Results for the Rugby half-marathon, 12-Jul-2015
Bryan Pears, Ian Ward, Karen Timothy, Karen Winchester and Jayne Phelps took part in the inaugural Rugby half-marathon, with Bryan and Karen T finishing 5th and 6th in their respective categories.
Results for the Wyre Forest Trail half-marathon, 12-Jul-2015
Report from Ninj:
4 Sphinx runners took part in this hot wet muddy hilly trail run…Myles Davis coming in first followed by Andy mac, Jane and Narinder…Jane was second in her age category losing out by just 13 seconds…maybe if she had spent less time flat on her face after taking a tumble she would have won her age category. Trail shoes needed for next time if there is a next time……
Results for various parkruns, 11-Jul-2015
20 Sphinx AC runners/family/friends ran this weekend, with 1 first-timer and no PBs.
A mixture of Friday night/Saturday morning’s Earlsdon Wobbler and the Northbrook 10k looming on Sunday meant that numbers and performances were perhaps lower than they might otherwise had been.
The first-timer was Imran making his first appearance at Daventry.
2015 Sphinx relays, 09-Jul-2015
A great turnout (even a South Derbyshire runner was spotted!) for the relays on a very warm night all raced in a great spirit and some great food afterwards.
Thanks to everyone that took part and all those that looked after the logistics and organisation.
Results for the Seven@Severn, 07-Jul-2015
Jamie and I wondered how many runners there would be as we travelled on country roads to the race. A 7pm start on a Tuesday evening over a distance of 7km around Draycote Water weighed up against extensive advertising (I had two flyers in my boot) and the reliability of runners to toe a start line in search of a PB (pretty much guaranteed over this distance) and that post-race high. The numbers of cars as we neared the venue told us that the advertising and runners’ will had won out.
We ambled (part of our warm-up) out of the car park, joined the queue and learnt three things: there were other Sphinxies, we were in the wrong queue and one of the race organisers/helpers was a bit of a character. Hywel Davies signed up just ahead of us so I pointed out that he is fast. We then wondered where the start would be and went for a short warm-up; unfortunately for me there was no Weedon-esque twang for Jamie’s hip.
We joined the growing numbers that were awaiting the start when the aforementioned race helper character started to test the megaphone, setting off the siren setting in the process. Once he’d mastered this technological hiccup he mingled with the expectant runners and asked ‘What’s this race called?’ before announcing, via the megaphone, the race name (which he liked), that he’d never been there before and that the race start was the other side of the visitor centre. As he led us around the back of the building he referred to himself as The Pied Piper but then had to ask the bike-riding Race Organiser where the start actually was. Another quarter of a mile walk and we were there, whereupon the megaphone character wished us well and instructed us to talk to each other.
Off we went with a lead group of 10 or so with Hywel seemingly biding his time. Jamie worked his way up to this group and actually held the lead after half a mile, at which point Hywel put the hammer down and disappeared into the distance.
The first half of the race was shelter from the wind and was very hot; the second half was into a strong headwind, especially the home straight that seemed to go on forever. All in all it was an enjoyable race with a medal, t-shirt and goody bag. Well done to Jamie for pulling clear at the end to finish as first Sphinx, and to all the other Sphinx runners.
Results for the Edgehill half-marathon, 05-Jul-2015
One of my favourite half marathons of the year this one. Start in the picturesque grounds of Compton Verney in deepest Warwickshire, then half a mile up, half a mile down into the villages of Kineton, followed by a mainly flat, slightly undulating course out into the countryside and the sleepy villages of Little Kineton and Radway, before returning up the ‘cheeky’ Pittern Hill at 11.5 miles, then a downhill run-in and eventual finish on the lawns of Compton Verney by the lake. Well marshalled, plenty of water and a techy T-shirt for all finishers. Low key affair but only 5 of us from the Coventry running fraternity (2 of us, 2 Masseys and 1 Northbrook). Probably a best kept secret this one…. Congratulations to Andy McIntosh on his fastest half this year, commiserations to me on my slowest!
Results for various parkruns, 04-Jul-2015
With the Godiva Festival occupying the usual Coventry parkrun venue, runners were forced to travel to get their parkrun fix.
A couple of visitors to Leamington notched PBs – well done to Bryan and Imran.
At Brueton, Darren Hallett made his parkrun debut, Kevin Dick made his Brueton debut, David West got within a second of his PB and Paul Cozens notched up his 101st parkrun.
Steven Osmond went furthest afield and ran Chichester parkrun for the first time.
Results for the Ryton 5, 02-Jul-2015
A great turnout of 33 Sphinx runners for a 5 mile race around Ryton Pools, which was well organised by Spa Striders and is part of the Warwickshire Road Race League.
There were numerous good performances, with PBs for Jamie and Natalie, amongst others. Well done to all!
Results for the EMGP MK10k & Series, 30-Jun-2015
8 Sphinx runners made the lengthy trip to Milton Keynes for the final, and least exciting, but definitely the hottest, race of the EMGP Series. Andrejs almost got lost (again!) but still finished 8th on the night; however his momentary hesitation deprived him of a sub 35 minute 10k PB. A PB however for Jamie who, despite a hip injury, finished in 41 mins 47 secs. Laura may well have got a PB too, but her secretary, Lisa, couldn’t instantly recall what her best time was for 10k!
With regard to the overall series itself, congratulations to Andrejs, who finished 3rd overall, having completed all 8 races (44.64113 miles), and only finishing outside of the top 10 in the Senior Men category on one aocasion (11th at Silverstone). He has already booked his coach ticket to Northampton to spend his £100 worth of running vouchers at their Running Shop. Get yourself a decent pair of running shoes my friend, you might go a bit quicker! Mr Consistency, our Rob, also completed all 8 races, finishing in an excellent 22nd place overall. Creditable EMGP debuts for Jamie (who also did all 8 races) finishing 33rd overall, and for Dave West, 46th overall. Pride of place for the ladies went to Mary – another 8 racer – who finished 7th overall in her category and only once outside the top 10. Finally thanks to all those who drove to the various events, and Gary for being our official photographer. Bring on the WRRL!
[edit by Rob] Mitch also completed all 8 races and finished in a fine 8th place overall in his category.