NEWSLETTER
JULY 2010
Biggleswade Athletic Club


News    Races    Results    Contacts    JULY 2010   Old News Club Website

  • Don't Forget in July...
  • LEJOG for Rog
  • More about Roger
  • Kingfisher Way Run - Sun 25 July
  • New Members
  • Training
  • Back at the Track...
  • News of Members: Euan Dickson Earle

    and lots of Results

  •  

     

     

    Don't Forget in July...

     
  •  Wed
  • 28 Jul  BAC 5k Road Club Championship - Doug Anderson 5k, Bedford
     
  •  Thu
  • 15 Jul  BAC Running Fest - 100m 200m 400m 800m 5k - enter on the day
     
  •  Thu
  • 5 Aug  BAC Throws Fest

     

     

    LEJOG for Rog

    Nigel Bush and Ken Prior are planning to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats (LEJOG) in memory of their dear running friend and club member Roger Wadeley.  Roger died recently after a brave battle with cancer, and Ken and Nigel decided that their planned cycle challenge should be ridden in his memory.  They hope to raise money for St John's Hospice Moggerhanger and East Beds MacMillan Nurses, who both cared for Roger.

    The cycling challenge is planned to start on Saturday 3rd July from Lands End, and the pair hope to arrive in John O'Groats about 12 days later after a trek of about 950 miles.  They do not have any planned over-night stops, but will ride each day as far as they can and seek out accommodation.  If no beds are available they do have a tent and some rudimentary camping gear!  Once they reach Liverpool, another friend who lives in the Wirrall (Roger Brooks) will join them in his car to provide support by carrying their clothes, tent, food, etc and look ahead for suitable accommodation and campsites to John O'Groats.

    If you would like to support Ken and Nigel on their cycling challenge, please contact them on 01767 682251 (Nigel) or 01767 260592 (Ken), or go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lejog4rog

     

     

    More about Roger

    from Lou Myers...

    As a very old friend of Rogers, going back many a year, it was always recognised, that when he and I were in the same race, (inevitably a long course), he would, after finishing, come back out on the course to find and whip me in, this became a long standing tradition between him and I.

    It was so strange then, that at this years running of the Del Passatore 100 km race, several days after his funeral, in the early hours of the Sunday morning, that with about a mile and a bit to go, a stranger appeared at my elbow, literally out of no-where, and ran and assisted me to the finish.  I haven't a clue who he was, although he spoke Italian, was extremely kind and knowledgeable towards me, it was so unexpected, but I can assure you all, that I took on a feeling of immense peacefulness and tranquility.

     

     

    Kingfisher Way Run - Sun 25 July

    The annual 'summer edition' of the Kingfisher Way training run is set for Sunday 25th July.  For those not familiar with the run, the Kingfisher Way is a 20 mile footpath that follows the River Ivel from Baldock (the river source) to Tempsford (where it joins the Great Ouse).  It passes through Stotfold, Astwick, Arlesey, Henlow Grange, Langford, Broom, Biggleswade, Sandy and Blunham.

    For those who prefer a shorter run you can either start at Baldock and finish at Arlesey (6 miles), Langford (10 miles); Biggleswade (12 miles) or Sandy (16 miles), or join the run at Biggleswade (8 miles) or Sandy (4 miles), or other options.

    The training run will start at 9:00am in Baldock.  We will meet in Tempsford (by the Wheatsheaf pub) at 8:30am to drive to Baldock in shared cars for the start.

     

     

    New Members

    Welcome to the following new senior members who have joined us recently:

      Lisa Cobb   who lives in Potton
      Ian Clayton   who lives in Blunham
      Tracey Patmore   who lives in St.Neots
      Geraldine Mason   who lives in Biggleswade
      Neil Carrington   who lives in St.Neots - Neil has joined us Second-Claim
      Arthur Thomson   who lives in Letchworth - Arthur has joined us Second-Claim
      Eve Couvara   who lives in Sandy
      Guy Rossler   who lives in Sandy
      Michael Williams   who lives in Biggleswade

    We wish you all the very best in your sporting endeavours and hope that you get great pleasure out of your membership of Biggleswade AC.

    Senior membership now stands at 98, which indicates that the Club continues to grow in a very healthy way.

     

     

    Training

    The winter fitness and circuit sessions at Biggleswade Rec Centre ceased on Monday 29th March, and will start at Biggleswade in November.  David Brown intends to continue after a Tuesday or Thursday session if there's enough interest, please let David know.

    Senior Track Training
    For those middle and long distance athletes interested in track training, our coach Zoe Luscombe will be pleased to meet you.  Training on the track starts at 6.00pm every Tuesday.

    Senior Road Training
    You will find the Seniors Training Programme and other training events in the
    Club calendar

     Thu  1 Jul      Black Barn
     Tue  6 Jul      Starbursts
     Thu  8 Jul      Everton Loop
     Tue  13 Jul      Northill Away Day led by Julie Sutton (meet at Crown Pub, Northill)
     Thu  15 Jul      Route 51
     Tue  20 Jul      Black Barn
     Thu  22 Jul      Starbursts
     Tue  27 Jul      RSPB Loop
     Thu  29 Jul      Blunham Loop
     
     Tue  3 Aug      Speedwork with Coach Zoe
     Thu  5 Aug      RSPB Loop
     Tue  10 Aug      Everton Loop
     Thu  12 Aug      Route 51
     Tue  17 Aug      Starbursts
     Thu  19 Aug      Lonely Pines
     Tue  24 Aug      Rowney Warren (Chicksands) Away Day led by Damo
     Thu  26 Aug      Black Barn

     You may need a track pass or to pay for a day pass when doing Speed or Track work

     

    Back at the Track...

    Lighting
    Electricians have again been in to assess the situation with the light gantry that has been out of operation for over two years.  They have confirmed a wiring fault and indicated that the quickest way to cure the problem would be to dig up all the cabling (which runs round the outside of the Track) and replace as necessary.  The cost is likely to be £4000 so the information has had to be fed back to Central Bedfordshire for approval of funding.  Hopefully this will be made available before the winter months.

    One piece of good news is that the electricians have managed to get one of the lamps on the gantry operational, so regardless of the funding situation there will be some light in that corner of the Track.

    PA System
    A new PA System for the Track has been purchased by Stevenage Leisure and it is reported to be operating well.  A new radio microphone is on order but is yet to be received.

     

    News of Members: Euan Dickson Earle

    Euan has been selected to compete in the English Schools Championships at Birmingham 9-12 July.  "English Schools" is known as the mini-Olympics as selections are very tough and the top 20 in all disciplines are invited and have included many Olympic winners on the board of honour.

     

     


    News    Races    Results    Contacts    JULY 2010   Old News Club Website

     

    RACE   LISTINGS

     

    With the reorganisation of the web site and the intoduction of the Club calendar, this section of the newsletter will now only have highlighted races and leagues.  For a complete schedule of races, look at the calendar (if you want to see a list, click "Agenda" at the top right, and use the drop-down menu to pick out the type of event you want).  Click on the event to see if there's any more details.

    If you have transport problems, and need transport/lift to an event,
    please contact the Team Manager

       

    • Biggleswade AC Club Championships:
        - 5k Road  Wed 28 Jul  Doug Anderson 5k, Bedford
        - 10 Mile  Sun 12 Sep  Swineshead 10
        - Half-Marathon  Sun 12 Dec  Bedford Harriers Half Marathon

       

    • Biggleswade AC Club Events:
       Thu 15 Jul    BAC Running Fest
       100m 200m 400m 800m 5k - enter on the day.
       Thu 5 Aug    BAC Throws Fest
       Sat 25 Sep    BAC Track & Field Open Meeting
       entry forms available on our web site

       

    • Southern Womens League
      We gained promotion to Div 1 north last season, well done ladies
      All matches are on Saturdays
       7 Aug  Lee Valley - Loughton AC assisted by Biggleswade AC
       4 Sep  Colchester

       

    • Southern Mens League
      The men were relegated from Div 3 N last season and have now been placed in Div 4 N - which is more travelling unfortunately.
      All matches are on Saturdays
       10 Jul  Dartford
       31 Jul  Luton

       

    • National Junior Athletic League
      A competition for Under-20s, we are a composite team with the other clubs in Bedfordshire - Bedford, Biggleswade, Luton, Leighton Buzzard - known as Team Bedfordshire
       Sun 25 Jul  Cambridge or Peterborough

       

    • Eastern Young Athletes League
      All matches are on Sundays
       11 Jul  Bedford
       15 Aug  Hemel Hempstead

       

    • Eastern Veterans Athletic Club
      All matches are on Wednesdays, from 7pm
       7 Jul  Sandy/St Ives
       4 Aug  Milton Keynes

     

     

     


    News    Races    Results    Contacts    JULY 2010   Old News Club Website

     

    RESULTS
    supplied or compiled by
    Tim Huxtable, and Neil Gregory

     

    Many of the Club's race results are now collected on the Club website, at www.biggleswadeac.org.uk/results_2010.html
    Recent results there include:
  • Flitwick 10K - 18th April 2010
  • Beds Open Meeting - 17th April 2010
  • Oakley 20 - 28th March 2010
  •  

    Silverstone 10,  4 May
     Stephen (Steve) Atkins  49:06

    EVAC Bedford,  5 May
     Fiona Hunter  1500m  5:33  3rd  PB, V35 CR

    Cambridge Park Run,  8 May
    5k, 104 runners
     Paul Davies  19:52  11th  PB

    Sawston Fun Run,  9 May
    4.8 miles
     Natalie Morgan  33:48  6th Female under 40  PB

    Eye 10K,  9 May
     Tracey Patmore  40:10  47th  3rd Female

    St Albans 10k,  9 May
    472 runners
    Paul says he's finally learnt that doing 2 races in 2 days is not a good idea, this was very hard going and quite a bit more hilly than expected
     Paul Davies  41.02  34th  PB
     Stephen (Steve) Atkins  50.31    PB

    Colchester 10K,  9 May
    176 runners; a charity race held to raise money for the Army benevolent fund and help the heroes; a predominantly flat course around Colchester Garrison
     Rob Rumble  47:44  68th

    Cape Wrath Challenge,  16-22 May
    Nigel Bush has sent this report...

    Chris Clarke and Nigel Bush traveled back to Durness on the north western tip of Scotland in May to compete in the six day Cape Wrath Challenge event.  This was Chris's 4th visit and Nigel's 3rd, and it was wonderful to meet up with some familiar faces who return to this event year after year, and to meet the race organizers who have become good friends.  This year we were joined by Biggleswade AC's ex-lady captain Jan Forrester, who now lives in Derbyshire and competes for Matlock AC.

    The challenge week is made up of five races of varying terrain and distance, but you do not need to compete in all events.  There is also a packed social program including nature walks, a quiz night, Scottish country dancing, sheep shearing, beach BBQ and the final night's presentation dinner and ceilidh.  The Challenge week is quite unique and the magnificent scenery on the north western tip of Scotland, along with the friendly and sociable local community, makes this event very special.

    All three agreed at the end of the week that it was one of their best running weeks ever.  This is a unique event that you will always want to return to. See www.capewrathchallenge.co.uk

     Monday:  Half Marathon (undulating)
       Chris  1h 47m 56s  20th
     
       10K (undulating)
       Nigel  48m 38s  10th
       Jan  52m 06s  17th

    Evening Quiz night: Our team came didn't do very well!

     Tuesday:  5.5 mile Hill Run
      (one big hill and back)
       Nigel  42m 39s  20th
       Chris  44m 05s  25th
       Jan  45m 28s  31st

    Chris and Nigel then decided to "relax" in the afternoon by climbing a nearby 2700ft mountain named Cran Stackie, and Chris went on to climb a neighbouring peak named Beinn Spionnaidh for good measure.  Jan laid on the beach soaking up the sunshine!

     Wednesday:  8.5 mile Round Durness Run
      (undulating trail)
       Nigel  71m 47s  19th
       Chris  74m 12s  24th
       Jan  75m 06s  27th

     Thursday:  TARGET ZERO
    "Target Zero" is a 3 mile beach run (no watches) with most competitors in Fancy Dress.  Closest to predicted time wins.  They got the tide timings slightly wrong again this year which meant a slightly extended run, so time predictions went straight out of the window!  Jan dressed as a BEE, Nigel wore his traditional Fairy Costume and Chris decided to dig out his 20 year old Biggleswade running vest!  We were all about 90 seconds outside our predicted times.

    After this race, Chris, Nigel and Jan joined several other nutters by going swimming in the extremely chilly sea.  Chris won the prize for staying in the longest!

     Friday:  REST and RELAX

     Saturday:  Marathon or Marathon Relay
      (very undulating)

    The FULL marathon is a unique race.  It starts on the Cape Side of the Kyle and proceeds out to the lighthouse (11.5m) than back to the Kyle (23m) over very undulating terrain.  At this point, the watch is stopped and runners wait to be ferried across the sea to the Durness side of the Kyle.  It's then out of the boat and off to run the final 4.2 miles to the finish in Durness.

    Chris Nigel and Jan decided to do the 2-man (woman) relay, where one runner runs out to the Lighthouse (11.5 miles) and the other runner runs from the Lighthouse back to Durness via the ferry (14.7 miles)

       Team Biggleswade:
       Nigel  Capeside to Lighthouse  1:42:00
       Chris  Lighthouse to hall  2:12:10
       Total time    3:54:10 (8th)
     
       Team Matlock AC:
       Jan  Capeside to Lighthouse  1:45:00
       Gill  Lighthouse to hall  2:14:00
       Total time    3:59:00 (9th)

     

    Bedford 6,  18 May
     Tracey Patmore  38:11  75th  1st Fv40  PB
     Fiona Hunter  40:09  9th Lady  3rd LV35  PB

    Bishops Stortford 10k,  20 May
    163 runners
    Hot & humid night, hilly course (last two miles all uphill
     Peter Howell  51:31  132nd  15 of 18 V60
    Peter was running for his 2nd claim club, Barnet & District, in Race 1 Div 2 Herts Midweek Road Race League

    Edinburgh Half Marathon,  23 May
     Tracey Patmore  1:27:08  77th overall  1st FV40

    Wheathampstead 10k,  23 May
    666 runners, the winner's time was 35:54
     Richard Gray  39:47  17th  1st Over 50

    BUPA London 10k,  31 May
    The third year of this run, and John's third time running it, in perfect conditions
     John Kenyon  46:05  826th  PB

    Brandon Half Marathon,  31 May
     Tracey Patmore  1:26:56  20th overall  2nd Female

    EVAC, Cambridge,  2 Jun
     Fiona Hunter  3000m  11:40.1  1st  PB
       800m  2:40.1  2nd  PB, V35 Club Record

    Orion 6.6 miles,  2 Jun
    162 runners
    A humid night on this mega hilly route which includes the notoriously steep Wellington Hill 4.5 miles in
     Peter Howell  55:32  123rd  17th of 21 V60
    Peter is very pleased with his improvement on last year's 63 mins

    Southern Mens League Div4E,  Luton, 5 Jun
    Warm, humid and overcast conditions
     Richard Bevan  1500m  4:37.6  2nd  PB

    Whipsnade Zoo 10K,  6 Jun
    590 runners
     Craig Brown  38:49  16th  PB

    Marston Forest 5k,  18 Jun
    315 runners; perfect for a PB by Paul
     Paul Davies  18:56  35th  PB
     Steve Atkins  23:26  129th  
     Michelle Geeson  31:32  276th  

    Colworth Marathon Challenge,  Sharnbrook, 18-20 Jun
    The marathon distance is split into 3 races (5, 8.1 and 13.1 miles) over 3 days, which with the total time for the marathon gives 4 results
     Tracey Patmore  5 miles  0:32:29  31st Overall  1st Female  PB
       8.1 miles  0:55:29  26th Overall  1st Female  PB
       Half Marathon  1:31:37  22nd Overall  1st Female  
       Marathon  2:59:35  22nd Overall  1st Female  
    The official results web page for the Challenge give a 5-year cumulative marathon time (ie 5 marathons) for Tracay as 16 hours 19 minutes, so this years time is much improved over her average

    John O'Callaghan 5 Mile,  25 Jun
    75-ish runners
    Hot and humid conditions. Undulating in parts, by no means flat; an enjoyable course taking in parts of the Vauxhall Sports Ground and Luton Hoo Country Park
     Richard Bevan  29:08  6th  4th SM  PB by more than 2 mins

    NJAL, Bedford,  27 Jun
    The clubs sprinters representing Team Bedfordshire ran away with some fantastic results - against internationals in some cases
     Jordan Smith  100m  1st  11.1 secs  CR
       200m  1st  22.8 secs  CR
     Scott Parsons  200m B  1st  23.01 secs  
       400m    53.13 secs  PB CR
       400m Hurdles  2nd    
     Daniel Steel  Triple Jump B  1st    
       High Jump  3rd    
     Amy Lyons  all the throws    close to PB's in all

     


    News    Races    Results    Contacts    JULY 2010   Old News Club Website

    Biggleswade Athletic Club contacts

       
    Most contacts can found on the Club website,
    together with a map of where the club meets:
    view Contacts in this window
    view Contacts in a new window or tab
     
    Web sites     the club www.BiggleswadeAC.org.uk
      latest newsletter www.biggleswadeac.org.uk/newsletter
      previous newsletters www.biggleswadeac.org.uk/newsletter/archive

    Newsletter Editor:     David Hindle 6 Mallard Walk, Biggleswade, BEDS SG18 8DY
    davidhindle@msn.com
    Tel: 01767 316479


    NEWSLETTER
    JULY 2010
    Biggleswade Athletic Club


    News    Races    Results    Contacts    JULY 2010   Old News Club Website