Date	Event
Sun 8^th Jan 06	3^rd WYWL event - Neutral event jointly hosted by LBT & Pudsey Pacers. Bramley Falls Park ALL club required. See below.
Sat 14^th Jan 06	Yorkshire X Country Champs, Rotherham. See below.
Sun 22^nd Jan 06	Brass Monkey Half Marathon, York. Race full no late entries.
Sun 29^th Jan 06	4^th WYWL event at Tong Park, Baildon. ALL club required. See below.
Sun 5^th Feb 06	Dewsbury 10k, 9.30am. Flat out & back course.
Sun 12 Feb 06	Liversedge Half marathon. 12 noon, hilly course.
Sun 19^th Feb 06	Final WYWL event at Stainland. ALL club required. See below.
Sun 26^th Feb 06	Huddersfield 10k 11.15 am.
Fri 10^th March 06	WYWL Presentation Night, hosted by Stainland Lions.
Sat 11^th March 06	Dentdale Run, 14.3 miles, Dent, Cumbria. 1pm.
Sun 12^th March 06	Spen 20. 10am. A must for those running Spring marathons!!
Sun 19^th March 06	South Leeds Stadium 5 mile.10.30am.

Attendance Scheme/ Club races – 2006 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.

November 05 Attendance winner was Richard Lyons and the 2005 year attendance winner was Gary Naylor.

The Club races for 2006, where points can be earned, are as follows:

Date	Race Details	Comments.
February 12^th Sun	Liversedge Half Marathon, 12.00 noon.
March 12^th – Sun	Spen 20mile, 10am.
April- Sun 2^nd	Baildon Boundary Way Half, 10.30am.
May – Wed 3rd	John Carr 5k, Esholt, 7.30pm. Fast, flat course.	Club race 2006
May-TBA Sun.	Leeds Half Marathon, 10am.
May 3^rd - Wed	Hare & Hounds Fell Race, Lothersdale. 3.6m/690’. BS.
May -Sun 14th	Ripon 10m. Part of Black Sheep series.
May TBA– Sat	Eldwick & Gilstead Gala Fell Race.
May – Sun 28^th	Melmerby 10k. Part of Black sheep series.
June- Sat 3rd	Kirkby Malzeard 10k. Part of Black sheep series.
June TBA– Thurs	Bronte 5, 7.30pm. Hilly two lap course.
June- TBA Thurs	Apperley Bridge Canter race. 7.30pm. Approx 10k.
June TBA –Sun	Harewood House 10k
July 1st – Sat	Burn Valley Half. Part of Black Sheep series. 2pm.
July 1^st – Sat	Carr Lane Challenge. 5 mile trail race.
July 12^th – Wed	Stirton Fell race. BS, 7.30pm. 5.5 miles/1200’.
Aug 12^th – Sat	Arncliffe 4 mile Road race at 1.30pm and/or 1.8m fell race (443’) AS, 3pm.
Aug 28^th –Mon	Spofforth 10k Trail. 1.30pm.
Aug TBA- Sat	Burnsall 10m road race and/or 1.5 m fell race.
Sept 10th- Sun	Robin Hood Full & Half marathons, Nottingham 10.05am
Oct TBA– Sun	Horsforth 10k, 10am.
Oct TBA-Sun	Bridlington Half marathon, 12 Noon.
Oct – Sun 29^th	Holmfirth 15mile. 10.30am.
Nov TBA– Sun	Guy Fawkes 10mile 10.30am.
Nov TBA Sun	Abbey Dash 10k, 9.30am.

Race results: Various races

Chevin Chase 7 mile – Boxing Day:

105 Simon Bellwood 49.42

133 Donna Edmondson-Booker 50.33

134 Chris Smith 50.34

167 Adrian Trevelyan 52.14

183 Richard Lyons 52.47

192 Phil Routh 53.19

228 Dave Lewis 54.22

262 Richard Raistrick 55.30

388 Dexter Wright 59.31

410 Jo Belcher 1.00.34

453 Laura Brook 1.02.00

494 Alison Garlick 1.03.18

574 Davina Smith 1.05.41

807 Jane Lewis 1.17.57

846 Claire McConnell 1.25.37

There were 855 runners. Dave Currie is missing from the results.

Auld Lang Syne Fell Race – 31^st Dec: 6.5m/1000'

256 Phil Routh 61.55

279 Dave Lewis 62.55

285 Tony Blythe 63.20

290 Simon Blackburn 63.54

369 Michael Masleczko 69.57

413 Laura Brook 76.12

There were 432 runners.

Fell Races: Jan to end March 06.

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 7^th GREG HOUGHTON MEMORIAL OVENDEN FELL RACE. BM. 11.30am 8m/1200’ from Ogden reservoir, Causeway Foot, off the A629 Halifax-Keighley road. Memorial race for Greg Houghton who lost his life on the Cuillins of Skye. All proceeds to Skye Rescue Team. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

SUN.JAN 22^nd THE 23^rd 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 11^th WADSWORTH HALF TROG. BM. 10 am. 9m/1500’ from the Old Town Cricket Club, Hebden Bridge. £5.50, closing date: 6^th Feb. No entries on day. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

SAT FEB 11^th WADSWORTH TROG. BL. 10.10 am. 10m/4000’ from the Old Town Cricket Club, Hebden Bridge. £5.50, closing date: 6^th Feb. No entries on day. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk Full body cover, map, compass, whistle and emergency food must be carried for either events above. No kit, no run.

SUN FEB 26^th ILKLEY MOOR FELL RACE. AS. 11.30am. 5m/1260’ from Wells Road, Ilkley. £3 on day. Website: www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk

SAT MARCH 4^th NOON STONE FELL RACE. AM. 12 noon. 9m/2300’ from Brisk Inn, Lumbutts, Todmorden. £3.50 on day. Website: www.todharriers.co.uk

SAT MARCH 11^th. HALF TOUR OF PENDLE. AM. 11am. 9m/2250’ from Barley Village, near Burnley. £2.50 to organiser by 4^th March. Website: www.clayton-le-moors-harriers.co.uk

SUN MARCH 12^th. IAN ROBERTS FELL RACE. BM. 11.00pm 7m from Marsden Cricket Club. £3 on day. Website: www.holmfirthharriers.com

SAT MARCH 11^th. WUTHERING HIKE (Haworth Hobble). BL. 8am. 31m/4400’ from Westfield Lodge, Moorside Lane, Oxenhope. £18 teams of 2 or £10 solo. Entry on official entry form. Full kit to be carried. Bring mug for drinks en route. Hot meal at finish, showers/changing. Website: www.kcac.co.uk

SAT MARCH 11^th TINA HORN MEMORIAL “WINDMILL WIZZ” BM. 11.30 am. 6 miles/800’ from Ogden Reservoir, Causeway Foot, off A629 Halifax-Keighley Road. £4 on day. Website: www.halifaxharriers.co.uk

SAT MARCH 25^th MIDGLEY MOOR FELL RACE. AS. 11am. 5m/1250’ from Booth Cricket Club, Booth, Halifax. £3.50 on day. Website: www.cvfr.co.uk

No more Bunnies!!!

The greatly loved (free cream egg and prizes of Easter Eggs!!) Bunny Runs from Harden Moor which usually take place the 4 Tuesdays in April will NOT take place in 2006. This is because the pub (Guide Inn) is not available for registration and prizegiving. This is really sad for the fell fixture list as these have been well attended local races which were accessible to all levels, and these races have been lovingly organised by Dave & Eileen Woodhead for many, many years.

Baildon Boundary Way- 2^nd April

This race is now full to runners but hopefully you all got your entries in?? If not, try the Ackworth Half on the same day. Entry forms at the club.

West Yorkshire Winter League 2005/6 season

The third event at Bramley Fall woods saw 34 runners from Idle AC, which is more than half the membership!

Ian Fisher won the race, and the men’s team packed well to push back Stainland. Donna Edmondson-Booker claimed third for the women, with new girl Hayley tenth. Idle have now climbed to 4^th place in the overall team positions. The overall team results after three races are:

Men		Vets
Pudsey	3913	Dewsbury	1429
LBT	3857	LBT	1361
Dewsbury	3733	Pudsey	1355
Idle A C	3574	St. Bede's	1267
Stainland	3527	Idle A C	1238
St. Bede’s	3073	Stainland	1227
Baildon	2936	Baildon	1198
Skipton	2325	Skipton	1023
Women		Overall
Dewsbury	887	LBT	4695
LBT	838	Pudsey	4655
Stainland	803	Dewsbury	4620
Idle A C	797	Idle A C	4371
Pudsey	742	Stainland	4330
Baildon	724	St. Bede’s	3770
St. Bede’s	697	Baildon	3660
Skipton	451	Skipton	2776

The remaining fixtures are:

Date Host club Venue

4. Jan 29th Baildon Runners Tong Park, Baildon.

5. Feb 19th Stainland Lions Possible new course from Heath Rugby Club.

All are 11am starts. Full details will be circulated to members prior to each event. The WYWL Presentation Night, hosted by Stainland Lions will take place on Friday 10^th March. Further details to follow.

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 Cross Country Final and the 2^nd Combined Team can enter the Plate Race at the National Final which will take place at Nottingham on 19^th March 06. Further details will be circulated prior to each event.

WYWL Fourth Fixture at Baildon:

The fourth WYWL race is hosted by Baildon Runners at 11 AM on 29^TH January 2006. The venue is at Baildon Rugby club direction details as below.

There are changing rooms, shower facilities and car parking.

Afterwards there will be food available.

The race start is about 5 minutes run from the club so please allow time to reach it.

RACE START & FINISH

At the Rugby & Cricket Sports Club, Baildon, not far from the village centre. From the roundabout in the centre of the village go uphill passing the Malt Shovel pub on the right and take the first right, after the Co-op car park, into Jenny Lane. The entrance to the Sports Club is 300m on the left as the road sweeps right. The course is approx 8k all off road.

London Marathon 2006 - 23^rd April

Adrian Trevelyan and Stephen Edwards were the worthy winners of the draw for the club’s two London marathon entries. They will join Laura Brook, Jo Belcher, Simon Bellwood and Davina Smith who also have London entries.

15 mile Champ…

Congratulations to Pete Helliwell who was recently presented with a trophy after finishing 2^nd M40 at the 15 mile Yorkshire Veterans championship race which forms part of the Holmfirth 15 mile race. Well done Pete.

4^th Annual Sewage Works Surprise Club Handicap Race: Sunday 18^th December:

Position	Name	Mile	3.75 Mile	Start	Time	Actual
			Handicap
Champ!	Jane Lewis	9.71	36.43	0.00	35.29	35.29
2	Chris Stubbs	6.00	22.49	14.10	36.05	21.55
Top Nun!	Amy Harrison	9.48	35.57	0.52	36.10	35.18
2nd Nun!	Kay Gambles	9.48	35.57	0.52	36.15	35.23
3	Richard Lyons	6.23	23.38	13.03	36.15	23.12
4	Gary Naylor	7.04	26.39	10.02	36.24	26.22
5	Peter Hilliard	6.43	24.09	12.20	36.31	24.11
6	Amnuay Scott	7.42	27.82	8.36	36.36	28.00
7	Adrian Trevelyan	6.23	23.38	13.03	37.26	24.23
8	David Lewis	6.27	23.52	12.56	37.35	24.39
9	Ana Lincoln	8.03	30.12	6.19	37.54	31.35
10	Tracey Stoneman	7.65	28.68	7.45	38.00	30.15
11	Steve Little	6.43	24.09	12.20	38.05	25.45
12	Dave Currie	7.19	26.96	9.28	38.10	28.42
13	Davina Smith	7.65	28.68	7.45	38.37	30.52
14	Dave Dewhirst	7.95	29.83	6.36	39.12	35.36
Ex Champ!	Stephen Edwards	6.35	23.81	12.37	39.31	26.54
16	Peter Helliwell	6.20	23.23	13.30	40.00	35.00

From The Champ….

I can’t begin to tell you how good it is to be leading from the front Paula Radcliffe style instead of staring at people’s bums all the way round a race.

That is what makes a handicap race such fun – it is the only time the slowest person and the fastest person are competing on a level playing field – or a hilly sewage works tour in this case!

I’m not known for being upfront and strident in my athletic career so it was with great astonishment and joy that I managed to snatch the toilet seat trophy from under the bottom of the mighty Chris Stubbs by thirty seconds.

I’d done a recce the week before because I’d never attended the Christmas handicap race before and had no idea where it went. I knew I would be setting out first because hey – there is no-one slower than me! Although I had been told there would be marshals on the course I was still really worried I would get lost.

I completed the circular route in 39 minutes, so having the Lewis name yet again on the trophy was looking somewhat a pipe dream, especially when I learnt on the morning of the race that Chris had me down to do it in 36 minutes.

However, my friend Liz had made me a Mother Christmas outfit and I was determined to give it a blast no matter what – although I was wittering that the rain might dampen my fluffy fur trim if not my spirits! So I lined up with all the other maniacs on that freezing cold morning a week before Christmas Day.

As I was running down The Avenue past the sewage works I met a few people walking their dogs and shouted out Good Morning. They looked a little startled to see a lone Mother Christmas being strangled by a cape that was already spinning round and tightening its bow around my neck, but nonetheless cheerily returned my greetings.

As I turned right up the track through Gill Wood I took it very steady. Hills are not exactly my forte! I always look like a Christmas toy that has had its battery plucked out by a curious toddler, so I was pretty certain I was going to get overtaken up the hill.

However, I had a couple of fast-living nuns panting behind me so I kept my head down and just ploughed on. I felt flushed with success having reached the top of the hill and negotiated the bend still at the front. However, as I started the long descent down Apperley Lane the lead was snatched from me by Amy, the promising 17 year-old from the Wednesday group. It was like a starting gun had gone off in my head. I kicked back and ran like a demon all the way down the hill without daring to look back.

Halfway down the hill Trevor met me on his bike and I almost leapt on it, but resisted the temptation and carried on unable to speak – or barely breathe at this point!

Trevor spurred me on shouting “It’s not far now – there’s quite a gap – it’s not far now!”

Actually Chris was closing up the gap with an astonishing turn of speed down that hill and I had absolutely no idea. I think his extra large orange shorts were propelling him along.

Chris Smith had worked out his timings well as the fastest person and the slowest person were battling to cross the finishing line first. I had to charge like a demented rhino and make myself feel sick to knock a minute off my expected time and sniff the (sweet!) success of claiming that toilet seat.

However, it was a great feeling as I know I don’t have a chance in hell of ever winning a race again. The only trouble is – where am I going to put the damn thing!

- The ‘Champ’, Jane Lewis.

Race entry forms.

Just a reminder that although we have race entry forms at the club (race entries folder) a quick way of getting entry forms (and results) is via the UK Results site. This is an excellent site run by John Schofield which contains loads of useful running stuff. The website address is: www.ukresults.net. Alternatively follow the links from our website: Go into events and results page, current events, click on the ‘full uk results service’ at the bottom of the page.

What 2006 has to offer Idle AC.

Once again we achieved a huge amount in 2005. We hope to build on our success and continue to offer a great deal in 2006. 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. In addition we now offer additional monthly coached sessions on the 1^st Wednesday in every month (at 6.30pm). 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 fourth Annual General Meeting in April.

We will be encouraging members to support the charity Keswick to Barrow 40 mile event in May. In addition we’ll continue to encourage members to race at a variety of distances, especially the races that form the 2006 club race listed events. Once again we hope to support the Black Sheep Series and the John Carr Series.

In addition to running events there will be ‘social’ events such as the WYWL Presentation evening on 10^th March hosted by Stainland Lions (details later).

However the highlight of 2006 will be our hosting of the 2^nd Idle Trail race on Sunday 16^th July. We will need the whole club (plus family and friends) to make it a success- please ensure everyone is available.

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 2006. If you want something done - see a committee member: Davina Smith, Martin Burnside, Chris Smith, Steve Little or Kay Gambles

New Members

This month we welcome 2 new members – Hayley Atkinson-Windsor and Hannah Peacock. Hayley lives locally and met the club at the Apperley Bridge Canter last summer. She hopes that by joining a club she’ll become a more competitive runner and triathlete.

Hannah started running with the Wednesday night group after hearing about the club from Partner Sam who occasionally joins the Tuesday coached sessions. Hannah runs first claim for Otley AC but is keen to join in club activities. Both Hayley and Hannah joined the 34 strong Idle team for the cross country at Bramley.

Black Sheep Brewery Race Series 2006.

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 5 out of 6 races, 3 x 10k's plus the 10 mile and 1/2 marathon. Runners who complete the required races will be awarded with a personalised plaque including their name, total time and position.
Category winners will be presented with Age Group Plaques plus prize vouchers.
Prizes and plaques will be awarded to the first five 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 14th, from Ripon Cricket Club.
Melmerby 10k: On Sunday May 28th, from the village of Melmerby.
Kirkby Malzeard: On Saturday June 3^rd, from the village of Kirkby Malzeard.
Rainton 10k: On Sunday June 25th, from the village of Rainton.
Burn Valley Run: On Saturday July 1st, from the market town of Masham.
Burton Leonard 10k: On Sunday July 23rd, 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 14^th April 06 or when the series limit of 220 is reached. For news and results visit: www.blacksheeprunners.co.uk The Black Sheep series is highly recommended by members of Idle AC. Lots of the events involve fun runs for the children and are generally good days out.

Keswick to Barrow event: Saturday 6^th May 06

The Keswick to Barrow Walk is a 40 mile sponsored stroll through some of the country’s finest landscapes. The route starts on the southern side of the Lake District town of Keswick and winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery to the Victorian town of Barrow in Furness on the coast of the Irish Sea. Some of my work colleagues did it last year & thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it is something that could be done by members of Idle AC as a change from runs like the Blackpool event. It’s a long way I know but you do not have to run it all, after all it’s classed as a “walk”.

It is essentially a “sponsored walk” but there is no minimum amount of sponsorship demanded & there is no entry fee! The idea is that you get a team together of up to 10 people & between you raise some money for a given charity. The size of the team isn’t important nor is the amount of cash raised. There are checkpoints along the way with food & drinks available (at a small cost). Alternatively we can have someone with a “support vehicle” with sandwiches & energy drinks etc if there’s interest & a willing driver amongst us.

As a guide, last year there were 1008 entries with the slowest time being 16hrs 40mins. If you do manage to run it all you will get inside the top 50 with a time of around 6hrs 45mins. The winning male last year did it in a time of 4hrs 42mins & the winning lady’s time was 5hrs 50mins. I believe that Idle AC could attain some very good results & end up with a good team prize to boot.

For further info look at their excellent website at: http://www.keswick2barrow.co.uk/home.asp

As the race is on the Saturday you will need to be there very early or better still stay overnight in or near Keswick. There’s a good camp site called Castlerigg Farm that charges £12 per night. Their details can be found on http://www.castleriggfarm.com/

I’m just trying to establish whether there’s any interest at this point so if anyone is remotely interested in “having a go” then drop an email to:- martin@idleac.co.uk

This is not a commitment to go but I would like a rough idea of numbers at this stage.

If anyone wants any further info & can’t find it on the website, then again drop me an email & I’ll find out for you – Martin.

There is definite interest in this event from club members. Please write your name on the notice board at the club if you are interested.

From The Coach…

Kent’s Gymnasium can be a depressing place. At the times when I can go, there are rows of empty machines, and the writhing semi-naked female dancers on the giant screen pout at rows of absent members. I was making a feeble attempt at a speed session on a stationary bike last week, when a man climbing the stairs caught my eye and kept looking, in the way that people do when they recognise someone. He came towards me.

“You don’t remember me, do you?” he said. I wasn’t sure, but I suspected he was a carpet fitter. “I used to run with you at Eccleshill a few years ago.” He asked about the club, and I told him the tale of Idle AC. He sounded keen, and said he only lived on All Alone – quite handy. I encouraged him as I always do in such situations, and asked what he did for a living. “Oh I’m a floor layer, a carpet fitter,” he responded. He’s diversified. I remembered him – he gave us a decent gas heater for the old clubhouse, but his work prevented him from continuing. They get bad knees, carpet fitters.

It occurred to me that there are many people who leave, and then come back to running. The urge to run must be preset at birth, and inescapable through life, for certain people. So after eighteen years on the local circuit, I’m meeting again people who started running in the boom of the eighties, and who were around when I affiliated Eccleshill Road Runners in 1989. One shining example is Peter Hilliard. To many he may just seem to be a promising new member, but we have photos of him completing the old Thornton Bradford Half Marathon fully fifteen years ago in Eccleshill colours in a highly respectable time. At about the same time a certain Tony Blythe gave us £10 for a club vest, got injured, and stopped running. We owed him that money for seven years, until a mutual friend asked if he might have it back. Both have seen their running careers reborn, though Tony’s current vest cost a little more.

Therefore it is obvious that a distance runner is a type of person, who is born, not made. Yet in the departure and return of the natural runners among us, we see the swing of work-life balance. It’s lately become a commonly used phrase, and I guess we are lucky in comparison with our ancestors in that we can discuss it at all.

The point I intend to reach is simple (for once!). We have a sport – an activity or pastime, which will wait patiently for us whilst we work horrendous hours at a new and exciting career; it may fade into insignificance when we discover that the person that we have fallen in love with is more important than anything in the entire known universe; it will remain in the background whilst we start families and raise children; it may not seem so important when we become disaffected or injured, or angry that some people bring politics into everything. Yet at the very moment when our situation changes, and time will always see priorities shift, it is there, and gently reminds us that we should start again.

Conversely, if we choose at any stage to concentrate on it, to apply ourselves for a spell in our lives, then it will pay us back in terms of personal achievement which is directly related to personal effort. My belief is that our sport is unique in that respect. If at any time we choose to run more, and run more quickly than we did before, then the mental and physical benefits are inevitable. If I were to put a similar effort into a technical sport like table tennis or golf, then the effects would be negligible – I just don’t have the talent or the mentality. Yet in distance running I can quite simply make my heart and lungs more efficient, I can control my bodyweight and tone my muscles in the most natural way possible, since human beings are designed to run. Furthermore, I can positively influence my mental state through the release of endorphins, the exercise induced chemicals which produce a natural high.

Whatever the standard or speed at which I run, this will happen to me. And if at any time in my life I am prevented from doing this, it matters little. As soon as I am able to, I can begin again, and the positive process will begin again too. If I can retain some element of distance running at all throughout my life, then I can take comfort in the fact, proved by statistics, that unlike the rows of absent gymnasium members, I am ten times less likely to die before my time. – Chris.

Current Men’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Joe Marjoram	17.08
	M40	Simon Bellwood	18.30
	M45	David Lewis	18:46
	M50	Trevor Hooley	21.22
5 Miles	Open	Doug Briggs	29:43
	M40	Chris Stubbs	31.06
	M45	Richard Lyons	33.22
	M50	Trevor Hooley	38.42
10 Km	Open	Douglas Briggs	36.13
	M40	Chris Stubbs	38.32
	M45	Dave Lewis	38:57
10 Miles	Open	Joe Marjoram	1:01:22
	M40	Chris Stubbs	1:05:14
	M45	Steve Little	1:08:54
	M50	Trevor Hooley	1:20:04
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	2:17:26
	M45	Richard Lyons	2:34:51
Marathon	Open	Chris Smith	3:04:12
	M40	Simon Bellwood	3:02:18
	M45	Richard Lyons	3:36:15
	M50	Trevor Hooley	4:15:08

Current Women’s Club Records

Distance	Category	Name	Time
5 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	19:03
	F40	Laura Brook	22.04
	F45	Kay Gambles	20.59
5 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	34:57
	F45	Kay Gambles	40.03
	F50	Ana Lincoln	43.13
10 Km	Open	Donna Edmondson	42:33
	F45	Kay Gambles	47:11
	F50	Ana Lincoln	52:39
10 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:13:00
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:16:50
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1.32.38
Half Marathon	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:33:22
	F40	Kay Gambles	1:51:00
	F45	Kay Gambles	1:44:44
	F50	Ana Lincoln	1:53:27
15 Miles	Open	Donna Edmondson	1:50:54
15 Miles	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
	F45	Laura Brook	4:07:42