May News letter

Forthcoming Social Events

Sun 7th May Tewkesbury Half Marathon:- Two minibuses have been arranged for transport to the race. A meal has been booked at a pub in Upton on Seven

Sun 18th Potteries Marathon:- A great family day out and a free barbecue/picnic to boot. You don't have to be a runner to enjoy this one. Bring your own garden chairs, unless you want to sit on the grass. Also your own salad, salt,pepper,plate,knife,fork etc. plus sun tan lotion- its usually a very warm day. Dick's tent will again be a storage area and meeting point. Those runners not doing the marathon usually do a run (around 8 miles nice and easy) whilst the main event is underway.

New Old Member

A warm 'welcome back' to Glyn Marston who has rejoined us after a short time in the wilderness. Good to see Gary Meddings amongst us again. He is still recovering from his leg operation, but should be running with us soon. Glad to see you are on the mend Gary

Club Member's Results

Grissly 2000 2nd April

Chris Catton and Mac Roberts both took the weekend off and travelled down to Devon to compete in this gruelling, infamous 20 mile multi-terrain run (on which Mac Mills is the expert). Mac did a very worthy 3:05 with Chris coming in 10 mins. later, having shed a shoe in some deep and grungy mud and taking time out to retreive it. They enjoyed it so much they're going to do it again next year- March 16th. all masochists welcome !

London Marathon April 16th

We had ten runners taking part and four of them ran pb's ! - a tremendous performance by all.

Here are the results in order of finishing:

Pete Horton 3:01:24 p.b. (Prev. p.b. 3:18) Dick Johnson 3:12:04 Ron Nicholls 3:17:43 Paul Carrol 3:31:56 p.b. (3:50) Caren Leedham 4:10

Gail Fortes-Mayer 3:07:56 p.b. (Prev. p.b. 3:14) Glyn Marston 3:17 p.b. (3:14) Simon Kimberley 3:28:31 Nigel Churchill 3:34:12 Phil Gelder 4:30

This was Caren Leedham's first ever marathon and she did a very creditable time- something to be proud of ! She also collected over £400 for Breast Cancer Care and wants to thank all those who sponsored her for their generosity and support. Pete Horton knocked 17 minutes off his p.b. despite telling us he wasn't fully trained. Paul Carrol improved by 18 minutes to consolidate his position in the Grand Prix(early days yet Paul). Gail Fortes-Mayor saved 6mins. and must be getting close to 'ladies elite' status with that time. Dick Johnson ran exceptionally well considering that he could hardly walk just a few weeks ago Glyn Marston ran really well and must have done some secret training to achieve his p.b. Ron,Simon,Nigel and Phil all ran very good times.

Magnificent achievements. We applaud you all. Well done !

Sheffield Marathon and half Marathon April 16th

Same day as London, and whilst some of us were watching it on TV with bacon butties in our fists, others were up with the lark and off to Sheffield. Chris Catton (disappointed at not getting in to London) completed the full marathon in a new p.b. of 3:24:58 knocking an astonishing 21 mins of his previous best. A great run Chris pity its not in the Grand Prix (or maybe the organiser can fix it ! Mac and Lesley Roberts ran the half marathon together. This was Lesley's first half, completed in a very solid 1:50. Although they enjoyed the start and finish in the splendid Don Athletics Stadium, they were a little disappointed with the route, which was very undulating and the 'back street' scenery was not what they expected.

Cross Country

The presentation took place on Tues 2nd May

Rob Drew receiving the Cross Country Challenge Trophy from Club Captain Stan Harrison.	Trevor Simms receiving his silver medal as Cross Country Captain Ian Hill Looks on.
Chris Catton receiving his silver medal.	Dick Johnson receiving his silver medal.
Ron Nicholls receiving his silver medal.	Shaun Harvey receiving his 'special award' for 4 runs in two seasons !!!

Members' Handbook

This is still being prepared and a first draft is now available for discussion

Millenium Fund/Christmas Pudding Run

The committee has applied for a grant of £5000 from the Millenium Festival Lottery Fund, so that we can expand and improve the Christmas Pudding Run and make it a special event in this Millenium Year. And also so that we might attract new members in the club. We are examnining the possibility of getting a 'personality' to start the run and present prizes. Noddy Holder (a local lad) has turned us down already. Anybody got any suggestions? For more info see Dave Lockley.

Making new Members Welcome

The club will soon be advertising in the local newspapers for new members. When new people arrive at the club it will be the responsibility of the Club Captain Stan Harrison to take care of them. He may ask other club members to take them out on their first run and show them the ropes i.e showers, bar, etc. afterwards and to introduce them to other members. So please help him out if you get the call and make them feel welcome.