Bramley Newspaper Articles

Never a dull month!

Southwell Running Club never seems to have a quiet month, and this September has been no exception. The annual Bramley Challenge held at the beginning of the month saw one hundred runners from Newark AC, Notfast Running Club, Holme Pierrepont and Newark Striders join runners from SRC to compete for the coveted Bramley Apple Trophy. It was perfect weather for the fast, flat 5-mile course through Hoveringham with Tom Marshal from Newark Athletics club coming home first in just over 27 mins and Newark Striders taking home the trophy for the first time. The club’s 5K Grand prix race also produced fantastic results, notably Steven Rice (18:40), Jamie Macintyre (19:02) and Ben Parker (20:38).

Pam Dutton took part in Woodhall Spa Sprint Triathlon and finished first in her V65 age category. Nigel Whitmore enjoyed the spectacular scenery of the Loch Ness Marathon finishing in 3hrs 33mins.

To finish the month, the following all completed the Robin Hood Half: Steven Rice (1.27:08), Adam Smith(1:40:31), Nicola Blatherwick (1:41:55), Lourens du Toit (1:42:29), Kayne Rukas (1:42:29), Stephen Tomlinson (1:42:07), Stephen Holt (1:44:23), Mel Duffey (1:47:57), Simon Hughes (1:52:57) and Rachael Cook (2:23:36).

Well, done all for a successful September – come and join us for a club run on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

Ruby Runner

Southwell Running Club

Summer Running

Southwell Running Club members have continued to enjoy running through the summer with many taking part in or marshalling at the lovely new parkrun at NTU Brackenhurst as well as joining in our weekly club sessions. Club sessions also include monthly pub runs which follow trails and fields in the local area and always finish with chip cobs in a selected pub.

Other members have been enjoying local races - Steven Rice, Stephen Holt and Jo Harcombe stormed into the finish of the Newark Half Marathon in the respective times of 1:27:31, 1:38:44 and 1:54:56. Katherine Nix, Ben Parker, Steven Tomlinson and Nigel Whitmore all completed the Dovedale Dipper, a trail marathon which starts in Hartington village in the Peak District National Park. Ben, Steven and Nigel also finished the 30Km Belper Rover which takes in beautiful trails, footpaths and the ancient woodlands of the Midshires Way.

Michelle Hall took her running to another level with the incredible challenge of the Montane Lakeland 50 which has ascents and descents of over 10,000ft in mountainous terrain and often very difficult weather conditions. Michelle completed the 50 miles in just over 19hrs. Fantastic effort - Well done Michelle.

Southwell Summer Scamper

This weekend saw the inaugural Southwell Summer Scamper 10K, which raised money for The Reach Charity. The event was the idea of SRC member Carol Hayward, who, with the help of Penny Durance, Pam Dutton, Lauren Birkbeck, Michelle Hall, Helen Dove, Stephen Tomlinson, Nigel Whitmore and Stewart Lenton, brought it to life over the past eight months.

The day began with perfect running weather. Runners and spectators gathered at Race HQ at Southwell Rugby Club, and with Lee Mulraney on the microphone, the atmosphere quickly built. Reach Charity was also represented, with several team members taking part. Just before 9:30, after Carol’s race briefing, Richard Whitehead offered words of encouragement and counted runners down to the start. The excitement was clear as participants looped around the field before heading up Park Lane towards Brackenhurst campus.

For many, this was their first 10K, while more experienced runners were equally excited to take part in a new event. Club chairman Ian Haigh led the field on the lead bike, and Lorain Fozzard served as tail runner to ensure everyone returned safely. The route took runners through the university grounds and onto the trails at Gypsy Lane and Sheepwalk Close before looping back along Brackenhurst Lane to finish on the rugby field.

As soon as the runners had left the field, the children’s fun runs got under way under the capable guidance of Lauren Birkbeck. Three age groups took part: ages 3–4, 5–6 and 7–8. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were presented with medals at the finish line by Richard Whitehead, Reach members and a team from Southwell Lions.

Every runner completed the course to loud cheers from the crowd. They were soon proudly wearing their Southwell-themed medals. Leigh Stubbs finished first in an impressive 36:36, followed closely by Ted Ingle in 36:52 and Geoffry Gregory in 36:53. The first female finisher was Carolyn Hay in 39:47, followed by Maisie Ingle in 43:49 and Darcie Wasnidge in 43:55.

Men’s age-category prizes went to Martyn Fickling (MV40), Matthew Daly (MS), Paul Davies (MV50), Andy Welshman (MV60) and Peter Davis (MV70).

Women’s age-category prizes were awarded to Maja Szramowska (FS), Fiona Galick (FV35), Gillian Newbould (FV45), Angie Cochrane (FV55) and Manju Tosar (FV65).

Carol Hayward said the feedback had been fantastic, with many runners describing it as the best organised event they had attended. They praised the scenic course, the supportive marshals at every corner and the great atmosphere at both the start and finish. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes were enjoyed throughout the day, and the club thanked everyone who baked and served in the marquee.

Carol added: ‘This became a wonderful community event, with trophy sponsorship from UPC Group and medal sponsorship from Clegg Group, Southwell Lions and Kirkland and Lane.

We also received fantastic support from NTU Brackenhurst Campus and Southwell Rugby Club, as well as runners from across the town, including Southwell Medical Centre.’

After such a successful debut, the event looks set to return next year.

40 Years of Running.

Southwell Running Club recently celebrated its 40th year Anniversary with an evening of fun and laughter as club members new and old enjoyed a Ceilidh. The event, held at Southwell Rugby Club, with band Kurly Kale had SRC runners to joining in with Strip the Willow and The Gay Gordons and former Chairman, John Cummins giving a talk about the early years of the club.

The Southwell Summer Scamper organising team have been finalising all aspects of the race and are anticipating a great event on 14^th June. Race Director Carol Hayward said ‘The whole community has got behind the event, and it is fantastic that we have sold all the places. We are grateful for the support of so many, including sponsors UPC Group, Clegg Group, Kirkland and Lane and Southwell Lions and well as NTU Brackenhurst Campus for the use of their land and Southwell Rugby Club for their premises.’  ‘We are delighted to have World Record holding Paralympian Richard Whitehead coming to start the race are looking forward to seeing all our runners on the start-line.’

Club members Zoe Astridge and Chris Stokes took part in the Cork Half Marathon finishing in 2:00:24 and 2:04:40 respectively. Both enjoyed a well-earned Guiness after the race!

SUMMER LEAGUE RACE

Southwell Running Club kicked off the Notts. AAA Summer League in April with a fantastic event held at Sherwood Pines on a stunning spring evening.

A team from SRC set up the course and numerous members marshalled the course providing support to the 560 runners who took part in the event. SRC were also able to provide a solid team to participate. The event began with a tribute to Peter Tatton who held the position of Chair and Secretary for the Notts AAA Road Running Committee or over 20 years and was a loyal supporter of Nottinghamshire athletics.

The five mile race took place across the trails in Sherwood Pines and had participants from 15 different clubs across the county. The winner was Steve Sims from Newark Athletic Club who finished in 27:12. First lady was Hayley Gill from Mansfield Harriers finishing in 31:04.

SRC have begun their spring marathon events with Steven Rice, Nigel Whitmore and Nicola Blatherwick completing the Boston (Lincs UK) Marathon on a very windy Sunday in 3:30:02, 3:33:28 and 3:45:37 respectively. Ben Parker ran the Manchester Marathon in the UKA masters' competition and completed it in 3:25:06, coming sixth in his category. 

SRC are continuing with preparations for the first Southwell Summer Scamper in aid of Reach Learning Disability and runners can sign up at www.my.raceresult.com/371600/  For our children's free fun runs please register at www.forms.office.com/e/RNc6DAkMDC.

Ruby Runner