Saturday 13 June 2009

Blog News - Goodbye Cruel World!!

This Blog has now come to the end of its natural and eventful life.

Blog Ed would like to offer sincere thanks to Peter Burfoot and Albert Kemp for their regular contributions. Thanks too to the other couple of Waddies Sally, Sara and Mike Mackay for their occasional but valuable contributions.

To those who have made no contribution but still read the Blog and enjoyed the postings - that's what it was here for so glad to be of some service.

And, of course, to those who took no interest in the Blog but still whinged and moaned - I presume its time now to seek out other targets.

Waddies news will continue to be posted on the new Blog where Blog Ed Eddie will, no doubt be eager to take your news.

You'll find the new Blog at www.wadhurst-runners.blogspot.com

11th June 2009 - June Round Up and News

Worthing 10k

11 Waddies ventured to Worthing for the 10k SGP race. The conditions were very conducive to fast times, being quite cool and cloudy with a very light breeze and dampness in the air and there were a number of pbs. Congratulations to all the finishers.

In a field of 553 finishers, Waddies dominated the top 10 in many categories. Helen Goddard was 1st F35, Nell Neary was 2nd F55, Lyn Hayes was 3rd F45, Albert Kemp was 5th V60, Peter Burfoot was 6th V55 and Russell Carr was 8th Senior Male and 10th overall in the race. Well done everybody!

Here are the results:-

GunPos Bib Gun Time Name Sex Cat Club Chip Pos Chip Time
10 273 00:35:34 Russell Carr M Wadhurst Runners 10 00:35:34
21 320 00:37:15 Ciaran Osborne M Wadhurst Runners 21 00:37:14
61 162 00:40:07 James McKinney M Wadhurst Runners 61 00:40:03
85 270 00:41:37 Helen Goddard F 35 Wadhurst Runners 85 00:41:36
97 20 00:42:13 Linda Hayes F 45 Wadhurst Runners 99 00:42:11
98 63 00:42:15 Peter Burfoot M 55 Wadhurst Runners 103 00:42:13
115 101 00:42:46 Nick Brooker M 45 Wadhurst Runners 115 00:42:42
239 51 00:47:22 Albert Kemp M 60 Wadhurst Runners 240 00:47:18
256 180 00:48:06 Helen Neary F 55 Wadhurst Runners 256 00:47:54
511 93 01:00:30 Fiona Seabrook F 35 Wadhurst Runners 511 01:00:05
549 246 01:07:01 Sara Wrenn F 50 Wadhurst Runners 548 01:06:36

Afterwards many repaired to the Fish Factory for a most enjoyable and well-deserved meal.

Track session

There was an excellent attendance of 14 runners and junior supporters at the track session this evening, despite the exertions at the Worthing 10k yesterday evening.

This evening we had a pyramid session with 400m, 800m, 1200m, 800m and 400m interspersed with a slow 400m lap.

After a brief respite, there was a final timed lap. The results were:-

Michael M Fastest Lap by far (but defective timer/timekeeper)
Lyn 77.99 secs
Peter 78.02 secs
Matt 79.03 secs
Hayley 81.95 secs
Ben 91.71 secs
Albert 91.72 secs
Melinda 91.79 secs
Amy 94.81 secs.

Claire, Sara, Fi, Helen Goddard, Hannah and Katrina also ran but sat out of the timed lap.

Next week Roger should be in charge once again - assuming his flight lands on time, but in case it doesn't, he has devised a programme for next week too, Claire will bring it with her to the session.

Flying Coach session

Don't forget that Dave Leach our UKA Flying Coach from Lewes will be paying us another visit next Tuesday 16th June at 7.15. The session will be geared towards 5k/10k.

All those who are interested in becoming a coach should ensure they attend the session. For everybody else attendance at the session will be an option to the normal club run.

Midsummer Hash

This race organised by Nice Work is about to have its 3rd running. To quote from their e-mail:-

" Just a reminder that our 3rd Midsummer-ish Hash-ish from Peasmarsh takes place on Thursday 18th June.

Once again the event will feature a run, a free children's run, a barbecue and live music from our own Lyn and Martin Hayes. Lyn will be showing just how easy it is to do a 5 mile run and still have enough energy to belt out some classics!!

The race starts at 7pm with sign on from 6.30.

Not strictly speaking a Hash nor strictly speaking is it on Midsummer's Day! This is a fairly easy, timed 4/5 mile route through the quiet country lanes in Peasmarsh and Iden, near Rye. As well as individual prizes there's also the little matter of the team prize with the rivalry with Hastings Runners set to be renewed - the Waddies will be hoping to grab back the trophy so cruelly denied them last year!

The event is purely a social event and we normally attract 30 or 40 local runners - a bit of fun to celebrate summer there's no fundraising or profit sought so we just ask for a suggested donation of £5 to cover food and some prizes. Afterwards, as well as the barbecue, we'll have a prize giving, with awards to individuals and teams.

The Royal Oak is in Rye Foreign, located on the A 268 Peasmarsh to Rye main road.

Non running friends and family are welcome.

To give us some idea of numbers for catering, we'd appreciate it if you could let us know if you're likely to attend.

Hope to see you there."

Please e-mail Martin@nice-work.org.uk if you plan to attend. It would also help if you could let me know so that I can devise a team strategy.

Albert's Box of Tricks

Albert will be modelling special Paramo wear at our Club night on Tuesday 23rd June with a Special Offer to members.

SGP

Work on the results is progressing and we hope to be able to make an announcement in the next few weeks. There is an SGP Committee Meeting on 29th June. On behalf of the SGP Peter will also be attending on 19th June the next meeting of the Road Race Committee of Sussex Athletics followed by the Executive Committee, so if any Waddies have any comments on the outcome of the Sussex Athletic Network Workshop, please let Peter know in good time.

The next SGP race is on Sunday 28th June at Heathfield for the 10k which is also part of the Sussex 10k Challenge series this year.

8th June 2009 Bewl 15 Update

Wadhurst Runners are holding their 10th Bewl 15 running race on 5th July 2009, being one circuit of the pretty undulating paths, tracks and roads around the beautiful Bewl Water with the start and finish at the same site in Wadhurst. The race has come of age.

The Waddies report that they are fast outstripping the race limit. Currently they have 342 registered runners; of which the online entrants have reached 149 which is 216% greater than this time last year.

The race commences at 10.30 at the entrance to the Little Pell Farm, Blacksmith’s Lane, Wadhurst and the leaders are expected to return back commencing 12 noon. Last year the race was won by Philip Sanger of Epsom & Ewell Harriers in a record time of 1:20:25. The first lady was Katy Moore of Brighton & Hove City AC, also in a record time of 1:29:53. 11 other race records were broken by the various age categories; a record in itself. The oldest record yet to be broken is from 2003 when Ros Tabor of Dulwich Runners broke the lady Vet 4 (50-54)age category.

22 runners are returning as VIP’s to defend their titles and we are expecting a guest appearance of “Spiderman” who is celebrating running 39 consecutive races with us. Paramo are donating a water proof running jacket to the first male and lady seniors and vets.

Albert Kemp, chairman said “We are expecting a record attendance this year. We have a race permit for 700 runners and we are expected to have a full attendance for the first time, beating last year’s entry of 659 runners. The race has the support of the farmers at Little Pell Farm as well as sponsors including Ben Greig Motors, Nikwax, Paramo, Wadhurst and Crowborough Physio and Sports Injury Clinic, The Greyhound Public House, Green Penguin Entertainment (all of Wadhurst), Nice Work of Peasmarsh, Capers Swallows Oast, Ticehurst and Cotswold Outdoor of Tunbridge Wells. The race could not be a success without them” Kemp also said “The runners will be greeted by the Wadhurst Brass Band and well over 1,100 cakes lovingly made by the Waddies partners”.

For those thinking of entering Bewl 15 they are urged to apply soon before the race is full. The entry form is available from the Waddies website www.wadhurstrunners.co.uk or from or by telephoning Albert Kemp on 01580 200024.

7th June - Summer's here

Track Session

The track session took place in cooler conditions last Thursday. There was a preponderance of ladies - the men clearly had other things on their minds. Well done to the ladies, Helen Goddard, Hannah, Katrina, Claire, Miriam and Sara for turning up. As for the men, it was just Albert and Peter last week.

Roger was away but had planned the session before he went. We had to do 3 sets of 400m and 800m, interspersed with a 400m recovery lap. Afterwards a few of us did the usual timed 400m. The results were:-

Peter 75.40 secs
Albert 89.77 secs
Miriam 110.16 secs.

Next Thursday's will be a little bit of a tester for those who have done the Worthing 10k the day before!

Race Results

It seems to have been a quiet weekend for the Waddies, though there have been some races quite close by, notably the Harvel 5 yesterday and the Seaford Half Marathon and Beckenham 10k road race, today.

A quick skim through the results shows that Wadhurst was not well represented.

Harvel 5

The Burkes went off to the Harvel 5. Here is Martin's result:-

527 0:49:56 BURKE, Martin Wadhurst Runners Male Veteran 50+ 09:59.0 370 527

Peter reports from the Seaford Half Marathon

As the race started at 9.00am I had to get up early when it was pouring with rain. I took road and trail shoes but was wearing my trail shoes in the car. By the time I arrived at Seaford there was glorious sunshine and the sea was deep blue with a fresh breeze. Most runners (including the eventual winner) were wearing road shoes. I didn't like the thought of one of the long inclines being slippery (which it was one year) or the 4 mile stretch along the Cuckmere being muddy, but I needn't have worried as the ground was hard and mainly dry. This is not the quickest half marathon around with 1000ft of ascents and descents and numerous stiles and kissing gates, but seems to be growing in popularity with 514 finishers this year. Mats Gedin won the race in 1:26:26. I was the sole Waddie (as far as I can see) and my result was:-

Position: 86 01:52:33 54 PETER BURFOOT

Future Races

Not raced before? Well, now is your chance! We've got the Heathfield 10k c SGP race on 28th June and there are plenty others. Have a look on Runners World or the Sussex Races Website for whatever takes your fancy. Wednesday evening sees the next SGP race, the Worthing 10k. This is a fast race and good times can be achieved.

31st May 2009 Waddies all over the world

Stockholm Marathon

Congratulations to Mark Waring for achieving his best result yet in the Stockholm Marathon. In sunny weather Mark came 625th out of 13,718 runners with a time of 3:17:39.

The start of the race is near the Stockholm Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1912 Summer Games. The surroundings vary from the woods of the Royal Park Djurgården to the streets of a downtown area. The course passes buildings such as the Royal Palace, City Hall, the Royal Opera and the Houses of Parliament. Runners pass along waterways on much of the first half of the two-loops that comprise the course.

While passing the Västerbron bridge at about the nine and 31 kilometre marks, the runners view a city that provides a mix of present day buildings and those built in medieval times.

Here are the details of Mark's result:-

Details
Bib no 1580
Name Mark Waring
Born 72
Group Män
Team/Country Storbritannien
Nb of previous races 2 Click for previous results >

Position 625
Time 3.17.39
Gross time 3.18.07
Average pace 4.41/km

Distance Total time Lap time Pace Pos
5 km 0.22.33 22.33 4.30/km 946
10 km 0.46.04 23.31 4.42/km 1133
15 km 1.09.28 23.23 4.40/km 1106
20 km 1.32.33 23.04 4.36/km 1029
Half marathon 1.37.30 4.56 4.29/km 1011
25 km 1.55.20 17.50 4.34/km 930
30 km 2.18.55 23.35 4.43/km 867
35 km 2.42.40 23.45 4.45/km 731
40 km 3.06.54 24.13 4.50/km 633
Finish 3.17.39 10.44 4.53/km 625

Well done Mark - a fantastic result.

Tillingham Valley Races

Meanwhile on Saturday afternoon, 4 Waddies ventured to the tranquillity of the Tillingham Valley at Udimore for the first running of the Tillingham Valley Rockabilly Classic 5. This was very much a village affair to raise money for a local cause and it had a village fete atmosphere with marquee, BBQ and barrels of beer.

The tranquillity was duly shattered when the band, Lucky Strike, started to play, but the serenity of the picturesque valley remained undisturbed.

Impeccably organised by Martin and Cathy of Nice Work event organisers who are themselves members of Wadhurst Runners, there was a fun run and walk, a Grand National for dogs and owners, 2 children's races and the 5 mile Rockabilly Classic. This was a cross country course which negotiated fields, went up a steep hill, skirted hop and strawberry fields wound its way along a river bank then through some woods and some rather boggy terrain before finishing where it started. The Garmin measurement was 4.79 miles. It was a small entry of 48 runners many from Kent and Sussex Clubs and some locals. The Waddies scooped a number of the prizes. Lyn was 1st lady and 1st Female Vet 3, Peter was 1st Male Vet 4, was 4th overall (and also beat the 1st male Vet 3) and Albert was 1st Male Vet 5. The results:

Rockabilly Races 2009

5 Mile Race Results
Place Time Name Club
4 36.18 Peter Burfoot Wadhurst Runners MV4 118
9 38.44 Linda Hayes Wadhurst Runners FV3 133
11 39.30 Albert Kemp Wadhurst Runners MV5 120
29 47.12 Rebecca Gask Wadhurst Runners SF 121

Martin Hayes also ran in the Fun Run. Well done Martin:

Fun Run Results

Place Time Name Club Cat Number

4 20.14 Martin Hayes Wadhurst Runners MV4 314

Brussels 20km

On Sunday, Fergus Randolph competed in 30th running of the Brussels 20k with 24,999 other runners registered to run in this circumnavigation of the city.

Fergus' result:-

Number Lastname Firstname Time M/F Rank Rwa (*) Category Club Zip City
13283 RANDOLPH FERGUS 01:45:39 M 6513 25 - 60 1040 BRUSSEL (ETTERBEEK)

29th May - Bexhill 5K

The first race in the Battle of Bexhill race series took place at Bexhill Seafront last Wednesday evening. The opening race of the series was the 5k and another 5k will take place on 25th July 2009 as part of the SGP series. These are followed in the autumn by a 10k and a half marathon.

The Battle of Bexhill is being waged so far as the 5ks are concerned on a different course to previous years. The race HQ is at Polegrove Park were there seemed to be more parking and generally fewer members of the general public around. The race start and finish were nearby on the seafront. The start and finish off West Parade are quite narrow and whilst this did not seem to cause a problem on Wednesday, it could be more congested at the SGP race.

The course runs in a westward direction and after about 500m veers inland away from the sea along South Cliff (the road which runners of the Hastings Marathon in December may recall brought them running to the sea in Bexhill). The course then drops left down a ramp to the Lower Promenade and runs by the sea in a south westerly direction - absolutely fine as long as the south westerly isn't blowing, but no such luck on Wednesday! after some distance the runners then turn back round a cone and run towards the runners behind them back along the lower promenade in the opposite direction. The course then turns left up a short uphill gradient back to South Cliff which rises uphill in the direction of the sea (as per the Hastings Marathon route). After the crest of the hill the runners turn right back to the Lower Promenade and do the loop again. After the second loop, the course continues along South Cliff to West Parade and sprint finish with a following wind.

On Wednesday, it was cold, cloudy, damp (but no longer raining) and windy, with an uninviting brown surf breaking in rows off the beach. The conditions were far from ideal but the Waddies put in a spirited performance. The results:

Adult 5K
Wed 27 May 2009
18 #37 Michael Pain Wadhurst Runners 19:16.00 MV44/2
33 #34 Peter Burfoot Wadhurst Runners 20:52.00 MSV56/2
43 #26 Linda Hayes Wadhurst Runners 21:42.00 FSV49/1
70 #41 Albert Kemp Wadhurst Runners 23:56.00 MSV62/3
131 #94 Martin Burke Wadhurst Runners 31:39.00 MSV53/8

Special congratulations go to Mike Pain and Lyn Hayes for winning their categories.

Thursday's Track Session

The session this week was well attended and after our warm-up, we did 8 x 400m interspersed with 200m recoveries. There was then a timed 400m lap session and the results were:-

Russell 59.64 secs
Ciaran 65.13 secs
Nick 73.32 secs
Hannah 74.87 secs
Peter 79.52 secs
Helen G 79.86 secs
Fergus 79.86 secs
Matt 83.10 secs
Albert 87.74 secs
Becky 87.97 secs
Fi 91.67 secs
Roger 99.41 secs
Miriam 111.17secs
Sara 129.47 secs

Well done to everybody and thanks to the junior Seabrooks and to Simon for their support. The benefits of the speedwork sessions are already being felt by the regular attenders.

26th May 2009 - Ton up for Wadhurst!!

Jottings from Albert:

“Well we made it. 101 members and we are not even 10 years old until 25th August.

Wadhurst Runners have achieved the inconceivable with their membership reaching 100 runners. This has been achieved within less than 10 years where the membership base had dropped as low as 14. The membership has more than doubled from December 2007 when the club had 47 members. This is split between 95 first claim and 7 second claim members so their target of 100 first claim members is achievable.

The 100th member joined last week, being Mandy Bussey who lives in Staplehurst. Soon after she was joined by Katrina Newman, a resident of Wadhurst, to make the current membership 101. The recent influx flies against current trends especially as their female membership is almost 50%, whereas elsewhere the percentage is nearer 35% to 40%.

Albert Kemp, the chairman, said “this is a magnificent achievement for such a small club with only a large village as a catchment area and to have grown so significantly. When we were voted “Team of the Year 2008” by the readers of the Kent and Sussex Courier it increased our local profile which then aided recruitment, particularly as we are known as a friendly club”.

The club is affectionately known as the “Waddies” who have been active with road and cross country races.