| Date | 29-01-12 |
| Event | 53-12 XC 5 Ipswich |
| Results | |
| Report | HARWICH RUNNERS PRESS REPORT 30TH JANUARY 2012
Harwich Runners secured 3rd place in the penultimate fixture of the 53-12 league in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk. Leading the Harwich challenge were Robert Reason and Sarah Fossberg, with a fine run from Richard Newman and a number of impressive debut performances. However with a number of key athletes missing, the good team result surprised even club chairman Peter Gooding, who was greatly impressed by the efforts of his troops on the day.
There were 220 athletes on the start-line for the 2 lap course, that had been extended from previous years to 5.7 miles and included a couple of additional short climbs. In the freezing conditions there was a brisk start as competitors were eager to warm-up. For Harwich training partners Robert Reason and Brian Herrington were to the fore. After the first lap Reason held 4th place, but called on all his stamina and endurance training to claw his way up to a worthy 2nd place. Veteran Herrington again showed he is in the form of his life in 7th. Sam Gooding-Matthews was back to not far off his best in 11th. He ran shoulder to shoulder with Matthew Knowles for much of the race. A 12th place finish for Knowles, showed he also benefited from the partnership. Mark Rutter had his best finish of the winter in 32nd, followed by Jason Meachen 40th and one of Harwich's stars of the morning Richard Newman 41st. On their debuts Martin Rieksts 43rd and Nerijus Cereskevious 46th proved a real asset, with Rieksts closing out the 8 Harwich scorers.
The strong performances kept coming from Justin Burls 56th, much improved Gary Donoghue 62nd, Steven Burbidge 70th, Andre Besant 75th, newcomer Carl Saville 87th and Steve Kent 91st. Sixteen year old Josh Spence was another impressive debutant, known for his swimming exploits, he ran to 112th spot. Completing the squad were Glyn Peck 119th, Ashley Thomas 108th, Jeff Higgon 121st, Colin Matthews 129th, Peter Fraser-Hopewell 133rd, Julian Cordwell 141st and Trevor Matthews 143rd.
Harwich were missing 3 of their top female athletes. Sarah Fossberg and Rachel Jarvis stepped up to the challenge and had their best finishes in 15th and 18th respectively. Gritty races came from Elspeth Knott 36th and Carla Holroyd 37th to close out the 4 scoring runners. Important support came from Jo Higgon 54th and Miranda Rayner 65th. The 3rd place team finish moved Harwich up to 3rd overall, just 1 point ahead of Colchester Harriers. Winners on the day were Springfield Striders who clinched the league title from hosts Ipswich JAFFA.
League table
Springfield Striders 29
Ipswich JAFFA 24
Harwich Runners 18
Colchester Harriers 17
Great Bentley 10
Halstead Runners 7
The final race takes place at White Notley on Sunday February 12th. Harwich will be going all out to maintain their 3rd position and fend off the challenge from the green vested Colchester Harriers. In the supporting junior race all the Barrington clan were back in action to bolster the young Harwich squad. Jack Barrington led the way in a good 11th. Brothers Archie and George followed in 21st and 24th. Emily Donoghue has had a consistent winter and was 30th. Completing the team who hold 6th place overall were Victoria Mcrea 43rd, Theo Sanderson 51st and William Kent 56th. At the Gunpowder Park 5 kilometre race, Richard Flutter raced to 2nd place and first in his age group in a time of 20 minutes 15 seconds, over the multi-terrain course
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| Date | 22-01-12 |
| Event | Benfleet 15 |
| Results | |
| Report | Richard Flutter started his preparation for the Stratford Upon Avon Marathon in April, by completing the tough Benfleet 15 mile race on Sunday. The course was nearly totally off road, covering hilly, muddy tracks and long straight trails next to an estuary. As he was on his way back from illness and injury, Flutter set himself the target of a sub 2 hour clocking. Setting off at a steady tempo, he made good progress amongst the 500 strong field. A gusting wind made conditions all the tougher, with a number of athletes dropping out. There was no stopping the Harwich man, who came home in 1 hour 59 minutes and 8 seconds, 50 seconds inside his target and 91st overall. |
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| Date | 15-01-12 |
| Event | 53-12 XC 4 Hadleigh |
| Results | |
| Report | HARWICH RUNNERS PRESS REPORT 16TH JANUARY 2012
Harwich Runners raced to 4th place in the 4th fixture of the 53-12 cross country league in Hadleigh. Star performers for Harwich over the hilly 5 mile course were Kate Hodgkiss and Matthew Knowles. There was an impressive 37 black and white vested Harwich athletes amongst the 280 strong field.
The opening loop saw Robert Reason and Matthew Knowles to the fore. With Kate Hodgkiss up near the front in the women’s competition. Endurance ace Reason used all his stamina and experience to lead the Harwich squad home in 6th. Team-mate Matthew Knowles attacked the race from the off and just never let-up, a final sprint brought 16th. Steve Cooper and Brian Herrington enjoyed a race long tussle and were never far apart. It was former sub 2 minute 800 metre man Cooper, who had the edge on the run-in to the finish, placing 20th and 21st respectively. Conservative starting Mark Rutter made his way up to 43rd, followed by Jason Meachen, on his way back to full fitness in 50th. There was a solid run from London Marathon aspirant Paul McClelland in 53rd. Justin Burls completed his regular role as last scoring man in 74th. Impressive runs came from club newcomers Gregory Mcdowell 77th and Andre Besant 80th. Richard Flutter was back from illness and injury in a good 88th, followed closely by the improving Steve Burbidge 89th. Completing the Harwich team were: Ashley Thomas 135th, Bob Rowles 188th, Colin Locke 121st, Colin Matthews 164th, Dennis Warner 140th, super-veteran Glyn Peck 149th, Jeff Higgon 152nd, Julian Cordwell 184th, Matt Doran 193rd, Paul Crowson 151st, Paul Kerrison 172nd, Roly Knott 178th, Steve Kent 106th , Trevor Matthews 176th, Barry Hammick 158th and Peter Fraser-Hopewell 171st.
There was a tantalizing run from Kate Hodgkiss in the women’s race. A fast start saw her holding 2nd place behind Colchester Harrier’s Marie Shirley. Though unable to challenge for the win, a strong finish saw the Harwich and Great Britain international duathlete hold off Lynn Higgs of Colchester for 2nd. Claudine Tisbury had a tough opening lap on the hills of Hadleigh, she regained her composure, to come through for 22nd. The dry and firm ground suited road runner Rachel Jarvis, having her best run in 26th. Sarah Fossberg was back from injury to close out the scoring in 30th. Good supporting runs came from Elspeth Knott 40th, Carla Holroyd 45th, improving Grace Bradshaw 48th, Clare Mckenna 67th and Clair Block 70th.
In the supporting junior race, Emily Donoghue and Sarah Hughes led the young Harwich squad in 33rd and 35th positions. Completing the team who finished 5th overall were Theo Sanderson 41st, William Kent 48th, Holly Leach 63rd and making a good debut Michael Knowles 61st.. The Harwich senior teams 4th place finish, leaves them 4th overall in division one, trailing Colchester Harriers by 2 points. With 2 fixtures remaining Springfield Striders are almost assured of the title, Ipswich Harriers look comfortable in 2nd, while Harwich will be aiming for a strong end to the season to snatch 3rd. Great Bentley are 4th, with Halstead doomed to a quick return to division two, likely to be replaced by division two leaders Witham. But a great deal of effort and commitment is still to come, before the cross country mud settles at the end of another season.
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| Date | 07-01-12 |
| Event | Essex XC Senior Champs |
| Results | |
| Report |
While Harwich Runners go into their 30th anniversary year with a booming membership and their 5 kilometre series filling up within hours of entries opening, the same could not be said of Saturday’s county cross country championship. Of the 332 men entered for the 7 mile course at Gloucester Park, Basildon, only 171 made it to the start-line.
Harwich Runners entered 3 men and all faired well against the counties finest distance runners. There was an encouraging start to 2012 for Robert Reason. He ran strongly for a 38th place finish, as he builds towards half-marathon, 20 mile and London Marathon races. Club records should come under Reason’s long distance radar. Matthew Knowles is another athlete with a marathon on his mind. Entered for the Barcelona Marathon in March, he also made a good beginning to the year and his build-up in 53rd. Andre Besant only joined Harwich Runners last year and he performed well over the hilly course to end 120th.
Harwich Runners return to cross country action on Sunday at the 4th fixture of the 53-12 league in Hadleigh. Currently in 4th position, chairman Peter Gooding has set the target of a top 3 finish, against much bigger rival clubs.
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| Date | 26-12-11 |
| Event | Witham Boxing Day 5 |
| Results | |
| Report | Eight Harwich Runners were quick to run off any Christmas excess, by taking the opportunity to race on Boxing Day. At the Witham 5 mile race, Mark Rutter went in search of a so far elusive sub 30 minute clocking. He set off in determined style, only for the biting wind to take its toll on mile three. A final 5 minute 45 second mile, saw him fall just 31 seconds short of his target. A 29th place finish was highly commendable and the new year is sure to bring plenty of opportunity to break through the barrier. Team-mate Paul McClelland ended a good running year, with a 31 minute 49 second clocking for 37th. Steve Burbidge has been a frequent racer this winter and was home in 35 minutes 23 seconds for 76th and a few seconds behind his brother. Rachel Jarvis has shown flashes of her potential in 2011 and ended the year with an age category win in 36.15. Making a speeding return from a hernia operation was Dennis Warner in 37.09. Completing the team was the impressive Martin West in 39.04.
Two Harwich Runners were in action at the annual cyclists versus runners cross country race in Friday Woods. The cyclists again retained the Markham cup, filling 9 of the top 10 places over the near 4 mile course. Brian Herrington and Robert Reason enjoyed a race long tussle to finish 19th and 20th respectively. For Herrington the race again showed he is right at the top of his powers. Comeback man, Reason can look forward to a challenging longer distance club records in 2012.
Harwich Runners brought the year to a close with their annual Christmas dinner and presentation evening. The principle award winners were Glyn Peck in the club championship challenge. Russell Mowle won the most improved runner award and Ben Hammond was best newcomer. Loud applause went to Graeme Knott for club personality and to Matthew Knowles for performance of the year, when clocking sub 3 hours in the Abingdon Marathon. Handicap race winners were Angela Paxon and Kirsty Pilbrow.
Under the guidance of chairman Peter Gooding, Harwich Runners are looking forward to a full 2012, when the club celebrate their 30th anniversary. The first aim will be a top 3 finish in the 53-12 cross country league. A host of Harwich Runners are already in training for April’s London Marathon. The popular and always over-subscribed Harwich 5 kilometre handicap series kicks off in May, with entries already open at www.harwichrunners.co.uk.. There is also sure to a full field for the Harwich Sprint Triathlon on the 16th June. At the end of the summer Harwich Runners will field strong teams for the Essex Way and Round Norfolk Relays. The Wix 5 mile race on the 21st October, has for a second time been selected as the Essex championship
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| Date | 17-12-11 |
| Event | Essex League XC |
| Results | |
| Report | With their 30th anniversary looming in 2012, Harwich Runners set a first on Saturday, by fielding a small team in the Essex cross country league. The league attracts the top athletic clubs in the county, so the competition proved a notch higher than the local 53-12 league. Over a stiff Hillyfields, Colchester course, the Harwich athletes took the challenge in their stride.
First off was Kate Hodgkiss in the women’s race. She again produced an attacking run. Her short, efficient stride worked well over the courses’ undulations, for a strong 16th place finish. In the men’s event, Robert Reason showed a great return from injury and was nearly back to his very best, in a very competitive 26th. At the previous evenings Harwich Runners Christmas dinner Matthew Knowles had received the award for performance of the year. He again produced a stand-out run in 47th, gaining places on all the up-hills. Richard Newman took a tumble, but showed the strength gained from his Berlin Marathon race and training to place 78th. Despite a nagging injury Richard Flutter completed the team in a solid 88th.
Harwich Runners’ juniors have been performing well in the 53-12 cross country league. After the 3rd race in Gosfield they hold 4th position overall. Jack Barrington led the way in 19th, but younger brother Archie had the run of the morning in 21st. Emily Donoghue showed growing stamina in 33rd followed by George Barrington 40th and Sarah Hughes 45th. Completing the team were Theo Sanderson 54th, Hannah Jarvis 60th and Myles Doran 62nd. Twenty five youngsters took part in the annual Harwich Father Christmas run, round Low Road sports field. The Barrington family enjoyed an early Christmas celebration, as Jack, George and Archie were the first three to finish. Sarah Hughes was the first girl over the finish line. Awards for Harwich juniors athlete of the year and most improved runner went to Jake Kerrison and Joseph Hammond respectively.
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| Date | 11-12-11 |
| Event | 53-12 XC 3 Halstead |
| Results | |
| Report | Harwich Runners travelled to the 3rd fixture of the 53-12 cross country league at Gosfield, with a number of key athletes missing. Holding joint second place in the league, chairman Peter Gooding was hoping for a team performance that would keep the club in contention. The Harwich athletes responded with a display of conviction and confidence over the 5 mile course to finish 4th.
Kate Hodgkiss was the star Harwich athlete of the morning. A tenacious run saw her to the fore on the opening parkland lap. Into the woods and the steep ups and downs could not hold-up the Harwich dynamo. A final sprint, earned 4th place. Agile Claudine Tisbury made light-work of the testing conditions in 13th, followed by determined Sarah Fossberg 17th. Also called on to make a last-ditch sprint was Rachel Jarvis. Responding to shouts from her team-mates, Jarvis edged home in front of her Witham rival and closed out the Harwich scoring in 24th spot. Grace Bradshaw again showed potential in 50th, followed by debutant Eve Goes 59th and Jo Higgon 64th.
Robert Reason was back from long-term injury and gave the black and white vests a boost, to finish a fighting 10th. In-form veteran Brian Herrington was next home in 14th. Steve Cooper had his best run of the winter in 16th, followed by Jason Meachen 25th. Matthew Knowles was entered for the Bedford Half Marathon, but made a valuable switch to cross country, finishing 33rd and 6 places in front of consistent Mark Rutter. There was an improving run from Paul McClelland in 52nd and it was left to Justin Burls to close out the Harwich scorers in 68th. Impressing in the top 100 were Andre Besant 89th, revitalised Terry Smith 92nd, Steve Burbidge 94th and Ian Cottee 97th. Making a muddy cross country debut was Colin Locke in 118th and Paul Crowson ran strongly in 127th. Good runs came from Ashley Thomas 114th, super-veteran Glyn Peck 128th and Martin West 143rd. Other Harwich finishers were Steve Kent 107th, Peter Fraser-Hopewell 138th, Jeff Higgon 146th, Roly Knott 159th, Julian Cordwell 164th, Matt Doran 165th, Trevor Matthews 170th and Bob Rowles 172nd.
Springfield Striders again swamped the front of the men’s and women’s field, for a clear team win and with 3 races remaining look like champions elect. Harwich’s 4th place saw them slip behind rivals Ipswich JAFFA and Colchester Harriers, but still in contention for a top 3 finish. The annual Father Christmas junior run on Saturday, will bring cross country to a close for 2011. All youngsters are welcome to run the 1 mile course round Low Road sports field. The run starts at 10am next to the Dovercourt Cricket Club and Father Christmas will give a present to all finishers.
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| Date | 03-12-11 |
| Event | Essex Vets XC Champs |
| Results | |
| Report | Harwich Runners’ veterans were in action on Saturday at the Essex county cross country championships. The small squad faired well against a phalanx of the counties finest veteran athletes. Competitors faced a tough 5 and half mile course at Chigwell Row.
Top Harwich finisher was Brian Herrington in a superb 13th place. This strong run was Herrington’s best of the year and saw him only 90 seconds down on the winner. Team-mate Mark Rutter has enjoyed a consistent cross country season, he was home in a good 37th. Determined supporting runs came from Paul McClelland 46th and Richard Flutter 64th. In the team stakes Harwich finished 7th behind winners Springfield Striders. Teams from large and long established clubs Chelmsford AC and Woodford Green, finished behind the plucky Harwich quartet, as newer, running boom clubs filled the top places.
Claudine Tisbury has enjoyed a great comeback, since starting racing again in 2010. This culminated in a county bronze medal at Chigwell. The fluent Harwich athlete placed 20th overall and 3rd in her category in the women’s race. Harwich Runners return to cross country action on Sunday, at the 3rd fixture of the 53-12 league at Gosfield.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the Harwich Runners junior squad have also been performing well. In the 53-12 league, the team hold 3rd place overall, behind leaders Colchester Harriers, after the 2nd race at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. In the race, young Archie Barrington looked a fine prospect in 17th and 3rd in his age group. Graceful Emily Donoghue was a good 22nd and 5th in category, followed by George Barrington 31st. Completing Harwich’s strongest ever junior team were Hannah Jarvis 45th, Theo Sanderson 46th, Sarah Hughes 57th, Holly Leach 60th and John Bransby 62nd. Harwich juniors train on the first and third Saturday of the month at 10am, meeting next to the Dovercourt cricket club. The annual junior Father Christmas run is being held on Saturday 17th December, covering a mile round Low Road sports field. All youngsters are welcome to run.
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| Date | 27-11-11 |
| Event | 53-12 XC 2 Springfield |
| Results | |
| Report | Harwich Runners pulled out a first-rate team effort to finish 3rd in the 2nd fixture of the 53-12 cross country league at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. Hosts Springfield Striders were clear team winners over the testing 5 mile course. They also ensured the 260 runners went home somewhat muddier than when they arrived at the park, with their obligatory ditch crossing challenges.
The Harwich women’s squad were depleted by illness and injury, but still performed brilliantly. Comeback queen Claudine Tisbury glided to an excellent 12th place. Ever dependable Sarah Fossberg was a solid 17th. Team-mate Claire Bransby had the Harwich run of the morning. There has never been any doubting Bransby’s potential and after a 25th place finish and a 6 minute improvement in the recent Hadleigh 10 mile race, this was realized after a lengthy lean spell. Rachel Jarvis is not at her best over the country, but gave a great effort to close out the Harwich team in 28th. Good supporting roles came from Grace Bradshaw 46th, Jo Higgon 62nd, Louise Papworth 63rd and a very impressive debut from Clair Block in 58th.
First to finish for the Harwich men was Graeme knott in 12th spot. He had trailed determined Sam Gooding-Matthews for much of the race, only to pass him with 2 miles to go. The younger Gooding-Matthews showed grit and guts to hang on to 13th and only 9 seconds down on his experienced team-mate. Veteran Brian Herrington ran well to place 18th, followed by Steve Cooper, having another strong run in 21st. Jason Meachen and Mark Rutter can always be counted on as good team scorers, they again came-up with the goods, placing 30th and 40th respectively. There was a welcome return from Simon Day in 48th and 1 place in front of Ben Hammond who again closed out the Harwich scorers.
Next to finish were in-form Richard Newman 64th, Paul McClelland 74th and Justin Burls 82nd. Gary Donoghue, returning after injury was 96th and newcomer Andre Besant 98th were pleased to break into the top 100. Running well just outside the 100 were Steve Burbidge 102nd and much improved Dennis Warner 106th, followed by Steve Kent 112th. It was also great to see Julian Cordwell back in cross country action. Other Harwich finishers were Ashley Thomas 133rd, Jeff Higgon 178th, Paul Crowson 153rd, Trevor Matthews 172nd, Roly Knott 180th and Miranda Rayner 67th. Overall in the league, Springfield Striders look like champions in the making. There is an exciting tussle for second between Ipswich, Harwich and Colchester Harriers, all share the same number of points, going into the 3rd fixture at Halstead on the 11th December. Local rivals Bentley are 5th, with promoted Halstead currently in the unwanted relegation spot.
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| Date | 20-11-11 |
| Event | race round-up |
| Results | |
| Report |
The road running season has come to a close, with a flurry of local races. The stand-out effort came from Angela Paxon, to win the Harwich 5 mile winter handicap, from 35 other competitors. With aspirations at the marathon distance, Paxon reaped the training benefits and guidance of club chairman Peter Gooding, to smash her personal best in a time of 39 minutes 6 seconds. Her performance ranks highly amongst the best of 2011.
In second place was impressive Sam Gooding-Matthews, setting the quickest time of 28 minutes 29 seconds, over the flat and fast Lawford course. Another athlete to show end of season form was Louise Papworth, placing 3rd in 46.36. Steve Cooper showed he is rounding into top shape with a useful 29.18 for 4th. Strong runs came from Carla Holroyd 40.03, Eva Goes 42.05, Jo Higgon 44.10, Colin Locke 35.57, Neil Watts 34.48 and Penny Barrington 41,05, to fill the top 10 positions. The actual fastest women was Rachel Jarvis in 36.45 for 23rd spot. Followed by world duathlon champion Elspeth Knott 33rd in 38.31. Brian Herrington with 29.21, was the only other athlete to go sub 30 minutes.
Richard Flutter has been Harwich Runners most consistent racer this year. He was again in action at the Stowmarket 7 mile race. Over an undulating course he placed 25th and 2nd veteran in 46 minutes 34 seconds. Team-mate Paul Kerrison was under the hour in 59.19, to finish 182nd amongst the 300 plus field.
Personal best and club records were the order of the day at the hilly Hadleigh 10 mile race. In perfect still and sunny conditions, Mark Rutter led the Harwich personal best fest in 63 minutes 49 seconds, for a fine 23rd place finish. The further the distance, the better Paul McClelland runs, he showed a return to form, finishing 33rd in 65.44. Comeback star Claudine Tisbury again showed she is right at the top of her powers, slicing 3 minutes from the club record in 71.37 and narrowly winning her age group. Super veteran Glyn Peck made it club age record number two, with a time of 77.15. Richard Newman was still on a roll after his fine run in the Berlin Marathon, setting a best of 68.46 in 50th position. Fastest ever times came from Andre Besant 71.45, Claire Bransby 78.19, Martin West 80.14, Paul Crowson 81.28, Angela Paxon 84.18 and Paul Kerrison 86.20. Completing the Harwich squad was Jeff Higgon with a season’s best of 82.02.
Harwich newcomers Eva Goes and Colin Locke headed to Southwold for a testing 10 kilometre race. The course included 2 kilometres of rough shingle and an uphill finish. The duo came away with personal bests and happy smiles. Eva Goes improved her best by 44 seconds to 53.55 for 289th spot. Colin Locke sliced 80 seconds from his best, with 45.29 for 89th amongst the 570 strong field. Richard Flutter brought his long road running season to a close in style at the Chelmsford 10 kilometre race. Over an undulating country lane course he finally cracked the tough 40 minute barrier, with just 2 seconds to spare. This was Flutter’s final aim for the year and saw him place a fine 54th out of a high quality 350 athletes..
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