Beds Top Ten 2007
Well done to all 32 runners that took part in this year's Fairy Run. Penny was the first runner back to win the handicap run. The quickest around the course this year was Lee in 18mins 14secs. Tanya managed to win the Best Dressed Fairy award this year.
Results are as follows;
Sharyn Bray 39.31
Mark Stead 31.04
Cassie Prior 29.46
Helen Middleton 28.55
Becky 27.04
Tim Huxtable 26.35
Natalie Darlow 26.32
Tanya Tatchley 25.59
Jan 25.19
Julia Mackay 25.12
Robin Wynde 25.08
Paula Dawson 24.58
Penny Flecther 24.46
Steve Rochell 24.40
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood 23.20
Tom Worboys 22.21
Chris Watson 21.05
Fiona Hunter 21.00
Nigel Bush 20.48
Damien Pitts 20.46
Chris Clark 20.41
Roger Wadeley 20.16
Alice Middleton 20.13
Debbie Bryant 20.12
Ken Prior 20.06
Adam 19.24
Neil Gregory 19.23
Ed Clark 19.22
Gavin Elliott 18.57
Rob Morgan 18.44
David Brown 18.38
Lee Welham 18.14
"Everything a good Cross Country should be", commented one experienced runner at the third race of the Three Counties League on Sunday. The Weather was bright but cold, the ground muddy and the hills testing. Twenty-two members of Biggleswade Athletic Club tackled the five mile course through the fields and woods around Letchworth and were rewarded with an overall 9th place against some stiff opposition.
Gavin Elliott returned to top form after injury by being first man home for Biggleswade just ahead of Rob Morgan whilst Simon Prior reached the finish line ahead of father Ken and Neil Gregory. Derek Litchfield continued his superb all-round season by gaining valuable points for the team. The Men finished in 9th position.
First lady home for Biggleswade was Natalie Darlow in an excellent 14th place followed by Paula Dawson scoring for the Club in her debut Cross Country season. Penny Fletcher was close behind and took the final points for Biggleswade. Jan Blake ran really well in her very first Cross Country race and was only a few places away from a scoring position. The Ladies finished in 8th position.
With just two races to go in the Series this ever-improving team are confident of climbing the League Table. Watch this space.
Results are as follows;
Gavin Elliott (66th)
Rob Morgan (67th)
Damien Pitts (93rd)
Simon Prior (101st)
Ken Prior (115th)
Neil Gregory (116th)
Derek Litchfield (129th)
Chris Clarke (150th)
Ian Skerratt (158th)
Chris Adams (170th)
Arthur Mitchell (178th)
Nigel Bush (187th)
David Albone (191st)
Colin Harries (208th)
Mark Stead (222nd)
Natalie Darlow (14th)
Paula Dawson (46th)
Penny Fletcher (55th)
Tanya Tatchley (61st)
Jan Blake (66th)
Sam Grist (85th)
Anne Lincoln (96th)
Results are as follows;
Rob Morgan - 18mins 44secs
Gavin Elliott - 18mins 55secs
Craig Brown - 19mins 48secs
Natalie Darlow - 20mins 40secs
Johno Bevan - 21mins 26secs
Colin Harries - 25mins 29secs
Wootton near Bedford was the venue for this years running of the Bedford Harriers Half Marathon on Sunday. This race is also the designated Club Championship Half Marathon for Biggleswade Athletic Club and ten members had managed to secure a place in this popular event. The rain started to fall as the front runners were just two miles into the race and from then on the weather deteriorated rapidly with strong winds and hail which made the already tough course a true test of stamina and resolve.
First man home for Biggleswade was Rob Morgan who finished strongly in a personal best time of 1:27:48. Experienced marathon runner Ian Skerratt ran well although still recovering from injury whilst Gavin Elliott was competing after running a marathon just one week earlier. In very good form was Derek Litchfield who achieved yet another personal best time to add to his collection for this season. Unfortunately Vince Plosky had to pull out of the race at 5 miles due to injury and would like to thank the Bedford Harrier Marshalls who reacted so quickly. Gaining in speed and strength throughout the race was Paula Dawson who passed many other runners in the latter stages to record a personal best time of 1:56:55 and earned herself a County Championship Ranking of 2nd Senior Lady (6th overall). Other County Championship rankings were gained by Gavin Elliott 5th Senior Man, Neil Gregory 4th MV45 (17th overall) and Ian Skerratt 3rd MV55 (12th overall).
Results are as follows;
Rob Morgan - 1hr 27mins 44secs (PB)
Ian Skerratt - 1hr 31mins 43secs
Neil Gregory - 1hr 34mins 49secs
Andy Bruce - 1hr 35mins 34secs
Gavin Elliott - 1hr 37mins 36secs
Natalie Darlow - 1hr 39mins 59secs
Derek Litchfield - 1hr 39mins 15secs (PB)
David Albone - 1hr 47mins 53secs
Paula Dawson - 1hr 55mins 50secs (PB)
** Beds Harriers Half Marathon Results Available Here**
Three intrepid runners from Biggleswade Athletic Club tackled the Luton Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday 2nd December. The weather was far from conducive for marathon running as almost automatically the strong winds, hail and rain battered the poor runners as soon as the race got underway. Ian Skerratt set his usual early blistering pace while Gavin Elliott decided to take this run rather gently after his recent spate of injuries and in preparation for bigger races to come. Mick Adams also started well in his first ever marathon and soon settled into his usual race pace still with the words of Ken Prior- his coach ringing in his ears. Unfortunately Ian Skerratt had to retire after 9 miles due to injury, but Gavin Elliott finished strongly in 3hrs 53 min. Mick Adams also finished well in 4 hrs 9 minutes with the biggest smile of the day after experiencing the dreaded wall at 20 miles. Thanks also must go to all the Biggleswade AC supporters round the course.
Results are as follows;
Gavin Elliott - 3hrs 53mins
Mick Adams - 4hrs 9mins
Damien Pitts represented Biggleswade AC in the Nene Valley 10 on 1st December. The flat ten mile course made for a fast run and despite the atrocious weather conditions Damien crossed the finish line in superb personal best time of 1hr 8mins.
The St Neots Riverside Half Marathon is one of the top class events in the area and this year's race on Sunday morning did not disappoint. Over 850 runners from all over the country competed for the honours over the 13.1 mile distance following a figure-of-eight course from Eynesbury along country lanes and through the picturesque villages of Abbotsley and Waresley. There was a terrific turn out from Biggleswade Athletic Club as thirteen runners took part and at least five achieved personal best times. Top honour went to Julie Sutton as her superb time of 1:39:25 meant that she was awarded the prize for 1st Female Senior Local Runner. Many Club members turned out in the cold to support those running showing, once again, that the strength and success of Biggleswade AC is not just with its talented athletes but also in the ever-present positive and active team spirit.
Results are as follows;
Rob Morgan - 1hr 27mins 53sec
Ray Dowse - 1hr 36mins 06secs (PB)
Andrew Bruce - 1hr 36mins 08secs
Natalie Darlow - 1hr 38mins 47secs
Julie Sutton - 1hr 39mins 25secs (PB)
Val Kemp - 1hr 45mins 49secs
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 1hr 46mins 25secs
Kirsty Heath - 2hrs 01mins 46secs
Julia Mackay - 2hrs 02mins 36secs (PB)
Elaine Stead - 2hrs 06mins 51secs (PB)
Mark Stead - 2hrs 14mins 55secs
Julie Dowse - 2hrs 20mins 35secs
Anne Lincoln - 2hrs 24mins 39secs (PB)
Results are as follows;
Vince Plosky - 18mins 01secs
Robert Morgan - 18mins 50secs
Gavin Elliott - 19mins 12secs
David Brown - 19mins 33secs
Craig Brown - 20mins 19secs
Nigel Bush - 21mins 14secs
Natalie Darlow - 21mins 16secs
Colin Harries - 25mins 01secs
Last Wednesday saw the first race of three in the Stevenage Midweek 5k Series. Seven runners from Biggleswade AC took part and having Club Championship titles at stake increased the intensity of the competition. Starting at The John Henry Newman School in Hitchin Road, the course was flat and traffic-free along the cycleways of Stevenage and the good conditions meant that five Biggleswade runners achieved a personal best time.
Results are as follows;
Richard Bevan - 18mins 36secs (PB)
Rob Morgan - 18mins 42secs (PB)
Gavin Elliott - 18mins 53secs
Natalie Darlow - 20mins 44secs (PB)
Craig - 21mins 18secs (PB)
Colin Harries - 24mins 56secs
Anne Lincoln - 30mins 14secs (PB)
Results are as follows;
Beds Top Ten 2007 |
On a sunny but cold November Wednesday afternoon, four members of Biggleswade AC managed to get time off work to run in the Henlow 10 Mile road race, which also acts as the RAF 10 Mile Championship race. The race starts at Shuttleworth Airfield, and wends its undulating way through Old Warden, Ireland and Shefford, before finishing at Henlow Camp. With typical RAF efficiency, runners are bussed to the start at Shuttleworth, and greeted at the finish with cakes, hot tea and coffee, and nice warm showers.
First home for the club was supervet Ian Skerratt, fresh from his 3h 05m Amsterdam Marathon a few weeks earlier, in a time of 68 mins 33 secs. Four minutes later was Nigel Bush in 72 mins 52 secs, chased all the way by Chris Clarke in 74 mins 31 secs. The final finisher was an injured Roger Wadeley in 75 mins 35 secs, who but for a dodgy leg would have easily cracked the 70 min barrier.
Results are as follows;
Ian Skerratt (V55) - 45 - 68mins 33ssecs
Nigel Bush (V55) - 76 - 72mins 52secs
Chris Clarke (V50) - 92 - 74mins 31secs
Roger Wadeley (V60) - 98 - 75mins 35secs
223 finishers
Results are as follows;
Lee Welham (34)
Mac McKenzie (55)
Vince Plosky (66)
Rob Morgan (69)
Richard Bevan (75)
Damien Pitts (85)
Gavin Elliott (107)
Neil Gregory (120)
Derek Litchfield (146)
Lindsey Morgan (193)
Chris Adams (203)
David Albone (207)
Arthur Mitchell (210)
Colin Harries (231)
Andy Darnell (241)
Scoring a total of 491 points - Overall final position = 8th
Fiona Hunter (17)
Natalie Darlow (25)
Samantha Grist (109)
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood (37)
Julie Dowse (127)
Anne Lincoln (130)
Scoring a total of 151 points - Overall final position = 9th
Overall Combined Position = 8th
Dunstable was the venue for the first Three Counties League race of the Cross Country season. Steep inclines, wind, rain and mud could not deter the brave Biggleswade Athletic Club runners as they tackled this very challenging course on a damp Sunday morning. Five of the thirteen Biggleswade members were trying Cross Country for the first time. David Albone, Mark Stead, Derek Litchfield, Vince Plosky and Sarah Geeson-Orsgood all ran superbly well with Vince completing the course for the men's team in 63rd position and Sarah in 36th for the Ladies. First man home for Biggleswade was Mac Mackenzie in 55th position but valuable points were gained by all the men's team which earned them overall 10th position. Experienced runner Penny Fletcher put in another excellent performance to help Sarah Geeson-Orsgood and Anne Lincoln to overall 11th place in the Ladies Match. Biggleswade AC are in 10th position overall after the first race.
Results are as follows;
Mac Mackenzie (55th)
Vince Plosky (63rd)
Damien Pitts (92nd)
Gavin Elliott (104th)
Neil Gregory (113th)
Ken Prior (117th)
Derek Litchfield (156th)
David Albone (189th)
Chris Adams (199th)
Mark Stead (235th)
Scoring a total of 700 points.
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood (36th)
Penny Fletcher (58th)
Anne Lincoln (103rd)
Scoring a total of 200 points.
Three local athletes were among the hundreds competing in the Great Eastern Run in Peterborough on Sunday. This is an extremely popular race with lots of supporters lining the City streets which had been closed to traffic. Debbie Bryant and Andy Bruce representing Biggleswade AC both ran superbly on this flat course over the Half Marathon distance of 13.1 miles. Andy finished in 26th place for his age category in a time of 1:30:27. Continuing her brilliant season, Debbie crossed the finish line as overall 13th lady and 3rd placed in her age category with a time of 1:29:05, smashing her personal best time by a minute and a half! Bedford Harrier Simon Fawcett ran well after recovering from illness to record a time of 1:23:28.
Yet again, the cross-country season opened in summer like weather. There were so many people in shorts that it was difficult to distinguish between runners and people, out for a stroll, giving their summer outfits one last outing. With the total number of competitors being close to a thousand, it was safe to assume that most were runners.
The afternoon's proceedings started with the under 11 girls. Biggleswade were represented by Tiffany Jones (19th) and Amy Yates (38th). Tiffany is a seasoned campaigner, though still at the lower end of her age group. This was Amy's first cross-country race. It was also the first race for James Thomas in the under 11 boys, though he ran it like an old hand to finish a magnificent 2nd.
The under 13 boys had a useful trio in Adam Welham (8th), Josh Watson (11th) and Alex Ingham (13th) while Bruce Harrison was 17th in the longer under 15 boys race .
Biggleswade's only representative in the ladies race was a resurgent Natalie Darlow who was 10th overall and 5th in the senior ladies category.
The senior men's race is also split into age categories so the first figure given is the overall position followed by the position in the relevant age category. First home for the Club was Andy Phillips (26/8), racing in Club colours for the first time in many years. He was closely followed by training partner Lee Welham (30/10). Next in was the ever improving Rob Morgan (42/19) followed by new recruit Simon Prior (50/22) who was relieved to beat his father Ken (55/8). Andy, Lee and Ken made up a veterans team that finished 3rd. The next round is on November 10th at Luton.
Seven members of Biggleswade Athletic Club tackled the undulating course of the Standalone 10k in Letchworth on Sunday. The downhill start from this popular working farm took the runners on a circular course around the roads of Letchworth via Norton and the Stotfold by-pass. First to cross the finish line for Biggleswade was Richard Bevan whose determination and hard work in training is being rewarded with some outstanding race times. Roger Wadeley was second club member home and also achieved 3rd place in the Male 60 category overall. Chris Watson was third. Derek Litchfield is continuing to amass personal best times this season and just pipped Martyn Cole and David Albone to the line with Chris Addams less than a minute behind.
Results are as follows;
Richard Bevan (38:30)
Roger Wadeley (40:48)
Christopher Watson (42:23)
Derek Litchfield (45:08)
Martyn Cole (45:29)
David Albone (45:48)
Chris Addams (46:29)
Sandy Town route of 5.4km (3.35 miles).
Results are as follows;
Julie - 35mins 38secs
Anna-Marie - 35mins 38secs
Michelle - 31mins 32secs
Julia - 29mins 32secs
Mark - 29mins 00secs
Colin - 28mins 31secs
Sharyn - 28mins 07secs
Mark - 28mins 01secs
Will - 27mins 55secs
Gary - 27mins 50secs
David - 26mins 25secs
Ian - 25mins 26secs
Sarah - 25mins 24secs
Julie - 24mins 54secs
Phil - 24mins 27secs
Tim - 23mins 33secs
Roger - 22mins 23secs
Shelley - 22mins 16secs
Neil - 22mins 12secs
Biggleswade AC made their presence felt at the Biddenham 10k River Run on Sunday 30th September. Eleven members of the Club lined up in the warm autumn sunshine to compete in this charity event in aid of St. Johns Hospice. The mainly off road course took the runners along the banks of the river Ouse, over styles, hills and bridges. From a total of 452 runners who finished the race, Gavin Elliott was first Biggleswade man home in overall 8th place followed by Rob Morgan in 20th. Damien Pitts running in one of his very few off road races finished a superb 22nd. Natalie Darlow was first lady home for Biggleswade followed by Julie Sutton who finished in under 48 minutes which was an excellent achievement for her very first competitive race. Chris Addams was less than a minute behind Julie with Elaine Stead and triathlete Sharyn Bray running neck and neck to the line. Club Chairman Nigel Bush kept a watchful eye on proceedings and agreed that this was a most successful event. All Club members finished the race in or around their personal best times which shows that Biggleswade Athletic Club continues to be an ever increasing force in local running.
Results are as follows;
Gavin Elliott - 8th (39:31)
Rob Morgan - 20th (41:38)
Damien Pitts - 22nd (42:05)
Natalie Darlow - 46th (44:53)
Julie Sutton - 86th (47:08)
Chris Addams - 107th (48:19)
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 116th (49:03)
Colin Harries - 190th (52:16)
Sharyn Bray - 273rd (56:32)
Elaine Stead - 277th (56:39)
Julie Dowse - 360th (62:24)
Mark Stead - 375th (63:07)
Anne Lincoln - 398th (65:37)
** Sandy Opening Meeting Track Results Available Here **
** Sandy Opening Meeting Field Results Available Here **
Sunday 23rd September saw two Biggleswade AC members, Rob Morgan and Natalie Darlow, venture across the English/Welsh border to take part in the popular Swansea Bay 10K race. Set along the picturesque sweep of Swansea Bay, the relatively flat course offers fantastic views and great PB potential - just two of the many reasons why this run was voted the 3rd best UK race in 2006. On the day, both Rob (who is originally from Swansea) and Natalie put in strong performances, resulting in the pair knocking more than two minutes off their respective PBs. Their overall positioning in the finishers list was also impressive, with Rob coming in at 194 and Natalie at 421 (from almost 3000 runners). Like many of the other participants, Rob and Natalie thoroughly enjoyed the race day experience and look forward to improving on their results at next year's event.
The final finishing times: Rob Morgan 40 minutes 22 seconds Natalie Darlow 44 minutes 11 seconds.
** Leighton Buzzard 10M Results Available Here**
Junior and senior members of Biggleswade AC raced each other around Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. This relay race was contested by two junior teams and three adult teams, all the teams had 8 members and each runner covered just over a mile. The Dambusters (an adult team) took an early lead which they held on to until the third mile. The leading junior team then took to the front and managed to stay there all the way to the finish line despite a late surge from the Dambusters.
First home was The Junior Yellow team in 56 minutes 52 seconds closely followed by The Dambusters 57min 14secs, The Coaches Crew 1 hour 1 mins 40 secs, The Junior Blue team 1 hour 4 mins 21 secs and Pathetic Athletic in 1 hour 5 mins.
5 members of Biggleswade Athletic club joined 155 others to compete in the pretty, rural Swineshead 10 race on Sunday, The race started down from the village hall where there was live music and a fete to keep the supporters entertained, first in for Biggleswade was Gavin Elliott who was just using it as a training run for the Round Norfolk Relay Race that Biggleswade AC are competing in alongside 49 other teams on 15/16th September, next was Deb Bryant who worked hard trying to catch Gavin up, followed closely by Andy Bruce, Alan Goodman and Lindsey Morgan. Local runner Simon Fawcett ran well and was 5th overall (59.34).
Results are as follows;
Gavin Elliott - 28th (70mins 18secs)
Deb Bryant - 30th (70mins 43secs) 1st Lady Vet
Andy Bruce - 37th (71mins 33secs)
Alan Goodman - 41st (72mins 24secs)
Lindsey Morgan - 94th (82mins 42secs)
The East Midlands Grand Prix is a series of eight summer evening road races in which each runners finishing position is calculated by age category, aggregated and carried forward to the next race of the series. Only the best five results are used to calculate an overall position after the final race. Many Biggleswade Athletic Club runners took part in individual races but Vincent Plosky and Richard Bevan heroically travelled week after week to compete in the minimum five races needed to gain an overall score over the various distances.
Race 1 : Silverstone 10k on 8th May
Results: Stephen Penny 38:28, Vincent Plosky 39:04, Damien Pitts 40:52, Debs Bryant 41:34, Neil Gregory 41:54,
Roger Wadeley 42:31, Alan Goodman 42:57, Nigel Bush 43:22, Mark Sylvester 43:44, David Albone 48:23, Lyndsey Morgan 50:03,
Penny Fletcher 53:21.
Race 3: Bedford 6 Miles on 23rd May
Results: Vincent Plosky 38:14, Richard Bevan 39:31, Neil Gregory 40:42, Alan Goodman 41:10, Debs Bryant 41:32,
Roger Wadeley 42:13, Nigel Bush 43:46.
Race 4: Corby 5 Miles on 30th May
Results: Vincent Plosky 32:20, Richard Bevan 33:32
Race 5: Weedon 10k on 5th June
Results: Vincent Plosky 39:42, Richard Bevan 40:25
Race 7: Harborough 5 Miles on 19th June
Results: Vincent Plosky 30:47, Richard Bevan 31:18.
Race 8: Milton Keynes 10k on 3rd July
Results: Vincent 37:15, Richard Bevan 38:46, Fiona Hunt 43:53.
Well done to all Biggleswade AC runners who took part in the Series. Special congratulations must go to Vince who accumulated a total of 135 points which gave him a superb overall position of 22nd in the series and Rich who followed closely behind with 169 points earning him 27th place. Biggleswade AC are very proud of the high level of commitment and effort given by these two athletes who consistently improved throughout the Series of races and in doing so gained many Personal Best times.
On Sunday, one of Biggleswade Athletic Clubs top lady runners, Debs Bryant, tackled the Wardown Park 5k in Luton which included the Bedfordshire County Championships. The course, which was two-and-a-half laps around this very pretty park circling the boating lake and the ducks, was no match for this exceptional runner. Debs finished the race not only as 3rd lady overall but also lifted the trophies as 1st vet 35 and 1st Senior Lady with a time of 19:44. These results also meant that she took the honour of 1st vet.35 in the County Championships. The season of continued successes and bulging trophy cabinet are truly just rewards for all the hard work of this very talented athlete.
There was a very good turn out by Biggleswade AC last Wednesday evening for the Doug Anderson Memorial 5k hosted by Bedford Harriers. Ten members of the Club tackled the flat and fast two-and-a-half laps around Bedford Park. Another superb run from Vincent Plosky brought him over the finish line as first man home for Biggleswade in a personal best time of 18:16 and overall 20th place. Racing hard and just five seconds behind was Gavin Elliott. First lady home for Biggleswade was Debs Bryant who once again recorded a personal best time and won the overall award for First Lady Vet.35. Two members of the Club were running in their first race over the 5k distance. Derek Litchfield added a terrific time of 21:56 to his growing list of achievements and Angela King in her very first competitive race completed the course with a really strong finish in 38:33. The Doug Anderson Memorial is also the Club 5k Championship race. The previous Lady Vet.35 Club Record was smashed by Debs Bryant and a new Lady Vet.45 record was created by Anne Lincoln.
Results are as follows;
Vincent Plosky - 18:16 PB
Gavin Elliott - 18:21
Debbie Bryant - 19:42 PB 1st Lady Vet.35 CR
Derek Litchfield - 21:56 PB
Lindsey Morgan - 23:38
Mark Stead - 25:47
Elaine Stead - 26:01 PB
Colin Harries - 26:08
Anne Lincoln - 30:27 PB CR
Angela King - 38:33 PB
The sun came out last Sunday to greet over 450 runners of all ages for the annual St Ives Dairy Crest 10k race. Two members of Biggleswade AC took part with Roger Wadeley finishing in a time of 41:51 and an ever improving Sarah Geeson-Orsgood crossing the line in 49:35. Bedford Harrier Simon Fawcett continued his consistent run of form taking 21st place in a time of 36:53 although it may only be a matter of time before 6year old Troy Fawcett challenges his father. Troy completed the Fun Run in 18:19 and finished in 61st place out of 144 entrants.
Two members of Biggleswade AC helped to marshal the Fairlands Valley Multi-terrain Marathon Challenge last weekend. Helping with this event gives the opportunity to run the route before the start of the race. So on Saturday evening and with rain beginning to fall, Ken Prior and Paula Dawson set off into the darkness to tackle the footpaths, hills and countryside around Stevenage throughout the night. As dawn broke, Ken and Paula completed the final miles of this unique experience and got ready to help the official race entrants around the course in the sunshine proving that being an athlete is never dull.
Cranfield University played host to over three hundred runners on Friday 6th July for a five mile run around the campus and surrounding roads. The chilly air, undulating course and roads in the process of being re-surfaced did not deter the two competing Biggleswade Athletic runners who both performed exceptionally well. Debs Bryant crossed the finish line in a superb time of 32:54 and 58th place. Under a minute behind Alan Goodman ran really well to record a time of 33:27. The party atmosphere with Jazz Band, Barbeque and bar continued as the Juniors got their chance to shine in the Fun Run. All three Junior members of the Club ran hard to complete their race and collect a medal. Very well done to our future champions Miles Elliot, Troy Fawcett and Millie Bush.
Bedford Harrier Simon Fawcett was competing for his five mile Club Championship and achieved his goal being first Harrier home in a time of 28:41 and overall 8th position.
On Sunday 24th June four Biggleswade AC runners travelled to Trent Park, Enfield to compete in the annual Trent Park Triffic Trail 10k. Almost four hundred runners tackled the hilly course through the woodlands and fields of Trent Park and first home for Biggleswade was Vincent Plosky in a time of 39:15 and a superb eleventh place overall. Peter Howell also ran a good race in a time of 53:05 followed by Elaine Stead who recorded another personal best time of 57:36 and Mark Stead 59:44.
Fans packed onto the Everton playing fields to witness the return of Biggleswade AC's five-a-side football team after last years exit in the final. Even Biggs FM got in to the mood and dedicated 'We are the champions' to the lads over ther air waves prior to the kick off. The talent this year was so vast they were divided into two teams. Biggleswade AC "A"- Captained by the Cat- Tim Huxtable and Biggleswade AC "B"- Captained by "Kick'um hard" Gavin. They all looked really dashing in their new kits.
The tournament started slowly for both teams unfortunately being beat in their first games but as the day grew hotter and the tackles went in harder they soon found their stride and the back of the oppositions net. Colin showed great composure on the ball while Vince and Robin showed gritty determination in defence. Tim (for A) and Andrew (for B) also showed heroics in goal. While Gavin and Lins both found their form and slotted the goals home bringing the crowd to their feet. If it wasn't for some poor refereeing and the fact that the other teams were slightly better than them both teams would of made it to the final. But were halted at the semi final stage. Team A in a nail biting penalty shoot out.
BIGGLESWADE AC "A"
Tim Huxtable (GK) (C) - The Cat - he pounced on everything
Steve - Showed speed and grace, and Mark Harris a clean pair of heels
Robin - Nothing got past him
Lins Morgan - Leading goal scorer, and well deserved
Rob - Some great threw balls
BIGGLESWADE AC "B"
Colin Harries - Showed superb skill on the ball
Vince - A wall at the back
Andrew Deans (GK) - A brilliant shot stopper
Gav Elliott (C) - Most people felt his force, on the backs of their ankles.
Tim - A man mountain up front
** Everton 3 Mile Fun Run 2007 Results Available Here **
** Everton 1 Mile Fun Run 2007 Results Available Here **
Biggleswade AC Triathlete Debbie Knott competed in the Weymouth Half Ironman on Sunday. The challenge began with a 1.9 mile swim in the calm sea waters off the Dorset coast followed by a 55 mile bike ride around a very hilly course. Debbie was knocked off her bike by a car during this part of the race and injured her shoulder and knee quite badly but carried on to run a very painful 13.1miles and complete the course. Well done Debbie for a most determined and inspirational performance.
Race Referee Nigel Bush kept a watchful eye over the two legged runners at Whipsnade Zoo on Sunday for the 10k race around three laps of the animal enclosures. Three members of Biggleswade Athletic Club took part and first home was Damien Pitts in an excellent time of 41:22. Ray Dowse crossed the finish line in 46:41 and Julie Dowse 61:46.
On Wednesday 30th May Richard Bevan and Vincent Plosky represented Biggleswade Athletic Club in the Corby 5 which is part of the East Midlands Grand Prix Series. This is an extremely hilly course over 5 miles of country roads and both men ran really well to record personal best times. Vincent finished in a time of 32:04 and was 59th overall. Richard followed closely behind in 33:32 and was placed 82nd.
Eight members of Biggleswade Athletic Club braved the heat for a late night race in Bedford on Wednesday 23rd May. The annual 'Bedford Six' road race proved to be a challenging six mile course with an extremely gruelling hill at the three and a half mile mark and that combined with the heat, made it difficult for even the determined runners, despite this fantastic performances were seen by all. Vince Plosky and Rich Bevan led the Biggleswade team in with some of their best times this year so far. Damien Pitts and Neil Gregory were not far behind continuing their good form, they were closely followed by the rapidly improving Alan Goodman, finishing next was Deb Bryant achieving a personal best by 5 miles despite suffering from an injury, Roger Wadely and Nigel Bush followed, who managed to run well despite suffering from a knee injury.
Results are as follows;
Vince Plosky - 47th - 38:14
Rich Bevan - 62nd - 39:31
Damien Pitts - 79th - 40:19
Neil Gregory - 84th - 40:42
Alan Goodman - 90th - 41:10
Deb Bryant - 104th - 41:32 (4th vet 35)
Roger Wadely - 112th - 42:13
Nigel Bush - 141st - 43:46
Two members of Biggleswade Athletic Club competed in the 7th running of the Wheathampstead 10k on Sunday. The course included some challenging hills through the picturesque countryside and the sunny conditions combined with recent rain made making the right choice of running shoe for this all off-road race important. Elaine Stead is consistently improving and ran really well to complete the course in 58:20 followed closely by Mark Stead in his first race since the London Marathon crossing the finish line in 60:12.
Saturday night saw training shoes off and thinking caps on as Biggleswade Athletic Club hosted its first Quiz Night at Sandy Upper School. Fifteen teams competed for the prizes and honour of being Brains of Biggleswade AC 2007. Questions were in a variety of categories including music, sport, general knowledge and a picture round. The evening finished with a noisy but hilarious quick-fire round, thanks to Elaine Stead for supplying the buzzers. There were bonus points on offer if your team were the fastest and best dancers on a random signal and Team One took full advantage of this leading to outright victory for Natalie Darlow , Rob Morgan, Debs Bryant and Lins Morgan. Team Fifteen were second and Team 14 took third prize. Thanks to Question Master Gavin Elliot who with Paula Dawson and Tanya Tatchley organized the whole fun filled and successful evening.
** Quiz Night Results Available Here **
** Bedfordshire AAA Track & Field Championships Results Available Here **
** Biggleswade AC Track Relays Results Available Here **
Results are as follows;
Over 36,000 runners from all over the world came together on Sunday for the 27th London Marathon. Lining up in the scorching temperatures were a record eleven runners from Biggleswade Athletic Club with ages ranging from under 25 to over 55. The Biggleswade banner stood proud at the six mile point as the runners came around the Cutty Sark to enormous cheers. Ian Skerrat led the way for Biggleswade and completed the 26.2 miles in an impressive 3:15:04.
At seventeen miles the field was more spread but all the Biggleswade runners were looking relaxed and determined despite the water station actually having run out of water. The heat did nothing to stem the enthusiasm of Paula Dawson who enjoyed every minute of the 4hrs 25mins she spent on the course. Seasoned long distance runner Alistair Burt MP was carrying a calf injury and battled hard in the tough conditions.
Andrew Bruce ran superbly in his 10th London Marathon recording a time of 3:43:37 and just 12 minutes later the first Biggleswade lady across the finish line was Val Kemp.
Canary Wharf gave a great boost to all the runners as the noise of the crowd and sound of the bands was both deafening and inspiring. A recent addition to the Marathon was the showers along the route and Mark Stead made the most of the cooling effects. This was his first Marathon along with Natalie Darlow, Sarah Geeson-Orsgood and Julia Mackay who all completed the course and felt the exhilaration of testing their minds and bodies to the limit.
As the last of the Biggleswade runners approached The Mall towards the finish line there were scenes of drama and camaraderie as, completely exhausted by the heat, a runner was helped across the line by the others around him. It is moments like this which make the London Marathon such a unique event.
Results are as follows;
Ian Skerrat (3:15:04)
Andrew Bruce (3:43:37)
Val Kemp (3:55:30)
Natalie Darlow (4:13:48)
Anthony Haymes (4:17:18)
Paula Dawson (4:25:16)
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood (4:26:31)
Alistair Burt MP (5:18:05)
Julia Mackay (5:23:15)
Mark Stead (5:39:19)
David Lindsay (5:49:00).
Mini Marathon
Competing for Bedfordshire Girls in the 15-16yrs age group, Alice Middleton ran a superb race in a time of 17:05 for the 2.6mile course.
** Open Track Meeting (Male) Results Available Here **
** Open Track Meeting (Female) Results Available Here **
April is traditionally the month of showers and frosts but in summer-like temperatures of over twenty degrees Centigrade on Sunday, twenty-one runners from Biggleswade Athletic Club competed in the Flitwick 10k Road Race. This is the Club’s 10k Championship race and the circular course from Flitwick through the village of Steppingly had many uphill sections along its country lanes which tested the runner’s strength and stamina.
Stephen Penny was first Biggleswade man home in a time of 39:23 followed by Ian Skerratt in his final race before the Flora London Marathon. Third was Gavin Elliot in 41:38 chased by Rich who had an excellent run and was less than a second behind.
First lady over the finish line was Debs Bryant, a superb athlete whose running continues to go from strength to strength. Simon Prior, recently returned from Australia enjoyed his run on home soil and was chased to the line by Fiona Hunter who recorded a personal best time of 46:04 in her first race in a Biggleswade vest. The International theme continued with Kiwi Sharyn Bray crossing the finish line in under 55 minutes in her first race since competing in the Iron Man Triathlon in New Zealand. Just behind Sharyn and having a terrific race was our representative from France. Marie has been training with the Club whilst living and working locally and was running at the same time as her mother was competing in the Paris Marathon! Elaine Stead gave yet another strong performance to complete the course in 57:36 followed by Sam Grist and Julia Mackay in her last run before London.
Biggleswade results were: Stephen Penny (39:23), Ian Skerratt (40:16), Gavin Elliot (41:33), Rich (42:10), Vince (42:33), Rob Morgan (42:55), Debbie Bryant (43:41), Roger Wadely (44:38), Nigel Bush (44:49), Simon Prior (46:01), Fiona Hunter (46:04), Natalie Darlow (47:56), Derek Litchfield (48:26pb), Colin Harries (52:15), Sharyn Bray (54:44), Marie (56:32), Elaine Stead (57:36), Julia Mackay (58:52), Sam Grist (60:35), Julie Dowse (63:20), Anne Lincoln (63:27).
This was a superb turn out by all of the Club members and supporters. Showing by ever improving results, the benefits of belonging to a positive and encouraging Club such as Biggleswade.
** Club Championship Results Available Here **
Run over a course of 3.8 miles approx (Route of the Blunham Loop).
Results are as follows;
Anne Lincoln - 39.30 mins
Julie Dowse - 37.14 mins
Sam Grist - 34.41 mins
Elaine Stead - 33.50 mins
Mary - 33.50 mins
Julia Mackay - 33.23 mins
Kirsty Heath - 32.15 mins
Sharon - 31.30 mins
Colin Harris - 31.13 mins
Mark Peacock - 31.02 mins
Chris Adams - 30.43 mins
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 28.37 mins
Will - 28.36 mins
David Albone - 28.15 mins
David - 27.43 mins
Fiona Hunter - 27.31 mins
Derek - 26.54 mins
Chris Clark - 26.48 mins
Val Kemp - 26.28 mins
Roger - 26.20 mins
Debbie Bryant - 25.25 mins
Mark Sylvester - 24.40 mins
Vince - 24.38 mins
Nick - 24.32 mins
Gavin Elliott - 22.42 mins
Gavin Davis - 22.11 mins
At the annual meeting at Welwyn Garden City Good Friday 6th April Biggleswade Athletics returned home with new club records, national rankings and personal bests.
Josh Watson competing in the U13 age group retuned home with a personal best in the 100 m and came 4th in his race. He won the High Jump with a personal best with a leap of 1.35 m which is just below the club record, and threw another personal best in the Discus and came 3rd.
Josh's brother, Alex competing in the U17 age group ran in the 800 m and at the start of the second lap was in 2nd position but the pace took its toll and Alex tied up and finished 4th just inside his persoanl best.
Katie Bland in the U15 girls was entered in 3 events the High Jump Hammer and Discus. As the Hammer and High Jump were being held simultaneously, despite warming up but with the problem of changing shoes - Katie withdrew from the High Jump and came home with a new club record and came 4th. This result puts Katie in 4th place in the UK rankings as the 3 girls who beat her are ranked 1, 2 and 3.
Alice Middleton U20 woman opted to run the 800 m and not the 400 m she entered as a warm up event for future events in the summer - and it paid off! Also in the same race was Club veteran David Brown, this was the B standard race with the A race being won in a uk best for 2007. David took the pace from the beginning and went through the first lap in 62 seconds, Alice as close behind in 64 seconds. At the bell David was challenged for the lead and Alice close behind. With 300 m to go David sprinted to the finishing line and was never going to be beaten. Alice finished in 3rd place in a new cub record of 2 mins 14.4 secs. This puts Alice in 8th position in the UK rankings and less than 4 seconds behind the current number 1. Alice went on and competed in the Triple Jump and came second in another club record of 10 m 57 cm.
David competed in the 400 m and came 4th but ran well to equal his best time of the last 3 years.
With these results the club's future is looking very promising.
There was a very good turn out on Sunday by Biggleswade Athletic Club as 14 runners entered for the Oakley 20/12. Many of the competitors were using this race as part of their final long distance training before the London Marathon in three weeks time.
The course was quite undulating but was also a most pleasant run through some of the prettiest villages and countryside in the County. The strong wind played its part too making parts of the course tough but at the same time cooling the runners down as the sunshine made conditions very warm for early spring.
A total of 740 runners finished the race which was won by Peter Galpin of BRJ Huntingdon in 1:55:59. Rob Morgan was first man home for Biggleswade in an excellent time of 2:37:16 just four minutes ahead of a very good run by Gavin Elliot. Nigel Bush was third man and first veteran over the line for the Club in 2:42:32. First lady for Biggleswade was an ever-improving Natalie Darlow in 2:49:30 followed by Anthony Haymes and Sarah Geeson-Orsgood who clocked the same official time of 2:58:35. Paula Dawson fell and sustained injuries to her arm at just past the 19 mile point but in a gritty display of determination, carried on and completed the 20 miles in 3:13:39. In his final long run before London Mark Stead hoped to record a time of around 3:30 but smashed this target by almost three minutes. MP Alistair Burt had a superb run and crossed the finish line in 3:15:51.
** Schools' Relay Results Available Here **
Biggleswade AC had a good turn out Ely this weekend for the inaugural Turing trail relay, the race was held along the banks of the Great Ouse and Cam between Ely and Cambridge. The event is named after Alan Turing, who as a student at Kings college Cambridge regularly ran along the river banks, he went on to be the founding father of modern computer science and played a pivotal role in developing the code breaking facility at Bletchley Park during world war 2, helping to break the German enigma codes.
The race, 35 miles in all, was split into 6 approximately equal stages, 3 from Ely to Cambridge on the west banks and 3 from Cambridge to Ely on the east bank. 70 teams took part in the event, Biggleswade entered two teams, the Panthers, made up of Ken Prior, Rob Morgan, Ray Dowse, Damien Pitts, Gavin Elliot and Nigel Bush, and the Puma’s consisting of Mark Stead, Julie Dowse, Tanya Tatchley, Rebecca Tippett, Natalie Darlow and Elaine Stead. Everybody within the teams ran really well and coped with some challenging conditions as the wind was blowing a gale almost continuously and the route offered little respite or no protection from it’s force. The Panthers were the Biggleswade first team home with a good result of tenth overall, completing the 35 miles in 4 hours and 6 minutes, posting an average of just over 7 minutes per mile over the distance, the Puma’s romped home and hour and bit later in 63 position overall, posting a final time of 5 hours 16 minutes, averaging just over 9 minute miles.
** Sportshall Challenge Results Available Here **
The peaceful village of Tempsford is keeping a secret because this small community is harbouring an international sporting heroine. Sharyn Bray is a remarkable lady. On 3rd March this diminutive kiwi completed her first Ironman Triathlon in New Zealand. Most of us have now heard of this gruelling sequence of tests which start with a swim, usually in open water, followed by cycling and completed with a run. Race distances vary, a sprint Triathlon can mean a run of just 5k. Ironman is one of the ultimate tests of skill and endurance comprising of a 2.4mile swim, a 112mile cycle ride then a full marathon of 26.2 miles.
Sharyn has lived in Tempsford for just over three years and is a Radiographer for Cambridge University at Addenbrookes Hospital. She also enjoys gardening and hill walking but triathlon is her passion and she wanted to compete in her first Ironman before turning forty this year. “I have done sprint and half Ironman distances, but the thought of trying to go that bit further has always been there.”
In her early 20’s, Sharyn met a person whose enthusiasm and love for the sport inspired her to attempt her first Triathlon. Gilbert, although being thirty years her senior, not only lent her a bike and kayak but also through his totally positive outlook on life, gave Sharyn the belief that her goals were achievable. In Sharyn’s own words, Gilbert is “one of those amazing people who, if you are lucky to know, enriches your life.”
So, in Taupo, New Zealand on 3rd March at 7am, Sharyn lined up amongst both International professional athletes and amateurs for the start of the race. The weather was perfect, warm with only a light breeze throughout the day. This allowed hundreds of spectators to line the course and encourage the athletes from 7am till midnight when the last runner finished. Sharyn completed her swim in 1:11:02, the 112mile cycle in 7:46:37 and the run in 5:48:39 which meant an incredible overall time, including changeovers from one discipline to the next of 15hours 4 minutes and 12 seconds.
The last word goes to Sharyn “For me it was an amazing experience. The buzz of family, friends and spectators yelling and encouraging you was something else. Crossing that finish line was an awesome moment. In an instant you forget the pain of tired legs….am I going to do another one….definitely!”.
Fifteen members of Biggleswade Athletic Club took part in the final Cross Country of this seasons Three Counties League at Dunstable on Sunday. This was a tough but rewarding Cross Country through some of the most stunning scenery in Bedfordshire. After a week of rain, snow, melting snow and more rain, this predominately clay soil course was expected to be very muddy and expectations were exceeded. As the 11am start time approached the sun broke through the clouds to also highlight the many hills which made up the gruelling five miles that the runners would soon have to tackle.
First man to finish for Biggleswade was Steve Penney in an excellent 26th place with Gavin Elliot not far behind. Well done to Ken Prior who was third man and also first veteran home for the team. Neil Gregory, Nigel Bush and Ian Skerrat all ran well and congratulations to Ray Dowse who achieved a scoring position in his first Cross Country season. Arthur Mitchell ran hard and completed the men’s team line up.
The Ladies team were once again led home by the very talented Debs Bryant in 6th place. Good runs by Natalie Darlow and Penny Fletcher took the other two scoring positions and Samantha Grist gave a very strong performance to finish close behind the first three. Improving places by Elaine Stead, Julie Dowse and Anne Lincoln mean an ever strengthening team for next season.
Mens team results:
Steve Penney (26th), Gavin Elliot (48th), Ken Prior (73rd), Neil Gregory (102nd), Nigel Bush (105th),
Ian Skerrat (114th), Ray Dowse (115th), Arthur Mitchell (134th).
The Men’s Team finished in 7th position.
Ladies team results:
Debbie Bryant (6th), Natalie Darlow (21st), Penny Fletcher (50th), Samantha Grist (56th),
Elaine Stead (62nd), Julie Dowse (75th), Anne Lincoln (76th).
The Ladies Team finished in 5th position.
Wootton won the overall league title for the season with Biggleswade AC finishing in 7th place.