News from Sandbach Striders 16/06/2014

This week saw the culmination of the free Couch-to-5k programme that Sandbach Striders running club have been running for ten weeks and aims to provide a route into running for anyone who lacks confidence or fitness. 

Some of the Couch-to-5k graduates

Many members of the club turned out to support the Couch-to-5k runners as they tackled what was for many of them their longest run to date. The record club turnout contributed to a record overall turnout of 190 runners at Congleton parkrun.

Jan Peake and Philip Truman both made their parkrun debuts, as did Sarah Mitchell and Karen Pettet who both completed the Couch-to-5k course. Other Couch-to-5k graduates Stacey Watret and Cate Bannerman both beat their previous personal best times. Isobel Bennett continues to improve earning yet another 5k personal best time. Several Striders also ran with their offspring by their side. Stella Stilwell ran with her daughter Anna and Lucy Lee ran with her son Nathan and both completed the full distance. Whilst both Heather Carter with her daughter Sarah and David Parr with his son Tom completed two and one miles respectively.

The full results were as follows:

00:20:44 Terry Coppenhall
00:20:57 Martin Coleman
00:21:54 Tom Mayell
00:23:08 Jan Peake
00:26:25 Philip Truman
00:26:33 Andrew Gibson
00:27:47 Liz O'Keeffe
00:28:50 Lindsay Beeston
00:29:23 Sally Murray
00:29:27 Kelley Underwood
00:29:30 George Nicholls
00:29:48 Denis Culloty
00:30:13 Stacey Watret 
00:32:08 Cate Bannerman 
00:32:08 Isobel Bennett

00:34:00 Lindsay Beech

00:34:00 Paul Nicholls
00:34:01 Perry Wyatt
00:34:49 Michael Escolme
00:34:53 Nathan Lee
00:34:53 Lucy Lee
00:36:07 Sarah Mitchell 
00:40:29 Stella Stilwell
00:43:16 Karen Pettet  

Sandbach Striders helping Congleton parkrun to a new attendance record. 

Also parkrunning this week was another Couch-to-5k graduate Tracey Hale who ran the Delamere course in 32:40 

The Newport 10k is a long-standing and popular race that coincides with the carnival parade through Newport town centre.Two Striders made the journey into Shropshire to run this race, husband and wide team Matt and Elaine Wood. Matt finished in  00:53:31 and Elaine in 01:07:45 

Elaine and Matt at the Newport Carnival 10k

Open to runners and walkers and organised by the Cumbria Long distance walkers association the rings of Shap consists of three alternative routes taking in the fells around Shap. Chris Brumby along with husband and wife team Johanna and Jason Bulley took on the first ring, an 18 mile journey taking in the aptly named Wet Sleddale reservoir, Haweswater’s “Wainwrights” and Selside Pike. Chris Brumby also completed the additional 20 mile third ring which explores the National Nature Reserve of Great Asby Scar deep in the heart of classic limestone country.

Jason, Jo and Chris at the Rings of Shap

Completing a varied programme of events on Saturday was Tony Taylor who competed in the Abersoch Sprint Triathlon. Held in the picturesque Welsh seaside town of Abersoch the event takes advantage of the beautiful beaches and hilly roads to create a challenging triathlon course. Tony completed the event in 01:42:06.

Tony at the Abersoch triathlon

On Sunday the popular Passing Clouds 9 mile fell race, now organised by Congleton Harriers starts from the visitor centre at Tittesworth reservoir and includes over 1800 feet of climb. Seven Striders were in action: Gordon Hutchins, Cheryl Hutchins, Tom Mayell, David Parr, Jill Young, Paul Nicholls and Mat Simister. Results have yet to be published.

Tom, Cheryl, David, Paul, Jill and Gordon at Passing Clouds.

Also in action on Sunday was Terry Coppenhall. Whilst supposed to be on a relaxing family holiday in Yorkshire Terry decided to run the Castle Howard 10k trail race. This is a hilly off-road route which offers a fantastic route around the grounds of one of Yorkshire’s finest historic homes. Terry completed the run in 47:37.

Terry at the castle Howard 10k

Man vs Horse is a race just over 22 miles in length, where runners compete against riders on horseback around the Welsh town of Llanwrtyd Wells. Elaine Tatham along with her colleagues Alison Sutch and Claire Terry took on the horse together as a relay team and whilst they like almost every other contestant in the event's long history failed to beat the horse, they managed to complete the course in under 4 and a half hours.

Elaine alongside colleagues Alison and Claire at Man vs Horse

Completing another busy weekend of running events for members of Sandbach Striders was Lucy Darling who completed the Borrowdale 13k trail race. Now in it's fourth year this event is becoming a classic on the trail race calendar. Starting and finishing in Keswick, incorporating Derwentwater lakeshore trails and the Borrowdale valley it is one of the most challenging and stunning trail races in the country. Results are still to come in.

Lucy with  Rebecca Johnson and Ali Smith during a rare moment of clement weather on the shores of Derwentwater.

Don't forget the Club Members 10k this Wednesday !