Results for January to June 2019

  • 7th Jack Fitzgerald Walks, 22 June 2019, Tilgate Park, Crawley 23-06-19 
  • Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk Championships, 11 June 2019, Battersea Park 24-06-19 
  • Old Deer Parkrun 8 June 2019 9-06-19 
  • VAC 10 mile Championships, Dorking, 2 June 2019 3-06-19 
  • Vitality Westminster Mile, BMAF I MILE Championships, 26 MAY 2019 27-05-19 
  • VAC members at the Virgin Money London Marathon, 28 April 2019 5-05-19 
  • Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk, 16 April 2019, Battersea Park 24-04-19 
  • Veterans AC, Surrey, Herts and Middlesex 10k Track Championships, Battersea Park, London SW11 10 April 2019 15-04-19 
  • World Masters Athletics Championships Indoors, Torun, Poland, 24-30 March 2019 4-04-19 
  • BMAF Indoor Track & Field Championships, Lee Valley 9 & 10 March 2019 15-03-19 
  • Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 9 March 2019 14-03-19 
  • East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 March 2019 3-03-19  
  • Marshes parkrun, 16 February 2019 24-03-19 
  • VAC Indoor Track and Field Championships. Lee Valley,  17 February 2019 23-02-19 
  • Southern Counties Veterans AC Indoor Champs (incorporating VAC Championships 3k walk), Lee Valley 10 February 2019 6-03-19 
  • Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 9 February 2019 14-02-19 
  • VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common 19 January 2019 28-01-19 
  • Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott Woods, 12 January 2019 20-01-19 

7th Jack Fitzgerald Walks, 22 June 2019, Tilgate Park, Crawley RH10 5EU
Category B Permit No: RWA9077-1

Men’s 10.325 km

1. Trevor Jones

M60

Steyning

59:52

2. Jimmy Ball

M55

Steyning

1:00:33

3. Mark Culshaw

M50

EMAC

1:05:58

4. Dan Maskell

M70

SyWC

1:09:47

5. David Kemp

M60

Arena 80

1:09:52

6. Steve Cartwright

M60

Colchester & Tendring

1:13:24

7. John Killick

M70

Steyning

1:13:25

8. David Hoben

M65

SyWC

1:15:43

9. Arthur Thomson

M80

Enfield

1:18:27

Women’s 10.325 km

1. Emily Ghose

U23W

Tonbridge

1:01:26

2. Penelope Cummings

W40

AFD

1:01:28

3. Melanie Peddle

W50

Loughton

1:03:27

4. Grazia Manzotti

W45

Tonbridge

1:04:14

5. Geraldine Legon

W60

Bexley

1:17:47

Men’s 5.9 km

1.=Peter Selby

M75

SyWC

48:02

1.=Peter Hannell

M75

SyWC

48:02

Women’s 5.9 km

1. Andrea Ingram

W60

Lewes

38:26

2. Judith Carder

W60

Brighton & Hove

42:07

Men’s 4.425 km

1. Nolan Simmons

M75

SyWC

 37:06

Boys 1.475km

1. =Ollie Hopkins

U20M

Lewes

08:18

1. =Charlie Perry

U11B

Lewes

08:18

3. Lewis Burr

U13B

Tonbridge

09:39

4. Harvey Perry

U13B

Lewes

10:19

Girls 1.475km

1. Rosie Gaughan

U13G

Lewes

09:57

REPORT

Veterans AC were pleased to host the seventh running of this event on a lakeside course once used as the test bed for Britain's water speed record round popular beauty spot Campbell's lake in what can only be described as perfect June weather.

On the start line ages ranged from 9 year old Charlie Perry (Lewes AC), to prolific veterans record breaker Arthur Thomson (Enfield AC) recently turned 83. Charlie was mentored round the circuit by Ollie Hopkins (Lewes AC) who is presently recovering from an injury and regularly supports VAC fixtures; all at VAC wish him well on his road to full fitness

In the headline race over 10.325 km VAC were pleased to welcome back Trevor Jones from Steyning AC on his first win at this event; all the ladies achieved good results, in particular Emily Ghose (Tonbridge AC) with her first win on this event, from the same club new signing Grazia Manzotti will be a name to watch out for in the future.

The race was held to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK, as a tribute to RAF fighter pilot Jack Fitzgerald.

Acknowledgements
Judges: Shaun Lightman (Chief), Peter Cassidy, Pauline Wilson
Starter: Ann Jones
Time keeping/lap recording: Carl Lawton, Pam Ficken, Bob Dobson
Lead cyclist: Eric Parker
Marshals: Eric Parker, Jeremy Carmichael
Signage: Ron Penfold, Dave Stevens
Hospitality: Tilgate Forest Golf Centre
From an original idea by Walter Hill, SCVAC

This event is dedicated to the memory of Jack Fitzgerald 1923-2013


Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk Championships, 11 June 2019, Battersea Park


The start: Clare Elms, Richard Tomlinson and Stuart Beaney in the lead

 
Richard Tomlinson, race winner Clare
 Elms, British W55 best


The M80 medallists: Doug Milsom, Cliff Collins, Joe Aspinall

 
Jane Georghiou, W65 Gold
 Bill O'Connor, M70 Bronze

 
Stefano Zennaro, walk winner
 Dan Maskell, VAC walk champion
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors.
Email him at
 cliffhide10@aol.com

5M Road race

It was an evening of fine racing and new records. Clare Elms set a W55 British 5M record. Her time of 29:05 also shattered Marilyn Clarke’s VAC Women’s course record of 30:37 which has stood since 1997. Clare’s awesome run placed her fifth in the race and scored a remarkable 99.48% age grading. Penny Elliott also rewrote a VAC course record. Her top-ranked time of 41:32 set a new mark for the W75 age group, bettering Pam Jones’s time of 43:03 achieved in 2012. Gold medals were won by Lynn Wilson (W60) and Jane Georghiou (W65).

For the men, Richard Tomlinson pulled away from defending champion, Stuart Beaney, to win the race in a time of 27:29 which is a new M50 course record, beating Ben Reynolds’s previous 2015 record by one second.  In sixth place overall, David Ogden won the M60 Gold medal, with a sub 30-minute time of 29:48. Peter Giles, new to the M70 age group, won a close-fought contest with fellow top-ranked M70, Richard Piotrowski. Peter’s time of 34:19 was three seconds faster than Richard’s. Michael Johnson won the M75 Gold medal in a time which was only three seconds short of Joe Aspinall’s course record of 40:38 set in 2014. Other Gold medallists were Martin Daoud (M55), Terry O’Neill (M65), Cliff Collins (M80) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85).

Here are the Age-Graded results, with Clare Elms topping the table.

This was the second qualifying race for the Battersea Park Grand Prix for VAC members. To be eligible, members must register times in at least three of the five road races. The person with the highest average of his or her three best age-graded performances will be awarded the Snow Cup. Top of the table is Penny Elliott (W75) whose average over the two matches is 91.65%. Stuart Beaney (M45) is in second place with 84.12%, fractionally ahead of Terry O’Neill (M65) with 83.73%.

5 Mile Road Race
Race Position Time Name Age Group Age Gp Position VAC Medal BMAF/Guest Medal First Claim Club
1 27:29 Richard Tomlinson M50 1 Gold Medway and Maidstone AC
2 27:48 Stuart Beaney M45 1 Gold Kent AC
3 28:09 Ian Johnston M50 2 Silver Veterans AC
4 28:21 Jonathan Ratcliffe M50 3 Bronze Herne Hill Harriers
5 29:05 Clare Elms W55 1 Gold Dulwich Runners AC
6 29:48 David Ogden M60 1 Gold South London Harriers
7 30:06 Graeme Drysdale M50 4 Bronze Striders of Croydon
8 30:14 Robbie Cox M35 1 Gold Woodford Green With EL
9 31:11 Malcolm Davies M50 5 The Stragglers Running Club
10 31:58 Martin Daoud M55 1 Gold Ealing Southall & Midd AC
11 32:16 Dennis Gorman M40 1 Gold London Frontrunners
12 32:57 Tom Cheetham M50 6 Hercules Wimbledon
13 33:15 Terry O'Neill M65 1 Gold Belgrave
14 33:23 Enda Kiernan M45 2 Silver St Finbarrs, Ireland
15 33:32 Peter Hall M60 2 Silver West 4 Harriers
16 34:16 Ange Norris W55 2 Silver Dulwich Runners AC
17 34:19 Peter Giles M70 1 Gold Hercules Wimbledon
18 34:22 Richard Piotrowski M70 2 Silver South West Veterans AC
19 34:48 Robert Nagorski M55 2 Silver Herne Hill Harriers
20 36:45 Tom Morris M60 3 Bronze Hercules Wimbledon
21 37:03 Lynn Wilson W60 1 Gold Ealing Southall & Midd AC
22 37:22 Andrew Gardiner M60 4 Kent AC
23 39:09 Mike Mann M70 3 Silver Dulwich Runners AC
24 39:18 Jane Georghiou W65 1 Gold Farnham Runners
25 39:21 David Hallson M65 2 Silver Road Runners Club
26 40:38 Sarah Allen W55 3 Bronze Herne Hill Harriers
27 40:42 Michael Johnson M75 1 Gold Thames Hare and Hounds
28 41:32 Penny Elliott W75 1 Gold Waverley Harriers
29 41:40 Liz Ainsworth W40 1 Gold Ealing Eagles
30 41:57 Colin Harris M60 5 Wimbledon Windmilers
31 44:37 Cliff Collins M80 1 Gold Veterans AC
32 45:22 Doug Milsom M80 2 Silver Hillingdon AC
33 45:22 John Grigg M65 3 Silver Fulham Running Club
34 45:49 Karen Gedge W50 1 Gold Bungay Black Dog RC
35 47:26 Bill O'Connor M70 4 Bronze Queens Park Harriers
36 48:45 Joe Aspinall M80 3 Bronze Veterans AC
37 54:32 Edwin Bartlett M70 5 Veterans AC
38 57:25 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles M85 1 Gold Sevenoaks AC



Veterans AC 5m Race Walk Championships,11 June 2019, Battersea Park, London
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA9041-2

The second fixture of the season had a lower than expected attendance due to proximity of other events, on a cloudy evening where rain had been forecast but scarcely appeared, giving an ideal temperature for racing.

VAC were pleased to report a new men's winner, Belgrave’s Stefano Zennaro and also a new VAC championship winner, Dan Maskell from Surrey Walking Club.

In addition, Stefano chopped over two minutes off his PB.

Maureen Noel also from Belgrave and Mark Culshaw did their usual respectable times.

Officials:
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
Starter: Dennis Williams
Timekeepers: David Harris, Cate Berry
Recorders: Carl Lawton, Tom Richards, Ian Isherwood, Nolan Simmons
Walk Judges: John Hall, Shaun Lightman
Entries: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Anna Garnier
Marshals: Martin Berry, Andy Murray
Drinks station: Anna Garnier, Mike Mann
Results: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Cate Berry
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Alison Jones

1 Stefano Zennaro (G) M45 Belgrave 46:12
2 Dan Maskell [1] M70 Surrey WC 52:41
3 Mark Culshaw (G) M50 EMAC 52:41
4 Maureen Noel [1] W55 Belgrave 53:17
5 David Hoben [1] M65 Surrey WC 59:29
6 Paul King [2] M65 Belgrave 59:48
DNS Peter Hannell M75 Surrey WC
Square brackets denote championship placing


Old Deer Parkrun 8 June 2019


l-r John Grigg, Alan Davidson, Lesley Bowcott, Andy Murray, Ros Tabor, Patricia Thomas, Mike mann, William Fordham

Eight VAC members went to the lesser-run of the Richmond Parkruns, at the riverside Old Deer Park, for our quarterly mob meet-up. The course is just over 3 flat laps on short grass, open enough for the whole lap to be visible at all points but also exposed to strong winds when we visited. We were welcomed at the start and set off into the wind at first, recovering on the way back in a long straight section by a hedge. By the third lap we had adjusted to the conditions but were grateful to reach the finish funnel. We were interviewed and photographed for their parkrun Facebook post.

23.02 22/3w/1w50 Patricia Thomas (Ealing Southall Middlesex) age grade 76.56%
25.12 42/1m70 Mike Mann (Dulwich Runners) 69.97%
25.21 44/7w/1w65 Ros Tabor (Dulwich Runners) 86.39%
25.24 45/1m65 Andy Murray (Dulwich Runners) 66.67%
25.52 51/2m65 William Fordham (Waverly) 66.04%
27.53 76/3m65 John Grigg (Fulham) 60.13%
28.21 85/8w/1w70 Lesley Bowcott (Wimbledon Windmilers) 84.01%
34.58 123/3m70 Alan Davidson 51.72%
128 ran.


VAC 10 MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS, DORKING, SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2019

The Dorking 10 mile race was chosen for the VAC championships again this year. This time the event also incorporated the BMAF and SCVAC championships, so the number of masters athletes was probably larger than normal. It was also the Surrey 10 mile championships. The race is made up of 2 different sized loops of undulating country roads in the well-named Surrey Hills. The race headquarters is Dorking Rugby club, with their grass used as the finish area. The race is well organised by Dorking Mole Valley AC with a lead car, accurate mile markers and enough drinks stations. It was a very hot and humid morning, and conditions were tough even though the race started at 9.00.

VAC had at least 22 members running, which is an increase on last year. Several VAC members also won BMAF medals. Matthew Jones (M35), Paul Cheetham (M45), Alice Riddell-Webster (W50), and Jane Georghiou (W65) were BMAF gold medallists.

VAC awards the Ron White Shield to the member who gains the highest age graded score in the race. This year the winner was Alice Riddell-Webster whose age graded score was 88.4%.

VAC results are shown below. Masters results will be on the BMAF website:www.bmaf.org.uk. Full race results are on power of 10: www.thepowerof10.info

Age Category Winners - MEN
Age Gp Rank Bib Race Pos Name Club Gun Time Chip Time Age Grade
M35-1 675 13 Sam Rahman Ilford AC 1:02:07 1:02:07 71.5%
M35-2 623 15 Chris de Mauny Walton AC 1:03:18 1:03:17 70.5%
M35-3 671 22 Sebastian Parris Ilford AC 1:05:34 1:05:30 67.8%
M40-1 649 3 Matthew Jones Thames Hare & Hounds 0:59:08 0:59:08 77.3%
M40-2 647 11 Robert Ingoldby Guildford & Godalming AC 1:01:17 1:01:16 74.6%
M40-3 654 16 Edward Lambert South London Harriers 1:04:02 1:04:01 72.0%
M45-1 616 2 Paul Cheetham Thames Hare & Hounds 0:57:24 0:57:23 83.0%
M45-2
M45-3
M50-1 643 9 Paul Holloway Ilford AC 1:00:24 1:00:24 82.2%
M50-2 628 28 Graeme Drysdale Striders Of Croydon 1:07:08 1:07:02 74.1%
M50-3 680 41 Andrew Simms Herne Hill Harriers 1:12:35 1:12:26 70.4%
M55-1 621 34 Martin Daoud Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC 1:09:40 1:09:31 74.7%
M55-2 667 55 Robert Nagorski Herne Hill Harriers 1:22:05 1:21:48 63.5%
M55-3
M60-1 632 37 John Foss South London Harriers 1:10:14 1:10:11 76.8%
M60-2 614 67 Keith Brown Croydon Harriers 1:36:16 1:35:53 57.8%
M60-3
M65-1 674 48 Richard Pitt Thames Hare & Hounds 1:14:38 1:14:25 75.9%
M65-2 613 52 Jim Brown Woking AC 1:18:46 1:18:35 74.9%
M65-3
M70-1
M70-2
M70-3
M75-1
M75-2
M75-3
M80-1
M80-2
M80-3
M85-1
M85-2
M85-3
Age Category Winners - WOMEN
Age Gp Rank Bib Race Pos Name Club Gun Time Chip Time Age Grade
W35-1 617 38 Anri Cohen Thames Hare & Hounds 1:10:26 1:10:11 71.0%
W35-2
W35-3
W40-1
W40-2
W40-3
W45-1 695 42 Sarah Williams Veterans AC 1:12:39 1:12:29 76.5%
W45-2
W45-3
W50-1 677 21 Alice Riddell-Webster Fulham Running Club 1:05:10 1:05:02 88.4%
W50-2 683 57 Patricia Thomas Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC 1:24:06 1:23:56 70.2%
W50-3
W55-1 685 50 Catherine Ulliott Brighton & Hove AC 1:16:01 1:15:50 78.7%
W55-2
W55-3
W60-1
W60-2
W60-3
W65-1 635 58 Jane Georghiou Farnham Runners 1:26:23 1:26:06 80.6%
W65-2
W65-3
W70-1
W70-2
W70-3


Vitality Westminster Mile, BMAF I MILE Championships, 26 MAY 2019 27-05-19

For the second year VAC used the Vitality Westminster Mile as the 1 mile championships for the club.

The course is pretty flat, with a slight downhill start around 3 sides of St. James Park, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. The day is a London Olympic Heritage event: a day of mile running in different waves. These include club runners, families, parkrun, football mascots, and ex-Olympians. This year there was also a huge wave of people running and walking for a cancer charity in memory of Rose Strauss (wife of Andrew Strauss) .

These waves were followed by serious championships: BMAF and then national seniors and age groups.

This year masters men and women ran in separate races, started by Donna Fraser, ex Olympian and UKA vice president. There were 153 finishers in the men’s race and 45in the women’s, including at least 60 VAC members in the two races combined.

VAC medallists are listed below. Several of them also won BMAF medals. In addition to age group medals there were salvers awarded to the first 3 men and women on age grading. The women’s silver and bronze salvers were awarded to VAC members – Clare Elms (103.3 %) and Ros Tabor (94.8%). Clare Elms also broke the W55 world and British best for a road mile with her time of 5:09.

Full results will be available on the BMAF website www.bmaf.org.uk and power of 10 www.thepowerof10.info



Age Category Winners - MEN
Age Gp Rank Bib Race Pos Name Club Gun Time Chip Time
M35-1 16254 29 Sam Rahman Ilford AC 4:59 4:55
M35-2
M35-3
M40-1 16062 32 Jamie Mcloughlin Walton AC 4:59 4:57
M40-2 16051 35 Rich Berry Veterans AC 4:59 4:57
M40-3
M45-1 16108 13 Jeff Pyrah Hastings AC 4:46 4:45
M45-2 16061 42 Dave Cobb West 4 Harriers 5:08 5:05
M45-3 16059 73 Gavin Mackay Veterans AC 5:29 5:26
M50-1 16181 26 Steve Atkinson Brighton Phoenix 4:55 4:54
M50-2 16156 64 Malcolm Davies The Stragglers Running Club 5:22 5:19
M50-3 16160 79 Andrew Simms Herne Hill Harriers 5:31 5:29
M55-1 16109 37 Tony Tuohy Dulwich Runners AC 5:00 4:58
M55-2 16120 62 Victor Maughn Herne Hill Harriers 5:21 5:19
M55-3 16143 81 Tom Conlon Herne Hill Harriers 5:33 5:31
M60-1 16057 108 Stephen Smythe Dulwich Runners AC 6:03 5:59
M60-2 16206 111 John Barron Kent AC 6:05 6:01
M60-3 16182 112 Cliff Cole Veterans AC 6:07 6:02
M65-1 16191 126 Ronald Vialls Veterans AC 6:41 6:36
M65-2 16079 131 Martin Garrett Sudbury Court Running Club 6:57 6:51
M65-3 16095 139 Andrew Murray Dulwich Runners AC 7:45 7:41
M70-1 16249 127 Richard Bloom Herts Phoenix AC 6:44 6:39
M70-2 16164 144 William O'Connor Queen's Park Harriers 8:19 8:15
M70-3 16231 145 Alan Davidson Liss Runners 8:20 8:15
M75-1
M75-2
M75-3
M80-1 16201 140 Douglas Milsom Hillingdon AC 7:58 7:55
M80-2 16173 142 Cliff Collins Veterans AC 8:13 8:09
M80-3
M85-1 16148 148 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles Sevenoaks AC 10:58 10:51
M85-2
M85-3
Age Category Winners - WOMEN
Age Gp Rank Bib Race Pos Name Club Gun Time Chip Time
W35-1
W35-2
W35-3
W40-1
W40-2
W40-3
W45-1 16386 5 Nkki Sturzaker Herne Hill Harriers 5:37 5:36
W45-2 16303 8 Rachel Badham Veterans AC 5:40 5:38
W45-3 16337 19 Helen Davies The Stragglers Running Club 6:07 6:05
W50-1 16339 7 Lisa Thomas Hercules Wimbledon AC 5:40 5:38
W50-2 16333 15 Lisa Webb Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers 6:00 5:58
W50-3 16357 32 Patricia Thomas Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC 6:39 6:37
W55-1 16321 2 Clare Elms Dulwich Runners AC 5:10 5:09
W55-2
W55-3
W60-1 16334 27 Anna Garnier Hercules Wimbledon AC 6:29 6:27
W60-2 16347 42 Anne Lippitt Trent Park Running Club 9:11 9:07
W60-3
W65-1 16361 36 Ros Tabor Dulwich Runners AC 6:59 6:56
W65-2 16359 37 Avril Riddell Serpentine RC 7:00 6:57
W65-3 16315 38 Jane Georghiou Farnham Runners 7:17 7:14
W70-1
W70-2
W70-3



Veterans AC 5M Road Race and Race Walk, 16 April 2019, Battersea Park


The start

 
Stuart Beaney, 1st man
  Sue McDonald, 1st woman

 
Bob Bradbury, top ranked M65
  Penny Elliott, top ranked W75

 
William Fordham
  Melanie Peddle, Stefano Zennaro

Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Email him at cliffhide10@aol.com

5M Road race 

The new 3.5 lap course on Wandsworth Council’s “approved route”, coupled with favourable, cool, weather conditions, inspired fine performances in the first race of the 2019 series. Stuart Beaney (M45) won in a fast time of 27:10, relentlessly pursued by Robin Jones, 18 seconds behind. Sue McDonald was the first woman, following up her recent medal winning performances in the World Masters Indoor Championships in Poland, by shattering the W50 Battersea Park 5M record of 32:49 set by Carol Bowker in 2011. Sue’s time of 30:45 was only eight seconds short of the all-time fastest 5M women’s time set at Battersea by Marilyn Clarke as a W40 in 1997.

Bob Bradbury of SCVAC was also in record-breaking form. His time of 29:31 set an M65 Battersea Park 5M all-comers record, ahead of the 29:58 mark set by Ron Higgs way back in 1998. Bob’s remarkable time also places him at the top of runbritain’s list of All Time M65 5M performances.

Other notable performances were from Tony Tuohy (M55) and Penny Elliott (W75) whose times were not far off matching the 5M records set by Gary Ironmonger in 2018 and Pam Jones in 2012.

This was the first qualifying race for the Battersea Park Grand Prix for VAC members. To be eligible, members must register times in at least three of the five road races. The person with the highest average of his or her three best age-graded performances will be awarded the Snow Cup. Top of the table is Tony Tuohy (M55) whose time equated to a 90.25% age grading. Sue McDonald (W50, 89.70%) is in second place, followed by Penny Elliott (W75, 89.51%) in third.

Here are the Age-Graded results. 

 

5M Road Race
Race Position Time Name Age Group Age Gp Pos VAC, BMAF or Guest First Claim Club
1 27:10 Stuart Beaney M45 1 VAC Kent AC
2 27:28 Robin Jones M45 2 VAC Herne Hill Harriers
3 27:59 Simon Thompson M35 1 VAC Herne Hill Harriers
4 28:02 Tony Tuohy M55 1 VAC Dulwich Runners AC
5 28:31 Jonathon Ratcliffe M50 1 SCVAC Herne Hill Harriers
6 28:42 Terry Booth M50 2 VAC Guildford & Godalming AC
7 28:56 David Williamson M50 3 Guest Tadworth AC
8 29:31 Bob Bradbury M65 1 SCVAC Woking AC
9 30:42 Mark Jefford M50 4 VAC London Heathside
10 30:45 Sue McDonald W50 1 VAC South London Harriers
11 31:55 Melissah Gibson W35 1 Guest Ealing Eagles
12 32:40 Simon Reid M40 1 OPEN City of Sheffield & Dearne AC
13 32:45 Kay Trinder W50 2 WMA Woking AC
14 32:53 Terry O'Neill M65 2 VAC Belgrave Harriers
15 33:53 Tom Cheetham M50 5 VAC Hercules Wimbledon
16 34:45 Richard Pitt M65 3 VAC Thames Hare & Hounds
17 35:15 Dennis Gorman M40 2 NIMAA London Frontrunners
18 37:02 Liam O'Hare M70 1 VAC Barnet & District AC
19 37:27 Patricia Thomas W50 3 VAC Ealing Southall & Middlesex
20 37:35 Soraya Bux W40 1 VAC Handy Cross Runners
21 40:26 David Hallson M65 4 Guest Road Runners Club
22 40:29 William Fordham M65 5 VAC Veterans AC
23 40:32 Marion Rayner W65 1 VAC West 4 Harriers
24 40:33 Sarah Allen W55 1 VAC Herne Hill Harriers
25 41:02 Piers Keenleyside M60 1 Guest Ealing Eagles
26 42:13 Wayne Gibson M55 2 Guest Unattached
27 43:22 Dan Maskell M70 2 VAC Veterans AC
28 43:24 Doug Milsom M75 1 VAC Hillingdon AC
29 43:31 Penny Elliott W75 1 VAC Waverley Harriers
30 45:53 John Grigg M65 6 VAC Fulham Running Club
31 46:24 Maurice Marchant M70 3 VAC Tonbridge AC
32 47:50 Alan Davidson M70 4 VAC Liss Runners
33 49:55 Joe Aspinall M80 1 VAC Veterans AC
34 52:53 Jennifer Gibson W55 2 Guest Unattached
35 55:11 Ed Bartlett M70 5 VAC Veterans AC
36 56:05 Richard Pitcairn-Knowles M85 1 VAC Sevenoaks AC
37 59:54 Brennie Gabbidon W40 2 VAC Ilford AC

 

Race Walk
Category B
Race Permit No: RWA9041-1

1 David Annetts M50 (N Herts RR)           38:47
2 Melanie Peddle W50 (G) (EMAC/Loughton)   48:33
3 Stefano Zennaro M45 (G) (Belgrave)       48:34
4 Maureen Noel W55 (Belgrave)              51:50
5 Tom Casserley M80 (Enfield)              55:47
6 Shaun Lightman M75 (Surrey WC)           56:47
7 Paul King M65 (Belgrave)                  57:44
8 Mick Harran M80 (Surrey WC)              58:20
9 David Hoben M65 (Surrey WC)              58:23

DNS Peter Hannell M75 (Surrey WC)

The first fixture of the season had a reasonable start in higher temperatures than of late on a slightly humid overcast evening.

Dave Annetts from N Herts RR achieved another good win with a new pb in the times we have come to expect from him, and Melanie Peddle, Loughton AC continued her good form to win for the ladies in only a second outside her pb.

Belgrave’s Stefano Zennaro who was the newest walker on the start line also achieved a new pb with plenty to look forward to in the future.

The remainder of the field achieved reasonable times on the new course of three and a half laps of the Carriage Drives, which appeared to have been well accepted.

Officials:
Clerk of Course: Dennis Williams
Starter: Dennis Williams
Timekeepers: David Harris, Cate Berry
Recorders: Carl Lawton, Tom Richards, Ian Isherwood
Walk Judge: John Hall
Entries: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Cate Berry
Marshals: Martin Berry, Mike Mann
Drinks station: Maggie Statham
Results: David Hoben, Maggie Statham, Cate Berry
Photography: Cliff Hide
First Aid: Alison Jones


Veterans AC, Surrey, Herts and Middlesex 10k Track Championships, Battersea Park, London SW11 10 April 2019
 
RWA Permit No RWA9042-1 Category A


The start

 
Maddy Shott and David Annetts
  Mick Harran

Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Email him at cliffhide10@aol.com  .

The annual VAC and Counties championships took place in good racing conditions on a cold and breezy bright evening.
Dave Annetts from N Herts RR had an excellent win and also won the Herts champs for the second time.
Belgrave's Maddy Shott had another convincing ladies' win to add to her growing list; also going under the hour was Steve Allen of Barnet now resident in Spain, and Malcolm Martin from SWC who was new to this meeting.
 
Results
1 David Annetts (N Herts RR) M50 [1] 48:54.7 Herts
2 Maddy Shott (Belgrave) (G) SW 49:53.9 Surrey
3 Steve Allen (Barnet/EMAC) (G) M60 59:15.2 Herts
4 Malcolm Martin (Surrey WC/SCVAC) G M60 59:27.6 N/A
5 Maureen Noel (Belgrave) W55 [1] 1:05:40.0 Middx
6 David Bowker (Fairlands Valley/EMAC) G M60 1:12:55.6 Herts +60secs
7 Mick Harran (SWC) M80 [1] 1:13:43.1 Surrey
8 Angela Martin (Surrey WC) (G) W50 1:19:13.8 N/A
DNF Peter Hannell (Surrey WC) M75
 
 
Championship results in square brackets
County championships:
 
Herts:
Men:
D Annetts, S Allen, D Bowker
 
Middlesex
Women:
M Noel
 
Surrey
Women:
M Shott
 
Men:
M Harran
 
Acknowledgements:
Starter: Maurice Joyce
Judges: Andrew Clough (Chief), John Hall
Timekeepers: David Harris, Don Turner
Recorders: Ros Tabor, Carl Lawton, Michael Johnson, Cliff Hide, Tom Richards, Dave Hoben, Dennis Williams, Ian Isherwood, Anne Lippitt, Martin Lippitt


World Masters Athletics Championships Indoors, Torun, Poland, 24-30 March 2019


Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (1 m85) and Pam Jones (2 w80) finish at cross country
Clare Elms (1 w55, first of 4 golds and a silver), Sue McDonald (2 w50) at cross country) 
Aaron Brown wins at m35 800m

On left Paul Cheetham and Simon Baines, part of winning m45 half marathon team
Zoe Doyle wins at w40 1500m, her second gold

Nearly 60 VAC members entered the championships held in Torun as part of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team. Track races were held at the very well-appointed arena, used for an indoor grand prix meet each year and about 2k from the Unesco world heritage-recognised walled old town centre. Races were able to be well supported by spectating athletes and were very entertaining, featuring world-class performances and a few tumbles and disqualifications. Jumps were mainly in the arena, with field events held at an adjacent outdoor track and throwing hall. A few VAC members ran Torun Parkrun on the first or 2nd Saturday, on a forest trail in the eastern outskirts.

Day 1 (sun 24) saw the 3,000m finals, where VAC members Ros Tabor (w65), Clare Elms (w55) and Zoe Doyle (w40) won golds.

Day 2 featured cross country over a tricky 2k circuit (3 laps for over 70’s, 4 for the rest) with several short hills and turns in a sandy pine wood next to the track. An early winner was Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (m85), and later races featured wins by Ben Reynolds (m55) and Clare Elms. Michael Johnson (m75), Sue McDonald (w50), Lucy Woolhouse and Clare Elms (w55) were in winning GB age-group teams. Meanwhile, Ian Richards was winning the M70 3k indoor track walk with a world record.

Day 3 featured 400m finals, day 4 the 60m’s, where Allan Long won the m75’s race, and a road 10k. Aaron Brown won at m35 800m on day 5. Finals for 60m hurdles and 200m plus 10k road walks were on day 6.

Day 7 started with a half marathon, out and back initially on a dual carriageway but later featuring a road and cycle path through woods; Simon Baines and Paul Cheetham were in the winning GB team in the m45 age group. Indoors, GB won 9 of the 1500m races, including Clare Elms’ 4th w45 gold of the championships and Zoe Doyle’s second w45 win. Sue Yeomans won the w65 pole vault. 4x 200m relays and a handover to Edmonton, Canada for the worlds in 2021 completed the championships.

As well as the above gold medal performances, there were many good efforts by VAC members, often winning silver and bronze medals, including 3 individual silvers featuring two pb’s by Sue McDonald in outdoor distance events. The full championship results, including medal table with GB fourth, are available at https://wmaci2019.domtel-sport.pl

Future European and World masters championship latest details are on the BMAF website. VAC members have BMAF affiliation and are generally able to enter these championships.


BMAF Indoor Track & Field Championships, Lee Valley 9 & 10 March 2019

A large number of VAC members competed at these championships and we had many medallists, including lots of golds.
Particular highlights were Clare Elms W55 World Record in the 3000m (10:13.40), a race which also saw a M85 British Record (18:55.69) for Richard Pitcairn-Knowles. John Kirkham threw a British Record distance (5.24) in the M90 shotput.

Full results can be found on Power of 10 www.thepowerof10.info/results


Cecil Gittins Memorial Walks, Cyclopark, Gravesend, 9 March 2019

Veterans AC 2.5k/5k/10k/15k road race incorporating Enfield League

Permit No: RWA9024-1 Category B

 
George Wilkinson, 10k Winner
  Francisco Reis, 15k winner

 
Jacqueline Benson, Women's 10k winner
  Cath Duhig, Women's 15k winner

Veterans AC were pleased to host the fourth running of this event on a dedicated cycle circuit with many loops and gradients.

In all there were 34 paid entries with 28 on the line, a little down on 2018, with ages ranging from 13 to 80.

The conditions although bright, sunny and not too cold were hampered by unrelenting high winds on this very exposed course which was testing for athletes, officials and judges. Given the conditions the biggest success of the day was the ever-improving Jacqueline Benson (Ashford AC) who chopped 5 minutes off her 2018 time to win the ladies’ 10k in 1:00:07; it was also her first win.

George Wilkinson (EHAC) convincingly won the men’s 10k race in 50:58, with a margin of nearly 9 minutes ahead of the next walker, and added the win to his growing list of achievements.

The men’s 15k was won in 1:24:31 by SWC’s Francisco Reis with a commanding lead of nearly 13 minutes over the second finisher, Stuart Bennett.

For the ladies’ 15k only entry VAC were pleased to welcome Cath Duhig (Ryston Runners) who is normally resident in Spain and was in the UK on a flying visit, finishing in 1:45:00.

Centurions Stuart Bennett and Cath Duhig also competed at the busy veterans 3k indoor race at Lee Valley the next day.

The supporting races included the only other athlete to improve their 2018 time, Charlotte Wallis (AFD) in the 2.5k, where Jonny Ellerton (Blackheath) completed his furthest distance. Meanwhile in the ladies’ 5k race, won by Isabelle Bridge (Blackheath), it was also her club colleague Abi Smith’s first attempt at that distance.

Other first timers were Belgrave’s Stefano Zennaro with his first 10k in 1:03:23; going under the hour is now a very real prospect, while Centurion aspirant Don Arthurs (Ashford) finished in his first road race in the sport over any distance with a baptism of fire in the 15k.

VAC are grateful to Ron Wallwork for allowing this race to be incorporated in the Enfield League series.

Thank you all for supporting the event whether as competitor, official or judge.

RESULTS
DNS Lois Carty U15W AFD
Chris Edwards M70 Surrey WC
Peter Hannell M75 Surrey WC
Helen Middleton W55 Ashford
Kathy Crilley W70 Surrey WC
Arthur Thomson M80 Enfield & Haringey
2.5k
F
1 Charlotte Wallis U15G AFD 14:58
M
1 Jonathan Ellerton U15B Blackheath & Bromley H 18:40
5km
F
1 Isabelle Bridge U20W Blackheath & Bromley H 29:04
2 Grace Whittingham U20W Ashford 29:09
3 Abigail Smith U15G Blackheath & Bromley H 30:14
M
1 Ron Penfold M75 Steyning 34:12
2 Tony Wilkinson M55 Unattached 35:13
3 Gary Smith M60 Enfield & Haringey 38:52
John Hall M70 Belgrave H DNF
10km
F
1 Jacqueline Benson U20W Ashford 1:00:07
2 Maureen Noel W55 Belgrave H 1:06:43
3 Lesley Hall W60 Ashford 1:08:24
4 Anne Jones W60 Steyning 1:11:04
M
1 George Wilkinson U20M Enfield & Haringey 50:58
2 Trevor Jones M60 Steyning 59:51
3 Stefano Zennaro M45 Belgrave H 1:00:48
4 Steve Kemp M55 EMAC 1:03:03
5 Chris Hobbs M60 Ashford 1:06:19
6 Tom Casserley M80 Enfield & Haringey 1:11:39
7 Malcolm Blackwood M65 Trent Park 1:12:26
8 Mick Harran M80 Surrey WC 1:15:24
9 David Hoben M65 Surrey WC 1:15:37
Andy Cox M65 Hillingdon DNF
15km
F
1 Cath Duhig W60 Ryston Runners 1:45:00
M
1 Francisco Reis M55 Surrey WC 1:24:31
2 Stuart Bennett M60 Ilford 1:37:33
3 Chris Flint M70 Surrey WC 1:48:24
4 Don Arthurs M55 Ashford 1:55:08
Mick Harran M80 Surrey WC DNF
Acknowledgements
Judges: Pauline Wilson (chief), Peter Cassidy, Shaun Lightman, Steve Cartwright
Starter: Dave Stevens
Time keeping: Peter Hannell/Maggie Statham
Lap recording: Pam Ficken/Carl Lawton
Hospitality: Cyclopark, Gravesend
First Aid: Medical Despatch


 East Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 2 March 2019 


Dan Maskell, Paddy Clark, Ian Strong, Lucy Woolhouse

Four VAC members formed a team for the second match of the East Surrey League on a firm 5 mile course in Lloyd Park. Lucy Woolhouse led the team home in an excellent time of 35:16. She was the first, and only, woman in the race. The other eligible women had run for their clubs in the earlier Surrey League races at the same venue. The results and team scores are here.


VAC Indoor Track and Field Championships.Lee Valley, 17 February 2019


Start of the 3,000m, VAC runners Ian Johnston (146), Bryan Camfield (134), Matthew Preston (120), Tony Tuohy (182)


Andy Del Nevo, M50 Pole Vault

 
Joan Trimble, W60 200m  Richard Weekes, M50 200m

 
Ed Connolly, M65 800m
  Trevor Solomon, M65 800m

 
Nikki Sturzaker (301), Lisa Webb (315), 1500m
  Jo Flowers, W50 400m
Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to competitors. Email him at cliffhide10@aol.com  .

VAC held its indoor track and field championships in conjunction with EMAC. This meant a better number of entries, but still most events, apart from sprints, were made up of athletes from more than 1 age group. Runners do not have any age-identification so it can be hard to know who is in which age group. Some events also mixed male and female athletes. This meant there was usually good competition. About 60 VAC members took part in the championships, many of whom took part in more than 1 event.

Full results are available here and also on:  www.thepowerof10.info/results and  www.bmaf.org.uk


Hackney Marshes parkrun, 16 February 2019


Caption: Richard Pitcairn-Knowles and Mark Jefford

Hackney Marshes was the venue for the VAC parkrun get-together but fixture clashes meant that the regular VAC parkrun tourists could not attend. Mark Jefford and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles competed for VAC, supported by Road Running Secretary, Dennis Williams. The course is noted for quick times and both runners posted their fastest parkrun times of the year.

Results:
35th Mark Jefford, 19:19, 1st M50, 78.26%.
322nd Richard Pitcairn-Knowles, 32:16, 1st M85, 78.05%

359 Finishers


Southern Counties Veterans AC Indoor Championships (incorporating VAC Championships 3k walk), Lee Valley 10 February 2019 

3k indoor track

Women
1 [1] Penelope Cummings Herne Hill W40 17:05.08

Men
1 [1] Arthur Thomson Enfield and Haringey AC M80 21:01.45
DNF John Hall Belgrave M70
DNS Glen Keegan Herne Hill M55

Square brackets denote position in combined race

Both Penelope Cummings and Arthur Thomson achieved championship best performance.


Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Lloyd Park, 9 February 2019 


Most of the VAC team.  Barry Attwell  ,  Gary Budinger, Ian Strong,  Lloyd Bevan, Ian Kitching, Joe Aspinall (1732), Martin Garrett,  Andy Murray, Dan Maskell, Tony Harran

 
Carey Gray, ran every match since 2011
Gary Budinger, ran in all four matches

 
Ian Kitching, top ranked M60
  Ian Strong

 
Dan Maskell, followed by Martin Garrett
  Dan Maskell, fell in the mud
Above photos from Cate Berry

Eleven VAC men lined up at Lloyd Park for the final match of the series. The rain held off but the course was tough, featuring the usual long muddy stretches and slippery hills. Barry Attwell led the team home and was the first M60 in the combined Division 3/4 race. He was followed by Ian Kitching, the first M65 and winner of the overall M60 trophy. Next was Carey Gray who extended his attendance to seven complete seasons without missing a match. His times have been remarkably consistent too. Gary Budinger also competed in every match this season. The remaining VAC runners dug deep and held their places. Unluckily, Dan Maskell tripped and fell full-length on the second lap but finished strongly and undeterred, covered in mud.

Despite having a full team, VAC finished 11th out of the 12 teams in the Division. This position was also our overall standing after the four matches.

Thanks go to Paddy Clark, the VAC team manager, for his organisation and encouragement as well as being a reliable marshal at each race.

VAC Placings, Division Four, Lloyd Park
Pos. Time Name Age Group
54 36:31 Barry Attwell M60
66 37:20 Ian Kitching M65
69 37:36 Carey Gray M55
85 39:07 Tony Harran M55
104 40:47 Lloyd Bevan M55
109 41:18 Gary Budinger M55
129 45:11 Andy Murray M65
134 46:48 Dan Maskell M70
137 48:19 Martin Garrett M65
139 50:59 Ian Strong M55
141 64:42 Joe Aspinall M80
142 finishers (285 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Lloyd Park Overall Pos.
4 matches
1 Sutton Runners 311 1
2 Tri Surrey 339 5
3 Elmbridge 340 3
4 Tadworth AC 367 2
5 Lingfield Runners 370 4
6 Windrush 512 6
7 Horley Harriers 726 7
8 British Airways 742 9
9 Holland Sports AC 754.5 8
10 Barnes Runners 850.5 10
11 VAC 859 11
12 Epsom Oddballs 1089 12

Full results of the Division 3/4 match and team placings are here.


VAC Cross Country Championships and Masters Open race, Wimbledon Common 19 January 2019 


The start. Winner, Richard McDowell (127) and 2nd placed, Paul Cheetham (149), to the fore


Richard Pitcairn-Knowles, Ann Bath, John Carter, Dan Maskell and Maurice Marchant

 
Richard McDowell, men's Champion
  Sue McDonald, women's Champion


Nikki Sturzaker, 2nd woman, and Andy Del Nevo


VAC President, Peter Torre, and Anna Garnier, W60 Champion

Above photos from Cliff Hide. Cliff has more photos and is happy to supply J-Peg copies to runners. Email him at cliffhide10@aol.com.

Fifty nine VAC members and guests competed on Wimbledon Common on a cold, overcast, afternoon. Earlier in the day, marking the course had been thwarted by tree felling alongside the Beverley Brook forcing the closure of the track and a rerouting of the course into the playing fields on the other side of the brook. The new route probably added a couple of hundred metres to the 7.5km (around 4.5 miles) course, but some said that the grassland was preferable to the alternative tree roots and mud.

Richard McDowell (M35) held off the persistent challenge of Paul Cheetham (M45) to become the Men’s Champion by a margin of 13 seconds. Robin Jones (M45) was less than 30 seconds behind in third, followed by the M55 Guest Gold medallist, Robert McHarg from SCVAC. Other Gold medallists were Dan Hallam (M40), Terry Booth (M50), Mark Tennyson (VAC M55), Steve Smythe (M60), Gerry Smith (M65), Peter Giles (M70), Doug Milsom (M75), Joe Aspinall (M80) and Richard Pitcairn-Knowles (M85).

Sue McDonald was the Women’s Champion and W50 Gold medallist in a very fast time of 30:14. Nikki Sturzaker (W45 Gold) was thirty seconds behind, followed by Lucy Woolhouse (W55 Gold). Other Gold medallists were Sue Belcher (W40), Anna Garnier (W60), Margaret Moody (W65) and Lesley Bowcott (W70).

Times were not counted for course records because of the course diversion, which is disappointing for Joe Aspinall and Sue McDonald whose times would have set new VAC M80 and W50 course records.

Race results are here.

Race results, age category positions and medallists are here.


Men’s Surrey League Cross Country, Oxshott Woods, 12 January 2019 


Most of the VAC team.  Barry Attwell  ,  Ian Strong, Dan Maskell, Lloyd Bevan,  Gary Budinger, Carey Gray, Vic Maughn, Andy Murray, Richard Batchelor,  Alan Lane, Paddy Clark


Edward Lambert, first VAC


Richard Batchelor (1702)

 
Carey Gray
  Dan Maskell


Lloyd Bevan

Above photos from Martin Berry

The third match of the Men's Surrey League took place on a tough course in Oxshott Woods with three repetitions of a steep hill which was long enough to hurt each time. Some regular runners were absent but newcomers scored well to give VAC a respectable presence. Twelve men started but bad luck and wise decisions made a final tally of eight finishers. First home for VAC was newcomer, Edward Lambert, followed by Richard Batchelor, both well up in the field.  Regulars, Carey Gray and Gary Budinger were next, closely followed by Lloyd Bevan, making his VAC Surrey League debut. Dan Maskell, usually seen race-walking, made a welcome return to the team. Ian Strong brought VAC home with his usual determination and great enthusiasm.

VAC's team were 11th out of the 12 clubs in Division 4. Overall, after three matches, we are also in 11th position. To move up the table, we need a good turnout at Lloyd Park, Croydon, on 9 February. 

VAC Placings, Division Four, Oxshott Woods

Pos. Time Name Age Group
23 34:00 Edward Lambert M40
35 35:45 Richard Batchelor M40
92 40:28 Carey Gray M55
135 44:13 Gary Budinger M55
137 44:17 Lloyd Bevan M55
154 47:20 Andy Murray M65
160 49:08 Dan Maskell M70
163 52:24 Ian Strong M55
DNF Vic Maughn M55
DNF Barry Attwell M60
DNF Peter Giles M70
DNF Alan lane M80
164 finishers (328 in combined race)
Division Four Team Results at Oxshott Woods Overall Pos.
3 matches
1 Sutton Runners 302 1
2 Elmbridge 356 3
3 Windrush 377 7
4 Lingfield Runners 452 4
5 Tadworth AC 479 2
6 Horley Harriers 594 6
7 Tri Surrey 614 5
8 Barnes Runners 658 9
9 Holland Sports AC 688 8
10 British Airways 749 10
11 VAC 902 11
12 Epsom Oddballs 1089 12


Full results of the Division 3/4 match and team placings are here.