results 2405

Northbrook Results

For a complete listing visit the Results Index

May 2024

• Cotswold Hilly 100, 10-stage Road Relay
• Greensand Country 50K Ultra
• British Masters Relays
• Banbury 5 Miles
• Quest for the Golden Carrot
• Great Run Bristol 10k
• Chester Half-Marathon
• Whitepeak Down in a Shot 10k
• Draycote Water 5k
• Draycote Water 10k
• Draycote Water Half-Marathon
• Ryton Pools 5 Miles
• Bidwells Town and Gown 10k
• Market Drayton 10k
• UTS 50K by UTMB
• Ricky Races 3
• Milton Keynes Marathon
• AJ Bell Great Birmingham 10k
• North Dorset Village Marathon
• Belfast City Marathon
• Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day
• Tempo Trails Cotswold Marathon
• Steel City 60
• May the Fourth 28 Miles

Cotswold Hilly 100, 10-stage Road Relay – 26 MayOTH

Times are not indicative of pace as leg distances vary

 

A couple of months in the planning and we had 5 teams for the best race event of the year;
4 mixed teams and a men’s team, with a reserve list that was 8 strong and we were as prepared as we could be, and for once the last minute changes were limited to 2 (next year guys).

The plan was simple, challenge for the A team trophy and push for the mixed course record, retain the Mixed B trophy and get the first Northbrook men’s team in living history to run all the way through without using the mass start. Not a simple task as when the events teams were declared I was aware of a very strong competition from C&C. To make it worse they would start alongside our A team at 6am. But we had 50 Sunbursts, all having a task to make the plan work. To top that up we were close to 30 strong on support duties and they were needed.

The alarms went off at 3 am and nervous legs found themselves in Stratford for the 4 teams on the 5 am start. Rob led the sunbursts home on leg 1, Michelle kept the B team in the game and Carolyn and Jenn put in a shift in to get that chase ready past 6 am. President Terry and 10K Steve were pushing the hill on leg 2 as the heavens opened, running up what turned into a river running down the hill, Joseph and David keeping the chase going. Tash had started at 6 and took 3 minutes as a lead over her rival as she released Liam on his first ever hilly straight up leg 2. David drifted into view and Liam entered into hunter mode as he took David, the chase was working. The E team now had to keep running so the mass start reset was all to play for, Kevin, Craig, Anne, Anthony and Catherine all having to finish to ensure the E team counted.

As Liam flung the baton at Amanda she set off across the top on the longest leg with the sun in full force. Against her was C&C’s fastest man on their team, But, like Tash, you never tell Amanda what she can’t do, Amanda held of the 19 year old whippet as Jo was caught, again that sunburst dragging Amanda on and into hunter mode. The D team now had to keep running so the mass start reset was all to play for Pete, Andrew, Cliff and Graeme all having to finish to ensure the D team counted. An exhausted Amanda passed onto matt before she almost passed out on me, she had given everything and retained the lead (a 19 year old schoolboy had only taken 1 minute out of her). As he finished he was shocked, they had told him he was racing a woman, they just never revealed it was Amanda and she had broke him.

Matt, making light work of the hills on leg 4, started in a blaze of sunshine till the heavens opened again on his final climb he found a soaked Pete eager and waiting. The E team restarted on the mass start now, ensuring there would be more sunbursts up the road for the A team to chase. The Mixed B team and the men’s team were still keeping the charge going as leg 5 turned into an oven as the heat reappeared knocking Pete for 6, but he closed the gap onto the men’s team, it was getting close. The funniest sight happened as Tom was chasing a partridge (the bird won) which lifted the atmosphere. The D team restarted on the mass start now, ensuring there would be more sunbursts up the road for the A team to chase and to ensure the mens and the B team had targets to aim for. They were running to catch the E team. The plan was working.

Tim had the task of trying to hold off Adrian, 1 mile later and the gust of wind that was Adrian swept past Tim, it was down to the B team now and they were running in fear from Adrian. Adrian swept through the live traffic of the Fosse as he was not stopping, before the long climb from the Slaughters to an awaiting Chris. Tom Cox having the task of holding Chris off on leg 7 as Chris stormed through, taking the a road down the middle and closing to within 3 minutes of the B team. Our A team lead had now stretched to over 20 minutes but this was no time to relax, the order was to keep the pedal pressed firmly to the floor and go for the record. No letting off as full steam was activated. Megan finally taking the B team on leg 8 as she bought the baton round to Craig, her family at every corner cheering and encouraging her. Worries were not needed as she kept the speed up, we were flying.

The men’s team were now coming back at the B team but would we have enough in the tank? The men’s team had run through without the mass start so now they were under pressure to make the cut off. The race was on and the support caravan increased as Craig made Ilmington look flat before releasing Tom for the glory leg, He was aware of the lead and the record and he did not ease off, with the sight that no-one wants to see, Pete coming back to sprint him in, coming home in a time of 11 hours and 17 minutes. Now Dave had to get Kirstie, on leg 10, the lead she would need as Malc destroyed himself and leg 8, the men releasing Tony. Tony being the secret weapon and just keeps going. His task was to get me close enough to chase Kirstie in and he pushed all the way. As leg 10 started Kirstie had a 7 minute lead on me, this was going to be tight, and the support teams were now 6 cars strong witnessing a chase that could only come on leg 10. I was being updated as the gap was closing, the first set of hills took me by surprise, Loxley Hill taken in stride but slowed me so I had to open the tank coming through the village as the support team roared both Kirstie and me on from the pub. 5 miles to go and the gap was closing. I was pushing hard as the road closure meant the last 2.5 miles would be unsupported, then disaster, a shoelace malfunction. Deliriously I could not get my fingers to work and a minute later, with a hundred knots created I set off again. Then on the main road in the distant what looked like a runner in a black vest. My head picked up and I floored it to the top to discover the runner was a lampoost. I was racing a lamppost! Then my eyes told me the same again, through the rain which was starting, I chased another lamppost, no Kirstie in site. Still pushing I risked everything as I went straight through the final roundabout, screeching tyres as now drenched I was not easing off.

Kirstie was sprinting in against a Spa Strider running for her life. As I came into view of the finish a 30-strong roar from Northbrook went up as I bought us home. The target for the men was 13:15, we bought the men home in 13:10, Kirstie finishing 2 minutes ahead of me. As I crossed the line, the legs went, the D and E team captains holding me up in the pouring rain. Everyone heading into the bar to get out of the rain as Tracey tried to bring me round. 5 minutes later and a pint was thrust in my hands and the heat of the bar started to work.

The results were in, Spa ladies taking the title, the C&C men’s team narrowly missing the course record by 9 minutes after being held at the train crossing. Then the mixed results. We beat C&C by over 35 minutes, the roar blew the roof of the club house as a 35+ Northbrook bellow said it all. Then the B team result we wanted and we again raised the roof. Northbrook has never been so loud, there were tears, there were smiles. Battered legs made it to hug each other as the mission had been completed, and completed in style. 2 shields, 1 men’s team all the way through. 50 runners, 8 reserves, 500 miles, no incidents and the best club day ever was achieved.
Same again next year folks?

I think the A team needs to take 17 minutes off next year so it will require another 50 runners, another 30 strong support crew and 365 Days of training.
Come on Northbook, we were not rubbish, and we got this – Spencer

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Greensand Country 50K Ultra, Biggleswade – 26 May OTH

A 31 mile loop on beautiful trails. The course was well marked and checkpoints were well stocked. Without doubt one of the better events out there.

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British Masters Relays, Mallory Park – 25 May OTH

The British Masters relays, an event we had not done before and the timing was awful being the day before the hilly 100. But we decided the race was worth it as long as we held back. With a “Young Un” in the team we were categorized in the MV35 classification which was a 6 strong team. We knew the competition would be fierce and it did not let us down. The organisation was fantastic, the surface perfect to run on and the hairpin on the hill twice meant it was never going to be a flat and easy run.

Kevin started us off and being one of our fastest we had hopes. A mile in and were fighting to not be last but Kevin did not ease off resulting in our fastest leg of the weekend. In comparison the winners were storming through in under 15 minutes! Mark was 2nd up resulting in his fastest pace for the year as was Tim who pushed on, now taking a few places back. Rob under Hilly 100 instructions made a negative split look very easy as Malc supposedly taking it easy pushed out a great time. With a minute’s notice I was out on the mass start, mass being used very loosely as there were 3 of us. A good race was had right to the finish.

A great event. I think if we ran in our age categories we would do well, and if the calenders work next year we will be back with more than one team next time – Spencer

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Banbury 5 Miles – 21 May 5M

103	Rob Richardson	00:33:23
107	Terry Moynihan	00:33:33
155	Andrew Clay	00:35:48
205	Mark Baker	00:39:26
207	Spencer Davies	00:39:32
222	Charles Jones	00:40:43	1st MV70

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Quest for the Golden Carrot – 18 & 19 May 5K

A rearranged weekend came around and Northbrook assembled for what was our first time at this event. Run Rabbit trails – the Quest for the Golden Carrot. The format was one of multiple runs, starting with a backyard ultra style of 5 x 5k runs, each on a different route, each starting on the hour. To make it harder for myself I challenged myself to multiple fancy dress changes, one for each lap. There were 7 of us with accompanying Sphinx comrades.

The first 5k was deceptively flat with unforgiving farm field edges. The ruts having turned to concrete and the grass overgrowing them meant you were all one step from throwing an ankle. We were all in, a quick change, a quick beer to rehydrate and we went again. This time an out and back, the first half was delightful, a lovely skip through forest and down the edge of another concrete rut edged field to the turn around. Then the mood changed as the way back was up hill and made you work hard. We were all back, another quick change, another beer to rehydrate.

Sally sat the next one out as the heat and humidity were ramping up. This one was all uphill and round another field that tested your ankles. All back, a quick change another beer and ready to go. The heat was taking effect Tracey (D) and Jane sat this one out as they needed to hydrate, Sally rejoined us. It was an even harder 5K this time with even more hills. But all back, last change, another beer and we were all going out for the last one. The last 5k had to be the hardest (of course) and the hills were punishing. This time I dropped to ensure we were all in, safe and sound. Rabbit trail mix completed and medals earned.

But the heat and the quick changes had drained me. 3 hours later I begrudgingly lined back up with Claudie for the Headlight 10K hop. After a false start due to everyone heading in the wrong direction (follow my leader really did not work here) we were off. I was drained, Claudie skipped away and that was the last I saw off her. I berated myself but kept to my mantra of walk up all the uphills. Nearly 90 minutes later I finished, broken, battered, soaked in exertion but another medal acquired.

Time to rest (which involved a well deserved shower, all the food in the world and a lot more beer) while Northbrook danced the night away. The following morning and the battered legs of Claudie and me rose to complete the Rabbit half-marathon. The heat had ramped up further, the humidity even closer. This was going to be a slog. We were both armed with poles for this one, my mantra still sticking in my head. Walk all the uphills, run everything else. The rest of the Northbrookers made themselves busy and were everywhere. As Claudie and I toiled up even more hills we could hear the Northbrook encouragement pushing and dragging us along. On the first lap Claudie put a gap into me, then after the 1st water station my head picked up and I started to target my way up the field. One at a time, drop in behind, sit, wait, then pass and make sure they never come back at me. Claudie was passed towards the end of the 1st lap when I was feeling strong. This was a mistake on my part as I know how dogged she is and I then ran the 2nd lap in fear. Again the same hills (but this time how were they bigger?). The heat burning the exertion off, the poles dragging us up every hill, the marshalls encouraging and our Northbrook cheerleaders making sure we knew we were doing well (at least I think thats what they meant). The end in sight and I held of a charge by 2 from behind me as I crossed the finish line for the last time.

The most refreshing cold beer waiting for me was like heaven. Claudie in just after me.
Then the news Claudie was dreading. She was in the top 6 females over the whole weekend. This woman really is unstoppable. Her reward, a mile “sprint off”. Sprint being a term that I’m not sure that the 12 who lined up and had each done 46 km’s over the weekend were going to be able to achieve. Claudie, now stripped of poles, water and anything that could weigh her down, muttering how she was going to walk it all, as she started to run of. Then through the heat haze she re-appeared, no walking in site as our Northbrook warrior woman, our Amazonian, our wonder woman, ran down to the finish to cross for her last time. We caught her and sat her down and proceeded to fill her back up with cold beers.

What a weekend, a great local find, really well organised event with a great atmosphere. Make no underestimation though. This has to be one of the most challenging, hard things I have accomplished. We all achieved what we wanted to at the start of the weekend, and left as we came, but with huge smiles, a lot of sunburn and fatigue, with battered legs and pounding feet. But all looking for where to sign up immediately for next year. We will return, who will join us? Spencer

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Great Run Bristol 10k – 19 May 10K

Lee Newark

0:46:08

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Chester Half-Marathon – 19 May HM

As a last minute request for pacing, I agreed to pop up to Chester and least the 2:30 bus. It was hot, but we got the job done before getting a breakfast sandwich and a pint courtesy of the event organisers. Anyone tempted by their marathon in August? I’ll be there pacing the 5 hour slot for what I consider to be the best marathon in the UK.

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Whitepeak Down in a Shot 10k, Derbyshire – 18 May 10K

31	Peter Kirkhope	0:48:37
94	Nicola Glaze	1:05:40

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Draycote Water 5k – 18 May 5K

Bob Adams

0:28:38

An enjoyable out and back course.

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Draycote Water 10k – 18 May 10K

	Jennifer Ennis	0:58:28
	Alan Smith	1:04:26

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Draycote Water Half-Marathon – 18 May M

1	Adrian McBride	1:12:14
26	Cory Payne	1:36:56

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Ryton Pools 5 Miles – 16 May 10K

12	Martin McGough	00:28:44
16	Matthew Hathrell	00:29:20
73	Niall Hamill	00:34:12
85	Tommy Dempsey	00:34:46
108	Kevin Spare	00:35:47
122	Malc Copeland	00:36:36
128	Jamie Gould	00:36:52
139	Adrian Powell	00:37:35
157	Robert Halford	00:38:27
159	Craig Webb	00:38:39
161	Mark Jennings	00:38:45
163	Phil Hyde	00:38:55
164	Rav Sangha	00:39:06
171	Rhys Robbins	00:39:44	PB
172	Debbie Campbell	00:39:57
174	Joe Kelly	00:39:59
181	Ainsley Wileman	00:40:09
182	Christie Hall	00:40:12
190	Tim Hughes	00:40:32
192	Craig Slyde	00:40:40
195	Richard Gould	00:40:56
198	Simon Aldridge	00:41:10
204	Peter Kirkhope	00:41:25
219	Michelle Edwards	00:42:27
233	David Giles	00:43:51
235	Andrew Scruton	00:44:01
240	Ellie Aldridge	00:44:31
254	Kevin Coughlan	00:45:24
268	Joanne Evans	00:46:35
271	Nigel Markey	00:46:44
274	Jennifer Ennis	00:46:51
281	Martin Gavin	00:47:42
295	Becci Lewis	00:50:54
297	Tracy Jefferson	00:51:47
300	Caroline Young	00:52:48
304	Tony Bowe	00:54:58
311	Tracey Williams	00:57:02
312	Spencer Davies	00:57:04
319	Judith Haley	01:04:31
321	Alexis Copeland	01:06:23

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Bidwells Town and Gown 10k – 12 May 10K

After nearly 6 weeks of no training due to my ankle injury, I knew that this was going to be a question of survival in the 25 degree heat. I therefore decided to jog round with my mate, for whom this tends to be the only race he does all year. It was still incredibly hard, but at least my dodgy knee felt no worse at the finish line than it did before I started

It was a big ‘P.W’ of 74 minutes and 42 seconds, but at least I got round in one piece. (Spoiler alert – I’ll include my moan about the lack of water in the ‘Weekly Speech’).

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Market Drayton 10k – 12 May 10K

3	Adrian McBride	00:33:51
34	Craig Holmes	00:39:35
46	Chris Goodman	00:40:10
88	Terry Moynihan	00:42:37
105	Tommy Dempsey	00:43:29
107	Tom Miller	00:43:32	2nd MV60
248	Anthony Grace	00:48:08
321	Debbie Campbell	00:49:45	3rd FV60
374	Kirstie Murray	00:50:56
670	Carly Wood	00:57:23
900	Ruth Hallett	01:02:40
1010	Claire Messenger	01:05:43
1047	Joanna Hughes	01:06:45
1058	Nicola Glaze	01:07:03
1238	Tracey Williams	01:11:45
1320	Jan Watson	01:15:44
1445	Jane Ward	01:26:22

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UTS 50K by UTMB – 11 May OTH

35 miles and 11000ft of elevation in the Snowdonian Mountain range. A real tough day in the heat.

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Ricky Races 3 – 9 May OTH

As a last training run, I managed to get a last minute place on a 6 hour run in Rickmansworth. The original course was 3.28 miles long with the option to do as many laps as desired within the 6 hours. But flooding meant a loop of 1.08 miles and 28 laps to hit my 30-mile target. It was hot, but some shade on the shortened route made it manageable. So with tired legs, I was pleased to get a marathon done in 4:57, so that allowed for a decent recovery walk/run to the finish.

A brilliant way to spend a working day, but now at least I can taper for 2 weeks. Unless something else catches my eye.

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Milton Keynes Marathon – 6 May M

185

Damien Dear

3:15:08

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AJ Bell Great Birmingham 10k – 6 May 10K

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North Dorset Village Marathon – 5 May M

	Damian Pharoah	3:23:42
	Liz Pharoah	4:33:36

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Belfast City Marathon – 5 May M

The BBC described the Belfast City Marathon as gruelling and they were not wrong. In order to visit all parts of the city, the route took in the western hills at miles 18 and 19 which slowed down even the fastest and broke the hearts of many. But not this correspondent. Having trained in the foothills of Corley Moor I was able to skip up Old Park Road into the Ardoyne.

The route was varied, starting in the grounds of Stormont and taking in both loyalist and republican areas and so treated to the famous murals. (Bobby Sands was a keen runner), past City hall, through Ormaugh Park, twice and around the famous waterworks and past an amazing 100ft ball in ball metalwork sculpure. There were some boring bits past car dealerships, but you were never far from support. The amount of support on route was amazing with good crowds, if a little quiet. But loads of unofficial aid so their was water available almost everyone, particularly outside churches. That was helpful as it was very humid and I was sweating heavily.

5,000 did the marathon, but we were accompanied by 12,500 on a relay. Which meant that you were always running with others, but all at differing speeds, so never really got a sense you were in a race with anyone. I was pleased I did a negative split, particularly given the hillier second half, but didn’t quite meet my 3:20 target. But overall I enjoyed it greatly – Rob

Cheap flights from Birmingham, guaranteed entry with no ballot, and not having ever visited Ireland made this an attractive run. Spent Saturday sightseeing, which had a bit of an undesired knock on affect to Sunday’s run. Picked up number and goody bag, which contained a decent running top, and a few edible things at the Titanic Expo on the Saturday with no issues. Buses laid on to take you from Belfast centre to the start at Stormont ran like clockwork, so I arrived a bit earlier than I hoped. It was at this point, I had my only criticism, not enough toilets meaning the queues were huge, and some people had to make use of the surrounding wooded areas.

I met up briefly with Rob Richardson and we were off at 9am on the dot. The route takes you from Stormont (a very impressive start) into the city centre, and then out along the Falls Road, Shankhill Road and West Belfast before heading back into the city with a finish in a large park. I got a bit carried away and took it upon myself to stick with the 3h30m pacer. I managed to do this until just after the 10 mile mark, when my achilles started to hurt (too much walking the previous day). Took painkillers which helped, and just stuck at it, at a slower pace.

The second half was much hillier than the first, which didn’t help. Once back into the city, you can see the finish line over the water, yet you still have 4 miles to go. Got to the finish just as the sun came out. BBC Northern Ireland were showing the whole race live, and seemed to concentrate on the masses rather than the elites, and they kindly filmed me on the last 100 metre section and crossing the finish line.

The support around the course was phenomenal. As well as regular official aid stations, I think every church on the route had set up their own aid station, giving out water, gels, oranges and sweets. The Belfast people were incredibly kind all along the course, and even after I finished and was walking back to the hotel, I was stopped a couple of times by people asking to have a look at the medal and congratulating me on completing it.

100% recommend this race. It’s less than 1 hour on the plane, and Belfast City is a great place to visit – Alan

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Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day – 4 to 6 May OTH

 

Returning to the Scarpa Great Lakeland 3 Day for another crack at the Lake District. Some were back for the 3rd or 4th time, others attempting their first event, all carrying the Northbrook Spirit. This is a wonderful trail event with 5 different length and difficulty courses each day with your own navigation and supplies. Base Camp started at Ennerdale with 5 taking on the Cafe course, Cliff attempting a fast time on the Herdwick course and me tackling the middle distance Wainwright course. The Wainwright course this year was a lot tougher than I expected with 1600m of elevation and 7 checkpoints including Sharp Knott, Burnbank Fell, Gravel Fell, Hen Comb, Mellbreak, and Red Pike, before decending down to the overnight camp in Buttermere.

The end of the day was a sharp reminder of the changeable conditions in the Lake district. At the Scale Force Waterfall it was beautifully clear and dry. an hour later at the top of Red Pike was sideways rain and zero visibility. Coming back into camp we had a happy smile at the desk with Claudie welcoming everybody home.

Day two, we again separated on different courses with all of us attempting the same course as the day before and Tracey taking on her own adventure course. Day 2 is always the longest day and this was no exception. After climbing Robinson and Hindscarth there was a long clamber downhill to Little Town before I started climbing Causey Pike. During this climb I was seriously doubting my own abaility to make the climb, so sat down taking in the views for a while working out what to do. Should I run down and DNF heading back to camp, or continue the course back to Buttermere. I decided to continue but considered missing the final checkpoint at Remmerdale Knott. Unfortunately that day was quite misty so views where limited through the day, I eventually took the decision to complete the days course before heading back to camp grabbing some food before some much needed liquid refreshments.

Day 3, after packing up our tents I decided I wasn’t up to attacking the Wainwright course again so did the Herdwick with Caroline and friends. A lovely day heading back to the event centre at Ennerdale. After welcoming our club mates back to camp we compared the stories and experiences of us all whilst enjoying some wonderful food.
Kelly, Chris and Joanne completed the Cafe course each day and all placed well. Cliff achieved a top 20 overall placing on the Herdwick course.

We will return next year – Tim

Overall

Cafe course		Saturday		Sunday		Monday
21	Joanne Evans	49	05:43:56	60	07:09:31	25	02:41:48	15:35:15
28	Chris Archer	46	05:41:58	59	07:09:27	147	04:43:28	17:34:53
29	Kelly Parker	47	05:42:26	61	07:09:43	150	04:43:57	17:36:06
Herdwick course
18	Cliff Evans	15	04:17:35	35	04:58:01	39	02:40:24	11:56:00

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Tempo Trails Cotswold Marathon, Ilmington – 4 May OTH

Will Kilbey

5:57:47

28.1 miles

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Steel City 60 – 4 May OTH

After the disappointment of the Thames Ring, I was lucky enough to find this amazing race at short notice, running a loop around Sheffield. Thinking I’d still be good for the 60 miles, I had no idea just how hilly, muddy and technically difficult this race would be, so my legs may have complained a little.

The race took in some of the best scenery you can find in the UK, the cp’s were every 10 miles or so with welcoming help and some decent food. The finish was a hard slog for the last 32 miles (including many stiles), but the reward of a medal, t-shirt and an amazing cottage pie made the event superb.

I’d thoroughly recommend the 30 or the 60 option, but be prepared for a tough challenge. A 10 out of 10 for me.

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May the Fourth 28 Miles – 4 May OTH

Tony Bowe

6:46:50