results 2505

Northbrook Results

For a complete listing visit the Results Index

May

• Tempo Summer Midweek Series 5-Miles Race 1
• Cotswold Hilly 100 Charity Race
• Edinburgh Marathon
• Buxton Half-Marathon
• Tolvanloppet 12km
• Zig Zag Farmmageddon Marathon
• Banbury 5 Miles
• Worcester Marathon
• Worcester Half-Marathon
• Zig Zag Birthday Run Marathon
• Quest for the Golden Carrot
• Hackney Half-Marathon
• Four Farms 10km Trail Race
• Whitepeak 10k
• Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k
• Race for Life 5k
• Ryton Pools 5 Miles
• Bristol 10k
• Market Drayton 10k
• Shires and Spires 10k
• Town & Gown Oxford 10k
• Clun Valley Challenge Marathon
• Silverstone 10k
• Great Lakeland 3 Day
• Milton Keynes Marathon
• Milton Keynes Half-Marathon
• Belfast City Marathon
• Great Birmingham Half-Marathon
• Tempo Trail 10k
• Prague Marathon
• May the 4th be with you Marathon

Tempo Summer Midweek Series 5-Miles Race 1, Ilmington – 28 May 5M

Tired feet from an epic weekend on the half-marathon and hilly hills were pushed back into trainers as Northbrook assembled ready for the first of the Summer Series – the 5 mile road one. The course map showed hill that went up to Pig Lane, and it was a piggin hill.

Malc and Ryan were out of sight and I decided in advance that the hill was to be walked. This man was not to be turned and at the 1-mile marker I pulled on my big boy pants and picked my head up. Time to run. Caroline took some catching as I threw myself down the steep hill, a limp due to protecting the knee clearly visible. The same hill that cost Alexis a fall later.

Then we hit flat and undulating. This my legs can handle so I started to pick the pace up, finally catching Claudie with about a mile to go.

A great introduction to the Summer Series, with a pie for the reward and refreshments at the Red Lion afterwards. A great Northbrook summer night out. Roll on the 18th June for a flat and fast 5k – Spencer

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Cotswold Hilly 100 Charity Race – 25 May OTH

The build up to this year’s Hilly 100 race had seen big interest. Before the drop-outs started we had 6 full entered teams and 9 on the reserve list. But as per Northbrook’s usual style, the week before the event arrived and the drop-outs began. Uur reserves stood in (where it was not too late for them) and other faces came forward. With 6 teams this year I was lucky enough to be ably supported by strong Team Captains. Take a bow, Tracey Davies, Rob Richardson, Tim Hughes, Simon Aldridge and Terry Moynihan. The day could not have happened without these 5 volunteers. For me, I was managing the A team again.

On the day, our A team was strong and confident, and our men’s team was stronger than anticipated though the push through without a mass start was always going to be a challenge, and our B team was strong by the time they started.
We had a lot of “new” faces this year, meaning the instructions/logistics/plans had to be iron proof. But with 60 of us it was not quite tight enough. Five of our teams started at 5am; our A team was due to be released at 7am with the “fast boys” teams. Alarms were set and Northbrookers were rising from 3am to 9am. All had their instructions. All knew where they had to be and when. This was GO time and our 5am starters went. Stand-in Damien on a tight logistical plan led them in on Leg 1 as Ravi was launched up Leg 2. Sarah released stand-in Tom then Sam onto Jenn, Lee onto Rob and Joe onto stand-in Mark. It was underway and the teams were splitting. Leg 2 being the monster that it is took its toll, weary legs and shocked faces summitted and thrust the baton forward. This was the way the day was going.

About this time Marie had shocked the “fast boys”, the murmer was there’s a mixed team starting at 7am. Since when? Our rivals had started an hour earlier than them and our A team whippets were given the instruction, “chase them down, hunt the Northbrookers up course”. Marie made no excuses and knocked out the run of her life.

On to Liam. Directions were never Liam’s strong point but he was that confident he diverted for 2 miles. Both he and Andy were distraught. The chase got more intense. Liam thrust his baton as Tash took on the chase. No-one tells Tash what not to do and she started catching the 5am teams. This woman was on fire and eating into the course. At this point the Leg 4 race was on. Jonathan was clear up the field, Jim pulling away as I stuck to my plan to walk the uphills and Simon was eating minutes out of me. Caz, like the pocket rocket she is was the only one to finish smiling – sadist. Andy, warned about the beast of Leg 4, started. His head said make up time and wobbly-legged he finished, looking in disbelief at what he had just climbed, taking minutes out of expectations. The time was catching up and our A team were on fire. They were beginning to see Sunbursts ahead and that’s all they needed. Our A team was hunting now and Pete got within touch of Ellie who released Julie just ahead of Adrian. No-one holds Adrian off and on the horrible Leg 6 he started taking the 5am Northbrook teams. Sub 1-hour and Chris was set free to climb and drop to Moreton. Our mass starters had already restarted meaning the chase was reset.

The 5am teams now knew they had to complete to Leg 7 otherwise everyone up field was having a wasted run. Those are the hardest runs to do and Mert, Alan and Mollie were the heroes to complete that task. Finishing at a pub helped. Amanda out on course now ably supported for water drops by Grace was giving it all, none of our teams were easing off. As Paul drifted into view it was the thing Amanda needed and she whipped past him. Then the new end of the leg came and the distance up the last turn was never ending. As she turned her legs were going, we guessed how far and we guessed wrong, She gave it her all, almost collapsing, Stopping to breathe and refocus she went again. Across the train line and she was too quick for the train timetables, who had spotted Richard coming and dropped the barriers. A train full of tourists saw our fine athlete stood there looking at his watch in disbelief.

Three times Amanda went again before collapsing in tears on Craig who was off. As I caught her up she had enough strength to stagger back to her car, 110% given and everything left out there on the course. The Ilmington climb started to take its effect on Craig, not that he was slowing, but the smile was disappearing. At every junction he was directed and he flew down Larkstoke. Flat till almost the end and he never left the rear view mirror. The smile was back. As he turned the last corner Matt all fired up was waiting and pacing, Craig was almost on his knees. The last exchange completed and Matt was released. 3 Northbrookers finished from off the mass start now, 1 up course and 1 down course. The first corner Matt threw his cap, not the day to be hindered, he climbed. At the top we had a message of a finish time come in, the message was relayed. This was definitely pedal flat to the floor, Matt never being out of sight was giving it all. As he summited Loxley Hill, the pace was flat out and he was looking strong. On one of the last turns we could be there for him and he caught Andy from up the field. This was strong and tight. The shout out had been made and Adrian was waiting on the Stratford road for pacing and stopping roundabouts. Not the sight you need after 9 fast hilly miles is Adrian waiting to pace you in. Someone to catch him at the end was in place.

All downhill and it was 2 sunbursts going chest to chest down the road, one guiding and blocking, the other just focused on his pace and the finish. As he turned to the end it was a sprint and he was caught as he crossed the line. Andy followed about 2 minutes later and Anthony ensured the men’s team ran through.

The teams had given everything, from Leg 1 to Leg 10. Every one of the 60 had given everything they had, putting their club and their teams before themselves. Backing their captains to the hilt, running/supporting/crewing they did it all and what a Grand Northbrook Day out we had. The celebrations and stories were wild, the tales to be written into folklore. And already they start asking for next year. This is Northbrook at its best and we certainly fielded our best on Northbrooks Grand Day Out – Spencer

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Edinburgh Marathon – 25 May M

	Rhian King	03:20:18
	Tom Hughes	03:22:00
	Joanne Evans	04:48:14

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Buxton Half-Marathon – 25 May HM

As I was too late to enter the Northbrook team’s Hilly 100 I bravely (or stupidly) entered Buxton Half Marathon. I arrived in Buxton on Saturday and parked the camper in an overnight car park. When I arose on Sunday morning it was cold, wet & very windy. The race started at 10am.

The first (almost) 3 miles were uphill with a very strong cross wind. Mile 4 was downhill (yippee) with the wind behind but not so strong. Miles 5, 6 & 7 were undulating. Mile 8 was again all up a steep hill with the wind in my face. The rest of the run was undulating.

A very challenging run and I completed it but in my slowest time ever for a half-marathon.

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Tolvanloppet 12km, Bromma, Stockholm, – 24 May OTH

Entered as spur of the moment, having run a parkrun only a few hours earlier. Happy to average quicker than 4:30 per km despite the lack of rest and hills. Nice local race, in a pretty part of the city.

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Zig Zag Farmmageddon Marathon, Buntingford, Herts – 23 May M

Tony Bowe

04:27:36

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Banbury 5 Miles – 20 May 5M

	Ainsley Wileman	00:36:02
	Richard French	00:38:49

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Worcester Marathon – 18 May M

101	Anthony Grace	04:21:48
136	Fern Kenny	04:45:18	3rd FV45

Worcester Half-Marathon – 18 May HM

80	Rav Sangha	01:41:30
160	Debbie Campbell	01:51:56
461	Joanna Grace	02:40:50

A very hot and hilly half-marathon. My first time doing this event.

An enjoyable day in Worcester with fellow Northbrookers – Debbie

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Zig Zag Birthday Run Marathon – 18 May M

Last minute decision on Saturday night to enter the ‘birthday run’ lapped trail marathon! Lovely varied course through woods and gravel paths and around a lovely lake at Hinchinbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon. Eight laps and 26.7 miles completed.

Highly recommended.

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Quest for the Golden Carrot – 17-18 May

The weekend for the Golden Carrot was much anticipated and the glorious weather on the run into it was setting the scene for a glorious weekend.

The quest starts with the Trail Mix, 5 x 5k with each 5k starting on the hour. You then get about 2 hours off before the evening 10k. The following morning is the half- marathon. The top 6 overall finishers of both men and women then get to do the 1-mile carrot dash.

I had 6 costumes for my runs, the 7th being that of a tired and battered runner for the half-marathon. My training has been blighted by injuries, health issues and toothache. I had never been so unprepared.

As each 5k rolled over the effort needed from all of us was taking its toll, our times were slipping. Tracey & Jane sat out  Run 4 as the massage team put their legs back together. As the 5th one started Matt had a 1 second lead over 2nd place. He was told, "come back with a shield, or come back on one". It worked, out of somewhere
he stormed the last 5k to win the Trail Mix. For the rest of us, our now sunburnt and battered bodies fell over the finish line.

For those doing the 10K at night, we rested up putting as much fluid into us as we could. Matt duly collected his winner’s trophy before resting. The evening 10K started in burning heat. Taking in parts of all the different 5k’s we had already done. My support team were there at 5k to cheer me on and with 100 mtrs to go my Tracey rewarded me with a bottle of beer so I could walk over the line. The 6 costumes had got me a rousing reception but I was glad to put them away, the heat had taken its effect on me.

For the morning, 4 broken bodies rose and prepared. Tracey W arrived fresh, Matt knew he had 20-ish mins to take it easy to qualify for the dash.

Lap 1 and the previous day was really taking its toll on me. The uphills were hurting, the downhills even more so. The lack of fitness was the worst. At half way my Tracey strapped poles to me to get me through the ups. They worked, and I soon found more belief and strength, dragging myself step by step to the end.

Matt had already qualified for the dash and he had a raucous support team screaming him on. 2nd place in the mile sprint off and after the weekend’s exertions this was some going. Matt made us all proud and the knowledge of his achievement gave me and Tracey W hope to get round to the finish.

All across the line, most with spent stiff legs but with big smiles. 7 races for most and a weekend of fun in the sun with the best Northbrook crowd, doing what Northbrook does best – Spencer

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Hackney Half-Marathon – 18 May HM

What a great day, the support all the way round was amazing. It was a great event and well-organised. I would definitely recommend.

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Four Farms 10km Trail Race, Deddington – 18 May 10K

It was nice to run a multi-terrain race on the fields and paths near Banbury.
There were options to run 5km, 10km or 20km. I chose the 10km race, and enjoyed a scenic course with a few good hills.
I was pleased to find out that I’d just done enough to finish first in my age group.

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Whitepeak 10k, Cromford Derbyshire – 17 May 10K

28

Peter Kirkhope

00:48:40

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Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k by UTMB – 17 May OTH

35 miles and over 11000 ft of elevation, including up and down Snowdon twice.

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Race for Life 5k, Stoneleigh – 17 May 5K

Janet Gilmore

00:36:00

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Ryton Pools 5 Miles – 15 May 10K

	Adrian McBride	00:26:48
	Matthew Hathrell	00:28:15
	Ralph Atkinson	00:33:28
	Steve Turvey	00:34:23
	Tommy Dempsey	00:35:29
	Rav Sangha	00:37:13
	Samantha Ryan	00:37:38
	Abigail Williams	00:37:51
	Timothy Devenport	00:38:04
	Robert Halford	00:38:33
	Debbie Campbell	00:38:40
	Joe Kelly	00:38:57
	Kyle Turner	00:38:59
	Phil Hyde	00:39:45
	Simon Aldridge	00:39:58
	Paul Curtis	00:40:25
	Adrian Lowe	00:41:28
	Spencer Davies	00:42:02
	Rhys Robbins	00:43:52
	Ellie Aldridge	00:45:16
	Allison Smith	00:45:36
	Joanne Evans	00:45:44
	Stephen Simpson	00:46:30
	Cliff Evans	00:46:34
	Richard Hands	00:50:08
	Tracy Jefferson	00:51:33
	Tori Boyle	00:52:08
	Caroline Young	00:52:41
	Tracey Williams	00:58:12
	Judith Haley	00:59:59
	Sukhjit Dhindsa	01:08:07
	Yvonne Boyle	01:09:21

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Bristol 10k – 11 May 10K

1540

Peter Kirkhope

00:50:30

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Market Drayton 10k – 11 May 10K

	Chris Goodman	00:38:12
	Craig Holmes	00:38:52	2nd MV35
	Malc Copeland	00:46:34
	Samantha Ryan	00:47:04
	Adrian Powell	00:47:32
	Simon Aldridge	00:50:59
	Mollie Williams	00:51:45
	Mark Jennings	00:52:17
	Kirstie Murray	00:54:09
	Sarah McNaney	00:56:27	2nd FV65
	Carly Wood	00:56:48
	Rhys Robbins	00:57:53
	Claudie Combelas	00:58:16
	Eleanor Aldridge	00:58:35
	Richard Hands	00:58:39
	Joanne Evans	00:58:50
	Claire Messenger	01:02:21
	Cliff Evans	01:04:53
	Tracy Jefferson	01:05:05
	Bethany McCluskey	01:06:01
	Victoria Boyle	01:08:49
	Joanna Hughes	01:09:28
	Ruth Hallett	01:11:25
	Liane Powell	01:11:44
	Graeme Brannen	01:11:44
	Tracey Williams	01:14:09
	Jan Watson	01:18:08
	Chris Archer	01:19:05
	Daisy Robbins	01:19:35
	Alex Darragh	01:22:11
	Jane Ward	01:23:07
	Yvonne Boyle	01:29:27

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Shires and Spires 10k, Naseby – 11 May 10K

I was looking for something last minute to sign up to which was local, and stumbled across this one in Naseby. Billed as a running festival by organisers Go Beyond, there are a number of distances to choose from, 10k, half-marathon, 3/4 marathon (?), marathon and ultra. All bar the 10k are a mixture of trail and road. As the weather forecast looked hot for the weekend, I went for the 10k.

I picked up my number on Saturday, and decided to drive the 10k route to see what it was like. Very hilly, but the ups seemed less steep than the downs. This was my mistake. Every year, they reverse the route direction for all the distances, and I’d driven it the wrong way. What I thought were great downhill sections ended up being brutal uphills. At the end of the 1st 5km, I was about 6th or 7th place, but then the "big hill" came up. It was soul destroying, and I lost a few places to my much younger fellow runners.

After finishing, I enjoyed sitting in the sunshine cheering home the very tired looking half-marathoners. I spoke to the RD afterwards to say what a brilliant event it had been (it was really well-organised, loads of free parking, a beautiful route, and every finisher got a buff and a glass medal in a presentation box), and that I’d big it up to fellow Northbrookers. He caught up with me again later and said if Northbrook can get a few entries next year, he’ll organise something for us (not entirely sure what) if I contact him to let him know nearer the time.

I can honestly say it was one of the nicest events I’ve done. Perfect organisation, food vans at the start/finish, and a very friendly bunch of people. It’s literally only 35 minutes drive from Coventry so hopefully we can do a Northbrook takeover next year.

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Town & Gown Oxford 10k – 11 May 10K

Lee Newark

00:46:11

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Clun Valley Challenge Marathon – 10 May M

Tony Bowe

07:02:19

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Silverstone 10k – 6 May 10K

Hamilton, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Verstappen and Mansell. Silverstone may have witnessed some great races in the past from such famous names. But, this time it was preparing for the victory laps from Dempsey, Davies, French, Campbell, Liggett and Wileman. Silverstone welcomed Northbrook and Northbrook turned up to take the racing lines.

A midweek evening race and 1700+ runners is never going to allow free flowing traffic and our journey down came to a crawl with a mile to go. In a rush, we parked up and threw on the race tops as we rushed to the number collection with only 15 minutes to spare.

The start was congested and fast, and the the course was one full lap and one short lap due to works being done. But as we ran past the empty stands, the cheering of past races filled the ears, the sounds and lights of the racetrack making this event unreal. For me, the opportunity to run the track is one I never turn down. The one disappointment was the course was overlong, inexcusable for an inflatable start and finish. Come on organisers, get it measured accurately in future.

Still, with big beaming smiles and a podium place for Debbie in her age category, we conquered Silverstone. We believe there’s another one in July, maybe with fewer participants, but we’ll leave that to the professionals as we would not want to embarass them – Spencer

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Great Lakeland 3 Day – 3 to 5 May OTH

 

May bank holiday means one thing for some Northbrookers and friends. Great Lakeland 3 Day. Three nights of camping, fells, hills and laughter, this year 8 returned and 5 runners joined the group along with 1 dog.

Arriving at the event centre and overnight camp, all the runners were overwhelmed with the towering presence of Blencathra casting a shadow over the site. After registration all runners were scouring the maps to work out which route to take and how far they wanted to go each day. GL3D course has 5 different distances; Cafe, Herdwick, Wainwright, Fellrunner and Extreme, all with increasing distance and technical difficulty. Key is deciding what challenge you wish to face!

Day 1
Our runners took on a mix of Cafe, Herdwick, and Wainwright. Event newbies Malc and Alexis smashed the Cafe course, although they were in the shadow of the great and powerful Chris Archer who finished in a respectable 9th place with Justine.

Course Veterans Cliff and Joanne had a rapid attack on the Herdwick course closely followed by Amy Peters, another GL3D newbie who completed the course solo. They were followed in by the Parkers; Kelly, Mark & Bodie. Unfortunately injured Mark could not complete the course as he would have liked.

Meanwhile the ever moving Claudie, Caroline and me (plus Danny and Lucy) attempted the Wainwright course. Unfortunately for me I wasn’t feeling well so had a difficult day slowing the rest of the group down and dragging our finishing position down. This is the first time that Claudie and Caroline have completed a Wainwright course. This is a huge achievement as the courses felt more difficult than previous years. All of our watches came back with an extra 2-3km over the advertised distance as our navigation let us down in places.

Day 2
Day two mixed up all the distances. Chris, Malc and Alexis took on the Cafe course and the remainder of the group went out on the Herdwick course. Unfortunately part of the way round Alexis was not well and had to call in the event’s medical team who arranged a very quick recovery back to Camp. The medical teams performed a fantastic job to take care of her and Malc before transferring her to hospital. Fortunately she was ok after the scare, but it was a fine demonstration of the event medical team’s efficiency and ability. Meanwhile most of the group started the Herdwick course together with one exception. The course was nice and varied although the weather was slightly cooler than the previous day. The climb up to Great Dodd had some changeable conditions but the final descent into camp from Calfhow Pike was sketchy.

It was a shame to miss the Wainwright course as that included the notorious Helvellyn! As all our runners got back to camp the news of Alexis’ illness spread and concern for her well being. Fortunately positive news had been received which enabled the evening fun & drinks continued.

Day 3
Day 3 is typically a short day at GL3D so participants can get back to the main base camp for their free dinner and then make their way home.

Most of our group took on the Cafe course, whilst 5 took on the Wainwright course. Both have a similar distance. Cafe started with a spicy climb up Threlkeld Knotts and then a gentle path back to camp. Meanwhile Wainwright had a relatively flat start before climbing for 3 miles up Blencathra. The reward was some slow military flybys and then incredible views across the valleys. Fortunately we didn’t come down Sharp Edge but I took the challenging path down Hells Fell. Meanwhile the rest of the group made the sensible decision to come back via Scales Fell.

Overall Experience
The Great Lakeland 3 Day race was an incredible experience. The scenery, the challenge, and the camaraderie with other runners made it a memorable event. We all ran further than both what we expected and the course setters’ routes. All of us got lost at some point but made our way back on course.

Everybody, newbies and experienced, put everything they had into the weekend and showed massive grit and determination. Wonderful event. Time to start planning for next year – Tim

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Milton Keynes Marathon – 5 May M

738	Mark Baker	03:56:24
837	Colin James	03:48:44	PB, debut Marathon
1255	David Halford	04:25:28

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Milton Keynes Half-Marathon – 5 May HM

Really happy with this run after last week’s Coventry Half. Excellent race, and great finishing in the football stadium – Robert

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Belfast City Marathon – 4 May M

A great day out and about in Belfast running through all the sights of the city. The weather forecast was cool and cloudy, it was sunny and hot but with a nice breeze. The support on the race was incredible with deep crowds all along the course.

It was Sarah’s first marathon for 6 years and mine in 4 so great to get back to seeing how punishing the distance can be, and Sarah still managed to post a new pb.

Highly recommend the event – Sean

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Great Birmingham Half-Marathon – 4 May HM

	Simon Aldridge	01:46:49
	Ainsley Wileman	01:47:44
	David Mills	01:59:22
	Ellie Aldridge	02:01:24

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Tempo Trail 10k – 4 May 10K

	Mollie Williams	01:01:34
	Tori Boyle	01:19:21
	Caroline Young	01:19:21
	Tracey Williams	01:38:43

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Prague Marathon – 4 May M

I arrived in Prague with low expectations. My training had been marred by injury and so my target was to get round pain free. I had planned to do it with Damian Pharoah, but he had to withdraw with a knee injury. As I had travelled with my family, my son Archie was persuaded to use Damian’s number to experience starting and running a part of a marathon. His longest previous run as 7k.

I adopted a run walk strategy to reduce the load on my feet and the pain caused by 4 Mortons Neuroma and I enjoyed running the first 2k with Archie (thinking he would drop out in the first half). I started with the 4:30 pacer and despite the cobbled streets of Prague Old Town my feet were holding up. By half way my feet were starting to hurt, but I was feeling strong and had caught up and passed the 4:15 pacer for a 2:03 split. Walking at every water point was reducing the load on my feet and so the discomfort was tolerable. My competitive spirit kicked in and I knew a 1:57 second half would get me under 4 hours.

Just after half way there is an out and back section and so I was able to see Archie pass the half way point and still going strong. Inspired by that I put my head down (figuratively) and increased the pace with a new target in my mind. Because of my slow start I was now passing other runners with every step and feeling increasingly strong and confident, but worried that I could blow up at any time. However I got to 32k and knew I was going to get round, but needed to up the pace for sub 4. Ruth, Damian and Ruby gave me fantastic support, the design of the course (by Emil Zatopek) meant I saw them 5 times, which was a great boost. I pushed on and managed to finish in 3:58. My slowest marathon for 20 years but probably my favourite ever.

When I saw my family at the finish I fully expected to see Archie, having dropped out; but no, he was still going and had passed the 35k point. I retraced my steps and did the last km with Archie who had completed a marathon on no training!

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May the 4th be with you Marathon – 4 May M

Tony Bowe

06:36:08