Results for July 2018 on

Results for January to June 2018  here...


VAC 5k Race Walk Championship, 8 December 2018, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, West Sussex

The event was held in conjunction with Steyning AC’s 5k open track race, in mild cloudy conditions.

New signing David Kemp (Arena 80) finished in a creditable time once again in a well-attended field in the open race which also included many juniors.

Thanks to Steyning AC for hosting this event and agreeing to incoporate VAC championships within it.

Results:
M55
1 David Kemp (Arena 80) 30.48
M65
1 David Hoben (Surrey WC) 37.01
M70
1 Chris Flint (Surrey WC) 34.24
M75
1 Ron Penfold (Steyning AC) 32.43
2 Shaun Lightman (Surrey WC) 35.39
M80
1 Arthur Thomson (Enfield HAC) 34.23


VAC 7 Miles Race Walk Championship, 10 November 2018, Lee Valley Athletics Centre

The event was held in conjunction with Enfield & Haringey AC’s 7 Mile Open race, now in its 92st edition, in warm and sunny racing conditions.

A turnout of 18 VAC members was highest since 2012. In context, there were 41 on the start line.

The VAC contingent was strongly led home by Stuart Bennett of Steyning AC (9th overall), with lots of competition among the W55 ladies, led home by ever present Maureen Noel (Belgrave) H.

New signing David Kemp (Arena 80) finished in a creditable time and Tom Casserley from the host club improved his time over the previous year, with an massive 4 minute pb to add to his C.V.

The President of the Race Walking Association, international judge Noel Carmody who is also a VAC member, presented the awards.

Results

W55
1 Maureen Noel (Belgrave H) 73.38
2 Fiona Bishop (Enfield HAC) 75.41
3 Rachel Lawless (Ilford AC) 76.24
4 Lesley Morris (Ilford AC) 78.01

M55
1 David Kemp (Arena 80) 70.51

M60
1 Stuart Bennett (Ilford AC) 68.01
2 John Ralph (Enfield HAC) 72.00

M65
1 Paul King (Belgrave H) 78.39
2 David Hoben (Surrey WC) 81.19

M70
1 Dan Maskell (Surrey WC) 74.42
2 David Kates (Ilford AC) 75.35
3 Chris Flint (Surrey WC) 79.10

M75
1 Ron Penfold (Steyning AC) 75.12
2 Tom Casserley (Enfield HAC) 78.07
3 Shaun Lightman (Surrey WC) 79.19
   Peter Hannell (Surrey WC) DNF

M80
1 Michael Harran (Surrey WC) 79.35
2 Arthur Thomson (Enfield HAC) 80.49

Complete results at https://enfieldleague.weebly.com/results.html and Enfield Walker mailings


Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Epsom Downs, 10 November 2018


The VAC team. Top row: Richard Batchelo
r, Tony Harran, Ian Strong, Martin Garrett, Joe Aspinall, Paddy Clark, Alan Lane, Barry Attwell
. Bottom row: Ian Kitching,Gary Budinger, Liam O'Hare

 
Barry Attwell                                                                          Tony Harran

 
Carey Gray                                                                         Liam O'Hare and Martin Garrett
Above photos from Cate Berry

The second match of the Surrey Men's League took place on a wet Epsom Downs. The skies grew darker as more heavy rain approached, although it just about held off until after the race. Every VAC man was a scorer in the team of ten finishers. Alan Lane wisely withdrew after one lap of the 5 mile course as he felt slow on the day and was concerned about the worsening conditions. The M80 mantle was however picked up admirably by Joe Aspinall who finished strongly to complete the team.

Once again, Richard Batchelor was VAC's first finisher, in 20th position out of the 163 in Division Four. Ian Kitching was the second man, and again the first Over 60 runner in the combined Div3/4 race of 331 finishers. He was followed by Barry Attwell and Tony Harran, making welcome returns to the VAC team. Barry was second in the Over 60 category. Carey Gray, Gary Budinger and Liam O'Hare made good contributions, as did Martin Garrett and Ian Strong who ran for VAC for the first time in the Surrey League.

VAC's team were 10th out of the 12 clubs in Division 4. The scores were very close and having ten men certainly helped VAC to remain competitive. Overall, after two matches, we are in 11th position. To move up the table, we need a good turnout at Oxshott Woods on 12 January.

VAC Placings, Division Four, Epsom Downs
Pos. Time Name Age Group
20 31:47 Richard Batchelor M40
42 34:01 Ian Kitching M65
58 34:45 Barry Attwell M60
85 36:16 Tony Harran M55
104 37:50 Carey Gray M55
132 40:15 Gary Budinger M55
146 41:55 Martin Garrett M65
148 42:11 Liam O'Hare M70
156 46:39 Ian Strong M55
162 52:26 Joe Aspinall M80
DNF Alan lane M80
163 finishers (331 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Epsom Downs Overall Pos.
2 matches
1 Tadworth AC 276 1
2 Lingfield Runners 370 4
3 Elmbridge 429 3
4 Sutton Runners 433 2
5 Tri Surrey 504 5
6 Barnes Runners 600 10
7 Horley Harriers 638 6
8 British Airways 677 8
9 Holland Sports AC 773 7
10 VAC 850 11
11 Epsom Oddballs 851 12
12 Windrush 859 9

Full results of the Division 3/4 match and team placings are here


Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Roundshaw Downs, 13 October 2018


The VAC team: Richard Batchelor, Ian Kitching, Alan Lane, Andy Murray, Paul Browning, Tony Austin, Carey Gray, Gary Budinger, Gary Ironmonger, Paddy Clark  (photo by Maggie Statham)

 
1st VAC, Richard Batchelor                                             Ian
Kitching, M65 leader

 
Alan Lane, M80                                                       
Andy Murray
Above photos from Cliff Hide

The Surrey League cross country series opened with the Division 3/4 match at Roundshaw Downs, using playing fields and grassland which once was Croydon Airport. It was warm and sunny, but the wind was strong. Seven men completed the 4.85m course for VAC, after our eighth man, Tony Austin, wisely withdrew after one lap. Richard Batchelor led the team home and was 7th in the M40-49 category. Next was Ian Kitching, high up in the race and emphatically taking top place in the M60-69 category for Division Four. Ever-present, Carey Gray, followed in third, backed up by Gary Budinger, Andy Murray, Paul Browning and Alan Lane, M80, who was the only runner over the age of 69 in the race.

VAC's depleted team were 10th out of the 12 clubs in Division 4. Hopefully, more runners will be available for the second match at Epsom Downs on 10 November.

VAC Placings, Division Four, Roundshaw Downs
Pos. Time Name Age Group
18 30:13 Richard Batchelor M40
26 31:42 Ian Kitching M65
80 36:48 Carey Gray M55
92 38:08 Gary Budinger M55
100 38:42 Andy Murray M65
113 40:32 Paul Browning M55
127 78:54 Alan Lane M80
DNF Tony Austin M60
127 finishers
Division Four Team Results
1 Tadworth AC 323
2 Sutton Runners 341
3 Elmbridge 415
4 Tri Surrey 463
5 Horley Harriers 497
6 Lingfield Runners 551
7 Windrush 616
8 Holland Sports AC 629
9 British Airways 793
10 VAC 807
11 Barnes Runners 906
12 Epsom Oddballs 919

Full results of the Division 3/4 match and team placings are here


East Surrey League, Lloyd Park, 29 September 2018


Terry Booth, first VAC man

VAC is a member of this small friendly league of nine local clubs.The first of the three matches was a 5 mile cross country race in Croydon's Lloyd Park. The course was very dry and the weather warm and sunny, which made this a pleasant opener for the cross country season. Vets AC fielded a team of five men, led home by Terry Booth in 25th position followed by Ian Kitching (first M65). Steve Plested, Gary Budinger and Ian Strong added to the scores. The VAC team finished sixth. The second match is on 1 December as part of the Hercules Wimbledon Inter-Club 5 Mile CC on Wimbledon Common. All VAC members are invited to take part.

VAC Results
25th Terry Booth, M50, 32:17
32nd Ian Kitching, M65, 33:00
65th Steve Plested, M65, 38:31
74th Gary Budinger, M55, 40:03
85th Ian Strong, M55, 48:47

88 finishers


England Masters Cross Country Inter-Area Challenge, Bury St Edmunds, 29 September 2018


Race One, a group of the finishers

Race One, another group of finishers

Race Two: Simon Baines, Don Lawless, Gavin Mackay, Darren Franks

Vets AC achieved a fine second place overall in a highly competitive match of two races hosted by Eastern Masters and contested by seven BMAF area clubs. The course at a warm and sunny Nowton Park was dry and firm, with a mix of woodland trails and grassland.

The scores were calculated on race times converted to age-graded percentages, with ten men and ten women forming scoring teams. VAC’s 13 women were dominant and won the women’s section convincingly. Clare Elms (W50), Lynda Hembury (W60) and Anna Garnier (W60) achieved over 85% and placed 3rd, 4th and 6th in the women’s age-graded race rankings.

VAC’s 12 men were second behind a strong team from Eastern Masters who made their home advantage count. Simon Baines (M45) and Dave Cox (M65) achieved age-graded performances of around 85% and were 4th and 6th in the men’s rankings.

In the outright races, Jess Franklin (W35), Clare Elms (W50), Dave Cox (M65) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85) won their respective age groups. Simon Baines (M45), Sue McDonald (W50), Ange Norris (W55), Lynda Hembury (W60) and Michael Johnson (M75) provided fierce competition and achieved fine second placings.

The results of both races, together with age-graded results and the Club scores are on the BMAF website.

VAC Placings, Inter-Area Challenge, Bury St Edmunds
Age Gr % Race Pos. Time Name Age Gp
Women, Race One (5.7km)
87.71 11 22:42 Clare Elms W50
87.64 42 25:03 Lynda Hembury W60
86.66 47 26:00 Anna Garnier W60
85.30 32 24:11 Ange Norris W55
84.19 12 22:51 Susan McDonald W50
83.13 33 24:14 Anne Stewart-Power W55
80.51 2 21:32 Jessica Franklin W35
79.24 68 28:49 Maggie Statham W65
77.53 25 23:45 Victoria Carter W45
76.73 75 33:19 Pauline Rich W70
72.23 61 27:34 Patricia Thomas W50
70.52 78 36:48 Lesley Bowcott W70
61.10 79 40:03 Ann Bath W70
Men 65+, Race One (5.7km)
84.77 10 22:36 Dave Cox M65
78.22 37 24:43 Terry O'Neill M65
77.75 57 26:53 Richard Bloom M70
74.28 69 29:33 Michael Johnson M75
67.36 80 40:48 R Pitcairn-Knowles M85
Men 35-64 Race Two (8km)
85.57 5 27:18 Simon Baines M45
81.73 10 28:08 Steve Hobbs M45
80.19 14 28:27 Richard Newsome M40
78.09 9 27:56 Alexander Betts M35
75.43 34 31:13 Gavin Mackay M45
71.82 47 34:27 Don Lawless M50
71.56 46 33:43 Darren Franks M50
Team Men Women Total Rank
EMAC 368 381 749 1
VAC 258 436 694 2
SCVAC 365 221 586 3
MMAC 220 278 498 4
NMAC 292 131 423 5
SWVAC 258 145 403 6
NEMAA 69 102 171 7



Gunnersbury Parkrun 22 September 2018

Gunnersbury was the most recent venue for the VAC parkrun get-together, and 6 members enjoyed the cool and still conditions. The rain started soon after we had finished. The course is 2 flattish laps of Gunnersbury park, all on tarmac paths. It is the local parkrun for both Patricia and Francis.

Results:
111 Patricia Thomas 2 W50 76.56% 23.02
149 Martin Garrett 5 M60 68.38% 24.18
161 Andy Murray 1 M65 67.70% 24.46
162 Ros Tabor 1 W65 88.43% 24.46
215 William Fordham 3 M65 63.50% 26.40
355 Francis Thomason 4 M65 56.63% 56.63


VAC 10,000 Championships, Millennium Arena, Battersea Park, 19 September 2018 


Race One: Jamie Giles (28), Steve Oliver (26) and chasers


Start of Race One

 
Helen Pool, 1st Woman, and Sean Smith (38), winner of race Two Race Two: Ian Strong

 
Race Two: Rhiannon Needham                                                        Richard McDowell, VAC Champion
Above photos from Cliff Hide

There was a record entry for the two races, run in cool, breezy, conditions. Richard McDowell won the first race in a time of 31:54.74, setting a new VAC M35 Championship Best Performance. He was awarded the appropriately named McDowell Cup.

Sean Smith (M50) won the second race convincingly in a time of 40:58.17. The first woman was Helen Pool (W40) in a time of 43:12.29. Margaret Moody's time of 47:31.85 will be recorded as a new VAC W65 Championship Best Performance, bettering the long standing mark of 48:57.7, set by Joyce M Smith way back in 1993.

VAC Gold Medals
M35 Richard McDowell 31:54.74
M40 Matthew Jones 35:06.88
M45 Ben Paviour 33:37.66
M50 Ian Johnston 35:09.50
M55 Tony Tuohy 36:18.29
M60 John Foss 38:40.08
M65 Terry O'Neill 42:15.18
M70 John Denyer 45:29.69
M75 Michael Johnson 50:37.18
M80 Joe Aspinall 63:08.13
M85 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles 71:50.38
W35 Rhiannon Needham 48:23.19
W40 Helen Pool 43:12.29
W50 Nichola Atkins 49:11.52
W65 Margaret Moody 47:31.85
W70 Ann Bath 63:33.23

Here are the Results.


BMAF T&F Championships, Birmingham 25-26 August 2018 
 

This year’s championships were held on August bank holiday weekend instead of the usual earlier date. This was to help people who are competing at the World Masters track and field championships in Malaga, starting on 5 September. The weather at Birmingham was mixed, mostly cool, and with wind and rain on Sunday. There was a record number of entrants. VAC was well represented and the table below shows our members who won their events.

Full results are available on the BMAF website.

 

Event 

Name 

Age 

Club/Country 

Performance 

M55 100 Metre Preliminaries 

Pat Logan 

M58 

VAC 

12.38 

W35 1500 Metre Run Finals 

Jessica Franklin 

W39 

VAC 

4:54.46 

W60 1500 Metre Run Finals 

Anna Garnier 

W64 

VAC 

5:50.06 

M85 1500 Metre Run Finals 

Richard Pitcairn-Knowles 

M85 

VAC 

9:06.31 

M70 3000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

Ian Richards 

M70 

VAC 

15:07.43 

W40 3000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

Penelope Cummings 

W42 

VAC 

17:01.75 

M75 3000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

Doug Milsom 

M79 

VAC 

21:06.87 

M85 3000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

Ken Livermore 

M85 

VAC 

26:10.48 

M55 100 Metre Finals 

Pat Logan 

M58 

VAC 

12.20 

M75 100 Metre Finals 

Allan Long 

M76 

VAC 

14.52 

M85 100 Metre Finals 

Richard Pitcairn-Knowles 

M85 

VAC 

21.88 

M90 100 Metre Finals 

Dalbir Singh Deol 

M92 

VAC 

23.72 

W50 400 Metre Finals 

Lisa Thomas 

W53 

CANADA 

64.86 

M35 400 Metre Finals 

Steven Tester 

M36 

VAC 

52.62 

M85 400 Metre Finals 

Eric Shirley 

M89 

VAC 

1:52.26 

W65 300 Long Hurdles Finals 

Emily McMahon 

W68 

EMAC 

66.94 

W65 Long Jump Finals 

Emily McMahon 

W68 

EMAC 

3.51m 

M75 Long Jump Finals 

Allan Long 

M76 

VAC 

3.97m 

W50 Shot Put Finals 

Barbara Norris 

W52 

Switzerland 

10.47m 

W70 Shot Put Finals 

Liz Sissons 

W74 

SCVAC 

7.84m 

W50 Weight Throw Finals 

Barbara Norris 

W52 

Switzerland 

15.14m 

W70 Weight Throw Finals 

Liz Sissons 

W74 

SCVAC 

8.71m 

M90 200 Metre Finals 

Dalbir Singh Deol 

M92 

VAC 

58.03 

W35 5000 Metre Run Finals 

Jessica Franklin 

W39 

VAC 

18:23.90 

W70 5000 Metre Run Finals 

Ann Bath 

W70 

SVHC 

29:17.78 

W50 2000 Metre Steeplechase Finals 

Lisa Thomas 

W53 

Canada 

8:20.15 

M65 5000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

John Hall 

M69 

VAC 

28:48.23 

M70 5000 Metre Race Walk Finals 

Ian Richards 

M70 

VAC 

25:48.50 

M45 5000 Metre Run Finals 

Simon Baines 

M47 

VAC 

15:57.83 

M65 High Jump Finals 

Geoffrey Kitchener 

M68 

VAC 

1.24m 

M75 Triple Jump Finals 

Allan Long 

M76 

VAC 

8.44m 

W65 Discus Throw Finals 

Fiona Argent 

W65 

VAC 

11.61m 

W70 Discus Throw Finals 

Liz Sissons 

W74 

SCVAC 

17.69m 

M35 Hammer Throw Finals 

Tony Macdowall 

M36 

VAC 

11.15m 

W65 Javelin Throw Finals 

Fiona Argent 

W65 

VAC 

10.13m 

W70 Javelin Throw Finals 

Liz Sissons 

W74 

SCVAC 

17.24m 

M55 Weight Throw Finals 

Chris Privett 

M58 

VAC 

14.55m 



VAC Battersea Park Snow Cup Grand Prix 2018 

 
Ian Kitching, Snow Cup winner Carol Jones, top placed woman

Congratulations to Ian Kitching, the worthy winner of the Battersea Park Grand Prix with an excellent average age grading of 86.39%. Fellow M65, Terry O’Neill, was second with an average of 82.92%, followed by first woman, Carol Jones, W60, with 80.08%.

To be eligible, members had to register times in at least three of the five road races. The person with the highest average of his or her three best age-graded performances would be awarded the Snow Cup, a beautiful trophy which dates to 1950. Eighteen VAC members qualified for the 2018 competition.
Snow Cup League Table, Battersea Park Road Race Grand Prix 2018
Pos. VAC Member's Name Age-graded %* Age Grp. Club
Avg. best 3 races
1 Ian Kitching 86.39 M65 SLH
2 Terry O'Neill 82.92 M65 Belgrave Harriers
3 Carol Jones 80.08 W60 Ealing Southall & Midd.
4 Mike Mann 79.98 M65 Dulwich Runners
5 Robin Jones 79.32 M45 Herne Hill Harriers
6 Gavin Mackay 79.12 M45 Petts Wood Runners
7 Liam O'Hare 78.05 M70 Barnet & District
8 Peter Hall 76.27 M60 West 4 Harriers
9 Caroline Helder 75.49 W55 Wimbledon Windmilers
10 Martin Daoud 72.68 M55 Ealing Southall & Midd.
11 Jacqui Reid 71.02 W50 Metropolitan Police
12 Joe Aspinall 70.88 M80 VAC
13 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles 70.68 M85 Sevenoaks AC
14 Ian Mursell 69.33 M65 VAC
15 Martin Wilson 67.92 M65 Ealing Southall & Midd.
16 Sarah Allen 66.06 W50 Herne Hill Harriers
17 Alan Davidson 63.08 M70 Liss Runners
18 Ed Bartlett 55.10 M70 VAC
* Age grading based on actual age, using World Masters Athletics Road age-grading calculator 2015.

Thanks go to all the VAC members and guest runners who competed in Battersea Park over the summer. We start again in April 2019!
A summary of all the age-graded performances for each VAC member who ran at Battersea in 2018 is here.


VAC 5M Road Race and 5M Race Walk, 7 August 2018, Battersea Park


Robbie Cox (152), race winner, and Matt Woodman, 2nd place
Above photo from Jeremy Hemming


Hannah Roberts, 1st woman, Thomas Martini

 
Bob Bradbury, top ranked M65
 Ed Bartlett, ever-present


Peter Wootton, Terry O'Neill, Davyd Michell


Race walkers: Paul King, Tom Casserley, David Hoben

 
Dan Maskell
 Fiona Bishop
Above photos from Cate Berry

5M Road Race
Race Position Time Name Age Group Age Gp Pos VAC, BMAF or Guest First Claim Club
1 28:32 Robbie Cox M35 1 Guest Woodford Green with EL
2 28:38 Matthew Woodman M40 1 VAC Stafford Harriers
3 29:12 Robin Jones M45 1 VAC Herne Hill Harriers
4 29:32 Jonathan Ratcliffe M50 1 SCVAC Herne Hill Harriers
5 30:24 Bob Bradbury M65 1 SCVAC Woking AC
6 30:27 Gavin Mackay M45 2 VAC Petts Wood Runners
7 30:55 Tim Sharp M40 2 Guest Kent AC
8 31:00 Peter Mannion M55 1 Guest Windle Valley Runners
9 31:14 Darren Woods Senior Guest Striders of Croydon
10 32:21 Ian Kitching M65 2 VAC SLH
11 32:33 John Gurney M60 1 SCVAC Petts Wood Runners
12 32:37 Hannah Roberts W35 1 SCVAC Petts Wood Runners
13 33:43 Thomas Martini M40 3 VAC Serpentine RC
14 33:57 Peter Wootton M50 2 VAC Chiltern Harriers AC
15 33:59 Tom Cheetham M50 3 Guest Hercules Wimbledon
16 34:05 Paul Sanderson M60 2 VAC Guildford & Godalming AC
17 34:27 Terry O'Neill M65 3 VAC Belgrave Harriers
18 34:31 Martin Daoud M55 2 VAC Ealing Southall & Midd
19 34:33 Patrick Thielemans M40 4 SCVAC Serpentine RC
20 34:44 David Bowker M55 3 EMAC Fairlands Valley Spartans
21 34:54 Davyd Michell M40 5 NMAC Helsby Running Club
22 36:33 Liam O'Hare M70 1 VAC Barnet & District
23 39:40 Ian Mursell M65 4 VAC VAC
24 40:19 Jacqui Reid W50 1 VAC Metropolitan Police
25 41:02 Lynn Wilson W60 1 VAC Ealing Southall & Midd
26 41:51 Martin Wilson M65 5 VAC Ealing Southall & Midd
27 43:13 Peter Sanders M50 4 Guest Unattached
28 43:38 Terry Buxton M55 4 Guest Striders of Croydon
29 45:11 Phil Kelvin W65 1 Guest Serpentine RC
30 48:45 Alan Davidson M70 2 VAC Liss Runners
31 49:45 Joe Aspinall M80 1 VAC VAC
32 54:52 Peter Torre M75 1 VAC VAC
33 55:22 Ed Bartlett M70 3 VAC VAC
34 57:04 Francis Thomason M65 6 VAC VAC

The last day of the heatwave did not deter the 34 finishers in the final fixture of the summer series, and also the final race on this measured five-mile course. A temperature of around 30 degrees, and high humidity, sapped the energy, but not the commitment and determination. Robbie Cox (M35) and Matt Woodman (M40) had a great head-to-head race with Robbie taking the win by just six seconds. Age-group winners followed with Robin Jones (1st M45) in third, Jonathan Ratcliffe (1st M50) in fourth and Bob Bradbury, new to the M65 age group, in fifth, posting an eye-catching top of the rankings time of 30:24.

Hannah Roberts repeated her VAC 5km win with a fine time of 32:37, the fastest women’s mark of this summer’s series. Jacqui Reid and Lynn Wilson followed.

The age graded results are here. Ian Kitching, M65, topped the table with a percentage age-graded performance of 85.57%.

Well done to Joe Aspinall, Ed Bartlett and Terry O’Neill who completed all five races of the series. Here is the League Table of VAC members’ results. Seventy-four individual members took part in at least one of the races. We also welcomed many guests. Thank you all for your support.

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA8039-5

1 Ian Richards M70 (Steyning) 39:36
2 Melanie Peddle W45 (EMAC/Loughton) 49:03
3 Dave Chalk M50 (Open BMAF) 50:48
4 Maureen Noel W50 (Belgrave) 52:32
5 Dan Maskell M70 (Surrey WC) 55:33
6 Fiona Bishop W55 (Woking) 56:39
7 Paul King M65 (Belgrave) 57:21
8 Tom Casserley M75 (Enfield) 57:30
9 Mick Harran M80 (Surrey WC) 57:42
10 David Hoben M65 (Surrey WC) 57:43

DNF Peter Hannell M75 (Surrey WC) (retired after 2nd lap)

The fifth and final fixture of the season had reasonable numbers given clash with an international in Paris and very high temperatures, which abated slightly during the evening leading to close humid conditions.

Melanie Peddle from Loughton AFD achieved a good time to win for the ladies and second place overall in 49:03, not far off her personal best.

Dave Chalk achieved a creditable 50:48 in 3rd place which is even more remarkable as he does not come from a running or walking background and certainly demonstrates that there must be others out there who could follow that example; six miles in the hour must surely be not far away.

The remainder of the field achieved respectable times in the abnormally high temperatures.

Officials:
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
Starter: Dennis Williams
Timekeepers/Recorders: David Harris, Carl Lawton, Kevin Burnett, Ian Isherwood
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, Sean Pender
Entries: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Cate Berry
Marshals: Martin Berry
Drinks station: Alison Jones, Dennis Williams
Results: David Hoben, Maggie Statham
Photography: Jeremy Hemming
First Aid: Alison Jones


Sri Chinmoy Battersea Relays, 30 July 2018


Joe Aspinall and Cliff Collins, collecting medals for VAC's victorious M80 relay team

VAC members got together and formed three winning teams in the popular Sri Chinmoy relays, which attracted 183 teams of three, each running one mile in Battersea Park. In a Vets AC V55 team, Tony Austin, Gary Budinger and Ian Strong combined to run the three miles in 22:21, finishing in 171st position. Appropriately named as "Funlovers 3", VAC's Ed Bartlett, Dan Maskell and Peter Torre were the first Over 70s team, posting a combined time of 26:22. VAC also fielded a much-admired Over 80s team. Joe Aspinall, Cliff Collins and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles linked up to run the three miles in 26:58. Congratulations and thanks to the three teams for promoting Vets AC so magnificently.


VAC Battersea Park Road Races Grand Prix 2018

The five road races of VAC’s summer series in Battersea Park count towards a Grand Prix for VAC members. To be eligible, members must compete in at least three of the five races. The person with the highest average of his or her three best age-graded performances will be awarded the Snow Cup, a prestigious trophy which dates back to 1950.

After four fixtures, a league table of age-graded results is here. Thirteen members have posted times in three or more races. Ian Kitching (M65) tops the table with a magnificent average of 86.21%. Fellow M65, Terry O'Neill, is in second position with 82.92%, followed by Carol Jones (W60) on 80.08%.

There is still one fixture remaining, on Tuesday 7 August, in which members can improve their scores. Also, nearly twenty members need only one more race to register the required three performances and be eligible for the competition.

 

VAC 5km Road Race Championships and 5M Race Walk, 10 July 2018, Battersea Park

 
Martin Daoud, Wilton Grey
 Bill O'Connor
Above photos from Jeremy Hemming

 
Lynn Wilson leads Trevor Solomon and Carol Jones
 Tony Austin (114), Edmond Simpson, M80 Gold

 
Julie Gillender
 Ian Richards, Race Walk winner

 
Race Walkers, John Hall, Stefano Zennaro Liam O'Hare, M70 Gold
Above photos from Cate Berry

5km Road Race
Race Position Time Name Age Group Age Gp Position VAC Medal First Claim Club
1 15:56 Chris Bird (Guest) M35 1 Chichester
2 17:01 Andy Weir M50 1 Gold Thames Hare & Hounds
3 17:03 Ian Johnston M50 2 Silver VAC
4 17:16 Stephen Philcox M50 3 Bronze Ilford AC
5 17:18 Martin Murray (NEMAA) M50 4 New Marske Harriers
6 17:29 Jamie McLoughlin M40 1 Gold Walton AC
7 17:31 Robin Jones M45 1 Gold Herne Hill Harriers
8 17:33 Daniel Longhurst (Guest) M35 2 Cambridge Harriers
9 17:41 Gavin Mackay M45 2 Silver Petts Wood Runners
10 18:00 Gary Coombes M45 3 Bronze Ilford AC
11 18:17 Jamie Giles M35 3 Gold Serpentine Runners
12 18:23 Denis Gorman (Guest) M40 2 London FrontRunners
13 19:14 Ian Kitching M65 1 Gold SLH
14 19:15 Hannah Roberts (SCVAC) W35 1 Petts Wood Runners
15 19:34 Byron McKinney (Guest) M40 3 Tiverton
16 20:14 Rohan Alexander (Guest) M50 5 Ilford AC
17 20:22 Peter Hall M60 1 Gold West 4 Harriers
18 20:26 Lucy Woolhouse W55 1 Gold VAC
19 20:38 Martin Daoud M55 1 Gold Ealing Southall & Midd
20 20:48 Wilton Grey (Guest) M60 2 Ealing Southall & Midd
21 20:54 Richard Pitt M60 3 Silver Thames Hare & Hounds
22 21:01 Terry O'Neill M65 2 Silver Belgrave Harriers
23 21:20 Davyd Michell (NMAC) M40 4 Helsby Running Club
24 21:23 Tony Harran M55 2 Silver Herne Hill Harriers
25 21:24 Mike Mann M65 3 Bronze Dulwich Runners
26 22:18 Liam O'Hare M70 1 Gold Barnet & District
27 22:54 Roger Green M70 2 Silver Woodford Green
28 23:02 Stephen Parker M60 4 Bronze Ilford AC
29 23:10 David Hallson (Guest) M65 4 Road Runners Club
30 23:22 Jacqui Reid W50 1 Gold Metropolitan Police
31 23:32 Trevor Solomon M65 5 VAC
32 23:33 Caroline Helder W55 2 Silver Wimbledon Windmilers
33 23:42 Trevor Robinson M45 4 Ilford AC
34 24:01 Lynn Wilson W60 1 Gold Ealing Southall & Midd
35 24:07 Carol Jones W60 2 Silver Ealing Southall & Midd
36 24:26 Colin Harris (Guest) M60 5 Wimbledon Windmilers
37 24:48 Martin Wilson M65 6 Ealing Southall & Midd
38 24:51 Edmond Simpson M80 1 Gold Overton Harriers
39 24:54 Michael Johnson M75 1 Gold Thames Hare & Hounds
40 25:06 Tony Austin M60 6 Hercules Wimbledon
41 25:55 Rob Sargent M60 7 Ilford AC
42 26:26 Honey Boo (Guest) W45 1 Unattached
43 26:34 Phil Kelvin (Guest) W65 1 Serpentine Runners
44 27:04 Donna Richards W50 2 Silver SLH
45 27:17 Martin Lippitt M65 7 Trent Park Running Club
46 27:31 Alan Davidson M70 3 Bronze Liss Runners
47 27:56 Doris Gaga W50 3 Bronze Ilford AC
48 28:12 Maurice Marchant M65 8 Tonbridge AC
49 28:15 Joe Aspinall M80 2 Silver VAC
50 28:19 David Moorekite (SCVAC) M75 2 Larkfield AC
51 28:43 Cliff Collins M80 3 Bronze VAC
52 31:04 Bill O'Connor M70 4 Queens Park Harriers
53 31:09 Julie Gillender W50 4 Ilford AC
54 32:02 Anne Lippitt W60 3 Bronze Trent Park Running Club
55 32:09 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles M85 1 Gold Sevenoaks AC
56 33:11 Pam Jones W80 1 Gold Ilford AC
57 33:48 Ed Bartlett M70 5 VAC

Near-perfect conditions produced fast times including a sub-16 minute All-Comers’ record for the 5km course. Chris Bird, a guest from Chichester AC, blazed round in 15:56, well inside the previous record of 16:17 set by Richard Tomlinson in 2014. There was an epic battle for second place between the two top M50s. Andy Weir held off relentless pressure from Ian Johnston to post 17:01, finishing two seconds ahead of Ian. Pick of the Gold medallists were Ian Kitching, M65, in a time of 19:14 and Edmond Simpson, M80, who now tops the RunBritain rankings with a time of 24:51. The other age-group Gold medallists were Jamie Giles (M35), Jamie McLoughlin (M40), Robin Jones (M45), Martin Daoud (M55), Peter Hall (M60), Liam O’Hare (M70), Michael Johnson (M75) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85).

For the women, Hannah Roberts (W35), a guest from SCVAC, won convincingly in 19:15. Lucy Woolhouse was the first VAC woman, taking W55 Gold in 20:26, only 20 seconds off Ange Norris’s W55 course record. Jacqui Reid was second for VAC and won W50 Gold. An intriguing contest for W60 Gold was won by Lynn Wilson in 24:01, closely tracked by Carol Jones in 24:07. Pam Jones once again claimed W80 Gold.

Age graded performances for VAC members are here. Ian Kitching (M65) headed the table with an impressive 87.35%, followed by Stephen Philcox (M50) with 86.78%, then Andy Weir (M50) with 86.68%. The first woman was Lucy Woolhouse (W55), fourth placed overall with 86.54%.

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA8039-4

1 Ian Richards M70 (Steyning) 43:09
2 Penelope Cummings W40 (AFD) 49:01
3 Stefano Zennaro M45 (Belgrave) (G) 49:46
4 John Hall M65 (Belgrave) 50:13
5 Maureen Noel W50 (Belgrave) 52:40
6 Dan Maskell M70 (Surrey WC) 54:48
7 Fiona Bishop W55 (Woking) 55:12
8 Mick Harran M80 (Surrey WC) 58:09
9 David Hoben M65 (Surrey WC) 58:17
10 Peter Hannell M75 (Surrey WC) 59:42

Not surprisingly the fourth fixture of the season, held on a sunny evening in more typical summer weather, was won by Ian Richards of Steyning AC in 43:09.

Penelope Cummings from AFD achieved a good time to win for the ladies and second place overall in 49:01, but the most newsworthy item was the arrival of new Belgrave signing Stefano Zennaro in 3rd place overall in an excellent 49:06.

And this is only the beginning.

The remainder of the field achieved times slightly better than recent events maybe the more temperate conditions assisted.

Officials:
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
Starter: Dennis Williams
Timekeepers/Recorders: David Harris, Carl Lawton, Tom Richards, Ian Isherwood
Walk Judge: Shaun Lightman
Entries: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Anna Garnier
Marshals: Martin Berry, Cate Berry, Peter Torre
Drinks station: Alison Jones, Anna Garnier
Results: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Dennis Williams
Photography: Jeremy Hemming
First Aid: Alison Jones