Archive for January 2008
Thursday Runs
28/01/2008 by Gerry.
There is some concern about the organisation of the Thursday runs, with groups not running as groups and individuals acting like individuals. We must recognise that each of us has our own objectives when we go out running. We must also recognise that the newer runners and many others don’t want to be left behind, particularly on the dark roads.
This is to be one of the topics at the next committee meeting on 7th February so please let us know your views. Contact any of the committee members directly or by e-mail.
Lliswerry 8 (from StevenHarris)
27/01/2008 by Gerry.
A lovely springlike day saw a few Harriers have a go at the Lliswerry 8 dubbed the fastest 8 mile race in the world. The winner (ranked no 2 in the country for the marathon and 1/2 marathon) certainly lived up to that description as he disapeared into the distance!
Phil Matthews racing for the first time in a few weeks came in 8th in 43:57, I found the lack of mud helpful finishing 43rd in 50:31. John Wright ran well to come home in 52:24 with Samantha Mulligan (55:45) pipping Ben Brookshaw (55:49). Judith Llewellyn hampered by an injury came in 56:08 with Peter Hutton close behind in 56:15. Royston Toon (60:22)and Wendy Roberts (70:57) completed the Harriers contingent.
According to the provisional results the 3 women from Cheptow finished 2nd ladies team with Sam 3rd Senior lady. It also seems likely that Sam and Phil have both set new club records for this distance. (See updated club recordsfor a few more of the Harriers)
Offa’s Orror - Runner’s World Readers’ Race of the Year
23/01/2008 by Andy.
…well, 34th best in the UK from races with 15 or more reviews on the Runner’s World website!
Chepstow Harriers’ first spring running of the legendary Offa’s Orror 20K multi-terrain race was voted 34th overall “best race” by reviewers on the Runner’s World website (Link).
This year’s event will take place on Sunday 27th April 2008, starting at the Anchor Inn, Tintern, in the Wye Valley between Chepstow and Monmouth. Entry can be made online via Runner’s World (Link to Runners World entry) or by post with the entry form available on the Chepstow Harriers website (Offa’s Orror Web Page). Further details can be found on the Harriers’ website.
Come along and help us to make it an even better event - let’s climb the rankings and break into the top 10 for next year’s voting!
London Marathon Accomodation?
21/01/2008 by Gerry.
Chris Rees is looking for a room-share for the London Marathon trip (Fri,Sat nights). If you’re interested (or presently have a single booking and are open to share, please reply (or contact him at cj.rees AT yahoo.co.uk)
Mayhill Massacre
20/01/2008 by Gerry.
The first Club Championship race of the year was a testing event. The 8.5 miles or thereabouts was muddy and tough. I wore my Garmin and this told me a few things. The overall distance was close but the mile markers were nowhere near accurately positioned (the 5 mile marker was at 6 miles). Also, the height gain was recorded as 1200ft, a bit more than the 900ft advertised. It is good to get more for your money!
There were a good few Harriers out there. Follw this link to find the results. Mayhill Massacre Website I heard Paul Murrin was 2nd - a great result. Sorry I couldn’t stay to any prize giving but even in the mild for January weather Iwas getting cold.
My run was good for the first 5 (or was it 6) miles but then I struggled. Well beaten by Sue again.
A good, and well organised event, living up to its name.
Bridge Inn 5K Race at Shortwood Bristol.
19/01/2008 by Gags.
Eight Harriers ventured into darkest England ( well it was 7.30PM ) last November to race over a mere 5K. and a repeat ‘Raid’ is on. Next race in series is on January 29th. It’s not unusual to race on a cycle track, but on a Tuesday evening in the dark ? !! Entry on night £4. Corners were lit by marshalls with torches. No changing or showers and the Bridge Inn is nothing special but superb Pizzeria is just around the corner in Emersons Green. We’ll be having some more of that ! Convoy run from Chepstow Leisure if any takers. Any more info. then give Gareth Jones a call on 01291 423276.
Chepstow girls win Islwyn Cross Country!
18/01/2008 by Andy.
Our team of Sam Mulligan, Becky Merriman, Lou Summers, Sue Ashton, Sian Griffith, Jane Bayliss and Sue Ost beat Griffithstown by 10 points, and are now in second place over all, with two races to go.
Our men were second to Club 69 by only two points, 508 to 506, and are also 2nd over all. This race saw the return to team racing of head coach Dick Finch - it was great to see him back racing again after so long out injured.
Jane and Geoff Bayliss and Becky are leading their age group categories. Also in their top five are Sue Ost, Lou Summers, Sue Ashton, Mark Harvey, Kevin McEntee, Geoff Cram, Syd Wheeler and Eric Bayliss.
Next race is at Hartridge School, Newport on 24 February (leave Chep LC at 10am).
The next race in the Gwent League Series is at Brecon on 9 Feb (leave LC 11am). Our women are currently leading their league, while the men are third.
Cross Country - Pontllanfraith
13/01/2008 by Gerry.
Another Leisure Centre League with threatening weather but a good turnout. I find this a good course, with 4 laps equating to 5 miles. We had some good teams out and the weather held off. Of course it didn’t stop us getting muddy. It will be interesting to see the results - I would expect we did well as a club.
The next 2 events in this league are Liswerry on 24th February and then Chepstow on 9th March.
Edit: Here’s a link to Lou Summer’s photos (copied in from comment so more people take a look!).
Kymin Fell Race
12/01/2008 by Gerry.
This race is just over 4 miles, running up and down and up and down the Kymin from Monmouth. There is about 400m of level running, blink and you miss it.
Matthews comment was that he spent most of the race chasing the leading lady (Helen Fines), but slowed once he realised he couldn’t match the pace. I was 30 seconds behind Sue - I got a bit of stick from the marshalls about that, but I’m used to it. Still, I can share the bottle of wine she won.
I was pleased that the final descent from the summit to close to the main road was just over 10 minutes - good going with the mud.
Colin Prosser was hampered by his shoes and a bit of navigation problems but I think he enjoyed himself!
Most Improved Runner?
11/01/2008 by Gerry.
Voting for ‘Most Improved Runner in 2007’ has now started. You are asked to nominate the Harrier who in your opinion has shown the most improvement through the year.
Voting papers and the ballot box are available on Club nights until 29 January. Sue Browne will be in the Leisure Centre bar with the voting slips and the box.
The award will be presented at the Dinner/Dance on 2 February.
