`

February 2013

Athletics Monthly

The Journal of the World Famous Scarborough Athletic Club

Bronwen Owen was 9th and Emma Clapton 13th at the Nationals. Full report in this edition. Well done to all six club members who took part.

In this edition;

Committee Meeting Minutes. 10 December and 21 February Fixtures Lists. Road, Multi Terrain, Fell and Cross Country Latest totals. Senior Cross Country Participation Trophy Cartoon of the Month Quote of the Month. Sports Therapy Website by Jenna Wheatman. Ankle Injuries.. Recovery Runs. Runners World USA article Athletics Biographies. Pete Northedge Road rankings Press Reports From the Editor

Welcome to the February edition of the Club Magazine, and thank you to Jenna Wheatman, Sue Lawal and Pete Northedge for their contribution.

This edition is produced slightly later in the month, as I wanted to include the minutes of the latest Committee Meeting Minutes. These are duly published herein, and contain an important announcement for club members.

With the end of end of winter imminent, I have listed details of plenty of road and Track and Field events, plus the all year round fell and off road races.

Due to recent increase in ankle injuries, Jenna Wheatman has tailored her monthly Pro Am Newsletter to this, and for those training hard for spring marathons, I have lifted some advice regarding recovery runs for interest.

Finally, well done to all those who represented the club at the two leagues and championship events. It has been a joy to witness the enthusiasm and another overall successful season over the hills and mud!

Mick Thompson 01723 864442 [email protected]

Committee Meeting Notes 10 December

Present: Chris Clayton, Julie Clayton, Harry Forkin, Tony Tomascewicz, Chris Wade, Ralph Broadley, Simon Valente

The meeting was held specifically to decide on allocation of the three club places in the 2013 London Marathon. Four applications for a place had been received from club members. These were considered against the qualifying criteria for allocation of a club place and after due discussion it was decided that the three club places should be allocated to Shaun Tymon, Lucy Harrison and Dave Baldwin.

21 February

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

In attendance: John Watson, Melanie Padgham

Apologies for absence: None

Correspondence: UKA notification of fees increase to £10.00 per member for 2103/14.

Invitation from Coastival for club members to assist with event in 2013 (not running related)

Finance: Tony Tomaszewicz reported on the club’s accounts. There are no plans to use any of the track fund at present.

Social events: Recent nights put at local pubs had been successful. A pre-London marathon evening out will be held on April 18 at Gianni’s or Florio’s. The presentation night will follow a similar format to the usual, at Scarborough Cricket Club, with a buffet. Ideas for the year include a summer bike run and a summer ball at the Spa.

Junior Section Issues: The move to has been successful. will be used again over the summer. Chris Wade is to attend a local network meeting on March 5th regarding submitting a bid for funding in for coaching and volunteer development. The issue of runners under 11 years of age competing without being registered was discussed. It was decided that all under 11s who compete should pay £10.00 to ensure they are registered as required.

Beverley 10K: Around 40 club members have entered the Beverley 10K race and 14/15 are interested in using a club coach as transport for this event. A programme for the day will be put together and coach travel offered to members.

Slower Runners Group: The issue of the slower main group on club training nights was discussed. The average pace of this group may have increased over recent months, but the use of turn-round points and experienced members running alongside new runners has helped to include and support new members on training nights, however there is a need to ensure that novice runners who may not cope with the distance or pace of the main group are supported on short/slow runs if necessary. Volunteers from the committee should fill this need as required.

Chairman’s Role: Chris Clayton wishes to stand down from the position of Chairman with effect from the A.G.M. Nominations are invited to replace Chris.

Membership Fees: It was agreed that the increase in UKA fees should be incorporated into the club’s subscription fees for 2013/14, but no other increase is planned.

Membership Database: The maintenance of the membership database will be taken on by Tony Tomaszewicz so that one person is dealing with receiving subscriptions and updating the database.

Any Other Business:

Charity Commission submission: This has been dealt with for 2011 and Shaun Tymon will do so for 2012.

Chris Wade asked if provision could be made to prevent race numbers for the 10K race being folded in the post. A “do not bend” instruction will be printed on address labels.

Annual General Meeting: The date of the A.G.M. was provisionally set for April 25, 2013

Next Committee Meeting: The next committee meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Scarborough Rugby Club.

Fixtures Club members have participated in almost all of the races listed. I can help with further information if required. Ed.

Cross Country Fixtures 2012-2013

March 9 English Inter County Champs. Birmingham March 16 (Sat) English Schools Champs. March 23 (Sat) Schools International. Wales

Fell

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

Northern Runner Winter and Summer Series. (Seniors only unless indicated otherwise)

24 March Blakey Blitz 7 April Pinchinthorpe Plod All age groups – shorter races 21 April Moors All age groups - shorter races 5 May Fox and Hounds All age groups – shorter races 15 May Carlton Challenge All age groups – shorter races 26 May Levisham Limping 30 May Roseberry Romp 5 June Ossie Oiks FM 18 only 19 June Whorlton Run FM 18 only 29 Jun Maybeck FM 18 only 7 Jul Carlton Meander All age groups – shorter races 17 Jul Cock Howe All age groups – shorter races 31 Jul Gribdale Gallop All age groups – shorter races 3 Aug Osmotherly FM 16 only 8 Aug Bransdale 14 Aug Guisborough FM 18 only 28 Aug Inclined to Madness All age groups – shorter races 8 Sep Castleton All age groups – shorter races 11 Sep Roseberry Topping All age groups – shorter races 22 Sep Viking Chase All age groups - shorter races 12 Oct Saltergate 27 Oct Guisborough 10 Nov Clay Bank West All age groups – shorter races 24 Nov Commondale 8 Dec Eskdale 27 Dec Guisborough All age groups – shorter races

Multi Terrain

Sat 0900 Sewerby Park 5 K. Free. Enter ‘on line’ by 1800 Friday 10 Feb Muddy Boots Ripon 10K 11 May Ingleborough 26 mile and Clapham 12. Cave Rescue Organisation races.

Road

10 Mar Spen 20 Cleckheaton. Hilly course 17 Mar Hull 20. Tough course 17 Mar Trimpell 20 Morecambe. Flat and mostly shaded course 24 Mar Thirsk 10 29 Mar Bridlington 5 mile 7 Apr Blackpool half and full marathon 7 Apr Hornsea one third marathon. Now an official distance 14 Apr Wakefield 10K. Fast course 21 Apr London Marathon 9 Jun Humber Bridge 10K 30 Jun Humber Bridge Half Marathon 12 Jul Walkington 10K. Popular Friday night race 1 Sep Tholthorpe 10K. (Includes the North Yorks 10 K Road Champs)

Track and Field

NYSD Tuesday Evening Meetings

16 Apr Middlesborough 30 Apr Darlington 14 May Middlesborough 18 June Darlington 2 Jul Middlesborough 16 Jul Darlington

Open Meetings

6 Apr Wakefield 14 Apr Hull 21 Apr Sheffield 12 May Middlesborough Mandale) AC. 50th Anniversary of Stadium. Early entry recommended

Championships

25/26 May Yorkshire County Championships. Dorothy Hyman Stadium. Cudworth 22/23 June Northern Senior and Under 20 Championships. Manchester 24/25 Aug National Championships. Bedford

Latest Senior (17 years and above) Cross Country Participation totals (Jack Robertson with two fixtures to complete - EYXC and Inter Counties, is favourite to achieve top score)

Name EYXC Races NYSD Races Champ Races Grand Total completed Total completed Total Mick Thompson 3 1,2,3 4 1,2,3,4 7 Jack Robertson 4 2,3,4,5 1 4 2. Yorks, National 7 Diane Herrington 2 2.5 3 3,4,5 1. National 6 Neil Scruton 5 1,2,3.4.5 5 Helena Schofield 5 1,2,3,4.5 5 Mally Sweetlove 5 1,2,3,4,5 5 Pete Northedge 5 1,2,3.4.5 5 Jayne Graves 5 1,2,3,4.5 5 Mike Willis 2 4,5 3 2,4,5 5 Sally Kingscott 4 1,2,3,4 4 Daniel Maw 4 1,2.4,5 4 Sam Shepherdson 4 1,2,4,5 4 Dave Fox 4 2,3,4,5 4 Dave Parke 4 2,3,4,5 4 Richard Maw 4 2,3,4,5 4 Andy Curtis 4 2,3,4,5 4 Dave Baldwin 4 1,2,4,5 4 Sally Cuff 2 3.4. 1 4 3 Hester Butterworth 3 1,3,4 3 Dave Shipley 3 2,3,5 3 Pete O’Callaghan 3 3,4,5 3 Gill Glegg 2 2,5 2 Ralph Broadley 2 1,2 2 Steve Baldwin 1 2 2 Tony Rawling 2 4,5 2 Tom Gillon 2 4,5 2 Michael Whiteley 1 1 1 James Dury 1 4 1 Alison Fewster - - 1 4 1 Chris Clayton 1 4 1 Sue Louth 1 4 1 Julie Clayton 1 4 1 Sarah Dowey 1 4 1

Cartoon of the month

Usain Bolt wants to play in a Charity Match for Manchester United later this year. It would be a massive draw, but would his sponsors allow him to take the risk of injury? Ed. Quote of the Month

“ It is difficult to train for a marathon; but it is even more difficult to not be able to train for a marathon..” Aaron Douglas Trimble. Runner.

After being forced to bin ‘London’ this year, I can really endorse this, as I am sure other club members currently crocked, will too.. Ed.

Goethe, Germanerman writer, a sSScarborough Sports Therapy Web Site Jenna Wheatman. BSc. MSST

Ankle Injuries

Just lately my clinic has seen an increase in ankle sprains so I thought I would dedicate this months newsletter to this injury. Dark nights, poor ground conditions and wet, cold, windy weather all pose a higher risk to going over on your ankle. For most people its not their first sprain either, ankle sprains have a high risk of reoccurrence, as many people do not rehabilitate them properly. With this newsletter you will be shown how to self manage your ankle sprain although i do advise you seek specialist treatment to first assess the extent of the injury and secondly to monitor and advance exercises accordingly.

Explaining exercises can be long winded Most ankle injuries will effect the outside of and hard to understand so i have put my the ankle, the position of the foot when rehabilitation exercises into a video injured can help to differentiate which "ankle sprain rehabilitation" Do these ligaments maybe effected. Symptoms will be exercises 3-4 times a day with ice after. pain and quite quickly it will swell with The most important points to remember bruising coming out in next few days (and is pain controls how quickly you advance, yes it can go down to the toes and up the make sure your heel raise is done calf). If you are unable to weight bear then it correctly (no ankle flaring) and your is worth going to A&E to get an x-ray to balance work is essential to stop check for fractures but also to get some reoccurrence. The time and effort you put crutches to help protect the injury site. Your into your rehabilitation will be worth it. next thought should be ice to help decrease You can start jogging when you are pain and swelling. Follow this link walking pain free, start on the flat going "immediate care ankle sprain" to find out round the block, start with 400m and then how to do a ice bath which really does help double each time you go out, if there was get swelling out and movement back quickly. no pain during or after the previous The sooner you can get weight bearing with session. If it is sore rest if for a few days correct gait the better but use pain as your and then try again. guide. Use crutches if needed to partially get weight through the ankle and gradually To help prevent ankle injuriesfrom increase when pain allows. As well as reoccurring you need to keep the getting weight bearing you need to get your balance exercises and heel raises going range of motion back, this will gradually whether its in your warm-up or cool improve as swelling decreases but you can down, it does not have to be a separate do a few exercises to help. You can simply session. A lot of the sprinting drills help pump the ankle (pointing foot and pulling strengthen the ankle and are great toes up towards shin). You can roll a ball dynamic warm-up exercises.

back and forth keeping it in contact with the foot all the time from heel to toes. Once you can weight bear, and have full range of motion you can advance to strength work. You will find you may still have a little swelling and bruising at this stage, just keep using the ice bath.

UKA Anti-Doping

Sue Lawal. Senior Club Coach

In the 1988 Seoul Olympics sprinter Ben Johnson was sent home from the Olympics in disgrace and was stripped of his 100m gold having failed a drugs test.

As a result of this scandal the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was formed to govern anti-doping internationally.

UK Anti-Doping was created in December 2009 and is responsible for protecting UK sport from the threat of doping. One of its responsibilities is the management of anti-doping rule violations committed by athletes or athlete support personnel

Last year I was approached by David Walsh, UKA Anti-Doping Education Coordinator and asked if I wished to become an anti-doping advisor. I have since completed the advisors training course and am available for any queries you may have regarding ‘staying clean’.

All athletes deserve to compete in a clean sporting environment knowing that when they compete it is a true battle of mind, body, spirit and lots of hard training. There should be no questions about an athlete’s achievements – we want all athletes to be clean, stay clean and believe all others are clean too

Over 50 per cent (approx) of anti-doping cases are what we call inadvertent i.e. where an athlete has made an uninformed decision. For example, taken medication without checking if it contains a banned substance, or listened to the wrong advice. As a club, we need to ensure that athletes of all ages, coaches and parents are aware of the importance of checking that any medication they use is free from banned substances.

The Global Drug Reference Online (www.globaldro.com) tool, allows athletes to check licensed medication (prescription or over the counter) to see if it is safe to take or not. In some cases, a medically prescribed drug may be on the prohibited list and if so, the athlete can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

In addition athletes should be encouraged to visit the Athlete Zone on the UK Anti-Doping website ( www.ukad.org.uk) where they can find out more about the 100% me, the UK Anti-Doping's education programme. 100% me provides advice and guidance to support athletes throughout their careers

If you have any queries relating to anti-doping issues, please contact me and I will do my best to either provide you with the necessary information or signpost you to someone who can.

A Fresh Perspective on Recovery Runs

Active Expert Matt Fitzgerald is the author of several books on triathlon and running, including Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners (Rodale, 2005).

It is widely assumed that the purpose of recovery runs--which we may define as relatively short, slow runs undertaken within 24 hours after a harder run--is to facilitate recovery from preceding hard training. You hear coaches talk about how recovery runs increase blood flow to the legs, clearing away lactic acid and so forth.

The truth is that lactic acid levels return to normal within an hour after even the most brutal workouts. Nor does lactic acid cause muscle fatigue in the first place. Nor is there any evidence that the sort of light activity that a recovery run entails promotes muscle tissue repair, glycogen replenishment or any other physiological response that is actually relevant to muscle recovery.

What is the Real Benefit of Recovery Runs?

In short, recovery runs do not enhance recovery. Nevertheless, recovery runs are almost universally practiced by top runners. That wouldn't be the case if this type of workout weren't beneficial. So what is the real benefit of recovery runs? The real benefit of recovery runs is that they increase your fitness--perhaps almost as much as longer, faster runs do--by challenging you to run in a pre-fatigued state (i.e. a state of lingering fatigue from previous training.)

There is evidence that fitness adaptations occur not so much in proportion to how much time you spend exercising but rather in proportion to how much time you spend exercising beyond the point of initial fatigue in workouts. So- called key workouts (runs that are challenging in their pace or duration) boost fitness by taking your body well beyond the point of initial fatigue.

Recovery workouts, on the other hand, are performed entirely in a fatigued state, and therefore also boost fitness despite being shorter and/or slower than key workouts.

Evidence of the special benefit of pre-fatigued exercise comes from an interesting study out of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. In this study, subjects exercised one leg once daily and the other leg twice every other day. The total amount of training was equal for both legs, but the leg that was trained twice every other day was forced to train in a pre-fatigued state in the afternoon (recovery) workouts, which occurred just hours after the morning workouts.

After several weeks of training in this split manner, the subjects engaged in an endurance test with both legs. The researchers found that the leg trained twice every other day increased its endurance 90 percent more than the other leg. Creating a Setback to Get Ahead

Additional research has shown that when athletes begin a workout with energy-depleted muscle fibers and lingering muscle damage from previous training, the brain alters the muscle recruitment patterns used to produce movement. Essentially, the brain tries to avoid using the worn-out muscle fibers and instead involves fresher muscle fibers that are less worn out precisely because they are less preferred under normal conditions.

When your brain is forced out of its normal muscle recruitment patterns in this manner, it finds neuromuscular "shortcuts" that enable you to run more efficiently (using less energy at any given speed) in the future. Pre-fatigued running is sort of like a flash flood that forces you to alter your normal morning commute route. The detour seems a setback at first, but in searching for an alternative way to reach the office, you might find a faster way--or at least a way that's faster under conditions that negatively affect your normal route.

Tips for Effective Use of Recovery Runs

 Whenever you run again within 24 hours of completing a key workout (or any run that has left you severely fatigued or exhausted), the follow-up run should usually be a recovery run.

 Recovery runs are only necessary if you run four times a week or more.

 If you run just three times per week, each run should be a "key workout" followed by a

day off.

 If you run four times a week, your first three runs should be key workouts and your fourth run only needs to be a recovery run if it is done the day after a key workout instead of the day after a rest day.

 If you run five times a week, at least one run should be a recovery run.

 If you run six or more times a week, at least two runs should be recovery runs.

 There's seldom a need to insert two easy runs between hard runs, and it's seldom advisable to do

two consecutive hard runs within 24 hours.

 Recovery runs are largely unnecessary during base training, when most of your workouts are

moderate in both intensity and duration. When you begin doing formal high-intensity workouts and

exhaustive long runs, it's time to begin doing recovery runs in roughly a 1:1 ratio with these key

workouts.

 There are no absolute rules governing the appropriate duration and pace of recovery runs.

 A recovery run can be as long and fast as you want, provided it does not affect your

performance in your next scheduled key workout.

 In most cases, however, recovery runs cannot be particularly long or fast without

sabotaging recovery from the previous key workout or sabotaging performance in your

next one.  A little experimentation is needed to find the recovery run formula that works best for

each individual runner.

 Don't be too proud to run very slowly in your recovery runs, as Kenya's runners are famous for

doing. Even very slow running counts as pre-fatigued running practice that will yield improvements in

your running economy, and running very slowly allows you to run longer without sabotaging your next

key workout.

 Active Expert Matt Fitzgerald is the author of several books on triathlon and running, including Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners (Rodale, 2005).

Mini Biographies

Pete Northedge

Pete is a long standing member of the club. He has achieved good overall results, especially in the age groups, at cross country and road racing, since joining the Over-65 group last year. Ed

Years as a runner; 31

Best performance; London Marathon - getting inside 3 hours

Favourite race; Smugglers Trogg (26ish miles across the North York Moors) - tea and buns every 6 miles!

Favourite female athlete; No particular one but admire the likes of Kelly Holmes, Paula and Jess Ennis

Favourite male athlete; Mo Farrah. (I was in the Olympic Stadium for the 10,000 meters!)

Targets; I am on course for a comeback to competitive fitness after being out on-and-off for the last couple of years .(The comeback being mainly due to the Pilates with all the stretching and core work involved that Jenna kept nagging me to do!)

Ambitions: To keep injury free and find a race in the 'two week window' before Neil Scruton and I become 70!

Advice: When racing also remember the shortest distance between two points is a straight line and if a parked car gets in the way don't let your club mate(s) out. Never run in together at the end of a race, all that training and effort you've put in you owe it to yourself, and if anyone waits for you near the end of a race, bury them!

Road Race Rankings 2013

10 miles D. Swift M50 Snake Lane 65.09 S. Haslam F55 Snake Lane 69.14 N. Scruton M65 Snake Lane 68.17 R. Haslam Sen Snake lane 72.43 C. Wade M50 Snake Lane 72.12 N. Hanson F40 Snake Lane 76.37 D. Fox M60 Ferriby 75.21 S. Shepherdson F40 Snake lane 85.20 P. Northedge M65 Ferriby 75.29 J. Richards F50 Snake Lane 110.12 P. Markham M40 Ferriby 75.54 T. Rawling M45 Snake Lane 76.22 I. Anderson M45 Snake lane 79.18 S. Flintoff Sen Snake lane 79.58 T. Owen M55 Snake lane 80,36 P. O’Callaghan M45 Snake Lane 83.42 H. Forkin M65 Snake lane 84.08 D. Hearn M60 Snake Lane 84.19 G. Hayes M45 Snake lane 86.13

Half Marathon J. Drury M40 Sleaford 94.00

Press Reports

Review of 2012

Scarborough Athletic Club members achieved some impressive results, at a variety of disciplines and events throughout 2012. Several of the club’s juniors were selected to represent the county, and two gained England vests. Team winning performances were achieved at Track and Field and also Cross Country by the junior members. There was as expected in the Olympic Games year, a pleasing increase in junior membership, and also some new senior members, all of which augurs for the future of the club.

Cross Country

In January the club’s young athletes achieved some individual and team success at the Yorkshire Championships. Bronwen Owen retained the Under 15 title, and the Under-15 Girl’s team finished as the silver medalists. At the North Yorkshire Schools Championships, Bronwen Owen, Emma Clapton and Charlotte Edge who were representing Scarborough and District Schools, all won their age categories. Bobby Scarborough finished in third place and Jack Robertson finished in fourth, and all five gained immediate selection for the North Yorkshire County Schools team at the English Schools Championships. At the Humberside Schools Championships, Louise Taylor also won gold and was selected for the English Schools event. Later in month at the North of England Championship, Bronwen Owen retained the Under-15 title, and the Girl’s Under 15 team finished fourth.

In February, the Under-15 Girl’s team became the North Yorkshire and South Durham team for the second consecutive year. Bronwen Owen retained the Under-15 title and Emma Clapton won the Under-13 title. Bobby Scarborough was third Under-17. At the National Championships, Bronwen Owen finished fourth.

The season concluded in March with six club members competing for the county at the English Schools Championships. Bronwen Owen finished in sixth place and was selected for the Home Countries and Ireland International match, at which she finished in second place. In the East Yorkshire League, James Kraft was the overall winner, and his father Ted Kraft was the Over-55 winner. Neil Scruton was the Over-60 winner for the fifth time. In the current season which started in October, Jack Robertson is leading in the East Yorkshire League, and Emma Clapton is also the front runner in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League. The Under-15 Girl’s team are strong favourites to retain the Under-15 team title.

Track and Field

The year started well for Kawsar Ahmed who won the Triple Jump at the Northern Counties Indoor Championships. At the first of the outdoor championships, Bronwen Owen won a gold medal in the 1500 metres and there were silver medals for Jack Robertson also in the 1500 metres and silver for Ryan Herrington in the Shot. Jack went on to win the Northern Counties 1500 metres championship.

At the North Yorkshire Schools Championships, there was gold medal performances by Danny Mills - Javelin, Becky Mills - 400 metres, Bronwen Owen - 1500 metres, Jack Robertson – 1500 metres, and Leah Millard - 200 and 300 metres, and a silver medal for Charlotte Edge in the 3,000 metres. Bronwen Owen went on to represent the county at the English Schools Championships at which she won the gold medal in the 3,000 metres, and was subsequently selected for the Home Countries and Ireland International at which she finished in second place.

Kawsar Ahmed and Bronwen Owen were amongst the very first to compete in the London Olympic Stadium in a specially arranged regional match to test out the facilities. Kawsar was fifth in the Triple Jump and Bronwen was third in the 3000 metres.

In the Young Athletes League, the club finished as the Division Two Champions, and would have been promoted to Division One, had the league not been restructured.

Many of the club’s young athletes competed at the City of York League meetings, and Chloe Warren finished as the second highest scorer in the Under-15 Group, with a series of field events, at which she constantly improved her personal best performances.

Jack Robertson and Bronwen Owen made significant improvements in their performances over the season, and were assisted in doing so by competing in some top class meetings at Manchester, where Bronwen Owen ran the fastest 3000 metres by a Under-17 athlete in the United Kingdom

Fell Racing

There were some excellent performances by several of the club’s juniors at the various fell championships, and both Charlotte Edge and Bronwen Owen were selected to represent England at the England Irish Mountain Race International at which Bronwen finished in second place.

Leah Herrington finished in fifth place overall at the English Championships, which consisted of 6 races.

At the Northern Area Fell Race Junior series over the whole year, Emma Clapton and her brother Sam Clapton, both won their respective age groups. Neil Scruton was once again the Over-60 champion, and Sue Haslam retained the Over-55 title in both the Winter and Summer series, and are both leading the current Winter Series

Road

The club had 9 runners in this year’s London Marathon, at which Ben Mukherjee was the fastest with a splendid 2 hours 43 minute finishing time. Club members competed in marathons at Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Windermere, Edinburgh and Poland, and Kelly Jackson clocked up a total of 8 marathons towards her target of 100.

At the Yorkshire Coast 10 kilometre race, Jack Robertson finished in third and James Kraft was fifth of the record 1215 finishers. Helena Schofield was up in fourth and Hester Butterworth fifth. Ted Kraft, Neil Scruton and Pete Johnson all won their respective age groups.

Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships

Four of Scarborough Athletic Club young athletes defied the adverse weather conditions to travel to Liverpool and compete in the Northern Counties Cross Country Championships which were held at the Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool. After an overnight five inches of snow had fallen, the runners had to compete over courses that were a mixture of snow that was quickly turning into deep mud after a rapid thaw, and hundreds of runners taking part in one of the major championships of the English Cross Country season..

In the Junior Women’s Championship race, 17 year old Becky Mills made a very good debut in the age group after moving up from the Under-17 group this season, when finishing 33rd of a top class field.

The Under-17 Men’s race included the ever present 16 year old Bobby Scarborough, who ran well to finish up in 34th of the 107 finishers.

In the Under-15 Girl’s race, the experienced Leah Herrington finished in the top half of the strong field of 126, with 57th place, and headed Hannah Mainprize, who was competing in the championships for only the second time, who hung on well to complete this testing course to finish in 97th.

Ferriby 10 Mile Road Race

Five senior members of Scarborough Athletics Club became the first club members to compete in a road race this year, when they lined up for the annual Ferriby 10 mile road race, after a late decision to permit the race to continue after recent heavy snow had melted. The race which starts and finishes at the famous windmill in Skidby village near Cottingham East Yorkshire, is a very popular East Yorkshire road race, over a scenic undulating course on quiet country roads. This year despite the weather and some partly flooded sections, there was still 550 finishers which was just nine less than last year.

The first of the Scarborough runners was Dave Fox who finished in 75 minutes 21 seconds and was the third Over-60.

Dave was closely followed by the in form Pete Northedge who clocked 75.29 and was the second Over-65 finisher.

There was a good club road race debut by Phillip Markham who finished up in the top half of the field in 171st after finishing in 75.54.

Harry Forkin hung on well to finish ahead of 119 finishers in 90.59

Nikki Hanson who the club’s sole woman runner this year, ran very well to finish 25th woman overall in 76.59 , and was also the sixth Over-40.

Yorkshire and Humberside Sportshall Festival

Seven young athletes from the amalgamated Scarborough and Pickering Athletic Clubs, represented North Yorkshire teams, at the Yorkshire and Humberside Sportshall Festival event which was held at the North Bridge Leisure Centre Halifax.

The most successful local athlete was Isabel Louth who was selected for three events, and won the Speed Bounce, was the runner up in the Standing Jump and sixth in the Javelin.

Katie Tomlinson finished third in the Speed Bounce and seventh in the Standing Long Jump.

Abi Smith was fourth in both the Javelin and Standing Triple Jump.

Daisy Willis finished fourth in the Target Throw, and secured points for one of the two North Yorkshire teams that finished as overall runner up behind a strong West Yorkshire team.

In the Boys Team Events, the local clubs top scorer was Joseph Matique who was third in the Vertical Jump, and equal fourth in the Speed Bounce.

Jacob Barbour shared fourth in the Speed Bounce, and was also joint fourth with Jay Elsdon in the Standing Triple Jump.

The local club’s trio North Yorkshire team, was also the runner up team after the victorious West Yorkshire team

Jonathan Wardley in Thailand

A former Scarborough Athletic Club athlete is currently one of the most successful road runners on the Thailand running circuit. 37 year old Jonathan Wardley left Scarborough in 2004 not long after winning the now defunct Wykeham 10 mile road race, to travel the world, and finally settled in Pattaya Thailand.

The former member of the Parachute Regiment is now a commercial diver, and after a long period of acclimatisation to the heat and humidity, is a most prolific road racer, with an impressive total of podium finishes. After a total of 30 road races, he has made the top three on all but three occasions and has never been outside of the top ten places.

His most recent success was a third place in the Bangkok Quarter Marathon last year.

North Yorkshire School Cross Country Championships

Bronwen Owen. Gold medal Emma Clapton. Gold medal Jack Robertson. Silver medal

A record number of 51 pupils from Scarborough and District Schools and Colleges competed in the North Yorkshire Schools Cross Country Championships, which was held at the King James School Knaresborough. There were some splendid performances by the district’s young athletes, which included wins in four of the eight championships races. Those finishing in the first eight places were subsequently selected to represent North Yorkshire Schools at an Inter County match at Guisborough on 9 February. With the exception of the Year 7 Boys and Girls, the first six finishers were also selected to represent the county at the English Schools Cross Country Championships.

The first race of the championship ended with a win for Bronwen Owen of Lady Lumley’s School, who retained the Intermediate Girl’s title. This was Bronwen’s third consecutive county schools championship win, and follows her Yorkshire County Club title which she won last month. Christiana Pain of also achieved county selection after a splendid third place finish.

There was also a championship win for another Lady Lumley’s School pupil, when Emma Clapton won the Junior Girls title for the first time.

The third win by a Scarborough and District athlete was achieved by Tyler Hutchinson of School, who won the Junior Boy’s race for the first time after finishing fifth last year.

Tily Adamski of made a winning championship debut in the Year 7 Girl’s race. She was followed by two other successful debutants, Chloe Calvert-Best of who was fourth, and Ruth Aber of in eighth, were also subsequently selected for the county match.

In the corresponding Year 7 Boys race, Kyle Richardson of Graham School finished in third place and ahead of the more experienced Elliot Hutchinson of Ryedale School who also gained a county vest when finishing in fourth. In the Senior Boys race, Jack Robertson of Scarborough 6th Form College finished as the runner up after a hard battle with the reigning champion, Fergus Roberts of Harrogate Schools. He was joined by fellow 6th Form student Bobby Scarborough who gained county selection when finishing in eighth place.

In the corresponding Senior Girl’s race, Becky Mills of the Whitby Community College improved on last year’s tenth place to gain a county vest with fifth place finish.

Fellow Whitby Community College student, Callum Booth also gained selection when finishing sixth in the Inter Boys race

Complete Scarborough and District Schools Results

Year 7 Girls 1. Tilly Adamski. Eskdale School 4. Chloe Calvert-Best. Scalby School 8. Ruth Aber. Ryedale School 21. Ellie Crowther. Ryedale School 27. Hester Hardy. Lady Lumley’s School 35. Isobel Metcalfe. St Augustines School 40. Esme Hudson. Ryedale School 43. Lucy Caukwell. Ryedale School

Junior Girls 1. Emma Clapton. Lady Lumley’s School 19. Leah Stanfield. George Pindar Community Sports College 21. Natasha Kent. Caedmon School 23. Ilona Berriman. Ryedale School 24. Harriet Braithwaite. Ryedale School 24. Maddie Mastrolonardo. Eskdale School 37. Evie Wright. Lady Lumleys School

Inter Girls 1. Browen Owen. Lady Lumley’s School 3. Cristiana Pain. Malton School 14. Izzy Mastrolonardo, Whitby Community College 15. Hannah Maiprize, Graham School 17. Charley Rodgers. Whitby Community College 18. Leah Herrington. Graham School 20. Lauren Simpson. Malton School 23. Lucy O’Brien. Malton School 28. Emelia Fandoutsaki. Whitby Community College 30. Sarah Herrington. Graham School

Senior Girls 5. Becky Mills. Whitby Community College 9. Maria Mastrolonardo. Whitby Community College

Year 7 Boys 3. Kyle Richardson. Graham School. 4. Elliot Hutchinson. Ryedale School 19. Dylan Swales. Caedmon School 25. Sam Clapton. Lady Lumley’s School 31. Thomas Atkinson. Malton School 34. Luke Hornby. Lady Lumley’s School 35. Tristan Else. Scalby School 36. Rory Hansell. Caedmon School

Junior Boys 1. Tyler Hutchinson. Ryedale School 9. Maurice Carlton-Seal. Ryedale School 12. Callum Halley. Eskdale School 13. Nathan Smith. Ryedale School 31. James Pinner. St Augustines School 32. Joe Jackson. Graham School 38. Joe Dunnett. Lady Lumley’s School 40. Adam Lewis. Eskdale School 41. Tyler Beck. Scalby Schol

Inter Boys 6. Callum Both. Whitby Community College 12. Fraser Clacherty. Whitby Community College 22. Sam Cullen. George Pindar Community Sports College 26. Jay Kilpatrick. Whitby Community College 34. Jem Dring. Whitby Community College

Senior Boys 2. Jack Robertson. Scarborough 6th Form College 8. Robert Scarborough. Scarborough 6th Form College 10. Will Spencer. Malton 6th Form College

Scarborough Athletic Club Winter Handicap. Race 4 at Peasholm Park

Seventeen members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the fourth race of the seven race Winter Handicap Series of races, which consisted of a two lap loop course around the Peasholm Park area.

The first to finish both on handicap and also achieved the fastest time, was Jack Robertson who started last with a 15 minute handicap time, but managed to overhaul the entire field on the second of two laps. Jack was followed by Nikki Carr and Club Chairman Chris Clayton who were respectively second and third on handicap. The overall handicap leader of the series is Pete Northedge , with Michael Whitely moving up to second after a sixth place finish, and Rhona Haslam who improved to third overall after scoring points for fifth place

The second fastest man after Jack Robertson was Chris Backhouse and third fastest was Derek Swift. The overall league fastest runner remains Dave Baldwin, with Shaun Tymon moving up to second overall after points for fourth fastest at Peasholm, and has replaced James Drury who is now third overall.

The three fastest women at Peasholm are also the fastest overall for the series. Hester Butterworth was the fastest for the third consecutive race, and with the best three race scores to count, is now the champion elect. Rhona Haslam was second fastest and ahead of her mother Sue Haslam.

Schools Inter County Match at Guisborough

Bobby Scarborough. Chloe Calvert-Best. Emma Clapton. Hannah Mainprize. Kyle Richardson .

Five of Scarborough Athletic Club’s young athletes represented North Yorkshire Schools at an Inter County match which was held at the in Guisborough. The North Yorkshire team was competing against athletes from Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland and Cumbria, all of whom had been selected after success at their own county championships. It was also an opportunity for those not automatically selected for the prestigious English Schools Cross Country Championships at their county championships, to impress the selectors and gain a late call up.

In the Junior Girls race, Emma Clapton of Lady Lumley’s School, who had already gained selection for the North Yorkshire team at the English Championships, after winning the county championship race the previous week, finished in a very impressive first place once again, in what was the largest field of the match which had 54 county standard runners.

Bobby Scarborough of the Scarborough 6th Form College, finished up in eighth place in the Senior Boys race, and was subsequently selected to represent the county at the English Schools for the fourth consecutive year.

Hannah Mainprize of Graham School, who was competing for the county team for the very first time, ran well in the Inter Girls race and finished in 32nd .

In the Year 7 races, there were excellent county debuts by Kyle Richardson also of Graham School, and Chloe Calvert-Best of Scalby School. Kyle finished up in fifth place and Chloe was tenth. The English Schools Championship is only open to junior and older school age groups, and so they will have to be content with representing the county for this year, but their performances augur well for future selection.

East Yorkshire Cross Country League at Welton

Jack Robertson Helena Schofield

19 members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the fifth and penultimate race in the East Yorkshire Cross Country League, which was held at Welton near Hull. The course consisted of a testing 5.4 mile undulating loop course, which was extremely muddy after the recent above average wet weather and also some Highland cattle now being housed near the start area! (I attach a photo of one who came to watch the finish of the race!).

The Scarborough Men’s team was led home for the fourth time this season by Jack Robertson, who achieved a second league victory at the expense of Stuart Carmichael of the City of Hull Athletic Club, who was looking at a hat trick of wins. Jack took over the lead after the mile mark, and held off the strong challenge of Carmichael to eventually finish 32 seconds ahead at the tape.

Jack was followed home by the father and son duo of Richard and Daniel Maw. On this occasion after their usual hard battle, Richard held off the challenge of Daniel to finish 19th, whilst Daniel had to settle for 21st after being overtaken near the finishing straight.

The fourth scorer for the team was Andy Curtis who had another solid performance to finish in 32nd.

Next home was Neil Scruton who was 34th, but also most significantly the first Over 65 finisher, and after five successive wins in the age group, is now the champion elect in his first season of the group after remaining unbeaten in the Over 60 age group in the league.

Pete Northedge who was 51st overall and the second Over 65 behind Neil, closed in for the men’s team which was fourth and remains fourth overall for the season.

The women’s team were led home again by Helena Schofield who was up in eighth. She was followed by Diane Herrington in 16th and Sam Shepherdson who closed in for the team in 21st. The team was fifth but is now third overall after a winning performance at the previous Langdale End home fixture.

The team was backed up by Gill Glegg who was 22nd plus the first Over 50, and Jayne Graves who was 22nd. The extreme conditions underfoot resulted in Sally Kingscott sustaining an ankle injury injury, which ended an impressive streak over many seasons when she has been an ever present in the league.

The men’s team was backed up by the following;

Dave Shipley 56th, Mally Sweetlove 61st and 2nd M60, Dave Fox 62nd and 2nd M60, Pete O’Callaghan 73rd, Tony Rawling 81st, Tom Gillon 82nd, Mike Willis 83rd and 3rd M65, Dave Parke 87th.

Rombalds Stride 23 mile event

Jane, Julie and Chris

Four members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the Rombalds Stride 23 mile event, which was held on a testing off road course on Rombald Moor and Otley Chevin.

Three of the four, Club Chairman Chris Clayton, Julie Clayton and Jane Hamp finished together in 5 hours and 7 minutes, and were joint 191st of the 451 finishers. Dave Parke completed this tough event in 231st and a 5 hours 41 minutes clocking.

Orienteering Event at Filey

Four members of Scarborough Athletic Club took on the challenge of orienteering at an event staged in Filey.

In the Stars Course event, which was over a minimum 2.8 kilometres with 7 controls, Dave Parke finished 12th overall and was the first Over 60. Jane Hamp and Julie Clayton competed as a two person team and were 17th. Club Chairman Chris Clayton competed with Melanie Padgham and their team was 23rd .

Dave Parke repeated his age group victory in the Superstars Course event which was also over 2.8 kilometres but had 9 controls. Dave finished in 8th and ahead of Julie Clayton and Jane Hamp, who also improved on the previous race position to finish in 9th

North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League Match at Richmond

Girl’s Under-15 team –en route to team win on day and overall. Bronwen on her way to a win, with her father Derek supporting her.

Five junior and three senior members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the fifth and penultimate fixture of North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League, which was held at the Old Racecourse site in Richmond.

With a race to spare, the club’s Under-15 Girls team sealed the League Team title in this age group, with a clear win over Beverley Athletic Club, and thereby completed a hat trick of wins. The team was led to victory by Emma Clapton who is closing in on an individual league title after a fourth win, and is now a clear favourite to take the Under-15 title after winning the Under-13 title last season. The winning team was completed by Leah Herrington and Hannah Mainprize who had another close battle, with Leah finishing up in 6th and Hannah a close up 7th.

In the Senior Women’s race, which incorporated Under-20 and Under-17 women athletes, plus Over-65 men, 16 year old Bronwen Owen was a clear winner ahead of the experienced Kelly Haniver of the Richmond and Zetland Harriers, the host club, and 60 other competitors. Bronwen remains unbeaten in the league this season, but after having to miss three fixtures due to injury, she will not be able to achieve a third age group win this season. Becky Mills made a late seasonal league debut, and was the first Under-20 after finishing up in 14th. Diane Herrington who was competing for the third time in the league this season, completed the team in 43rd overall and was the seventh in the Over-35 Division. Mike Willis finished third of a remarkable total of eight Over-65 runners.

In the Under-13 races, Kyle Richardson and Chloe Calvert-Best who were both representing North Yorkshire County Schools the previous week, returned to league action, at which they have both achieved some consistently good results for their first ever season in the league. Kyle finished in fifth place and is now fourth overall in the league. Chloe ran well on her third league appearance to finish up in seventh place. Sam Clapton had another solid race in the Under-13 event to finish up in eleventh.

In the Senior Men’s Race, Dave Baldwin who is in training for the London Marathon, achieved his best result this season, when finishing 24th of the 79 runners.

Broughton Woods Wobble Fell Race

Sue Haslam of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the ninth race of the Northern Runner Winter Fell Race series, which was held at Broughton near Stokesley. The race which was called the Broughton Woods Wobble consisted of a 4.5 route on the North Yorkshire Moors which had a testing 1,200 feet of climb.

Sue finished up in seventh place, and for the seventh time in the series was also the first Over-55, and is now close to another overall series win in her age group. She is also in overall fifth place of all the women competitors in the league.

English National Cross Country Championships

Six members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the 126th English National Cross Country Championships which was held at Herrington Park Sunderland. The event is one of the greatest mass participation National Championships in the World, and this year attracted a record 5,500 entries from clubs from all parts of the country. All the top athletes in England are entered by their Clubs, as to win the National title is still much treasured. Over the years many a star name has won the Senior Men or Women races, but quite a few have tried but failed. Names of winners from the past include Gordon Pirie (a 3 time winner), Ron Hill, Dave Bedford, and local legends Brendan Foster and Mike Mcleod, plus London Marathon winner Eamonn Martin. The course at Herrington Park included some testing hills, and as always for this event, the conditions underfoot were extremely muddy, and especially so this year after an almost nonstop snowfall before and during the first races of the ten race program.

In the opening race, the Women’s Under-17 championship which was run in near blizzard conditions, ( see photo), Bronwen Owen who is a former English Under-15 Girl’s Champion, and the current Yorkshire County Champion, was competing in the higher age group for the first year. After a hard battle with some of the top runners in the age group, including Great Britain international Annabel Mason, Bronwen achieved the highest placing for the club when crossing the line in ninth place.

The next most successful Scarborough runner at the championship was the reigning North Yorkshire Schools champion, Emma Clapton, who had also moved up the age groups to compete for the first year in the Girl’s Under-15 division. Emma had a strong race to finish in 13th. She was followed home by Leah Herrington who ran well to finish up in 121st of the 208 strong field.

In the Junior Men’s and Women’s races, Jack Robertson and Becky Mills who had both moved up from the Under-17 group this year, were competing with many established junior international runners. In rapidly deteriorating conditions underfoot, (see photos), Jack who is the favourite to win the seniors only East Yorkshire Cross Country League Champion this season, finished in 50th place. Becky, who along with Jack and other Scarborough young athletes, gained a North Yorkshire Schools vest at last month’s championships, coped well with the tough conditions to finish up in 71st.

After Mick Thompson was unable to compete due to injury, Diane Herrington was the only senior Scarborough AC runner to mix it with many top class runners at the championships. Diane coped well with the mud and slush on the course, to complete the senior race in 293rd of the strong 427 field.

Snake Lane 10 mile race

17 members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the annual Snake Lane 10 mile race, which was held at Pocklington East Yorkshire. The course which often produces some good times despite some hills in the closing miles, was run in chilly but otherwise fine weather.

One of the club’s ulta distance runners, Rich Buckle took advantage of the favourable conditions to finish 115th in 64 minutes 59 seconds. He was closely followed by club newcomer Derrick Swift who made a very good road race debut for the club, to finish 123rd of the 737 finishers in 65.09.

The next Scarborough runners to cross the line were two of the leading veteran runners in their age groups in the United Kingdom. Neil Scruton finished in166th overall and was the second Over-65 in 68.17. The first in his age group at Snake Lane, Geoff Cumber is the number one Yorkshire County runner in the age group, and 4th ranked United Kingdom. Neil is now 2nd ranked Yorkshire and 5th United Kingdom. Sue Haslam finished first of the Over-55 runners in 69.14, and is now first ranked in Yorkshire and second in the United Kingdom for the 10 mile event.

Five of the club runners were pleased to achieve a personal best time for the distance. Chris Wade finished in 72.12 which was a six minute improvement on his first 10 mile race last year. Steve Flintoff also improved his personal best time by 6 minutes when crossing the line in 79.58. Nicola Hanson improved her previous time at Ferriby to finish in 76.37. Iain Anderson clocked 79.49 for his lifetime best, and Sam Shepherdson who continues to improve, ran a 85.20 best.

Other Scarborough AC times Rhona Haslam 72.43 Tony Rawling 76.22 Tom Owen 80.36 Pete O’Callaghan 83.42 Harry Forkin 84.08 Denis Hearn 84.19 Gordon Hayes 86.13 Jeanette Richards 110.12

Northern Runner Winter Fell Race Series. Commondale Clart

Four members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the tenth race of the Northern Runner Winter Fell Race series which was run at Commondale near Castleton on a course which consisted of a 8.3 kilometre course with 220 metres of climb.

The first of the Scarborough quartet was once again Neil Scruton who was 35th overall and the first Over-65 for the sixth time in the series, and is closing in on another age group title win.

Neil was followed by two club members who were competing over the fells for the first time this season. Pete O’Callaghan finished in 65th and was followed by Tom Gillon in 92nd.

Dave Parke who is a regular competitor over the fells, completed the team after finishing in 99th and the seventh Over-60.

Scarborough Athletic Club. Winter Handicap Series. Race 5 at Marine Drive

The sixth race of the Scarborough Athletic Winter Handicap series of races was held in icy weather conditions on Marine Drive, and consisted of a one mile race, at which the runners would gain points not only for their finishing positions, but also for the accuracy of their forecasted times.

The overall fastest time was achieved by the appropriately named club newcomer Derrick Swift who ran 6 minutes and two seconds. Becky Mills ran the second fastest time of 6 minutes and 22 seconds. Pete Barnard and Tony Rawling were respectively the second and third fastest men, and Hester Butterworth and Jane Hamp clocked the respective second and third fastest women’s times. Dave Baldwin remains the overall fastest in the series, but Derrick swift is closing in with second overall and ahead of Shaun Tymon who is overall third. There is no change in the overall top 3 fastest women for the series, with Hester Butterworth, Rhona Haslam and Sue Haslam respectively the first three best.

The maximum handicap points were achieved by Jane Hamp who was just 4.6 second outside of her time estimate. Dave Parke who remains the overall leader of the handicap was also a remarkable 4.8 seconds over his estimated time. Derrick Swift also achieved points for third best to add to his points for fastest finisher. Following Dave Parke, the overall second and third for the series are Michael Whiteley and Pete Northedge "