As it was an Oxford County Championship race it attracted some good runners from local clubs. The race was over some varied terrain including uneven pathways, gravel pits and road. It was a hot Saturday evening and the final 50 metres to the finish was over some long grass (the mower had broken down!!) on Yarnton playing fields. 156 finishers.

Alan Smith 32:46 49th
Paul Bursnall 43:21 127th

Leafield 10, Sunday 1st July:

The second running of this hilly 10 mile race in north Oxfordshire, taking in parts of the Witney 10 course. Weather conditions were more like March than early summer, with persistent rain in the gloom of the early evening. The ford between 6 and 7 miles ensured your feet were nice and wet for the uphill finish. This did not deter three Alchester members from taking part. Congratulations to Nigel Lambert for picking up first prize in the V60 category, and to Bridget Mold for a fantastic PB, beating her previous best by no less than 11 minutes!

Mark Sandford 1:14:11
Nigel Lambert 1:23:15
Bridget Mold 1:39:48 (PB)

(watch times)

Didcot 5 , Sunday 1st July:

The rain stayed away from Didcot (more or less) for this flat and fast 5-miler around Didcot's cycle tracks and paths. Keith Jones logged his fastest time of the year. Mark Clay didn't.

Keith Jones. 40:44
Mark Clay, DNF

Thame 10k, Sunday 24th June:

We have the numbers but not the details, including news of any PBs ! Please contact Mark if you can help with either.

Nigel Marley, 34:56, 11th
Richard Gould, 36:16, 21st, PB by 1 second!
Gary Clench, 38:09, 39th
Jon Burgess, 38:27, 46th
Paul Tilleard, 40:16, 76th
Nigel Trinder, 40:27, 77th
Alan Smith, 41:11, 97th
Andrew Beaumont, 41:12, 98th
Andi Hucker, 41;27, 107th
Richard Darley, 41:39, 110th
Gary Warland, 42:11, 117th
Laurie Lee, 42:34, 131st
Stephen Howard, 43:34, 155th
Angela Banks, 43:37, 156th PB
Alan Parker, 44:31, 178th
Nick Cherry, 45:02, 196th
Michael Stuart. 46:01, 225th PB
Helen Roper, 47:00, 257th
Kate Watkinson, 47:02, 259th
Chris Foulkes, 47:24, 270th, PB
Edwina Colclough, 47:53, 292nd
Carole Gibbs, 48:46,329th
Nigel Lambert, 48:52, 333rd
Wendy Hunter, 49:29, 352nd
Suzy Ciechan, 52:26, 437th
Hazel Howard, 52:27, 438th
Sharon Craggs, 52:34, 441st
Tom Bailey, 55:22, 524th
Emma Gould, 55:28, 525th
Marion Harris, 55:58, 540th
Keith Jones, 56:09, 543rd
Bridget Mold, 56:16
Julie Trinder, 59:44, 643rd
Jackie Hucker, 1:02:30, 691st
Geoff Hanks, tbc, 744th

763 finishers.

If you like your races small and friendly, this a race for you. Approximately 150 people took part in this local race in aid of a local charity, taking on a muddy cross-country-style 5km (-ish) course through the trails of Bagley Wood, near Oxford. Despite the "Fun Run" title, this event wasn't without its challenges, offering a rough, overgrown, undulating and frequently muddy course for runners of all standards to have a go at. Mark Clay represented Alchester.

Mark Clay, 23:48, 17th

Banbury 5 Mile, Tuesday 12th June:

Jon Burgess, 30:45, 48th (5th V50)
Stephen Howard, 34:31, 130th
Nick Cherry, 35:23, 154th
David Basham, 37:51, 211th
Hazel Howard, 41:45, 274th
Keith Jones, 42:59, 284th

Mota-vation 2, Bletchingdon (4.25 miles), Thurday 7th June:

This was an undulating course with a testing uphill finish. A very strong run from Richard Gould, continuing his good form. Welcome back to racing for Kate Watkinson and Sarah Thomas after spells out following injury.

Richard Gould, 24:36, 33rd
Jon Burgess, 25:41, 48th
Nigel Trinder, 26:29, 75th
Andy Hucker, 26:38, 80th
Richard Darley, 27:45, 113th
Gary Warland, 28:08, 124th
Darren Jolliffe, 28:46, 135th
Stephen Howard, 29:07, 142th
Liz Dover, 30:40, 169th
Dave Basham, 31:41, 188th
Edwina Colclough, 31:59, 193rd
Kate Watkinson, 32:26, 199th
Nigel Lambert, 32:59, 208
Carole Gibbs, 33:40, 219th
Hazel Howard, 35:01, 233rd
Sharon Craggs, 35:16, 237th
Keith Jones, 36:52, 257th
Emma Gould, 37:15, 260th
Julie Trinder, 38:04, 266th
Bridget Mold, 38:34, 268th
Jackie Hucker, 42:32, 290th
Sarah Thomas, 46:32, 299th

302 Finishers

Chiltern Chase, Sunday 3rd June:

Three members headed to the picturesque village of Ewelme for the Chiltern Chase, a multi-terrain event with a little bit of road, fields, woods and paths and plenty of ups and downs. It was a testing course on a hot day and was well supported by a variety of clubs and local runners.

Alan Smith 41:21 27th
Sarah Paradine 42.53 41st (3rd V35 Female)
Nick Cherry 47:55 101st

383 runners.

Otmoor Challenge, Saturday 2nd June:

Like last year, the race was held in very warm conditions (with temperatures nudging 24C) but conditions were soft underfoot due to heavy rain earlier in the week. Over 300 runners ran a circular route through attractive Otmoor countryside, sometimes on roads and sometimes on paths around fields which went on forever. The hill at 11 miles was as much fun as ever and several Alchester runners considered joining the local Hash House Harriers, who stopped for a pint at every pub on the way.

Jon Burgess, 1:28:47 (17th)
Gary Clench, 1:32:25
Nigel Trinder, 1:38:39
Gary Warland, 1:48:34
Mark Sandford, 1:48:41
Steve Howard, 1:52:16
Nick Cherry, 1:56:23
Andy Whitehead, 2:02:00
Helen Roper, 2:03:20
Edwina Colclough, 2:03:20
Nigel Lambert: tbc
Dave Basham: tbc
Brian Page: tbc
Bridget Mold: 2:24:55

Please let Mark know what your time is, if it is not already shown here.

Upper Boddington 10k, Monday 28th May:

The PBs keep on coming, this time from Bridget Mold who took a hefty chunk out of her previous best 10k.

Sarah Paradine, 43:08, 52nd
Bridget Mold, 56:33 (PB by over 6mins), 142nd

(187 finishers)

Charndon 5k, Tuesday 22nd May:

Our runners did us proud, as always, with good performances right through the field at one of our own races. Many congratulations to all who took part, especially to Ray Clench, who taught us all a thing or two about a what a life of running really is, and to Angela Banks for a new club record. And a hearty round of applause to those who put so much into organising a most successful race, and who helped to make the event run smoothly.

Nigel Marley, 16:49, SM, 13th
Richard Gould, 17:18 (PB), SM, 16th
Jon Burgess, 17:59, V50, 33rd (3rd V50)
Gary Clench, 18:17, V40, 42st
Laurie Lee, 18:35, V40, 50th
Nigel Trinder, 18:44, V40, 56th
Alan Smith, 19:00, V40, 62nd
Liz Dover, 20:42, SL, 92nd
Angela Banks, 21:20, VL35, 106th (new club record, VL35)
Helen Roper, 21:45, SL, 115th
Hester Pollock, 21:58, VL35, 118th
Paul Bursnell, 24:09, V50, 153rd
Ray Clench, 34:09, V60, 197th

206 finishers. Full results here.

(Please let know if any of these times should be recorded as PBs.)

Redditch Sprint Triathlon, Sunday 20th May:

Many congratulations to Hester Pollock, whose splendid performance enabled her to qualify for the World Triathlon Sprint Distance Championships in Hamburg in September 2007.

Hester Pollock, 1:16:27 (2nd in age group)

Oxford Town and Gown 10k, Sunday 20th May:

Last year's torrential rain was replaced by warm sunshine. A revised course helped reduce congestion and remove some bottlenecks, and this helped the club squad to put in good performances today. Many thanks to the large number of club members who also turned out to help with the marshalling - members appreciated the extra support and the friendly faces.

Nigel Marley, 34:35, 14th
Richard Gould, 36:17 (PB by 1min), 30th
Laurie Lee, 40:55, 164th
Mark Clay, 43:23 (PB), 274th
Alan Hine, 44:10, 364th
Catherine McDonnell, 47:29, 669th
Emma Gould, 55:45, 1480th
Marion Harris, 55:54 (PB by 5+ mins), 1564th
Julie Trinder, 56:16 (PB by 5mins), 1604th
Keith Jones, 56:37, 1769th
Geoff Hanks, 1:06:36, 2442nd

2742 finishers.

Tewkesbury Half Marathon, Sunday 13th May:

Richard Darley represented the club at this increasingly popular half marathon and took advantage of the reasonably flat course and (mostly) decent conditions to secure a strong new PB. Congratulations to Richard.

Richard Darley, 1.33.13, PB by 1min.

Silverstone 10k, Tuesday 8th May:

As always, conditions were wild and windy at Silverstone, but at least there was no hail this time! Well done to the two Alchester runners who braved the conditions.

Tom Bailey, 52.49, 661st
Sarah Thomas, 70.57, PB, 905th

Great Weston 5, Monday 7th May:

Another large turn out as 21 Alchester runners took on the Great Weston 5, near Sulgrave, Northamptonshire. Conditions were near perfect for running, if you like drizzle that is. Road and hard farm track, which got a bit slippery at 3 miles, and that lovely hill to finish - some people will tell you differently. Well done to Sarah Paradine on finishing as 3rd lady. Great runs from Laurie and Nigel Trinder. Two performances of particular note go to Bridget Mold and Chris Faulkes who made significant improvements on their previous 5 mile times - Well done!! 280 finishers.

Laurie Lee, 31:13, 11th
Nigel Trinder, 32:42, 23rd
Sarah Paradine, 33:29, 27th - 3rd lady overall
Mark Sandford, 34:17, 37th - PB by 2:30
Gary Warland, 34:21, 38th
Steve Howard, 34:32, 43rd
Andrew Whitehead, 36:02, 57th
Chris Colclough, 36:35, 69th
Helen Roper, 37:02, 78th
Hester Pollock, 37:05, 80th - debut
Catherine McDonnel, 37:12, 83rd
Edwina Colclough, 38:11, 103rd
Chris Faulkes, 38:29, 105th - PB by 6:00 !
Dave Basham, 38:34, 107th
Nigel Lambert, 39:48, 118th
Hazel Howard, 40:54, 130th (new club record, VL45)
Paul Bursnall, 41:52, 141st
Keith Jones, 42:50, 151st
Julie Trinder, 46:08, 198th
Bridget Mold, 46:34, 201st - PB by 10:30 !
Geoff Hanks, 54:55, 265th

Great Anglia 10k Run, Sunday May 6th:

The course was flat but Alan had to run into a headwind which was particularly strong between 3-4k. It was a single lap course that combined running through the shopping centre and out into a bit of countryside. Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson was racing and won the womens wheelchair in 34 mins (her 2nd to last competitive race). 1,509 runners.

Alan Smith 39:36, 77th overall - PB

Charlton-on-Otmoor - Mota-vation, Thursday 3rd May:

Richard Gould, 23:32, 36th
Laurie Lee, 24:08, 46th
Jon Burgess, 24:28, 53rd
Andi Hucker, 25:01, 73rd
Nigel Trinder, 25:32, 90th
Gary Warland, 26:28, 111th
Richard Darley, 26:30, 113th
Allan Parker, 27:36, 143rd
Steve Howard, 27:40, 145th
Mark Sandford, 27:47, 149th
Chris Colclough, 27:58, 155th
Helen Roper, 28:54, 170th
Trevor Rackley, 29:26, 182nd
Ben Millard, 29:29, 186th
Sarah Rendell, 30:13, 200th - debut
Edwina Colclough, 30:22, 203rd
Adele Moss, 30:22, 204th
Carole Gibbs, 31:26, 229th
Nigel Lambert, 31:32, 233rd
Emma Ashwell, 31:38, 237th
Hazel Howard, 32:24, 246th
Chris Foulkes, 32:25, 247th
Sharon Craggs, 32:45, 252nd
Paul Bursnall, 33:04, 257th
Thomas Bailey, 33:32, 264th
Emma Gould, 35:40, 288th
Julie Trinder, 36:36, 298th
Bridget Mold, 37:34, 302nd
Keith Jones, 39:34, 321st
Jackie Hucker, 39:51, 322nd - debut

The clue is in the title. Chris and Edwina Colclough travelled to Nottinghamshire to take on this hilly course. Despite the lack of hills in training, Edwina crossed the line as second lady, and first under VL35, a fantastic result. Chris managed a pb, his previous best being set the Wellingborough MT race, finishing 23rd over all. Well done.

Chris Colclough 47:18 23rd overall PB
Edwina Colclough 49:13 1st under VL35, 2nd lady overall

Blenheim 7k, Sunday 29th April:

Steve Woodus and Alison Rivers took on the undulations of grounds of Blenheim Palace on a fine day with a cool breeze, making conditions perfect. Steve managed to pick up a spot prize of a bottle of wine (hope it was Rothchilds)

Steve Woodus 32:36
Alison Rivers 42:38

Hawkshead Pumafox 15k Trail Race, Saturday 28th April:

Warm and sunny conditions for the race from Hawkshead village in the glorious Lake District, taking in the trails over the hills along Windemere. This very hilly course attracted over 500 racers, 300 challenge runners and walkers to compete in this tough event that included the notorious Coffin Trail. 512 racers. Winner Steve Vernon (UK XC Champion) 55:13.

Mark Sandford 1:38:38 321st

Flora London Marathon, Sunday 22nd April:

14 Alchester athletes took on the challenge of London this year, part of a huge field of over 36,000 runners which bravely took to the streets of London, where temperatures reached a brutal 25 degrees. A huge well done to everyone for great performances in these very challenging conditions. A big thank you also to Gary Warland who organised the coach to take runners and supporters to the start. The encouragement of the support team around the course was much appreciated. An excellent debut for the club by Angela Banks and yet another age group record for Hazel Howard, but well done to all participants. Just remember that you all beat the great Haile Gebrselassie!

Angela Banks 3:31:57 (debut run for the club)
Graham Greive 3:48:45
Steve Howard 3:48:51
Nick Cherry 4:07:59
Dave Basham 4:12:17
Paul Freeman 4:16:54
Richard Darley 4:22:17
Carole Gibbs 4:26:19
Helen Roper 4:30:32
Hazel Howard 4:35:46 (Age group record)
Marion Harris 5:06:38
Tom Bailey 5:08:21
Bill Tyne 5:08:29
Nigel Lambert 5:13:43

Alan Smith set aside his Easter eggs to represent Alchester at this relatively new race, set in rural Northamptonshire. Despite a hillier than expected course, he still set a new PB by breaking the sub-40 minute barrier for the first time. Congratulations to Alan for a superb performance. Nigel Marley, running for Kettering, also continued his impressive form to finish in second place overall, crossing the line in 34:23.

Alan Smith: 39:49, PB (7th place V40, 28th overall)

Another sizeable turnout today (other clubs are noticing!) for one of the most popular races of the year in Oxfordshire. The result was no less than two new club records and another crop of PBs, some by hefty margins. Also, some very encouraging feedback for us all from the Race Director:

"I was impressed by the huge turnout of Alchester runners who were once again the best represented club this year. If there was a prize for the best team spirit then Alchester would surely win it as it is a common sight to see a large group of cheerful Alchester runners at all the races."

Conditions were good apart from the strong wind in the opening and closing stages. Nigel Marley led the way with an impressive performance but there was much to celebrate right through the field. Liz, Helen and Edwina rounded off a good race for the club by achieving 3rd Ladies team in both Open and County Championships categories.

Nigel Marley 1:15:14 PB (Club Record, 2nd place overall)
Richard Gould 1:24:00 (PB by 6 mins)
Gary Clench 1:24:35
Liz Dover 1:36:13 (PB)
Andy Beaumont 1:36:26
Mark Clay 1:37:20 (PB by 9 mins)
Steve Howard 1:39:16
Nick Cherry 1:40:25
Trevor Rackley 1:40:30 (PB by 5 mins)
Helen Roper 1:42:13
Dave Basham 1:43:22
Chris Colclough 1:43:55 (PB)
Edwina Colclough 1:44:38 (PB by 5 mins)
Paul Sandilands 1:44:48
Catherine McDonnell 1:45:09 (PB by 5 mins)
Nick Barnes 1:47:45
Kate Watkinson 1:48:06 (PB)
Nigel Lambert 1:50:03
Hazel Howard 1:54:17 (Club age group record)
Tom Bailey 1:57:35
Emma Ashwell 1:59:57 (Debut half marathon)
Enya Knights 2:05:00 (Debut half marathon)
Bridget Mold 2:14:49

Asics Reading Half Marathon, Sunday 18th March 2007:

The conditions were cool, overcast and dry for the 14,000 runners who took part in a well-organised race, on flattish roads with very tight corners through the middle of Reading. There was the usual excellent finish in the Madejski Stadium, where thousands of people gathered to welcome the runners home.

Jon Burgess 1:23:45 - New V50 Club Record
Richard Darley 1:34:23 PB by 2 mins
Helen Roper 1:40:47
Nick Cherry 1:42:32
Bill Tyne 1:54:52
Sam Lockwood 1:56:08 PB by 4 mins
Jackie Shields 2:27:56
Sarah Thomas 2:41:27 (debut Half Marathon)

Carterton 10k, Sunday 18th March 2007:

Laurie Lee, Alan Smith and Mark Sandford traveled to Carterton for this low-key 10k race.. Weather was overcast with a chilling wind, making conditions slightly less than ideal. A two lap, gently undulating course from the town's leisure centre seemed to suit all three, however, as each runner managed a PB. Laurie out in a fantastic run, breaking the 40 minute barrier, with Alan just missing out. 300 runners:

Laurie Lee 39:15 PB by 1:50
Alan Smith 40:26 equaled PB
Mark Sandford 43:25 PB by 50 secs

Adidas London Half Marathon, Silverstone, Sunday 18th March 2007:

Silverstone circuit is exposed at the best of times, but with gale force winds and a hailstorm, conditions were horrendous for the field of over 6,000 runners. New York Marathon and Great North Run winner Hendrick Ramala had expected to run sub 1:02:00, but conditions were so bad he ended up winning in 1:06:53. British international Liz Yelling took the ladies title in 1:14:34. As always, there was faultless organisation from the London Marathon team. For Alchester, a very strong run from Liz, and good to see a return to racing for Emma after a lengthy injury. Many thanks to members who earned cash for club funds by marshalling.

Graham Grieve 1:31:32 PB (296th)
Liz Dover 1:36:52 PB (581st )
Sarah Paradine 1:39:27 (763rd )
Wendy Hunter 1:45:22 (1422nd )
Tom Bailey 1:58:09 (2964th )
Emma Gould 2:08:44 (4145th )
Richard Gould 2:08:45 (4146th)
Marion Harris 2:12:09 (4424th)
(Nigel 'No Car' Mansell 2:53:24)

Rome Marathon , Sunday 18th March 2007:

Hopefully, Andi and Nigel had better weather in Rome than their clubmates had at Silverstone! Andy came very close to the magic 3-hour marathon mark, and Nigel Trinder made a very impressive debut at this distance. Congratulations to both.

Andy Hucker, 3:01:34
Nigel Trinder, 3:32:33

Nike Milton Keynes Half Marathon, Sunday 11th March 2007:

Fine and sunny conditions, marred only by a gusty wind. 2039 finishers.

Catherine McDonnell 1:53:32 (987th)
Hazel Howard 2:00:07 (1253rd)
Tom Bailey 2:05:03 (1420th)
Bridget Mold 2:21:50 (1810th)

Essential Sports Banbury 15, Sunday 11th March 2007:

21 runners represented a record Club turnout for this event. The sun came out, but a strong wind and many undulations made for a tough day. Despite this, we still had a healthy crop of PBs.

Performance of the day goes to Kate Watkinson, who put in a strong committed run from the start. Despite slowing over the later stages she put in perhaps her best ever performance for the club. Carole Gibbs made a welcome debut in Club colours. The race kick-started this years Oxfordshire Grand Prix Series. Both our men's and womens team scored well to put us off to a good start for the year.

Jon Burgess 1.38.37 PB (24th)
Gary Clench 1.40.17 PB (31st)
Laurie Lee 1.45.00 PB (53rd)
Richard Darley 1.50.24 PB* (81st)
Mark Sandford 1.54.40 PB (101st)
Tom Digweed 1.55.13 PB (107th)
Andy Beaumont 1.57.14 (124th)
Kate Watkinson 2.02.47 PB (155th)
Steve Howard 2.03.01 (164th)
Dave Basham 2.03.19 (167th)
Mark Clay 2.03.22 (169th)
Helen Roper 2.04.01 PB (173rd)
Trevor Rackley 2.04.02 PB (174th)
Nick Cherry 2.04.32 (182nd)
Edwina Colclough 2.05.44 PB (193rd)
Carole Gibbs 2.05.54 (195th)
Chris Foulkes 2.09.45 (228th)
Nigel Lambert 2.11.13 (239th)
Chris Colclough 2.11.14 PB (240th)
Andy Whitehead 2.11.50 (242nd)
Paul Sandilands 2.12.44 (253rd)

380 finishers. Full provisional race results here. Richard Gould has kindly provided a set of photographs which can be seen here.

Drayton (Banbury) Cross-Country (Oxford Mail XC League), Sunday 4th March 2007:

The final XC race of the season was run in diabolical conditions, but everyone had a great time (well, sort of). Congratulations to Rachael Elliott for her fantastic second place overall in the senior ladies championship, although she didn’t run today. Excellent final placings too for Helen (7th overall) and Edwina (9th overall); and Jon, who finished 4th overall in the Vet 50 category.

Final team placings were 20th out of 28 teams in Division 2 for the ladies; and 3rd out of 18 teams in Division 3 for the men. Thanks to everyone who ran for making the series such a success.

Ladies (105 finished)

Helen Roper 27.26 (55th)
Edwina Colclough 28.21 (61st)
Hazel Howard 32.26 (85th)
Bridget Mold 36.18 (99th)

Men (205 finished)

Richard Gould 40.19 (52nd)
Jon Burgess 41.04 (58th)
Laurie Lee 41.36 (64th)
Paul Tilleard 43.52 (85th)
Alan Smith 45.28 (103rd)
Chris Colclough 47.19 (125th)
Tom Digweed 47.36 (132nd)
Trevor Ragley 47.57 (138th)
Steve Howard 50.39 (163rd)
Paul Bursnall 51.38 (170th)
Chris Foulkes 54.15 (186th)
Nigel Lambert 54.22 (187th)
Brian Page 54.32 (188th)
Gary Warland, DNF.
Nick Cherry, DNF.

The Terminator (approx. 10 miles, multi-terrain), Sunday 25th February 2007:

Very muddy down in Pewsey, we hear, but that didn't stop some excellent performances on the challenging course, led by Sarah Paradine. 740 finishers.

Sarah Paradine: 1:37:33, 91st (3rd Female Vet 35)
Tom Digweed: 1:54:37, 293rd
Brian Page: 2:09:34, 466th
Nigel Lambert 2:12:13, 499th

Bourton-on-the-Water Goldsmiths 10k , Sunday 25th February 2007:

Richard Darley: 40:20, 128th
Emma Ashwell: 50:37, 346th

458 finishers.

Goring 10k, Sunday 25th February 2007:

A well organised, enjoyable race with a challenging scenic course, somewhat hilly and with a couple of 'cross country' sections. The start and end was crowded, with 983 runners finishing:

Alan Smith 42:02 58th
John Pollock 43:25 80th
Julie Trinder 01:01:50 769th
Marion Harris 01:02:07 778th

Intercounties XC, Wollaton Park, Nottingham - Saturday 24 February 2007:

Nine runners are selected annually from each county to run in the highly competitive intercounties cross country championships held at Wollaton Park in Nottingham. Tougher than normal conditions were experienced owing to heavy rain in the preceding days before the race. Two Alchester runners were selected to run for their respective counties: Rachael Elliott for Oxfordshire in the senior ladies race (8km) and Nigel Marley for Northamptonshire in the senior mens race (12km):

Senior Ladies Race

Rachael Elliott 35:22; 151st out of 269 runners

Senior Mens Race

Nigel Marley 46:28; 187th out of 282 runners