The 34-year-old ran 2:21:02 in wet and windy conditions to take more than eight minutes off the previous Heanor Running Club record.

Looking distinctive in his yellow and blue vest, pink shorts and white HOKA cap, Chris nestled himself into a large group behind the pacemakers for the elite women.

In only his second attempt at the distance and first marathon in almost six years, the sports marketing manager for HOKA ran an even-paced effort throughout, finishing inside the top-20 at the World Athletics Elite Label race.

“I’m really happy with the effort I put in today and how the race played out,” said Chris immediately after the race.

“I know the training I’ve done, and also the training I haven’t done, so to come away with that time in those conditions gives me a lot of confidence for the future.”

After a late-summer punctuated by travel and work commitments, specific marathon training was boiled down to a six-week block from the middle of September.

It proved sufficient as Chris ran with the elite women’s group through to halfway.

“There was a nice big group to clip along with, shielded from the wind, through the first half of the race,” said Chris.

“I just let the miles tick by and wasn’t too focused on the splits, trusting more how I was feeling and making sure I stayed in control.”

After going through halfway in 70:15, the group began to splinter as the pacers chased sub-2:20:00.

“I decided to just sit and focus on my own race,” said Chris.

“I didn’t feel ready to push the pace at that point, so let the group get away over the next few kilometres, knowing that I wasn’t slowing in the slightest.”

Sticking to his game plan, some of those athletes inevitably came back during the second half of the race, and provided the psychological lift that enabled Chris to pick up the momentum in the latter stages.

“There was a moment at around kilometre 34 where I had found a nice groove in the road and just felt so strong,” recalls Chris.

“I reached a group of four and decided to go straight past rather than sit. I broke free and continued the momentum back into the city centre.”

The Frankfurt course began with 14k amid skyscrapers and switchbacks, before heading out for 10k along the south side of the River Main, then back along the north side to the centre.

The final 5k was back among twists, turns and cobblestone sections, which led to a marked slowing for all athletes compared to previous 5k splits, bar the race winner,

Chris’s fuelling strategy involved taking on 30g of Precision Fuel and Hydration carbohydrate gels every 9k, plus approximately 200ml of High5 electrolyte drink at 5k intervals from 10k onwards.

It provided the energy that would see him clock a 5:04 last mile before entering the Festhalle, finishing inside amid lights, music and cheering friends and family.

“The finish was insane, so surreal, it just didn’t last long enough,” said Chris.

“Even though I’d already run a marathon, I wanted to experience that feeling a little longer.”

Whilst the Men and Ladies finished 4th, giving a Combined 4th overall, there were still some fine individual performances over the season, notably

• Ethan Rowley, 3rd in the Junior
• Kristian Watson, 3rd in the Senior Men
• Ashley Deeming, 2nd in the VM45
• Andy Nelson, winner of the VM65
• Sam Crowe, winner of the Senior Ladies
• Jo Potter, winner of the VL50
• Rita Fisher, winner of the VL55
• Linda Roulston, winner of the VL60

Results and standings can be found by following the links below:

Heanor Running Club results for event:

http://www.leaguetracker.co.uk/Team/Event/?T=Heanor&E=5632006343884800

All results for event:

http://www.leaguetracker.co.uk/Event/?E=5632006343884800

Heanor Running Club team and members league standings:

http://www.leaguetracker.co.uk/Team/League/?T=Heanor&L=5711049177169920

All teams and members league standings:

http://www.leaguetracker.co.uk/League/?L=5711049177169920

The Virgin Money London Marathon is a special day in most runner’s diaries. This year wearing the yellow and blue  (and with impressive times too) were:

• Chris Patterson (2:51:30)
• Rachel Shelbourn (3:01:26)
• Jayne Lynas (3:32:59)
• Jo Potter (3:42:16)
• Sarah Whittle (3:45:12)
• Carla Fox (5:06:19)

And not forgetting Sam Marsh who was representing the East Midlands in the Mini Marathon.

It is always good and interesting to hear from the runners themselves. Here Rachel Shelbourn and Jo Potter share their experiences of their training, build up and of biggest marathon in the country:

Rachel writes:

“So the training started as ever in the new year with 16 weeks to go. I managed to get all the miles in but speed work was lacking from being so tired with the many strength and conditioning classes I teach. That said I got to London feeling pretty strong as well as nailing the nutrition this time around was hoping these factors would get me round in a decent time.

 So there was little old me in the championship start again for the second year running. First time in my HRC vest and wanted to do well for the club, but really had no idea what pace to go for. Last minute decision.. just go all out for a PB and hope and pray the amazing atmosphere and my stubbornness would see me to the finish.

And we were off, on a perfect day to run. Slight breeze, overcast and spot on temperature. I had warmed up this time, around which isn’t my usual marathon routine. The first mile went pretty much as planned pace wise and felt easy. A few mile later I looked down at my garmin.. ooops! A little too fast? But felt easy enough so pushed on. I then hit the half way mark only seconds away from my personal best. I thought this could be a big mistake but again felt comfortable. Mile 15-17 and still felt the same, a big shout out from Rob and Jan. I thought you know what I’m cracking on with this, hopefully to the finish.

And there I was in 3:01:26. Almost my perfect marathon other than a 24 second positive split.

 Great atmosphere in London as always. I’m again amazed how smoothly such a big race runs. Organisation and support in route like no other. Can’t wait to return again next year.”

Jo had the Club’s allocated place and did HRC proud, here Jo writes:

“Wow! What a weekend. London Marathon in the bag!            YEAH!
I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to HRC for giving me the opportunity to be able to run in this Iconic Marathon. After getting the club place, I really wanted to do my absolute best and do HRC proud! T
o start with I was daunted by the whole thing… How will I fit in all those long runs?.. Will I get injured?.. Does this mean no more Prosecco? However, I started to love the training and then started to see the improvement I was making.
All that hard work and prep, nerves and doubts and then finally the big day arrived.
Weather conditions were great… not too hot. In fact it was quite cold at the start. Then finally we were off… this is it! OMG! Stay calm! First mile done-a bit too fast! Stay calm! Stop looking at your watch! STAY CALM!
I settled into it and the first 8 miles seemed to go by quickly. I have to say running over Tower Bridge was a highlight. Things were going well until I started to get a niggle in my back making the last few miles a struggle…
Then BOOM! GET IN THERE! There was the finish line. I can’t believe it. I have just run the London Marathon 2019 in 3 hours 42 mins 16 secs.
It was an absolute pleasure to share this experience with Sarah Holme, Jayne Lynas Carla Fox, Rachel Shelbourn, Chris Patterson and of course John Queenan. I know John didn’t get the result he was hoping for but I can’t not mention him as his moral support, encouragement and belief in my own performance was well appreciated. Heartfelt thanks has to go out to the HRC family that supported us along the way through all that training and on the day itself. Your messages of good luck and cheering us on in the crowd meant a lot.
Also a huge THANKS to our coach Rob. Thank you for the advice, tips, patience and encouragement.
What a way to celebrate being 50!”

Another big PB was set by Jayne, here she gives her top 10 highlights:

“This is the 3^rd time that I have run London. I got my place through the Good for Age entry process.
Here are my 10 highlights of the 2019 London marathon (in no particular order):

1. Having perfect conditions to run in. London is a mainly flat course and the temperature was spot on – nothing near tropical this year.
2. Managing to have all of the right kit, including an oversized bin bag to keep me warm right up until the start of the race.
3. Fantastic crowd support for the whole of the 26.2 miles. Having my name on my vest gave me extra shout-outs at points when I most needed it (sorry Rob for defacing the sacred yellow and blue HRC vest).
4. Seemed to get my fuelling strategy right and get gels and fluids on board at the correct times. No major disasters trying to open gels, accidentally squirting them all over fellow runners. We’ve all done that surely?
5. Overtaking various runners in fancy dress, including Big Ben, who everyone saw on the telly. Also overtook a unicorn, Wonder Woman and a man wearing a tent, who I suspect was regretting his costume choice by mile 23 as he seemed to be struggling with some unwelcome vertical uplift from the flimsy material.
6. Not being overtaken by anyone in crazy fancy dress.
7. Running a shiny new 3 minute PB of 3:32:59 (including a surge at the end to dip under 3:33) and hopefully gaining a Good for Age place for VMLM 2020.
8. Meeting up with so many fabulous HRC members afterwards – runners and supporters alike – for hugs and general celebrations.
9. Hearing my 12 year old son (who tends to be sparing with his positive parent praise) say “wow, well done on a new PB mum. I didn’t think you’d run as fast as that.”
10. Wearing my “bling” medal around fancy London town on Sunday evening and bagging a free gourmet burger, free glass of champagne and a free G&T. I think the extra walking on Sunday aided recovery of my legs too. Win win.

 CHEERS VMLM 2019. Hope to be back in 2020!!”

And so to Sam Marsh’s report on the Mini Marathon and his cracking run in the under 17’s:

“We got on the coach at Loughborough university on the Saturday and travelled down. We had a great time when we arrived at the royal Holloway college but before I went to sleep I pinned on my number and got my head down ready to focus on the race.
I had to wake up at five am and was on the coach for six. I took the time on the bus to focus and really set a plan in place. we got to the Holding area with an hour to go and I tried my best to do a static warm up. We got called up to the start and I got my way to the third row (it was like a professional wrestling match even for third row). The gun went and I really had to push hard to get to the front group. I sat into the front group where we averaged 5:02 miles. They then put the burners on and I couldn’t react I really had to hold on but I managed to finish in 40th with a time of 15:17 which i was happy with. Overall it was a really positive experience.”

Next year, this could be you enjoying the London Marathon experience!
The entry ballot is open, but only until Friday 3rd May. Go to https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/how-to-enter/ballot-entry/  for more information – and good luck.
And if you are unlucky then there is always the Club place – fingers crossed!

The weekend of the London Marathon is always a busy one, and Heanor runners were on their travels to make it busier than usual.

Friday 26th started off with Joe and Paige travelling up to Kingsley in Cheshire for a fast 5K
Highly recommended by Joe who dipped under 15 minutes for the first time with 14:57 and Paige who got herself a cracking time of 21:49.

Joe writes:
“Fridays race started after the slight disappointment of Derby 10k. Being slightly disappointed with 2nd place may sound daft but it was a good 30odd seconds off my personal best and not the race I wanted in the end, but as the famous saying goes ‘you can’t PB all the time!’

Focus turned to the Mid Cheshire 5k in Kingsley which is renowned for having a strong/fast front end with last years winning time being 13.45. My aim for this race was to get as close to 15mins as I could as my target for this summer is to go under 15mins on the track, something I’ve never done with my PB being 15.09. This will then in turn help to bring down the 10k time in the future!

Training had gone well since Derby 10k, 10x600m at the track on Tuesday was my last effort before the race as I had two recovery days before the 5k.

I was off on Friday and was waiting for Paige to finish work, we eventually left around 3.45 and was over a 2 hour journey, (all that way for a 5k!) we arrived just before 6 in the middle of nowhere, but it was a perfect night and what looked like the perfect route. Feeling relaxed and happy we warmed up together and were ready.

The race went at 7.15, the start was gradually downhill for 1mile and I clocked a first mile time just 2 seconds short of my Sam North Mile PB of 4.31.

Feeling good, and relaxed still, we turned a corner and had an uphill up to the 2k marker, at this point there was a group of around 20 runners battling it out at the front, where I was leading the chasing pack.

The course was undulating between 2-4K but nothing severe. As we turned the 4K corner, we were back on the same straight as the start, gradually downhill and I was catching some stragglers from the lead group.

‘400m to go’ sign appeared and I glanced at the watch I knew it was close to being under the 15minute barrier which is the 2019 target, ‘200m to go’ and unbeknown to me I actually have a bit of a kick. Holding off some heavy breathing behind and pushing for the line, the clock ticking away in front of my eyes.

14.57! I had surpassed my expectations. And buried a few psychological demons from Derby!

Surprised. Delighted. Giddy. Knackered.

Full range of emotions.

The 1hr 45min drive back was made all the more worthwhile. Highly recommend this race if you’re looking to get a quick 5k time in a quality ridden field. Possible note for your diaries is the summer version of this on Thursday 27th August.

After achieving the 2019 target in the first race of the season, confidence is high and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in terms of the 5k distance this summer. Excited.”

On Saturday Amber and Elaine Wilkins returned to the Brierley Forest ParkRun and followed this up on the Sunday with the Longhorn 5K and 10K.
Elaine writes:
“Well this weekend started with Amber and I going to a parkrun as Emma was doing her D of E away trip for the weekend.
Amber decided on Brierley Forest Park run, as this seems to be her favourite at the moment. She said to me in car on the way there “I’m going to take this one steady as I am running another 5k tomorrow at Longhorn and I really want to do well in that one” so I said “No worries, this one is just so you get your 10th Park run in”
Well, the weather was pretty awful, lots of rain and very cold. We set off and Amber has gone, left me for dead at the start…obviously I never caught her with an amazing time of 22.40 and 2nd female to cross the line.
She then had another race in her sights, the Longhorn. Amber didn’t have to start her race until 12.15 but as I was in the 10k she had to be there early for me, this meant lots of hanging about being a bit chilly waiting to even warm up. By the time that I had completed my 10k it was time for Amber to start getting set up for her run. She wanted this one so much. Amber set off looking strong and by the half way point was still looking good. She managed another amazing time of 22.45. This time though the course is tricky, it’s like a trail run, plenty of mud, hills and gravel to get through. Amber finished 1st female and 6th overall.
Well done Amber.”

Also on Sunday, Chris Cotton travelled to Stratford to tackle the Shakespeare Half Marathon with an impressive 1:35:01.

And so to the main event, the London Marathon 2019.
Representing the club with some distinction (and impressive times) were:

• Chris Patterson (2:51:30)
• Rachel Shelbourn (3:01:26)
• Jayne Lynas (3:32:59)
• Jo Potter (3:42:16)
• Sarah Whittle (3:45:12)
• Carla Fox (5:06:19)

A massive well done to you all from everyone at Heanor Running Club!

It was another successful day for Heanor Running Club at the Midlands 12 and 6 stage relays.
As well as being able to field two full teams in both the Men’s and Ladies events (some 36 runners by my rudimentary maths!) there were some outstanding performances from the Ladies (running over 16 minutes quicker than last year), the Men (qualifying for the National event in 18th place) and the Juniors (silver medals for both the under 13 boys and girls!).

Rob Rainsford writes:

Team managers view!

It’s a challenging task trying to get the team selection right, long legs, short legs, who’s in form, who’s not, who is racing the next day, preparing for marathons, have I seen enough form in people to make a judgement, last minute drop outs, illness, confidence and desire, deadlines.

Anyway, online declarations done, teams announced and social media updated with the information members need, directions, post codes, meeting times, race timetables. The race starts at 11am for the HRC young athletes with the senior men at 12 noon and the women at 12:20pm. Myself and my right hand man (Stealth) arrive at 9am to pitch the club tent (no flag this time) but that’s another story.

Tents up, numbers collected and youngsters issued with theirs we retreat to the comfort of the car to sort the seniors numbers, and await the arrival of our Lion’s.

Our Youngsters did themselves and the club proud with some very dominant displays especially the u13 age groups with both the girls and boys teams claiming 2^nd place and silver medals.

The senior men set off (two full teams of 12) and the ‘A’ team comfortably qualified for the final by finishing in 18^th place with the ‘B’ team eventually coming home in 53^rd place after the mass start when we all lost any idea of position and placings.

The women (two full teams of 6) set about the course in some style with the ‘A’ team knocking 16:05 minutes of the 2018 total team time to finish 21^st team (19^th) last year, indicating the upturn in quality at the sharp end. Our ‘B’ team completed the relays with special thanks to Emily who stepped up at the last minute to complete the team despite not having competed for a good 12 months.

At a recent XC event I was asked by another clubs official what we were doing ‘right’ by getting numbers out for events like this when his own club couldn’t. Well, the answer was obvious from the word go on Saturday, support, teamwork, a genuine willingness for your clubmate (Male or Female) to do well, no egos or big heads, good old fashioned banter/ribbing and getting the balance right, including our young guns and making them feel a part of the club.

When you join our running club you are joining a ‘family’ a close knit one at that.

#htid

This year’s event was the second year in succession that saw part of the money raised from race entries donated to a local good cause.

One pound from every entry received went towards supporting the excellent work provided by the service, which covers an area of 3850 square miles and has an average response time of just 13 minutes.

The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations. Collette Richardson, fundraising coordinator for DLRAA, said: “I’m delighted to receive £1,000 from the Pud Run to support their local air ambulance.

“We’ve been able to fund one mission just from the money donated by the Pud Run alone over the last couple of years. The support really makes a huge difference to supporting the lifesaving work of the charity.”

The impact that the money raised has plus the nature of the work involved meant the decision to support the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance service for a second-successive year was a no-brainer.

“We considered many worthy charities before deciding on the air ambulance service again this year,” said Rob. “It costs £1,500 to attend an accident regardless of the severity so we hope this relatively small contribution can continue to go a long way.”

Hannah Viner and Matt Bickerstaff led home the sold-out field in November as runners from across the country completed the undulating 10k route in the 30th-anniversary of the race.

Runners rewarded with a hefty Matthew Walker Christmas pudding and limited edition t-shirt for their efforts. 32 runners also took part in only the second-ever 1.5-mile fun run held prior to the main event.

Rob added: “We would like to thank everybody who participated in last year’s event and for playing their part in ensuring the excellent work of the charity can continue.”

With all entries sold out well in advance of race day, runners from across the country turned out undeterred and were rewarded with a hefty Christmas pudding and limited edition t-shirt for their efforts.

Heanor Running Club’s Matt Bickerstaff took the men’s honours 91 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Chris Millett (Team Derby Runner). Matt crossed the line in 33.44.

Hannah Viner (Highgate Harriers) took top-spot in the women’s race. Hannah’s margin of victory was convincing as she finished seventh overall (38.07) and almost three minutes ahead of Lily Winfield (Heanor RC) in second.

Full results

Fun run results to follow

Matt Bickerstaff and Ben Rhodes took a yellow and blue one-two at the head of the race as junior, Dylan George, enjoyed one of his best-ever races to finish eighth.

The men finished second on the night to Sutton Harriers.

Heading into the final fixture at Shipley Hall Cricket Club next month, Heanor RC sit clear at the top of the men’s, women’s and combined standings.

Full results HERE

Taking place at Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the Algarve, Portugal, the competition included race walk, 10k, half marathon and XC relays.

All three, who have enjoyed British Masters success over the last couple of years, entered the 10k and relay events.

In hot and humid conditions that reached 30 degress on the Friday evening, Louise impressed to scoop gold in the V45 category. Over a flat two-lap course that started in Monte Gordo before heading towards Vila Real, Louise ran 39.08.

With 168 entries that ranged in age from 35-80, Lisa (38.09) finished 3rd in the hotly-contested V35 category. Jill (43.32) also came away with a medal as she was part of the v50 team that won the 10k team event.

On Saturday morning, all three took part in the 3x2km cross country event. Louise and Jill set the ball rolling on the first leg for different age group teams.

Considering they’d raced hard over 10k a little over 12 hours before, both had solid runs that put their teams in good positions.

Lisa ran the second leg for the V35 team and took her trio into first.

While the V35 eventyually slipped down to 6th, Louise’s V45 team finished 3rd while Jill was part of a winning V50 trio.

The annual club trip overseas exceeded all expectations. From the friendly locals, superb hotel and beautiful sights in the Old Town area, the visit followed on from previous trips to Prague, Berlin, Lisbon and Valencia among others during the last ten years.

The yellow and blue were well-represented in races ranging from 5k all the way up to the marathon. First off on the Sunday morning were Glenda Alton and Kathryn Spendlove, who tackled the marathon, and Kate Tuck, who competed in the half marathon.

In splendid conditions, Glenda ran superbly to run her fastest-ever time for the 26.2 mile distance. Her time of 3:47:42 also secured her good-for-age spot at next year’s Virgin London Marathon.

Kathryn paced her race well to finish in 4:25:38 as Kate Tuck (1:52:40) clocked a PB over the 13.1 mile distance.

The 10k kicked off in torrential rain just after midday. Sodden but undeterred, 10 Heanor RC members lined up alongside the 5,000-strong field.

Joe Rainsford was quick out of the blocks and set the early pace with the Latvian leader, who would go on to tear away and win the race. Joe (32:04) consolidated in the second half to finish a clear second. His focus is now on the Liverpool Half Marathon later this month.

Paul Mercer (45:33), Chris Mellors (47:36), Dave Henton (48:43), Paul Bell (50:27), Rob Rainsford (57:20), Rose Leivers (49:27), Danielle de Simone (51:12), Paige Roadley (56:05) and Abbie Leivers (59:41) completed the team’s efforts.

Full results HERE