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April 2015
Athletics Monthly
The Journal of the World Famous Scarborough Athletic Club
Our new Walk to Run Group which meets at the Rugby Club 1800 and is led by Gill and Jayne
Fixtures Lists. Road, Multi Terrain,Fell Road Rankings AGM Minutes Athletics Biographies. Phil Markham Pro Am Newsletter. Risk factors – Achilles Tendinopathy Caffeine Cartoon of the Month Quote of the Month. Press Reports From the Editor
Welcome to the April edition of the Club Magazine, and thanks to Jenna Wheatman for her informative Monthly Newsletter, and Phil Markham for an interesting and amusing Mini Biography. After the cross country season which ended with Bronwen Owen representing Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships, I am looking forward to the new Track and Field season for the mainly younger club members, and all the popular road races for the seniors. In addition there will be 7 races in a new Summer Handicap series, which will include two old favourites – Langdale End and Ravenscar. I will pass on the opener and will just help marshal and take photographs, so see you all there at Turkey Carpet!
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.
Summer handicaps
4 out of 7 races to count. Teams of 2 to be declared prior to the first race
1. Thursday 23 April Turkey Carpet to Silpho Top Road, 4 miles 2. Thursday 7 May Reasty Bank Cross Country, 3 miles 3 .Monday 18 May Olivers Mount Road, 2 laps 4miles 4. Thursday 28 May Lay by opposite Falcon Pub Forest tracks, 4 miles 5. Thursday 11 June Langdale End after Moorcock Road/tracks, 4 miles 6. Monday 22 June Olivers Mount motor circuit 4 miles 7. Thursday 16 July Ravenscar opposite toilets Road/tracks, 4 miles
Road
19 Apr Rother Valley 10K 19 Apr Manchester Marathon Web site claims, fast, flat and friendly! 26 Apr London Marathon Full 26 Apr Blackpool Marathon Fast if not breezy on promenade section 26 Apr Blackpool Half Marathon As above 3 May Kirkby Moorside 10K Tough but very popular race 10 May Leeds Half Marathon Jane Tomlinson race 10 May Beverley 10K Club favourite 10K. On line from midday 7 Feb 20 May Askern 10K Wednesday night 31 May Edinburgh Marathon Some tough sections, but overall downhill 31 May Humber Bridge 10K 7 Jun Mulgrave Castle. Whitby 10K 7 Jun Humber Bridge Half Marathon 10 Jun Otley 10 mile Wednesday 14 Jun Hull 10K Jane Tomlinson race 14 Jun Victorian New Marske 10K Sub 10 min mile entry requirement 21 Jun Newton Aycliffe 10K 5 Jul Ecup 10 Mile 5 Jul Harrogate 10K 10 Jul Walkington 10 K Friday night 12 Jul Leeds 10K Jane Tomlinson race 12 Jul Kilburn Feast 7 mile Tough but popular race 15 Jul Doncaster 5K Wednesday race. Town centre course 12 Aug Millenium Bridge. York 5K Wednesday race. PB course 2 Aug York 10K Jane Tomlinson race 16 Aug Eskrick 10K 23 Aug Major Stone, Lockington Half Marathon 30 Aug Tees Pride 10K 30 Aug Elloughton 10K Fast two lap course 6 Sep Tholthorpe 10K North Yorks Champs. Popular race with our club 13 Sep Newcastle Half Marathon Great North run 27 Sep Nottingham. Marathon/Half M Tough first half, boring second half 27 Sep Redcar Half Marathon 4 Oct Chester Marathon Mainly flat urban and country route 11 Oct Scarborough 10K 11 Oct York Marathon Full – but who cares! 18 Oct Bridlington Half Marathon 16 Nov Leeds. Abbey Dash 10K PB course 27 Dec Ribble Valley. Clitheroe 10K North of England Championship event
Multi Terrain (non extreme)
Date Venue Distance 10 May Ravenscar Half Marathon 24 May Mucky Duck. Driffield 8.5 Miles 7 Jun Lakeland Trail Half Marathon 12 June Sledmere House 10K. Friday night 20 Sep Pickering and Moors 10K 8 Nov Dalby Dash 10K 29 Nov Leeds Xmas 10K Dec. TBN Jolly Hog. Ripon 10K Dec. TBN Loftus Poultry Run 8 miles
Fell See also the Esk Valley Fell Race Club web site for further information.
Winter Series
Date Venue 19 Apr Maybeck 3 Crosses
Summer Series
Date Venue 6 May Carlton Challenge 20 May Fox and Hounds 10 Jun Ossy Oiks 24 Jun Whorlton Run 8 Jul Guisborough Grunt 22 Jul Cock Howe and Beyond 5 Sug Gribdale Gallop 12 Aug Carlton Midsummer Meander 6 Sep Guisborough 3 Tops 12 Sep Castleton Show (Saturday) 30 Sep Roseberry Topping
Track and Field
Young Athletes Lower
Date Venue 2 May Grimsby 30 May Lincoln 21 Jun Cleckheaton 18 May Cleckheaton
Young Athletes Upper
Date Venue 18 Apr Darlington 16 May Doncaster 28 Jun Gateshead 26 Jul Middlesborough
York Summer League
No dates set as at 29 March
NYSD Tuesday Night for Individuals
Date Venue 14 Apr Darlington 28 Apr Darlington 17 May Darlington 16 Jun Middlesborough 30 Jun Middlesborough 14 Jul Middlesborough
Championships
Date Title Venue 23/24 May Yorkshire Cudworth 13/14 Jun Northern Senior Manchester 16 Aug Northern (U15/U17) Middlesborough 10/11 Jul English Schools Gateshead 1/2 Aug England Senior Bedford 29/30 Aug England U20/U23 Bedford
Open ( to date – more to follow)
Date Venue 9 May Leeds 9 May Doncaster 5 Sep York
Latest 2015 Road Race Rankings
5 Kilometres L. Fleming Sen Minsterway 25.41
10 Kilometres J. Robertson Sen Trafford 33.32 M. Middleton Sen Wakefield 38.27 J. Pilmer U17 Wakefield 39.47 P. Chapman V45 New Marske 43.33 D. Shipley M55 Dalton 43.42 G. Adams M50 Dalton 47.00
One Third Marathon R. Powell V45 Hornsea 60.57 S. Field F50 Hornsea 91.06 D. Shipley V55 Hornsea 63.27 J. Poulter Sen Hornsea 68.27 M. May V50 Hornsea 68.35 D. Field V50 Hornsea 68.48
10 Miles M. Middleton Sen Thirsk 63.42 S. Haslam F60 Thirsk 68.35 R. Haslam Sen Thirsk 71.27 A. Kolos Sen Thirsk 76.24 P.Markham M40 Snake Lane 64.55 N. Hanson F45 Ferriby 79.45 D. Swift M50 Snake Lane 66.02 L. Bourne F40 Snake Lane 85.11 P. Johnson M65 Thirsk 66.07 G. Wilkins F35 Snake Lane 86.56 O. Willis M45 Ferriby 69.05 L. Gillon Sen Thirsk 90.49 G. Hewitt M40 Thirsk 68.25 V. Lockey Sen Thirsk 97.32 N. Scruton M65 Snake Lane 69.42 G. Hewitt M40 Snake Lane 69.24 S. Kelly M45 Snake Lane 69.54 B. Cammish M40 Snake Lane 72.52 C. Wade M55 Snake Lane 76.31 D. Fox M60 Snake Lane 77.13 M. May M50 Snake Lane 80.16 D. Field M50 Snake Lane 80.52 G. Adams M50 Snake Lane 81.12 M. Sweetlove M60 Snake Lane 84.04 H. Forkin M65 Ferriby 84.25 J. Boak Sen Ferriby 93.36
Half Marathon S. Pearson M40 Brass Monkey 85.28 L. Gillon Sen Brass Monkey 127.02 R. Maw M45 Brass Monkey 86.40 L. Jones F55 Paris 142.06 N. Scruton M65 Brass Monkey 92.48 N. Clarkson M40 Brass Monkey 106.46 D. Field M50 Brass Monkey 106.46 M. Dowson Sen Silverstone 113.44
20 Miles G. Cromak M55 Hull 2.41.13 J. Johnson M45 Hull 2.57.23 M. Sweetlove M60 Hull 3.19.58
Marathon P. Markham M40 Manchester 3.03.47 G. Cromack M55 Manchester 3.19.00 J. Johnson M45 Manchester 3.56.31 H. Forkin M65 Manchester 4.23.13
Annual General Meeting Minutes
Meeting held on April 16, 2015 at Scarborough Rugby Club
The meeting was opened by club Chairman Harry Forkin at 8.30pm.
The meeting was attended by 27 club members.
Apologies for absence:
Apologies for absence were noted from Jayne Graves, Sharon Houghton and Chris Clayton
Minutes of 2014 Annual General Meeting
The minutes of the 2014 Annual General Meeting were approved as a true record (proposed by Ralph Broadley, seconded by John Boyes)
Chairman’s Report By Harry Forkin
I am proud to once again be able to give a Chairman’s Report of another successful year of Scarborough Athletic Club’s achievements. First of all I would like to cover the events that we have put on during the year. 1. The Scalby Fair Race and Fun Run on a Monday evening in July had a rise in numbers of participants. The 3-lap course of 1.5 mile each will this year surely be a bigger success giving our new Walk to Run Group and Beginners group the opportunity to run a 1.5. 3 or 4.5 mile race.
2. The Yorkshire Coast McCain 10k in October reached its limit of 1600 before closure date prompting an increase in numbers to 1750 this year. The reduction of the entry fee to £1 and Yorkshire Coast Homes initiative of funding primary school entrants boosted the numbers of the Fun Run entries to 500 children and 200 parents. It was one of the biggest Fun Runs of the Year in England! This year a shorter option, turning at the Lifeboat House, will be offered for younger runners.
3. NYSD at Filey received acclaim as one of the hardest in the series with mud attached.
4. EYXC at Langdale End was an even harder challenge with wind, water and mud.
All these events could not have taken place without the hard work of all the Organisers and the Marshalls and greatly enhance the reputation of the Club. This year saw the return of the Club Summer Handicap Series. I would like to thank and congratulate the organisers, John Boyes, Tony Tomaszewicz and John Watson for bringing them back and having 61 participants. Congratulations to Hannah Mainprize the overall winner at 16 years of age. The 2015 series will consist of 7 races with 4 to count, taking place on Mondays and Thursdays. The first race is on Thursday 23rd April at Turkey Carpet and I am sure will be well supported. Our younger athletes are attaining great results at higher levels. Bronwen Owen’s selection for the Junior World X- country Championships in China saw her finish second place in the Great Britain Team and 7th European finisher. Emma Clapton won the English Junior Fell Race Under 16 Title and the Kirbymoorside 10k. East Yorkshires produced overall awards for Chris Duck, 6th, Neil Scruton 1st over 65, Mally Sweetlove 1st over 60 and Heidi Coates 2nd over 35. Ryan Mancrief came 3rd at Sewerby. Mick Thompson received a club shirt for achieving 75 years of age at Drewton Woods but had to compete as an over 70 for the 2014 Series. Hopefully more of our younger athletes can get out of bed on a Sunday morning for the next series. Just a comment for the many new members, the Club website is the most reliable shop for information about races and the many sessions of the Club. The Monthly Newsletter, published by Mick Thompson, is accessible through the website and all previous Newsletters can be recalled. The Club awarded Barons Gym sole provider status for pre-race warm-up at the 10k. In return the Club received discounts on Hall hire, free facilities Tuesday night, use of meeting rooms, associate membership and discounted bar prices for members. It is good to see over 30 junior athletes on Tuesday nights and over 40 juniors in the main sports hall on Wednesdays. The Club Awards evening was held in January at the Cricket Club and Chris and Mick pulled of an amazing logistical feat in combining the 2013 and 2014 Awards. The 2015 Awards will be held in October/November to reflect current year performances. Hopefully this change will make it easier for all junior and senior award winners to attend. Thanks also to Julie Clayton and her group of willing helpers who provided the buffet. A new Walk to Run Group has been set up by Gill Gleg and Jayne Graves assisted by Simon Valente. The Group meets at the Rugby Club at 18.50 on Monday nights and will stay as a walk to run group. Last Monday 20 runners attended. Runners will be passed on to the Beginners Group when deemed suitable. The collection of Membership Subscriptions is now all On-line. Thanks to Chris Clayton for organising this and making Julies life a bit easier!! On the Social side the Christmas Dinner Dance at the Royal was a brilliant success. Organised by Social Secretary Mel Padgham a good meal, a full dance floor and a bit of bad behaviour by the older end should be repeated this year. 3 targeted races for coach travel were well attended and we start again at Beverley. Matt Hewison of Scarborough Council has applied for a grant for £6000 from England Athletics to fund 2 Park Runs in Scarborough and Whitby. Potentially we will see even more runners coming to our Club. To take advantage of this potential we will need more qualified coaches. I would ask members assist us with this. Lastly I would like to thank all members of my Committee for their support and assistance and look forward to an equally successful 2015.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report was delivered by Tony Tomaszewicz. The following headline details of the club’s accounts were presented (as at March 31, 2015): Current Account £1802.80 Race Account £25974.21 High Interest £1022.32 Savings Account £5906.42 Track Account £22778.03 Total £57483.78 Tony noted that sponsorship cheques relating the 10k are now quicker in being presented to the club. Shaun Tymon explained that the timing of the Annual General Meeting needed to change to fit with approval of accounts and subscriptions, therefore the next AGM will be in autumn 2015. John Boyes asked a question regarding the advantages of the club being a registered charity. Julie Clayton stated that this had been set up in association with the 10k event. Charitable status also gives the club access to other funds. John Boyes paid tribute to Tony Tomaszewicz for his work on the club’s accounts.
Election of Officers and Trustees
The club’s Officers and Trustees stood down from their posts. Harry Forkin was nominated for the role of Chairman, proposed by Jean Fish, seconded by Danny Schofield. There were no other nominations. This nomination was approved by an unopposed vote of members present. Simon Valente was nominated for the role of Secretary, proposed by Jean Fish, seconded by Jane Hamp. There were no other nominations. This nomination was approved by an unopposed vote of members present. Tony Tomaszewicz was nominated for the role of Treasurer, proposed by John Boyes, seconded by Harry Forkin. There were no other nominations. This nomination was approved by an unopposed vote of members present. All of the club’s Trustees were willing to stand for committee duties again and this was approved by an unopposed vote of members present.
Mick Thompson was nominated as an additional Committee Member, proposed by Harry Forkin, seconded by Tony Tomaszewicz. This nomination was approved by an unopposed vote of members present.
Proposals:
A proposal had been received prior to the meeting from Tom Gillon. He was not present to advance the proposal at the meeting and the proposal did not have a seconder. The proposal was not considered by the meeting.
A proposal had been received, proposed by Tony Tomaszewicz and seconded by Simon Valente, as follows: “That the club committee should retain the power to nominate and register signatories for the club’s accounts from within the membership of the committee without recourse to an Extraordinary General Meeting” This proposal was accepted by unopposed vote of members present.
Closure of Meeting The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.
Cartoon of the Month
Quote of the month
Every hurdler I know has hit a hurdle hard, or fell over one.. Don’t be afraid to fall, because you’re going to. It’s what you do afterwards that matters.
Laron Bennett. USA Hurdler
Pro Am Newsletter
Jenna Wheatman. BSc. MSST Scarborough Pro-Am Sports Injury Clinic
Risk factors for Achilles Tendinopathy aimed at runners.
Tendinopathy is an umbrella term meaning, a problem with a tendon and most tendon disorders show degenerative issues rather than typical inflammatory issues.
This newsletter is to help you understand how problems are triggered.
The question I get asked most when I am dealing with an Achilles injury is 'why did I get this injury?' and part of my job is also to advice you on how to self manage it and prevent future re-occurrence.
Firstly in order to understand the risk factors we have to understand the pathology involved which is quite complex. For this newsletter it can be simply put as an overuse condition of the tendon.
How is the tendon overloaded? During exercise we are causing micro trauma. This is critical as this triggers chemical reactions in the body that make it adapt (bigger, stronger etc). This is essential for improvements associated with training and while we rest and most importantly for athletes sleep, our body repairs and recovers.
The balance of trauma and repair is critical, anything that disrupts this, for example if the rate of wear is above the rate of repair, the tissue will start a degenerative overload process. If this is allowed to continue over long periods of time the achilles will gradually trigger pain.
There are three main strategies we put an achilles tendinopathy into 1) Reactive (really irritated and inflamed with little activity) 2) Disrepair (niggly and irritated if exercising above a certain level) and 3) Degenerative (long term irriversible changes).
Understanding wear and repair we can now start to consider the likely triggers.
The most frequently reported triggers are previous injury and changes in training. For example increasing mileage, speed, distance or intensity by doing hill reps or similar speed work (Hill work can also trigger hamstring tendinopathy as well, so be careful).
There are intrinsic risk factors that you cannot change like age and gender. Some other intrinsic factors you may be able to change like muscle power/strength, decreased ankle dorsiflexion, foot pronation and weight gain (due to layoff or holiday).
Some modifiable issues (extrinsic factors) are training errors, this is normally excessive or too rapid increases in distances or training prior to full recovery. It can also include changes in load - type of activity, recent alteration in training (due to upcoming event), duration of training, frequency of training and weekly distance.
Full recovery is hard to judge as your legs will often feel fine. This is probably what I see most in over 45's as they are still keeping training loads the same as when they were in their 20's.
'I have always done my training like this'
'I have only just started to get problems, I have not changed anything'
It can be the frequency of training that triggers it and as you get older you need to consider that it may take longer to recover.
If you have been over training then it may show when you start your rehab as your first race back may be a super quick time. This means you need to get a better balance of your trauma- repair threshold. (Some people will use their resting heart rate as a guide)
The most controllable risk factors are extrinsic factors linked to training intensity. You may have already heard me say only increase training volume OR intensity by 10% each week.
Conclusion Knowing the risks you can train sensibly and lower the risk of achilles tendinopathy. Don't forget you can cross train with cycling or swimming for lighter recovery sessions to offload the tendon and strengthen your muscles to be able to cope with more demand with a progressive load heel raise program.
Caffeine
Lifted from Runners World (USA Edition). Authors qualifications are listed at the end of the article. Ed.
As a registered sports dietitian, I spend a lot of time advising athletes. Our introductory meetings always include a review of performance goals, current nutritional status, and recent food intake. Invariably, the conversation turns into some sort of confession—but not the kind you’d expect.
Rarely do athletes admit to excessive intake of French fries or doughnuts. No, the confessions are more along the lines of, “I don’t eat many vegetables,” or “I need to cut out coffee.”
The first confession I can work with—there are plenty of ways to add veggies to the diet. But the second? I just don’t understand why an endurance athlete feels shame for loving java. Not only can coffee be linked to health benefits, but it’s also a potent source of caffeine. And caffeine is one of the most popular ergogenic aids in the world for good reason—it works.
How does caffeine affect exercise? It can be more than just a morning pick-me-up. Caffeine has a number of physiologic effects that can help improve athletic performance. It is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is a mild stimulant that affects multiple organ systems. Can you get too much of a good thing? While there is no consistent evidence for adverse effects on a healthy cardiovascular system, some athletes—like those with pre-existing heart conditions, pregnant women, or those on certain medications—should limit their intake. And just like you discovered in college while pulling an all-nighter, if you consume too much caffeine, sleeplessness and jitters are likely to occur (especially in people not used to caffeine). As for leaching the calcium out of your bones? No convincing research links caffeine to osteoporosis.
How might caffeine help high-intensity workouts? Caffeine is known to increase circulation of free fatty acids, which means that it’s glycogen sparing. And studies show that supplementation of caffeine (between 3-6mg/kg) is effective in reducing perceived exertion (meaning that six-minute mile feels like a seven-minute mile). In fact, studies have found that swimmers are faster after 6mg/kg body weight administered in a fruit juice drink two- to five hours before the swim and reported lower perceived exertion. And cyclists’ time to exhaustion was nearly 15 minutes longer while caffeinated with 330mg caffeine one hour before exercise.
How much do I need? Three to 6mg/kg body weight is recommended for endurance exercise (and more is not necessarily better— benefits do not rise with higher dosages). More pronounced effects might be perceived if you abstain from caffeine for several days before the exercise, but if you simply can’t live without your morning cup of joe, the research isn’t compelling enough to force you to forego it. *
Where can I find it? According to Center for Science in the Public Interest, Starbucks espresso (75mg/shot), black tea (30-80mg/8oz), green tea (35-60mg/8oz), and even in novel product like flavour enhancers like Mio Energy drops. (One squeeze = 60mg.) *
Many runners rely on caffeine-laced gels, blocks, and beans for a mid-run pick me up. Because there are many levels of caffeine in these products, always be careful to check the label of your favourite flavour to see how much it might contain. In general, if a product contains caffeine, it likely offers somewhere between 25-100mg per serving. Athletes who don’t often use caffeine but want to try out a mid-run fuel with some kick would do well to start with a conservative 25mg dose and see how they respond.
Remember, while you may find that caffeinated fuel is just the kick you need to make it through a long run or race, the effect of this ergogenic aid can be cumulative. So if you consume double-espresso gels every hour of a long run, you should plan on staying up past your bedtime or until the post-run jitters wear off.
* Editors Comment. I recommend taking Pro Plus tablets, which supply 50mgm of caffeine. The makers recommend a top dose of 3 tablets, which is less than the lower recommended dose for 60Kg body weight. However, I have often taken 6 tablets with no adverse effect.
Pamela Nisevich Bede, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, is a registered dietitian and a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from Miami University (Ohio) and a Masters Degree in Medical Dietetics from The Ohio State University. Pamela is co-owner of Swim, Bike, Run, Eat! LLC, a Dayton, Ohio-based nutrition consulting firm that serves teams and individual athletes. Pamela has finished one Ironman Triathlon and 14 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and has a PR of 3:09.
Mini Biographies
Phil Markham
After making his debut for the club in the 2013 Ferriby 10 mile, Phil loves road running, occasionally dabbles in the cross country. He confesses to an obsession with buying running shoes - 19 pairs since 2013 and counting! Ed
Years as a runner
I loved Running at school but was lured by the 'riches' of other sports and spent the next 25yrs playing squash in Yorkshire Leagues. I returned to running 3 weeks before the 2012 Scarborough 10k as I needed a new challenge for the next 25yrs....
Best performance
Ranking position it must be winning the 2013 First Light 5mile, gaining a race record time in the process. Admittedly it was the first (and last) time that the race was held, but let's not get into details.. From a race satisfaction point of view, coming 55th in a 10k race in Sheffield in icy winter of early 2013. Being the only SAC member there, I thought I'd make an idiot of myself by starting near the front. I was totally unaware that it was the place to be so that I could see the carnage about to unfold. (see funniest moment)
Favourite race Any race that doesn't involve wind, rain or mud! (just ask Julie & Dave !!!)
Favourite female athlete.
Paula Radcliffe. She paced her races to perfection every time, and the mental strength after Athens, to pull yourself back to the top of your sport is phenomenal.
Favourite male athlete.
For track, It has to be Steve Cram. I used to try and follow one of his training partners, Tony Morrell, at Clairville Stadium in the 80's. I was in awe at their speed and recovery. A fantastic runner, who was great to watch on TV when Seb Coe and Steve Ovett was racing against him. For road running it has to be Kenyan, Paul Tergat. I’ve always admired, sympathised and understood the man who never really fitted in to his Kenyan team or his sports politics. He didn't follow its protocol or the money, he just made the statements with his running, and ran for his own self worth. When once asked in an interview if he had a chip on his shoulder, he replied “I’m a perfectly balanced athlete, I have a chip on both!! "
Most promising young SAC talent
That would have to go Sacha Butterworth, in my opinion. Sacha has natural talent in abundance and a great style for long distance running. The way she runs is just effortless. Some people are surprised about her 5k times, but i think her future is in distance running. Just wait and see in ten years. I'm betting she'll have a sub 70min half marathon and looking for a great marathon future. (hope I haven't put a hex on you Sacha)
Targets
Sub 60min for 10M, sub 85min for 1/2 marathon and sub 3hr for the Marathon... Maybe next year...
Ambitions
To stay injury free and try to get faster. I'd love to still be competitive in 20 years time. I'd also like to try an Ultra maybe even the Bob Graham Round at some point, if I can find time to train properly for it.
Funniest moment
Starting on the third row of the "very cold" Sheffield 10k I expected to be out of my depth. As we all rounded the first corner, the local police, who clearly hadn't been given a race start time, had taped off the road so the local council could clear the snow and ice. The front runners ran into the police tape, stretching it but not breaking it. Suddenly it looked like Beecher's Brook in the Grand National. Top club runner and elites alike were flattened, as the pack ran into the back of the runners who were stretching the tape in front. I ended up in the top 20 by the first kilometre and spent the next 3k apologising to the runners I'd stood on as they came past!!
PS. if the police had got their race numbers, there would have been a lot of 'breech of the peace' discussions.. I didn't realise runners swore so much!
PPS.. Don't run in the cycle lane in Marbella. I did this once to avoid cars and found there is a 10kph max speed limit, after being stopped by the local police and warned for overtaking & annoying cyclists. Am I the only person for being pulled for speeding whilst running?
Press Reports
Hardmoors 55
Nikki Carr
Scarborough Athletic Club’s ultra distance specialist athlete Nikki Carr competed in the Hardmoors 55, which the latest event of the Hardmoor series. This consisted of a 55 route from Guisborough to Hemsley over the North Yorkshire Moors and Cleveland Hill and had a challenging 2,700 metres of climb. Nikki completed the race which had a time limit of 16 hours in less than 10 hours and was unofficially placed 4th woman. Nikki’s completion of this event meant that she achieved her target of completing 1,000 miles of Hardmoors events in 2 years and 3 months. Her total mileage is now 1010, and her achievement was duly recognised by the event organiser.
East Hull 20
Three of Scarborough Athletic Club’s veteran runners, warmed up for Spring Marathons by competing in the East Hull 20. The 20 mile course is mostly rural and flat, but was subject to some strong winds on the more exposed sections.
56 year old Geoff Cromack who will be competing in the Manchester marathon next month, was the first of the Scarborough trio home with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes, and was 194th of the 423 finishers.
46 year old Jim Johnson who is making his marathon debut at Manchester was next home in 2 hours 57 and 286th
Mally Sweetlove celebrated his 64th birthday and warmed up for next month’s Blackpool Marathon when clocking 3 hours 19 and was 373rd
Thirsk 10
Matt Middleton at the early stages
Nine members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the Thirsk 10 mile race, which is a popular road race and attracts some top runners who are seeking fast times for the distance, on a mostly flat rural course.
The first of the Scarborough runners was the in form Matt Middleton, who achieved a personal best time of 63 minutes 42 seconds, and was 108th of a 1058 finishers. Matt was followed home by Pete Johnson who clocked 66.07 and was the 166th overall and most notably the first Over 65. Pete’s time was the fastest in his age group by a United Kingdom athlete this year, and he now heads the United Kingdom Athletics Ranking Lists. Glyn Hewitt was next home with a personal best time of 68.25 and 221st placing.
Glyn was closely followed by Sue Haslam who headed the six Scarborough women and was 21st woman overall, and the first Over 60 in a splendid time of 68.35, which was also the fastest time run in her age group by a United Kingdom athlete this year. Sue is now ranked number one on the United Kingdom Athletics Ranking List. She was followed by her daughter Rhona Haslam who was the 28th woman in 71.27.
Anna Kolos who is in training for next month’s London Marathon, headed the remaining Scarborough runners with a personal best time of 76.24. Next to finish was Nikki Hanson in 80.49, then Leah Gillon with 90.49. Victoria Lockey who was pleased to get back to racing after a string of injuries incurred horse riding, achieved a personal best time of 97.32.
Blakey Blitz Fell Race
Neil Scruton
Four of Scarborough Athletic Club’s fell runners competed in the 12th race of the Esk Valley Fell Club’s Winter Fell Race Series, which was Blakey Blitz race. The race which started and finished at the famous Lion Inn at the top of the Blakey Ridge was over 10.5 miles and incorporated a testing 2,200 feet of climb over the route, which first descended down into Rosedale Head, then up onto Glaisdale Rigg, and down to Fryup Dale. The final section involved a descent of Rosedale Valley and then a very steep mile long climb back to the finish.
Neil Scruton headed the Scarborough quartet and was 30th overall of the 87 finishers. He was once again the first Over 65, and remains unbeaten in the age group for the current winter series.
Neil was followed by Sue Louth who was 6th woman overall and the second Over 40. Dave Parke was 7th of the Over-60 group, but remains second overall for the series. Melanie Padgham finished second Over 50 and her 18th overall was enough for her and Sue Louth to be placed 6th team with only two of a possible 3 scorers.
Sewerby Parkrun
Sacha Butterworth and Hannah Mainprize
Nine mostly junior members of Scarborough Athletic Club, took full advantage of some fine spring weather for the latest Sewerby Parkrun. The seven female runners all achieved some outstanding results, and in particular when Hannah Mainprize led them to finish the first four women runners overall. Hannah celebrated her 17th birthday with the win and also a personal best time of 20 minutes 45 seconds. Sacha Butterworth once again headed her mother Hester Butterworth when finishing in second with 21.42, whilst Hester was third in 22.08. Hannah Bayes was fourth overall in 22.33. They were followed by Heidi Coates who was 10th with a personal best time of 25.32 and Ciara Harper who was the second in the Junior Women’s 11- 14 Age Group behind Sacha Butterworth with 32.45
Joe Harper was an impressive 22nd overall and the 2nd in the Junior Men’s 15-17 Age Group with 22.30. Joe was followed by David Field who was 36th overall of the 121 finishers and 6th Over-50 in 24.45
Hull Parkrun
Matt Middleton warmed up for the next day’s Thirsk 10 mile race when competing in the latest of Hull Parkruns which are held at East Park Hull, and invariably attract large fields. Matt who won at Sewerby the previous week was pleased to finish 6th of 398 in 18 minutes and 19 seconds, which also bettered his Sewerby best time.
Harrogate Parkrun
Linda Hinchliffe who is also a regular Parkrunner at Sewerby, competed at the latest Harrogate Parkruns which are run on the famous Stray. Linda finished 46th woman overall of 102 in a personal best time of 29 minutes and 8 seconds
Bronwen Owen selected for the World Cross Country Championships
Scarborough Athletic Club's Bronwen Owen, first met Steve Cram back in 2010 at a pre 2012 Olympic Games seminar held at Scarborough Rugby. The former middle distance world record holder and 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist presented Bronwen with an award following what had been the first of many successful cross country seasons. The following year, Bronwen became the Yorkshire Under -15 Cross Country champion for the first of five successive years, and went on to become the National Club and English Schools cross country champion, and represented English Schools at the Home Countries Schools International at which she was the winner.
As a result of her continued success and outstanding results this season, when she was placed second in the selection race for the World Championships, Bronwen gained immediate selection for the Great Britain Junior Team at the World Championships, which will be held in China on Saturday 28 March. Steve Cram will be commentating on the event which will be broadcast on BBC 2 later on the day. Bronwen met Steve recently when she was at a track training session, and he wished her well for her World Championship debut. This will be the second time that Bronwen has represented Great Britain at cross country, and she has also represented Great Britain last year at international Triathlon and Track events.
World Cross Country Championships.
Bronwen Owen Scarborough Athletic Club’s Bronwen Owen represented Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships which were held at the province of Guiyang China. The top athletes from 28 countries competed in this prestigious bi-annual event. The province is 1,100 metres above sea level, and together with the many built in obstacles on the course made this a testing event for many of the athletes. The 18-year-old Lady Lumley’s School sixth former, more than justified her selection, when finishing second of the Great Britain team, which was the second European Junior women’s team behind France. She was also the eighth European finisher and was ahead of 29 top class international runners from 17 different countries at the tape. On the eve of the championship, the former World Champion track star Steve Cram, who commentated on the event, sent the following message to Bronwen. “ I’d like to wish Bronwen all the best for her first World Championships and for her no-doubt exciting future in sport. This will be a fantastic opportunity for her to showcase her skills in an environment where young athletes are encouraged and nurtured.” After the race, Bronwen commented “ I enjoyed the whole experience and being part of the Great Britain team. It was tough adapting to the culture in China and the food, and I was a little affected by the altitude during the race, but that was to be expected. I just want to gain further Greta Britain selection in the future if that's possible. Thanks to everybody for the kind messages of support”
Cleveland Survival
Dave, Julie, Jane and Melanie Four members of Scarborough Athletic Club took part in the annual Cleveland Survival event which is organised by the Cleveland Search and rescue Team and is held from a different venue and course every year. The competitors set off at one minute intervals and do not know the route until they collect a list of map references as they start. This year the route took the runners up to Urra Moor then down into Tripsdale, up and over Bransdale, then Farndale with a steep climb onto the old Rosedale rail track to Blowworth Crossing in very strong wind and driving rain, up to the final check point above Ingleby Bank. The total minimum distance of the route was 27 miles which had 3,500 feet of climb.
Julie Clayton and Jane Hamp were the first to successfully navigate back and were joint 31st of the 180 finishers in 6 hours 40 minutes. They were also joint first of the Over-50 finishers. Dave Parke and Melanie Padgham completed this extremely tough event in 7 hours and 7 minutes and were the joint 50th overall. This was Dave Parke’s 18th Cleveland Survival, and he considered that it was by far one of the hardest which was reflected in slower than usual times due to the adverse weather conditions.
Clermont Parkrun
Graeme Adams Graeme Adams became the latest club member to represent Scarborough Athletic Club abroad in the worldwide Parkrun series, when on vacation in Florida.
Graeme finished 10th overall and was also 3rd Over-45 at the Clermont Parkrun in 23 minutes and one second. Whilst he was pleased with his time, he was disappointed with the weather which he observed was just as cold as it was when he left Scarborough!
Sewerby Parkrun
Seven members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the latest of the weekly Sewerby Parkruns. On what was a typical windy morning on the course which is partly on coastal paths, they all achieved some good results overall and in their age groups.
The first home was Joe Harper who was 12th overall and the 2nd Junior 15-17 male, also ran a personal best time of 21 minutes 36 seconds despite the adverse weather. Joe headed two senior males, with debutant Alex Blackman, 15th overall in 22.18 and Mark Corner who was 17th in 22.24.
Hannah Bayes was the first of the club’s four female club members when finishing 2nd overall and 1st 15-17 in 22.47. Hannah was followed by Sian Cromack who was 6th in a personal best time of 25.33, and Ciara Harper who was 20th overall and 1st 11-14 Junior in a personal best time of 28.11. Lesley Bayes completed the Scarborough entry in 26th overall and the 2nd Over-60 in 28.56.
Walk to Run Group
Scarborough Athletic Club is encouraging anyone who wishes to be more active, to try a new Walk to Run Group. The group which has already started, is based at the Scarborough Rugby Club, with a weekly one hour session on Monday evenings. The initial meeting attracted 15 newcomers, and on the second meeting this increased to 18 despite some cold and wet weather.
The group is led by Jayne Graves and Gill Glegg who are both Registered Run Leaders, and have years of running experience. A friendly welcome awaits anyone wishing to come along and try the experience. They will be given support and encouragement to reach whatever goals the group members have set themselves.
The group meet at the Scarborough Rugby Club every Monday at 17.50 for a 1800 start. The cost is just £1 and anyone is welcome to attend without prior notice. The group will next meet on Easter Monday 6 April.
Guisborough Tops Fell Race
Sue Haslam
Two Scarborough Athletic Club’s outstanding veteran athletes competed in the thirteenth fixture of the the Esk Valley Fell Club Winter Series, which was the Guisborough Tops race, which was over 14.75 metres with 744 metres of climb, and will become a English Fell Race Championship race counter. Neil Scruton finished 14th overall of the 95 finishers and was the first Over-65 for the seventh time, and looks likely to add the Over-65 title to his most impressive record of overall league age group wins.
Sue Haslam is also the favourite to add the overall Over-60 title after another age group win, and was an impressive 4th woman finisher
Hemsley 10 Kilometre Multi Terrain Race Two Scarborough Athletic Club members competed in the annual Helmsley 10 kilometre multi terrain race, which consisted of an initial 2.5 mile road section, then a forestry track, some fields and a final muddy farm track and grassed fields back to the finish at Helmsley.
Patrick Wardle was the first club member when finishing up in 57th overall of the 310 runners in 45 minutes 19 seconds. He was followed by Mark May who was 105th in 49.40.
Wakefield 10 Kilometre Road Race Scarborough Athletic Club was represented at the Wakefield 10 kilometre road race, which is one the top West Yorkshire road races and attracts an entry of 2,000 runners.
Matt Middleton finished in 51st overall of 1707 in 38 minutes 27 seconds, which was the second fastest by a club member this year. He was followed by James Pilmer who was 77th overall in 39.37, and was the third Under 17 in the race
New Marske Mermaid 10 Kilometre Road Race Paul Chapman competed in the annual New Marske 10 kilometre road race, which starts at the Mermaid Inn, and then consists of laps on coastal paths. Paul achieved a personal best time of 39 minutes and 3 seconds and was 79th of 210 finishers
Easter Egg 5 Mile Multi Terrain Race and Fun Run David Field competed in the annual Bridlington Easter Egg 5 Mile multi terrain race, which consisted of coastal paths and a circuit of the Sewerby Hall grounds, and all finishers receiving an Easter Egg. David earned his egg when finishing in 55th overall of the 187 competitors in 39 minutes and 3 seconds.
In the accompanying fun run for all ages, 14 year old Kyle Richardson was the runner up.
Sewerby Parkrun
Sacha Butterworth
Eleven members of Scarborough Athletic Club joined a record entry of 193 runners at the Easter Saturday running of the weekly Sewerby Parkrun. They were led home by Matt Middleton who was 4th overall in 18 minutes 51 seconds.
Matt was followed by 13 year old Christian Mummert who was 15th male overall and the first of the 11-14 age group in a personal best time of 20.07, and Robert Powell who was 18th in 20.16.
14 year old Sacha Butterworth finished second overall of the 79 women runners in a personal best time of 20.54. She was denied a hat trick of wins by Martha Clapp who is a notable 17 year old midlands athlete. Joe Harper also achieved a personal best and runner up placing in his 11-14 age group with a time of 21.35.
Christopher Bourne made a good event debut when finishing 41st in 23.14, and was followed by David Field who is closing in on 50 parkruns, and was 53rd in 24.44.
Lisa Bourne headed a group of four Scarborough women runners who all achieved good overall and age group placings. Lisa was 13th overall of the 79 women finishers and the first Over-40 in a personal best time of 25.23. Sam Shepherdson also achieved a personal best time of 26.57 when finishing 23rd overall and the 4th Over-40. Linda Hinchliffe was 43rd overall and 7th Over-40 in 29.11. Ciara Harper was 51st and 4th 11-14 in 30.17
Wensleydale Wander Four of Scarborough Athletic Club members joined hundreds of runners and walkers at the annual Wensleydale Wander event, which offered a choice of a 22 or12 mile route. On what was a fine but chilly morning, with some very windy weather in the early stages, three of the quartet took part in the 22 mile event which started at the market town of Leyburn, passing check points at Redmire, Bolton Hall, West Witton, then a climb up Penhill followed by a descent into Middleton and East Witton. Julie Clayton and Jane Hamp were the joint 7th place women finishers in 4 hours 28 minutes, and Dave Parke was the 22nd male finisher in 4 hours 57 minutes. Melanie Padgham opted for the 12 mile walk option and was 6th woman finisher in 3 hours 28 minutes. ( L-R photo, Melanie-Dave-Jane-Julie) Hornsea One Third Marathon Six members of Scarborough Athletic Club competed in the annual Hornsea One Third Marathon which was staged on country roads around the East Yorkshire village of Great Hatfield near Hornsea. The event is a British Road Race Championship event for the distance. Rob Powell was the first of the Scarborough runners, when finishing in 47th overall of the 366 runners in 60 minutes and 57 seconds. He was also the 4th Over 45 male veteran. He was followed by Dave Shipley who was 66th overall and the 6th Over 55 in 63.27. Jonathan Poulter completed the scoring team which was 3rd when finishing in 68.27. Mark Mayand David Field were the next club members to finish and were 112th and 114th overall. They were also the 14th and 15th Over-50 veterans, with May edging out Field in 68.35 and Field clocking 68.48 Shirley Field was the 107th woman overall and the 15th Over 50 veteran in 91.06 Bromley Parkrun Scarborough Athletic Club’s much traveled Liz Jones, was recently in action at the Bromley Parkrun. Liz finished an impressive 3rd Over-55 and ahead of 56 female runners in the event, with a 31 minute and 34 second clocking. Sewerby Parkrun Six members of Scarborough Athletic Club took part in the latest weekly Sewerby Parkrun. They were led home by Isobel Nicholls who made an excellent debut for the club when finishing 3rd female overall and the first Under 11 in a personal best time of 22 minutes 18 seconds. Her time was also a course record for the age group. She was followed by Hannah Bayes who was 5th female overall and the first of the female 15-17 age group in 22.54. Lesley Bayes headed three senior club members and was 23rd female overall and the first Over-60 in a personal best time of 28.17. Lesley was followed by Linda Hinchliffe who was 39th female overall and the 3rd Over-40 in 30.50 and Liz Jones who was 45th female overall and the 2nd Over-55 in 33.25