Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Welcome to our quarterly newsletter about our running club, here in Paphos. It includes information about the races we’ve participated in, our results, any general information about us and what preparations we’re doing for upcoming races. Races: 16th October, 10Km Road Race, Statos-Agios Photios Village: This race was well supported by the club and the following members took part, Christine Bell, Gerry Brant, Sue Cordrey, David Dowd, Graham Garner, Linda Hesketh, Lee Hinton, David Leader, Angela McGill, Mark Pead, Peter Portnoi, Claire Rinkes, Leslie Slater, Catherine and John Tonks, also Barry Walton. Several trophies were won by the following:- David Dowd 60-69 1st in age group, Angela McGill 50-59 1st in age group, Claire Rinkes 50-59 2nd in age group Gerry Brant 50-59 3rd in age group, Sue Cordrey 60-69 2nd in age group, Christine Bell 60-69 3rd in age group and Barry Walton 70+ 3rd in age group. Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter The club provided a mini bus which was greatly appreciated, another great day out was had by all runners and supporters The La Sportiva Mountain Running Series 2016: To be included in the ranking, runners need to successfully complete 4 of the 6 races. Angela, Anthi, Christine and Simon managed to meet this requirement, although, other PRC members did run in some of the trail races. The following 3 trail races finished the series for 2016. 9th October, Macheras Forest Run: This was the 4th trail of the series; the 23Km route went through scenic mountain landscapes. As usual it was another tough trail race. Angela, Anthi, David, Gerry and Simon took part. There was something to do with bananas, Gerry? 6th November, Papoutsa Peak Race: The 14Km route was a tough, but beautiful scenic trail, which was technically difficult. Angela, Anthi, Christine, David, Karen, Mark, Nic, Peter, Simon and Janet ran in this event. All PRC members were successful, but it wasn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”. Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter 11th December, Stavrovouni Trail Race: This was a “brute” of a race, probably the toughest race of the series, with some crazy climbing, (1000m over a 10Km course). Well done to Anthi, Christine and Simon for getting trophies and for David and Gerry who also completed the race. La Sportiva Mountain Running Series: Ranking, Men – Simon - 2nd. Ranking, Female – Angela - 4th, Anthi - 5th and Christine - 6th 24th – 27th November, Cyprus International 4 Day Challenge Running Event: This is probably one of the most popular events in Cyprus and PRC members, both those living in Cyprus and from UK like to compete. This year Alan, Andy, Anthi, Gerry, Karen, Mark, Peter and Simon participated. Some very respectable results were achieved by all those who took part. Well done! Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Members who took part in this event want to say a special thank you to everyone who turned out to support them. 27th November, Cyprus Aphrodite Half Marathon: Immediately following on from the last race of the challenge was the Aphrodite Half Marathon. Runners from 21 nations as far afield as USA and Australia, plus a large contingent of expats and visitors from the UK competed in warm, sunny conditions. Angela, Catherine, Christine, Claire, David Dowd, Fiona, Lee, Linda, Margaret and Janet all finished the race. There were several trophies won by PRC members, but very impressive was David who was the M65 winner (1:34:05), finishing in the top 40 places. A massive well done. No wonder that he is known as, “speedy Dave”. Other winners were: Claire won 1st in age group Janet won 1st in age group Angela won 2nd in age group Fiona won 2nd in age group Margaret won 3rd in age group Well done everyone. Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Once again, PRC members came to support the runners; these included those individuals who had completed their last race in the 4 Day Challenge. They stayed on taking photographs down by the harbour, while having a well- deserved breakfast. Seriously though, they were there at the finish cheering us in. This was very much appreciated. 18th December, Cyprus Coastal Trail, Half Marathon: Gerry decided to run this Half Marathon as part of his 50th Birthday challenge. The race was organised by Cyprus Trail Runners and commenced at Alaminos and finished at Meneou Tourist Kiosk. The route was on coastal tracks and across sandy beaches. Due to the recent heavy rain, the route was very muddy and difficult. The runners also had to endure a head wind for the entire length. Anthi and Mark accompanied Gerry on his quest. Linda and Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Christine decided to run the 8Km race, to enable them to be at the finish to cheer them in. Prize giving was held at the beach pub afterwards and Christine was presented with the, “Inspiration of the Year 2016”, award by Cyprus Trail Runners. Celebrating Gerry’s and Christine’s success with cake, bubbly and balloons, provided by Anthi. A good time was had by all! Finally, I cannot finish this section without mentioning Simon’s trail run, not strictly a race, but we all felt it was as tough as doing a race. Simon organised and led a group of willing PRC runners on a 20Km run in Troodos, which started and finished at the Trout Farm and Restaurant, near Pano Platres. The weather was good, the runners were willing and the scenery was amazing, but and there is a big but, we ran or tried to run up hill and it never seemed to end. When Simon was asked by many how far, when do we get to run downhill, the reply was, “just another Km”, ha!! However, the experience was an enjoyable one, sure Alan Lovejoy would agree! The meal at the end of approximately 5 hours of running was well deserved. Thankyou Simon, when’s the next one? We finished the year with the clubs’ fancy dress run. The venue and 5Km run was the same as last year and everyone joined in with the usual Christmas spirit. Members who took part were wearing some outlandish costumes they’d either made especially for the event or acquired from some other reputable establishment. Members and guests had an excellent meal at the Costa Rica Taverna. Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Careful Simon, Geraldine fancies you! A motley bunch, wouldn’t you say! Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Gerry’s Half Marathons Half Century Challenge…….continued: Gerry says, “his last 3 Half Marathons this year have thankfully all been in Cyprus. October’s race was in an area relatively unknown to him on the eastern side of the Troodos Mountains. The Macheras Forest was organised by La Sportiva and mainly consisted of cross country tracks. His favourite part was climbing a very steep hill and discovering a large bunch of bananas at the top. Three PRC runners ran alongside him all the way, except Simon who ran ahead and claimed 4th place overall. Another highlight was running above a river gorge for about 5Km”. “November’s race was of course the Cyprus 4 Day Challenge, which several PRC members took part in. As he had run the Aphrodite Half Marathon for the previous 3 years, it was time for him to step-up and enter the “challenge”. What a Fantastic event! The support from the rest of Paphos Running Club throughout was amazing, every start and finish point, club members were there to encourage you to greater efforts. Of course we reciprocated when most of the remaining club members entered the Aphrodite Half Marathon. The 4 Day Challenge entry fee was his birthday present from Anita!!!” For Gerry’s final Half Marathon in December, he had a problem. There were no races in Cyprus, initially, and most of the flights off the island had been suspended for the winter. He looked at entering the Red Sea Half Marathon in Jordan but the flights were extortionate! So then he saw a possibility of doing a Half Marathon in Pisa, but there were no direct flights. Finally, he decided to arrange my own run from Aphrodite Rock to Paphos Fort, but luckily, Simon and Angela told him that Cyprus Trail Runners were going to do an extra race, a Half Marathon on the 18th December. Bingo!! Gerry states, “the day was very cold and 5 brave souls from PRC met at 7.30 (ish) at Peter Mortons for the journey to Larnaca. We were bussed to the start of the race and ran beside the sea going towards Larnaca airport for 21Km. Some of the run was along the beach itself, interesting when a wave came in to the shore. It was an enjoyable run which could have been great if the weather wasn’t so coooold! The Christmas hats came in very handy”. Finally, “A big thankyou to all the support from PRC, especially Anthi and David Leader who bought the cake and bubbly for the end of this race, my last Half Marathon! Next year……… Watch this Space?” What a great challenge Gerry, congratulations from all members of PRC. Running, racing, training, since 2009, together. Oct 2016 Oct/Nov/Dec Newsletter Update from Gloucester: “Firstly, it’s freezing!! We are certainly missing the lovely Cyprus weather.