November 2015

 

For a complete results
listing view the
Results Index

Featured events this month:

• Coombe 8 Multi-Terrain
• Broadmeadow Marathon
• Ilmington Winter Series 10k Race 2
• Brooks Cross-Country Championships
• How Hard Can It Be Sunset to Sunrise Challenge
• Coventry 10k
• Broadway Off-Road Marathon
• Rockingham 10 Mile
• Rockingham 10k
• Warwick University Relays
• Dirt Half-Marathon
• Autumn Shakespeare Marathon
• Autumn Shakespeare 5K
• Druids' Challenge
• Midland Ladies Cross-Country League Race 1
• Birmingham & District Invitation Cross-Country League Race 1
• Centurion Grand Prix 5 Mile
• Conductive Education 10k
• Flying Fox 10

Coombe 8 Multi-Terrain - 29 November

This was a very windy 8 mile race that includes "hurdling" the wooden fences around the paths, some great off road routes, a river crossing and the traversing of the "bomb" craters. 18 Northbrookers found themselves lining up at the start and we soon all found our own space to soon be cheered on by the very vocal Triple T who made his way out to support/abuse/cajole us. Not sure who would have been colder in the end, the runners who were crazy enough to get out there and finish, or the supporters. What did not help was the wind in the last 2.5 miles, which made running on the spot seem to be more like what we were attempting in places. For me encouraging signs of a PB came to realisation and there were a few "virgin" Coombe 8 runners who were induced into the ranks. Overall this is a great event in a great location run by a friendly local club - Spencer

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Broadmeadow November Marathon - 28 November

	Tony Bowe		5:35:26
	Tara Lambert		5:43:37
	Amy Burdis		5:43:37

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Ilmington Winter Series 10k (and a bit) - 22 November

Race number 2 in the series of 5 taking in the scenery around Ilmington and that hill (mountain).  This month's race was done in a clockwise direction to keep us on our toes. (Each month they alternate the direction of the race).  I have to say that I think this way round was the more difficult, although some runners seemed to make short work of running up the sharp incline that runs through the village, Spencer to name but one.
Good turn out from us Northbrookers despite some of our runners having given their all at cross-country the day before.  I am also pleased to say that although we didn't win the race, we definitely showed that experience triumphed over age, as three of us picked up (cash) prizes for coming first in our age categories.  At least we will all be able to buy some chips on the way home to go with the sausages that are given as you cross the finish line.
Although it's billed as a 10k race it is slightly longer, and as it's not flat (anywhere) it's not a PB course.  However, it's well run, friendly, scenic and not too expensive.  Much recommended - Sarah

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Brooks Cross-Country Championships - 21 November

Ladies, 5 Mile Race - (1st 4 to count)

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"How Hard Can It Be" Sunset to Sunrise Challenge - 15 November

At the weekend I took part in the "How Hard Can It Be" Sunset to Sunrise challenge. This was along the same out and back 9-mile route that I ran earlier this year for the Railway Ultra, no chance of getting lost at least.  We started running as soon as the sun went down and could keep running until sunrise or until we got fed up.  3 laps counts as a marathon.

I was quite looking forward to seeing how far I could run until dawn, but unfortunately the odds were stacked against me on this one; something gave me a stomach ache which wouldn't go away and made it very difficult to keep running. I completed four laps (38 miles) in the end, thanks to the support of my friends from Warwick Uni.  This was the same distance as the Railway Ultra, but a much slower time.  At least finishing early meant I got to have some sleep before the XC relays.  

Perhaps I may have been overdoing it lately!

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Coventry 10k - 15 November

	David Walsh		46:31
	Martin Gavin		55:40

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Broadway Off-Road Marathon - 15 November

Corinna O'Connor

5:25:10

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Rockingham 10 Mile - 15 November

Another race to try and rack up some much needed points as the year draws to a close. James Joyce and Mike Wheeler had found this race nestled away and I didn't need much encouragement to join in the fun. On the face of it, everything seemed to fit: 10 miles, well organised and well sheltered. However, strong winds on the day put paid to a serious assault on fast times and miles 4, 7 and 10 were basically into a block headwind. I'm sure on a better day this has the opportunity to elicit fast times but today was not one of them!
By my reckoning I've managed to gain back some points off those around me in the 40-49 category but with Sneyd 10 looming on the horizon, I'm sure others will be hatching their plans.

Steve also rocked up on the day and ran the 10k race which started 10mins earlier than the 10-miler. A strong start saw him right up the field and some great running saw him improve on his best 10k time this season to get under 40mins but, more importantly, to finish 4th overall on the day - Richard

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Warwick University Relays - 15 November

Northbrook fielded 4 teams at this fun but very competitive and well organised event - 2 ladies’ teams, 1 men’s team and a mixed team. The course is 3.3 km (about 2 miles) over tarmac, wood chippings and various fields. Compared to last year it was a lot muddier so there was a debate between a few of us as to whether to wear trail shoes or spikes. I ended up doing it in trail shoes due to some of it being on tarmac. I must say on a few sections of it I had to really concentrate on staying on my feet. This was my second year running in this event and I have to say I will definitely be running again next year (I think I have to, as we ladies need to defend our title – training has already started in preparation for this!!). 

I’m very happy to say that I was part of the ladies’ team that won “GOLD” along with Jo Brown and Lynnie Mcdonald. I must say that Jo ran a fantastic first leg handing over to Lynnie in second position behind Warwick University (a very young side compared to us!!). Lynnie then ran a great leg to overtake them into first position (using all her experience). This gave me a great lead on the last leg and made my job a lot easier as all I had to do was maintain the lead even though I knew I was being chased down. So a massive thanks and congratulations must go to both Jo and Lynnie for a great team effort.

Well done to all the teams, they all ran superbly and did the club proud. The support and team spirit by everyone on the day was excellent - Jill

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Dirt Half-Marathon - 14 November

Martin Gavin

2:02

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Autumn Shakespeare Marathon - 14 November

Tony Bowe

4:15:31

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Autumn Shakespeare 5K - 14 November

	Jill Pittard		21:16	3rd lady, 2nd FV35
	Lyn McDonald		21:38	3rd FV35

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Druids' Challenge - 6/8 November

A multi-day event over the length of The Ridgeway.

This was the first time either of us had done a multi-day event. We were both nervous and didn't know what to expect. To add to this, Jo had to battle against injury but is incredibly determined and resilient and made it through, despite the treacherous terrain and challenging weather. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
 I met several people taking part in all three days as their first ever ultra, so it is very accessible, and XNRG really look after you.  
We met some wonderful people and saw some amazing countryside (when the weather allowed), and I certainly want to have another go next year - Amy

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Midland Ladies Cross-Country League Race 1 at Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa - 7 November

Ladies Overall 16th, 251 points (40, 89, 122)

40	Amanda Deavy		27:03
89	Jo Brown		29:04
122	Jill Pittard		30:31
136	Sally Eason		31:13
140	Cath Fenn		31:20
146	Clare Rowntree		31:31
154	Lyn McDonald		31:51
161	Rachel Meredith		32:03
260	Liz Pharoah		36:18
274	Jo Arden		36:48
314	Linda Richards		38:52
334	Julie Cozens		40:06

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Birmingham Cross-Country League Race 1 at Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa - 7 November

Men's A Team 2nd, 132 points (5, 9, 16, 22, 32, 48)

Men's B Team 2nd, 426 points (50, 56, 69, 73, 80, 98)

5	Stuart Lumsden		40:53
9	Martin Winch		41:38
16	Graham Dodd		43:00
22	Rob Barry		44:00
32	John Wilson		44:44
48	Andrew McConville		46:23
50	Richard French		46:37
56	Richard Hodge		46:53
69	Pete Fellows		48:00
73	Joe Kelly		48:10
80	Tom Miller		49:00
98	Damian Pharoah		49:54
102	Spencer Davies		50:30
123	Rob Cox		51:50
126	Simon Davies		52:10
133	Kevin Coughlan		52:43
156	Kevin Erne		55:52
159	Tom Jordan		56:30
172	Andy Houston		59:11

Full results on Bham League web site

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Centurion Grand Prix 5 Mile - 1 November

The first of the six races in the Centurion Grand Prix series took place on this perfectly still, Autumnal Sunday morning. This series is an all-round great package.  It's superbly well organised, has a nice mid-morning start, great location, showers and a free raffle all for the super prices of £25 for the series. And all just 15 minutes away down the A45 at John Henry Newman Catholic College, which acts as race HQ.
We headed out to the mostly tarmacked park for the 1 short and 2 long laps making up the 5 mile course. Standing at the finish, cheering in all our runners, I was unknowingly being eaten alive by mozzies. After showering in the lovely clean changing rooms we headed for the school canteen for coffee, cake and the prize giving. No winners for Northbrook this time, although Tracey Cox (leader of the legendary Cox/Davies Junior Northbrook Cheer Crew) did manage to bag a prize in the free draw. Unfortunately for Tracey is was not the wine, as that had already been won, but a triathlon book - of all things.
We shall return, only next time with anti-mozzie eau de cologne - Damian

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Conductive Education 10k - 1 November

Having had yet more injuries this summer, I needed a half decent time for the Road Race Championship after suffering stitches during the Regency 10k earlier this year. I found a relatively local 10k based at Cannon Hill that was celebrating its 10th anniversary and it fitted a rare gap in the Hodge Kitchen Calendar, so the plan was hatched.

The course was 2 x laps inside the park which featured very uneven surfaces in places, sharp 90° turns on wet leaves and a unique dead stop around a bollard at the far end of the course every lap. With only 165 starters it wasn't the biggest race I've ever done but, although low-key it was well organised, marshalled and ticked the boxes I needed (UKA certificate, etc.).

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Flying Fox 10 - 1 November

This is a very hilly 10 miler starting in the small village of Standon in Staffordshire.  I'm sure that it must be a very pretty, scenic course as it winds round some very hilly lanes in the countryside.  However, due to dense fog throughout the morning, the views were not to be admired!  Maybe just as well as concentrating on getting to the top of all the hills was taxing enough.  That said, it was a good race and although I would not expect it to be a PB course, Joe Kelly managed a very respectable time! Thanks have to be passed on to Rob Cox who came to support and managed to cycle all round the hilly course whilst shouting words of encouragement to us all - Sarah