Results for January to June 2024

  • VAC 5000m Championships, Battersea Park, 26 June 2024 3-07-24
  • VAC 10km Road Championships, Richmond 10k, 23 June 2024 1-07-24
  • VAC 5k Road & Road Walk Championships - Battersea Park, 4 June 2024 9-06-24
  • 9th Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, incorporating Enfield Race Walking League, 27 May 2024 28-05-24
  • VAC 5 Mile Road & Walks Championships, 7 May 2024, Battersea Park 14-05-24
  • VAC 5 Km Road Race & Road Walk, 2 April 2024, Battersea Park 6-04-24
  • Victoria Dock parkrun, Saturday 30 March 2024 1-04-24
  • British Masters Cross Country Championships, Corwen, 16 March 2024 24-03-24
  • East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 March 2024 4-03-24
  • EMAA Indoor Inter-Area Track & Field Challenge, Lee Valley, 25 February 2024  9-03-24
  • VAC and EMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lee Valley, 11 February 2024 17-02-24
  • Women's Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024 7-03-24
  • Men's Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024 22-02-24
  • VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common, 20 January 2024 10-03-24
  • Women's Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott, 13 January 2024 18-01-24
  • Men's Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott, 13 January 2024 17-01-24

VAC 5000m Championships, Battersea Park, 26 June 2024


The start of the first race with the race winner, Peter Hall (31) on the far right

 
Chris Loudon, Men's Champion                                           
Helen Pool, Women's Champion

 
Margaret Wadman (82) Race 1                                             
Charles Hampden-Smith (93) Race 2

 
Lucy Woolhouse W60 Gold                                                   
Rich Berry (4) leads race winner Mark Cursons (17)

 
John Hutchins (38) leads race winner Chris Loudon (51)  
Mike Cummings (15) leads Jeff Cunningham (16)

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

Here are the Results of each Race.

Here are the Combined Results showing the medallists.

VAC’s 5000m Championships returned to the Millennium Arena. The hot weather did not deter the 69 finishers, spread over four seeded races.

Peter Hall (M65) won the first race in 21:12.82 comfortably ahead of Ian Kitching (M70). Ella Waddingham (W40) was third, and the first woman. Gold medals for age-group firsts were won by Anna Garnier (W65), Mike Mann (M75) and Michael Johnson (M80). The second race was won by James Adams (M40) in 18:40.70. Bob Bradbury (M70) of SCVAC excelled in fourth place, claiming M70 Gold. His time of 19:25.20 was faster than VAC’s M70 Championship Best Performance of 20:09.80 set by Steve Charlton in 1998. Lucy Hancock of Clapham Chasers was the first woman, winning W40 Gold. Helen Pool was VAC’s fastest woman in the four races and won the Women’s Champion’s trophy as well as W50 Gold in a time of 20:52.45. Lucy Woolhouse was the first W60 in a time of 21:06.94, not far off her W60 CBP of 20:50.51 set in 2022. Prolific parkrunner, Simon Cox, claimed M65 Gold in his first ever track race with a good time of 20:35.70.

Mark Cursons won the third race, and M60 Gold, in 17:32.43 with Rich Berry (M45) just one second behind. Hannah Pullen (W35) from Aldershot, Farnham & District was a fine fourth and the fastest woman of the four races.

The final race was seeded with the fastest runners and highly competitive. Chris Loudon (M35) was a convincing winner, claiming the trophy for VAC’s Men's Champion and M35 Gold. His time of 15:42.52 was not far off his M35 CBP of 15:30.92 set in 2023. He was challenged throughout the race by three other men under sixteen minutes. In particular, John Hutchins of Woking AC pushed hard to stay ahead but Chris pulled away to be 12 seconds clear on the line. John was rewarded with the M40 Gold medal. Other Gold medals settled in this race went to Ben Millar (M45), Ben Paviour (M50) and Adrian Haines (M55).



VAC 10km Road Championships, Richmond 10k, 23 June 2024 

Here are the  VAC results and medallists.

Here are the Ranelagh 10k 2024 Race Results

30 VAC members were among the 551 finishers in the Ranelagh Harriers Richmond 10k which was also VAC's 2024 10k road championship and Surrey County's 10k championship. The popular two-lap race always seems to take place on a hot morning and this year was no exception.  

Andrew Barnes (M40) was VAC's first finisher in a time of 33:17. He was seventh overall and second in the race's M35-43 age category. He was followed in 18th place by Simon Shaw (M50) in 34:49, placing first in the race’s M45-54 age category. In the race's age group awards, David Ogden, new to the age group, was dominant in the Over 65 category, winning Gold in 38:58, over three minutes ahead of his nearest challenger. Steve Corfield was fourth in the M55-64 category but was the first M60 in the race. Peter Hall (M65) also achieved a creditable fourth in the M65+ category. In addition, VAC Golds were won by Ben Goddard (M35), Jamie McLoughlin (M45), Tom Cheetham (M55), Ian Kitching (M70), Jim Brown (M75) and John Carter (M80).  

Ginevra Stoneley (W45) was VAC's first woman and 19th in the women's race in a time of 41:21. She was third in the race’s very competitive 45-54 age category, with less than 20 seconds separating first and fourth places. Lara James (W45) was VAC's second woman in 43:41. Next was Susanna Harrison (W60) in 44:08, third in the W55-64 category, but first W60 in the race. Maggie Statham-Berry (W70) was first in the race’s W65+ category. Sue Garner (W75) was a worthy fourth in this category. Other VAC Golds were won by Shun-Lai Chan (W50), Patricia Thomas (W55) and Fiona Bishop (W65).  



VAC 5 Km Road Championship, 4 June 2024 , Battersea Park

 
Race winner, Tom Hollis (52) tracking Ben Millar (75)          
Steve Corfield (23) M60 Gold, Pete Jewell M60 Silver

 
Karima Harris, women's winner                                             
Joseph Gonzalez-Armas, 1st VAC

 
Marion Rayner W70 Silver                                                    
Ros Tabor and Kenneth Mukasa

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

VAC’s third race of the summer series was the Open Masters 5K Championships held in cool comfortable conditions.

The 102 finishers were led home by Tom Hollis (M35) of Lonely Goat AC in a time of 16:26, well clear of second and third placers, Ben Millar (M45) (HHH) and Jamie Philip (M45) (Sevenoaks AC) in 16:42 and 16:44. Joseph Gonzalez-Armas was VAC’s Men’s champion in 7th overall and first M55 in 17:18, just two seconds ahead of Richard Tomlinson who won the M55 Silver medal. Karima Harris (W50) was the women’s winner in 18:06 and added the VAC Women’s 5Km Champion’s title to her 5 Mile title won in May. Maria Heslop was the second woman and first W55. Her time of 18:19 improved her own Allcomers’ W55 course record of 18:22 set in August last year.

Women’s age group Golds were won by Rebecca Luxton (W40), Gina Galbraith (W45), Caroline Helder (W60), Anne Lippitt (W65) and Jane Georghiou (W70).

Gold medals for men’s age-group firsts were won by Pierre Philippon (M40), Paul Fanti (M50), Steve Corfield (M60), David Rowe (M65), Ged Ruffle (M70), Mike Mann (M75), John Carter (M80) and Joe Aspinall (M85). Joe’s return to racing was welcomed and he was rewarded with a fine time of 36:30 which puts him at the top of Runbritain’s M85 5K road rankings for 2024.

VAC was pleased to welcome Kenneth Mukasa from Uganda. Kenneth has joined VAC whilst visiting the UK to learn more about athletics officiating and coaching. Kenneth had appealed for unwanted kit to send back to Uganda to help athletes to get started at grass roots level. He was very grateful for the generosity of all those who brought donations to the event.

Here is a link to the Results of the 5K Championship  road race, including the category positions.

Here are the Results of the 5 Km Championship road race, including the medallists (PDF)

 

Veterans AC 5k Road Walk Championships - Battersea Park, 4 June 2024 

Permit No RWA24019-3 Category B

Fixture III 


The start of the Walk featuring Ian Richards (143), Chik Ha Kwik (140), Maureen Noel (142), David Hoben (139) and Fiona Bishop (133)

 
Stefano Zennaro, race winner                                                
Chik Ha Kwok, women's winner

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

The third of the regular Battersea Park races had an average field on the start line, although the entries were higher than usual, and luckily avoided the expected rain, just a few drops this time.

VAC were pleased to welcome back Stefano Zennaro and Artur Olszewski to the start line after an absence, in fact Stefano (LFR) won the men’s and overall race in a respectable time.

The runner-up was the much-travelled Stuart Bennett (Brentwood Beagles) about 2 minutes behind.

The ladies’ race was won by Chik Ha Kwok (Metros), with second place ever-present Maureen Noel (Belgrave) in her usual creditable time.

Pos Name Category Club Time Cat Pos Gender Gen Pos
1 Stefano Zennaro M50 London Frontrunners 28:44 1 Male 1
2 Stuart Bennett M65 Brentwood Beagles/Veterans AC 30:26 1 Male 2
3 Chik Ha Kwok W45 Metros RC/Veterans AC 30:43 1 Female 1
4 Colin Harle M65 Belgrave Harriers/Eastern Masters AC 30:54 2 Male 3
5 David Walsh M60 EHAC/Midland Masters AC 31:00 1 Male 4
6 Maureen Noel W60 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 31:48 1 Female 2
7 Man Biu Lam M65 Metros RC/Veterans AC 32:03 3 Male 5
8 Fiona Bishop W65 Woking AC/Veterans AC 34:55 1 Female 3
9 David Hoben M70 SyWC/Veterans AC 37:38 1 Male 6
10 Artur Olszewski M40 Veterans AC 38:32 1 Male 7
11 Lynne Drummond W70 HHH/Southern Counties Veterans AC 38:47 1 Female 4
Ian Richards M75 Steyning AC/Veterans AC DQ
Christopher Flint M75 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Kathy Crilley W75 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Peter Hannell M80 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Penelope Cummings W45 HHH/Veterans AC DNS

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator: Malcolm French
Starter: Ben Noad
Chief Timekeeper: David Harris
Recorders: Malcolm French, Ian Isherwood, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Walk Judge: Shaun Lightman
Registration: David Hoben, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Marshals: Martin Berry, Stephanie Burchill, Anna Garnier, Tony Harran, Andy Murray, Richard Stansfield, Eddie Thorpe, Dennis Williams
Timing & results: Race Timing Solutions 
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Chris Moverly t/a Core Services



9th Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, incorporating Enfield Race Walking League, 27 May 2024

Cyclopark, Gravesend, 27 May 2024
Veterans AC 2.5k/5k/10k road race
Permit No: RWA24024-1 Category B

Veterans AC were pleased to host the nineth running of this event on a dedicated cycle circuit which is designed like a large Scalextric set, with many gradients and bends.

In all there were 22 paid entries which was about average, with 18 on the line. The weather was ideal, with a mixture of sun and cloud cover, the predicted rain in the end never happened.

There was a new winner of the ladies 5k, Sheila Leavy (N Herts RR), and the men's 5k was won for the 3rd year running by the present RWA President, Chris Hobbs (Ashford AC).

The winner of the ladies’ 10k was Jacqueline Benson (Ashford AC) in 01:02:04.

There was also a winner of the men’s 10k was Olympian Ian Richards who moved up from last year’s third place.

There was one newbie, Helen Giffin, also from N Herts RR who performed well on the testing course.

It probably wasn't a PB scenario, however Shaheda Arthur (VAC) managed one.

VAC were very pleased to see Pauline Wilson again, this time acting as part of the recording team.

Our thanks are due as below, no thanks at all to the cyclists who wandered off the mountain bike trail and obstructed the race.

 

Place Name Age Group Club Time
2.5k
F
1 Ellin Wilson U15G Ashford AC 14:37
2 Lily-Ann Cooper U13G Newmarket Joggers 17:42
5k
F
1 Sheila Leavy W70 North Herts RRC 40:41
2 Helen Giffin W50 North Herts RRC 43:37
3 Shaheda Arthur W65 Veterans AC 48:31
Celia Cordran W45 Metropolitan Police AC DNS
M
1 Christopher Hobbs M65 Ashford AC 34:53
2 Edmund Shillabeer M80 Ilford AC 53:02
3 David Ainsworth M75 Ilford AC 55:24
Man Biu Lam M65 Metros RC DNS
10K
M
1 Ian Richards M75 Steyning AC 58:23
2 Colin Harle M65 Belgrave Harriers 01:03:20
3 Stuart Bennett M65 Brentwood Beagles 01:04:43
4 Simon Morgan M55 Ilford AC 01:07:42
5 John Borgars M75 Loughton AC 01:08:55
6 Steve Allen M65 Ilford AC 01:09:13
7 Graeme Heaton M60 Heathfield RRC 01:15:53
8 Christopher Flint M75 Surrey Walking Club 01:25:01
David Hoben M70 SyWC DNS
F
1 Jacqueline Benson WSEN Ashford AC 01:02:04
2 Fiona Bishop W60 Woking AC/Veterans AC 01:11:28
Chik Ha Kwok W45 Metros RC DNS

Acknowledgements
Judges: Peter Cassidy (Chief), Elizabeth Benson, Simon Benson, Shaun Lightman
Starter: Andy Cooper
Time keeping and lap recording: David Harris, Pauline Wilson, David Hoben
Judges’ runner: David Annetts
Hospitality: Cyclopark, Gravesend
First Aid: Medical Despatch



VAC 5 Mile Road Championship, 7 May 2024 , Battersea Park

 
Richard McDowell Race Winner
Karima Harris Women's Winner

 
Clare Elms W60 Record
 Muhamud Haile

 
Peter Giles M75 Gold
 Michael Johnson M80 Gold

 
Lesley Mill W55 Gold  Linda Aird W65 Gold

 
Mike Forder M70 Gold
 Catkin Shelley

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

The results are at this link: Veterans AC Masters Championship 5 Mile Road Race (opentrack.run)

Here are the   Results of the 5 Mile Championship   road race, including the medallists

The 5 Mile Championship featured a strong field of 65 finishers, although numbers were reduced by industrial action on several train lines.

At the head of the race, Richard McDowell (M45) became the Men's Champion after a close contest with SLH's Daniel Gaffney (M40) with both men under 26 minutes. Richard's time of 25:39 reduced the M45 course record by over 20 seconds from Andy Bond's previous mark of 26:03 set in 2022. Richard Macaulay was third in 26:34 which knocked one second off Ben Goddard's M35 record set in 2023. Close behind, in 26:41, last year's winner, Andy Bond, now in the M50 age group, had the consolation of breaking Steve Winder's M50 course record by 16 seconds. Other Gold medals for age-group firsts were awarded to Jonathan Ratcliffe (M55), Andy Jordan (M60), David Rowe (M65), Mike Forder (M70), Peter Giles  (M75) and Michael Johnson (M80).

Karima Harris (W50) was the Women's Champion in a fine time of 30:16 which broke the previous W50 course record of 30:45 set by Sue McDonald in 2019. Next was Clare Elms(W60) whose magnificent time of 31:40 set a new W60 course record, considerably improving Pamela Whitter's previous mark of 33:56 set in 2022. Other Gold medallists were Laura Donnelly (W35), Lesley Mill (W55) and Linda Aird (W65).


Veterans AC 5m Road Walk Championships - Battersea Park, 7 May 2024 

Permit No RWA24019-2 
Fixture II 
 
The start of the 5 mile walk Championship
 
  
Ian Richards, race winner                                                          Maureen Noel 

 
Penelope Cummings
 Fiona Bishop

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

The second of the regular Battersea Park races had a smallish field in fine, pleasantly warm sunny conditions, however the turnout was not impacted by the rail strike. 
Ian Richards (Steyning AC) had a comfortable overall and men's win, using the race as a build-up to his V75 ambitions this year, and Melanie Peddle (Loughton AC) won for the ladies in a fine time.
Place Name Age Group Club Time Cat Pos Gender
1 Ian Richards M75 Steyning AC/Veterans AC 44:50 1 Male
2 Melanie Peddle W55 Loughton AC/EMAC 46:13 1 Female
3 Stuart Bennett M65 Brentwood Beagles/Veterans AC 50:41 1 Male
4 Maureen Noel W60 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 51:11 1 Female
5 Penelope Cummings W45 Herne Hill Harriers/Veterans AC 52:42 1 Female
6 Fiona Bishop W60 Woking AC/Veterans AC 58:48 2 Female
7 David Hoben M70 SyWC/Veterans AC 01:02:44 1 Male
Peter Hannell M80 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Kathy Crilley W75 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS

Officials: 
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator: Malcolm French
Starter: Ben Noad
Chief Timekeeper: David Harris
Timing & results: Race Timing Solutions 
Recorders: Malcolm French, Ian Isherwood, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Walk Judge: John Hall
Registration: David Hoben, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Marshals: Joe Aspinall, Martin Berry, Stephanie Burchill, Anna Garnier, Anne Lippitt, Martin Lippitt, Andy Murray, Richard Stansfield, Dennis Williams
Lead Bike: Henry Murdoch
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Chris Moverly t/a Core Services
 



VAC 5 Km Road Race, 2 April 2024, Battersea Park


The start

 
Simon Shaw, race winner                                               
Andrew Leach, M60 record

 
Rebecca Luxton, women’s winner                                 
Adrian Russell (158), Philip Cooper

 
Becky Morrish, Richard Giles                                       
Caroline Helder, Graham Laylee

  
Terry Lapins, Chris Lee                                                                               
David Pitt (93)

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

Here are the Race Results online on OpenTrack.

Here are the  Results of the 5K Road Race, including the category positions (PDF file).

The first of VAC's summer series of road races in Battersea Park was held in gloomy wet conditions but this did not deter the 96 finishers from fierce competition and some great times, including impressive age-group course records for Clare Elms (W60) and Andrew Leach (M60).

VAC's Simon Shaw (1st claim Ealing, Southall & Middlesex) led the charge to the finish line, finishing in 16:26, just three seconds short of his own M50 course record of 16:23 set in April 2023. Next was Philip Cooper (M45) of EMAC in 16:30, holding off VAC's Adrian Russell (M45) four seconds behind. In sixth place overall, Andrew Leach (M60) from North Herts, set an all-comers' M60 course record of 16:51, well ahead of VAC's M60 record of 17:14 posted by Mark Cursons in August 2023. Other age group category winners were James Pilch (M40), Richard Tomlinson (M55), David Pitt (M65), Ged Ruffle (M70), Peter Giles (M75) and Michael Johnson (M80).

Rebecca Luxton (W40) of Chelmsford AC was women's winner in 18:33, but only three seconds ahead of Clare Elms (W60), Kent AC. Clare's time of 18:36 is a new W60 course record, shattering the previous W60 best of 20:13 set by Jackie Balfour in June 2023. The third woman was Becky Morrish (W35) in 18:50. Anna Critchlow (W55) was next with a great time of 19:40 which broke VAC's long-standing W55 course record of 19:55 set by Lisa Thomas in July 2021. However, it was still a long way off the W55 all-comers' record of 18:22 set by Maria Heslop in August 2023. Other age group category winners were Kate Carter (W45), Jacqueline Richardson (W50), Anne Lippitt (W65), Marion Rayner (W70), Sue Garner (W75) and Penny Elliott (W80).

VAC 5k Road Walk – Battersea Park, 2 April 2024

 
Melanie Peddle, race winner                                                                Stuart Bennett

 
Chik Ha Kwok                                                                                            Man Biu Lam

Permit No RWA24019-1

The first of the regular Battersea Park races had an average field in persistent light rain, we are always grateful for our officials, more so on this occasion.

Apart from the occasional training packs out doing sprints, the park was otherwise empty.

The overall and ladies winner was Melanie Peddle, from Loughton AC, with the runner up and men’s winner Stuart Bennett (Brentwood Beagles), in the times we have come to expect from them.

VAC were pleased to welcome new signings husband and wife Man Biu Lam and Chik Ha Kwok both from Metros, in addition Lynne Drummond (Crystal Palace FR) and Hannah Cock (HHH) were also first timers at the event.

Frequent competitor Dave Walsh (EHAC) made the event just hours after landing at the airport from New Zealand.

 

Place Name Age Group Club Time
1 Melanie Peddle W55 Loughton AC/EMAC 28:46
2 Stuart Bennett M65 Brentwood Beagles/Veterans AC 31:12
3 Andrew Millbank M60 Herne Hill Harriers/Veterans AC 31:35
4 David Walsh M60 Midland Masters AC/EHAC 31:53
5 Man Biu Lam M65 Metros RC/Veterans AC 32:28
6 Chik Ha Kwok W45 Metros RC/Veterans AC 32:43
7 Sian Baum W55 Herne Hill Harriers/Veterans AC 33:11
8 Fiona Bishop W60 Woking AC/Veterans AC 33:48
9 Nicholas Fleeman M65 Winchester & District AC/SCVAC 34:34
10 David Hoben M70 SyWC/Veterans AC 37:47
11 Lynne Drummond W70 Crystal Palace FR/SCVAC 37:50
12 Hannah Cock W55 Herne Hill Harriers 38:01
Christopher Flint M40 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Kathy Crilley M55 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator: Malcolm French
Starter: Ben Noad
Chief Timekeeper: David Harris
Recorders: Helen Davies, Ian Isherwood, Liam O’Hare, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, John Hall
Registration: David Hoben, Helen Davies, Maggie Statham-Berry and Ros Tabor
Marshals: Joe Aspinall, Martin Berry, Stephanie Burchill, Ian Elliott, Anna Garnier, Tony Harran, Andy Murray, Richard Stansfield, Peter Torre, Dennis Williams
Lead Bike: Henry Murdoch
Results: Ben Noad
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Chris Moverly t/a Core Services



Victoria Dock parkrun, Saturday 30 March 2024


Ten of VAC's parkrunners at Victoria Dock (left to right): Chiara, Felix, Jim, Gina, Kevin, Mike, Martin, Ros, Andy and Richard.

Victoria Dock was chosen as the venue for VAC's latest parkrun meet-up on a sunny Easter Saturday morning. The course is completely flat but overall times are affected by five U turns on the 3 lap course. Public transport options were reduced because of Bank Holiday engineering etc. but with a parkrun barcode you can cross the Thames on the Emirates cable car after the race and appreciate the view. Eleven VAC members enjoyed running and chatting before and after. The next meet-up will probably be in June – look out for it on the fixture list. 

 

Results
Pos'n Name Club Time Age Gp Age Grading %
5 (1st W) Kay Sheedy Dulwich Runners 18:51 W35 80.64
9 (2nd W) Gina Galbraith Hercules Wimbledon 19:18 W45 83.94
10 Jim Carrington Hercules Wimbledon 19:19 M45 74.55
17 Felix Allen Hercules Wimbledon 19:51 M50 74.90
23 Kevin McAleer Thames Valley Harriers 20:06 M60 81.92
31 Richard Evans Hercules Wimbledon 20:51 M60 78.26
82 Mike Mann Dulwich Runners 24:53 M75 76.16
95 (13th W) Chiara Cristoni VAC 25:39 W50 66.15
99 (14th W) Ros Tabor Dulwich Runners 26:20 W70 90.44
112 Martin Garrett Sudbury Court 27:37 M70 63.85
117 Andy Murray Dulwich Runners 27:52 M70 64.06
190 finishers



British Masters Cross Country Championships, Corwen, 16 March 2024

 
Jess Franklin 3rd W40                                                           
Peter Kennedy M70

 
Annie Ross W70                                                                    
Maggie Statham-Berry Silver Medal

Photo of Jess Franklin by Bill Scriven Photos. Other photos by Martin Berry.

Here are the Individual Results of the 2024 British Masters CC Championships. 

Here are the Individual Medallists in each Age Group

Nine VAC members made the trip to North Wales for the British Masters Cross Country Championships. The rain stopped for the two races, although the start around a farm field of the Rhug estate near Corwen was very boggy until the course climbed up a lovely Welsh hillside grazed by sheep. On the descent, there was a fast-flowing stream as an obstacle to be leapt over. 

The first race was two laps, about four miles, for all the women and the men aged 65 and over. VAC’s Jess Franklin had a great run to finish fourth in the race (third woman and third W40). Next was Madeleine Arnstrong-Plieth in 11th (4th W40) followed by Peter Kennedy (5th M70), Maggie Statham-Berry (2nd W70), Guy Ogden ((4th M80) and Annie Ross (4th W70).  

The second race was three laps for the men aged 35-64. Mark Cursons was VAC’s first finisher, placing 41st overall and 7th M60 in a particularly strong age category. Other VAC finishers were Jacob Armstrong-Plieth (M50) and Mike Teasdale (M55). 

Mel James, BMAF’s Cross Country Secretary, presented Maggie with her W70 Silver and Jess with her W40 Bronze medals. 

The event was also the Inter Area Cross Country Challenge for BMAF area clubs. Midland Masters won both the men’s and women’s competitions. VAC unfortunately did not have enough runners to form scoring teams of six men and six women.

 




East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 March 2024


VAC's runners (except Dan): Lisa, John Foley, John Foss, Chris, Mike, Lesley, Jo, Nicky, Andy (seated)

 
John Foley                                                                                
Lisa Thomas

 
Jo Quantrill                                                                                
John Foss

Photos from Martin Berry

Here are the results of the East Surrey League senior race, 2 March 2024

Ten ran for VAC in Lloyd Park on a two-lap, 5 mile, course which was predictably extremely soggy throughout after weeks of heavy rain. At least the rain held off for the race and there was a hint of sunshine, but the wind was cold. The deep puddles and saturated fields were a challenge which VAC's team tackled with a mix of enthusiasm and dread.

John Foley (M55) was first for VAC with a fine run in 16th position (14th man). Lisa Thomas (W55) was next, an excellent 7th in the women's listing. The men's scoring team of four was completed by John Foss, Chris Lee and Mike Mann, with Andy Mitchelson and Dan Maskell as back-up. The women's team was completed by Jo Quantrill, Nicky Atkins and Lesley Mill.




EMAA Indoor Inter-Area Track & Field Challenge, Lee Valley, 25 February 2024


First place for VAC's M60 4x200m Relay team: Adrian Day, David Hinds, Paul Wignall, Mike Vassiliou


VAC's W35 4x200m Relay team: Alexandra Marginean, Rebecca Pickard, Kathryn Miles, Sarah Westrap


VAC's W60 4x200m Relay team: Fiona Bishop, Rosalind Zeffertt, Ros Tabor, Anne Nelson
(photo Maggie Statham-Berry)

 
Bilen Ahmet, 1st M35 Pole Vault                                            
Alwyn Lombaard 1st M35 High Jump

 
Liz Amos 1st W35 200m & 400m                                          
Mike Vassiliou 1st M60 200m, 400m & Relay

 
Chris Loudon 1st M35 800m                                                 
Nikki Sturzaker1st W50 800m

 
Penelope Cummings 2km Walk                                           
Glen Keegan 2km Walk

 
Allan Long M80 Long Jump                                                   
Steve Daly M50 Triple Jump

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

Click here for the Individual Results of Indoor Inter Area Challenge 2024 (PDF)

Click here for the Team Scores  of Indoor Inter Area Challenge 2024 (PDF)

In the combined men's and women's scores, VAC finished a worthy third with 481.5 points behind Midland Masters (574 points) and Eastern Masters (556 points). VAC's men's team were third in their competition, and the women's team fourth.

In the 90 events, VAC recorded 16 first places (9 for the men and 7 for the women), 15 second places and 7 third places. This is a magnificent achievement but the team's high score was boosted by every single point gained. Everyone's place counted. Highlights were the triple firsts by Mike Vassiliou (M60 60m, 400m and Relay) and double firsts by Liz Amos (W35 200m and 400m). Other splendid outright wins were achieved by Bilen Ahmet (M35 Pole Vault), Fiona Bishop (2k Walk), Tim Carter (M70 Long Jump), Clare Elms (W50 1500m), Charmaine Johnson (W60 Shot), Sarah Loades (W50 400m), Alwyn Lombaard (M35 High Jump), Chris Loudon (M35 800m), Gavin Stephens (M35 200m), Nikki Sturzaker (W50 800m), David Williams (M60 1500m) and the M60 relay team of Adrian Day, David Hinds, Mike Vassiliou and Paul Wignall.




VAC and EMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lee Valley, 11 February 2024


Men's M35-M55 1500m with race winner Chris Loudon (130) quick off the mark

  
Alexandra Marginean W35 Shot                                            
Charmaine Johnson W60 Long Jump

 
Clare Elms W60 3000m                                                         
Peter Giles M75 3000m

 
Mike Vassiliou M60 60m                                                        
Allan Long M80 60m

 
Liz Amos W45 200m                                                               
Gary Palmer M55 Long Jump

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at 
cliffhide10@aol.com

At least 100 VAC members competed in a highly competitive joint indoor championships with Eastern Masters AC. Twenty eight VAC Indoor Championship Best Performances were recorded including two from Allan Long (M80 60m and 200m), Liz Amos (W45 200m and 400m), Vaughan Ramsay (M50 High Jump and Triple Jump) and Alexandra Marginean (W35 High Jump and Shot). 

Here are the  Results on Power of Ten.

Here are VAC's Individual Results and Medallists.




Women's Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024


VAC's women's team: Ros, Jo, Lisa, Viv, Sarah, Vera, Catherine

 
Lisa Thomas                                                                            
Jo Quantrill

 
Vera Blei                                                                                   
Sarah Allen

 
Catherine Porter                                                                       
Viv Mitchell (399) Ros Tabor
Photos from Helen Davies

Seven VAC women competed in the season's final fixture at Lloyd Park on a tough undulating two-lap, 4.9 mile, course churned up by the two preceding men's races. Constant rain all week had saturated the course which was a bog in many places and had long stretches of sloshy mud. Lisa Thomas was VAC's first finisher in 39th position followed by Jo Quantrill (W65), the first Over 60 in the combined Division 2 and 3 race. Vera Blei, Viv Mitchell and Ros Tabor completed the scoring team, backed up by Sarah Allen and Catherine Porter. VAC's A team was 13th on the day.

The full results of the Lloyd Park match are on the Surrey League website.

Overall, after four matches the team was 10th, a pleasing result which places VAC solidly within Division 2's 15 clubs. The B team did well too, coming 9th out of 15.

Here are the final scores for the 2023/24 season: Surrey League Women's Div 2 Season's Scores

Thank you to the 15 women who ran for VAC in the season. Everyone scored in either the A or B teams. Lisa Thomas ran in all four matches.  Sarah Allen, Vera Blei, Gina Coulson, Anna Garnier, Viv Mitchell, Ros Tabor and Lucy Woolhouse ran in three of them. In the Surrey League's Over 60 category in the age group rankings, Lucy Woolhouse (W60) topped the list, Anna Garnier was third (first W65) and Gina Coulson was fifth.

A special thank you also goes to Helen Davies, the Team Manager, who did a fantastic job at every match, organising the team and providing great support and encouragement to all.

 

VAC Placings, Division Two, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024
Pos. Time Name Age Group
39 41:08 Lisa Thomas W55
74 44:38 Jo Quantrill W65
94 49:29 Vera Blei W50
95 49:49 Viv Mitchell W60
98 50:01 Ros Tabor W70
115 54:19 Sarah Allen W60
116 54:45 Catherine Porter W55
131 finishers in Div 2 (231 in combined race with Div 3)




Men's Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024


Most of VAC's men's team after the race

 
John Foley                                                                                  
Bruce McLaren

 
Malcolm Davies                                                                         
Martin Evans, M70

 
Charles Hampden-Smith                                                       
Felix Allen

 
John Carter, M80                                                                     
Dan Maskell, M75
Photos from Helen Davies

A team of 20 faced the sloshy mud of Lloyd Park in the final match of the season. The preceding wet week had made the course typically waterlogged and heavy going. John Foley was VAC's first finisher in 13th position in Division Four, followed by Peter Lee in 14th and Malcolm Davies in 27th. VAC's first ten scorers packed well and all were in the top 70 positions. Newcomer, Felix Allen, was welcomed in the 6th scoring position. The B team was led home by John Foss. VAC's 20th man, John Carter, recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and there were plenty of men behind him at Lloyd Park.

On the day, VAC finished in third place behind Sutton Striders and Clapham Pioneers, who as newcomers to the Surrey League, were determined to secure promotion. VAC's full B team of ten had much better strength in depth than the rival clubs and was a fantastic first on the day. 

The full results at Lloyd Park are on the   Surrey League website .

Overall, after four matches, VAC finished third in Division Four, tantalisingly close to promotion to Division Three, missing out by just 7 points, the narrowest of margins. VAC's combined score was 1656. The score of Clapham Pioneers in second place was 1649.

Here are the final scores of the 2023/24 season: Surrey League Cross-Country

Thank you to the 39 men who played a part in VAC's splendid season. Four of them ran in all four matches: Malcolm Davies, Chris Lee, Andy Mitchelson and Dan Maskell. Eleven ran in three of the matches. In the League's age category awards, VAC's M60-69 runners dominated the rankings with the top three places going to Charles Hampden-Smith, Richard Evans and Ebe Prill, with John Foss fifth (first M65). Malcolm Davies was fourth in the highly competitive M50-59 category and was the second M55 in the listing.  

A massive vote of thanks goes to Paddy Clark, the Team Manager, first there at the matches and the last to leave. He provided the numbers, groundsheets, gazebo and most importantly the support and encouragement essential to the great team spirit.

 

VAC Placings, Division Four, Lloyd Park, 10 February 2024
Pos. Time Name Age Group
13 33:30 John Foley M55
14 34:23 Peter Lee M55
27 35:42 Malcolm Davies M55
30 35:52 Bruce McLaren M55
35 36:23 Charles Hampden-Smith M60
44 37:33 Felix Allen M50
52 38:29 Ebe Prill M60
53 38:36 Richard Evans M60
56 39:06 Ben Revill M50
68 40:17 Duncan Rimmer M45
70 40:21 john Foss M65
80 41:23 Chris Lee M60
97 43:55 Mike Mann M75
107 45:26 Andy Mitchelson M55
110 46:29 Clive Walker M65
113 48:07 Dave West M65
118 50:11 Andy Murray M70
123 52:21 Dan Maskell M75
127 53:49 Martin Evans M70
132 55:58 John Carter M80
142 finishers (317 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Lloyd Park
Points Overall Pos.
1 Sutton Striders 184 1 (846 score)
2 Clapham Pioneers 217 2 (1649 score)
3 VAC 376 3 (1656 score)
4 Lingfield Running Club 539 5 (2466 score)
5 Dulwich Park Runners 572 7
6 Collingwood 694.5 6
7 Horley Harriers 718 8
8 Runnymede 821 10
9 Epsom Oddballs 825 12
10 Sutton Runners 844 4 (2444 score)
11 British Airways 844 9
12 Chessington Unity RC 931 11
13 Windrush Tri Club 1120 13
14 Waverley AC 1184.5 14




VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common, 20 January 2024


The start of the race

 
Richard McDowell Race Winner                                           
Jani Kraner 2nd place

 
Matilde Lomba 1st Woman                                                   
Nikki Sturzaker 2nd Woman

 
Mark Tennyson 1st M60                                                        
Tony Pamphilon 1st M65

 
Lucy Woolhouse (95) Vikki Filsell (24)                                  
Catherine Porter

 
Steve Smythe                                                                          
Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at
cliffhide10@aol.com

Here are the Category Results

Here are the Individual Results showing the Medallists

There were 77 finishers in VAC’s annual cross country championship held on the same 4.75 mile course as last year. Richard McDowell (M40) led from the start to defend his 2023 champion’s title with another emphatic victory. His time of 25:30 was one second quicker this year despite more slippery conditions down to and around the Queensmere pond. Jani Kraner (M40) was second, one minute behind Richard and nearly a minute ahead of third placed Steve Winder, the first M50. Three of Steve’s Epsom & Ewell clubmates followed in quick succession, claiming the M45 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. In ninth place, Mark Tennyson again won Gold but this year in the M60 age group. Mark’s time of 29:07 earned him the best men’s age-graded performance of 89.5%. Other age group winners were Michael Tay (M35), Mike Webber (M55), Tony Pamphilon (M65), Peter Kennedy (M70) and Mike Mann (M75). 

Matilde Lomba (W35) of Hercules Wimbledon was the women’s winner in 30:52, overhauling Nikki Sturzaker (W50), last year’s winner who ran quicker this year. Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth (W40) was a good third just ahead of Rachel Berry (W50). Vikki Filsell and Lucy Woolhouse retained the W55 and W60 trophies which they had won in the 2023 championship. Lucy’s time translated to the best age-graded performance of the day at 90.8%. Other Gold medals were won by Rebecca Pickard (W45), Jo Quantrill (W65) and Jane Georghiou (W70). 




Women's Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott, 13 January 2024


The start of the women's Division 2/3 race

 
Lucy Woolhouse, 1st VAC                                                       
Anna Garnier

 
Vera Blei                                                                                    
Gina Coulson

 
Lesley Bowcott                                                                         
Viv Mitchell

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at
 cliffhide10@aol.com

VAC’s women’s team competed strongly at the third match of the season at Oxshott Woods on the course tackled earlier in the day by the men’s team. The two and a half lap, 4.8 mile, undulating route made its way through woods and sandy heathland, twice up a notoriously steep hill. The course was riddled with tree roots which caused a fair number of trips and falls. 

Nine VAC women started the race but one was forced to withdraw with a badly turned ankle after falling on a tree root. Three other team members also fell but could carry on. 

Lucy Woolhouse again was VAC’s first finisher in 39th position in Division 2. She is comfortably in the lead in the Division’s W60 rankings. Second for VAC was Lisa Thomas, followed by Anna Garnier, Gina Coulson and Vera Blei in the scoring positions. Ros Tabor, Viv Mitchell and Lesley Bowcott made up the B team.  

VAC’s A team was 13th on the day and sits in 8th position overall after three matches.

The full results are on the   Surrey League website.

 

VAC Placings, Division Two, Oxshott Woods, 13 Jan 2024
Pos. Time Name Age Group
39 35:50 Lucy Woolhouse W60
67 38:26 Lisa Thomas W55
83 39:28 Anna Garnier W65
123 44:02 Gina Coulson W65
127 44:19 Vera Blei W50
135 46:10 Ros Tabor W70
140 46:38 Viv Mitchell W60
171 58:43 Lesley Bowcott W75
175 finishers in Div 2 (327 in combined race with Div 3)




Men's Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott, 13 January 2024 


VAC's Men's Team

 
Richard Batchelor, 1st VAC                                                     
Jim Carrington

 
Stewart Bond                                                                            
Liam O'Hare

 
Andy Murray                                                                             
Andy Mitchelson

Photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at
 cliffhide10@aol.com

The weather was fine but cold for VAC’s third Surrey League match of the season at Oxshott Woods. The course had been described as “treacherous” by the organiser in the start-line briefing. It was a fitting description. Tree roots throughout were a constant hazard and great care was needed.

Twenty men finished for VAC, making everyone a scorer. The “A” team of ten were a good third. The “B” team of the next ten went even better and placed first on the day.

Richard Batchelor once again was the first VAC finisher in an excellent 14th place in Division Four. He was followed by fast-finishing Peter Lee in 16th place. Then came newcomer, Jim Carrington, in 20th, also inside 32 minutes for the 4.8 mile course. Charles Hampden-Smith and Malcolm Davies were both in the top fifty, with Richard Evans, Ben Revill, Stewart Bond, Duncan Rimmer and Ebe Prill completing the scoring A team. John Foss led the B team, with every place counting in the scores.

Overall, VAC held onto second place in Division Four, but it’s tight. Two clubs are promoted to Division Three. The final match at Lloyd Park will be the decider.

The full results are on the Surrey League website.

 

VAC Placings, Division Four, Oxshott
Pos. Time Name Age Group
14 31:05 Richard Batchelor M45
16 31:21 Peter Lee M55
20 31:45 Jim Carrington M45
36 33:54 Charles Hampden-Smith M60
41 34:05 Malcolm Davies M55
59 35:34 Richard Evans M60
64 35:53 Ben Revill M50
74 36:49 Stewart Bond M50
75 36:50 Duncan Rimmer M45
79 37:07 Ebe Prill M60
96 38:28 john Foss M65
121 40:38 Chris Lee M60
126 41:28 Mike Mann M75
128 42:14 Andy Mitchelson M55
138 44:17 Martin Evans M70
142 45:31 Andy Murray M70
146 46:01 Gary Budinger M60
147 46:14 John Ryan M65
152 47:50 Liam O'Hare M75
158 50:27 Dan Maskell M75
167 finishers (341 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Oxshott
Points Overall Pos.
1 Clapham Pioneers 180 3
2 Sutton Striders 268 1
3 VAC 454 2
4 Collingwood 584 5
5 Runnymede 605 11
6 Lingfield Running Club 639 6
7 Sutton Runners 646 4
8 Dulwich Park Runners 748 8
9 Horley Harriers 762 7
10 British Airways 953 9
11 Windrush Tri Club 974 13
12 Epsom Oddballs 994 12
13 Chessington Unity RC 1015 10
14 Waverley AC 1048 14