AFC Tickton

Cross Country Season Gets Underway in Pouring Rain

Oct 072010

It was a very wet start to the 2010 / 2011 East Yorkshire Cross-Country League on Sunday as athletes from local running clubs made their annual trip to Bishop Wilton. Finishing times for many of them were slower than last year due to the boggy conditions.

The race was won by Steve Rennie of City of Hull in 40.16 and the first lady was Katy Rawnsley of Scarborough AC in 43.58.

Like all races in this league, the course at Bishop Wilton is challenging with very steep hills to negotiate at the start and at the finish. Even the downhill stretch at the end is not easy as runners have to dodge rabbit holes and molehills on the long and steep descent.

A number of Beverley runners are preparing for the Abingdon marathon in two week’s time and decided not to risk injury by competing at Bishop Wilton so it was newcomer Matt Chadwick who led the Beverley contingent home. In his first race for the club he finished in fifth place in an excellent time of 41.44. He is a welcome addition to the men’s team and will increase the competition between the club’s top male runners.

Club stalwart Clare Bracken was the first Beverley lady to finish, just ahead of newcomer Francesca Giuntini from Italy. The Italian’s performance scored valuable points for the ladies’ team pushing them into third position.

Competing in her first cross-country race, Claire Burcham distinguished herself by taking a tumble down the final hill. Undeterred, she picked herself up and carried on to the finishing line.

It was encouraging to see so many new members turning out for the club to tackle the hills and the mud. Although the courses are challenging, and the weather can make conditions even more difficult, the races are good for building stamina and team spirit.

After the first race Scarborough lead the men’s league and are also joint leaders of the ladies’ league with Driffield Striders. Beverley’s men lie in fourth place and the ladies team is third.

The next race is at Drewton Woods on 14 November.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Men
Matt Chadwick 41.44; Jonathan Leskiewicz 42.23; Steve Jackson 44.46; Andy Collinson 46.35; Andy Tate 47.42; Steve Evins 47.56; Pete Watkinson 48.01; Nigel Braithwaite 53.39; Alan Flint 54.19; Brian Richardson 55.38; Rob Reid 55.45; Adrian Holland 56.01; Pete Myers 56.56; Bill Grieve 58.48; Colin Sleight 62.05.

Ladies
Claire Bracken 53.04; Francesca Giuntini 54.18; Sam Allen 55.51; Amanda Ritchie 59.14; Pam Atkins 67.09; Jo Dewar 68.04; Maria Britton 69.06; Claire Burcham 72.05; Rachel Cope 77.31; Mary Carrick 77.50.

Snaith Continues His Winnign Form

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Oct 062010

Rob Snaith of Beverley Athletic Club has started a winning streak by coming first in a race for the second time in a month. His confidence was boosted by winning the Ryedale 10- mile race in September and now he is celebrating after winning his first marathon.

On Sunday he completed the 26.2mile course at Mablethorpe in 2 hours 45 minutes and 54 seconds.

Competing in only his third marathon, Snaith set off with the aim of running at his own pace to record a good finishing time. He led the field for the first few hundred yards before being passed by Cosmas Deburca of Leevale. Deburca opened up a lead of about 25 seconds but Snaith maintained his own pace while keeping his rival in sight. The gap between them started to close at 10 miles and by mile 13 they were running shoulder to shoulder.

Snaith’s parents and son Joey were at the half-way point with Joey proudly cheering his dad on and waving a poster he had made.

With cramp threatening from mile 16, Snaith kept his nerve and opened up a gap of over a minute. Once in the lead he felt in control of the race. Miles 20 to 23 were difficult due to the strong headwind but there was great support from spectators to spur him on.

Altering his gait to keep cramp at bay he was relieved to turn away from the wind after 23 miles. The last few miles were along the prom but just as he thought the finish was in sight he realised that that was where the half-marathon finished and he had another half-mile to run into the wind again.

He was thrilled to cross the line in first place, three minutes ahead of Darren King of Killamarsh Kestrels. Deburca finished third in 2.51.11.

After the race Snaith commented, “I’m pretty chuffed, I got the performance I wanted and I ran it the best that I could on the day.”

Prizes were presented by local athlete Bernice Wilson, a 60 metre sprinter in the GB squad who is also a Sports Development Officer for East Lindsey District Council.

Beverley Athletic Club’s Andy Johnson, also running in his third marathon, finished in 32nd place in a commendable 3.18.10.

There were 214 finishers and the first lady to cross the line was Beth Wilmot of Sleaford Town Runners in 3.24.44.

Snaith Claims First Victory Running For Beverley AC

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Sep 092010

Beverley Athletic Club’s Rob Snaith is celebrating after winning his first race. He was the first runner across the line in the Ryedale 10 last Sunday, finishing in 57.12.

The 10-mile race started at Eden Camp and the route took runners through hamlets and villages in North Yorkshire to the finish in the centre of Malton.

Conditions were fine in the first half of the race but the breeze became stronger as the route became hillier and running into a headwind on the uphill sections tested everyone’s stamina.

Snaith led from the start and after the first half-mile was joined by Antony Bradford of Spenborough AC. The two ran together until just past the 9-mile marker when Snaith took advantage of the downhill section leading into Malton and pushed ahead. He beat his rival to the line by 12 seconds. “It was a great feeling!” commented a delighted Snaith afterwards.

Clubmate Andy Johnson finished in thirteenth place and was thrilled to record another personal best time at this distance (1.03.16), especially as the later part of the course was such a challenge.

Both men were using the race as a sharpener for the Mablethorpe Marathon at the beginning of October. Their performances at Ryedale will have given a big boost to their confidence.

Not to be outdone by the men, Pam Atkins, the sole Beverley Athletic Club lady in the race, took first prize in her age category, finishing in 1.36.14.

2010 Isle of Man Marathon

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Aug 192010

Veteran marathon runner Pete Watkinson of Beverley Athletic Club travelled to the Isle of Man last week to take part in the annual marathon organised by the Isle of Man Veterans Club.

Although only a small marathon with 111 finishers, the standard was high and several course records were broken.

Watkinson won third prize in the V55 age category, finishing 28th overall in 3.23.56. The course record for this age group was broken by Dave Potter of Leamington C & AC who finished in 2.55.04.

Competing for the second time in this event, Watkinson commented that the race is friendly and well organised, “everyone got a big cheer as they crossed the finishing line in Ramsey football stadium.”

The marathon followed an undulating scenic route along the coast in the north of the island and incorporated some of the TT route. Runners were welcomed back with a huge buffet after the race.

A new course record was set by the winner, Ian Mcilwee. He completed the 26 mile course in 2.46.51.

Reported by Kay Farrow

Johnson Sets New Persoanl Best in Elloughton 10K

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Aug 102010

Beverley Athletic Club’s men continued their successful run by winning the men’s team prize in the Jim Dingwall Elloughton 10k last weekend.

James Pearson, Jonathan Leskiewicz and Andy Johnson made up the team with Johnson setting a new personal best at the distance (38.26).

They were followed across the line by Neil Bant, Olly Johnston, Jordan Arnott and Rob Singh who all recorded times under 40 minutes.
It was Singh’s fastest time for a 10k since joining Beverley Athletic Club.

His wife Gemma Bellett also put in a strong performance, recording a new personal best time of 51.11 and leading the Beverley ladies’ home to third place in the team competition. Junior Kendall Arnott and new member Claire Cairns made up the ladies’ team.

If there had been a prize for the most representative family, the Arnotts would have won easily. They fielded four members, Jordan, Corey, Kelvin and Kendall.

There were 392 finishers and the race was won by Carl Ryde of Doncaster in 32.41. The first lady to finish was Jo Walker of Scunthorpe in 38.21

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:

James Pearson 34.22; Jonathon Leskiewicz 34.40; Andy Johnson 38.26; Neil Bant 39.03; Olly Johnston 39.28; Jordan Arnott 39.48; Rob Singh 39.57; Mark Dawson 41.07; Corey Arnott 43.42; F Cairns 44.02; Chris Dunn 44.27; Neal Madden 47.16; Philip Buckley 48.26; Kelvin Arnott 49.41; Chris Anthony 51.08; Gemma Bellett 51.11; Jed Holden 51.55; Kendall Arnott 53.19; Claire Cairns 56.55; Elaine Julian 1.04.52; Raquel Garcia 1.05.10; Catriona Williamson 1.06.21.

Snaith Beats Pearson in 5K Debut

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Jul 212010

Runners raced round the narrow streets of Beverley town centre last Friday in the annual Beverley 5k Classic which preceded the National Circuit Race Championships for cyclists.

Following the same course as the cyclists, runners completed four laps before crossing the cobbles to reach the finish in Saturday Market.

The winner was Matthew Bowser of Lincoln Wellington AC who recorded the second fastest time in the history of the race. He finished six seconds outside the course record in 14 minutes 34 seconds. He was followed by club mate Sam Atkin in 14.58. The men from Lincoln built up a good lead very early in the race and a full minute separated second and third places.

The first lady to finish was Jenny Blizard of Rotherham in 17.33, seven seconds outside the course record for ladies. She was followed in second place by 14-year old Katy Wood of City of York who finished 23 seconds faster than last year and Harriet Canter of Lincoln Wellington who beat last year’s time by 15 seconds.

Beverley Athletic Club fielded a strong team but it was Rob Snaith who led the home club across the finishing line in seventh place in 16.41, beating James Pearson for the first time. The two ran together for the first two miles before Snaith pulled ahead. It was Snaith’s debut in the 5k Classic and watching him race for the fist time were his proud parents.

Jonathan Leskiewicz finished six seconds after Snaith, in eighth position and 25 seconds faster than last year. James Pearson followed in tenth place in 16.56.

Jane Peck was the sole female runner from Beverley Athletic Club. Competing for the first time in the 5k Classic she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the encouragement from friends and club mates in the crowd. She finished in 22.27, two minutes ahead of her younger sister Claire Cowling.

The race is aimed at faster runners and all competitors are expected to finish within 30 minutes. There were 70 finishers.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Rob Snaith 16.41; Jonathan Leskiewicz 16.47; James Pearson 16.56; Jonathan Oxley 18.26; Andy Johnson 18.41; Andy Tate 20.23; Jane Peck 22.27.

Big G Cyclosportive is a Massive Success

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Jul 212010

Over 500 amateur cyclists took part in the Big G Cyclosportive around East Yorkshire last Saturday.

Organised by Hull Thursday RC and Paul Kilvington, the popular event filled up within days of entries opening.

Cyclists had a choice of 3 distances – 60km (37 miles), 100km (62 miles) or 160km (99 miles). The challenging routes followed rural roads with little traffic and covered some of the route of the East Yorkshire Classic event for professional cyclists the following day.

All three routes featured challenging climbs and stunning views of the countryside. Hills at Thixendale, Millington and Nunburnholme were a serious test of stamina and determination but there were also a number of steep descents where cyclists could take it easy and freewheel.

The Big G is not a race but a challenge event where participants are classified according to their finishing time as gold, silver or bronze.

Cyclists from local cycling clubs were well represented in the event but there was also a large number of people new to the sport. 16 members of Beverley Athletic Club also took part. Club President, Andy Tate got off to a bad start when the bolt attaching his saddle to his bike snapped at Cherry Burton. He was forced to ride the three miles back to Beverley standing up and buy a new bolt. After securing his seat he started again and achieved silver standard in the 100km distance.

Whatever the standard achieved everyone had an enjoyable day out on the Wolds and felt a great sense of achievement at the finish.

Photos by Kay Farrow of Beverley AC

Goole Riverbank Challenge

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Jun 082010

While their club mates were crossing the river in the Humber Bridge 10k a small group from Beverley Athletic Club was running along the banks of the Ouse near Goole in the Riverbank Challenge. With four runners in the top 20 and four veterans prizes, the seven Beverley athletes had a very successful day out.

The route is mainly off-road and follows the banks of the Ouse near Goole, close to the M62. Although the rain made the course slippery in parts, the going was still firm and some fine performances were produced by Beverley Athletic Club members.

Pete Fielding-Smith was the first Beverley athlete to finish. He crossed the line in 53.50 in 9th position and won second prize in the vet 40 – 44 age category.

Mark Dalton finished in 14th place in 56.20 and was awarded second prize in the 45 – 49 age group. He was followed closely by Ian Husband in 56.28 who won first prize in the 50 – 59 category.

Jayne Dale was the only Beverley lady to compete in Goole. She was the tenth lady to finish and was rewarded with first prize in the vet 50+ age group.

There were 146 finishers and the race was won by Pumlani Bangani of Salford Harriers in 48.07. The first lady to finish was Kirsteen Young in 8th position overall in a time of 53.36.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Pete Fielding Smith 53.50; Mark Dalton 56.20;Ian Husband 56.28; Mark Dawson 58.32; Andy Tate 61.07; Neil Sergeant 69.34; Jayne Dale 69.36.

Balchin Completes Toughest Ironman Race in EU

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Jun 022010

Gary Balchin of Beverley AC joined more than 1200 triathletes in the Canary Islands on Saturday 22 May to compete in the twentieth Lanzarote Ironman Triathlon.

Billed as “an unrivalled test of strength and character” and “probably the toughest Ironman race in the world”, the gruelling event started at seven in the morning in temperatures of 22 degrees.

The first activity was a 3.8km swim in the Atlantic Ocean off the tourist resort of Puerto del Carmen. Water temperatures were around 20 degrees – slightly warmer than in Scarborough Bay where Balchin did his training!

After 2 laps of the swim course competitors hauled themselves out of the water, collected their bikes and set off on a 180km race around the island. As if the distance was not enough to test the athletes, the profile of the course included 2551m of climbing! Thankfully, conditions were not as windy as they had been in previous years.

The last discipline of this challenging event was a full marathon. The running route consisted of three laps of a flat seafront course in Puerto del Carmen in temperatures of around 30 degrees – rather warm for marathon running but helped by a cooling breeze.

It was Balchin’s fourth visit to this event and although not as fast as in previous years he was pleased with his performance and suffered no problems afterwards. His times for the three disciplines were 1.29.45 for the swim, 7.35.54 for the bike and 5.52.54 for the run. His total time was 15.15.23 and he finished 174 / 195 in his age group.

1167 men finished the event and the winner was Eneko Llanos of Spain in an incredible 8 hours 37 minutes and 43 seconds. There were 112 female competitors and the first to finish was Catriona Morrison of Scotland in an amazing 10 hours 3 minutes and 53 seconds.

Beverley 10K a Massive Hit as Records are Broken

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May 112010

Hundreds of people turned out in Beverley on Sunday to watch the annual 10k road race organised by Beverley Athletic Club. A record 1089 runners completed the testing course in cool and damp conditions.

Darran Bilton of Leeds City AC won the race for a record tenth time, finishing in 31.42 and beating last year’s winner Tony Valentine of Bolton United Harriers by almost a minute.

The pair had run together for the first half of the race, pulling away from the pack after the first mile. After two miles they had broken away completely and were 50 yards clear of the rest of the field. On the way back across Beverley Westwood Bilton took the lead and with less than a mile to the finish he was 100 yards ahead of Valentine. There was no danger that Bilton would be caught and he looked comfortable as he cruised along Toll Gavel and Butcher Row to the finish in Wednesday Market, cheered on by hundreds of spectators.

Former Beverley AC athlete, Bilton, was delighted with his performance especially as it comes only two weeks after he won the Masters title in the London Marathon for a fourth successive year.

In recognition of his tenth win in Beverley Bilton was awarded free entry to the event for life. “I’m looking forward to running the race for many years to come,” he commented afterwards.

A new course record was set by the first lady to cross the line – Lizzie Adams of Hallamshire Harriers. She finished in 15th position overall, completing the course in 34.53 and breaking the record set by Melanie Hayward in 2002 by 32 seconds. Amazingly this was the first road race for the trail runner from Sheffield. Adams finished two minutes ahead of the second lady, Harriet Canter of Lincoln Wellington AC and four minutes in front of third placed Katy Rawnsley of Scarborough AC. The new course record earned Adams a bonus of £200.

Host club Beverley AC fielded a strong team and there were some notable achievements.

Twelve Beverley men finished in less than 40 minutes and with three of them in the top 14 they took the men’s team prize for the second year running.

James Pearson was the first Beverley runner to cross the line, finishing in a new personal best time of 33.44 and in fifth position. Rob Snaith and Aubrey Morrell completed the men’s team and also recorded new personal best times. Morrell also took the vet 40 – 44 prize.

Hall Construction, sponsor of the Beverley 10k, entered a 13-strong team of runners in this year’s race. Chairman and Managing Director, Martin Hall, an experienced athlete who completed the London Marathon last month, led his team home in 47.13.

Now in its 17th year the Beverley 10k is well established in the race calendar and attracts club runners from all the local running clubs as well as a number from further afield. The race is highly regarded as one of the best for organisation and support. This year the event incorporated the Yorkshire Veterans 10k Championships and attracted more club runners from around Yorkshire competing for prizes in age categories from 40 to 80+.

Amongst the prize winners was 82-year old Ray Peirson of City of Hull AC. He completed the course in 75.16 and won the prize for the 80+ age group.

The 10k race was supported by a 2k fun run from Beverley Leisure Centre which attracted a field of over 300 including Bertie the Beaver and Roary the Tiger.

Goole Viking Striders fielded 23 runners but it was Beverley AC Juniors who won most of the prizes. The race was won by Beverley’s Peter McGill in 8.02, 45 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Second and third places went to two unattached runners, Joe Wardill and Toby May in 8.47 and 8.49 respectively.

The first girl to finish was Nicole Dawson of Beverley in 9.15. She was followed by Nicole Peters in 9.34 and club mate Dayna Arnott in 9.44.

Full results and more photographs from both races are available from www.beverleyac.karoo.com

The next race organised by Beverley Athletic Club is the annual Walkington 10k and fun run on Friday 9 July 2010. Further information is available from the club’s website.

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Pearson & Peacock Finish in the Top Ten at Hornsea

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Apr 152010

The Hornsea 1/3 Marathon attracted a record entry this year and raised much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. 271 runners completed the 8.7 mile road race organised by the Rotary Club of Hornsea and East Riding.

All the local running clubs were represented in the race which was won by Steve Bateson of East Hull Harriers in 46.49. The first lady to finish was Sarah Cumber of Halifax in 19th position overall with a time of 54.38.

The race is advertised as an ideal ‘sharpener’ for those running in the London Marathon on 25 April. After several weeks of 20-mile training runs the third of a marathon at Hornsea offered marathon runners a relatively short race on an undulating course on quiet rural roads.

Beverley Athletic Club has a number of runners preparing for London and other marathons and as this was also the second race in the club’s handicap series Beverley runners were out in force.

Jayne Dale is very much on form and was the first Beverley lady to finish. Running at a faster pace to keep up with Andy Tate she beat her handicap time by more than 2 minutes. An experienced distance runner, Dale is training for the London Marathon.

The handicap winner was Debs Brant who finished more than 3 minutes faster than her handicap time. A former sprinter, Brant will be running her first marathon at Windermere in May.

Neal Madden had an excellent run at Hornsea, finishing second in the handicap competition and beating his handicap time by almost 3 minutes.
He started running again last year after a long break and has improved considerably since joining Beverley Athletic Club.

James Pearson was the first Beverley runner to cross the line, finishing in 5th position, followed by Steve Peacock in 9th place.

The Mayor of Hornsea, Cllr J Miller, presented medals to all finishers and awards to prize winners.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 48.58; Steve Peacock 52.34; Mark Dalton 53.51; Jonathan Oxley 54.36; Olly Johnston 55.02; Andy Johnson 55.08; Pete Watkinson 59.01; Jordan Arnott 59.55; Cory Arnott 62.18; Neal Madden 64.23; Tim Simpson 64.44; Rob Reid 65.44; Howard Davies 65.48; Lucas Meagor 66.03; Neil Sergeant 66.28; Andy Tate 68.47; Jayne Dale 68.48; Debs Brant 69.57; Jed Holden 70.08; Dianne Coleman 71.50; Amanda Ritchie 73.17; Steve Hadley 75.56; Pam Atkins 76.27; Kay Farrow 80.10; Pete McNally 81.32; John Boardley 83.43.

Reported by Kay Farrow

Runners Take on Good Friday Challenge

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Apr 122010

53 hardy runners tackled the Brantingham Hill Race on Good Friday, five of them from Beverley Athletic Club.

This challenging 7.3 mile race is organised by East Hull Harriers and tests the stamina of runners on the hilly terrain between Elloughton and Mount Airy Farm.

Jon Leskiewicz was the first Beverley runner to finish and was sixth overall. He was followed by newcomer Dan Hardy who had an excellent run, completing the course in just over an hour.

Jane Dale was the sole female representative from Beverley. She put in another strong performance in a very challenging event.

The race was won by Stuart Carmichael of City of Hull in 45.38.

Beverley AC finishing times:
Jonathan Leskiewicz 52.08; Dan Hardy 61.20; Tim Simpson 62.48; Jayne Dale 66.35; Andy Tate 66.36; Steve Hadley 72.32.

Photos courtesy of Dave Gowans of East Hull Harriers

Athletes from Beverley Represent Humberside

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Mar 132010

Ten Beverley Athletic Club athletes represented Humberside last Saturday in the McCain UK Cross Challenge Final at Cofton Park in Birmingham. The televised meeting included the IAAF World Cross-Country Trials at senior and under-20 level and the UK Inter-Counties Cross-Country Championships.

Competing against the best cross-country athletes in the country, all Beverley runners were thrilled to have been selected for such a prestigious meeting. With over 250 runners in every race and hundreds of cheering supporters, it was a brilliant experience for all involved.

Beverley Athletic Club Juniors’ coaches Neil and Rona Sergeant were very proud to have 9 of their protégés selected to run in the yellow Humberside vest. “All the juniors have worked hard to achieve selection,” commented Neil “and I’m really pleased with their performances against the top cross-country runners in the UK.”

Peter McGill was the best placed Beverley Junior. In the under-15 boys’ race he completed the 4.5 km course in 16.04 and in 77th position out of almost three hundred runners. He was the second finisher for Humberside, helping his team to 31st position out of 41 teams.

Andrew Harding was also a key team player. In the under-17 men’s race his team finished 20th out of 40 teams.

In the under-17 women’s race Kendall Arnott finished the 5 km course in 24.58 and was the fourth counter in the Humberside team which finished in 38th position out of 39 teams.

Helen Storr was the only Beverley Athletic Club senior to be selected for Humberside and was the county’s sole representative in the senior ladies’ competition. “It was a fantastic day and one of the best experiences of my life,” enthused Helen afterwards, “I was really proud to run in a Humberside vest.”

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Under-13 boys – 3 km – 296 finishers
Ethan Dalton 12.13

Under-13 girls – 3 km – 306 finishers
Dayna Arnott 13.52; Jessica Chapman 13.54; Kelly Dawson 14.26.

Under-15 boys – 4.5 km – 298 finishers
Peter McGill 16.04

Under-15 girls – 4 km – 297 finishers
Nicole Dawson

Under-17 men – 6 km – 262 finishers
Andrew Harding 21.12

Under-17 women – 5 km – 266 finishers
Kendall Arnott 24.58

Under-20 men – 8 km – 193 finishers
Corey Arnott 34.42

Senior women – 8 km – 266 finishers
Helen Storr 38.53

Photos by Mark Dalton of Beverley Athletic Club, Reported by Kay Farrow
Ethan Dalton – centre, yellow vest, in the under-13 boys’ race
Helen Storr in the senior women’s race

Beverley Athlete Competes in Grantham Ultra

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Mar 112010

Beverley Athletic Club’s Mike Blamires took part in the second running of the Grantham Ultra race last Saturday.

A series of two 29.3 mile races run on consecutive days, the course followed a towpath alongside the canal from Nottingham to Grantham. Those competing on the second day stayed overnight in Grantham on Saturday and returned to Nottingham via the same route on Sunday.

Blamires opted for day one only and finished in 20th position out of 105 competitors. He was delighted with his performance.

His tactics were to run steadily at 9-minute mile pace and finish in about 4½ hours. Between 18 and 20 miles the muddy terrain forced him to slow down slightly and he was overtaken by a number of faster runners.

Nibbling small amounts of food to maintain his supply of energy, he passed the marathon stage in 4 hours 8 minutes feeling strong and overtaking those who had passed him earlier. He finished the course in a very respectable 4 hours 36 minutes.

The race was won by Oliver Jeffcote in 3 hours and 18 minutes.

Blamires was using the race as preparation for the Grand Union Canal Race in May in which competitors are required to complete the 145 mile distance between Birmingham and London within 45 hours.

Saucony Cross Country Roundhay Park

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Feb 272010

Over four thousand athletes from running clubs around the country assembled at Roundhay Park in Leeds to compete in the 2010 Saucony English National Cross-Country Championships.

The races were held on a muddy course that included a number of tough climbs and descents, culminating in an incredibly steep climb up to the finish.

Competing amongst the best in the country Beverley Athletic Club AC fielded runners in all but one race.

The Arnott family were out in force and Dayna, Curtis, Kelvin, Kendal and Corey all ran in junior races.

With their confidence boosted after being selected to represent Humberside in inter-county competitions, Peter McGill (U15 boys), Nicole Dawson (U15 girls) and Ethan Dalton (U13 boys) all ran well against strong competition. McGill did particularly well finishing in 63rd position out of 387 in his event.

In the senior men’s race it was student Ross Armstrong who led the Beverley Athletic Club men across the finishing line. He finished in the top 400 out of a total of more than 1400 runners. There were also very strong performances from Aubrey Morell and Ian Boardley. The men’s team finished in 70th position out of 107 six-man teams and in 39th position out of 45 nine-man teams.

Helen Storr and Sam Allen both ran in the senior women’s event. This season they have both competed in all the races in the East Yorkshire Cross Country League as well as in the Northern, Humberside and National Cross-Country Championships. They are on course to take first and second places in Beverley Athletic Club AC’s cross-country championships and Storr has just been selected to represent Humberside in the Inter-Counties Cross-Country Championships in Birmingham on 13 March.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times in the National Cross-Country Championships:
Under 13 boys – 3 km – 374 finishers
Ethan Dalton 13.52; Alex Park 16.09.
Under 13 girls – 3 km – 417 finishers
Dayna Arnott 16.06; Kelly Dawson 16.08.
Under 15 boys – 4.5 km – 387 finishers
Peter McGill 15.11; Curtis Arnott 19.35.
Under 15 girls – 4 km – 360 finishers
Nicole Dawson 17.01.
Under 17 men – 6 km – 308 finishers
Andrew Harding 23.04; Kelvin Arnott 34.05.
Under 17 women – 5 km – 189 finishers
Kendall Arnott 24.37; Jasmine Dalton 24.57; Jade Ellwood 26.15.
Junior men – 10 km – 204 finishers
Corey Arnott 49.04.
Senior men – 12 km – 1428 finishers
Ross Armstrong 47.15; Aubrey Morell 50.05; Ian Boardley 51.28; James Pearson 53.44; Mark Dalton 54.29; Neil Bant 57.11; Pete Watkinson 58.00; Neil Sergeant 66.17; Brian Richardson 66.43.
Senior women – 8 km – 543 finishers
Helen Storr 40.59; Sam Allen 42.10.

Stamford’s First Race Earns Points for Beverley AC

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Feb 142010

The penultimate race in the East Yorkshire Cross Country League took place at Welton last Sunday. Over a hundred athletes from local running clubs tackled a very muddy 5-mile course through Welton Dale.

James Pearson finished fourth overall and was the first Beverley runner to finish. After the race he commented: “It was horrible slow and sticky mud.”

Most runners had found the going really tough but Pearson noted that “Andy Johnson was outstanding and Lucy Stamford also ran really well.”

Andy Johnson was indeed outstanding as the second Beverley runner home and finishing in 23rd position overall. In his first season in the cross country league he has competed in all races and has gradually crept up the finishing order from 55th in the first race. The muddy conditions at Welton did not seem to hamper him and his excellent performance was rewarded with valuable points for the men’s team.

It was Lucy Stamford’s first cross country race since joining Beverley Athletic Club last year and she finished just behind club stalwart Helen Storr adding valuable points to the ladies’ team score. Stamford was using the race as part of her marathon training and ran home afterwards to clock up a total of 19 miles.

With one race left in the series Beverley’s men’s and ladies’ teams are both lying in fourth position. If the club can field its strongest teams they have a chance of challenging for third position but with club members committed to training for various road marathons the cross country league may not be a priority.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times Men:
James Pearson 34.16; Andy Johnson 37.30; Steve Jackson 37.52; Paul Clark 38.53; Ian Husband 38.59; Kristian Davis 39.03; Andy Collinson 39.08; Neil Bant 39.50; Pete Watkinson 40.19; Steve Hadley 45.40; Brian Richardson 47.01; Colin Sleight 48.17; John Boardley 59.41.

Beverley Athletic Club finishing times Ladies:
Helen Storr 46.15 ; Lucy Stamford 46.31; Tanwen Gray 48.46; Amanda Ritchie 50.56; Dianne Coleman 52.11; Pam Atkins 52.41; Jacqui Dickinson 57.54; Elaine Julian 59.23; Mary Carrick 69.50.

The race was won by Stuart Carmichael of City of Hull in 32.05 and the first lady to finish was Helen Cross of Pocklington in 37.17.

Reported by Kay Farrow, Beverley AC

Pearson Sets New PB in Ferriby 10

Athletics, Beverley Athletic Club No Responses »

Feb 032010

Last Sunday’s Ferriby 10 was designated as Beverley AC’s first handicap race of 2010 and 29 athletes from the club joined the 500-strong field to tackle the challenging 10-mile course which starts and finishes at Skidby Mill.

With temperatures just above zero runners soon warmed up as they climbed the hills out of Skidby and then Little Weighton.

Beverley’s leading male runner, James Pearson, continued his excellent form and marked his debut in the Ferriby 10 by setting a new personal best time at this distance. He beat his previous best by almost a minute as he crossed the line in 6th position overall only seven seconds ahead of club mate Rob Snaith. Snaith also achieved a new personal best time and could now pose a serious challenge to Pearson as Beverley’s fastest man.

Beverley’s leading lady, Julie Donald, finished in 8th position overall, 4 minutes ahead of her nearest Beverley rival, Lucy Stamford.

The Ferriby 10 is a race of two halves. After the long climbs in Skidby and Little Weighton on the way out, the second half is mainly downhill with a final steep climb back up to the finish.

Despite the tough first half several Beverley runners achieved new personal best times. Olly Johnston, Andy Johnson and Rob Reid all knocked valuable seconds off their previous best times and are in contention for the handicap prize.

Amanda Ritchie has taken a more relaxed approach to her running recently but was in a hurry to finish the Ferriby 10 and crossed the line over a minute faster than she did in the flat 10-mile race at Thirsk at the end of November. If she can regain her previous good form she will add much needed strength to the ladies’ team.

The race was won by Carl Ryde of Doncaster AC in 54:42 and the first lady to finish was Jenny Blizard of Rotherham Harriers in 59:40.

Beverley AC finishing times: James Pearson 56.28; Rob Snaith 56.35; Pete Fielding-Smith 61:37; Mark Dalton 63:44; Olly Johnston 63.57; Steve Jackson 64:22 ; Andy Johnson 66.24; Paul Burnley 66:37 ; Andy Tate 68:28; Pete Watkinson 68.36; Darren Rodmell 69:13;Julie Donald 71.00; Lucy Stamford 75:48; Rob Reid 76.17; Tim Simpson 76:27; Lucas Meagor 76:36 ; Steve Hadley 78:57; Andrew Foster 78:59; Miranda Hunt 83:27 ; Amanda Ritchie 84:20 ; Jackie Wright 85:20; Dianne Coleman 85:32; Andrew Grainger 87:17; Simon Gower 88:36; Pam Atkins 89:15; Neil Plumber 92:37; Jacqui Dickinson 99:21; Wendy Baxter 106:27; Pete McNally 106:49