Results for July to December 2022
British Masters 5km Road Championships, Battersea Park, 4 December 2022
Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos available for download at this link: Photos of BMAF 5k Dec 2022. Please give credit to Cliff Hide if any of the photos are shared on social media. VAC was pleased to host this national event on our flat, fast, 5km course in Battersea Park. The day was cold but the conditions were good. The race attracted a large entry, including some of the best Masters’ road runners in Britain. 78 VAC members were amongst the 180 finishers. There was some fine racing with the top 15 finishers inside 16 minutes. Six of them were VAC members. Andrew Davies (M40) of Stockport Harriers was the clear race winner in a time of 15:01, pursued by Jack Nixon (M35) of St Edmund Pacers finishing eleven seconds behind in 15:12. Two VAC members, Chris Loudon (M35) and Mike Cummings (M35), followed closely in third and fourth places. VAC’s fastest woman was Zoe Doyle (W40), the second woman in the race. Her time of 17:57 was only seven seconds behind that of the first woman, Elizabeth Renondeau (W40) of Vale Royal who posted 17:50. Well done to the following VAC members who won Gold medals against fierce competition in the age groups: Gina Galbraith (W45), Simon Baines (M50), Julie Backley (W50), Clare Elms (W55), Jo Quantrill (W65), David Oxland (M70) and Peter Giles (M75). Clare Elms also achieved the top age-graded performance in the race with a magnificent percentage of 98.1%. Here are the Full Individual Results Here are the Age Group and Team Results
British Masters and VAC 10 Mile Road Championships, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 27 November 2022
Photos by Anna Garnier Twenty five VAC members contested the British Masters 10 Mile Championships on Cyclopark's challenging cycle circuit. The event was also VAC's 10 mile championships. The clouds were dark and low but the runners were spared the forecast heavy rain and were able to complete six laps of the tortuous circuit with only the hills to contend with. Simon Baines (M50) was VAC's first finisher in a time of 54:27. He was a magnificent second in the race, only seven seconds behind a youngster in the M35 age group. Simon won the M50 BMAF Gold medal. Andy Bond (M45) was VAC's next finisher, placing fourth in the race. Penny Wilkins (W60) was VAC's first woman in a great time of 76:53, winning the BMAF and VAC W60 Gold medals. Next was Catherine Ulliott (W55) in 79:47, claiming BMAF Silver and VAC Gold. Other BMAF Golds were won by Jon Cross (M65) and Maggie Statham-Berry (W65). It was pleasing that a team of VAC first-claimers got together and with some down-ageing made up an M35-44 team which won the Silver medal in the team competition. Well done to team members, Ryan Cunningham, Matthew Trebble and Andrew Bowles. Every year, the Ron White shield is awarded to the VAC member who gains the highest age-graded score in VAC's 10 Mile or Half Marathon Championships. This year the winner was Simon Baines whose performance at Cyclopark translated to an amazing age-graded percentage of 91.22%. This was the highest in the whole race. Andy Bond achieved the next best score of 87.42%, followed by Jon Cross at 86.75%. Maggie Statham-Berry was fourth on VAC's list, and the highest placed woman, with 84.45%, closely followed by Penny Wilkins with 84.04%. Here are the full results of the British Masters 10 Mile Championships.
Ladies Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott Woods, 12 November 2022
Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Nine VAC women raced at Oxshott Woods on a tricky course which had a mix of narrow trails and a huge hill, with lots of hazardous tree roots. Lucy Woolhouse was again VAC’s first finisher, 27th in the race out of 256 finishers. Helen Davies was next, followed by Pippa Major making her debut for VAC in the Surrey League. Jo Quantrill and Sarah Knox completed the scoring team. Sarah Allen, Penelope Cummings, Viv Mitchell and Ros Tabor formed a scoring “B” team. VAC's "A" team finished a magnificent 9th out of the 28 clubs in Division Two. Lucy Woolhouse topped the W60+ age group competition, with Jo Quantrill as the leading W65 in the listing. Overall, after two matches, the Ladies “A” team is in 11th position. The full results are on the Surrey League website
Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott Woods, 12 November 2022
Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. A great turn-out of 18 VAC men tackled a challenging five mile course which included three times up a very steep hill crossed by huge tree roots. John Foley and Richard Batchelor again were VAC’s first and second placers, followed by newcomer Clive Rolfe, then Richard Tweddle, all in the top 50. VAC's "A" team of ten scorers finished a magnificent 4th out of the 14 clubs in Division Four. The "B" team also excelled in 2nd place in the "B" team competition. Overall, after two matches, VAC is in 7th place. In the Division’s Age Group rankings, John Foley and Richard Tweddle top the M50-59 and M60+ competitions. The full results are on the Surrey League website
VAC 7 mile road walk championships, Enfield, 12 November 2022 VAC 7 mile road walk championships Square brackets denote position in race: M60 M65 M70 W45 W55 W60 In addition there were partial completions from:
Loughton AC George Richardson Inter Club Vets Cross Country, Loughton, 5 November 2022
Here are the Individual and Team Results. VAC was invited to send a team to the annual inter-club Masters cross country race promoted by Loughton AC at the Roding Valley recreation ground. The event attracted 117 finishers on the five mile course on a very wet day. VAC was represented by three members, David Hinds, Tony Pamphilon and Patricia Thomas. Tony was 25th overall and the first in the M60 age category. Patricia was the first W55 and. David was second M70.
Ladies Surrey League Cross Country, Priory Park, 15 October 2022
Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. The full results are on the Surrey League website A full VAC Ladies team made a splendid return to the Surrey League after an absence of at least ten years. Seven women lined up in Reigate's scenic Priory Park to tackle the hilly 6k, two-lap, course. Lucy Woolhouse was VAC's first finisher in a fine 28th place and also topped the Division's 60+ age group rankings. Team Manager, Helen Davies (W50), was next, followed by Jo Quantrill who was the first W65 in the race. Sarah Knox and Penelope Cummings completed the scoring team, with Ros Tabor and Sarah Allen providing great back-up. VAC's "A" team finished a creditable 13th out of the 26 clubs in Division 2.
Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Priory Park, 15 October 2022
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. The full results are on the Surrey League website VAC's eleven men tackled the 5-mile course at Reigate's Priory Park which had firm ground but testing hills and tricky descents. The team's lead man was John Foley (M55) making his debut for VAC and finishing in 12th place in Division 4. Richard Batchelor (M45) was next, followed by Richard Tweddle (M60), both making welcome returns to VAC's team after long periods away. Another newcomer, Hugh Balfour (M65) was VAC's fourth man. John Barron's sprint finish secured fifth, backed up by the others fighting for every place. John Foley, Richard Tweddle and Hugh Balfour also topped the race's M55, M60 and M65 age groups. Although VAC's team was missing some of the regular runners, we finished a commendable ninth in the Division.
East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 9 October 2022
Here are the results of the East Surrey League, 9 October 2022 Twelve finished for VAC in a well-supported East Surrey League match at Lloyd Park in pleasant conditions. The 5-mile, two lap, course was firm at this time of year. First home was Chris Ness in 32:16, placing him in 20th position, and second M50. Then came David Ogden (M60) in 32:45 in 23rd and Gavin Englefield (M45) in 33:08 in 25th position. VAC's only woman, Anna Critchlow (W50), had a fine run to finish third woman in 34:04. The men's team were fifth out of the six clubs, a good result in a strong field.
Veterans AC 10k track race incorporating Sussex, Surrey, Middx & Herts County Championships Woodcote High School, Purley, 1 October 2022 The annual VAC and Counties championships took place in good racing conditions on a picture perfect October
afternoon, with a modest breeze.
VAC 10,000m Championships, Battersea Park, 14 September 2022
Photos of Andy Bond, Anna Garnier, Peter Kennedy/Clare Norris and the Start of Race 1 are from Edward Thorpe.
Other photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Here are the results of the 10,000m races. Here are thecomplete results showing the medallists. VAC's 10,000m races attracted 47 contestants to the Millennium Arena in Battersea Park for three seeded races. The warm, pleasant, conditions set the scene for four new Championship Best Performances, one of which broke a record set 37 years ago. Andy Bond of Dulwich Runners was VAC's men's Champion, having tracked and then out-kicked Simon Baines in the late stages of the fast race. His time of 33:00.4 set a new M45 record, two seconds ahead of Simon Baines's 2017 mark of 33:02.5. Simon, now in the M50 age group, was second in the race but was rewarded by a fine time of 33:12.22 which knocked nearly eight seconds off Laurie O'Hara's M50 record of 33:20.0 which was set in July 1987 and we thought would last forever. Gina Galbraith of Hercules Wimbledon was the women's Champion. She was the winner of the second race with a determined, controlled, run, pulling away from a group of five and beating second-placed Andy Bowen by three seconds. Her time of 38:26.91 smashed a long-standing W45 record of 41:08.0 set by Jane Georghiou in September 2000. The last of the four new Championship Best Performances was posted by Anna Garnier whose time of 46:50.81 improved Margaret Moody's 2018 W65 record of 47:31.50. The first race was won by David Robinson (M45) of Serpentine R.C. In this race, Gold medals were won by Caroline Helder (W60), Anna Garnier (W65), Peter Kennedy (M70) and Eddie Thorpe (M75). Gold medals in the other races were won by Mike Forder (M65), Martin Daoud (M60), Terry Booth (M55), Simon Baines (M50), Andy Bond (M45), Gina Galbraith (W45), Stewart Overton (M40) and Ben Goddard (M35).
Tooting Common parkrun, Saturday 10 September 2022
On a fine, warm, morning, a good turnout of seventeen VAC members gathered for the Tooting Common parkrun as part of VAC's visits to parkruns in and around London. VAC member, Liam O'Hare, one of Tooting parkrun's core organising team, was there to greet us. The three-lap, flat, course had some narrow paths but the field spread out quickly and fast times were possible for those who wanted to push on. Robin Jones was VAC's fastest finisher, and fifth over the line. Jo Quantrill and Ros Tabor set new W65 and W70 age group records for the course. Jo also achieved the highest age-graded performance of the day with 90.09%. VAC members achieved six of the top ten age-graded performances on the day.
VAC Battersea Park Grand Prix, Summer Race Series 2022
Photos by Cliff Hide Twenty VAC members qualified for the 2022 Grand Prix. To be eligible, members needed to register times in at least three of VAC's four 5km/5 mile road races in the 2022 series in Battersea Park. Each year, the person with the highest average of his or her three best age-graded performances is awarded the Snow Cup, a beautiful trophy which dates to 1950. Congratulations to Anna Garnier (W65) the worthy winner of the 2022 competition with an excellent average age grading of 90.6%. Anna's best performance was in the 5km race in April for which her time of 22:06 achieved an age-graded score of 91.5% of the world's best 5k time for her age. Anna Critchlow (W50) was second in the Grand Prix with an average of 89.4% followed by Lucy Woolhouse (W60) with 88.5%. Terry Booth (M55), in fourth, was the highest placed man with 87.7%, followed by Mark Tennyson (M55), a close fifth with 87.2%. The following six members are commended for competing in all four races: Tom Cheetham, Anna Critchlow, Alan Davidson, Martin Daoud, Robin Jones and Mark Tennyson. Thanks go to all the VAC members and open runners who competed in the races over the summer. The series resumes in April 2023.
Veterans AC 5 Mile Road Race and Race Walk, Battersea Park, 2 August 2022
Photos by Maggie Statham-Berry Here are the Results of the 5 Mile Road Race Road Race report The women's winner was Anna Critchlow (W50) in 9th place overall with a commendable time of 31:52. Jane Fabes (W65) of Abingdon AC posted a similarly admirable time of 37:48 to finish as the third woman. Race Walk report The course was 5 miles to end the season. The men's winner was Jonny Ellerton, from Blackheath & Bromley, who had done the 5k at Battersea Park the previous year, and also achieved a personal best, with plenty to look forward to in the future, in addition he also does hurdles amongst other things when not race walking. Maureen Noel (Belgrave) came first for the ladies in her usual creditable time. Matt Ellerton, also Blackheath & Bromley, posted a respectable time in his first attempt at 5 miles. It was good to see Stuart Bennett (Ilford) back after a layoff due to injury and VAC hope he will return to form in the not too distant future.
Officials
England Masters Athletics Association Inter-Area Challenge, Nuneaton, 31 July 2022
Photos by Maggie Statham-Berry Thirty six members made the trip to Nuneaton to represent VAC in the prestigious Inter Area challenge for the UK's Masters area clubs. Every place counted for a point in the eight track races and eight field events for each gender in various age groups, followed by relays. Team spirit was high and many members doubled up and some stepped into less familiar events, which added to the fun. VAC was sixth overall but it was close. In the men's match another twenty points would have elevated the team from sixth to third. A particular highlight was the Championship Best Performance of 10.58:21 achieved by Sue McDonald in first place in the W50 3,000m. There were six other individual first places including two by Zoe Doyle (W35 800m and 1500m). Other firsts were David Hinds (M70 200m), Robert Datnow (M50 800m), Dave Annetts (M35 2k Walk) and Stacey Gonzalez-Betancourt (W35 Pole vault). In addition, there were 17 second places and 7 third places. Here are the final Results of the 2022 Masters Inter Area Outdoor T&F Challenge .
VAC 5,000m Championships, Wimbledon Park, 27 July 2022
Action photos by Edward Thorpe. Others by Maggie Statham-Berry Here are the Combined Results showing the medallists. A pleasant evening at Wimbledon was appreciated but was maybe a little too warm for high intensity racing over 12.5 laps. Nevertheless, there were some fine performances in the four seeded races, with 54 people taking part. Andy Mitchelson (M50) won the first race of 15 starters in a time of 22:50.22. He was pushed all the way by Mike Mann (M70) in 22:59.42, with Rhiannon Needham (W40) in third place in 23:10.87, only five seconds off her PB. It was good to see Alan Rich making a welcome return to track racing after a long absence. Jonathan Whittaker (M40) won the second race in 18:42.99. There was a close battle for the second and third placings with Martin Daoud (M55) (19:58.46) just edging Helen Pool (W45) (19:59.75) by one second. The third race featured the women's winner, Gina Galbraith (W45), posting a fine time of 18:17.52 to win the W45 Gold medal. She was second behind race winner, Chris Ness (M50) (17:53.25). Richard McDowell (M40) won the fourth, fastest, race and retained his title of VAC Men's 5,000m Champion, as well as winning M40 Gold. His time of 15:44.54 had a margin of 16 seconds over Andy Bond who pursued him relentlessly throughout the race, winning M45 Gold. Other Championship Gold medals were awarded to Ben Goddard (M35), Will Pitt (M50), Terry Booth (M55), David Ogden (M60), Dave Watson (M65), Mike Mann (M70) and Edward Thorpe (M75). For the women, Anna Critchlow was VAC's first women and won the Champion's trophy as well as the W50 Gold medal. Other Golds were awarded to Claire Curtin (W40), Nicky Atkins (W55), Lucy Woolhouse (W60) and Pauline Rich (W75).
Veterans AC 5k Road Race and Race Walk, Battersea Park, 12 July 2022 Anna Garnier, VAC President, presents the championship medals.
Photos by Lisa Thomas A hot, sultry, evening adversely affected the turn-out and the times achieved. Barnaby Day (M35) of Kent AC was the race winner in 16:23, comfortably ahead of Micah Evans (M40) in 16:39. The first VAC members had a fine contest for 6th, 7th and 8th places with Rich Berry (M45, 17:20), the first VAC man, just one second ahead of Richard Tomlinson (M50) who was in turn one second ahead of Robin Jones (M45). Terry Booth was not far behind in 17:34, taking the M55 Gold medal. Other age-group first places were claimed by John Barron (M65), Mike Mann (M70), Michael Johnson (M80) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85). Karima Harris (W50) had a splendid win in the women's race, achieving a PB of 18:49, only four seconds short of the W50 course record set by Anna Critchlow in 2021. Anna herself was second in 19:14 followed by Kate Carter (W45) in third in 19:38. Age-group firsts were achieved by Pippa Major (W55), Lucy Woolhouse (W60) and Anna Garnier (W65). Here are the Results of the 5k Road Race , showing the medallists. Here is a link to the final Results of the 5k Road Race and Race Walk Race Walk report The course was 5k which has become popular distance with our members. The men's winner was Steve Bishop, formerly of Stock Exchange AC. The ladies winner and second overall was ever present Maureen Noel (Belgrave) in her usual impressive time. VAC were pleased to have yet another newcomer to the event and to race walking, Nick Fleeman from SCVAC, who recorded a respectable time.
Officials:
World Masters Athletics Championships, Tampere, Finland 29 June – 10 July 2022
Usually biennial, this outdoor championship was the first possible since Malaga in 2018. Tampere is a city a couple of hours north of Helsinki, situated between two lakes. A short river runs between upper and lower lakes and many red brick textile and paper mills were built alongside in the 19th century to use the water power. These are now repurposed as museums, commercial or leisure premises. The main track was in a riverside city-centre stadium, with a grandstand popular with athletes spectating and waiting for their events. Shot put was from a temporary circle in the nearby park. With all track and field events held in 5 year age groups, other venues in suburbs were in use – an open track for distance races and some trails and fields next to the main exhibition halls for cross country and some throws. VAC runners put in many fine performances, picking up 26 individual medals, including golds for Susie McLoughlin, Lisa Thomas, Anna Garnier, Paul Hughes and Simon Baines. VAC Individual World Medal Winners
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