Race Reports
Norfolk County AAA Cross Country Championship – 08/01/2012 (Report by Eva Osborne)
With 32 member taking part, Wymondham AC dominated the Senior and Veteran races at the County AAA Cross Country Championships and returned with an impressive haul of medals.
The annual championship took place at Barnham Common near Thetford over a fast, undulating course which particularly suited the elite runners.
Out in front for Wymondham was in-form James Preston, the only WAC runner who qualified for an individual medal. Although storming around the course he was beaten into second place by Ben Russell, the impressive winner of Wymondham’s own 10k race a week earlier. Preston’s solid run placed WAC’s senior men in a strong position and together with John Dungar, Jason Mountain and Craig Dungar they convincingly won Championship team gold. A gutsy run by Jack Gillick placed him well up the field but outside the team medals.
Just like his son, Andy Preston led the WAC veteran (men 40+) home. Well supported by Ed Greenland, Karl Chapman and Ian Crutchley they comfortably won Championship gold. Closely bunched and supporting each other were Terry Epps, Gerry Watson, Mark Tufts and Patrick Larke who were rewarded for their efforts with team bronze medals. Further veteran runners were Graham Coleman, Russell Cox, Terry Brannan, Steve Cuviello, Dennis Bartram and Rodney Freeburn.
Wymondham’s senior ladies produced some excellent performances but had to settle for team silver. A strong run by Amy Dungar put the team into a promising position but together with Samantha Epps and newcomer Rosalind Highet they were unable to beat the City of Norwich team.
The Vets Ladies Team (women 35+) result was tantalizingly close between Wymondham and Ryston runners. Separating them by just one point (23 to 24) WAC’s team of Sharon Hurren, Kim Reader and Juliet Cox had to settle for second place.
In the same category, Joanne Jesney, Sue Stirling and Louise Freestone qualified for the team bronze medals. Further veteran runners were Cassie Barker, Patsy Bradley, Jen Rudd and Eva Osborne.
“This was a great success for Wymondham AC” said chairman Ian Sturgess “ winning 22 championship medals is a fantastic start to the year”.
Wymondham AC meets every Monday at 6.30pm at the Rugby Club off Tuttles Lane. Runners of all standards are welcome.
Norwich Half-Marathon 27/11/2011 (Report by Eva Osborne)
Thirty two members of Wymondham AC represented the club at the Norwich Half-Marathon at the weekend. WAC’s strong female section outnumbered the men by 17 to 15.
The event is the biggest race in the county with almost 3,000 runners gathering at the start line. Despite the strong, blustery winds athletes produced some good times.
Leading the Wymondham men home was Spencer Goodall in a personal best time of 1.21.01. Other WAC runners who managed to beat the 1.30.00 hour mark were Richard White (1.24.40), Jack Gillick (1.27.37), Terry Epps, whose time of 1.29.16 placed him second in the M55 age group and Jason Mountain (1.29.39). Kevin Garwood and Dale Cooper both ran a personal best time reaching the finish line in 1.38.19 and 1.41.12 respectively. Further WAC runners were Adam Masterson (1.31.26), Neil Holland (1.31.59), Robert Amey (1.36.13), Patrick Larke (1.40.13), Mike Smith (W) (1.49.57), Keith Hood (1.54.10), William Router (1.59.58) and Mike Smith (H) (2.00.51.
First WAC female to cross the finish line was Samantha Epps reducing her best time by an impressive 7 minutes to 1.41.22. Further personal best times were achieved by Louise Freestone (1.50.54), Sue Stirling (1.52.25), Jen Rudd (1.54.10) and Cassie Barker (1.58.05). The mother and daughter team of Patsy and Vikki Bradley ran well, reaching the finish line in 1.55.23 and 1.49.10. Further WAC runners who managed to get inside the 2 hour mark were Angie Bear (1.50.38), Tracy Stevens (1.53.34), Rachel Lockwood (1.56.59) and Nicola Steggles (1.58.46). The other members of Wymondham AC were Jackie Gowing (2.01.28), Chrissie Lakey (2.09.28), the second mother and daughter team of Wendy and Cindy Burgess who finished in 2.09.28 and 2.23.40 respectively, Danielle Long (2.44.05) and Sarah Robinson (2.45.15).
Great Yarmouth 10k – County Championship (23/10/2011)
Report by Eva Osborne
Members of Wymondham AC dominated the 10k County Championship road race returning with personal best times, trophies in the open race and a staggering 23 Championship medals.
The Championship, held at Great Yarmouth over a flat fast course, attracted the best runners in the county. Amongst the 450 strong field were 28 members of Wymondham AC.
It was in the County Championship team event that Wymondham swept the board with scooping 10 out of the possible 14 gold medals. James Preston (33.45), Andrew Vinsen (39.13), Jack Gillick (40.45) and Jason Mountain (41.00) were the winners of the prestigious senior team prize. WAC’s senior ladies also came first through Amy Dungar (40.17), Samantha Epps (personal best of 46.04) and Joanne Jesney (47.03). A good performance by Angie Bear (49.47), Sue Stirling (50.42) and Patsy Bradley (51.35) secured a further gold medal team position. Although running exceptionally well and all finishing inside the 40 min barrier, WAC’s veteran team of Spencer Goodall (37.11), Richard White (38.17), Ed Greenland (38.17) and Terry Epps (39.54) and to settle for second place.
James Preston, storming around the course in a personal best time, and Amy Dungar both won their senior category. James is also the current champion for the half-marathon distance. A further individual gold medal went to Ed Greenland in the M45 age group. Other individual winners were Joanne Jesney second W35, Sue Stirling second W45, Angie Bear second W50, Terry Epps second M55, Mike Smith (W) second M65 in 47.59 and Patsy Bradley third W50. All these athletes also won the corresponding prizes in the open race.
Reaching the finish line in a personal best time were Ian Crutchley (40.25), Mark Tufts (43.43) and Wendy Larke (59.45). Other WAC runners were Graham Coleman (43.58), Steve Cuviello (47.39), Russell Cox (47.55), Vikki Bradley (48.47), Dennis Bartram (49.17), Mike Smith (H) (50.29), Sally Hewitt (60.25), Rosalind Highet (67.45) and Rodney Freeburn (67.45).
“This was an exceptional success for Wymondham AC, “ said Chairman Ian Sturgess “and I would like to give credit to the individual runners but also to our dedicated coaches. The club is certainly going from strength to strength.
June 26th 2011 - Athletics:
Anne Martin, one of Wymondham AC’s star performer, set a new world record at the British Masters’ Track and Field Championship on June 26th 2011.
The event, held at Birmingham over two days, attracted the best Master athletes (men and women over 35) in the country. Anne, who earlier in the year had moved up into the W75 age group proved again that age is no barrier for outstanding performance.
In previous championships Anne excelled not only in running, but also in jumping and throwing events. This time she concentrated on the 2000m steeplechase. Finishing in 11.47 she convincingly beat the previous world record of 12.03 held by an athlete from New Zealand. Anne, who is also holding the world record for the steeplechase in the W70 age group has now consolidated her position as one of the best for that event.
26 June 2011 - Humpty Dumpty 10k (by Eva Osborne)
Wymondham runners were out in force at the Reedham 10k at the weekend. The demanding course and high temperature affected the running performance and only one member, Richard White managed to get inside the 40 minute mark. His time of 39.24 placed him third in the highly competitive M50 age group. A further individual prize went to Gerry Watson clocking 44.22 for second M55. The other WAC male runners were Phil Waity (41.36), Ian Crutchley (41.57), Russell Clarke (43.06), Adam Masterson (43.41), Jason Mountain (45.11) Graham Coleman (47.36), Dale Cooper (47.52), Mark Tufts (49.09), Mike Smith (W) (52.07), Keith Hood (55.26), Steve Cuviello (58.49) and David Rose (61.53).
In the ladies’ race, in-form Bex Faircloth added a further trophy to her recent collection by coming first W35 in 43.24. Amy Dungar and Claire Vinsen both ran well finishing together in 44.16. They were awarded with first and second senior ladies’ prize. The other WAC runners, several of them new to the club and racing for the first time over the 10k distance were Tracy Dodsworth (49.00), Helen Richardson (51.29), Tracy Stevens (51.36), Cassie Barker (53.31), Joanne Jesney (53.40), Patsy Bradley (54.06), Jen Rudd (54.42), Rachel Lockwood (57.22), Jackie Gowing (59.04), Tanya Martin (59.16) Sarah Robinson (72.46).
22 June 2011 - Broadland 5k (by Eva Osborne)
In the second race of the Broadland 5k series, James Preston led the WAC runners home, His time of 16.13 placed him second overall. After having scooped the senior team prize in the firth event of the series, City of Norwich AC fielded a strong team to reclaim the title and the Wymondham’s squad of James Prestom, Jack Gillick (17.55), Phil Waity (18.02) and Craig Dungar(19.03) had to be content with the second team prize. Karl Chapman, Jason Mountain and Neil Holland were the other runners beating the 20 minute mark finishing in 19.11, 19.18 and 19.38 respectively. In-form Terry Brannan had a good run, clocking 21.24 which placed him third in the M60 age group.
Having missed out on a team medal in the first event, Wymondham’s senior ladies Bex Faircloth (19.51), Claire Vinsen (20.22) and Tanya Crofts (21.18) dominated the race and comfortably won the ladies’ team prize. Tracy Stevens followed in 22.56 which placed her third the W40 age group. Vikki Bradley also had a good run finishing in 23.36.
Wymondham AC Midsummer 10 Mile - Sunday 12th June 2011
Gavin Davis and Helen Decker won both the men’s and women’s race in style making it a double celebration for the duo competing for Ipswich JAFFA running club. Gaven crossed the line in 56.23 mins having led most of the way around the scenic course. Helen was not far behind finishing third overall and first women in a time of 58.20 mins. At the finish both agreed they had thoroughly enjoyed the race and the course stating it has great PB potential.
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| Gavin Davis | Helen Decker |
Completing the top three male places, in second and not far behind the leader was Daniel Middleton from Norwich Road Runners (56.58 mins) and Stephen Pettit from Ely Runner in third place (58.41 mins).
In the women’s race placings were more spread out across the field with Nicky Alford from City of Norwich AC securing second place in a time of 65.24 mins and Karen Archibold coming in third place for Lowestoft Road runners (67.54 mins)
With good conditions for running at this time of year with some cloud and a light breeze a record number of runners took part in the race. Good support from both local clubs and from those further afield boosted entries to 214 in total. Norwich road Runners were again out in force scooping three out of the four team prizes, the Senior Ladies, Veteran Ladies and the Senior men’s teams all went home with some trophies. Great Yarmouth Road runners picked up the Men’s Veterans team prize with some good performances.
Richard Pilch who took part in the race praised Wymondham Ac and the race organisation after the race; “Well done to all concerned, another great 10 mile race. Good weather, great course and friendly marshals and water stations. Excellent teas and buns afterwards, a 5 star race”
A big thank you to all members who helped on the day, without this help races would be difficult to organise. Thanks must also go to the following organisations; St Johns Ambulance, Wymondham Town Council, Wymondham Ex-servicemen’s club, Mucky Races for their chip timing services, Mick Powell (Race Referee) and PILCH sports.
Karl Chapman
Race Director
Sunday 15th May – Dereham 10 mile Road Run (Report by Eva Osborne)
Members of Wymondham AC made their mark at the Dereham 10 mile road race at the weekend. The event, the fourth race of the Runners’ Centre Grand Prix and also the County Championship, attracted a large number of athletes with 26 from WAC amongst them.
In the ladies’ race Tanya Crofts continued her string of successes and was first home for Wymondham. Her time of 68.47 was just 3 seconds outside the all time club record and placed her first W35. Second place in that age group went to Rebecca Faircloth finishing in a personal best time of 70.45. Claire Vinsen reached the finish line in a pb time of 72.11 and together they were declared first team in the open race and first senior team in the championship.
A further individual prize went to Angie Bear. Her time of 81.35 placed her second in the W50 age group. Together with Sue Stirling (83.59) and Patsy Bradley (85.54) they qualified for the third veteran team prize in the championship. Further WAC runners were Jen Rudd (84.09), Vikki Bradley (85.55), Joanne Jesney (90.21) and Nicola Heard (102.27).
In-form Richard White was first runner home for WAC beating many competitors half his age. His time of 62.47 placed him second in the M50 group. Helping each other along and finishing closely bunched in 66.20, 66.28 and 66.30 were Ed Greenland, Andy Preston and Terry Epps. Together they scooped second vets team prize in the championship.
Wymondham’s senior team, represented through Andy Vinsen (65.26), Phil Waity (68.00), Adam Masterson (72.06) and Jason Moutain (72.36) also qualified for second team prize. Further WAC runners were Chairman Ian Sturgess (68.31), followed by former Chairman Karl Chapman in 71.29. Kevin Garwood managed to reduce his best time by an impressive 4 minutes to 74.38. Mike Smith (W) reached the finish line in 79.36 and was rewarded with second prize in the M65 age group. Robert Scarfe (93.27), David Rose (95.38) and Robert Stone (98.40) were next followed by Rodney Freeburn, whose time of 111.27 was a new all time M70 club record.
Wymondham AC’s annual Midsummer 10 mile road race will take place on Sunday, 12 June. For details and entry forms go to wymondhamac.org.uk
Broadland Half-Marathon – 3 April 2011 (by Eva Osborne)
Fifteen members of Wymondham AC competed in the Broadland Half-Marathon on
Sunday and returned with trophies and personal best times.
Chairman Ian Sturgess and Terry Epps chased each other all the way eventually reaching
the finish line in 1.3111 and 1.31.27 respectively. Next home were Mark Tufts (1.34.50)
and Graham Coleman (1.37.56) both running a personal best time for that distance. A
further pb was achieved by Rob Ewen, reducing his time run at the Norwich Half three
weeks earlier by an impressive three minutes to 1.51.02. Other WAC runners were Kevin
Garwood (1.40.28), Dale Cooper (1.44.00) and Ian Crutchley, who nursing an injury
just “jogged” the course, finished in 2.08.45.
It was again the Wymondham ladies who scooped the prizes. First home and placed
third lady overall was Tanya Crofts in 1.35.55, followed by Bex Faircloth in a pb time of
1.37.33, which put her first in the W35 age group. Angie Bear was next in 1.46.57 and
together they were awarded with the first ladies’ team prize.
A further individual trophy went to Tracy Stevens coming first in the W40 group in
1.51.02. The winter training paid off for Samantha Epps (1.48.20), Jen Rudd (1.54.56)
and Louise Slaughter (2.08.44) all running a personal best time.
Sunday 27th March – Census day
The final of the Ryston Runners – Shouldham Warren cross country series.
Run over the dry woodland trails of Shouldham Warren. A smaller but competitive field assembled for the final event of the series the 6.5k single lap course. The good weather conditions enhancing possibilities for some good times from all the competitors. Six Wymondham runners turned out for the event and finished as follows:
Gerry Watson – 27.01
Kevin Garwood – 27.47
Kim Reader – 28.31
Robert Scarfe – 34.11
Louis Cooper – 35.28
Eva Osborne – 36.42
Frettenham 10k.
A 10k race organised by Coltishall Jaguars. A two lap course run over rural roads. 189 competitors finished this flat fast course.
Phil Waity – 36.24 – 1st Senior – 4th Overall
Jason Mountain – 41.29
Paul Wightman – 41.48
Sharon Hurren – 42.35 – 2nd Senior
Steve Cuviello – 48.28
Vicki Bradley – 50.15
Joanne Jesney – 51.43
Patsy Bradley – 52.06 – 2nd W50-59
The City of Norwich Half Marathon
The City of Norwich half marathon (postponed from November 2010) took place at the Showground in Norwich on Sunday 13 March 2011. Of the 39 WAC members who took part in the race, there were some particularly outstanding performances.
Our first Wymondham runner to the finish line was Jack Gillick in a brilliant time of 1:24:13, very closely followed by Richard White in 1:24:45. Sharon Hurren achieved a personal best and also broke the female club record for a half marathon in 1:34:04. She was very closely followed in by our second WAC female runner to finish, Tanya Crofts, in 1:35:42. Third of our female runners was Harriet Carr 1:37:30. Thirteen of our runners achieved a race times of under 1:40.
For Kerry Daniels and Louise Slaughter it was the first time they had run a half marathon and both achieved very respectable times in just under and just over the 2 hour mark respectively. Our head coach, Ron Marsh, and vet female runners, Angie Bear and Jenny Christian, who all recently completed the Venice Marathon at the end of last year, ran good times of 2.03 for Ron, 1.45 for Jenny and also obtained 3rd F55 category; and 1.50 for Angie.
Fairly new members to the club, Jen Rudd and Tracie Draeger ran really good times and enjoyed the all the fun and camaraderie of club racing. Regular member, Tracy Stevens, using the race as training for this year’s London Marathon crossed the finish line together with fellow club mate, Dave Dysart, in 1:47:25. Our regular runners of the club all achieved very respectable race times on the day with some personal bests. The race was hugely supported by members of the club who were not running but supported their club members by spectating at various points along the route, taking photos and cheering them on with words of encouragement.
This was a great race, well supported by Wymondham AC.
Wymondham AC Spring 20 Miler
Runners from both local clubs and from as far afield as Barnsley, Harpenden and Bishops Stortford travelled to Wymondham to compete in the Wymondham AC Spring 20 Miler. Many of the 300 competitors use the race as a key test for a spring marathon such as London or Edinburgh.
In the early stages of the race a small group formed; however the pace proved too much for some as Matthew Harvey (Newmarket Joggers 34) the eventual winner started to push hard from about 7 miles.
Matthew had company from Tom Kinsnorth (St Edmunds Pacers) until just after 9 miles when he steadily broke away to form a comfortable lead through to the finish crossing the line in an impressive time of 1.57.16. Tom Kinsnorth kept his second place with a time of 1.59.25 with Brad Jones (Ipswich Jaffa) completing the top three in 2.02.32.
Photo shows the winner Matthew Harvey (34) and Steve Cockrell (294) who finished 4th
Tessa Jones (City Of Norwich) (photo below) won the ladies race with a margin of over 3 minutes beating the 2 ½ hour mark by 6 seconds finishing in 2.29.54. Tessa led from early on and never looked back proving that even as a veteran racer she still has the edge over some senior runners over 20 miles. Annie Bradbury and Gina Handoll running for Ryston Runners finished in 2nd and 3rd place separated by only 7 seconds with Annie finishing in 2.32.58 and Gina in 2.33.05.
The hint of spring weather, albeit slightly chilly held out for the remaining runners to cross the line, with competitors heading back to the welcoming Ex-Servicemens club to warm up with a good cup of tea and some homemade cakes made by Tracy Stevens and Anne Martin from Wymondham AC.
Thanks as always to all Wymondham AC club members who turned up to marshal and support runners. Thanks also to PILCH for their continued support, St Johns Ambulance, Mick Powell (Race Referee), Wymondham Town Council and all residents around the course for their patience and continued support.
The next race on the Wymondham AC calendar is the Midsummer 10 Mile on the 12th June which is part of the Runners Centre Grand Prix.
For more information and results of the race please visit www.wymondhamac.org.uk.
Photographs kindly taken by espressivophotography and can be found by following the link.
The Valentines 10k – 13th February 2011
The second race of the Runners’ Centre Grand Prix for 2011 took place at Swanton Abbott over a rural 10k course.
The seven runners competing for Wymondham AC all did well and were rewarded with several trophies.
Leading the Wymondham men home was in form Richard White. Disappointed with his second place in the previous event, he made up for it this time comfortably winning the M50 ages group in 39:00
The other WAC runners were Ian Crutchley, Steve Childerhouse and Mike Smith (H) reaching the finish line in 42:09, 43:13 and 50:22 respectively.
Sharon Hurren’s time of 42:01 placed her first in the senior ladies and together with Samanatha Epps and new member Emma Fickling she collected the first senior Team prize. Samantha who was recently awarded the club trophy for dedication and commitment to training, managed to reduce her personal best time by almost five minutes to 47:28. Emma, completing in her first 10k race, finished in a creditable 62:06
Whitwell Station Cross Country – 6th February 2011
A great new event in the Cross Country calendar The Whitwell Station Cross Country took place on Sunday 6th February 2011, organised by Reepham Runners with all the proceeds being given to the East Anglian Air Ambulance as well as a donation to Whitwell Station.
A demanding course of two laps to make a total of 10k, the terrain mixed indeed from the smooth running surface of the Marriotts Way to coarsely ploughed and boggy fields and a quick cold dip with a stream crossing. Cross country shoes were going to be an essential requirement. Thankfully on the day the gales we had been having in Norfolk had subsided somewhat and running conditions were favourable. A small but hardy bunch of Cross country runners arrived at Whitwell Station to enjoy this new event.
From Wymondham AC in finishing order – Gerry Watson (10th), Mark Tufts (16th), Kim Reader (1st Lady -17th), Dennis Bartrum (26th ) and Rob Scarfe (33rd)
Well done to all who took part.
Reedham 10 – Sunday 30th January 2011 – By Sharon Hurren
A record number of over 400 competitors gathered at Reedham for the annual 10 mile road race with 20 athletes from WAC among them. It is a lovely country route with a few hills to keep it interesting. We were really lucky with the weather, it was cool but not windy, perfect running conditions and definitely PB potential and we certainly came home with plenty of them as well as several trophies between us.
Richard White lead the WAC runners home in 62.52 and was 2nd M50, Ed Greenland 64.30 2nd M45 and Terry Epps returning to racing after injury 68.12 3rd M55, also running for the men were Steve Childerhouse 70.23, Mark Tufts 72.52, Graham Coleman 73.13 and Robert Ewen 78.59 who all recorded PB's. Steve Cuviello had a good run in his first 10mile race finishing in 82.20, followed by Mike Smith (H) 84.17.
The ladies race was a close run, I came in with a time of 69.10 a PB and 1st F35. A further individual prize went to Tania Crofts her time of 70.34 gave her 3rd F35, she was closely followed by Bex Faircloth in 70.53. Claire Vincent also recovering from injury competed in her first 10 mile race and finished 3rd senior in 72.59. Further PB's were achieved by Sam Epps 80.56 and Jen Rudd 81.54. Helping each other along and finishing close together were Jules Kennelly 86.23, Cassie Barker 86.24 and Sue Stirling 86.28, followed by Joanne Jesney 92.44 and Carole Wyatt 95.51.
It was a really great morning out and we all enjoyed it, lovely to see so many Wymondham runners at an event.
Horsford Cross Country - Sunday 2nd January 2011
Plantation woods at Horsford was once again the venue for the very popular Norwich Road Runners Cross Country series. With no snow or ice on the ground for this event, the underfoot conditions were good, some mud, a little standing water and soft forest trails. The event proved to be a great success for Wymondham again, with a strong women’s team. Experienced cross country veterans Sharon Hurren, Juliet Cox, Kim Reader and new to the event Bex Hall. In the men’s team, Andy Preston, James Sturgess, Gerry Watson, Russell Cox, Mark Tufts, Robert Scarf, Rodney Freeburn, Steve Cuviello and new to the event Ed Greenland and Graham Coleman. The event is a well marshalled 3 lap course for the ladies and 4 laps for the men.
In the women’s race both Bex and Sharon starting off up at the front of field both striding out proving Wymondham Women are a real force in Norfolk Cross country. With strong running and good pace work, Sharon led the women’s race and finished in 1st place, followed by Bex Hall. Kim Reader recently recovering from illness strode in in 4th place managing to beat Norwich Road Runners Penny Edwards who had just beaten her in the last race. A muddy Juliet Cox who fell twice during the race and recovered well to finish in 6th place.
In the men’s event, the 4 laps prove to be a real test of endurance especially when the women begin to peel off for their finish. New comer to Cross country and enjoying the event Ed Greenland coming in first for the Wymondham Men, followed by experienced but once again Achilles Heel troubled Andy Preston. James Sturgess having forged a good race came in next followed by Gerry Watson, then a small gauntlet battle between Graham Coleman, returning to form Mark Tufts and Russell Cox all finishing strongly.
Steve Cuviello also returning to running from illness enjoyed the event, Rob Scarf and Rodney Freeburn also both finished well in their categories. Wymondham are enjoying some excellent cross country events always fielding a strong team and are performing well in preparation for the Norfolk AAA Cross country championships being held at UEA on the 9th January.