Celebration for Grantham Running Club Graduates

Celebration for Grantham Running Club Graduates

Grantham Running Club celebrated the graduation of its 2016 Couch to 5k and 10 Weeks to 10k runners on Friday 24^th June with a barbecue and presentation evening at Great Ponton Village Centre.

The two schemes, first run by the club in 2015, attracted 66 novice runners who took part in twice weekly runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning on April 4th and ending just before the club's Summer Solstice 10k Race on June 17^th. An impressive 52 successfully completed one of the two courses, the majority of whom were present at the barbecue to collect their commemorative technical t-shirts applauded by club members, friends, and family.

Penny Hodges, who was one of a team of GRC Run Leaders who assisted with the schemes, presented the t-shirts to the graduates with fellow Run Leader Michelle Allbones, who herself was a graduate of the club's 2015 Couch to 5k campaign. The pair was assisted over the ten weeks by numerous club members, including Lizzie Potter, Gordon Geach, Rick Dobbs, Sarah High, and Paul Durham.

"I'm so proud of our runners who completed either the Couch to 5k or 10 Weeks to 10k schemes," enthused Penny having presented the graduates with their t-shirts, "they all did brilliantly and it's great to see that half of the graduates have decided to join the club with more set to follow." She continued.

Grantham Running Club Chairman Matthew Kingston-Lee was equally full of praise for the runners and for the club members who helped set up and run the two courses:

"When I saw over sixty runners attend the first session on a cold, wet, Monday at the Meres Leisure Centre, I was simply blown away. It was an evening grim enough to deter the most seasoned of runners, but from the first evening there was an enthusiasm and determination to succeed that was infectious and inspiring. "These two schemes are great as they gradually increase the volume of running when a common mistake by newcomers is to do too much, too fast, too soon – which often results in either getting injured or finding it too exhausting. Having experienced runners on hand to offer encouragement and advice when required is a massive help for those new to running.

"For our runners to achieve the milestones of 5km and 10km is a brilliant effort by all and I hope that these 10 weeks prove to be the foundations of a lifetime of running fitness ahead of them!"

Photo by Matthew Kingston-Lee: Some of the group after the presentation, centre with Black Hoodie Penny Hodges

Seattle Solstice Run 10k

Seattle Solstice Run 10k

Unable to compete in his hometown Solstice Run as he continues his coast to coast trip of a lifetime in the USA GRC’s Nev Chamberlain ran the Seattle Solstice Run 10k, a trail run held in the city’s Magnuson Park finishing in a time of 50.53 and placing 6th overall. Although the lakeside course was fairly flat the humidity and steady return from injury meant his target of finishing under 50 minutes was just out of reach. (Picture: Nev at the finish)

The Humber Bridge half marathon

Nick Rossington was Grantham Running Clubs sole representative at the Humber Bridge half marathon on Sunday.  The testing road race attracts nearly 2,000 runners and the route provides splendid views as the course crosses the Humber Bridge twice.

Nick commented:

“I was feeling pretty comfortable and confident of getting close to the 1 hour 30 mark until I hit the toughest challenge of the course.  Labelled Cardiac Hill by many – it is a 1 mile climb past the 9 mile post, with the St Johns Ambulance stationed at the top just in case of difficulty – and though I survived it, my time certainly suffered!  After a short period of easier running, the return journey over the Humber Bridge was the next challenge.  The Bridge is not flat and the rise towards the centre span was another testing part of the course, coming as it did towards the end of the race.  It was, however, a thoroughly enjoyable run.”

Nick’s finishing time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 22 seconds was just outside his personal best but was good enough to secure an overall position of 83^rd, and a placing of 4^th in his age category.

Seabank Marathon

Grantham Running Club's Gav Meadows took part in the Seabank Marathon on Sunday. The annual charity event raises money for McMillan Cancer Support & starts in Boston market place. The coastal, mixed terrain route then runs predominantly along the Seabank all the way to Skegness. The route is actually about a mile longer than a marathon at just over 27 miles.

He said 'As soon as I found out that the course was slightly longer than a marathon I made the decision to run until my watch showed 26.2 miles then walk the last mile or so as a cool down. I didn't want to do any more than necessary after recent injury concerns & also had next Sunday's Potteries Marathon in mind.'

'I was never going to treat this event as a race but it was still incredibly challenging nonetheless. Despite the landscape being pretty flat, the ground was very uneven with long grass in places making it almost impossible to run at times. A different type of challenge but definitely amongst the toughest I've taken on to date.'

This was Gav's 5th marathon in as many months as he continues his personal challenge of running 1 marathon per calendar month for 12 months. He completed the marathon distance in 4 hours 14 minutes followed by crossing the official finish line in 4 hours 30 minutes.

Parkruns

With the Belton option not available this week GRC’s runners had to travel. Chris Limmer was first home at the Rutland Water one in 17:10 on his debut. There were powerful performances from Adam Jacobs, Jacqueline Jacobs and Andy Barradell all setting PBs whilst Sara Pask made her debut. At the event in Melton there were more great performances with Rob Howbrook beating his own age category record in a time of 19:21, and Holly Durham finishing as first lady in 21:16 closely followed by husband Tom. Brendon Buckley took on the picturesque Clumber Park run to finish in 28:58 whilst further afield John Blair finished 37^th at Ballarat in 28:48.

Humber Half, Seabank Marathon and Nev in the USA

Seattle Solstice Run 10k

Unable to compete in his hometown Solstice Run as he continues his coast to coast trip of a lifetime in the USA GRC's Nev Chamberlain ran the Seattle Solstice Run 10k, a trail run held in the city's Magnuson Park finishing in a time of 50.53 and placing 6th overall. Although the lakeside course was fairly flat the humidity and steady return from injury meant his target of finishing under 50 minutes was just out of reach. (Picture: Nev at the finish)

The Humber Bridge half marathon

Nick Rossington was Grantham Running Clubs sole representative at the Humber Bridge half marathon on Sunday.  The testing road race attracts nearly 2,000 runners and the route provides splendid views as the course crosses the Humber Bridge twice.

Nick commented:

"I was feeling pretty comfortable and confident of getting close to the 1 hour 30 mark until I hit the toughest challenge of the course.  Labelled Cardiac Hill by many – it is a 1 mile climb past the 9 mile post, with the St Johns Ambulance stationed at the top just in case of difficulty – and though I survived it, my time certainly suffered!  After a short period of easier running, the return journey over the Humber Bridge was the next challenge.  The Bridge is not flat and the rise towards the centre span was another testing part of the course, coming as it did towards the end of the race.  It was, however, a thoroughly enjoyable run."

Nick's finishing time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 22 seconds was just outside his personal best but was good enough to secure an overall position of 83^rd, and a placing of 4^th in his age category.

Seabank Marathon

Grantham Running Club's Gav Meadows took part in the Seabank Marathon on Sunday. The annual charity event raises money for McMillan Cancer Support & starts in Boston market place. The coastal, mixed terrain route then runs predominantly along the Seabank all the way to Skegness. The route is actually about a mile longer than a marathon at just over 27 miles.

He said 'As soon as I found out that the course was slightly longer than a marathon I made the decision to run until my watch showed 26.2 miles then walk the last mile or so as a cool down. I didn't want to do any more than necessary after recent injury concerns & also had next Sunday's Potteries Marathon in mind.'

'I was never going to treat this event as a race but it was still incredibly challenging nonetheless. Despite the landscape being pretty flat, the ground was very uneven with long grass in places making it almost impossible to run at times. A different type of challenge but definitely amongst the toughest I've taken on to date.'

This was Gav's 5th marathon in as many months as he continues his personal challenge of running 1 marathon per calendar month for 12 months. He completed the marathon distance in 4 hours 14 minutes followed by crossing the official finish line in 4 hours 30 minutes.

Parkruns

With the Belton option not available this week GRC's runners had to travel. Chris Limmer was first home at the Rutland Water one in 17:10 on his debut. There were powerful performances from Adam Jacobs, Jacqueline Jacobs and Andy Barradell all setting PBs whilst Sara Pask made her debut. At the event in Melton there were more great performances with Rob Howbrook beating his own age category record in a time of 19:21, and Holly Durham finishing as first lady in 21:16 closely followed by husband Tom. Brendon Buckley took on the picturesque Clumber Park run to finish in 28:58 whilst further afield John Blair finished 37^th at Ballarat in 28:48.

2016 Summer Solstice 10k Road Race Report

Grantham Running Club's flagship event, the Summer Solstice 10k, took place on the evening of Friday 17^th June along the quiet, gently undulating lanes round Long Bennington. Now in its 7^th year the prestigious race attracted 1,000 entrants to make it the largest club run race in Lincolnshire beating the 2015 total by over 200 finishers despite inclement weather. The intermittent rain certainly didn't dampen the spirts in the sell-out event which attracted a near who's who of the most talented local athletes. With a new start time of 7:30pm to accommodate the crowds and an enlarged race village there were more spectators that ever before especially along the finishing straight. The event has established itself a reputation for not just being a fast 10k race but an evening to remember for runners and supporters. Finishers are rewarded with the Solstice Ale which was provided by the award winning Grantham brewery Brewsters with Sara and her team producing a specially commissioned Golden Ale for each runner as well as a commemorative glass. They could take advantage of free pre and post-race massage, courtesy of David McKee. The local pre-school provided tea, coffee and homemade cakes, a  bar served locally brewed ales and cider to wash down the hot food on offer at Hank's Burger Bar, while children enjoyed the bouncy castle brought to the event when they had finished cheering home the last of the runners.

From the off Aaron Scott from Stamford AC, with 2015 Solstice winner Shane Robinson and James Straw - both of Lincoln Wellington AC, proved they were the class of the field, distancing themselves from Adam Holland of Notfast RC and the remainder of the runners. Aaron pulled clear of the Lincoln Wellington pair to win, just two seconds outside the course record, in a superb 31:32. Shane Robinson (31:56) was second and James Straw (32:18) was third. In the women's race, Philippa Taylor also from Stamford, who is one of the very best runners in her age category in the country, once again put on a great demonstration of road racing to win by over a minute in 37:50 from Rebecca Gallop, second in 39:05, and Sophie Darling of Lincoln Wellington, third in 39:24. As well as now attracting many of the best runners in the area, the race has grown to be popular for runners of all abilities, from seasoned club runners to those having recently taking up the sport - the finishing of the race a culmination of many months of training. 

Despite having more than fifty of their members marshalling the course Grantham Running Club's runners made their contribution with Matthew Kingston-Lee became the first GRC runner home in 14^th place in a time of 35 minutes and.27 seconds, just edging out Chris Limmer who recorded a personal best of 35.35, almost a minute quicker than his previous best. Ben Hodgkin followed up from his excellent performance recently at the Woodhall Spa 10k with another fine run to finish in 34^th place with a time of 37.58. The second great battle to the line saw Chris Armstrong (39.43) just nudging ahead of Scott Jones (39.45).  This was Chris's fastest time in 18 years and for Scott it was not only a personal best time but also the first time that he has crept below the sought after 40 minutes' mark.

Other notable performances saw father and son, Adrian and Nathan Walker, run their first 10k's in creditable times of 49.07 and 43.06 respectively.  Daniel Howson completed the course in 46.41 which was 4 minutes quicker than his previous best; and Tim Hodges recorded a PB of 59.40 taking almost nine mutes off his previous mark. The first GRC lady home was the ever consistent Holly Durham in 42.04.  Suzanne Britz ran incredibly well to beat her 3 year personal best by nearly 5 minutes to record 52.00.

A special mention needs to go to all the first timers and graduates of the 10 weeks to 10k course who all did themselves proud.

Grantham Running Club's positions and times:

14        Matthew KINGSTON-LEE   35:27 
15        Christopher LIMMER            35:35 PB
34        Ben HODGKIN                     37:58 
65        Christopher ARMSTRONG   39:43
68        Scott JONES                         39:45 PB
113      Holly DURHAM                    42:04 
134      Nathan WALKER                  43:06 First timer
143      Thomas WILLIAMSON        43:34 
218      Daniel HOWSON                   46:41 PB
273      Warren STARK                      48:02 
305      Adrian WALKER                  49:07 First timer
313      Charnia KIRK                        49:28 First timer
342      Sinead MCDONNELL          50:18

365      Paul DURHAM                      50:55 
406      Martin CARTER                    51:54 
409      Suzanne BRITZ                      52:00 PB
494      Hazel DUNTHORNE            54:10 PB
577      Michelle ALLBONES            57:30 First timer
629      Timothy HODGES                 59:40 PB
678      Sara PASK                              1:02:08 First timer
714      Chris ENGLAND                   1:04:00 
715      Lisa SHARP                           1:03:57

"The event has continued to grow in numbers and stature. We offer exceptional value for money for a fantastic race!" commented Race Director Gordon Geach after the race. "I was backed up by an amazing team, some of whom booked annual leave to help set-up over the day. The race could not take place without the support of volunteers who marshal the race and ensure that everything runs smoothly."  With the 2016 Summer Solstice declared a resounding success, plans are already underway for next year's event, which is set to take place on Friday 16^th June 2017.

Baslow Bootbash

Baslow Bootbash                

The Baslow Bootbash offers a choice of a 14 mile or a 27 mile route through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National park and is a favourite with runners from GRC who return year after year to line up outside Chatsworth House for this sold out event. The weather is always an issue with this type of challenge, last year it was heavy rain and this year it started with a mist reducing visibility to 30m as the runners climbed into the cloud base. The fourteen mile runners split into two groups with Baslow veterans Sarah High and Mark Hillson being pushed by first timer Penny Hodges to a top twenty finish in two hours twenty six minutes some 9 minutes inside their 2015 time. The experienced Brendon Buckley accompanied Nev Chamberlin, who has returned from injury, to joint 54^th place in 3:27:01. On the longer version Robert McArdle and Catherine Payne were able to slice 38 minutes off their 2015 time and jump from 43^rd position to joint 16^th. Choosing the option to walk rather than run Andrew MacAllister used the day as the final dress rehearsal for next month’s the London to Brighton 100k walk in aid of blind veterans, completing the 27.4 miles just under the 11 hour cut-off Andrew was able to give his walking gear a severe test of its waterproof ability as the final five hours were in a torrential downpour. More details of his walk are on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-MacAllister

Peterborough 5k

A few days earlier Catherine Payne took park in the Peterborough 5k at Ferry Meadows clocking a time of 21:00 whilst not her best was still good enough to see finish first in her age group pick up a top 25 ranking from Run Britain

Photo (Left to Right) Sarah High, Penny Hodges, Robert McArdle, Nev Chamberlin, Catherine Payne, Mark Hillson and Brendon Buckley.

Aviles ITU Duathlon World Championships (Age Group), Aviles, Asturias, Spain

Matthew Kingston-Lee made a sensational debut at World Championship level when he finished seventh in his age group at the 2016 ITU Duathlon World Championships.  The achievement was all the more impressive considering it was only his third attempt at Duathlon and his fourth multi-sport event of any kind.

The World Championships, which were held in Aviles, Spain on Sunday 5^th June, were held in warm, sunny conditions following several days of cooler, cloudy weather. Competing in the 40-44 age group Standard Distance discipline, the race comprised of a 10.4 km run leg, a 41.2 km bike ride and a second run of 5.5 km. Matthew used his running strength to good effect to complete the opening run in 36.04, which left him in fifth as the field made their way onto the bike leg:

“The opening run went better than planned. I controlled the nerves associated with representing Team GB for the first time and didn’t go off too quick in the first kilometre. I was soon passing plenty of other runners and ended up running around a minute faster than I’d anticipated.

Looking to minimise his losses on what is the weaker of the two disciplines, Matthew set only the 23^rd fastest bike time (1:09:38), but was nonetheless pleased with his effort:

“My bike ride at the Dambuster Duathlon at Rutland Water in March was very disappointing. When I heard I’d qualified for the World Championship I invested in a specialist bike and worked hard on my time trialling position. It was by no means a perfect ride but a huge improvement on my last attempt. It was hot though and a struggle to take on board enough liquid. My calves began to cramp at the end of the ride and I feared what lay ahead on the second run”

The final run in a Duathlon is renowned for being a tortuous test of body and mind. It was made harder in Aviles with the hot conditions but Matthew appeared impervious as he set off at the same pace which he ended the first run. Spurred on by the fantastic support from spectators and the fact he was making up multiple positions, Matthew wound up running the second fastest final run leg (19:28), just one second slower than the gold medallist  – former professional Duathlete and multiple World Champion Lee Piercy.

His efforts earned Matthew seventh position in a time of 2:09:30, less than four minutes off the bronze placed finisher:

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I finished in the top ten on my Worlds’ debut!” said Matthew. “The conditions were tough but I loved the opportunity of representing my country. To clock the second best final run time was a real shock and inspiration looking forward to future events. There is plenty of room for improvement on the bike and transitions, which is an exciting prospect!”

After the race, Matthew thanked the support of his wife Emily, who joined him on the trip to Spain, and her parents, who took care of their young children at short notice to make the trip possible. He also praised the local running, cycling and triathlon clubs:

“I am fortunate to be a member of Belvoir Tri Club, Grantham Running Club, and Witham Wheelers. Coming

Being from a running background I have especially benefitted from riding over the past 18 months with Witham Wheelers and being self-coached, am indebted to the advice and support from teammates at all three clubs. “