Rotherham Runner MONTHLY www.rotherhamharriers.org Rotherham Harriers & AC Newsletter January 2006

lenging run which saw her only 3 seconds adrift of 1st place. Again congratulations to Dennis and all his helpers and athletes for finishing teams at all ladies levels. Would it were so on the male side, where in common with many clubs and the sport in general, we are suffering. On the day only David Booth at U15 and Cian Scothern U13 ran for us, but well done them. Further pictures of the Herring-thorpe event are on page 5 & 7. Bert Norburn and all his organ-ising colleagues are to be con-gratulated for a fine event which made their long day’s work worthwhile. More pictures next

month and on web.

Jonathon Thewlis and friends put RH back close to where we would like to be with a persuasive performance on our own patch last Saturday, the end result being a clear fourth club position. After two lean years, with 16th at Guiseley (’04) and no team at Skipton (’05) this is a big step in the right direction. ‘Just outside the medals’ is irritating, but we were clearly beaten by Hallamshire, and the immensely strong Leeds AC second string. Jon ran strongly with the lead pack, as seen below on lap 1, and in fact took the lead on lap 2 but the effort was to tell with a slight fade on lap 3 which left him adrift. In-form Richard Harris, having been unbeatable in the South Yorks championship, wasn’t far behind and there was very solid determined support from Mark Ruddleston and Joe Gavelle. Although Simon Gregory, returning from injury, was in attendance, it was newcomer Chris Moran who took the anchor spot with a characterful run. In the ladies race also we had competitors either new or returning after injury, with Joanne Walker putting in a fine debut after Jenny Blizard, who competed fast and hard but was outside the medals, and with Sue Bellamy supporting it was U-20 Leanne Gibson who completed the scoring trio for 6th place. At U-17 Dennis Russell’s squad destroyed all opposition, with Natalie Grant and Vicky France major medallists and Steph Burns at U-15 took silver after a chal-

Yorkshire Cross-country

RH back at the sharp end Star of the month: Leanne Gibson

Senior Men 1 Mark Buckingham Holmf 38.55 2 David Webb Leeds 39.02 3 Daniel Agustus Sale 39.11 4 Matthew Watson Bingley 39.33 5 Julian Moorhouse Birchfd 39.46 6 Ian Fisher Otley 39.50 7 Martin Hilton Leeds 40.00 8 Chris Birchall Leeds 40.06 15 Jonathan Thewlis RHAC 40.51 20 Richard Harris RHAC 41.23 34 Philip Hoole RHAC 42.35 48 Joe Gavelle RHAC 43.40 50 Mark Ruddleston RHAC 43.50 79 Chris Moran RHAC 46.25 123 Simon Gregory RHAC 49.42 185 Robert Spencer RHAC 55.04 217 Malcolm Rhodes RHAC 65.06 Team Result 1 Leeds City [ 2, 7, 8, 14, 16, 17] 64 2 Bingley [ 4, 10, 22, 23, 25, 42] 126 3 Hallam [ 11, 24, 29, 32, 33, 39] 168 4 Leeds B [ 19, 26, 28, 30, 36, 40] 179 5 RHAC [ 15, 20, 34, 48, 50, 79] 246 6 Holmfirth [ 1, 12, 41, 49, 69,117] 289 7 Otley [ 6, 43, 44, 65, 68, 74] 300 8 Pudsey & B[ 9, 31, 38, 67, 71, 93] 309 14 Sheffield[ 21,66,104,116,135,151] 593

18 Steel City[72,154,165,171, 179,187] 820 21 Askern[60,94,198,201,205 220] 978

Under 15 Boys 1 Jack Hallas Spenb 15.18 22 David Booth RHAC 17.03

Under 13 Boys 1 Tom Rollins Leeds 11.48 54 Cian Scothern RHAC 14.25

Senior Women 1 PARTRIDGE, S Lds S. 23:04 2 HOBAN, Aine Wakfld S.23:48 3 MUNRO, P BingV 24:26 7 BLIZARD Jenny RHS 24:33 37 WALKER Joanne RHS 27:31 50 GIBSON, Leanne RHJ. 28:27 62 BELLAMY, Sue RHS 29:37 68 GRADY,Annabelle RHS 30:25 87 THOMAS, Eleanor RHS 33:12

Women’s team 1 Bingley H. 3 4 9 16 2 Leeds City 1 5 14 20 3 Wakefield Harriers 2 8 31 41 4 Keighley &Craven 17 30 39 86 5 Holmfirth H. 28 29 32 89 6 Rotherham AC 7 37 50 94 7 Nestle Rtree AC 18 19 63 100 8 Hallamshire H. 12 26 70 108

Under 17 Women (all RHAC) 1 17:16 GRANT, Natalie 2 17:44 FRANCE, Victoria 6 18:18 FAWCETT, Jessica 8 18:29 CLARKE, Lyndsay 12 18:56 ALLEN, Jade 20 19:25 BARNES, Sarah 32 21:10 VAUGHAN, Charlotte 38 23:22 SANDERSON, Laura 39 24:38 BATEMAN, Kim Under 17 Women 1 2 3 Tot. 1 Rotherham H & AC 1 2 6 9 Under 15 Girls 1 15:44 MCGIVERN, A Holmfirth (all RHAC) 2 15:47 BURNS, Stephanie 7 16:21 SPENCE, Laura 28 18:09 BARNES Laura 42 19:04 LANCELY, Robyn 48 19:48 CREAGHAN, Jemma 54 20:14 MIDDLETON, Rebecca 65 21:54 JOHNSON, Chelsea 67 22:08 MORRIS, Emma U15 Team 1 Scarborough AC 3 6 9 18

Out of a number of candidates I have selected Leanne for this spot, and although the deci-sion is in some part subjective I don’t think many will disagree with me. Jenny Blizard , Jonathon Thewlis and Natalie Grant always command such billing, and there has been considerable competition recently form a variety of others, most notable of them Rich-ard Harris, who has carried our colours bril-liantly through the autumn and winter. But Leanne’s work and support have been great. Pictured above steaming off the top of the hill last Saturday at Herringthorpe in the county championship, she finished seventh junior lady and third RHAC scorer as the ladies ran home sixth. Last week she took the South Yorkshire U20 title and has contributed cru-cial strength to the ladies’ team performance all year, including the winning SY Road se-ries and the Damflask Relays. Very well done.

2 Holmfirth Harriers 1 4 14 19 3 Hallamshire H. 8 10 12 30 4 Rotherham AC 2 7 28 37 5 Spenborough AC 5 21 27 53 6 Skipton AC 11 26 47 84 7 Ilkley Harriers 24 32 36 92 8 Leeds City 15 38 39 92 9 Harrogate H. 34 58 60 152 10 Doncaster AC 52 53 59 164 Under 13 Girls 1 12:57 THACKERY, Calli Hallam (all RHAC) 15 14:24 HALL, Rachel 29 15:17 NEAL, Olivia 44 15:54 WILKINSON, Rebekah 45 15:59 ROLLINSON, Samantha 48 16:15 PALMER, Georgina U13 Team 1 Spenborough AC 4 9 13 2 6 8 RHAC 15 29 44 88

S.Yorks XC Gold medallist

Page 2

Subscriptions Reminder. ALL members are reminded that subs are now

due, Seniors £18, Juniors £8 Fam-ily Members £27 + add £2 for each individual who requires reg-istering with NoEAA Membership Scheme.

I cannot stress how important revenue from sub-scriptions is, last financial year the club incurred £2000 more expenditure than income. We are tightening our belts. New Members Welcome, Willkommen, Benvenuti, Bienvenida, Bienvenu, Failt, Croeswaid, Welcum..etc..etc.. The following new members were accepted at the executive committee meeting in December:- :- Ra-chel Hall 12 yrs T&F XC, Poppy Knowles 12 yrs T&F XC, Abbie Vernon 13 yrs T&F RR XC. We give them all a very warm welcome and a suc-cessful career in the black vest with the white 7 pointed star Members e mail address list. Just a reminder following the website review we are compiling an e mail address list for use by members. The following are all included in the list if you do not see your name on the list e mail Secretary Bert Nor-burn on bertatharriers@supanet.com Andy Aked, Bert Norburn, Brian Parkes, Alan Bry-den, David.Haywood, Dennis Russell, Elizabeth Guite, Jim Brogan, Peter Neal, Ralph Rowbotham, Frank Plunkett, Gillian Taylor, Stephen Gorrill, , Helen White, Henry Marston, Ian Cooley, Jim Galla-cher, Kevin Thomas, Kevin Banks, Mark Ruddleston, Nigel Brookes, Pete Moore, Philip Smales, Philip

Hoole, Robert Spencer, Sharon Burton, Steve Gaines, Stephen Phillips, Steve Lebond, Sue Vaughan, Tony Carroll, Warren Vayro, Phil Eddi-son, Robert Watkinson, Anita Cavell, Drew Donaldson, Ian & Janet Hindley, Patricia Muller-Mike Armstrong, Mick Cochrane, Elizabeth Maher, Brian Harney Remember the recent article where Kevin Banks entered the Helsinki Marathon and met one of our long distance members, Victor Hutchins from North London. Well Victor has kindly sent a passport pho-tograph of himself and a copy appears above. He also sent his subscriptions for 2006 (All you late payers kindly note). As you will recall Victor gets about all over the world wearing the black vest with the 7 pointed star. Next year he plans to do the fol-lowing races:- Great North West half marathon, Blackpool: Duchy marathon Cornwall, Edinburgh half marathon, Taun-ton Marathon, Dusseldorf marathon, Sheffield half Marathon, Torbay half marathon, Blackpool Mara-thon, Helsinki marathon, Warsaw marathon, Porto marathon finishing with the Worksop half marathon. What a calendar of events for one season. Can any of you road runners beat that? If you see him at any of these events introduce yourself to him and have a chat. Just out of interest here are some of Victor’s achievements this last year:- Leeds half marathon 1hr 37m, Torbay half 1hr 36m, Helnsinki marathon 3hr 37m, Porto marathon 3hr 42m, Frankfurt marathon 3hr 37m. This was his 36th completed marathon.

Secretary’s Notes (1) Bert Norburn

RHAC Club Championships 2005 Alan Bryden

Men’s Champion in 2002 Richard Harris Ladies Champion in 2002 Janet Hindley Men’s Champion in 2003 Mark Ruddleston Ladies Champion in 2003 Sue Bellamy Men’s Champion in 2004 Phil Hoole Ladies Champion in 2004 Jenny Blizard Men’s Champion in 2005 David Nuttall Ladies Champion in 2005 Jenny Blizard For achieving the highest points total from all races awards to Leanne Gibson 510 points from 10 races. Simon Gregory 827 points from 18 races. In the Ladies championship with the mandatory 8 races completed Gillian Taylor in third place with 411 points Leanne Gibson in second place with 414 points Jenny Blizard in first place and Club Champion for the 2nd year with a maximum 420 points In the Men’s championship with the mandatory 8 races completed Simon Mounsey in third place with 400 points Simon Gregory in second place with 410 points David Nuttall in first place and Club Champion with 410 points Under rule 9 David Nuttall is the new Club Champion as he has 4 first places and Simon Gregory is second

with 2 first places. Similarly Simon Mounsey takes third place with 3 first places as Mark Ruddleston has only 2 first places.

Rules of the RHAC Club Championship 1. All runners must be club members who have

paid their annual subscription. 2. All runners must wear a club vest in club cham-

pionship races. No vest, no points. 3. Points are awarded as follows 1st male 50, 2nd

male 49 and so on. Similarly 1st female 50, 2nd female 49 and so on.

4. If the event is organised by RHAC then an extra 10 points will be awarded to each runner.

5. Eight races must be completed in the relevant year to qualify for an award.

6. The best eight, points scoring races, by each runner will be totalled to give the runners final total.

7. There will be a trophy for the first three males and first three females.

8. There will be a trophy for the first male and the first female who amass the most points from all races.

9. In the event of a tie for any award then the most first places, second places and so on will deter-mine the final positions.

10. In any dispute the decision of the road running committee will be final.

Comment from Jim Brogan: You certainly can’t fault Victor for enthusiasm. 36 marathons is a lot by any stretch of the imagination. If I was to give Victor any advice it would be to perhaps ease back on the number of marathons and half marathons he does as I am sure he would like to record a faster time for each distance, and to do that he would need to plan his events carefully and make use of shorter events, such as 10Km races, to ensure better basic speed. By now his stamina must be really high from all the miles he must have run, so a programme involving regular speed work would enable Victor to record new personal bests. I’m sure he has it in him. Best of luck Victor! The Following e mail was received by Secretary Bert Norburn. Anyone wishing to take part in the trial is asked to contact Robert Fowkes direct. ’I am a final year Sport Science student at Sheffield Hallam University. For my dissertation I am looking at the effects of Sodium Bicarbonate ingestion on Sprint trained and Endurance trained athletes. Par-ticipants must be male and between 18-40 years of age. I was wondering whether you have any suitable athletes at Rotherham Harriers Athletics Club who may be interested in getting involved. All partici-pants will be required to attend testing on two occa-sions. Testing will take around 90 minutes and will be conducted in the Sheffield Hallam Laboratories. Thankyou for your help, Robert Fowkes’. E-mail: robert.a.fowkes@student.shu.ac.uk Mobile: 07814 023299

Races 2 & 3 in the Club Championships for 2006

5th February Dewsbury 10K 9.30 from town cen-tre. Entries to B Diskern 13 Mitchell Avenue Dewsbury WF13 4JF. Entry fee £12 payable to Dewsbury Road Runners. No E/D. Closing date 21st January. On line entry at www.runnersworld.co.uk 5th March Norton 9M 11.00. Entries including a 9” by 5” SAE for number to the Norton 9, “Colby”, West End Road, Norton, Don-caster DN6 9EF. Entry fee £5 payable to Askern Running Club. E/D £1 extra and do not qualify for prizes. Closing Date 26th February. Entry form on www.askerndrc.org/askernraces.htm If you require a copy of the full list which will be updated regularly with dates of the event please email bryden43@aol.com or ring 01709 540242

Nuttall Narrowly

Dave Nuttall just pipped Simon Gregory on countback for the men’s title whilst Jenny Blizard again was a clear winner.

2005 Club Cham-pion Dave Nuttall here pictured at the 12-stage re-

Page 3

START LIST Start Name off at 1 Jim Gallacher 00:00 2 Luke Brady 00:30 3 Malcolm Rhodes 01:40 4 Phil Smales 02:15 5 Sharon Burton 03:45 6 Gill Taylor 04:25 7 Mathew Asbridge 04:45 8 Brian Harney 06:00 9 Kerry Booth 06:15 10 Jim Brogan 06:55 11 Phil Eddison 07:00 12 Phil Widdowson 07:05 13 Alan Gregory 07:10 14 Pete Shaw 07:45 15 Steve Gaines 08:10 16 Phil Roberts 08:25 17 Mick Marsters 08:40 18 John Comrie 08:55 19 Simon Gregory 09:35 20 Peter Neal 09:40 21 Mark Ruddleston 10:55

Position Time Lap +/- end lap 1 Time lap 1 Luke Brady 13:02 12:38 +1 2 Jim Gallacher 13:03 13:03 -1 3 Phil Smales 14:10 11:55 +1 4 Malcolm Rhodes 14:46 13:06 -1 5 Gill Taylor 15:20 10:55 +1 6 Sharon Burton 15:22 11:37 -1 7 Mathew Asbridge 16:23 11:38 0 8 Brian Harney 17:02 11:02 0 9 Phil Eddison 17:32 10:32 +2 10 Pete Shaw 17:50 10:05 +4 11 Alan Gregory 17:51 10:41 +2 12 Phil Widdowson 18:01 10:56 0 13 Kerry Booth 18:20 12:05 -4 14 Steve Gaines 18:23 10:13 +1 15 Jim Brogan 18:46 11:51 -5 16 Phil Roberts 18:57 10:32 0 17 Simon Gregory 18:58 09:23 +2 18 Mick Marsters 19:25 10:45 -1 19 Peter Neal 19:26 09:26 +1 20 John Comrie 19:46 10:51 -2 21 Mark Ruddleston 20:06 09:11 0

21 runners assembled for the 118th running of this unique and historic event. The field was a mixture of experience, including two-time winners Brian Harney, Mark Ruddleston and Malcolm Rhodes, and total newcomers to the event in Luke Brady, Pete ‘Coach’ Shaw, and Simon Gregory. Yours truly (Jim Brogan) also lined up at the start for the first time since 1997, and his first ever run on the new course. Sadly missing was our old friend Frank O’Neill, who died a few months ago. Frank was a past winner and often the first athlete off in the race. A minutes si-lence was observed in memory of Frank after the race at the pres-entation. This year changing/showering/presentation was at the nearby Rotherham Town Crocket Club, courtesy of Andy Cooke. Cheers Andy, and many thanks. And now to the race details. Lap 1. Jim Gallacher, closely followed by Luke Brady and Malcolm Rhodes, set the race going at precisely 11:00am. One by one the athletes were sent on their way by starter/timekeeper for the day, David Haywood. Not unexpectedly, there were no huge place movements during the initial lap, although Pete ‘Coach’ Shaw ominously managed to pull back 4 places. Jim ‘The Other Coach’ Brogan more than balanced Pete’s efforts by swiftly going back 5 places. As expected, the fastest laps were posted by the athletes who set off last, with Mark Ruddleston, Peter Neal and Simon Gregory breaking the 10 minute barrier for the first of the 1.67 mile laps. Eventual winner Gill Taylor showed her intentions by gaining one place. Sadly, many times supporter of the event Phil Smales, retired from the event after lap 1, reducing the field to 20. Never mind Phil, there’s always next year.

118th Challenge Cup Race, Christmas Day 2005 Jim Brogan

Gill back on form dead on time

Position Time Lap +/- end lap 2 Time lap 1 Luke Brady 25:55 12:53 0 2 Jim Gallacher 26:38 13:35 0 3 Gill Taylor 26:40 11:20 +2 4 Sharon Burton 27:19 11:48 +2 5 Malcolm Rhodes 27:59 13:13 -1 6 Pete Shaw 28:12 10:22 +4 7 Brian Harney 28:14 11:12 +1 8 Mathew Asbridge 28:27 12:04 -1 9 Phil Eddison 28:30 10:58 0 10 Alan Gregory 28:52 11:01 +1 11 Steve Gaines 28:53 10:30 +3 12 Simon Gregory 29:00 10:02 +5 13 Mark Ruddleston 29:22 09:16 +8 14 Peter Neal 29:24 09:58 +5 15 Phil Widdowson 29:32 11:31 -3 16 Phil Roberts 29:42 10:45 0 17 Mick Marsters 30:10 10:45 +1 18 Kerry Booth 30:55 12:35 -5 19 John Comrie 31:08 11:22 +1 20 Jim Brogan 31:16 12:30 -5

Position Time Lap +/- end lap 3 Time lap 1 Gill Taylor 37:53 11:13 +2 2 Pete Shaw 38:26 10:14 +4 3 Mark Ruddleston 38:30 09:08 +10 4 Sharon Burton 38:50 11:40 0 5 Simon Gregory 39:09 10:09 +7 6 Phil Eddison 39:10 10:40 +3 7 Peter Neal 39:14 09:50 +7 8 Luke Brady 39:22 13:27 -7 9 Alan Gregory 39:28 10:36 +1 10 Steve Gaines 39:29 10:36 +1 11 Brian Harney 39:40 11:26 -4 12 Mathew Asbridge 39:49 11:22 --4 13 Jim Gallacher 40:15 13:37 -11 14 Phil Roberts 40:40 10:58 +2 15 Mick Marsters 40:50 10:40 +2 16 Phil Widdowson 41:15 11:43 -1 17 Malcolm Rhodes 41:24 13:25 -12 18 John Comrie 42:38 11:30 +1 19 Jim Brogan 43:32 12:16 +1 20 Kerry Booth 43:45 12:50 -2

Lap 2 As I drifted relentlessly towards the back of the field, never-theless I was in a superb position to see the race develop, as the athletes changed direction for lap 2. Luke Brady was still in first spot, with Jim Gallacher grimly hanging on to second. Gill was closing relentlessly, and Pete “Coach” Shaw was scaring the pants of me by gaining another 4 places. Things were really developing now at the ‘sharp’ end with Mark Ruddleston gaining a whopping 8 places, and Peter Neal and Simon Gregory 5 places each. By now it was pretty clear to myself, having drifted back another 5 places, that the winner was going to come from Gill Taylor, Mark Ruddleston or Pete Shaw. Lap 3 And so it came to pass that Gill Taylor battled on through the last lap, gaining 2 more places, and winning the much cov-eted Challenge Cup for the first time. Around 30 seconds later and a fast finishing Mark Ruddleston, who gained a massive 10 more places on the last lap, just failed to catch Pete Shaw, who gained a further 4 places. And so the run-ners came in, thick and fast and another Christmas Day Race or, more correctly, Challenge Cup Race, was over. Once again, many thanks to David Haywood for taking on the role of starter/timekeeper, hence allowing myself the dubious privilege of torturing myself around the course. Big thanks also to the 21 athletes who made the effort to be there and keep this magnificent tradition alive.

Results: Fastest Times

1. Mark Ruddleston 27:35 2= Peter Neal 29:34 . Simon Gregory 29:34 4. Pete Shaw 30:41 5= Phil Eddison 32:10 Mick Marsters 32:10

Fastest Ladies 1. Gill Taylor 33:28 2. Sharon Burton 35:05 Christmas Day winner Gillian Taylor (left) pictured in fact at the New Year’s Day race where she also had a good run

RESULT

Dear Editor, Now that the season of goodwill to all men has passed it is time to look forward to the future. Last year was a good year fro our club but next year has got to be better, as in sport there is no standing still; you either go forwards or backwards. So it must be forwards into 2006 but we must not forget the past. I would like to thank all our athletes, coaches, offi-cials, friends and parents for all their hard work over the past twelve months. As we now look forward we must work as hard as we can to bring more success to this great old club. Best wishes to everyone, and hope we have a re-warding 2006. Yours in sport, Dave Johnson

Letter from RHAC Club President

Page 10 Picture Quiz

LAST MONTH’S QUIZ A lively response to this photo, which appears to be a press copy, possibly Advertiser though I have-n’t checked. A sticker on the front refers to “Club Race” and 1978– which Peter Neal found difficult to believe as that was his year of joining and he thought he would have missed the club 10 (held in Summer as you can see)- but that’s what it is, as confirmed independently by others including Mary Rhodes, who also confirmed that the winner was Peter Mace (jnr), prominent in the black vest on the left. The race is pictured starting at rear of the Homestead, and in the days when traffic was calmer, ran straight over Worrygoose roundabout, up Royd’s Moor, Double Barrell, Kingsforth Lane, Bramley, and Bawtry Road to the club. Peter offers, (with editor’s additions): Observing from right, Gloria Girdlestone (started the race); Terry Girdlestone wedged between lamp

post and wall; Roy Taylor; little boy; man with 'tash, never knew his name (someone told me, Peter Purdy I think, but I’ve forgotten again). Runners from left, Dave Carratt; (Brian Harney off picture) Pete Harper; Mick Hague's shoulder; Rol-land Rhodes; man in headband (Peter Allan); Peter Neal; young Peter Mace; John Hill; Ken Ridgeway; Kevin Blades; man in glasses (John Sparrow?); George Newbould; Eddie Kirkup; top of David Haywood's head; next man in club vest Carl Smith (Adrian Steventon behind); man with beard - long shot at Alex Flemming; permed union jack shorts is Dave Godfrey; Arthur Oxley; Don Creamer; (John Brownlow) far right was at first glance Mike Sump-tion but then changed to Geoff Ellis (no, it’s Mike). Interestingly there are no ladies present (as far as we can see).

NoEAAA Indoor Meetings

It’s a nice change to have track & field pictures for the quiz. Let’s have some more if you have any– any discipline at all in fact. A Wath connection runs through this month’s quiz pictures. The instigator if all this is the photo ( top left) which Bert received from Ian Mitchell, with Ian’s comment about the safety aspects compared to today’s caged vari-ety of discus throw event. The picture clearly dates back to the old days (not that old!) and is stamped with the photographer’s details– JA Griffiths. This struck a chord- ‘I’ve seen that before’ and sure enough, among the vast collection which Peter Neal has loaned me for this purpose, there’s another (above right, detail at top). I recognise several people in what looks like a close finish– can you? The young lady on the right, in Wakefield colours, was Debbie Froggat, who was in the first form I ever taught on starting a career at Wath Grammar School (1970-ish) (as was Peter). Who else? Are they the same meeting? I am sure in Ian’s photo I see a top high-jumper also

with a Wath pedigree. So there’s your quiz– who/what/where/when as usual? In case you are in the dark totally, I have added a subsidiary (lower left)- you must know someone in that photo! But again, what are the gongs, event, etc?

detail above

At the NOE Indoor Open Event held Saturday 26 th November 2005. (from Sue Vaughan) RHAC had 3 young ladies represent the club here are the results. U17 Ladies - Charlotte Vaughan - Triple Jump 1st - 9.89 U15 Girls - Amber Merrills - Shot Putt - 1st - 9.31. Long Jump 4.04. High Jump 1.25 60m - 8.75 U15 Girls - Claire Lebond - Shot Putt - 3rd - 7.92. Long Jump 3.64. The following Harriers took part in the 2nd Indoor Meeting at EIS, Sheffield on 10/12/05 promoted by

the NoEAAA. (from Bert Norburn) U15 200m FINAL: 5 Amber Merrills 29.73 Sen Men 60m Heats 4 Simon Pugh SMV 9.02 Sen Men 300m Heats Simon Pugh SMV 45.85 Senior 1000m Heats Heat 01 1 Rhian Hastey SM 2:32.14 Heat 06 2 Simon Pugh SMV 3:19.93 U 15 Girls Shot Putt FINAL 1 Amber Merrills 9.15 5 Claire Lebond 7.06 U 15 Girls Long Jump FINAL 16 Amber Merrills 4.04

Another tremendous performance at the Notts relays in snowy conditions with victories in 3 cate-gories’, which included once again the event win-ners. A particular thank you to guest Bev Lake who stepped in at the last minute to run and Dan Gavelle for his sterling first and fourth leg efforts. Long may we turn up and enjoy success in such good company, The more the merrier next year please 1 Rotherham Harriers A 51.15 2 Notts A.C. A 52.11 3 Corby Aces 54.28 4 95 Charnwood 55.13 5 Barrow Runners A 56.34 6 Rotherham Harriers B 56.43 7 Redhill Road Runners A 57.12 8 Mansfield Harriers + AC A 58.42 9 Notts A.C. B 58.53 10 Notts A.C. D 59.03 11 Kirk Hallam A 59.09 12 Mansfield Harrier & AC B 59.10 13 Newark AC 59.46 14 Holme Peirrepont A 60.02 15 Barrow Runners B 60.40 16 Formula One A 60.59 17 Rotherham Harriers ‘Vets’ 61.02 18 Ilkeston R.C. A 61.28 19 Redhill Road Runners B 62.03 20 Kirk Hallam B 62.17 21 Mansfield Harriers & AC C 62.46 22 Notts A.C. C 63.30 23 Redhill Road Runners Vets 63.38 24 Holme Peirrepont B 65.10 25 Rotherham Harriers C 65.34 26 Ilkeston R.C. B 65.46 48 last complete team Notts A.C. 81.23.

Wollaton Park, Nottingham 4 X 2.75 miles run in the category order 1. Vet-eran, 2. Open, 3. Lady, 4. Open A Team Team Runners Runner Time Time 1. Mark Ruddleston 12.47 12.47 2. Rob Watkinson 25.02 12.15 3. Jenny Blizard 38.49 13.47 4. Richard Harris 51.15 12.26 Race position – First team overall. B Team Team Runners Runner Time Time 1. Dave Nuttall 14.24 14.24 2. Joe Gavelle 27.51 13.27 3. Gill Taylor 44.14 16.23 4. Phil Hoole 56.43 12.29 Race position – First ‘B’ team and 6 overall. C Team Team Runners Runner Time Time 1. Daniel Gavelle 15.18 15.18 2. Stuart Lake 29.38 14.20 3. Bev Lake 50.12 20.34 4. Dan Gavelle 65.30 15.18 Race position – 25th overall. Vets Team Team Runners Runner Time Time 1. Nigel Brookes 14.01 14.01 2. Peter Neal 28.17 14.16 3. Paula Fisher 46.30 18.14 4. Pete Shaw 61.02 14.31 Race position – First vets team and 17th overall.

Oh no, not the return of The Sid Scoop Report at the NYD 5 miles On the start line there were 3 questions to be answered. At 6ft 4in, would Rob Watkinson be head and shoul-ders above the rest? In this modern era, are Joe Gav-elle’s home made ¾ length tracky bottoms still fashion-able? And finally, would Mark Ruddleston’s unbeaten record in 2006 remain in tact? The race was started by newly inducted life member Jim Brogan who was showing no adverse effects from the previous evenings hogmanay celebrations. Across the expanse of Herringthorpe fields, there was specula-tion as to who was setting a sizzling pace at the front. I regretted not bringing my new ZX binoculars which have a range of 50miles and cost £500. Fortunately I tried them out in the shop and was delighted to spot another pair in a shop 20miles away £10 cheaper. Fortunately such observations were soon forgotten as Jonathon Thewlis whizzed through the first lap in a staggering 8mins 7secs. You didn’t need to be a mathe-matical genius to calculate that the course record of 25.59 was in imminent danger, but Jim pointed it out anyway. 25secs elapsed before Phil Hoole and Rob Watkinson steamed by. Jenny Blizard, who recently accepted partner Mike’s proposal of marriage, showed there is Hope for the future by blasting through the opening lap in 10.14 and was clearly contemplating whether to sell the big day’s rights to Hello or this newsletter. A resurgent Gill Taylor was 40sesc in arrears with Leanne Gibson a further 22secs back.

Page 4

Notts Athletic Club Christmas Relays Tuesday 27th December 2005 Phil Smales

At the end of Lap 2, JT slowed slightly to go through in 16.36 but he had doubled his advan-tage to 37secs over Phil who now led Rob by 14secs which confirmed they were not contest-ing the fancy dress section as the twin towers. Jenny’s 2nd lap was 37secs quicker than her opening split and the gap to Gill had stretched to 1.25 while Leanne was now at 2.28. As JT was about to swing into the final straight, there was a tinge of disappointment as Jim sighed that a sub 25mins was now out of the question. Nevertheless Jonathon’s time of 25.17 was an auspicious start to the 2006 cam-paign and it confirmed that now he is in the senior ranks he will be a vital petal in the flower of Harriers ambitions. Phil was just outside the old record with 26.10 while Rob completed the podium with 26.30. Jenny finished a magnificent 8th with a new Ladies record of 29.38 which augurs well for the new year. Gill claimed 2nd with a magnifi-cent 33.43 while Leanne impressed with 35.53 for 3rd place. Race Director David Haywood was disap-pointed with only 31 entries, but with a 1 2 3 in the individual placings and winning teams in both classifications, it confirmed that the future is bright, the future is black! Sid Scoop

RESULTS 1. Jon Thewlis RHAC. 25:17 * 2 Philip Hoole RHAC. 26:10 3. Rob Watkinson RHAC 26:30 4. Kev Lilley BOFRA 26:51 M40 5 Will Kerr St. Bedes 28:53 6. Nasir Hussain Hallamshire 28:53 7. Mark Ruddleston RHAC 29:36 M40 8. Jenny Blizard RHAC 29:38 L 9. Peter Neal RHAC 29:50 M40 10. Craig Alwash Barnsley H 30:06 11. Pete Clements Askern 30:31 M40 12. Terry Hawley RHAC 31:27 M50 13. Phil Eddison RHAC 32:04 M40 14. Michael Long Bingley 32:58 M50 15. Dave Allemby Wombwell 32:59 M40 16. Gill Taylor RHAC 33:43 L45 17. Kerry Booth RHAC 34:37 M40 18. Kevin Thomas RHAC 35:03 M50 19. Ian Bickle Unattached 35:06 20. Mathew Asbridge RHAC 35:25 21. Leanne Gibson RHAC 35:53 L 22. Jo Bolton Unattached 36:26 L35 23. Stephen Brook Queensbury . 36:53 M50 24. M. Gomersall Unattached 37:06 M40 25. Henry Marston RHAC 38:02 M50 26. Derrick Clarke RHAC 38:09 M70 27. Steve Nixon RHAC 38:14 28. Eleanor Thomas RHAC 39:19 L 29. Malcolm Rhodes RHAC 40:14 M50 30. Jo Pearson Barnsley H 40:42 L35 31. John Finn Barnsley A.C 41:16 M60

• new course record Team RHAC: Jon Thewlis Philip Hoole Rob Watkinson

Wanted

Rowbotham’s Round Rotherham Badge for 1999 and 2002.

Alan Bryden 01709 540242

RHAC & A.C. NEW YEARS DAY FIVE The Sid Scoop Report

Relay per-formers Jenny Blizard, Phil Hoole and Rob Watkinson here shot at the NYD race

fourth place (she actually broke the shorter course record of 29.34!). Bob from Mexboro Pulse was 5th & 1st V50, closely followed by Lee & Steve Ford – 1st V40, with Ken ‘Whicker’ taking 1st V60. Seven young Harriers ran, it was lovely to see them, but this course suits that age group & it’s a pity there isn’t more events of this type for them to compete in. Second female was last year’s winner – Natalie, followed by her colleague Victoria, & on the female vet front – Caroline was 1st FV50, Karen, 1st FV45 & finally Bev, 1st FV40. Many Thanks to everyone who ran, to the marshals out on the course & the time keeping crew of Terry & his apprentice; Angie Ford, who valiantly kept up with the finishing times……

Santa’s Special – 18/12/05 Posn Time Runner Club Cat. Age 1 27.17 Mark Ruddleston RH 1st 43 2 28.15 Paul Venables RH 2nd 49 3 28.34 Simon Gregory RH 3rd 32 4 28.42 Jenny Blizzard RH 1st Fem. 30 5 29.21 Bob Tintinger MP 1st V50 58 6 29.34 Lee Crow KS 52 7 30.07 Steve Ford KS 1st V40 42 8 30.24 Muneer Saif KS 42 9 30.49 Lee Vernon U/A 33 10 30.51 Natalie Grant RH 2nd Fem. 15 11 31.07 Andy Thompson DAC 27 12 31.18 Steve Durdy MRC 46 13 31.28 Keith Ward KS 54 14 31.40 Kerry Booth RH 44 15 32.10 Victoria France RH 3rd Fem. 16 16 32.16 David Booth RH 1st J.Boy 14 17 32.17 Robert Spencer RH 43 18 32.23 Brian Lowndes MRC 57 19 32.56 Keith Binney BAC - 58 20 33.15 Lyndsay Clarke RH 1st J.Girl 16 21 33.27 Laura Spence RH 14 22 33.37 Bob Drobek KS 46 23 33.39 Kevin Thomas RH 53 24 34.09 Jessica Fawcett RH 16 25 34.20 Caroline Boyd MRC 1st FV50 53 26 34.26 Martin Wilson MP 44 27 34.28 Abbie Vernon RH 13 28 34.41 Ian Brookes KS 30+ 29 34.57 Jim Rust MRC 55 30 35.02 Karen Osborne MRC 1st FV45 49 31 35.06 Ian Hetherington U/A 37 32 35.22 Ken Chapman KS 1st V60 63 33 36.26 Trevor Birks MP 59 34 37.11 Dennis Beaver KS 56 35 37.18 Tony Redfern Clowne 41 36 37.20 Mathew Ford KS 13 37 37.31 Ian Soakell KS 47 38 37.51 Malcolm Rhodes RH 57 39 37.53 Bev Sutton VHR1st FV40 43 40 37.59 Roger Cook KS 56 41 38.09 Stephen Grant U/A 48 42 38.17 Andrew Allen U/A 38 43 38.37 Richard Green KS 52 44 38.39 Derrick Clarke RH 75 45 40.04 Val Rivers KS 55 46 40.29 Malcolm Procter KS 51 47 40.29 Nina Hague U/A 29 48 41.16 Martin Simpson KS 53 49 41.30 Theresa Elliott KS 46 50 42.50 Rod Rivers KS 57 51 43.19 Gail Nixon KS 40 52 43.21 Bev Soakell KS 46 53 46.03 Harvey Antcliffe KS 58 54 46.45 Eddie Osborne MRC 49 55 48.53 Sue Andrews KS 46 56 49.26 Caroline Bennett KS 42 57 49.27 Steve Elliott KS 48 The following is reproduced from the Kimberworth website at www.kstriders.f9.co.uk/ Many thanks to KRC for this race and report. The Race! – the ninth running of the Santa’s Special event took place on yet another very cold but sunny December morning. Due to the ‘boulder’ situation on the early part of the old route we had to extend the course slightly by going out of the main gate & then joining the old footpath towards Thundercliffe, so the 4.50 miles probably became more like 4.75. Mark was first home, comfortably in front of Paul (great to see you again my friend), Simon was third, with Jenny in a superb

Local Races

Venners back with a bang Vets to the fore!

Page 7 Yorkshire Cross-country

Top Jenny Blizard and Joanne Walker, top scorer Jon Thewlis above, whilst on the right we see essential work be-ing discussed by marshall Jim Brogan with assistants Janet and Ian Hindley (Sid Scoop). Below a shot of the finish area at the side of the stadium.

RR Team (Full course) 1 25h 28min Trail Runners Assoc 2 25h 59min Rotherham H & AC (1) (Kerry Booth, Bill Watson and Philip Haigh) 3 27h 13min LDWA - High Peak 4 28h 47min N. York Moors AC 5 30h 43min Road Runners Club (1) 6 31h 14min Totley 7 31h 20min Dark Peak FR 8 32h 3min Trail Runners Assoc. (2) 9 34h 32min Rother Valley Swallows 10 34h 40min Stafford Harriers 11 37h 38min Rotherham H & AC (2) (Roy Varo, Henry Marston , John Clarke) 12 38h 50min LDWA - Irregulars 13 43h 21min LDWA - Vermuyden

FULL COURSE RESULTS 1 Jez Bragg Trail RA M 06:33:56 4 Sharon Gayter New Marske F 07:59:27 5 Kerry Booth RHAC M 08:02:12 6 Bill Watson RHAC M 08:17:19 32 Philip Haigh RHAC M 09:40:20 47 Roy Varo RHAC M 10:55:00 68= Henry Marston RHAC M 11:47:52 119 John Clarke Rotherham H & AC M 14:55:18 6 The article left is an edited version of Don Gill’s Ad-vertiser report reprinted by permission

Round-Rotherham Relay results 1 Men in Black RHAC Open 05:51:26 2 Yellow Peril Kimberworth Striders Open 05:51:46 3 Holme Pierrepont Holme Pierrepont Mixed 06:22:05 4 City of Sheffield AC City of Sheffield AC Open 06:26:30 5 Squirrel Squad Maltby Open 06:30:14 6 Swallows & Amazons RHAC+ RVS Open 06:38:24 7 RHAC Fastersnails Rotherham H & AC Mixed 07:08:17 8 Access Warriors 2 Open 07:15:56 9 Women in Black RHAC Female 07:16:53 10 Slowlys & Amazons Rother Valley Swallows Open 07:19:51 11 Striders Team Kimberworth Open 07:29:06 12 Killamarsh Kestrels 1 Killamarsh Kestrels Open 07:29:56 13 Access Warriors 1 Mixed 07:32:15 14 Kimberworth Kittens Kimberworth Female 08:20:53 15 Maltby Minxes Maltby Female 08:23:10 16 Vernon's Stupid Heroes Stone Master Marathoners Mixed 12:20:30

ROUND ROTHERHAM REPORT West Midlands man Jeremy (Jez) Bragg made a re-markable winning debut in the 23rd running of Row-botham’s Round Rotherham 50 mile cross-country trail race. Despite the muddy underfoot conditions 24-year-old Bragg covered the tracks, trails and roads around the borough in a splendid time of 6 hours 33 minutes 56 seconds – the second fastest achieved in the history of the race behind Rotherham Harrier Chris Parkes’1996 course record of 6:17. The Solihull chartered surveyor’s strong running performance on the day brought him across the finishing line at Brampton Leisure Centre well clear of the opposition. But it was his thorough preparation before the event that was the key to his victory. Bragg looked amaz-ingly fresh after his triumph – despite having com-peted the previous weekend in the Luton Marathon in which he finished in 11th place in 2:56. He said: “The Round Rotherham has a great reputation within the sport and I am really chuffed to have won such a well established event at the first attempt. I came up to Rotherham four weeks ago to reconnoitre the route. The map supplied to competitors is excellent and I managed to find my way around the entire course. The exercise proved well worthwhile and gave me the confidence to press on even though I was running on my own after the first checkpoint. The sticky and slippery conditions made the going really tough but the weather was perfect. I received great support from my fellow competitors as I caught walkers and run-ners who had set off ahead of me. My brother Mat-thew was also a great help as he was my back up crew.” Bragg has only been running seriously for four years after his rugby footballing career was brought to a premature end through injury. A member of the Trail Running Association he completed the 145-mile Grand Union Canal run in May but he is a relative newcomer to ultra distance. On this form he looks to have a bright future in the sport. Rotherham Harriers top man was once again the con-sistent Kerry Booth (44). A winner in 2002 the Kive-ton Park athlete was content with his effort of 8:02.12 that saw him repeat his last year’s fourth place in the men’s event. Not far behind Booth in overall sixth place was Edinburgh based Rotherham Harrier Bill Watson (8:17.19). A comfortable winner of the women’s race was Great Britain ultra distance international Sharon Gayter (42). The New Marske Harrier from Guisborough said after her victory: “I really enjoy competing in the Round Rotherham. This is the seventh time that I have taken part and the seventh time that I have won the event.” The course record holder who logged 7:44 back in 1995 stopped the clock this time on 7:59.27 that put her in fourth place overall. Making a hat-trick of wins in the eight stage relay was Rotherham Harriers Older Men in Black veterans team of John Comrie, Dave Nuttall, Peter Neal, Terry Eastwood, Alan Chell, John Atkinson, Nigel Brooks and Peter Shaw with a time of 5:51.26. As last year runners up was the Kimberworth Striders Yellow Peril team of Lee Crow, Muneer Saif, Shaun Hogton, Phil Roberts, Steve Ford, Martin Gaynor, Phil Martin and Martin Broadhead in 5:51.46. Holme Pierrepoint AC (6:22.05) was first mixed team. Rotherham Harri-ers Women in Black (7:16.53) collected the ladies team trophy thanks to the efforts of Sharon Merrills, Gillian Taylor, Jenny Horan, Sharon Burton, Patricia Muller, Paula Fisher, Hilary Garrison and Adele Mor-ris. After 23 years the Rowbotham’s Round Rother-ham, which was pioneered by Rotherham Harriers long serving official Ralph Rowbotham, is as popular as ever and continues to attract entrants to the town from all around the country. This year’s race was a record breaker with 71 walkers, 100 runners and 16 teams of eight relay runners taking part.

Too hot last Summer Its time to start thinking about next Summer. Were you too hot last year in races when we had hot days? We have a unique opportunity to get Male mesh Club vests for the hot weather and long races on road or track.

We will place a one off order, so you will have to order them in advance. The Club are not going to carry stock of these. The mesh vests will be made to order as they are a specialist item. They are the same make as our current Club Vests, so you know they will be of high quality, and they will be sized the same. The cost of these vests will be £12.00. Please place your order with me Pete Shaw, stating size with payment and we will have the vests ready for the summer. I have a sample vest for people to look at.

I will be placing the order at the end of February so we can have the vests ready in plenty of time for Summer running. Hopefully we will have then for people running in the London Marathon.

So order A.S.A.P. £12.00 for vest in advance to Pete Shaw.

Squad Sessions By Pete Shaw

Last winter we got some Squad Endurance Sessions going, not only to improve on training and perform-ance but also to improve and aid team spirit. These seemed to go well. In July we had a meeting where all who had taken part in the session and all endurance athletes were invited to come and discuss the success of the sessions and look to improve on what we had built up for the future.

The consensus was the squad sessions we had done were well received and of benefit to all who had taken part, with no negative feed back.

The meeting was well attended and we moved on to talk about future improvement. We came to the fol-lowing conclusions.

1. To make Club nights of more importance so they can also be squad sessions, making a good shop win-dow to young athletes and prospective new members (whether they be from other clubs or new starters)

2. To make more squad sessions, more regular than every two weeks. So we made Saturdays a squad session day. This was agreed by all who attended.

Please be aware that myself and Jim Brogan commit-ted our time to make sure all the sessions are covered by a coach.

We have seen improvement on Club night sessions. As for the Saturday sessions that people said they wanted THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ATTENDED WELL except for a couple of exceptions the only people to attend Saturdays are the athletes I person-ally coach, therefore we shall no longer offer the Sat-urday Squad sessions. I find this disappointing espe-cially when its introduction was a decision made by us all.

I will now concentrate my efforts on coaching my group of athletes, at times and venues that suit us. I am more than happy for other athletes to join us if they wish, but you will have to fit in with what we are doing. If any athlete wants to become part of my group then please come and see me or contact me by telephone of email.

I believe squad sessions can be of great benefit and are used successfully by many who are great achiev-ers eg. Kenyans, Ethiopians UK Athletic use regional squads to improve standards. You may not think this is relevant to us, but lets look on our own doorstep at the example set by our U17 Girls squad, they are showing that squad sessions bring success.

Can I say thanks to Jim Brogan for helping be to get set up and attending the squad sessions

Pete Shaw, Endurance Coach Level 3

Coaching/ Training/ Racing Pete Shaw

Page 8

Round Rotherham

Secretarial Posts Vacant Members may not be aware but next season there will only be 1 senior team (Men and Women) tak-ing part in the Northern League following a relega-tion to Division 2. The executive committee of the Club voted 10 to 0 against fielding 2 teams. At the next Track and Field Committee the matter of fielding two senior teams was discussed. After a lengthy debate the committee voted 4 to 3 in favour of keeping two teams. This problem lead in due course to the secretary’s resignation. As on occasions in the past, Cross-country matters are being jointly managed by road managers. It is a successful formula in many ways, but the personnel don’t get a break, which they do deserve. Therefore the Club now needs to recruit a new Track and Field Secretary and Cross Country Secretary. It cannot function efficiently without these roles being filled. Anyone interested in taking on ei-ther of these roles is asked to make themselves known to the executive committee

26/11/2005 1. Andrew Aked 15:42 2. Philip Hoole 16:07 3. Mark Ruddleston 16:45 4. Simon Mounsey 17:20 5. Peter Neal 18:31 6. John Spencer 19:02 7. Steve Gorrill 19:34 8. Pete Shaw 20:09 9. Mathew Asbridge 20:52 10. Phil Smales 22:18 11. Derrick Clarke 23:11 12. Neil Shaw 23:14 13. Jim Gallacher 24:49 14. Malcolm Rhodes 25:05 Sad to report, two runners were observed crossing over to the wrong side of the road on the way back to the finish. The standard set by the runners in observ-ing the safety rules of this event are normally very high, and it is to be hoped that this lapse is not re-peated at future events. All runners are reminded to observe the rules of the event, as provided in the hand-out.

31/12/2005 1. Mark Ruddleston 16:41 2. Simon Gregory 18:23 3. Mark Ward 18:27 4. Terry Hawley 19:07 5. Stuart Lake 19:15 6. John Comrie 19:49 7. Steve Gorrill 19:58 8. Phil Roberts 20:05 9. David Booth 20:35 10. Kerry Booth 20:39 11. Anita Cavell 21:04 12. Kevin Thomas 21:14 13. Mathew Asbridge 21:28 14. Simon Pugh 21:34 15. Eleanor Thomas 23:47 16. Malc Ward 23:52 17. Jim Gallacher 24:24 18. Ron Spensley 26:40 Note the revised dates for the next 3 time trials: 21st January 2006 18th February 2006 18th March 2006 (altered due to clashes with major cross-country cham-pionships and the Northern 12 stage road relay)

This is the first picky of Holly Elizabeth Guite who was born on 16th December 2005 in Swansea. Holly arrived at 7lb 6 ozs and was the first child of Craig and Cerys Guite and also the first Grandchild of Liz and Jim Guite. Our heartfelt congratulations go to all the family. Most members will re-

member Craig as an excellent sprinter and exceptional pole vaulter. He left the club following his marriage to Cerys and took up residence in Swansea where he works in a local hospital. New Members The January 06 Executive Committee accepted mem-bership applications from:- Darren Cooney, 38 yrs T&F RR XC, Daniel James Emson 15yrs T&F RR XC, Danielle Heald 13yrs T&F XC, Jenny Middleton 15 yrs T&F, Keith Alan Williams 54 yrs RR. We extend the warm welcome to our new friends and wish them a successful time in the black vest with the white pointed star Editor Comments: I could not be more happy to see two of the most competitive runners I have ever encountered returning to RHAC, albeit for totally different reasons. Keith has been here, there, everywhere as a runner and as a former RH member is noted for never being to seek when the question is asked. He left us in the dip of performance we experienced around 2000 but clearly has not found a satisfactory competitive level, and both he and we will profit from a mutual under-standing of what is required to succeed in your age group, or even more widely.

As to Darren, the fierce competitiveness which he has always displayed is undiminished. Since getting hor-rendously injured in a road accident, he has fought back first to life, then to recovery, then to fitness by cycling, then to running, which clearly is a burning ambition. He has trained on the bike alongside Dave Tune running. As he says “I have texted Dave Tune to see if he wants to play :@). I will be down to the track in the New Year, if Mark ever learns to run without talking lol, and the aim is initially to get back in to training and then racing, but things are starting to go slightly better - 40 mpw at snail pace.

I just wanted to say thanks for keeping in communi-cation with me over the last few years and keeping me interested, especially after my bicycle accident which i will be doing a 'Recover From Injury' story asap. “

He emailed me recently to say that he intended to enter the Dewsbury 10k, but has had second thoughts (as he stated as a spectator at the Yorks XC). His change of mind comes as a result of reaction to a step-up to 60 miles per week, and will likely only be a brief delay. It puts it somewhat more in context, if you don’t know Darren or about him, that he is a top ten Na-tional Cross-country runner, and I know that even at age 38 or thereabouts he is not eying up the back of the race field!

Silver for Amber AAA U17 & U15 Combined Events Champion-ship (with NEAA) Wath Comprehensive Schoolgirl and Rotherham Harrier Amber Merrills 13 yrs old has begun 2006 by winning the silver medal at the above indoor athletics championships held on Saturday the 7th of January 2006 at the fabulous facility of the Eng-lish Institute of Sport in Sheffield. As reigning Yorkshire Pentathlon Champion (Hurdles, Long jump, Shot, High jump and 800metres.) Amber scored personal best performances in the first three events. Amber has only recently begun training specifi-cally for combined events and to that end has joined the coaching group of Toni Minichello,which means she trains alongside the European Junior Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis and other top local athletes.Amber says that represent-ing her school,club and county is what gives her the greatest thrill and she is sure that the quality of the others in her group will propel her on to greater things.

ULLEY TIME TRIALS Page 9

Secretary’s Notes (2) Bert Norburn

Rotherham Harriers & AC Newsletter

Editor Peter Humphries Contact for news/comment: 01709 549125 E-mail: peterh@thedoc.fsnet.co.uk We are always interested in the views and news of runners, especially members (old, new, ex- or pro-spective). Deadline for copy: will be announced on website. www.rotherhamharriers.org

RRR-Letter Received

Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to every-one involved. Saturday was my first ultra, first run beyond mara-thon distance of any sort and came after weeks of training blighted by colds etc. As a consequence I was underprepared and still not 100% well on the day. That I finished at all was due in no small part to the superb organisation at each of the checkpoints, and the encouragement of the volunteers. I particularly like the way the route represents all aspects of South Yorkshire, from the active, the dis-used and regenerated mines through the motorways, the beautiful villages and countryside back into indus-trial and social housing estates. I will be back and bring friends no doubt. Thank you again for a challenging and very rewarding day. Yours sincerely, Lucas Bateman (It’s always nice to have such comments, but it’s no more than is deserved by a group which works so hard and efficiently Ed)

Photos from a presentation evening 7th December 2005 at Rotherham Town Cricket Pavilion Seldom can four pictures, which rep-resent the club’s awards evening back in December, so clearly and concisely sum up what is needed for success at a club of the nature and stature of Roth-erham Harriers. Here you have two very hard-working club officials– president Dave Johnson (a busy coach himself) and road secre-tary Peter Neal (an industrious and successful organiser and competitor) handing over awards to and out-standing coach in Dennis Russell, whose successes with his squad alone could maintain a newsletter like this; to Jim Brogan (himself also a coach) whose lifetime of work for this club in various capacities has earned him the award of Life Membership (an award the club does not give lightly); and to two outstanding athletes in Kelly Pagdin and Natalie Grant. You needn’t be a genius to work out that top-class organising, top-class coaching and top class ability and enthusiasm are likely to end up in top-class results. Well done all concerned, and the countless others that these represent.

Recipe for success in a nutshell

Page 5

Club Awards

Kelly Pagdin receiving the “most improved athlete” award from president Dave Johnson Dennis Russell receiving The Jack Phipps Memorial Trophy for services to the club for his commitment to his coaching squad and web site provision. Natalie Grant (pictured with Dennis Russell, her coach) receiving Peter Elliott Middle distance trophy from Dave Johnson. This was the 2nd consecutive year that she received this award, a tremendous achievement Jim Brogan receiving a silver plated salver from Peter Neal, celebrating Jims Life Membership awarded at AGM October

Yorkshire Cross-country

Action just after the start of the U13 (top L) and U15 girls race. Above top L Chris Moran working hard up the hill, as is Richard harris ®, Joe Gavelle and Mark Ruddlestone (lower R) and in the out-standing U17 race, Natalie Grant leading home the RH contingent.

Rotherham Successes in SY Cross-country Championship Medals League Trophies

Age Category Position Name(s)

Senior Men 1st Richard Harris Senior/Vet/Jnr Men 3rd team R.Harris, J.Gavelle, P.Venables, P.Neal, G.

Darg, J.Spencer Vet Ladies O/45 2nd Gill Taylor

Jnr Ladies 1st Leanne Gibson

Senior/Vet/Jnr Ladies 1st team L.Gibson, G.Taylor, S.Bellamy, H.Garrison

U17 Ladies 1st Natalie Grant

2nd Vicky France

3rd Lyndsay Clarke

1st team 3 above + J.Fawcett

U15 Girls 1st Stephanie Burns

3rd Abbie Vernon

Age Category Position Name(s)

Senior men 1st Richard Harris

3rd Joe Gavelle

LV 45 2nd Gill Taylor

U20 Ladies 1st Leanne Gibson

U17 Men 3rd Stephen Nixon

U17 Ladies 1st Jessica Fawcett

3rd Sarah Barnes

Page 6

South Yorkshire Cross-country

With final results not available as we go to press, secretary Bert Norburn has compiled this summary of our performance at the final event (Penistone, Championship) and also after the overall series of four. Good performances in several areas, team support being very prominent too. Pride of place I guess should go to a resurgent and lively Richard Harris, Joe Gavelle prominent too– apart from numerous well-known

01-Jan Cleethorpes 10K A Gristwood 01472 697425 1-Jan Christmas Tree-O, Rotherham Cricket Club (Tree-O) on the day 08-Jan SY Cross-Country 4 & champs SY Penistone Showground 14-Jan Yorkshire Cross-Country Rotherham Herringthorpe pf entry by club course detail 21-Jan Ulley Time Trial Ulley Royal Oak otd 11am first off fourth of 6 revised date 22-Jan Brass Monkey Half now closed York Patricia Hawkins 01904 708125 28-Jan Northern Cross-country Witton Pk, Blackburn entry by club 29 Jan Ferriby 10 Steve Holmes 01482 353647 29-Jan Meltham 10k Comm Sp Centre Meltham 9.30 £6 (otd OK, eligible) A.Whitworth 01484 646387 31-Jan Manchester Indoor T&F vrs events Sportcity(Sale H) 3 of 5 vrs ages £3 (£4 otd) etc details at RHAC 05-Feb Dewsbury 10k Bernard Disken 01924 529981 18-Feb Ulley Time Trial Ulley Royal Oak otd 11am first off fifth of 6 revised date 19-Feb Wombwell 5 Rec Gd Wbwll 10am J.Tomlins 01226 754865 £6 (7 otd) 22-Feb Manchester Indoor T&F vrs events Sportcity(Sale H) 4 of 5 vrs ages £3 (£4 otd) etc details at RHAC 26-Feb Huddersfield RR 10k 11.15 Huddfd RUFC (FunR at 10) £5 C.McCready 01484 328564 20/2 postal 26-Feb Snake Lane 10 Pocklington 11 am 300 limit Race Sec £6 25-Feb ECCA National Cross-country Plmnt Hill, London entry by club 05-Mar Norton 9 Norton Doncaster 11am (FR 10.15) D.Collingwood 01302 70148 £5 ( 6otd) 26/2 11-Mar Haworth Hobble Moorside La Hwth 6.30-7.30am registn £10 (£18 team of 2) 01535 210543 12-Mar Spen 20 Spenborough 10am Chris Drake 01274 678363 £5 (6 otd) 12-Mar Newton's Fraction Half M S.Kesteven Stad, Grantham 10.30 K.Measures 3 Regency Gdns NG319JW 3/3 18-Mar Ulley Time Trial Ulley Royal Oak otd 11am first off last of 6 revised date 19-Mar Ashby 20 Hood Pk Leis C Ashby £14 10am enq 07793 278471 enter 19-Mar East Hull 20 note date change 10am no otd £10 B.Jennison 01482 812138 9/3 19-Mar Liverpool Half www.london-marathon.co.uk 19-Mar Manchester Indoor T&F vrs events Sportcity(Sale H) last of 5 vrs ages £3 (£4 otd) etc details at RHAC 27-Mar Northern 12/6 stage Road Relay tba entry by club 02-Apr Ackworth Half (Yks Ch, Inter Cts) Ackwth, Pontefract 10.30 G Buck 01947 606544 £11 18/3 03-Apr Baildon Boundary Half Crkt& RU Gd Baildon 10am £8 07949 819626 18/3 08-Apr National 12/6 Stage Road Relay Sutton Coldfield entry by club 23-Apr London Marathon London This list (regular update) is available on-line as part of the new website discussion materials via www.thedoc.fsnet.co.uk/newrh/ Errors, omission, additions, or any relevant comments would be appreciated– either personally or via peterh@thedoc.fsnet.co.uk

Fixtures 2006

WEBSITE

Since November a sub-committee of the club executive has been meeting regularly to examine the requirements of RHAC for website materials. Under the chairmanship of Steve Gaines, the committee consisting of Steve together with Jim Brogan, Bert Nor-burn and Peter Humphries has used a systems analysis approach to analyse and design a web to meet the club’s requirements for the foreseeable future. The designs and trial sections/pages are now well under way, and the club’s executive committee, as well as the

sub-committee members seem well pleased by the progress and the outcomes so far. Our aim is to put the new materials on-line round about the start of March. At our last meeting, on 14th January, the sub-group expressed its willingness to have the trial materials made available for the general club membership to appraise also, and if appropriate, comment on. I therefore invite you to visit the trial pages at

www.thedoc.fsnet.co.uk/newrh/

and pass on any views you may have. Properly, they should go to Steve Gaines, but if you send them here, I will pass them on. Don’t forget that you are taking a privileged view of trials/discussion materials, sometimes incomplete, and they will change very markedly from time to time as a result. Whatever is finally arrived at will in turn become www.rotherhamharriers.org which you should con-tinue to use in the meantime.