GBRC

Nine members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the race along the promenade and country lanes of the Suffolk town.

On a two lap undulating course with a brisk head wind which some of the competitors found testing , Clive Thomas led the way for the Bentley members finishing in a good time of 1:27:29. Newcomer to the club Barry Eve continues to improve finishing in style with a new personal best time of 1:34:01 as does in - form Jamie Ash finishing in a new personal best time of 1:37:12.

Vicky Presland led the ladies across the finish line and in doing so earned a club gold standard award with a good finishing time of 1:40:29. Kevin Cox had not run this distance since March and finished in a time of 1:46:49 closely followed by a jubilant Anna Lyon who after months of trying win a club gold standard award at this distance finally achieved her goal with a gritty determined run to finish in a fine time of 1:46:52 which is also a new personal best time!

Eric Shaw, Anna's training partner finished in a good time of 1:47:02, but Bob Watt unfortunately had to pull out of the race after four miles due to painful chafing of his toes caused by new socks after looking very strong earlier in the race. Lessons learned...do not wear new socks on a long distance race!

Anna - jubilant getting Gold! Next ph Team effort...(L to R) Kevin Cox, Lara Townsend, AnnA Lyons, Eric Shaw, Jamie Ash, Barrie Eve

Bermuda Labour Day celebration - 5 mile run.
After flying over the Atlantic Ocean, David Green unsurprisingly found himself the only member of Great Bentley Running Club keen to enter the Island's race. On a undulating course and in extremely hot weather conditions which many of the competitors found testing , David quickly settled into his stride amongst the frontrunners and was well rewarded with a fine finishing time of 27:10 which earned him a 4th place finish overall.

Berlin Marathon
Three Bentley members competed in the 36th Real Berlin Marathon with Andy Owen running very well to record a fine finish time of 3:18:00 which is just outside his personal best time. Mick Ruth was a little disappointed with his finishing time. After running up to eighty miles a week in training Mick was unlucky to be held up by competitor congestion at the start of the race although his finish time of 3:29:00 is still a very good time. Paul Blackwell, no stranger to the big city events also ran well to finish in a good time of 4:01:00.

Dedham 10k
Twenty members from the club competed in the notoriously tough yet popular road race and were well rewarded after coming away victorious with the team prize after having four members finishing in the top 15 runners overall.

In - form Simon Dale led the way to the finish line in 10th place with a fine time of 38:36 which also earned him a club silver standard award closely followed by Russell Sharp with a good time of 38;47.

Clive Thomas enjoyed a good run in the warm conditions to record a good finish of 39;13 chased hard all the way to the finish line by club newcomer Michael Beckett V60 making his club race debut who finished in a fine time of 39:15 which also earned him a club gold standard award. Dan Foster ran a determined race on the courses' many hills and finished in a time of 41:39 chased hard all the way by club captain Clive Jones finishing in a time of 41:41.

Other finishing times for Great Bentley runners were Jamie Ash 42:29, Graham Semple 43:43 which earned him a club bonze standard award, Bob Watt 46:59, Eric Shaw 47:36, Lara Townsend 47:51, in-form Theresa Bishop claiming another club gold standard award her second in three weeks with a fine run of 48:54 and also holding off a strong challenge from her husband Des Bishop who finished in a time of 48:55, Kim Chatting 51:43, Nicky Brown, currently running very well also claimed a club gold standard award with a good run of 52:23, Vicky Law 53:23, Caroline Porter 56:11 which earned her a club bronze standard award, John McKay 56:24, Keith Porter 1:03:33, and Michael Sommerlad V70 finishing in a good time of 1:05:18.

That's all for this week,
Many Thanks
Coxy

Club race report for w/e 20/09/09

Nottingham Half Marathon
The husband and wife team of Keith and Caroline Porter represented Great Bentley Running Club the course is ran around the city taking in many places of interest such as Nottingham University and the Holme Pierpoint the national water sports centre. On a tough undulating course and despite both struggling with recent injuries Caroline finished in a good time of 2:04:34 chased hard all the way to the finish by Keith finishing in a time of 2:22:24.

Canvey Island
Bob Watt competed in the 10k on a mainly off- road course which many of the competitors found testing due to the many inclines throughout the course. Despite congestion at the start of the race due to a large field of runners Bob quickly settled into his stride and was well rewarded with a good time of 46:03.

Eridge Park
Nikki Bennett competed in the 10 mile off road trail race. The course had many large hills from start to finish which provided the large field of competitors with a stern test of both physical and mental ability. Nikki rose very well to this challenge and running in her normal determined style was well rewarded with a good time of 1:40:00.

Great North Run
Two members travelled to the North East to compete in the hugely popular race. Both Graham Semple and Paul Blackwell had ran in this race before and so were aware of the long inclines in the race and also the large field in excess of 50,000 runners. Graham soon found a little space amongst the large field of runners and ran a fine race finishing in a good time of 1:34:05 which earns him a club bronze standard award. Paul Blackwell also ran well finishing in a time of 2:09:00.

Ipswich duathlon
Four members from Great Bentley competed in this event with two members winning their respective age groups. Dan Foster led the Bentley quartet across the finishing line in a fine time of 1:26:57 placing 33rd out of 87 male entrants. Kim Chatting narrowly held off a strong challenge from Lyn Foster finishing in a good time of 1:43:31 with Lyn Foster winning her age category with a good time of 1:44: 25 finishing in 19th place. Michael Sommerlad also won his age category finishing in a time of 2:08:55.

Kim and Lyn before the start of the Duathlon

Langham 10k
Nine members from the club competed on the tough course. Russ Sharpe took time off from celebrating the birth of his son Charlie to record a fine time of 38:05 which rightly earned him a 6th place finish. He was chased hard all the way to the finish line by Dan Foster running very well and recording a good finishing time of 40:25.
Jamie Ash, a newcomer to the club this season continues to improve at a rapid rate and was well rewarded with a finishing time of 41:50 which earned him his first club bronze standard award ( see picture ).
A strong run from Lara Townsend enabled her to be first Bentley lady to cross the line in a time of 45:31 closely followed by Jo McKay finishing in a good time of 47:53 which earned her a club silver standard award. Vicky Law narrowly beat her mother Barbara to the finish line with a time of 51:27 chased hard all the way by Barbara finishing in a time of 53:00. John McKay ran well for a time of 53:40 whilst Sue McKay achieved a personal best time with a fine run of 57:15

Jamie Ash realising he had just earned his first club standard!

That's all for now,
Many Thanks
Kevin Cox

Harwich Running Club 5k
Eight members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the final race of the popular handicap series. The race was ran along the promenade on a cool still evening leading to some fast times in the quest to become the series winner. The Great Bentley ladies were in fine form throughout the series with both Naomi Mellersh and Victoria Law improving on their times with every race in the series. This continued improvement led to Naomi Mellersh achieving a fine 3rd place in the series overall in her first year of competitive running testimony to her determination in her training schedule.

Vicky Law achieved a good 14th place overall in the series with some determined running.

Frank Gardiner also ran well throughout finishing in 29th place overall. The final race results for the Bentley club members were in - form Simon Dale leading the way with a fine time of 17.36, Gary Eldred 21.22 earning him a new personal best time and a club silver standard award, Frank Gardiner 22.22, Jo McKay 23.36, John McKay 25.21, Vicky Law 25.22, Naomi Mellersh 26.08, and Dave Nugent 40.02.

Fairlands Valley Challenge
Keith Scrivener entered his 106th marathon on an off - road course with high grass areas and muddy sections which many of the competitors found testing. Keith V60 ran in his normal determined style finishing in a good time of 6.10.

Ekiden Marathon Relay
Many club members competed in the annual inter - club challenge consisting of several races of 5k, 7.5k and 10 k to achieve the total marathon distance.

The race was ran over a gently undulating mainly off- road course and with the cool conditions some fast times were recorded. The results for Great Bentley members in the 5k race were Lee Turnbull 21.14, Dan Foster 19.58 earning him a club silver standard award, Mark Ross 22.45, Clare Fathers 26.32, Nikki Bennett 23.27, Caroline Porter 26.13, Jamie Ash 21.51, Clive Jones 20.07, Des Bishop 22.41, Naomi Mellersh 29.15, Nicky Brown 27.12, James Porter , making his debut in a senior race ran very well against the stiff opposition recording a good time of 22.05, Gary Eldred 21.47, Keith Porter 30.27 and Davina Swindell finishing in a time of 24.44.

In the 7.5 k race Russell Sharp showed he has not lost too much fitness after a period of not racing to finish in a good time of 28.50. Other times were Eric Shaw 33.12, Amy Neeve 32.53, and Sue McKay 42.27.

In the longer leg of 10 k in - form Simon Dale ran well finishing in a time of 38.34 which earned him a club silver standard award . Frank Gardiner finished in 50 23 which earned him a club bronze standard award. Other results were Sarah Nicolls 47.24, Kim Chatting 50.56, Vicky Law 56.48, Dave Wright enjoyed a fine race finishing in a time of 38.32, Kevin Jeffries 40.34, John McKay 55.43, Jo McKay 50.26, Vicky Pressland 46.24 which earned her a club silver standard award and Barbara Law 57.28.

After trying to beat the younger members of the club for the past two years the Great Bentley senior members have now secured the bragging rights until this event next year by a narrow overall finishing time of 2.51.05 for the young members and 2.50.02. The victorious senior team were led over the finishing line by an inspired last 5k lap of 20.07 by men's club captain Clive Jones.

Captain Clive Jones crossing the finishing line to earn the senior members of the club a deserved victory over their younger rivals.

Our Friday Five
Over 450 runners competed in the final race of the popular series.
On a cool still evening, seventeen members from the host club competed amongst the large field with in-form Simon Dale once again having the accolade of being the first Great Bentley runner to finish claiming a top 30 finish with a fine time of 29.13 which earned him a club silver standard award. Dan Foster also ran very well finishing with a good time of 32.00. B en Johnson continues to improve with another solid run finishing in a good time of 32.59 chased hard all the way to the finishing line by club newcomers Barry Eve in a time of 34.20 and Jamie Ash in a time of 34.58.

Other Bentley finishing times were Lea Turnbull 35.05, Paul Blackwell 35.42, Vicky Pressland first female to finish for the club in a good time of 35.55 which earns her a club gold standard award, Frank Gardiner 37.51, Anna Lyons also earning her first club gold standard award with a good time of 37.54 , Charlie Adams 38.02, Andy Hughes 38.03, Chris Hayes 38.07, Nicky Bennett 39.12, Tony Adams 40.07, Peter Reeve 43.39 and Naomi Mellersh 45.41.

Felstead 10k
Keith Scrivener V60 entered the 10k road race on an undulating course and ran his usual determined race finishing in a time of 59.00.

Sudbury five mile all - terrain race
Four members from the club competed on a hot evening on a testing dusty undulating course. Kevin Cox back from a three month injury lay-off started well though faded around the three mile mark due to lack of fitness, finishing in a time of 35.22 chased hard all the way by a strong run from Lara Townsend finishing in a good time of 38.31 closely followed by Paul Blackwell finishing in a time of 38.41.Theresa Bishop ran well finishing in a time of 41.18.

Best Wishes
Kevin Cox

Harwich 5k
Eleven members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the popular handicap series hosted by Harwich Running Club.

The race is ran along the promenade and on a humid, still evening, it was newcomer to the club Jamie Ash showing he has potential being the first Great Bentley runner to cross the finish line in a good time of 21.14 chased hard all the way to the finish line by a impressive run from Gary Eldred V50 who finished in a fine time of 21.43 to gain him a personal best time at this distance as just reward for his effort. Four members battled it out right until the final 22 yards to claim 3rd Bentley runner to finish with Brian Telford finishing in a time of 22.06, followed closely by Chris Hayes in a time of 22.24, Frank Gardiner 22.29 and Paul Blackwell finishing in 22.32.

Jo McKay starting to rekindle some of her form shown last year showed good promise being the first Bentley female to finish in a good time of 23.15 followed by Victoria Law in a time of 26.07 chased hard all the way to the finish line by John McKay V60 finishing in a time of 26.10. Naomi Mellersh continues to improve with a good finish time of 26.59 and club stalwart Dave Nugent finished in a time of 40.52.

Bury 5
In the latest of the popular Friday Five series hosted by Bury St Edmunds Running Club, twelve members from Great Bentley running club competed in a mainly off- road course on a still evening making ideal running conditions for the large field of over 450 runners showing how popular Friday 5 series is.

Recent new member to the club Simon Dale is fast becoming the man to catch over five miles within the club and ran very well finishing in a fine time of 30.27 which earned him a 24th place overall and he was chased hard all the way to the finish line by club coach Geoff Tomlinson who finished in a good time of 30.54. Dan Foster ran a determined race finishing in a good time of 32.13 closely followed by Ben Johnson in a time of 33.22.

Jamie Ash again ran well after his fine effort the night before at the Harwich 5k finishing in a time of 35.54 closely followed by Mark Rees finishing in a time of 36.15.

Vicky Presland was one of only two Bentley female runners and finished in a good time of 37.21 chased hard all the way by Paul Blackwell who finished in a time of 37.54. Nikki Bennett struggling with an allergy finished in a time of 38.22 and was chased hard to the finish line by a determined effort from Frank Gardiner who finished in a time of 39.29 closely followed by Chris Hayes who finished in a time of 39.55. Peter Reeve finished in a time of 44.56.

Many Thanks
Kevin Cox

Barbara was disappointed to find that she was the only competitor in the 65 - 69 age group, however, despite being the oldest female competitor she completed the 10k run, 40k bike and 5k run in 3 hours on a hot day and managed to beat 8 women and 8 men, generally, younger than her, as well as earning an individual and a Gt. Britain team a gold medal.

Barbara is now training hard for the World Duathlon Championships, to be held in Concord, U.S.A. in September where there will be stiff competition for the medals.

Mersea 'Round The Island'
Four members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the tough 13 mile race. The route took competitors along knee high grass banks, quiet country lanes and a strength sapping sand and shingle beach section with a steep camber which many of the runners found very testing.

With an overcast sky and very little wind making for ideal running conditions in-form Dave Wright had the accolade of being the first Great Bentley runner to finish in a fine time of 1.23.38 which surpassed his previous effort in this race by a staggering 14 minutes to claim 7th position overall.

Making a rare yet welcome appearance in the Royal blue club vest was Mick Ruth who after entering the Harwich Triathlon the day before and achieving a personal best time of over 4 minutes ran very well to finish in a good time of 1.33.

Lara Townsend, another club runner showing current good form enjoyed her first run around the island and was well rewarded with a good time of 1.43.17. Heidi Baker showed no fear of the unknown making her first appearance at this race, one of the tougher races on the local scene, and finished in a good time of 2.38 showing her continued hard training is bringing its rewards.

Capel 5 mile road race.
Peter Pearce made light work of the undulating course finishing in 2nd place overall with a fine time of 29.59. He was chased hard all the way to the finish by club coach Geoff Tomlinson who also ran very well finishing in 5th place overall in a good time of 30.52. Clive Thomas made it a good day for the club with a 7th place finish in a good time of 32.23.

Sunday 14th June

SheRun HeRun Bluewater 10k

Lyn, Paul F & Bob W did the SheRun HeRun Bluewater 10k in blistering heat even though it was 8:30 a.m. start. A large field of competitors started the 10 k undulating route with a massive 2115 finishing the race despite the heat.

First home was Bob who finished in 47:20, unhappy as he wanted to break 43:00, Lyn came in with a creditable 56:43 and followed home by Paul F 57:01.

Southend 1/2 marathon
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Five members entered the Southend half marathon .The race was ran along the promenade to the kursal and back and was ran in bright hot conditions making conditions testing for the competitors.

Simon Dale had the accolade of being first across the line for the Bentley members despite picking up an injury late in the race to record a good time of 1.34.53. Newcomer to the club Jamie Ash ran very well finishing in a good time of 1.45.51. Next to finish was Lara Townsend, despite suffering from the heat, finishing in a good time of 1.50.03. She was chased hard all the way to the line by Anna Lyon who ran very well in the tough conditions to achieve a personal best time of 1.50.11 which earned her a club silver standard award. Eric Shaw also ran well encouraging Anna throughout the race and he too finished in a time of 1.50.11.

Left to right: Jamie Ash, Simon Dale, Anna Lyon, Lara Townsend, Eric Shaw

Left to right: Jamie Ash, Simon Dale, Anna Lyon, Lara Townsend, Eric Shaw

Left to right are Jamie Ash, Simon Dale, Anna Lyon, Lara Townsend and Eric Shaw.

South Downs trail race marathon
Keith Scrivener entered the race marathon. The course was over 26.2 miles across hilly terrain littered with rocks and was ran in temperatures of over 80 degrees. Keith who is a seasoned campaigner at such races having raced in excess of 100 marathons ran extremely well finishing in a fine time of 5.53.37.

Stowmarket Friday 5 - 12th June 2009
Nine members from Great Bentley Running Club represented the club at the third race in the popular Friday five series hosted by Stowmarket Striders.

On a mainly off - road course newcomer to the club Simon Dale adapted well to the undulating and twisting conditions underfoot to record a fine time of 30.42. Ben Johnson also ran well finishing in a good time of 34.02. Paul Blackwell finished in a time of 37.46 and was chased hard all the way by Chris Hayes who finished in a time of 39.30.

Vikki Law ran well finishing in a time of 44.34 closely followed by Stephen Cartwright who finished in a time of 45.21. Peter Reeve finished in a time of 46.04 and was chased hard all the way to the line by Naomi Mellesh who finished in a good time of 50.23. Club stalwart Dave Nugent finished in a time of 1.04.49

Kevin Cox

Thirteen members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the first race of the popular Friday Five series consisting of six races held over the next two months across the Essex and Suffolk peninsulas.

The first race was hosted by Ipswich Jaffa and the course consisted of five miles run through country lanes with a little off - road to test the large field of 386 competitors.

The first person to cross the finish line for Great Bentley was Tom Clayton making a welcome return to competitive running for the club in a good time of 30:55. Dan Foster ran very well to finish in a good time of 33:11 and continues to impress closely followed by Ben Johnson starting only his second race for the club in a very respectable time of 35:12

Mark Ross, making a welcome appearance for the club after an injury lay - off ran well finishing in 37:40 with Nikki Bennett being the first Bentley lady to finish in a good time of 38:46 closely followed by Brian Telford finishing in a time of 39:14.

Paul Blackwell finished in a time of 39:53 chased hard all the way to the line by Chris Hayes currently running very well finishing in a time of 40:27.

Frank Gardiner ran his normal determined race finishing in a time of 40:43 closely followed by Vicky Law in a good time of 45:51.

Peter Reeve, now recovered from his exertions in the Halstead marathon finished in a time of 47:13 with Naomi Mellesh making only her second competitive appearance for the club finishing well in a time of 48:11 showing her hard training is starting to reap just rewards. Club stalwart Dave Nugent finished in a time of 1:05:08.

Halstead Marathon
The Halstead marathon was held over a tough undulating course with lovely views for the large field of 600 runners across the beautiful Brett valley. With the first four miles consisting of two long steep hills and a constant steady incline, the hot weather did little to inspire the runners to a fast start.
Paul Blackwell, showing he has fully recovered from a good London Marathon, ran another good race finishing in a time of 4.29.00. Keith Scrivener V60, who completed his 100th marathon on this course, last year, ran very well beating his time of by over 30 minutes to achieve a fine time of 5.00.29 with Peter Reeve competing at this distance after a long absence from marathon running finishing in a time of 5.39.29.

Colchester Charity 10k
At the inaugural running of the Colchester 10k road race, the field of approximately 220 runners were faced with a fast flat course which made for some very good times.
Russ Sharpe had the accolade of being the first Great Bentley runner to finish in a good time of 40.30 chased hard all the way by Ben Johnson a new member to the club making his club debut and finishing in a good time of 42.02.
Jo McKay ran well finishing in a time of 49.48 showing she is returning to her form of last year after an enforced lay-off. John McKay V60 also ran well finishing in a time of 53.00 chased hard all the way by club chairwoman Lyn Foster finishing in a time of 53.42. Barbara Law ran a determined race finishing in 55.58 chased all the way by Paul Foster running his first race after a long recovery from illness finishing in a time of 57.10.
Emma Vincent made a rare yet welcome appearance for the club to record a good time of 57.50 with Sue McKay still enjoying her running after several years of competing at local races finishing in a time of 1.01.26.

Frinton & Walton 5 mile
Two members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in the Frinton and Walton five mile road race in hot sunny conditions which many of the competitors found testing .Tony Adams, fresh from a fine debut run at the London Marathon, found he has not lost too much speed after several months of long runs by recording a good time of 38.48 chased hard all the way by running partner Chris Hayes who also ran a good race finishing in a time of 39.01.

London - FLM 2009: Nine members from Great Bentley Running Club competed in The London Marathon on a warm and bright day in the capital which made race conditions even tougher for the assembled field of 35,000 runners.

Dave Green, currently in good form, ran extremely well to finish in a fine time of 2.42.50 which earned him a club diamond standard award. Kevin Jeffries achieved a personal best time with a good run finishing in a time of 3.05.53 which earned him a club gold standard award.

Guy Halliday made his marathon debut and performed extremely well finishing in a good time of 3.53.08 closely followed by Andy Cable also running very well finishing in a good time of 3.56.28 and also chased hard all the way to the finish line by Paul Blackwell finishing in a time of 3.58.08.

Tony Adams, another club runner, making his marathon debut and he defied a foot injury sustained a week before the race to finish in a good time of 4.05.48. The only female runner representing the club this year was Davina Swindell also making her marathon debut and she ran very well finishing in a good time of 4.32.00.

For John Gwillim, running in fancy dress costume as cartoon character 'Fred Flintstone', this was his 25th marathon and the race was completed in a good time of 4.38.05 despite John suffering from a lung disease which forced him to slow down from the 17 mile mark.

Andy Hughes made his club debut at the marathon distance and despite finding the heat and the crowds testing he managed to maintain his focus to achieve a good time of 4.41.20.

That's all for now!
Best Wishes
Kevin Cox
3rd May 2009