results 1905a

Northbrook Results

For a complete listing visit the Results Index

May 2019

• Run for Beer Relays
• Edinburgh Marathon
• Edinburgh Half-Marathon
• Sonning 10k
• Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon
• Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
• Birmingham 10k
• Forestry England 10k
• Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race
• Hardmoors 110
• Bere Pen 10k
• Trent 5 Mile
• Stratford Sprint Triathlon
• Grafman Triathlon Trail Half-Marathon
• Rugby Ready Steady Fun Run
• Coventry Triathlon 5K
• Knowle Fun Run
• Race the Tide 8.5 mile Woodland Trail
• Worcester Half-Marathon
• Worcester Marathon
• City of Gloucester 10k
• Firkin 5 Mile Trail
• Pineta Monti Rossa Parkrun
• Blisworth 5 – East Midlands Grand Prix Series Race 1
• Cotswold Hilly 100
• Ellenden Farm Frolic Trail
• Bosworth Half-Marathon
• Draycote Water 10k
• Market Drayton 10k
• Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS 50)
• Kingsbury Classic 10k
• Kenilworth MayDay Multi-Terrain 10k
• Rightmove MK Half-Marathon
• Great Bristol 10k
• Nuneaton Aquathlon
• Uttoxeter 10k
• Milton Keynes Rocket 5k
• OMM Trail 10k
• Silva Great Lakeland 3 Day Challenge
• Sialens y Barcud Coch Trail 10k
• May the Fourth Be With You Trail Marathon
• OMM Trail Marathon

Run for Beer Relays, Stratford- 31 May

Forty-three Northbrookers headed to Stratford on a warm Friday night for the Run for Beer relays. Together we fielded 11 teams and everywhere you looked there was a Northbrook vest. We took quite a lot of comments from the organisers who were happy to see us throw so many people at it. This is a 4 person relay with each runner running a 2-mile lap before passing the baton on to the next in line. It’s a fast event that is gaining popularity as indicated by the 105 teams present on the night. We set up base camp on a bench next to the run course, each of us would get huge encouragement as we ran through the tunnel of cheers this way.

The first lap was fast and I was trailing 3 of ours and all of us were pushing our own boundaries, but was it fun. The support at base bench kept us pushing right to the end where you hoped your next runner was waiting. As you passed the baton over, there was relief then the realisation that your legs had gone and your lungs were still somewhere out on the tramway. But the smiles said it all. The later legs were panicking over how fast their team mates were running, the first legs were drinking beer, the shouts got louder and the speed of every runner was beyond what was expected.

What a great Northbrook night. We may not have won, but a couple of 3rd places and a 2nd place is a fantastic result that we all worked for. Take a bow Northbrook, you were fast, you were visible, you were loud and you were heard. We shall be back next year for more fun – Spencer

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Edinburgh Marathon – 26 May

52	Damian Dear	2:52:13
3027	Danny Murphy	4:10:25

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Edinburgh Half-Marathon – 26 May

5559

Catherine Shepherd

2:06:07

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Sonning 10k – 26 May

Tommy Dempsey

41:48

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Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon – 26 May

Tim Hughes

1:56:14

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Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon – 26 May

	Craig Slyde	3:20:00
	Caroline Parkinson	4:15:06
	David Giles	4:28:34

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Birmingham 10k – 26 May

The Birmingham 10km race was my first chance this year to wear a Wales vest, for my MV50 age group, and represent a Celtic Team (comprising Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) running against England in a Masters competition.

The race started in light rain in Colmore Row and followed New Street out to the Aston Expressway. At Perry Barr near Alexander Stadium, the route turned back down the opposite carriageway, and finished in Aston University.

There are quite a few undulations and tunnels, but I got to halfway in reasonable time. The next kilometre, after the turn, was a challenge back into the breeze. Each climb from here, was getting slower, until the final stretch in to the finish.
My finishing time was not as good as I hoped for, but I will have more time to train for the longer Masters races in the Autumn. Nevertheless, I finished 14th MV50 in the National Masters competition.

This was the first time in 10 years that I had the chance to wear a Wales vest in a race, so it was a proud day, and I look forward to the races ahead where I can wear the Wales vest again.
Everyone at Northbrook sent me good wishes before and after the race, and I thank everyone for their support – Mark

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Forestry England 10k, Cannock Chase – 25 May

The sun was out for a fantastic 10k event through the Cannock Chase Woods. This is part of the centenary celebration for Forestry England and there are a number of events in different woodlands throughout the year.
We were warned at the start that the race director had chosen a hilly route and it didn’t disappoint. It started uphill and never seemed to come down. Cardiac Hill was the obvious highlight and a nasty kick up just before the finish was also a handy reminder of the nature of the route – Sean

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Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race – 25 May

145 miles along the Grand Union Canal from Birmingham to London and a new club record for the event, breaking the 39 hour 6 minute record set in 1997 by Dave Halford.

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Hardmoors 110 – 25 May

110 miles and 15,000+ feet of elevation along the full length of the beautiful Cleveland Way. The race starts in Filey and follows the Yorkshire Coast through Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and Saltburn. It then turns inland onto the moors, climbing Roseberry Topping and the locally known Three Sisters hills eventually finishing in Helmsley.

The route is well way-marked and easy to follow and most people cover it over the course of a week. Kevin will agree that the North York Moors is God’s Own Country.

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Bere Pen 10k – 25 May

57

Eleanor Townsend

53:40

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Trent 5 Mile – 22 May

Jill Pittard

34:33

PB

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Grafman Triathlon Trail Half-Marathon – 19 May

Tony Bowe

1:52:47

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Stratford Sprint Triathlon – 19 May

I finished 121st overall and 2nd in my age category, missing first place by 3 seconds.

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Rugby Ready Steady Fun Run 5k – 19 May

A really friendly fun run with a 5k loop. A family event for us with Simon running with our youngest son in the buggy andme running with our eldest son – Dawn

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Coventry Triathlon 5K – 19 May

Sunday morning of the Coventry sprint triathlon at the Excel Centre and the night before’s beers at a party combined with the lack of sleep was causing me concern. Knowing I had messed up on my predicted times (keyboard slip) gave me a start time well ahead of where I should have been. But time to suck up the remainder of the Guinness and get on with it.

By the time of the run I still had no ill effect, I’d seen Booker chasing me in to the run start and was hoping I had enough left to stay ahead, then seeing the zone that Andy was in and the effort coming out of him spurred me on. Overall a great time for me, improving on last year by a couple of minutes, giving me confidence for the season ahead. Andy had a battle with a Cov Tri club mate all the way and gave everything to finish in the top 10 – a great performance from him.

Sarah gave everything, not aware she was 2nd female overall and 1st in her age group, although the amount of time she spent lying down afterwards did let on that she had certainly been trying.

A great event, well organised, friendly and encouraging atmosphere, thoroughly worth dipping your toe into if you want to try it – Spencer

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Knowle Fun Run 10k – 19 May

	Paul Stead	43:49
57	Peter Kirkhope	43:53
100	Andrew Ralph	46:44
453	John Ralph	64:33

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Race the Tide 8.5 mile Woodland Trail, Mothecombe – 19 May

53

Eleanor Townsend

1:24:46

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Worcester Half-Marathon – 19 May

A warm day for a trot around the undulations of Worcester – Chris A

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Worcester Marathon – 19 May

Claudie Combelas

4:21:28

3rd FV55

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City of Gloucester 10k – 19 May

Rich Cawley

46:38

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Firkin 5 Mile Trail – 18 May

Saturday afternoon brought the excitement of 6 runners and 1 supporter together as we headed to Hook Norton. Not sure if it was the impending race or the brewery but this was one we had been looking forward to. Mark tried to scupper our chances with a pre-race half each, not that Damien needed topping up.

As we lined up I was told we are “not racing” this one. Fine I thought, full of cold and flu and with breathing not functioning this suited me. On the word go, they shot off like leopards. As the first mile (all on road) passed and my watch alerted me it was a 7 min mile and I was trailing the other five I remembered “not racing”! I caught Mark in the next half-mile, it was uphill and slippery and maybe our racing flats were not the best choice at this point, and I was closing in on Jill when those pesky organisers offered beer instead of water at a drinks station. I mean it’s rude to not take a drink if offered. Martin was just finishing one as I arrived, Jill ignored it so I had to look after the club’s reputation and accept hers as well. Then Mark came sailing past without stopping.

One pint was enough for me mid-race so I set off again trying to catch them. As I passed Mark I could feel the beer swishing inside me but decided to ignore it. This was now road and downhill and this was what my flats were for. In the distance Martin and Jill had found a dog, Martin was happy, Jill took him, then they battled to the end. Back through the fields, over the ruts and along the trail path before the kissing gate. I waited, no-one was interested so I persevered. Thankfully, the stiles that in previous years people had been hurdling were not there this year (I probably flattened them the year before) and it was a chase to the end. Great results from the 6 of us with us all in the top 30 out of 263 finishers. Damien came 3rd and Jill was 1st female, so a few more pints while we waited for the presentation before we dissipated back to Coventry.

A great event, not your usual race but such fun – Spencer

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Pineta Monti Rossa 5k Trail Parkrun – 17 May

I ran this lovely parkrun with two best friends. We took it really easy and jogged round, just enjoying the experience. It was soft underfoot as running in a pine forest. The main course was out of action so we were on course B. Four laps but it was ok as it took two laps before we knew where we were going. A really small field and only a few volunteers but very friendly.

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Blisworth 5 – East Midlands Grand Prix Series Race 1- 17 May

Pos		Cat		M/F	Cat Pos
124	Tommy Dempsey	M45	33:18	118	33
274	Charles Jones	M65	39:36	221	1

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Cotswold Hilly 100, 10-Stage Relay – 12 May

Times are not indicative of pace as leg distances vary

The excitement had been building for months on the run up to this years event. With 6 teams out there the toll on the reserves list was huge, 12 reserves used to get the full complement out. But we turned up, and, boy did we turn up in style and force. Everyone seemed excited to start, shocked half-way through legs and exhausted at the end, and relieved to see the next runner in place and ready.

We had 3 teams at the 5am start and 3 teams at the 6am start. Good competition between them all, and the gaps were not that big between our teams all the way round. A huge thank you has to go to the 60 runners that were out there and an even bigger thank you to the supporters they bought with them. The runners can not do it without the support cars to keep them on track and give them abuse/support when the going gets tough. The supporters literally carry you round this course. None of that happens without the fantastic 6 Team Captains that really stepped up on the day; their teams functioned perfectly, I know how much work those 6 put in and how much they did on the day.

On the day you only really get to follow your own team around, but at every support point the sea of Northbrook colours overpowered every other team’s colours. We were a force to be recognised and we had a lot of compliments from every other team out there. It’s when you follow a team around that you see the effort that every runner puts in. This is never a solo event, the team is what matters and I could see that from the faces of the guys I was there for. So proud to be with them and to see how little everyone had left at the end showed that the the team always came first.

We did have a plan (there’s always a plan), the mixed A team was again the focus and before the day we were looking good. I knew how strong the team was and I knew that everyone else out there was integral to their success. They ran strongly and despite C&C informing me constantly it was theirs this year I would just coyly smile back and not rise to the bait. The result would tell. And tell it did, 1st place in the mixed teams with a new mixed team course record. We had the biggest roar when it was announced that we had retained the trophy and I did give the C&C Manager a cheeky wink to confirm I knew all the way along. He disappeared, we partied.

We ran hard, supported hard, celebrated hard and after all had one of the best Northbrook days out for a long time. Well done all – Spencer

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Ellenden Farm Frolic Trail, Evesham – 12 May

Paul Stead

11:00:15

18 laps, 50.4 miles

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Bosworth Half-Marathon – 12 May

220	Tony Mackness	1:43:05
	Pia Singh	2:12:20

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Draycote Water 10k – 12 May

	Tracey Williams	62:58
	Jane Stephens	69:58

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Market Drayton 10k – 12 May

A nice run through and around the market town, starting and finishing on the playing fields of the local school. The goody bag as always was fantastic – a tray of Muller yoghurts, a pork pie, nana, gingerbread man, another biscuit, a millionaires shortbread, medal, techie tee, lightweight (v useful) kit bag. This is the reason I run it to be honest.

Nowhere near a pb but 2 secs faster than last year and my fastest/least slow 10k this year – Lisa

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Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS 50) – 11 May

55 miles and 17,000+ feet of elevation taking in some of Snowdonia’s most scenic valleys, peaks and landscapes. This was a wonderfully organised event with excellent course markings (for day and night), well-stocked aid stations and enthusiastic marshalls. Described as “beautiful beyond belief, savage beyond reason”, this was an epic adventure which should be on everyone’s bucket list. There is also the UTS100 comprising 105 miles and 33,000 feet of elevation which started on Friday but the shorter distance was more than enough for me!

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Kingsbury Classic Trail 10k – 7 May

Four Northbrook runners (and their supporters) made their way across to Kingsbury Water Park for the 19th Kingsbury Classic 10k.

It was a fantastic course, with a mixture of trails, grass, and short sections of road, and there was scenery there too (according to the race info) but I didn’t notice it. Not sure if the rest had time to take it in as it was a fast course and all raced well.

A great evening out, recommended – Martin

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Kenilworth MayDay Multi-Terrain 10k – 6 May

Nineteen Northbrookers and supporters headed to the alps of Abbey Fields on a grey and overcast day. It was good running weather as those that felt cold soon warmed up after the first climb.

The race comprises 3 laps of Abbey Fields with 3 good climbs per lap. It’s not for the faint hearted. Six of the more sensible ones ran the event as a 3-person relay (1 lap each). The other 13 powered their way around making mincemeat of the climbs. Good runs all around with Craig leading us home, followed closely by Pete who dragged the rest of us home.

We witnessed a young Duffy leading her dad home on the kids’ fun run and while there was always time for cake the weather ruined the picnic plans.

This is a tough but great local event that really gives the whole family something to do – Spencer

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Rightmove MK Half-Marathon – 6 May

Pia Singh

2:02:36

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Great Bristol 10k – 5 May

735

Peter Kirkhope

43:32

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Nuneaton Aquathlon – 5 May

Three Northbrookers headed to Pingles on a sunny afternoon for the Aquathlon.
A 5k course on uneven grass was never going to be quick. Whether you are suffering from flying back from a holiday, or having dressing issues this was always going to be hard work. I started before James and he gave me the chase I needed. Tracey was the finisher with the best smile and got the biggest cheers and run team to see her home.

A great event, even if the timing was not the best – Spencer

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Uttoxeter 10k – 5 May

Rich Cawley

46:29

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Milton Keynes Rocket 5k – 5 May

Jill Pittard

20:30

PB

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OMM Trail 10k, Cannock Chase – 5 May

11	Eleanor Townsend	54:27	2nd female
36	Chris Archer	69:43

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Silva Great Lakeland 3 Day Challenge 4-6 May

Claudie Combelas

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Sialens y Barcud Coch Trail 10k – 4 May

Three of us set off on a road trip to deepest darkest Wales. The plan was to incorporate a parkrun en route and then rock up for the Welsh 10K championships at Devils Bridge Falls. The location made it a must for me and with segments of the route titled “dead sheep drop” and “widow makers ridge” why would you not want to do it.

Parkrun was great, a low attendance meant Damien stormed to 1st place without being pushed, Tracey and I got our highest position finishes, and to top it all off there was a Wetherspoons to replenish the fuel levels afterwards. Then onto the main event.

Tracey was our chief supporter (i.e sunbathing while drinking local cider). The event looked busy and while I knew it was steep in places what shocked me was the loose slate path that was close to vertical for almost a mile. I walked it and was proud to admit it (everyone else I could see was walking so I felt better). When I got to the top the views were spectacular with the sea in sight. Then the downhills started. As the 10K point approached it became clear we were still a long way from where we started. My head started to nag, Damien said his legs were falling off at this point, though when I finally finished they were in fact still attached to him. At 6.5 miles the finish was 200 mtrs away, but that would be too simple. Back up another mountain for half a mile before plummeting back to the finish finally.

Tracey and Damien said they could hear me cursing the organisers from the top. A Welsh km is apparently not an English km. 7.5 miles in the end for the Welsh 10K championships! Damien stormed to 2nd place, his reward was a landscape photo and a cheque. I got a bag and a banana which apparently Damien got too.

Must try harder next time and a revisit to work out exactly where the “dead sheep drop” was is almost guaranteed – Spencer

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May the Fourth Be With You Trail Marathon – 4 May

Tony Bowe

6:04:36

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OMM Trail Marathon – 4 May