April 2011 by Swinton Running Club

Swinton Running Club V O L U M E

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THIS MONTH 

Race Reports

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Race Advice

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Race Results

Virgin London Marathon 2011

Congratulations to

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Congratulations

European Indoor Athletics

Radcliffe 10K

Coniston 14+ Runners View

Coniston 14+ Supporters View

Wardle Fell Race

Gin Pit 5

Bolton 10K

My London Experience

Salford 10K

Wray Scarecrow 10K

Running with the Hashers

Parkrun

Marathon Charity Fundraiser

Central Lancs Grand Prix

Up and Coming Races

Committee Minutes

Membership

Social Events

Race Results

Contacts

Tony Flanagan 2:56:22 Chris Lomax 3:24:09 Darren Russell 4:11:00 Philip Waterhouse 4:50:50 Susan Bean 6:19:36 Read Darren's article on his marathon experience inside.

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Race Reviews Indoor European Veterans Athletic Championships (Ghent, Belgium) One of the many things to look forward to as we grow older is to try out new and exciting challenges. Having just turned 50 last year, I thought it would be a good idea to have a go at running indoors. Although I have ran many T & F races over the years outdoors, I have never ran “on the boards” before, and it beats running in wintertime in all that cold, wet windy weather. It also just happens that the European Vets champs are in Belgium, which is not that difficult to get to, and a place I‟ve not been to before. So moving into a new age group gave me the incentive to train harder and aim to run well in the Europeans. Having had a couple of warm up races in Sheffield and Lee Valley running in the 3000m, I was ready for running 3 events in 5 days. 3000M (W EDNESDAY 16TH MARCH)

There are a lot of events to cram in on the first couple of days in Ghent. The competition starts at 8.00am and the last race on the track is scheduled for 11.30pm. I suppose to allow for all the heats, of each discipline and every age category for both men & women it is necessary. My event is due to start at 9.04pm with it being ran as an A+B final. This is where the runners are seeded into races of similar ability. The fastest overall times from all the races will decide whom the medals go to. 23 runners have made it to the start line, therefore 2 races are needed. Luckily I‟m in the B race (slowest) and on paper about half way down the field of seasons bests for the previous year. It can be difficult hanging about all day waiting for the race, so we did a bit of sightseeing in the morning. Ghent is a very scenic city to visit, with its many canals, narrow streets and historical buildings, there is a lot to see; but it‟s a toss-up between the trams, buses, cars or bikes, which will knock you down first. After a very enjoyable morning, were the highlight was visiting St Bavo‟s, an incredible gothic cathedral with 22 alters that was built in 1290, it was time for a spot of lunch and then to retire to the hotel. It never ceases to amaze me that with many months of hard training we can get ourselves into tip top condition, and at the drop of a hat find it can all disappear in a flash. I‟d decided to go on the computer in the afternoon and sat at the table in a very easy chair. This was a mistake, as when I got up I realised that my back had stiffened up. This was of some concern, as I was due to race in 6 hours‟ time. Now with a bad back I‟m not sure if I can run. As I declared the day before, I am compelled to at least start the race, even if I have to drop out. To not start would mean disqualification and miss the other entered events at the championships. All I can do is warm up and see how I feel. It‟s not easy to judge even in the best of times to judge when to start to warm up, but having to report to the call room 20 minutes before the start means I will have to warm up an hour before the race. Luckily there is a 300m warm up track below the indoor arena. So I manage a jog for 1 ½ miles and decide I should be o.k. to run.

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The gun goes and as normal there is a dash by everyone to get to the front of the field. I try to pace myself at the start, but I‟m happy to go through the first lap in 40 seconds, now only another 14 laps to go. My teammate Colin, who beat me at the British Masters Champs by half a second, boldly takes the lead. I go through the 1 st Kilometre in 3.25 and have moved gradually up the field, 30m off the lead and all alone in 3rd place, well that‟s what I think. The 2nd Kilometre is covered again in 3.25, but someone goes past me. He must be wearing carpet slippers as I try to hang on. I suddenly start to feel tired, but I must try to keep up with the Russian and I tell myself time is unimportant now. I do manage to hang on and kick on the last bend and pass him to finish third, 10 seconds behind the winner Colin who ran 10.08. So not too bad a result considering my back, and to be honest it never affected me during the race. I then have a cool down and then go for my pre-paid massage with the British Medical team. It‟s now 10.15pm but find the British masseurs have left (just cannot get the staff). Not to worry there‟s a couple of Belgium physio‟s who have been there since first thing that kindly helps me out. Only then to tell me, did I know I had a problem with my quads, I wish I hadn‟t of bothered now. 5KM CROSS COUNTRY (SATURDAY 19TH MARCH)

I‟ve had a couple of day‟s recovery since the 3K, and the back is a lot better. The day is glorious with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. It‟s a far cry from yesterday as it was torrential rain all day, The V50 race is run with the youngsters (V45‟s) and the Brits have a strong V50 team. This event is unique as it brings together many different athletes. In our team we have a sprinter (sub 30sec 200m) and a Pentathlete. In fact the Pentathlete is entered for the individual Shot Putt and due to throw 2 hours after the race. The course is run on a simple, flat grass parkland at the side of a lake with a beach. Each lap is 1Km, so it‟s a 5 lap race. Half the course is on a twisting grass stretch with a bit of woodland and the other half was on the sandy verge of the lake, and could be a bit heavy going. I get a good start and feel I am working hard. Alex Rowe is just in front and Colin Oxlade is just behind. After a couple of laps I move ahead of Alex. I manage to hold this position as we go into the last lap, and I can sense we are still all together. With 400m to go Colin comes up to my shoulder and just edges past. I try to hang on, but finish 1 sec down in 18.55. Alex comes home 15 seconds behind, so team wise (3 to count) we may have a chance of doing well. After a 2m cool down, massage and food we go back to the track to wait for the results. Usually they are out half an hour after the race, but now 3 hours later there is no sign of any results. Rumours start going round that the timing chips we used during the race were not working, and I start to get a sinking feeling that all our efforts were in vain. Just before we leave the officials announce that the problem has been that as the Men‟s V45/V50 race was the largest field by far, some of the timing chips had been used from a previous race. These had not been wiped clean, and this had caused problems with the race times. At least they had the results and the times could be calculated, and they said the results would be worked out for the next day. Unfortunately when the results came out we were down in 5th place and 1min 40 seconds off a bronze medal. 1500M (SUNDAY 20TH MARCH)

Well not a long time to recover, as this race is at 11 „o‟ clock at morning. I‟ve noticed a big difference with having a post race massage after each run, normally I would expect some stiffness the day after a race, but here I feel really light in the legs and I know just one more effort is required and then I can relax. Again this is an A + B final with Alex and Colin in the same race.

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As I warm up for a mile or so, I notice Alex is still dressed in T-shirt and jeans. This is ½ hour before the start of the race or 10 minutes before reporting to the call room. This I am reliably informed by Colin is normal for Alex, as he prefers a more relaxed approach to preparing for a major championship race. Sure enough we all get to the call room and Alex is ready to go. There are 13 runners in the field and I‟ve no idea what to expect. I don‟t know what time to expect as I‟ve never ran this distance indoors and have not done any training for the event. This race is 7 ½ laps of the track, so as the gun goes, I settle in behind Alex. I think the pace is right, but decide its better to forget about time and just run it as a race. A few laps into the race I sense Colin is just behind, but also I notice Alex is tiring. I go past Alex and then surge on, feeling stronger each lap. It would be good for once to come back first. This I manage to do finishing in 6th place with a time of 4.48 which is far better than I would have expected and especially after racing 5Km the day before. So now it‟s all over I can now relax and watch some of the other events. SUMMARY

This was a thoroughly enjoyable event. I thought it was well organised, apart from the cross country problem. GB management did have a few other problems like the pentathlon running over past midnight on the first day with the last bus having already left the stadium, but I thought from most people‟s point of view it went smoothly. One of the things that I find at these events is that there will be something incredible that stands out and brings the crowd to a standing ovation. This happened on the last day of the championships. It is always usual on the last day to finish with the relays (4 x 200m Indoors), but it was very disappointing to find that in the first race on the track that only one team has turned out (there‟s no commitment these days). Mind you it was in the Men‟s V95 age group and Germany had no one to run against. Luckily for them Germany also had a V85 team out as well, so they ran them together. I must admit I was a little suspicious of one of the V85‟s, he didn‟t look a day older than 60. Anyway the 85‟s ran a fantastic time and broke the world indoor record in a time of 2.21 and the 95‟s equally did a fantastic time finishing in 3.45. It‟s now nearly time to head back home, but not before sampling the delights of Belgium beer, as we head off to the after party get-together. The beer is very good as it has more of a fruitier taste than normal larger, but at nearly €5 a pint, I won‟t be having many of these. So as I say I‟ve enjoyed the event and look forward to using this as a springboard for the summer.

Steve Doxey

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Race Reviews Radcliffe 10K, Sunday 3rd April 2011

Having shunned the offer of breakfast in bed as it was Mothering Sunday, in favour of porridge and a banana, we all headed up to Radcliffe for the 10k multi terrain race. I thought I might have to go on my own as my son Joseph was poorly on the Friday but he made a speedy recovery and my support crew was at full strength. Having collected my number I made my way to the start line, which was about a 10 minute walk away. I competed in this race last year but as an unattached runner, so this year it was lovely to compete as part of a club. Running for Swinton is like having a big red security blanket with you. It started raining just before the start, so my cheerleaders stayed in the car, but that didn‟t last for long and soon the sun came out and so did my children. The hill at the beginning of the race is quite steep and my legs were quite heavy when I reached the top, however unlike last year I knew we only had to go up it once so I could relax a bit. The course has variable terrains and running so close to the canal is at times a bit scary, and I don‟t think there was enough mud for Sharen but you can‟t have everything. The finish on the track was probably the worst part of the race as by then my legs had given up on me so running the last 300m in front of everyone wasn‟t fun. However, I knocked nearly six minutes off last years time and I won a pair of socks for being second in my age group which is the first thing I have won in a very long time (over 20 years!) so it was well worth getting out of bed for. I enjoy running Radcliffe athletic club races as the marshals are very supportive and the races are well organised and this one was no exception. Thanks Kate

Full Results Available Here

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RADCLIFFE 10K TRAIL RACE, 3

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Race Reviews

Coniston 14+, Saturday 9th April 2011

THE RUNNERS VIEW

Wow – what a weekend. After reading Sarah‟s 2010 race report, I really fancied giving Coniston a go this year. It wasn‟t the race itself that appealed but more to do with the weekend away and the pictures of the post-race recovery in the beer garden. My good lady Joanne and I had booked to stay in the Black Bull Pub/Hotel and travelled up on the Friday afternoon. We had plenty of spare time, so took the scenic route that approaches Coniston from the south. The road was quite narrow and very hilly and only when I could see the lake, did it suddenly dawn that this was actually the race route! On the Friday evening we met with some of the Swinton crowd for a quick drink, snack and early retreat to prepare for the next days events. Mikes report will no doubt provide details of the massive Swinton turnout and the various social gatherings, so I will leave that to him. The advantage of staying over, is that I rolled out of bed at 8.30am fully refreshed. Porridge and Bananas were on offer in the pub (the full English had to wait until Sunday) and I thought of poor Phil, who would have been up at 6.30am to drive the long distance to Coniston, do the race, then drive all the way home again. “What a shame.” The other thing I noticed about last years report was that the runners “shivered there way to the start”. As you all know, this year was slightly different with absolutely gorgeous hot sunny weather, perfect for a great weekend away, if only you didn‟t have to run the best part of 18 hilly miles. SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Coniston 14+, Saturday 9th April 2011 The race itself was fully booked and even with a few last minute injuries, Swinton still had a fantastic team of 14 runners + one backpack that weighed about 4 tonnes (Apologies to Ian if it was heavier).

Danger Mouse

After experiencing the heat of the Edinburgh Marathon last year, my race tactics were to get a good covering of sun block, hat, start slowly, keep a steady pace and take on as much water as was available. The first part of the race went to plan as I quickly dropped to the rear of the field. Although hilly, I felt really good after a couple of miles so decided to up the pace a little (you already know what‟s going to happen don‟t you). By 10 miles, I was going really well, had passed a number of fellow Swintoners and was on course for a fantastic run. By 11 miles things had developed somewhat, blurred vision, slight cramp and I thought I had started to hallucinate as Danger Mouse overtook me, quickly followed by Sharen, Phil, Lisa and Carol. Glad to report that Danger Mouse was actually in the race so things weren‟t that bad. My revised race strategy was to walk up the hills and run/jog/roll down, eventually Coniston and the finish line came into view and a very welcome sight it was. I must say that the support and encouragement that we all received from partners and non running/injured Swintoners was fantastic and really appreciated. In spite of the exceptionally hot weather, I did actually enjoy the race, the views are fantastic and I really would recommend to anyone that is considering next year. The date has already been set for March 31st 2012 when it may revert back to the standard 14 miles, if the bridge has been repaired.

Dave Williamson Full results available here

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Race Reviews

Coniston 14+, Saturday 9th April 2011

THE SUPPORT TEAMS VIEW

"How did Donald Campbell get his boat down these narrow lanes?" I asked Paul as we made the trip to Coniston on the Friday evening before the race. After a heavy track session the week before I made the difficult decision to pull out of the race and join Paul & Lauren on sidelines. Friday night was spent mostly down the Crown Inn feeling guilty enjoying a few pints whilst most of those running the next morning sipped coke or lime & soda. The next morning we went down for breakfast and enjoyed a full English whilst everyone else staying in Lakeland House enjoyed the infamous portions of porridge! As the start of the race grew closer the sun became stronger and the temperatures started to rise. We make the walk from the guest house down to the Crown and met Lauren, Adam, Becky and after posing for a team picture with the rest of the club followed the runners towards the start line. As the runners lined up, myself Paul & Lauren walked out on the course to find a spot where we could take pictures. About a mile into the course I found a nice little bus shelter at the top of a hill and stood ready in wait for the runners to come streaming past. Paul & Lauren walked further down the road and took up a vantage point. As the runners streamed past first Swintoner was Emma closely followed by Glyn then Ric. Despite the heat one of the competitors did the race in a full Dangermouse outfit, including mask!! As the runners became more spread out I waited for Paul & Lauren to walk back to where I was stood before walking back to Coniston and back along the course to the 15 mile point armed with Sharen & Emma's drinks and a bag of jelly beans. The walk to the 15 mile point involved a short walk round the lake where someone had kindly left a large fish on a rock with pine cones where the eyes should be followed by a long walk uphill where members of the Wesham fan club had camped out. We decided to take in the views and wait by the side of the road as the runners streamed past. First was the eventual winner from Nene Valley Harriers followed seconds later by Werrington Joggers. As the runners came up the hill dodging the odd passing car or cyclist we all started laugh as a woman on a bike trying to slowly cycle up the hill started to wobble before falling off in a comedy way. We soon realised that the cyclist wasn't attempting her first bike ride without stabilisers but had in fact been wiped out by a runner collapsing and landing on the cyclist. Myself and nurse Lauren raced down the hill armed with a bottle of Lucozade and jelly beans and a gel where we found Barry from Middleton. Sat against the fence making no sense with no idea of where he was or what he was doing!!! SWINTON

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Barry

Refusing to drink any liquids and determined to complete the race Barry wouldn't listen to our better judgement when we suggested we call an ambulance for him. Even when a passing motorist who was a former nurse stopped and offered to take him to the finish line, Barry kindly suggested he would start fighting if we tried to move him!! I rushed up the hill to get the pre-race instructions to see if it contained any emergency contact numbers. Racing back down the hill Barry had collapsed and was now lying on his back telling us all 'he was in a peaceful place' and how his last wishes involved Cheryl Cole! Fortunately one of Barry's friends stopped when he saw him flat-out on the floor, after calling him a stupid b****r announced that Barry had never ran more than 12 miles before. Fortunately a passing cyclist stopped and offered to go and notify the mountain rescue who were sweeping the course collecting the victims of the heat. By this time Barry was starting to make more sense and we decided to move him out of the sun into the shade. Unfortunately for me I got the short straw of having to lift him via his sweaty armpit... The mountain rescue soon arrived and Barry was scooped up and shoved in the back and taken back to the finish line for some treatment. As Lauren and I made the march back to the top of the hill Paul made the retreat back to the village to reunite people with hotel room keys whilst I tried to give away the last few jelly beans. Walking back to the centre of Coniston wasn't without incident either, large coaches and narrow lanes aren't really a good mix, neither are caravans after one nearly swiped Lauren's nose off as it trundled down the lane. Just outside of the village we were met by a slightly 'rotund' lady who was shouting phrases such as "you can't walk now it's less than a mile". Having walked a grand total of 6 miles that morning I was pooped so went back to the guest house for a quick shower and afternoon nap before retiring to the Crown Inn for a portion of shark & chips and several pints of lager. Despite all the running the day's physical activities didn't end there... after myself, Paul and Becky went to Sharen & Emma's room for some shots and drinking wine by the bottle and being told to keep the noise down the by the landlord we decided to go on a mini adventure round Coniston. Despite Paul falling all of 3 inches down the kerb and grazing his knee when he landed we soon made a beeline to the local park and the swings which were quickly dominated by Paul & Becky until a light started to shine from the hedge and we all scarpered. Despite not being able to run the weekend was excellent, great company and plenty of laughs & giggles. Next year the race is being held on 31 March and I can't wait to write next years review from a runners perspective. The usual room is already booked at Lakeland House and fingers crossed the course is still 14+.

Mike

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CONISTON 14+, 9

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CONISTON 14+, 9

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Race Reviews

Wardle Skyline Fell Run, Saturday 9th April 2011

Maggie competing in the Wardle Skyline Fell Run Full results available here

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Race Reviews

Gin Pin 5, Sunday 10th April 2011

It was never my intention to run the Gin Pit 5. My best laid plans of running the Heaton Park, Park run (my staple running diet) were quashed with bad baby behaviour on the Friday night. I could barely see never mind coordinate my legs. This led me to look at what else I could run in. However after only ever racing a handful of times previously my knowledge of what I do and don‟t like sometimes inhibits my judgement. For example, I‟m convinced I won‟t like cross-country (puddles), trail, hills and multi laps. This pretty much takes out all races. After complaining to my beloved husband that the Gin Pit was trail and multi laps and with his words of encouragement, “suck it up bird and get on with it” we set off to the Gin Pit. The day was relatively warm and sunny, parking was easy and registration went smoothly. You can tell Astley and Tyldesley are seasoned pros at this. On walking to the start I bumped into fellow Swintonions, Mark, Paul, Peter and Claire and much to my delight Paul informed us all the course consisted of 1 small lap and 2 big ones. Oh joy would have preferred it the other way round. This also meant 3 times up the hill which I‟d heard people commenting on en-route to the start. We found our places at the start. Mark firmly placed at the front of the field and the rest of us mid pack. We soon descended into a wooded area which became quite narrow. We all must have been feeling quite keen with it being early on in the race as there was a far amount of jostling going on. I even felt an elbow at one point! The scenery was very pleasant and I must say it did feel very nice not to be running on the road. The hill mentioned earlier wasn‟t too bad, although after doing the 3 rd one it was nice to finish with 20 meters downhill. The race was the busiest they have had for April with over 140 runners taking part, including legend Ron Hill but most of all who wouldn‟t want to run it when you can get a pasty and Vimto for £1.30! All in all I think we enjoyed our Sunday morning 5 mile run. Paul knocked 16 seconds of his October race, Peter got a PB for the 1 st time in 5 years, Claire and Paul both ran around the same times as October which is fantastic considering both have been out injured and for myself I have run a trail and multi lap and fully enjoyed myself!

Vicky SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Bolton 10K, Sunday 17th April 2011 I HAD been looking forward to the Bolton 10k for a while, because it was only my second 10k, I knew parts of the course and work colleagues were doing it too. My colleagues soon dropped out when Bolton Wanderers made it to Wembley on the same day, but I was still feeling good. That was until the Wednesday before the race, when I woke up with a really tight hamstring. I hoped that resting for a few days would make it better, but it seemed to get worse and I was considering dropping out by Friday night. Then I woke up on the Saturday morning and my hamstring was miraculously better, so I was ready to race. After arriving at Leverhulme Park on a surprisingly warm morning, I ran slowly from my car to the track to check everything was okay with my hamstring. I had no problems at all, but I could tell my legs weren‟t race ready. They definitely felt sluggish after resting for nearly a week. It was the first time I‟d done the Bolton 10k and it was the first year of a new course. The race went in and out of the park and along the roads around it. More than 500 people queued up on the track and thankfully we all had timing chips because it took a while to cross the line. I wasn‟t really sure what time I could do after resting all week, so I tried to keep it steady. Knowing the area, I was aware the course would be undulating, but the hills in the second half of the race really took it out of my under-prepared legs. They weren‟t particularly big hills, but I did struggle with them and even took to walking. The course flattened out towards the end as we went back into the park. As with most races at Leverhulme Park, the race finished on the track and it was really encouraging to hear the other Swinton runners cheering me on. Despite feeling sluggish and my walk breaks, I was really happy with my finishing time of 1:07:20. It was nearly six minutes faster than my first 10k last year and left me feeling positive that I‟ll be able to go faster in my next 10k when I‟m feeling more prepared. Before leaving the park, I took advantage of a free leg massage from University of Bolton students, who were taking donations for Cancer Research UK. Other Swinton runners also had some great times. Andy Mosley crossed the line in 42:51, Vicky Boswell in 48:02 (15th woman and third in the F category), Dawn Green in 54:19 and Kath Roberts in 1:00:20 (chip times).

Gaynor

BOLTON 10K FUN RUN

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Kate and Isobel both ran in the fun run

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Race Reviews

Virgin London Marathon, Sunday 17th April 2011 MY LONDON MARATHON EXPERIENCE 2011

“How‟d you get on mate?”.... “Over 5 hours pal, was quick on the first half but then my knee went and hobbled the second; was painful but an awesome experience, you should do it”. “Couldn‟t think of anything worse, 26.2 miles of pain, rather you than me” I said to my friend who had just completed the London Marathon. A few days later I received an email from Virgin advertising the ballot was open for the London Marathon 2011 and would close on receipt of 125,000 entrants, which usually takes 24 hours. I nearly choked on one of Olivia‟s smarties and spilt over my cup of tea. Not the fact that she was sharing her smarties but to learn how popular the London Marathon is. What is all the fuss about I thought? I sat there pondering if I should see why everyone seemed to be so intent in putting their body through pain. “Give me another Smartie Olivia”. She handed me the pack. If I pull out a red one then its fate I should do it; no chance of that as red is Olivia‟s favourite! I pulled the Smartie out of the pack and guess what; sure enough the colour was red! Right I need to enter and enter QUICK. I entered the ballot and received an email confirmation that I would find out if I‟ve been successful in October. Great I thought, chances are I won‟t get in anyway. October soon came and I received a letter from Virgin, confirming I had been successful. I asked Olivia to give me a slap, just to check I wasn‟t dreaming. “Ouuuucccccchhhhh not that hard I screamed” and Olivia just fell about laughing on the floor. Panic suddenly set in, along with a bruise to my cheek! Shortly after the confirmation, I started to think about the training plan I would need to get me round. How am I ever going to do 26.2 miles I thought; my longest run prior to the confirmation was 8 miles! Within the space of a few weeks, I soon built my long run up to 10 miles and got chatting to Carl Price and asked if he would mind if I tagged along with him on a long run on Sunday. There was obviously a lack of communication here as my interpretation of a long run was 10 miles whereas Carl had other ideas when I turned up to do the run with him and Chris Lomax. “How many miles we on for today Carl”, I sheepishly said, a few miles into the run. “Not too many today mucker, just 17”. Too late to turn back now I thought, better just get on with it, too embarrassed to admit my idea of a “long run” was 10 miles! We got through the 17 miles easier than I thought and the time just seemed to fly as the pace was set nice and easy and we had a good natter all of the way around. I would never have dreamt I could do 17 miles but just seemed so much easier and comfortable doing it with those guys. The long Sunday run then became a regular occurrence and there was soon an army of us pounding the streets of Salford and the nearby trails. I think at one point there may have been as many as 8 of us putting the world to rights AKA Dad‟s Army! (Including Carl Price, Chris Lomax, Tony Flanagan, Jason Wilson, Mark Birchall, Rick Waring and Andy Coates). We had some weird and wonderful conversations along the way, ranging from Chaff prevention to Chris Lomax‟ phone with magical applications that could guarantee a weight loss of 2 stone and ensure you run at sub 6 minute mile pace. I think we were past the 20 mile point when Chris was telling us about that one! SWINTON

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MY LONDON MARATHON EXPERIENCE 2011

One of my most memorable times during these long runs was when Carl, Mark, Jason and I were just near the end of a long run and the end was in sight at the bottom of Barton Lane, which was coming up to twenty one something miles. I was glad to see it as my legs were no longer feeling the pain; they were just numb and jelly like. My mind was wondering a bit and I began to dream about soaking in a nice hot bath and then getting in bed for the rest of the day!. We eventually got to the finish line (as I aptly named it) and I heard “Right muckers, we‟re on 2 hours 56 minutes. We will get 3 hours if we run up to the school around the corner”. No prize for guessing who‟s the voice was. So we turned back on ourselves and bagged the 3 hours. Then the voice again. “Don‟t stop muckers, we‟re on 21.8 miles, run back down the road and we‟ll get 22 miles”, so we all turned back and ran back up the road and then down a side street. The neighbours must have been laughing at the lunatics through their lace curtains but probably not as much as us! These were great moments though and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every long run, including the long runs I did with Mark Birchall in the last few weeks of the training. The day of the Marathon soon came around. The training couldn‟t have gone any better, both the long runs and at the Club training nights and I felt in great shape to do the marathon. The training had definitely paid off as I started to smash PB‟s at long and short distances and was feeling in really good form to do a really good time at the marathon and dare I say it to target 3 hours. I met Carl and Chris at the train station bright and early on the Saturday to travel to London. We were like giddy teenagers on a school trip and the 2 hours travel time soon passed. Carl and Chris‟ faces lit up when they were telling me about the whole experience – the support of the British people, urging you on at iconic places such as Tower Bridge, and then Carl suddenly proceeded to mime the Chariots of Fire, which is played at designated points throughout the marathon. The effects of the London Marathon had clearly been engrained on their mind, heart and Seoul and I made the conclusion that it was the memories like those that had kept Carl and Chris going on the long runs during the winter months, many times alone, for many years. We navigated our way across London and arrived at the Expo, which is an exhibition put on in the days leading up to the marathon with numerous stalls selling anything from energy gels to the latest running trainers. You can even opt for a sports massage or a bit of physio, which Carl took advantage of as he was unfortunately not racing due to injury, whilst Chris and I stocked up on a pasta meal and listened to one of the event speakers on useful tips on how to handle the race in terms of pace and hydration strategies etc. I was amazed by how many familiar faces we bumped into at the exhibition and it suddenly dawned on me how small the running community actually is. I was now beginning to feel my nerves as I knew we were close to the big day. After spending a couple of hours at the exhibition, we checked into our hotel in Kensington and shortly after had a short walk around, stocked up on more food, cakes this time and then went back to watch the Football – the Manchester Derby – the less said the better!. I had decided I was not going to have a beer the day or night before the marathon and believe me it was crucifying me! After the match, we went for tea, again pasta was on the menu and we had a good chat and this time couldn‟t resist a couple of beers to round off a nice evening in good Company. We went straight to bed following the meal and were asleep for just after 10 as we needed to be up at 5:30am for breakfast. I managed to surface at the required time and forced a bowl of porridge down. I was definitely now feeling the nerves and so were many other runners. One was pacing up and down in the lift as I got the lift to the 15th floor, focussing on the task in hand. SWINTON

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The coach picked us up right on time to take us to the start of the marathon. It was just Chris and I as Carl couldn‟t accompany us without a race number and made the decision to get a good spectator spot to cheer us on at 12 and 22 miles. We arrived at the start quite early, well before 8am, so it didn‟t seem too busy and we were able to get to the toilets without queuing! The starting area wasn‟t at all like expected. It was on a large grassed area close to Greenwich Park, probably a mile square and didn‟t think they had these kind of open areas so close to the centre of London. That gives you an indication of how well travelled I am! There were hot air balloons surrounding the perimeter of the field and a big open screen in each starting area with a compare providing a build up to the event and picking out people in the crowds in their crazy outfits. Most people were sat or lay on the grass trying to preserve energy for the task in hand. It was great to see all of these runners in the same field, from the serious marathoner hoping to get a pb to the lady who sat in front of us with a picture of her lost husband emblazed on the back of her t-shirt, there to raise as much money as she could to help the charity that contributed to treating her husband in his final days. Whatever the reason they were there, they had the same goal in hand and to finish would be a massive and possibly once in a lifetime achievement. The time soon passed and it was time to drop of our day bags in the luggage Lorries and get in the starting line up. I was in pen 2 of our starting area and Chris was in pen 1. We wanted to start together but the marshals were checking that you started in the right pen, so I wished Chris good luck and got in the starting line up, with thousands of other runners but quite close to the start line. The start was only a few moments away and my adrenaline was pumping around my body fuelled by Tina Turner‟s “Simply the Best” blaring out of the sound system. I had not run since Wednesday, so I was like a caged rabbit and felt really up for the occasion. The gun went and after only a few moments we were crossing the start line with huge cheers from the spectators. My strategy was to run the first few miles easy and not get carried away with the excitement of the occasion and the crowds cheering us on. Surprisingly the course was not congested at all and I was allowed to run at whatever pace I wanted. I was mindful that I didn‟t want to go off too fast but was also hopeful of getting around 3 hours, which I knew was a tall order but all of my training and races had gone so well that it may just have been achievable. The first 5 miles went really easy and quickly and at the 10k point I was running at around sub 3 hour pace. Thousands of people lined the streets, cheering on the runners and it felt great to be part of it; like and elite runner in competition. The conditions seemed perfect but noticed I was sweating heavily, so had been drinking water at most of the mile stations. Miles 7 and 8 were at a slightly slower pace than before but I just assumed this was down to the gradient and perhaps we were going slightly up hill. Miles 9 and 10 were progressively slower and after the 10 mile marker my legs felt really heavy and my chest was really tight. The weather was getting hotter and seemed to be taking its toll. Between miles 10 and 11, my energy just seemed to be zapped from my body and I began to walk. I had my name printed on my vest and there was no way the crowds of people were going to let me stop and walk and began to shout “Come on Darren, you can do it”. I eventually started running again and the crowd cheered but anything faster than a jog became painful, which I couldn‟t understand as all of the training runs had gone so well. SWINTON

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I tried to jog a speed that was comfortable enough to maintain as I knew the crowds would not let me walk without a fight! The next few miles seemed to pass quickly, combining jogging with brisk walking and thousands of people in all shapes, sizes and costumes were passing me. I was amazed to see all of the spectators with their offerings of food ranging from jelly babies to fresh oranges. I got to 16 miles and my legs began to cramp and could only manage a minute or so of jogging at a time before walking out the cramp. It was all a bit of a blur until I came out of Blackfriars underpass on the way to the Embankment at around 24 miles, which Chris had told me is on the home straight and so I tried to pick up the pace, with the support of the crowds of people. Suddenly the whole of both legs cramped up and couldn‟t take the weight of me anymore leaving me to fall to the floor in excruciating pain. The spectators looked on in horror but unable to help due to the barriers. Eventually a fellow runner stopped and helped to stretch the cramp out and within a few minutes had done the job and I was very grateful of this, as in doing this I realised he was potentially jeopardising reaching his personal goal. I got up and decided I would walk the final two miles as my legs would only cramp again if I decided to walk. I was making conversation to the fellow runner who had kindly helped me and he seemed to become incoherent, so I asked if he was ok and he replied “No mate, I think I‟m suffering from heat stroke” and then his legs suddenly turned to jelly and he collapsed to the side of the road. I quickly tracked down a first aider and asked them to treat him. I stayed for a short time, thanked him and carried on the final stages of my journey. The final two miles seemed to take an eternity and I felt for the many people who were suffering far worse than me but it was great to run past the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, with the crowds cheering me and others on to the finish. I eventually crossed the line in a time of 4 hours 11, which was nowhere near my targeted time but I was just happy to complete the event after the problems encountered along the way. Shortly after I had finished, like most of the other people, I felt really sick and it was struggle to walk anywhere, let alone get on the tube and trains back to Manchester with a heavy bag. I just wanted my bed! I met up with close to the finish who had told me he had also struggled but got around in 3 hours 24, which I thought was a fantastic effort in the challenging conditions. Chris and I were glad that we had Carl on hand who kindly handled our bags on the journey home. On the Train to Manchester we bumped into Tony Flanagan who had a glum look on his face. “How‟d you get on Tony?” I said. “2 hours 56” he replied but was disappointed as he had completed it in 7 minutes quicker last year. The conditions had evidently taken their toll on Tony too but he still managed an excellent time. The organisation of the event was impeccable and the support from the British people was overwhelming and I came away feeling very proud to be British. I can‟t think of many other event in the world which would be so well organised with the support and camaraderie. For all of the pain and disappointment I went through, would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY YES. For me it was the whole experience from those early training days right up to 26 th mile on the day. I‟ve had a great experience throughout, so will definitely be looking to do it all again!

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I‟d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank-you to Swinton Running club and all of its members as without the support and motivation provided, I doubt I would have even attempted this challenge. I‟m now looking forward to the next one and as many a Swinton runner would say – BRING IT ON!.

Darren Russell Full results available here

Darren, Chris and Carl at the hotel, Marathon morning

Darren and Chris before the start

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Race Reviews

Salford 10K, Friday 22nd April 2011 Good Friday saw a number of Swinton runners make the short journey to Salford Sports Centre on Littleton Rd to compete in the Salford 10K. This is a very popular race attracting approximately 600 entrants and a number of very good athletes testing their form for the start of the 10K season. I hadn‟t done a 10K since last September and had been pretty lazy recently and not done any speed training due to the number of long runs training for the marathon so thought this would be a good race to do prior to Edinburgh plus I was really hoping for a PB and I was familiar with the course as I run the route on a lot of my training runs. I dragged along a very reluctant mother and my daughter to be my support team for the morning. Jessica was more interested in the play area and was not impressed when she was told we had to go and collect my number and my mother then spent 45 minutes complaining very loudly at the registration area that people were eating bacon sandwiches on Good Friday and do people not have any respect these days!! So much for pre race prep talks! Everyone met up just by the start line and we had more supporters from Chris Lomax and Carl Price on their bikes and then Lisa Ottiwell and Carol Hart stopped by to say „hello‟ during their 20 mile run. (10K was obviously far too short for them to entertain!!) It is at this point I would like to point out that Kate Cammish, Vicky Boswell, Cara Anderson and Claire Wolfendale (yes you have been named and shamed!!) did not have the obligatory red nails. Now come on ladies, just because Captain Glamour (Sharen) was on holiday, there is no need for slacking!! The start of the race was disorganised with people milling about on the pavements as there was no road closure and people were being told off by a small little man with a mega phone whenever anyone stepped into the road as the pavements were overflowing with bodies. We never heard the gun go for the start of the race, people started meandering forward at a slow trickle and then all of a sudden it was a case of CHARGE!!! The course takes you onto Agecroft, Past the Young Offenders prison, then onto Langley Rd South, taking in sights of the cemetery and then through the industrial estate and next to the caravan park, continuing down to Cromwell roundabout and back up Littleton Rd. At the 5K point there was a hidden water stop. In fact it was that well hidden myself, Kate and Vicky ran straight past it. It was absolutely boiling and as we went back onto the second lap there was a lady on the corner with some bottles of water. Not sure whether she was an official water stop or whether Kate and Vicky just stole drinks off a random person!! I made the mistake of not stealing water of the random lady and by 6K my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth. There were quite a number of people who dropped out the race due to the heat and I overheard a lady having a go at one of the race organisers and complaining there should have been more water stops. With the finish line in sight I made a sprint for home only for the finish line to never get any nearer, I had misjudged where the end was and I kept sprinting and sprinting and then gave up about 300 meters from the end and kind of crawled over the finish line in a time of 47 minutes and 45 seconds which was a PB. A special mention must go to Kate for having a storming run and also getting a PB - all that triathlon training is definitely paying off and David Burke getting 3 rd Vet 55- Well Done!! Overall the team results were Men‟s A team - 29th and Men‟s B team - 51st. Men‟s Vets 17th and the Ladies A - 5th

Emma SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Wray Scarecrow 10K, Saturday 23rd April 2011 Every year the little village of Wray in the Lune Valley just north of Lancaster, holds a weeklong Scarecrow Festival. Each year the village chooses themes for the Scarecrows and then they are built in secret coming out at the start of the festival. There are prizes for the best Scarecrows. This years themes were “Royalty: past and present” to coincide with the Royal Wedding and the other theme was “Austerity Measures” As part of the festivities the village hosts a 10K Road Race as well as a Fell Race. We set off early for the race to give the children time to view some of the Scarecrows before the start of the race, and also give me sometime to prepare and get some idea of the course. After an uneventful drive we arrived in the village and were directed to one of several temporary car parks situated around the village. We parked in the main one, compete with a row of Portaloos. After asking some fellow runners for the directions to registration point, I got changed and we made your way to the Village Hall. It was only a short 5 minute walk away. Once in the village you could start to see the first of the many Scarecrows. Whilst I registered Carol, and the children when and had a quick look at these. The race started promptly at 13:15 and we ran though the village to the cheers of the Villagers and visitors alike. Running this part of race you was distracted by the many Scarecrows that seemed to be on every house and corner. It may have been this that led me to running the first mile too fast, and the heat did not help. Around 1 1/2 miles we encountered the hill that I had been warned about early. The hill was steeper and longer than I had anticipated, and had to walk it. After the hill the rest of the course could best be undulating, and you could have been mistaken for thinking that we was running either Coniston or Though the Villages. At 4 miles was another hill, this time I was better prepared and managed to keep the pace up. Once at the top there was a nice fast 1 mile decent. The final mile was fairly flat and I managed to past three other runners on this stretch. The race finished just in front of the Village Hall, and the Ice Cream van (yummy). We spent the rest of the day exploring the many Scarecrows. We will be back next year.

Steve Full results available here SWINTON

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Race Reviews

Running with the Hashers Having booked my holiday I then set about trying to find a race to take part in but as much as I tried I couldn‟t find one so I started looking for a local running club there instead. I soon came across the Hua Hin Hash House Harriers so contacted them to see where they ran, what days and if they accepted visitors on their runs. Having been emailed with the relevant information I was to make contact again with them when I reached Thailand. On the day of the run I was very kindly collected from my hotel and chauffeured to the run site. Not knowing what to expect I arrived quite apprehensive. As the time came for the hash to start the rules of the run where told to the assembled group. First thing we were told was to ensure we had our mobile phones with us and a copy of somebody‟s mobile number in case we got lost. The group was split into the runners and the walkers who start off on the same route but follow a shorter path as the runners head out further in the wilderness. The „hare‟ had previously been around the route setting out the markers and checkpoints for the „hounds‟ to follow. Coloured shredded paper was laid in a trail for us to follow. When a check point is reached the runners split up and head in different directions to locate the next marker and find which way to go. This was going well until we were stopped with a „false trail‟ sign which meant all back to the last checkpoint and search again for another marker in a different direction. The route took us through the outback in Thailand over varying terrains including a dash through some bushes with very sharp thorns which resulted in arms and legs being scratched and bleeding and running clothes being torn. As each checkpoint was reached and the way ahead found, it was the role of the runner to point the checkpoint in the right direction for the walkers to follow. The route led us for just under 6 miles back to the start where we were greeted with a container full of bottles of beer and some snacks laid on by the wives of the runners. When all participants were back the grandmaster of the hash got everyone in a circle where certain participants had to go in the centre and accept their forfeit for whatever they had done. As one of the FRB‟s (front running ba****ds) I was in the circle. I was given a cup full of beer which had to downed in one or poured over my head, I downed it in one, can‟t waste perfectly good beer. Back to the outside of the circle I was then back in the centre again, this time because I was a newcomer and a Hash virgin, after being asked questions of where I was from and why we were there I downed another beer. This carried on until all the forfeits were done and enough beer was consumed to quench the thirst of everyone involved. After the Hash was closed we all headed off to a local restaurant for food and more alcohol. The hash house harriers of Cha-Am and Hua Hin were very welcoming and friendly and I had a fantastic time. The run was definitely not what I was used to but I enjoyed it immensely. I have since found out there are branches all over the world so will be hunting them out on my future travels.

Sharen SWINTON

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RUNNING WITH HASHERS

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Race Series

parkrun

Most of you are probably aware of Park Run now - even if it's just from seeing the times pop up on the club site every Saturday courtesy of Steve Hart! For anyone who doesn't know, Park Run is an completely free series of 5 km races run in a variety of locations across the UK and abroad at 9.00 am every Saturday (subject to certain exceptions - although I believe some even ran on Christmas Day last year!) It's a fantastic way to have a go at racing if you haven't done so before and for me has been really helpful in trying to build a bit of speed in my marathon preparation (I won't comment on how successful it's been until 23 May!) As there are now 8 Park Run events in the North West, I thought it might be worth tapping into the wisdom of the several Swinton runners who've tried their hand at them to offer a helpful guide for anyone thinking about giving it a go or maybe trying a change of scenery from their usual event. I've also included one of the furthest flung Park Runs in case anyone fancies doing something a bit exotic! For further information you can visit the very helpful website at www.parkrun.com PARK RUN: BOLTON

Location: Leverhulme Park Swinton runners you might encounter: Antony Golding is the only Swinton Runner to run here so far having had a go in February this year but doesn't seem to have been back since I'm hoping this doesn't say anything about the course! Course description: Taken from the official website "Starting on the running track, one and a half laps anti-clockwise around the running track, turn left out of the track followed by an immediate turn right down a steep descent to complete the southern loop, turning left through a slightly off road wooded section (marshalled) at the south east corner of the route. Complete the out & back section keeping to the right of the path and turning just before the gate. On the return complete a second southern loop, before re-entering the track to do half lap (anti-clockwise) to finish." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 96 Fastest time /slowest time: 16.46/ 39.03

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PARK RUN: BRAMHALL P ARK

Location: Bramhall Park Swinton runners you might encounter: Apparently Carl Price once put in an appearance at Bramhall and Dave Williamson was a regular in 2008/ 2009 before he moved onto Heaton Park/ South Manchester. Course description: Taken from the official website "The route consists of 2 laps that wind through the park in an hourglass shape plus a start and finish straight. The course is scenic and undulating with wide sweeping curves and some twists and turns. It is designed to be entertaining rather than pure “PB” speed. The paths are 60% tarmac and 40% surfaced footpath (hard when dry, possibility of thin mud covering when wet). Regular running shoes are suitable. You will need some grip on wet tarmac paths." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 327 Fastest time /slowest time: 16.49/ 42.53 PARK RUN: HEATON PAR K

Location: Heaton Park Swinton runners you might encounter: With no fewer than 22 Swinton runners having had a crack at Heaton Park you're almost sure to be in good company! Course description: Taken from the official website "The course consists of a short inner anti-clockwise lap (1.5km), followed by an outer lap, also anti-clockwise (3.5km), which takes you up and around the Hall, then back down around the lake. You finish the opposite direction to the way you started" and as described by a Heaton Park Run regular (Carol Hart) "We meet at the boating lake and stroll down to the start. The first 1k is a small loop which takes you half way up the long hill and back round to the boating lake. Back up the hill, only all the way up this time and across Heaton House which gently climbs (just when you think you have reached the top). This goes round past the golf course (3k) and then down back towards the lake. However the last 1k takes you round the back of the lake which is more of a trail and can be pretty muddy with plenty of deep puddles in the winter. At the end of this with approx 300m to the finish going very slightly uphill. The route is pretty good as there is a hill but nothing too strenuous and great atmosphere." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 232 Fastest time /slowest time: 17.49/ 45.45 PARK RUN: OLDHAM

Location: Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham, OL8 2BH Swinton runners you might encounter: No-one's tried this yet so a club best time is on offer if anyone fancies giving it a go! Course description: Taken from the official website "This three lap course starts on the big straight at the “Lion’s Den”. Starting from the Lion’s Den head North West back towards the main entrance of the park. Proceed down the path avoiding the steps. Continue on the path between the boating lake and the duck pond. Turn left heading North towards the fountain. Turn right at the fountain and head “up” the hill. At the top of the hill turn left and down the path to avoid steps. Head down past the lion’s den to complete the first lap. Repeat the lap again. On the third lap you go all the way around the course till you get the steps. This time turn right up the path to enter the trail section! Follow the trail down to the SWINTON

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bottom near the entrance to the park and head left up the path to get back on the main straight heading towards the Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den. The finish is before the Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Den." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 56 Fastest time /slowest time: 17.31/ 46.35 PARK RUN: PENNINGTON FLASH

Location: Pennington Flash, Leigh Swinton runners you might encounter: Cara Anderson and Vicky Boswell have both had a run at Pennington Flash. Course description: Taken from the official website "The course begins with a 400m run along a bridleway to a 3 lap clock-wise loop (1400m per lap) consisting mainly of a gravel trail with a grassy downhill section towards the end of the loop. Runners then finish with the same 400m run down the bridleway back to the start/finish. Anyone running the Pennington Flash parkrun for the first time will be amazed with the great views of both the park and Flash." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 20 Fastest time /slowest time: 18.59/ 37.54 PARK RUN: PRINCES PA RK

Location: Princes Park, Liverpool L8 3SB Swinton runners you might encounter: No-one's been brave enough to make the trip over to Liverpool yet! Course description: Taken from the official website "Starting in the middle of the park, run down towards the bottom of the lake, around the outside of the lake and up to the top of the park, run 3 laps of the park perimeter anti-clockwise. On the third lap cut back into the middle of the park for a fast finish. The park is completely enclosed and is quiet early on." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 75 Fastest time /slowest time: 15.56/ 37.43 PARK RUN: SOUTH MANC HESTER

Location: Platt Fields Park Swinton runners you might encounter: South Manchester has been my Park Run home for the last few weeks - has to be worth a trip out to see me be chased by the geese! Course description: The official website description is hideously long so in my own words South Manchester Park Run is as flat as a very flat thing with various cross over points where you get to see the runners both in front (to marvel at their speed) and behind (to marvel at the fact I'm not last). I always seem to be opposite the finish as the winners come in which is distressing as I haven't even made it to 4km by that point. Last week I was beaten by two small children and a dog as well. Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 195 Fastest time /slowest time: 17.24/ 45.32

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PARK RUN: W OODBANK P ARK

Location: Woodbank Park, Stockport Swinton runners you might encounter: Various Swinton runners have had a go at the Woodbank hill at one time or another. Mark Birchall and Cara Anderson have both been Swinton winners round this course! Course description: Taken from the official website "The run starts with just over 400 metres on the Stockport Harriers athletic track, before heading out onto the tarmac paths of Woodbank Park. Follow the volunteers directions and exit the track following the path. The course follows the paths in the wide open spaces through Woodbank Park before entering neighbouring Vernon Park where the paths are narrower and more enclosed. To enter Vernon Park there is a short section of trail. Go through the gate and clockwise around the enclosed garden area, before going down into the park with the museum on your left. The park has many interlacing paths, but the route will be clearly marked and marshalled. There is a tight left turn at the bottom of the hill before the path levels out as it goes towards the sharp turn at the furthest point in the park before a small incline takes you under the bridge and past the Bowling Greens to your right, here the path is cobbled for about 10 metres. The route now takes you out of the main gate of Vernon Park and through Woodbankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main gate back into the Park. As you follow the route, the path splits here and you need to take the right hand fork. This path winds its way back towards the track. Carry on past the path that goes towards the track and instead complete a second circuit. After you've completed the loop for the second time you need to turn right towards the track and back into the stadium. As you enter the track turn left where there is a short straight to the finish." As anyone who's ever been to Woodbank Park for the cross country fixture will know, it is not a flat place! The Park Run course is at least on good footpaths and trails so is a bit less muddy but there is a very steep hill you run up twice so not one for the faint hearted! Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 65 Fastest time /slowest time: 18.16/ 39.43 PARK RUN: MAIN BEACH

Location: Hollindale Park, Main Beach, Australia Swinton runners you might encounter: None so far oddly but it can't be long before Sharen Roberts pops over on her travels! Just a point to note, they start at 7.00am in Australia so you'd need to be an early riser! Course description: Taken from the official website "The course starts on the grass in Hollindale Park, running through a canopy of trees for the first 250m onto the cement path. This continues for approximately 500m before veering off to the left just after Marina Mirage. From here runners complete a clockwise loop which is mainly grass on the outbound and cement on the inbound. The last 2km essentially follows the straight cement path parallel to Main Beach all the way back to the finish line." Number of runners on 16 April 2011: 108 Fastest time /slowest time: 17.40/ 58.59 NEWS FLASHâ&#x20AC;Ś.. WEAR ORANGE

To mark the introduction of orange flavoured Lucozade Lite, the Lucozade team are offering free gifts to Park Run runners wearing something orange on various weekends at the different events. Several of the Manchester based runs were visited in April (look out for Swinton runners sporting new tops/ laces/ bottles of lucozade soon!) but there are two dates in May if you fancy bagging a freebie: 7th May - Bolton

Rebecca SWINTON

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Adam and Lauren‟s Prostate Cancer Charity Marathon Fundraiser Hi sadly Brian Hewitt who had this horrible type of cancer has lost his battle. See the article below which tells you a little about this lovely man.

A sculptor who helped restore a memorial in a labour of love has died – and his funeral will now take place in its shadow. Brian Hewitt played a key role in helping to bring back Walkden Monument to its former glory. Up to 300 people are expected to attend his funeral on Thursday at the town’s St Paul’s Church. The Victorian memorial now stands in the church yard. Mr. Hewitt, of Hilton Lane, was born in Walkden and worked all his life there. He died from prostate cancer, a week after his 60th birthday, earlier this month. As a model maker, he created props for TV dramas, including Coronation Street. And he campaigned long and hard to get the monument back to its original state. Working with local schoolchildren, he designed and created four figures for the memorial which had gone missing from the original when it was moved 43 years ago. Erected in 1868, the memorial was a tribute to Harriet Catherine Greville, wife of the Earl of Ellesmere. Her family built St Paul’s and St Mark’s Church in Worsley. Lady Harriet stopped women and girls working underground in pits and founded a servants’ school for them to be trained in domestic service. In 1968, the memorial was moved from the Bolton Road crossroads in the town centre to the church. Figures of a collier, craftsman, and mill girls vanished from storage when the monument was dismantled. Mr. Hewitt and fellow members of Walkden Rotary Club campaigned for it to be returned to the centre of the town. But the estimated £150,000 cost meant it remained at the church. The restored monument was unveiled in 2006 by the Duke of Sutherland, a descendent of the Ellesmere family. Brian’s wife, Bernie, said: "Brian felt passionate about the monument. He was proud of where he came from. His workshop was in Walkden – he made all kinds of things for TV – even a rubber spanner which was used to kill a character in Coronation Street." SWINTON

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Adam and Lauren‟s Prostate Cancer Charity Marathon Fundraiser Brian joined Bernie in his final years raising thousands of pounds for charities involved in fighting prostate cancer. Bill Shepherd, like Mr. Hewitt, a former president of Walkden Rotary Club, said: "Brian was a lovely man. It is entirely fitting that his funeral should be at the church that encompasses the memorial. "Brian’s home overlooks fields and in the latter of part of his life it was redesigned so he could look across that view. As a result of building work, the garden leaves a lot to be desired. "I have been contacted by members of all five Rotary clubs in Salford and as a memorial to Brian we will get the garden at his home restored for Bernie." It was Brian who inspired Lauren and me to help raise money for Prostate Cancer charity by running the Edinburgh Marathon (Adam) and the Stockholm Marathon (Lauren) a week later. Hopefully we will both be fit for these events, and whilst running my last long run my thoughts were about Brian and the pain he went through both physically & mentally in his last days. These thoughts spurred me on as I started to suffer in the last few miles of my run. We both would like to thank everybody who has donated and supported us over the last few months. Big thanks to Swinton Running Club and its members who have been brilliant. As its Swinton Running Club which has enabled us both to get all the training and motivation we need for these Marathon runs. The total money raised so far is £400 (£506.52 with gift aid). So we are well on our way in reaching our target of £1000. A link to our fund raising page and to other member‟s charity pages can be found on the Swinton web site under Sponsorship http://swintonrunningclub.weebly.com/sponsorship.html

Adam

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Race Series

Central Lancashire Grand Prix Series This years Central Lancashire Grand Prix races are fast approaching, with new races and one new club. The website is http://centrallancsgrandprix.blogspot.com although a new catchier address and site are coming soon. There will be a results service around the site and each club is expected to provide race reviews of its own races at least. Other contributions will be gratefully accepted by Gary Stevens.

Date

Race

Sunday, 20th February

Central Lancashire 5K

Sunday, 6th March

The Trotters 5

Sunday, 3rd April

Radcliffe 10km

Wednesday, 11th May

Haigh Hall 4

Wednesday, 20th July

Horwich 5

Wednesday, 3rd August

Chorley 4.4 Trail

Sunday, 14th August Sunday, 25th September

NVAC 10km at Bisham 2nd Swinton 10 Mile Road Race

Sunday, 2nd October

Gin Pit 5

Next Grand Prix Event

Haigh Hall Wednesday 11th May 2011

U S E FU L CL GP LI N K S Central Lancashire Grand Prix Web Site Swinton Running Club Forums UK Results ( on-line entries ) SportSoft ( on-line entries )

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On-line entry available at UKresults.net

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Up and Coming Races Sunday 1st May The Bluebell Trail 10

Saturday 4th June Peter Lowe Memorial, Hollins Green 5K

Sunday 1st May South Cheshire 20

Sunday 5th June Longridge Lions 7

Sunday 8th May Blacksticks Blue 10K

Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th June Rochdale Harriers 3 Day Event

Sunday 8th May Market Drayton 10K

Sunday 12th June Morecambe 10K Potters-Arf Marathon

Wednesday 11th May Haigh Hall 4 Fourth Grand Prix Event of 2011

Sunday 19th June Staveley Stampede 10 Mile

Sunday 15th May Shell Chester Half Marathon

Saturday 25th June 9th Lymm 5K Road Race

Friday 27th May Dunham Massey 5K

Sunday 26th June Trawden 7 Mile Multi-Terrain Race

Sunday 29th May Blackpool Beach 10K

Thursday 30th June Reebok Manchester 5K Sizzler 1 of 4

17th Annual Rochdale Harriers Three Day Event A tough three day event hosted by a local club. Friday 10th June 7:30pm

Saturday 11th June 11:00am

Sunday 12th June 11:00am

6 Mile Road Race

6 Mile Trail Race

6 Mile Fell Race

Heaton Park - Park Run Every Saturday at 9am this 5km run is organised - free!!. All you have to do is let them know you're coming in advance. It has been suggested that it could become a Swinton regular event on the first Saturday of each month. Web page link Lucozade Sport have a van at the run every 4 to 5 weeks, giving away lots of freebies and advice.

Race Calendar Web Sites Look for all those local and not so local races on these web sites  Swinton RC Forum  Fetch  John Schofield  SoftSport SWINTON

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The wonderful Fetch does it all (running log, routes, race log, leagues, logs shoe miles, blogs, fetchmail & more!!) its a great place full of nice running types, a proper online community, its the place to see and be seen, AND its free!! King Fetch (Ian) is very good at responding to member requests about new site content and there are now a total of 13 Swinton Members using the site! Fetch (in my opinion Fetch has the Class!). Andrew

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Committee Meetings Regular meetings are now being held on the second Wednesday of every month at the club after pack runs. Notes from the March meeting below. The minutes for April will be approved at the May meeting and appear in that months Newsletter. Remember any member may sit in the meeting.

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Headquarters: Swinton Moorside Cricket Club, Deansway, Swinton, M27 0WH. Membership Secretary Barbara Bayliss

Name Address

Post Code Tel. No. Home Mobile No. Email Address Gender

Date of Birth

Place of Birth Nationality Disability please tick relevant box Non-Disability

Visually Impaired

Date of Joining

Learning Difficulties

Cerebral Palsy

Ambulatory

Wheelchair

Other

Previous Club (If Any)

Current Club (2nd Claim)

Do you intend to enter races in the next 12 months?

Yes

If yes please include an additional £5.00 for England Athletics registration I confirm that I am eligible to compete under UK Athletics Rules. I *accept/*do not accept that my personal data will held on a computer by the club. I *agree/*do not agree to the disclosure of my personal data in a list of members provided to UK Athletics and England Athletics (*Delete as applicable)

Signature................................................................................ Date............................... Fee Included £10.00 Please hand this form, together with the fee (Cheques payable to “Swinton Running Club”), to our Membership Secretary, Barbara Bayliss, or any committee member.

Swinton Running Club

Affiliated to UK Athletics and England Athletics

£15.00

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Social Events Pie Night - Last Wednesday of the Month Last Wednesday of every month.

Pie Night! Next one May 25th Special Offer’s to Members Special Discount Rate for Swinton Running Club Members To match the offer made by both Prestwich and Leigh Road Physiotherapy Clinics, our very own Shirley Duckworth-Oates has lowered her rates. Shirley Duckworth-Oates MBCA, MSTAT, MATI Bsc Hons(Healthcare);Bsc Hons (Chiro); Msc.(Psych) Doctor of Chiropractic and Teacher of the Alexander Technique Telephone 0161 773 3395 Treatment rate for Swinton Running Club members: £25 (normally £35)

Special Discount Rate for Swinton Running Club Members

The usual price per session is £35, SRC members, on production of a current English Athletics card, will only pay £25. This offer is available at both the Leigh Road and Prestwich clinics. Anyone who wants to access the service but does not yet have their card can contact Barbara who will contact the clinic on their behalf. Please check there website for more details

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Race Results Corner Full race results can now be found on both the Swinton Running Club Website and the forum If you have ran a race and cannot find the details on either site please let me know.

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Secretary Steve Doxey Treasurer Ian Thomas Membership Secretary Barbara Bayliss Social Secretary Jonathan Mellor Club Captain Steve Doxey Ladies Captain Rebecca Mills Web Site & Forums Steve Hart Swinton Running Club is proud of its friendliness and welcomes newcomers to come down and meet us for a run, to see if we meet your expectations. We meet at 7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesday at Swinton Moorside Cricket Club. The club can provide you with the opportunity to train and compete at whatever level you choose. We are affiliated with England Athletics for Road, Fell and Cross Country running. We have members from fun runners up to International level - all enjoying taking part in a sport that provides the chance for everyone to find the event that suits them best. We regularly compete in local races at all age and ability levels. Some members just come down to the club to run and don't want to enter races, but prefer to train with like minded people and enjoy the social side of being with a club.

We hope that you enjoy this occasional newsletter. If you are sick of it clogging up your in box, let me know and I will take you off the circulation list.

Steve If you have any race reports, photos, announcements or any news that would be of interest to the others members please let just know.

Lauren Website Forums

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