HOME Page

MARATHON DU MONT BLANC - 29th June 2008(Courtesy of Gary Vallance)
Sunday 29th June saw Wootton newcomer Gary Vallance compete in the 30th Marathon Du Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France.

The weather in the Mont Blanc region had been dry and clear all week, and organisers were looking forward to a record turnout for both the "Cross" half marathon on Saturday and full marathon event on the Sunday. Gary had entered as a fitting end to a six day hike of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc route through Italy, Switzerland and France, relishing the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful trails in the alps minus rucksack and hiking boots.

Joined by almost 1700 runners in the cool early morning shade, a hovering news-copter recorded the start from Chamonix village centre, and followed the lead runners north east towards the Swiss border. Contouring along the southern slopes of the towering Mont Blanc massif, gaining and losing height from one tiny hamlet to the next, the field thinned as fireroads narrowed into technical forest tracks. After climbing to the village of Col des Montets at 1461m, the route dropped as it reached a stones throw from the Swiss border, before looping back for the first real assault of the day. Runners faced an unrelenting 900m ascent, past the remnants of spring snow to the 2200m Aiguillette des Posettes peak at 15 miles; then a giddying plummet to the Tre-le-Champ refuelling station at 1360m, which offered meats and cheeses alongside the standard oranges and fluids for the adventurous.

Crossing to the northern side of the valley, the route now exposed the runners to the late morning sun and thirty degree summer heat. With only intermittent shade through the coniferous woods the course gradually wound back towards Chamonix town, but ascending as it went. At 21 miles the race presented its very own wall, a quad-burning switchback ascent to the cable car station of La Flegere (1882m) before levelling out along a section of the classic Tour de Mont Blanc footpath. With the final approach to the finish an implausibly steep rubble piste, few competitors had chance to absorb the stunning view of Mont Blanc until after crossing the line. However, within metres of finishing, runners found themselves with a medal round their neck and a beer in their hand, as organisers ensured that completing one of the toughest marathons in Europe would be a moment to savour. With less than fifty racers breaking the five hour mark, Gary crossed the line 302nd in 6:03:23.

COLWORTH MARATHON CHALLENGE - 20th - 22nd June 2008(Courtesy of Mike Aldridge)
Friday 20th June saw the start of the Colworth Marathon Challenge - a 3 day race event consisting of a 5 mile road/x country on the Friday, an 8.1 mile trail race on the Saturday and finishing with a half marathon over rough tracks, fields and tarmac on the Sunday.

Steve Poole, who has been in excellent form on the roads in the East Midlands Grand Prix, returned to defend his title from the previous year. He was joined by Mike Aldridge who has also been in great form on his favoured road events.

Friday - 5 mile road / x - country - There was a great atmosphere for the start of the race with a large crowd present - most of them having camped over the night before. The event was very well organised with bouncy castles for the kids, a bar for the parents, free ice-cream for everyone and a number of junior races to get the whole family involved.

The 5 mile race was underway at 7pm. Starting on grass, it then headed onto roads and rough tracks followed by a nice stretch through woodlands. Steve and Mike lead the field out in a group of 4 that were still together at the 3 mile mark. The pace wasn't too quick given that several of the runners were competing in all 3 races over the weekend so it required a balance between racing for time and position but not exerting too much effort. At the 4 mile point Mike started to apply the pressure on the leading group but Steve responded as did Damian Carr from Kettering who has always been strong at this distance. Approaching the final half mile, Mike opened up a comfortable lead which he then controlled coming into the finish to win by 1 second over Damian Carr in a time of 27 mins 30 - Steve finishing 18 seconds behind, his breathing being clearly effected by recent illness.

Saturday - 8.1 mile trail race - We had been warned that this was going to be a tough race over very rough and rutted ground. Heavy over night rain only served to make this worse as the ground was soft underfoot. Steve and Mike lined up at the start and in the absense of Damian Carr, were confident of finishing in the top 2 positions. Mike led the field out, hoping to extend his lead from the day before. However Steve never let him out of range and kept in close attendance - they were well ahead after the first 2 miles. The terrain was comfortable to begin with, across even grass land and the footing was ok. However, as they approached the more rutted terrain and long grass Mike began to struggle with his balance and in true 'White Peaks' fashion started to fall over (and they hadn't even reached the tough stuff yet). Steve took full advantage and began to open up a lead heading towards the churned up section of the course. With Mike still struggling to find his feet, Steve 'pond skater' Poole was making a tough course look rediculously easy and was pulling away with every stride. Even when the course flattened out occasionally, Mike could not close the gap leaving Steve to win the race by over a minute.

Sunday - Half Marathon - This race had been advertised as a combination of the first 2 courses with a real mix of flatter, faster sections, rough terrain and a bit of good old fashion cross country. Mike and Steve spent most of the morning comparing running injuries from the trail race (my bruise is bigger than your cut etc etc) and trying to establish whose legs were the most tired and sore. Neither were looking forward to running 13.1 miles in hot conditions over what proved to be a very tough and challenging course. Mike was trailing Steve by 43 seconds in the event and so had no other option than to take the race out hard from the start. The race started and despite the fatigue, Mike set off at a fast pace hoping that he could establish a good lead and 'hang on' for the last 5 miles or so. Fortunately for him, he had company on the first lap from a fresh legged guy just running the half marathon on the day. After the first lap, Mike was beginning to lose out to the eventual winner but had opened up a comfortable lead over the rest of the field including Steve who, after his heroics from the day before, was clearly finding his legs not working properly. After 10 miles on the course, Mike was really struggling but was willing himself to carry on despite the soreness. He was a lot happier when he reached the woodlands knowing only 2 miles to go. He finally crossed the line in 2nd place in the race in under 1hr 18 mins. Steve finished the race shortly afterwards but more than 43 seconds behind Mike leaving Mike to head the series but with Steve 2nd and comfortably quicker than last year.

Overall times for the Marathon . . .

Mike Approx 2 hrs 34

Steve Approx 2 hrs 40

1st and 2nd for Wootton - again.

This is a great event but very tough to complete the 3 days

HARBOROUGH 5M - 17th June 2008 (Courtesy of Mark Exley)

Last Tuesday night the East Midlands Grand Prix Series moved on to the Harborough 5 mile road race, run on an undulating course close to the Gartree Prison complex. Wootton Road Runners took a large team of 50 runners to the event, which forms the penultimate round of the series. On the night it was Wootton's old girls, the veteran ladies, who stole the limelight, winning their team prize for the 3rd time in the series and putting themselves in contention for the overall series win. First Wootton lady was Kirsty Whigham, who finished 3rd lady overall and won the vet 35 category in an excellent 30 minutes and 8 seconds. Kirsty has won her category in all 4 races she has run and needs another decent performance in the final race to take the vet 35 series win. In 14th place and 3rd in her category was Wootton Chairperson, Annette Burgess, making a rare foray into middle distance road races, with a time of 34.12. Unconfirmed reports suggested that had Annette not spent 4 of the 5 miles wasting her energy by complaining about how much she hates racing, she may have broken 34 minutes. Just behind in 14th was Zoe Thornburgh, who was also in her first race of the series, coming home in a solid 34.14. There were many other excellent performances amongst the 17 Wootton ladies who completed the course. Making a very rare appearance on the roads, Polly Randell brilliantly won the Vet 50 category in 35.34 and there were good runs from other veterans Sarah Woolley, 38.47, Terri Mason, a return to form with a 39.08 and Tricia Harrison, a creditable 41.55. Several senior Ladies also ran well, with Laura McCormick, 38.17, Jess Mistry, 39.39, Sara Henderson, 39.51 and Emma Baross, 41.57, continuing their excellent recent form. Two Wootton ladies have competed in all 7 races and have benefited from the increased experience of racing. Claire Wellington and Josie Steedman duly took a minute from the PB's they set in the previous weeks race at Banbury.

With both the Senior and Veteran Mens series prizes in the bag, Wootton fielded a weakened mens team. Despite this, the Senior team only lost by a few seconds to a strong Coventry Godiva quartet, with first Wootton man home Phil Melling in 26.44, for an excellent 5th place. The other Wootton scorers were Iain Hazell, making his seasonal debut in the series, with 28.12, the ever consistent Richard Lack, 28.31 and Chris Gallagher, with an improved run of 29.11. The veteran team also finished 2nd and were led home by Guy Glennon, 29.27 and Richard Fowler, 29.32. These two have had a stellar series, scoring for the Vet team in all 7 races. On the night the third scoroer was super vet Ian Randell, turning back the clock and allegedly even raising a smile, with an excellent run of 30.51, In addition Ian netted 3rd place in the Vet 50 category and for the second race running Tony Baross was the final scorer, with a solid 32.24. Amongst the other veterans, Roger Barton finished 4th in the vet 60 category with 36.24 and there were welcome appearances from Dave Chadwick, 34.35 and the shy and retiring Graham Laurie, 35.00. There were also very competitive runs from seniors, Paul Matthews, 31.00, Steve Heighway, 31.31, Sean Curley, 31.59, Ian Bond 32.20 and Mike Carrea, 33.02.

There will be no mention of Pete Diamond despite his poor time of 35.16, as lawyers for Jimmy Summerville have threatened legal action should their client be linked again to Pete, (you can't really blame them for that).

The 8th and final race of the series is the Milton Keynes 10k on Tuesday 1st July. We have effectively won the Senior Male and Male Veteran team prizes and a win for the veteran ladies at Milton Keynes will secure a third team title for the club.

LAMM MOUNTAIN MARATHON (Courtesy of Mike Kendall)
Click here

WIMBLEBALL HALF IRONMAN - 15th June 2008 (Courtesy of Fran Malin)
My first race report, my first Half Ironman ! Where do I begin? Do I begin with the 3 am rise and the hour long drive through the sleepy country lanes of Somerset with my fantastic race supporter Annette , me munching toast and slurping coffee and our ghostly vision from the hedge closely followed by Batman, oh they know how to have fun in the South-West !!!

BANBURY 5M - 10th June 2008 (Courtesy of Mark Exley)
Following the great success at Weedon, Wootton took 41 runners to the Banbury 5 Mile Road Race, the 6th leg of the East Midlands Grand Prix Series. Wootton's mens team maintained their 100% record, comfortably taking the Male team prize and the vets team made it 5 in a row to also secure the series win. Woottons fastest 4 men were all running, with Phil Melling leading the team home with a fine 5th place finish in 26 minutes and 32 seconds. Melling was closely followed by top veteran Steve Poole, 7th in 26.39 and Mike Aldridge, 8th in 26.58. The final scorer was Craig Mattocks who put in another solid run, finishing 14th in 27.41. On a very successful night for the club there were many good runs including 29.48 for Charles Howard and Lee Berrill, a return to form for David Lazenby, 29.39 and further improvement from an increasingly streamlined Steve Heighway, 31.58.

The winning veteran team was completed by regular scorers, Guy Glennon, another excellent performance, 29.15, Richard Fowler, retaining his 100% scoring record with a solid 29.40 and a debut scoring performance from Tony Baross, returning to racing after long standing injury problems with an excellent 32.53. The unfortunate Dave 'perky' Parkins, had to give up his 100% scoring record after pulling out of the race through injury. The full dramatic events have not yet been revealed but it is sure to have involved (in no particular order) either a dog, a cyclist or a swedish porn star...your guess is as good as mine.

There was also success for Wootton's veteran ladies who took the team win from local rivals Rugby & Northampton. The scorers for both Senior and Vet teams were all veterans, with first home Kirsty Whigham, who ran a solid 30.06 to finish 5th lady and win the Vet 35 category. There was yet another personal best performance from Fran Malin, who's time of 33.18 eclipsed her previous best by over a minute and bagged her 2nd in the Vet 40 category. The final scorer was lady of leisure, Sarah Woolley, continuing her excellent recent form to record a competitive 39.09. On the night there were many other encouraging runs, particularly from newer runners who are growing in confidence as they complete more races. There were particularly good pb runs from Sarah Henderson, 41.07, Anna Woodward, 41.58, Emma Baross, 42.08, Catherine Riley, 44.35, Claire Wellington, 47.28 and Josie Steedman, 48.40. With 2 races left to run, the Female Veteran team have the chance to take the series , but need to win at both Harborough and Milton Keynes..time to wheel out the big guns (metaphorically speaking of course) Annette, Zoe, Caroline and Gabby!

WEEDON 10K - 3rd June 2008 (Courtesy of Mark Exley)
Wootton Road Runners were out in force at a damp and humid Weedon 10k Road Race, run on a very tough course which includes the infamous 1 km hill at Everdon Stubbs.

It was another excellent performance from the Wootton mens team, who clinched the overall East Midlands Grand Prix series, despite there being 3 races left to run. First Wootton man home was again Mike Aldridge, who completed the course in 33 minutes and 23 seconds, to take an excellent 3rd place overall. Less than a minute behind Mike in 5th and 6th were Phil Melling, 34.07 and top veteran Steve Poole, in a superb 34.10. Completing the team was the ever consistent Craig Mattocks, who was the fourth Wootton man in the top 10, with 9th place in 34.54. Also in the top 20 were Richard Lack, 36.48 and Chris Lazenby in 37.15.

The veteran male team also achieved a convincing victory, with Steve Poole joined by the trio of Guy Glennon, 37.35, Richard Fowler, 38.03 and Dave Parkins, 38.21. These 3 have now scored in all 5 races and 1 more victory will clinch the Veteran Male Series crown for the very first time. There were several other encouraging performances amongst the 35 Wootton men who completed the race. Charles Howard continued his excellent form with a powerful run into the top 30, with a competitive 37.58 and there was a welcome return from Lee Berrill with a solid 38.37. Storming runs from Mike Carrea, 42.12, Chris Hopes, 44.52 and Gary Vallance 45.03, completed a good night for the Wootton men. On the downside, the very quiet and unassuming Peter Diamond, is struggling with his form. Further investigation has revealed that somebody has hidden all his go faster, dayglo coloured shorts and rather like Samson without his hair, Pete is looking decidedly forlorn, running a personal worst of 45.14. Help is at hand as his old mate Jimmy Summerville is sending him a sexy pair in the post in time for his Vet 50 debut in September.

Wootton took a depleted ladies team to the race but there were some very creditable performances from the 11 who completed the course. With yet another personal best performance, Fran Malin led both the senior and veteran teams home in 42.18, finishing 3rd in the very competitive Female Vet 40 category which included the 1st lady. Second Wootton finisher was Nicki Harris, making her seasonal debut in the series, with a solid run of 43.43. Completing the senior team was veteran Sarah Woolley, who continues to improve race by race, who put in a solid run of 50.05. The veteran team was completed by Pam Larham, who is recapturing the form she showed 3 to 4 years ago and completed the course in a promising time of 50.55. Several other Wootton ladies continue to improve and good runs were produced by Sara Henderson, Catherine Riley, Claire Wellington and Josie Steedman.

CORBY 6M - 28th May 2008 (Courtesy of Mark Exley)
Wootton Road Runners took a small team of 23 to the Corby 5 mile road race last Wednesday night. In poor weather and on a challenging course, Wootton's Mens team were under pressure to maintain their 100% record in the East Midlands Grand Prix Series. With several regular scoring runners unavailable, Mike Aldridge dug deep to take an excellent 2nd place, in a competitive time of 26 minutes and 46 seconds. Less than a minute behind in 5th place and first veteran was Steve Poole, in an excellent 27.34. Next up for Wootton was Richard Lack, who finished 20th in 29.31. Final scorer for the mens team was vet 40 Guy Glennon, continuing his record setting year with a personal best of 29.48. It was also a winning night for Wootton's Veteran Mens team, with Steve and Guy supported by regular scorers Dave Parkins, 29.57 and Richard Fowler, 30.08. The Vets have now won 3 from 4 races and are looking good to avenge their defeat last year at the hands of Milton keynes where we lost on countback having finished equal on points after the 8 races. There was another fine performance from Charles Howard who followed up his good times from Rugby and Bedford with an excellent 33rd place finish in 30.09.

First Wootton lady was Kirsty Whigham, who despite not hitting top form, still fiished 2nd lady and won her category in 31.14. The Wootton Female veterans did well to finish 3rd with Kirsty supported by the consistent Sarah Woolley, 41.01 and Terri Mason, returning from injury with a 42.41. There were other encouraging performances from Sara Henderson, 41.36, Anna Woodward, 42.41, Claire Wellington, 48.20 and Josie Steedman 49.57.

DRURIDGE BAY 10K - 25th May 2008 (Courtesy of Brian Singleton and Karen Daly)
Whilst organising a visit to see me Mam over the Bank Holiday Weekend, I found this gem of a race and persuaded Karen we should do it, as I have never raced in my native Northumbria. It's a 10Kish, in it's 2nd year run by the local sports club, both races to date in memories of locals who are no longer with us. This year was in memory of a Heavy Metal fan hence much ACDC and Black Sabbath being blasted out at the start. Karen was in Uni yesteryear heaven.

BEDFORD 6M - 21st May (Courtesy of Mark Exley)
Wootton took a team of 33 to the Bedford 6 mile road race last wednesday, the 3rd race in the East Midlands Grand Prix Series. The club equalled their best ever performance in the series, winning the Male, Male Veteran and Female Veteran team prizes and the Female team was a close second to Rugby & Northampton.

The mens team have now won all 3 races in the series as they defend the crown they won last year for the first time and the Male Vets have won 2 from 3.

Leading the team and continuing his excellent recent form with a strong 3rd place, was Mike Aldridge, in 31.26. Mikee was supported by top veteran Steve Poole, who finished a brilliant 6th place in 32.58. The other Male scorers were Craig Mattocks, an excellent 8th place in 33.24 and the ever consistent Richard Lack, 17th in 34.53. Joining Poole in the winning Veteran Male team were, Guy Glennon, with another personal best performance of 35.26, Richard Fowler, 35.59 and Dave Parkins, recovering from his recent half marathon thrills and spills, with a time of 36.43. There were many other good runs with David Lazenby, 35.50, Chris Lazenby 35.51 and Charles Howard, 36.09, continuing their excellent recent form. Further down the field there were strong runs from Ian Bond, 40.30, Vet 60 Roger Barton, 43.09 and a big improvement from the top crooner Mick Wood, 47.42.

First Wootton lady was Kirsty Whigham, making her series debut for the year, with a fine 3rd place finish in 36.19. Next up, with another personal best run, was Fran Malin in 40.02 with the veteran team completed by Sarah Wooley in 48.28. There were also encouraging runs from younger runners, Laura McCormick, 46.19, Sara Henderson, 49.17 and Katie Warrington, 50.50.

Wootton Road runners achieved more success at the weekend with Steve Poole winning the Stevington 12k road race and the club winning the team prize at the White Peaks Half Marathon.

Continuing his excellent recent form, the clubs top veteran Steve Poole raced to victory at Stevington in an excellent time of 42 minutes and 17 seconds. There were also promising runs from David Kerr, 63.11, Helena Higgs and Sarah Woolley who finished together in 63.32.

A large team from Wootton went on tour to Derbyshire, with 29 runners completing the White Peaks Half Marathon, 4 completing the full marathon and a large number of hecklers and general layabouts supporting at various points on the course. First Wootton male with a solid run of 1 hour, 20 minutes and 15 seconds, was veteran Dave Parkins who overcame running most of the 13.1 miles alone and a dramatic fall within sight of the finish to come in 3rd overall. It was suggested that it took Dave 13 miles to work out how he could upstage Mike Aldridge from the 2007 race, but despite the mud and grazes Daves efforts fell woefully short. Wootton comfortably took the team victory with Dave supported by Mark Fowler, a PB of 1.25.03 and Paul Matthews, 1.26.14. There were excellent runs from Sean Curley, Steve Heighway and Martin Frost, who all broke the one and a half hour barrier with times of 1.27.08, 1.27.26 and 1.29.39 respectively.

First Wootton lady was Nicki Harris, a competitive 1.31.05, with club chairperson Annette (Nett...better not) Burgess recording a superb personal best time of 1.33.45. Several other runners recorded personal bests in cool but damp conditions. Steve Marsh smashed his previous best to record 1.35.48, with Bob Ward close behind in 1.38.05. Further improvement was made by vet 55 Mick Wood, looking splendid and continuing his return from injury with a solid 1.51.52. It was a very good day for Woottons ladies, young and older, with PB's for Jess Mistry, 1.50.31, Sara Henderson, 1.53.31, Anna Woodward, 1.57.05, Dawn Exley, 2.01.37, Emma Baross, 2.02.27 and Lyn Keable 2.08.43. There were also solid runs from newer members Claire O'Reilly and Sarah Brophy.

First Wootton finisher in the full Marathon was Phil Wood, who, despite recent injury problems recorded a solid 3.24.26. Veterans Rob Green and Mike Kendall both ran very well with times of 3.30.37 and 3.37.04 respectively. At 52 years old Mike was elated by his time, breaking a personal best set 15 years ago at the Snowdonia Marathon. Lorayne Keet Marsh was the fourth Wootton finisher in 3.10.14 to round off another excellent weekend for the club.

Wootton Road Runners followed up their Mens Team win at the Silverstone 10k, with a resounding victory at the Rugby 6 mile road race. The club took both the Men's and Veteran Men's team prizes and the Veteran Ladies finished a strong second. The race, held on the usual undulating course, benefited from cool conditions and there were several personal best amongst the 40 strong Wootton team.

First Wootton man home, on one of his favourite courses, was Mike Aldridge who finished 4th overall in a superb personal best time of 31 minutes and 18 seconds. Mike was supported by excellent runs from Phil Melling, 32.43, top veteran Steve Poole, 33.10, Craig Mattocks, 33.56 and Richard Lack, 34.57. The veteran team prize was won by a huge 8 minute margin with Steve Poole joined in the winning team by Dave Parkins, 35.38, Richard Fowler 35.43 and Guy Glennon, recording his 3rd PB in 8 days with an excellent 35.33. There were many other excellent runs from Wootton's men with elder statesman Roger Barton continuing to improve after returning from injury with a time of 44.18 and 4th in category. Spookily Ian Rogers managed to equal Roger's time in a repeat of their sprint finish at the Blisworth 5k, 5 days earlier. Charles Howard, also posted an excellent time having recently returned from injury, with a promising 36.11. There was an improved performance from housewives favourite Micky Wood, who challenged the leaders for the first 20 metres before hanging on for a solid sub 50 minute finish.

First Wootton lady was Fran Malin, who recorded a massive personal best of 40.22, to finish 9th Lady and 3rd in her category. There were strong runs from Pam Larham, 47.37 and Sarah Woolley 47.59, to complete a good day for Wootton's old girls, who were only beaten to the Veteran Team prize by the experienced Rugby & Northampton trio of Sally Baker, Heather Fiddament-Harris and Linda Carter. Amongst the other Wootton ladies there were excellent runs from Alex Winfield, 46.38, Laura McCormick, 47.17, Jess Mistry, 47.30, Helena Higgs, 47.59, Katie Warrington, 48.26 and Hannah Watson, 50.50. Newer members Catherine Riley, Claire Wellington and Josie Steedman continue to improve as they clock up more race mileage.

Wootton Road runners hosted the annual Blisworth 5k Road Race on Friday evening. In warm conditions 170 runners faced the daunting Station Road hill with victory falling to Wootton's Mike Aldridge, running much of the race alone to win in fifteen minutes and forty four seconds. Tom Causebrook from Rugby & Northampton was second in 16.27, with Wootton's Craig Mattocks third in 16.35. First veteran home and fourth place overall was prolific racer Garry Payne, who at 51 ran an excellent 16.49. The male team prize went to the host club with Mike and Craig supported by another excellent performance from Iain Hazell, who finished 5th in 16.51. The winning male veteran team was also from Wootton with the trio of Male Vet 40's, Richard Fowler, a superb 10th overall in 17.41, Guy Glennon, in the form of his life, 17.49 and renowned fun runner Dave 'Perky' Parkins completing the team in 17.52. There were other superb performances in the younger categories with under 15 winner Luke Robinson from Rugby & Northampton recording an amazing time of 16.52 to claim 6th place overall, just ahead of clubmate and under 17 winner Jack Betts. Wootton had further success with Damian Murphy winning the Veteran 45 category and returning from injury, Roger Barton put in a huge effort to win the Veteran 60 category, in a respectable 22.00.

First lady home was Imogen Thornbrough from Marshall Milton Keynes AC, who finished 15th overall, breaking the 18 minute barrier with an excellent time of 17.53. Second lady and first veteran was Kirsty Whigham who put in a solid run despite struggling with a virus to complete in 18.40. There was another outstanding run from Rugby & Northampton's Angela Copson, the oldest female in the race at 61, who completed the course in 19.57 for 41st overall and helped her team to the Female team prize. The other scorers were U15 1st and 2nd placed Chelsea Thompson and Megan Love. The female veteran team prize went to Wootton with Kirsty Whigham supported by Tricia Harrison, 25.22 and Pam Larham, 24.24. First Veteran 40 was Fran Malin, making a welcome return to competition with a time of 20.16.

Thanks to all the Officials and Marshalls who helped to make the race happen and to the runners, including the 45 Wootton runners who braved the heat and the hill.

Taking a break from their hectic cross country and road running exploits, 8 Wootton Road Runners completed the Duston Triathlon on Sunday. The event featured a 400m pool swim, a scenic 20km bike leg, including the hill at Great Brington and a fast 5km run. In a bumper field with 384 finishers, Wootton's Andy Fairley completed the course in a stellar time of 56 minutes and twenty seven seconds. Fairley completed the swim in a superb time of 5.38, the bike leg in 33.03 and the run in an excellent 17.46. Behind Fairley in 11th place was Iain Hazell who also broke the magical hour barrier with a competitive time of 59.15 and Rob Berger who put in a solid performance to claim 35th place in 1.02.52.

There was further success for Wootton from Nicki Harris who completed the course in 1.07.46 to take the Womens County Title, with veteran clubmate Caroline Parkins close behind in 1.09.07. Wootton's other finishers on the day were the improving Gareth Jones, 138th in 1.10.52, Mark Slater 160th in 1.12.44 and a spirited effort from Rachell Patemen who completed the course in 1.36.14.

FLORA LONDON MARATHON - 23RD APRIL 2008 (Courtesy of Mark Exley)
In cool conditions, with the odd shower, 23 Wootton Road Runners completed the London Marathon on Sunday with many completing the distance for the first time. After months of preparation, runners of all abilities descended on the capital to join 35,000 others in tackling the 26.2 mile course.. Leading the Wootton contingent home was Fireman Phil Melling, in a super quick 2 hours 40 minutes and 20 seconds. Melling was followed home by Matt Fowler, who swapped his scrum half jersey for a Wootton vest to finish in an excellent 2.52.49. This crowned an excellent week for the Fowler family with Matt's father Martin, at a sprightly 55, having completed the Paris Marathon the previous weekend in 3.14.20.

Breaking the magic three hour barrier was first Wootton lady Kirsty Whigham, who recorded a fine personal best of 2.58.40 and next up with a solid 3.19.26 was Paul Matthews. Our Lady Chairperson (the Ayatollah) Annette Burgess, recorded a personal best of 3.25.27 and finished just ahead of the ever diplomatic Pete Diamond, savouring his last London as a forty something in 3.26.13. Also breaking the three and a half hour mark was Gwyn Evans, finishing in 3.29.28. Amongst those completing their first marathon, John Jeffreys finished in an excellent 3.42.24 with training partners Dan Gillert close behind in 3.43.03 just beaten by a brilliant pb from Gabby Deere of 3.42.56.

There were other strong performances from Wootton Men, Mike Carrea, 3.41.05, Dom Goring, 3.43.18, Steve Wroblewski, 4.02.55 and from vet 55's Mick Heap, a superb 3.32.27 and Phil Grimes, 4.03.36. In their first marathons there were creditable efforts from Raj Shah, 4.10.42 and Andy Davidson, who hauled himself round in 4.28.41. There were also good runs from Wootton Ladies, Terri Mason, 4.01.45, Maria Dunham, 4.01.56 ,Laura McCormick, 4.12.35, Rachel Larkins 5.06.46 and Claire Wellington 5.14.53.

I will now run all my marathons in metric. Kilometers are a great countdown. But don't get me wrong I still need pints. Put dog(Meg). With son (Simon) to eat grandchild (Mia). Feed chickens. Pack bags. Take Eurostar to Garde de Norde and within four hours bingo! With Napoleon's Triumphal Arch in the background, on the Champs-Elysees. A lot of serious runners, mostly men (80%), took off in a huge crowd. A circular route on a fresh clear day was a good omen. Useful as Ann could view the start and be at the 30km point by the river and that Effing tower. Then get back to meet me at the end. water bananas, dates, oranges and sweets lined the route plus a few Tibetan demonstrators, who were very pleasant.

Pacers were handy but they flew past at the last 5km mark and I had to dig deep in order to do justice. Some cobbles and underpasses didn't help, but the last bit seemed downhill a bit so that helped. The Ethiopian Kebede Tsegaye finished in 2h 6min and 40secs. 28844 finished in Ave Foch on the other side of the Arche. Unlike London there were very few fun runners and the end was a bit tight. Hey -se la vie! As 2797 th altogether and 276 th out of 4030 in my vet catagory, I'm well pleased not to cramp up, and got 3hrs 14min 20sec! I'll take a torch next time and a few zippo's with me, just in case. A strange but rewarding experience, totally French (strange that!) and different to the London in many ways. Not cheap as a venue but well worth the effort.

Sortie.....Martin and Ann Fowler
No- 19786. See the little videos on the Marathon website?