Results for January to June 2018
South of England Masters and VAC T&F Championships, Battersea Park, 24 June 2018 Full results are available on the BMAF website. Follow this link. We apologise for the delay, due to technical processing issues.
VAC TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS, BATTERSEA PARK TRACK, SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2018 This year VAC could not hold the track and field championships at the usual time at the end of August because that would have clashed with the larger BMAF championships in Birmingham. The committee decided to combine with the new South of England Masters championships which were held at Battersea Park track. Entries were open to any master athlete, but most competitors were from VAC, SCVAC, or EMACs. It was hard to get sufficient officials to run all the events, so many athletes volunteered to help officiate as well as compete, which was quite hard on a hot day. VAC was well represented throughout the age groups at the joint event, with the following members gaining gold medals in the VAC section: W35 Rhiannon Needham (100m,200m,400m,triple jump) M35 Rory Macfarlane (100m, 200m, 400m) W40 Tracey Gould (discus, hammer, javelin, weight, shot) M40 Stuart Channon (100m, 200m, long jump) M40 Franck Triolaire (javelin, shot) M40 Gavin Englefield (800m) M40 Jamie McLoughlin (1500m) W45 Rachel Badham (1500m) W45 Emma Hickmott (discus, hammer, javelin, shot, weight) M45 Daniel Tomlinson (100m, 200m) M45 Dave Cobb (400m) M45 Robert Datnow (800m) W50 Jacqui Reid (400m, 1500m) W50 Lisa Webb (800m) W50 Wendy Lewis (100m hurdles) M50 Mark White (100m, 200m) M50 Steve Roberts (400m) M50 Andrew Simms (800m) M50 Steve Atkinson (1500m) M50 Don Lawless (3000m s/c) M50 Richard Weekes (long jump, triple jump) W55 Lesley Parsons (100m, 200m, 400m) W55 Kim Weir (hammer) M55 Adrian Day (100m, 200m) M55 Matthew Dixon (800m, 400m hurdles) M55 Mark Cursons (1500m) M55 Peter Wishart (discus) M55 Robert Shephard (javelin) M55 Sean O’Keeffe (long jump) M55 Renzo di Libero (shot) M55 David Shields (triple jump) W60 Avril Riddell (1500m) M60 John Browne (100m) M60 Philip Bell (200m) M60 Jon Dean (400m) M60 Richard Clark (1500m) M60 Keith Seldon (shot, discus, hammer, javelin, weight) M60 David Blunt (high jump, long jump, triple jump) W65 Ros Tabor (1500m) W65 Emily McMahon (long jump) M65 Douglas Lucas (100m, 200m, 400m) M65 Mike Mann (800m) M65 Terry O’Neill (1500m) M65 Tony Richards (discus, javelin, shot) M65 Patrick Reynolds (hammer, long jump, triple jump, weight) W70 Liz Sissons (discus, hammer, javelin, shot, weight) M70 Gerry Lustig (100m) M70 David Whittaker (200m) M70 Bill O’Connor (400m, 800m, discus, javelin, shot) M70 Peter Giles (1500m) M75 Allan Long (100m, long jump, triple jump) M75 Terry Casey (400m) M75 John Webster (discus, javelin, shot, weight) M75 Laurence Bryce (hammer) M80 Joe Aspinall (1500m) M85 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (100m) M90 George Hopcroft (400m) Full results of the whole match are available on the BMAF website link. VAC 5M Road Race and Race Walk Championships, 19 June 2018, Battersea Park 5 Mile Road Race
The Championship race attracted 48 finishers on a warm, humid, evening. The standard was high, with the top eight posting times under 30 minutes. Stuart Beaney (M40) followed up his victory in the May race with another fine win, keeping ahead of fast-finishing Ian Johnston (M50) by two seconds. Dan Madams was third, taking the M40 Silver medal, closely followed by Phil Sanders, representing SCVAC, winning a BMAF M45 Gold medal. In the VAC Championships, Sam Rahman (M35), Gavin Mackay (M45), Len Reilly (M55), Dave Cox (M60), Ian Kitching (M65), Peter Giles (M70), Joe Aspinall (M80) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85) won Gold medals. For the women, Ange Norris retained her 5 Mile Champion’s trophy, and won the W55 Gold medal, ahead of Jacqui Reid who took W50 Gold. For third place, as in May’s race, Caroline Helder (W55) and Carol Jones (W60) were separated at the finish by less than five seconds, with Caroline just ahead. Other Gold medals were won by Jane Rowden (W65) and Pam Brown (W80). A big cheer goes to the nine members of Ilford AC for enhancing the event with their great camaraderie and team spirit.
Race Walk 1 David Annetts M50 (N
Herts) 42:28 DNF Stefano Zennaro M45 (Belgrave) (G) retired after 2 laps The third fixture of the season and also the club championships was held yet again in fine sunny spring conditions even if a little humid. Dave Annetts from North Herts Road Runners continued his form to have his first VAC Championship win with a PB for the course; Maureen Noel, 2017 overall winner took the ladies’ title in a similar time to last year. Naturally with a small turnout nearly all attained gold medals; in particular Tom Casserley, from Enfield & Haringey, achieved another PB as his racing career develops. It was good to see Kathy Crilley out on the course as marshal following her accident of April and we hope to see her name in ultra-distance results very soon. Officials:
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 trophy which dates back to 1950. After two fixtures, a league table of age-graded results is here. Nine members have posted times in two races and the person with the best average so far is Penny Elliott (W75) with 87.32%. Terry O'Neill (M65) lies in second place with 83.28%, followed by Carol Jones (W60) on 81.17%. There are still three fixtures remaining and everyone therefore still has the opportunity to clock up the required three finishing times.
Hampstead Heath parkrun 9 June 2018
Seven VAC members enjoyed the Hampstead Heath parkrun on a warm still morning. We had previously planned the VAC mob match meetup here for September 2017, but the parkrun was cancelled on the date we had chosen. This time the run coincided with the parkrun commemoration of the NHS’ 70 years, so we applauded the NHS employees who were running. The course is 2 fairly challenging undulating laps on tarmac and stony (dusty) paths. It goes past the swimming pond which was suggested by the run director as a recovery venue. Four VAC runners won their age groups and 2 set age group records – Joe Aspinall (M80) and Ros Tabor (W65). Ros also set a new overall age grading record of 91.51%. The next VAC parkrun mob match will be at Gunnersbury parkrun on Saturday 22 September.
6th Jack Fitzgerald Walks, 9 June 2018, Tilgate Park, Crawley RH10 5EU
Letter of thanks from Blind
Veterans UK for funds raised on Jack Fitzgerald Memorial Walks 1-08-18
REPORT On the start line ages ranged from 10 year old Lewis Burr (Tonbridge AC), who took a minute off his PB from 2017 to Mick Harran (Surrey Walking Club) recently turned 80 who has had many successful years in athletics. In addition the entrants included a number who were new to VAC and this event. In the headline race over 10.325 km VAC were pleased to welcome back Ian Richards from Steyning AC who came first overall in 56:42 and still holds the men’s course record set in 2013 of 50:57. The most newsworthy item is Maddy Shott from Belgrave Harriers who came only a few seconds behind Ian Richards in 56:53 and now takes the women’s course record set in 2013 of 59:46 from Joan Lennon from Steyning AC. The race was held to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK, as a tribute to RAF fighter pilot Jack Fitzgerald. Acknowledgements From an original idea by Walter Hill, SCVAC VAC 10 Mile Championship at Dorking 10, 3 June 2018
18 VAC members arrived on a warm morning at the Dorking Rugby Club race HQ, overlooked by Box Hill. The race started at 9am from Brockham village green and then set off along almost traffic-free country lanes around a 3 mile and then 6 mile loops before returning to the rugby ground. There were several testing hills, many of which seemed to be near the end, when heat and tiredness were already taking their toll. Our first home was Paul Cheetham, 2nd m40 in the race and VAC 1st m45, in 57.13. About 5 minutes behind were our first m50 and m55, Terry Booth and then John Foss, who had our best age-graded performance (86.36%), winning him the Ron White shield, to be presented at his next VAC event. Our first woman home was w45 Victoria Carter in 69.25. Fiona Bishop ran here before both walking and running at the Surrey/Sussex masters champs at Ewell in the afternoon. VAC Members at the Dorking 10M: 3 June 2018
VAC 1 Mile Championship at the Vitality Westminster Mile 27 May 2018
As several VAC members have previously enjoyed running in the 9.30 am club wave at the Westminster Mile, our committee selected it as our mile championship this year and suggested to the organisers a separate masters’ wave. This was agreed and BMAF endorsed it as the British Masters Mile medal race, with a 12.55 start now being more convenient for distantly-based runners. The Vitality Westminster Mile incorporates a series of races throughout the day, including waves for families, club runners parkrunners, Olympians and ending up with UK senior and young athlete championships. The course is excellent, a smooth road surface starting at the Mall, passing around St James Park and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. Clocks give split times every 400m and there is commentary at start and finish. The set-up, including assembly entertainment and bag drop in Green Park, is also used for the Vitality 10k race the next day. 180 Masters runners assembled on the start line, including 44 VAC members. We were started by Lord Coe and set off quite fast towards Admiralty Arch, before which came the first right turn at 350 metres, to pass Horseguards parade ground beyond the 400m split clock. Just before 800m we turned right into the long straight along Birdcage Walk, fortunately seeming to pass much faster and easier than it does going through mile 26 of the London Marathon. 400m, 200m, and 100m countdown signs are reached before the final right turn by a big screen showing the race. At the front of the race were several M35’s and M40’s – VAC’s only member in those age groups was Thomas Martini, who came 89th. However, there was a great run from VAC M45 Jeff Pyrah to finish 7th overall in 4:43. VAC W50 Clare Elms was leading woman until overtaken near the finish and her 2nd in 5:13 won her the BMAF shield for top age-graded m/w performance (100.6%), with Ros Tabor’s W65 6:39 equating to 97.2% and ranking 3rd. We assembled at the BMAF marquees for presentation of their medals (see photos) and then VAC medals – thanks to Sue McDonald for helping to extract our results. Thanks also to Peter Kennedy for liaising with London Marathon Events to establish the race and get results out promptly. There were some slight hiccups in this first Masters Mile – finisher medals only to be mailed out later and some confusion over chip, gun and finish clock times – but it was a great event to take part in and should attract more runners each year. Andy Murray The following VAC members were BMAF gold medal winners, first in their category in the race (chip times
shown) EUROPEAN MASTERS NON STADIA CHAMPIONSHIPS ALICANTE 18 – 20 MAY 2018
These championships for European over 35’s cover road and cross country runs plus road walks and are held every two years. This time they were held in Alicante, a pleasant, relaxed city on the south-east coast of Spain.
10K road walk Fri 18 May This race was held on a 2k loop on a paved path beside the marina. Very picturesque but quite hard on the feet!
VAC RESULTS Ian Richards - 1st M70 54:01, and part of gold medal M70 team Fiona Bishop - part of bronze medal W40 team
VAC RESULTS Pam Jones – 1st W80 1:09:10 Pauline Rich – 3rd W70 52:46, and part of gold medal W70 team Ros Tabor – part of silver medal W65 team Carol Lowes – part of bronze medal W40 team Tony MacDowall – part of silver medal M35 team
VAC RESULTS Tony MacDowall – part of bronze medal M35 team Kelvin Lowes – part of bronze medal M40 team Mike Mann – part of gold medal M65 team Sue McDonald – part of gold medal W50 team Fiona Bishop – part of bronze medal W55 team Ros Tabor – part of silver medal W65 team Pauline Rich – part of silver medal W70 team Patricia Cummins – part of silver medal W70 team 20K (women) 30K (men) road walk Sat 19 May These races were on the same loop as the 10k walks.
VAC RESULTS 30k - Ian Richards 1st M70 3:01:20
VAC RESULTS Ros Tabor - 3rd W65 1:46:16, and part of silver medal W65 team Sue McDonald - part of silver medal W50 team Mike Mann – part of bronze medal M65 team
Alicante offered a good choice of hotels, eating and drinking spots and very sunny weather. There were enough sights (castle, bullring, old town etc.) to cover in a weekend. As usual there was a big GB team, who were very sociable between events, although not making as much noise as the very keen Swiss. Races were mostly well-organised and sited but not particularly well-scrutinised by EMA officials and there were a few shortcomings, e.g. dangerous spots on xc course and inadequate portaloos. London has put in a bid for the next one to be held in Stratford QE2 Park in 2020 and hopefully they or the Italian counter-bidders can look after the athletes better.
Andy Murray and Ros Tabor
VAC 10km road Championships, Sutton 10K, Nonsuch Park, 20 May 2018
On a fine sunny morning, sixteen VAC members took part in the Sutton 10K, a popular race with 448 finishers. The two-lap course in and around Nonsuch Park, Cheam, looked as if it should be flat and easy, but a deceptive incline and multiple corners made it a test of stamina as well as pace. Paul Cheetham was the first VAC finisher, seventh in the race, and VAC M45 Gold medallist, with a chip time of 34:46. Next was Jamie McLoughlin, taking the M40 Gold, with Tony Tuohy (M55) not far behind. Ian Kitching, in fine form, posted an impressive M65 time of 39:45. He was the first of VAC’s five-man M65 contingent, with Terry O’Neill taking the Silver medal and Jim Brown the Bronze. For the VAC women, Lynda Hembury was first in a fantastic time of 42:07 which puts her at the top of this year’s W60 runbritain 10km rankings. She won the race’s W55+ prize. Next was Susannah Harrison, placing second in the W55+ category and winning the VAC W55 Gold medal. Results
Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk, 15 May 2018, Battersea Park
5 Mile Road Race Conditions were fair. It was warm and dry but a little breezy in places causing dust and pollen to be an irritant for some. Guest runners were made welcome and enhanced the competition with some fine performances. One such example was the battle for first place, won by Stuart Beaney but with strong pressure in the first two laps from Gareth Creagh, a guest from Highgate Harriers. The M65 age group was keenly fought with three men posting sub-33 minute times. Ian Kitching came in first, and fifth in the race, in a time of 32:06, followed by guest Larry Cattle in 32:32 and then Terry O’Neill in 32:48. Victoria Carter (W45) was the first woman in a good time of 32:55. Next came Caroline Helder and Carol Jones, within three seconds of each other. Penny Elliott’s time of 43:21 was over a minute quicker than her time in the April race, and only 18 seconds short of Pam Jones’s W75 course record of 43:03 set in 2012. Age graded performances for VAC members are here. Penny Elliott (W75) headed the table, followed by M65s, Ian Kitching and Terry O'Neill.
Permit No: RWA8039-2 Category B The second race of the summer series took place in fine dry conditions, and not too hot to race in. The entries were a little down, due to the proximity of other events including Alicante. Dave Annetts (N Herts RR), Steve Allen (Barnet) and Melanie Peddle (Loughton) continued their season’s form. Tom Casserley who had signed up recently for VAC was rewarded with a new PB. 5 Mile Race Walk
Officials:
Veterans AC, Surrey, Herts and Middlesex 10k Track Championships, Battersea Park,
London SW11 25 April 2018
The annual VAC and Counties championships took place in good racing conditions on a cool bright evening. Dave Annetts from N Herts RR had an excellent win and also won the Herts champs for the first time, and was also presented with the county cup. Ken and Margaret Livermore attended the Herts county medal presentations, which were made by county representative Ken Livermore. Penelope Cummings from AFD also had an excellent race to become first lady overall and first Surrey lady. Runner
up was ever present Fiona Bishop from Woking AC who did well in spite of doing the London Marathon only 3 days
earlier. First placed for Surrey was Tor-Ivar Guttulsrød (Hercules Wimbledon) and for Middlesex John Hall (Enfield & Haringey). Results
Championship results in square brackets Herts: Middlesex Surrey Acknowledgements:
Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk, 17 April 2018, Battersea Park
5 Mile Road Race Performances to note were from Bob Bradbury, M60, in ninth position in a time of 31:06 and Terry O’Neill, M65, in 13th position with 33:03. In the middle of the field, there was a good competition between five 34-minute men, with Mick Barlow getting ahead. For the women, Carol Jones was the first finisher in a time of 37:57 which puts her high in the W60 Runbritain rankings for 5M. Penny Elliott posted an excellent early season time of 44:28 placing her at the top of the W75 rankings for 5 miles. Age graded performances for VAC members are here. Gary Ironmonger's record-breaking run scored over 91% as an age-graded percentage and puts him at the top of the table. Race-winner, Simon Baines, comes in at second place with 87% followed, in third, by Penny Elliott on 86%. However, it's early days and three performances are required to qualify for the Grand Prix.
Veterans AC 5M Race Walk, 17 April 2018, Battersea Park, London SW11 Permit No: RWA8039-1 Category B The opening races of the summer series took place in fine dry conditions, with the occasional gust of wind. The times were respectable given that nearly all the field had raced at Gravesend only 3 days before. VAC had a new men’s race winner as Seb Parris who had won the VAC 15k at the Gravesend meeting cruised home in 43:26, and Melanie Peddle had another good race to be second overall and first lady home in 49:59, in fact the runners in the accompanying race were impressed too! Tom Casserley who had signed up recently for EHAC continued his form at the Gravesend meeting.
Officials:
Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, Cyclopark Gravesend, 14 April 2018
Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks Veterans AC were pleased to host the third running of this event on a dedicated cycle circuit which in shape and gradients can only be described as a large Scalextric set. In all there were 42 entries, and 39 on the line, a little down on 2017, with ages ranging from 11 to 85. We were also pleased to welcome Pauline Nihill, wife of Olympic silver medallist Paul Nihill MBE and Noel Carmody, current RWA president. A loud round of applause was given by the walkers in the traditional Enfield League way to commemorate the life of Bernie Hercock, president of Enfield & Haringey AC, who had sadly passed away since the Donkey Lane meeting. Given that the winter was prolonged and there had been a gap in the race calendar the times were respectable; the favourable and sunny weather this time took some by surprise! The 15k was won in 85:24 by an in form Seb Parris (Ilford AC), with runner up Malcolm Martin (SWC) in 85:38 and coming in third for his first attempt at this distance was Ollie Hopkins (Lewes AC) with a creditable 88:22. For the ladies’ 15k only entry was Angela Martin (SWC) who put in a gritty performance having had layoffs with injury in previous year finishing in 114.06. For the 10k headline race which was to score in the Enfield League 2018 series this was not unsurprisingly won by Portuguese international Francisco Reis (TVH) in 50.45, the runner up was David Crane (SWC) in 52.34, and a third place for Seb Parris (Ilford AC) in 56.57 who went on to complete the 15k. The ladies race was won by 2017 overall League winner Helen Middleton in 61.29, second place was the ever-improving Melanie Peddle in 63.00, and a pb for Jacqueline Benson (Ashford AC) as she climbed to 65.11. The supporting races included Abi Smith (BBHAC) who won her 2.5k race and is continuing her form. VAC are grateful to Ron Wallwork for allowing this race to be incorporated in the Enfield League series.
European Masters Championships Indoors, Madrid 19-24 March 2018
These championships are held every other year, with the Worlds in between, and cover indoor races up to 3k, field events plus outdoor 5k xc and walks. The stadium in use was about 3 miles south west of the city centre and was very modern, with spectator seating and display areas all round. Catering, registration and medal presentations were in adjoining marquees. It was great to watch the GB team gain second place in the overall medal table. The championships were well organised and well supported by a large Spanish athlete entry. We had free use of public transport and Madrid was a great place to look around, with good architecture, galleries and eating and drinking places for our time away from the stadium. Unfortunately the main Retiro Park was shut most of the week due to danger from wind-damaged trees. Cross country races were held on the last day in a linear park on high ground just across the road from the stadium, 3 laps of an undulating loop of about a mile, nearly all on firm paths. A cold wind blew against the runners on the first uphill section. There are two further masters champs in Spain this year -European non-stadia (10k and half marathon) in Alicante in May and World track and field, plus some road, in Malaga in September. Any British VAC member can enter and be part of the GB team. Andy Murray Congratulations to our gold medal winners below and to all our other medal winners and participants. European Champion VAC members
Croydon Harriers Invitational Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 17 March 2018
VAC members are invited each year to run in this end-of-season cross country fixture in Lloyd Park. The fixture had been postponed from 3 March because of snow but, unluckily, the conditions on 17 March were even worse. It was bitterly cold, with a biting wind and snow covering the wet, greasy, mud, customary for Lloyd Park. The six mile distance was a challenge for the 18 hardy finishers. Maggie Statham was VAC's representative, finishing in 13th position. VAC also provided a course marshal, Paddy Clark, who was sent to a windswept far corner of the course to direct and encourage the runners, a task he performed admirably. The results are here.
VAC Indoor T&F Championships, Lee Valley, 25 February 2018 Once again, VAC’s indoor championships were held at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre as part of the South of England Masters championships. This was a well-attended meeting ranging from M35/W35s to M85s. As age-group winners, over forty VAC members were awarded nearly sixty SoE Gold medals. John Batchelor and Gary Ironmonger won three apiece and twelve members took home two Golds. In the 60m sprints, there were wins for VAC’s Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85), Allan Long (M75), John Browne (M60), Pat Logan (M55), Chris Taplin (M50), Sue Dassie (W65), Angela Bates (W50) and Susan McLoughlin (W40). Gold medalists in the 200m included Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85), Wally Franklyn (M65), Pat Logan (M55), Stuart Channon (M40), Angela Bates (W50) and Susan McLoughlin (W40). Gold medalists in the 400m were John Batchelor (M75), Terry Bissett (M70), Steven Tester (M35), Joanna Flowers (W45) and Rhiannon Needham (W35). Winners in the 60m hurdles were Barry Ferguson (M75), Emily McMahon (W65) and Wendy Lewis (W50). Turning to the middle distance events, in the 800m there were wins for John Batchelor (M75), Peter Hamilton (M70), Gary Ironmonger (M55), Ros Tabor (W65), Andrea Sanders-Reece (W60), Susan McDonald (W50), Liz Amos (W40) and Rhiannon Needham (W35). Winners in the 1500m were Steve Atkinson (M50), Gary Ironmonger (M55), Peter Hamilton (M70), Ros Tabor (W65) and Lisa Webb (W50). In the 3000m, John Batchelor (M75), Alan Camp (M60), Gary Ironmonger (M55), Ian Johnston (M50) and Matthew Preston (M45) finished as winners. VAC had good representation in the shot put with wins for Kathleen Moeller (W40), Fiona Argent (W60), Liz Sissons (W70), Dan Upton (M40), Robert Shephard (M55), Keith Seldon (M60), Patrick Reynolds (M65) and Clifford Taylor (M85). In the triple jump events Tina Howell (W35), Clifford Warren (M55), Patrick Reynolds (M65), Allan Cheers (M70) and Allan Long (M75) were Gold medalists. Winning long jumpers were Stuart Channon (M40), Richard Weekes (M50), Patrick Reynolds (M65), Allan Cheers (M70) and Allan Long (M75), while Wendy Lewis (W50) was a high jump winner. Finally, Brian Slaughter (M60) and Sue Dassie (W65) won their pole vault events. Full results are available on the BMAF website.
Southern Counties Veterans AC Indoor Championships (incorporating Veterans AC Championships 3k walk), Lee Valley 18 February 2018 3k indoor track 1 [1] David Annetts North Herts M50 14:44.68 Square brackets denote position in combined race Another day, another win, another PB for Dave Annetts.
VAC at South Norwood parkrun, 17 February 2018
SOUTH NORWOOD PARKRUN 10 VAC members went to this fairly new parkrun in South London for our latest ‘mob match’ outing. VAC members set the following age group records:
We try and choose parkruns from different localities around London, so as many members as possible have a chance to join in. The next event scheduled is Hampstead Heath parkrun on Saturday 9 June.
Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2018
Eight VAC men started the final match of the series at a cold and muddy Lloyd Park. Constant rain made the usual slippery two lap, 5 mile, course even more challenging. Gary Ironmonger was first home for VAC in a great 7th place in Division Four, and 1st M55. The trio of Vic Maughn, Barry Attwell and Tony Harran held firm in the top half of the racers to take valuable places. Vic was 2nd M55 and Barry was 1st M60. Andy Murray and Carey Gray followed, reversing their usual finish order, with Andy ahead of Carey this match. Gary Budinger wasn’t far behind. VAC’s 8th starter, Tony Austin, wisely dropped out, feeling unwell having struggled round the first lap. Perhaps the biggest casualty of the day was the VAC gazebo which finally bent its legs and succumbed to the wind and rain, having sheltered us well throughout the season. With three men short of a full team, VAC finished in 10th position on the day. This brought us in at 8th overall, with a total score of 2680.5 in the final standings, but tantalisingly close to Elmbridge in 7th, with only 1.5 points difference. The Surrey League also makes awards to leading individuals in the M40-49, M50-59 and M60 age groups. VAC’s Gary Ironmonger won the silver medal in the M50 category with his four great performances. Carey Gray and Andy Murray also ran in every fixture. Carey hasn’t missed a match since 2011! Thanks go to Paddy Clark, the team manager, who has marshalled the team, provided the essential practical support and kept spirits high.
Division 4 Team results, Lloyd Park Division 4: Final Overall Team Results Full results of the Division 3/4 match and team placings are here.
VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common 20 January 2018
Fifty runners completed the 4.5 mile course on Wimbledon Common in the worst rain that most could remember for VAC’s championship race. The two-lap course presented a tough challenge with deep puddles, muddy swathes and soggy sand on the horse-ride hill. Paul Cheetham won the race in a time of 25:31, only 21 seconds short of the M45 course record, set in much more favourable conditions. Fellow M45, Gary Towers, was second, only 19 seconds behind, having been in the lead for a while. In third place came Dan Hallam, first M40, in 27:07, closely followed by first M55, Gary Ironmonger, in 27:15. Terry Booth had a great run, finishing 9th to win the M50 Gold medal. Peter Giles was also in good form and in drier conditions would surely have broken his own M70 course record, which he missed by just 18 seconds. Barry Attwell and Mike Mann won the M60 and M65 Golds. Although it wasn’t a day for breaking records, a brand new M85 age-group record was posted by Richard Pitcairn-Knowles. His time of 52:30 was faster than his M80 record of 52:46 set in 2016! For the women, Tracy Galbraith from Eastern Veterans led the way, finishing in a good time of 31:16, taking the W50 Open Gold medal. First for VAC was Lucy Woolhouse, the W55 Gold medallist, in a time of 31:38, holding her own in a fine battle for places as she and four men all finished in a six second burst. Marie Synnott-Wells (W50), Fiona Russell (W45), Margaret Moody (W65), Maggie Statham (W60) and Lesley Bowcott (W70) all won Gold medals in their age groups. Special thanks on such a wet day go to the officials and helpers. Finish Line: Stephanie Burchill, Maurice Doogan, Tom Richards, Don Turner
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