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MARK'S GOING TO THE DOGS

To all viewers of this website, please come and support a fantastic evening arranged by

Mark Taylor in aid of the

Fibrosis Trust at the Monmore Green Stadium on Friday 19th March.

FISH & CHIP NIGHT - TUES 16th MARCH - 8.15pm - FREE

JOHN GLOVER NEEDS ORDERS BY THURSDAY NIGHT 11th MARCH

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - Xmas disco and buffet on Friday 10th Dec 2010.

SNOWDON INTERNATIONAL RACE

Tony Price informs us that entries are now open. Fills up fast, so get those entries in NOW

SATURDAY 6th MARCH  - CARDING MILL CANTER

Colin Downey and Mark Skidmore in the Carding Mill Valley.   Photo's by Alistair Tye.

SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY - ACTION HEART 4.9

Dave Norman reports "It’s often said that if you can’t say anything good about something you shouldn’t say anything at all, if that’s the case, from a personal point of view this should be very brief as the Action Heart 5 was more bad than good, more negative than positive. But I should put my own personal prejudices to one side, abandon my own negative experiences and focus on the positive. In a field of nearly 600 runners and walkers not everyone will have suffered in the same way I did, although you could argue, quite rightly that it was my own fault I had a bad experience but you can’t help looking for someone else to blame.

With building work taking place at the rear of Russell's Hall Hospital the start/finish area was a bit of a mess, whereas in the past the access road behind the hospital had been a clear thoroughfare allowing full unimpeded access, this year was different. With a large area of road fenced off the usual easy route was blocked resulting in the field having to squeeze their way through a narrow gap between buildings to come out on the other side of the blockage. This was something most people were completely unaware of until they approached the start, those allowing enough time to make the start line found that the start line wasn’t where they expected. This resulted in a crush, frustration amongst runners, a slight reduction in the length of the race by yards and soured for some what is normally a well organised event. You could argue that the majority of the field had no problem, that most made it to the start line in time and suffered no inconvenience but when a good proportion of runners end up having their race significantly damaged before the “off” because of something we were totally unaware of until it was too late you can’t help feeling hard done by. I wasn’t on my own in getting stranded at the back as a sizable group made it between the buildings in time to see the rear of the field disappearing, running into the back of the race and having to make up ground by zig zagging through the tail enders. There were many in the same position, only able to make progress when the course turned left at the top of the hill onto the dual carriageway and the course opened up a little. As I was able to cut through the field and get into a reasonable position and settle down at least it gave me an opportunity to see the rest of the blue hoops in the field.

Despite my bad start I made up enough ground to finish 36^th in 31.53, Darren Marklew finished in 32.44 for 53^rd place, Steve Wood was 61^st in 33.35, Stephen Morris was 69^th in 33.53, Mick Quane finished in 34.25 for 77^th, Darren Flavell was 81^st in 34.34 after a bad start, Katherine McEwan finished in 34.55 for 87^th, Helen Tromans was 94^th in 35.17 pulling away from Brian Russell who finished in 35.22 for 97^th, Craig Brown had a worse start than anybody but still finished in 35.29 for 100^th. Gareth Smith was 107^th in 35.43, Carol Fisher won the FV50 prize coming 182^nd in 38.44 just in front of Liz Hadley 3 seconds behind in 185^th, Catherine Quane was 270^th in 41.55, Jim Bibb ran a great race in 273^rd in exactly 42 minutes. Nicky Baker was 277^th in 42.08. Zoe Marklew ran 46.27, Jeremy Cobb finished in 47.59, Jo Poskitt 48.09, Claire Fisher limped home in 48.39 with sore shins and Enid Brazier was 588^th in 1.12.21.

In the great scheme of things did the bad start make a great deal of difference? A good two dozen plus were held up and suffered inconvenience, some suffered more than others, in percentage terms there were more runners pleased with the start than were disappointed but the lack of communication and the race going off an unheard of few minutes early soured the whole event for some. I suppose you’ve got to be philosophical about it, there are other races, it’s not like we need an enquiry, it’s not like we were looking for weapons of mass destruction, or gun shots from a grassy knoll because it doesn’t really matter. But it does. " 

SUNDAY 28th FEBRUARY - THE TERMINATOR

Colin Downey reports : Travelled down to Pewsey, Nr. Marlborough, in Wiltshire for The Terminator, an 11 mile off road event which I did a few years ago.  

A course for masochists, the event attracted 586 runners. After ¾ mile through the town we are directed across fields with several water crossings & gluey knee deep mud before having some respite along the canal towpath.  Heading across country again we then reach “the gulley”. This is a ½ mile climb through a steep sided gulley where the Cotswold stone base ensures that you are running all the way through the stream coming down after all the rain. As a result you have no feeling in your feet for the next 10 minutes.  

The climb onto the ridge is followed by 3 or 4 steep climbs up & down culminating in a scramble up, round & down the Pewsey White Horse, this being one of the landmark chalk figure cut out on the hillside. More rutted mud leads eventually to the road where runners are sent through the waist high river rather than be allowed to cross the bridge. A final ½ mile on a muddy footpath to the finish. 

The day was capped off by a girl accidentally hitting the accelerator rather than the brake in the car park & ploughing at speed into several cars.

QUINEY'S ON HOLIDAY IN EGYPT.   Sharm El Shiz' 

SATURDAY 13th FEBRUARY - MIDLAND WOMEN'S XC LEAGUE

SATURDAY 13th FEBRUARY - BIRMINGHAM XC LEAGUE

Dave Norman reports "There’s a scene in the film “Chariots of Fire” where Scottish sprinter, Eric Liddell is training in the highlands, charging across the foothills of the mountains with abandon, relishing the punishing demands the rugged scenery is making on his body as he pushes himself to the limit. If you could ignore the other near 200 competitors and get a Vangelis based soundtrack running through your head the cross country at Malvern Common was very similar. With the spine of the Malvern's looming over the course, clumps of pine trees, little stone bridges and the silence, only the sound of your own tortured breathing, the painful splash of your shoes in the mud and the occasional noise of a passing train heading towards Worcester Foregate Street to spoil the image.

In true Division 2 fashion as with every other race this season this one was brutally tough and very fast, this time over four laps offering a variety of underfoot conditions. From the start you raced across close cropped common land before reaching a hill with a narrow muddy gully cut into it’s face by countless feet, a gentle slope towards a stream, through the water and across what must have been the streams flood plain before crossing the narrow trickle of water again, up a punishing hill, a flat stretch before a severe downhill where the ground dropped away on occasions forcing runners into involuntary leaps before heading on a twisting and turning, tree root ridden path through woods to the start. At no point was there time to get your breath back, no point where you could relax and let gravity assist. Even the steep downhill was so harsh that if you did relax you were swamped by others streaming past you. This was a course where you had to have the hammer down all the time or you would find yourself slipping down the field.

With the blue hoops status in this division slipping away and with an impossible task ahead of us it was a last hurrah. Typically this was to prove the best points tally of the season, too little, too late. Kevin Duckworth powered round the tough course in 39.19 for 44^th place, Dan Smith and Dave Norman traded places throughout,  with Dave in front on the odd laps and Dan taking the lead on the even laps and crucially staying in front at the finish for 86^th place and a time of 41.46 compared to Dave’s 92^nd and 42.07. Gary Bonner finished in 43.41 for 106^th place, Tony Price was 114^th in 44.35 and Rob Sannwald troubled the scorers with a fantastic performance for 117^th and an A team 6^th in 44.43. Phil Johnson ran a superb 45.56 for 130^th despite having raced The Valleys fell race last weekend, Paul Richards finished in 142^nd in a time of 47.13 despite suffering from stomach pains, Colin Downey finished in 53.19 for 179^th and Richard Sannwald was 184^th in 55.15. Although Brian Lane had completed a couple of laps he did the sensible thing and pulled out due to illness.

So another season drew to a conclusion with the blue hoops dropping down to the Third Division after finishing 17^th of 18. Throughout the season both quality and quantity have been an issue and DK have struggled to compete at this level, even if today’s best points total had been duplicated at the three other venues it would still have only been enough to place us one position higher and the outcome would still have been the same, relegation. But it’s not all doom and gloom, DK had clearly been punching above their weight in the rarefied atmosphere of the Second Division, struggling to hold their own against the younger and the considerably faster, next season could see a wholly different scenario. A scenario that ends with some Saturday afternoon success, something that Liddell would approve of."

SUNDAY 7th FEBRUARY - STOURBRIDGE STAGGER

Dave Norman reports "When the race organiser stands at the start line and announces that the course isn’t too wet you must wonder what he uses as a comparison, it’s like saying the Pope’s not too Catholic, or the economy is not too knackered. I suppose it’s all comparative, it all depends on where you set the bar, but when some runners complain of losing shoes on parts of the course it suggests that the pre race announcement was a little optimistic. There were places where it was wet, not your proper cross country wet but still wet enough to describe the going as good to soft with more than a little moisture in the wicket. There were patches of thick, cloying mud, deep puddles and oozing, squelchiness so in anyone’s book wet. There were also sandy stretches, tracks through bone dry fields, some road, a bit of everything to ensure the “multi” in multi terrain applied throughout, maybe those were the bits he was referring to.

The course was made up of the usual loops around the countryside between Stourbridge and Hagley, a lap of the park to thin the field out before crossing the road, running alongside football pitches, through an estate, over the golf course, to the frustration of one golfer who was angrily mashing his 3 wood into the turf as we ran past, and out into the country proper. For those who were new to the event the variety was staggering, for those with previous there were still the little surprises as you can never seem to remember which bit comes next before you actually reach it. With a handful of lung bursting hills strategically placed to ensure they arrived just when you are at your weakest it’s never as easy run, the distance of 10 ish miles and the harshness of the course in places makes it a real test, even more remarkable that the winner, Ross Jones from Wolves and Bilston managed to break the hour.

As expected for a race just on the doorstep the blue hoops were numerous, Dave Norman finished in 23^rd in 1.13.15 with a bit before and a bit after clocking up 18 miles on the day, Darren Marklew was not too far behind in 1.17.15 for 48^th place, Tony Price finished in 1.17.49 for 50^th place, Steve Wood was 54^th in 1.18.02 just in front of David Fennell in 1.18.15 and a place behind. Mick Quane was 63^rd in 1.19.32, Keith Bate proved he can still do it in 1.20.08 for 69^th with Neil Edwards just behind in 1.20.21 for 71^st. Mark Homer finished in 1.20.56 and then ran home, Helen Tromans ducked just inside the top hundred in 98^th in 1.23.45, Heather Fisher finished in 1.24.46, Robert Kennard finished in 1.24.56 taking a couple of notable scalps in the process, Brian Russell came home in 1.25.07 having lost a shoe at some point, Carol Fisher was 151st in 1:30:11 while Nick Wood did exactly as predicted finishing in 1.30.17 in 153rd place, Liz Hadley came home in 1.33.07 followed by Claire Fisher, Ian Corns, Cath Quane, Sally McConville and Farah Hunter-Coley.

As the temperature dropped to around freezing and the mud hardened on our trainers, our legs and in some cases our socks we were left with one thing to remember. When a race organiser says the course isn’t too wet it’s akin to Noah looking out of the window and suggesting it’s a little damp."

SUNDAY 7th FEBRUARY - CARDING MILL CANTER FELL RACE.

SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY - TITTERSTONE CLEE FELL RACE.

ON SALE NOW - NEW FROM MARTIN AT MAPLE   Rain jacket, fluorescent , water repellent, windproof and breathable embroidered and printed. £23.00

ON SALE NOW - NEW FROM MARTIN AT MAPLE   Long Sleeve Coolmax Training Top at £10.95 and Short Sleeve Top at £9.95

WISH YOU WHERE HERE !!!

Colin Downey sends in this photo from

Mount Toubkal 4167 metres – Atlas Mountains, Morroco.

SATURDAY 30th JANUARY - MIDLAND COUNTIES AA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS. 

Dave Norman says "Stafford Common is bleak at the best of times, doubly so when the wind is whipping in direct from Moscow and we are shivering amongst the club tents erected alongside the finishing straight providing scant cover for the hardy half dozen from DK. While our numb fingers struggled with safety pins with numbers front and back of our vests and chips to be velcroed to ankles the elite bounced around amongst us, all long limbs and boundless energy doing warm up laps and extravagant stretches while we shivered. A warm up lap was called for. Although this got the blood following a little closer towards our extremities it only served to give us more concern over the state of the course, a course churned into porridge in places by previous races, frozen into thick ridges in others. A course that we always thought would be brutal and now we had confirmation. The fact that we were running it anticlockwise instead of the usual clockwise direction only added to the feeling of trepidation.

With over 350 runners in the field, many of them considerably better than the best the blue hoops could muster, there was a greater focus on the elite and as the race started many of these bounded up the hill, only to be seen again as the course wound around the common. With parts of the course bone hard and others so muddy a hippopotamus would shy away for fear of trench foot it was a route of extremes that wound in an out for three huge laps before a cruel finish that seemed to go on forever. Three brutally long laps through ankle deep mud with the sun reflecting off surface water preventing you from picking a best path, there wasn’t a best path. In and out of a bomb crater whose sides got slicker as the afternoon progressed and a final long loop towards the finish with the tape disappearing over your left shoulder before reappearing in front of you nearly half a mile later.

The hoops managed to field a team of six with Kevin Duckworth bringing the club home in 152^nd in a time of 51:34, Dave Norman was 188^th in 53.28, Dan Smith finished in 56.10 for 231^st place, Rob Sannwald had another good race in 59.25 for 268^th despite suffering from mild frost bite, Brian Russell was 298^th in 1:03:00 and Colin Downey finished in 338^th in 1:10:04.

After some shivering and struggling to unfasten clogged laces with frozen fingers and pull clothes on over muddy legs it was a case of packing up and coming home. This wasn’t a place to hang around, with no showers available and the only heat coming from whatever the car could produce we headed home. We must have reached Wall Heath by the time we could all feel our fingers again."

SUNDAY 24th JANUARY - MIDLANDS MASTERS XC CHAMPIONSHIP 

Dave Norman (who else ?) reports "Youth and talent are no match for age and experience, the enthusiasm displayed by those less mature is no substitute for sheer, bloody minded stubbornness. The Midland Masters cross country made it perfectly clear that old runners never die, they just run fewer laps.

With runners young enough to fall into the under 40s age group and old enough to qualify at M80+ the range of ages and abilities was huge. The one thing everyone had in common was they were all runners, all pulling on a vest, all pinning a number to the front and all competing against others their own age, against the clock, against the course. The clock may tick relentlessly on marking time but any time spent running round muddy fields, through woods and along paths is time well spent. Better than sitting around doing what people expect you to do as you get old, listening to the wireless and worrying about your heating allowance.

A small contingent from DK were in attendance to tackle the course around football pitches, through woods up a steep but mercifully short hill before a narrow path took the field out across a footbridge over a stream, alongside the canal before returning to the football pitches for a total of just over 8k. Unfortunately not enough of the blue hoops were there to make up a team but enough to at least make their presence felt. Dave Norman was first back in 35.35 in 18^th place and 5^th in his age group. Malcolm Pillar was 36^th and 7^th M60 in 39.52 and Brian Russell despite suffering from a cold was 41^st and 9^th M60 in 41.30.

With some competitors taking around an hour to complete the course some people’s stubbornness and determination was there for all to see. They may have shins like hacksaw blades, thick knotted veins sticking out of their calves like maps of the motorway network, they may take longer than average to warm up and get the blood flowing through their veins, they may not be as sprightly as some of their younger rivals but that does not make them any less worthy of regard in fact it makes their efforts even more commendable. The tireless enthusiasm, the commitment they put into the race made lesser mortals need a sit down with a cup of tea and a biscuit. "

SUNDAY 24th JANUARY - TELFORD 10k 2009

Mark Homer reports "Its traditional that the last Sunday before Christmas, anyone looking for a late season 10k best heads for Telford. Not this time though as the race was cancelled twice due to the weather so, at the third time of asking, we found ourselves lining up for the 2009 Telford 10k in the middle of January 2010.

To make the race quicker the elite runners (sub 40 minutes) were given their own start 45 minutes before everyone else. This also meant that the not-so-quick runners in the mass start had the opportunity to sample the atmosphere nearer the front of the race, at least for the first 100m!

This is effectively a downhill race – the first quarter of a mile being run down a steep hill before two loops of 3 miles around a lake and along a track.  Not the most scenic of courses and anybody off to a slow start in the mass event was hindered by limited opportunities to overtake, but definitely a course with PB potential.

The DK contingent lined up in the mass start and all finished within 2 minutes of each other. First home for DK was Darren Marklew (109th in a time of 42:14), followed by Mark Homer (117th; 42:43), Andy Litchfield (118th; 42:44), Robert Smith (134th; 43:54) and Robert Kennard (136th; 44:00).    

Special mention to a couple of old Sunday morning training partners, Darren Perry and Andy Williams running for Tipton, who after finishing the elite race stopped behind to encourage the DK runners through the last mile. Thanks guys it was much appreciated (at least it was as soon as we had finished the race!)"

SATURDAY 16th JANUARY - MIDLANDS WOMEN'S/B'HAM XC LEAGUES

Dave Norman reports on a disappointing turnout. " With the recent cold snap finally breaking 48 hours ago, a rise in temperatures and almost a full day of torrential rain on Friday meant that a race that was in doubt a week ago could go ahead as planned. With the snow gone surface water was more of an issue particularly in places where there was ice just below the surface, lurking menacingly to catch out the unwary. Whereas a few days ago we were contemplating freezing conditions and a complete white out by start time all that remained was a decapitated snowman, his body on one side of the course and his head about six feet away on the other side. As we ran between these two remaining dirty snow boulders that marked a turn on the course it was a reminder of how different this would have been under a covering of snow.

The course was your typical twisting a turning course, more miniature moor land than parkland with tussocky grass and windblown trees breaking up the monotonous surroundings. With an icy and particularly dicey path to negotiate and more turns than a talent show it was a challenging course for directional purposes if nothing else. Luckily the organisers had the good sense to send the women out first with the men’s race following half an hour later.

Only 24 hours earlier the ladies team was short of numbers but with a bit of phoning around and cajoling they managed a full complement of four with Helen Tromans first back in 105^th in a time of 29.02 just having enough strength and pace to hold off Carol Fisher, a place and 2 seconds behind. Liz Hadley finished in 120^th place in 30.09 and Rae Moorhouse ran 32.08 for 139^th place putting them a comfortable 12^th in their division.

By the time the women had finished with the course any fears of it being hard and icy had disappeared, the corners were cutting up and boggy patches were appearing. They had left it in a right state. But with the relegation alarm bells ringing for the blue hoops this was the least of our worries and the old adage of the course being the same for everyone was never truer. With many of the big guns missing due to injury, illness, apathy and other commitments we were lacking quality at the front of the field, runners who could consistently finish in the top 100 even at this rarefied level were sadly lacking. It was left to Dan Smith to lead the A team home in 90^th place in 36.34 after a good battle with Dave Norman over the first two laps, Dan had pulled away with Dave reducing the deficit on the final lap but never getting close enough to land a blow finishing in 101^st in 36.57. Phil Johnson was next home running most of the race on his own in 142^nd and 39.39, Steve Wood charged past Richard Wheezy Jones in the shadow of the line finishing in 149^th and 40.07 and 150^th and 40.11 respectively. The blistered Mark Gallimore was only two places and 10 seconds behind to bring home the A team. Rob Sannwald exceeded expectations with a time of 40.44 for 161^st place, followed by Ian Hopkins in 163^rd in 40.55, Paul Richards 175^th and 41.45 and Phil Smith 176th and 41.46 came home together. Mark Homer finished in 42.01 for 181^st, Richard Sannwald was 208^th in 47.49 and Brian Lane was C team leader in 210^th 48.23.

With a massive total of 2252 and only one remaining fixture DK have a formidable mountain to climb to secure Second Division status for another year, at least we will go down having fielded a team in every race unlike Stourbridge who struggled for numbers again and are the only team below DK. With the relegation alarm bells getting louder and louder it was fire alarm bells that were ringing after the race as steam from the showers got into the smoke detectors and set the alarms off causing a part evacuation. The hoops were at the rear of the field for that event too.

SUNDAY 10th JANUARY - CANNOCK CHASE TRIG POINT 12

Richard "Wheezy" Jones reports "I’ve been quite tired of late and didn’t fancy getting up in time (or even almost in time) for the normal Sunday run. No problem I thought, I’ll call Stuart and see if he’s still running the Trig point 15. So having delayed leaving the house until 9am I could relax and spend a few minutes checking the details of this little jaunt. Because of extreme conditions the race has been shortened to 12 miles said the website – excellent I thought – it would have been just as cold on the normal Sunday run and now the race was no longer than said normal Sunday run (unless your name begins with Brian and ends in Lane in which case 12 might sound like a challenge). The kick in the tail was – “full kit requirements will be enforced – full waterproof coverings, hat, gloves, compass, whistle, map, cuddly toy etc. This is for serious runners only” - Oh dear, a bit of acting required then.  Anyway on an overcast snowy morning the three amigos (Stuart, Steve Wood and Wheezy) removed their silly glasses and fake moustaches

and donned enough warm clothing to look the part. How did we know we looked the part I hear you ask. Well, apart from always being paragons of sartorial elegance, we hadn’t even cleared the car park when another runner came and asked Steve for advice because he thought Steve “looked like he knew what he was doing” – amazing that rabbit in the headlight fear could be mistaken for steely determination.   Anyway, on to the race; 12.5 miles, any which way you want as long as you visit each check point in turn. This saw many of the local runners diverting off among trees and jumping streams to take more short cuts than Laney could dream of. To us townies this left a dilemma, do we try and follow the locals or stick to the more obvious path. The problem being if you head off through the trees and can’t keep up you’ll actually have to get the map and compass out. With Stuart’s navigation skills being restricted to regular pub routes only this could have been a disaster so some superhuman efforts were put in. I took the other option of waiting for the guy behind to catch up so that I could ask the way – particularly annoying as I had spent several miles catching and overtaking him to begin with. Apart from the bitingly cold wind, icy paths and 1500ft of climbing it was a lovely run and the provision of free tea/soup and cakes by Mercia fell runners added a friendly touch at the end. If the showers had been hot (or even luke warm) rather than icy it would have been a perfect event. Stuart came 41st in 1hr 40, Richard was 49th in 1hr 45 and Steve was 69th in 1hr 52. The next similar event is on the Long Mynd (similar because it’s off road, different because it has double the climbing – but you will get a comparative lie in)"

SUNDAY 27th DECEMBER - WHEATON ASTON 10k

Dave Norman reports "Christmas is all about traditions. The traditional bout of overeating, putting food on your plate that you would never normally eat at any other time of year – parsnips, twiglets and cheese footballs - falling asleep in front of the television, waking up to moan that there is nothing on anyway and it was always better when Morecambe and Wise were alive, stupid party hats, jokes that are to comedy what Herod was to child care and the Wheaton Aston 10k.

The popularity of this event is always surprising, why would nearly 400 people sign up to race over 10k during the middle of a traditional food fest, why would people tear themselves away from the tin of Quality Street to slog around cold, country lanes less than 48 hours after eating their biggest meal of the year so far.  Maybe that’s the reason it is so popular because you can leave the table and get out in the country to balance out the calorie intake. It gives Christmas a different focus, it might curtail the binge eating and drinking, it helps us remember that despite the festivities we are still runners – we may eat and we may drink but we also run. We might be mad but on the other hand we might just be the only sane ones left.

Like all traditions this one was very similar to previous years, the same course, the same names, the same faces, very little changing in 12 months. The start, as always, in the lane a few hundreds yards from the school, a few twists and turns early on through the village where the support was excellent, before going out into the country where the ice was still thick on the roads in places before passing our original starting point to finish on the school car park. Kevin Duckworth was first back for the hoops in 43^rd saying afterwards that every second of the 40.14 he recorded was painful, Dave Norman, full of cold and struggling was 49^th in 40.45, Adrian Morey finished in 42.20 for 59^th place, Mark Homer was 71^st in 43.07, Phil Smith was 86^th in 44.02, Gary Bonner, starting the long haul on the road to recovery ran 44.21 for 90^th. Robert Kennard was 125^th in 46.06, John Glover blew the Christmas cobwebs away in 50.43 for 210^th, Steph Andrews was 233^rd in 52.24, Andy Page, four seconds and two places behind was next, Ian Corns was 258^th in 53.44, Lucy brought home Team Froggatt in 54.32 for 274^th, Sally McConville was 277^th in 54.39, the remainder of Team Froggatt came next crossing the line together in 57.52, Richard being given 310^th place and Cindy 311^th. Michelle Brittain was 352^nd in 1.03.57 and Carol Yates was 355^th in 1.04.16.

With the ice still clinging resolutely to the road in exposed areas and the prospect of more snow on the way it was a nice touch to be presented with a woolly hat this year rather than a t shirt.  At least this was one Christmas present that everyone would find useful particularly as the coldest part of Wheaton Aston appeared to be a spot immediately after the finish line. So that was another Christmas tradition over for another twelve months. Time to pack this race away with the tree and the tinsel until next year when it will be unpacked again to fit into the usual festivities with the excessive eating and drinking, only this one is good for you. It doesn’t feel like it when you are sweating Baileys at the finish and all you can taste is twiglets. Maybe we should approach this more professionally next year, but then again, maybe not, we wouldn’t want to spoil a tradition."

SUNDAY 20th DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Having chiselled my way into my car Sunday Morning I looked down upon the dashboard to see a temperature reading of minus 5. I must have been either mad or enthusiastic. To be honest I was, both that is. I was looking forward to running up and over the roaches, more so now that there would be a  dusting of snow to add to the scenery. The Roaches lie just north of leek on route to Buxton and  having run races in this area before I can vouch that some of the roads  around Meerbrook wouldn't be out of place in an alpine resort. The race was to be an 8 miler with just 40% of it being on the road which started from the tittesworth resevior at Meerbrook. Snow had just started falling again as I approached the venue and at this point wasn't sure if the race was going to go ahead.  Fancy dress plays a big part in this run, and I was starting to feel  a bit out of place as the majority of runners were dressed in anything from Santa outfits, through to chimney sweeps, chickens and sheep costumes. Weather conditions were pretty dire before the start, but Staffordshire Moorlands AC announced that the race would go ahead with a revised route of around 5-6 miles that would be run around the grounds of the reservoir. So with the snow now halted  and the race going ahead we were  lined up at the start throwing snow balls at each other...childish I know....but I didn't start it......honest !   Within the 1st mile many of us had missed the turning into the woods and had to double back along a single width track before coming  head to head with the runners  at the back of the field. It  didn't really matter too much as  I don't think  that many people was taking it serious anyway. The route followed the perimeter of the reservoir though woodland and farm tracks that was undulating and twisty in places, with plenty of opportunities to throw more snowballs at people coming up the hills. Overall the race was pleasing and we had a few giggles on the way round. Probably the first time I've run a race with both humans & dogs but hey, if they are wearing a Santa outfit or a pair of antlers then why shouldn't they. Well done to Staffs Moorlands AC for salvaging the race and giving us a run out.

SUNDAY 20th DECEMBER - TURKEY TROT

SUNDAY 13th DECEMBER - MORTIMER FOREST

Dave Norman reports "There is nothing better than travelling towards Ludlow, over the hills, and past the picture book villages with their elaborate chimneys. Past the grazing sheep with the Welsh side of Shropshire laid out before you like a picnic blanket. As the mist rises, the ice thaws and the hills overlooking the Welsh borders get closer, the temperature rises and with the watery winter sun in your faces talk turns to whether to wear the long sleeves under the vest or not. To Helly or not to Helly that is the question. With a car full of anticipation and expectancy we tick the miles off because this is Mortimer, this is a classic, this is one of the favourites and after this one it’s virtually Christmas.

The morning was bright and clear, perfect conditions for a race of 10 miles and 1700 feet of ascent, the views would be fantastic if only we could raise our eyes from the path in front, away from our tortured thighs and appreciate it. With a word of warning from the organisers prior to the start about the state of the course, “it’s muddy, if you’re wearing flats you will go over”, it was a quick shout and we were off. Not the traditional whistle or air horn or even “go” but an order of “START”, possibly more in keeping with our public school surroundings.

Runners jostled for position before the path narrowed, the elbows came out and there was some ducking and diving along the fringes of the path to get past bottlenecks before the sharp descent, through woods, across a stream to the foot of the first proper climb. A steep, minutes long muddy path towards the sky. Reduced to walking with your hands on your lactic filled thighs this was the first proper test and there would be more to come. The course flattened with many slipping and sliding on the ankle deep mud, it was a case here of staying upright, many didn’t, there were numerous spills even on the flat as the mud slid away beneath you. With more ups and downs, more mud, the course wound itself towards what was referred to pre-race as “the land of the pipes” or “tellytubby land”. Three frightening drops and corresponding climbs before reaching a gravel path that twisted, turned and climbed again. The field climbed what was mercifully the last serious slope before reaching the wind blown tundra that seemed like the roof of the world and then it was all downhill. 1700 feet of climbing is a lot of up, if what goes up must come down there would be a lot of down too. And true enough the path dropped away as the tress whipped past, the mud and pine needles beneath your feet proving to be an unstable and treacherous carpet. More downhill then a mad dash along a path so flooded it was like running along a river bed. A final uphill and a charge through the forest to the finish in the tress. With only the walk back to the changing rooms at the school, a dungeon lined with pegs and the names of the children taught there – Cosmo, Sebastian, Orlando -  that was Mortimer over for another twelve months.

With two cars full of hoops we were well presented with Stuart Tromans bringing DK home in a respectable 1.24.44 for 43^rd place, Dave Norman was 68^th in 1.29.14, Mark Skidmore continued his fell running adventure in 1.40.30 for 170^th place, Richard Froggatt finished in 214^th in 1.45.01, Paul Richards in shiny new Innov 8s that rubbed his heels raw finished in 261^st in 1.50.54, the ever cheery Brian Lane was 279^th in 1.53.52 and Arthur Smith was a shade over 2 hours in 2.01.26. The two casualties, Tim Evans, a hamstring pull and a trip down in the Land Rover and Jim Bibb, a DNF due to a tight calf completed the compliment of hoops. With some of us fully embracing the fell race culture with stubbly chins passing round a bottle of malt whiskey (or possibly just starting a new culture all of our own) it was a good day and at least we all know what Paul Richards wants for Christmas – new skin for his heels or to be able to walk more than 10 feet without wincing.

SUNDAY 6th DECEMBER - CARDINGTON CRACKER

SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER - MIDLAND'S WOMEN'S XC LEAGUE

Well done to the Ladies for once more putting a team out in the Midland Cross Country League/

SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER - BIRMINGHAM XC LEAGUE

Dave Norman reports "With Gloucester hosting the latest fixture this was about as far south as we could go and still class this one as Birmingham League, even this was pushing it as we were probably closer to Bristol than Brum but Kenilworth, Coventry and Stratford can hardly be classed as Birmingham either. A muddy field is still a muddy field no matter how far away it is. As we journeyed south towards the grey skies we were hopeful that the rain would at least stay away but the further we went the gloomier the outcome.

The gloominess continued when we reached the venue, The Crypt School was certainly strangely named; worryingly there was what looked like an Anglo Saxon burial mound on the playing fields, all brightly taped as the course wound up one aide and down another, maybe that was the Crypt that gave the school its name. As far as the course was concerned apart from the bank, like Badminton but without the horses, we weren’t sure what to expect. Some had raced here before a couple of years ago but this was of no benefit, our warm up only left us dizzyingly bewildered but working on the belief that we wouldn’t find ourselves at the front we decided not to let it worry us.

As we assembled at the start it was fairly obvious that some clubs were struggling for numbers and that this could be what sorted some teams out this season. Not the quality but the quantity. Telford appeared light but still very good and Stourbridge were certainly struggling, as long as we can continue to muster enough for a team we might still stave off relegation. With eleven hoops on the start line we knew we had an A team and 90% of a B team and may make up some ground on others at the bottom of the table, particularly if everyone ran to their potential. As usual the race started with the usual mad cap dash, across the rugby pitches, over a couple of paved paths made greasy by earlier rain, around a wide loop to thin out the field before getting to the bottlenecks we had seen in our warm up. With a combination of flat stretches around rugby pitches interspersed with ditches, muddy gullies, more twists and turns than a corkscrew and the man made mound on three hard laps this was uncomfortable. Just when you felt like you were hitting a decent rhythm the organisers would throw an unpleasant obstacle at you to break this up and leave you gasping.

With Kevin Duckworth bringing the hoops home in 72^nd in 37.41 on an injured Achilles, Dale Quinney coming home in 101^st in 38.53, Karl Quinney in 119^th in 40.17, Dave Norman 128^th in 40.53, Mark Gallimore 139^th in 41.18 and Darren Flavell (in Neil Fereday’s borrowed shoes) in 42.15 for 152^nd the A team scored 711 points. Better than last time but not quite enough of an improvement to pull us out of trouble, still worryingly high compared to the competition. Ian Hopkins was 159^th in 42.49, Steve Wood finished in 42.56 for 163^rd, Mark Homer was 176 in 44.16, Rob Sannwald was 179^th in 44.59 and Richard Sannwald was 212nd in 51.59. With Stourbridge only able to field four runners and being classed as a DNF at least one of the relegation places has now been filled. With two races to go there is a chance of securing our Division Two status but with far too many of our better runners missing DK have left themselves a mountain to climb, there’s still hope if others struggle for numbers though.

With Kevin icing his damaged Achilles we settled down for the journey home watching a George Formby film courtesy of our coach driver. It was a good job we didn’t watch it on the way down, it might have given us some ideas and all many of comedy high jinx might have occurred across the muddy fields of Gloucester. And at least it didn’t rain until after we’d finished, as George would have said in his nasal northern rasp “turned out nice again”.  

SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER - MIDLAND 7 XC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Richard "Weezy" Jones reports in Dave's absence "Some people mention that races aren't what they used to be; hills aren't as high, miles aren't as long, the competition isn't as tough etc. Well, for those who follow this creed may I recommend the Midland 7m X/C at Halesowen. There was nothing modest about this event.  At the end several runners were heard to call it a good old fashioned cross country, in a tone that spoke of solid approval as well as satisfied exhaustion.

Several weeks worth of rain had been added to by an overnight deluge ensuring that the going was soft to downright boggy but further rain held off leaving us a pleasant November afternoon with perfect old fashioned mud to play in.

The courses` undulating mix of wooded paths and boggy fields that twisted and turned prevented anyone from getting a comfortable rhythm and for myself I was passed by and in turn overtook the same runners several times as different sections of hill, mud and path suited different strengths. A four lap course normally means that you can plan your final lap to take runners where you're strongest and finish with a flourish. At this race it just meant thinking about how steep (and deep) the banks were on the stream that appeared twice on each lap and how slippery they were becoming with every crossing.

The hoops had a good presence with 9 runners turning out as well as our most popular cameraman, the Eagle. Full results are on the RESULTS PAGE. First home for DK was Karl Quiney, he was no doubt excellent and near the front but to us mere mortals that was out of sight and probably not even muddy enough to count as really haven't taken part. He was followed (at a much muddier distance) by Dan Smith, Tony Price, Richard Jones, Mick, Mark Homer, Mark Skidmore, Richard Froggatt and Brian Russell.

Plenty of hot water meant a decent shower for even the most ambling of participants and for me the idea of having a coffee/refreshment stall right next to the start line was genius.

As the big man said “I`ll be back”.

SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER - WREKIN WRECKER

Sally McConville reports "I guess the clue is in the name  - yes –I was wrecked at the end of the 8.1 miler but, that said, it was a fantastic race [as much as my limited experience in fell running allows me to judge!], but it appeared to be well organised, very well marshalled and a very friendly and positive group of runners of all ages and abilities.

It was muddy, slippy, wet and challenging but the views once you reached the top were well worth the effort, especially as the sun had come out by the time I got up there.

First home for DK was Stuart Tromans, followed by Mark Skidmore, Richard Froggatt, Colin Downey and then myself.

 Only 167 runners braved the event , only 25 of those were women and only little me to represent DK women  - come on – come and join me next year – its so much fun getting wet and muddy!

I only joined the club at the end of the summer so I would like to take this opportunity to say what a friendly, welcoming bunch of people you are. I was very apprehensive about joining a club with not knowing anyone- but you have all made me feel so welcome – thank you."

SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER - SUICIDE 6

 Videos of the race      Part 1               Part 2            Part 3 (no sound).

Dave Norman reports "Not matter how many times you run the Suicide 6 it’s always different. The course changes, the conditions change, the weather changes and the depth and breadth of the water changes but one thing you can guarantee is that it’s always well supported. This year was no different with over 650 competitors assembling at the start in bright sunshine, the clouds clearing after a heavy shower earlier left people scurrying for the tea shop, to warm the assembled field. It was definitely vest and shorts weather, at least that meant there was less kit to wash when you’d finished, although some decided to try to wash it mid race.

The race started on a sombre note, a minutes silence in memory of Cobra’s Mark Perry who died recently, making us realise how lucky we are to be standing in a field in the sunshine. Mark was a regular on the local circuit even though he had recently moved up in distance concentrating on marathons and ultras. He always had a word of encouragement and was always interested in what you were doing rather than just wanting to talk about himself, he will be remembered as “a nice bloke”, and that’s not a bad epitaph.

The race started with a charge up the short hill out of the bowl, through the gate and around the usual Suicide 6 landmarks. A hard slog up to the trig point, a fast slippery descent where the decision to wear road shoes was to prove misguided for some, a battle through the sucking grey clay of the glue road, the twists and turns of the single track bridle path before reaching the path towards Himley, through the gate and onto the tarmac towards the crowds at the water, waiting in anticipation of others misfortune like a baying crowd round a gibbet. But, ha, we gave them the slip, turning sharply across the stream and attacking the hill from the opposite direction, descending through the woods, through twists and turns, under and then over fallen trees to approach the water from a slightly different direction. The crowd, both plentiful and vocal had a treat, the water was filthy, deep and cold as many found from bitter experience. Helen Tromans suffering a bit of a dunking but nothing like the dunking Adrian Morey experienced – it was more bog snorkelling than running. With the worst out of the way it was a relatively easy return to Baggeridge itself, as the feeling slowly returned to your frozen legs just in time  for the last cruel ascent of the hundred plus uneven steps, at least when you reach the top you can see the finish and possibly your breakfast.

As usual with this race DK were well represented, and supported. Dave Norman bought the hoops home in 60^th place in 44.50 despite having not trained properly for three weeks due to injury, Craig Brown finished in 45.48 in 80^th place, Michael Quane put his cross country form to good use in 46.21 for 90^th place, Ian Hopkins was 99^th in 46.52, just in front of Tony Price in 101^st in 47.04. Helen Tromans finished 119^th overall, 3^rd lady and 1^st in her age category in 47.54, Phil Smith was 143^rd in 48.42, Mark Homer finished in 49.17 in 155^th, Mark Skidmore christened his bright blue Walshes with a time of 49.45 for 160^th, Nigel Warrington was 169^th in 50.04, a damp Adrian Morey finished in 50.12 in 170^th despite a reoccurrence of a calf injury at two miles, Richard Froggatt was 186^th in 50.44 not too far ahead of daughter Lucy who finished in an impressive 52.22 for 230^th. Dave Wilkes finished in 53.33, Sally McConville and Rae Moorhouse finished a second apart in 59.06 and 59.07 with John Glover just behind in 59.09. Marie Latreche finished in 1.01.04, Cindy Froggatt in 1.05.17 followed by Alison Whitehouse, Farah Hunter-Coley, Andy Page running again after a knee injury and Jane Sommerville.

Who knows what next years event might bring. The course may be similar, the weather changeable, the conditions testing and more or less the same crowd will assemble to run and the same crowd jeer them at the water. If it’s any deeper in 12 months at least there will be enough to launch the lifeboat.  

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER - STEVENAGE HALF MARATHON

SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER - BIRMINGHAM CROSS CHALLENGE

Dave Norman reports "The blue hoops were the few hoops as the cross country season kicked off with its usual mass participation, all divisions curtain raiser at Senneleys Park. With a number of notable absentees due to injury, illness, work commitments, the Snowdon Marathon and a home Wolves fixture it was a depleted team that arrived at an unseasonably warm venue. Missing possibly four or five men who would be guaranteed to challenge for A team places this was a damage limitation exercise, a case of getting a team out, not losing too much ground and coming stronger later in the season. In fact for the first time the women outnumbered the men with last season’s good female results encouraging more participants.

The ladies were off first over their 6k course, charging up the hill from the start and down through the tented village to loop around the park, through the water, zig zagging through the trees for a couple of laps before the long sweeping, slightly left handed downhill towards the finish, a sharp left, a mad sprint and over the line. First home for the hoops was Katherine McEwan finishing 56^th in 28.36, Helen Tromans was next back in 29.35 for 79^th place, Carol Fisher was 116^th in 31.37 and Liz Hadley completed the team of four in 135^th and 32.29. With the ladies even having enough for a B team, Rae Moorhouse in 32.54, Anne Law in 33.17, Claire Fisher in 34.19 and Sally McConville in 35.35, it was a good day finishing 20^th overall and 11^th in the veterans category.

The men competed over a slightly longer distance of around 10k, putting an extra loop on the course, still going through the water twice. Thankfully the course was dry compared to previous years and the water was relatively shallow, some of the blue hoops even managing to clear it in a single bound. Karl Quiney started steadily but gradually made up places coming in in 106^th place in 40.55, Dan Smith, making his cross country debut finished 2^nd for the club in 41.31 and 114^th overall, Dave Norman, struggling with injury limped round on one and a half legs in 42.13 and 121^st, Phil Johnson came in 130^th in 43.07, Richard Jones ran 43.51 for 136^th and Steve Wood completed the A team in 45.01 and 150^th. Without enough runners to complete a B team it was left to Mick Quane, running well on his debut in 45.11 and 153^rd and Mark Homer in 165^th and 46.02 to complete the compliment of competing DK runners.

With the women competing well and holding their own at this level it was the men who struggled today. Firstly for numbers and secondly with injuries. This result has left them 17^th in a league of 18 and with a mountain to climb to secure Second Division status for another year. With a number of good runners expected to return for the next race in Gloucester the DK men will certainly improve their position and they will certainly need to if they are not going to face relegation in February. But whatever the result today the hoops made sure they encouraged each other, both women and men clapped each other and shouted words of encouragement. Whether you were first back, last back or somewhere in between you were guaranteed a good reception from your team mates and this certainly won’t change even if the division we compete in does."

SATURDAY 24th OCTOBER - SNOWDON MARATHON 2009

SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER - PATTINGHAM BELLS RUN 2009

Dave Norman reports "It’s autumn, it’s the Bells of Pattingham, the cross country season is only a week away. It must be time to get the Walshes and the Innov 8s out, time to plough through the mud and splash through the puddles. But something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s October, it’s Pattingham, we’re standing at the bottom of the usual field but where’s the water, where’s the mud? In 20 years there has probably never been a Bells as arid as this one, after weeks of dry, unseasonal weather the ground was like concrete, hard, desiccated and unforgiving. No water to speak of, (and no water at the finish either) just a handful of scattered puddles but nothing to get your off-road shoes dirty for. With most choosing the road shoes option for cushioning at least the usual dilemma was an easy one even if the course wasn’t.

The start was the familiar cavalry charge from the bottom corner of a field over rutted, uneven ground, trying to pick your way through tussocky grass without doing serious damage to your ankles, through the bottleneck at the end and up a hill trying to make progress through slower runners. With almost 750 entrants at the start there was always going to be a degree of congestion as the field thinned out over the first mile. There were still plenty of opportunities to make up ground if you were prepared to go a fraction either side of the path. As usual the course wound its way round fields, through a farm, up and down a few hills for its usual tour of Shropshire farmland and back to the church and again as usual there were plenty of blue hoops in attendance for one of the staple races in the DK calendar.

Karl Quiney ran a fantastic race to be first back for the club. Running the first half of the race at a steady pace using club mates as unwitting pacemakers, he reached the four mile marker and switched on the afterburners effortlessly pulling away to finish in 33^rd in a time of 47.03. Having been headed by Karl in the last few metres Gary Bonner came in a place and only two seconds behind in 47.05. Stuart Tromans finished in 43^rd in 48.01, just holding off a late burst from Dave Norman in 48.02. Helen Tromans finished in 116^th in 52.05 to continue her good form. Adrian Morey finished in 52.39 in 125^th, Mark Homer only seconds behind in 52.49 in 128^th. Steve Wood was 137^th in 53.16, Craig Brown finished in 53.28 in 144^th, Richard Smith was 169^th in 54.12, Richard Froggatt ran a solid 55.04 for 195^th, Richard Bate was 215^th in 55.56, Dave Wilkes ran 56.20, Nigel Warrington 56.27, Katherine McEwen 56.33, Brian Lane ran 56.53 taking a few notable scalps in the process, Tim Evans ran 57.23, Paul Richards ran 58.17 tapering nicely for the Snowdon Marathon, Mark Gallimore nursed his injured ankle round the course a second behind Paul. Ian Harris ran 58.43, Nick Wood ran 59.03 and Ann Law finished in 1.00.01 followed by Vicki Wilkes, Ian Corns, Rae Moorhouse, John Glover, Arthur Smith, Jim Bibb, Frankie Warrington, Colin Hubbard, Cindy Froggatt, Farrah Hunter-Coley, Carol Yates and Enid Brazier.

So the 20^th version of the Bells Of Pattingham came to a close (Arthur Smith has maintained his record of only ever missing one) and it was a rather unsettling Bells. Of the three things you have always been able to rely on in previous years, mud, cake and a pint in The Pigot, one was missing completely and another keeps reducing. Year after year there is always the same trio of certainties, but with the lack of rain and a piece of cake that diminishes in size year on year it was disturbing that the first was missing and the second is shrinking, although we don’t all run for cake you do extent more than a OXO cube sized piece. At least the third was still very much in evidence as many of the hoops made it to the pub for a pint and period of post race analysis. Can there be a better way to spend a sunny Sunday morning than to run in the warm autumn sunshine through the country and then relax and share experiences afterwards? It’s just a shame that the “on the day” entrants had to pay £16 for the privilege."

SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - BIRMINGHAM HALF MARATHON

Dave Norman reports "How can a race be so good and so bad in equal measure, how can an event be two sides of the same coin? The Birmingham Half managed to be both. In places it was a fantastic, well organised event, in others it left you scratching your head wondering what the organisers were thinking, good and bad, right and wrong, ying and yang.

The initial signs were good, the organisers colour coding the start to ensure a relatively easy passage and with chip timing in place there was no reason to get stressed about losing time at the start. The pedestrian traffic may have been a little heavy making progress slow before things thinned out but with in excess of 10,000 runners this was always going to be the case. But then the bad, within yards of the start, an S shaped right, left and right hand bend through a tight chicane was hazardous but to throw a No Entry bollard into the middle of the chicane meant there was a chance of an impromptu game of leapfrog. Most avoided it, others didn’t. A nice downhill followed as the route took the field around the back of New Street station, a rather seedy part of the City, through the Chinese Quarter and out along the Pershore Road. A brief detour took the field past the County Ground at Edgbaston and through Cannon Hill Park before returning to the main road where the crowds were numerous, vocal and encouraging. A turn took the route through Bournville and back to the Pershore Road for a City Centre finish.

It’s amazing how you can spot the blue hoops in a crowd, even in the fine drizzle DK vests stand out, small groups huddled together in companionable pre race knots. With some decent times expected with runners targeting this race for some time it was fingers crossed for pbs. Kevin Duckworth, in fantastic pre Snowdon form was flying until suffering injury in the last couple of miles and coming home in 1.18.01, Adrian Jones was in excellent form, finishing in 1.24.49, Stuart Tromans was third back for the club in 1.25.23, Gary Bonner finished in 1.26.14 just ahead of Dave Norman in 1.26.21. Dan Smith smashed his 12 month old pb with 1.27.57, Richard “Wheezy” Jones missed out on a sub 1.30 by a single second, Darren Flavell ran 1.33.42, Steve Wood ran 1.34.29, Mark Homer 1.34.33, Helen Tromans shaved seconds off her pb in 1.35.26, Neil Edwards ran 1.37.47, Andrew Litchfield ran 1.37.50 and Brian Russell ran 1.38.19.

There were many other hoops running but the cumbersome results website makes it such a nightmare to find out who ran and how they performed. Paul Richards, Michael Quane, Richard Froggatt, Brian Lane, Tim Evans, Ian Corns and many more are lost amongst the names of thousands of others and with no opportunity to filter the results based on club entries it’s a needle in a haystack job to find names, numbers, times and positions.

What could have been a spectacular event, a chance to run only minutes behind the elite field was tainted by simple but very irritating things. The course was certainly not as flat and fast as the runners were lead to believe, the start was messy, the finish, twisting and turning past the interesting landmark of the adult cinema was a strange choice. Water stations appeared at random distances, at one point there were two within 200 yards and then nothing for what seemed like miles. After the finish you were handed all manner of items, water, a medal, a t shirt, etc and finally a bag to put it all in after you’d dropped it on the floor and with the results section of the website proving to be an unwieldy and unrewarding tool it’s impossible to determine who ran let alone who ran well. It was a race of extremes, some difficult things done well, some simple things done badly but maybe that was all about expectation. "

SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - BREIDDEN'S HILL FELL RACE

SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - CONGLETON HALF MARATHON

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER - BADGER BITE

Dave Norman writes "There’s something a little other worldly about Badger. You get a feeling approaching the village down narrow country lanes, past road signs warning you of ducks crossing, past thatched cottages and the village duck pond that not a great deal has changed in years, that time itself has stood still. There seems to be a different atmosphere about the village, a welcome that you wouldn’t expect when nearly 300 runners descend on a quiet sleepy village, there’s no tutting and  huffing, no effing and jeffing when a huge troop of multicoloured vested lunatics turn up every October to charge across some fields. Instead there’s a relaxed friendliness that makes this event one of the best of the season.

Whereas last year the race took place in the midst of a torrential downpour this year it was unseasonably warm sunshine that greeted the field. Rather than the rain sodden course from 12 months ago this year the course was rock hard in places, still a tough test but a different one. With the organisers doubly blessed with fantastic weather and an even better field it was a race to savour. With the winner breaking 21 minutes, the top half a dozen runners finishing under the previous course record and the first lady also destroying the female course record this was possibly the best Badger yet.

With the hoops out in force, entering a total of 21 runners and claiming the prize for the club with most entries for the second year in succession you couldn’t move for DK. Dave Norman was first back in 22^nd in a time of 25.14, Steve Wood finished in 27.07 in 45^th, Helen Tromans was 62^nd in 27.59, Adrian Morey finished in 28.20 in 66^th, Mark Skidmore clocked 28.54 for 73^rd, Dave Wilkes sprinted for 80^th place and 29.31, Richard Bate was 85^th in 29.39, Nick Wood was 93^rd in 30.07, Ian Harris ran 31.01 for 103^rd, Liz Hadley was 119^th in 31.54, Steph Andrews was 134^th in 32.59, Jim Bibb ran 33.49 for 146^th. Lisa Bagnall Sims finished in 38.27, Linda Harper in 38.31, Karly Daniels in 40.04, Jane Somerville in 40.54, Michelle Brittain in 41.50, Karen Oldnall in 43.12, Carol Yates in 43.29 and Enid Brazier finished 264^th in 60.50.

And so to the Seven Stars in Beckbury, (that’s the one thing Badger lacks – a pub), for beer, pork sandwiches and a presentation. Again, as always, the general welcome extended from Badger to Beckbury, only tainted slightly when a milk tanker threatened to strip the wing mirrors from the cars parked in the road outside. With not far off the majority of the field packed into the two small rooms of the pub and spilling out into the car park the organisers can be proud of what they have created. A good, well organised “must do” race, a friendly event, as advertised a good warm up for the Bells of Pattingham, but unlike Pattingham this is more personal, more enjoyable, less unwieldy, less seemingly profit driven.

If Badger is a village where time stands still let’s hope that extends to the Badger Bite too and nothing changes to spoil such a good event. This is not just a race, this is an experience and something that Robin and Sharon and everyone else in Badger and beyond can be proud of. Whisper it quietly though, as we don’t want to over publicise this event and spoil it for next year."

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER - BURNHAM ON SEA HALF MARATHON

Ian Corns reports from Somerset "Once again the DK bandwagon hit the road and hoops were dispatched to Zumerzet for the Burnham On Sea Half Marathon.Weather was set fair for running after the previous days gales and drizzle.Talking of wind,the traditional visit to The Shah Restaurant was in order for curry,Cobra and Kingfisher.Carbing up consisted of Rice,Nan Bread and much Sag Aloo!!!The curry visit this year actually caused concern as a Chicken Tikka Masala was returned to the Galley on two occasions as the chicken appeared to be un-chicken like....how correct we were when it was found to be King Prawns!!!!

Onto Sunday morning and similar to 2008 when Gary Cooper forgot his running shoes a phonecall 45 mins from the off was received from Mr Cooper informing this year he'd forgot his shorts!!!!!!!A pair of Beach trunks were duly adapted.The race kicked off at 11 prompt,which gave us enough time to clear our heads from the previous nights activities.300 plus runners set off from the Burnham On Sea Rugby Club and headed out towards the Motorway island at Edithmead.A sharp turn down the A38 and then left around Brent Knoll and on our way to some picturesque villages.This years winner was Wells City Harrier Adrian Marriott who finished in a time of 1:08.57.Gary came home,complete with trunks in a respectable 1:36.20 in 85th position and Ian Corns,made up for a poor Kinver 10k in a new pb of 1:53.32 in 186th position.

Full credit to another well organised event by the Burnham On Sea Harriers,plenty of home made cakes available including a 105 year old recipe for Bread Pudding,which went down well with a good old fashioned cuppa at the end.There is even a bit of race commentry on the PA as you re-enter the Rugby Club by a local with the strongest Zumerzet accent you will hear,so when a running colleague Andy Collins came home he was duly announced as a Snide Strider.Whooo Arrrrr
Up the Hoops"

SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER - LONG MYND HIKE

Colin Downey reports "Completed the 50 mile (8000 feet) Long Mynd Hike at the weekend. Finished in 19 hours 47 minutes. Over an hour and a half quicker than last year. The weather was much better than in 2008. A memorable night as we were able to walk without torchlight much of the time with the full moon so bright. Thanks again to Jim Bibb’s pals Tony & Phil for their excellent route finding. They were trying to convince me that as the Long Mynd Hike is a qualifying event that I ought to enter the annual 100 miler!!"  Thanks to Colin Williamson for the photo's of Colin and Preston Grundy.

SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER - KINVER 10k

SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER - TWO RIVERS RUN

Colin Downey travelled just over the Welsh border to Presteigne in Powys to take part in the “2 Rivers Knill Nash Dash” (try saying that quickly or after a few pints).

Race number 50 for the year only had about 50 runners so good job plenty of tape to guide you around this off road event organized by Presteigne Pacers. About 8 miles through woodland and farmland tracks with the crossing of 2 knee deep rivers. Some hills within the woods to climb. Really friendly event with clubs such as Hereford Courier & Hay Hotfooters. Everyone wanting to know where Dudley was? Free tea & cake to all finishers.

SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER - GREAT NORTH RUN

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SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER - MIDLANDS 6 STAGE RELAYS

Dave Norman says "It seems strange to see the blue hoops rubbing shoulders with the green and white of Tipton, the all black of Birchfield and the white and red hoop of Bristol. It’s like the Faroe Islands qualifying for the European Championships or a non league football team reaching the third round proper of the FA Cup, but the hoops were there and before the gun went off for the first leg they had every right to be there with the might of the Midlands. The events during the course of the afternoon would decide whether they still had a right to be there just over two hours later.

With the big clubs fielding anything up to four teams there were 85 runners on the line for the first leg of six. A mass start down the hill, around a small loop, up the long climb before turning right towards the jamboree stone, towards the Streetley Gate, around a cone and back past the keepers pool for the final uphill finish and a total of 5.847k. With DK sending a decent squad talk of us finishing last seemed very negative, but with Birchfield’s Kenyans and Tiptons recognisable speed merchants and the odd Great Britain international here and there it was difficult not to feel intimidated but with a relatively strong team out ourselves we were hopeful of a good showing. Anything between half way and three quarters of the way down the field was realistic and respectable.

The race itself was all a bit of a blur, the logistics of organising 85 teams of 6 runners to go off at the right time and in the right order was a feat to beyond.  Our new signing, Dan Smith was first off for the hoops making his club debut finishing in 22.29 handing over to Kevin Duckworth who ran the second leg in a quick 20.45. Dave Norman took over on the third leg running 22.28. Stuart Tromans ran the fourth leg in 23.13 before going round again as part of his Snowdon training. Richard Jones ran the fifth leg in 23.36 and Steve Wood brought the hoops home in 24.32 for a total of 2.17.03.

With a respectable finish of 54^th out of 85 teams the hoops can hold their heads up high in exalted company. Although we were lapped by the elite we also lapped a few teams ourselves and the risk of coming last was never a possibility right from the outset. For the hoops to be rubbing shoulders with the local quality, the regions domestic medallists, the top class midlands athletes and not be embarrassed is an achievement in itself. These are the sort of events we need to show our faces at, we need to field teams to raise the profile of the club and to perform with credit. On Saturday we did just that, not just beating some clubs B and C teams but also finishing in front of the A teams of Stratford, Dudley & Stourbridge, Stafford Harriers, Stourbridge RC and Cobra just proves we can handle ourselves in this sort of company." 

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER - GOODRICH 10k

First the history lesson from Dave Norman. "Twenty years ago there were three types of races. Track races, the sort you would only ever see on the television during Olympic year or on a Saturday night from Stockholm or Oslo round a synthetic orange oval for the elite only in the summer. The second option, cross country, around muddy fields in winter for the proper hard men, no paths, no gravel, no tarmac just plain simple mud with a bit of grass if you were lucky. Thirdly road races, all year round for those wanting to hone their speed for track or cross country and as the title suggests on the road, 100% on the road. Move on two decades and track races are more often on gravel paths around parks, cross country is still round muddy fields but involves crossing footpaths or tackling a surface where spikes are liable to start a fire. The remaining road races only have around 80% on tarmac with the remainder on a bizarre new surface called multi terrain.

Secondly the geography lesson. On the way from Wolverhampton to Stafford just before the M54 island is the Goodrich factory home of the Goodrich 10k. A race that is hanging on grimly to its road race status but even that is under threat. In previous years the race has started in the factory itself, come out onto the A449 towards Stafford, over the M54 island towards Codsall before turning off onto B roads and doubling back on itself towards Wolverhampton. In previous years the Police have controlled the flow of traffic on the motorway island for a brief, five minute spell to allow the field to pass, it was always close to the start, the field was nicely grouped together so the time taken to cross the island was at a minimum. This year everything was different. With no Police control at the island the race started just off the A449 to prevent “an incident” however rather than have a controlled field crossing the island under the all seeing eye of the Police, what we had was a long straggling group of runners making their way to the start under no supervision whatsoever. Rather than a controlled field we had over a hundred people walking, jogging, warming up in little groups, small knots of runners crossing two motorway slip roads, entirely uncontrolled. Now we are all sensible enough to cross a road without someone to hold our hand but of the two scenarios which one is more likely to lead to “an incident”? The situation from previous years – full Police control and a slight hold up for road users or no control whatsoever and a hundred people doing whatever they saw fit at the time?

Finally after the history and the geography, time for a double lesson of games. The blue hoops were very sparse, with runners at the Lake Vyrnwy Half and the Stretton Skyline it was a small DK team adding to the hundred plus field. Dave Norman coming in first in 38.33 in 12^th place, Helen Tromans claimed the 2^nd lady prize, £25 worth of Ron Flowers vouchers, in 44.02 and 46^th overall, Adrian Morey, using Helen as a pacemaker finished a second and a place behind in 44.03 and 47^th coming back from injury and Carol Yates finished 106^th in 69.31 to bring the hoops home.

As a race the Goodrich 10k deserves better. Better support from the Police and better support from the running community to prevent it becoming another casualty and prevent it slipping away into history like a lot of other road races restricting us to multi terrain 10k courses where the chance of running a good time is about as likely as a 100% tarmac road race in another 10 years time. The opportunities to race on the road and record a good time are few and far between, lets not lose another opportunity."

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER - PARA 10 MILE CHALLENGE

Somewhere around three months ago a work colleague mentioned to me that he had found a race that might appeal to me knowing that I was fond of unusual challenges. He told me about the Para P Company Challenge that was due to take place at Catterick Para Barracks on September 13th.
He told me that it was a 10 mile run - nothing unusual there I thought. He then told me that the course was the route that anyone looking to be accepted into the Paras had to complete - that sounds interesting I thought. He then told me that the course had steep climbs, cattle grids and water crossings - sounds like a pretty tough cross country course I thought. He then mentioned that if you want to enter you have to run in army boots and carrying two and half stone in a bergen - You have got to be completely mad to do that I thought!

 
So on Sunday 13th September I found myself on the start line of the Para 10 Mile Challenge!
 
Before the start of the race you have to weigh in your bergen and it also has to be weighed at the finish.

 
Standing on the start line I was more than a little intimidated as my fellow competitors all looked like hardened squaddies, all a foot taller than me and looking like they had been carved out of granite.
 
The nerves disappeared when the starting gun fired. All along the route there were Paras giving encouragement and it was more than welcome especially on the steep inclines that are usually used to test tanks!
 
After a mile and half I heard a loud bang go off behind me, was it a stray shell? no, one of the participants had packed his bergen with plastic bags full of water and the straps had snapped on his bag which hit the floor with a loud bang and a huge explosion of water.
 
The course wound it's way around the Yorkshire dales and seemed to be constantly uphill. At around four miles I could here gunfire and looking to my left I could see Paras training, crawling on all fours in the long grass.
 
The undulating course snaked through some spectacular scenery that at times almost took my mind off the constant pressure of the weight on my back.

 
The Paras, has you would expect, designed the course with a sting in the tail towards the end, On reaching the eight mile mark and thinking 'nearly there' we were sent through a muddy water filled ditch followed by a hill that looked like a massive vertical wall. Encouraged on by the Paras at the top I eventually scaled the climb and was pleased to here a Para shout "All down hill now". This must have been 'Para downhill' as the hills continued to the finish.
 
Entering the home straight it was brilliant to see around 30 Paras forming a line on both sides of the finish straight applauding and shouting "Good effort".
 
The civilian target for finishing is three hours and there is a vehicle that sweeps you up if you fall below this pace. I had told myself that I would be happy if I avoided being invited onto the bus so I was delighted to finish in around 2 hours 20 minutes. All the hard training over the Rowley Hills and the Wren's Nest had obviously paid off. I finished with a blister on each foot, a cracked bleeding toenail and an overwhelming sense of achievement.
 
The time you need to do to get into the Paras is 1 hour 50 minutes. I deliberately avoided doing the Para entry time for fear of being drafted straight into the Paras and sent off on the first plane to Afghanistan!
 
Deb is very keen for me to take part next year so that she can spectate - not the runners but the fit Paras that are based at the Catterick Garrison.
 
I usually look for the nearest cake at the end of a race but there were none to be seen, I guess that as far as the Paras are concerned real men don't eat cake!
 
As you would expect from the Paras the event was superbly organised and if you don't mind the three months of training with sore shoulders, stiff neck, blisters, aches and pains, and people looking at you as if you have gone mad, then I would thoroughly recommend that you give it a go.
 
All the money from the event goes to Help For Heroes and this years event raised around £50,000.
 

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER - LAKE VYRNWY HALF MARATHON

Kevin Duckworth made a late decision to run the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon in preperation for the Snowdon Marathon and showed his training is going well finishing in 13th place in a time of 1 hour 16 mins 34 seconds.

SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER - STRETTON SKYLINER

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER - WOLVERHAMPTON HALF MARATHON

Dave Norman reports "After the shambolic start to the Wolverhampton full and half marathons last year it was all change for this years event, a new start outside the restrictive confines of the park, a new course and chip timing for the first time to tackle the issues and frustrations that runners experienced 12 months ago. With ideal conditions, cool and overcast, there were no excuses for anyone to be slow this year unless you were using this as a stepping stone towards a bigger target and not taking it seriously.

With the Lord Mayor saying a few words, (I hope we all get a medal like his) and an exuberant count down we were off, around the first corner taking care over the speed bumps and settling down into an acceptable pace. With the crowds numerous and vocal through the first couple of miles through Chapel Ash and out towards Aldersley it felt good to run freely in a large field cheered on by spectators. These thinned out a little as the race wound it’s way around Pendeford, down little side streets and alleyways, criss-crossing the main road and allowing the runners nearer the front to see the rest of the field coming in the opposite direction before peeling off again for another dizzying tour. As the route wound its way back through the back of the Birmingham Midshires car park and back onto the main road we were back on familiar territory and back to the old course. At least we knew what was coming, a long steady climb towards Codsall before dropping back towards the last relay changeover and water station, a final climb and a long last mile towards the finish in the park. Encouraged by little knots of people here and there, with people sitting on their garden walls with cups of tea, for themselves rather than the runners, the race had a slightly intimate feel of a street party, not big so runners couldn’t identify spectators but not too small to leave long stretches of isolation.

The usual hoops were in attendance with Dave Norman having yet another battle this time with Adrian Jones, Dave finishing in 1.26.35 in 25^th and Adrian seconds behind in 1.26.43 in 27^th. Brian Russell ran a superb 1.36.16 for 117^th, Mark Homer finished in 1.39.15 in 169^th, Helen Tromans was 240^th in 1.42.52 aiming for an improvement in Birmingham, Paul Richards and Stuart Tromans continued their Snowdon Marathon build up both crossing the line in 1.45.54, Ian Corns finished inside 2 hours in 1.56.14, Mike Burrow and Sandra Wollaston finished together in 1.59.44, Sonia Edwards in 2.06.31, Farrah Hunter-Coley in 2.13.30 and Elaine Wilkes in 2.42.21. With a special mention to Dave Wilkes who took up the two lap option finishing in 4.16.12.

With the problems of last year rectified, a trouble free start and a well organised finish there were few complaints. The course may be a little flatter but with a lot of twists and turns in the first half of the race it’s certainly no quicker. With a t-shirt, a medal and a goody bag you get a good haul for your money, more importantly the goody bag doesn’t go for the energy bars and sports gels option but a packet of cheese and onion crisps and a cake, that’s a good meal in some parts of Wolverhampton. They would have gone for faggotts but the gravy would make the paper bag soggy.

Photo's from Bryan Dale

SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER - LICHFIELD 10K

Andrew Litchfield (with a name like that, he had to do the Lichfield 10k) writes "Martin Luther King may have cried, “I have a dream”:·         I want to nick his line!

·    I dream of writing a race report of which Dave Norman would be proud!  Has he missed his vocation in life? 

So, having donned my hooped vest for the first time (a new member!) yesterday, and being the only DK runner in the field (as far as I can tell?), I feel obliged to provide a few notes on the Lichfield 10k:·          

·    I had considered a build up of my first race as an affiliated runner.  I tried to liken the nerves to doing your driving test or sitting an exam but couldn’t build the tension adequately and I’m sure nobody gave me the slightest bit of attention whilst I felt self conscious that I was no longer just representing myself.     I daren’t comment on how I might look in hoops. Not even being press ganged in to running by the solicitors who sponsor the race gave me an angle, or did it?     Where do I start? 

·    Generally, a very well organised event.  Well marshalled.  Plenty of parking.  As usual, for a non-graduated start, there was a bit of a scrum at the start but after 200 metres you were on roads wide enough to allow overtaking.

·    I’m not running for t-shirts and goody bags and they rarely change my opinion of a race (Ashby 20 excluded where they give you an excellent sweatshirt!).  The banana and water were appreciated.

·    As I was on the way back from an injury I was pleased with 45:03 and 128^th place.  Hopefully, there are faster times in my locker.  

Alternatively, as I was encouraged to run by someone at Anson’s, the race sponsors:

“Had he heard correctly?  Did a solicitor just offer him cash?  Was it a bribe?  He was so surprised that such a dubious bunch were not trying to fleece him of his worldly possessions that he had accepted before even realising they wanted something in return.  They wanted him to put one foot in front of the other for ten kilometres!

They must have offered a similar gesture to 700+ other runners because nobody in their right mind would pay a solicitor an amount of money that would leave them scratching their heads as to what they received in return?  Certainly, nobody would have paid for the pleasure of crawling up that ridiculous incline at 5.5km?

So, having been “press ganged” in to wearing my blue hooped vest for the first time I survived to recall the experience!

PS: It is acknowledged that entry fees were not paid for the benefit of the race sponsors but why let the truth get in the way of a better story?

WEDNESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER - MADELEY MATCHMAKER

MONDAY 31st AUGUST - WINCHCOMBE 10k

You can't keep a good man down, and Colin was again on his travels as he headed south down the M5 to take part in the Winchcombe 10k on Bank Holiday Monday. Both 5k & 10k race set off at the same time. Both the start & finish were from within the grounds of Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe (about 4 miles north of Cheltenham). Colin took part in the 10k race of which about
half road /half off road. The route climbs 500 feet to local high point of Belas Knap.

WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST - RAGLETH INN FELL RACE

Colin Downey completes the Summer Fell Race Series in Church Stretton.

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST - BRIDGNORTH TO BARMOUTH BIKE RIDE

WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST - VIC MUSGROVE FAST 5k

SATURDAY 15th AUGUST - STICKLEPATH HORSESHOE FELL RACE

Colin Downey says "I ran the Sticklepath in 2007 & but for injury was set to return the following year. Therefore 2009 was a definite for the diary. 

Whilst not wishing to spoil the event with hundreds of runners, I felt it only right to share the treasured secret of this event with equally enthusiastic fell runners, Craig & Sarah Lewis from Amazing Feet Running Club. 

The holiday traffic on the M5 still gave us concerns that our setting off at 8am may still not have been early enough to arrive in good time at Sticklepath, Near Oakhampton .Devon. However, we arrived shortly after the race HQ had been set up & time to have a cuppa & cake in the tea room.  

With conversations with an Essex contingent & the local running clubs, the friendly atmosphere as per 2007 was complete & further epitomises by the spontaneous applause in thanks to the kind lady land owner who kindly allows the race to start in her field..  

This is an event to savour & therefore I was more than happy to honour my agreement to Sarah that I would run with her to guide the way. 

The weather was in league with the moors, to at times, show with some low cloud, how seriously Dartmoor should be taken. However once we turned for home, content that we had respected the moors with sensible navigation , the sun come out to warm us & reveal the moors in all their glory & with fine views of the Devon countryside. 

With a reception at the finish like we were the first home, the day was complete save for the long conversation in the car on the return, about what a great event it was & who had selected the right ascent of Steeperton Tor.

Thanks to Craig for attending the presentation as he collected a box of three local ciders for each of us for taking part.

SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST - HOOKY 6

Colin Downey took a trip down the M40 to take part in the Hooky 6 at Hook Norton (home of the brewery) for race number 40 of the year in 16 different counties. Just over 250 runners with the field packed with all the local Oxfordshire running club. A two lap course with several hills that the also use for their County relays.

SATURDAY 25th JULY - DOLGELLAU 5

Tony Price reports from Wales "After last week's thrilling exploits at Snowdon, I returned to North Wales to compete in the Dolgellau 5 mile race.  A race conceived to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee in 2002, but now ran alongside the Dolgellau Carnival.

As I spend most of my free weekends in the Summer in this area, I have joined the Dolgellau based Meirionnydd Running Club, as second claim (check out my new kit).  This gives me half priced entry to a number of the local races, as well as a chance to take part in their Wednesday night training / drinking sessions (no change there then).

The race itself was scenic and testing.  It started with a 600m uphill section, followed by 3 miles of leafy undulating country lanes, before a steep descent and a final flat mile to the finish in the carnival ground at Dolgellau Rugby Club.

The race was run by Rob Samuel of Eryri Harriers in 26' 16", followed by Luke Northall from Tipton.  I finished 17th out of 116 in 32' 44", somewhat down on my only previous effort on this course of 28' 54" in 2002.

Following the race, there was time to check out the dog show, veteran motorcycle display and sheep shearing competition, before a quick shower and onto my favourite pub, the King George 3rd on the estuary for some much needed refuelling."

WEDNESDAY 22nd JULY - WEST BROMWICH HARRIERS 5k

Another victory for Ian Mansell despite taking the wrong turning in his last four races, he has still managed to win them. Ian Hopkins and Tommy Williams also took part in a race which recorded a poor turnout.

SUNDAY 19^th JULY - CHASE 10k CHALLENGE

Ian Mansell made it three wins out of his last three races when he won the Chase Harriers 10k race in Cannock. Ian Hopkins also took part in this two lap course.

SATURDAY 18^th JULY - SNOWDON INTERNATIONAL FELL RACE

Dave Norman reports "With an entry limit of 500 filled months before, an international field, television coverage and the whole town closing to witness the event this was something a little special. One of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time, a decision made after a couple of pints in the Park Tavern as long ago in February to ensure entry, and then forgotten for some for the best park of five months. Some left the idea niggling away at the back of their minds doing hill reps and long hard runs through Baggeridge in a vain attempt to make it less painful, others put it in a box in their brain and labelled it “do not open until it’s too late”. 

A hardy band of nine set off from Kingswinford on Saturday morning, with two more meeting us at the start line, there was a decent turn out for the blue hoops, hoping they wouldn’t be black and blue hoops by the end of the day. After a brief breakfast stop on the way to fuel up we set off again and approached Snowdonia from the scary side, through steep mountain passes, a vast glacier scarred wilderness, vast peaks shrouded in mist towered above us, all dark and foreboding. Like something out of Lord of the Rings, Mount Doom awaiting the unwitting travellers to throw themselves up its slopes. With an ever increasing feeling of a dog on its way to the vets we arrived in Llanberis at the mountains foot with a feeling of unease. This was not improved by a quick glance around at other competitors, wizened mountain men with faces made of walnuts were plentiful, internationals limbering and skipping around like spring lambs, our flimsy confidence was being shredded bit by bit. We fell into the familiar with our talk of what shoes to wear and whether a layer under the vest was required, we felt a little out of place, wearing our inexperience like a fluorescent coat. There had been much debate on Fell Running websites regarding the number of “road running” clubs that had entered particularly with limited entry requirements imposed this year opening the race up to a greater target market and this was clear from the number of strange vests displayed at the start. Amongst the green and red locals from Eryri and the traditional northern fell running enclaves of Calder Valley, Bowland and Clayton le Moors there were also runners from Cheltenham, Stroud, Reading and a handful of black country favourites as well as DKs hoops from Stourbridge and Amazing Feet.  With the decision made by the organisers that bum bags were discretionary, no need for maps, compasses and whistles, many of us decided for the bare minimum option and discard anything unnecessary, Brian Lane even left his emergency custard creams behind. We started to feel a little more relaxed, a feeling of no turning back now overtook us and with handshakes and the comments of “come back safe”, we took up a position at the start.

With a countdown in Welsh and the sirens of three fire engines to start us off we left the park, past the railway terminus along the road with the cheers of a sizable crowd ringing in our ears. Concentrating on the wise advice of “take it steady, don’t go mad”, most of us set off at a comfortable pace knowing that this was the only flat part we would see for more than an hour and a half, turning right at the foot of the mountain the road climbed at an impossible angle before the tarmac was replaced by rubble and the long toil to the summit began. With the path made up of a combination of huge slabs of stone, rocks the size of your fist and slate sticking up like razor blades out of the ground it was careful, little steps. With Tony Price and Gary Bonner slowing after a good start and being overtaken by Stuart Tromans and Dave Norman making steady progress through the field the race started to take shape, head down, legs pumping like pistons for as long as possible until the gradient took a firm hold and running slowed to walking (or in some cases running speeded up to walking). The 3.5 mile cut off was passed by all DK runners on the mountain and the field snaked up into the mist to disappear from sight, the last mile or so of the peak shrouded from view. Stuart Tromans was first to the summit in 58.24, Dave Norman turned the corner in 59.46 with Tony Price, Gary Bonner and Neil Edwards not far behind. The descent was treacherous, with hikers huddled up against the elements on the path, runners coming up as well as down, visibility reduced to 10 feet and a wet and uneven path it was hazardous, even when the mist thinned the path steepened and the comments before the race of “come back safe” never seemed more appropriate. With the brakes on all the way down our thighs were screaming to go faster but our brains were telling us to keep it steady, with runners falling at numerous intervals as a constant reminder of the risks involved and the very real possibility of hurtling off the edge in a couple of places it was the descent that sorted out the real fell runners from the flatlanders. With the town in sight it was a blessing to reach the tarmac again and then a curse as the road dropped away at an alarming angle, over the boarded cattle grid before a slight incline in front of slate miners cottages which made your legs scream for relief, after five miles of coming down even a speed bump was too much of an incline. A turn and a mercifully short run through the cheering crowds to the finish on the grass for more of the wobbly leg experience and a grateful stop.

For a group of relatively inexperienced mountain runners the hoops performed honourably, Stuart Tromans in his new Soloman trainers with their independent pod suspension bringing him home in 113rd in 1.34.21, Gary Bonner proved he’s better coming down, descending in 33.27 for a total time of 1.36.20 only yards ahead of Dave Norman in 1.36.38. Tony Price despite a spill finished in 1.39.12, Neil Edwards, the weekends star performer with only a weeks notice of the race finished in an admirable 1.41.15, Phil Johnson in 1.44.26, Mark Gallimore in 1.44.40 closing on Phil but when he pressed the button marked accelerate there was nothing there. Steve Wood came home in 1.50.59; Colin Downey flew down the mountain in 2.03.30, Brian Lane in 2.11.21 and Arthur Smith finishing in 2.17.15 to cheers from a handful of DK runners who were waiting at the finish. More importantly, the list of injuries. Although the finish resembled a field hospital in the Crimea, luckily only Tony and Colin needed attention and that was limited to a bit of basic patching up. No need to a visit for Bangor hospital just a shower at the Youth Hostel before a few pints and some food in Betws Y Coed. 

Thoughts from the weekend for anyone thinking of doing this next year? Don’t go off too quick, don’t forget that coming down is worse than going up, don’t expect to be able to walk on the following morning, don’t let Stuart bore you about independent pod suspension in his trainers as he is liable to have them wrapped round his neck and don’t listen to Mark Gallimore when he says the Youth Hostel is only a short walk from the pub. But above all when entries for next years event open in January don’t forget how brutally unforgiving this race is."

WEDNESDAY15^th JULY - STIPERSTONES FELL RACE

MONDAY 13^th JULY - FRAMPTON 10k 

It wouldn’t be summer without Frampton and it wouldn’t be Frampton without the blue hoops. For years we’ve been booking coaches and travelling down to the sleepy Gloucestershire village for their Monday night fixture, for a time it looked like this tradition might die due to lack of interest and general apathy but an intrepid band kept the yearly ritual alive. With Airport Express coming up trumps with the mini bus we made good time travelling south down the M5 through sunshine and showers arriving with more than an hour in hand, possibly earlier than we have ever done, if we could make as good time on two feet as we did on four wheels we’d be scooping all the prizes. With so much time to play with we were unsure of what to do with ourselves, we chatted comfortably, no mad rush off the coach tying ourselves in knots with our arms through the neck holes of our vests as we have in the past. It was enjoyable just to take in the villagers organising things at their own pace, taping out the finish, setting out tables and gazebos, watching a trailer full of cider arrive, like a Women’s Institute fete but without the women. As the race took shape around us you got the feeling that nothing much had changed here since we first started coming to Frampton all those years ago, nothing had really changed since the Dads Army cast were alive.  

SUNDAY 12^th JULY - WYRE FOREST HALF MARATHON

Gary Bonner reveals "In the absence of our roving running reporter Dave Norman I shall try to fill his sizeable running shoes and report on yesterdays Wyre Forest Half. 

Stephen Alexander from the club also finished in 1hr 46mins in 55^th place"

Ian Mansell said that "he had surprised myself today. I won the Wyre Forest half for the second time. Didn't really expect much after Thursday's poor performance, but I must be fitter than I thought, just lacking speed. I went off fast at the start risky, and built up a 2 minute lead. Unfortunately at 12.5 miles there were no arrows or marshals, I saw some walkers but they were no help. I carried straight on instead of the correct way which was left. However, I came to a dead end, ran back to the turning and the other runners had caught me, but I still managed to hold them off. Cant believe I ran so well, DK won the team prize (Me, Adrian Jones, Gary Bonner)"

THURSDAY 9^th JULY - BAGGERIDGE 5k

A good race as all Action Heart events tend to be, regarded by some as undulating, and by others as mountainous, cruel, brutal, fast and furious, leaving us with legs like a hammered thumb. Same time next year?"

GARY HOLDS THE CLUB RECORD FOR THE MILE

Click here   .....      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__PuEVqA2iU

 

SUNDAY 28th JUNE 2009 - MIDLAND MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Malcolm Pillar reports "Despite some very enticing offers from Tony Price, 5 DK runners set off for Loughborough on Sunday to compete in the Midland Masters' Champs. All contact was not lost with Wombourne however, as Stuart Tromans was busy keeping in touch with Helen and revising the size of her new (soon to be made) trophy cabinet, while the ghost of Dave Norman was on his shoulder throughout the race.

Early morning fog gave way to a heat haze and high humidity, with nowhere to hide on a vast airfield without shade. After what seemed like an eternity we completed the circuit of the airstrip and headed out into the country lanes before returning for another slog around the airfield to the finish. It's certainly a PB course, but not in these conditions.

In a large, high quality field of 652 finishers, Stuart Tromans had a season's best of 38.21 in 82nd place (8th V40 in the Masters' Champs); Mark Homer was pleased with his 43.10 in 208th (and he did all the driving, thanks Mark!); while the supervets had mixed fortunes in the heat. Brian Russell in particular suffered from the high humidity (and the after-effects of his holiday), but managed to anchor the team of three home by collapsing across the line in a state of some distress. The medics attended to him, but to everyone's relief they make 'em tough up in Gornal and he gradually came to. In addition he ran with a knee injury, so his time of

50.30 was remarkable in the circumstances and probably helped the team to victory in the Over 60s' Champs (We await confirmation from MMAC). Brian's quotable quote was simply 'The wheels came off.'  We know the feeling Bri. The remainder of the team score was made up by Tommy Williams in 49.30 ( also suffering in the heat and from a bout of illness) and myself in 41.43, 2nd Vet Over 60.

We journeyed home with Stuart looking forward to sharing some of Helen's Wombourne wine and, no doubt later, offering some sympathy to Dave Norman for opting for the wrong race on the day. Talking of which, maybe some more DK runners will give it a try next year. The range of times was from 31.00 to 1hr 33mins, with plenty in between; so there's a big enough pack to get stuck into."

WEDNESDAY 24th JUNE 2009 - PONTESBURY FELL RACE

SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2009 - STONE ST MICHAEL'S 10k

Only one person represented the club in the St Michael's 10k at Stone, Staffs. Farah Hunter-Colley ran 58.31.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2009 - TORBAY HALF MARATHON

Steve Corns reports "Just returned from Torbay having took part in the Half Marathon yesterday. It is a run to recommend to anybody wishing to take in a run, take in the sun and share a few decent pints of the local brew after. The race starts at a good early time of 9:30am with road closures making it a decent and safe run. The course starts off on the Esplanade at Paignton, with two laps taking off two of the thirteen miles required. This easily sorts the field out fairly quickly, with excellent marshalling ensuring the elite lads and lasses can get out onto the road and on their way to Torquay on the other side of the bay. The route is an out and back sort but with another out and back added on, if you know what i mean!!!!The course is very undulating with a monster of a hill around Preston Sands, this means you run up the sod twice going out to Torquay and twice coming back to Paignton, but as they say what goes up enables a great chance to take in some fine views of the Bay on your way down. Still trying to find some sort of form after London (and the Stumble) it was a run to see how I was regaining my fitness....and when I finished I realised I am some some way away from it. A hot day did not help me but certainly didn't stop the winner, his sixth consecutive Torbay Half, posting an excellent time of 1:08,one hour ahead of yours truly. You would have thought then he would have got into the Sponsors Beer Tent and got 'them in'!!!!!! still the wait was well worth it."

SUNDAY 14th JUNE 2009 - POTTERS ARF

It is very rare to publish club photo's of members competing without their D.K. vests, especially when it is so easy to miss them as they go by. Stephen Alexander and Dave Wilkes pictures at the Potters Arf.

SATURDAY 13th JUNE 2009 - WELSH CASTLES RELAY.

Tony Price reports from his second home, Wales "This year, I was again fortunate enough to run as a guest for South Wales Police in the Welsh Castles Relay, a 200 mile, 20 stage road relay, held over 2 days from Caernarfon to Cardiff.
As usual, I ran leg 5 on day one, the 9.4 miles from Harlech to Barmouth.  The leg starts with a steep climb for 1/2 mile, before leveling out along the coast road and undulating through the villages of Llanbedr, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Tal y Bont and Llanber and then descending down steep path to the finish at the extreme northerly end of Barmouth seafront.
As usual, it was hot and sunny, with a slight head wind this year.  I finished 14th out of 58 in 64' 47", over a minute quicker than last year, but 6 minutes slower than my 2005 PB, when I think there must have been a strong tail wind."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY 13th JUNE 2009 - STOURBRIDGE STUMBLE

Dave Norman reports "Saturday evening, the sun’s shining, the ice cream van has got a decent queue. Teenagers are sitting on the grass illicitly smoking and trying to pretend that the massive bottle of Lambrsuco on the grass beside them isn’t theirs. The peace is shattered by a large group of people in vests, most of them queuing for the toilet. As usual “the Stumble”, starting in Mary Stevens Park, had a Saturday evening start time, a far more civilised time than your usual Sunday morning escapades, a bit of a novelty, but it throws your plans out completely. On a Sunday you know what to do, you know the timing, you know the plan. You have a start time and count back for your pre-race meal, you’ve (hopefully) had a decent nights sleep and you’re raring to go. On a Saturday you count back from the start time and find yourself smack in the middle of a trip to Homebase or Morrisons or for the more leisurely in the middle Channel 4 Racing. You just don’t have a plan for Saturday evening races so you get there early and sit on the steps of the bandstand, feeling lost and bewildered until someone gestures that it’s time to think about running then everything becomes a bit more familiar. 

On a beautiful Summer evening a sizable field of near 200 lined up for this off road 10k race, with a field of this size I hope the ice cream man doubled up on his Cornetto order. Taking in part of the Stagger course from February the route took us out into the country up the imaginatively titled “Slop Gully” and the clawing sand of “Dinosaur Beach” and back to the park for a tough, undulating 10k in warm conditions so times were never a major concern. 

With a few Tipton vests visible at the start it was disappointing that the blue hoops could only just muster double figures for a race that was effectively just down the road. Last years defending champion, our own Ian Mansell “gutted” that he was unable to defend his title due to injury, his winning time of last year would have put him well clear of the field again. It was up to Dave Norman to bring the hoops home in 7^th in a time of 41.14, closely followed by Stuart Tromans in 41.42 in 8^th, after racing shoulder to shoulder in Telford on Wednesday it was another close finish between the pair. Richard Smith was 19^th in 45.26 well in front of Brian Russell a place behind in 45.47, not far behind was Michael Quane who ran well and finished strongly in 46.12 for 22^nd. Helen Tromans claimed a first lady prize in 26^th overall in 46.24. Catherine Quane finished in 55.01, Andy Page in 55.38 for a hard fought p.b. on this course, Steph Andrews came in in 55.56, Colin Downey in 56.10 and Ian Corns in 58.03 still trying to get his legs to cooperate after London. 

Within half an hour of the finish the park was back to normal, dogs and Frisbees, young kids and footballs and all the sweat and pain was forgotten again until next year. The teenagers could get back to their usual Saturday evening pursuits of fags and cheap wine, the park keeper could lock the toilets up and the ice cream man could go home to count his takings, up on last week I would have thought."

WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE 2009 - SHROPSHIRE 4

Dave Norman again reports "Golfers are a strange breed, I suppose you could say the same about runners but walking through the club house at The Shropshire Golf Club at Granville Country Park, seeing Nike branded black waistcoats and three quarter length white tailored white trousers you couldn’t help thinking …weird. If we wore those we’d look like speed waiters. American author Mark Twain said that “golf is a good walk spoilt”, I wonder what his views on running would be, he also said “denial isn’t just a river in Egypt” so he’s probably not the best man to ask.  

In view of the unseasonable weather, all the golfers were in the bar, no waistcoats and silly trousers on show, when the near 200 field lined up just past the golf course for the start of the Shropshire 4. Similar to golf this race became a chase around a predetermined course, chasing something that disappears into the distance at high velocity, fruitlessly pursuing something that you appear to have no control over. With Tipton Harrier and Great Britain international, Phil Nicholls in the field it was always going to be fast near the front and like a solitary golf ball bouncing away down the fairway he raced off, skipping over the ground to be followed by those with less skill and ability. Those with a higher handicap, those that just aren’t as good as he is. 

With the start some distance from the finish, down the approach road to the club, there was the opportunity for a decent warm up and the opportunity to get our trainers dirty before the event. We knew the conditions underfoot would be wet but we could have anticipated that with one look upwards at the sky. Typically for these Sexarathon events there was a decent contingent of blue hoops in attendance. Dave Norman was first home in 26^th in 24.10 (someway behind Phil Nichols blistering 19.07) with Stuart Tromans breathing down his neck in 27^th with only a 6 second gap separating the two. A gap that had stayed roughly the same throughout the whole 4 miles, as both pushed each other hard right to the finish. Richard Jones was 39^th in 25.09 followed by Ian Hopkins in 26.59 for 65^th place, Brian Russell in 27.06 for 68^th and first in his age group, Helen Tromans only 10 seconds behind in 73^rd claiming another age group prize, Phil Smith was next home in 27.29 for 77^th followed by Rob Sannwald in 27.37 for 82^nd. These 5 covered by less than a minute proving that the blue hoops hunt in packs.  

Another well, organised and hassle free event in the series, helped mainly when somebody was able to un-padlock a barrier halfway round the course. As we stood at the finish quietly steaming in the warm drizzle I wonder what Mark Twain would have made of it. If golf is a good walk spoilt then running must be a good walk just faster. A gentle stroll for those with time management issues, I bet Phil Nicholls gets loads done."

MONDAY 8th JUNE 2009 - WESTONBURT ARBORETUM 10K

Colin Downey says "A big increase in numbers to over 700 meant it took nearly 40 seconds to get over the start line. I have run it every year since it started about 5 years ago. Originally Tetbury Royals organised it but Cirencester took it over with the growing popularity. A bit of a trek but worth it for the run through the arboretum. All competitors get a tree sapling to take home so if it grows in my garden then the trip should be carbon neutral. "

SATURDAY 6th JUNE 2009 - SHROPSHIRE HILLS FELL RACE

See Alastair was out in his tent today. He has a photo of me but it doesn’t show how wet & cold it was .

Frankie Warrington reports: Edinburgh Marathon 31st May 2009.Sorry this report is delayed, I forgot! This was the first time I've done this marathon which took place this year on a scorching hot day. I found it well organised with plenty of water and fuel stations, good crowd support and a fast, flat course with nice views over the Firth but unfortunately very little shade. Despite 9,000 runners I got a quick start and experienced very little congestion on the way round reflected in my time of 3.57.41 (2364th) A nice medal and goody bag, choice of t shirt size at finish, and copy of Edinburgh News sent by post a few days later were all nice touches. I would recommend this marathon as good value and a potential PB course.

SATURDAY 30th MAY 2009 - CADER IDRIS FELL RACE

 

WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2009 - PHOENIX FLYER

Dave Norman's report "There’s something about the Phoenix Flyer. In recent years it always seems to be threatened by rain, if it’s not actually pouring down then there’s a more than even chance that it will. It just seems unlucky weather-wise. Maybe they should drop the Phoenix bit and rename it the Albatross Flyer instead. Again under bruised skies and the threat of another soaking over 200 assembled for this years event. There was no dispute over footwear, no deliberation over road or off road footwear, it was a firm swing in favour of Walshes or similar purely for ease of cornering if nothing more. Although there were puddles a plenty and a couple of muddy patches generally it was decent underfoot. It was more of a confidence thing, cornering at 90 degrees on wet grass, it was nice to know that your feet were still going to be underneath you when you came out of the corner.  

Again the blue hoops were in attendance, nearly making it into double figures. With Karl absent it was up to Dale Quiney to uphold the family name, finishing first for the club and 28^th overall in 18.10. Dave Norman was 39^th in 18.41 in his fourth race in five days, with shoulders rolling clearly showing it was time for a rest, Stuart Tromans was next back in 18.56 for 46^th place. Ten seconds covered the next group of DK runners, Brian Russell bringing them home in 20.19 for 82^nd, Ian Hopkins, 20.21 in 85^th, fighting off Rob Sannwald by a mere second, Brian Quiney finished in 20.29 for 90^th place. Helen Tromans came second in her age group and 99^th overall in 20.47 and Phil Smith, making a comeback from injury finished in a respectable 21.23 for 113rd place. Although “unattached” mention must also be made of a third Quiney, Heather, finishing in 29.01, the encouragement of husband Brian and son Dale bringing her home. Or maybe they just wanted their tea? 

So from the Phoenix to The Unicorn, the pub, for the presentation to complete a night seemingly themed around mythical creatures. Not surprisingly when we came out it was raining.

SUNDAY 17th MAY 2009 - BODDINGTON 50k

Andy Richards and Andy Moorhouse tackled the Boddington 50k (that's 31 miles in old money) down in Gloucestershire. 14 laps of the 2+ mile circuit awaited them. Their next race is the Dartmoor Discovery 32 mile race in Devon next month.

Andy Moorhouse reports "Andy Richards, myself, Jean, Rae and not forgetting Ruby (his dog) travelled to Boddington on a wet Sunday morning.

It was our intention to use this race as part of a training run in preparation for the Dartmoor Ultra in June.

Andy Richards and Chris Flavell have taken me under their wing to train towards the Dartmoor since January, whilst I have enjoyed every minute it hasn't been easy, but I've progressed over time. I now know what these guys put themselves through every week, all credit to them.

The course is 14 laps, which didn't faze me at all, a lot of people tend to find this boring, but I enjoyed it. The support from the marshalls was much appreciated and even the runners found time to encourage each other along the way.

Andy R achieved his entry for London next year in a great time of 3 hours and 13 mins, he then took his foot off the gas and finished in a great time of 4 hours 10, I finished in 4 hours 56 and achieved a marathon PB along the way.

Unfortunately I won't be able to run the Dartmoor,  as I have to attend an awards evening, to say I'm gutted is an understatement but I'm already looking for my next Ultra.

Thanks again to Andy and Chris for their support. Much appreciated."

SUNDAY 17th MAY 2009 - SHERIFFHALES SHUFFLE

Ian Harris reports from Sheriffhales near Lilleshall. "I'm not sure if this was a one off or if it was going to be a regular on the race calendar. If that wasn't intended......then it should be !!. This was a cracking race organised by Newport and District running club to help raise a few quid for the village hall. Appauling wheather conditions threatened before the start, and true to form the heavens opened up within minutes of the race starting. The race set off from a short down hill section along a country lane before turning into the "hoss track". The hoss track was approximately a half  mile  stretch of ankle deep wood chippings that became more difficult to run on as the wind and lashing rain beat down on us. The trauma was over when reaching the  que at the style, giving a welcome breather and time to ring some water out your clobber. The route continued along fields and farm tracks before reaching the Lilleshall estate. A bit of tarmac was a welcome  running surface albeit waterlogged, as we passed along the golf course and onto a very familiar stretch of road. Only this time we didn't loop around a cone only do it all again, we  turned off along a  farm  track and continued across muddy and puddle ridden fields. Not so sure if i'd chosed the right shoe at this stage, as conditions deteriated, so did confidence in where you placed you foot. 1.5 miles from the finish we were out of the bog and squelching along the tarmac. It was a short lived section before turning off road along a dirt track to the home straight. And guess what ?... by now the rain had stopped and the sun was out. Typical. Just over a hundred runners turned out, which wasn't too bad as only half that had been expected.. Newport and District did an excellent job  of organising this from start to finish. I'd put this run on the same sort of par as the Bells of Pattingham. So DK runners, if you like your Bells then you will like this one. Look out for it next year. "

SUNDAY 17th MAY 2009 - SCHNEIDER 5

 Dave Norman reports "You expect to have to run through streams at the cross country at Senneleys Park and in the Suicide 6 in Autumn, you don’t expect to have to run through streams going round Telford Town Park in the middle of May for the Schneider Five Miler. Just under an hour before the start the heavens opened and drowned most of Shropshire in a downpour of biblical proportions, with raindrops the size of tennis balls, all we were lacking was a plague of frogs or locusts. We’d have been drier if we jumped in the canal. There was so much surface water finding it’s own route downhill across paths, washing across the route and turning walkways to mush that runners would have been forgiven for just collecting their T shirt and going home to start work on an Ark. The rain itself had been bad enough, with small groups of huddled under the scant cover provided by the trees, but as the call came to line up for the start the weather took a turn for the worse, if that was possible, and stinging hail lashed into the already soaking runners, needles of ice flaying the skin off the shoulders. And we do this for fun? 

Luckily there was no hanging about at the start, the starter couldn’t have kept the shivering field from running over him if he’d tried to hold them up unnecessarily with the usual half-heard instructions. Two laps of the arena, splashing through puddles and sodden grass before going out into the park itself with your vest plastered to your chest like an icy band squeezing the air from your frozen lungs. Five miles and just over half an hour of splashing through puddles followed then typically as soon as we’d finished the sun came out. 

The blue hoops were a little sparse with only a trio of hard as nails runners in attendance. Dave Norman finished 11th in 30.46 having run two legs of the relay in Sutton Park less than 24 hours before, (18k in a little over an hour is not quite up to Andy Moorhouse’s standard in Boddington), Stuart Tromans, also with a relay leg under his belt from yesterday ran 31.38 in 14^th place and Helen Tromans picked up a 1st over 35s prize and 2nd female in 28^th overall in a time of 35.16. DK clearly going for quality rather than quantity. With the steam rising from the tarmac as the sun made an appearance there was certainly no hanging around after with runners just content to take themselves home and wring themselves out, with fears of an Old Testament style flood abated, at least for the moment, all we were concerned about was whether our trainers would ever dry out and what are the symptoms of trench foot."

SATURDAY 16th MAY 2009 - BRITISH MASTERS ROAD RELAYS

Brian Russell says "I would like you to put this brief note on the website.  To all runners at DK both male and female.

I would like to keep this message brief and to the point.

Firstly I would like to thank all the runners who turned up to represent their club in the British Masters Relay championships at Sutton Park on Saturday 16th. May.  I don't need to mention their names because they are the stars who represent and put our club on the running map.

No doubt our roving reporter Dave Norman will report on these particular races.

My point is I find it incredibly difficult to get runners to represent our club at team events ( excluding our M60 team). If you runners want me to sort out teams in the future, represent your club like other clubs do at team level.

My intention is to resign as Vets secretary unless you back me, the choice is yours."

Dave Norman reports "If anyone at the club suffers from arachnophobia, the irrational fear of spiders, then the runners that turned out on Saturday afternoon at Sutton Park would have every sympathy for them. By four o’clock there were a few others who also had an irrational fear of something with eight legs. The National Vets Relays, an eight stage for over 40s, a horrible eight legged beast, and a four stage for over 35s over 5k, was a new development for the club and despite the brutality of the event it was a great advertisement for the blue hoops to be rubbing shoulders with the best clubs from around the country. From all corners of the UK clubs assembled, from Sunderland, Salford, Southampton, Bristol, Bedford and Belfast, clubs with a great tradition, and we were there too.

Amongst the liveried tents, like a medieval joust, a small group of DK runners prepared themselves for battle, but a brief head count resulted in not enough heads. We had eight legs to run in the 40s and four legs to run in the 35s, even our rudimentary maths came up with 10 runners for 12 stages. The eight legs was like a spider with a leg pulled off and the four stage was also deficient in the leg department. Desperate times, desperate measures, and a “volunteer” was hastily found. Mark Taylor (18.46) went off first for the under 40s, with Ian Hopkins (19.32) toeing the line for the older team then it was a case of  the next one lining up, Dave Norman (18.07) and Steve Wood (19.41) going off next, followed by Mark Skidmore (21.03) and Stuart Tromans (18.15), then the over 35s just ran out of runners. The Over 40s, Gary Bonner (18.21), Richard Jones (18.37), Mark Homer (20.06) and Graham Dews (20.01) filled in the middle. With Dave Norman (18.31) running the final leg for the over 40s feeling like he had aged 12 months in an afternoon to ensure the team completed finishing in 32^nd with the incomplete Over 35s in 24^th.

Richard Jones sent in a brief report and photo's.  "Dave Norman, Dave Norman, so good they ran him twice.

Well done to all the old guys who turned out for the blue hoops at the Midland Masters relays at Sutton Park on Saturday. I`ll leave it to Dave Norman to produce a full race report once the results are published but just quick note to say well done to Dave in particular who put in a good lap for the Over 35s before being volunteered to have another go and run the anchor leg for the over 40s; although as Stuart pointed out, “with course knowledge you`d have thought he`d have managed a bit quicker second time around” .

For the record, the Man's over 60's team came 17th overall. Malcolm Piller 20:17, Tom Wilkinson 21:58 and Brian Russell 20:09

 

WEDNESDAY 14th MAY 2009 - CARADOC CLASSIC

A nasty evening greeted Colin Downey in Church Stretton as he tackled the Caradoc Classic which is the 2nd of the Summer Fell Race Series.

Three races in four days & a return to the hills for Colin. A really gloomy evening saw 131 brave souls run Caradoc. After a trek across a field & track a steep ascent of 880 feet to the summit covered in cloud. The descent is slightly different to the way up & despite the light rain footing was firm & enabled a great blast downhill.

MONDAY11th MAY 2009 - BERKELEY 10k

Following on from yesterday’s Muller 10k, Colin Downey rushed from work for a trip down the M5 for the Berkeley 10k (about 8 miles south of Frampton).

The course is largely flat and consists of an outward leg of about 1 km, two laps of 4 km each and a return to the finish. The race is run on quiet, pleasant country lanes. The course touches the outskirts of Berkeley Village and passes the rear of the famous castle. The course has been accurately measured and certified.

The start is outside the former Berkeley Power Station, and the finish is outside the Nuclear Sports and Social Club.

Berkeley is midway between Bristol and Gloucester on the banks of the river Severn. 46:51 finishing 107 of 184 the majority were local club runners. 

SUNDAY 10th MAY 2009 - COBRA CLASSIC 10K

Dave Norman reports "Sometimes you get yourself into a situation where whatever you decide to do it will be the wrong thing. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place and whichever side of the fence you favour it’ll be wrong. You’re damned if you and damned if you don’t. That was really the situation that presented itself to Cobra before their “Classic” on Sunday. There had been complaints about the 14k going “off road”, around the monument and down the hill back to the rugby club, the unevenness of the ground, the potential of turning the last 1000 metres into an ankle breaker. So they decided to reduce the race to a road 10k only to receive complaints that this wasn’t right for everyone either. If the Cobra was a classic it was a classic Catch 22 for the organisers.  

With the new course measured and everything in place for the day the situation wasn’t helped by a fatality overnight closing the dual carriageway approaching the venue, no diversions in place and no sign of the road reopening. Runners approached by roundabout routes via Pedmore and Clent at least using the now redundant monument as a landmark to guide them in. With the start delayed 10 minutes Cobra must have been wondering why they bothered.  

The route, despite missing out a massive hill and 4k from previous years, was still tough. Virtually identical to the old course, just shorter but with the organisers not afraid of putting a few hills in here and there certainly wasn’t one for the speedsters, one for the gritting battlers with no history of altitude sickness. With the first half of the race reasonably flat fast times were looking good but the steepness of the second 5k meant that all those good times slipped away and it was a dogged slog to the line. 

There was a reasonable group of blue hoops in attendance and the majority all came away satisfied with their mornings work. None more so that Ian Mansell finishing first in 36.42, Dave Norman was 11^th in 40.52, Stuart Tromans was 13^th in 42.21, closely followed by Adrian Jones in 42.51 for 15^th place, Darren Marklew was 17^th in 43.39, Steven Morris 18^th in 43.50 and Ian Hopkins 22^nd in 44.29. With such successful clustering it was a surprise that the hoops didn’t claim a team prize. Helen Tromans was 2^nd female back in 45.11 to make a successful one – two across the genders for DK. Gary Cooper was 30^th in 46.15, Liz Hadley’s marathon training stood her in good stead for 50.37 and 58^th place. Andy Page and Steph Andrews just ducked under the hour followed by Yvonne Talbot and Linda Harper a fraction over. 

Apart from a couple of potential marshalling errors due to lack of concentration where directions were unclear, it was a success despite the hurdles thrown at the organisers both prior to the event and on the day. A tough but ultimately satisfying event, although the amount of swearing on the hilly parts of the course suggested otherwise, good prizes, an excellent array of cakes for fell runners who like that sort of thing, but more than anything else friendly and welcoming and for that alone well worth the effort.

 

SUNDAY 10th MAY 2009 - MARKET DRAYTON MULLER 10K

The sixth running of this event saw it grow in size again, this year’s race attracted over 1200 entries. However the organisation gets better each year. Just before the race began the sun came out and made warm conditions for the race, which took runners from the start through the centre of Market Drayton out to the half way point at the Muller factory and then back. As has been the norm in the recent running  of this race the people of the town came out to support the runners. Everyone received a quality Tee shirt, a good quality backpack and 24 Muller "Corners". Pity only two DK runners took part Colin Downey and Mark Homer.

WEDNESDAY 6th MAY 2009 - ASICS DK10K 2009

Dave Norman (who else) reports "You know that bit in the Disney cartoon “Dumbo” when the circus arrives in town? The bit where the train pulls up and everyone throws their weight into making sure the infrastructure is all in place for the event to happen? When everyone knows their job from raising the big top to hammering in the little pegs, performers all ensure the event goes off without a hitch and an empty field is transformed into a heaving mass of entertainment. The elephants muck in, the clowns do their bit. Well it was like that at DK Rugby Club but with less elephants and arguably less clowns. 

Events of this scale don’t just happen. There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, not just on the day but for weeks beforehand, to ensure it is enjoyable for all. We have all been to races and been very quick to criticise, very ready to crab the organisation but for an event to go off without a major hiccup year after year bears testament to the amount of hard work that produces such an affair. It helps that everyone knows their job, everyone is comfortable with their place and DK are always ready to amend, alter and abbreviate to improve. The one significant issue was the one thing the club had no control over, the weather.  

How can it be so cold at the start and so warm at the finish? Starting under leaden skies, feeling the chill as the strong wind whipped across the open spaces whipping the red and white tape into a frenzy many thought a vest was not enough. May opted for two layers of clothing but as the cloud was blown away and the sun came out this proved to be a mistake as the course warmed up significantly and the water station did a roaring trade. But even the weather couldn’t dissuade, with a massive entry from almost every local club. A pre race entry touching 1000 just shows how popular this event is and in a way also demonstrates how rare. In these days of risk assessment and health and safety fears it’s rare to find a 10k road race of this scale, rare to find a club capable and committed enough to even attempt a mid week 1000 runner 10k road race and that is something every member of the club should be proud of. 

As for the race itself everything follows pretty much the same annual pattern. The mass field start, the weaving run down to “The Navigation” as runners found their rhythm and position in the field, the early slog up the hill away from the road junction out on a big loop in the country and back past the pub for the never ending ordeal along the Mile Flat – never has a mile been flatter or longer – even the reassuring beacon of the traffic lights failed to help as the Police had turned them off. The support was tremendous, small clumps of people happy to applaud and shout abuse at runners as they steamed past, the crowd outside “The Navigation” seemed larger than ever with beery cheers and some choice comments greeting any identifiable runner. With a long list of DK runners in the field it seems pointless to list them as the results elsewhere will show their endeavours. Particularly as more credit should go to the DK runners who didn’t actually run but spent most of the day ensuring that everyone else could. Then in true Dumbo fashion everything was tidied and the field was empty except for the odd car, everything packed away until next time. At 10.00pm it was as if it had never happened and the whole circus had moved on."

SUNDAY 3rd MAY 2009 - UTTOXETER HALF MARATHON

Colin Downey pictured at the Uttoxeter Half.                                 Thanks to Bryan Dale again for the photo's.

SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2009 - LONDON MARATHON

 

SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2009 - MIDLAND MASTERS ROAD RELAYS

A three man team from Dudley Kingswinford won the over sixties title at the Edgbaston Resevoir.

First leg was Brian Russell in a time of 21:15 followed by Tom Williams in 22:21. The final leg was run by Malcolm Pillar who is just coming back from injury in a time of 21:33.

Thanks to Tom for the photo.

MONDAY 13th APRIL 2009 - WOMBOURNE EASTER 10

Richard Jones writes "Ever felt the need to justify the amount you eat over Easter? Me neither, I`m carbo loading.

SUNDAY 12th APRIL 2009 - THE HANHAM HORROR

WEDNESDAY 8th APRIL 2009 - LILLESHALL 10k

Dave Morgan reports "It doesn’t seem like twelve months since we were here last year but it must be, nothing’s changed, the same set up, the same course, the same no nonsense, tried and tested organisation. You know Spring is here and the evenings are starting to lengthen when you see the Lilleshall 10k on the near horizon. The long, hard slog of winter is over and it’s time for evening races, the London Marathon is just around the corner so what better way to welcome the Spring, embrace the new season and put all those Winter miles to good use with a 10k blast.  With the lighter nights not quite taking effect the early start of 7.00pm was a little too much of a rush for some but a necessity considering that this is the longest race of the series. This was required to prevent the tail enders finishing by the light of exiting runners headlights, so it was a rather rushed start for some. A mad dash from work to deepest Shropshire to line up for the start. Typical of these Sexarathon races, a no frills start, a brief instruction and away. Heading up the drive towards the gardens, a tortuous lap through the grounds, where deep gravel seems to pull you down to somewhere level with the rose bushes, before heading back the way you have come, past your starting point and down the main driveway towards the road, round a cone and back again.

SUNDAY 22nd MARCH 2009 - MILFORD 21

Richard Jones say's "On a bright and breezy morning Kevin Duckworth, Phil Johnson, Brian Lane and Wheezy Jones turned out for the Milford 21. For those who have never tried this event it is a lovely, scenic trot around beautiful countryside, mostly downhill. If you have tried it then you know that there's a bit of poetic licence in the mostly downhill bit.  

SUNDAY 15th MARCH 2009 - STAFFORD HALF MARATHON

Photo's by Bryan Dale

Dave Norman reports "Of all the things you expect to see on a Sunday morning in Stafford Scooby Doo isn’t one of them, you might get the odd peculiar vest that you don’t normally see knocking around in the Black Country – Cheadle, Stone, Congleton - but not a 6 foot tall bloke in a Great Dane costume but there he was, large as life lining up for a fun run. He’d have been quicker if the fairground owner had been lined up behind him.   

The blue hoops were again very much in evidence, with Steve Wood even wearing an “away kit” of brown hoops before the start. Kevin Duckworth was first back in 17^th in a time of 1.17.45, Dave Norman was 80^th in 1.26.03, over a minute inside his PB, Gary Bonner was 97^th in 1.26.59, Stuart Tromans finished in 1.27.56 in 115^th place, Paul Richards ducked under the 90 minute barrier in 1.29.41 for 151^st   for another PB, Mark Homer finished 257^th in 1.34.52, again a PB, Helen Tromans was 5^th in her category destroying her PB by over 2 minutes in 1.35.32, Steve Wood, now in the traditional blue hoops ran 1.42.13 for 485^th, Liz Hadley was 617^th in 1.45.35, Ian Harris finished in 1.48.49 in 739^th to bring the hoops home. 

With a scattering of excellent times for the club, a bit of welcome sun and a decent event it was a good day for DK but for a high profile race the day left a lot of people disappointed. The start was a mess, trying to channel over 1700 runners through the side streets with bollards, litter bins and benches to negotiate along with quicker runners weaving in and out to make up lost time and slower runners adding to the congestion. With fewer numbers it would have been so much easier but you do wonder whether this race has just got too popular for its own good. But minor inconveniences mean nothing really, PBs or the failure to beat certain times by fractions of a second are really unimportant to anyone but yourself, as the DK contingent left the Market Square an ambulance was arriving with sirens blaring to attend to a competitor, regrettably not in time. Makes you think."

SUNDAY 8th MARCH 2009 - BALLYCOTTON 10

Colin Downey reports "Trip to run on the Riviera sounded good, but the Irish Riviera! I have chatted with John Oldroyd of Wye Valley Runners (Hereford) at several races & he sold the idea to me of joining the WVR’s for their club trip to Ballycotton for the 10 mile road race.

The race has a long downhill start, does a lollypop route inland with a return uphill back to the finish."

SUNDAY 8th MARCH 2009 - STAFFORD 20

SUNDAY 1st MARCH 2009 - CLOUD 9

Colin Downey Travelled up to Congleton in Cheshire with his newly converted fell runner pal Stu Tromans to take part in Cloud 9. No kit requirement & well marshalled throughout. Amazing Feet & Telford Harriers runners also making the journey. The legend Ron Hill also took part. 

Photo's from Bryan Dale.

Race starts a short distance from Race HQ at the leisure centre on a disused railway. This stretch enables the field to string out before a series of stiles negotiated to get us heading out across wet & muddy fields. A steep track through a wooded section took us onto the heather moorland with a narrow bouldery track, gaining height to Cloud summit. A quick look around to take in the Cheshire countryside & a sight of the big telescope at Jodrell Bank. A fast downhill section then a pleasant blast through woodland. A long down & up through mole riddled calf sapping fields leading next to a quarry with no way of avoiding the mud. A downhill road section leads back into woodland with a series of steps returning through fields & back onto the former railway track. Free soup & bread roll back at the Leisure centre.

SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2009 - BOURTON ON WATER 10k

Colin Downey reports "With the Fell Running Calendar showing within reasonable travelling distance, I decided in December to enter the Bourton on the Water 10k road race. YES road. Thought the Cotswold would be more picturesque than Russell's Hall & I was right. 

The village has a small stream running through it with little bridges over it. Everyone goes there for a PB & i.e. 47:32 today was probably flattering to me given the lack of training since Mortimer Forest. 

Two laps of the village both at the start & finish was a bit repetitive but sunshine with a bit of warmth more than made up for it.

SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2009 - ACTION HEART 5

Dave Norman says "You’ve got to congratulate Paul Davies-Hale and all at Action Heart. Year after year the former Chicago marathon winner and his team put on a well organised, well supported event, giving both decent standard club runners and everyone else a chance to run round a testing course. If you want to test yourself against gravity then this is the course to do it on. The hills are numerous, steep and relentless and the significant downhill of Himley Road is long enough to hurt, just too sheer to be comfortable, steep enough to make your eyes rattle in your head with the relentless gradient. With a lot of club runners focusing on miles, miles and more miles in their build up to the London marathon this was possibly too short for a lot of people but after months of hard slog round muddy fields in various cross country fixtures, after mainly off road events through the Winter it was a joy to feel the reassuring slap of tarmac beneath your feet. It was just a shame the weather wasn’t quite as Spring like as it had been 24 hours earlier. 

For some reason it’s always cold in Dudley. Whether it’s the elevation or the wind that seems to blow uninterrupted direct from Scandinavia, or the general steely greyness of the clouds, there was enough incentive to get industrious early on to keep you warm at the start. After a brief countdown and a wave from Kevin Duckworth, although why he found himself the wrong side of the start line prior to the race was not entirely clear, we were off, a mad dash to get yourself through the bottleneck behind the hospital before reaching the road proper. Climbing up the hill to the main road and then climbing, climbing, climbing before the long descent towards Himley before more climbing. How can you seem to spend most of the race going uphill only to find yourself at the same point you were to begin with? It was like running the wrong way up a helter skelter only to find yourself back at the bottom. The course defies the laws of physics and all common sense. 

SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2009 - MUDDY WOODY

Colin Downey Reports "A bit of surface water at the Cross Country at Coventry the day before but, the Muddy Woody 6.8 miles on Sunday was very much more challenging & interesting terrain.  

SATURDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2009 - B'HAM XC LEAGUE - NORTHBROOK

Dave Norman reports "With the potential spectre of relegation hanging over the blue hoops DK travelled to Coventry for the final league fixture of the season. With roughly a hundred points in hand we should have done enough in the previous fixtures to guarantee our Second Division status for another year but with Ian Mansell missing, planning to run Wyre Forest on the following day, and Steve Holdcroft struggling with a groin injury there was certainly no room for complacency, if we weren’t careful this could still turn into a Valentines Day massacre. Everyone would need to run to form just to give ourselves a fighting chance of staying up. Rather than being treated like a potential relegation side we were treated like FA Cup Finalists, a luxury coach taking us to a country hotel, all we needed were our Cup Final Armani suits and a walk around the pitch. It was a shame we were just at the hotel to park the coach and had to cross the road to the changing facilities, although facilities may have been too strong a word. 

The blue hoops were lead home by Kevin Duckworth in 41^st in a time of 40.53, Gary Bonner was 69^th in 43.01 with Mark Gallimore in 72^nd only a few seconds behind, Dave Norman was 4^th back in 88^th place in 44.12 with Carl Quinney breathing down his neck in 89^th and 2 seconds back, Stuart Tromans brought the A team home in 99^th in all the fours, 44.44. Phil Johnson was 106^th in 45.10, Dale Quinney 122^nd in 46.02, Richard “wheezy” (or is it squeaky now?) Jones was 131^st in 46.40, Paul Richards showed how well his marathon training was paying off in 46.49 for 135^th place, there was some good clustering as Steve Wood in 166^th, Rob Sannwald in 167^th and Adrian Morey in 169^th only had 10 seconds between them. Brian Russell was 184^th in 52.26, Mark Skidmore was 196^th in 54.11, Colin Downey finished in 57.11 for 203^rd and Brian Lane brought the tape in for 208^th place in 58.33. Unfortunately Mike Burrows had to pull out after only half a lap with knee problems, however he did get more muddy during the jog round warm up than some of us actually got during the race. 

With some fantastic efforts by all concerned and relegation staved off all that was needed was a decent shower before getting back on the coach and heading to the pub, although a decent shower was impossible to have. The “facilities” being more than a little agricultural, a semi-converted cattle shed with abattoir style showers, the water was red hot but unfortunately only came out in a dribble, if only it had flowed as well as the beer when we got back to The Fountain in Gornal."

SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2009 - ACTION HEART 5 (Express & Star photo)

The Express & Star wanted a well known Black Country runner to front an advertisement for the upcoming Action Heart Race, and they chose no. 950 from the Action Heart Running Club. I don't know who the runner on the right is.