results 2305

Northbrook Results

For a complete listing visit the Results Index

May 2023

• The Ox Races
• Edinburgh Marathon
• Grand Union Canal Race
• Trent 5 Mile
• Banbury 5, EMGP Race 2
• Cotswold Hilly 100
• Great Manchester 10k
• Worcester Marathon
• White Peaks 10k
• Mad Hatters 2 Mile Relay
• Ryton Pools 5 Mile
• Silverstone 10k, EMGP Race 1
• Goring Gap Half-Marathon
• Goring Gap 52k Ultra
• Cornish Imerys Half-Marathon
• Town and Gown 10k
• Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
• Shires & Spires 10k
• King’s Coronation Civil Service 10k
• Market Drayton 10k
• Sunderland 10k
• Birmingham Half-Marathon
• Bosworth Half-Marathon
• Thames Path 100
• May the Fourth Half-Marathon
• Milton Keynes Marathon
• Great Lakeland 3-Day

Ox Races 2023, Rushmore Estate, Dorset 27 – 29 May

The Ox weekend which had been talked about for a long, long time fell and we all headed south. Eleven Northbrookers and a support crew of Mark and Jenny meant we were present in numbers. The weather was hot, and the dangers of the breeze from camping on top of the biggest hill around meant plenty of suncream was going to be used.

First up were the young calves, our next generation. Tackling a 4km race, Jensen led them home. Brook remembered all advice and waiting for dad and brother before she blasted her way across the finish, Heath dragging dad with him.

The weekend had started well, step up the light Ox. The line up to become familiar. Pete, Spencer and Claudie tackling the first of the day’s 10km races. Pete was new to the course and the hills that the estate can throw at you. I had numerous demons to beat from last year, and Claudie was eager to eat as many miles as she could.

It was hot and the long straights dragged. The "Love Station" lived up to its reputation with schnapps and cider for refreshments. The 2 mile straight to the finish all uphill with the worst of the climbs at the end was still there. But this time I beat the hill. All finished and went straight back into the shade for refreshments, rest and refuelling.

The Dark Ox was up next and equipped with head torches Pete, Claudie I were joined by Chris. Running in the cooler air would suit Chris better. The same course and more schnapps and cider from the love station crew meant the climb after became more bearable. Now the drinking by the competitors could start as the supporters for the day had been indulging while we were running.

Sunday and it was Frolic time. A Frolic is a run over a set time (12 hours) and you can run as many laps or as few laps as you want. Pit stops to eat/rehydrate or change clothing are encouraged. We had Tracey, Chris, Claudie and Kelly out on this one as soloists. Team Hughes started with Caroline while hubby went for a cycle ride.

Claudie, knocking lap out after lap like a metronome, was keeping today’s pit crew of Mark and me busy, whilst the 3 Northbrook-a-teers of Chris, Kelly and Tracey apparently sang and danced their way round. Stories were being relayed to us about them refusing to leave the Love Station till full cider and schnapps were dished out. They kept going, with cups of tea, bananas and orange squash at our pit stop every time keeping their spirits up and keeping them moving. Caroline was walking most laps often reappearing with them for refuelling. Claudie’s plan was marathon distance, and as the sun hit boiling point she hit her distance and settled for cold drinks as a reward. The plan for the 3 was 4 laps and they joyfully set of singing and skipping on their last lap. Peace and quiet for the pit crew descended as our drinks started. It was hot work keeping them crewed.

Tim had relieved Caroline for a lap as she headed back out on her 4th lap keeping the team rolling. Four laps in and the singing returned, obviously partaking in mid-way Love Station refreshments was keeping their spirits up. Tracey and Kelly were going again, to the biggest cheer, Caroline heading out on her 5th lap as they headed off together. The singing was non existent on the course but filled out the pit area as rehydration was started.
And with that a 5th lap, Chris winging a marathon got a huge cheer at the end. Never underestimate this man (or did he just want relief from the drunken singing of his 2 companions?). But he was happy and done. We retired back to eat and watch the band for the evening.

Monday morning brought a stronger wind but temperatures just as high as Claudie raised again to join me and Pete on the Ox Half. And with that it started, Pete enjoying the downhill and me looking forward to seeing Pete tackle "pregnant sheep" hill and Claudie somehow getting her legs going yet again. Pete disappeared off after walking the hill everyone has to walk. I made the most of a pit stop as Claudie passed. There were some very long drags out there in full sun exposure. I slowly closed the gap on Claudie only to find her rising from a 2nd fall, she was bruised, bleeding and hurting. I stayed with her for a while before the downhill paths meant single file was a necessity. When I say stayed with her, it’s not as if I could have pulled away from her. Claudie is a very determined lady. She was not giving in as I dragged her to the Love Station where I emptied their cider and schnapps before we both headed off. We reached the 2 mile climb together and both setlled on similar paces, Claudie not letting me pull away. Then there was Tim at the marshall point to cheer us on before we crossed the finish line together. Great to have the company on this one and some well earned practise for the upcoming marathon was achieved.

Another great OX weekend delivered as only the OX can – Spencer

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Edinburgh Marathon – 28 MayM

Great race in the Scottish capital. The first 5 miles are all down hill and I got carried away and set off too quickly and although I managed to main target pace for the next 15 miles, I paid for my initial exuberance on the last stretch. Nevertheless I managed a new pb by 2 minutes and overall enjoyed the race, and it was great to it with my brother.

Great city, good event and well supported – Rob

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Grand Union Canal Race – 27 MayOTH

Liz Pharoah

36:31:00

London to Birmingham – 145 miles.

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Trent 5 Mile – 24 May5M

	Jill Pittard	0:36:40
	Lisa Abbott	0:41:27

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Banbury 5, EMGP Race 2 – 23 May5M

Charles Jones

0:39:40

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Cotswold Hilly 100, 10-stage road relay – 21 MayOTH

Times are not indicative of pace as leg distances vary

The long-awaited day of the Hilly 100 arrived. With a few logistical issues and personnel issues resolved, the alarms were set for 02:30 and for every hour after that. Kit was laid out the night before as 50 Northbrookers plus a flotilla of supporters and entourage prepared for a day on the hills of the Cotswolds.

Our A team having big targets on their backs knew this was going to be a tough day but they were no shrinking violets. They turned up ready to give it their all and a little bit more, the four other teams out to chase and be chased. With 5 runners on the 5am start entourage everywhere the race was on. Cotswolds tri started the challenge in the Mixed A team category as Clare blazed the path on leg 1 for our 4 sunbursts to trail. As the abilities started to split, Clare released Amanda who was not going to hold back as she ascended leg 2, the distance between our A team and our other teams growing. Mark and Craig were pushing all the way up leg 2 but it’s a long drag all the way and these two warriors kept their heads focused to hold off a charging Spa women’s team. Tim on his debut Hilly event chose one of the hardest legs and Claudie exceeded her own expectations to pass on the baton.

As the legs passed, stories emerged of monster hills, of flying Northbrookers, of diversions, of heat and of the railway crossing. We were treated to a herd of cows filling the roads as they transitioned from milking parlour to field, and to the gentleman’s bike ride of 125+ motorcyles. As the temperatures started to rise, the heat was on, and our main rivals for the day attempted to bait us on social media. Shame they did not realise we were already in the hills and reception being notoriously bad meant their attempts were wasted until after the event.

A reset on leg 8 for a mass start for Stuart, Ellie and Jan, gave the 2 other teams a chase they would relish. Temperatures soared and Alan coming over the top of leg 7 was showered in water to keep him cool, Francis having already collapsed giving everything on leg 6 until his legs fell off. Matt, looking exhausted sat in the shade of a car as we all caught up.

Then onto the finish to see the results. We knew retaining the Mixed A title would be tough, and the Mixed B title was possible if our teams (yes all 50 runners) gave everything. It was all down to Craig and Rob on the run in. Rob was on form and Craig made flying look easy. They gave everything, exhausted and overheated sunbursts crossing the finish in the heat of the day.

What a great day out for the club. The results were much as we expected. Second Mixed A team despite some very fierce running out on the course, and the B team retained their trophy by just 1 minute. The competition is hotting up and I’m sure we will be back next year for the challenge and to reclaim and retain our trophies. Well done team Northbrook – Spencer

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Great Manchester 10k – 21 May10K

Lee Miller

0:54:18

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Worcester Marathon – 21 MayHM

123

Dave Halford

4:37:29

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White Peaks 10k – 20 May10K

11

Peter Kirkhope

0:44:46

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Mad Hatters 2-Mile Relay – 19 MayOTH

 

Don’t be late, don’t be late, this was a very important date. In our first Mad Hatters 2 mile relay at the Jaguar Sports & Social Club we were pleased to welcome 4 teams who entrusted us to run this event.

The idea was a 4 person 2 mile/leg relay based more on fun than eyeballs out, with every finisher receiving a drinks token to exchange at the bar.

With great enthusiasm we had an All Male winners team, an All Female winners team, a fancy dress winners team and a Mixed winners team.

The event can only improve and grow – Spencer

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Ryton Pools 5 Mile – 18 May5M

21	Dan Stevens	00:30:03
23	Matthew Hathrell	00:30:20
54	Steven Turvey	00:32:37
57	Liam Mills	00:33:00
86	Tommy Dempsey	00:34:22
132	Spencer Davies	00:37:03
134	David Giles	00:37:16
141	Craig Webb	00:37:47
143	Debbie Campbell	00:37:51
160	David Mills	00:38:40
161	Joe Kelly	00:38:49
167	Peter Kirkhope	00:39:20
194	Stuart Clements	00:41:08
199	Simon Aldridge	00:41:30
203	Cliff Evans	00:41:47
207	Tony Mackness	00:41:58
210	Ben Isaac	00:42:17
217	Adrian Lowe	00:42:35
219	Mark Dalton	00:42:38
220	Anthony Grace	00:42:42
243	Michelle Edwards	00:44:23
247	Joanne Evans	00:44:41
255	Kevin Erne	00:45:42
266	Fern Kenny	00:48:02
276	Nicola Glaze	00:50:24
282	Tracy Jefferson	00:52:58
283	Ruth Hallett	00:53:34
289	Joanna Hughes	00:55:15
290	Verity Crichton	00:55:41
291	Tracey Williams	00:55:59
293	Graeme Brannen	00:58:01
294	Craig Slyde	00:58:02
302	Jane Ward	01:05:27

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Silverstone 10k, EMGP Race 1 – 17 May10K

Three of us headed south to Silverstone for the 1st race in the East Midlands Grand Prix series. I’d never raced (or been) there before so when the Level 1 coach shouted out for who was going, my head picked up and I entered.

It was a warm evening and the participants looked fast. I did have a moment of doubt whether I was out of my league, but I pulled on my big boy pants, ate another jelly baby and went through the pre-race warm up routine, a warm-up on the course to raise the goose bumps, actually on the Grand Prix course and it was awe inspiring. I lined up spotting Damian and Rob further upfront and decided my place further back was safer for me.

As they started, the 2 sunbursts ahead of me soon disappeared and the masses started to thin out. It was fast, a reassuring glance at my watch worried me, but I battled the demons out of my head and continued pushing. I was passing people on the Silverstone circuit! Not quite as elegant as some of the vehicles that complete this loop but I was still passing. Lap 1 and I was quicker than Saturday’s parkrun. Again I pushed the demons off my shoulder, stopped for a water (it was hot, that was not rubber I was leaving on the track it was a sweaty grease stain) and fluids were much needed. Again, I kept the pace going. The tarmac was fantastic to run on, the downhills so gradual you hardly noticed them, the uphills even less gradual.

As I turned towards the finish straight the scene was unbelievable. The actual Formula 1 track and were the crowd cheering me? Who cares? I took it, for one moment I was Hamilton, Prost and Senna rolled into one, but I was a new name to add to those famous F1 racers. Head held high, the livery of the sunburst blazing across my chest were my colours and a sub-44 was achieved, although I did need the barriers just after I finished. If I were a car there would have been an empty spinning engine out of fluids. The barriers were a welcome relief as I realised I was holding on for dear life in front of my colleagues.

If you are a F1 fan, this is a must to do. It’s what you dream of, it’s inspiring, it’s fast and it’s fantastic – Spencer

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Goring Gap Races – 14 May

 

Four of us travelled down to Reading to take part in the ‘Goring Gap’ races.

Chris Archer ran the half-marathon, whilst Claudie, Caroline and I completed the 52k Ultra race (on a really warm day).

A fantastic achievement, guys – Jan

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Cornish Imerys Half-Marathon, St Austell – 14 May HM

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Town and Gown 10k, Oxford – 14 May 10K

A lovely historic course, with great crowd support on a very warm day. More of a jog than a run in my case due to an ankle injury, but I really enjoyed it.

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Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – 14 May M

I signed up for this as part of a 2 Marathon deal, which included the Yorkshire Marathon this coming October. The Yorkshire Marathon is relatively flat, the Leeds Marathon is exactly the opposite. I had hoped to go close to 4 hours, but when the sun came out at 8am (contrary to the Met Office forecast), I knew this was unlikely. I hate running when it’s hot.

The race started and finished at Headingly Rugby stadium, as this is Rob Burrow’s home ground, with the bag drop inside Headingly Cricket ground which adjoins it. Arriving well in advance of the start time, we were met with huge queues just to get into the ground. The security people were checking everyone’s kit bags, until I heard someone senior telling them just to pick random people otherwise we’d be here all day. Interestingly all the bins in the vicinity of the ground had been sealed off, so clearly they were taking security extremely seriously. Once we eventually got inside the ground, the scene can only be described as utter chaos. The queues for the baggage drop went on and on and well over an hour later, only 5 minutes before the scheduled start, we were still in the queue, and they announced that the start had been delayed. Eventually we got the bags dropped.

The actual race itself was very well organised, with water/electrolyte/gel stations every 3 miles, and the crowds were amazing. I think everyone in Leeds had come out to support, and most of them had brought jelly babies, oranges and quite a few out in the countryside had got their hosepipes out to cool people off. There were more unofficial water stations than official ones.

I was doing OK until about 16 miles (despite a few toilet stops), but the hills and the heat finally got to me. From mile 16 to mile 20 is just one continuous steep hill. Loads of people (including me) were stopping to walk sections, and I saw lots of people receiving medical attention. The last 6 miles were more or less downhill, but I was knackered at this point, so it was a bit of a struggle. The crowds were 10 deep for the last 2 or 3 miles, so that was a nice boost for the final stages, and it was great to finish inside the stadium. The baggage chaos continued, and I had to wait almost an hour in a hot building just to get my bag. The bloke next to me passed out and required medical treatment.

So, all in all a great run, great course (if you like hills), great weather (for the spectators) but appalling organisation at the start and end, which hopefully they’ll address for next year’s run. I’m undecided whether I’ll put myself through that again.

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Shires & Spires 10k, Naseby – 14 May 10K

Darren James

0:50:48

3 mins 10 seconds faster than Leamington Regency 10k last month.

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King’s Coronation Civil Service 10k – 10 May 10K

This was a 10km race for Civil Service runners staged in Battersea Park. It started at 3pm on a surprisingly warm afternoon, and there were 4 laps of the park, with a finish on the track. There was a small medal to commemorate the King’s Coronation – Mark

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Market Drayton 10k – 9 May 10K

I think this is the 4th time I’ve run this – possibly the slowest, but I’m also older. It was warm and there’s a horrid hill at the end. It’s quite a drive from home, BUT it’s the best goody bag ever (Tee, medal, 12 milkshakes, 4 sausage rolls and a gingerbread man) and the support on the streets of this lovely market town is really welcome, as are the sprinklers at around 7k).

I didn’t see many of us Northbrookers apart from Kirstie before the start and Si and Ellie at the end so I missed the team photo (I was with friends from Newport and District AC, oops!) – Lisa

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Sunderland 10k – 7 May 10K

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Birmingham Half-Marathon – 7 May HM

My first half-marathon for a couple years; I decided to enter couple of weeks ago with the help of Liam. Liam and I hustled our way from the train station trying to make our Orange start time of 9.30.

The train arrived in New Street at 9.15 and with a bag drop on the opposite side of Broad Street we amazingly managed to get going around 9.45, the atmosphere and the weather was great.

Liam was giving me great encouragement and helping me on my way especially on the hill section in Selly Oak, keeping me going just about up to around 9 miles before leaving me to fight through the remaining part of the course.

Exhausted in the sun at the finish we both walked into the city centre for well deserved refreshments – David

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Bosworth Half-Marathon – 7 May HM

	Tommy Dempsey	1:35:45
	Lee Newark	1:52:00
	Julie Liggett	2:11:27

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Thames Path 100 – 6 May OTH

59	Damien Dear	22:55:54
108	Mark Parker	24:39:39

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May the Fourth Half-Marathon – 5 May HM

5

Craig Webb

2:38:26

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Milton Keynes Marathon – 1 May M

It was a lovely day and I was on 5 hour pacing duties for this my 150th marathon.

Unfortunately the train was lost at mile 20 as I had to up the pace to hit the mile markers on time; they were a little further than they should have been and there was no 26 mile marker.

A nice day overall though.

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Great Lakeland 3-Day – 29 April to 1 May OTH