Results for January 2021 on

  • VAC and EMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lee Valley, 4 December 2021 10-12-21
  • British Masters and VAC 10k Road Championships, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 21 November 2021 23-11-21
  • Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, 14 November 2021  17-11-21
  • Enfield Open 7 Mile Race Walk (incorporating Veterans AC 7 Mile Championships) 13 November 2021 15-11-21
  • Loughton AC Inter-club Vets, Loughton, 6 November 2021 8-11-21
  • VAC Meet Up BURGESS PARKRUN Saturday 6 November 2021 7-11-21
  • Veterans AC 10k track walk incorporating Sussex, Surrey, Middx & Herts County Champs, Woodcote High School, Purley, 30 October 2021 3-11-21
  • Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Epsom Downs, 16 October 2021 19-10-21
  • East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 October 2021 4-10-21
  • 6th Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, incorporating Enfield Race Walking League, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 2 October 2021 3-10-21 
  • VAC 10,000m Championships, Wimbledon Park, 15 September 2021 20-09-21
  • BMAF Track and Field Championships 20 – 22 August 2021 31-08-21
  • Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 3 August 2021, Battersea Park 8-08-21
  • VAC 5,000m Championships, Wimbledon Park, 21 July 2021 26-07-21
  • BMAF and VAC Half Marathon Road Championships, Caterham Rotary HM, 18 July 2021 2-11-21
  • England Athletics Masters Inter-Area Challenge, Nuneaton, 18 July 2021 23-07-21
  • Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 13 July 2021, Battersea Park 18-07-21
  • Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 8 June 2021, Battersea Park 11-06-21
  • Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 18 May 2021, Battersea Park 25-05-21 
  • VAC 5km Open Masters Road Race, Wimbledon Park, 11 April 2021 13-04-21 

VAC and EMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Lee Valley, 4 December 2021


The start of the 1500m: Peter Giles, Mike Mann, Anna Garnier, Lucy Woolhouse and Rachel Berry


200m: Allan Long (81) beats Terry Bissett (17) by the finest of margins

 
David Oxland (104), UK 800m Record                                                  Dave Cobb, 400m

 
Sharon Hutchings                                            Michael Franklin

 
Franck Triolaire, Long Jump                              Brian Slaughter, Long Jump

Above 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 held its indoor track and field championships in conjunction with Eastern Masters AC. The event provided an opener for athletes to check on their fitness and techniques for the season's indoor competitions. Many were pleasantly surprised at their good performances.

Here are the Results on Power of Ten.

 

British Masters and VAC 10k Road Championships, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 21 November 2021


The start, featuring Chris Loudon (107), 10th overall and first VAC

 
Andrew Cornish                                                                         Ian Johnston

 
Sarah Williams                                                                          Avril Riddell and Maggie Statham-Berry
Photos by Anna Garnier

Here are the results of the British Masters 10k Road Championships, 21 November 2021

Here the results of the VAC 10k Championships

Here are the Age Group results for the VAC 10k Championships

 


Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, 14 November 2021


Members of the VAC Team, featuring Gary Budinger (2108) who missed the last two team-photo opportunities.


The start with Box Hill in the mist. Ed Skinner (2139) followed by David Hinds (2122).

 
Chris Ness                                                                                Glen Morgan

 
Malcolm Davies                                                                        Chris Lee

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

A fantastic turn-out of 19 VAC men tackled the challenging course at Denbies vineyard. The hills were tough and the terrain was slippery and muddy in places, made worse by the rain before the start.

VAC's first man was Chris Ness (M50) followed by Malcolm Davies (M50), reversing their order from the first match at Epsom Downs. Peter Hall (M60) was next, ahead this time of Tony Harran (M60). Andy Mitchelson, Chris Lee, Glen Morgan, Mike Mann, Dave West and Andrew Deighton completed the scoring "A" team. In the age groups, VAC members were superior. In the entire Division 3/4 race, Peter Hall and Tony Harran were the first and second M60s, Mike Mann and David Hinds were the first and second M70s and Peter Giles was the first M75. John Carter (M75) completed the scoring "B" team but ran at least a mile longer than he should have done, having taken a wrong turn on the course.

VAC's "A" team finished 11th out of the 14 clubs in Division Four. The "B" team was a very creditable 6th. Overall, VAC is 9th after two matches but within striking distance of 8th, 7th and 6th.

The full results are on the Surrey League website

VAC Placings, Division Four, Denbies Vineyard
Pos. Time Name Age Group
43 38:32 Chris Ness M50
48 39:00 Malcolm Davies M50
73 41:08 Peter Hall M60
88 41:52 Tony Harran M60
117 44:04 Andy Mitchelson M50
121 44:15 Chris Lee M60
139 45:45 Glen Morgan M55
151 46:43 Mike Mann M70
161 47:27 Dave West M60
162 47:32 Andrew Deighton M55
166 48:01 Peter Giles M75
171 49:11 Carey Gray M60
174 49:32 Edward Skinner M65
175 49:35 Clive Walker M60
178 50:31 Gary Budinger M60
180 51:00 David Hinds M70
181 51:06 Andy Murray M65
199 59:51 Ian Strong M60
201 69:16* John Carter M75
* John ran an extra mile after going off course.
202 finishers (366 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Denbies
Overall Pos. 
2 matches
1 Holland Sports AC 269 1
2 London City Runners 315 3
3 Tadworth 447 2
4 Elmbridge 481 4
5 Lingfield Running Club 551 5
6 Runnymede 571 6
7 Optima Racing Team 589 7
8 Collingwood 701 10
9 British Airways 880 11
10 Windrush 889 8
11 VAC 924 9
12 Epsom Oddballs 985 12
13 Horley Harriers 1099 13
14 Dulwich Park Runners 1169 14
 

Enfield Open 7 Mile Race Walk (incorporating Veterans AC 7 Mile Championships)
13 November 2021, King George V Playing Fields, Enfield
Category B
 
The event was held in conjunction with Enfield & Haringey AC’s 7 Mile Open race, now in its 94rd edition, in mild cloud covered conditions.
 
There were 29 in total on the start line, down from 2019.
 
The VAC contingent was strongly led home by Stuart Bennett of Ilford AC (5th man) in a similar time to 2019, in addition Tom Casserley from the host club posted a good time.
 
VAC are grateful to the Enfield League organiser, Ron Wallwork, for allowing VAC to incorporate their championships within the Enfield Open 7.
 
RESULTS (square bracket denotes race positions)M60 1 [5]         Stuart Bennett, Ilford AC 1:11:23
M80 1 [12]      Tom Casserley, EHAC 1:21.08
M65 1 [15]      David Hoben, SWC 1:24.59
M75 1 [16]      Chris Flint, SWC 1:26.58
 
Complete results at https://enfieldleague.weebly.com/results.html and Enfield Walker mailings

Loughton AC Inter-club Vets, Loughton, 6 November 2021


Lynn Wilson, Edward Skinner, Patricia Thomas

VAC was represented by six members at Loughton AC's annual inter-club cross country race contested by seven clubs from Essex and East London. Tony Harran was VAC's first finisher and also the first in the M60 age group in an excellent time of 37:34 for the course which was approximately five miles. Close behind was Victor Maughan (M55) in 38:07. Edward Skinner (M65) was next followed by the remaining three VAC finishers, David Hinds (M70), Patricia Thomas (W55) and Lynn Wilson (W60) who were only separated by seven seconds. There were 116 finishers. The race is renowned for its friendliness and is free for VAC members, who are all welcomed. Let's go for a bigger entry next year.

Here are the Overall Results.

Here are the Team Results.

VAC Meet Up BURGESS PARKRUN Saturday 6 November 2021


Andy Murray, Mike Mann, Lucy Woolhouse, Martin Garrett, Joe Aspinall, Peter Hall, Bill Fordham

 
Richard Pitcairn-Knowles and Joe Aspinall                                                                                           Mike Mann
 
Andy Murray                                                                              Lucy Woolhouse

In near perfect running conditions (still and cool). 7 VAC members met up at this popular flat parkrun. Most had run it at least once before, but Lucy was a first timer. She certainly ran well – the highest age grading of the day at 93.26% and also a new VV60 age group record. A new age group record was also set by Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (MV85). Everyone enjoyed their runs and it was good to meet and chat at parkrun again after such a gap. Look on the website for the next Parkrun meet up. We try to vary the location and select courses easily accessible by public transport.

RESULTS
Lucy Woolhouse 20:31
Peter Hall 20:52
Mike Mann 24:02
Bill Fordham 25:49
Andy Murray 26:09
Martin Garrett 26:17
Joe Aspinall 30:51
Richard Pitcairn-Knowles 43:18

Veterans AC 10k track walk incorporating Sussex, Surrey, Middx & Herts County Championships Woodcote High School, Purley, 30 October 2021

Permit No: RWA21044-1 Categories A & B


Under starter’s orders
 
 Dave Annetts on way to overall win & 3rd Herts victory                                            New Sussex winner David Crane    
Regular VAC events attender Grazia Manzotti on way to 1st ladies’ victory

Pictures courtesy of Mark Easton

F
1 Grazia Manzotti W50 Tonbridge AC 58:56.4 N/A
2 Melanie Peddle W50 Loughton AC 59:18.4 N/A
3 Maureen Noel W55 Belgrave Harriers/VAC [1] 1:04:25.4 Middx
4 Fiona Bishop W60 Woking AC/VAC [1] 1:23:58.3 Surrey
Shaheda Arthur W60 Unattached DNF N/A
Penelope Cummings W45 AFD/VAC DNS
M
1 David Annetts M55 N Herts Road Runners AC/VAC [1] 50:53.5 Herts
2 David Crane M40 Surrey Walking Club 55:36.9 Sussex
3 Trevor Jones M65 Steyning AC/VAC [1] 59:00.7 Sussex
4 Richard Emsley M65 Desborough Runners 1:02:54.8 Sussex
5 Mark Culshaw M55 Belgrave Harriers 1:04:42.0 Middx
6 John Arthur M60 Unattached 1:05:08.4 N/A
7 Roger Michell M70 Surrey Walking Club 1:06:44.4 N/A
8 John Borgars M75 Herts Phoenix 1:08:47.8 Herts
9 Christopher Flint M75 Surrey Walking Club/VAC [1] 1:19:06.7 Surrey
Ian Richards M70 Steyning AC/VAC DQ
Championship results in square brackets
County championships:
Herts:
Men:
D Annetts, J Borgars
Middlesex:
Women:
M Noel
Men:
M Culshaw
Surrey
Women:
F Bishop
Men:
C Flint
Sussex:
David Crane, Trevor Jones, Richard Emsley


The annual VAC and Counties championships took place in good racing conditions on a picture perfect October afternoon following the heavy rain of the morning.

Dave Annetts from N Herts RR had an excellent win and also won the Herts champs for the third time.

The event included Sussex County for the first time, there was a new winner, David Crane from Surrey Walking Club in 50:53.5, with other Sussex walkers Trevor Jones and Richard Emsley in adjacent places.

Grazia Manzotti, Tonbridge AC, had yet another ladies win and was 3rd overall, while Melanie Peddle (Loughton) went under the hour yet again and improved on her 10k road time at Gravesend.

Surrey Walking Club adopted the event for their 10k championships, and had quite a number out as officials and competitors.

VAC are indebted as always to the team of officials and judges for this event to take place, who appear below.

Acknowledgements
Judges: Shaun Lightman (Chief), Steve Cartwright, Elizabeth Benson, Simon Benson, John Hall
Starter: Steve Knight
Time keeping: David Harris/Don Turner
Judges' runner: Ian Statter
Lap recording: Ros Tabor, Andy Murray, Nolan Simmons, Pam Ficken, Peter Crane,
Carl Lawton, David Hoben
Hospitality: Woodcote High School

Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Epsom Downs, 16 October 2021


Team photo

 
Gary Ironmonger                                                                        Carey Gray


Chris Ness (2133) and Malcolm Davies

 
David Hinds                                                                                John Barron

 
Clive Walker                                                                               John Carter (2109), Ian Strong

Above 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 had a magnificent turnout of 19 men, with 18 finishers at Epsom Downs. The team was a creditable 6th out of 14 in Division Four.

The full results are on the Surrey League website.

VAC Placings, Division Four, Epsom Downs
Pos. Time Name Age Group
29 31:59 Gary Ironmonger M55
32 32:18 Malcolm Davies M50
33 32:22 Chris Ness M50
58 34:06 Tony Harran M60
60 34:21 Peter Hall M60
86 36:18 Duncan Rimmer M45
101 37:40 John Barron M65
117 39:04 Andy Mitchelson M50
123 39:53 Mike Mann M70
126 40:09 Carey Gray M60
127 40:31 Clive Walker M60
135 42:03 Gary Budinger M60
136 42:11 Edward Skinner M65
140 43:16 Andy Murray M65
146 45:49* David Hinds M70
148 46:38 Liam O'Hare M70
150 46:49 John Carter M75
151 46:50 Ian Strong M60
*Actual time 42:52 (David missed the start)
Tony Austin DNF
157 finishers (291 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Epsom Downs
1 Holland Sports AC 226
2 Tadworth 281
3 London City Runners 480
4 Elmbridge 497
5 Lingfield Running Club 605
6 VAC 681
7 Windrush 702
8 British Airways 782
9 Optima Racing Team 861
10 Runnymede 875
11 Horley Harriers 907
12 Collingwood 916
13 Epsom Oddballs 963
14 Dulwich Park Runners 1094

East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 October 2021


Team photo: John Foss, Terry Booth, Ian McCarthy, David Moore, Chris Ness, David Ogden, Annie Ross, Paddy Clark.


 Annie Ross and Ron Carr

Nine VAC members competed at the East Surrey League cross country match at Lloyd Park. Despite relentless rain, team spirit was high. The gazebo provided by team manager, Paddy Clark, was much appreciated, as was his team organisation and shouts of encouragement whilst getting soaked as a race marshal.

The two-lap, five mile course was heavy and mucky but not overly muddy. Terry Booth (M50) led the team home in eighth place and was the first Masters athlete. David Moore, David Ogden and Chris Ness completed the scoring team of four which finished fifth overall. Annie Ross (W70) represented VAC's women and her enthusiasm set a fine example.

Here are the individual results

6th Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, incorporating Enfield Race Walking League
Cyclopark, Gravesend, 2 October 2021    

Veterans AC 5k/10k/15k road race    

Permit No: RWA21043-1 Category B

Veterans AC were pleased to host the sixth running of this event on a dedicated cycle circuit with its many gradients and bends.

In all there were 26 paid entries with 19 on the line, a decrease from 2020, in inhospitable weather right from the start and throughout, we are always grateful to our officials and judges, even more so on this occasion, in particular Tracey Wilkinson stepped in to act as recorder at very short notice when we lost 2 members of the recording team. Then there was always the fuel crisis to contend with, which accounted for some of the absences.

The winner of the ladies’ 10k was Grazia Manzotti (Tonbridge AC) in 58:23, who was also 3rd overall, just 2 seconds outside her PB, and 2nd placed Melanie Peddle (Loughton AC) went under the hour for the first time with a new PB. It was good to see Diane Bradley (Tonbridge AC) back again in 3rd place, and Kathy Smith (AFD) did well only a week after her Trailwalker 100k endurance event over the South Downs to Brighton Racecourse.

The first place of the men’s 10k was Dave Annetts (N Herts RRC) in 50:45 in one of his many wins, closely followed by second placed George Wilkinson (EHAC) in 51:15, in 3rd place was Dave Walsh (EHAC) with a new PB.

The winner of the ladies’ 15k was ever-improving Abigail Jennings (AFD) in 1:20:58, and 2nd place was awarded to Jacqueline Benson (Ashford AC) in 1:26:13. In addition Abigail broke her own course record from 2020, and both ladies achieved significant PBs.

First in the men’s 15k was John Arthur coming in 1:41:09.

5k
F
1 Shaheda Arthur W60 Unattached 54:34
M
1 Tony Wilkinson M55 Unattached 35:05
2 David Hoben M65 Surrey Walking Club 37:59
Peter Hannell M75 Surrey Walking Club DNS
Ron Penfold M75 Steyning AC DNS
10k
F
1 Grazia Manzotti W50 Tonbridge AC 58:23
2 Melanie Peddle W50 Loughton AC 59:26
3 Diane Bradley W60 Tonbridge AC 1:03:14
4 Noel Blatchford W70 Abingdon Athletics Club 1:10:28
5 Katherine Smith W55 Aldershot, Farnham & District AC 1:15:04
6 Rachel Harding U20W Ashford AC 1:16:40
Lois Carty U20W Aldershot, Farnham & District AC DNS
M
1 Dave Annetts M55 N Herts Road Runners AC 50:45
2 George Wilkinson U20M Enfield & Haringey AC 51:15
3 David Walsh M60 Enfield & Haringey AC 58:36
4 Trevor Jones M65 Steyning AC 59:18
5 Christopher Flint M75 Surrey Walking Club 1:18:13
Tom Casserley M80 Enfield & Haringey AC DNS
15k
F
1 Abigail Jennings U23W Aldershot, Farnham & District AC 1:20:58
2 Jacqueline Benson U23W Ashford AC 1:26:13
M
1 John Arthur M60 Unattached 1:41:09
2 John Borgars M75 Loughton AC 1:45:38
3 George Wallace M65 Aldershot, Farnham & District AC 1:51:50
Stuart Bennett M60 Ilford AC DNS
Christopher Hobbs M65 Ilford AC DNS
Jonathan Hobbs SM Ashford AC DNS

 Acknowledgements
Judges: Peter Cassidy (Chief), Pauline Wilson, Andrew Garner, Shaun Lightman
Starter: David Hoben
Time keeping: David Harris/Pam Ficken
Lap recording: Tracey Wilkinson
Judges’ runner: Anne Jones
Hospitality: Cyclopark, Gravesend
First Aid: Medical Despatch

VAC 10,000m Championships, Wimbledon Park, 15 September 2021


Start of Race 1 featuring Ian McCarthy (127), Peter Kennedy (113), Richard Askwith (71), Tom Morris (141) and Ceara Joyce (100)

 
Steve Oliver, Winner Race 1                                                  Ceara Joyce, W50 Gold

 
Bob Bannister                                                                           Ann Bath

 
Jeremy Garner, Winner Race 2                                              Martin Daoud (85), Kate Carter (79)

 
Duncan Woolmer, VAC Champion                                         Carole Coulon, Women's winner

Above 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 the 10,000m races.

Here are the Age Group results and medallists

The three seeded races took place in pleasant late-summer weather. The first race benefited from sunshine, whilst the last, after dark, was atmospheric in the glow of the floodlights.

Joe Dale (M40) of Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC made a late surge past Duncan Woolmer to win the fast race in 33:26.25. Duncan, as the first VAC man, was awarded the McDowell Champion's Cup. The women's winner was Carole Coulon (W45) from Blackheath & Bromley AC in an excellent time of 37:52.40.

The middle race was won by Jeremy Garner (M45) of Epsom Oddballs in 38:37.94. Kate Carter was the first VAC woman and W40 Gold medallist. In the early race, Steve Oliver (M60) from Winchester & District AC forged ahead to win convincingly in 40:49.74. Ceara Joyce was second in 45:56.83 and also the W50 Gold medallist.

For the men, VAC Championship Gold medals were won by Duncan Woolmer (M40), Jamie McLoughlin (M45), Paul Doyle (M50), Ben Reynolds (M55), Roger Beardsworth (M60), David Pitt (M65), Peter Kennedy (M70) and Bill O'Connor (M75). The women's VAC Championships Gold medallists were Kate Carter (W40), Helen Pool (W45), Sarah Knox (W50) and Ann Bath (W70).

BMAF Track and Field Championships 20 – 22 August 2021

 
Lisa Thomas, W55 World Record 2000m SC                                        Anna Garnier, W65 Gold 800m
Photos by Anna Garnier

These championships were not held in 2020, and this year there were some changes. The championships were held over 3 days at the Moorways Stadium, Derby. Some field events were held on the Friday. Saturday 21st was for athletes aged 55 and above. On Sunday the younger athletes (ages 35-54) competed. This was to reduce the number of people in the stadium at any time. This was the first national championship since the death of Maurice Doogan. The new track and field secretary, Kay Reynolds, organised everything very well.

VAC was represented through the age groups and in a wide of range of events. We also supplied some officials.

Full results are available on Power of 10, or Opentrack.

Known VAC winners at Derby were the following
W40 Susie McLoughlin 100m, 200m, 400m
W45 Nikki Sturzaker 1500m
    Sarah Loades 400mH
W50 Anna Critchlow 1500m
W55 Lisa Thomas 2000mSC
W65 Sue Dassie SP
  Anna Garnier 800m
M50 Giuseppe Minetti 100m, 200m
    Chris Ness 400mH
   Michael Franklin PV
M55 Andrew Ridley 800m
M65 Paul Wignall 400m
M70 David Hinds 400m
   Ian Richards 3000mW
M75 Peter Giles 1500m
   Allan Long LJ, TJ

Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 3 August 2021, Battersea Park


Start of Wave 1, with men's winner Terry Booth (6) and women's winner Gina Galbraith (26)

 
Terry Booth, men's winner                                               Will Pitt, second place

 
Chris Ness (51), Gina Galbraith                                                     Caroline Helder

 
Catkin Shelley                                                               David Pitt, 1st M65

 
Jonathan Ellerton, Walks Winner                                     Penelope Cummings, 1st woman walker

Above 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 the 5k Road Race

There were some fast times in cool conditions for VAC's final 5k race of the summer series in Battersea Park. Terry Booth (M50) had an emphatic win in a time of 16:45 (90.8% age-graded), well clear of Will Pitt (also M50), finishing in 16:59. Gina Galbraith (W45) was the women's winner, 13th overall, in a high-ranked time of 18:32. Anna Critchlow (W50), the second-placed woman and 15th overall in 18:45, set the best age-graded mark of the race with 91.1%.

In the age-group contests, David Pitt (19:43) was ahead of Ian Kitching (20:06) in the latest of their closely fought M65 head-to-heads. Julian Spencer-Wood (M70), an ever-present, achieved his best time of the four races of the series with 21:51 which puts him high up in the M70 5k Runbritain rankings. Marion Rayner (W70) similarly posted her best 5k time of the season with 26:05, placing her fourth in the national rankings. Other age-group winners were: Neil Reissland (M55), Lee Savage (M40), Robin Jones (M45), John Foss (M60), Lucy Woolhouse (W55), Penny Wilkins (W60), Edmond Simpson (M80) and Peter Torre (M75).

 

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA21019-4_r1

Place Name Age Group Club Time
1 Jonathan Ellerton U17M Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC 31:16
2 Stuart Bennett M60 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 31:23
3 Penelope Cummings W45 AFD/Veterans AC 31:46
4 Maureen Noel W55-1 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 32:05
5 Rachel Lawless W55-2 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 32:29
6 Fiona Bishop W60-1 Woking AC/Veterans AC 33:10
7 Dan Maskell M70 SyWC/Veterans AC 33:13
8 Lesley Morris W60-2 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 33:19
9 David Hoben M65 SyWC/Veterans AC 36:56
10 Christopher Flint M75-1 SyWC/Veterans AC 37:13
11 Peter Hannell M75-2 SyWC/Veterans AC 39:45
  Ian Richards M70 Steyning AC/Veterans AC DNS

The last of the regular Battersea Park races had a reasonable field with fair weather, and with little breeze another event in ideal racing conditions.

The course was 5k again, with wave starts, due to continuing compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.

The men's winner was a guest from Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, Jonny Ellerton achieved a PB over the 5k on road, and his first win at a road event after a battle with Ilford's Stuart Bennett.

The ladies winner was Penelope Cummings from AFD in a respectable time, good to see her back racing again.

In addition to Jonny, the two Ilford ladies Rachel Lawless and Lesley Morris from Stuart Bennett’s coaching group also went home with new PBs.

VAC have been pleased to welcome Mark Culshaw as a judge for the summer series, whose experience of the sport as a competitor and qualified coach makes him ideally suited for the role. 

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator and Starter: Malcolm French
Timekeepers: David Harris, Don Turner
Recorders: Ian Isherwood, Carl Lawton and Maggie Statham-Berry
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, Mark Culshaw
Registration: Maggie Statham-Berry, Helen Davies and Ros Tabor
Marshals: Helen Davies, Martin Berry, Edwin Bartlett, Stephanie Burchill, Joe Aspinall, Ros Tabor, Andy Murray, Dennis Williams and Anna Garnier
Results: Racing Timing Solutions and Ben Noad
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Collingwood Services Ltd
Covid Officer: Mike Leigh

VAC 5,000m Championships, Wimbledon Park, 21 July 2021


The start of Race 2, with Nigel Burnell (114), Stuart Leigh (140), Julian Spencer-Wood (160), Lucy Woolhouse (166)

 
Ian McDowell, Men's Champion                              Anna Critchlow, Women's Champion

 
Terry Booth (108), Gary Ironmonger                                                      Joe Aspinall, M80

 
Anthony Young (167), Helen Davies, Stuart Leigh                                Liam O'Hare (148), Rob Sargent

Above 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 Age Group Results and Medallists.

BMAF and VAC Half Marathon Road Championships, Caterham Rotary HM, 18 July 2021


Ian Kitching, Pippa Major, Penny Wilkins, Debbie Jackson, Michele Coe-O'Brien, Maggie Statham-Berry (10k)

Twenty men and seven women from VAC braved the day's searing heat at Redhill aerodrome to complete the British Masters championship half marathon. Two others wisely withdrew during the race. It was not a day for fast times and even to finish was a relief.  However, there were great performances to claim national medals. Ben Goddard was the first finisher for VAC in 1:14:33, claiming a BMAF M35 Silver medal and VAC Gold. Simon Baines was next with 1:16:01, winning the BMAF and VAC M50 Gold medals. April James-Welsh was the first VAC woman in 1:27:39, winning the W45 BMAF Bronze medal and VAC Gold. Other BMAF Gold medals were won by Paul Cheetham (M45), Debbie Jackson (W45), Susan McDonald (W50) and Penny Wilkins (W60).

VAC awards the Ron White Shield to the 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 age graded score was a magnificent 85.55%. Ian Kitching achieved the next best score with 82.34% followed by Debbie Jackson with 81.88%. Paul Cheetham and Susan McDonald also scored over 80% which is admirable on such a hot day and undulating course.

Here are the Full BMAF Results. Here are the BMAF Age Group Awards. 

Caterham Half Marathon: VAC Results
VAC MEMBER TIME % GRADE 1ST CLAIM CLUB VAC BMAF
Ben Goddard 1:14:33 78.52 Woking AC M35-1 M35-2
Simon Baines 1:16:01 85.55 Thames hare & Hounds M50-1 M50-1
Paul Cheetham 1:18:04 81.87 Thames hare & Hounds M45-1 M45-1
Nick Wood 1:21:53 76.74 Winchester & District M45-2 M45-5
Joseph Gonzales-Armas 1:22:45 79.98 26.2 RR M50-2 M50-4
Bruce Poll 1:26:41 75.02 Bracknell AC M50-3 M50-6
April James-Welsh 1:27:39 77.64 South London Harriers W40-1 W40-3
Debbie Jackson 1:28:08 81.88 South London Harriers W45-1 W45-1
Bryan Camfield 1:29:40 75.82 Horsham Joggers M55-1 M55-3
John Cooper 1:31:59 77.44 St Albans Striders M60-1 M60-2
Gavin Englefield 1:32:00 67.17 South London Harriers M40-1 M40-8
David Fox 1:32:26 69.15 South London Harriers M45-3 M45-6
Ian Kitching 1:34:39 82.34 South London Harriers M65-1 M65-2
Dennis Briggs 1:34:47 65.75 Ilford AC M45-4 M45-7
Susan McDonald 1:35:25 80.31 South London Harriers W50-1 W50-1
Peter Johnson 1:36:13 72.65 Striders of Croydon M55-2 M55-6
James Booth 1:36:52 63.80 Ashford & Disrict M40-2 M40-9
Darren Franks 1:40:02 67.36 Veterans AC M50-4 M50-12
Andy Mitchelson 1:46:57 62.43 Brighton & Hove AC M50-5 M50-14
Pippa Major 1:48:57 72.11 South London Harriers W55-1 W55-5
Penny Wilkins 1:49:20 75.70 Veterans AC W60-1 W60-1
Lloyd Bevan 1:49:57 62.98 Veterans AC M55-3 M55-9
Tom Armstrong 1:50:54 64.23 Herne Hill Harriers M60-2 M60-9
Michele Coe-O'Brien 1:55:23 71.73 South London Harriers W60-2 W60-2
Dean Saliba 1:55:32 52.61 Veterans AC M40-3 M40-11
Oli Griffiths 2:07:53 56.78 Clapham Pioneers M60-3 M60-10
Julia Galea 2:20:19 63.20 Ilford AC W65-1 W65-2

England Athletics Masters Inter-Area Challenge, Nuneaton, 18 July 2021



4x100m Women's relay team: Ed Roe, Rachel Berry, Ginevra Stoneley, Helen Davies


4x100m M50 relay team: Will Pitt, Adrian Day, Richard Weekes, John Browne


Cara Maker (bib 53), 100m winner


Israel Nworgu, M35 relay


Middle distance team: Andrew Cornish, Peter Hall, Neil Danby, Mike Mann


4x100m M60 relay team: David Hinds, Ed Skinner, Allan Long, Peter Hall

Here are the results of the 2021 Masters Inter Area Challenge.

Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 13 July 2021, Battersea Park


Race start, with Gary Ironmonger (6), Andrew Ridley (1), Neil Danby (2) race winner, Gary Towers (17),
Danny Holeyman (5), Stuart Beaney (18)

 
Anna Critchlow, women's winner                                                David Ogden, 1st M60

 
Penny Elliott, 1st W75                                               John Carter, 1st M75

 
David Annetts, Walk's winner                                    Fiona Bishop (103), Lesley Morris

Above 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 the 5K Road Race.

Road Race Report

Neil Danby held off Andrew Ridley to win the third 5k race of VAC's Battersea Park series in an epic contest between the two top M55 athletes. Both were awarded the same time of 16:34. However, on age-grading, Andrew was ahead, scoring 93.3%, compared with Neil's 92.9%. Terry Booth was third, and first M50, in 16:43. Consistent performer, David Ogden (M60), repeated his age-group win achieved in the June race with an identical time of 17:39, placing him third in the age-graded results with 92%.

Anna Critchlow (W50) had a fine win in the Women's race, with 18:48 and a 90.9% age-graded performance. Her West 4 Harriers clubmate, Rachel Berry (W45) was second in 19:14, followed by Lisa Thomas (W55) in third with an impressive 19:55, placing her third in Runbritain's W55 5k rankings in 2021.

 

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA21019-3_r1

Veterans AC 5K Walk - Battersea Park, 13 July 2021
               
Place Name Age Group Club Time  
1 David Annetts M55-1 N Herts Road Runners/Veterans AC 24:23.00  
2 Melanie Peddle W50-1 Loughton AC 28:08.04
3 Colin Harle M60-1 Belgrave Harriers 31:13.00  
4 Maureen Noel W55-1 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 32:38.32  
5 Fiona Bishop W60-1 Woking AC/Veterans AC 33:36.32  
6 Lesley Morris W60-2 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 33:37.55  
7 David Hoben M65-1 SyWC/Veterans AC 37:39.89  
8 Christopher Flint M75-1 SyWC/Veterans AC 38:09.30  
  Stuart Bennett M60 Ilford AC/Veterans AC DNS
  Ian Torode M60 South West Vets AC DQ

The third of the regular Battersea Park races took place with perfect summer weather, not too hot either, and in line with the present COVID-19 regulations.

The course was 5k again, with the walkers in the last wave start.

Fast finishing Dave Annetts (N Herts Road Runners) went into a clear lead in a slightly better time than previous month’s race, in addition Colin Harle from Belgrave finished in a very respectable time at his first attempt in this event.

Melanie Peddle from Loughton AC, had her first win at Battersea Park this summer, in a time not far off her PB.

Lesley Morris from Ilford AC went home with a new PB, over 30 seconds improvement.

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator and Starter: Malcolm French
Timekeepers: Don Turner, Ian Isherwood
Recorders: Carl Lawton, Maggie Statham-Berry
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, Mark Culshaw
Registration: Maggie Statham-Berry, Anna Garnier
Marshals: Joe Aspinall, Cate Berry, Martin Berry, Anna Garnier, Tony Harran, Alice Ou, Nolan Simmons, Dennis Williams.
Results: Don Anderson and Ben Noad
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Collingwood Services
Covid Officer: Helen Davies

Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 8 June 2021, Battersea Park



Wave 2: Dee O'Brien (67), Paul McCrone (62), Kay Sheedy (86), Debbie Jackson (48), Andrew Cornish (23)

 
Kevin Quinn, Men's Winner                                                   April James-Welsh, Women's Winner

 
Helen Pool (74), Anna Critchlow                                                          Bruce Poll (73), Eddie Ware

 
Andrew Cornish                                                                          Lisa Webb

 
John Carter                                                                                     Melanie Peddle

 
Stuart Bennett                                                                       Maureen Noel (66), Fiona Bishop

Above 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 the 5k Road Race.

Road Race Report

The second of VAC’s summer 5k races took place in pleasant sunshine and unaccustomed warmth, which felt too hot for some of the 76 finishers. At the front of the race, men’s winner, Kevin Quinn (M40), strode away and clocked 15:23, three seconds faster than at VAC’s May race. In second place, Gary Towers (M45) also went quicker than in May with 16:22, a 14 second improvement. Behind him, there was a thrilling battle between three of the UK’s top M55 middle distance runners. Neil Danby crossed the line first in 16:38, four seconds ahead of Steve Watmough, with Gary Ironmonger applying pressure behind. Steve’s effort merited the best age-graded performance of the day, with 94.09%.  

In the men’s age groups, David Ogden’s commendable time of 17:39 placed him near the top of this year’s M60 Runbritain 5k rankings. Other age group winners were Terry Booth (M50), David Pitt (M65), Julian Spencer-Wood (M70), Michael Johnson (M75) and Cliff Collins (M80).

April James-Welsh (W40) was the women’s winner with an excellent time of 18:07, nearly 30 seconds ahead of Kay Sheedy (W35) in second place in 18:31. New member, Debbie Jackson (W45), was close behind in third place in 18:43. The top women’s age-graded performance of 89.54% was achieved by Anna Critchlow (W50) in fourth place. Other age- group winners were Lisa Thomas (W55), Penny Wilkins (W60), Lisa Compton (W65) and Marion Rayner (W70).

 

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA21019-2_r1 

Place Name Age Group Club Time
1 David Annetts M55-1 N Herts Road Runners/Veterans AC 24:40
2 Grazia Manzotti W50-1 Tonbridge AC 28:35
3 Melanie Peddle W50-2 Loughton AC 29:06
4 Stuart Bennett M60-1 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 32:07
5 Maureen Noel W55-1 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 32:44
6 Fiona Bishop W60-1 Woking AC/Veterans AC 33:22
7 Lesley Morris W60-2 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 34:12
8 Tom Casserley M80-1 EHAC/Veterans AC 34:52
9 Peter Hannell M75-1 SyWC/Veterans AC 39:12
Silvana Alves W45 Barnet & District AC DNS
Kathy Crilley W70 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS

The second of the regular Battersea Park races had a smaller field with idyllic spring weather, with large sections in the shade it looked like PB territory and it was.

The course was 5k again, and the race walk was the only event which was actually a race, as the accompanying running race had wave starts, due to compliance with the present COVID-19 regulations.

Fast finishing Dave Annetts (N Herts Road Runners) went into a clear lead followed by Stuart Bennett (Ilford AC).

Grazia Manzotti (Tonbridge AC) had a second win at this event finishing strongly and also a new PB, but this time she had to work hard to avoid being overtaken by ever improving Melanie Peddle from Loughton AC, who also gained a PB.

Tom Casserley (Enfield AC) did a very respectable time and went home with another PB. 

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
UKA Adjudicator and Starter: Malcolm French
Timekeepers: David Harris, Don Turner
Recorders: George Abbott, Carl Lawton, Ian Isherwood, Maggie Statham-Berry
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, Mark Culshaw
Registration: Maggie Statham-Berry, Ros Tabor
Marshals: Joe Aspinall, Tony Austin, Martin Berry, Stephanie Burchill, Gina Coulson, Anna Garnier, Andy Murray, Victor Ray, Ros Tabor
Results: Don Anderson and Ben Noad
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Collingwood Services
Covid Officer: David Hoben

Veterans AC 5km Road Race and Race Walk, 18 May 2021, Battersea Park


Start of Wave 2


Wave 1: Sage Pearce-Higgins (173), Kevin Quinn (109), Gary Ironmonger (150), Jim Allchin Race Winner (101), Neil Danby (129)

 
Victoria Buck, First Woman                                                                 Ian Kitching, First M65

 
Edyta Wierzbowska, First W40                                                        Peter Hall, First M60

 
Grazia Manzotti, First Woman Walker                             Julian Spencer-Wood, First M70


Start of the Walk: Ian Torode (190), Dave Annetts (104), Lesley Morris (134), Grazia Manzotti (163), David Kemp (157), Silvana Alves (103)

Above 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 the 5k Road Race.

Race Report

VAC made a welcome return to Battersea Park for the first race of the series of summer road races. We last met there in August 2019. Nearly two years later, different circumstances necessitated a new 5km course using the spacious Bandstand area as Race HQ and a start of six waves, set off at one-minute intervals to ensure social distancing of the 73 starters.

VAC members turned out in force and welcomed new members with customary friendliness. Even a downpour before the start did not dampen the spirits.

At the head of the race, new member, Jim Allchin (M35) overhauled SLH’s Kevin Quinn (M40) to win by 15 seconds in 15:11. Another new member, Sage Pearce-Higgins (M35), was third, ahead of Neil Danby (M55) who achieved an excellent age-group time of 16:33. Other age group winners were Gary Towers (M45), Joseph Gonzales-Armas (M50), Peter Hall (M60), David Pitt (M65), Julian Spencer-Wood (M70), John Carter (M70) and Edmond Simpson (M80).

For the women, Victoria Buck (W45) won a close battle with Rachel Berry (W45), finishing three seconds ahead in 19:31. They were closely followed by Victoria Carter (W45) in 19:49. There was an equally close race for the fourth and fifth places between W55s, Lucy Woolhouse and Kay Trinder, with Lucy two seconds ahead on the line with 20:45. Other age group winners were Helen Davies (W50), Michele Coe-O’Brien (W60), Jane Rowden (W65), Edyta Wierzbowska (W40), Penny Elliott (W75) and Marion Rayner (W70).

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA21019-1_r1


Veterans AC 5K Walk - Battersea Park, 18 May 2021
Place Name Age Group Club Time
1 David Annetts M55-1 N Herts Road Runners/Veterans AC 24:07
2 David Kemp M60-1 Arena 80/Veterans AC 26:36
3 Ian Torode M60-2 South West Vets AC 26:41
4 Grazia Manzotti W50-1 Tonbridge AC 28:44
5 Silvana Alves W45-1 Barnet & District AC 30:17
6 Stuart Bennett M60-3 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 32:19
7 Maureen Noel W55-1 Belgrave Harriers/Veterans AC 33:01
8 Fiona Bishop W60-1 Woking AC/Veterans AC 33:12
9 Lesley Morris W60-2 Ilford AC/Veterans AC 34:11
10 Christopher Flint M75-1 SyWC/Veterans AC 38:41
Peter Hannell M75 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
Kathy Crilley W70 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS
David Hoben M65 SyWC/Veterans AC DNS

The first of the regular Battersea Park races had a reasonable field with fickle spring weather, as torrential rain greeted the start. The rain fortunately abated within the first few minutes.

This time the course was 5k, on a new route, and was staged in accordance with the present COVID-19 regulations applying to athletics, race walking, and the local park authorities.

An in form Dave Annetts (N Herts Road Runners) went into a clear lead followed by David Kemp (Arena 80), in addition a battle ensued between Maureen Noel (Belgrave Harriers) and Fiona Bishop (Woking AC) with Maureen edging out Fiona in the later stages. Ian Torode from SWVAC travelled a considerable distance from Somerset to take part and was rewarded with a good time, also Grazia Manzotti (Tonbridge AC) had a good result in her first attempt at 5k on the road, improving on her track time for the distance.

 Shaun Lightman and Mark Culshaw acted as judges to ensure fair play.

Officials:
Race Director: Ben Noad
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
Starter: Ivor Wiggett
Timekeepers: David Harris, Camilla Allwood
Recorders: Carl Lawton, Maggie Statham-Berry
Walk Judges: Shaun Lightman, Mark Culshaw
Registration: Maggie Statham-Berry, Ros Tabor, Andy Murray
Marshals: Joe Aspinall, Martin Berry, Gary Budinger, Stephanie Burchill, Jaran Finn, Andy Murray, Victor Ray, Ros Tabor
Results: Ben Noad
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Medical Despatch Event Services

VAC 5km Open Masters Road Race, Wimbledon Park, 11 April 2021 


Start of Wave Five

 
Andy Bond, Race Winner                                        Hayley Cargill, 1st Woman

 
Bea Lafreniere, 1st W40                                                    Pete Crockford (369), 2nd M60

 
Tony Patterson                                                        John Foss

 
Donna Richards                                                                       Marion Raynor

Above 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 Open Masters race was part of a programme of 5km races arranged by Hercules Wimbledon AC. The event had been postponed from 20 December and took place under Covid-19 conditions with runners set off in six waves, one minute apart, starting from the Wimbledon Park athletics track and climbing the long hill up Church Road towards Wimbledon village before re-entering the park and returning on traffic-free paths.

For many VAC members, it was a welcome return to racing and an opportunity to greet friends warmly after a year’s absence. Over 50 members took part, benefitting from free entry, and undeterred by the near-freezing temperatures early in the day.

Andy Bond (M45) of Dulwich Runners and VAC was a clear winner in a time of 16:39, followed by VAC members, Ben Paviour (M45, Herne Hill Harriers) in 17:15 and Robin Jones (also M45 and HHH) close behind in 17:18.

For the women, VAC members also secured the top three positions. Hayley Cargill (W35, Walton AC) was easily the fastest with a time of 19:03. Next was Isobel Rea (W45, West 4 Harriers) in a time of 19:54, closely followed by Helen Pool (W45, Reading Roadrunners) in 19:56.

Other VAC members were first in their age categories: Gary Ironmonger (M55), Bea Lafreniere (W40), Anna Critchlow (W50), Peter Hall (M60), David Pitt (M65), Lucy Woolhouse (W55), Gina Coulson (W60), David Hines (M70), Maggie Statham-Berry (W65), Marion Raynor (W70) and Penny Elliott (W75).

Here are the Results of the Masters Open 5km Road Race.


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