Haslemere Border Athletics Club Events
These are some of the events we are involved in
Haslemere Border Athletic Club is involved in many events throughout the year and encourage all members to try and take part. Events are varied and there is something suitable for every level of runner.
The calendar of events for the autumn and winter 2012-2013 can be downloaded here Autumn/Winter calendar 2012-2013 (correct at 14/09/12).
-
Today’s Runner Match 4 30/12/12
Race 4 to be held at Lord Wandsworth College
Sunday 30th December 2012 @ 11.00am
Hart Road Runners welcome you to the 4th race of this season’s series to be held at:
Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton, Hants. RG29 1TB.
Lord Wandsworth College can be reached from the M3 J5. Take the A287 then B3349 via North Warnborough and Odiham. Go past the RAF Station and turn left at the bottom of the hill, through Long Sutton village. The College gates are just beyond the Four Horse shoes public house. From Alton, take the B3349 to Hook then turn right just past South Warnborough. Go through Long Sutton village as above.
Car parking is within the College grounds and will be signposted from the gates.
Toilets will be available close to the car park and start, but unfortunately there are no changing facilities.
The course is just under 8 km long, undulating and is mostly woodland tracks and paths. Where possible any obstacles and hazards will be clearly marked or marshalled. The whole course is within the grounds of the college
Refreshments will be served in the Sutton Sports Hall at the cost of £1. Please ensure that muddy shoes / boots are not worn in the hall after the race. As an incentive to encourage car sharing all drivers with three or more persons in their vehicle, will be issued a voucher for free food.
This year we want to announce a Club Cake Competition, we would like each club to produce a cake which can be easily recognised as representative of their club, no larger than 8″ diameter or square and a small prize for the best example. Good luck.
Also the sports hall we use has a specialist carpeted flooring so can we please ask that you remind everyone that no muddy outdoor shoes must be worn in the hall. The carpet is so nice we would recommend slippers!
-
20th December – Training
The training session on the 20th December will be taken by Paul and Sally as the senior coaches are having the night off. We will be meeting at the Mill Tavern and leaving at 7pm sharp for a set of diminishing repetitions, finishing back at the Mill Tavern. Partners are invited although they may prefer to meet the training group back at the MT where we expect to arrive around 9pm.
There will be two routes organised although we are all planned to arrive at the same venues en route.
Trainers are essential and fancy dress is optional but appreciated. Please could you either email Paul or email Sally if you intend to go so that we can get an idea of numbers.
-
Annual General Meeting 2013
10 March 2013 info@hbac.co.uk
Notice to all Members
The Annual General Meeting of Haslemere Border Athletic Club will take place on Friday 12 April 2013 at Woolmer Hill Sports Association Pavilion. Doors will open at 7.00pm and business will commence at 7.30pm. The AGM pack is detailed below this notice.
The Agenda will include:-
- Minutes of the 2012 AGM
- Election of officers (voting only by full members of 16 and above)
- Approval of membership structure
Any new proposals or any business which is desired to be placed on the Agenda must be given in writing to the Secretary at least ten days prior to the meeting.
If you are not able to attend, proxy voting forms are available from the Secretary.
Rebecca Humphreys
Hon. Secretary
AGM Pack
-
Brighton 2013
Race Report
Four runners from HBAC took part in the Brighton marathon at the weekend…. The weekend started with gale force winds, rain and stormy seas on
the Saturday. Sunday was a complete transformation, very calm and grey skies with a hint of rain in the air. The start at Preston park resembled something more of a national cross country event, as the field was very wet, muddy and slippery and all the runners were doing their best, not to have any last minute slips and injuries while queuing for the portaloos !!Sarah Kirby a.k.a. Minnie Mouse was running her fourth Brighton marathon and has competed in all events since it started in 2010… could Minnie be going for a record …. Sarah was running for Breast Cancer Care and had hoped to break 4 hours.. and she reported that a personal low point came when she was hit on the head with a 4.15 pacers balloon… Sarah still managed to finish with an impressive time of 4:25:29.
Amy Wright and Dave Bateman were both running for Canine Partners and Amy running in her second Brighton Marathon knocked 2 mins off her PB with a terrific time of 4:49:19. Dave had to dig deep at mile 23 and give himself a slap when he saw the 4 hr pacer run past him at the drink station… and decided he didn’t have the luxury of run/walk/run to the finish… so got on with it to finish in 3:57:42 and delighted to be a sub 4 marathon runner again.
Sarah Barnett once again donned her Childrens Trust charity vest for her second Brighton and was delighted to also break the 5 hour barrier in 4:58:44 (PB by 10mins!!!). Judging by the photo she stopped for it could have been even more under that mark (you can clearly see Amy smiling as she cruised by) so that will teach her to stop and smile for the camera ;o)
After the race DB found a nice spot on the beach to catch his breath, have a lie down, and work on his tan…
Next year anyone ??
(Submitted by DB!)
-
Christmas 2012
(Updated 5 Oct 2012)
Christmas party will be on December 15 at the Punchbowl Hotel, invite below.
Festive menu Devil’s punchbowl
As part of the evening’s proceedings we will be holding the Haslemere Border AC Sports Personality of the Year awards (not entirely seriously!). Nominations in various categories are invited via the entry form below.
SPOTY Nomination Form (MS Word)
-
Clubmark awarded!
Haslemere Border Athletic Club on the right track for their young athletes…
Haslemere Border Athletic Club celebrated their England Athletics Clubmark Award with a presentation on Tuesday 15th January.
The presentation took place at their club venue, Woolmer Hill Pavillion, which is adjacent to The Edge Leisure Centre in Haslemere. Guests attended from Surrey AA, Active Surrey, and Waverley Borough Council and Christine Benning, the Club and Coach Support Officer in the area for England Athletics, presented the club with their certificate.
Over the past twelve months Paul Fleming and Alexandra Croucher and other members of the club have worked very hard to develop a new junior section, and to put all the requirements in place for Clubmark accreditation. Clubmark stands for higher standards of safety, fairness, coaching and management. This means that a club that has been awarded Clubmark has achieved minimum operating standards in safeguarding and protecting children, quality coaching, equal opportunities and good management.
On a freezing, dark January club night, members of the club both old and young, gathered to mark the occasion and to eat a beautiful cake created in club colours. Club Chairman. Andy Wareham, passionately believes that the club has come on leaps and bounds in the past year and now the aim is to build up the junior and senior sections, to develop more coaches and perhaps one day, realize his dream of a 400metres track (to replace their J track).Michael Cole, representing Surrey AA, attending with his wife, Patricia said that Surrey welcome the formation of the new junior section and hoped to see the young athletes competing in the Surrey Championships in years to come, and perhaps one day becoming Olympians. Lawrie Baker, attending on behalf of Active Surrey, and Carys Potter from Waverley Borough Council were delighted to hear about the progress the club has made and were pleased to offer support in the future.
In addition to the multi event Athletics 365 sessions for under 11s, the club has started a junior running roup aimed at over 14s on Sundays at their base at Woolmer Hill Pavillion. On Thursdays, the juniors meet at the Royal School in Haslemere, where the club has developed strong links leading to pupils assisting with the junior sessions and a reciprocal training session for pupils.
-
Cycle session – Wednesday 15 May 2013
Start from Costa Coffee, Haslemere
7.30pm – 8.30pm (approx)
The aim of the Wednesday evening cycle ride is to provide HBAC an opportunity to cycle and train as a group to improve fitness levels and develop bike-handling skills. The cycle route is aimed at all abilities and covers a scenic 8 mile circular route across the beautiful rolling countryside around Haslemere. Depending on speed groups will complete a number of laps of the route. The cycle ride covers a variety of challenges which will provide tests for all abilities. Depending on numbers cyclist’s maybe split into smaller groups based on pace ability. All abilities welcome!
The route is a circular route and covers a distance of 8 miles. A variety of road surfaces and categories will be encountered which contain everyday hazards that should be risk assessed by cyclists participating. Road surfaces may contain potholes and loose gravel. Depending on weather roads maybe wet and greasy in places. Participants should also watch out for wildlife that maybe on the road or verge. It’s important that all cyclists participating make their own dynamic risk assessment whilst cycling the route!
8 Mile Circuit Route (laps)
Route starts from outside Costa Coffee on Haslemere High Street (A286)
Head along High Street (A286) towards Town Hall turn left at Town Hall along Petworh Road (B2131)
Continue 2 miles along Petworth Road passing Lythe Hill Hotel. FAST UNDULATING ROAD +30 mph
Take first left 500m after Lythe Hill Hotel along Killinghurst Lane.
Continue along Killinghurst Lane for 750m until signpost West End/Frillinghurst/Chiddingfold Take Left along West End Road CAUTION GRAVEL
Continue along West End Lane/Pook Hill for 2 miles
CAUTION VERY SHARP RIGHT HAND BEND AFTER 1 MILE, STEEP HILL and WILDLIFE
Turn left at ‘T’ junction along Prestwick Lane
Continue along Prestwick Lane/Clammer Hill Road/Clammer Hill for 2 miles
Turn Right at Three Gates Lane STEEP HILL 1 MILE
Turn Left at ‘T’ junction along High Street (A286)
CAUTION MAIN ‘A’ ROAD
Costa to finish
Kit List
Cycle Helmet – no helmet no rideMobile PhoneVisible cycle clothingFront and rear lightsSpare inner tubePuncture repair kit/tyre leversPump/CO2 cannisterDrink/foodPlease ride courteously and consider fellow cycle riders and other road users. Please ensure you bring all the cycle equipment as listed. This will ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride!
For further information please email the club info box.
-
Ranelagh Harriers Richmond Half Marathon
5 May 2013
Eight bleary-eyed Borderers got up at the crack of dawn last Sunday to get themselves to the start line of the Richmond Half Marathon for 8.30 a.m. Weather was perfect for once; not too hot, a slight breeze! Surely there could be no excuses! Well they were coming in thick and fast but all was too late…..
A very crushed 700 or so runners huddled together on the junction of the Petersham Road and the Star and Garter Hill. Traffic was stopped temporarily and the runners were off! The course was fast and flat and formed a figure of eight on private roads and public highways.
Bruce Wallace set the pace and Issy Peters, Jackie Field and Sally Goble made a bold attempt to stay with him. Bruce had two weeks previously competed in the London Marathon so he was running on tired legs which enabled the three ladies to keep him in sight for a bit longer than usual. Issy Peters had also competed in London and felt the effect of it almost immediately into the race. Marketa Hamilton and Justine Showell ran together for the first 8 miles of the course, just behind the three girls. However whilst Marketa kept a steady pace throughout Justin struggled due to a nasty virus he had the week before. Justin was forced to resort to a jog/walk strategy to see him through. Simon Gleave just managed to pip Justin at the post on the final stretch by a matter of seconds. Final results were: Bruce Wallace, 1.29.08, Sally Goble, 1.30.49, Jackie Field 1.32.14, Issy Peters 1.38.51, Marketa Hamilton 1.46.54, Simon Gleave 1.55.37 and Justin Showell 1.55.46.Team cheers were all around as the news came in that the Borderettes (Sally, Jackie and Issy) had won the overall ladies team price, Sally Goble won 1st place in age group (5th overall) and Jackie won 2nd prize in age group (9th overall).
All in all a very successful day out at the races!
-
SLCCL – Denbies Winery
9 February 2013
Match 4 will be in Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, RH5 6AA (on the A24, close to M25 – Junction 9 and the A3) when our hosts will be Dorking & Mole Valley AC and the timetable is:-
12.00 (noon) – Snrs/Vets/U20s 1.00 pm – U15s/U17s 1.30 pm – U13s
Maps of the venue and courses are enclosed. Car parking is at Friends Provident, Pixham End, Dorking, RH4 1QA which has room for about 300 cars. This is about 5 – 10 minutes walk from the venue and DO NOT TRY TO PARK AT THE VENUE. With regards to the course map M followed by a number represents where a course marshall is located. You will also see the numbers 123, 1 is the full lap of 4.23kms run twice by the Seniors and once by the U15/U17s , 3 is the U13s first lap and 2 is the U13s second lap. Due to the geography of the course the Seniors will have to run slightly overdistance again.
The course is undulating with a step climb and can be run in spikes but trail shoes or trainers recommended, especially if dry, as there is a section of stoney path.
There are no changing facilities but there are toilets (portaloos) on the course and in the winery. DMV are unable to provide refreshments themselves but there are facilities in the winery. – DO NOT GO IN WITH MUDDY SHOES as DMV have taken many years to negotiate use of this venue and wish to use it again.
St. Johns Ambulance will provide First Aid cover and nearest A&E Hospital is Epsom General, Dorking Road, Epsom, KT18 (01372 – 735735).
Competitors’ Declaration Sheets were e-mailed to Clubs with match 1 details so I hope you saved this and will copy for this and future matches. If not, please e-mail me for a copy. Please remember you must use (1) the same numbers for the same runners as in previous matches or (2) as per Pre-season Declaration if they have not run this season but were declared earlier or (3) use one of the spare numbers given to your club if they have not run or been declared yet this season. Please mark any of (3) with an asterisk on your Declaration Sheet which must be handed in before the race starts. If you have lost any used numbers do not use a different number but make up that lost number using a thick black felt tip pen.
-
South of England Cross Country Championships
THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday 26th January 2013
Calling ALL members – Last year we took part in this XC championship and it was a huge success and a fun day was had by all. Therefore we are wanting to attend again, we just need yourselves to come along and share the experience with us. The same rule applies as all other XC races, please just come along for the fun so PLEASE do not be put off that its says championships. We have a great team spirit and that is what counts so we would love to see as many people come along as possible. The more there are of us the more fun to be shared.
The club is funding this so you do not need to worry about entrance fees or travel as we will be arranging a mini bus to take us there and back.
If you could let myself or Ian know if you can attend that would be great. .We have until the 11th DEC to receive your interest as we need to post it to them
We need from you your full name, date of birth and your England Athletic number (if you know it, not to worry if you don’t).
Thank you
-
Sport Relief 2012
Sport Relief Mile 2012
Haslemere Border Athletic Club hosted the Haslemere Mile on Sunday 25 March 2012 as part of the nationwide Sport Relief Mile.
As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives – so it’s time to dust off those trainers and enter right now. Whether you do 1, 3 or 6 miles – as a family team, with your mates or against the clock – you’ll have a fantastic time when you go the distance. It’s just £6 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family of four.
Until next time, details about the Sport Relief Mile can be found here.
-
Sport Relief Miles and Smiles
Thank you so much to everyone that did such a fantastic job at the Sainsbury’s Sports Relief Mile. Around 300 people got their miles, some a few more miles than they expected. What a fantastic afternoon and lots of happy smiling faces.
-
Surrey Cross Country League 2012 Round 1
Calling All Ladies!!!The first cross-country race of the season is almost upon us, it’s a huge amount of fun for a Saturday lunchtime and a great atmosphere. Come along, even if you’re just beginning your running career, its fantastic experience and we all look after each other!
Here are the details:
Date: Saturday 20th October
Time: Midday start
Location: Wimbledon Common (just off the A3 at the Robin Hood Junction (see attached map for directions and details!)
Course Length:see PDF details below
INFORMATION FOR CLUBS (pdf)
We will car share wherever possible – if we all meet up at the Woolmer Hill Track Car Park at 9.30am, that should give us enough time to get there, find somewhere to gather, get the numbers from the race HQ, pin them on and warm up! I will be driving so I can take a few – I’ve already got Amanda and I’m picking up Amy from Farncombe en-route, I can take one or two more. Any other drivers please let me know so we can work it out on the morning. Or you can make your own way there but keep in touch with me please: 077864361300
What to bring: Trainers!!! (trail shoes or spikes would be a good idea, it’s a muddy terrain), bring a spare pair for after. Warm clothes for before and after, safety pins (I have loads, so don’t worry if you don’t), snacks, bananas, drinks, money (burgers after are always welcome….), a black bin bag to keep your stuff dry if its wet. Club vest – VERY IMPORTANT! I don’t think ipods or listening to music are allowed on the course but I will check.
I think that’s everything….
Even if you haven’t done it before, come and give it a go. Its such fun and a great way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday. We’re running for the club so its always lovely to have a good turn out and to cheer each other on. Even if you think you might be the slowest (that spot is reserved for me, don’t worry!) it truly doesn’t matter, its just about taking part and giving it a go for a bit of fun
If in doubt drop me a message on Facebook or e-mail info@hbac.co.uk
Regards
Anna Alexander
-
Surrey Ladies Cross Country League
Results 13 Jan 2013
The results from last Saturday’s ladies fixture are in. The organisers said “Apologies for some of the issues we’ve been having. The person who was typing in the declaration sheets appears to have updated only some of the names where numbers have been reallocated from previous fixtures which has caused some difficulty. The number will still have been allocated to your club however and as such the team result should not be altered.”
-
Surrey Ladies Cross Country League
12 Jan 2013
Mitcham Common
UPDATE *** UPDATE *** UPDATE
Additional Car Parking:
The manager at Cannons Gym has kindly agreed to let us use their over flow Car Park on Saturday, The Car Park is located on Madeira Road, just off the A236. Upon leaving central Mitcham on the A236, Madeira Road is located on the right just after the football fields and before the Railway Bridge and Mitcham Common.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=51.400457%2c-0.162458&num=1&t=m&z=16
From the car park Race HQ is a ten minute walk down the A236.
After walking over the railway bridge there is a footpath on the inside of the common which runs down to Windmill Road and parallel to the A236 where Race HQ is located. The footpath is a much safer option than walking down A236, Croydon Road.
In return the manager of the gym may send a few of his guys over after the race to flyer with details of his gym.Thanks and see you on Saturday.
**** **** **** **** **** **** ****
Attached is an information sheet prepared by the host club – CLAPHAM CHASERS.
Please note that only a course map has been provided but you can find the Race
HQ by using Google Maps Linkas shown on the information sheet. I have been asked to stress that there is very limited car parking at the Race HQ (see e-mail from the hosts below) and local streets and you should use local transport details of which are included
in the notes. The Race HQ postcode, for satnav users, is CR4 1HT.Please advise all your Seniors it is a 3 (THREE) lap course.
May I remind you that your runners must wear the same numbers as they did in previous matches. Those
who did not run but have already been allocated a number must wear that number. Anyone who has not
been allocated a number so far should be allocated one by you from the spare numbers given to your club
and these should be marked with an asterisk on your team sheet when you hand this in. You should
of course already have team sheet(s) either on your PC or already printed. Also a few clubs have run non-scorers using their allocated numbers which has caused some confusion with the results compilers
- if you have any runners who should not score please see me before racing as I have a special block of numbers for non-scorers.Also if you have any new 2nd claimers they should in theory be declared to me at least 2 weeks before the match but because of the Christmas/New Year holidays the deadline on this occassion will be Saturday 5th January.so only those can score. If you have any who have not been declared they can still run as non-scorers/guests but must collect a non-scorers number from me – do not use one of your spares.
With regards to getting to the venue I’m told you may find it possible to park on the other side of Commonside East in roads such as Manor Road CR4 1JA, Sherwood Park Road CR4 1NA. Tamworth Lane CR4 1NA, Pentlands Road, CR4 1HW. There are lots of other roads but I don’t have the time to list them all – you should find these by looking at Google Maps Link: http://goo.gl/maps/veLQH
Finally best wishes for Christmas/New Year.
-
Surrey Ladies x-country 1 Dec 2012
Surrey Ladies Cross Country league
Nonsuch Park, Cheam, SM3 8AL hosted by 26.2 RRC
1 December 2012 12 noon.
As promised here is the information about the next Surrey Ladies XC race on Sat 1st Dec 12 noon
Could you please email Jackie if you are coming. We can then sort out car sharing, so let me know if you need a lift or able to drive.Anybody still toying with the idea then please come along, we promise to all look after you. So if you are not sure whether you like the idea of racing then think of it simply as a jog somewhere else with some quality laughs with a great bunch of girls.
1 December 2012 Race Information
Nonsuch Park – Entrance Car Parks
Nonsuch Park XC Course – 1st Dec 2012
-
Surrey Road League 2012
DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION DETAILS Sun May-06 Ranelagh Half Marathon 08:30 Richmond click Sun May-13 Sutton 10K 10:30 Beddington Park click Sun Jun-10 Dorking 10 09:00 Dorking click Sun Jun-24 Richmond 10K 09:00 Riverside Drive, Ham click Sat Jul-14 Elmore 7 14:00 Chipstead click Sun Jul-22 Elmbridge 10K 09:00 Elmbridge click Sat Aug-11 Wimbledon Dash 5K 09:30 Wimbledon click
If you are planning to run any of these events, please let Bruce Wallace (Road Captain) know so he can keep track of our combined efforts.
The League consists of seven races and there are separate competitions for men’s and women’s teams, senior men and women, men over 40, over 50 and over 60 and women over 35, over 45 and over 55.
Entry to the League is free of charge but all runners must enter the races as normal and pay the organisers’ entry fees.The first three finishers from each competing club will comprise the scoring team, and the sum of their finishing positions will form their team score. In the event of a tie, the relative position of the third scorer will be the decider. League points will be scored according to the number of clubs entered. For example, if 20 clubs are taking part, the winning club in each race will score 20 points, second will score 19 and so on.
If any competing clubs have fewer than three runners in any race, their team score will still be the sum of their runners’ finishing positions. For League points, clubs with two runners will be ranked below all those with three and clubs with one runner will be ranked below all those with two. If a club has no runners in any race, they will score no League points for that race.
The League will be decided on each club’s best five scores from the seven races. In the event of a tie, the best six races will be taken into consideration, and if there is still a tie, all seven. If there is still a tie, the total team points in each race will decide.
All runners from clubs taking part in the League will earn an individual score in one of the age categories.
The first finisher in each category will score one point, second two points and so on. The League will be decided on each runner’s best five scores from the seven races. In the event of a tie, the best six races will be taken into consideration, and if there is still a tie, all seven. If in any category no runner competes in five races, then the best four will be taken, and so on.The age group into which an athlete falls in the first League race in which he or she competes will determine his or her age group for the season.
-
Surrey Road Race League 2013
The sun is out so it must be road race season. The events for this year’s Surrey Road Race League are as follows:
Date Race Details and Results 05-May-13 Richmond Half-Marathon RACE FULL 12-May-13 Sutton 10km Details 02-Jun-13 Dorking 10 miles Details 23-Jun-13 Richmond 10km Details 13-Jul-13 Elmore 7 miles Details when available 21-Jul-13 Elmbridge 10km Details 11-Aug-13 Wimbledon 5km Details when available Rules
All Surrey affiliated clubs are welcome to take part in the Road League.
The League consists of seven races and there are separate competitions for men’s and women’s teams, senior men and women, men over 40, over 50 and over 60 and women over 35, over 45 and over 55.
Entry to the League is free of charge but all runners must enter the races as normal and pay the organisers’ entry fees.
Team Competitions
The first three finishers from each competing club will comprise the scoring team, and the sum of their finishing positions will form their team score. In the event of a tie, the relative position of the third scorer will be the decider. League points will be scored according to the number of clubs entered. For example, if 20 clubs are taking part, the winning club in each race will score 20 points, second will score 19 and so on.
If any competing clubs have fewer than three runners in any race, their team score will still be the sum of their runners’ finishing positions. For League points, clubs with two runners will be ranked below all those with three and clubs with one runner will be ranked below all those with two. If a club has no runners in any race, they will score no League points for that race.
The League will be decided on each club’s best five scores from the seven races. In the event of a tie, the best six races will be taken into consideration, and if there is still a tie, all seven. If there is still a tie, the total team points in each race will decide.
Individual Competitions
All runners from clubs taking part in the League will earn an individual score in one of the age categories.
The first finisher in each category will score one point, second two points and so on. The League will be decided on each runner’s best five scores from the seven races. In the event of a tie, the best six races will be taken into consideration, and if there is still a tie, all seven. If in any category no runner competes in five races, then the best four will be taken, and so on.
The age group into which an athlete falls in the first League race in which he or she competes will determine his or her age group for the season.
Eligibility
All members of Surrey-affiliated clubs are eligible for the League. Individual Surrey qualification is not required. Second-claim members may compete provided that their first-claim club is not in the League.
Second-claim members who are likely to enter League races for their first-claim clubs must be declared to the League Secretary before the first fixture.
-
Today’s Runner 11 November 2012
Today’s Runner Queen Elizabeth Park
Ladies team 1st place
Mens team 4th place
Overall 1st
Special days only come along occasionally; that’s what makes them special. I should have known that today was going to be one of them.
I woke to clear blue skies and a crisp frost and a feeling of eager anticipation at the prospect of the things to come. How many club members would respond to our call turn up for the race? How was it going to go? Would we win or be piped at the post? Pulling into the car park at Woolmer Hill, I noticed a gathering of the ready and faithful had started, and we needed 3 cars to get us to QE Country park. Once there more arrived, our flag went up as we staked our ground by the finish line and excitement started to grow. Some nervous laughs and late hello’s were heard among the song of excited chatter as our dedicated team started to assemble.
A camera call for the obligatory pre-race photo and then into warm ups. Strides, high knees and skips all done, we finally linked arms, hearts and minds in a circle of engaged athletes and uttered some last words of encouragement and the 22 headed for the start at the top of the hill – a minutes silence when all were gathered to the remember those that died to keep our freedom and we were OFF. Each of us to our own race, facing the trial of hill, mud and water in our own desperate attempt to bring honour to the flag we have pinned our colours too.
Eight harrowing kilometres through woods and I sprang back out onto the road and suddenly the finish line appeared. I collapsed into Julian’s arms the moment I came out of the exit tunnel and we embraced with a feeling of camaraderie rarely known outside of a tight knit team striving for the same goal.
How did we do? Who’s in? Who’s coming in next? – There! There! Here they come! And indeed they did, one by one, grateful for the finish line with the odd flourish and sprint to the end, gleefully cheered on by all, shouts and laughter. Then hurried stories told of slips, knocks and private battles fought and lost, hugs, smiles, mud, sweat and sunshine all mingled to create the magic of the day.Then the final camera call and a happy team, nerves gone and grins broad, we packed our bags and headed for tea and sandwiches.Once the hot liquid had warmed our hands and hearts everyone gathered to hear the results….starting from the 18th team ….men’s team 4th and a hearty cheer for the lads, but now we needed the ladies to do well…….ladies team 1st place and a roar went up! Laughter and smiles but wait…..what about the overall result, we were close but…..Haslemere Border FIRST!! Fists shot into the air, yelps, shouts and cheers, high fives, hugs and tears…. Yea this was a special day that I won’t forget.
To all those that ran today; You are athletes whose commitment, dedication and gritty determination to succeed, has given us all a victory worthy of your efforts. Thank you.
-
Today’s Runner 9 December 2012
Received from the race director for the Bourne Woods event:
Please find attached the invitation notice [link below] for the 3rd round of the Today’s Runner Cross Country League.
Please could you remind your members that this Today’s Runner Cross Country League has been set up by the twenty running clubs, financed by the club membership subscriptions and organised with the enthusiasm of the club membership. This event is NOT open to guests, friends or general public or family members who are not subscribed members of one of the representative clubs.
Please could I ask all club representatives to inform their membership of these points so that conflict does not occur at the Bourne Woods event as it did at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park earlier this month.
Race result sheets will be available for collection before the race from the club house.
Regards Charles Ashby Race Director Farnham Runners
-
Todays Runner Race 4 – Results.
Lord Wandsworths College, 30 December 2012
Many thanks to all the hardy souls that took a break from the Christmas and New Year festivities to travel to Lord Wandsworth College and compete in the Todays Runner Fixture.
Nearing the end of the wettest year on record we knew what we were letting ourselves in for. Strangely the course was not as bad as previous years when it can be very treacherous in icy conditions… Sunday was just very WET and very MUDDY… Perfect for cross country running.
Borders numbers were a bit depleted compared to previous fixtures BUT we still managed to field a COMPLETE team. The ladies were lead home by Jackie in a very impressive 2nd place… will she improve even further now to gain that FIRST position… watch this space… Issy also had yet another strong race finishing 5th. Sian improves with every race and finished a very impressive 12th…another PB. Borders SPOTY Anna finished off an excellent year of challenging races with a strong finish up the final hill through the slippery fields to finish in 94th….
The men were fortunate that Joe Perkins was home from Uni and led the guys home with an excellent 10th spot. Joe was well supported by Dan Allaway in 13th. Lee feeling a bit under the weather was 37th and Andy Webb 45th. The final scoring position was fought out by Justin and Showell and Steve Currie. Dave Bateman was able to watch them both challenge for position on each of the very tricky downhill sections. Steve managed to hold off Justin finishing 116th and Justin 117th. Dave B was 125th and Dominic Perkins 134th.
The ladies had a great result finishing 1st , well clear of Basingstoke and Hart Road Runners. The men finished 7th. Overall Border were joint 3rd with neighbours Farnham Runners with Basingstoke and hosts Hart Road Runners finishing 1st and 2nd.
