Although we were one Vet short of a full men’s team, we had one of the strongest turn outs this season. Everyone did so well through a course that just kept giving more mud. No doubt everyone was spurred on by the familiar faces marshalling and giving support. Many had their highest finishing positions ever, or certainly this season. This is equally true for the ladies team.
Paul Ashby picks up runner of the day for just ploughing his way through the field. Great to see him back on form having done well at the Bowline a few weeks before.
Sarah Garford picks up runner of the day after having a fantastic run, great training for the Belvior challenge.
Last Sunday we hosted the Hinckley XC, race 5 in the Derby Runner League. Thanks and well done to all those who helped out before, during or after the event. Much organisation in advance, course planning and marking. Then parking on the day, time keeping and finish chute, lots of happy, friendly and encouraging marshalling as well as a big tidy up operation afterwards and plenty more too.
Everything went well, especially after the barrier went down at the car park. Having the tents so close to the start/finish and some of the course as well as the cars was great. The course allowed for spectators to see runners at the start, finish and a few times around the course.
Plenty of mud, some fields, some woodland and some ditches allowed for a bit of variety.
I have uploaded a PDF of the results with individual results followed by the team results. These can be found on the results tab at the top.
The ladies team did brilliantly coming 1st in Division 2. This puts them 2nd in Division 2 with 1 race to go!
We had 8 men run, but only the first 6 seniors score, then the first 2 vets. Rob Pratt was our only Vet (40+) and so we get last place +1 (270) to count as our 2nd Vet. Despite this men came 6th in Division 1, thanks to great performances by everyone who ran. Overall this puts us 5th in Division 1. Not much in it between 4th and 7th so the next race will really count!
As a team we came 6th in Division 1 (need 2 Vet men to count for the team so this pushed us down again with last place +1 (270)). Overall we are 4th in Division 1, but again, not much in it between 4th and 7th place.
With Coventry half and some other races being on the same day as the next one, a good turn out would be great. Last one of the season on Sunday 1st March 2015 at Holly Hayes Woods near Whitwick.
Another great turn out for both the men and ladies. A big thanks to those who have been bringing cake (Odette, Julia and Elaine at Markfield)! I can bring cake if you like. However, after the Christmas bake-off I’m not sure this is my strong point.
For the men, many improved performances since a couple of weeks ago at Barrow 6. PBs for at least Mike Daniels, Simon Bedder and Chris Langham. I think at least Gordon Landsburgh, Ed Nixon, Tom Wormleighton and Matt Knight managed to knock a fair chunk off their PBs too. Many others had season or course bests and did very well too.
It was great to see Ben Masser back on form again. Kevin Higham managed a PB as it was hist first 10k (how have you not done one already?!?). He also managed to knock out a great performance compared to other times and distance and placed very well.
Runner of the day goes to Simon ‘I haven’t really trained’ Birch for a massive PB of over 30 seconds per mile (I hear that is hard at the sharp end!). Compared to his normal performance this is a great achievement, he also finished 9th! Great result.
The ladies had equally great results. Emma Styles (Lambert) being first lady back for Hinckley and 2nd lady overall! Celine Guery keeps making great progress with another PB, by over 5 minutes! Others with PBs included Jenny Green, Amanda Knight, Lisa Freestone, Julia Waite and Andrea Earley.
It was great to see Charlotte Sinclair making her debut too.
Ladies runner of the day goes to Katy Grainger, she consistently represents the club at road and XC races, always performing very well. At Markfield she was 2nd lady back for Hinckley and took very nearly 3 minutes off her 10k time too! A great performance.
Well done and thanks to everyone who ran or supported. See everyone at the Hinckley XC on Sunday 15th February 2015
Individual results have been uploaded to the results page. Waiting for team results and tables to be confirmed.
Great turn out, 39 runners plus many supporters around the course. Well done everyone who took part, lots of PBs on a 10k course that seems far away from a PB course.
Hinckley Running Club held their annual presentation evening at The Atkins Building on Saturday night with many club members being recognised for their 2014 achievements.
The evening began with the Junior Division Athletics Awards after a successful season of athletics inside/on the track and also in cross country (XC). As a result of their successful season, 11 club members will be representing Leicestershire in the Regional Sports Hall Finals in February.
Most Improved Athlete went to Elise Cook-Sutton for improving in every field event that she competed in at Saffron Lane along with making a clear improvement in her long distance running. The Spirit of Athletics Awards went to Bethan Padbury for her time spent being an Assistant Coach at training sessions, assisting the younger children in competitions and being an ambassador herself by competing in both the junior athletics division and senior XC events.
Bethan Padbury Spirit of Athletics with coach Martin Lynch
Ben Thomas scooped Male Athlete of the Year for his success in track competitions and XC races. Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Emily Buckler for her track and XC successes and for setting 6 club records this season. Both athletes have regularly represented their schools throughout the season. Senior Club Chairman John Padbury then presented the Senior Division Chairman’s Award to Jayne Thomas for her outstanding contributions to the Junior Division. Despite the many hours Jayne dedicates to the Junior division, she also manages to attend club training herself on a regular basis.
Emily BucklerJunior Female Athlete of the year 2014 with coach Jayne ThomasBen Thomas Junior Male Athlete of the year 2014 with coach Shawn WileboreJayne Thomas Chairmans Award 2014 with Chairman John PadburyJayne Thomas Chairmans Award and Ben Thomas Junior Male Athlete of the year 2014
The Senior Awards night began with the preceding title holder Jacqui Campbell awarding Celine Guery with Beginner of the Year for her outstanding progress since joining Jacqui’s beginners group and the running club. Club president Geoff Oliver then went on to present the President’s Shield Awards which include a free 2015 membership to the club for the winners. The awards are based on a points system for individuals performance in the Leicestershire Road Racing League (LRRL). First place for the ladies went to Gill McGarry. Sarah McSharry came in second and third place was awarded to Kate Perkins. The Men’s first place was awarded to Chris Limmer. Edward Batch was awarded second place with third place going to Jonathan Strong.
Celine Guery (centre) beginner of the year with ladies captain Andrea Earley (left) and last years beginner of the year Jacqui Campbell (right)
LRRL rep Sarah Garford presented the following LRRL trophies to club members:
100% attendance in the league was awarded to Kate Perkins, Sarah McSharry and Gill McGarry. As a result of the ladies teams winning division 1 and 2, Penny Masser, Katy Grainger, Kate Perkins and Sarah McSharry from the ladies A team were presented with trophies for gaining the most points within the team. The ladies B team trophies went to Gill McGarry, Odette Foxall, Jenny Green and Sarah Garford.
Kate Perkins with her 100% and Bronze standard time
Men’s captain Jonathan Strong and ladies captain Andrea Earley then went on to present the club’s Times Standard Awards. Runners can gain an award by completing 5 different race distances within the times set by the standards. A distinction can be achieved by completing all 9 distances within the scheme which must include a marathon and a 20 mile race.Bronze Awards were presented to Rolf Hoelmer, Kate Perkins, Kev Higham, Jonathan Strong, Andrea Earley, Rachel Hallett, Steven Penney, Rachel Southworth, Tom Wormleighton, Julia Waite, Ed Nixon, Céline Guéry and Jacqui Campbell. Bronze Distinctions were presented to Ed Batch, Leanne Byard and Jenny Green.
Silver Awards were presented to Odette Foxall, Matt Johnson, Jenny Green, Ben Masser, Lisa Freestone and Karl Scally. Silver Distinctions were awarded to Katy Grainger and Sarah McSharry.Gold Awards were presented to Jo Martin, Chris Langham, Sarah McSharry, Simon Earley, Sarah Garford, Dave Limmer and Chris Limmer. Penny Masser was presented with a Gold Distinction. Assistant Coach Jenny Green presented the Coaches Award to Andrea Earley for setting an excellent example to other runners by coming back stronger than ever after injury to achieve her first Times Standard Award.
Andrea Earley receiving the coaches award from Chairman John Padbury
Sarah McSharry scooped the Ladies Runner of the Year presented by last years winner Kate Perkins. The award is voted for by fellow club members who were inspired by Sarah after going from strength to strength in 2014 after jumping from achieving Bronze times to Gold times in less than 12 months and shaving over 30 minutes off her marathon PB.
Last years male Runner of the year Jonathan Strong presented Joint winners Ed Nixon and Geoff Oliver with this years shield. Ed has progressed at an outstanding rate since joining the club and his strongest year yet was duly noted by fellow club members, ending with a sub 4-hour first marathon. Geoff is a long standing inspiration to club members but 2014 saw him achieving 8 world records in one race for the over 80’s and his determination to return this year is a further inspiration.
Geoff Oliver and Ed Nixon Male Runner of the year
Club Secretary Paul Clayton and Chairman John Padbury presented the penultimate Lifetime Achievement Award to Penny Masser and Steve Hatcher which includes lifetime membership. Both individuals have been club members for over 20 years and have made significant contributions to the club. Penny has been an excellent ambassador for the club at races throughout her membership and has held the post of Club Secretary. Penny has also been an integral part to organising Thursday evening running routes throughout her time at the club. Steve has been Men’s captain, Head Coach and XC captain which includes organising the clubs annual XC race. Steve has also spent many voluntary hours travelling far and wide to provide support to club members during training, races and endurance events, assisting on his bike and putting up tents whatever the weather.
Penny Masser lifetime achievement award
The club would also like to congratulate member Rachel Hallett for running her 100th park run on Saturday and being the first club member to reach this milestone. Hinckley Running club meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15pm outside the Small Hall in Hinckley Leisure Centre. For more information contact Paul Clayton on Secretary@hinckleyrunningclub.com or visit www.hinckleyrunningclub.com. The junior athletics division has grown to 108 members and train at Green Towers every Wednesday from 4.45 – 5.45pm and welcomes young aspiring runners and athletes of all abilities. For more information contact Andy Lauder on andy_lauder@btconnect.com
Bronze standard time awards and distinctions; Rolf Hoelmer, Ed Batch, Jonathan Strong, Steven Penney, Tom Wormleighton, Jenny Green, Céline Guéry, Andrea Earley, Jacqui Campbell, Ed Nixon, Julia Waite and Leanne ByardSilver awards Jenny Green and Odette FoxallMen’s Vice Captain and runner of the year Ed Nixon with Gold award achievers; Chris Langham, Jo Martin, Dave Limmer, Simon Earley, Chris Limmer and Sarah Garford.
Ben Masser with his first Silver standard time award
Barrow 6 saw the first of the LRRL closed winter league races last Sunday. With 39 running, this is one of the largest turn outs I can remember. 22 Ladies and 17 Men, (note to self, consider offering beer rather than cake perhaps? 🙂 ).
Great weather helped with a bumper crop of PBs, too many for me to count or keep track of I’m afraid. However, by the power of Facebook here goes; Jenny Green, Liz Lees, Jacqui Campbell, Sarah Garford, Katy Grainger, Celine Guery, Andrea Earley, Gordon Landsburgh and me (Jonathan Strong, 11 seconds off silver, getting closer).
It was great to see new faces as well as some who I haven’t personally seen race for a while. Thanks everyone who came to take part or support. For those who this is now a routine of awards evening and booze the night before the first winter league race, I hope like me it was a good experience! The race is a good test to see where everyone’s fitness is at.
Three ladies achieved club records during the race. Emma Styles (Lambert) achieved the second fastest 6m time for a senior lady. Jo Martin claimed the ladies vet 55 time for 6 miles. Whilst Anne Ashton did the same for the ladies vet 60 time.
For the men we saw David Limmer achieve a cracking placing coming in 11th overall in a brilliant PB time of 34:00 (Gold time). It was great to see Dave over the weekend as he had travelled down from Edinburgh for the race and awards night. Following closely behind Dave, two vets Chris Langham and Karl Scally had great times too, a PB for Karl as well. Many other great performances followed. With the men’s runner of the day going to someone who despite running each day of January put in a good performance and was looking better than I expected as he finished! That’s Mike Daniels, looks like you are off to a great start this year!
For the ladies it was great to see Helen Wilebore racing again after almost 18 months ‘out’, also Anne Ashton – who’s been a member for many years. Congratulations to Liz Aspden Mansfield and Kirsty Pollard on completing their first races in a HRC Vest – both did absolutely brilliantly. Lady runner of the day award goes to Emma Styles (Lambert) who put in an excellent performance, first lady home for us and 5th overall.
Next race is Markfield 10k on Sunday 8th February 2015.
Jon, Andrea, Ed and Leanne
Emma Styles – Photo by midlandrunner.weebly.comMike Daniels – Photo by midlandrunner.weebly.com
Another good turn out on a cold Sunday morning. After a bit of a warm up though I think many were rushing back to shed some layers. Most people seemed to be in agreement it was the hardest course so far (although I think the one before was harder).
Well done and thank you to all those who took part or came to support. Some great performances.
Men’s runner of the day goes to Matthew Knight. He has had a good race in all the XC’s so far and keeps placing higher.
Ladies runner of the day goes to Jenny Green. She seemed to take the challenging course in her stride and placed very well too.
Jon, Andrea, Ed and Leanne
Draft results for Barrow 6 have been uploaded to the results page. Fantastic turn out for the first of the LRRL winter road races in 2015. 22 Ladies and 17 Men. Below are a few of those who ran. Well done and thanks to all of those who took part or supported.
Well done and thanks to all those who ran and supported. On the day Ladies came 6th in division 2, men 6th in division 1 and the team came 6th in division 1.
So far in the league that puts ladies 2nd in division 2, men are 5th in division 1 and team 5th in division 1.
Results on the results page
Barrow 6 – 25th January at 10.30am.
Venue, Humphrey Perkins School, Cotes Road LE12 8JU.
The race starts at 10.30am but please get there early as it’s a popular race. It would be great to get as many member as possible running this Sunday:)
For those new to the club the LRRL (Leicester Road Running League) is a series of races(11) throughout the year open to all club runner. The league is split into 2 sections(i) winter league and (ii) the summer league.
The winter league is a closed league meaning you must be a member of an affiliated club to participate. You arrive on the day and pay £4 (50p increase from last year to cover additional cost) to your club representative (that’s me this year) and off you go:) After your 1st race you keep the same race number for the duration of winter league, so keep hold of your number:) Please note a club vest must be worn during these races which if you do not have can be purchased from Penny Masser.
The summer league is a little different as it is an open league so anyone can enter (no need to be part of a club) These races can be entered online in advance. You get a different number for each race and race costs do vary.
A variety of awards are given out by the league. Individual awards are determined for the winter league based on performance in 4 out of 5 races and the summer league based on 4 out of 6 race performances. All runners that successfully complete all 11 league races will get 100% award (a very nice looking trophy:) Team prizes exist for teams who finish near the top of their division after all the years races. teams for the league require 4 ladies for a ladies team and 8 men for a men’s team.
Last year we had a fantastic turnout with almost enough ladies to make 3 teams at each race and this showed in the team results. So regardless of where you feel you are in your running the league races are a fantastic opportunity to test yourself, improve, be part of a great team and have a great experience (especially more so when there is cake at the end:)
If anyone would like to recce the cross country course (5.4 miles) this Saturday morning then Sally and I are setting off from the car park at 08:30. Everyone is welcome, some might want to get there earlyer and run a bit around Bradgate first, or after, or both! All abilities welcome.
Please click here to view full details of the cross country at Bradgate including the map of the route. The last imagie shows the car park and we aim to meet in the public carpark on the north west corner at 08:30.
For the men, George Birt. Finishing first for Hinckley on Sunday as well as Saturday at the County XC chamionships. George is no stranger to the cross countrys, finishing 8th and 9th in previous races. Well done George and keep up the hard work.
For the ladies, Amanda Knight. Having only joined the club towards the end of the summer, she has shown her determination and effort in every cross country race so far (and in Vibram five fingers rather than spikes!). Well done Amanda great effort, keep it up.
Despite the very hilly course many others were on top form. Thanks to all of those who ran or came to support, espically Ben Harding who, coming back from a football injury, travelled over to see if he could run in the race. Making the sensible decision after his warm up, that he wasn’t quiet ready for it. Thanks for trying though!
Last weekend saw a load of running in mud across the County. First off, on Saturday saw the Leicestershire & Rutland County Athletics Association Cross Country Championships (LRAA) held at Cosby. The course was as flat as a pancake, by the time I ran at 14:15 many sections were very muddy, just how we like it!
Hinckley Men’s Senior team came 3rd and included George Birt, Matt Johnson, Kevin Higham, Jonathan Strong, Paul Ashby and Andy Lauder. In the absence of a small trophy I think a pint at the upcoming presentation night is in order!
Ladies Senior team came 4th and included Katy Grainger, Sarah Garford, Jenny Green, Jo Martin and Celine Guery.
In addition to the Seniors, two juniors competed on their own in their individual categories. Both did very well:
Carys O’Reilly was 14th in the Under 13 girls
Bethan Padbury was 10th in the Under 15 girls
For more information about the championships on the LRAA website click here. For the results, click here.
Well done everyone!
Ladies start LRAA – photo by Sally Henderson
On Sunday, the 3rd cross country race in the Derby Runner League, held at Sinai Park, took place.
Many of those competing on Sunday did so after taking part in the race the previous day, maybe they hadn’t had enough mud.
A foggy, very cold (even I put gloves on!) and hilly course (hands on knees walking job!) saw a stark contrast to the previous days race.
Men came 8th, dropping us down from 4th to 6th in the league . Thanks for everyone who ran yesterday and in previous cross country races. It would be great to get more men out next time.
A bigger turnout could help us get back to 4th rather than slip further down. We had 8 men running for the team. However, everyone running can help to push down the results of other clubs runners who might count. So even if you are not in the first 8 back for Hinckley you are still contributing. And you never know what might happen on the day, a great race and you might come higher up than you think. Equally others can have a bad race and come lower than normal. Happens to all of us.
Many people enjoy the variety of off road running. It can also be a good strength workout too. Everyone is welcome, just wear a club vest and bring £3 and a smile!
Ladies came 4th and are still 2nd in the league.
Overall the team came 7th, dropping us to 5th in the league.
Sinai Derby Runner League – Photo by SL Images
Thanks and well done everyone who came to either or both events. Next cross country is Sunday 18th January 2015 at 11am (juniors at 10:15) at Bradgate Park (a fantastic place to run!). If anyone needs any more information just ask me, Steve Hatcher, or anyone else who looks like they might know!
