Latest Results

Results - Oct 07 to Dec 07 (Most Recent First)

Updated 21/01/2008 09:19:32

ELY NEW YEAR'S EVE 10K ROAD RACE, LITTLE DOWNHAM, MONDAY 31st DECEMBER 2007

New Course Records for Men and Women
Personal bests for Graham Chapman, Ian Green, Chris Bower, Fraser Badcock, Nick Dowdy, Simon Bottomley and Adrian Stokes

There were 9 Ely Runners amongst the record number of 549 finishers in this very popular local race. Apart from a descent soon after the start and at a climb at 8.5k, the rural and exposed one lap course via California, Dunkirk and Pymore is mainly level.

The 1st man was Matthew Barnes-Smith of St Edmunds Pacers (and Oklahoma State University) in a new course record of 30:54. He was closely followed by Matt Gunby of Peterborough AC in 30:58 which was also inside the previous record of 31:08 set in 2003. The 1st woman was Felicity Milton of Durham City Harriers in a new course record of 34:35 which eclipsed the previous record of 36:30 set in 2005. Former Ely Runner Claire Hallissey (now Bristol & West AC) was 2nd in 36:40, only 10 seconds outside the previous record. Official Ely Runners results:

4th       Alex Tate                     32:57   (ran for ARC affiliated club Mucky Muddy Munkeys)
56th     Graham Chapman      39:22   PB
74th    Darren Murfitt               40:57
113th   Ian Green                  43:19    PB
157th   Chris Bower                 45:11    PB
199th   Fraser Badcock           46:50    PB
201st   Adrian Stokes              47:07    PB
231st   Nick Dowdy                 48:14   PB
274th   Simon Bottomley       49:58   PB

Conditions were good being overcast, mild and still.
After the race, all the finishers received a bottle of Ely Runners/Sweatshop 'Starters Orders' ale brewed in Little Downham by the Fenland Brewery.
The prizes were presented by Helen McKay, Assistant Manager of Sweatshop Cambridge who were again major sponsors of the event. The event was also sponsored by Savage Haulage Ltd.

Thanks are extended to all those Ely Runners, family and friends who gave their time and diligent effort to make the 2007 Ely New Year's Eve 10k Road Race such an enjoyable success. It is very much appreciated and the club has received a lot of compliments.

ASH RANGES ORIENTEERING EVENT, ALDERSHOT, 30th DECEMBER 2007

Robert Campbell 2nd MV40 & selected for England!

Ely Runner Robert Campbell was 2nd MV40 on the men's long course of 9.9k in 69:12 on a course of open heath and undulating woodland.

Following this success, Robert recently heard that he has been selected to represent the England MV40L category at the annual Interland Orienteering event in Holland on Sunday 2nd March. There will also be teams from Belgium, Holland and Germany. Robert is "over the moon" because it is the first time he (or any other Ely Runner) has been selected to run for his country!

BUNTINGFORD YEAR END 10 MILE ROAD RACE, SUNDAY 30th DECEMBER 2007

Personal bests for Stephen Pettit and Natalle Etches

There were 5 Ely Runners amongst the 443 finishes competing on a hilly/undulating course. Official results:

15th    Stephen Pettit     1:00:47   PB
26th    Adam Etches       1:04:49                photos 24 & 25
96th    Natalle Etches      1:12:13   PB       photo 63
114th Birgitta Bramley    1:13:41                photos 66 & 67
270th Lisa Redman        1:25:34                photo 148

Conditions were good being mild and still.

Full results and photos at www.royston-runners.org.uk

FAIRLANDS VALLEY SPARTANS 5k SERIES (RACE 3), STEVENAGE, WEDNESDAY 12th DECEMBER 2007

New club MV50 record and personal best for Graham Chapman

In form Ely Runner Graham Chapman was 62nd (57th male and 8th MV50-59) of 209 finishers in 18:45 which broke his own MV50 club record and PB (achieved on the same course on 28th November) by 11 seconds. Conditions were cold and clear.

FROSTBITE FRIENDLY LEAGUE, 5 MILES ROAD RACE, BUSHFIELD, PETERBOROUGH, SUNDAY 9th DECEMBER 2007

Ely Runners finish 10thof 15 teams and move down to 7th in the League

Alex Tate 1st overall

Personal best times for Hugh Burton, Steve Tovey, Lisa Redman & Steve Collett

There were 14 Ely Runners among the 348 finishers in this third of the six 2007-08 league races. The course of 5 miles was on slightly undulating roads, cycleways, tarmac paths, and firm woodland tracks. Due to having a depleted team, Ely finished 10th of 15 teams, compared to 3rd in the previous race. Overall, Ely moved down from 4th to 7th place. Under league rules, the first 10 to finish, including at least 3 ladies, make up the scoring team but all finishers influence the overall result. Eric Drury was Team manager and Tony Hall was i/c kit and child minding. Official results:

Ely Scoring Team

1st Alex Tate 26:26

9th Ian Day 28:54

18th Stephen Pettit 29:22

42nd Graham Chapman 31:16

53rd Stephen Howard 31:48

110th Steve Tovey 33:55 PB

195th Ian Blatchford 37:45

210th Rachel Roberts 38:21

220th Melanie Fisher 38:51

222nd Lisa Redman 38:55 PB

Ely Other Results

68th Hugh Burton 32:25 PB (2nd claim, ran for 1st claim Yaxley)

204th John Turner 37:53

237th Steve Collett 39:25 PB, first race

264th Heidi Fochtmann 41:08

Team Results (from 15)

1st Riverside 299 15 points 1st overall (45 points)

2nd NVH 429 14 points 2nd overall (42 points)

3rd Hunts AC 729 13 points 3rd overall (37 points)

4th Bushfield 803 12 points 4th overall (32 points)

5th Werrington 848 11 points 5th overall (29 points)

6th BRJ 921 10 points 6th overall (28 points)

7th Bourne 964 9 points 8th overall (26 points)

8th Eye 990 8 points 11th overall (15 points)

9th C&C 1018 7 points 9th overall (25 points)

10th Ely 1080 6 points 7th overall (27 points)

Conditions were quite good, being cool with hazy sunshine but with a wet surface.

For the full results, and photographs of Ian Day and Graham Chapman, see www.frostbiteleague.org.uk.

This website also has photographs of Peter Gipp, Stephen Pettit, Adam Etches, and Stephen Howard in the November race at Bushfield.

BEDFORD HALF MARATHON, WOOTTON, SUNDAY 9th DECEMBER 2007

Ely Runner Colin Doak was 1,045th in 2:01:04 of 1,385 finishers on a partly undulating course of rural roads. Conditions were chilly, being cold with heavy rain and windy, especially on exposed roads.

ROWBOTHAM'S ROUND ROTHERHAM 50 MILES TRAIL RACE, MEXBOROUGH, SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER 2007

Plucky Ely Runner Emma Greaves was amongst the stalwarts who completed this severe winter test on a 50 mile course over mainly rural land, much of which is designated as the South Yorkshire Forest. She was 107th of 209 finishers (11th of 33 women) in 11:33:30 in by far the longest race of her life. Her previous longest race was the 26.2 miles Beachy Head Marathon in October.

Two days after finishing her 50 mile adventure, Emma said she was still "completely buzzing" and reported as follows:

" I have a serious case of runners high, I loved every minute of it. The weather was cold with intermittent light and heavy showers. Underfoot was mainly trail or cross-country with a lot of mud. Scenery was as variable as it gets from running along side disused open cast pits, factories and sewage works, through towns and villages, and over muddy ploughed fields to beautiful hillsides and parks. It was amazing. Things I had not appreciated before I set out were:

1. Only parts of the course would be marked with tape and that I would need to navigate around the rest - thankfully three local fell runners fostered me at the first check point and between us we managed not to get too lost although I did find myself balancing on a steel girder of a disused bridge, being helped over chicken wire, climbing sheer mud banks and jumping streams - all to correct earlier navigational errors!

2. My water proof jacket isn’t – this could have been my undoing as at 20 miles I was freezing cold and soaked but a spectator friend of my foster team kindly lent me a water proof jacket. It was the best gift ever. He was 6ft 5ish so the jacket kept me and my hands and knees dry!

3. The race organisers expected us to navigate cross-country in the dark for the last 10 miles - and I had seriously thought that it would be lit or on the road! In total darkness with only a head torch, I realised that directions on the map reading ‘go diagonally across the field aiming for the gap in the hedge’ was as useful as a push-bike to a goldfish. This made the last 10 miles very slow but possibly the most fun."

Emma was supported by her Ely Runner husband Justin and there were hot meals half way and at the finish.

In 2008, Emma plans to run the 85 mile Ridgeway Trail Race from Ivanhoe Beacon (near Ashridge) though the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs to Avebury.

LUTON MARATHON 3 X 8.73 MILES RELAY, SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007

A team of from Ely Runners ('Grunty Fen Boys') finished 15th of 166 teams in 2:55:20. Their individual times were:

Stephen Howard     1:02:52
John Crisp                56:21
Ian Day                    56:07

The course was on gently undulating, partly rural and partly urban roads.

Conditions were cool, wet and windy.

Ely Runner Alan Rutterford was a UKA BARR Scrutiniser for the event

NENE VALLEY 10 MILES ROAD RACE, BRETTON, PETERBOROUGH, SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007

Charlie Barker 1st MV55 and Graham Chapman 2nd MV50
Personal bests for Graham Chapman, Hugh Burton, Charlie Barker, Lisa Redman, Mary Gates & Julie Foreman

There 7 Ely Runners amongst the 200 finishers competing on a mainly level, two lap course of urban roads, cycleways and paths. Official results:

36th      Graham Chapman     1:05:31      2nd MV 50   PB by 4:22
44th     Hugh Burton             1:07:07      (2nd claim) PB by 0:33
52nd      Charlie Barker           1:07:55     1st MV55    PB
146th    Lisa Redman            1:22:32      PB by 1:28
147th    Mary Gates              1:22:39    PB (1st 10m)
148th     Julie Foreman           1:23:00      PB (1st 10m)
192nd Colin Doak                1:37:12

Conditions were cool-mild with rain and wind plus slippery paths in the woodland sections.

CITY OF NORWICH HALF MARATHON, NORFOLK SHOWGROUND, SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007

Personal bests for Stephen Pettit, Natalle Etches, William Wilson and Nick Dowdy

There were 6 Ely Runners amongst the 1,767 finishers competing on a partly undulating two lap course of rural and showground roads. Official chip times:

8th       Alex Tate                 1:14:37      (second claim as ran for MMM)
27th     Stephen Pettit          1:21:13      PB by 0:49, 4th MV40
58th     Adam Etches           1:25:16
216th   Natalle Etches          1:35:05       PB by 2:29
390th   William Wilson         1:42:21       PB (1st half marathon)
565th   Nick Dowdy               1:47:21       PB by 6:51

The men's race was won by Adrian Mussett from Colchester Harriers in 1:09:09 and the women's race by Sarah Straddling of Colchester and Tendring AC in 1:21:22

Conditions were chilly being cold, wet and windy, especially on exposed roads and made worse by the 10 minutes late start due runners being delayed by an accident on the A47. Previously this race has been in mid summer when many runners have found it to be too hot. Some cars (including Nick Dowdy's) got stuck in the muddy car park.

GRIM CHALLENGE, ALDERSHOT, SUNDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2007

Ely Runner Fraser Badcock ran in (and enjoyed!) this challenging race at 12 hours notice and finished 494th of 1,378 finishers in 1:17:18. The course of about 8.5 miles is used by the Army for driver training and was extremely muddy with water hazards up to 3 ft deep. There was heavy rain and strong winds at the start but it became sunny for the finish.

EAST ANGLIAN CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE, UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA, NORWICH, WEDNESDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2007

Ely Runner Ian Day was 8th (4th MS) of about 62 finishers in the men's race on a 9k (approx) two lap course of playing fields, muddy woodland, board walks with a few hills. The weather wad dry but quite windy.

FAIRLANDS VALLEY SPARTANS 5k SERIES (RACE 2), STEVENAGE, WEDNESDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2007

New club MV50 record and personal best for Graham Chapman

Ely Runner Graham Chapman was 61st of about 275 finishers in 18:56 which broke his own MV50 club record and PB (achieved on the same course 2 weeks ago) by 5 seconds. It began to rain when this evening race started, making the urban course appear even more bleak than usual.

HEREWARD RELAY, 37.6 MILES IN 4 STAGES, PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL TO ELY, SUNDAY 25^th NOVEMBER 2007

Natalle Coles 1^st Female overall on Stage 2
Glyn Loveday 1^st Senior Man on Stage 1
Graham Chapman 1^st MV50 on stage 4
Ely Runners Men ‘A’ 5^th of 122 teams

Ely runners had a record 7 teams in this tough mixed-terrain relay race that finished for the first time at Ely Football Club instead of Palace Green, because of traffic on the A10 bypass crossing. The 4 stages followed much of the Hereward Way from Peterborough to Whittlesey (6.1 miles), Whittlesey to March (11.6 miles), March to Welney 10.3 miles, and Welney to Ely (9.6 miles). There were 133 teams entered and 122 finished. Ely Runners Men's 'A' team improved their position from 6^th in 2006 to 5^th in 2007. Results for Ely Runners' teams in 1-4 stage order with (left to right) individual stage position, name, time, team position with places (+/-) and 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd stage category places.

Men ‘A’ (5^th in 3:56:53)
3^rd        Glyn Loveday               37:33         3^rd                    1^st SM
8^th        John Crisp              1:10:45       8^th    (-4)
6^th         Ian Day                    1:08:36        8^th       (+2)
7^th         Peter Gipp                59:59       5^th    (0)

Men ‘B’ (12^th in 4:11:25)
5^th         Stephen Pettit              38:02        5^th                   2^nd MV40
16^th       Adam Etches          1:13:39      10^th    (-5)
24^th       Stephen Howard      1:14:41    10^th      (0)
21^st       Graham Chapman   1:05:03      12^th      (-2)        1^st MV50

Men ‘C’ (18^th in 4:23:18)
22^nd      Darren Murfitt              43:03        22^nd
23^rd       Steve Barker            1:17:32       18^th      (+4)
38^th      Charlie Barker          1:18:43       20^th       (-2)
18^th      Simon Jackson        1:04:00       18^th      (+2)

Men ‘D’ (72^nd in 5:05:13)
54^th     Paul Heselwood          48:41        54^th
83^rd    Ian Blatchford         1:31:38     73^rd      (-19)
48^th      William Wilson         1:22:21      60^th     (+13)
96^th Nigel Leadbetter       1:22:33       72^nd      (-12)

Women ‘A’ (73^rd in 5:05:17)
65^th       Rachel Roberts           49:58       65^th                    3^rd FV35
43^rd       Natalle Coles           1:24:02       49^th       (+16)     1^st F overall/1^st FS
89^th       Emma Greaves        1:29:18       63^rd       (-14)
90^th       Melanie Fisher         1:21:59       73^rd       (-10)

Mixed (105^th in 5:29:25)
91^st      Heidi Fochtmann         54:27        91^st
98^th       John Turner             1:35:04       95^th       (-4)       2^nd MV60
91^st       John Crawford           1:30:55       96^th       (-1)
111^th     Kevin Jennings         1:28:55     105^th       (-9)

Women ‘B’ (111^th in 5:38:08)
72^nd        Siobhan Palmer           51:29       72^nd
105^th      Julie Foreman           1:39:21       99^th     (-27)
102^nd      Lisa Redman         1:34:00     104^th      (-5)
117^th      Emily Knight             1:33:18     111^th      (-7)

Ely Runners in other teams:

   Muddy Mucky Munkeys ‘A’ (1^st in 3:45:53)
   1^st       Alex Tate                    1:04:31       2^nd    (+13)      1st SM (stage 2)

    Alexander Chasers (91^st in 5:15:32)
    97^th     Susanne Bethell         1:22:37      91^st      (-7)                   (stage 4)

The 1st men's team was Muddy Mucky Munkeys 'A' in 3:45:53 and the 1st (38^th overall) women's team was Cambridge & Coleridge 'Stairway to Heaven' in 4:43:14.

Conditions were quite good being cool, overcast with hazy sunshine, and with a light following NW wind. The off-road sections were soft but not particularly muddy except the Bishop’s Drove on stage 4 which had been cut up into deep muddy ruts by 4WD off-roaders and a woman competitor broke a leg negotiating a difficult and slippery bend. The Welney Washes on stage 4 were on the brink of flooding but, unlike last year, the causeway remained dry.

Congratulations to Ely Runners and friends, especially to Alan Rutterford for recruiting the club’s runners and to his weatherproof marshals, Eric Drury for setting up the finish area, signs and PA system, Tony Hall and Peter Harris as high mileage course drivers, Rod Baron for his major contribution to the event website and being mobile course photographer, and to the club’s stage drivers and teams.
Photographs are available on www.elyrunners.co.uk

BLUE TALON 5k TURKEY TROT, WILLIAMSBURG, VA, USA, SUNDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2007

Torsten Lytken 1st MV40 in personal best time

Ely Runner Torsten Lytken was 9th (1st MV40) of 400 runners in 18:10 (PB). His girlfriend Amy Lepore finished in 24:29. The course was flat and circled the famous William & Mary College and the quaint historical section of colonial Williamsburg. Conditions were good, being sunny and warm (~70F) with light winds. The race was strictly capped at 400 runners and about 75 were turned away on the day.

PHILADELPHIA MARATHON, PENNSYLVANIA, USA, SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2007

Ely Runner Torsten Lytken was 721st (632nd male, 88th MV40-44, 64.6% age related) of 6,818 finishers in a chip time of 3:18:14 which although quite fast was his slowest time for a road marathon. However, his girlfriend Amy Lepore achieved a road marathon personal best of 4:30:22! Conditions for the scenic but undulating and twisting course were bitterly cold (37F) and drizzly. The enthusiasm of the spectators and marshals was most welcome.

ST NEOTS HALF MARATHON, SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2007

Personal Bests for Stephen Petit and Simon Bottomley

There were seven Ely Runners amongst the 851 finishers. Official chip time results for Ely Runners:

28th        Stephen Pettit            1.22.02    PB         77.55% age     4th MV40
214th      Ian Green                   1.36.52                 62.03% age
440th      Fraser Badcock          1.48.07                 55.62% age
459th      Rachel Roberts           1.48:40                 60.36% age
464th      Simon Bottomley        1.49.07    PB         55.49% age
668th      Colin Doak                 1:59:55                  51.71% age
751st      Kevin Jennings           2.09.05                  48.97% age

The 1st Male was Matt Blunden (Notts AC) in a course record of 1:09:16 and the 1st Female was 2007 Grunty Fen Half Marathon winner Astrid McKeown (N Herts RR) who was 20th overall in 1:20:16. Both Male and Female Team (1st 3 of each) awards went to Serpentine RC who had 80 members in the race!

Conditions were overcast, windy and fairly cold.

Photos available from: http://www.derekhaden.com/2007events/18nov07stneots.htm

Ely Runner Alan Rutterford was one of two BARR Road Race Scrutinisers for this popular Gold Grade standard race.

FAIRLANDS VALLEY SPARTANS 5k SERIES (RACE 1), STEVENAGE, WEDNESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2007

New club MV50 record and personal best for Graham Chapman

There were two Ely Runners amongst the 276 finishers competing on a bleak urban course described as 'better in the dark!' Official results for this 1st of 3 races:

79th Graham Chapman 19:01 Broke own club MV50 record and PB by 3 secs
135th William Wilson 20:38 First 5k

Although cold, conditions were quite good apart from leaves on the course.

FROSTBITE FRIENDLY LEAGUE, 5 MILES ROAD RACE, BUSHFIELD, PETERBOROUGH, SUNDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2007

Ely Runners finish 3rdof 15 teams and move up to 4th in the League

Alex Tate 2nd overall in new senior man's club record and personal best time

Club record (MV45) for Peter Gipp in personal best time

Club record (FV50) for Birgitta Bramley

Personal best times also for Stephen Pettit, Natalle Etches, Ian Blatchford, Melanie Fisher, Lisa Redman, Julie Foreman, Heidi Fochtmann, Margaret Bracewell, and Emily Knight

There were 20 Ely Runners among the 414 finishers in this second of the six 2007-08 league races. The course of 5 miles was on slightly undulating roads, cycleways, tarmac paths, and firm woodland tracks. Ely narrowly finished 3rd of 15 teams, compared to 4th in 2006 and 1st in 2005. Overall, Ely moved up from 7^th to 4th place. Under league rules, the first 10 to finish, including at least 3 ladies, make up the scoring team but all finishers influence the overall result. Eric Drury was Team manager and Tony Hall was i/c kit. Official results:

Ely Scoring Team

2nd Alex Tate 26:16 Club SM record, PB

17th Ian Day 28:56

19th Peter Gipp 29:02 Club MV45 record, PB

20th Stephen Pettit 29:04 PB

26th John Crisp 29:26

45th Adam Etches 30:20

47th Stephen Howard 30:35

126th Natalle Etches 34:01 PB

134th Birgitta Bramley 34:28 Club FV50 record

222nd Rachel Roberts 37:17

Ely Other Results

66th Graham Chapman 31:34

111th Peter Harris 33:14

208th Ian Blatchford 36:41 PB

242nd John Turner 37:53

261st Melanie Fisher 38:46 PB

274th Lisa Redman 39:11 PB

290th Julie Foreman 39:50 PB (by nearly 6 mins!)

307th Heidi Fochtmann 40:45 PB

313th Margaret Bracewell 41:05 PB (by nearly 15 mins!)

361st Emily Knight 43:52 PB (by nearly 8 mins!)

Team Results (from 15)

1st Riverside 413 15 points 1st overall (30 points)

2nd NVH 652 14 points 2nd overall (28 points)

3rd Ely Runners 658 13 points 4th overall (21 points)

4th Hunts AC 807 12 points 3rd overall (24 points)

5th Werrington 830 11 points 6th overall (18 points)

6th Bushfield 859 10 points 5th overall (20 points)

7th PACTRAC 1044 9 points 11th overall (11 points)

8th Bourne 1053 8 points 9th overall (17 points)

Conditions were good, being dry, mild and sunny with a light wind.

For the full results see www.frostbiteleague.org.uk and for club photographs see www.elyrunners.co.uk

NEW YORK MARATHON, USA, SUNDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2007

Two Ely Runners were amongst the 38,520 finishers who enjoyed mild and sunny conditions with a temperature of 53°F at the start of the 26.2 mile race. Official results:

16,889th John Crawford 4:16:13 (13,107th male; 544th MV55-59)
28,616th Angela Chapman 4:55:31 (8,069th female; 2,976th F30-34)

It was Angela Chapman's first marathon and her training was limited by prolonged injury but she was determined to take part and finish.

DUBLIN MARATHON, MONDAY 29th OCTOBER 2007

Personal bests for Graham Chapman, Simon Jackson, Hugh Burton, and Michael Butler.

Three Ely Runners were amongst about 11,000 entrants and nearly 9,000 finishers from 52 countries in this popular city race. All four achieved personal bests. Official positions and chip times:

516th       Graham Chapman        3:14:12     21st MV50, PB
764th       Simon Jackson            3:20:58    153rd MV35, PB
991st       Hugh Burton                3:25:58      2nd claim, 196th MV35, PB
2,453rd    Michael Butler              3:51:59     384th MV40, PB (1st time under 4 hours)

Conditions were suitable for good times and the race was run in an event record time of 2:09:07 by Russian Aleksey

GREAT SOUTH 10 MILES RUN, PORTSMOUTH, SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 2007

Personal best for Simon Bottomley by over 20 minutes

Improving Ely Runner Simon Bottomley finished 2,481st of about 18,000 runners in a chip time of 1:23:08, a PB by over 20 minutes. The event was well organised on a fast, flat course. The packed start slowed him down a bit and the wet and blustery conditions with driving rain plus a severe headwind from the sea for the last mile along the Southsea seafront, made the fast times difficult.

MIDLAND ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIP, SALCEY FOREST, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 2007

Robert Campbell 1st MV40 L Category

In his first event of the autumn season (and first since August), he won the M40 L category but will not be Midlands Champion because he doesn't represent a Midlands affiliated orienteering club. He completed the 9.3k course in 69:02 and also had the satisfaction of beating the lead runner in the younger age category (M35 L) who did the same course. The event is also one of three remaining fixtures which will be used to select the England team for the 'Interland' International event next March. The other two events are in December. He described the forest as "grotty - typical Midlands terrain - flat with an extensive ditch system in numerous thick plantations with fairly aggressive hawthorns and brambles - although there were some nicer bits of deciduous woodland". Conditions were mild with steady drizzle.

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON, EASTBOURNE, SATURDAY 27th OCTOBER 2007

Ely Runners had 15 starters and finishers amongst the 1,750 runners, joggers and walkers who set off on this scenic trail race of about 26.5 miles across the rolling South Downs with an accumulative 3,500' of climb. The course started and finished on the Eastbourne edge of the South Downs in a single loop via Willingdon Hill, Jevington, Westdean Forest, Windover Hill, Alfriston, Bostal Hill, Cradle Hill, Litlington, Cuckmere Haven, Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Official results:

17th     John Crisp             3:27
34th     Peter Gipp              3:35     course PB and fastest by club MV45
58th    Stephen Howard      3:48
104th   Adam Etches           4:02
191st   Natalle Etches         4:20
212th   Steve Barker            4:22
228th   Charlie Barker          4:24
232nd   Ian Green                4:25
302nd   Emma Greaves        4:35
398th    Claire Law               4:49      course PB
412th    John Turner             4:51
480th    Julie Foreman         5:00      course PB by 28 mins
614th    Karlos Dedos         5:24
668th    Alan Rutterford        5:37      walker (as injured)
  -      Joanne Howard        7:18      walker (position not recorded)

Conditions were good, being mild, mainly overcast, breezy and with dry ground.

FENLAND 10 MILE ROAD RACE (INCORPORATING CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS), WEST WALTON, WISBECH, SUNDAY 28th OCTOBER 2007

Birgitta Bramley 1st FV50 and 3rd female overall in club FV50 record
Stephen Pettit 1st County MV40 and 3rd MV40 overall
Peter Harris 2nd County MV50
Personal bests for Stephen Pettit, Rachel Roberts and Lisa Redman

There were 6 x 1st claim and 1 x 2nd claim Ely Runners amongst about 300 finishers competing over a mainly flat and exposed course. Official results:

3rd     Alex Tate               56:47   1st County SM (ran for 1st claim Muddy Mucky Munkeys)
21st    Stephen Pettit        62:04   1st County MV40, 3rd MV40 overall, PB by 2 mins
79th    Peter Harris           68:59    2nd County MV50, MV55 PB by over 3 mins
95th    Darren Murfitt         70:38
133rd Birgitta Bramley     73:37    3rd female, 1st FV50, club MV50 record
184th   Rachel Roberts      78:24    2nd County FV35, PB
242nd Lisa Redman        84:00    PB

Conditions were mild with light rain and fairly windy.

NORTH NORFOLK 7 MILES ROAD RACE, HOLT, SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER 2007

Ely Runner Samantha Collins-Shirley was 154th of 233 finishers in 1:01:47 in her first race at this distance.

AMSTERDAM MARATHON, SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER 2007

Ely Runner Jonathan Sykes finished in 4:10:41 which was an excellent achievement considering he's only run in 3 competitive half marathons this year and is still struggling with arthritis in his left foot. There were about 12,000 starters in this well organised event held on a mild (12 deg C) with cold breezes on the exposed but flat course. There was lots of crowd support on the scenic route. He met up with three South African friends with whom he'd run the Two Oceans 56 km Cape Town race 12 years ago, the last time he ran in a long distance event! Jonathan's wife and 2 sons ( 11 and 9 years) ran in the Amsterdam 5 km fun run and enjoyed it enormously. His last long distance race will be the London Marathon in April, after which he will concentrate on shorter distances.

GREAT EASTERN HALF MARATHON, PETERBOROUGH, SUNDAY 14th OCTOBER 2007

Personal bests for Graham Chapman, Hugh Burton, Andrew Elliott, Chris Bower and Fran Crawford
Club FV55 record for Fran Crawford

There were 12 Ely runners amongst the 2,283 finishers in this popular local area event. The course was the same as in 2006, starting in Cathedral Square and following a route through the mainly residential areas of New England, Paston and Walton before turning round in Werrington to return via Gunthorpe and Dogsthorpe and finish by the embankment. The support from the local people was excellent, including brass bands and many children wanting to do 'high 5's' to encourage the runners.
Ely Runners official results (chip times):

98th         Simon Jackson        1:26:18
109th      Graham Chapman    1:26:56   PB - 5th MV50
132nd    Hugh Burton           1:28:13   PB - ran for 1st claim for Yaxley Runners
215th     Charlie Barker           1:31:55   8th MV55
236th     Andrew Elliott          1:32:31    PB
360th    Steven Hardwick       1:37:05
426th      Chris Bower              1:38:51   PB
716th     John Crawford           1:45:33
986th     Nick Williams            1:51:48
1020th     Fraser Badcock       1:52:39
1179th    Lisa Redman            1:54:11
1343rd    Fran Crawford         1:59:23   PB, club FV55 record, 6th FV55

Weather conditions were excellent for good times on a fast course, being cool-mild and partly overcast without any wind.

LEICESTER CITY MARATHON, SUNDAY 14th OCTOBER 2007

Ian Day sub 3 hours again!

Ely Runner Ian Day finished 18th of 570 finishers in a chip time of 2:57:07. He was a bit disappointed with his (excellent) time, possibly because the course was much more undulating than he expected and included some big hills. It was an interesting half rural/half city course passing National Space Centre and Walkers' Stadium. The surface was mainly road but there were sections in parks, on towpaths, and 3 miles (slightly downhill) on the track bed of the former Great Central Railway. The final mile leading into Victoria Park was quite tough being uphill and mainly on cobbles.

MOUNT TAKAO TENGO 18 KM (11.2M) TRAIL RACE, WESTERN TOKYO, SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER 2007

Whilst on their honeymoon in Japan, Ely Runners Adam and Natalle Etches ran in this race of 500 mainly local runners. The scenic course was on mountains just outside Tokyo and included some long and formidable climbs, most of which were too steep for running. Official results:

45th Man Adam Etches 2:15
11th Lady Natalle Etches 2:37

Conditions were warm and sunny. After the race, the runners (including Adam and Natalle) took part in some traditional games of musical chairs!

Pictures available on www.pondlane.net

COLOGNE HALF MARATHON, GERMANY, SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER 2007

Personal best for Rachel Roberts

Ely Runner Rachel Roberts was 1,342nd (117th/2,760 women, 30th/487 W35) of 7,707 finishers in a PB chip time of 1:43:38. It was the largest race she had ever competed in. The course was flat except for the bridge slopes at the start and finish and followed the Rhine banks of this fine city. Rachel reported that it was a well organised event with tremendous crowd support. The race started early and conditions were bright and pleasantly cool.

FROSTBITE LEAGUE, 5 MILES CROSS-COUNTRY, PRIORY PARK, ST NEOTS, SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER 2007

Ely Runners 8th of 15 Teams
Alex Tate and Lisa Redman 1st male and 1st female for Ely Runners
Personal bests (5m XC) for Steven Hardwick, Lisa Redman, Mary Gates, and Julie Foreman

There were 16 Ely Runners amongst the 389 finishers in this first of the six 2007-08 league races. The course of 5 miles was on gently undulating grassy parkland and woodland paths. Due to other commitments, Ely Runners had a severely depleted team but still finished 8th overall of 15 teams, compared to 4th in 2006. The first 10 to finish, including at least 3 ladies, make up the scoring team but all finishers influence the overall result. Eric Drury was Team manager and Tony Hall assisted with transport and kit. Official results:

Ely Scoring Team
3rd       Alex Tate                   27:33
13th    Robert Campbell           29:11
22nd    Stephen Pettit              30:04
23rd     Stephen Howard           30:11
30th     Peter Gipp                   30:49
78th     Charlie Barker              33.36
80th     Steve Tovey                 33:38
256th   Lisa Redman                40:22       PB & course PB
258th   Mary Gates                  40:22       PB & course PB
279th   Julie Foreman               41:34       PB & course PB

Ely Other Results
83rd      Darren Murfitt              33:45
101st    Steven Hardwick          34:11      PB & course PB
128th    Alan Rutterford            35:29
154th    William Wilson            36:35
205th    Ian Blatchford              38:20
229th    John Turner                 39:06

Team Results (from 15 teams)
1st    Riverside                 327        15 points
2nd   NVH                       480        14 points
3rd    C&C                       862        13 points
4th    Hunts AC                900        12 points
5th    BRJ                        942        11 points
6th    Bushfield               1007        10 points
7th    Bourne                  1038         9 points
8th    Ely                        1042         8 points
9th    Werrington             1102         7 points

Conditions were good, being mild, dry and windless on a firm running surface.
After the race, two Ely Runners (Alan Rutterford and Julie Foreman) cycled the 32.4 miles back from St Neots to Witchford.
For the full results see www.frostbiteleague.org.uk

Previous results page ↓

Last updated 21/01/2008