London Mini Marathon Trials
Trials for the aforementioned race were held at Holme Pierrepont on a sunny yet freezing morning. The trials are for 11 – 17 year olds to represent the East Midlands at the London Marathon over 4k and 5k dependant on their age, to qualify you had to have a top 6 finish. Two of our younger runners Cherese Naylor and Milly Newton were running in the 11-12 year girls race over an approximate 4k distance, both making their Heanor debuts and both very, very nervous before the start. They set off together, split in the middle before finishing together in a sprint finish, both of the girls did fantastically well and will have gained some valuable race confidence to take into the next race.
Joe Rainsford, fresh from his exploits at the relays the previous day was looking forward to the 5k race having missed out last year by one position. Joe set off and by the half way mark was holding onto 8th place, then he appeared heading towards the finish line in a very comfortable 6th place and had secured his place in the East Midlands team for Marathon day to conclude a pleasing day for Heanor RC.
Deeming's Debut and The Radbourne's Return
Saturday 6th March the 6th Ed Prickett memorial road relays held at Nottingham University and a landmark day for Heanor Running Club - Deeming's Debut and The Radbourne's Return!
The return of Liz Radbourne to anchor home the women's team resulted in an excellent 6th place finish, a position not a miss in such an event and such company. Lisa on leg one set the tone returning in 2nd place to hand over to Nicky who herself had a solid run, 13.23, before Liz brought the team home, 13.00. Lisa in fact recorded the 3rd fastest women's time of the day 11.47, superb!
Meanwhile in the men's event Ben's eagerly anticipated return from injury saw him set off on the first leg for the 'B' team and once again showed his natural ability to record a time of 10.56, but it was Joe making the moves for the 'A' team completing the course in 10.47. The handover for the 'A' team set Chris off at pace to move up 6 places, 10.27, before Ashley Deeming made his yellow and blue debut. A good quality start to his Heanor career with a time of 11.13 and were sure there's more to come. Steve made up the 'A' team, 10.43, to see the team finish a creditable 17th place.
Special mention goes to Darren who despite competing in a gruelling duathlon that morning showed his commitment to the cause by making up the 'B' team, 12.57 who eventually placed 23rd out of the 33 teams.
Womens Results
Mens Results
Next up is the 6 & 12 stage relays.
Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships Report
Six Heanor Running Club members took the trip to Witton Park, Blackburn last Saturday (23/01) to take part in the North of England Cross Country championships.
On a cold and foggy but otherwise ideal day for cross country running, Joe Rainsford was first up for Heanor RC in the U’17M race. Competing at the top end of the age bracket, Joe put in a promising performance over the two lap 6k race. Joe started conservatively and subsequently overhauled 15 positions on the second lap to improve on last year’s position to finish 35th in 22.19. Following a decent spell of training but with no real race to show for it, Joe finally got the chance to show the improvements he has been making throughout the winter and delivered in this well-judged performance.
Watching from the sidelines was Rob Rainsford, who had made the trip to Blackburn to undertake his officiating responsibilities for the NOEAA. From his position in the finish area as a dispersal steward, Rob offered some much-appreciated support and encouragement to the runners.
The disappointing low turnout from Heanor RC, owing much, however, to injury, illness and work commitments, meant the next race with any particular interest for our runners was the last race of the day and the turn of the Senior Men. Over a four lap 11.5k course, with two large and two small laps, it was the turn of Chris Rainsford, Steve Ashmore, Andy Marriott and Jon Wainwright to take on the mud soaked course and to tackle the Teaspoon and the Saucer.
In his first year at senior level, Chris finished 93rd in 46.13 to complete a relatively satisfactory race following illness and injury over Christmas. Steve tackled the course with his usual guts and endeavour and was rewarded with a finishing position of 158th in 49.03. This was a massive improvement again for Steve upon last year’s performance of 201st in St Helens and points to another successful year in the offing. Andy Marriott, competing in his first ever cross country race for Heanor RC, chose a great race to start with and can be pleased with his efforts. Going into something of an unknown, Andy put in a strong and determined effort to finish 366th in 56.25 in what will hopefully be his first of many. Unfortunately, Jon Wainwright became the latest member of the DNF club as three laps proved enough before the stomach bug he had been contending with throughout the day took over. The fact Jon was ill on the Friday before but still showed up and started makes his performance more noteworthy and he can be admired for his commitment and support for the Heanor RC cause.
For full results of Heanor competitors races click below or visit Northern Athletics for more details.
Under 17 Men
Senior Men
Weekends Away
Hi Folks,
There are a couple of races coming up which may or may not interest you, however, they are both great venues for a couple of nights camping.
The first one is the Woodhall Spa - Events - 10k Road Race on 6th June, a fast, flat road race. Camping at Bainland Country Park, quite expensive but worth it.
The other one is the usual club venture to Race the Train, Tywyn, Saturday 21 August, 2010, various distances to race over xc.
Cheers Rob
Christmas Club Race Report / Results
Monday 28th December saw the annual club team race with a 5.1 mile route through Smalley finishing at the old Oak Pub, Horsley. A fantastic turn out of 18 runners created 6 teams of 3 all raring for the off. Hot favourites at the time of the draw was team 4 comprising of Sheridan, Jon and Lee but it was Darren's competitive edge helping him record the fastest time of the day, 29.42, and inspire his team mates Tracie and Simon to victory and be crowned 2009 winners.
Following a cool down of a swift ale or two the results were announced.
First - Tracie Morris 43.33, Simon Baker 38.09, Darren Ridout 29.42
Second - Sheridan Island 48.24, Jon Wainwright 33.06, Lee Perkins 31.42
Third - Garry Mountford 42.41, Ed Godber 39.43, Stephen Ashmore 30.57
Forth - Steve Wardle dnf + 1 sec after last finisher 45.22, Glenn Salkeld 38.07, Chris Rainsford 30.20
Fifth - John Grice 47.37, Chris Mellors 37.06, Andy Marriott 33.31
Sixth - Heather McEnruig 44.48, Heather Wesson 45.21, Joe Rainsford 29.58
Carrying on the festive spirit beyond Christmas Day this year all competing runners contributed an unwanted Christmas present to the prize fund ensuring everyone was rewarded for their efforts.
Special thanks to Chris Mountford and Adam Grice for marshalling on this cold winters run.
Nice one.
