Contents

Coming Events: January, February & March 05. 2

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2005 details: 2

Race results: Various races. 5

Fell Races: Jan to end March 05. 7

West Yorkshire Winter League – 3rd Race Sun 16^th January at Esholt. 8

West Yorkshire Winter League – 4th Race Sun 30^th January at Pudsey. 11

3^rd Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race held on Sunday 19^th December at 10am. 12

Black Sheep Brewery Race Series 2005. 13

Blackpool Marathon/Half: Weekend Away race 2005. 14

Ian’s report on Mumbai Marathon – 2.28. 14

Strange but true……... 16

The Greatest Race Press Release. 18

What 2005 has to offer: 19

The Vets Bill 19

From the Coach…... 21

Coming Events: January, February & March 05

Events in bold indicate a ‘club’ event which members are encouraged to run.

Date	Event
Sun 30^th Jan 05	4th West Yorks Winter League cross country, 11am, at Pudsey. All club required to run.
Sun 6 Feb 05	Dewsbury 10k, 9.30am. Flat, fast pb course.
Sun 13^th Feb 05	Liversedge Half, 12 noon. 1st attendance points race.
Sun 20^th Feb 05	Snake Lane 10, Pocklington (Near York), fast and fairly flat course.
Sun 27^th Feb 05	Final West Yorks Winter League cross county, 11.30am at Skipton. All club required to run.
Sun 13^th March 05	Spen 20, 10am. Incorporating Yorks 20 mils Champs.
Sun 20^th March 05	Ackworth Half marathon, 10.30am.
Sun 27^th March 05	Guiseley Gallop 10K.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2005 details:

Top 25 Club Races for 2005: Handicap/ Attendance Scheme - 10 out of 25 possible races to count. Please don’t forget to sign in the book each time you attend a club session (but only pay once per week) as each attendance at a club training session is worth 1 point and to be eligible for a trophy members must accumulate at least 30 attendance points during the year. Each attendance at a “Club” designated race earns you 5 points (see below). 50% of the required points must be achieved by attendance at training sessions.

The 2004 Attendance Scheme proved to be a huge success with most members attending and racing on a regular basis. However the overall winner of the 2004 Attendance Scheme was Simon Bellwood.

The Club races for 2005, where points can be earned, are as follows:

Date	Race Details	Comments.
February 13^th Sun	Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.
March 13^th - Sun	Spen 20mile, 10am.	Great for Spring marathons.
March Sun 27^th	Guiseley Gallop 10k, 10.30am.
April- Sun 3rd	Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.	Race 75% full. Get entries in NOW.
April- Sun 10^th	Wakefield 10k, 10am. Fast, flat course.
April – Tues 5th	Bunny Run 1, 3 mile ‘Fell’ race, 7.00 pm.	Free cream egg!!
May - Wed –4^th	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.	Idle AC Club race for 2005
June- Sat 4^th	Kirkby Malzeard 10k. Part of Black sheep series.
June DNK–Sat	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am.
June DNK – Thurs	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.	3^rd anniversary race.
June- Thurs 16th	Horsforth Trail race. 7pm.	New race for 2005.
June - Sun 19th	Blackpool Half or Full Marathon, 9am. Weekend away.	Weekend away.
July – Sat 2nd	Burn Valley Half. Part of Blacksheep series.
July – Wed 13^th	Stirton Fell race. BS, 7.30pm. 5.5 miles/800’.
July – Wed 20^th	Widdop Fell race. BM, 7.15pm. 7m/1200’.
Aug – Sat 13^th.	Arncliffe 4 mile Road race and/or 1.8 mile fell race, 3pm.	Family day out.
July/Aug- DNK	Pudsey 10k.
Sept DNK– Sun	Kirkstall Abbey 10k. 10am.
Sept DNK-Sun	Sutton 7.
Oct DNK– Sun	Horsforth 10k, 10am.
Oct DNK- Sun	Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon.
Oct DNK–Sun	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Nov DNK- Sun	Guy Fawkes10mile10.30am.
Nov DNK- Sun	Rivock Edge Fell Race. 7m.
Nov DNK- Sun	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Race results: Various races

Stoop Fell Race 19^th Dec 04, Haworth, 5m. 900’

132 Warren Fletcher 44.59

147 Tony Blythe 45.38

180 Phil Routh 47.45

There were 279 runners.

Chevin Fell race, 26^th December, 7 miles

41	Chris	Booker	45:17
112	Simon	Bellwood	49:53
128	Peter	Helliwell	50:39
143	Chris	Smith	51:12
178	David	Lewis	53:01
208	Richard	Lyons	53:50
240	Adrian	Trevelyan	55:01
294	Donna	Edmondson	56:49
300	Dexter	Wright	56:57
319	Joanne	Belcher	57:26
482	Laura	Brook	1:03:24
512	Clare	Sweeney	1:04:29
529	Alison	Garlick	1:05:01
572	Tony	Blythe	1.06.29
573	Warren	Fletcher	1.06.30
574	Phil	Routh	1.06.33

There were 827 runners

Auld Lang Syne Fell Race, 31^st Dec 04, Haworth

301 Phil Routh 60.59

There were 432 runners

Pennine 10k, 9^th Jan 05, Halifax.

65 Simon Blackburn 45.30

98 Michael Masleczko 49.07

99 Gary Naylor 49.13

101 Warren Fletcher 49.37

There were 201 runners.

Brass Monkey Half Marathon, York, 23^rd Jan.

41	Douglas	BRIGGS	1:18:58	M club record
88	Chris	SMITH	1:24:05	M40 club record
92	Chris	BOOKER	1:24:18
105	Simon	BELLWOOD	1:25:15
226	Steve	LITTLE	1:31:44
253	Donna	EDMONDSON	1:33:22	F club record
273	Richard	LYONS	1:34:28	PB
317	Adrian	TREVELYAN	1:36:41
541	Gary	NAYLOR	1:47:27	PB
582	Lisa	HALL	1:49:02	PB
584	Martin	BURNSIDE	1:49:13
592	Joanne	BELCHER	1:49:32
593	Kay	GAMBLES	1:49:38
764	Amnuay	SCOTT	1:58:01

Please continue to make Davina/Chris/Martin aware if you have raced so we can record the results in the Gossip and on the website. If you have no official results please write the race details in the signing in book and we will try to obtain results.

Fell Races: Jan to end March 05.

Please note that many races require that competitors carry waterproof clothing, map and compass for the competitor’s safety. Failure to comply with a race organiser's requirements will mean that you will be barred from taking part in the race. Competitors should arrive at races prepared to carry any or all of the following equipment: Windproof whole body cover, other body cover appropriate to the conditions, map and compass suitable for navigating the course, whistle, emergency food (long races). This equipment is mandatory at all Cat A Long and Medium races.

If this is the first time you have considered fell racing select a race distance well under the distance you normally run on the road.

If you retire during a race you MUST notify the officials at the finish.

If you like the idea of fell running and would like to have a go please speak to Chris.

All fell races are given a grade indicating length and difficulty. Difficulty is indicated by:

A, no less than 250 feet climb per mile, not more than 20% on roads, at least 1 mile in length (NASTY);

B, not less than 125 feet climb per mile, not more than 30% on roads (FAIRLY NASTY);

C, not less than 100 feet of climb per mile, not more than 40% on roads and contain genuine fell terrain (NOT VERY NASTY).

Length is indicated by: L, 12 miles or more; M, 6 miles and over but less than 12 miles; S, under 6 miles.

SAT JAN 8^th OVENDEN FELL RACE. BM. 11.30am 8m/1200’ from Ogden reservoir, Causeway Foot, off the A629 Halifax-Keighley road. Website: www.ogdenwater.freeserve.co.uk

SUN.JAN 23^rd THE 22^nd SOREEN ‘STANBURY SPLASH’. BM. 11.30 am. 7 miles/1200 feet from Penistone Hill Country Park, Haworth. £3 on day. All finishers receive a Soreen Malt loaf, free coffee and biscuits.

SAT FEB 5^th OGDEN MOORS FELL RACE. CM. 11.30 am. 6 miles/700’ from Ogden Reservoir, Causeway Foot, off A629 Halifax-Keighley Road. £3 on day. Website: www.ogdenwater.freeserve.co.uk

SAT FEB 12^th WADSWORTH HALF TROG. BM. 10 am. 9m/1500’ from the Old Town Cricket Club, Hebden Bridge. £5.50, closing date: 7^th Feb. No entries on day. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

SUN FEB 27^th ILKLEY MOOR FELL RACE. AS. 11.30am. 5m/1260’ from Wells Road, Ilkley. £3 on day. Website: www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk

SAT MARCH 6^th. IAN ROBERTS FELL RACE. BM. 2.30pm 7m from Marsden Cricket Club. £3 on day. Website: www.holmfirthharriers.com

SAT MARCH 12^th. WUTHERING HIKE (Haworth Hobble). BL. 8am. 31m/4400’ from Westfield Lodge, Moorside Lane, Oxenhope. £18 teams of 2 or £10 solo. Refreshments en route, hot meal at finish, showers/changing. Website: www.kcac.co.uk

SAT MARCH 12^th TINA HORN MEMORIAL “WINDMILL WIZZ” CHARITY FELL RACE. BM. 11.30 am. 6 miles/800’ from Ogden Reservoir, Causeway Foot, off A629 Halifax-Keighley Road. £4 on day. Website: www.ogdenwater.freeserve.co.uk

SAT MARCH 26^th MIDGLEY MOOR FELL RACE. AS. 11am. 5m/1250’ from Booth Cricket Club, Booth, Halifax. £3 on day. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

West Yorkshire Winter League – 3rd Race Sun 16^th January at Esholt.

Sunday 16^th January saw the 3^rd event at Esholt, another local venue, where we had 29 runners. It was a fine day for running, and much of the course was run over very familiar territory for Idle athletes. Despite being short of Ian and one or two other bodies who are normally ahead of other club scorers, we have hung on to the overall lead after 3 events.

The results were:

Team Results after 3rd event at St. Bede's
On the day
Men		Vets
LBT	1301	Dewsbury	475
Pudsey	1273	LBT	462
Idle A C	1228	Baildon	451
Dewsbury	1198	St. Bede's	438
Stainland	1190	Idle A C	423
St. Bede's	1112	Skipton	421
Baildon	1071	Pudsey	415
Skipton	967	Stainland	399
Women		Overall
Dewsbury	295	LBT	1529
Idle A C	284	Idle A C	1512
Stainland	275	Dewsbury	1493
Baildon	274	Pudsey	1491
Skipton	243	Stainland	1464
St. Bede's	230	Baildon	1345
LBT	228	St. Bede's	1338
Pudsey	218	Skipton	1204
Overall results after 3 events:
Men		Vets
Idle AC	3812	Dewsbury	1422
Pudsey	3789	LBT	1361
LBT	3734	Baildon	1294
Stainland	3581	Pudsey	1293
Dewsbury	3537	Idle A C	1283
Baildon	3210	Skipton	1273
St. Bede's	3192	Stainland	1202
Skipton	3184	St. Bede's	1169
Women		Overall
Dewsbury	884	Idle AC	4648
Idle A C	836	Pudsey	4536
Stainland	804	LBT	4467
Baildon	792	Dewsbury	4421
Skipton	757	Stainland	4385
Pudsey	747	Baildon	4002
LBT	733	Skipton	3941
St. Bede's	519	St. Bede's	3711

The remaining fixtures for 2004/5 are as follows:

4 30^th Jan 05 hosted by Pudsey Pacers, 11am. See below

5 27^th Feb 05 hosted by Skipton AC, 11.30am. (note change of start time)

The Presentation evening hosted by Idle AC will be held on Friday 11^th March at the Sporting Lodge (behind the Balloon and Basket), starting 8pm.

The WYWL Canal relay will be hosted on Saturday 14^th May by Skipton AC (same course as last year).

Whilst the League does offer individual trophy positions, its primary objective is team competition. The five team scores are added together to decide the following team trophies:

1^st Combined Team, 2^nd Combined Team, 3^rd Combined Team.

1^st Male Team.

1^st Female team.

1^st Vets Team (combination of male/females).

A club team is the first seven men to cross the line (which must include 2 vets), and the first three women (including 1 vet), in each event.

The vets team is the 2 male and the one female counting vets added together.

Different runners may score in different races - it’s just first past the post on the day.

The first Combined Team can enter the National League Final and the 2^nd Combined Team can enter the Plate Race at the National Final which will take place at Nottingham on 20^th March 05. Further details will be circulated prior to each event.

West Yorkshire Winter League – 4th Race Sun 30^th January at Pudsey.

The event: Will be held on the same course as last year – in the Post Hill area of Pudsey. Changing and showers are available at Pudsey Leisure Centre, approx 1 mile from the start.

Race Start: Approx 1 mile from Leisure centre. Leave the centre and turn right onto the main road, through traffic lights and down hill on Lowtown, past the Wetherby Whaler and Bojangles. After ½ mile, near the Victoria pub, turn right onto Hough Side Road. After approx ½ mile enter Post Hill by a metal stile on the right side of the road (Post Hill is signposted). Follow the footpath for 400m and cross the wooden footbridge. Up a short hill and turn right along a footpath to the start.

Parking is limited, so please share cars (or park at the Leisure Centre and jog to the start as your warm up). Options for parking are:

· Hough Side Road, near the metal stile. PLEASE park only on the South side of the road (i.e. on the right when driving down).

· Wood Lane, near Wickes. Parking is available on Water Lane. There is an entrance to Post Hill off Water Lane.

· Troydale. You can park on any of the streets in Troydale (reached via Robin Lane, Littlemoor Road & Valley Road) and can enter Post Hill by stile. This is the nearest parking to the race start.

The Course is approx 4.5 miles and is the same as in 2004. In order to prevent a bottleneck near the start, a short 200m loop will be added in the start area. The course is over 2 ½ laps (1/2 lap, followed by 2 full laps) with a significant climb on each lap. The course is entirely off road and can be very muddy so studs or spikes are recommended.

Recce: If you would like to recce the course, please meet Pudsey Pacers at Pudsey Leisure Centre at 10am on Saturday 22^nd January.

3^rd Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race held on Sunday 19^th December at 10am.

December 02 saw the start of a yearly tradition for Idle AC – the annual Sewage Works Surprise club handicap race! The race was open to all members and was confirmed as a 3.4 mile course from the Stansfield Arms Pub at Apperley Bridge. There were runners for this fun event, including one or two who ran in fancy dress!! The results were:

Well done to Stephen Edwards who is the 2004 winner and who received the special trophy, presented to him by Chris, at the presentation afternoon at the Symposium. Richard Lyons finished in second place with Clare Sweeney, dressed as Andy Pandy (see website for the photos) in 3^rd place.

Name	10k average				Handicap Time			Start Time		Finish Time		Actual Time
Steven Edwards	40.00				23.11			14.30		36.26		21.54
Richard Lyons	43.00				24.56			12.45		36.31		23.46
Clare Sweeney	52.00				30.08			7.33		36.37		29.04
Alison Garlick	53.00				30.43			6.56		37.04		30.08
Adrian Trevelyan	43.00				24.56			12.45		37.04		24.19
Gary Naylor	48.00				27.50			9.51		37.16		27.25
Doug Briggs	37.00				21.27			16.15		37.21		21.06
Martin Burnside	50.00				28.59			8.07		37.28		29.21
Pete Helliwell	40.00				23.11			14.30		37.46		23.16
Dave Lewis	41.00				23.46			13.55		37.47		23.52
Steve Little		42.00		24.21			13.20			39.06			25.46
Kay Gambles		47.00	27.15			10.26			37.51		27.25
Jo Belcher		45.00	26.05			11.36			37.52		26.16
Ian Fisher		30.00	17.23			20.18			37.54		17.36
Dave Currie		44.00	25.31			12.10			40.34		28.24
Davina Smith		48.00	27.50			9.51			42.22		32.31

Black Sheep Brewery Race Series 2005.

The Black Sheep Brewery Race Series is 6 separate running events organised by towns and villages in scenic North Yorkshire. The objective is to complete 4 out of 6 races, 3 x 10k's plus either the 10 mile or 1/2 marathon. Runners who complete 4 out of 6 races will be awarded a Silver Plaque, runners who complete all 6 races will be awarded a Gold Plaque.

Age category winners will be determined by points gained in each race, and are based on your 3 best 10k's plus your best long race. Points will be awarded to the first 10 in each age category.

Prizes and plaques will be awarded to the first three Male/Female runners overall, plus the first 3 in the following age groups:- MO/40, MO/45, MO/50, MO/55, MO/60, MO/65, - FO/35, FO/40, FO/45, FO/50, FO/55, FO/60, FO/65.

THE RACES
Ripon 10 mile: On Sunday May 8th, from Ripon Cricket Club.
Melmerby 10k: On Sunday May 29th, from the village of Melmerby.
Kirkby Malzeard: On Saturday June 4th, from the village of Kirkby Malzeard.
Rainton 10k: On Sunday June 26th, from the village of Rainton.
Burn Valley Run: On Saturday July 2nd, from the market town of Masham.
Burton Leonard 10k: On Sunday July 24th, from the village of Burton Leonard.

All races can be entered individually as well as part of the series. Entry forms available at the club but closing date (series) is 11^th April 04 or when the series limit of 350 is reached.

Blackpool Marathon/Half: Weekend Away race 2005

For the third year running we hope to go mob handed to the Blackpool marathon and half marathon on Sunday 19^th June 2005. Whilst it may seem a long way off, it would be good to know that we all had entries. This is as flat a course as you can get and is generally a well organised and supported race. As with last year we hope that many members will make a weekend of it - we have details of camping/ caravan sites and B & B accommodation (in Lytham/St Anne’s). This year we can offer special reduced entry fees at £16 for full marathon and £12half marathon. The 2005 course has been improved with additional aid stations, bigger prize lists for both individuals and team competition. There are special team awards, men and women in both the marathon and half with three to score in both events on accumulative times. We will be sending a Group entry form and therefore will only require a cheque to cover your entry fee (made payable to Blackpool Marathon). Please give all cheques to Chris/Davina ASAP for us to enter as a group. The entries will be sent off at the end of February 05.

Ian’s report on Mumbai Marathon – 2.28

The latest email from Ian read as follows:

My journey started on the 11th January as I set off on my own to Mumbai in India. My flight out was early Wednesday morning so I decided to fly down to Heathrow the day before, and stop there for the night at this Hotel where the owner rang me up to ask where I was. I was pressing her door bell at the same moment as she phoned me to ask if I had arrived?

The flight was a good nine hours there. I travelled first class on the top deck of 747 which was perfect for the long flight. The stewards were very polite and insisted that I have an extra bread rolls with my meal, cause I was doing a marathon. The kit was having good effect on people already.

I read prior to going that Mumbai airport is a grubby tip. It is.

The heat outside the airport even in the early hours of the morning hits you. I was looking for my taxi and at first I couldn't see him. Funny thing was, is that he was virtually right in front of me with a huge picket sign with the GROE logo on it.

The forty minute trip to the hotel was a scary experience. There are no road manners, especially with the taxi driver's who like to drive without lights. Some stop in the middle of a dual carriage way to clean their windscreen.

The first day there was a twenty minute jog along the front. That was it until the race.

In the afternoon, I was in a press conference with two of the Kenyan favourites and the UK elite coach. I felt a bit Sunday league.

The people I knew from Standard Chartered would come over the next few days. In the meantime, I felt I had to take a chance and go for a ride in one of their taxis which are only these 1960/70s Fiats. He said "Do you want fast or slow". I said slow.

So he went fast instead. We ended up careering through busy streets, taking corners on two wheels, cutting people up at speed.

It's a great way to relax. I felt quite chilled out afterwards.

The Saturday was spent going on a recce of the course on a coach prepared for us. The afternoon was a nice pasta party. Later was a meeting for the serious athletes regarding the usual preparations like transportation, where to meet and drinks. Hugh Jones the London Marathon 82 winner gave us a run down on the course in this room (more of a bunker in appearance) which wouldn't look too out of place on Jihad TV. 

I was expecting Bin-Laden to make an appearance and wish us luck with the race.

I wasn't nervous, but I couldn't sleep that night before the race. Could have been the excitement of running in 35c heat.

Race day was the typically the warmest day. It was fairly humid even at 7am.

The start caused some panic to some people. Some were keen to blast off at 10k pace. No doubt they paid for it later.

I was told by the Elite coach Ian Ladbrook to take it steady for the first 10k. It was warm early on.

It was an out and back course. The local people supporting at the road were great. One nice kid said "Come on white man". Very funny.

I ran a tactical race. It wasn't about speed but feeling comfortable and hydrated. I paced myself around with no help from any other athlete. I had targets in my head to try and achieve, which was to improve the National team position and get the best UK National time. These thoughts drove me on, even though it was getting hotter as the race progressed. With a few kilometres to go, I passed the Australian who shot off with the Africans. With 500 meters to go, I had an African in my sights. I stepped it up and passed quite easily to the finish.

Once I finished, I wanted to hand in my race chip. Only to be grabbed by half a dozen women officials who made me lay down on a bed. They proceeded to cover me in bags of ice. I didn't think I was that bad. I just don't think they were going to take a chance with a European having heat exhaustion. Afterwards I got interviewed on Indian TV with a mate from the Jersey branch of Standard Chartered. We achieved our targets and moved the UK up a place.

Later on in the hotel, prior to leaving. I met up with Linford Christie. He is actually a very nice man to talk to. He's very down to earth despite his success. I returned home that night.

My friend from Leeds City, Darren Bilton is doing the Hong Kong leg on the 27th February. I hope it goes well for him and the team out there.

- Ian

The whole event is on the net under this name www.thegreatestrace.com

Strange but true……

Hi,

Been reading the main web pages of The Greatest Race site and found a press release as per attached.  Also Ian is mentioned on the main news page too. (Follow link).

http://www.thegreatestrace.com/race_news_01.htm

Thought you would like to know.

I have read Steve's Vets Bill and thought I would add the following strange but true Olympic Marathon story.

One of the First Asian competitors at the Olympics was Shizo Kanaguri, running in the Stockholm Olympic Marathon in 1912.  The race was run in rather hot conditions for Scandinavia. Kanaguri and 67 other runners set off at 1.45pm in the blistering afternoon heat.  The course was from Stockholm to Sollentuna, 13 miles away, and back.  In the latter stage of the race Kanaguri was struggling to cope with the heat.  At one point he stumbled into the garden of a Swedish family who were having a picnic. Invited to join the gathering, he needed no second invitation and, after being refreshed, accepted their generous offer of a bed for a few minutes.  When awaking, it was far too late to rejoin the race and so the family gave him clothing and put him on the train back to Stockholm.  Embarrassed at having failed to complete the marathon, he didn't tell anyone and quietly caught a boat home to Japan.

Out of the 67 competitors which started 33 failed to finish, due to the heat, and the officials had the job of finding them.  They eventually rounded them all up except for Kanaguri. Unaware that he had fled the country, the officials called in the Swedish police in a bid to find him. When the search proved fruitless, he was officially declared a missing person. Kanaguri's whereabouts became something akin to sightings of Lord Lucan in the 1970's. Some claimed he was still running around the Swedish countryside.  In 1962, fiftieth anniversary of the race, as Stockholm journalist was sent to Japan to track down the whereabouts of Kanaguri. He was found teaching in Tamana. He had no idea that he had achieved cult status in Sweden. Five years later, at the age of 76, he returned to Sweden and was invited to the Olympic Stadium whilst there. To the delight of the Swedes, he finally jogged across the finish line to complete the marathon he had begun 55 years earlier.

This story is extracted from the book "The Olympics' Strangest Moments" by Geoff Tibballs.

The morals to this story are: 1 - make sure you have plenty of liquid and/or gels so you don't gate crash someone's picnic, 2- don't go to sleep in the middle of a race, 3 - if you pull out of a race make sure you let an official know before you leave the country. and 4 - if you do disappear during a race without telling anyone, don't go back as you may be required to complete the race when you're 76 years old.

I found this story quite intriguing. The book also goes into the stories which Steve has already mentioned.

See you all soon, Pete V

The Greatest Race Press Release

Mumbai, 16 January 2005: Double triumph for Greatest Race Runners in Mumbai Marathon

The strength of field in the Standard Chartered Greatest Race on Earth was demonstrated when GROE athletes won both the men’s and women’s titles at the 2005 Mumbai Marathon, the 3rd leg of the challenge. They were joined by 53 other Greatest Race Runners and thousands more local athletes as the competition for the prize money really hotted up.

Kenyan, Julius Sugut won the men’s race in 2:13:20, and promoted his team New Line DK in to 4^th position, just six minutes and five seconds behind new leaders, PACE Sports Management for whom Penuel Osoro finished a creditable 10th overall. Previous pace setters, BMMMAC (A) slipped to 11th place when Simon Biwott struggled with a time of 2:37:22. 21-year-old Ethiopian, Mulu Seboka, won the women’s race in 2:35:03 and was delighted to have moved the SCB Women’s

Elite team in to 24th position in the Main Competition. The race for the USD 1 million prize pool will be wide open in Hong Kong with nine teams under eleven minutes behind the leaders and the difference between second and third place only an 13 seconds after three marathons!

In the Nations Challenge, Kenya were beaten for the first time in the Greatest Race but still look to have one hand on the title as Wesley Chelulei completed the course in 2:19:27 to give them a lead of 7 minutes and 44 seconds. His time was also good enough to promote Kenya to third place in the Main Competition. Behind the Kenyans, the race is very exciting with Qatar falling out of the prize money places, being overhauled by Zimbabwe for whom Abel Chimukoko finished an excellent 14th and Zambia for whom Richard Bwalya recorded the quickest time of any national runner at 2:18:12. The UK have jumped to 5th position after Ian Fisher ran well to finish in 34^th place overall, pushing host nation India down two places to sixth.

In the Individual Challenge, Martin Longuran will be hot favourite to win the title and the USD 100,000 first prize in Hong Kong as his accumulated time over Nairobi, Singapore and Mumbai of 6 hours 55 minutes is almost five minutes quicker than nearest challenger, Cleophas Rop. Rop jumped previous 2nd place man, Stephen Ndungu who was only 22 seconds behind Longuran after Singapore but now has nearly nine minutes to make up.

Seboka, was not the only female to fare well against the men in Mumbai. Thi Hoia Nguyen from Vietnam was 33rd in the GROE standings after finishing 17th in the Women’s race and Anuradani Nishanka from Sri Lanka finished 39th in the GROE and 28th in the women’s marathon.

What 2005 has to offer:

Once again we achieved a huge amount in 2004. We hope to build on our success and continue to offer a great deal in 2005. We will continue to build up the club in terms of the numbers, the ethos, and in the support and enthusiasm that we can all provide to one another. We will continue to offer weekly coached seasons on Tuesdays offering hill and speed work. We will continue with the Attendance and Handicap Scheme and Steve will again be offering the vets the delights of the Vets League plus other events. We will hold our third Annual General Meeting in April.

We will be putting teams in to run in the West Yorks Winter League Canal Relay on Saturday 14^th May, which once again will be run along the canal near Skipton. There may also be Open Mornings, Club Handicap races, local races, and ‘away’ weekend events such as Blackpool.

In addition to running events there will be ‘social’ events such as the WYWL Presentation evening on 11^th March at the Sporting Lodge (behind the Balloon and Basket).

Finally, we will, of course be competing in the West Yorkshire Winter League This is just a tiny number of things that Idle A C will be offering in 2005. If you want something done - see a committee member: Davina Smith, Martin Burnside, Chris Smith, Steve Little or Kay Gambles

The Vets Bill

Looking back over the Christmas period there weren’t too many races around excepting the usual festive favourites, namely the Chevin Chase on Boxing Day, the Coley Canter and the Auld Lang Syne on New Years Eve. The Chevin was the most popular for our Vets with 11 runners.

The Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association program kicks off for the New Year with the Cross Country Championship held at Thirsk on 6^th February. The first Grand Prix race is at Horsforth on 13^th February.

However looking ahead to 2005, some runners will naturally be setting their sights on a Marathon and with this in mind a little history lesson would not go amiss.

Probably most runners know that the race wasn’t named after a chocolate bar but a Greek battle fought about 2500 years ago. A local runner called Pheidippides was sent from the battle scene at Marathon to Athens with news of a great Greek victory. The distance was about 24 miles and after running in full body armour and delivering his message he promptly fell dead.

Now wind the clock on to 1896 where the first modern (second technically) Olympic marathon was run again in Greece. Only 17 runners lined up for the race over a distance of about 40k. The winner was a Greek farmer called Spiridon Louis and for his efforts the King of Greece gave him a horse and cart. Another first in this race was the disqualification; the third place man was seen accepting a lift for part of the way in a carriage.

Cheating seems to be a feature of this distance for in the second Olympic marathon of 1900 held in Paris the winner a local baker called Michel Theato was accused of using his local knowledge and taking various shortcuts. One USA runner was said to have been run down by a bicycle whilst trying to overtake the French winner.

The following Olympic marathon in St Louis was even more of a shambles. One of the runners arrived at the start line in his civilian clothes having gambled all his money away. The start had to be delayed whilst his trousers were cut down into shorts by another athlete. Another competitor after collapsing at the 9 mile point accepted a lift in a truck which itself broke down, he then jogged back to the stadium only to be crowned the winner. The mistake was only found when the true winner ran into the stadium to finish.

In 1908 the Olympic race was held in England. The distance was to be set at 25 miles starting at Windsor and finishing at the White City stadium. However Queen Alexandra asked that the race start be moved a further mile to the front lawns at Windsor Castle so her children could watch the start from their nursery windows. The finish was also moved 385 yards further to coincide with the royal box at the stadium. So the next time you partake in a marathon, at the 25 mile mark you can thank Queen Alexandra for the extra 1.2 mile distance.

-Steve Little

From the Coach…

“Well you’ve got a race on!” called out a marshal as I passed him at around 8 miles in the Brass Monkey Half Marathon this month. I sincerely hoped he was talking to someone else in the group in which I was sheltering from the breeze, but knew in my heart that he wasn’t. I maintain one simple rule in races – I never look behind me. It’s a sign of weakness that transmits easily to fellow competitors. I refer not particularly to a physical inability to stay ahead, but to a mental inability to cope with the inevitable fact that one can, and will be, overtaken by runners who are more talented, or just in better shape on the day.

I was running to the clock, which after all is the most accurate indicator of my personal achievement, not who passes me or whom I pass. Yet my knowledge of the Idle runners in the race meant I did not have to look over my shoulder to see what the race marshal was referring to. Chris Booker was right behind me and Simon Bellwood was right behind him. Most important for me though during such an event is the constant process of self examination – of checking up really. Can I maintain this pace? Can I catch the group ahead of me? Are they pulling away? Have I trained enough to maintain this pace? Do I really want to maintain this pace?

Such questions in the mind cannot effectively or completely be answered. Yet some confidence about the likely answers can be gained. I’m likely to shout at the end of a league event to a clubmate, “Come on, you’ve done the training – she’s looking tired. Take her on and drive for the line!” This is gamesmanship – sledging even, to use a cricketing expression. Yes, I am attempting to demoralise an opponent at a vital moment, but I am also reminding my athlete about how hard she has worked, and thus what she is capable of, at that same vital moment.

We can utilise this reminder technique on ourselves during difficult moments in a race, as long as the correct training build up is there. Remember those last four hard Tuesday speed sessions. Remember the miles of long steady distance work. But also make sure that a third essential component of distance training is there. The link between speed work and Long Slow Distance (LSD) work has to be made with runs of several miles at speed. Shorter races are ideal for this, but training should also include runs of up to 10 miles at a very brisk pace indeed. If with a training partner, you should find it almost impossible to talk at all. On your own try a ‘tempo’ run with say 2 steady miles, then 3 – 6 miles at 10k race pace, breathing hard all the way, then steadying off for the last mile or two. Your ability to run more quickly for sustained periods will improve, as the three training elements complement each other.

We are lucky at the Club in that most people are conscious of times, and are attempting to improve, so that regardless of your ability there will be someone who is likely to push you – who may be just ahead or may be just behind. Thus competition does play a vital part in personal improvement. You may not catch that training partner at the next 10k, but no matter – celebrate with him the fact that he has improved, and that in trying to catch him you have improved too. We are seeing Club Records and Personal Bests tumble, so get those training elements together and join in. And if you want to shine, well you’ve got a race on!

-Chris.

Current Men’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Joe Marjoram	17.08
	M40	Dexter Wright	19.22
	M45	David Lewis	18:46
5 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	29:56
	M40	Simon Bellwood	35.06
	M45	Richard Lyons	36.19
10 Km	Open	Douglas Briggs	36.13
	M40	David Lewis	40:41
	M45	Steve Little	39:45
10 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	1:01:22
	M40	Chris Smith	1:09:07
	M45	Steve Little	1:08:54
Half Marathon	Open	Douglas Briggs	1:18:58
	M40	Chris Smith	1:24:05
	M45	Steve Little	1:28:38
15 Miles	Open	Chris Stubbs	1:37:03
	M40	Simon Bellwood	1:43:58
	M45	Trevor Hooley	2:03:18
20 Miles	Open	Chris Smith	2:24:00
	M40	Simon Bellwood	2:32:57
Marathon	Open	Chris Smith	3:04:12
	M40	Simon Bellwood	3:27:25

Current Women’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	19:33
	F40	Laura Brook	22.04
	F45	Kay Gambles	20.59
5 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	34:57
	F45	Kay Gambles	40.03
10 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	42:33
	F35	Lisa Flesher	44:33
	F45	Kay Gambles	47:11
10 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:13:00
	F45	Kay Gambles	1.16.50
Half Marathon	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:33:22
	F40	Kay Gambles	1:51:00
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:44:44
15 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:50:54
	F35	Amnuay Scott	2:00:43
20 Miles	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:01:18
	F35	Davina Smith	3:01:01
	F40	Kay Gambles	3:02:00
Marathon	Open	Joanne Belcher	3:37.15
	F40	Kay Gambles	4:10:00