This Week's News 23/02/2015

Members of Sandbach Striders running club were represented in four different free weekly 5k parkruns around the country. Nearest home were the nine Striders who ran the Congleton parkrun at Astbury Mere. 

Phil, Gayle, Martin, Rachel, Nick, Denis, Jason and Terry at Congleton parkrun

 Three Striders ran new personal best times including one of the clubs founder members Jason Bulley showing that it’s never too late to show an improvement. Gayle Robson and Rachel Green also improved their times.

The full results were as follows:

19:45 Martin Coleman
21:20 Nick Hogan
22:25 Jason Bulley
24:07 Terry Coppenhall
24:07 Rachel Green
26:19 Denis Culloty
26:47 Philip Truman
31:15 Tracey Hale
32:28 Gayle Robson

Michael Escolme ran the next nearest parkrun in Hanley in a time of 24:35. 
Slightly further afield was Rick Kelso-Davies who ran the parkrun in Pontefract, a course which takes place at Pontefract racecourse the largest flat racing circuit in Europe. Rick finished in 22:17.

Frances Chadwick, Mary Chadwick and Michael Escolme at Hanley parkrun

Darren Varley ran the Plymvalley parkrun in Plymouth. Set in beautiful National Trust owned land parkrunners are treated to wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands. Darren finished in a time of 20:54 finishing in 5th place overall.

Over in North Yorkshire Paul Nicholls completed the Osmotherley trail marathon. This route takes in some of the spectacular scenery of the Cleveland Way, a popular destination for walkers. Paul finished in 7 hours.

Paul Nicholls at the Osmotherley trail marathon

Husband and wife duo Matt and Elaine Wood found themselves at the glorious Lancastrian seaside town of Blackpool to compete in the Great North-west half-marathon. This popular event saw over 1200 runners run the fast, flat route along the promenade and the famous Golden mile. Matt finished in 1:55:43 with Elaine narrowly behind in 02:07:41

Tony Taylor was the sole representative of the Striders at the Knype Pool 5 mile race, a trail race that starts at the Knypersley pool reservoir, then climbs up to the top off Biddulph Moor, before returning around the reservoir to the finish. Tony was first in the Veteran 50+ male category in a time of 36.23.

Tony Taylor at Knypersley Pool 5 Mile

Chris Brumby spent his Sunday running over Saddleworth Moor in the New Chew orienteering event. The treacherous terrain demands that all runners are loaded down with a large rucksack of compulsory kit whilst they navigate themselves around as many checkpoints as possible in the allotted time. Chris scored 145 points in a total time of 4:52

The free Couch to 5k programme organised by Sandbach Striders is now in its fourth week and despite the half-term break over 40 participants showed great determination and enthusiasm. The programme developed by the NHS takes people over a ten week programme from a non-runner to being able to run 5km (3.11 miles) without stopping. 

Couch to 5k runners

Sandbach Striders are a friendly, supportive and welcoming running club serving the communities of Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager, Holmes Chapel and beyond for over ten years. As well as a varied running programme the club has an excellent social calendar and for those runners looking to improve Sandbach Striders have a number of fully-qualified running coaches to advise on training and ensure the safety and well-being of its members.