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WRR Newsletter for Monday 4th November 2019

It’s time to vote!

Please fill in the form and return it to Rachel.stanleyevans@witneyroadrunners.co.uk by Friday 8th November.

Trophies and awards will be announced at the Christmas party on 7th December.

The 5 Trophies on the Nomination Form are decided by the members.

Most Improved Newcomer Male and FemaleSomeone new to the club, in their first year who you think has improved.

Most Improved Male and FemaleSomeone from the rest of the club who has improved this year.

To be the most improved doesn’t mean it is someone at the front of the running pack, if someone goes from 14-12 minute miles, it is a bigger improvement than someone going from 7-6 minute miles. It can also be someone who has increased the distances they run.

Danielle Basson Unsung Hero

Someone within the club who you think has done a lot for the club this year. Possibly one big thing or lots of small things.

WRR CLUB NOMINATION FORM 2019

Nominated by:

My nomination for Most Improved Male is:

Reason:

My nomination for Most Improved Female is:

Reason:

My nomination for the Danielle Basson Unsung Hero Award is:

Reason:

Most Improved Newcomers:

Eligible Male Newcomers: (tick to nominate) Eligible Female Newcomers: (tick to nominate)

James Hackney Dave Johnys Helen Train Martha Horan

James Webster Daniel Long Kirsty Lockwood Olivia Batho

Justin Kamphuis Derek Bond Kirsty Webb Gill Sherwood

Justin Smith George Key Nina Gibson Rhiannon Jones

Lee Vanstone Jason James Sharon Moore Tara Truman

Luke Edwards Jim Horsman Abigail Drewett

Neil Mogline John Green Alice Abbott

Paul Sherwood Liam Walsh Anne Flory

Stephen Ratcliff Mark Crosby Becky Adams

Stephen Young Paul Molyneaux Charlotte Reynolds

Adam Boxer Thomas Johnson Jessica Ralf

Alex Abbott Tony Harland Kirsty Yates

Andy Gorman Vincent Foster Lisa Kay

Anthony Beardsley Margaret Mason

Reason: Reason:

JOHN ROSE TROPHIESTo stand a chance of winning this trophy you need to have raced the following distances.5 Miles 10km 10 Miles Half Marathon 15 or 20 Miles

MarathonThey can be any race, anywhere in the world.These must have been completed between 1st Nov 2018 and 31st Oct 2019. So you still have time.You must also have worn an official club top, unless the Marathon was done for charity and you wore their top.The Female and Male with the lowest combined times for the distances are the winners, so send in your best times.Last year only 3 ladies and 3 men completed the distances, so everyone got a placing.I need the event and time for each distance with me by TOMORROWPlease Email your results to – graham.ferris@ntlworld.com

Ladies Night Out - 16th November - UpdateVery pleased to say that all the ladies have paid. Thank you for making things easier for us!!We still have space for a few more but only with payment in advance. Please let either of us know if you want to join in before Friday 8th November.There is secure parking if anyone wants to leave their car overnight.Looking forward to our quiet night out!Lucy & Mel

Men's Night OutSaturday 16th November at Shaan, Indian restaurant.Table booked for 8.30, with an initial 24 places reserved.

£20 per person.You choose a starter and a main course, and they will give us an assortment of Rice, Naans and side dishes.If we eat all the Rice, Naans and sides we can have more at no extra cost.If you want to come, I need £20 form you ASAP. Your place is only secure once you have paid me.Obviously there will be a couple of pints somewhere beforehand and after.Graham Ferris.

WITNEY ROADRUNNERS CHRISTMAS DINNERConfirmation of the WRR Xmas Dinner - Saturday 7th December 2019Café Rouge, Witney - time to be confirmedBook your place now with Lyn or Julia

Lyn Hopkins lynhopkins2@yahoo.co.uk

If you wish to attend please get your name/s down quickly to guarantee a fun packed night out, as I expect the places to be filled quickly.

Venue - Cafe Rouge, Witney Time - TBC Disco - be ready to dance the night away Menu - see details, they are also available on the WRR website Club Presentations to be made on the night

Choices to either me or Julia as soon as possible please, either by email or by hand. My email address can be found on the WRR website under secretary.

Payment can be made in cash or by cheque to either me or Julia, cheques made payable to Witney Roadrunners, or direct to the WRR bank account, details on the WRR website. Please email me to let me know when you have paid and when making the payment on-line quote 'XMAS DINNER'

It should be a great night as usual, we at WRR know how to have a good time, bring on the party.

Lyn and Julia

London Marathon Draw 2020.

Persons wanting to enter must have fulfilled the criteria below, AND must have paid WRR membership and EA for 2020 by 1st December 2019.The draw will take place after the Xmas Pudding relays on Sunday December (date to be decided) at the WSC, all names will be drawn by Lyn Hopkins as in previous years.

London Marathon 2020.

This year’s requirements for the club ballot will be: Entered the London Marathon Ballot for 2019 and received a

rejection slip or e-mail. (You must keep the rejection slip as you need to hand this in). Please send to Andy Church by 1st DECEMBER 2019

Complete the WRR league, 8 races total, 4 in each half. (2019 Season)

Paid WRR membership and EA for next year (2020) Been a WRR member and EA affiliated on or before 1st April 2019 On the WRR short run rota and actually participate! Or on the Junior

rota. Marshal either Witney 10, Eynsham challenge(our leg), Club

handicap

The first place drawn will be for those who have not run the London Marathon beforeThe next places will be all other people who have fulfilled the above criteria and did not have a club place in the ballot this year.If there are any places left then it will be for people who had London marathon club places this year but also fulfil the above criteria.

We do not know how many places we will receive yet.

Please use the WRR membership renewal forms on the website here

OXFORD RIVER RUN

Sunday 10th November.

This is our annual run from Oxford Train Station along the River Thames back to Eynsham. Approx. 6 miles, and for a foolhardy few all the way back to Witney. Approx. 13 miles.

This is a social run for all abilities/paces, and as the route will be new to a lot of the group, there is a need to make sure nobody gets left behind.

It’s a multi terrain route with a few good muddy sections, but because it isn’t a race road shoes are fine.

Oxford – Witney run. Catch the 8.40am S1 coach from Witney Market Place - £4.30 Fare

Oxford – Eynsham run. Park in Eynsham and catch the same S1 coach at 8.55am from Eynsham Church - £3.10 Fare.

Get off at Oxford Train Station for the run back.

Please be mindful of parking in Witney, as we could be longer than the 3hrs permitted in most of the carparks. Use the long stay in Welch Way to be sure of avoiding a ticket.

Eynsham 10km Recce.

On Sunday 17th November, Matthew Lock will be leading an Eynsham 10km recce.Start, 9am behind the Evenlode or 8:15 at the top of Oxford Hill.

WRR Holiday (!)

We are in the early stages of planning a club trip to Palma, Mallorca to run the 10k, Half Marathon or Marathon. These take place on Sunday 11 October 2020. Entries are open and early bird discounts available until 31st December.

Full details at www.palmademallorcamarathon.com

At this time we are looking to get an idea of numbers, so we can look into accommodation. The plan is to try and find somewhere within walking distance from the start/finish area. If anyone can recommend a Hotel close to Parc de la Mar, Palma that would be a big help.

We would like to try and get us all in the same Hotel to get a great club atmosphere going.

It will probably be a Friday departure and return Monday. Obviously you can fit it around whatever suits you.

Please let me know if you are interested.Graham Ferris

SHORT RUN ROTA 2020(Please note - a few important changes from last year)

Every Thursday the Short Run accommodates new members/beginners/improvers, members returning from injury and those who just fancy a shorter distance.

The distance will always be between three and four miles. I need 2 people every week to chaperone the group. The more volunteers there are, the greater the likelihood that you'll only have to do one during the year. That was the case this year, with only about a dozen members picking up a second stint.

We have plenty of members to meet the above criteria, and it is a feature of our "Club Offer", so please commit to putting your name down to do one. As mentioned , it is likely that you will only do one in the 12 month period, so it really isn't too onerous.

For safety reasons we do have to have at least one male and one female rota volunteer each week. So, if you find that you can’t fulfil your rota slot, you must ensure you arrange a same gender replacement. Failure to do this means that the run cannot go ahead!

If there are any dates you would prefer (e.g school holidays, etc) or dates that you cannot do, just let me know.

Once I have rota'd your turn, please try as hard as you can to avoid having to rearrange, however if it is unavoidable, it is essential that you tell me, via email only, who you have swapped with, especially if you wish to be considered for the WRR London Marathon draw. Do not rely on any social media platforms.

Remember as well, that if you want to enter the draw for a Club London Marathon 2021 place, you must have done at least one stint on the Short Run Rota (along with other published requirements) during 2020, so if you have an inkling that you may fancy entering London, you need to get involved and put your name down.

Please respond no later than Saturday 30th November.

Many Thanks,

Nick Morley

WRR BOBBLE HATS

Bertie is now taking orders for new club bobble hats. The price is £19.50. If you would like to order one please let him know and make payment ASAP. The lead time is 13 weeks but if we get the order in soon it will be less.

Payment by BACS is the same account as the membership with the reference of hat.Payment by cheque made payable to Witney roadrunners.Payment by cash in a envelope with your name on it.If you are paying by BACS you will need to email Bertie to confirm bertiewrr@gmail.com

WRR race kit in stock

Ladies - £23 eachT-Shirts - Sizes 8 to 16 Vests - Sizes 8 to 16

Men's - £23 eachT-shirts - Sizes LargeVests - Small and Extra Large

Hoodies - zipped - £22 eachSmall to Extra Large -

Hoodies - non-zipped - £15 each - Old stock1 x Large and 2 x Extra Large

If you require race kit please contact me at lynhopkins2@yahoo.co.uk

This weekTuesday 5th

Location: Jubilee WayEffort Session: Fartlek session between lampostsTime: 7pm at Sports Centre

7:10 by the traffic light on Oxford HillThe session uses the lamposts as markers, alternate sprint and jog. Total distance is 4 miles.

Thursday 7th

Short Med Long X Long

3.2 Miles 6.0 Miles 6.4 Miles 8 Miles

Station Lane Witan Way Cogges Loop Corn Street

Ducklington Lane Welch Way Newlands Ducklington

Lane

Burwell Drive Moor Ave High Street Thorney Leys

Curbridge Road Burford Rd Welch Way Deer Park Road

Corn Street Downs Road Moor Avenue Burford Road

Holloway Rd Range Rd Burford Road Bridge Street

Welch Way Raleigh Crescent Downs Road West End

High Street Deer Park Road Range Road Crawley Road

Langdale Gate Curbridge Rd Deer Park Road Quarry Road

Mirfield Rd / Fettiplace Rd

Curbridge Road

Schofield Avenue

Tower Hill Corn Street Farmers Close

Corn St New Yatt Road

Wood Green

Newlands

Cogges Hill  Road

Manor Road

Cogges Farm

Short Run Rota:Lyn Hopkins, Richard Redford, Bridgid Briens

Saturday 9th NovemberPark Run 5km at: Witney Oxford Abingdon Banbury Harcourt Hill Bicester and

elsewhere

Sunday 10th NovemberWRR Social River Run

Race ResultsAs with all Oxfordshire races check out Barry Cornelius's race photos at http://www.oxonraces.com/photos/

Snowdon Marathon 26/10/2019 by Steve Hopkins

Callum Rowlinson and Andrea Rowlands became the latest winners of the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri on Saturday, as both produced runs of strength and determination to win one of the UK’s most prestigious marathon crowns. 

Starting under grey skies, chilly temperatures and in steady rain, a record number of starters headed out of Nant Peris for the 37th running of this classic event. Runners from as far-a-field as the US and Australia had

made the long journey to take part, and as they headed up the Llanberis Pass after the traditional 10.30am start the buoyant mood of the runners made sure that the weather was not going to deter the fantastic atmosphere that this annual celebration of running produces. 

As the race began to develop in the men’s event on the long and steady climb to Pen y Pass at mile 5, it was clear that this was going to be a battle between Salford runner Rowlinson, local man Tom Roberts, Mercia Fell Runner Dan Connolly and last year’s runner-up Martin Green.

In the women’s race it was shaping up to be a repeat of last year, when Anna Bracegirdle and Eryri Harrier Rowlands battled it out. It was the 2018 winner Bracegirdle who took it out hard on the Llanberis Pass to reach to the summit and the first feed station in 33:15, a lead of over one minute on Rowlands. 

Meanwhile in the men’s race Rowlinson crested Pen y Pass with Roberts and Connolly in close attendance. Their time of around 27:38 demonstrated that if they could stay together and make a race of it the course record of 2:33:38, held by 2015 winner John Gilbert, was within sight.  

As they hit halfway and up to mile-14 the race had now developed into a two-way battle between Rowlinson and Roberts, with Green and Connolly running around three minutes back in third. However, for Roberts and Connolly this was their debut marathon and they were now into unknown territory as they began to ascend out of the village of Beddgelert and onto the tough second half of this 26.2 mile brute.

At the same 14-mile checkpoint Bracegirdle was still running strong in the women’s race, however having had some recent issues with iron deficiency Anna was unsure if she would feel the effects of this and later stated that she wasn’t sure at this point if she would be able to finish. That said her lead over Andrea was still over a minute as they too headed into the unforgiving second half of the race. 

Behind these two a tremendous battle was developing for the final podium spot and Danielle Higham and Beth Taylor were also within a minute of

each other. 

From this point onwards it was to become clear that Callum Rowlinson’s recent chest cold was not to be a factor. By mile 20 and on to 23 miles the former Bangor University student was beginning to build a sizable lead, and may well have had Gilbert’s 2015 course record in the back of his mind. 

Roberts had now been caught and passed by Green and Connolly, but was determined to hang on to complete the race. 

If the men’s race winner was looking clear cut the women’s race was anything but, as by mile-23 Rowlands had caught long-time leader Bracegirdle. However, with a lead of less than a minute heading into the last three miles the race was far from over. 

In both events the last miles of this race are a huge undertaking as they head to the highest point of the race at mile 24, almost 380 metres above sea level and an ascent of over 200 metres in just 1 mile!

Whilst the women battled it out, Rowlinson was cruising to a maiden  Snowdonia victory. Descending back into Llanberis after conquering the Bwlch y Groes climb, Callum had a number of falls on the wet, muddy and rocky downhill section incurring a nasty cut to his elbow in the process. However this was not to deter him as he entered the Llanberis high street and the finish to take a fantastic win in 2:34:14, just 36 seconds outside of the course record and for the second fastest-ever time on this course. 

Speaking to the crowd as he crossed the line a tired, blood and mud spattered Rowlinson said:

“I can’t believe it. This means so much, and I am not sure how I made it down in the last couple of miles as I am a terrible downhill runner! But to win this race, when you look at some of the past winners, is just amazing.” 

Behind fell and mountain specialist Dan Connolly plummeted into Llanberis, to take second place in a superb 2:38:26. Martin Green held his

nerve and form over the last 2 miles to take an excellent third place in 2:41:18, over two minutes faster than his time from 2018.

The last 3 miles unfortunately saw Welsh international mountain runner Roberts really struggle, especially on the climb to mile 24, but he used his strength on the mountains to good effect to finish a highly satisfactory fourth in 2:45:59.

Whilst Rowlinson and the lead men took the plaudits of the huge and appreciative Llanberis crowd, the lead women were now entering the last couple of miles and with just a minute between them at mile 23, Rowlands and Bracegirdle were in a mammoth battle. 

However, the vastly experienced mountain and ultra-runner and former Eryri winner Rowlands didnt look back, as she began her descent of Bwlch y Groes and held her form on the slippery descent as she entered the village of Llanberis. 

Heading towards the finish line a clearly delighted Andrea was full of running, breaking the tape in 3:09:18. The time was immaterial as the accolade of being crowned a now two-time Snowdonia Marathon Eryri winner after her victory in 2014 puts her in the greats of this historic race.  

Speaking after the race Andrea commented: 

“I am really happy to have won this race again. It’s also a demonstration to others that age isn’t a barrier to success. I am 46 now and I feel as strong as ever to be honest!”

Bracegirdle was by now also enjoying the final sprint into the finish as she took a highly-popular second place in 3:09:54, just 30 over seconds behind Rowlands. She was embraced by her family as she crossed the line and was clearly still extremely happy with the runner-up spot.

Danielle Higham demonstrated great strength as she took third, her first time on the Snowdonia podium with 3:13:23. Beth Taylor finished in 4th place, just 41 seconds back. 

Race organiser Jayne Lloyd was rightly pleased with what had once again

been a great race: 

“This marathon never fails to inspire me. It’s my 16th time organising it and each year it still fills me with pride to see the thousands of runners filling the roads of Snowdonia. We saw two great winners in Callum and Andrea today, truly brilliant runs. But this day is not just about great winners, it’s about great people, coming together for so many reasons.”

Men’s top 5

1 Callum Rowlinson 2:34:14 Salford Harriers

2 Daniel Connolly 2:38:26 Mercia Fell Runners

3 Martin Green 2:41:18 NWRRC

4 Tom Roberts 2:45:59 Meirionnydd RC

5 Sam Gregory 2:46:11 Aberdare

Women’s top 5

1 Andrea Rowlands 3:09:18 Eryri Harriers

2 Anna Bracegirdle 3:09:54

3 Danielle Higham 3:13:23 

4 Beth Taylor 3:14:04

5 Clare Patterson 3:22:19 Torfaen

……………………………………………………………

Steve Hopkins, Team Manager of the magnificent, muscular, and truly marmalade flavoured team from Witney Roadrunners in deepest Oxfordshireshire said…..

“This race is just so easy and I don’t know what all the fuss is about…ouch! Will you stop hitting me, Lyn!

We send the best team every year and we love it! The breakfasts are really good, but the sheep still look at me a bit funny when I talk about my collection of different mint sauces”

Seriously folks, WRR had 15 brave Snowdoneers this year, and everyone put in a magnificent effort.

As usual Gareth Petts streaked away and finished 7th in 2.51, fantastic effort !!

It seemed that everyone had a good run, and really seemed to enjoy the day.

The Club Dinner at the Royal Victoria Hotel was great fun, and all finishers were asked in turn to describe their own run in no more than 10 words!

John presented Gareth with the Snowdonia Cup, and everyone had a lovely evening.

Lyn Hopkins was presented with a special T-Shirt, to reflect the fact that this was her 14th Snowdon Marathon and 20th overall. Well done Lyn!

Most people headed home on the Sunday morning, but a few of us headed for Lyn Ogwen and walked around the lake and then up to Cwm Idwal and the magnificent Devils Kitchen. The views of the majestic Tryfan were awesome. Totally knackered 15 of us then headed into Caernarfon in the evening for dinner at the legendary Black Boy pub.

As every year, I have a feeling of great pride at seeing so many of our club out there. We certainly had another superb weekend away with so many of our wonderful Club members and family!

Well done everyone. Steve

2316 Finishers: 1st 2.35.14 last 8.28.54

Gareth Petts 7th 2.51GrahamFerris 251st 3.40Bob Green 328th 3.46

Francis Tracey 435th 3.53Bertie Field 436th 3.53Ben Godwood 462nd 3.55Toby Clarke 546th 3.59Craig Gibbin 547th 3.59Sally Howard 598th 4.03Melanie Cassidy 649th 4.06Lisa Holland 871st 4.19Nicola Henman 1000th 4.26Jess Wright 1171st 4.37Lyn Hopkins 1810th 5.22Vicki Hopkins 1811st 5.22

Wednesday 30th OctoberRAF Benevolent Fund 10km – tough hilly route

Tommy Johnson 36:37

Saturday 2nd November Parkrun Results – all 5km with varying terrain number of laps and undulations! WRR consolidated Parkrun results are here

Belfast VictoriaRoss Doherty 24.33

Didcot Matt Lock 18.19 1st Tony Lock 19.42Andrew Green 23.30Kirsty Webb 26.53

Preston ParkSam Upton 24.18Jen Upton 42.50

Bicester James Horsman 24.42

Parkrun de RouenAnna Flory 27.00 2nd Lady

Llanerchaeron Tom Garrod 22.16

Witney

Liam Walsh 21.31 3rd Chris Colbeck 24.01Graham Le Good 24.12Sally Howard 25.56Jane Colbeck-McKinnon 27.53Sharon Christie 31.43Richard Stockting 31.47Tamsyn Wymer 37.21Martin Crabb 56.09 Tailwalker

Not only was this Graham’s 250th Parkrun, Simon was 1st and Sarah was first lady

Oxfordshire Cross Country LeagueRace 1 – BicesterAn excellent turnout from WRR and some great performances. The results are not yet online try checking either the OCCL website here or follow a link from Oxonraces

ContactsIf you need any further information please contact:-

Chairman John McCormacSecretary Lyn HopkinsMembership Paul RushbyLeague Races Andy ChurchNewsletter Graham Le Good Andy ChurchTuesday sessions Graham Le GoodThursday Routes Nick MorleyShort Run Rota Nick MorleyJunior Rota Fraser HowardWebsite Ian FowlerWRR Club Kit Lyn HopkinsJunior Club Mike Miles