| Date | 25-07-10 |
| Event | Harlow Essex Champs |
| Results | |
| Report | Two Harwich Runners travelled to Harlow for the Essex 10 mile championships. The course combined 8 miles on roads, pavements and cycle tracks, with 2 miles along tracks and paths. In cool temperatures and light winds Robert Reason got off to a solid start amongst the 378 strong field. He hold a top 15 position through the first mile. With the aim of a top 10 finish, Reason worked his way through to 9th position, which he held to the finish, clocking a quick 57 minutes 55 seconds. Team-mate Richard Flutter shattered his personal best by two and a half minutes, finishing 103rd in 72 minutes 31 seconds. The race winner was Adrian Whitwam from Aldershot in 54 minutes 33 seconds. By far the most impressive performance came from Bristol’s Claire Hallissey, finishing second overall in 56 minutes 2 seconds. |
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| Date | 23-07-10 |
| Event | Brantham 5 |
| Results | |
| Report | Harwich Runners were back in action the following night for the Brantham 5 mile race. The course covering roads, tracks and with a stiff climb before the final mile proved popular. Jason Meachen was again the Harwich star , placing an excellent 4th in 27 minutes 58 seconds. A rested Rob Reason was home 5th in 28 minutes 13 seconds and showed there may yet be another twist in the Meachen and Reason racing saga. Brian Herrington was right back to his best, making the short journey home with the first veteran award after clocking 28 minutes 41 seconds. For Sam Matthews is was two personal bests in two days, as he recorded 28 minutes 48 seconds. Paul McClelland clocked his quickest time of the year in 30 minutes 38 seconds, with personal bests coming from Justin Burls 32.38 and Nick Beales 34.12, The final Harwich personal bests came from Ann Piercy, dipping under the magical 40 minute barrier with 7 seconds to spare. Russell Mowle again showed he is the man in form slicing a whopping 3 minutes off his best with a time of 44 minutes 15 seconds. Other Harwich times were Gary Donoghue 34.18, Jonathan Burls 34.51, Peter Fraser Hopewell 38.40, Angela Paxon 41.55 and Martin West 42.06. |
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| Date | 22-07-10 |
| Event | Harwich 5k Race 5 |
| Results | http://www.harwichrunners.co.uk/1_5k/5k2010/race5.php |
| Report | The Harwich 5 kilometre handicap series drew to an exciting conclusion. There were 157 competitors at Cliff Park for the fifth and final race. First to finish on the night was Robert Reilly in 24 minutes 28 seconds. William Livingstone of 53-12 had struggled to find the start area, he had no problem with the finish, clocking a quick 21 minutes 15 seconds for second. Robert Roue was 3rd in 28 minutes 20 seconds.
The cool weather conditions were ideal and a slight tailwind on the long outward leg along the Dovercourt promenade, gave hope of fast times. A host of Harwich Runners turned hope into personal bests and times that were amongst the actual fastest. It was Colchester & Tendring’s Sam Clayton who was quickest in 16 minutes 20 seconds. The talented youngster’s time was 7th quickest ever in the long running series. For Harwich Jason Meachen was a little off the pace, but still an impressive second fastest in 16 minutes 41 seconds. Young Sam Matthews still has a sub 17 minute clocking to aim for next year. His time of 17 minutes 12 seconds was 3rd fastest and a good personal best. Tamara Jordan of Stowmarket clocked the 6th quickest ever women’s time of 18 minutes 6 seconds. Harwich’s Becky McCorquodale on her second run of the day, was just short of her personal best in a fine 19 minutes 40 seconds for second.
High Harwich finish positions came from newcomer Andy Farthing 6th in 24.51 and looking like there was more to come. Lauren Franklin produced one of the runs of the evening. Her time of 25.41 was a near 2 minute personal best, earning 12th place and wrapping up the women’s overall title This capped a great first year for Franklin. Diane Warner was 16th in 31.31, Russell Mowle clocked a big personal best of 25.38 in 18th and Miranda Rayner showed she is getting back to her best 30th in 26.51. The Harwich personal bests followed thick and fast: Rachel Jarvis 41st in 27.22, Angela Paxon 43rd in 24.05, veteran Nick Beales produced another of the runs of the night, placing 45th in 20.07, Ann Piercy 53rd in 23.16 and Vicky Robertson 54th in 28.17. Other personal bests came from Justin Burls 18.59, Karen Mowle 22.20, Clair Block 28.02, Dan Pearce 19.44, Nigel Buxton 18.08, Penny Barrington 25.09, Lisa Ford 27.30, Rachel Stock 24.50, Richard Flutter 20.42 and Anna Anderson 26.53.
The men’s overall title was won by Pip Warboys. Colchester Harrier’s Bill Haining and Great Bentley’s Dave Nugent shared the same amount of points in second. Russell Mowle has worked on and made great strides this year, he led the Harwich challenge in 4th overall. He was followed by Richard Flutter 10th and Dan Pearce 11th. Lauren Franklin was a popular and clear winner of the women’s title, nearly as impressive was Tracy Smith in second. Kerry Penfold was 3rd overall. High Harwich overall positions came from Vicky Robertson 5th, Penny Barrington 6th, Angela Paxon 8th and Lisa Ford 9th.
The final race in the Harwich junior handicap mile proved equally as thrilling. First to finish round the Cliff Park course was Daisy Mann in 8 minutes 2 seconds. Amy Aspinall 7.25 and Louis Crick 6.09 were 2nd and 3rd respectively. Talented Aaron Farmer 5.19 and Emily Donoghue 6.15 set the actual fastest times. Overall girl’s winner was Georgina Heskey-Jones from Nicole and Ella Hughes. Aaron Farmer sealed the boy’s overall title from Jack Cottee and Bailey Brundle.
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| Date | 20-07-10 |
| Event | Trail Run |
| Results | |
| Report | Winners of the Ramsey Church Trail run were Rob Matthews and Paul McClelland. Fast boys Jason Meachen and Matthew Knowles placed second. With Justin and Mila Burls and Dan Pearce and Tim Turner also in the prizes. A number of teams struggled to follow the route after Little Oakley church. These included Louise Papworth and Dawn Miller, having been given directions by local Dennis Warner they arrived at the finish in darkness at close to 10pm. There is talk of the of the BAA trophy already having a serious contender. Despite a few direction issues there were quite a few favourable comments on the run, which attracted 32 athletes. So there is a chance that there may be another opportunity to experience a Harwich Runners trail (adventure) run next summer.
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| Date | 18-07-10 |
| Event | St Jo's Marathon Relay |
| Results | |
| Report | On Sunday Harwich Runner took part in the annual Ekiden Relay, organised by Ipswich JAFFA running club. An Ekiden relay is a race over the marathon distance, 26.2 miles, (42.2 km) covered by a team of six runners. The distance is split into 3 legs of 5km, 2 of 10km and 1 of 7.2km.The race name, Ekiden, originated in Japan although the concept of a long distance relay race is probably not original or unique to any country. The first Ekiden race was in 1917, and was run over three days between the old Japanese capital of Kyoto and the modern capital of Tokoyo, a distance of 508 km, to celebrate the anniversary of the moving of the capital to Tokoyo. The event, now restricted to the marathon distance, has become popular all over the world.
The Harwich club entered a record number of six teams in various categories, men’s and ladies open and vets. With the recent success in the Friday Five series the hopes were high that the club might come away with some of the prizes.
The main contenders were the men’s A team consisting on Brian Herrington, (7.2k), Matthew Stafford, (5k), Robert Reason, (10k), Mark Rutter, (5k), Jason Meachen, (10k) and Sam Matthews, (5k). Brian Herrington ran the first leg, (26.13) and gave the team a good opening position of sixth place only 4 seconds behind fifth. Matthew Stafford followed and moved upto forth place, (18.49) with a three second lead. Robert Reason ran a very good 10k in 35.14 to not only hold the forth place but also to increase the lead to 66 seconds. When Mark Rutter, (5k in 18.46), finished his leg the lead had increased to 87 seconds, but now the Harwich men were only 59 seconds behind the third placed team and in with a chance of a trophy. Every Harwich Runner knows that in a situation like this there is no better man to have on your team than Jason Meachen. In the next four laps Meachen not only caught the third placed Bury St Edmund runner, he passed him and had opened up a lead of one minute fifty seconds by the time he finished in 34.25. Even a fall in the wooded section could not hold him back. The pressure was now on Sam Matthews to run the final 5k leg, Meachen had finished just two seconds behind the second place runner. Matthews started with a determind charge to try and catch the second placed Norwich Runner. What Matthews did not know was that the runner he was chasing was capable of running the second fastest time of the day on that leg. Dispite this he stuck to the task, working hard to finish in 17.54, maintaining the third place and extending the lead over the forth team to three minutes thirty nine seconds. The team had completed the marathon distance in 2 hours 31 minutes 21 seconds.
Whilst this was going on the other five Harwich teams were all battling away against teams in their categories. The Men’s Vets team also finished third in a time of 2:52:44,
This team consisted of Richard Newman, 7.2k in 29.08, Terry Smith, 5k in 21.33, Paul McClelland, 10k in 39.17, Tim Turner, 5k in 20.36, Gary Donoghue, 10k in 42.29, and Justin Burls, 5k in 19.42. The Ladies team was sixth and the Ladies Vets fifth. To add extra interest the remaining two Harwich teams were made up of runners of mixed ability, with the aim of having a close competition between the two. After four legs team “Pearce” had a lead of over five minutes. On the fifth leg Jonathan Burls ran a 44.14 10k for team “Flutter” putting his team 2 minutes 3 seconds ahead. Burls handed over to Russell Mowle to run the last 5k leg.Mowle knew that he was up against Paul Crowson who had a 5k personal best 3 minutes 28 quicker than his. Mowle ran his fastest 5k ever by 30 seconds but was to be caught in the final few hundred yards by Crowson. After 26.2 miles the two teams finished with 17 seconds of each other.
Surprisingly, considering the heat and windy conditions, A number of members set personal best. Nick Beales, 5k 20.47, Richard Flutter, 10k 44.32, Russell Mowle, 5k 26.35, Ange Paxon, 10k 52.51, Harriet Cookson, 5k 23.53, and Lauren Franklin, 5k 26.27. Also Karen Mowle set a new club record and a PB for her, 10k in 48.44.
For the Harwich club to go to an event and compete against eighty six other teams, and finish so high up. Against some of the best clubs from Norfolk, Suffolk and North East Essex, confirms that Harwich Runners are enjoying their best year for a long time.
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| Date | 09-07-10 |
| Event | Gt Bentley Friday 5 Championship Event 2 |
| Results | |
| Report | Jason Meachen followed in the footsteps of former World, European and Commonwealth medallists by winning the Great Bentley 5 mile race. He joined an illustrious list of winners which include Rob Denmark and Colin Reitz. Though the competition may not have been as hot as previous years, the weather conditions certainly were.
Joining Meachen on the start line for the final race in the Friday 5 mile series were 34 other Harwich Runners. It was Meachen’s team-mate Paul McClelland who made his customary flying start to lead the 370 strong field from the off. The black and white vests of Meachen and Rob Reason were soon to the fore. Through mile one and Meachen was forcing the pace in front of two young rivals, with Reason drifting off the fast tempo. The rest of the race saw the Harwich star extend his lead, winning in majestic style, in a time of 27 minutes 1 second. In a good 4th place was Reason, dipping under 28 minutes with a second to spare.
While others floundered in the hot and humid conditions, young Sam Matthews had his best run of the series. He placed an excellent 10th in a new personal best of 29 minutes 7 seconds to secure yet another Harwich team win. Unlucky Brian Herrington was recovering from illness, he gave his all to finish 13th in 29 minutes 17 seconds. Nigel Buxton produced another storming run, coming home 24th in 30 minutes 56 seconds. Fast starting Paul McClelland dug in well to finish 27th in 31 minutes 9 seconds.
Two athletes on the comeback trail were next to finish, with Simon Wadey 37th in 31.47 and Matthew Knowles 50th in 32.26. Richard Newman 32.46, Justin Burls 32.49 and Marc Driscoll 33.08 showed the current strength in depth of the Harwich squad. Becky McCorquodale capped a consistent summer to win another award for second woman in 33 minutes 33 seconds. Showing improving form were Terry Smith 33.55, Tim Turner 34.20, Jonathan Burls 34.52 and Richard Flutter 35.39.
The Bentley course is renowned for fast times. In the draining weather conditions personal bests were about as rare as those wearing long sleeves. Russell Mowle excelled to clock a new best of 47 minutes 31 seconds. A host of runners looked like they were completing a marathon rather than a 5 miler with the finish line in sight. Finishing strongly to clock their fastest times of the year were Dennis Warner 36.41, Claire Bransby 39.56 and Ann Piercy 40.20. Another to impress was Paul Crowson finishing in 42.05. Pick of the other Harwich performers were Steve Kent 37.16, Karen Mowle 38.44 and Angela Paxon 43.04.
Overall in the 5 race series Harwich finished second team, based on their first 5 men and women in each race. Overall individual wins went to inspirational duo Becky McCorquodale and Elspeth Knott. Jason Meachen placed 2nd, Robert Reason 3rd, with Glyn Peck and Ann Piercy 3rd in their age groups. Other high overall age group placings went to Sam Matthews 6th, Richard Newman 6th, Paul McClelland 7th, Jonathan Burls 6th and Karen Mowle 5th.
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| Date | 01-07-10 |
| Event | Harwich 5k Race 4 |
| Results | http://www.harwichrunners.co.uk/1_5k/5k2010/race4.php |
| Report | The star performer in the 4th race of the Harwich 5 kilometre handicap series was Jason Meachen. The Harwich flyer’s time of 16 minutes 22 seconds was the 7th quickest ever seen on the flat Dovercourt promenade course. The 153 competitors faced a nagging breeze on the long run to the turn and fast run for home in the warm, sultry conditions.
First to finish on the night was Ameerley Worton, her time of 34 minutes 2 seconds, held off the 150 strong pursuing pack. Second over the line was Great Bentley’s Lex Carlisle in 27 minutes 10 seconds and 3rd was Jon Bateman in 27 minutes 6 seconds. Returning Robert Matthews led the Harwich squad home, a good 6th in 20.17. Also on a successful comeback was Nicola Andrews 11th in 27.09. Tim Turner’s 20.18 was right back to his best, in a lucky 13th. Team-mate Nigel Buxton shrugged off post London Marathon tiredness to clock a quick new personal best of 18.25 in 16th.
Other Harwich athletes to impress and make the top 50 were Dennis Warner 19th in 21.57, Russell Mowle 22nd in a PB of 27.05, Richard Flutter 24th in a PB of 21.28, Lauren Franklin 26th in a PB of 27.11, Matt Hodgson 28th in 23.37, Simon Wadey 32nd in 18.20, Sam Matthews 36th in PB of 17.29 and Justin Burls 43rd in 19.15. Second actual fastest time came from Rob Reason, his quick 16 minutes 46 seconds, still left him over 100 metres behind team-mate Meachen. Young Sam Clayton of Colchester and Tendring AC was 3rd quickest in a good 16.50. Becky McCorquodale matched her partner, to also finish fastest . Her time of 20 minutes 3 seconds proved 5 seconds too good for Colchester Harriers multi Essex title winner Annette Oakman.
In her first season Lauren Franklin leads the women’s handicap overall competition with one race still remaining. Also in her debut year Penny Barrington is 4th. The men’s table is headed by Colchester Harrier’s Bill Haining, with Harwich 13 year old Jack Barrington matching his mum’s position in 4th.
The supporting junior handicap mile race proved as competitive as the adults. First to finish round the Cliff Park course was Amelia Ling in 7 minutes 20 seconds. Second over the line was Elliott Attrill in 7 minutes 57 seconds and William Ovenden clocked a very good 6 minutes 26 seconds for 3rd. Aaron Farmer again stormed round the part on grass course in an amazing 5 minutes 18 minutes. The actual fastest girl was talented Emily Donoghue in 6 minutes 16 seconds. Other youngsters to impress in the 35 strong field were Sarah Hughes, who had her best run in 6 minutes 17 seconds, Jushua Farmer 6 minutes 27 seconds and Jack Cottee 6 minutes 51 seconds. Six year old Michael Knowles showed he could be one for the future, supported by a very proud dad, he recorded 8 minutes 48 seconds. |
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| Date | 27-06-10 |
| Event | Harwich Olympic Triathlon |
| Results | |
| Report | Harwich Triathlons 2010
Last weekend the Harwich Running Club and Swimming Club hosted the 5th Harwich Sprint Triathlon and on Sunday the more demanding Olympic Distance event.
Both days were greeted with hot and sultry conditions. Ideal for those watching the proceedings, but rather warm for those racing over the weekend.
The sprint distance event gets more popular each year and the entry limit of 220 was reached several months ago. The course is demanding and is a true test of the triathlete’s abilities over the three separate disciplines. As in previous years a large percentage of those taking part were doing so for the first time. In fact 80 of those who finished the triathlon were crossing the finish line for the first time.
A pool swim of 300m is followed by a demanding cycle ride of 24 kilometres, which includes some serious inclines. The 5k run that concludes the event is along the promenade at Dovercourt. Although thankfully flat it is still an ordeal for legs that have just completed a tough bike ride.
The events attract entrants from far and wide, but a good percentage are locally based athletes and this was reflected in the results.
The fastest time of the day and overall winner was Simon Day with an amazing time of 1 hour; 01 minute and 48 seconds. Simon is a former Harwich Swimming Club member who now serves with the Royal Navy. A well deserved win, especially as Saturday 26th was designated as Armed Forces day.
Second place went to Antony Birt (01:02:40) of Ipswich Tri Club with 3rd place going to another local triathlete, Mark Southgate (01:04:41).
The ladies also made a strong showing with Juliet Vickery from Cambridge Triathlon Club taking first place with a time of 1 hour 6 minutes and 49 seconds. Second was Gill Carter (01:15:20) and the third fastest lady was Amanda Mallett (01:18:54).
In recognition to the large numbers of first-timers who make the Harwich Sprint Triathlon their first multi-sport challenge there are two special prizes for those taking part for the first time. Both these awards went to locally based athletes. Local bike designer Justin Burls took the men’s prize with an impressive time of 01:08:35. The ladies trophy went to fellow Harwich Runner, Rachel Stock in a time of 01:23:52.
All ages are attracted to the sport of triathlon and in recognition of this most events award trophies for winners of each age group. Locally based athletes who won their age groups were: Ladies; Dale Housler (01:25:50); Angela Paxon (01:24:34); Carla Holroyd (01:22:53). Men: Simon Day (01:01:48); Justin Burls (01:08:35); Jonathan Burls (01:09:57); Jeff Higgon (01:14:55)
Next years triathlon will take place again at the end of June, with entries opening towards the end of this year. Full results, photos and entry information can be found on the Harwich Runners website www.harwichrunners.co.uk
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| Date | 26-06-10 |
| Event | Harwich Sprint Triathlon |
| Results | |
| Report | Sunday saw the attention change to the more challenging Olympic Distance event. Rightly considered one of the most demanding courses on the circuit. The swim is 1,650 in the sea off Dovercourt. It makes a splendid spectacle with wave after wave of swimmers making their way along the coast. They round the disused lighthouse and then return to shore. It is then a quick sprint from the sea to be reunited with their cycles and then it is off into the Essex countryside for a 42km race. When they return a 10k run awaits the already weary triathletes. The hot conditions made for tough going, but some impressive times were recorded. Overall winner was Nik Haynes (02:15:00). Second was Roy Young (02:16:07). After his heroics on Saturday Simon Day still had the energy to finish 3rd with a time of (02:17:30). Race organiser and Harwich Runner, Graeme Knott managed a top 10 finish in 02:23:42).
The ladies race was won by Ali Hollington who travelled all the way from Bath to record a time of (02:31:43). Wendy Martin from Colchester based tri-club ‘Born 2 Tri’ came 2nd in a time of (02:37:58) with 3rd place being claimed by Nicola Groom (02:40:03) from Larkfield AC, based in Kent.
Special mention must go to our oldest contestant on the day Maureen Farish a former Harwich resident who now races for Bromley Veterans Athletic Club in Kent. She finished the event in a time of 04:20:22) a remarkable achievement for a 69 year old
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| Date | 25-06-10 |
| Event | Bury Friday 5 |
| Results | |
| Report | While England struggled to come up with a winning formula in the World Cup, there was no stopping the Harwich Runners team from making it four wins out of four in the Friday 5 mile series. Over a testing, part off road course at Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds, Harwich captain Graeme Knott led the way in 3rd spot. His time of 27 minutes 6 seconds was impressive, coming 2 days after a 15 mile cycle time trial and 2 days before an Olympic distance triathlon. There were no claims of tiredness from the Harwich talisman.
Team-mates Jason Meachen and Robert Reason continued their season long racing saga. It was Meachen who had the edge in this chapter, clocking 27 minutes 6 seconds to sprint home 6 seconds in front of Reason. Both athletes continue to push each other to fine performances, their 6th and 7th place finishes wrapped up the team award. Their racing rivalry looks set to become a classic in the months ahead. Young Sam Matthews showed again he is one for the future. He continued to gain race experience and course knowledge, on his way to an excellent 19th position and a time just 2 seconds short of the 30 minute barrier.
Richard Newman and returning Matthew Knowles have enjoyed a number of close finishes in the series. It was Newman with a late charge who had the edge this time. His time of 32 minutes 59 seconds was good over the stiff course and earned 52nd place. Only 3 places and 14 seconds behind was Knowles, continuing his steady climb back to full fitness.
Two Harwich women added to the haul of silver-ware. Becky McCorquodale ran well to finish 2nd woman and 1st in her age category. Her time of 33 minutes 43 seconds was only bettered by 60 men in the 332 strong field. Elspeth Knott’s hero is Lance Armstrong, she showed the same kind of superiority displayed in his prime. A time of 37 minutes 18 seconds was way too good for her age group opposition, adding another trophy to her season’s collection, which includes the European Duathlon title. The Duathlon World Championships in Edinburgh loom on the horizon for the Harwich inspiration. Completing the successful Harwich squad were Glyn Peck 37.35 for 4th in has age category. Claire Bransby 40.11, Ann Piercy 42.50, Miranda Rayner 44.21, Mo Watkins 46.36 and Louise Papworth 49.13.
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