1st: Mick Butler	2nd: Gareth Kavanagh-Dixon	3rd: Samantha Collins-Shirley	Fastest Man: John Uff	Fastest Woman: Sarah Edwards

 

Dark clouds greeted runners on arrival at Little Downham for the annual Ely Runners 10k Handicap on Thursday 9th June. Starting at 7:30pm the field of 48 runners made up of Ely Runners, invited guests and members of Ely Tri Club began to head off wary of the impending rain that was sure to greet them at some point on the course. Runners were sent off at regular intervals by timekeepers Emily Knight and Hannah Shiell until the final runner John Uff was sent on his way to chase the pack down at 7:54. The course is the familiar anti-clockwise route out of Little Downham used for the New Year’s Eve 10k, this consists of a circuit taking in country roads via Pymoor before returning to the village and finishing near the cricket pavilion. The weather was blustery and sure enough at the turn in Pymoor runners were met with a headwind and an increasing amount of drizzle, the only highlight being a double rainbow shining bright over the runners ahead. The race is unique in that runners compete both on a handicap basis (result achieved against their projected time) and on the traditional timed finish. The first finisher was guest runner David Wright in an impressive 7:44 below his handicap time. First home for Ely Runners was Michael Butler followed closely by Gareth Kavanagh-Dixon and Hannah Buckingham of the Ely Tri Club. They were followed soon after by the chasing pack of runners all rushing for the line. Last home was Adam Etches, his time was somewhat handicapped however by him still holding his baby daughter as the whistle went for him to head off. The wet weather didn't put people off and with the spirit of camaraderie came improved times; as usual for this event there were several new PBs set, congratulations to Robin Webb, Jose Perez, Matt Holmes, Ashley Blackmore, Sarah Edwards, Nick Dowdy, Heidi Constable, Tanya Shenton, Samantha Collins-Shirley, Karen Foster, John Foster, Shaun Brown and Graham Riminton for all setting new personal best times for the club. Once changed and recovered the runners partook in sandwiches, chips and lots of homemade cake whilst club Chairman Stephen Howard presented Michael with his winning 10k Handicap Shield. Second and third placed Ely runners (Graham Kavanagh-Dixon and Samantha Collins Shirley) also received their prizes as did the first guest home (David Wright) and the fastest man (John Uff 37:49) and fastest lady (Sarah Edwards 46:35). Fastest runners for Ely Tri Club were Sam Hatch 43:09 and Louise Barker 49:54.

These events can’t go ahead without the assistance of club members and other volunteers, special thanks therefore go to all officials for their time and effort: Matt Holmes for much of the organisation and handicap times ably assisted by Steve Tovey, Emily Knight and Hannah Shiell for timekeeping, Julie Foreman for results, John Glover for arranging marshals, food and drinks and all those marshals (including Claire Van Leersum, Heidi Uff, Brian Partridge and many others). Next up for the running club is their annual mile handicap race, if only Ely had a running track for such events!

1st: Ely Runner's Team "Smith"
Linden Smith	Lionel Smith	Kieren 'Smith' Drane

12 hardy souls took part in the club Turing Trail Relay on Sunday 20th March; the race is split into teams of 3 and takes place along the waterways from Ely to Cambridge and back. At 9am Emily Knight sent the stage 1 runners (Steve Tovey, Linden Smith, Stephen Howard and Mark Turner) on their way from Minster Place. After a particularly warm Saturday the wintry weather came as a shock to the other runners who swiftly returned to cars for the drive to Waterbeach. The teams were met at Waterbeach by Martin Courtney (Marshal, time-keeper and water-carrier) whose day was made when he was presented with a shocking pink pen for timekeeping purposes. John Turner, on hand as reserve runner and team driver, decided to go off for a “quick walk”. To club members this didn’t appear to be a Sunday morning stroll, John went off arms pumping at a pace that Olympic speed-walkers wouldn’t be ashamed of. Meanwhile out on the course the 4 runners ran down to the start of the riverbank together enjoying an amiable chat - once on the riverbank Steve Tovey started to stretch his legs out and picked up the pace. Steve, in the middle of marathon training, allegedly treated it as a training-run although his times indicate that his competitive spirit is alive and kicking. Stage 1 was reasonably uneventful for Steve until a close encounter with a dog near the Fish & Duck left him sprawling on the floor!! The running surface on the riverbank was very dry and uneven - so tough on the legs - and there was a rather demoralising headwind the entire way!! At Waterbeach Steve came in several minutes ahead of the others and handed over to Ashley Blackmore for the 8 mile second stage. Mark Turner, running all 3 stages, was next in handing over to Adam Etches who went off at pace with Kieren Drane (using stage 2 as a warm-up for his official stage 3 run later-on). After stocking up on water and energy gels Mark soon followed. Next in came Stephen Howard and Linden Smith, Stephen has been suffering with an injury over recent weeks so did well to complete the stage in good time. Stephen and Linden handed over to Matt Holmes and Lionel Smith respectively, Matt tried to go off at a reasonable pace but was unable to kick away from Lionel who he could hear close behind for the first 5 miles. Matt’s recent illness came back to bite him and after mile 5 he was starting to feel things going downhill fast, Lionel soon went past and he was followed by Mark continuing his steady pace. Lionel’s main recollection of the run is seeing Matt not looking too good. Further ahead Ashley was coming into handover again at Waterbeach; Ashley had gone off quickly and managed to keep the gap created by Steve earlier. Ashley handed over to Stuart Baumber who, it later transpired, had decided to go for a 10-mile warm-up. Ashley was followed in by Adam who handed over to Stephen Hardwick (another deep into marathon training). Further back Lionel had pushed on and was now 4 minutes clear of Matt. The ever-competitive Peter Harris waiting at Waterbeach was heard grumbling about the fact that he was going to be overtaken by Kieren within a mile and that he would be running back to Ely all on his own in last place. Luckily (or not!) Lionel was handing over to Kieren who like a shot was off at an impressive 6:30 pace that he maintained all the way to Ely. Mark soon arrived and after topping up on fluids again was off. Matt eventually arrived at Waterbeach a shadow of the man of an hour before; despite waiting for so long Peter wasn’t ready and thus ensued a comedic “shoe stuck in trousers moment” where one wondered if he would ever make it away. Steve and Linden had both decided to run stage 2 as well and they soon followed in looking pleased with their efforts. Back out on the course Stuart must have taken time out to go fishing at Upware, as the other runners all seemed to pass him at this point. Before starting his leg Kieren overdosed on jelly beans resulting in a first few miles faster than expected. The leg was a very enjoyable run with the sun shining and lots of boats to look at going up and down the river. The finish was well supported and Kieren came in first for Team Smith who finished in just over 4 hours. Kieren particularly enjoyed the applause of the many hundreds of local Ely people that had come out to support the event. Someone even spotted some bloke that used to be in the Bill. Kieren was followed later on by Stephen Hardwick, the evergreen Peter Harris and “Ironman” Mark Turner. As everyone's thoughts were turning to Sunday lunch Stuart came in with tales of Fen tigers, angry boatmen and miles and miles of remote fenland fields…… Many thanks to Steven Hardwick and Mark Turner for donating drinks and gels to the slowest runner of the day!

Stage one runners 11.7-miles, 1st Steve Tovey in 1:27:04, 2nd Mark Turner in 1:40:05, joint 3rd Linden Smith and Stephen Howard in 1:40:05 Stage two runners 8.0-miles, 1st Adam Etches in 1:00:21, 2nd Lionel Smith in 1:01:47, 3rd Ashley Blackmore in 1:03:41 and 4th Matt Holmes in 1:05:53 Stage three runners 12.1-miles, 1st Kieren Drane in 1:19:49, 2nd Peter Harris in 1:37:32, 3rd Steven Hardwick in 1:42:39 and 4th Stuart Baumber in 2:02:49.

Thanks to Matt Holmes for organizing the event and teams, and to Emily Knight and Martin Courtney timekeeping.

Andrew Balmford	Natalle Etches	Craig Holgate	Heidi Uff	Graham Chapman	Heidi Uff
Handicap Winners		Fastest Runners		Best Age-Graded Runners

 

This year the Ely Mile Handicap was held on the Amherst Field grass track rather than the Quanea Drove. Also there was a good level of participation from all parts of the club with juniors, seniors, and veterans well represented in both male and female categories. With 36 runners and a good number of parents and supporters present there was a lively atmosphere for the races themselves. The warm and slightly humid conditions were perfect for the spectators and not too unpleasant for the runners. Due to the number of starters the races were split into three with similar-paced runners going off together to keep the races exciting and competitive. Spectators and runners alike offered loud support and encouragement to the racers on each of their four laps as they passed the finish line. After the events completed all and sundry adjourned to the Albert for drinks, sandwiches and chips whilst the organisers worked out the winners in each of the race categories. The final act was Club chairman Stephen Howard presenting the trophies to each of the category winners.

Winners of the new junior handicap trophies were Alex Ellwood (6:29, 14s under estimated time) and Hattie Fletcher (7:33, same as estimated time). Special mention was also given to guest runner Adrian Chalmers (7:33, 56s under estimated time). The fastest juniors on the night were Alex Seabright (5:44) and Robyn Seabright (6:14).

The senior handicap trophy was shared by Andrew Balmford (6:07, 3s under) and Natalle Etches (7:47 12s under).

The trophy for fastest overall was shared by Craig Holgate (4:46) for the men and Heidi Uff (6:09) for the ladies.

Heidi Uff (6:09, AG%67.38) also shared the age graded trophy with Graham Chapman (5:35, AG%78.71).

There were New Club Records for Alex Seabright (MJ 5:44); Jonah Balmford (Boy 6:10); Robyn Seabright (Girl 6:14) and Peter Harris (MV60 6:02) - Peter eclipsed the old record (held by John Turner) by 9s. There were also personal bests for Jonah Balmford, David Mould, Andrew Balmford, Heidi Uff and Molly Butler; with personal bests (first miles) for John Uff, Alex Seabright, Tony Kirby-Cook, Lionel Smith, Robyn Seabright, Stuart Baumber, Neil Atherton, Esme Wright, Fraser Crossman, Nathan Pennington, Hattie Fletcher and Cindy Mills.

Thanks once again to all the helpers: Steve Tovey for much of the organisation including course setup and, (together with Alan Rutterford), assigning handicap times to members. Also to Emily Knight and Julie Foreman for race timing, results and laying on refreshments. Thanks too to all Ely Runners and parents for offering support and encouragements to all runners.