Midland Counties Cross Country Championships: Wollaton Park, Saturday 28th January
Successful debut for Heanor RC in regional championships.
Heanor RC runners took to the mud at Wollaton Park, Nottingham last weekend (28/01) as the club made its first appearance in the Midlands Regional Cross Country Championships.
Due to the club’s geographical location, Heanor RC took the opportunity to switch this year from the Northern Championships, held in Pontefract, and instead to test themselves against the best the Midlands has to offer. (Read full report).
Full results: http://www.midlandathletics.org.uk/PDFS/2012_RES_120128_MCCCA_CCChamps.pdf
BDL XC Race 4: Shipley Hall Cricket Club, Sunday 15th January
Heanor RC women dominate again but men slip to second in latest BDL.
Heanor RC women continued their fantastic recent run of form by taking top-spot once again in the latest Booth Decorators League cross country fixture (15/01) as Chris Rainsford also made it three victories out of three in the individual standings.
Following up their team victory in last weekend’s Derbyshire Cross Country Championships, the trio of Jill Burke, Laura Harvey and Yvonne Hobday maintained the team’s position at the top of the leader board and the women head into the final fixture clear favourites to retain the team title. (Read full report).
For full results see Race Results page.
Derbyshire Cross Country Championships: Markeaton Park, Saturday 7th January
Senior women lead the way in successful championships for Heanor RC.
Heanor RC senior women claimed the 2012 Derbyshire Cross Country Championships team title last weekend (07/01) as the trio of Glenda Alton, Wendy Mullineux and Laura Harvey led the way in another successful championship for the yellow and blue.
The championships saw three Heanor RC individual medallists and numerous others qualify for the Inter-counties final to be held at Cofton Park, Birmingham on 10th March. (Read full report).
Full results: http://www.dcaa.org.uk/DCAA%20XC%20Champs%202012.pdf
Heanor RC Handicap Race: Shipley Park, Monday 2ndJanuary
The first Heanor RC event of 2012 took place today (02/01) with the annual Heanor RC Handicap Race from Shipley Park to the Old Oak Inn, Horsley Woodhouse. Five teams of three took part in the post-Christmas and New Year run-out.
In teams divided into three by ability levels, the testing 5.2 route from Shipley Park out the Heanor Gate Industrial Estate through Smalley to the Rose and Crown pub and back up to Horsley Woodhouse to the finish saw some decent individual performances in the opening event of the year.
Full results:
1stChris Mellors - 38:33
Jill Burke – 37:15
Stephen Ashmore – 31:08
2ndGary Antcliffe – 39:09
Wendy Mullineux – 35:37
Tony Weatherson – 33:13
3rdDawn Morland – 45:57
Yvonne Hobday – 36:44
Chris Rainsford – 28:02
4thMilly Newton – 42:11
Steve Wardle – 38:31
Alastair Hobday – 33:00
5thDonna Baker – 45:39
Laura Harvey – 37:50
Ashley Deeming – 30:52
Thanks to Rob Rainsford, Joe Rainsford, Sarah Lewis, Chris Riley, Chris Mountford, Gary Mountford, Simon Baker and John Grice for timekeeping and marshalling.
2012 Virgin London Marathon
The draw for the one club place for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon took place last Sunday night (18/12) at the annual Heanor RC Christmas meal. With the draw open to all club members that were rejected in the original ballot held in October, Simon Baker was the only name in the hat and so he will go on to participate for Heanor RC in the marathon on Sunday 22nd April 2012.
Bolsover 10K: Bolsover, Sunday 18th December
PBs for some at Bolsover 10K.
The ever-popular Bolsover 10K took place once again last weekend (18/12) as fifteen Heanor Running Club members travelled to the north of the county to tackle the largely open and undulating course.
With the race entry limit of 1000 comfortably reached two weeks previously, fears throughout the week were that snow and ice would put paid to the race taking place. However, conditions were ultimately cold and slightly breezy but better than expected for the time of year. (Read full report).
The UK 10K Road Championships 2012 will take place on on Sunday 27th May 2012 as part of the Bupa London 10,000. The event will once again be part of the Runbritain Grand Prix series.
The online entry system for the race will be opening on Monday 13th February 2012 and the online entry details will be sent to Rob via email.
As per last year, clubs will receive 6 men and 6 women places free-of-charge with the cumulative time of the first three runners scoring towards the team prizes. More details to follow.
Weekend Review: 10-11th December
Following the Heanor RC presentation evening the night before, five members made the trip across the county border to Keyworth, Nottinghamshire for the Turkey Trot Half Marathon (11/12).
In managing to knock a huge six minutes off his previous best time, Simon Baker was the club’s highest finisher as his recent marathon preparations stood him in good stead to see him finish 61st in 1:29.21. Neil Hopwell (1:45.44) followed in 351st.
Heanor RC Ladies’ Captain Donna Baker was able to comfortably dip under the two hour mark in 1:57.34 as she came home in 609th. The recently crowned Heanor RC Most-Improved Female, Heather Wesson, finished 668th in 2:00.42 and was closely followed to the line by one of Heanor RC's newest recruits, Dawn Morland, (2:00.51), who placed 672nd out of 858.
The new 2012 Heanor RC all-weather training jacket now available to buy, as seen here modelled by 2011 Heanor RC Senior Male Champion Joe Rainsford. See Rob for details. All sizes available.
BDL XC Race 3: Trent Meadows, Sunday 4th December
Quality over quantity for Heanor RC at latest BDL fixture.
Heanor Running Club made it three wins from three in the latest Booth Decorators Cross Country League fixture held at Trent Meadows, Long Eaton last Sunday (04/12). Continuing to dominate from the front, the quality in the Heanor RC team ensured the depleted numbers didn’t have too much of an impact on their progress towards another team title.
For the second year in succession, Trent Meadows played host to the third BDL fixture of the season and the slightly altered 4.3 mile course, hilly finish and cold and windy December conditions made for a testing outing. (Read full report).
See Race Results page for full results.
The day before, Simon Baker made the trip to RAF Cranwell, Sleaford to take part in the latest North Midlands Cross Country League fixture. Recently added to the Heanor RC Club Championship, Baker was the only representative in the senior men’s 10km event as he finished 110th in a time of 43:33.
Full results: http://www.northmidsxcleague.co.uk/results.html
Rich Sims took to the streets of the Costa del Sol last Saturday (26/11) as the Ferret competed in the Benidorm Half Marathon, Spain. Rich improved on his time at last month's Worksop Half Marathon by over a minute to finish 117th in a time of 1:23.55.
Full results: http://www.chiplevante.net/11mmbenidorm/Listado.asp
Back on home soil and at the Clowne Half Marathon on Sunday (27/11), Adrian Smith more than upheld the honour of the yellow and blue vest in finishing 93rd in a time of 1:36.51.
Full results: http://thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=57644
Book Review: Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
"The best book on running I've ever read"..Shankara Smith, manager Run and Become.
"Hilariously funny, weird, and non-stop fun to read”. Bill Rogers, former American record holder in the marathon.
Calling all you runners who are sick of socks for Christmas or boxers with bones on....or perfume you can't stand...or YET another scarf....This book is a MUST READ! The quotes at the front say it all really...so I shall quote a few more of them to give you the gist of it. (Read full review by Heather Maceanruig)
Matthew Walker Christmas Pudding 10K: Heanor, Sunday 20th November
Matthew Walker Christmas Pudding 10K
A record 745 runners completed the latest running of the Matthew Walker Christmas Pudding 10K, hosted by Heanor Running Club, as months of preparation and organisation were rewarded with one of the most popular and successful 10K events in the region. (Read full report on run247.com)
BDL XC Race 2: Chaddesden Park, Sunday 13th November Heanor RC take team and individual honours at latest BDL fixture.
Heanor Running Club dominated the latest Booth Decorators League cross country with team victories in both the male, female and combined standings for the second consecutive fixture. Hosted by Chesapeake Running Club at Chaddesden Park, Derby, Chris Rainsford led the team home as the individual race winner to complete another clean sweep in the team stakes and to continue the charge towards another BDL title. (Read full report)
See Race Results page for full results.
The next BDL fixture will take place at Trent Meadows, Long Eaton on Sunday 4th December.
English Cross Country Relays: Berry Hill Park, Saturday 5th November
Solid outing for Heanor Running Club at English Cross Country Relays.
Heanor Running Club had five teams competing across three races last weekend (05/11) at the English Cross Country Relays at Berry Hill Park, Mansfield as the high-quality competition provided one of the biggest tests available at club level.
Conditions started warm but damp for the opening events before rapidly deteriorating into persistent rainfall as the course became wetter and muddier than ever before at Berry Hill Park.
The third event of the day saw the first of Heanor RC interest with the junior men’s 3x3K race. (Read full report)
Full results: http://www.englishcrosscountry.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=76
Race photos: http://www.mickhall-photos.com/
Next up for Heanor RC is the North Midlands Cross Country League and BDL double-header next weekend before the Matthew Walker 10K the following Sunday.
Worksop Half Marathon: Worksop, Sunday 30th October
Final 2011 Club Championship event of the season sees Heanor RC pick up prizes and PBs.
And so, the 2011 Heanor RC Club Championship has been brought to a close with the final event of the season taking place this morning (30/10) at the Worksop Half Marathon. Now in its thirtieth year, the Worksop Half Marathon has become a lynchpin on the Heanor RC Club Championship calendar and has closed the season for a number of years.
The warm and wet autumnal conditions and favourable course led to PBs and prizes being achieved for some of the eleven Heanor RC members in amongst the 1935 strong field.
Jill Burke rounded off another successful season, finishing 160th and third VL45 in a time of 1:30.15. Jill’s maximum 175 from club championship events has also seen her take the title. Yvonne Hobday’s 1:36.32 saw her finish 320th and first VL50 overall in the race.
In the SL race, Lisa Palmer finished a brilliant third overall in a time of 1:24.42 to go away with some prize money whilst Rose Leivers went home with a new PB of 1:53.08. Debbie Birkin rounded off the ladies’ efforts with a time of 2:18.43.
With the podium positions in the SM Club Championship table already finalised, Glenn Salkeld’s time of 1:50.52 saw him pick up the maximum 25 points and move up to fourth in the final standings. Simon Baker was the only other Heanor RC SM competing; Simon helped pace his wife Donna Baker round to a new PB of 1:54.56.
Heanor RC’s top-performing male was Tony Weatherson, whose consistency and determination throughout the season has been enough to see him take the VM crown. In a close race with Rich Sims, the Whippet and the Ferret were separated in the end by just sixteen seconds; Tony coming out on top 1:25.20 to 1:25.36. Alastair Hobday’s 1:28.54 saw him finish in 137th position overall.
Full results: http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Worksop%20Half%20Marathon/673
To see the final 2011 Heanor RC Club Championship table and results see Championship page.
Derby Midweek Mile & 5K: Derby, Wednesday 19th October
Rainsford and Godber record PBs in second Derby Midweek Mile of the season.
The latest Derby Midweek Mile and 5K event took place at Raynesway, Derby last night (19/10) as ten Heanor RC members embraced the cool conditions to post some fast times.
Joe Rainsford and Ashley Deeming dropped down a distance from the previous month’s Wednesday night meet to tackle the mile race. Joe ran hard from the start, managing to finish a close third and post a fantastic PB of 4:47, six seconds quicker than his previous best achieved at last month’s Sam North Mile. Ashley equalled his Sam North Mile time in finishing a clear 4th in 5:02, twenty three seconds in front of the fifth-placed athlete.
Joe and Ashley also took part in the 5K race twenty minutes later, easing their way into the race before eventually finishing 16th and 17th in an identical time of 18:35. Ed Godber was the only other Heanor RC representative in the race, finishing 34th in a new PB of 19:52.
Heanor RC’s juniors were once again out in force for the mile with five taking part. Jack Saxton ran a brilliant time of 5:50 on his mile debut, the twelve year-old’s performance seeing him secure an 8th placed finish overall. Lily Winfield (6:44), Amber Hughes (8:16) and Phoebe Winfield (8:22) all managed to improve on their times from the same event the previous month whilst Thomas Brompton (8:54) rounded off the youngsters’ efforts.
Rich Sims (6:14) and Mike Richmond (7:21) also took part in the mile event to complete the team’s endeavours.
Full results: http://www.runningwithdavid.com/sections/events/results/2011/Midweek-sept2100.php
The next Derby Midweek Mile & 5K takes place in three weeks time on Wednesday 9th November.
Merrill 10K: Derby, Sunday 9th October
Penultimate event sees the Whippet come out on top.
The latest 2011 Heanor RC Club Championship event took place last weekend (09/10) with the ever-popular Merrill 10K. Seven Heanor RC members took advantage of the PB-potential course and penultimate opportunity to pick up some much needed club championship points.
Tony Weatherson was Heanor RC’s best male finisher, securing the final top-10 spot in a time of 37:22 and with it the first V40 category prize.
Jill Burke was Heanor RC’s top female performer, taking 38th and first V45 in a time of 41:10.
Yvonne Hobday (43:40), Glenn Salkeld (44:50), Alan Smith (46:22) together with PBs for Laura Harvey (46:59) and Donna Baker (50:37) rounded off the team’s efforts.
Full results: http://www.sheltonstriders.co.uk/images/The10K/10k%20results%202011.pdf
On the same day, Heather Wesson was taking part in the Run Liverpool Marathon. In preparation for the Dublin Marathon on Monday 31st October, Heather followed on from her previous weekend’s double-header exploits in the NOEAA 4 stage relays and Macclesfield Half Marathon to run a fantastic 3:56.13, finishing 1007th out of a huge field of 5056.
Full results: http://thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=56205
North Midlands Cross Country League: Markeaton Park, Saturday 8th October
North Mids returns as juniors lead the way for Heanor RC.
Markeaton Park, Derby played host last weekend (08/10) to the first of this season’s North Midlands Cross Country League fixtures. The traditional curtain-raiser of the four-part series saw the strong junior contingent leading the way for Heanor RC.
In the first race of the day, Milly Newton tackled the 3300m one lap course in the U15G event. Combined with the U13B race, Milly showed strength and determination up the hills in the final stages to finish 4th in 13:26, a great effort when also taking into account this is her first year at the age category.
Conditions started cool but warmed up as the day progressed, proving ideal for the first cross country meet of the season. Heanor RC’s sole representative in the SL race, Lisa Palmer, repeated earlier Heanor RC success by also securing a top-10 finish, placing a close 7th in a time of 25:35 over the 6.5K course.
Even though the 2011 campaign hasn’t quite yet drawn to a close, this race also marked the first event in the 2012 Heanor RC Club Championship. Proposed at the last AGM, the North Midlands Cross Country League series has been added to the list of events. Points will be scored on a similar basis to the BDL series with three out of the four events needed to be completed for an overall average score to be awarded.
The 10K SM event was the next race featuring Heanor RC interest. Ashley Deeming led the team home, finishing 32nd in 35:41. Mike Richmond 77th (39:47) and Elliott Atkin 87th (40:18) both made their North Mids debuts whilst Simon Baker 110th (42:08) and Ed Godber 118th (42:53) enjoyed a good tussle to complete the team’s efforts.
Three minutes after the start of the SM race, the U11 fun run got under way with four members of the Heanor RC junior section taking part. Lily Winfield 14th, Ellie Baker 18th, Amber Hughes 23rd and Phoebe Winfield 26th completed the 1.5K distance and saw their combined efforts rewarded with a fifth place team finish.
And finally, in the last event of the day, Emily Deeming took to the mud in the U13G race. In a large field, Emily finished strongly to place 24th in the 3K race in a time of 12:51.
For full results: http://www.northmidsxcleague.co.uk/
Sam North Mile: Heanor, Tuesday 27th September
The return to Heanor Leisure Centre and the start of winter training last night (27/09) also marked the resumption of the 2011 Club Championship with the Sam North Mile event.
Named in honour of Heanor RC’s official course measurer, the perfect conditions contributed to some club standards being achieved and fast times being set around the annual club race on the Heanor Gate Industrial Estate.
Full results:
Women’s Race
1.Milly Newton - 6:11
2.Laura Harvey - 6:18
3.Heather Wesson - 6:36
4.Donna Baker - 6:47
5.Debbie Birkin - 7:36
6.Sarah Lewis - 7:44
Men’s Race
1.Chris Rainsford - 4:48
2.Joe Rainsford - 4:53
3.Ashley Deeming - 5:02
4.Steve Ashmore - 5:18
5.Tony Weatherson - 5:23
6.Josh Housley - 5:24
7.Paul Clarke - 5:33
8.Simon Nuemman - 5:39
9.Glen Salkeld - 5:42
10.Chris Riley - 5:50
11.Pete Edwards - 6:29
Thanks to Rob Rainsford and Yvonne Hobday for timekeeping.
NOEAA 6 & 4 Stage Road Relays: Warrington, Saturday 24th September Tough day out for yellow and blue in Warrington.
Heanor Running Club had a disappointing day at last weekend’s high-quality Northern Athletics 6 & 4 Stage Road Relay Championships (24/09). With two senior men and three senior women teams making the trip to Birchwood Industrial Park, Warrington, the absence of some key senior men ultimately put paid to any hopes of a top-25 finish and qualification for the national final.
On a two-lap and mostly flat 6K course, Joe Rainsford was up first for Heanor RC men ‘A’. Against some high-class opposition on the opening leg, Joe completed the course in 19:30 and handed over to his brother, Chris Rainsford, in 32nd position. Chris (19:15) managed to pull a couple of places back but the side lay outside the top-25 with qualification for the final already seeming unlikely. Paul Clarke took over on third leg (22:09) before passing on to Ashley Deeming, who’s solid 20:39 kept the team in with an outside chance. Rich Sims (22:50) and Tony Weatherson (21:33), returning from injury, completed the ‘A’ team’s endeavours, seeing them finish 47th overall.
The opening leg for Heanor RC ‘B’ was taken on by Josh Housley, who managed to put his nerves on hold to complete the 6K in 22:33. Simon Baker (23:28) ran strongly on leg two before passing over to Alastair Hobday, fresh from last weekend’s Great North Run. Alastair’s time of 21:46 was the sixth fastest of the day for Heanor RC. Glen Salkeld (24:31), Rob Rainsford (26:56) and Chris Riley (20:09) saw the ‘B’ team finish 79th out of 93 complete teams.
Heanor RC fared better in the women’s event. Setting off five minutes behind the senior men, Lisa Palmer lead the ‘A’ team out on the first of four legs of 5K. Lisa ran superbly to place 7th in a time of 17:19. Following on from a fantastic opening leg, Wendy Mullineux (19:06), Glenda Alton (21:00) and Laura Harvey (21:23) rounded off the team’s efforts to see them finish 26th out of 48 complete teams.
The controversy of the day came from Heanor RC ‘B’, with debutant Rose Leiver’s wrong turn on the second leg causing the team to be disqualified from the race. Heather Wesson, in preparation for the Liverpool and Dublin Marathons next month, ran 22:24 on the opening leg. With the men’s and women’s races mixed at this point, and different laps for different distances, and a distinct lack of information from marshals, Rose’s wrong turn and short leg saw the team disqualified at the end of the day. Gemma Housley took over on leg three, her official time of 37:27 obviously erroneous, before senior women’s team captain Donna Baker (22:40) completed the team’s ultimately unrewarded efforts.
Making the trip but in a team of her own, Sarah Lewis’s 26:43 on leg one for the ‘C’ team saw her pick up some valuable club championship points.
See Gallery for photos.
Full results: http://race-results.co.uk/results/2011/index.php
Derby Midweek Mile & 5K: Derby, Wednesday 14th September Juniors achieve one mile standards as seniors have final run-out before six-stage.
The first Derby Midweek Mile and 5K races of 2011-12 were held at Raynesway, Derby last night (14/09) as fourteen Heanor RC members took part across the two races.
With a new season came a new course and a chance for some to have a crack at the mile distance whilst for others to get a decent run-out before the NOEAA road relays in Warrington in ten days time.
The mile race saw Heanor RC Juniors out in force with seven all under the age of fourteen putting in great effort and achieving club standard times along the way.
Club standards are intended to be targets to work towards rather than a minimum ability level; see About Us on the website for the current Heanor RC club standards.
In blustery conditions, first back for Heanor RC was Milly Newton. Finishing not only first female but also 12th overall (in a time of 6:17), Milly also comfortably achieved the U15G silver one mile standard. Followed to the line by Emily Deeming (6:47), Lily Winfield (6:50) and Ellie Baker (6:58), all four girls managed to dip under the seven minute mile mark in what was, for some, their first time at the distance.
Completing the juniors’ efforts, debutant Amber Hughes (8:30) and two seven year-olds, Thomas Brompton and Phoebe Winfield, who both ran their socks off to finish in 7:43 and 8:48 respectively.
Twenty minutes later saw the return of the 5K event.
Once positions had settled down at mid-way, Chris and Joe Rainsford were locked in a three-way tussle just off the lead group for the second half of the race. Fresh from the Robin Hood Half Marathon the previous Sunday, Chris (15:44) had just enough strength to hold off Joe (15:50) in the closing stages. Finishing 5th and 6th respectively, Joe also posted a new PB, knocking eight seconds off his previous best from last year.
Following on from his first race in nine years at the Mansfield 5K two weeks ago, Mark Morgan finished 12th in 16:38. Backed up by Ashley Deeming (17:15), Paul Clarke (18:07), set to tackle the Great North Run this weekend, Rich Sims (18:45), who had earlier ran the mile as a warm up, and Mike Richmond (18:52), the new course and good conditions made for a solid night’s work for Heanor RC in preparation for Warrington.
For full results: http://www.runningwithdavid.com/sections/events/results/2011/Midweek-sept2100.php
Robin Hood Half Marathon: Nottingham, Sunday 11th September
Heanor Running Club had eight members tackle the Robin Hood Half Marathon last weekend (11/09) in an event that saw over five thousand runners complete the 13.1 mile distance.
Starting on the Victoria Embankment before making its way towards Nottingham Castle and up towards the QMC, the course proved to be hillier than expected and the windy conditions along the entire route made for a testing morning of running.
Once the early pace had settled down, Heanor RC’s Chris Rainsford efficiently moved in to the top-10. Running a solitary race virtually from start to finish, Chris eventually finished 8th in 1:15.41.
Josh Housley produced a huge effort in only his second ever half marathon. The eighteen year-old sliced a massive ten minutes off his time from the same event last year to finish 166th in 1:32.21.
Sarah Lewis made an impressive debut over the half marathon distance. After controlling the early pace well, Sarah finished strongly to place 3042nd in 2:07.11.
Another making her first appearance in a half, Gemma Housley, swiftly followed Sarah to the line. Battling the wind and fatigue as she approached the closing stages, Gemma fought on to place 3172nd in 2:11.11.
All four were also running in memory of Sarah Lewis’s brother, Gareth, and the Rutland House School for Parents charity, with their efforts going some way to help reach the £2000 fundraising target.
Others venturing to the red side of the Trent for the yellow and blue were Alan Smith, Glenn Salkeld, Neil Hopwell and Rose Leivers. Alan ran 1:44.35 to finish inside the first 700. Position-wise, Glenn followed in 795th though his time of 1:46.11 was marginally slower than Neil Hopwell, one of Heanor RC’s newer recruits, who finished 851st in 1:45.47; the chip timing proving worthwhile as Neil took a massive seventeen minutes off his previous best time.
And running in memory of her grandad, another recent Heanor RC recruit, Rose Leivers, managed to dip under the two hour mark in her second half marathon, finishing 2000th out of 5513 in a time of 1:58.14.
For full results: http://www.experianfestivalofrunning.co.uk/2011results.htm
BDL AGM: Ripley, Monday 5th September
Booths Decorators’ League reviewed and next year’s summer dates set at AGM.
Last Monday night (05/09) saw Rob and Chris Rainsford represent the club at the Booths Decorators’ League AGM that dealt with all matters summer league. With the principal aims to review the 2011 summer season and to set the dates for next year’s league season, there are no surprises or major changes to report.
In a nutshell – numbers are up, especially among the women (North Derbyshire with the overall majority across the five races; Heanor RC third), the bank balance remains healthy and Heanor RC, as a footnote, were champions across the board. All went according to plan, once again, apart from Ilkeston’s stopwatch failure, Carsington’s lost disc and the lack of chips at Teversal…
So with the 2011 summer league sorted, on to 2012 and next summer’s dates:
17/04 – Chesapeake & Belper H – Darley Park (7:15pm)
15/05 – Sutton H – Teversal Grange (7:30pm) + buffet and presentation
12/06 – Ilkeston RC & Ripley RC – ShipleyPark
03/07 – Wirksworth RC – Carsington Water
31/07 – Heanor RC – Shipley Hall CC
Observations – Darley Park returns as the season opener, with marshals and support for Chesapeake coming from previous curtain raisers Belper Harriers (note the customary earlier start); once again, two races will be held within the grounds of Shipley Park (making that four out of ten for the Booths Decorators’ League including the cross country series!!!) and the final race has been brought forward slightly to limit any potential conflict with the most important sporting event of next summer.
With the league reviewed and dates set with minimal fuss (aside from the cost of portaloos and runners’ toilet habits), other points regarding the general state of the league include:
-the rejection of new teams to the league
-the neglect of the national cross country final
-commemorative trophies for deserving runners
Suggestions – with regards the rejection of new teams to the league, this was on the basis that there were already enough runners for the courses and the league to handle. Club representatives discussed allowing runners from those that had enquired to join the league to run second claim for a club of their choosing. Aside from perhaps undermining the efforts of the first claim members already, this idea does not really support what is a valid argument and there already being enough runners competing. An alternative option briefly discussed was splitting the league and creating two divisions of seven-eight teams. With the league in an obviously healthy state, increasing the participation and popularity of the league whilst at the same time creating a bit of added interest and excitement for the clubs already competing would mean willing and able clubs that want to get involved don't have to be turned away. However, this idea wasn't generally favoured.
The demise of the national cross country league final was lamented by a few but earlier and more concrete dates and organisation were generally regarded as the answer.
And finally, a Booths Decorator’s League “Lifetime Achievement" award was proposed to commemorate the Olympic year. And so, in much the same vein as our Runners' Runner award, there will be an award presented to each nominated individual from each of the eleven clubs at the next BDL presentation.
BDL Individual Category Winners 2011
Following another successful BDL summer season in the team stakes, Heanor RC also has four individual category winners and numerous others in the prizes this year.
SM
1st Steve Ashmore (Heanor RC) - 14
6th Paul Clarke (Heanor RC) - 42
11th Lee Perkins (Heanor RC) - 53
17th Mike Richmond (Heanor RC) - 90
35th Glenn Salkeld (Heanor RC) - 209
43rd Steve Thomas (Heanor RC) - 274
SL
3rd Wendy Mullineux (Heanor RC) - 18
11th Laura Harvey (Heanor RC) - 79
21st Sarah Lewis (Heanor RC) - 152
22nd Debbie Birkin (Heanor RC) - 154
VM40
1st Ashley Deeming (Heanor RC) - 4
3rd Tony Weatherson (Heanor RC) - 14
5th Jon Curtis (Heanor RC) - 34
VL40
4th Donna Baker (Heanor RC) - 23
6th Jo Potter (Heanor RC) - 29
8th Sheridan Island (Heanor RC) - 40
VM45
7th Chris Riley (Heanor RC) - 38
VL45
2nd Jill Burke (Heanor RC) - 7
9th Tracie Morris (Heanor RC) - 32
VM50
2nd Rich Sims (Heanor RC) - 10
VM55
2nd Steve Wardle (Heanor RC) - 15
VL55
1st Jane Seamer (Heanor RC) - 4
JM
1st Joe Rainsford (Heanor RC) - 3
5th Josh Housley (Heanor RC) - 16
Charnwood AC Open: Loughborough, Wednesday 10th August
Personal bests galore for Heanor RC juniors
Five of our juniors returned to the Paula Radcliffe track at LoughboroughUniversity last night (10/08) for the final Charnwood AC Open fixture of the season.
Click on Juniors Tab for a full report.
Club Championship Update
In a season that’s shaping up to be one of the closest in years, with over half the events now done, the twelve-month-long race for the individual category title of best runner in Heanor Running Club is beginning to reach an exciting conclusion. Here are some of the runners and riders as we approach the business end of the season.
Chris Riley currently leads the way in the VM standings, holding a comfortable nine point lead over his nearest rival Steve Wardle. Needing to run seven out of a possible thirteen events, both veterans are level on six races apiece. Any slip-ups or no-shows from Riley now in any of the final three races would leave the door firmly ajar for Wardle to creep in.
A little lower down the table, however, hints at potential drama to come. Tony Weatherson and Ashley Deeming, the two top-performing vets in events they’ve contested this year, have only ran five and three events respectively. And with four races (or five, including an autumn marathon) still to fend for, the question may be whether one of these two will sneak through and steal the title from Riley’s grasp in the closing stages.
In comparison, the VL race is pretty much a straightforward race, with only two approaching the line with a sniff of gold still to play for. Jill Burke’s maximum 150 points from her six races means a repeat performance in any one of the last four races will see her canter away with the spoils. Whilst for Donna Baker, she can only hope for something unforeseen to halt Burke’s march.
Remaining fixtures:
NOEAA 6 & 4 Stage Road Relays – 24th September
Sam North Mile – 27th September
Merrill 10K – 9th October
Worksop Half Marathon – 30th October
Any Marathon (anywhere in the world before the end of October)
Meanwhile, in the SL stakes, Laura Harvey’s recent performances have seen her dislodge long-time leader Sarah Lewis from the top-spot. Having built up a fifteen point lead, Sarah Lewis’s position has started to look peaky recently as rivals have began to gather momentum just below in the table. Laura Harvey will be crowned SL champion if she continues with her recent performances but in third, Wendy Mullineux can snatch the prize regardless if she a) completes four more events and b) maintains her current high level of performance.
Finally, the SM standings have a familiar look at the summit as the last three champions look set to battle it out until the final event. He has only dropped two points in the club championship so far and has been the leading performer for Heanor RC in both the summer and cross country league series’ this year but 2010 champion Joe Rainsford may still need to hold off a late sprint to the tape in order to hold on to his crown. For Steve Ashmore still breathes heavily, a mere five points in fact, down his neck. And a no-show from Rainsford or a revival from Ashmore in the final four fixtures may be enough to see the 2009 champion swing it.
Debutant Paul Clarke remains an outside bet only a further four points adrift but it’s perhaps down in 6th place in the current table where the next nearest challenge will come. After being away for the opening few fixtures and with maximum points in his previous two individual events at the Belper Relays and Jägermeister 10K, Joe Rainsford’s older brother Chris may just be timing his finish to perfection. Similarly to Joe, Chris is also only two points down from his possible maximum at this stage. However, with only three events in the bag, Chris knows all he has to do is run and win each of the last four events to turn it round and return to the top of the podium for the first time since 2008.
Jägermeister 10K: Nottingham University, Friday 5th August
The latest Heanor RC 2011 Club Championship event of the season saw twenty members descend on the University of Nottingham last Friday night (05/08) for the annual and ever-popular Jägermeister 10K.
Once again, the event attracted over 450 entrants and the perfect weather conditions, testing but enjoyable route, sound organisation and rousing spectator support all added to a pleasurable evening for those in yellow and blue.
Sticking with the usual two lap course around the university campus grounds and lake, the slight change to the position of the start and finish made for a welcome alteration, with the spectator-friendly, Jägermeister-orange marked finishing-straight making for an enjoyable end to the race.
Starting a little further back, the opening, undulating 3K saw a lead pair break away, closely pursued by Joe and Chris Rainsford for Heanor RC. Whilst Chris moved up with the leaders around the lake and onto the second lap at 5K, Joe’s sticky patch through 3-7K saw him lose touch and isolated for the remainder of the race. Despite rallying in the final stages, fourth place, in a time of 33:55, would be where he would stay.
Chris went toe-to-toe with eventual winner Stuart Spencer of Barrow Runners until the nine kilometer point, where Spencer’s strength ultimately saw him pull away and take victory in 33 dead. Chris finished second in a SB of 33:14.
Backed up by Steve Ashmore in sixth (35:42) and Paul Clarke in twelfth (36:31), Heanor RC comfortably did enough to add another pot to the trophy cabinet and more lager to the fridge in the form of the men’s team prize.
With too many competing to mention individually, the other most notable performances probably came in the shape of PBs for two of Heanor’s most recent recruits, Rose Leivers (48:38) and Neil Hopwell (47:24), the rivalry that may be developing between Chris Riley and Jon Curtis - separated in the end by just ten seconds - and Ed Godber, who managed to turn the tables on Steve Wardle from Tuesday’s BDL fixture. Heather Wesson’s impressive finish and Laura Harvey’s sub-50 were other highlights of a good evening’s work.
Full results: http://www.formulaonecc.co.uk
The 2011 Heanor RC Club Championship has four races left to run (five including an autumn marathon) with the individual categories shaping up for a close conclusion.
BDL Race 5: Shipley Hall Cricket Club, Tuesday 2nd August
In the final installment of the 2011 Booth Decorators League summer season, Heanor RC once again prove to be the immovable object.
Picking up from where we left off at Carsington, Heanor RC not only managed to successfully defend the men’s and combined category trophies but also to regain the women’s title lost last year to Belper Harriers.
Shipley Hall Cricket Club played host to the season finale and on home soil, Heanor RC runners once more took centre-stage to wrap up the summer season in style. In the first of two races in four days for many, with club championship event Jagermeister 10K hot on the heels the following Friday, the 4.7 mile, two lap course along the Nutbrook Trail and around the old American Adventure car park was won by Joe Rainsford in a time of 25:53. Reversing the one-two achieved earlier in the season, Joe beat older brother Chris into second place, moving clear to take victory in the final stages of the race. Continuing to dominate from the front, the Rainsford’s were backed up by Steve Ashmore 7th, Ashley Deeming 9th and Paul Clarke 12th, Heanor RC once again had five of the required seven scorers inside the top dozen. Completing the counters were Lee Perkins 26th and Tony Weatherson 33rd.
On the women’s side of the coin, eleven Heanor ladies once again donned the yellow and blue to contribute to a second place finish on the night and, as mentioned earlier, to regain the title lost last year. After a season continually producing the goods, Heanor’s women continued in the same vein. Wendy Mullineux stole in on the last lap of the cricket pitch to pip Jill Burke, with the girls finishing 5th and 6th female on the night respectively, and Yvonne Hobday in 115th completed the scorers.
Outside the top-3, Laura Harvey and Heather Wesson battled it out to finish 146th and 147th respectively with only eight seconds between them whilst Sarah Lewis, current SL club championship leader, and Sheridan Island appeared to enjoy a similar tussle a little further down the field. Donna Baker 169th, Tracie Morris 180th and Rose Leivers 184th all achieved top-200 finishers with Jill Neville continuing to make sound improvements in finishing 233rd.
With the race being hosted by Heanor RC, a depleted numbers list would have been forgivable. However, Heanor RC rose to the challenge once more; continuing to dominate from the front and having a total of twenty seven runners compete on the night, Heanor RC repeated the clean sweep success of men’s, women’s and combined last achieved in 2009. Rich Sims 39th repeated his Carsington placing and the rapidly-improving John Curtis 45th both managed a top-50 finish, with Elliott Atkin closely following in 51st showing definite promise for the future. Steve Wardle had a five second edge on Ed Godber in 87th and 88th respectively, and Andy Nelson made his second appearance of the summer to come home 91st. Alan Smith’s 125th, debutant Neil Hopwell’s 151st and Steve Thomas’s 224th completed the Heanor RC men’s team efforts.
For full results and final standings visit the results tab.
Congratulations and a massive thank you to all who competed in any of the events this year. Without your time, effort, ability and support, Heanor RC would not be league champions and the undoubted force that we are.
Ripley and Heanor News Sports Awards: Ripley, Thursday 21st July
Our very own Rob Rainsford was duly recognised as an award winner at the inaugural Ripley and Heanor News Sports Awards. The below is the Ripley and Heanor extract with accomponying photo.
Smalley man Rob Rainsford will be familiar to anyone who has ever taken part in the gruelling 10 kilometre Pudding Run round Shipley Country Park every November. Taking home the prize for best unsung hero, Rob, 50, won the prize for all his efforts organising the yearly event, which this year could attract nearly 1,000 runners. He said: “This was a big surprise, it’s great that people recognise what you are doing.“The easiest part is running the course, the hardest part is organisingit!”
Tara Kinder: Elvaston, Friday 15th July
Chris Rainsford won the latest installment of the Tara Kinder 10K last Friday (15/07). On a dry and pleasant evening, Rainsford eventually came out on top following a close and exciting tussle with Jordan Wildrianne of The Derby Runner. Going through 5K together in 16:38, the pair remained inseparable until the eight kilometre mark when, sensing a slight slowing of the pace, Rainsford hit the front and powered to the line, taking the tape in a time of 33:28.
Heanor RC were well-represented in this popular event with seven other members donning the yellow and blue once again. Alastair Hobday (38:22) was followed in by Rich Sims (39:11), Jill Burke (40:37), Jon Curtis (41:58) and Sarah Lewis (55:01), each running their third race in the space of a week, Alan Smith (44:38) and Donna Baker (49:06), who managed to record her second 10K PB in the space of a month.
A new race winner but it’s the same old Heanor faces at the forefront of latest BDL encounter.
Hosted by Wirksworth Running Club, the fourth fixture of the BDL summer league season was once again held at the picturesque setting of Carsington Water. Although threatening at times, runners weren’t treated to the weather delights of thunderstorms and rain of previous years and the race ultimately passed off in warm, pleasant conditions.
Lisa Palmer put in a fantastic performance to lead the Heanor ladies to first place in the team stakes. Lisa, who finished first female, was 36th overall, almost enough to see her finish inside the seven scoring men. Jill Burke’s 89th place effort and Wendy Mullineux’s position just outside the top-100 proved to be too hot for the other sides to handle as the ladies finished 69 points clear of current champions and second-placed Belper Harriers to maintain their own march towards the overall title.
Following the top-3 counters, Yvonne Hobday 122nd and Heather Wesson 160th continued their good form whilst women’s captain Donna Baker 174th posted her best position of the season to finish just in front of Jo Potter 181st. Only seven seconds separated Rose Leivers and Laura Harvey in 188th and 189th respectively as Tracie Morris 193rd, Gemma Housley 199th and Jane Seamer 204th followed in hot pursuit. Sheridan Island 222nd, Debbie Birkin 234th, Sarah Lewis 235th and Jill Neville 250th wrap up the efforts of the superb total of sixteen Heanor RC ladies.
For the fellas, Chris Rainsford led the Heanor RC challenge and, like many others, was competing for the second time in four days following the previous weekend’s Belper Relays. Tiring mid-race on the testing, undulating out-and-back course around the reservoir, Chris coasted home in second place behind James Mee. Joe Rainsford, having returned from holiday the previous day after a week of no sleep, no food and plenty of beer, managed a more-than creditable 5th, ably supported by the tightly-packed group of yellow and blue comprising Ashley Deeming 8th, Steve Ashmore 9th and Paul Clarke 10th. 50% of the top-10 and backed up further by Mike Richmond 32nd and Alastair Hobday 34th, Heanor RC men took team top-spot on the night by 68 points from Belper Harriers.
Just outside the scoring places but putting in equally impressive performances were Rich Sims 39th and Josh Housley 48th, whilst Jon Curtis 53rd, Chris Riley 65th and Elliott Atkin 71st continued their consistent summer form by easily finishing inside the first 100. Further demonstrating commitment to the cause and gaining some much needed club championship points at Carsington Water were Glenn Salkeld 94th, Adrian Smith 116th, Steve Wardle 120th, Chris Mellors 134th, Russ Wilkinson 153rd and Chris Booker 209th.
For full results see the results tab.
Good work. And on to the next one, the final one, at Shipley Hall Cricket Club on Tuesday 2nd August.
Derwent River Realys: Belper, Saturday 9th July
A Derwent River Relay Report
Heanor RC turned out an assortment of teams for the latest running of the Derwent River Relays, hosted by Belper Harriers last weekend (09/07). Amongst the selection of seniors, veterans, juniors and debutants, there were numerous noteworthy team and individual performances over the 3.2 mile multi-terrain course.
Cropper’s Crew led the charge, with Paul ‘Roy’ Clarke pacing it well and finishing fourth on the first leg. 2011 Derbyshire U’13 Cross Country Champion Milly Newton, Chris Rainsford, who ran the fastest leg of the day of 16:57, and Wendy Mullineux, running her second leg of the day, completed the running order. The team managed to finish 7th overall and first mixed team on the day.
Pushed all the way by Happy Birthday Mr Ferret, the strong Heanor RC VM side of Tony Weatherson, Rich Sims, Jon Curtis and Chris Riley finished just fourteen seconds further back in 8th position and second VM team behind Ripley RC.
Team Gingavitus saw a welcome return to action for Ben Radbourne, who ran the final leg. Heanor RC’s second mixed team, completed by Elliot Atkin, Wendy Mullineux and Laura Harvey, finished 17th and third mixed team overall in a combined time of 1:25.06.
Heanor RC’s second VM side, 222 (About), comprising Steve Wardle, Gary Antcliffe, Chris Mellors and Rob Rainsford, finished 21st and fifth VM team, whilst the combined efforts of the SM side, Simon Baker, Ed Godber, Gary Mountford and Glen Salkeld, saw Let’s Av A Finish place 27th overall.
Jo Potter, Jill Burke, Donna Baker and Yvonne Hobday made up the Heanor Vet Ladies team and their combined efforts saw a 37th place finish overall, fifth ladies team and first in the VL category. Heanor RC’s one and only SL team, the Chunder Queens (Sheridan Island, Debbie Birkin, Sarah Lewis and Jill Neville), placed 63rd overall in a combined time of 1:55.44.
Sandwiched between the two HRC ladies teams were Touche’s Turtles – Nigel Scollins, Russ Wilkinson, Steve Thomas and Chris Mountford ensuring a 52nd place finish out of a record 65 finishing teams.
Away from the relay action, Heanor RC was also well represented in the fun run events. Gabriel Atkin took the tape in the 1 mile event and was followed home by Tia Stirland. In the 1.5 mile race, Tia’s sister, Georgia, finished in first position.
For full results and individual times: http://belperharriers.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/derwent-river-relays-2011-results/
Heanor 5 Mile: Shipley Park, Friday 24th June
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits as Kev Farrow beats Rainsford and Rainsford.
This year’s Heanor 5 mile was held on the new race date of Friday 24th June to try and take advantage of the light summer nights but as with the previous year the race started under grey overcast skies with rain threatening.
As spots of rain began to fall Nott’s AC runner Kev Farrow opened up an early lead and never looked back taking the tape by nearly a full minute ahead of the 2nd place man, claiming the £50 cash prize with a finishing time of 26.15.
There was however a race on for second between Heanor’s Rainsford brothers with Chris, 27.19, just beating brother Joe, 27.27 into third after a race long battle. Along with Chris and Joe Heanor newcomer Jon Curtis, 34.02, and Ed Godber, 35.29, ensured Heanor took the men’s team honours.
In the women’s race first and second where separated by just 5 seconds as Long Eaton’s Sharon Orridge, 31.39, overcome Susan Street, 31.44, of Tipton Harriers to take the plaudits and the £50 winner’s cheque. Third place went to Sarah Vernon, 34.03. Sarah also helped her Formula 1 team to the women’s team trophy with Kate Fisher and Sue Zurawliw making up their 3 scoring women.
For full results and category winners please see the Heanor 5 results tab.
The evening was not just about the running but aimed to make the whole occasion a family event with music echoing around the park entertaining adults and juniors alike pre and post race. Massage tents, a Lucozade van, refreshments of tea and coffee and an open bar plus the obligatory raffle all taking place on or around the main Shipley Hall cricket pitch.
And as if it were needed and to reiterate the nights family feel the fun run saw increased numbers from past years with 41 completing the 1.3 mile course. A chance for the stars of tomorrow to shine and Heanor Running Club’s Juniors had several representatives all excelling with 4 in the top 5, Jack Saxton 1st, Milly Newton 3rd, Emily Deeming 4th and Jack Griffths 5th. Special mention to the two youngest runners on the day Edward Moss and Isabella Clarke both 4 years old.
All competitors both in the fun run and the five mile received a memento of their achievement and to help recharge their batteries a buffet laid on by Heanor Running Club provided the additional nourishment.
The nights proceedings didn’t end there as still to come was the now legendary ‘Chunder Mile Race’.
2011 again saw an increased field of 11 competitors take on the challenge of drinking and running. While the spectators cheered and laughed at their misfortune it was left to Rainsford to beat Rainsford, this time Joe beating brother Chris finishing the approx. 1 mile course and 4 pints in just under 6 minutes.
Well a top night despite the weather hope to see you all back in 2012 and fingers crossed for some sun!
BDL Race 3: Shipley Park, Tuesday 14th June
Heanor dominate as Rainsford beats Rainsford.
Held at Shipley Park on a pleasant warm summer evening the latest instalment of the BDL race series saw 36 Heanor runners take to the start line. With this strong showing, along with some good individual performances, Heanor once again topped the standings in all three categories Men, Women and combined.
The returning Chris Rainsford led the team home just beating his younger brother Joe in a Heanor one two. Backed up by Steve Ashmore 6th and Ashley Deeming 7th and with impressive runs from both Paul Clarke 12th and Darren Ridout 14th Heanor had 6 of the required scoring 7 men inside the top 15. In a battle to be the last counter Lee, 30th, outdid the ‘whippet’, 31st, by 7 seconds.
To demonstrate our quality and strength in depth the second 7 men scored 304 between them which would have placed them an incredible 4th in the men’s table on the night. Tony Weatherson 31st, Rich Simms 37th, Mike Richmond 41st, Alastair Hobday 43rd, Josh Housley 48th, Chris Riley 51st and debutant Elliott Atkin 53rd.
As predicted in the last league race review Jon Curtis did indeed make the top 100 in this one with an excellent 86th place finish. Steve Wardle, 137th, and Steve Thomas 250th had good runs and there was another debutant in Chris Booker 238th.
It is great to see the number of women turning out for the league races growing race on race and all making a real impact in proceedings with the women now having taken maximum points from the first three races!
Thirteen where wearing the yellow and blue in this one. Lisa Palmer, 45th, was first back for Heanor and second lady overall. After Lisa, Wendy Mullenoux battled hard to clinch 90th place with Yvonne Hobday making up the team in 136th.
There were a number of other admirable performances outside of the top three with the ever improving Laura Harvey having a solid run in 181st, closely followed by Anna Dore in 185th. Ladies Team captain Donna Baker continues to lead by example giving 100% in every race and she recorded a top 200 finish in 195th. Elsewhere Sarah Lewis 251st beat Debbie Birkin 252nd in a personal dual.
Overall a fantastic result, well done to every runner!
Another big turnout is needed at the next race to be held at Carsington Water, Tuesday July 12th, to keep us top of the standings.
For full results visit our results tab.
Long Eaton 5 Mile: Long Eaton, Sunday 12th June
Success in abundance at the Long Eaton 5 mile race.
Heanor walked away with a host of trophy’s after its members battled hard to complete the new 5 mile wind and rain affected course.
Success began at the front with Joe Rainsford taking the tape and victory in 27 minutes to claim the £100 top prize, setting the course record in the process. Joe was ably supported by Steve Ashmore, 5th 28.00, Paul Clarke, 11th 28.55 and Heanor stalwart Chris Riley, 35th 32.06, as the men collected the team prize ahead of Shelton Striders.
For the women Lisa Palmer ran well amongst tough competition to finish 3rd woman, 30.34, but it was Heanor’s more senior ladies taking the top plaudits as Jill Burke 32,29 came home first vet lady 45 and Yvonne Hobday 1st vet lady 50 36.06. With Donna Baker running a superb race, 38.49, the women picked up the vet ladies team trophy.
Also competing on the day and amassing points from this club championship race were Rob Rainsford, 37.24, Laura Harvey, 38.09, Joanne Potter, 39.07, Chris Booker, 41.54, Steve Thomas, 43.00, Debbie Birkin, 44.27 and Sarah Lewis 45.11.
Not to be out done the Heanor Juniors competed in the 2 mile fun run. Geogia Stilrland was the first yellow and blue vest back, 14.54, followed by Ellie Baker, 15.41, and Tia Stirland, 16.05. There were guest appearances from Jack Holmes, 14.00 and Daniel Hobday, 23.54. Well done to all of you.
Runner Level Zoe Drewniak 5.6 Sheridan Island 6.6 Chris Booker 6.7 Jo Potter 7 Gabriel Atkins 7 Donna Baker 7 Gemma Housley 8.3 Laura Harvey 8.7 Anna Dore 8.7 Adrian Smith 8.7 Glenn Salkeld 9.5 Jon Curtis 10.9 Kyle Barton 11.2 Chris Riley 11.6 Josh Housley 11.9 Elliott Atkins 11.9 Paul Clarke 12.9 Ashley Deeming13.1 Steve Ashmore 13.3 Joe Rainsford 13.6
Recorders: Rob & Alastair Date: 07/06/11
Brand New Addition to Race Calendar – Wilne 10k
The first ever Wilne 10k road race will take place on Sunday 4th September 2011 at 10am. The scenic, flat, traffic-free road route is open to all abilities and is an excellent course for people looking to complete an easy flat 10k or for the runner who is chasing a personal best time.
Race Features: Chip timing and results service, all finishers receive an event t-shirt, extensive individual prize list plus team prizes, ample free car parking, toilets & refreshments.
Heanor had two entrants in this year’s Sinfin 10k, Wendy Mullinoux and Rich Simms both of whom recorded the same time of 42.41 finishing 49th and 50th respectively.
Several Heanor Runners passed up on the opportunity of a relaxing bank holiday weekend to compete in races not just locally but around the country and around Europe.
Edward Godbear took on the challenging Buxton half marathon and was pleased to complete the course in a time 1.42.15 finishing just outside the top 100 in 109th place.
Steve Ashmore and Steve Wardle were down south taking part in the Plymouth half marathon. Ashmore was back in 17th place, 1.16.13, 3 minutes quicker than his 2010 time round the same course, whilst Steve fighting the affects of a cold was timed at 1.47.09.
And finally on a weekend of half marathons and taking the performance of the weekend Chris Rainsford competed in the Lograno half marathon, for those that are not geographically versed it’s in Spain. Chris finished 2nd in an excellent time of 1.12.35.
BDL Race 2: Teversal, Tuesday 17th May
In the most competitive field assembled for many a BDL race Heanor had 33 runners representing the club taking on the testing hills around Teversal.
As if to show of our strength in depth and demonstrate how every place counts Heanor topped the men’s, women’s and combined standings with the men beating Mansfield to top spot by one solitary point!
After a one two finish in the previous race Joe Rainsford and Steve Ashmore were pushed down to 3rd and 4th with ex Heanor runner Phil Mitchell finishing ahead of the pair in 2nd place. Ashley Deeming, Darren Ridout and Lee Perkins all had solid runs finishing 7th, 17th and 21st. A debut in the BDL for Paul Clarke resulted in a 30th place finish for him and 6th counter for the men’s team and were sure there’s more to come as he settles into the yellow and blue. Making up the scoring seven the ever dependable ‘whippet’. Tony returned in 36th place taking the team score to 118 eclipsing Mansfield score of 119.
Outside the top seven men scorers there were many other runs of note and individual achievement including Mike Richmond and Josh Housley just missing out on counting towards the men score in 42nd and 58th place, both competed hard in the midfield. Jon Curtis continues to make an impression in training and finished 117th, top 100 will be his target at the next race and there was a debut for Adrian Smith.
The number of women representatives continues to grow and impress with 12 wearing the yellow and blue in this one. Led home by Lisa Palmer 47th place, 2nd women, followed in by the consistent Wendy Mullenoux 87th finishing a superb 87th in the highly competitive field. The ever dependable Jill Burke 91st made up the women’s team helping them secure 1st place. Elsewhere amongst the women and to mention just a few there were good performances by Donna Baker 227th, Jane Seamer 230th and a debut for Zoe Drewniak. Every runner has a part to play in contributing putting Heanor at the top of the standings.
Congratulation s to one and all.
For full results visit our results tab.
Livingston Relays: Braunstone Leisure Centre, Leicester, Sunday 24th April
Regional Relay Championship success for Heanor Running Club.
On a warm and bright Easter Sunday morning Heanor Running Club took part in the annual Livingston Relays incorporating the East Midland Relay Championships.
With a change of venue for the 2011 event, away from the usual Loughborough University Campus, Heanor lined up with 3 men’s and 2 women’s team at the start to compete against the East Midlands elite at Braunstone Leisure Centre.
Heanor men’s A team where led off by Steve Ashmore running a fine leg of 16.17 over the 3 mile course arriving back in 6th place. The whippet Tony Weatherson was on leg 1 for the B team, 17.28, whilst Chris Mellors ran 20.09 for Heanor C.
Handing over to the second leg runner Joe Rainsford improved the A teams position by 2 places moving them up to 4th, 15.54, before passing on the baton to the returning Chris Rainsford who completed a solid run, 16.21, and moved the team up a further 2 places. Now lying in 2nd place it was left to Lee Perkins to anchor the team home. Producing an excellent last leg run, 17.04, Lee came back holding onto 3rd place and with it secured the Bronze medal position for the team.
The remaining B team runners did themselves proud helping the team to finish 9th. Rich Sims leg 2, 17.52, Josh Housley leg 3, 18.36, and running his second leg of the day Steve Ashmore 16.43.
For the C team Rob Rainsford took on leg 2, 22.37, Steve Thomas leg 3, 25.50, and also running his second leg of the day Joe Rainsford 17.50 bringing the team back in 17th place.
Elsewhere the women were also giving a good account of themselves with the A team finishing 7th and the B team 15th.
Nicky Clayton set the tone for the A team completing the first of the 3 legs in 20.38, returning in 5th place and setting Jill Burke on her way. Jill 19.42 moved the team up to 4th before Tracy Morris, 23.33, completed the final leg holding onto 7th place.
Ladies team captain Donna Baker led the way for the B team, 24.12, passing onto Sheridan Island, leg 2, 25.47, with Sarah Lewis leg 3, 25.38.
Well done Heanor!
BDL Race 1: Denby Pottery, Tuesday 18th April
The season opener of the summer BDL race series at Denby Pottery saw an excellent turnout of 29 yellow and blue runners, who despite missing a host of London Marathon participants, claimed top spot in the combined standings.
The men’s team secured second place on the night helped by a Heanor one two finish from Joe Rainsford and Steve Ashmore, whilst our ladies team missed out on top spot to Sutton by one solitary point, proving that every runner and every place counts.
Lee Perkins was 3rd back in the men’s team finishing in an excellent 14th position followed by Tony ‘The Whippet’ Weatherson and Alan Seamer battling it out over 27th and 28th place with the whippet just beating Alan to the line by 4 seconds. Rich Sims and Mike Richmond completed Heanor’s scoring seven.
Outside the top seven men scorers there were many other runs of note and individual achievement including Darren Ridout, who recently returned from representing Great Britain at a Duathlon in Ireland to pull on his Heanor vest, finishing just inside the top 50 in 49th place. Chris Riley continued with his good run of form with an impressive 64th place and there were BDL debuts for Jon Curtis and Steve Thomas.
Our ever growing number of women members were out in force representing the club with 10 running in this one. Led home by Liz Radbourne who despite suffering with a stitch mid race was our first lady back in 71st place, 4th women. Wendy Mullenoux 91st and Jill Burke 100th made up the women’s team.
Other Heanor women competing were Heather Wesson 185th, Jo Potter 222nd, newly appointed ladies captain Donna Baker 236th, Jane Seamer 242nd, Sheridan Island 258th and Debbie Birkin 260th who battled to the finish with Sarah Lewis 261st.
Following last year’s record number of runners in a league race this race saw it eclipsed yet again with 303 runners at the finish line.
Congratulations to all who competed and those that came to support it is great to see everyone getting involved.
For full results visit our results tab.
London Marathon: London, Sunday 17th April
Congratulations to all our Heanor runners who endured the 26.2mile at this year’s London marathon. Times and placings as below.
342nd Padraig Moriarty 2 hrs 46 min 42 sec 27th in the Male 45-49 category 365th Ashley Deeming 2 hrs 47 min 02 sec 70th in the Male 40-44 category 813th Paul Clarke 2 hrs 57 min 01 sec 489th Senior Man 3422nd Alistair Hobday 3 hrs 26 min 21 sec 670th in the Male 40-44 category 10355th Steve Wardle 4 hrs 04 min 57 sec 268th in the Male 55-59 category 10726th Yvonne Hobday 4 hrs 06 min 51 sec 119th in the Female 50-54 category 25412th Tim Simpson 5 hrs 10 min 09 sec 9775th Senior Man
Midweek Lara Race: Raynesway, Derby, Wednesday 13th April
The final Derby Midweek Race of the 22nd season saw 4 Heanor runners compete over the 5k distance.
Joe Rainsford went from strength to strength with a new 5k PB dipping under the 16 minute mark with 15.58 which provide him with victory by 9 seconds at the latest Lara Race. Another Heanor runner in form, Rich Simms, produced his best 5k time for two years 18.10 in 20th place. Richard Charlesworth place 34th ran 19.57 while Nicky Clayton continued her comeback to claim 38th place overall in a time of 20.06.
Forming part of the Club Championship the race encouraged Heanor runners to participate in the 2011 event and the club was not disappointed with 20+ runners taking to the road to compete amongst the 3,500 or so entrants.
With recent weather proving somewhat changeable and unpredictable on the morning of the Derby 10k runners were welcomed by dry, bright, near perfect running conditions with a only a slight breeze to hinder their performance.
Taking full advantage several of our members recorded their personal best times. PB’s for Joe Rainsford 33.54 who finished 1st U17 and 5th overall, Paul Clarke 36.19, Anna Dore 46.35, Joanne Potter 50.45 and Sarah Lewis 54.01 along side noticeable performances from Alistair Hobday 1st V40 36.57 and returning runners Nicky Clayton 42.25 and Joanne Madeley 49.10.
Other Heanor runners competing on the day, Steve Ashmore 34.38, Lee Perkins 37.14,Chris Riley 41.34, Jill Burke 41.45, Steve Wardle 43.01, Ed Godber 43.15, Rob Rainsford 43.38, Laura Harvey 48.02, Tracie Morris 50.06, Donna Baker 51.51, Sheridan island 54.02, Debbie Birkin 55.14, Steven Thomas 57.26, Jackie Hancock 1.01.18.
Elsewhere Simon Barker and his Heanor junior daughter Ellie took part in the 3k fun run.
Congratulations to all and many thanks to those that supported.
Travelling to Catterick Garrison in the North of England Heanor RC’s men hoped of repeating previous years successes and qualify for the National 12 stage final for the fourth consecutive year.
The team knew that they would have to give everything to ensure a top 25 finish and were led off by Steve Ashmore on the opening long leg (4.6mile) and he surpassed all expectations to cross the line already holding onto the final qualifying position of 25th.
Passing the baton onto the returning Pete Edwards the team never looked back, Pete completing the first of the short legs (2.3 mile) in 12.43 to record Heanor’s fastest short leg time and climb up to 23rd place. Pete was followed by Lee Perkins who, as usual, put in yet another consistent run, then came the ever improving Josh Housley before Ashley Deeming on leg 5. Marking his debut for the yellow and blue yet refusing to let the nerves get the better of him Kyle Barton had a solid run over the 2.3mile course.
Heanor had now reached the halfway point in the race just inside the top 25 in 24th place and now it was the turn of Joe Rainsford. Running his second race of the weekend Joe put in the performance of the day to record Heanor’s fastest long leg time of 24.18 and move the team up to 22nd.
Mike Richmond, Alistair Hobday, Rich Sims and Darren Ridout were left to maintain the team’s position within the top 25 and indeed going into the final leg the team lay in 24th place with a comfortable gap to the team behind them.
With Tony ‘the whippet’ Weatherson again the teams anchor man the team were sure they’d done enough. Even so Tony, like all the Heanor lads on the day, gave it his all and even improved the final finishing position to 23rd and ensure qualification for the National 12 stage final!
Also that day the ladies team finished in a commendable 20th place with the opening leg run by Wendy Mullineux who ran a solid race to hand over to Laura Harvey for leg 2 before Heather Wesson went on her way. Next up was Jo Potter who improved the team’s position before handing over to Debbie Birkin and finally Sarah Lewis who ran a consistent leg to complete the team effort. All the ladies ran short legs of 2.3 miles and by fact of finishing the race automatically qualify for the National 6 stage final.
Elsewhere Paul Clarke was competing in the Derby Kilomathon, which was officially started by our very own Rob Rainsford. Paul using the race as part of his London marathon preparation produced a superb run to finish 5th place and record a time of 1 hour 39 minutes 55 seconds over the 26.2k distance.
Ed Prickett Relays: Nottingham University, Saturday 12th March
Used as an unofficial warm up to the North of England 12 & 6 stage relays taking place on Sunday 20th March, Heanor entered 2 Men’s teams and 1 Women’s to compete amongst the elite regional University athletes.
The Senior Men ‘A’ team recorded a superb 11th place finish and included a debut for the club by Nathaniel Williams, the winner of our very own 5 mile race in 2010. Nathaniel on leg 2 recorded the quickest time by a Heanor runner 10.06 and along with Steve Ashmore leg 1, 10.57, leg 3 Joe Rainsford, 10.30 and Ashley Deeming 10.55 on leg 4 ensured the 11th place finish.
Another Heanor debutant was Paul Clarke running second leg for the ‘B’ team. Paul who is in training for the London marathon and doing mile after mile still managed a produce a quick time of 11.20 over the much shorter distance. Making up the ‘B’ team and also having solid runs on the day were, Darren Ridout, leg 1, 11.18, leg 3 Tony Weatherson, 11.50 and Richard Sims 12.31 on leg 4 bringing the team home in 20th place.
For the Senior Women Wendy Mullineux demonstrated her grit and determination to run both leg 1 and leg 3 to ensure a team finish of 17th, delivering two fine runs in the process, 13.09 and 13.27. In the absence/unavailability of many of our ladies it was one of our juniors who made up the team and showing her potential Laura Whittaker had a great run finishing with a time of 15.19 on leg 2.
UKA McCain Cross Challenge Final: Cofton Park, Birmingham, Saturday 5th March
Saturday 5th March saw several Heanor runners competing on the big stage at the UKA McCain Cross Challenge Final representing Derbyshire.
Having qualified for the race back in January at the inter counties and with the race live on Sky Sports 3 Heanor where well represented in 3 categories, Joe Rainsford in the U20 Men, Ashley Deeming in the Senior Men and Lisa Palmer in the Senior Women - There would have been more if it were not for the unavailability of our other qualifiers.
Joe had a solid run over the 8k course finishing in the top half of the field, 73rd out of 176 in a time of 28.32. Running the same 8k distance was Lisa who came back in 33.05 to place 149th out of the 261 women.
Onto the senior men and Ashley again did himself and Heanor proud completing the 12k course in 42.18, 225th place, and counted towards the Derbyshire team total to help them finish 21st out of the 29 counties.
Well done to the yellow and blue!
Anyone Looking For A Local 10k Race / 2 Mile Fun Run Sunday May 15th?
Heanor 5 Race Date Announced - Friday 24th June 2011
The Heanor 5 mile race is a popular event in the summer calender. Now into it's 12th year and growing year on year it takes in the idylic setting of Shipley Hall Cricket Club. The 5 mile race is run over a figure of eight course through Shipley Park finishing at Cricket Club. While the shorter 2 mile fun run also finishes there is open to all ages.
The race will be followed by the presentation and a normally keenly contested ‘Chunder Mile’.
Heanor Running Club hope to make this a family evening and everyone is more than welcome to enjoy this beautiful scenic venue. So why not come and join us for what is usually a good night for all the family!
Many thanks to Up and Running, Nottingham, for their continued support and generous goody bags.
Hope to see you there!
The Eagerly Anticipated Summer League Season
Off the back of another successful XC campaign were we won both the men’s and combined club titles whilst the women battled hard to claim 3rd place, the new summer league season is nearly upon us. With the Booths Road League race dates duly announced we can all look forward to a summer of blood, sweat and tears.
Tuesday April 19th – Denby Pottery – Start 7.15pm Tuesday May 17th – Teversal Grange – Start 7.30pm Tuesday June 14th – Shipley Country Park – Start 7.30 pm Tuesday July 12th – Carsington Water – Start 7.30pm Tuesday August 2nd – Shipley Hall CC – Start 7.30pm
For a few of our new members it will be yet another experience and as with all our runners encouragement and words of advice go along way, not to mention the ‘well dones’ at the end that we all appreciate. This team spirit is part of our strength and should not be neglected.
Without doubt this year, probably more so than any other in recent times, will be tough in the face of stiff competition from the men of Belper and the emergence of North Derbyshire not to mention the presence of Long Eaton’s men. The women meanwhile will again have to contend with the ladies of Sutton and Ripley and need to put in regular performances to preserve/improve on their position from the XC season.
To maintain our own high standards and repeat our previous successes we need to train harder, prepare properly, think positive and be out in force for every race, competing or supporting, as it is together that we are Heanor Running Club!
The National Cross Country Championships: Alton Towers, Saturday 19th February
Away from the thrills and spills of Alton Towers the theme park a hand full of intrepid Heanor runners competed in the 2011 National Cross Country Championships held within the Alton grounds.
From what can only be described as a mud bath Jack Lilley was our sole representative in the U15 Boys 4.5k race completing the course in 22.14 to claim 289th place. Well done Jack.
In the U13 Girls 3k event Milly Newton, racing amongst the nation’s finest in her age group, stepped up onto the national stage and once again did herself proud finishing 100th in 16.04. Georgia Stirland also competed in this race and had a good run of her own coming in 356th place with a time of 20.32.
Our entrants in the 8k senior women’s race were Lisa, Wendy, Heather and Laura with all of them having their own private battles over the 8k course. Lisa was the first of the Heanor ladies back in 29.26, 125th, followed by Wendy 33.03, 301st, Laura 36.24, 402nd and , Heather 39.51, 479th. With 4 runners needed for a team score the Heanor women scored a combined total of 1,307 to finish a more than credible 48th out of the 67 complete teams.
Well done to all who made the trip with special thanks to Rob for his continued support of Heanor Running Club.
Midweek Lara Race: Raynesway, Derby, Wednesday 16th February
A cold Wednesday evening in Derby saw 8 Heanor runners stretch their legs and compete in the mid week Dave Denton 5k race.
Recent Club Champion, Runners Runner and Time Trial winner Joe Rainsford led the yellow and blue home completing the course in 16 minutes 10 seconds to take 5th place. In a race long battle Steve Ashmore 16.41 edged out Ashley Deeming by 2 seconds but there was still time for someone to finish in between the two with Steve finishing 8th and Ashley 10th. A minute down the road but no runners in between Darren came in 11th 17.43. Marking his first outing for Heanor Mike Richmond had a solid run, 18.46 in 25th. Jack Lilley was next back 19.27 in 32nd place. Doing the double having already completed the one mile race some 14 minutes earlier our remaining Heanor representative of Rich Simms 21.10, 49th and Wendy 21.11, 50th made up a strong team showing. Rich’s one mile time 6.22 and Wendy 6.00.
The annual presentation evening at Heanor Conservative Club on Friday 11/2/11 was a well attended event with some new faces taking the honours in quite a few of the awards. The evening started with the ‘Peter Stringfellow’ lookalike disco before the Junior awards were presented. The superb buffet which was made inhouse under the direction of Yvonne and Donna with help from Wendy and Heather went down a treat before the main senior presentation took place. Thanks to Alastair for sorting out all the trophies.
2010 Junior Awards
Most Improved Tia Stirland Coach’s Runner Emily Deeming
Runners Runner Ellie Baker
Junior Champion Milly Newton Junior R/Up Georgia Stirland
Junior Team trophies awarded to: Laura Whittaker, Abigail Mundy, Georgia Stirland, Milly Newton, Ellie Baker, Tia Stirland and Emily Deeming
2010 Senior Awards
Most Improved female Laura Harvey Most Improved male Glenn Salkeld
Most Promising new female Wendy Mullinoux Most promising new male Josh Housley
Time Trial male winner Joe Rainsford Time Trial female winner Donna Baker
Veteran male champion Steve Wardle Runner up Chris Riley
Veteran female champion Donna Baker Runner up Jill Burke
Senior female champion Jodi Wainwright Runner up Heather Wesson
Senior male champion Joe Rainsford Runner up Steve Ashmore
Runners Runner Joe Rainsford
BDL Race 4: Bramcote Park, Sunday 30th January 2011 On a much drier course than Trent Meadows a fortnight earlier it was the hills of Bramcote that provided the challenge to the yellow and blue contingent.
With injuries and holidays taking their toll a somewhat depleted Heanor team of just 14 runners took to fields around Bramcote Park for this the final race of the BDL cross country series.
Team spirit/grit and determination was to be the order of the day for our limited numbers and the men’s team duly obliged. Having recorded 4 runners in the top 18, Joe 2nd, Ashley 3rd, Ashmore 5th, Tony 18th and needing a further 3 to score the finished runners joined in with our band of supporters to provide extra encouragement to the remaining members out on the course.
Andy Nelson responded to come in 47th and first vet 55 then came a fantastic example of group running from Chris Riley, Ed, Charlie, Gary, Alan, Steve Wardle all placing between 68th and 82nd and covered by just 63 seconds.
Chris and Ed made up the team which took a well-deserved 4th place behind eventual winners on the day Long Eaton but confirmed Heanor as season winners of the men’s league.
In the women’s race we only had the minimum requirement of the 3 scoring runners. Leading them home and with another impressive run Jill Burke finished 3rd lady and first vet 45 followed by superb efforts from both Laura Harvey 15th lady and Jo Potter 23rd. The teams score was enough to place them on par with the men and claim a commendable 4th place. This 4th place resulted in the women claiming an excellent 3rd place season finish.
The overall scores for the combined team placed Heanor in 4th position on the day. This determined team performance saw us retain top place in the league standings and confirmed as season champions!
Special thanks to all those supported.
For full results and individual prize winners see the results tab.
Heanor Clean Up With Team Victories In County Cross Country Championships
Heanor Running Club grabbed team honours in both the senior men's and women's races at the Derbyshire Cross Country Championships.
The event was held at Wollaton Park, near Nottingham, on Saturday 8th January 2011 and was combined with the Nottinghamshire Championships.
Heanor fielded 14 athletes, seven of them finished in a top-eight position, qualifying them to run for the county in the Inter-Counties Championships at Cofton Park, Birmingham, on March 5th 2011.
It was no surprise that Heanor came home as first team in the women's race, led by the consistent Lisa Palmer, who came second overall behind Charnwood AC runner Claire Matchett over 8000 metres. Jill Burke, ninth overall, Wendy Mullineux and Joanne Potter made up Heanor's successful team.
It was a bit more of a surprise when Heanor collected the team prize in the 10K men's race, in which Derby AC's Jonny Gilby landed the county title, ahead of Clowne Road Runners' outstanding veteran Andy Ward, with Derby 10K champion Alex Pilcher third. Battling back from a series of frustrating injuries, Chris Rainsford placed 11th for Heanor, qualifying for the inter-counties team as the seventh senior athlete. Ashley Deeming (15th), Joe Rainsford (16th), Darren Ridout (20th) and Stephen Ashmore (22nd) were not far apart to score the winning team points ahead of Long Eaton RC.
Highlights in the junior races included a terrific battle in the Under-13 girls' event over 3000m, won by Derby's Amy Stone from Heanor's Milly Newton, who finished 12 seconds behind in her first appearance at the championships and with little racing experience behind her.
A this is Derbyshire sport report.
Derbyshire Cross Country County Championships: Wollaton Park, Saturday 8th January
Double team success as Milly also takes silver Heanor RC dominated in the senior team stakes at the latest Derbyshire Cross Country county championships, held in conjunction with the Nottinghamshire championships last weekend (08/01) at Wollaton Park. Despite only having fourteen athletes available across the range of ages and distances, half of those managed to finish in a top-8 position to qualify for a place in the county team whilst the majority of others came away with a medal of some sort.
On a day of success for Heanor RC, it is difficult task to pick out the stand out performance. However, making her first appearance in the county championships and with little racing experience otherwise, Milly Newton ran a superb race to take home the silver in the under 13 girls 3K race. Conditions on the day were really quite favourable for cross country running with grey skies and reasonable winter temperatures only offset by a strong wind on the open sections of the course. Soft underfoot, the flat-ish start, undulating (and at times, cambered) middle section and slight downhill finish made for a testing though reasonably fast course. Milly used these conditions, and the strength she has gained from training with the thriving junior section of Heanor RC, to her advantage. No doubt taking confidence from her recent training and performance in the mini league fixtures pre-Christmas and Heanor RC club race to the Old Oak Inn post-, Milly stormed home in a time of 12.08 to guarantee her place at Cofton Park, Birmingham in the inter-counties on the 5th March.
Success and debuts seemed to be the common theme this year as Heanor RC had five athletes, including Milly Newton, making their first appearances for the club in this county championship event. Joining her in the under 13 girls event, Georgia Stirland ran determinedly to place an encouraging 9th in a time of 14.43. Ellie Baker partook in the under 11 girls race, flying the flag for Heanor RC in the youngest age-group race of the day. Ellie displayed good character at such a young age to complete the 1.5K distance in 8.43 to finish 7th. In the last race of the day but certainly not least, the fifth and final debutant at the Derbyshire Cross Country championships for Heanor RC was Jack Lilley in the under 15 mens 4.5K event. Jack finished 11th in 19.36 and with it secured a reserve spot for the Derbyshire team.
Moving from the youngsters to the seniors, Wendy Mullineux, battling the after-effects of a disrupted Christmas, as indeed most probably were what with the heavy snowage bringing Britain to a standstill and the endless cycle of colds and viruses being passed on from one to the next, once again showed guts and determination to position 12th in a time of 34.14 for the 8K distance. The stresses and strains were softened somewhat by the team gold the senior women deservedly took home. Led by the very impressive Lisa Palmer (28.59), who ran strongly to take second and silver medal individually, and backed up further by Jill Burke (32.11 - 9th overall and second veteran 40-49) and Joanne Potter (42.47, 27th), Heanor RC’s girls showed the strength and quality they possess to bring home the title.
Inspired, the senior men lined up for the 10k race at 12.35pm with a team medal on their minds, the colour of which turning out to be rather surprising but nonetheless deserved. Utilising the race as a tough training run on his way back from a plague of frustrating injuries, Chris Rainsford returned from his Spanish hideaway to place 11th in a time of 34.06 and subsequently claim a guaranteed spot in the inter-counties team by finishing as the 7th senior athlete. Followed home by Ashley Deeming (35.31, 15th), debuting in this event for the yellow and blue, Joe Rainsford (35.37, 16th), again, a Christmas period disrupted by colds and viruses, Darren Ridout (36.50, 20th), ditto, and Stephen Ashmore (37.09, 22nd), ditto again, the senior men were able to surprisingly steal gold in the senior stakes and make it a double Derbyshire cross country team success. Rounding off the team’s efforts was John Grice, who placed 63rd in a time of 50.10.
Full Results from the Derbyshire Cross Country Championships 2011: http://dcaa.org.uk/DCAAXCChamps2011.htm
Northern 6 & 4 Stage Road Relays: Wythenshawe Park, Manchester 02/10/2010
Heanor Running Club where once again on their travels, this time North to Wythenshawe Park, Manchester and the Northern 6 & 4 Stage Road Relays.
Two teams of each of the senior’s where competing and with the women automatically qualifying for the finals in two weeks time it was up to the men to test themselves against the best the North had to offer in an attempt to finish in the top 25 and secure qualification.
Ben and Alistair led the way for their respective teams and after solid runs came back in 44th and 80th providing an early indication as to the quality entered in this year’s event. Despite valiant runs by the remainder of the teams, with noticeable performances by Joe, fastest Heanor leg, Josh on his NOEAA debut and Darren and Rob anchoring the teams home this year it wasn’t to be.
Meanwhile the ladies, with nothing at stake, enjoyed the day with some fine runs, Lisa and Jill on first legs with Lisa returning in 6th place and Jill 36th. Liz, Wendy and Glenda made up the ‘A’ team completing the race in 1.19.02 and finishing a creditable 21st out of the 49 complete teams.
Well done to all Heanor runners and supporters who made the trip!
Heanor Running Club 'B' Incomplete Jill Burke (36) 19:57 Donna Baker (50) 25:19 Tracie Morris (49) 24:11
Heanor Men 5.6k
37 Heanor Running Club 'A' 1:55:19 Ben Radbourne (44) 18:48 Joe Rainsford (38) 18:34 Steve Ashmore (40) 19:47 Lee Perkins (43) 19:49 Ashley Deeming (42) 19:26 Darren Ridout (37) 18:5593
Heanor Running Club 'B' 2:18:46 Alastair Hobday (80) 20:09 Richard Sims (89) 21:30 Josh Housley (89) 22:48 Edward Godber (92) 24:44 Stephen Wardle (91) 23:53 Rob Rainsford (93) 25:42
Joe Rainsford 4.58 Ben Radbourne 5.01 Steve Ashmore 5.08 Ashley Deeming 5.09 Jack Lilley 5.35 Liz Radbourne 5.38 Wendy Mullineux 5.48 Alastair Hobday 6.05
RACE 2
Glenn Salkeld 5.44 Chris Riley 6.04 Simon Baker 6.12 Steve Wardle 6.15 Joel 6.27 Donna Baker 7.18 Sam Shipley 7.29 Pete Edwards 7.30 Kate McNally 7.55
Timekeepers: Rob & Chris Rainsford
First Outing for Junior Section
Eight Heanor Running Club members turned out to race on the Paula Radcliffe Track at Loughborough University for the final Wednesday night Charnwood Open meeting of the season. Heanor RC’s brand new junior section was out in force as six of the girls turned out for their first appearance on the track. Ashley Deeming returned to the track after a thirteen year absence and, together, they all put in some fast and impressive performances.
First up for Heanor RC and taking part in the 100m, Elle Baker finished 4th in 16.9. Elle went on to race twice more during the evening, the nine year old running 800m in 3.33.6 and 200m in around 39 (still awaiting results). Baker was joined in the 200m by Tia Stirland who ran about 40 seconds for the distance. The 800m middle distance event proved most popular amongst the Heanor RC contingent, with four lining up, including Elle Baker, for the first 800m race of the night and, for most, their first 800m appearance full stop. Ten year old Emily Deeming, daughter of Ashley, set the early pace, going through the bell in 83 seconds before finishing 3rd in 3.02.9. Georgia Stirland and Kelsea Marriott followed in a tight sprint to the line, placing 4th in 3.14.6 and 7th in 3.17.4 respectively. In the third seeded race based on personal bests and predicted times, Milly Newton also enjoyed an exciting finish. Without the benefit of a photo finish replay to determine exact positions, Newton was given equal 8th in a time of 2.56.6.
Ashley Deeming was up next for Heanor RC and he used his experience, strength and fantastic kick to finish second in 2.19.2.
In the penultimate 800m race of the night, and cheered on by the rest of the Heanor RC gathering, Joe Rainsford was making his first 800m appearance in three years, looking to make the most of his recent good form and to give his long-standing personal best of 2.18 a good seeing to. Sitting on the shoulder of the leader at the bell in 63 seconds, seventeen year old Rainsford hung on over the final 300m and finished 7th in a new personal best of 2.12.6.
Towels Come in Handy at Latest Heanor 5 - 2010
The race memento from the latest staging of the Heanor 5 mile road race appeared quite apt as rain threatened to spoil the event. But although the towel came in handy, the wet conditions did not manage to put too much of a dampener on the turn out and otherwise success of this popular race.
This year’s course remained unchanged from the alterations made last year, starting at Shipley Hall Cricket Club and following a figure-of-eight loop around Shipley Country Park and the surrounding area. As the heavens opened shortly before the race, over 150 runners lined up undeterred.
Nathaniel Williams set the pace, building up a substantial lead after the first small loop. The twenty six year old from the North Yorkshire Moorlands club pressed on and came into the final lap around the cricket pitch and into the finish over a minute clear of his nearest rival. Taking the tape in a time of 26.46, Williams’ time was five seconds faster than last year’s winning time over the new and improved course. Joe Rainsford, fresh from his Tara Kinder 10k victory two weeks previously, worked his way up to second position, finishing in 28.02. Martin Lewis completed the podium positions. Returning from last year, the Poole Runners athlete managed to repeat his success to finish third in 28.18. Scooping the team award for the second successive year was Heanor RC. With four runners inside the top ten, the quartet of Joe Rainsford, Darren Ridout (6th, 29.12), Steve Ashmore (8th, 29.32) and Ashley Deeming (10th, 29.53) took home the prize.
First home on the women’s side of things was Heanor Running Club’s Wendy Mullinuex. Making her debut for the club, Mullinuex finished a clear winner over the undulating course, finishing in an impressive time of 35.30. Second and third place went to Val Naylor of Sutton Harriers and Helen Pickford of Sheffield Tri Club, finishing in times of36.32 and 37.30 respectively. Securing the team prize was Shelton Striders with a team comprising of Elizabeth Kitchen (71st, 39.03), Carolyn Dyall (92nd, 41.09) and Lynne Chapman (135th, 47.51). All results and other category winners can be found at ww.heanorrunningclub.com. Thanks go to all those that supported the race, especially those from Shelton Striders, Sinfin RC and Hermitage Harriers who continue to support the event year on year.
Preceding the main race was the Fun Run. Stephen Sprange came out on top in an exciting sprint to the line with Alfie Swift, finishing in 9.10 and 9.12 respectively. Encouraging signs were made by members of Heanor RC’s new junior section, with Milly Newton, Emily Deeming and Georgia Stirland all managing to finish inside the top six over the testing 1.5 mile course.
Victory For Joe Rainsford At Tara Kinder 10k
Joe Rainsford of Heanor Running Club won the Tara Kinder 10k race around the grounds of Elvaston Castle last Friday night (16/07/10). With the wind dropping and rain managing to stay away for the duration of the race, Joe led from gun to tape to take victory in a new personal best of 34.05. The seventeen year old took advantage of a steady start and stretched out a solid twenty seconds lead after the first small 2k lap. Looking relaxed and confident, his lead was increased further over the next two large laps and Rainsford eventually took the victory by over a minute for his first triumph over the 10k distance.
Other Heanor runners who took part were Jill Burke, Andy Marriott, Chris Mellors and Nigel Scollin. At the time of writing we were still waiting for the results to be published so don’t have their times or finishing positions!
Rainsford Records New PB At Long Eaton 5 - 2010 Joe Rainsford was the top performer on the day for Heanor Running Club at last weekend’s Long Eaton 5 mile road race. In bright and ideal racing conditions, the sixteen year old Rainsford stormed to an impressive 6th place finish to record a new personal best of 26.50. Running his customary well-judged race, Rainsford led the team home and was the first junior to cross the line. In what was a perhaps disappointing turnout for Heanor RC in the fifth club championship race of the season, mainly due to injuries and members prioritising the following Tuesday’s Booths Decorators Road Race League fixture, those that turned out followed in Rainsford’s lead and put in decent performances. Rob Rainsford (32.43) managed to improve on his previous year’s time by ten seconds, this despite inconsistent training following the London Marathon, whilst Chris Riley (34.24), Alan Smith (35.56) and Nigel Scollin (36.57) completed the men’s efforts and secured their club championship points.
Glenda Alton (33.38) made a welcome return to form for Heanor RC to finish 75th and 2nd veteran female. Nicky Clayton (35.18), competing in her first race of the summer season, faded following a fast start whilst Heather Wesson (40.41) occupied the final counting position for the team. Donna Baker (42.37) narrowly came out on top in an exciting sprint finish with fellow member Tracie Morris (42.41) and Jodi Wainwright (47.19) continues to make solid improvements and rounded off a good team effort.
If you ran the Long Eaton 5 and fancy another crack at the distance then the Heanor Running Club 5 mile road race and fun run will take place again this year on Friday 30th July. Now in its ninth year, the race starts and finishes at Shipley Hall Cricket Club and takes in the picturesque setting of Shipley Country Park. There is an extensive prize list and a memento and goody bag to all finishers. Visit the Heanor Running Club website www.heanorrunningclub.com for entry forms or enter online at www.runnersworld.co.uk.
Heanor Running Club at the Virgin London Marathon 2010
Heanor Running Club had seven members successfully complete the Virgin London Marathon last weekend (25/04/10). Following months of training, the seven members lined up in favourable running conditions along with 36000 others to tackle the challenging distance.
Lisa Palmer, taking part in only her second London Marathon, was the first runner from Heanor RC to cross the finish line. Palmer improved massively on last year’s time to successfully dip under the three hour mark and achieve an impressive personal best of 2h53.16. Alastair Hobday, running for Alzheimer’s, was next to finish. Uncertain whether he would make the start in time earlier in the week after volcanic ash delayed his return from Hong Kong, Hobday also improved upon his personal best and finished in a time of 3.12.09. Judith Gration, running for Encephalitis, followed up months of hard training with a rewarding personal best of 3.16.35 and was quickly followed by training partner Rob Rainsford, who completed the distance in 3.22.31. Heather Wesson finished in a very good time of 4.17.59 whilst Claire Woodward, one of Heanor RC’s newest recruits, battled against pain in both knees at 18 miles to finish in 4.23.23. Katie Bell completed the septet, finishing in 4.26.22.
Aside from the 26.2 mile event, Joe Rainsford also took part in the Virgin Mini London Marathon. Following his successful qualification for the East Midlands team at Holme Pierrepoint last month, Rainsford completed the three mile course in 16.01 and finished a sparkling 70th out of 280 runners from across the United Kingdom.
Thanks from the runners go to all those who travelled down to offer their support and encouragement throughout the race.
Derbyshire Building Society 10k
Heanor RC members took to the streets along with 3000 others last Sunday (11/4/10) for the Derby 10k organised by Sporting Futures.
Starting and finishing once again in and around Pride Park Stadium, Heanor RC were well represented along the city centre route in what was also the third club championship race of the 2010 season. In ideal conditions, notable performances included: Steve Ashmore scooping the 25 club championship points with an 11th place finish in 33.59, Alastair Hobday (36.14) coming out on top in a gun-to-tape three-way tussle with Lee Perkins (36.18) and Lisa Palmer (36.21), who finished 2nd woman, and there were PBs achieved by Simon Baker (41.11), Ed Godber (42.29) and Kate McNally (53.52) amongst others.
Heanor RC Compete Against East Midlands’ Finest At Annual Road Relays
Three men and two ladies teams competed at the 2010 LRRL Livingston Relays on Easter Sunday. Incorporating the East Midlands Road Relay Championships, the annual 3 mile event staged at Loughborough University attracted the usual wealth of regional running talent.
On a blustery but otherwise fine morning, Steve Ashmore ran the opening leg of the men’s 4-stage event for Heanor “A”. Ashmore, who made his Derbyshire debut at the Inter-Counties cross country last month, ran a well-judged 16.12 to bring the team home in 3rd. Darren Ridout’s solid time of 16.52 managed to maintain a top-4 position before Joe Rainsford’s swift 16.33 effort brought the team back up into a podium position. Jon Wainwright anchored the team home in 17.18 but narrowly missed out on the medals. With some quality athletes on the final leg, the team finished a respectable 4th behind OWLS AC, Charnwood AC and Barrow Runners.
Heanor “B”, comprising Lee Perkins (17.30), Rich Sims (18.58), Steve Wardle (20.04) and Steve Ashmore (16.43), managed to secure a top-10 finish whilst Heanor “C”, with Ed Godber (20.36), Richard Charlesworth, making his Heanor RC debut (20.36), Chris Mellors (20.08) and Darren Ridout (19.42), finished 17th out of 20 complete senior men teams. Heanor RC was the only club outside of Leicestershire represented at the relays and performed well against strong opposition.
In the senior women’s 3-stage race, ran over the same 3 mile course, Heanor RC once again put in a spirited effort. Glenda Alton, who arrived for the start with minutes to spare, came 8th on the opening leg in a time of 21.14. Jill Burke’s impressive 20.21 moved the team up into 5th before Tracie Morris rounded off a good team effort, bringing the side home 7th in 24.05. Heanor “B” secured a respectable 15th position following the combined efforts of Jackie Hancock (27.21), Jodi Wainwright (26.07) and, another Heanor RC debutant, Kate McNally (24.31).
Chris Rainsford
Northern 12 Stage Success For Third Consecutive Year - 2010
Heanor RC’s men made the trip to Wythenshawe Park, Manchester probably more in hope than expectation as the team sought to qualify for the National 12 stage final for the third consecutive year. In what were ideal running conditions on a flat and fast course, the boys put in a whole-hearted display that ultimately proved worthwhile as they finished in the final qualifying position of 25th by the narrowest of margins.
Steve set the team on their way and put in a brilliant opening long leg (4.7 miles) performance to pass on to Alastair. Alastair maintained the momentum on the first short leg (3 mile) of the day and was followed by Ben who, as usual, put in a good performance off limited training. Rob decided to forego the Ashby 20, scheduled for the same day, and he, and the team, were finely rewarded. Chris clawed time back in the team’s quickest long leg of the day before passing on to Rich ‘Simmo’ Sims making his debut for the club. Looking comfortable, Rich passed the baton onto Darren who, together with Andy, Joe (his second race of the weekend), Jon and Lee helped establish the team’s healthy but nervy position. Believing he lay in 26th (as indeed did the rest of the team) Tony put in a monumental effort as he attempted to claw back the vital position. Tony’s efforts unfortunately fell tantalisingly short as he lost out by just four seconds. But disappointment ultimately turned to satisfaction as the official results later showed - and the team once again qualified for the National 12 stage final.
Heanor’s ladies team finished in a commendable 23rd place with the opening leg run by Nicky Clayton who ran a solid race to hand over to Jill Burke who gained six places before setting team captain Judith Gration on her way, also improving the placings by three positions despite some unwelcome interference from passers by. Next up was Yvonne who held on to the position before handing over to Heather who was a late call up and finally Jodi who ran a consistent leg to complete the team effort. All the ladies ran short legs of 3 miles.
Following my surprise qualification back in January to represent Derbyshire at the inter-counties cross-country final, Saturday 13th March 2010 saw me travel down the M42 to Birmingham where this year's event was being held.
On a relatively warm and sunny day, a vast improvement on the weather of late, I arrived full of both nerves and excitement. The car parked I headed towards the tented area to find my Derbyshire colleagues.
Walking amongst the tents the scale of the event dawned, greeted by tents from the width and breadth of the country, Norfolk, Kent, Cornwall, Cumbria, Scotland?! And here I was from Heanor Running Club!
The Derbyshire tent found, my county vest collected, and it was time to soak up the atmosphere and check out those all important camera positions to get my face on Sky Sports 4!
2.36pm Senior Men's 12km Race. After an extensive warm up routine I took to the start line, somewhere near that runner..... Mo Farrah! I think I'm ready and well prepared. On your marks, get set, go..... mmm. Now as most of you know I'd consider myself a fast starter but amongst this company I felt that I was moving in slow motion perhaps even moving backwards. My confidence fell to pieces and at the end of lap 1 of 4 soon found myself at the back of the field.
Was I going to finish last Derbyshire? Last overall? Potentially lapped by that Mo Farrah fella? Come on Steve.
Starting lap 2 I began to relax, gaining momentum and even started to go past people. Feeling better I slowly moved up through the field. Lap 3 came and went as I pushed on. Lap 4 the same and before I knew it the finishing straight. Sprint finish, too right, Cornwall, too easy, South Wales, he's really going for it. Toe to toe we crossed the line to both record the same time, 43.19 but I'd beaten him!
Proud to have competed in my first inter counties race I had finished 244th out of the 285 who completed the course and was the 6th and final counter for Derbyshire meaning they finished one place above Nottinghamshire in the standings.
My message is that with the right training and application it is not beyond us all to achieve our potential and compete amongst the best.
I would like to thank all those well wishes for the messages of support both before and after the race it was greatly appreciated and well received.
Steve.
Deeming's Debut and The Radbourne's Return
Saturday 6th March 2010 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.
Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships Report
Six Heanor Running Club members took the trip to Witton Park, Blackburn last Saturday (23/01/10) 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.
