Bramley Newspaper Articles

Keep Running! 

 It seems a strange time to be writing an article about Southwell Running Club and unfortunately, but definitely for the right reasons, the club has suspended all training and events until the government issues advice that we can do otherwise. So, for a while you will not be hearing about the great achievements our members undertake each month, but I know that I and we will all still be running for as long as we can. As runners we are fortunate that we can still carry on with the sport/hobby that we love, whilst gym goers team sports and other activities aren’t so lucky. Therefore now is a great time to start running. You can really take advantage of the one physical activity per day that the government is allowing. Not only is this a great way to get or stay fit, it is also proven that running offers many mental health benefits and I am sure this will be of much benefit to many over the coming weeks or months. There are many ways to start running and you can find podcasts such as Couch to 5k if you’re a beginner. For those more experienced runners there are virtual 5k races that you can find online and other activities to keep things interesting. So, if you don’t run then now is the time to start and if you run already, then keep going! It’d be great to see new faces at the club when things get back on track.

Southwell Running Club Still Shining 

 It seems we’ve had storm after storm or just wind or rain during February, but it’s no surprise that Southwell Running Club members were still out in force training and taking part in events. One of the East Midlands XC races was cancelled due to Storm Ciara, but the Colwick XC still took place at the beginning of the month. This course is the hilliest of the XC courses and can be notoriously muddy, this year did not disappoint. Paul Grogan who never seems to miss a XC or summer league race, represented the club, was first home for the men, finishing 26th place. Adam Smith took part in his first XC for the club and he finished just behind our very own Ben Parker in 71st place. There was a good turnout for the ladies team too. Jane Matthews was first back in 28th place and Pam Dutton and Lorraine Fozzard were also not too far behind. During February SRC put on the second of its XC series, the Pit Hill Predictor. This a great event where competitors have to complete a 5 mile hilly XC course. Runners have to estimate how long the run will take them, but no watches are allowed during the race to help them achieve their respective predicted times. Six club members took part in spite of Storm Dennis, but it was Brian Jobe who blew everyone away by completing the run closest to his predicted time. Let’s hope for better weather in March and more great running.

Before I share some of the feats and achievements of some of our runners, I want to congratulate Brian Jobe for taking on the role of chairperson for the club.

The committee and other members have done a fantastic job over the last several months, but it is a great start to the year to have such a fantastic person taking on such a pivotal role within the club. We all wish Brian the best of luck and I know he can help take the club forward. January saw the start of the East Midlands cross country league and two races have already passed out of the four event series. The first race was at Bramcote and we had a great turnout, four men runners and three ladies representing the club. There were two 21st place finishes, Adam Carney for the men's team and Pam Dutton for the ladies. The next race took us to Holme Pierrepont. Whilst this is a flatter cross country course, it certainly isn't any easier. Again we had a great turn out including Adam Carney, Paul Grogan, Ben Parker, Loraine Fozzard, Michelle Hall and Nicola Blatherwick, who all did a fantastic job representing the club.

On top of having a new chairperson we also have some exciting things happening at the club including social pub runs, track session training and the Pitt HIll predictor. So if you want to know more please go to www.southwellrunningclub.org and find out how you can get involved.

The Obsessive Runner

SRC Christmas Celebrations 

Another year has passed and Southwell Running Club held their annual Christmas dinner where all members and partners were welcome to celebrate festivities and some of the achievements of their fellow club members. This year we had a fantastic turnout and 40 people enjoyed the great food and hospitality given by the Admiral Rodney and their staff. Thankfully I do not have to get involved in making any decisions when it comes to who gets the awards as there are many deserved winners, but I do not think there can be any arguments with who actually won the awards on the night. Paul Grogan won the Chairperson’s award and Ian Haigh won the Runners Runner award. Both awards recognise all the help Paul and Ian give to the club with training, encouraging others, always turning up for the team events and being great assets to the club. Steven Rice won the Outstanding Achievement award for a great year of running and several PB’s. Paul Orton won a Special Recognition award for completing the Dragon’s Back race. Dick Durance won the Mary Cochran award, given to someone who inspires and continues to achieve so much in the face of adversity and Dick definitely more than deserves this award. There were also awards for our grand prix and Halam Hat Chase winnners Steven Rice, Michelle Hall and Pam Dutton. A special thanks goes to Sam Hatton and Kat Hall for organising this night and here is to another year of inspirational moments!