Saturday 29 December 2012

Round the Walls

Another weather-related shortening of the course this year, but at least this year the waterlogged roodee was the only thing missing: the complete loop of the walls went ahead, along with some other sections to make a 5k race. A few of us turned out, with three category wins and other good performances: 450 or so runners.

17. Simon R (1st V40)
48. Steve B (1st V55)
85. Shaun H
111. Pete R (1st V70)
112. Dawn
138. John M

Saturday 22 December 2012

Update on results and events

Events 
We are off for a run in the hills on Saturday 28th December. The plan is to meet at 9.30 at the first car park on Moel Famau, ready to set off for a run at 9.45. The run will be about an hour, fairly gentle, being back and ready to drink tea and eat cakes, minces pies etc. 11.00. Or you can run on your own and join us at 11.00 for tea, or you can just join us for tea. Contact Rob or Jane for more info.

Communication
I have been sending out emails regularly using the list that I have on my computer. I found recently that at least one club member has not been receiving them since I bought a new computer in September. If you are not receiving regular emails and would like to, please email me on robertlmackey@btinternet.com. Or if you are aware of anyone who is not getting email updates please let me know.

Club competitions update.
The top four in each of the competitions at about half way through the season are shown below. Just a reminder as to how it works. You score points for every race completed . 1st place gets highest score, based on approximately twice the number of runners per race e.g. Men's BL is based on 30 points as we get about 15 men running each race.


Ladies Cross Country (based on 15 points)
Ladies Cross Country
Margaret Ludden             45 points
Dawn Urquhart                42 points
Fenella Higgins                 39 points
Jane Lindley                     34 points

Mens Cross Country (based on 20 points)
Matt Rose                        60 points
Jez Brown                        57 points
Eric Campbell                  53 points
Eddie Davies                   49 points

Ladies Borders League (based on 15 points)
Dawn Urquhart               45 points
Fenn Higgins                   40 points
Margaret Ludden            40 points
Sue Ridings                     37 points

Mens Borders League (based on 30 points)
Eric Campbell                 85 points
Simon Edwards,             84 points
Paul Stinton,                   77 points
Jeff Gifford,                    75 points



Posted by Rob

Thursday 20 December 2012

Better late...Inter Regional C.C. Champs 8th December 2012

The 14th Welsh Inter Regional Cross Country Championships were held as usual at the Royal Welsh Showground on Saturday the 8th December 2012.

Slightly warmer weather than last year greeted the top cross country runners from each region across Wales, although this didn't prevent the water to the shower block  freezing  before reaching it's final destination. None the less, the touch of frost had gone from the ground making the going in some parts 'good to soft' in others really quite 'heavy'.

Though the venue was a constant the course had been changed to send runners in the opposite direction to last year. Changes to the route evidenced runners 'looping' within the wood completely wrong footing spectators, well this one any way, who nearly ran the length of both mens' and women's races secure in the conviction of 'knowing the course' and determined to see runners at some point!

It's a cracking event to watch. In addition to seeing some of the top Welsh cross country runners, it has such a local feel many of the runners being familiar faces and friends, via the fells, training, Cross Country and Borders League series and yet again our own ''little'' club colleagues made disproportionate numerical representation and outstanding contributions. The full results are on the W.A.A. site but in summary

Matthew was 14th and 3rd 'Northern Region' athlete in what can only be described as a very competitive field.

In the women's race, a Buckley trio at one stage seemed to be in formation, a different type of 'thin blue line' streaming past in pursuit and being pursued on some of the toughest parts of the course, those Sundays on the Clwydians obviously paying better dividends than any I.S.A. when tackling the 'up bits'.

Dawn was first home ever so slightly puffing after an epic battle with Sandra Rowlands which saw Dawn pull away in the last few yards.
Margaret and Fenella returned in that order, they to having raced from the off against some very stiff competition. Less than a minute and a half separated the three.

Jez and Eric had sterling runs. Jez was the 2nd North rep and I think 5th in age group. A truly amazing feat by Jez it has to be said. Eric was even to the casual observer clearly under the weather but despite this ran well. Erics condition seemed confirmed when I asked how he went and Eric commented he couldn't really remember the race!! I'd prescribe Lem sip and a hot bath mate.  

Really great to watch and a good way to get inspired and motivated on those days when it all seems a bit hard!!
All the best
Chris