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WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2008 - IRONBRIDGE 4 (and a bit)

Dave Norman (pictured above) wrote "Two hundred years ago the area was the heartbeat of Shropshire industry, where the hills around Ironbridge would resonate to the sound of pounding hammers. A couple of centuries later all we could hear was our own heartbeat in our ears and the pounding of our own feet as the fourth race in the sixth race series took place on a warm July evening. Shame about the earlier rain. 

A decent size field of nearly 250, assembled in the car park beside the Ironbridge itself for a swift four mile gallop along the side of the river. The greens and yellows of the local clubs were unsurprisingly to the fore but a decent number of blue hoops from DK also made the short trip over the border to maintain decent placings in the series or just have a run out in what is always a well supported event.  

The earlier heavy rain had made some parts of the route very wet and muddy but that didn’t stop most of us as we ploughed through the puddles. Some did try to tip toe through or dodge round but this was not the time of place for delicacy, this was a place for industrial running to suit the industrial surroundings.  

We left the shadow of the massive meccano bridge along the very muddy Silken (sodden) Way before running round old tile warehouses, across the river, twice to come back along the path to finish in the car park. The four mile route was tough, the intermediate distance causing a few pace judgement errors as 4 miles is neither one thing or another, the fact that we reached a four mile marker and then still had some way to go didn’t help. 

Dave Norman was first back in 36th place in a time of 27.17, Graham Dews followed in 27.46 to maintain a decent position in the standings, Tony Price finished in 28.31, Mark Homer on 29.25, followed by Helen Tromans who claimed another age category prize in 29.34. Brian Russell was next home in 86th overall in 29.52, complaining this week of a slight calf strain, Ian Hopkins finished in 30.42 and Lindsay Pulley again did well in his age category finishing in 39.22. 

Although we may not have worked as hard as people around Ironbridge did two hundred years ago we were certainly not much cleaner, hot, sticky and covered in mud and we do this by choice rather than necessity? "

Steve Bartley sent in this "I really enjoyed the race report from Dave Norman.

As the person who used to organize the Sandwell Action Sport 10k in the mid eighties many of his comments rang true. His comment "flirting a little with disorganisation, holding things together well with no great experience" really hit home.

I can remember organising  the event on a budget of around £50! This payed for the race numbers (no sponsors), safety pins, £10 donation to the Red Cross and the rest on prizes selected from the Argos catalogue! For the inaugural run I ordered 500 mugs as finishing prizes with the words "I Ran the Sandwell 10k' printed on them. I can remember putting together an idea for the mugs using lettraset and a drawing I sketched of a running track encircling a tree (the tree was to represent Gospel Oak). I sent this off thinking that the designers at the company would improve it and make it look more professional. The mugs came back with the lettraset wording and my sketch on every mug, still no one complained!

By the time of the race we had attracted around 200 entrants. this left me with 300 year dated mugs. It never fails to amuse me that to this day I still see these mugs in nearly every Sandwell Council Facility I visit. Down at Tipton Sports Academy you could still probably find some boxed up in pristine condition!

To be honest I can't actually remember contacting the Police or the Highways Department prior to the event to tell them that it was taking place. I drove round the course the night before and tied direction and mileage signs to lampposts and then drove round  the next morning before the race to make sure that they were still there. I then roped in a few volunteers to stand on street corners to direct the runners and it was job done ….Race on!

A couple of weeks after the event, because I worked for the council at the time, I had a visit from a Council Auditor who was concerned that the race numbers handed out did not run consecutively. I spent ages trying to tell her that the numbers were separated to distinguish between the different age categories. She insisted that for any future events that the numbers must be sent out in sequence so that they could be accounted for in the same way as issuing tickets. Only in the Council!!

Having said all this the event ran like clockwork and many runners returned year after year, including some top names at the time, until the 'Anti Fun Squad' made it impossible to carry on. To continue we would have had to pay the Bobbies wages and at £1 entry fee for affiliated runners it just had to bite the dust.

I agree with Dave that it was a Golden Age of which we will never see the like again. I have just entered Race the Train and the Snowdonia Marathon at a cost of nearly £40, and this is for events that are well sponsored. like Dave said, wouldn't it be great to have a few more races like the Wombourne Spring Classic. 

P.S. If anyone has any tips as to how I can lose three stones and up my mileage from Zero to 26 miles by October I would most grateful!!!"

SUNDAY 29th JUNE 2008 - WOMBOURNE SPRING CLASSIC

Dave Norman reports on the Wombourne Spring Classic, which was re-scheduled from the Spring when we had a rare downfall of snow. "Don’t you just love races that are right on your doorstep, the ones that are so close to home that you can just throw a T shirt on over your vest, turn up, run and be home before anyone has even noticed you’re missing. For those of us with responsibilities they’re fantastic. For those of us who can remember, we used to get races like this regularly, before numerous laws were passed and health and safety legislation became so restrictive that staging a race became an organisers nightmare, all sorts of people would be jumping on the running bandwagon. Youth organisations, schools, leisure centres, anyone with the ability to photocopy some race numbers and access to a big box of safety pins would stage a race. The Wombourne Spring Classic (delayed from Spring), reminds us of those days, 20 odd years ago. Flirting a little with disorganisation, holding things together well with no great experience and all the better for it. 

The course, or at least bits of it, would be familiar. A loop at the beginning before a long stretch along the disused railway line, another loop at the halfway mark, back along the straight, another loop at the end before finishing on the field. A sort of elongated figure of eight, actually more like a cartoon bone in profile – the sort of thing Tom & Jerry would hit each other with. A good route with a few twists and turns, a couple of stiles, a nice long downhill through a field where Brian Smith waited at the bottom to capture the effects of gravity for website display, but mainly flat. With the added incentive of catching and passing runners in the 6k event on the way back, a course conducive to quick times. 

There was a good representation from DK in all events. Kevin and George Duckworth running well in the 6k. Mark Homer and daughter turning out, despite claiming a big shield at the presentation night it was good to see it hadn’t gone to his head and he was back at the “fun run” coal face where he’d learnt his trade. 

In the main race Ian Mansell had what he claimed was a “nightmare” to finish 4th in 35.46, Dave Norman ducked under the magical 40 minute barrier in 39.15 for 14th place, Dale and Karl Quinney were hot on his heels in 39.30 and 39.36 respectively. Mark Taylor just missed out on a top 20 finish in 41.29, Tony Price was next in 41.55 (not bad considering he was organising things too). Rob Sandwald clocked a great time of 42.57. Helen Tromans continued her good form finishing second female in 43.53, Martin Humphries finished in 47.30, just in front of Liz Hadley in 49.30. Andy Page just missed a sub 50 performance in 50.18, Jim Bibb ran well in 50.55. Elaine Knott in 54.53 and Su Fernandez in 55.28 completing the DK complement. 

And all home and showered before the roast beef had gone dry, the Yorkshire Puddings were like cricket balls and a skin had formed on the gravy. It was somehow reassuring to see that there is still a place for races like this, races with no pretensions, races not wrapped up in their own importance. Races that remind you of what it was like 20 years ago. Times move on, nostalgia isn’t what it used to be but sometimes don’t you just wish it was 1986 again?"

SUNDAY 29th JUNE 2008 - PRESTWOLD HALL 10k
Brian Russell reports "Malcolm Pillar,Tom Williams and myself went to Prestwold Hall, just outside Loughborough to compete in the Prestwold 10k which incorporated both the Britsh and Midland Masters championships.
It was a very warm day , but quite windy. The course itself was flat, but because it started and finished on an old airfield meant the wind was in our faces for the last 3k. In a very large field of over 800 runners, the open race was won by Chris Davies of Telford AC in 30m40s. The M40 catogory was highly contested with Paul Ward of Wrekin Road Runners winning in 32m51s with only 1 sec between the first 3.
It took Mal and myself 8 sec. to get over the start line and our actual finishing times were Mal 39m22s, me 41m58s and Tom 45m34s. It was a seasons best for Mal and myself, which really plaesed me  as I was still suffering from an over indulgent holiday.
Although team results are still to be confirmed, it looks like our M60 team have won GOLD in the Midlands and SILVER in the National championships finishing second to Bingley Harriers.
All in all a very good day all round for Midland clubs.
It is a great pity that our younger male and female masters don't turn out in these events instead of leaving it to us older members to represent our club."

LUCY CAMBRIDGE

Congratulations TWINS..  

Jenna May Porter Cambridge and Zara Kate Porter Cambridge.
 
arrived with us just after 6 am on Thursday 12th June 2008.  Jenna was 6lbs 3, Zara 6lbs 13.
My dreams of a natural delivery went out the window when Zara decided to get herself stuck, so they were delivered by c section.  That will stop me fell running for a while!
Mum and babies all doing well, came home from hospital on Saturday 14th June.

SATURDAY 21st JUNE 2008 - CROSS WALES CHALLENGE

Colin Downey's latest venture... "Further preparation for my run around Mont Blanc in August, I took part in the Cross Wales Challenge.

Despite rain for 85% of the day, I completed the Cross Wales Challenge. Starting at Glandyfi on the coast just below Machynlleth, the route crossed rough country and minor roads via the villages of Staylitle, Llandinam to check point at the  Devils Elbow and part of the Kerry Ridgeway to end at the small village of Anchor in Shropshire.  

The Challenge was incredibly well organised with a coach at 3am from Newtown to the mass start at 4am. Friendly marshals & helpers & well marked route. The breakfast at Staylittle restored energy & heat although difficult to eat as the rain, despite gloves had turned my hands to cold blocks. Shelter & lunch at Llandinam, before the 900 feet of climb to the plateau where you could hear the 40+ wind turbines but, only see them until almost underneath them due to the low cloud & mist. 

The Challenge instructions made clear this was not a race but accompanied by Andy from work, we jogged a fair bit (well early on anyway) more to keep warm than to set a quick time. Including food stops we got round the 42 mile route in 13 hours to finish just before 5pm. As Andy’s entry went astray, this resulted in a near 80 mile round trip in the car to drop him off back at the start to pick up his car.

SATURDAY 14th JUNE 2008 - STOURBRIDGE STUMBLE

Dave Norman reports from Stourbridge.. "While a good proportion of runners from the club were doing what we do best, drinking and eating at the Summer Ball at the Rugby Club, a smaller group were concentrating on what runners do second best – running.  

It was a much more pleasurable and a far warmer experience than the last time we were in Mary Stevens Park for the Stagger earlier in the year, no freezing wind and no need for layers. It was a warm summer evening, the ice cream van was doing a steady trade and children were playing in the sun, then suddenly 250 plus runners appeared and charged off to the bewilderment of a lot of the usual Saturday evening crowd. It’s  weird when the runners all appear to be milling around with no purpose waiting for someone who looks like they’re organising things to arrive, luckily they did, gave us a quick blast of an air horn and sent us on our way for a lap of the park, past the dogs, the families and the menacing groups of teenagers before going out into the country. 

The route follows a course similar to the Stagger, round football pitches, over the road and golf course before getting out into the “proper” country, then cutting slightly shorter to return to the park for a longish 10k. The mud may have gone but it was replaced with sand which drags you down and makes you lose all traction but soon you are back onto proper paths and across the golf course and back to the park for the finish in the shade of the trees.  

Ian Mansell put in a tremendous performance to win the race in 36.04 beating Paul Waby of Dudley and Stourbridge by 6 seconds. Dave Norman ducked just under 42 minutes by one valuable second in 24th, Mark Homer finished 49th in 45.11, Brian Lane finished in 49.23 with a far better performance than his lamentable one last (and we only know this because he was lamenting it before the start). Ian Harris was next in 50.27 followed by Carol Fisher who claimed 1st Lady Vet 50 in 51.59. Jim Bibb finished in 53.44, Andy Page in 56.27, Steph Andrews ran well to finish in 57.55 and finally Preston Grundy who had turned out at Newport early in the day ducked under the hour in 59.57. 

The only criticism was the sighting of the water station which we passed about a mile from the start and less than a mile from the finish as we passed it again in the other direction. Although the logistics of getting water to halfway, possibly the bottom of the bridle path, may have been difficult it was certainly not impossible. Maybe this is something for the organisers to consider for next year. 

We were all happy to receive our commemorative horse brass, with the price of scrap increasing week by week if we get all the medals and lumps of brass we have all won over the years and melt them down into ingots we might make enough money to pay for the new changing rooms. Or maybe a gag for Brian Smith who always seems to be there to shout abuse just when you feel at your worst."

SUNDAY 8th JUNE 2008 - TWO CASTLES RUN

Just recieved this from Farrah Hunter-Coley. Just shows, send info in to get it on the web.

"I am a runner with DK and have recently returned back to running after a few months off to have my little boy, who is now 12 weeks old. A few Sunday's ago (8th June) I did a race in Warwickshire called 'The Two Casltes' (twocastlesrun.org.uk), I dont know if you are familiar with it ? Anyway, as I was saying to John there was a significant lack of Midland club runners, so we were thinking of maybe putting something on the DK website to highlight the race OR infact me doing it. And maybe drum up a bit of interest for next year, just incase people havent heard of it, as its a fantastic 10K. With the view of maybe organising a coach trip in 2009 ????? Hope you dont mind me getting in touch. Just wanted people to know about the race, as I feel there would be a lot more interest in it from local clubs if they knew what a great 10k it is. I have attached a picture and will leave it up to your discretion."

 

 SUNDAY 8th JUNE 2008 - POTTERS ARF

After running the Potteries Marathon years ago, I cannot understand why anyone want to run around Stoke on Trent. Dave Wilkes being the exception returning again this year to compete the half marathon. (Photo by Bryan Dale)

SATURDAY 7th JUNE 2008 - DARTMOOR DISCOVERY 32

Andy Richards travelled down to Devon to compete in one of his favourite ultra races, the Dartmoor Challenge. Just think of it, running a Marathon, and then setting off to do a 10k immediately after it. Andy finished 17th overall and 3rd in his age category with a time of     4 hours 28 minutes 21 seconds. Whilst we were basking in the sunshine, Andy endured terrible weather - hot then rain, sleet and lightening. Andy is pictured at the 28 mile mark.

THURSDAY 5th JUNE 2008 - GAVIN TIPPER 5k

On a beautiful summers evening the first Gavin Tipper 5K was held. The great thing about this race was the number of local athletes both young and old from the clubs Gav was involved turned up to race. Tipton Harriers (40 entries), Black Country Triathletes (25) entries and Dudley Kingswinford (70) entries turned out in force to enjoy the experience (one I'm sure Gav would be happy with). The race was oversubscribed at 250 entries. So next year please get your entries in early.
 
The race was won in a storming time by James Ratcliffe in 15:29, Dudley Kingswinford's Ian Mansell was second in 16:12 with Tipton's Mark Wright coming in 3rd at 16:19.
 
In an equally impressive time the Ladies winner Tessa Parkinson ran 18:06 and finished 10th overall.
 
A number of junior athletes posted very impressive times also.
 
All money from the entry fees will go to Action Heart. At the moment we have collected £900 but with a bit of luck hope to reach the £1,000 mark so we will hand over the cheque to Joy Brown at the Himley Park 5K on Thursday 10th July.
 
A big thank you on the evening to all runners at DK who helped marshall the course, to Geoff Yates our Paramedic, Trudy Evans for the food, Brian Smith for taking entries and photos  and a very big thank you to Stuart Steele from Stuweb who ran the electronic chip timing system and produced the results for the race in super quick time......... and last but not least all the runners taking part, thanks again and see you all next year.        KEVIN DUCKWORTH

WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE 2008 - SHROPSHIRE 4

Brian Russell reports "On  a warm sunny evening 4 DK runners turned up to do the lovely but quite demanding 4 miles race around the Granville Golf Course and County Park.
All the runners were in the Sexarathon Series & did well in there respective groups.
Graham Dews was first DK runner home in 24.10, 20th o/all and 3rd. M50. Graham was followed by Dave Norman who was 40th o/all in 25.11. Next came me in a course pb of 26.30 being 59th o/all and 2nd M60. Our other  runner was Lindsay Pulley who at the tender age of 69 came 179th o/all and 3rd M65 knocking a massive 4 min. off last years time."

SUNDAY 25th MAY 2008 - CROCODILE 8

Colin Downey reports "Despite the rain, I headed off for the 3pm start of the Crocodile 8 in Tillington / Burghill (about 3 miles north of Hereford).  I have not run this race since 2004 but remember seeing several trainers in the mud, minus their owners. 

A stretch of road, before a run through the church, where, a choir sings to entertain the 200 runners, whilst they take it in turns to go through the kissing gate. We then enter a large apple orchard owned by the Co-Op. Another road stage, then, the challenge begins with an ascent of 105 muddy steps up to Badnage Wood (nicknamed the Crocodile by the locals as, guess what? the wooded hill looks like a crocodile from a distance). An atmospheric run through the mist filled wood before a run along the muddiest downhill sections of any race I have done. Once out of the wood there are a few fields before a final mile of road to the finish. "

SUNDAY 25th MAY 2008 - BURTON 10

Ian Mansell and Malcolm Pillar travelled to Burton on Trent for this 10 mile road race and both came back with prizes. Ian came third overall, whilst Malcolm won the over 60's prize.

WEDNESDAY 21st MAY 2008 - BATCH BASH

Colin Downey went to Church Stretton to compete in this Summer Series Fell Race.

WEDNESDAY 21st MAY 2008 - PHOENIX FLYER

I was shocked to find it has been ten years since the popular Sexarathon Series was last run on roads. I n those days we had almost 30 D.K. runners in the pub after each of the six races. This race used to be a two lap around the estate, a by god it was fast. Today it was 2 laps round one field and 2 laps around another field, all on grass. Helen Tromans, Graham Dews, Dave Norman, Brian Russell and Ian Hopkins were the DK runners on show.

SUNDAY 18th MAY 2008 - CURE LEUKAEMIA 10k & 5k RACES

Ian Mansell competed in both races at Sutton Park, finishing in second place on both occasions.

SATURDAY 17th MAY 2008 - NATIONAL MASTERS RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Mark Homer sends us this report from Sutton Park. "DK men's over 40's team finished in 28th place on Saturday at the 21st National Masters Road Relay Championships at Sutton Park in a time of 2hrs 28 mins 23 seconds. The winners of the championship, covering 8 x 3 mile circuits of Sutton Park, were Bristol and West Athletic Club in a quick time of 2hrs 5mins 28 seconds, over 5 minutes in front of the second place team.
DK's team were lead off by youngsters Kevin Duckworth (17:10) and Steve Summers (18:44), followed by the middle order of Andy Richards (18:13), Graham Dews (17:55), Keith Bate (19:17), and Tom Wilkinson (19:11). Mark Homer (19:38) making his relay debut completed the 7th leg, before handing over to Graham Dews (18:15) in his second appearance of the day to bring the team home. Unfortunately Gary Bonner had a last minute bereavement in the family, and thus didn't turn out."
 

Brian Russell Reported. "On a cold and damp day at Sutton Park,  Malcolm Pillar, Tom Williams and myself represented the club in the V60 category. The V6O category was strongly contested with 36 teams entered. Malcolm ran first leg with the V50,V70 male and all the female categories. Malcolm ran a strong leg finishing  in 18m 46s in 44th o/all and 10th M60. Tom ran next and finished in 20m 50s in 54th o/all and 14th V60. I completed our team run finishing in 19m 15s and managing to pick up 10 places overall, but more importantly 3 V60 scalps leaving us 11th in our category. At the sharp end some of the V60 times were incredible. 9 runners went under 18 min. with the fastest as low as 17m 12s. Elswick Harriers came 1st followed by Oxford City and Rotherham Harriers. On the plus side we beat our local rivals Birchfield who won the bronze madal last year. Our V40 team ran in the afternoon but I don't have the results yet."

SATURDAY 17th MAY 2008 - MARLBOROUGH CHALLENGE

Colin Downey report "As part of my training for my big run at the end of August, I took part in the Marlborough Challenge. I did the longer 33 mile route. Walking most of the way but jogging a few miles as the trail runners who started out later came past me. Completed the course in just under 9 ½ hours. A circular route, with a lot of variety & excellent views.The route follows for a fair bit the Wansdyke (a bit like Offas Dyke).  

A 3 mile stretch of the Kennet & Avon canal to Devizes before up to Cherwill Hill & one of the chalk White horses back onto the Downs pasted several of the horse racing gallops. Through Avebury stone circle & return to Marlborough. "

SUNDAY 11th MAY 2008 - LIVERPOOL WOMEN'S 10k

I don't want any ladies from the club coming to me in future saying we don't appear in the website. The race results that I put on are on the Results page. I have NO reports from anyone, nor do I have any photo's.

SUNDAY 11th MAY 2008 - MULLER 10k

Colin Downey was sole D.K. representative at this 10k race in Market Drayton noted for it's goody bags. Colin received a bag full of goodies, a bright yellow wicker free Tee Shirt with Muller on it, and four packs of 24 in a pack of Muller Corner Yoghurts.

SUNDAY 11th MAY 2008 - COBRA CLASSIC 14k

Another race in the Grand Prix Series saw several members turn out. Brian Russell took the wrong turn up to the Obelisk and ran half a mile short. I thought there was something wrong when I saw the results. We have had to disqualify him due to the Grand Prix points.

PETER MORRILL

It is with very great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Pete Morrill, a founder member of the Dudley Kingswinford Running Club at the age of 71. Pete was a smashing bloke, always smiling and will be sadly missed. We last saw him last year when he came over from his home in France and visited us at the 5k race.

Dr Peter Morrill and Dr Richard (Dick) Blackburn were partners at their Lower Gornal practice, and as Dick was a Rugby Referee, and member of the D.K. Rugby Club, both used to go out running, and so they decided to start a Running Club in 1982 from the Wall Heath base. It was Dick's idea to start the DK10k Race which has gone from strength to strength since he introduced it in 1986.

Peter retired from the Lower Gornal Surgery in 1995, and besides Running, was a very keen mountaineer besides Golf and Photography his other interests.

We send our condolences to Johanna, his daughters Erica and Marijke on their sad loss.

Peter will be remembered by all that knew him as a wonderful husband, Father and a good friend who lived a full life. 

SUNDAY 4th MAY 2008 - SCHNEIDER 5

A poor turnout for this years race with just 97 runners completing the course. Ian Mansell took some scalps in finishing second, whilst other D.K. runners were Dave Norman and Helen Tromans who picked up a prize again. Photo's courtesy of Wrekin RR.

 

SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2008 - SHAKESPEARE MARATHON

Steve Holdcroft failed in his attempt to beat 3 hours in the Shakespeare Marathon at Stratford on Avon, but by only 59 seconds finishing 15th overall in a 750 field. Nigel Warrington, Donna Concannon and Sue Hickman also completed the 2 lap course. The photo shows Surfer Steve crossing the finish line.

SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2008 - SHEFFIELD HALF MARATHON

Ian Harris reports "An aerobic workout warmed up a field on 5500 runners before setting off from The Don Valley Stadium. The 9:30 start and damp weather didn't deter the crowds who gave immense support both in and around the stadium as we headed out towards the City Centre. A reasonably flat start for the first 2.5 miles before a steady climb up past Bramall lane and peaking at around 6.5 miles at 300ft above sea level. At the 6 miles point was Ecclesall Road which was heavily lined on both sides with supporters. At the height of this Road we then had to endure that demoralising task of doing a U turn round a road cone before deserving a well earned down hill section. Just one more climb left up to mile 8 before heading down hill back towards the City Centre, passing The crucible where we had watched the snooker outside on the big screen the previous night. The route had levelled out at mile 10 and was now backtracking home towards the Don Valley. The support and organisation on this event was outstanding with drink stations available every 2.5 miles and in my eyes a far better alternative to The Great North Run!!!!  The race was eventually won by Zak Kihara of Birchfield Harriers in 1:05:12. I came in with a chip time 1:53:21"

 

SUNDAY 13th APRIL 2008 - LONDON MARATHON

Lucy Cambridge compiled the following report for the press. "Dudley Kingswinford (DK) Running Club based in Wall Heath, Kingswinford, had a huge turnout of 25 runners in this years London Marathon on Sunday 13th April, with many competing for their first time, others achieving ‘Personal Bests’ for their performance and a fantastic £12,000 raised for a number of local and national charities.

Heather Fisher had a fantastic run in her first marathon, running an incredible 3.44.55 and winning her age group (women 18/19 years).  Heather has worked solidly and consistently in her training and this is a phenomenal achievement for her first marathon, and a great springboard for future long-distance running success for her.

Kevin Duckworth did not disappoint in his performance, being the first DK male runner home as in many previous years.  He finished in 349th place in the men’s race, in 2 hours 46 minutes.  Kevin was followed by Adrian Jones (1415th in 3.05.02), Richard Jones (4474th in 3.31.32) and Mark Homer who finished just ahead of Heather in 6475th place, 3.44.46, raising a massive £1400 for Action Heart at Russells Hall Hospital in his first marathon..

Keith Taylor ran well finishing 6893rd in 3.47.10, followed by Neil Edwards (7241st, 3.49.04, raising money for Action Heart and achieving a Personal Best in the process) and another first time marathoner, Sandra Brain who put in a great performance to finish in 3.50.21 (1191st lady).  Sandra raised £400 for Cancer Research UK.  DK’s runners were then coming in thick and fast, with many of them popping up on the TV coverage.  Andy Weaver was another first time marathoner, raising £1000 for Action Heart and £700 for Cancer Research UK, finishing in 3.54.43 (8415th male), closely followed by Donna Turner (running for Leukaemia Care, 1518th lady, 3.55.23 and achieving a PB), Dave Wilkes (10035th male, 4.01.31), Frankie Warrington (2201st lady, 4.04.56), Andy Moorhouse running his first marathon (10618th, 4.05.00), Joy Follis running for the first time in London (Cancer Research UK, 2292nd lady, 4.06.19) and Richard Froggatt (achieving a PB,12351st, 4.14.25) also raising money for Action Heart.  Another first timer, Gary Cooper finished in 4.23.45 (raising £1600 for Lupus UK), Nigel Warrington finished in 14429th male place, in 4.25.45, raising £800 for Action Heart, with Helen Hickman close behind in 4.27.32 (3930th lady), again raising funds for Action Heart, and achieving a PB. 

Martin Humphries led another section of DK finishers home, finishing in 4.32.36, raising £1200 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, with Julie Allen (4473rd lady, 4.33.15, raising money for Action Heart and another runner gaining a PB), Ian Corns (16000th male, 4.34.38, raising £1600 for Action Heart) and Karen Oakley (4986th lady, 4.38.40, fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society) hot on his heels.  DK’s remaining lady entrants were not far behind though, with Jayne Morley finishing in 4.57.46, Susan Hickman in 4.59.09 and Donna Concannon in 5.05.59, rounding off a superb day all round for Dudley Kingswinford’s runners."

Paul Davies-Hale sent us these photo's taken by the Tower Bridge (12 miles). Mark Garrett from Coseley is shown above, followed by Ray Stanier of Tipton Harriers. If anyone has any photo's of DK runners in the Marathon, I will put them on this site when I get them.

Finally Paul took these shots of some of the women's elite runners, followed by the Men's Race leaders

SUNDAY 13th APRIL 2008 - 7 POOLS

Ian Mansell reports "Today while a lot of people were pounding the streets doing the London Marathon, I was taking part in the 7 Pools 10K multi terrain race in Sutton Park. This was the third occasion I have done the race, previously finishing 2nd on both occasions. 
 
I was pleased with my performance today, neck and neck with the leader up who is a very fast runner up until 6k. Despite only running about 35 minutes this was better than it sounds. Some of the marshalling wasn't up to scratch though and I probably lost about 10 seconds when I stopped unsure where to go. The leader allegedly ran into a post!
To sum up less tiring than the marathon and a good race if you go the right way!"

SUNDAY 30th MARCH 2008 - EXE TO AXE FELL RACE

Colin Downey Reports:  "A 4.30am start to travel the 155 miles down to Seaton on the South Devon coast to ensure I was in good time to board the coach taking runners for the 45 minute journey to Exmouth. A small removal van taking our gear between the various stages.

“The skies cleared, the rain stopped, the wind dropped. What more could the runners in the Exe to Axe ask for apart, perhaps, for a few less hills and some bigger sign posts..

As a result conditions were ideal on Sunday morning with the going soft underfoot but not slippery and cloudless skies all the way.

The run is not easy, taking in 20.3 miles of the Coastal Path from Exmouth to Seaton and over that distance it is easy to take a wrong turn somewhere along the line.

Some of the local clubs run it as a relay, the stages being 4 miles to Budleigh Salterton, 6 miles to Sidmouth, 6 to Branscombe then onto Beer & Seaton. The second half is tougher than the first with more climbs, 4050 feet of climb in total.

About a mile shorter than Milford but with all the climb & a stretch of pebble beach to run on, I was 45 minutes slower than Milford. Still 5 minutes faster than when I ran it for the first time two years ago. Finished 61 of 94 finishers.

A great race especially with those that have London in mind."

SUNDAY 30th MARCH 2008 - MARCH HAIR RAISER

Ian Mansell repoorts from the Bradshaw's Estate on the Wolverhampton to Albrighton Road. "An unexpected hot sunny day provided for excellent conditions in the March Hair Raiser 6 mile race near Perton. The race was supported by several DK runners including Dale Quinney. 
Conditions underfoot were pretty good with only a few muddy patches.  I was very pleased with my run today finishing 2nd behind Great Britain International Phil Nicholls. 
It is a good race that I would recommend. 
It looks like they have messed up the results It has 2nd and 3rd place in the same time and I was a good 20-30 seconds ahead of the 3rd placed runner." Mark and Nicola Howell also did the race, but have been omitted off the results. Mark did 45:04 whilst Nicola did 47:32.

SUNDAY 23rd MARCH 2008 - PHILLIPS ACCOUNTING EASTER 5

Ian Mansell travelled to the University of Warwick Campus in Coventry to compete in the 5 mile run in the Campus Grounds. Ian finished the race in 4th place.

SUNDAY 16th MARCH 2008 - FOREST OF DEAN HALF MARATHON

Ian Harris reports "It looked like DK runners were displaying there blue hoops all over the country last weekend, with good turnouts at Stafford and Rhayader. I myself, headed South to the Forest of Dean. The race was started by Lloyd Scott.............. yep! I didn't have a clue who  the hell he was either.!!!  But most will remember him as the guy who did the London Marathon in a deep sea diver's outfit. The weather conditions never looked like being favourable, but thankfully the rain did ease a bit just before the start. This was a fantastic, scenic,  undulating course that was demanding at times, and was well supported throughout.  With a growing entry field of around 1700 runners now, it's definitely one I would do again. This would also be a good one for a DK trip as it would suit all abilities."

SUNDAY 16th MARCH 2008 - STAFFORD HALF MARATHON

A superb run by Steve Holdcroft after gaining a late entry, Steve blasted around the course to finish in 20th place in a time of 1 hour 18 minutes and 44 seconds. Ade Jones took it easy after running the Rhayader yesterday, but still completed the course in 1 hour 33 mins 14 secs. Neil Edwards was next back in 1:36:40 followed by Dave Wilkes who faded a bit with a 1:39:15. Finally Liz Hadley finished with a 1 hour 51 mins 42 secs.

SATURDAY 15th MARCH 2008 - RHAYADER ROUND THE LAKES 20

Colin Downey reports a great turnout for our local runners at the Rhayader Round the Lakes 20 on Saturday braved the wet weather. 

The winner was Andy Butler from Halesowen AC, Shaw Pye from Amazing Feet pipped Kevin Duckworth in the last 200 metres for 4th. 

Kevin, Adrian, Paul Richards & Richard Cox achieved 3rd Mens Team. The remaining finishers were Ian Goodall. Joy Follis, Donna Turner, Colin Downey Andy Moorhouse & Frankie Warrington.

SUNDAY 16th MARCH 2008 - SPORT RELIEF 6

Ian Mansell our fastest DK runner ran an excellent time in the Sports Relief 6 mile race in Walsall.  Ian reports that 3 races took place (1 mile, 3 mile and 6 mile) and all started together on a running track. "I was first back in all of the races.  Doing the 6 mile race I had to complete a daunting 24 laps.  I went off very fast going through 800 metres in 2.30 and 1 mile in 5.17 and 3 miles in 16.40. 

 
My final time for 6 miles was 33.48. This is more impressive as after the first couple of laps I had to lap slow runners and some laps I ended up running on the outside lane for much of the course. Hopefully this performance will be a good foundation for breaking my 10K pb of 33.40 soon."

SUNDAY 9th MARCH 2008 - HEART WYRE FOREST 5k

Ian Mansell completed the Wyre Forest 5K and finished 2nd in a time of 19.00.  He reports "It was a close affair between first and second. Speed merchant Mitch Blundell of Birchfield Harriers won the race in 18.52. Mitch blasted off fast at the start using his speed to great effect.   

I was close to him for most of the race but his pace was just enough to hold me off.  
Lindsay Pulley also competed in the race and ran a respectable 31.21 which he was very pleased with as it was over 20 seconds quicker than last year.  
Lindsay is still going strong with running at the age of 69 which is very respectable.  This course was not easy and most 20 year olds would struggle to run up the final Cardiac Hill. 
The race was very well organised and marshalled. Although more of a fun run than a race I would definitely return as the atmosphere was excellent."

SUNDAY 2nd MARCH 2008 - MILTON KEYNES HALF MARATHON

Mark Homer sent a note note to let you know he ran the Milton Keynes Half Marathon on Sunday. "I was the first (and last!) DK runner home, in a new PB of just over 1 hour 37 minutes. The course was relatively flat, mainly on footpaths on the edge of the centre of Milton Keynes. Around 2,000 runners took part creating a slow start, but the field soon spreadout with plenty of room for passing. An enjoyeable run and one that I would do again."

SUNDAY 2nd MARCH 2008 - CENTURION RC GRAND PRIX

Ian Mansell scores a resounding victory at Chelmsley Wood and sends us a report - "After last weeks catastrophe of not finishing the Action Heart due to food poisoning picked up from work on Saturday I was not sure about racing today.  I had only managed 12 miles in training all week and these were very slow runs due to feeling sick. Even on Friday I still felt very sick. 

However, I woke up on Saturday and felt great in myself although I didn't train. I learned my lesson, avoiding the free BEST sandwiches at work and instead opting for toast.  So I decided that I would race the Centurion 5 mile on Sunday. 
I didn't expect much today but somehow won it in 27.38 which is very pleasing as it is a slow 5 mile course. In second place was Dave Mansbridge who I overtook on the last lap. 
I think despite being ill the enforced layoff helped me. Just a shame I didnt get the opportunity to run well in my favourite race the Action Heart".

SATURDAY 1st MARCH 2008 - CARDINGMILL CANTER

Colin Downey travelled to Church Stretton on a bright, but very blustery day on the Long Mynd for the Carding Mill Canter. Race is almost 5 miles with 1800 feet of climb. For those that know the Mortimer Forest race, the Canter has a little more climb than the Mortimer in half the distance.You get your feet wet twice in the first quarter of a mile going through the ford & the stream then a very long steep climb up Cow Hill.

SUNDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2008 - ACTION HEART 5

A good turnout by D.K. runners who I guess were after the latest Grand Prix points. Ian Mansell pulled out early through eating a bad sausage the night before, whilst Brian Russell mysteriously disappeared near Milking Bank and hasn't been seen since. Apparently he was rescued in time by Chris Flavell and Andy Richards who recognised the limping figure.

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2008 - NATIONAL XC CHAMPIONSHIPS

One by one, D.K. runners withdrew from the Championships at Alton Towers, but Richard Sannwald still managed to get a team together to compete at the highest level. Kevin Duckworth, the Quinney brothers, Phil Johnson, Rob & Richard Sannwald all made the effort.

SUNDAY 17th FEBRUARY 2008 - ENNSTONE 7

A real day out for the Quinney family, as they competed in the Ennstone 7 and Ennstone Fun Runs.

SUNDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2008 - WYRE FOREST 8

A change in course due to the floods last year has put an extra half mile onto the distance, but it didn't stop our XC champion Ian Mansell from challenging Dave Mansbridge all the way before having to settle for second place. A good effort considering Ian had raced yesterday at Stafford Common. No wonder his legs had gone during the long climb back to the Visitors Centre.

SATURDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2008 - B'HAM XC LEAGUE - STAFFORD COMMON

Another fantastic turn out by D.K. runners which was commented on by the champions Bournville Harriers ensured an easy passage into Division 2 next year. The three promoted clubs, Bournville, Stratford on Avon and ourselves had three runners apiece in the first ten over the line. Such was the strength of our squad, we went on to win the "B" team race with 331 pts, a score in itself good enough to have finished 7th in the standings. In the end of a good season, we finished a comfortable 3rd with the "B" team in 2nd place.

Individually there were plenty of good points from the season. Ian Mansell improved as the season went on, finishing the four races in 8th, 5th, 3rd and again 3rd finishing 3rd overall in the best of 4 races. Steve Holdcroft was Mr Consistent finishing 8th in the race, and an overall 10th in the best of 3 race awards. Kevin Duckworth who has had a bad time with injuries of late finished a good 10th. The find of the season has to be the well known Tipton Harrier Brian Quinney's son Dale who finished in the six counters with Stuart Tromans and Adrian Jones. Karl Quinney made his debut and finished just half a minute outside the counters having faded a little after running round with his elder brother. Surely a Junior prize will be there for the taking next season. Gary Bonner came in 8th counter helping Karl over the line followed by Phil Johnson, Dave Norman, Steve Summers and Mark Gallimore who is still easy himself back from his broken foot. Rob Sannwald, Steve Wood, Mark Homer, Ian Harris, Colin Downey, Andy Parker, John Glover, Brian Lane and Andy Weaver also turned out on a brilliant sunny afternoon at Stafford Common. The day was finished with the minibus ride to the Fountain Pub in Gornal to celebrate.

CHARITY BIKE RIDE

Tom Hicks wondered if I would mind putting a small news item on the DK site, and am happy to please him.
 
In April he is  planing to cycle from Wolverhampton to London on the canals in aid of the Mary Stevens Hospice. There are more details on the site and I've given DK Running Club a mention in the BBC article!
 
 http://www.justgiving.com/rogbrookes
 
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2008/01/30/ride_for_hospice_feature.shtml
 
I know a lot of runners use the site so it would be a big help, 
Best wishes,  Tom

SAT/SUN 2nd/3rd FEBRUARY 2008 - TITTERSTONE CLEE + LONG MYND VALLEYS

Colin Downey reports: 

Saturday: Titterstone Clee Hill Race. 2.5 miles & 750 feet. Cold & frosty made it a fairly fast outing although some care was needed on the icy boulder field near the summit. This is a straight up & blast down race. Only 70 runners took part as many of the local runners were saving themselves for tomorrow’s race. Now I understand why.

Sunday: Long Mynd Valleys. 11.5 miles / 4500 feet.

Dave Norman writes of the cold & wind, experienced at the Stagger on Sunday so at a height of almost 1500 feet it was only a few hardy souls who braved the conditions on the Long Mynd in shorts. Phil Johnson had warned me it was a tough race so I was not careful not to get over confident. Compared to the last 4-5 miles the initial 6 miles is fairly comfortable.

  So why when you ran 10 miles in Gloucester last month in less than 1 hour 20 minutes, did it take you 3 hours 8 minutes to run 11.5 miles? 

Well, firstly in my defence you will see in the results it took Graham Dews (certainly no slouch) 2 hours 32 minutes. 

Secondly, they have to squeeze 4500 feet of climb into the 11.5 miles. To help compare, those of you who have done the Mortimer will have climbed 1700 feet. So Long Mynd is 2 and a half times the height gain or put it another way 100 feet higher than Ben Nevis. Some climbs required hands as well as feet to get up the hill. 

The race is a bit like the old Heinekin lager advert “reaching parts other races don’t get to”. This is a tough race but a great one to get to know some less frequented parts of the Shropshire hills & get in some good quality hill training. 

If Springfield Striders from Essex can get 23 runners for this race, surely we can take a least a car full to the next local Fell race:  Carding Mill Canter at Church Stretton. Saturday 1st March -  1pm. 4miles & 1800 feet. Bring the family who can enjoy tea & cakes in the National Trust visitors centre while you run the race.

SUNDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2008 - STOURBRIDGE STAGGER

Dave Norman reports "It’s not often you arrive at the start of a race and find there’s hardly anyone there, fifteen minutes before the race there was nobody about. A few isolated runners warming up around the bandstand in Mary Stevens Park but not the usual hardened souls you normally see swapping stories about how bad they felt, how many pints they’d had the night before, how under trained they were…basically getting their excuses in early. Then suddenly they appeared from out of the trees, like woodland creatures in a Walt Disney film, shyly assembling for the start. The only difference was you don’t normally see woodland creatures with numbers pinned to their chests wearing fluorescent woolly hats and gloves. And we certainly needed hats and gloves …. and any other item of clothing you could get away with. It was one of those freezing cold days when people should stay at home in front of the fire, instead nearly 400 runners braved the elements racing into Arctic conditions with a strong wind blowing in our faces at times, down sandy tracks, over stiles, up steep hills and through ankle deep mud, the only consolation for some was that it didn’t snow.  

A hardened few ran down, ran the race and ran home clocking up a tidy eighteen or so miles, for those with Milford and/or London in the back of their minds it was an excellent way to test where they were in their training. Others just stayed in their cars with the heater turned up for as long as possible, raced and then got out of the cold at the first opportunity. 

The start was a bit of a surprise with the starter pressing the button on his air horn only for no noise to come out, just dust and spiders and suddenly after standing around for five minutes we were off, round the park and out into the countryside. DK were well represented throughout the field with Steve Holdcoft coming 6th in 1.06.15, Kevin Duckworth was only a place behind in 1.06.54, Stuart Tromans was next home in 30th in 1.13.54, with Adrian Jones breathing down his neck in 1.14.38, after a brief gap Dave Norman followed in 39th in 1.15.50. Brian Russell came in in 1.22.25, then Neil Edwards in 1.23.53, Heather Fisher in 1.24.55, Mark Homer’s marathon training looks to be going well as he finished in 1.28.53, Ian Harris finished in 1.28.54, with Brian Lane not far behind in 1.30.15 just outsprinting Darren Marklew in 1.20.18. Donna Turner was first DK lady home in 1.30.47 followed by Sandra Brain and Joy Follis. A long list of DK runners then followed with only about a minute between them – Richard Bate, Julian McEvoy, Arthur Smith, Ian Corns, Sandra Wollaston, Andy Page, Steph Andrews and Rae Moorhouse. Preston Grundy brought up the DK rear in 2.21.40. 

A good race on what was, despite the cold, good day. The marshals must be applauded for shivering in the country for so long, the last finisher came arrived at just under two and a half hours, and despite a brief stop for traffic at one road crossing the course was excellent if more than a little testing. It was also reassuring to see Brian Smith shivering behind his camera, it’s often been said he was a little blue but that’s normally his language rather than the cold."

SUNDAY 20th JANUARY 2008 - MIDLAND MASTERS XC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Brian Russell sends us this report from outside the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr to say that Malcolm Pillar, Tom Williams and
myself were DK,s only representatives in the Midland Masters X.C. Championships. With our best M40 runners representing the club in the league race yesterday it was up to the older members of the club to keep the DK flag flying. The course was a new course due to building works in certain areas and meant basically a fairly flat but very muddy course.
The race was won by by Andy Weatherall of Redhill Road Runners in 29.34. Andy was also the first M50.
In the V60 category DK excelled. Malcolm finished 3rd. winning the individual bronze medal in 36.34, I was 4th. in 37.38 and Tom was 6th. in 40.29. This means DK have won their first ever gold champion medal at any level by beat Birchfield Harriers and Massey Ferguson into the lower places.
Next vets race is the National XC.Championships at Banbury on March 30th.
Every vet please turn out and represent our club, the entry forms are in my possession and will appear on the web site. Pictures below is the happy Massey Ferguson team that ran yesterday at Cofton Park before grabbing bronze medals today.

SUNDAY 20th JANUARY 2008 - MAYHILL MASSACRE

Colin Downey reports that missing the previous two races of the B'ham XC League, it was good to turn out for the club yesterday, especially as I held off three of my club mates, and more importantly wasn't lapped.

Having the taste for real hill climbs and serious mud, he travelled the next day to Huntley, just west of Gloucester for the Mayhill Masacre. The race is an eight and a half multi terrain race set in the height of winter at the wettest and muddiest time of the year. This was the second year that the event was being held, and was over subscribed.

The race started with a climb from Huntley to the top of May Hill which is 900 feet above sea level with stunning views across the whole county. The course then undulates through woodland before a nasty sting in the tail - the mud begins and doesn't end until the final mile which is on solid forest track followed by road to the finish.

SATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008 - B'HAM XC LEAGUE RACE

A great turn out by DudleSATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008 - B'HAM XC LEAGUE RACEy Kingswinford meant we could have fielded 6 teams in this event. Ian Mansell was the star performer, biding his time, he finally out paced his rivals on the last lap to finish in 3rd place overall. DK finished in third place with a very pleasing low score of just 109 points, and more or less guarantee promotion once more to the second division next term. It was good to see Mark Gallimore back in a race for the first time in two years following his broken ankle.

SATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008 - MIDLAND WOMEN'S XC LEAGUE

At long last we had a club representative in the Women's XC League. Unfortunately no one else turned up again, leaving Liz Hadley as our only runner. She really enjoyed it, and hopes that this is the start of something good. So come on Ladies, get those shoes on a join Liz. You only need 3 runners to complete a team.

SUNDAY 6th  JANUARY 2008 - GLOUCESTER 10

Colin Downey travelled south to compete in the Gloucester 10 Road Race.

Colin has asked me to put a note on the web to see if any others fancies joining him for the The North Face Ultratrail Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix (CCC)? He wanted to do something a bit different in 2008 to mark my 50th. 

The CCC is 96k & 5600 metres of climb -25 hour cut off time. (This is the shorter of the two events!!) 

Starting in Courmayeur in Italy the route goes over to Champex in Switzerland before finishing in Chamonix

Effectively it is a tour of the Mt Blanc massif. 29-31 August 2008 

I have a place as priority entry (as full when I applied last year).  

Entries open 9th January & it fills up very quickly. Detail web links for the CCC & the Wye Valley Runners in Hereford where two of their runners completed it last year. 

http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php 

http://www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/montblanc/montblanc.htm

TUESDAY 1st JANUARY 2008 - D.K. NEW YEAR'S DAY HANDICAP RACE

A fine turn out of nearly 100 runners entered the New Year's Race with some really good runners from other clubs turning up on the day. First back were youngsters Lauren Fairfax and Alex Hughes. Fastest runners in the race were Tipton Harriers' Steve Brookes with 21:20 for the 4.1 mile course, Nigel Share from Wolves & Bilston AC 21:58, Tipton Harriers' Paul Rogers 22:02, Telford's Dave Mansbridge 22:12 and Birchfield's Mitch Blundell 22:14. Fastest D.K. Runner was Steve Holdcroft 22:53. Fastest women was Telford's Hayley Jennings 24:03. Fastest D.K. women on the day was Heather Fisher 29:31 followed by Helen Tromans 29:42. The Draw was made for the London Marathon places. Paul Richards, Heather Fisher and Martin Humphries were the lucky trio.

THURSDAY 27th DECEMBER 2007 - WHEATON ASTON ROMAN 10k

Dave Norman sends us this report from Wheaton Aston. "What better way to blow the festive cobwebs away than a good blow out over 10k less than 48 hours after tucking into turkey and all the trimmings? There may be more sedate ways of spending the morning but as the sizeable field proved there’s a limit to the number of mince pies you can eat before guilt gets the better of you. 

In near perfect conditions over 350 runners toed the line a few hundred yards down the lane from the school. The start itself tends to be a bit of a mess, squeezing this number of runners into a narrow lane that struggles to cope with two cars abreast is not ideal and the first few hundred yards past the school leads to some significant jostling and fighting for position but by the time the first bend is reached the field has thinned out a little and running is far easier. The field snakes through the village where vocal local support is very welcome before heading out into the country. The strong wind in some areas caused runners a few problems as they were forced to grit their teeth, put their heads downs and battle with the elements however a sizeable group of DK runners performed reasonably well considering the Xmas excesses, the sore heads, coughs and colds and general sluggishness of the season. 

Gary Bonner was first home for the club in 27th place in 38.50 nearly a minute ahead of Tony Price in 39.45 closely followed by Malcolm Pillar in 39.55, Tim Edwards in 41.09, Dave Norman in 41.32, Gary Cooper in 43.42, Steve Summers in all the fours 44.44 (not on all fours), Mark Homer just dipped under his 45 minute target in 44.56, with Ken Brown on his heels in 45.06. Ian Harris finished in 148th in 47.06, Martin Humphries followed in 49.46, John Glover in 49.51, Jim Bibb in 50.20 with Preston Grundy breathing down his neck only 4 seconds later, Steph Andrews and Andy Page both ran well in 53,42 and 53.43 respectively, Richard Bibb finished in 54.48. The vodka fuelled Rae Moorhouse finished next in 55.26 with Andy just a second behind, Sue Bibb finished just under the hour in 58.30 followed home by Carol Yates in 1.01.33 and Helen Edwards in 1.08.06. 

The race may not have been full of top class performances, it may have not been the PB route that everyone was looking for to finish the year off but at least it meant that we could all spend the afternoon with our feet up in front of the television with the lid off the big tin of Quality Street feeling slightly less guilty. "

WEDNESDAY 26th DECEMBER 2007 - THE DEVIL'S CHAIR DASH.

Colin Downey sends us his last report of 2007. "I finished 2007 as I started, with a fell race- The Devil’s Chair Dash. How many people would run a fell race on Boxing Day morning? Quite a lot it turned out. A bright day saw a turnout of 220 runners & walkers descend on the small village of Stiperstones where the pub was open for business as well as being race HQ. 

A large number or people set off before the race to be able to cheer on the runners along the way & at the Devil’s Chair on the Stiperstones in deepest Shropshire. Going was a little tricky as it was a bit wet underfoot & the ridge to the Devil’s Chair is quite rocky. Only 3 miles & 800 feet of climb, my race was over in 33 minutes, finishing 82 of the 220 runners.

WEDNESDAY 26th DECEMBER 2007 - TYN-Y-GROES HILL RACE

Lucy Cambridge reports that the Warrington and Cambridge clans met up on Boxing Day near Dolgellau for the 2nd year running, for the running of the 2.5 mile, 700 ft ascent, Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race.  Nigel Warrington was the only D.K. runner, with Lucy Cambridge taking photos and the others supporting and keeping bar stools warm.
The race starts on the main road in front of the pub, and descends to the river, crossing a bridge (see first few photos) and then literally straight up the very steep, wooded hillside to the peak (see photo of hillside).  Then it's across the undulating ridge before a very rocky, slippy descent to the riverbank, back across the bridge and up the steep path to the pub.  Nigel finished in 12th place in 28.30.
This is a fabulous little race, free to enter, free soup, free mince pies and very friendly.
We all enjoyed the hospitality in the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel afterwards, with Lucy signing the official hotel record book which dates back to 1935, as the first lady home in the 2006 Boxing Day race.

                                                     H A P P Y   X M A S

SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER 2007 - MORTIMER FOREST

Dave Norman reports "If anyone went to the trouble to design a race to test you to the limit then this would be a good starting point. If anyone had any illusions about how tough this was going to be then the first climb spelt things out in glaring clarity, this was going to be a monster and we had only gone 15 minutes.  

The race started with it’s customary cavalry charge into the woods where passing was difficult unless you wanted to brave the bracken before the track opened up a little and we were able to get into a decent rhythm before the first big hill where walking becomes the only option, partly due to the traffic but also to prevent your calves bursting out of the back of your legs. Back to a decent pace at the top before a perilously steep descent which set the tone for the race. For the next hour or more we covered a rollercoaster course of tough climbs and even tougher drops, the climbs hurt but the descents hurt more. If you were able to take the hand brake off and go down in a sort of controlled freefall then it may not have hurt so much but there were plenty in the field convinced they would end up coming down of their face if they tried this. This type of descending was something for the experienced to try, the novices and the sensible tightened their thighs as much as possible and threw the anchor overboard in an attempt to come down safe, avoiding the lose rocks,  the trees and a trip to hospital. After 1700 feet of ascent the summit was reached, a wind scoured, frozen wasteland but at least we thought it’s all down hill from here, not quite as there were still a few biting climbs to negotiate before a mad cap sprint to the finish in the woods a walk back to the school and a well earned shower. Adrian Jones was first home for the club in 1.17.35, the unsuitably dressed Stuart Tromans finished next in 1.18.26 followed by Dave Norman in 1.30.13, Tom Williams in 1.35/11, Tim Evans in 1.36.55, Paul Richards in 1.38.18, Andy Moorhouse in 1.38.43, Mark Homer in 1.39.51 but this wasn’t a race about times or position this was about the experience. Also enjoying the experience were Andy Weaver, Nigel Warrington, Colin Downey, Brian Lane, Dave Oldfield, Arthur Smith, Jim Bibb, Colin Hubbard, Sandra Wollaston, Rae Moorhouse and Vicki Wilkes who apparently sang Christmas Carols while running (if you can sing while you’re running you’re not running hard enough) and Preston Grundy. 

A great race, depending on who you spoke to and at what point on the course you asked the question, well organised and well marshalled – I just hope they managed to chip all the marshals from their icy outcrops and thaw them out before the sun started to set."

SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER 2007 - CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Sunday's clear weather conditions were a welcome sight for the race organisers of this years Christmas Cracker Race, the event staged by Staffs Moorlands Athletic Club now in it's 23rd year saw entries top the 300 mark for the second year in succession, proving that this race is a hugely popular fixture for runners from all over the UK.

The field of just over 320 runners set off from Tittesworth Reservoir for the 8-mile testing race taking in the Roaches and was made up of a large number of serious fell & club runners; plus a significant number of runners wearing fancy dress costumes that seem to get more elaborate year on year.

Enjoying life over the Roaches near Leek is Jayne Morley.

SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER 2007 - TURKEY TROT

Robert Deakin of Birchfield Harriers was first home, followed by another 4 runners, Sebastian Duffy from Stroud,Mike Cadman a Midland Vet, Simon Murcott from Tipton Harriers and Craig Walker from the host club, but were disqualified after taking the first gate onto the track instead of running alongside the stadium wall and joining the track at the correct entrance. What happened to the marshals ? So Ian Mansell was promoted into 2nd place, just 1 second behind the winner.

Ian Mansell reports that he ran pretty well in the Turkey Trot 5 Mile today. Again there was a good turnout of DK runners such as Gary Bonner, etc. which is excellent considering there are at least two other local races going on today including the Mortimer which is a league race. 
 
I finished 7th in just under 27 mins which is a personal best yet again. Two personal bests in two weeks is pretty good and I know I can get even stronger if I avoid injuries and too much food at Xmas! 
 
I could see all leaders for most of the race and these were runners who ran 54 minutes in last weeks Sneyd race. 
 
However, coming around the final bend before entering the stadium the first five runners took a wrong turning and ending up completing a much shorter distance and ending up with times of 23-24 minutes.  Despite this at least my position and accuracy of time was unaffected.  Finishers were give a frozen Turkey joint and T-shirt. 
 
This is my last race of 2007, I wish all of DK a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Today I dedicate my race to Dan Cooper an old friend who was in my year at school who died tragically at the age of 26 in a car crash last Friday. He was a passenger and the three other people in the car survived. Dan who was in the army was very sporty and I believe played Rugby at DK.  RIP Dan you will be missed by everyone who knew you.   

SUNDAY 9th DECEMBER 2007 - SNEYD XMAS PUDDING RUN

Ian Mansell reports that today in the Sneyd 10 Mile Xmas pudding race there was a good turnout of DK runners all of who I expect were trying to gain Grand Prix points. Some new faces and some old. I guess at least the Grand Prix is attracting more DK runners to be out there entering races.
 
Anyway, back on today's race, I ran very sensibly and finished in 56.35 which is actually a new pb following my tradition except for 2005 of running faster in this race each year. Hopefully next year I will be able to get under 56 minutes.  The field today was very good containing an abundance of quality runners including Phil Nichols, Martin Williams, Mike Cadman, Simon Murcott, etc. 
 
I expect I finished in the top 15 followed by Adrian Jones who had a good race.  All finishers were given xmas puddings at the end to give the race a nice festive feeling.

SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007 - CARDINGTON CRACKER

Two D.K. runners took part in this tough Fell Race, Colin Downey and Preston Grundy. Lucy Cambridge and Phil Johnson were on Caradoc to record some fantastic photo's for us.

SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007 - CENTURION  GRAND PRIX

Ian Mansell finished second today in the latest race of their Grand Prix Series. (See results page)

SATURDAY 1st DECEMBER 2007 - B'HAM XC LEAGUE - Round 2

D.K. moved up into the promotion places after finishing third at Burbage Common in Leicestershire. (See XC Page.)

SATURDAY 24th NOVEMBER 2007 - ELAN VALEY 10

Colin running a road race ? Yes. I travelled the 80 miles for race 65 of the year, over to Rayader for the inaugural (1st) running of the Elan Valley 10 miler. Race HQ was the Elan Visitor Centre with the start about ½ on the road by the dam. The only problem was I had not brought along my trainers. Decided nothing for it but to run in my Salomon Trail shoes. Great grip with their Vibram soles, but heavy. A really scenic circuit with some challenging hills. Horizontal rain throughout the race & blustery wind in the exposed sections. A good event but back to the hills next week for the Cardington Cracker.

SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2007 - SUICIDE SIX(ish)

A fantastic 40 D.K. runners took part in this local race, and for once Colin Downey couldn't be found. Three of our runners finished in the top ten, Ian Mansell, Steve Holdcroft and Kevin Duckworth. These three photo's taken by Lucy Cambridge (Congratulations to Lucy by the way as she is expecting twins) and Phil Johnson.

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2007 - RHOBELL FAWR FELL RACE

Colin Downey reports from Wales "To prepare for next month’s Cardington Cracker & Mortimer Forest runs, I travelled over the border into Wales to Llanfachreth, a small village about 2 miles from Dolgellau. to run Rhobell Fawr Fell Race, the first in the Winter Series organized by Meironnydd Running Club. Some 60-70 runners took part in this AM category fell race of 6 miles / 1900 feet of climb. Initially up a very run able narrow path into a woodland & along a rough farm / hill track, climbing all the time.   We then crossed a stile & headed up onto open mountainside. As we got higher the cloud got thicker so, it was useful to have a stone wall on the right as a handrail for navigation. With the first runners appearing out of the cloud, the summit could not be too far away. The strong wind & drop in temperature confirmed I was on the summit ridge. The welcome sign of the trip point & the summit marshals, meant it was now a case of turning around & returning the way we had come up.  Quickly relocating the wall, it was now for the best bit, blasting downhill. l but, taking care to avoid the numerous rocky outcrops that littered the hillside. A bread roll & a choice of 5 homemade soups free to all was a great ending to a brilliant day. A well organised & friendly race.

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2007 - HILTON HEAD ISLAND 10k BRIDGE RUN

Steve Holdcroft report from the USA "I'm currently slaving away in sunny South Carolina at Jasper Power Station and for the first time one of my overseas trips has coincided with a race, the 16th Annual Hilton Head Island 10K Bridge Run. How could I resist, in spite of the $30 fee for late entrance (£15 good old pounds).  Still, they give you a T-shirt just for signing up so I could have walked away happy just then!  The conditions for the race were perfect, sunny clear skies with a very slight breeze and with a temperature of around 55°F (13°C), although the 08:00 am start was a little odd.  The course itself was run mainly on road and began with a two mile loop around a park. The remainder of the race consisted of an out and back course with two crossings of the eponymous bridge at approximately 2.5 and 5.5 miles, which represented the only hill on the course and made things a little interesting. The course was well marshalled by volunteers and the local Sheriffs department and at each mile marker they read out the timings as the runners went past.  I finished in a time of 35:16 (a pb) in around 8th or 9th place.  As with most things in the US they do things slightly differently, this was most evident in the après race as there were stalls with free fruit, muffins, Gatorade by the gallon, music and not forgetting the beer and pizza, which is why it costs $30 to enter! Unfortunately, I couldn't partake of said freebies as I had to get back to work (I was already MIA but it was worth it).
I have also attached a photo of me in the car park after the race.
I should be back by Wednesday, ready for the Suicide six!!!!    Bring it on!!!!      See you soon"

SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 2007 - CLOUD NINE

Colin Downey reports that  Leek was bleak on Sunday morning. Travelling on the Leek / Buxton road with headlights on & the rain blowing sidewards, I was wondering why I had thought it a good idea to run the Passing Cloud Fell Race. However the race has been dormant for a few years so decided to give it a go. Race HQ was the Winking Man Pub. Some 80 runs set off including Sally Newman who is one of the leading V45 fell runners in the UK. Apart from 400m on road at the start & finish the race was across boggy fields and moorland (avoiding the roaming cattle), & across the top of the rocky Roaches ridge. The race had 1800 feet of climb but the conditions made the 9 miles seem much longer.  NEXT FELL RACE IS LOCAL AT THE WREKIN - THIS SUNDAY – ideal preparation for Mortimer Forest. £4 with free post-race food !!

SATURDAY 27th OCTOBER 2007 - RHINOG HORSHOE FELL RACE

Tony Price reports "Whilst the rest of the club were having a steady jog around Sennelly's Park, I ventured to Wales for the Rhinog Horseshoe Fell Race.  A category 'AL' race starting and finishing at the Victoria pub in Llanbedr, between Barmouth and Harlech.  The race is 15 1/2 miles long and has 5200 feet of climb (nice!). 
Conditions were appalling with low cloud and horizontal rain and zero visibility on the tops.  46 runers took part and by the time I came off the first peak, I was completely lost, cold and somewhat concerned about getting off the mountains safely.  I decided to cut my losses, took a due west bearing on my compass and after about an hour of clambering through goat-infested rocks, waist-high bracket and marshes, I finally came across a farmhouse where I got directions back to the start.
I got back in just under 3 hours and to massive applause as I was first back and most spectators thought I had won, but the illusion was soon spoilt by the real winners, who arrived about 10 minutes later.
I was not the only person who went astray, with the final runner being located by the mountain rescue just before midnight (the race started at 11.00 am).
I have enclosed the report from the Welsh Fell Running Association Website.
 
"The Rhinog Horseshoe race took place on Saturday 27th October. This year the race was the final counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series and the penultimate race in the Open / Welsh Championships. Conditions were challenging for the runners with low cloud, periods of rain and strong winds on the summits. Good navigational skills were required and local knowledge was a definite advantage. It was very slippery underfoot.
The Mountain Rescue had to be called out as one runner became overdue. Fortunately he was found safe and well (but cold) during the evening. A big thank you to the local Mountain Rescue who had to turn out in appalling conditions.

Those of you that went astray may be pleased to hear that The Welsh Fell Runners Association are organising a Navigation Course on Sunday 25th November. "

SATURDAY 27th OCTOBER 2007 - SENNELEY'S PARK CROSS COUNTRY

A late withdraw from Surfer Steve was the low point of an excellent afternoon at Senneley's Park in Birmingham. D.K. finished in 4th place overall in the third division of the Birmingham Cross Country League confident that we can do better in the next three races. Ian Mansell stormed around the course the become first D.K. runner home followed by Kevin Duckworth, Ade Jones, Gary Bonner, Stuart Holdcroft and a great run from Steve Summers to get into the counters. The new club tent was an instant success, and with bottles of water and lots of jam donuts, every one who ran enjoyed the event.

Paul Rowlands, John Pegg and Wives give support to the DK Runners at the finish line.

THE D.K. VEST CONTINUES IT'S JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD

Following the photo's of the vest in Australia, Steve Bartley sends us photo's of it in the Nepal. The first photo is taken at the summit of Kala Patar at 18,560 ft taken on 15/10/07, whilst the 2nd photo is at the Everest Base Camp taken on the 14/10/07

SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER 2007 - LADY GODIVA HALF MARATHON

Ade Jones was once more on the roads, this time at Coventry for the Lady Godiva Half Marathon.

The leading pack took the wrong turn, and actually ran a short course, but because they were so far in front of everyone, the organisers decided that the result should stand, although the times wouldn't count. Ade had a stormer finishing 34th out of a 1600 field, finishing the correct route in 1:23:26.

SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER 2007 - STROUD HALF MARATHON

Gary Bonner and Steve Summers travelled to Gloucestershire to take part in the Stroud Marathon. In a large field of nearly 1500 runners, both DK runners could be well pleased with their runs. Gary finished 96th in a time of 1:24:42, whilst Steve finished 470th in a time of 1:40:17.

Gary sent in this report "This is a race I have competed in 4/5 times now as it’s a flat course with PB potential. The race is sponsored by Puma so as in other years there was a sprinkling of Puma sponsored runners from Kenya. Dan Robinson (leading British Marathon Runner) started the race as he is a Stroud Athletic Member and added a bit of glamour to the event. 

It was an ideal morning for running cold but the sun was out and it gradually warmed up as the morning went on. A big field of aprox 1500 ran the race with the “local” Kenyans storming off into the distance. I reached about the 2 mile point and D Robinson came past with no number at a jog obviously on a training run and within minutes had disappeared into the distance. Oh I wish! 

Course had slightly altered this year with a detour round an industrial estate at the 10 mile mark so as to make the race start and finish at the same point but other than that the course is flat apart from one slight uphill at the 7 mile mark and I ran ok but struggled slightly on the last few miles to keep the pace going and was fortunate to be with a group who pushed me along a bit at the end. 

Finished in 1hr 24 mins and some seconds chased by a fast lady all the way to the finish line who when chatting in the finishing tunnel said that was a PB after giving birth a year ago…..!! 

Steve Summers also ran from the club but didn’t catch up with him.  Chatted to Kevin Burke from Stourbridge after the event and he had run just under 1hr and 19 minutes a superb run for a man of his age. 

Thought for next year – traffic was a nightmare on the way out due to roads closed after the floods – need to double check for next year on access out of Stroud.

SUNDAY 14th OCTOBER 2007 - BMAF 10 MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Malcolm Pillar won the silver medal when he finished second vet over 60  in the British Masters 10 mile championships in Tadley, Hampshire in an approx time of 64 mins 54 secs. Malcolm said "It was a fine day- some sunshine and no wind- so ideal conditions for running in Hampshire's country lanes. I was beaten by Gareth Jones of Oxford City (about 3 minutes ahead!), but no disgrace. The world Over-85 record was also beaten in this event today - 77mins or thereabouts!

SUNDAY 14th OCTOBER 2007 - BELLS OF PATTINGHAM

Ian Mansell reports "Approximately 800 runners competed in the Bells of Pattingham race in the quiet village of Pattingham.  This race is always quite special to me being one of the first ever races I competed in and this is now the sixth time I have taken part in it.
 
The course has changed many times over the years.  I was pleased that this year conditions were excellent under foot and there were only a few challenging hills to negotiate. Finishers were given a piece of fruit cake and a choice of soft drinks or a cup of tea or coffee, not to mention the all important horse brass. The only criticism with this years race was a slight delay to the start as a result of the recent foot and mouth outbreak where runners needed to wash their foot wear.
 
In first place was Patrick Kavanagh of Tipton Harriers. In second and third  were two Telford AC runners Robin Sedman-Smith followed by Dave Mansbridge (who has won this event several times). Simon Link of Stourbridge RC ran with strong determination starting off steadily and having a late surge to pass several runners and finish in 4th place.
Amongst the 800 runners there was a good proportion of about 50 DK runners taking part which was the largest representation of any club. If only every race was like this.
 
First back for D K was Stephen Holdcroft in 6th place in an excellent time of 42 minutes, I followed him in 11th place in about 44 minutes. More interestingly the clubless Tony Jewkes finished 12th who I am trying to persuade to join D.K. If you read this Tony please join us.  
 
Stephen ran very well going off hard right from the start and sticking to his guns. This displays the great strength and determination he has. With both Stephen, Kevin, Adrian and Stuart running so well to name but a few, it highlights the strength and depth we are getting in the DK.
 
My race was pretty promising although I'm still short of a bit speed endurance. However, a few more weeks of hard training and the loss of a stone should see me back to my best and hopefully I can build on that."

MONDAY 8th OCTOBER 2007 - TORONTO HALF MARATHON (Sept 27th 2007)

Mark Howell reports "We have just got back from Toronto after completing the Waterfront Half Marathon on Sunday 27th September. The race was also a full Marathon and a 5K fun run 13,000 runners took part in total.  

The organisation was excellent with registration been held over two days the same system as the London Marathon but without the mile long queues. Every runner from the UK,USA and Canada was given a team bracelet with their countries flag on, also the numbers  had our names on which was great for people cheering you on, unfortunately due to the early start (7am), there wasn’t much crowd support in the middle of the race.  

The race started in the city centre then headed out onto the main express way 4 lanes wide each way so plenty of room to get around everyone. It then headed towards the waterfront and harbour and finally came back to the city. It was flat with no hills at all. The winning Marathon time was 2:09. 

The goody bag was good, but the medal is superb, the half marathon runners received a silver medal on a silver chain and the full marathoners received a gold medal on a gold chain (not real gold or silver obviously). The t shirt is an Adidas Climalite t shirt with the race logo across the front. 

The fee to enter was £27 each which I think was GREAT VALUE considering the entrance fee on city races now.  Everyone was very friendly and helpful, and temperatures were great starting off at 12 degrees rising to maximum of 25 around 1pm, but most people had finished by then so it didn’t really affect everyone. There were cups of water every km and Gatorade every 2km. 

Entrants to the race had cheaper hotel accommodation and special flight prices. We stayed at the excellent Westin Harbour castle right on the harbour; the view from our hotel room was fantastic with the CN Tower to the right and the islands and Lake Ontario to the left. It was cheaper here per night than it was last year to stay in Sunderland before the Great North Run. 

All in all a great run and a holiday as well. Next year we would like to try the Toronto City Marathon which is in the middle of October."

SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER 2007 - BADGER BITE

SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER 2007 - KINVER 10k

A great turnout of 25 D.K. Runners completed in this first Kinver 10k organised by Action Heart. Four of our runners finished in the first ten, with Ian Mansell first home in 3rd place. Here are some of the comments received:-

Ian Mansell wrote "My comeback is slowly taking shape after a good second race back since July. Just need another 6 weeks to get back to top form, that should just be in time for the cross country providing nothing else happens.  
That race was excellent today, well marshalled and a decent course, although it was very tough with some steep climbs. Graham Dews ran well taking the first male 50 prize. There was an excellent DK turnout today.  If Kevin or Stephen would have been there I would have definitely have got my ass kicked by both of them. But hopefully that wont be the case next month."

Steve Bartley wrote "My first race has a 50+ Vet and probably the worst run of my life! Not the race to run with cold symptoms and a dodgy chest. Add to that a strained thigh muscle at 8km and I had a lovely day! Highlight of the day, being passed by a young lad in a football top, knee length baggy shorts, football socks and footy trainers. At that moment in time I considered giving up and never running again! To top it all off, no cakes at the end! As for the course, all I can say is that it was good practice for the next three weeks that I am spending in the Himalayas! Anyone fancy forming a DK dominoes team when I return?"

SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER 2007 - GREAT NORTH RUN

Ian Harris reports "Just got back from The Great North run and no doubt everyone will be sending you their times soon. Just to let you know I came in at 1:46:25. Its getting worse Brian.......way too many runners now , just can't pick your way through anymore. And guess who  I saw at the 12 mile mark at South Shields ?....Mick the Runner !!!!!!!"

Helen Hickman reports "A great weekend had by all, arrived on Saturday afternoon to be booked into superior accommodation at ‘the Lodge!’ things could only get better….. on race day weather fantastic as always, great atmosphere but too many people to manoeuvre around…….however, PB’s in fancy dress were gained Jon and Beryl Glover coming in at 2.06, Helen Hickman in 2.11 and Julie Allen in 2.13 yabadabadooo!!  Other finishers from DK were Martin and Sarah, Flora and Seema….sorry guys not sure of your finishing times…..fantastic food on the Sunday night followed by a few free rounds!!........overall a great time had by all looking forward to next year.     Helen x (ps. thanks Trixie for the support) "

SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER 2007 - JW ULTRA 30m

This was a fantastic event in memory of John Ward who died recently. Runners gathered at Stratford upon Avon Racecourse ready for the 30 mile challenge. 44 runners took part in the long run taking between just over 3 hours and just under 7 hours to complete the run along the Birmingham to Stratford Canal.

Adding to the main event was a 3 x 10 mile Relay event in which Stourbridge RC had at least 6 relay teams taking part, and we didn't have one. Perhaps we should look at this for next year.