Newark Striders
We start the Newark Striders report at Wollaton Hall on Saturday, where David Cross and Andrew Vosper were part of the huge field of runners in the English National Cross Country Championship. The course is 8 miles and it was the full cross country experience for the lads after all the rain. 1:05:55 for David and 1:23:05 for Andrew.
There was lots going on on Sunday and it's to Stamford first where 17 Newark Striders started the Valentine's 30K, which was postponed from last week. Thankfully the rain cleared ahead of the race but the brutal wind and 1100 FT of 'uphill' seemed relentless at times. Mark Jackson was first to finish in 2:09:48, followed by Nige Driscoll and Simon Palmer who ran together and both finished in 2:27:51. Philippa Clarke was next in 2:29:51, which combined with Jan Bailey's 1:56:10 earned them second prize in the Valentine's competition.
Cate Driscoll was next to cross the line, 2:43:48 followed by Steve White 2:46:11, Graham Welsh 2:49:34, Ruth Mountstevens 2:52:37 and Andy Scott 2:55:21. Jacqui Jackson completed the 18.7 miles in 3:06:53, Donna Wright 3:20:26, Matt Patterson 3:20:27, Stacey Atkins 3:38:28, Sara Whittaker and Heather Green ran together and sprinted to the line in 3:44:37 and 3:44:43 followed by Anthea Moisey in 4:04:08. Noel Henderson retired during the race.
On to Half Marathons, and to the windy south coast where Heidi Boby recorded a new PB, completing the Grand Brighton Half Marathon in 2:21:48. Working our way back north, Chris Cregg took on the Hampton Court Half Marathon, sections of which are on the Thames tow path, finishing in 2:30:22. Finally to the Leicestershire Half Marathon. Gerard Rae finished in 1:54:38 and Mary Swindles, who was first in her age category in 2:07:27.
Mark Winter ran the Sublime Winter 10K at Peterborough, it's been a little while for Mark due to injury and it's great to see a return, 51:45. Four Striders were at Clumber Park for the Trust 10K, Tracey Partridge, Karen Hichisson, Lesley Butlin and Andy Sirrs.
Back to Saturday, and in addition to Newark, we did Parkrun at Clumber Park, Doddington Hall, Sherwood Pines, Lincoln and Rother Valley.
As well as the races and events there was a strong club turnout for the Newark Half all clubs run.