Results for January to June 2022
VAC 10km road Championships, Richmond 10k, 26 June 2022 47 VAC members took part in the Ranelagh Harriers Richmond 10k which was also VAC's 2022 10k road championship and Surrey County's championship. The attractive two-lap race, held partly on the Thames towpath alongside Teddington Lock, had 469 finishers, taking advantage of fine weather. Simon Baines was the first VAC finisher in a time of 32:53. He was a magnificent 4th overall and first in the race's M50-59 age category. Also in the top ten was Ben Goddard who was 6th overall and first VAC M35 in a time of 33:31. Anna Critchlow (W50) was the first VAC woman and 8th in the women's race, winning the W45-54 age category in a time of 39:03. Sue McDonald (W55) was VAC's second VAC woman in 39:49. VAC members were prominent in the race's age group awards. David Ogden was first in the M60-69 category and Jim Brown, Mike Mann and Gerry Smith took the top three places in the M70+ category. In the W65+ category, Jo Quantrill and Jane Rowden were first and second. Other VAC Gold medals were won by Peter Robertson (M40), Andy Bond (M45), Mark Tennyson (M55), Michael Barrett (M65), Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth (W40), Ginevra Stoneley (W45), Michele Coe-O'Brien (W60), Ros Tabor (W70) and Sue Garner (W75). Here are the VAC results and medallists. Here are the Full Results .
VAC and Surrey/Sussex Masters Track & Field Championships, Kingsmeadow Stadium, 5 June 2022
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Here are the provisional results of the Surrey/Sussex/VAC T&F Championships.
Sutcliffe parkrun, Eltham, London SE9, Saturday 28 May 2022
Eleven VAC members gathered in the sunshine at Sutcliffe Park Nature Reserve, near Eltham, for one of the club's regular parkrun outings. The three lap course on tarmac and gravel encircled the perimeter of the attractive nature reserve which featured wetlands and a family of swans. VAC's Chris Loudon was the fastest finisher of the event's 193 parkrunners. His time is a new M35 age group record and was only four seconds off the all-time male record for the course. Anna Garnier's time of 22:20 also set a new record for the W65 age group. Chris Loudon, M35, 15:49
Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 21 May 2022
Photos by Maggie Statham-Berry Veterans AC were pleased to host the seventh running of this event on a dedicated cycle circuit with its many gradients and bends, which has hosted Olympic BMX champion Beth Shriever. In all there were 21 paid entries which was a decrease from 2021, however the number of finishers was slightly up. The weather was fine and sunny, and temperatures well above average for mid-May. There was a moment of silence before the start in memory of long term runner and race walker Lyn Atterbury who had recently left us. There was a new winner of the ladies 5k Amalia Cristina Silva (Belgrave Harriers) in 34:29, a new personal best, and the 5k was won by the present RWA President, Chris Hobbs (Ashford AC) in a fine time of 32:47. The new winner of the ladies’ 10k was Melanie Peddle (Loughton AC) in 58:36, again a new PB, and her second win in a VAC event in two weeks. There was also a new winner of the men’s 10k, Dave Walsh from EHAC in 59:02. By far the most successful outcome was Lesley Morris (Ilford AC) who had a significant PB lopping 7 minutes off her previous time. It was also good to see Dave Kates and the much travelled Ed Shillabeer back racing again.
European Masters Athletics Champs Non-Stadia, Grosseto, Italy 13-15 May 2022  Triple Triumph for Clare Elms !
These championships were held in Grosseto, Tuscany, which is an hour south of Pisa and about 20k from the
western coast. Temperatures were mid-twenties, warmer than we had been used to at home. The 10k's were
held on the Friday, run over two laps of an urban loop from the event Technical Information Centre (TIC,
registration and cafe area a bit away from the town centre). The 5k was on saturday morning in a park, 2 laps
of paths looping either side and back to a central start/finish. The half marathon was on sunday morning,
heading out on long roads and cycle path by farmland, returning round the 5k park, into the old centre and up
around its walls then on urban roads with only traffic police marshalling the many turns to the TIC.
VAC had a small contingent amongst the GB and other runners. Clare Elms delivered amazing performances,
especially considering the heat, winning her age group in all three road runs on consecutive days. Ian Richards
also medalled, gaining bronze in age-group in the 10k walk.
Andy Murray
Photo by AM: Clare Elms winning her 5k
Veterans AC 5 Mile Road Race and Race Walk, 10 May 2022, Battersea Park
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Here are the Results of the 5 Mile Road Race, showing the medallists. Conditions were good for the 69 finishers in the 5 Mile Championship which was run over 3.5 laps of a compact loop, taking in the Park's Carriage Drives and leafy Central Avenue. Andy Bond of Dulwich Runners won in fine style. His time of 26:03 shattered the M45 record of 26:59 for 5M courses in Battersea Park, held by Simon Baines since 2018. In second place, Andrew Perfect (M45) was also within the old record, clocking 26:22. Terry Booth (M55) was an excellent third with 28:05, eighteen seconds off Gary Ironmonger's M55 record of 27:47 set in 2018. Even closer was David Ogden (M60) whose time of 29:24 was only one second short of the long-standing record of 29:23 set by Gareth Jones in 2007. Other age group winners were Sam Jamieson (M35), Eddie Ware (M40), Martin Carmack (M50), Mike Forder (M65), Alan Davidson (M70), Peter Giles (M75) and Michael Johnson (M80). There was an intense contest at the head of the women's race between Sue McDonald (W50) and Kate Carter (W45) with Sue winning by two seconds in a time of 30:57, only twelve seconds off her own W50 course record set in 2019. For the W60s, Pamela Whitter blazed round in 33:56, pursued relentlessly by Lucy Woolhouse who clocked 34:11. Pamela's time set a new W60 record, with both Pamela and Lucy inside Maggie Statham's record of 34:50 set in 2015. Other age group winners were Lindsay Rice (W40), Pippa Major (W55), Anna Garnier (W65) and Penny Elliott (W75). Veterans AC 5 Mile Road Walk Championship - Battersea Park, 10 May 2022
The second of the VAC Battersea Park summer series had again a reasonable field, the weather was fair with some cloud cover, good racing conditions. This was the first 5 mile walk championship for some years, the awards were presented by VAC president Anna Garnier; the course was a new one covering some 3.5 laps of the permitted park circuit. The new overall winner was Melanie Peddle from Loughton AC, in a really good time just outside her personal best. Stuart Bennett, Ilford AC, won the VAC championships for the men and overall, Maureen Noel (Belgrave Harriers) was second in the championships and first lady overall, both did their usual respectable times. New VAC signing Artur Olszewski completed his first attempt at the distance in a little over the hour, going inside the hour is now a very real prospect. It was good to see Dan Maskell, SWC back racing after a lay-off with injury. Officials:
Vitality Westminster Mile, VAC One Mile Championships, 1 May 2022
At least 30 VAC members raced in the first wave of mile races at the Vitality Westminster Mile, taking in St James's park and finishing outside Buckingham Palace. Mike Cummings (M35) was first for VAC in a splendid time of 4:23. He was fifth overall in the wave and the first Masters' athlete. He was closely followed by Edward Chuck (M35) in 4:25, Chris Loudon (M35) in 4:28 and Richard McDowell (M40) in 4:32. VAC's first woman was Susan McDonald (W50) in 5:31, a time which scores a magnificent 95% age grading. VAC's oldest runner was Richard Pitcairn-Knowles who is 90 this year. He finished in 14:41 and was pleased to be faster than in 2019 when the race last took place. Here are the results of the VAC members in the Westminster Mile
Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 5 April 2022, Battersea Park
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Here are the Results of the 5 km Road Race
Road Race Report The women's winner was Jenny Heymann (W40) from Eton Manor AC in 18:41, having tracked second-placed Kay Sheedy (W35) throughout and passing her in the closing stages. In the W60 age group, Jackie Balfour won a close contest in 20:24, followed by Pamela Whitter in 20:35 and Lucy Woolhouse in 20:51. Anna Garnier's time of 22:06 placed her at the top of Runbritain's W65 5k rankings for 2022. Race Walk report The course was 5k to start the season. The men's winner was regular VAC member Dave Annetts from North Herts RR, only a few seconds slower than his personal best. The ladies winner was Melanie Peddle from Loughton AC in another good time, both Dave and Melanie had raced at the SCVAC indoor champs just 3 days before. Ever presents Maureen Noel (Belgrave) and Fiona Bishop (Woking AC) represented the rest of the ladies and produced their usual respectable times. VAC were pleased to have two complete newcomers to the event and to race walking, in particular Artur Olszewski had not come from a walking or running background and was only just outside 12 minute miling and with no style problems. VAC congratulate Mark Culshaw who has attended this event for many years as athlete and judge on his qualification to the next grade for judging.
Officials:
EMAA Indoor Inter-Area Track & Field Challenge, Lee Valley, 13 March 2022
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. VAC's men's and women's teams performed magnificently at the England Masters Inter Area Challenge at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. VAC was a superb THIRD overall, with the women second in their match. The third place result was very close, with SCVAC just 5 points behind. A highlight was the Championship Best Performance of 1:53.92 achieved by the M60 Relay team of Pat Logan, Adrian Day, Brian Steene and Liam Mulroooney. The W50 Relay team of Sue Wisdom, Rachel Waters, Lisa Thomas and Angela Bates were also first. There were 13 individual 1st places including two by Zoe Doyle (W35 800m and 1500m). Other firsts for the women were Angela Bates (W50) and Sue Wisdom (W60) in the 60m sprint, Hayley Cargill in the W35 400m, Lisa Webb (W50) and Anna Garnier (W60) in the 800m and Lisa Thomas (W50) and Lucy Woolhouse (W60) in the 1500m. Firsts for the men were achieved by Mike Cummings (M35 800m), Chris Loudon (M35 1500m), Dave Annetts (M35 2k Walk) and Tony Richards who won the M70 Shot. In addition, there were 14 second places and 12 third places. Here are the Results of the 2022 Indoor Inter Area Challenge.
East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 5 March 2022
The traditional East Surrey League match in March was incorporated within the rearranged men's Division One and women's Surrey League races which had been a casualty of the storm last month. This affected the make-up of VAC's team on the day as many ran for their 1st claim clubs and some didn't fancy the fast men's race, especially as Lloyd Park was ultra-wet and muddy. Three VAC men started but Liam O'Hare dropped out part way feeling rough. Duncan Rimmer (41:08) and Mike Mann (44:07) made up VAC's team. Here are the results of the East Surrey League, 5 March.
European Masters Championships Indoor, Braga, Portugal 20-27 February 2022 [This is a brief report as no VAC Committee member was able to attend] Originally planned for March 2020 but cancelled due to the pandemic, these indoor championships were offered again by Braga two years on. Braga is a pleasant city with a historic centre in Northern Portugal, a short trip inland from Porto. The athletics venue was the Altice Forum, a very modern event space a short walk from the city centre and main hotels. Congratulations to our medal winners (known VAC individual winners below).
Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 19 February 2022
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Stormy weather did not deter the thirteen VAC men who turned out for the Surrey League’s final Division3/4 match of the season at Lloyd Park, Croydon. The course was at its wettest and muddiest, causing slips and falls and dirty kit. The tail end of Storm Eunice brought heavy rain and gusty winds which the runners and officials endured stoically, whilst looking forward to various end-of-season celebrations. The team was led home in style by Mark Cursons in 14th position in Division Four, and first M55. Mark usually runs in the Metropolitan League for his first claim club (Harrow AC) but their match was cancelled because of the storm. He was followed by Malcolm Davies and Chris Ness in 35th and 36th places. They have had close battles during the season and were only separated by one second this time. Vaughan Ramsay, making his debut for VAC in the Surrey League, was the 4th scorer. Then came the two top M60s in the race, Peter Hall and Tony Harran. The A team was completed by Bruce McLaren, Duncan Rimmer, Andy Mitchelson and Steve Smythe. The back-up runners in the B team were Dave West, Gary Budinger and John Carter. VAC placed a magnificent fourth out of the 14 clubs on the day and were a creditable ninth overall at the end of the season. Individual Surrey League season’s honours were won by Peter Hall and Tony Harran who were in joint first place in the M60+ category. Thanks go to the 29 men who ran in the VAC teams during the season. Six of them (Gary Budinger, Malcom Davies, Peter Hall, Tony Harran, Andy Mitchelson and Chris Ness) ran in all four matches. A special thank you also goes to Paddy Clark, the team manager, who mustered the team and provided shelter and support with dedication and good humour at each match, as well as being a willing helper, marshalling and recording. The full results are on the Surrey League website
Wimbledon Common parkrun, Saturday 12 February 2022
At least 15 VAC members gathered on Wimbledon Common on a cold day to run or walk the parkrun, having been warmly welcomed in the briefing beforehand. The two-lap course had some muddy puddles but was wide and flat, with a pleasant view of the Kingsmere pond and the Wimbledon Windmill as a back drop. There were 424 finishers. Lucy Woolhouse, W60, 21:52
VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common, 22 January 2022
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Here are the Final Results. Here are the Results Showing The Medallists
Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Richmond Park, 15 January 2022
Photos by Helen Davies and Ros Tabor Another great turn-out of 19 VAC men tackled a hilly, slippery, course at Richmond Park, starting and finishing near Sheen Gate. Provisional results indicate that VAC's "A" team finished 10th out of the 14 clubs in Division Four. Overall, VAC is still 9th after three matches. The full provisional results are on the Surrey League website
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