Press Report - 4th January 2012
04/01/2012 by Neil Hawker
Dear All,
Chester Round the Walls 5 mile'ish Race on 26.12.11.
Another good turnout as eleven gold vested EPRC runners saw out the old year with a post-Christmas lung buster taking in a revised course around Chester racecourse and the city walls. First home for the club was the Dutch based Tony Hyland in 34m51s, quickly followed in by Mike Burns in 35m12s, being only slightly hampered by his skeleton fancy dress outfit, with Nicky Bird close behind in 36m17s. A spectacular sprint finish was won by Sharon Plested who dipped on the line to pip Alison Macdonald, with both ladies being given the same time of 39m30s. Next in was Bryan Griffiths in 39m39s ahead of Paul Plested in 41m9s and John Jennings in 41m52s. Catherine Evans in 41m58s just got the better of Nic Smith in 42m19s, with both edging Simon Prescott who finished in an excellent time of 47m13s notwithstanding that he was sporting a full Roman Legionnaire's outfit.
Thornton Hough to Willaston 3.5 mile'ish race on 1.1.12
Undaunted by a lack of sleep and/or hangovers a total of eight gold vests turned out on New Year's day to start the new year in determined fashion. No official, or unofficial, times are available but the finishing order was Denis Duret, Paul Robertson, Mike Burns, Dave Roberts, Alison Macdonald, who claimed the first lady prize, John Jennings, Danny Legg and Pauline Carpenter.
Mike Burns
EPRC media relations
4.1.12
December Report
12/12/2011 by Neil Hawker
Dear All,
Apologies for the lack of reporting over the last couple of weeks but pressure of work has meant I have had too little time to complete the reports, however, please see below for the latest EPRC race report;
Liverpool and District Cross Country league race 2 on 26.11.11
Competing against some of the country's leading runners in an effort to get selected for the Great Britain squad in the forthcoming cross country world championships, EPRC's representatives did not disgrace themselves but unfortunately none have been selected. First in for the club was Ian Cooper in 35m51s, with Denis Duret in 38m44s just ahead of Graham Earlam in 39m24s. Next home were Paul Robertson in 40m17s and Dave Nalder in 40m33s. Jon Hawker crossed the line in 42m10s, with Mandy McGonigle in 47m6s and Sharon Plested in 49m2s completing the line up although what they were doing racing in the senior mens race only they know!
Las Vegas Marathon on 4.12.11
EPRC's Catherine Evans took part in the worlds largest night time marathon in Las Vegas on 4.12.11. Despite making a number of schoolgirl errors, including choosing a race with 44,000 runners competing in both full and half marathons in the party capital of the world. The ful marathon runners started 1hr30min before the half marathoners and the first half of the race went well with Catherine on target for 3hr45m but she then turned onto the strip and merged with the half marathoners resulting in absolute chaos with large numbers of people walking after only one mile. Losing toenails at 18 and 21 miles slowed Catherine down but undaunted and realising that she was never going to achieve a great time or the one that she wanted, she just relaxed and enjoyed running down the strip at night, with everyone drinking and partying on the street, and even a run through wedding ceremony at one of the hotels on route for couples wanting to get married mid race! Out of a field of 44,000 Catherine finished 1,300th overall, 328th female in a time of 4hr2m44s.
Gravy Pud fell race on 4.12.11
Jon Hawker was EPRC's only runner in the 5.5 mile “Gravy Pud” fell race in Tintwistle, Derbyshire, but still managed to complete the demanding course in a very credible time of 46m6s despite the heavy rain and unforgiving mud.
Stockport 10 Mile road trace on 11.12.11
Two EPRC Gold vested veterans, Alan Durston and Brian Griffiths acquited thenmselves well in the challenging Stockport 10 miler, with Brian finishing in 1hr16m and Alan in 1hr20m. Despite the tough undulating course with a couple of nasty hill climbs both felt pleased with their respective times.
Mike Burns
EPRC Media Relations
12.12.11
21st November Race Report
22/11/2011 by Neil Hawker
Conway Half Marathon on 20.11.11
An intrepid and determined band of 13 Gold vested runners made the short trip along the surprisingly sunny North Wales coast to compete in the Conway Half Marathon. The race started in almost perfect conditions on the quayside and proceeded along the right bank of the River Conway before taking in a challenging up and down lap of the Great Orme and returning along the same outward route to the finish in front of the magnificent Conway Castle. Despite suffering man flu EPRC's Rob Grantham still put in a sterling effort to finish in a time of 1hr16m42s to claim the Vet 35 prize. Equally impressive was Dave Nalder who, having avoided some of the impeding congestion at the start, came home in an excellent time of 1hr30m33s to claim the Vet 55 prize. Having been shown a clean pair of heels by Dave, Mike Burns finished in 1hr 33m40s after 'enjoying' the first race within a race of the day to just hold off the strong challenge of Jon Hawker who finished in 1hr35m39s. The second race within a race was won by Dave Roberts who, using his brother as a pacer, crossed the line in 1hr42m15s barely 2 seconds ahead of Mark Pickard who crossed in 1hr42m17s. First lady home for the club was Alison Macdonald who despite her best efforts was unable to hang on to the coattails of Dave and Mark and finished in 1hr45m14s with Brian Griffiths in 1hr45m26s just failing to close the gap on her at the finish. The third race within a race saw Sharon Plested outsprint Nic Smith over the final 50 meter descent to the finish line crossing in 1hr46m46s with Nic only one second behind in 1hr46m47s. Debbie Hawker ran a strong race to break the tape in a time of 1hr52m46s and keep ahead of the fast finishing Alan Durston who came home in 1hr 55m48s. Lisa Jenkins completed the line up finishing in 2hr5m48s and even managing to do a mid race dainty arabesque leap for ace photographer Paul Plested, who captured all runners at various points, and in various states of distress, around the course. Welcome support at the top of the Orme was provide by Ann Ball and Julie Pearce.
Mike Burns
EPRC Media Relations
21.11.11
15th November Race Report
15/11/2011 by Neil Hawker
Rock & Roll Savannah Half Marathon, Georgia, USA on 5.11.11
Showing that there are no limits on the distances EPRC runners are prepared to travel to proudly wear their Gold vest, Catherine Evans successfully represented the club on the international race scene in competing in the inaugural running of the Rock & Rock Savannah Half Marathon, finishing a superb 406th in a field of over 25,000. Despite a valiant effort and desperately wanting to go under the 1hr40m mark, Catherine fell short by just one second, clocking 1hr40m dead, but was still delighted to have taken 2m30s off her PB, which bodes well as she continues her training for the Las Vegas Marathon in December.
Borders League Race 2, Birkenhead Park on 13.11.11
Despite Birkenhead Park lacking something of the glamour of Savannah, Georgia, there was yet another impressive turnout and set of results (and not just the Danish pastries and Banana bread at the finish), as running in near perfect race conditions 26 Gold vested runners competed in this four lap, five and half'ish mile race. Leading the club home were Ian Cooper in 31m26s, Denis Duret in 32m41s and Graham Earlam in 34m15s. Not too far behind this leading group was Jon Cole in 34m46s, just edging out Paul Robertson in 34m47s, with Dave Nalder in 35m21s getting the better of Paul Price in 35m44s, and Jon Hawker in 36m34s holding off the late challenge of Mike Burns in 36m37s. First lady home for the club was Nicky Bird in 37m47s, with Roy Traynor in 39m34s just squeezing home in front of Colin Jones in 39m35s, and ahead of the next tussle between Alison Macdonald in 40m51s and Nic Smith in 40m55s. Sharon Plested crossed the line in 41m51s with Dave Hartley in 42m47s, Les Fleetwood in 42m56s and Debbie Hawker in 43m2s not too far behind. Madeleine Bird in 44m23s edged out Paul Plested who showed continued improvement to finish in 43m35s and stay ahead of the cake meister Ann Ball in 44m38s, Nigel Crieri in 45m36s and Mark McGonigle in 46m3s. Helen Johnson in 46m48s lead home a plethora of fast finishing ladies including Julie Pearce in 49m9s, Pauline Carpenter in 53m10s (wrongly recorded in the official results as the watching Denise Lavery), Nicola Jaynes in 53m12s, and finally Carmel Barnett in 53m14s. On the day EPRC finished third in the Vets Division, fourth in Ladies Division 1, and last in Mens Division 1!
Mike Burns
EPRC Media relations
November Press Report
08/11/2011 by Neil Hawker
Abergele 5 mile road race on 6.11.11
Six gold vested EPRC runners enjoyed a successful trip in to North Wales for the Abergele 5 mile road race bagging 4 podium positions in various categories. With clear blue skies and light winds the weather was perfect for tackling the hilly course and first home and 12th overall and just pipped in to 2nd in the male over 45 category was Ian Cooper in 29m24s. Next to take the chequered flag was Nicky Bird in a time of 34m48s, finishing 5th lady overall and 2nd Senior Female. Third home for the club was Sharon Plested in a time of 38m48s, collecting 3rd place in the Female over 45 category, followed not far behind by husband, Paul Plested in a time of 40m:16s. Madeline Bird was first Female over 55 with a time of 41m18s, closely followed by Nigel Crierie, who crossed the line at 42m7s.
Langley 7 mile fell race on 6.11.11
Nic Smith was EPRC's lone competitor in what she described as a lovely race with fab weather but bloody hilly. Nic finished in a very competitive time of 58m11s and after her exertions she especially enjoyed the cakes at the end!
Clwydian Hills 10 mile fell race on 6.11.11
Jon Cole was EPRC's sole representative in this tough fell race run over and around Moel Famau in the Clwydian range. Results not available at the time of going to press.
Rutland Water Marathon on 6.11.11
Compulsive EPRC marathon runner Liz Tunna completed her third marathon in just 10 days and thoroughly enjoyed testing her mettle over the scenic hilly course. Results not available at the time of going to press.
Mike Burns
ERPC media relations
October Press Report
03/11/2011 by Neil Hawker
Liverpool & District Cross Country League race 1 on 29.10.11
A total of 10 gold vested EPRC runners travelled to Boundary Park in Skelmersdale for the first cross country race of the season. Running over a challenging, hilly and muddy course proved no obstacle to this intrepid bunch who were lead home by a trio of runners returning from recent injury, Ian Cooper, 34m42s, Denis Duret, 37m11s, and Graham Earlam, 38m11s. Next in was the evergreen Dave Nalder, 38m55s, holding off the challenges of Jon Cole, 39m13, Paul Price, 40m9s, and Jon Hawker, 40m31s. First club lady across the finish line was Alison Cole, 40m42s, followed by Mandy McGonigle, 46m27, and Sharon Plested, 48m6s. Excellent support and action photographs were provided by Paul Plested.
Snowdonia Marathon on 30.10.11
Two brave gold vested EPRC runners travelled to Snowdonia in North Wales to compete with over 2,000 other runners in what is generally regarded as one of Britain's toughest marathon, with the cold, wet and windy weather once again adding to the toughness of the already challenging course. Running a fantastic race, and securing several appearances on S4C's race highlights show, was Rob Grantham who finished in a superb 5th place overall (and probably the first Englishman) in another stunning time of 2hr43m29s. Equally impressive, if not quite so quick as Rob, was the performance of Liz Tunna who finished in an excellent time of 5hr21m3s despite having completed another marathon only 3 days earlier. Further congratulations are also due to Liz as she recently became the youngest female to complete 100 marathons!
Mike Burns
EPRC media relations
Ellesmere Port Running Club Race Report
13/09/2011 by Neil Hawker
Summer is truly over and that means a return to serious racing for many of EPRC's gold vested athletes, as evidenced by the plethora of races completed over the last week or so.
Off Road Series Race 4 on 1.9.11
EPRC's sole representative at the last of four races was the continually improving Rob Grantham who, despite a lack of team support, completed the tricky 4.8 mile course along the bank of the River Dee in a magnificent time of 28m12s to win the race.
Summer Multi-Terrain League Race 1 on 6.9.11
Although something of a misnomer this years "Summer" multi-terrain race series got under way at Roydon Park with the route taking competitors on a leg sapping 5 mile'ish two lap course over and around Thurstaston hill. First EPRC runner across the line was Ian Cooper in 30m1s. Next home was Mike Burns in 33m31s, just getting the better of Jon Cole in 33m54s and Matt Whitfield in 34m. Just behind the club's leading men was Alison Cole in a time of 34m53s, which time clearly shows that she is starting to return to form, with Nicky Bird also not too far behind in 35m49s. An impressive run by Mandy McGonigle saw her stop the clock at 37m53 just ahead of Alison Macdonald in 38m1s, although Alison's good Samaritan acts in helping fallen runners back to their feet didn't actually help her own time. Next in was Carl Adams finishing in an excellent time of 39m32s and making an impressive debut at this event. Ann Ball clocked 42m14s, which was a superb 2 minute improvement on last year's time, with Denise Lavery and Lisa Jenkins running solidly to register 44m41s and 4m47s respectively. After race 1 the mens 'A' team lie in 15th place and the Ladies 'A' team in 3rd.
Hell up North Race 1 on 10.9.11
EPRC's Jon Hawker clearly relished the challenge of the devilishly tough 11 mile'ish race run along the tracks and through the water filled bogs of Delamere Forest, where he recorded an impressive time of 1hr43m, and he would have surely run even faster had he not been using this race as a warm up event for the following day's Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon.
Hell up North Race 2 on 11.9.11
Denise Lavery, Holly Chance and Sarah Billet made it an unofficial EPRC ladies day at the Hell Runner race 2. Despite having to run over a course that had clearly been degraded by the previous day's race, all three ladies clearly excelled but also revelled in the conditions, which included a complimentary mid race swim and whole body mud bath. First home in a time of 2hrs16m1s was Holly who managed to open up a small gap on Sarah, 2hr16m56s, with Denise muddied but unbowed finishing in 2hr46m18s.
Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon 11.9.11
A very healthy turnout of EPRC runners were once again impressively lead home by Rob Grantham who completed the undulating lake side course in a fleet footed 1hr13m25s. Matt Whitfield followed Rob over the line in 1hr32m36s and won't be too disappointed not to have achieved his pre-race target time as he builds up for next month's Chester Marathon. Just behind Matt and clearly only slightly jaded from his previous day's exertions at the Hell up North was Jon Hawker in a cracking time of 1hr3518s, with fellow ultra runner Mark Fidler close behind in 1hr38m59s. Brian Griffiths ran his typically gutsy race to finish in 1h43m50s holding off the triple challenges of first EPRC lady home, Debbie Hawker, 1hr46m3s, the fit as a butcher's dog veteran Alan Durston, 1hr47m24s, and the ever determined Sharon Plested, 1hr47m36s. Julia Fidler ran an excellently paced race to finish in 1hr55m14s. Next in, and hopefully now over his recent troubling injury that had frustratingly relegated him to a race photographer's post, was Paul Plested in a very encouraging time of 2hr2m5s. Paul's gain will no doubt be our loss as his quality race photographs really do capture the spirit of the club and the enjoyment of competing experienced by all EPRC runners.
Mike Burns
EPRC media relations director
Sefton Park 5 mile road race
02/08/2011 by Mike Burns
A total of 5 gold vested EPRC runners travelled to Liverpool to compete with great effect in this high quality annual race around the open spaces of Sefton Park. Possibly as a consequence of the warm weather conditions the organisers were taken very much by surprise by the unexpectedly large turn out of 427 runners, which meant a delay to the start of the race to allow entries to be processed. The additional waiting around did not however, adversely impact on any of the glorious gold runners with Ian Cooper first home, and securing a top 20 finish, in a fine time of 28m34s. Clearly benefitting from his recent heavy race load, Jon Cole used Ian as a pace maker for large parts of the race and crossed the finish line in 31m44s, which was just ahead of the rapidly returning to form Nicky Bird in a promising time of 32m45s. Next in was Alison Cole in a respectable time, although some way off her best, of 33m55s. Another runner starting to show some form following recent injury problems, and the final EPRC runner home, was Matt Whitfield in 34m12s but just lacked that extra bit of stamina and speed in failing to keep pace with Alison.
Mike Burns
2.8.11
