Leinthall Starkes handicap race 2

Race Reports
The first handicapped race in the 2015 series attracted 20 runners and those competitors were duly considerate to the timekeepers by spacing themselves favourably at the finish line. Neil T., having had a shocker last time out when it took him the full distance to warm up, was a clear winner by a full 2 minute margin. I can’t recall a bigger winning time in the 28 year history of the event. Neil’s time was nearly 5 mins. quicker than his April effort. Rachel, another big improver on last month’s run, was next home followed by Richard, who is easing his way back into running. This will feel like a sprint to him in contrast to his preferred ultra-distance challenges.
There was only one P.B. on the night, but it was another biggie for the new svelte Carol as she again sliced a huge chunk off her best time. Mark L. is concentrating on his preparations for his Ironman Triathlon challenge so it was good to see him dipping below the magical 30 minute barrier again. Sue Powell, just 2 days after winning her age group award at the Hereford Half Marathon, continued her run of superb form with a time that was only 5 secs. shy of her best. Excellent debuts from Nigel T. and Clare. Clare was, possibly, harshly treated by the evil handicapper and will fare better next time. Ian Price turned up again 25 years after his last appearance and proved that he is still running strongly as a pensioner. Sam the Man managed to record a personal worst as his recent exploits finally caught up with him. Just a couple of days after performing admirably in the English Fell Running Champs. and following lots of racing over various distances and terrains, his distressed legs ultimately complained. Perhaps he will be a good bet for a choccie bar next month running on refreshed legs.
There are some pics. now on the website Gallery. Thanks to Lucy Marriott for handling the camera so skilfully.
The next and final race on the Leinthall Starkes road circuit, before we head for the woods, will be held on Tuesday 16th June.
RACE  2 12th May  2015
RUNNER TIME
1 Neil  Taylor  (MV55) 37.39
2 Rachel  Nelson  (FV45) 42.43
3 Richard  Hornsby 36.04
4 Carol  Powell  (FV40) 42.12  P.B. by 1 min. 48 secs.
5 Mark  Lamonby 29.40
6 Frank  Luscott  (MV55) 37.46
7 Guy  Whitmarsh  (MV70) 40.05
8 Andrew  Davies 31.59
9 Nigel  Taylor  (MV45) 32.25  Debut
10 Sue  Powell  (FV55) 37.37
11 Sam  Harper  (FV40) 40.10
12 Martin  Williams  (MV45) 34.11
13 Tom  Davies  (MV65) 40.49
14 Stacey  Morgan  (MV40) 29.32
15 Julie  Bownes  (FV 45.39
16 Jo  Marriott  (FV45) 38.40
17 Catherine  Percival 51.39
18 Ian  Price  (MV65) 36.57
19 Clare  Evans 40.18  Debut
20 Sam  Mayglothling 33.08

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Leinthall Starkes Handicap – Race 2

News

A reduced turnout for the second event in the 2011 Handicap Series with 14 runners missing from the April race including a number of familiar faces, but there were still a handful of outstanding performances to record. Conditions were again favourable with the high hedges protecting the runners from any gusts of wind.

Frank was first across the line with a big P.B. illustrating that marathon training can also pay dividends at shorter distances. Ashley and Richard set off just 9 seconds apart and they battled against each other every step of the way to produce excellent runs. Ashley must be very pleased to be running well again after a series of debilitating injuries and Richard equally so as he works his way back to fitness following various ailments. Ashley just held on to his lead by 4 seconds to finish 2nd with Richard chasing hard.

Two age group records were broken by the men with both Gary and Bryan defying the ageing process to improve on their own performances set last month. Maybe it is the mental deterioration that precludes the sensation of pain in the brain. If that is a factor, I expect many more fast runs from both parties.

Alison also improved her own FV50 record to round off a successful evening for the Cooke family proving that too many of them do not necessarily impair the quality of the broth.

A warm welcome to 2 new female runners (Sam and Gemma) who both produced impressive performances. Gemma’s time was the 6th fastest female time over the traditional 5 mile course which has been competed over for 25 years. A very promising debut with the potential of more to come. Another warm welcome back to Kim – good to see her smiling face again.

Dave George set a personal milestone as he ran his first race as a vet. Simon, unfortunately, hobbled home – hopefully, this will not set him back too much as he builds up to another bold Ironman Triathlon challenge.

Finally a mention for “Flash-in-the-Pan” Stacey who was almost 3 minutes faster than the rest. Stacey recently finished 2nd in the Hereford Half Marathon and is now turning his thoughts to, hopefully, setting a P.B. in the Malvern Half Marathon on Sunday – Good Luck, Stace.

The final Leinthall Starkes run of the summer, before we head for the woods, will be held on Tuesday 28th June just 2 days after the annual Multi-Events tounament which is scheduled for Sunday 26th June at Lucton School.

 

 

RACE 2

 

24th May 2011

 

RUNNER

TIME

 

1

Frank Luscott (MV50)

35.33

P.B. by 49 secs.

2

Ashley Cooke (MV50)

33.01

 

3

Richard Hornsby

32.56

 

4

Bryan Markham (MV70)

44.22

MV70 record by 55secs.

5

Kayleigh Luscott (J.F.)

42.50

 

6

Neil Taylor (MV50)

35.36

 

7

Alison Cooke (FV50)

35.37

FV50 record by 21 secs.

8

Sam Harper (FV35)

42.50

Debut

9

Gary Gunner (MV65)

34.54

MV65 record by 8 secs.

10

Dave George (MV40)

31.17

 

11

Gavin Wright

31.30

 

12

Stuart Austin (MV45)

33.00

P.B. by 22 secs.

13

Martin Williams (MV40)

35.04

 

14

Stacey Morgan

28.22

 

15

Kim Wood

48.38

 

16

Gemma Mallett

33.51

Debut

17

Guy Whitmarsh (MV65)

37.51

 

18

Simon Norwood (MV40)

34.38

 

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