AFF_Archive

As we close the book on yet another successful year for the Club it is time to tidy up a few remaining events. The Marathon Championship is contested over the calendar year and awarded for the best performances over the distance. Over the year, 33 marathons were completed by Club members and the final results are.

Date	Name	Time	Venue	Age Rating	Category
11-Jun-2006	Sarah Thomson	3:22:15	Edinburgh	68.73%	Senior
23-Apr-2006	Carole Lydon	4:01:28	London	64.85%	V35
23-Apr-2006	Valerie Von Arx	4:56:43	London	52.29%	V45
23-Apr-2006	Adrian Wadsworth	2:59:45	London	70.75%	Senior
3-Dec-2006	Richard Jones	3:12:13	Luton	70.09%	V40
2-Apr-2006	Nick Stone	4:18:47	Bungay Black Dog	59.06%	V50

The Grand Prix Leagues also are concluded at the end of the year. This, supposedly, "bit of fun", event was well contested during the year. Adam Peters just edged out Ady Wadsworth, by virtue of head to head count back, to take the Eagles League title. Martin Beare managed to snatch the Ospreys title from Phil Clarke on the last day of competition. James Atkins took the Falcons title with an economy of effort, winning clearly from Richard Pillinger, despite running in only 5 GP events. Val von Arx and Becky Fleckney took the Herons and Kingfishers titles. No title is awarded for the Hawks league because no one completed more than one GP event.

The leagues have been reviewed and adjusted for the coming year and will be published via this page during January before replacing last years tables.

In practice, the bottom leagues will be considered to be one large league with people moving into and out of Kingfishers as points are scored. If we get sufficient people from those leagues competing in GP events, then they will split into more formal leagues.

I have also updated the annual Age Related Performance table - Click here to view and see how you really rate against your colleagues, and more importantly against the passing years.

9 Flyers had entered this the last race of the year, Mike Petty and Robbie Craig didn't make the start through illness. So 7 flyers made the start. This was my last ditch attempt to win the Grand Prix league, I was jointly leading with Phil Clarke before this race, thus needing 1 point. I needed to finish 1st or 2nd flyer to gain my point.

So this left me with Bobby Riddaway, Dave Sabey, and an on form Rick Hollingsworth to deal with, a tall order given my excess weight and on going shin splint problems, still hurting from boxing day.

So we were off with 539 other runners, the course was as you would expect, flat and open which would have been ok but the wind was out at play and would have tested the best in the second half of the race.

I maintained 2nd spot throughout the race, however such was my commitment on the last hill back into the village, I started to gag and vomit which allowed Rick to close in, and 100 yards to the finish Rick challenged me to the line close or what. Point in the bag chuffed or what? A sweet end to what had been an eventful years running. The girls had strong performances 2 with PB's as did Rick.

A very well organised and atmospheric event, the lone Scottish piper at the start and finish gave a great seasonal flavour to the proceedings.

At the start of December, a 10 miler in between Christmas and the New Year seemed a very good idea. I knew that my alcohol and food consumption would go up and what better way that to fight off the flab? My only drawback was that I forgot quite how much it would go up by! Pre-race week saw seven very, very solid days and nights of partying. My concessions the night before were to drink Budweiser instead of the numerous and varied cocktails that were flying around, slightly less although still impressive amounts of vino and to pass on the whisky that was being offered around 1am. Needless to say my time was somewhat effected as a result. Actually, I knew going to the race I had no intentions of running as fast as I could and as a result really enjoyed it. No pressure, was able to chat to a few peeps on the way round and managed to stave off a bit of Christmas guilt as well.

This was a well organised and interesting race. A little undulating in parts but lots of marshals, nice country route traffic free and enough water stations. Despite all of my pre-race training, great way to finish off the year. Now as for the party that started when I got home……

Arriving early to size up the opposition Tim & Adam prepared for the Boxing Day Run at Pirton. The field were lead off by race organizer, Dil Witherill, for most of the first lap before being swallowed by the field. Tim& Adam's scouting paid dividends as they tracked their main rival, Grant Ramsay, twice around the sports field before negotiating a tricky gate, heading off into the country. From my vantage point you point you could pick the fun runners as they squirmed to avoid the early patch of mud on what was otherwise ideal running conditions. Barely had I established a new viewing position when I picked out a red and white vest approaching down the path. Adam had drawn away from second and third placed men, Grant & Tim, as he made his way back through the gates and back onto the field. As Adam moved away Tim drew along side Grant and pulled away to open up a sizeable gap to make it a one-two for the club. The first 3 all beat Tim's course record, set last year. This is a fun run, raising funds for the local school so no trophies are awarded although everyone, well the first 200, get a bottle "Boxing Day Ale". A well organized event providing a welcome break from the excesses of the season and is developing into a competitive event with more than 250 finishers in the main race. 14 flyers were spotted taking part in a last scramble for GP points including a first run in club colours for Vincent Hollingsworth. Well it would have been his first run in club colours if the kit secretary had been able to find a small enough vest for him. Revenge is sweet as he beat his mum across the line.

On Sunday, 17 December thirty-two Flyers braved a trip to rolling hills just south of surround Letchworth for the 3rd race of the 2006/7 campaign.

As in previous years North Herts RR embraced the festive period to the extent that marshals were donned Santa hats and a mince pie mountain greeted the finishers.

The usual format of an 11am start and an undulating course bathed in crisp winter sunshine. However, this was a course that has been soaking up the wet for weeks and conditions underfoot were to prove a real challenge. Few will forget the ascent from 2.5m where sticky mud unsettled most and made for weary legs.

The 2006 season has been undermined by injury and Letchworth was no different. However, an improving Flyers score of 290 shouldn't be sniffed at and there were some fine performances in the closing stages, not least by Ed Druce

(90th), Jim Dodds (108; 2nd vet) and Tom Pearsall (119th). Adam Peters (8th) made a welcome return from injury and a powerful Tony Cole (56th) finished very strongly, but damaged a calf in the final sprint.

Continued training and the return of injured colleagues bode well for 2007 and should give Bedford Harriers something to think about.

Many thanks for the hospitality shown by NHRR, it rounded off a fantastic day of racing on a course that, although not memorable with landmarks etc., it remains a challenge in the XC diary.

Thanks also to Phil Bierton and Anthea Cozens for giving up their time to manage the results of our runners and somehow have them submitted 30 minutes before the other teams, [Webmaster] even if they can't add up !

A windy night meant that the outward half was tough going but we flew along on the return half. I borrowed Gary Morris’s number for the evening which unfortunately meant this was the first time he’d ever been beaten by his daughter, Michelle! Phil Clarke managed to run exactly the same time as he ran in the first of the series equaling PB and V55 record. Peter Benedickter Jr finished the series as first Junior and 8th overall

This is a well-organised half marathon that also acted as our Club Championships – but where were all our top male runners? - had the Luton Relay tired them all out from the week before? as it was, Kieron Lewis was left to race to Club Champion, uncontested finishing 51^st overall in 1.22.53. Behind Kieron was a good race for 2^nd spot. I had started fast and was out on my own for the first few miles. Bedford is an undulating course, particularly the first 8 miles but if your feeling good coming through Cranfied from 9.5 miles the course drops all the way back into Wootton.

At 3.5 miles both Zac and Tim pasted me and for the next half a mile all three of us worked closely together up the hill. Despite Zac pushing on into 2^nd spot it was Tim (1.31.42) who was eventually the stronger clinching 2nd Club place and Vet 40 Champion. Zac (1.32.43) finished a minute further back and myself, closing on Zac in the final miles, a further 16 seconds behind (1.32.59). In the Ladies race it was an excellent run by Paula James (1.37.14 and a PB I believe) that saw her become Club Champion with Philippa Jamieson Vet Champion.

This event was also the County 1/2 Marathon Championships. Paula James was 2nd V40 lady & Nick Stone was 2nd V60. Kieron Lewis would have been County Champion if he had entered. Of 25 entrants in the race we only had 4 that bothered to enter the County Champs. I know it's a chore to enroll on the day but you never know what you, or the Club, may win!

It was a wee bit windy at Luton and a touch damp underfoot, but given the forecast and the howling wind in the middle of the night, it was better than expected. The great thing about Luton is that it mixes in a relay, which meant a good turnout of flyers. Well done the elite lads who took 2^nd in the relay (with a name like that it was just as well they did!) and to everyone else who turned out. Big respect to Mr.Jones. It was a little challenging in places due mainly to the wind, although the inclines were quite small. Very well marshalled with all cars being stopped to let us pass. Even though it’s a 3 lap course, the fact that you can go through the supporters was a boost and by the time you start to hurt your on your last lap anyway. A number of bottles of ice cold Corona that didn’t touch the side going down and a pizza in front of the TV never tasted better. I hope Ady enjoyed the panto!

On Sunday, 3 December a maelstrom of Flyers ignored Met Office advice and turned out to tackle the Luton Marathon and Relay. In fact, with 7 relay teams (which must be a club record), including three Nice'n' Easy combos, it's fair to say that the Flyers had more team entries than any other club.

Conditions were far from ideal with a blustering westerly doing its best to hamper progress, but at least the rain cleared and we even glimpsed a few shafts of sunlight mid morning. Also, I imagine that the course only encourages urgent times due to a fear of being mugged in the rise through Bury Park.

An interesting start at Lee Manor Recreation Centre saw the front runners (inc Tim Harris) tear round the first roundabout and then up Northwell Drive towards Barton Hills. As usual, the pace was excessively quick with a fleet few nudging 5:20 min/miling before adrenaline made way for a dose of traditional lactic.

Tim kept the pressure on at the front to average 5:45 min/miling on the first 8.5m leg. However, an impressive run by London University's Saningo Martyn (46:05) meant that Tim could only capture a solid 2nd (49:46). Ady Wadsworth (53:51) took over the mantle for the Flyers Elite Men and reduced the University's lead. However, a strong run from Dion Harris (Thames Sigma Turbo Sport) saw the teams swap positions at the interchange. Into the final leg then and with trophies up for grabs.

Stephen Hartley caught 3K specialist, Harry Sprignall (Thames Sigma Turbo Sport) after 1/2 mile and the two ran together for a further mile. Then, wind on the back, an opportunity arrived to up the pace along the A6 and Sprignall fell away. Just a question of keeping it going and not being distracted by a buffeting wind that was particularly disruptive on the stretch from Streatley to Sundon. In the event, Stephen reduced the gap with a final leg best (51:18) which brought the Flyers team home 2nd in 2:34:55. However, London University's first leg lead was insurmountable.

Richard Jones impressed to finish 50th (3:12:13) and slash 14 mins off a PB and gained a "Good for Age" qualification for London..

Also, the Flyers were represented by long distance specialists Paul Owen (3:30:59; 117th)) and Spike McIntosh (5:26:15; 451st).

These performances are all the more impressive when one considers the conditions that these ultra-distance athletes had to endure.

A last minute replacement (Saturday night!) for the Luton Lost Boys, I ran the 1st leg in 1.01.37. (team were 26th overall)

Enjoyable despite the wind and a tough climb upto Streatley but just glad I wasn't doing the full marathon of 3 laps. Passed by Chris Jenart in one of the Flyers teams in the last half mile when I had to stop to re-tie my shoe lace - and what's the golden rule for runners to check before they start a race!!

Also spotted Mike Alcock & Martin Spedding in the results running for Harlington Crawlers but no split times!

4 races in four days. Traveled with members of Leighton Buzzard, North Herts and Milton Keynes running clubs to form Dimmock Dimmonds in memory of Paul Dimmock, who died recently and was due to go to Lanzarote to compete in his 12th Challenge. Full report will be sent to the Newsletter. Astrid McKeown, running for Dimmock Diamonds and a member of North Herts won the Ladies competition in a combined time of 3hrs 10mins 11secs.

10K Road Race 42.45 82nd

13K Ridge Run 55.50 72nd

5K Beach Run 23.01 70th

21K Across Island Race 1.32.09 69th

Combined Time 3.33.44 - Average Min/K 4.22

65th Overall (155 Male Runners completed the Challenge) and 6th in Age Group 50 -54.

This is Bernd Pichler from Shanghai, China, again to report my result from this year's Shanghai Marathon (26.11.2006). I finished 389th out of 11,000 runners competing in the Full and Half-Marathon. The winner was a Kenyian who needed 2:15 to complete this quite awful course. I was really disappointed as Shanghai really has fantatsic places to offer as a scenery to delight runners, but instead they send you through industrial suburbs to ramp up the mileage whilst you are permanently accompanied by the normal traffic on the opposite lanes. It was my 20th marathon and definitely the worst in terms off route. Moreover my wife surprised me half an hour before I planned to go to bed the evening before the race with two tickets for the most famous dancing ball in Shanghai. She meant I should compensate her for the time I spent on running training by joining her - brilliant timing!. So we swept the dance floor until 3:30 in the morning-thanks babe! I was really grateful, when I got up at 5:30, as the start was at 7:30. I tried my best, which admittedly was not a lot this morning and after the 1:37 half marathon I said farewell to my sub 3:00 ambitions. Anyway I was quite pleased to finish in 3:32. All in all I have to advices for you guys: 1) Do not run the Shanghai Marathon - there are much nicer ones and 2) Make sure you satisfy your partners right in time when you have neglected them!

I took part in the Bingley Harriers, Harriers v.Cyclists event on Saturday in Yorkshire. It was a muddy, off road, 6 mile course with 700 feet of ascent with runners competing against cyclists. I was 43rd in a time 48.36 which wasn't too bad considering that its very difficult to practice for those conditions in London!

The event was won by Rob Jebb (of International fell running fame) on a bike, with Ian Holmes third. The runners won overall, however, with the first ten finishers of each scoring.

I’m sure I’m going to get soaked and cold any day soon, but the weather was great again for this late-November race. It was just a little windy, but as it’s a there-and-back course I suppose that get’s evened out over the race. It is a very twisty course, and quite slippery with some rain to soak the leaves in the morning (can you see what it is yet? Yup, an attempt at an excuse!). Not a PB this time, but having never really got going in Stevenage a week ago I did feel that I’d given this one everything I had.

I think that this event is a great way to get a bonus out of having to slog down to London every day. Are there really no other Flyer commuters who fancy having a go? The series runs all year, last Friday of every month.

Campbell Park is a bit of a surprise package. It nestles behind the hedges adjacent to the shopping centre at MK, looking fairly innocuous. The reality could not be more different.

With both the 5KM and 10KM courses long (the organiser mentioned 6KM and 12KM- watch said 11KM), with multi laps, it was always going to be a tester. The hill to be endured at the end of each lap (4 times for the 10KM) is the steepest that I have negotiated in any XC race. It is a monster and being in the vicinity of the start finish area there's plenty of support at the top, if nothing else, encouraging you to keep 'running'.

The upside is, that having negotiated said hill, the next 0.75 mile is flattish or downhill. The back of the lap, from the bottom of the park to 'the hill' is the reverse. Having finished one lap you seriously question whether you have the strength of character for another three.

There's plenty of opportunity on switchbacks etc. to view the opposition and for this reason (and the technicality of the course) I can't help but come to the conclusion that it would suit the likes of Mr Hartley.

Jack Benedickter performed particularly well, finishing in a great 4th and putting the pressure on his father (who also delivered the goods in the 10KM).

It's a shame that it clashes with our XC league races. Having put a stake in the ground it would be useful to race it again, knowing the course better and mentally preparing for the arduous task ahead. It is one of those outings that that leaves you with a satisfied grin, it is that damned challenging.

As last year it was another great event, well organised and the runners very well looked after.

There were a good selection of Flyers taking part and with Ady Wadsworth the only 'top' runner from the club there were 49 Grand Prix up for grabs.

Everyone assembled at RAF Henlow and were then taken by coach to Old Warden at the Shuttleworth Collection (bizarrely just 200 yards from the previous Sundays XC league race). We had 20 minutes to wait before the start of the race which was fine as the weather was mild. I eyed up my fellow Flyers and identified Rick H and Martin as possible rivals for that coveted 2^nd club spot behind the Chairman.

All of a sudden the starting gun went off and many were caught off guard still chatting.

I went off quickly but was soon overtaken by Martin and caught by Rick. We were convinced Beare had gone off way too fast and would struggle in the second half, however he continued to pull away at an alarming rate. I ran with Rick for 8 miles battling against a stiff southerly breeze. At that point we tackled the toughest hill on the course just South of Shefford and Rick showed his greater stamina and started to pull away. The last 2 miles were very hard work and the finish line was a very welcome site. Rick and I never did catch Martin who made a welcome return to form.

We were warmly greeted with a chocolate bar and tea/orange juice. A pile of cakes awaited us in the main hall and it wasn’t long before I’d started to replace some of the 1600 calories my Garmin watch told me I’d burnt up in the race.

There were some good performances from the ladies with a number of PBs. My legs felt like jelly that evening and I wondered how Martin and Annie were getting on at their second race of the day – the Stevenage 5K!

The first of the three Stevenage 5K's unfortunately clashed with the Henlow 10, so probably had a slightly smaller field running than would have otherwise been the case. The double booking didn't deter Martin or Annie, who both decided that 10 miles of racing just wasn't enough for them. Congratulations to Phil Clarke who cracked his target milestone and achieved his first 'under 20' result for 5K, breaking Sedgers' V55 Club record.

Tough luck on young Peter Benedictor, whose time of 17:01 was just 2 seconds off an 80% performance rating. Something to aim for next time!

I guess that I wouldn't be too far wrong if I said that 99% of us had not run this park/course previously. For those of us in the dark what a 'pleasant surprise' it turned out to be.

Initial thoughts when travelling up the main drive was that the course looked a little contrived and did not really follow any landmarks. Having raced the thing I would suggest that it is a proper XC course, with a good mixture of all things off-road, including eight thousand and forty-one sheep!

Following a minute's silence in respect of Remembrance Sunday, a very large field of runners set off on a jaunt through the lovely parklands at Shuttleworth College. The house is spectacular and pretty much dominated whichever part of the course you happened to be on. What appeared to be two minor inclines on the warm-up lap, were in fact 'mountains by stealth', bad enough on the first lap and of epic proportions on the second. Fortunately, each was followed by a downhill section and therefore a half chance of sucking some air back in to your lungs.

The usual gaps soon opened up and the section which skirted the periphery of the reservoir afforded runners the chance to encourage team mates and to take a sneaky look at where you were compared to your peers. The field was certainly spread out over a large area, more evident at this particular venue due to the nature of the course.

We saw the usual pecking order at the front, with the fast girls and boys finishing as the form book would suggest, Tim coming in third, with Steve Hartley fourth, in his first XC outing this season. Nobby wasn’t firing on all cylinders and yet still finished highly, narrowly pipped to the finish by the first lady runner, Kirsty Whigham of Wootton Road Runners (sorry Nobby, I had to do it!).

The ladies finished encouragingly, with Michelle, Paula and Caroline packing well (20^th, 22nd and 24^th respectively), 3 of 14 ladies who turned out for the club.

Further down the field it was a sea of red. The Flyers had a huge turnout, with 37 runners finishing the race (a number that could easily creep to 40 plus were it not for injuries). This is good news for the club as we have been trying to encourage more of our members to participate and we are obviously making great progress.

We finished in another sound fourth place, to follow the fourth place from the first race. We have Wellingborough chasing our heels (pun) so if we wish to go to the finals we will have to stay on our toes (another pun) as we will need to secure at least fourth at the end of the season.

Many thanks for your support and the full results will be posted on the website shortly.

This was a course which played into the hands of the runners as it had some longish runs in the first half. A large 'out-of-bounds' near the start proved to be the prison so was well left alone. Despite some muddy bits near the paths it was a fairly dry run with some well hidden points. Next event is at Caldicotte Lake on November 26th. Details on www.SMOC.info

A beautiful, sunny day, pleasant temperatures and a piper playing us out of the stadium to the start line (well you can’t have everything).

Stevenage is a deceptively challenging course. It requires discipline and constant changes of pace as you negotiate the undulating cycle-ways.

Event was (despite some confusion at the start) well organised and marshalled and the finish on the tartan track in front of crowded stands encouraged me to hang on through the back straight and end with a sprint.

A cracking time from Nick Stone to get 7^th position in the V60 category in his first ever half marathon.

As for James Atkins, as usual he was so far ahead of me I can’t say too much about it. I managed to stay in touch for about the first mile, before he disappeared over the horizon.

New York, New York, so good they named it 26,385 times! I dont think I could have chosen a better marathon for my first (although some of the more experienced Flyers may be able to advise differently), but the atmosphere and setting (not to mention the weather - 12 degrees and still)were simply superb. Combine that with over 38,000 runners and an estimated 2 million spectators and the whole experience was electric.

The race itself covers every NY borough. Starting on Staten Island, it crosses a (steep!) bridge into Brooklyn where the first few miles were so congested, the only way to spend time was high-fiving the spectators at the side! It was relatively flat through halfway into Queens before another bridge climb at 15 miles across into Manhattan for a run North on 1st Avenue to 20 miles into the Bronx, back south into Harlem at 21 miles and the hills

(sadists!) of Central Park for the last 3 miles. A time of 3:41 achieved my goal of sub-3:45 (and a top 20% placing). Thanks to all my fellow Flyers for their wise words on training and race strategy which were invaluable.

Now for my next objective......to persuade the check-in agent that although I may only look 5'9", I am actually 6'5" and reeaaallllly need an extra leg room seat - otherwise the way my legs feel, I may need to be folded off the aircraft in Heathrow...

It was always going to be a tough one. It was the first race of the season, lots of new faces, not just at our club but others also, and a few faces missing.

The weather was perfect, one of those rare occasions when the sun is out and yet you are not too hot.

It was a little disconcerting, 15 minutes before the start, that there was no sign of the start or finish lines! In fairness to Wootton, they tend not to have the start marked out, relying on our common sense and their experience to deliver. No finish though..hhmm, I could just imagine completing 2 laps only to be sent on one more whilst they knock-up a finish area. Fears unfounded though as it was where it should have been in time for the first runners back.

As courses go, this isn't too tough. There is the long drag up the hill (1km) but get your pace right (on both laps) and it is relatively do-able. I guess that the sucker punch comes when you realise that a large proportion of the loop is flat and you up the pace to suit. It is this factor that that leaves you yearning for the finish.

The course was dry for the most part, with even the traditional bog-bound woods giving us this year off. Front runners were as to be expected with Paul Farmer and Tim Harris leading the way, with a void (which will be filled by Steve Hartley and Adam Peters for the next race) before our next runners made an appearance. Matt Jones, in particular, had a fantastic run, maturing nicely towards his full potential and being rewarded with 25 th place.

On the ladies front, for which we had great representation, we had quite an even spread throughout the race pack, with seemingly endless ladies coming through for us. My hands and throat are still sore from clapping and cheering runners in!

On the results front, we were fourth overall, not our usual dizzy heights of standard, but still good out of 11 teams. The full results will be posted on the web shortly. If not on the 3 counties website (via a link on the AFF site), you will be able to find them via Wellingborough's club website.

Well done to all those involved, especially you XC virgins. Roll on the next race, hosted by Biggleswade AC at Shuttleworth College, on 12 November.

A good race that I discovered last year and am now hooked!, 9 miles around Chorleywood and little Chalfont a few challenging hills, great support from the locals, the sponsoring companies and an excellent goody bag thrown in! thoroughly recommended

Weather on Saturday was very wet with low cloud, improving with some sun on Sunday. Terrain was rugged, very wet & boggy in places, with tussocky grass due to lack of grazing slowing progress. We did see some wild goats!

On Sunday, 22 October Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers proudly presented the Ampthill Trophy.

Billed as a cross country curtain raiser, this annual favourite drew hardened souls to Ampthill Park from far and wide. Also, a spot of rain overnight encouraged moist conditions underfoot and, despite a grim forecast, the showers stayed at bay.

At 10:20, with marker flags in place and a squadron of well-briefed marshals, Race Starter Andy Atherton sent the junior athletes on their way. There was the inevitable frenzy of elbows as the juniors looked for an early advantage. Riverside Runners' Tom Stead (U13) might not be tallest of athletes be he more than made up for this with a convincing run (8:03) that netted 1st U13 Boy, with Jack Benedikter (Luton AC) as runner up . Not to be out done, Sarah Pike (Stevenage & N.Herts AC) battled with Jade Nettleton to finish as 1st U13 Girl. The 13-17yr old juniors went on to complete a second lap and it was pleasing to see a fluent Richard Pawlak (Peterborough AC) finish first in 14:48, tracked by runner up Daniel Woodgate (Luton AC) who beat many juniors that were two years older. First U17 Girl was Alice Middleton (Biggleswade AC) in 18:11, with Juliet Colley (Bedford & County) only 6 seconds behind.

For the Main Race (8K) the Flyers welcomed the return of GB Marathon star Huw Lobb and Claire Pusey (Burnham Joggers) was back to defend the Ladies title that she won in 2005. At 11am Race Starter Andy Atherton called his charges to the line and released them to tackle the traditional 2-lap course.

The throng surged away, left around a coppice and then athletes settled into their stride as they descended into a valley to join the main course. At the front Huw Lobb and Neil Miller (Bedford & County) ran shoulder-to-shoulder demonstrating the finer aspects of cross country technique. The pair stuck together for the first lap and then Lobb grabbed the

opportunity to open a gap that was to prove decisive. The Men's Race was a much closer affair than 2005 with Huw Lobb recording 28:19, but Miller (28:37) always remained a danger and Peter Bridger (Luton AC) finished 3rd (30:01). Veteran prizes were collected by Alun Sainsbury (MV40; Dacorum & Tring AC) with spring chicken Geoff Newton (Tadworth AC) who punched ten years above his weight to finish 1st MV50 and MV60.

In the Ladies Race Claire Pusey (33:33) retained the Ladies Title to record a victory over Jackie Cooper (34:55) of Newbury AC, with Anna Litchfield in 3rd (36:49). Carole Cooper (Bedford Harriers) collected the FV45 prize and Margaret Chew (Stopsley Striders) was rewarded with 1st FV55.

Matt Jones (32:58; 11th) flew the flag for the Flyers with an accomplished run and dependable Vicky Adams (42:45; 11th) led the AFF Ladies Team home.

In the team competition it came as no surprise that a Bedford & County combo (Huw Lobb, Neil Miller & Jonathon Roots) collected the Men's Team Prize, while Debbie Bryant, Zoe Dawson and Natalie Darlow (Biggleswade AC) did well to beat a Bedford Harriers trio.

I completed the above race in Peterborogh (my second ever 1/2 marathon, the Great North 2 weeks before being the first) In 2.09.18 new pb in spite of severe cramp in both calves that put me out at 9 miles. It is Thanks to 3 members of the St John ambulance that I was able to continue after they administered intense massage to both legs.

Generally speaking this is a fantastic 10 miler, flat as you like, with only the coastal wind to contend with. This year it wasn't quiite so pleasant, with the heavens opening 15 minutes before kick-off and continuing apace until sometime Monday.

I think that we had 3 runners from the club taking part, with wife Ischelle and Chris Jenart braving the elements alongside me.

It's a big run this one, with 18000 runners setting off in 3 waves. You can imagine that it takes a bit of organising and they never fail to deliver. According to the clock the race started 5 seconds late, forgiveable under any circumstances, and we were duly led off by some reasonably quick fellas from Kenya, plus some not so quick F-list celebs. Before you know it you're 3 miles into the race sucking in air through every orifice and rueing an over enthusiastic start. 5 miles sees you running into the wind and this pretty much remains the state of play until you get to mile 8, whereby the last 2 miles traditionally takes you home with a tail wind (this year swapped for a cross wind). You certainly had to work at this last section of the race and it was quite pleasing to finally pass runners who's backsides you had been staring at for the last hour (in the platonic sense). Not the worst outing that I have had and not too disappointed with my time. I just missed the hour (by 46 seconds) so I guess another trek will be required next year.

Mr Jenart fared equally well, missing his target time of 70 minutes by just over 1 minute.

Ischelle will not let me publicise her time, as it was a training/back to fitness run, so at my peril it was circa 90 minutes, [Webmaster- It's on the Results page} not too bad given that she was winjured!

Dave Brown competed in the Word Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii over the weekend and finished in a fabulous position of 179th, in a total time of 9:36:14 His race stats are listed below.

RACE LEG	DISTANCE	PACE	POSITION
TOTAL SWIM	2.4 mi. (1:17:13)	2:01/100m	1062

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT	5 mi. (1:32:44)	22.76 mph
SECOND BIKE SEGMENT	28 mi. (2:35:32)	21.97 mph
THIRD BIKE SEGMENT	59 mi. (3:57:01)	22.83 mph
FOURTH BIKE SEGMENT	88 mi. (5:14:17)	22.52 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT	112 mi. (6:10:03)	25.82 mph
TOTAL BIKE	112 mi. (4:50:30)	23.13 mph	241

FIRST RUN SEGMENT	5.2 mi. (6:53:10)	7:36/mile
SECOND RUN SEGMENT	17.6 mi. (8:28:32)	7:41/mile
RUN FINISH	26.2 mi. (9:36:14)	7:52/mile
TOTAL RUN	26.2 mi. (3:22:39)	7:44/mile	179

TRANSITION			TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE			2:20
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN			3:32

Here are results from this new orienteeering venture from SMOC yesterday. Low key & relatively easy courses for beginners. We did the Long 7.4k course.

There are 2 more events planned - see www.smoc.info if you're interested in giving thinking with running a try!

It was a lovely sunny day for a run around the Woburn parklands. They even reacted to criticism of the plastic cups for the water break, with plastic bottles that mean you can actually drink while on the move. A much smaller field than the last running of this event, just over 500 this time compared to about 1400 in February.

All put somewhat into perspective by a 6 month's pregnant Paula Radcliffe, who ran 10K in London over two minutes faster than all of us. She said that it was just a gentle jog, that's not quite how it felt to me.

ORANGE course - There were some 175 people in the park on Sunday all pretty much doing their own thing. If any one out there fancies a go at orienteering there is a series of low key events to be held this autumn in Milton Keynes. The details are on www.smoc.info . As you can see from the above you don't have to be a fast runner to do well!

Olivia and I completed the GNR in 2hrs 25 mins (our timing), crossing the line together and throughly enjoying the whole experience - which made up for the anxiety of dragging a junior round the longest distance she had ever tackled! We were prepared to walk, but ran the whole way, although slowed down at about 10 miles, for a grueling last 3, carried by the fantastic friendliness of the South Shields residents.

We started right at the back, about a mile from the line and it took us 30 minutes to cross the chip mats at a very slow stop/start walk. We had arrived about an hour and a half in advance and soaked up the happy party atmosphere enjoying spectating from the grass verges, which is all part of the GNR experience. Lining up with great friendly competitors all with huge senses of fun and humour, we laughed so much we forgot we were going to do a race.

Olivia's verdict immediately after the run was 'hardest thing ever done, never to be repeated', but by 10.00h yesterday she was recruiting friends at school to do it with again next year, so better register an interest straight away!

After months of trying Ady Wadsworth has at last managed to shave off those last few seconds to achieve an 80% age related performance. He ran 1500m at the Watford Open meeting in a time of 4:29.86 to join the elite band of club members who have managed to attain that level of performance. Also worth noting is that Peter Benedickter, who runs for Luton AC but has trained with us on a few occasions, ran 9:28.25 (84.85%) for the 3000m and yet he is only 14!

Straight ahead on the L, turn R, on the R, look L and straight ahead........OK so I exaggerate, but to a non-map reader like myself the written course directions provided may well have said this! You know that 'challenge' is right when the website advises that you do not need a map but it may come in handy! (thanks to Coach Lydon for the tip on the hole in the hedge!) Add to that my first ever multi-terrain race of note, first ever run to 20 miles and the warm temperatures. Having said that, this was an excellent, though tough, event, through beautiful countryside and villages and friendly competitors assisting each other with directions (and in getting lost I might add....you know who you are!). Not only can I recommend this event, but I have spotted a couple of picturesque spots to return with my trusty Canon and tripod! Now, what is the abbreviation for the nearest hostelry........

Flying for the ladies were Val von Arx, Becky Fleckney, Dawn Bird and myself and we saw George Arbuckle and Robbie who were doing the 20 miler - I can't find the official results - they are apparently posted on the site but I couldn't find them. Dawn is one of our long distance members and it was great to meet her we look forward to hearing news from her in the future and seeing her at the cross country.

It was a lovely day for a run across the country - so nice in fact Becky and I decided to run round the same field a couple of times!! Mostly well marked and very lovely friendly marshals made this well worth doing. Would recommend this to all.

A scenic route in the Clweddyn Hills (near Wrexham) organized by the Long Distance Walkers association with a choice of 14, 21 or 30 mile routes.

Saturday was a super cloudless sky in beautiful Mourne Mountains - but the toughest longest day I've ever had - much too long for a C course!

We didn't think we'd be back for the bus to get us to the airport so opted out of second day & took a low level route walk back to event centre. We felt like we'd done 2 days in the one!!

This was an event that I noticed last year but was unable to attend due to work, not to be caught out this year I booked well in advance; I'd also never been to the IOM so it was a was a perfect excuse to combine it with some sight seeing and to round it off the weather turned mild and sunny at the eleventh hour.

This was really a blind entry, 75km with 1500m of climbing didn't seem so bad, how wrong I was, this was possibly the most physically demanding endurance event I have ever undertaken ( I've not done a marathon yet so I'll let you know!).

The 10th running of this was challenge (race) had drawn a mixed group of 420 riders, of which around 30% were "off islanders", as we're so called.

Things didn't start that well, arriving at the IOM airport from Luton only to find that baggage handlers had failed to put my bike on board together with two others, luck would have it they were able to ship them down to Gatwick to catch the last flight of the day.

The first 22km was on flattish roads and as always you just seem to get dragged you along, faster that was probably wise to do so. After that you were either slogging up hill in the lowest gear or up or speeding down rock strewn tracks. After a very short while I was forced to push my bike up most of the hills, finding this not that much slower than trying to ride it, especially if you jogged a bit ( if you have Sky Sport it should be on in a few weeks, you may even see me pushing my bike!). The hills were unrelenting with a final uphill 12% 1km road section to finish off utterly exhausted but twenty cups of tea and 5lb of flapjack soon put me right.

The organisation was fantastic and the IOM tourist board together with some hotels provided excellent travel and accommodation deals, any one fancy it next year!

It was a good interesting route through very pretty countryside and a well organised event with a lovely village fete atmosphere at beginning and end, just suffered from being too hot!

Big race -nearly 7 000. 3 Clarkes competed. My wife in charge of baggage. My son his first marathon just under the magic 4 hrs and my daughter who smashed me in the half by a good mile. Very happy though with a 4 min improved PB 1hr 40 mins 28 sec. Cheered Paul Owen who did the marathon and was more than happy with his time on a hot day.

Extra info on Clarke family extracted from Phil by Webmaster - Joanna Clarke did the half marathon in 1hr 32 min 47 secs. She runs for Victoria Park Harriers in Hackney. Matthew Clarke did his first ever marathon in 3 hr 58 min 32secs. Superb as he is a footballer and has just got into running.

If you want sunshine when you’re running a marathon, enter one that I enter. Needless to say it was a bit warm in Nottingham and the first lap was a bit hilly. Combined with a lack of training, very glad to go under 4 hours. Very well marshalled race, lots of water all around the course and well supported. Huge turnout of about 12000 odd for half and 1800 for the full which gave it a good atmosphere. Running 3 miles around the national water sport lake at 20-23 miles was the only downside. As you entered the park you could see the whole 3 miles in front of you, which was a wee bit hard on the mind. On the whole though thumbs up from me.

Mind you, what sticks in mind for me are the words of wisdom from my wife. On the Saturday night , as she was going to bed she lent over , gave me a kiss and said … wait for it…’’ you haven’t trained enough.Night night’’ ARGHHH!! The night before a marathon is not the time to re-enforce my lack of preparation. Then on the morning of the race, I phoned to say I was there and would call later. You might think a few well chosen words of take it easy , run within yourself , drink lots of fluid etc might be mentioned. But no , without any mention of the impending 26.1 miler , all she could muster was ‘’ what do you want for your tea tonight?’’ At that point I politely pointed out I was about to run a marathon and would she mind awfully making the choice as I had a few other things on my mind!! For the record we had a very nice bar-b-que for those interested ( menus available on request).

This was the 25th running of this excellent event - apparently the 3rd largest in terms of competitor numbers in the UK - running the half/10k/fun run. Weather was great for running - cool and a tad drizzly. The race starts in the centre of Glasgow and crosses the Kingston Bridge before heading west along Paisley Road West. At around the 3 mile marker is the quickest part of the race (at least for those who know the area - next to Govan - Rab C Nesbitt's backyard! Tends to increase the stride length.....)The race then goes through 2 parks - Bellahouston and the beautiful Pollok Park - before turning for home along the south side of the River Clyde through some enthusiastic support and onto Glasgow Green for the finish. The race is very fast and very flat. Top marks to the organisers as Glasgow in general is certainly not flat! Crowd support was excellent but not as much of a carnival atmosphere as last year due to the weather (no 'big band' in Pollok Park, but a few obligatory pipers). Congested first couple of miles, but the running banter made up for this. If anyone is out for a quiet 360 mile drive this time next year, with their running kit, pop in to Glasgow as it is one of the better races!

An excellent race with a great atmosphere around Hyde Park. Ran around the whole course without stopping (a big achievement for me!!) and raised £150 for Pasque hospice and Keech Cottage children’s hospice in the process!

The 10 UK teams between them took 1st & 3rd male V40 prizes and 1st mixed V40 prize as well as our V60 prize.

On Thursday, 24 August perfect weather and a flat course tempted a good show of Flyers over to Willen Lake in Milton Keynes.

The Chicks Chase got underway at 7:30pm and saw impressive efforts by Anne Clarkson (26:27) and Rebecca Fleckney (28:29) rewarded with PBs.

Then, at 8pm it was time for the Men's Race. The first 1000m were a little too quick but Adam Peters had the confidence to hold back as the lead group settled. Then, on 2K experienced James Drinkwater (Bedford & County) started to apply the pressure. However, Adam was more than a match. The pair continued at 5min mile pace and on 4K Adam spotted an opportunity to settle the affair, but a half lead quickly evaporated as Drinkwater struck for home along the canal towpath, Adam on his heels. Second in 16:05 and with a convincing PB, Adam Peters equalled the Senior Men's 5K Record that Paul Westwood set at Cranfield in 2003. How long before he demolishes it?

Note: Grand Prix points have been awarded for these events as though it were a single race.

Martin Yelling and Dave Brown were 19th and 11th overall respectively at the UK Ironman championships, both with sub 10 clockings. They were close together until the final run where Dave pulled away from Martin.

Dave Brown reports below on his very successful outing at the UK Ironman Champs leading to a place in the professional wave at the legendary Hawaii Ironman race in October.

Swim 3.8km Two laps around a lake at 6am, nothing to it I thought after remembering my frequent Haversham and Brogbourough sessions which have become the norm the past couple of months. I kept up a steady pace, took three karate chops and two pulls from behind and the rest of the way I concentrated everything I remembered about swimming technique. The worst part was having to go to the little boys room in the wetsuit (no not the # that keeps you warm) man this was going to be one raw day. Swim time: 61:26 position =231

Cycle 180km Out on the bike for three hilly laps, each lap I concentrated on staying aero, working the hills, stretching/staying loose on the downhills (one on which I broke my bike speed record ~86 km/hr) and getting the nutrition in. Along with Martin Yelling, we worked up the field saving a bit for the run to come. Bike Time: 4:58:01 position=10

Run 42km I kept thinking stay relaxed, loose low arms, nice cadence. I remembered the saying that someone had told me. "If you are feeling good at this stage just wait and if a little bit later if you are feeling good wait some more." The run course suited me with lots of hills and I felt stronger as the run went along picking up the pace as I went. Across the line and I finished finally achieving a big goal for me this year after a season of ups and downs. Run time: 3:10:39 position=8

Post race At the awards ceremony in the flukest moment of my life, I picked up a qualifying slot to go to the World Ironman Hawaiian champs on October 21st as a Pro. Man Kona here I come...damm back to Brogborough and Haversham!

To mark the opening of the bypass at Great Barford, Bedford Rotary club arranged 3 charity events this sunday a 10k run, 6k run and then 6k walk.

Myself and Val Von Arx completed the 6k run in 34:03 (Both PB's due to the slightly obscure distance), the scenery was a little bland to say the least and the course consisted of a straight run down 3k of freshly laid tarmac, turn around and 3k right back again. On the homeward stretch, a fresh blast of wind was blowing against you making me glad I chose the shorter distance as opposed to the 10k. Overall a well organised event apart from the wait for the buses at the end to take you back to the park & ride car parks

I definitely lost to the first train, but have no idea where I came versus the 2nd train. To be honest getting around the quagmire was an achievement in itself. On a more positive note I haven’t enjoyed a race as much in my life. Constant mud-larks and camaraderie throughout made up for any problems with results afterwards.

Perfect evening for a 5 miler, with 17 AFF runners competing. Windy beforehand but this didn't seem to have an effect during the race, which was run over a slightly amended course (shifted forward 200m with a new finish location).

Tim Harris opted to pace make for both Nobby and I but he commented that he was 'having trouble running this slowly' and promptly took off. He spent the remainder of the race playing catch-up and may well have featured in the individual honours had he decided to race from the gun.

With so many of our club runners coming through, we all spent time encouraging the others across the line and with 150m to go it was fantastic to see the sprint finish that was mustered by the Flyers (see, the short painful stuff does pay dividends).

This wasn't the painful course that I remember from 2 years ago. In fact, I demonstrated to Nobby prior to the race, that I couldn't recollect the course at all, as we warmed up using what I thought was mile 4 to 5 (big hill from 4 miles to 4.5 miles) only to find that it didn't materialise during the race!! Sorry Nobby. Olivia Lawson established a Junior Ladies record of 45:37.

Aside from individual honours (Paul Farmer won, now joined as 2nd claim from Luton AC, Dave Brown, 3rd Senior Male), we won the men's team prize (Dave, Tim, Ady).

Ady

Just two members entered this race, Rebecca Fleckney and Ady Wadsworth. There was some concern that Martin Beare wasn't present but we came to the conclusion that there must have been another race somewhere else!!

Why runners advised me this was a PB course before the race started I do not know. The race starts fairly sensibly, has a short downhill section at roughly 2.5 miles and then a small incline. However, about 3.2 miles, a long, uphill drag takes you through to 4.3/4.4 miles. The course then flattens out to the finish, on a sports field, a finish that occurs post most runners' PB's.

It was too hot, too hilly, with far too many runners in front, as opposed to behind. Well organised though, with a road closure at the start of the race and marshals aplenty. There was also a fun run but as this started 10 minutes after the main race we didn't see how it went.

Given that this was my first race proper since London in April (excepting the Greensands), I have to say that there was some ring rust present. it's very easy and quick to forget the art of race craft. Still, we have Blisworth and Cranfield 5 milers almost upon us so another fine opportunity to whine!!

I rode 31.5 miles around beautiful Northants/Leicestershire border with my friend Samantha - finishing about 15mins inside the 4 hours. We found some super tracks to ride on.

When Twinkletoes suggested that we entered a Duathlon, my rational mind questioned duo I do, or duo I don’t? But as always the masochist in me said ‘Why not, you are a long time dead’. Which is what I nearly was by the end of this event.

Surrounded by an over abundance of testosterone and all in one lycra, Carole (Twinkletoes), the redoubtable Annie Page and myself, lost our Duathlon virginity at the National Bowl MK on the 1 Aug. It was if nothing else an interesting event, involving far more mechanics than a normal running race. How to hang one’s bike in transition? Where does one put ones helmet (no suggestions please)? How does one face the fact that a) I had somehow been registered as a Veteran Woman and b) I was by far the oldest competitor and could by the likes of it have fathered about 80 per of the field?

No matter, we did it (or in my case most of it). A 2 mile gallop around an adjacent lake, was followed by one of the scariest experiences I (and the others) have had in our short, medium and long lives. Namely the 10 mile cycle ride. Given that our combined riding experiences have involved no more than Sunday lunchtime excursions to local pubs, rattling around the National Bowl, with legions of aforementioned lycra clad individuals bellowing ‘Right, right, right’ (which I later understood to mean, ‘Excuse me, I wish to overtake you, honoured pensioner), hurtling past, was if nothing else a buttock clenching experience. At this juncture I should mention buttocks. Twinkletoes had a few weeks ago made a very prudent purchase of a gel filled seat cover. I had not. Result? A stunning impersonation of Roy Rogers these past few days.

The second 2 mile gallop was very interesting. After transition (where Carole who had stopped to blow her nose, have a drink, and have a chat, was gently reminded that she could if she so chose continue with the event) I discovered what it was like to run on stilts. My little old legs, fine legs that they are, felt as if they belonged to someone who had just cycled 10 miles or so!!!

No matter, we completed the event, and all credit to Twinkletoes and Annie, who turned in superb performances. Would we do it again? Only if there was a pub stop on the cycle ride.

P.S There was a positive to the evening’s event. We learnt (via a very kind marshal) how to pump up the tyres on our nice new Trek bikes.

Humid weather finished me off and after a quick start I got about half way and realised it’s actually quite difficult to run with out oxygen – suffered badly for the rest of the race – but hey ho there’s another one in August and at least I’m starting to get used to running in this weather – roll on the Autumn!!!

Myself and four other (I think) Flyers took part in this really well-organised and marshalled ladies-only race; nice course round a lake, a great downhill stretch to the finish and lots of drinks and fruit immediately available afterwards. A friendly and supportive atmosphere, particularly in the section of competitors I tend to be in!

A very hot evening (19:30 start) with lots of competitors feeling the heat - many recording below-par times, but I was just glad to get round in 31.54 - and 4th lady over 55 (yes, there were more than 4!).

The best thing was that all competitors had a chip, so times and positions were immediately available on a large screen as soon as you crossed the line. I think that all runners will soon expect such a facility - organisers of future races please note! (Webmaster Note - This system is being investigated for use on Flitwick 10K)

On a July evening with a flat, fast course you’d expect to see PBs galore and maybe even the odd club record. However with the thermometer still touching 30 degrees at 7.30pm and the high humidity level, runners suffered as they tackled the 2.5 laps of leafy Bedford Park.

Adam Peters improvement continued and was the best placed Flyer with 5^th place in 16.26. Phil Clarke had another good run but his goal of a sub-20 minute 5K was not going to be achieved in these conditions. Steve Smith enjoyed his run but could have done with another 20 miles to make it worthwhile!

The race was won by Matt Janes of Bedford & County in a course record of 14:59. He has now completed a hat-trick of local 5K events winning our own Marston Vale 5K and the Cranfield 5K.

As with all Bedford Harrier races, the organisation and marshalling were excellent with the results published the day after.

We knew that Adam Peters had been recognised as the Junior 5K County Champion at Cranfield.

This is just reward for all the hard effort that people have put in training. Congratulations to each of you.

1st Senior Men's Team

Stephen Hartley

Kieron Lewis

Adam Peters

Darren Farr

Junior Man

Adam Peters

3rd Senior Man

Stephen Hartley

3rd V55 Man

Phil Clarke

2nd V60 Man

Nick Stone

3rd V35 Lady

Caroline Gilby

2nd V40 Lady

Caroline Gilby

3rd V40 Lady

Paula James

Having arrived at Snowdon with some trepidation following an injury from my last race which had curtailed my training and certainly any hill work recently, I thought 'survival' would be the order of the day for the race up and down Snowdon. Starting in the town of Llanberris, the race then follows the mountain railway to the summit - a distance of 5 miles.

You have to climb the rocks at the top before turning around for the decent back down. The day was slightly overcast but still very hot and with the race at 2pm I was also aware that the heat would be a factor.

However, I surprised myself with a decent climb to the top and once I got the leg muscles working on the decline! I was passing runners as we returned to the town of Llanberis. Unfortunately, I stated to slow and my feet were beginning to catch the lose rocks and after 2 nearly falls I went over. With blisters also now giving me problems the last mile was agony and even returning onto the flat road in Llanberis for the final 400 metres running was a struggle. Despite slowing, my overall time of 1.47.41 (1.09.44 – Top, 37.57 – Descent) was only 10 minutes slower that I ran some 10 years ago.

I wasn't looking forward to this race because of the weather but was quite relieved when the morning was overcast, cooler and with a slight breeze.

Myself and a handful of flyers turned out for this race along the red routes of Milton Keynes. A pleasant route with enough water stops and a better start than last year. Even with the cooler weather it was still a hot run so was pleasantly surprised with my time, 2hrs 17.48 (PB)

I woke up early Sunday morning and suddenly decided to run the MK half marathon, a decision I wished I had left well alone.

The sun had taken a break this particular morning, however the humidity had taken its place. I would normally revel in these hot conditions, however I suffered from the start. At nine miles I started to walk at the inclines. From nowhere a runner from the Serpentine Running Club came to my assistance and vowed that we would do this together and cross the line. With his help and encouragement, WE did finish together, as promised. I later discovered that this guy called Steve had sacrificed his time of 1.23 to help me, which made his help even more selfless. It's acts like this, that restore your faith...many thanks mate.

Well this was only my second attempt at the Olympic distance after the awful experience of swimming in the Ouse at Bedford last year and finishing nearly last in 2:55.

I missed my start slot for the swim, too busy chatting, so went off last with the elite men. The start was a bit frantic as people kept banging into me and swimming over the top of me. Then a canoeist pointed me the wrong way and I had to change direction to get round a buoy. Some mechanical problems on the bike with a loose bottom bracket (thanks to Evans at Milton Keynes for that) meant the chain rubbed on every revolution. The three lap run through the park was trouble free and I finished in front of 90 other people in 700 place!

Steve James (2:16:48) and Darren Farr (2:6:37) finished way ahead of me so I don't want to talk about that.

Webmaster Note - Kieron Lewis finished in 2:1:50 in 40th place, 7th in category. Too far ahead for Zac to spot! Also spotted Kevin Ash (2:16:46) & Dave Hard (2:21:40) in results.

Anyways as everyone and his aunt decided to compete in the NSPCC half marathon today I thought I’d wander over to Stevenage and do something a bit cheaper. Don’t think any other Flyers took part in this so no GP points (sob).

Yesterday I ran in the first RAF Marham 10 mile race in Norfolk. The day was very hot and the start delayed by 20 mins which didn't help!! Although the briefing beforehand was one of the best I've had - a huge map of the course and the only two hills pointed out!

We started off in the village of Marham and then went onto the RAF base and around the airfield, so it was very open and hot - no shade whatsoever (and I think the hea

Current Leaders in Club XC Championships with 3 events still to go. Anything can happen yet and probably will
Sen-Men - Tim Harris	Vet-Men - Andy Atherton & Jeremy Bell	Sen-Ladies - Michelle Morris	Vet-Ladies - Caroline Gilby

Stephen Warne 1:30:25	Ricky Jennings 1:46:35	Dawn Bird 1:59:30
Val Von Arx 1:59:30	Rebecca Fleckney 2:19:49	Annie Page 2:19:49