May Carlton Challenge 21 May Ossy Oiks 4 Jun Levisham Limping 18 Jun Whorlton Run 29 Jun Maybeck 7 Jul Carlton 17 Jul Cock Howe 31 Jul Gribdale 4 Aug Blakey Blitz 14 Aug Guisborough Grunt 28 Aug Inclined to Madness 11 Sep Roseberry Topping 14 Sep Castleton Show

Latest Road Race Rankings 2014

10K A. Fleming Sen Cleethorpes 34.42 l. Fleming Sen Cleethorpes 59.22 P. Markham M40 Sheffield 41.40 G. Adams M45 Dalton 46.00

5 Miles J. Robertson Sen Wombwell 27.56

One third marathon R. Buckle Sen Hornsea 55.41 D. Shipley M55 Hornsea 61.36 J. Johnson M45 Hornsea 70.52

10 miles M. Middleton Sen Snake Lane 64.50 S. Haslam F55 Snake Lane 71.37 A. Kolos Sen Snake Lane 79.08 D. Swift M50 Snake Lane 66.04 E. Wardman Sen Snake Lane 89.48 J. Poulter Sen Snake Lane 67.28 S. Kingscott F45 Snake Lane 95.19 N, Scruton M65 Snake Lane 69.26 J. Richards F50 Thirsk 107.49 P. Markham Sen Snake lane 69.28 S. Kelly M45 Snake Lane 71.12 D. Shipley M60 Snake lane 72.54 A. Curtis Sen Snake Lane 74.29 G. Cromack M55 Snake Lane 74.30 C. Wade M50 Snake Lane 77.12 G. Adams M40 Snake Lane 78,32 J. Johnson M45 Thirsk 80.21 N. Clarkson M40 Snake Lane 82.40 D. Fox M60 Ferriby 83.04 D. Hearn M60 Ferriby 83.09 J. Johnson M45 Ferriby 83.37 M. Webster M50 Ferriby 83.49 H. Forkin M65 Ferriby 86.29 D. Field M50 Ferriby 86.35 M. Sweetlove M60 Snake Lane 86.38 I. Anderson M45 Snake Lane 89.48 R. Ramos M45 Snake lane 99.11

Half Marathon A. Fleming Sen Liverpool 76.51 S. Haslam F55 Essar Villagey 91.32 T. Kraft M60 Brass Monkey 85.42 N. Hanson F40 Brass Monkey 107.32 M. Middleton Sen Brass Monkey 87.11 K. Curtis F35 Brass Monkey 115.24 R. Buckle Sen Brass Monkey 87.24 L. Jones F55 148.20 N. Scruton M65 Brass Monkey 90.54 C. Moran F45 Brass Monkey 155.55 P. Johnson M60 Liversedge 92.18 J. Poulter Sen Brass Monkey 92.38 O. Willis M45 Brass Monkey 93.25 D. Wallis Sen Essar Village 93.36 P. Markham Sen Brass Monkey 93.57 G. Cromack M55 Brass Monkey 97.23 A. Curtis Sen Brass Monkey 98.50 G. Adams M45 Northumberland 104.23 M. Webster M50 Brass Monkey 113.26 T. Rawlings M45 Brass Monkey 122.12

20 Miles N. Scruton M65 Hull 2.31.40 G. Cromack M55 Hull 2.40.58 J. Poulter Sen Hull 2.46.35

Marathon D. Swift M50 London 3.09.31 N. Hanson F40 London 3.48.15 M. Middleton Sen Manchester 3.13.02 S. Kingscott F45 London 4.35.13 N. Scruton M65 London 3.25.12 J. Poulter Sen Manchester 3.26.06 R. Maw M40 London 3.27.14 R. Buckle Sen London 3.30.15 G.Cromack M55 Manchester 3.27.01 M. Webster M50 London 3.44.38 S. Tymon M50 London 3.57.07 H. Forkin M65 London 4.26.55

Scarborough Borough. Sports Development Officer’s Latest Bulletin

Coach Education

We are looking at further developing some courses this year but for the mean time the following minimum operating standard courses are now available to book on;

Sports Coach UK Safeguarding and Protecting Children 1 – Thursday 15th May, 6:30 – 9:30pm at Scarborough Sports Centre, £25

Emergency Sport First Aid – Saturday 10th May, 9:30am – 12:30pm at Scarborough Sports Centre, £30

You can book on these courses via http://www.coachingnysport.co.uk under the courses tab.

Both these courses are required if you are coaching in a sporting environment.

Local Giving

A number of sports clubs have now successfully signed up for this online fundraising initiative, and are seeing the financial rewards for doing so. If you still would like to sign up please visit http://localgiving.com/ Please note that you do not have to be a registered charity to sign up to Local Giving.

Sport England Inspired Facilities

This funding stream that assists with the development of sports facilities now has an open process, it no longer has timed rounds. Further details can be found at http://www.sportengland.org/media- centre/news/2014/april/14/£17million-to-improve-grassroots-sports-facilities/ Scarborough and District Sports Council (SDSC) membership

The SDSC is looking to increase its membership and there are benefits to sports clubs in becoming a member club. The main benefit is gaining access to the Sports Grants Scheme that can fund courses, equipment, etc. Another benefit is raising awareness of club participation and event opportunities that the SDSC will do via its social media network. The membership form with further details is attached.

As ever if there are any sport related aspects we can assist with please let us know.

Enjoy your Easter!

Matt Hewison Sports Development Officer Service Delivery Scarborough Borough Council Telephone : 01723 501984 Mobile : 07967 465 328 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.scarborough.gov.uk

Committee Meeting Minutes. 14 April 2014. Scarborough Sports Centre

Present: Melanie Padgham, Chris Wade, Ralph Broadley, Tony Tomaszewicz, Simon Valente, Julie Clayton, Chris Clayton, Harry Forkin, Shaun Tymon

In attendance: John Watson (honorary president)

Correspondence: The club has been contacted by the Snowdrop Appeal to give thanks for support provided at the 2013 McCains 10k race, in which the club made a donation of £10 per runner entering for that charity.

An email has been received via UKA informing the club of a partially sighted runner who is based in Scarborough, enquiring whether the club may be able to support her. A reply will be made stating that the club will provide support as far as possible, and that this might best be established by talking to the runner concerned.

Notes of last meeting – matters arising Two club members are to undertake coaching curses, funded by the club on the basis that their services will be available following this training.

Finance Report The club’s accounts currently stand as follows: Current account: £2,552.41 High interest account: £1,021.69 Race account: £8,775.87 Savings account: £5,902.30 Track account: £22,762.12

Social Events Melanie will set up dates for two evenings at Weatherspoons and two bike rides over the summer.

Junior Section Issues The endurance group will meet at Graham School, which has been block booked to the end of July. Moving all of the Wednesday sessions to Bramcote School will be considered to save on costs involved in using two venues. At present contributions by participants do not cover all costs of sessions but the decision was made to leave the current level of contributions in place.

Annual General Meeting The 2014 AGM will be held on May 8, 2014. Notice of the meeting will be issued in accordance with the club constitution.

McCain 10k and Fun Run Entries for the 2014 10k will open on June 1st. It was agreed that it would be desirable to reduce the Fun Run entry fee from £3 to £1. This may be achieved by an increase in the 10k entry fee or by sponsorship.

Rugby Club Harry will contact the Rugby Club with a view to setting up a meeting to discuss the club’s current level of contribution to the club and the facilities available to SAC members.

Summer Handicap Series It is intended to provide a handicap race series over the summer, and three members have already stated their intention to do so, but helpers will be needed. This will be raised at the AGM.

Any Other Business: ParkRuns – the club has been approached regarding a potential ParkRun being set up at Ravenscar but will not be involved in this.

The prospect of a senior track team being resurrected will be raised at the AGM.

The club has been requested to help at the Race for Life to be held in Scarborough on July 16, 2014.

Next Committee Meeting The date and location of the next committee meeting will be decided after the AGM.

Quote of the Month

No one ever drowned in sweat. Anon. Especially not on the East Coast! Ed.

Cartoon’ of the month

Mini Biography

Lynzie Fleming

Lynzie transferred to us last year from Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club. She is married to Andrew Fleming who also joined us last year after retiring from the Royal Navy, in which Lynzie still serves. Ed

Years as a runner: 4

Best Performances:

Half Marathon: Great North Run 2012, 1:53:58 I really enjoyed this half marathon. I surprised myself by taking over 8 minutes off my previous half marathon PB. I enjoyed the weather it was raining the whole way round and the atmosphere was electric. Husband Andrew’s final words before I started the run were “don’t settle for anything over two hours”. I just kept thinking the whole way round that I couldn’t let him down. 10K: Woodhall Spa 2013, 51:38 This was a surprise PB as it was an undulating, winding course, and I had ran the Bupa London 10,000 the week before in 54’55”. 5K: Lincoln Wellington 5K 2012, 24:58 I don’t particularly like short distance runs and this is my best 5K to date. If I do run a 5K I like a flat and fast course and this is definitely one of the faster courses I have ran.

Favourite Races/Events: The Cyprus International 4-Day Challenge. There were no PB’s in this event. The races take place over four consecutive days. Day one is a 6K time trial race over mixed terrain. Day two is by far the hardest run as it 11km race with a 600m climb. The beautiful Akamas mixed-terrain half-marathon is on day three. The last day is a 10K road race. I think my head got me round and my legs followed. I ran a 53-minute 10K, which I was pleased with after three hard days.

Favourite Female Runners: Emma Stepto. An inspirational lady, who gives a late starting runner like me hope. I started running at the age of 27. I don’t think I’ll ever come near the standard of Stepto, but if I’m running better at the age of 44, I’ll be happy. Stepto believes that running well into your 40’s is as much a mental as physical game. She has proven this recently at the London Marathon, finishing second British lady with a time of 2 hours 36 mins and just behind first British lady Amy Whitehead who is 8 years younger.

Favourite Male Runners: Haile Gebrselassie. At the age of 41 I think Haile Gebrselassie has the experience and ability to run any race, any distance and tactically know how to attack it. He has won major titles from all distances from 1500 metres to the marathon. He has broken 27 world records and I consider him one of the greatest distance runners of all time. I remember watching him on a programme on the build up to the 2013 Great North Run and he was such a humble person, with a humble existence. He did not have a fancy gym, or fancy equipment. He just believes in running in its simplest form. He trained in between looking after his family and work. Proving if you want something hard enough you will make it work.

Targets and Ambitions: Having spent most of 2013/2014 injured I am slowly looking at starting to build up my fitness again. My main goals are to return to the standard I was previously at with the help of Andrew coaching me. My favourite distance is half marathon and I do hope that in the coming years I return to this distance. I would like one day to aim for sub 1hours 45mins. Once I feel ready I would like to move up to the marathon distance. The London Marathon is definitely on my bucket list of runs.

Amusing moments: In 2011, I ran the Troodos mountain race in Cyprus. The climb to the top was no problem. What I didn't realise at this point was that my vertigo would take over. I froze as I contemplated how I was going to get down the ski slope from the top. I eventually composed myself and slid down on my bottom most of the way.

Scarborough Sports Therapy Web Site Jenna Wheatman. BSc. MSST Scarborough Pro-Am Sports Injury Clinic

Pain! How pain travels

Pain results from a series of exchanges amongst your nervous system.

Nociceptors detect actual or potential tissue damage. They are most concentrated in areas prone to injury like fingers and toes. When nociceptors detect a potentially harmful stimulus, they relay pain messages in the form of electrical impulses along peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain. Severe pain is transmitted almost instantaneously.

Peripheral nerves extend from the spinal cord to your skin, muscles, bones, joints and internal organs. Some end with receptors that respond to touch, pressure, vibration, cold and warmth. Others end with nociceptors.

The spinal cord transmits pain messages via the dorsal horn. It is here that chemicals are released , (neurotransmitters), to activate other nerve cell in the spinal cord equipped to process the information and then transmit this information to the brain.

The brain is where you receive news of your pain; it arrives at the thalamus, a sorting and switch board station. The thalamus forwards the messages to the cerebral cortex. This is where the brain can respond to the physical sensation, the emotional feeling and the thinking region that assigns meaning to the pain. Messages will then be sent back down the spinal cord to modulate the incoming pain signals.

Reacting to pain messages. “Gate Control Theory”

Not all pain messages will reach your brain. At spinal cord level, specialized nerve cells, (gate keepers), will filter the pain messages, giving priority to severe pain and blocking weak pain messages.

Our touch receptors can also affect these gatekeepers as they send a stronger message. This explains why rubbing your sore area makes it better.

Messages can change within your peripheral nerves and spinal cord. Inflammation at the site of injury may add to your pain. The chemicals intensify the pain signal increasing sensitization.

Messages from the brain can influence your perception of pain affecting how the gatekeepers respond. Your brain can signal nerves cells to release natural painkillers such as endorphins or enkephalins which diminish the messages.

The latter explains how psychological and emotional processes can affect your experience of pain. How you interpret your pain and tolerance to pain can be affected by your;

 emotional and psychological state  memories of past pain experience  upbringing  age  sex  beliefs and values  social and cultural influences  attitude  expectations

The location of pain can affect how you perceive it. Pain that you can ease with more comfortable position is easier to tolerate than a constant headache.

Chronic Pain

Sometimes chronic pain is due to a chronic condition such as arthritis which produces inflammation in your joints. It may stem from damage to a peripheral or spinal nerve, (neuropathic).

Occasionally the cause of chronic is not well understood as there can be no evidence of damage to tissues and previous injuries are fully healed.

Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety are linked to chronic pain. Pain can be felt more intensely and treating the mental health condition can eliminate the pain

As mentioned previously sensitization can be the cause of chronic pain. The nervous system amplifies and distorts pain and the result is a painful condition that is severe and out of proportion to the disease or original injury.

To Conclude

The nervous system and how we respond to pain is very complex and I don’t think we will ever fully understand it. Pain is a very important stimulus which can tell us we are in danger and even save our lives, but when signals become over sensitized it can be a very frustrating condition for the person. It is with chronic pain that research needs to be focussed on stimulating our natural pain killers

Press Reports

English Schools Cross Country Championships

Bronwen Owen

Three of Scarborough Athletic Club's leading young athletes represented North Yorkshire Schools at the English Schools Cross Country Championships at Donington Park. In the Senior Girls Championship race, which included several Great Britain junior athletes, Bronwen Owen concluded her very successful cross country season after finishing up in eighth place of the 321finishers. In what was one of the top races of the championships, Bronwen was just four seconds behind the Clay sisters, who were the first two in the Edinburgh Junior International cross country eventearlier this year, and was also ahead of the reigning Schools Champion Annabel Mason. Bronwen will concentrate on triathlon and track and her targets of Great Britain selection for World Junior Championships at both disciplines.

In the Intermediate Girls Championships, Emma Clapton also concluded another successful cross country season which included another North Yorkshire Schools Championship win, when finishing in 38th and was the first scorer for the North Yorkshire Schools team which finished 8th of the 45 teams. Emma will also now concentrate on' triathlon andbuild on her previous success at regional and national level last year.

Bobby Scarborough ended his cross country season which included winning the East Yorkshire Cross Country League, when competing in the Senior Boys Championship for the last time before starting study at university. In what was another top quality race with several Great Britain junior athletes, and the top runners from all the English Counties, Bobby had to settle for 194th of the 314 finishers.

Northumberland Half Marathon

Over what was a tough course in wet and Scarborough Athletic Club's new member Graeme Adams caught the eye in the Northumberland Half Marathon. The event took place at Ponteland's Kirkley Hall, which is near Newcastle Upon tyne, Graeme finished well up in the top half of the 588 strong field in one hour 44 minutes.

Gateshead Parkrun

Scarborough Athletic Club's Bobby Scarborough took advantage of a visit to Gateshead to run in the weekly Parkrun series. Seventeen-year-old Bobby finished first of the 135 runners in 17minutes 42 seconds. His time was just five seconds away from the record for the age group.

Sewerby Parkrun

Five members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest Sewerby Parkrun.

The first for the club was new member Paul Chapman, who made a good debut at the event, finishing in 27th place of the 82 finishers in 24 minutes 14 seconds.

The next home and first of the three club’s women members, was the ever improving Liz Kraft who was the first Over-50 and 15th overall in 29.08. Liz was delighted to achieve a personal best for the Sewerby event.

She was followed by Liz Jones who was the first Over-55 and 21st overall in 31.31.

Sharon Houghton then made a notable event debut with second Over-55 and 23rd overall in 32.21.

Club Press Officer Mick Thompson achieved a personal best time of 32.32, and was the first Over-70, finishing ahead of ten younger runners.

Cleveland Survival

Six Scarborough Athletic Club members took part in the annual Cleveland Survival race. The competitors escaped the rain and sleet at parts of North Yorkshire, but had to battle with some strong winds on the open moors. The race was basically an orienteering event with a staggered start and runners having to navigate around 13 check points after receiving the grid references as they set off on a minimum 24 mile route at Sneaton near Whitby, which encompassed Littlebeck, Goathland Moor, Maybeck, Hawkser Moor then back to Sneaton.

The first to finish was Ian Ellmore who returned to racing after a time out due to injury. Ian was an impressive 12th in 4 hours 48 minutes. Julie Clayton, Jane Hamp and Sue Haslam stayed together and finished in 5 hours and 54 minutes. Jane was the first Over-50 and Sue was the first Over-60 finishers. Dave Parke completed the event alongside Melanie Padgham in 5 hours and 59 minutes

Liverpool Half Marathon

Scarborough Athletic Club was represented at the by Andrew Fleming who was attempting to improve on his personal best time for the distance, which he achieved at 2013 Great North Run. However after reaching the ten mile point well inside his target, strong coastal headwinds meant that whilst he was up in 13th overall of over 1500 runners, he had to settle for a time of 76 minutes 51 seconds and just over a minute slower than his time over the much faster Great North Run course.

Sewerby Parkrun

With a host of fixtures at the weekend, just three members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest of the weekly Sewerby Parkruns. The first of the trio to finish was Jonathan Poulter who achieved his best result of the series when finishing as the runner up and in a personal best time of 19 minutes and eight seconds.

Jonathan was followed home by Ryan Ward who was up in 6th overall of the 73 finishers and just outside his best time in 19.52.

Linda Hinchliffe who was competing in her 27th race in the series, achieved a reward for her persistence when achieving a personal best time of 29.42 after finishing 14th overall and the 4th Over-40

Thirsk 10 Mile Road race

Just two Scarborough Athletic Club members competed in this year’s Thirsk 10 mile road race. Newcomer Jim Johnson finished near the top half of the 801 finishers in 422nd with a personal best time of 80 minutes 21 seconds.

Jeanette Richards who used the race as training for future triathlons, had to contend with hail over the final two miles back to the finish at the racecourse, and was therefore pleased to finish in what was her best time for three years, when clocking 107.49

Dalton Dash

Graeme Adams represented Scarborough Athletic Club for the second consecutive weekend, when he competed in the Dalton Dash which is a challenging race over a scenic route which starts and finishes at South Dalton near Beverley. After achieving a personal best time for a half marathon last week, Graeme set another best when finishing up in 46th overall of the 194 finishers in 46.00 minutes

Sheffield Varsity Race

Philip Markham of Scarborough Athletic Club competed for his former university at the third running of the Sheffield Varsity 10 kilometre road race. Students, staff and alumni of both Sheffield Hallum and the University of Sheffield competed against each other over a three lap scenic but hilly route through Weston and Crookes Valley Park.

Phillip was pleased to finish up in 41st overall and 3rd Over-40 of the 352 finishers in 41 minutes 40 seconds, which was less than a minute outside his personal best time

Stokesley Duathlon

Scarborough Athletic Club members are regular competitors at triathlons events, and the first to compete this year were three club members who took part in the main race at the annual Stokesley Duathlon.

Chris Duck was the fastest finisher of the Scarborough trio with the 23rd best combined time of 1.35.34 for the two 5 kilometre runs and the 35 kilometre cycle section. The opening 5 kilometre run was completed in 18.02, and the final run in 18.26, and these were the 41st and 32nd fastest respectively. His overall finish position was greatly enhanced by a 56.59 bike section which was the 14th fastest

Darryl Maffey finished up in 65th of the 302 finishers, in a total time of one hour 41 minutes. He achieved times of 19.51 and 21.16 for his 5 kilometre runs, and like Chris Duck, also improved his overall position with a most impressive 35 kilometre cycle section when clocking 24th best time of 58.12.

Andrew Curtis finished well inside the top half of the 301 finishers in 140th place in a total time of 1.51.54, which was a 28 minute improvement on his 2013 time for the same event. Andrew started with 20.50 for the opening 5 kilometre, then a 67.58 bike section, followed by his best segment which was a closing 19.46 for the final run which was the 69th best of the day.

British Elite Duathlon Championships

Emma Clapton

Two of Scarborough Athletic Club’s young athletes made a very successful start to the new Triathlon season when competing in British Elite Duathlon Championships, which were held at the Northampton’s Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit, Corby.

17 year old Bronwen Owen who was the reigning 2013 British Youth Champion, moved up to the Junior Championship level, and after crossing the line first, showed that her progression to junior racing this season hasn’t fazed her in the slightest. At the post race interview, Bronwen commented: “I feel relieved and really good, especially after last year to follow it up with a win this year as well. I was more worried about the long bike today, with it being double the distance, which is quite a big step up but I didn’t actually find it that bad.”

Bronwen won in 01:01.26, with runner up Sophie Coldwell almost a minute back in 01:02.21. Third place went to Leah Peploe who finished in 01:02.54.

15 year old Emma Clapton who is the reigning Yorkshire and Humberside Triathlon Champion, came very close to winning the Youth Championship title on her debut. Emma completed the race in 32.37 and was just 7 seconds behind the winner Kate Waugh, with Elizabeth Hood third in 32.44

Blakey Blitz fell race

Two members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the Blakey Blitz fell race, which was based at the Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge near Castleton, and consisted of a 10.6 miles course with testing 2,805 feet of climb. Whilst the weather was much milder than usual this year, the runners had to contend with a hail storm!

Neil Scruton finished in 33rd overall and was the first Over-65 again, and thereby sealed the age group title with a race to spare.

Danny Walls who was competing as a Over 40 veteran for the first time, continued his improvement in only his second year of fell racing, when finishing up in 39th overall of the 95 finishers.

Clumber Sprint Duathlon

Scarborough Athletic Club was represented at the Clumber Sprint Duathlon, which was held at Worksop Notts by club newcomer Simon Pearson.

Simon completed the race which consisted of a 5 kilometre run, 20 kilometre cycle and a final 2.5 kilometre run, in 65.39 and was placed up in 71st of the 364 finishers.

Sewerby Parkrun

Eleven members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest of the weekly Sewerby Parkruns. On what was a overcast morning but with very little coastal breeze, many of the club members achieved personal best times, and were also prominent in their age groups.

Matthew Middleton achieved his fourth win in the event with a time of 18.30 which was close to his best of 18.20. He was followed by Jonathan Poulter who was third in 19.10 and just 2 seconds down on his best. Jeremy Goodall who was the third finisher for the club in 13th, achieved his best time of 21.17 after recovering from a fall during the race.

Ten year old Sophie Boddy was once again the first of the club’s female finishers and 4th overall in 23.04. Sophie was followed by Rachel Gyte who was 13th in 23.32 and Liz Kraft who was 21st and also the first Over-50 in 28.43. All three achieved personal best times.

Ben Metcalfe finished 25th in 23.47 and Paul Chapman was 29th in 24.02, and both achieved personal best times. Mick Thompson was 83rd overall of the 105 finishers in another personal best of 32.01 and was the first Over-70.

Shirley Field was the second Over-50 behind Liz Kraft and 28th overall in a personal best time of 30.27.

Lynzie Fleming continued her comeback after injury with a 30th place in 31.19. She was followed by Avril Metcalfe who was third Over-50 and 32nd overall in a personal best of 30.27.

Tracey Boddy who was competing for the second time in the event with her daughter, bettered her best time when finishing 39th overall in 33.31

Sheffield Hallum Parkrun

Scarborough Athletic Club was represented at the Sheffield Hallum Park run by Melanie Padgham and Julie Clayton. The race was staged at Endlcliffe Park, and had 523 runners competing on narrow paths in the park.

Melanie finished up in 51st overall of the 205 women in 25.03, and was followed by Julie who was 60th overall in 25.50

Manchester Marathon

Matthew Middleton and Jonathan Poulter warm up race at Sewerby

Three members of Scarborough Athletic Club joined 7,000 runners at the increasingly popular Manchester Marathon. The first of the Scarborough trio to complete the 26.2 course on the Sir Matt Busby Way finish, was Matthew Middleton who completed his debut marathon up in 494th in a personal best time of 3 hours 12 minutes.

Matthew was followed by Jonathan Poulter who made his marathon debut at York last year. His finish time at Manchester of 3 hours 26 minutes was a most impressive 22 minute improvement.

55 year old Geoff Cromack continued his remarkable sequence of personal best times for the marathon, and improved his time at last year’s Manchester Marathon by 29 minutes to finish in 3 hours 27 minutes. Geoff has achieved a personal best time at all of his five marathons, and his latest time has resulted in him being ranked number four for his age group

Berlin Half Marathon

Liz Jones who has raced in eight countries in the past four years since joining Scarborough Athletic Club, continued her travels when competing in the . On what was a very hot day in the German capital city, 57 year old Liz, bettered her times at Amsterdam and Barcelona last year when finishing in 2 hours 28 minutes.

Hanley Parkrun

Nicola Riley took advantage of a visit to Staffordshire to compete in the Hanley Parkrun. Nicola achieved her best time for the nationwide series of 5 kilometre races when finishing in 29 minutes and seven seconds. She was the 17th woman overall and also the second Over-45 in the race. Hardmoors Wainstones half marathon

Three members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest race of the Hardmoors series of races, which was the Hardmoors half marathon. The course which started and finished in the Hambleton village of Chop Gate, and included some well known landmarks such as Lordstones and The Wainstones, included some steep climbs over the moors and had a total of 2,500 feet of climb.

The first of the Scarborough trio was Danny Walls who has been in very good form lately, having finished as the runner up the previous week in the Seven Sisters Night Race, which was another Hardmoors event but over a shorter distance of 7 miles. At the Wainstones race, Danny was seventh overall of the 58 finishers in 2 hours 13 minutes. He was followed by Richard Crawley who was up in twelfth place with two hours 15 minutes.

Dave Parke clocked 2 hours 59 for 43rd overall and was the first Over-60

Skipton Triathlon

Two members of Scarborough Athletic club achieved some impressive results at the Freebird Sprint Triathlon which was held at Skipton. The course was over the standard distance of a 400 metre swim, a 20 kilometre cycle and a final 5 kilometre run.

Chris Duck built on his success at a duathlon last month, when finishing in 12th overall of the 201 competitors, in a splendid time of 66 minutes and 24 seconds.

Jane Hamp made an excellent start to her triathlon season when finishing first in the Over-50 age group, and notably the tenth woman overall in 82 minutes 28 seconds

Sewerby Parkrun

Ryan Mancrief

Due to a crowded fixture list, and some club members winding down for the London Marathon, just three Scarborough Athletic Club members competed in the latest weekly Sewerby Parkrun. There was an impressive club and event debut by Ryan Mancrief who finished as the runner up in 19 minutes 14 seconds. He was followed by Jeremy Goodall who finished up in ninth of the 125 runners, and in a personal best time of 21.07.

Linda Hinchcliffe came close to also achieving a personal best time, when finishing 30th woman overall and 5th Over-40 in 30.03

Hornsea One Third Marathon

Three members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the Hornsea One Third Marathon, which is now a recognised race distance. The first of the Scarborough trio to complete the 8.74 mile course was Richard Buckle who was 14th overall in 55 minutes 41 seconds.

He was followed by Dave Shipley who was well up the field in 41st and was also the third Over-55 in 61.36. New club member Jim Johnson was inside the top third of the 312 finishers with a 70.52 and 104th place finish.

Wakefield Open Meeting

Scarborough Athletic Club second claim member Jenna Wheatman, made a good start to the new Track and Field season when competing for her first claim club Wakefield Harriers at the club’s first open meeting of the season.

In the senior women’s Hammer event, Jenna finished in third place with a best throw of 48.43 metres

London Marathon

Harry Forkin, Sally Kingscott and Shaun Tymon before and after the London Marathon

Nine members of Scarborough Athletic Club joined 36,000 runners at the 34th running of the London Marathon.

The first of the Scarborough runners to cross the finish line in The Mall for the second consecutive year was Derek Swift who finished in 3 hours and 9 minutes, which was his best time for six years.

Nikki Hanson was the first of the Scarborough women, who like Derek had gained an automatic entry as a Good For Age competitor. Nikki finished in 3 hours 48 and thereby ensured that she will be join Derek as a guaranteed entry for 2015.

66 year old Neil Scruton was the third club member who gained automatic Good For Age entry, and after finishing in 3 hours and 25 minutes also booked his place for the 35th London Marathon. Neil also achieved the best age group result of the club’s runners with 5th of the Over 65 group.

Richard Maw finished close behind Neil in 3 hours 27 which was his best time since 2007.

Ultra distance specialist Richard Buckle who was competing in his second road marathon, was next home in 3 hours 30.

Michael Webster who was running in his first marathon after gaining one of the three places allocated to the club by the race organisers, fully justified his selection with a 3 hours 44 minutes clocking.

Shaun Tymon completed his eighth London Marathon as a fund raiser for Ellies Fund, which was set up after the death of Ellie Othick-Bowmaker to help families of children with brain tumours and raise awareness of this condition. This year Shaun was the seventh Scarborough runner to finish under four hours when crossing the line in 3 hours 57 minutes.

Sally Kingscott came within a minute of her 2013 time despite the comparatively unfavourable conditions as the temperature soared during the race, when finishing in 4 hours 35 minutes.

The oldest of the Scarborough runners, 67 year old Harry Forkin, the Club Chairman, was also just a minute outside his time last year with a time of 4 hours 26 minutes

Virgin Mini Marathon – British Athletics Road Race Championships

Scarborough Athletic Club’s Emma Clapton represented Yorkshire and Humberside at the British Athletics Road Race Championships, which is now officially incorporated into the Virgin London Mini Marathon. The event for athletes aged 11 to 17, is run over the final three miles of the marathon course, finishing in The Mall. Entry to the championship races is solely after selection by one of the nine competing regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Previous winners have included the reigning double gold medallist Mo Farrah. Emma was selected following an outstanding year in athletics, and for which she received Scarborough Borough Sports Awards last year.

Emma fully justified her selection when finishing third scorer for her team in 17 minutes 41. The team was placed fifth, and just a second down on the Scotland team.

Sewerby Parkrun

Emily Hinchcliffe

Seven members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest weekly Sewerby Parkrun. The first finisher for the club was Ryan Mancrief who improved on his event debut time last week, after finishing third in 19 minutes and 6 seconds.

Ryan was followed by Darryl Maffey who made a very good event debut in 11th and 20.25. He was closely followed by Jeremy Goodall who ran a personal best time of 20.51.

The first of the five Scarborough women finishers who all achieved some good age group results, was Nicola Riley who was the 11th woman overall and the first Over 45 in 27.28 which was just 4 seconds off her personal event best time.

Nicola was followed by Shirley Field who was 14th and 2nd Over 50 in 28.49.

Liz Jones was once again the first Over 55 in 30.51 and was also 17th overall. She was followed by Avril Metcalfe who was 20th and 3rd Over 50 in 31.34.

Linda Hinchcliffe finished in 30.27 and 17th place, and was joined in the race by her 13 year old daughter Emily Hinchcliffe, who has just started running and has not joined a club as yet. Emily finished her second ever Parkrun in 18th and was the second Under 14 finisher in 31.08 which was a personal best time.