Hastings 5

The Waddies continue to punch above their weight and already showing promise in the new season being 4th overall, out of 20 teams. The men are 4th overall, the vet men 2nd, ladies 3rd and vet ladies 5th. Early days yet with a long season in front of them.

Waddies turned out in force for the Hastings 5 mile road race last Sunday. This is the 4th Sussex Grand Prix race out of 18. The conditions were ideal with rain and wind holding off so that the short flat run along the Promenade was enjoyed by most.

The ladies, which included Lyn Hayes, Melinda Mackay and Helen Neary, held their own with a fine 5th place and showed the way for the men’s team, comprising Ciaran Osborn, Mike Pain and Michael Mackay, who were 6th. The top performers were Osborn in 14th place, Hayes being 1st lady vet 2 and Peter Burfoot who was 3rd male vet 4. Other notable places were Neary 4th lady vet 5 and Albert Kemp 5th male vet5.

Personal bests fell like confetti with 11 of the 23 finishers gaining their PB’s. These were Eddie Wattenbach, Peter Burfoot, Lin Hayes, Tim Clements, Tony Gates, Andy Pain, Barry Gilbert, Randolph Ferguson, Siobhan Burke, Janet Drake, Sara Wrenn and Sally Toll.

The results were:

014 Ciaran Osborn 28.54
033 Mike Pain 30.45
060 Michael Mackay 32.24
075 Peter Burfoot 33.13
096 Eddie Wattenbach 34.15
105 Lyn Hayes 34.40
152 Albert Kemp 37.36
158 Tim Clements 37.50
176 Tony Gates 39.03
181 Andy Pain 39.19
185 Barry Gilbert 39.35
190 Fergus Randolph 39.52
199 Melinda Mackay 40.17
206 Helen Neary 40.37
221 Bonita Backhouse 41.13
259 Martin Burke 43.15
274 David Jones 43.38
316 Liz Mander 47.10
346 Charlie Petkovic 51.04
348 Janet Drake 51.38
355 Siobhan Burke 52.12
357 Sara Wrenn 52.14
386 Sally Toll 1.03.08

The next Sussex Grand Prix race is the Horsham 10k on May 11th, though some Waddies will be running over the Bank Holiday weekend. a couple make the long journey to Luxembourg to take part in the ING Night Run - a marathon and half marathon run through this pretty country.

Finally, Wadhurst Runners hope to capitalize on their modest success and are looking for runners of all abilities to help bolster the team. New runners are given help and assistance with their training, where needed. The club is also very keen to have a regular training run for those with children on Mondays at 09.30, during term times so that young mum’s in particular can have the opportunity to run and socialize as a group .

Any local runners should contact Albert on 01580 200024 or email albert@barnfieldkemp.demon.co.uk

Fumbling in the dark!

A few Waddies made the journey to Luxembourg last weekend to take part in the Night Run. This spectacular event takes place in and around the city of Luxembourg and particpants have a choice of a full, half or mini (4.4K) marathon.

The race begins in the country's National Indoor Arena and the finish is inside the stadium with competitors greeted by a cacophony of noice, lights, music, lasers - more disco than road race! Check here for a taste of the finish atmosphere (be patient, you'll eventually see a Waddie finishing!}

Nyree, Sam and Cathy all finished in a shade over 2 hours on what was a very hot and humid night.

Results:

Nyree Thomson 2.02.58
Sam Craven 2.02.58
Cathy Burke 2.04.07

Some photos of the event.

Home and Away

The Waddies celebrated their top 5 appearance in the newly-released Sussex GP table with some sparkling performances yesterday at the Hailsham Town 10 Mile race. Peter Burfoot, Eddie Wattenbach and Albert Kemp all recording top 100 positions. Once again it was a great turnout with 11 Waddies lining up on the start line.



(Above) Part of the Hailsham turnout - with a possible explanation for that fast time from Tim.

Full results from Hailsham:

74. Peter Burfoot 1.14.48
85. Eddie Wattenbach 1.16.01
88. Albert Kemp 1.16.59
107. Shane Last 1.20.11
121. Cathy Hall 1.22.35
124. Rachel Davies 1.23.07
129. David Jones 1.24.10
140. Tim Clements 1.26.25
150. Jo White 1.28.50
154. Tony Gates 1.29.44
182. Charlotte Petkovic 1.42.47

A little further away, three of the Waddies made the journey to Montreuil-sur-Mer in Northern France to take part in the Ramparts 10K. Two of them managed to clinch prizes with Cathy Burke 2nd Lady Vet 3 and son Liam clinching 1st place in the Junior event - his trophy a consolation for having to kiss the Race Organiser's cheeks!

Also taking part was a new member Barry Gilbert who managed a sub 50 minute time. Full results will be shown here just as soon as they can be translated!

This Sunday it's another Sussex GP weekend with the Horsham 10K(more details here). Elsewhere three or four Waddies are making the slightly longer trip to Luxembourg to take part in the ING Luxembourg Night Run.