Wrexham Half Marathon February 2012
The problems with signage at this year’s event have been well discussed, suffice to say the Deestriders were lucky not to be directly affected. Despite being relatively flat, the course on the industrial estate is notoriously exposed to the weather and whilst conditions were overall good, the wind made it tough in places.
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Jay Jennions went into this event knowing she was not yet 100% but ran one of her most intelligent races to date, working extremely well with fellow North Wales team member Jenny Brierley of Bangor from the eighth mile onwards. Jay’s one error was not getting a better position in the rerouted start, as she took a while to get into position in the first mile and ultimately very narrowly missed out on a sub 1.30.
New recruit Stephen Hannam is fast establishing himself as one of the club’s big guns and despite suffering with manflu, he started extremely quickly and indeed it took Jay two miles to catch him. Ste stuck with her until the fourth mile before beginning to pay for his boldness, but he carried on for a massive PB of 1.33, by almost 5 minutes.
Mark Williams bruised his ribs in a fall in training a few weeks back and struggled slightly in the Mad Dog 10k last week, but incredibly produced 1.36, equalling his best and he looks well on for London where a sub 3.30 is not out of the question. A class performance from super sixtysomething Rose Rogers was next with 1.41. Lorna Royle and Leslie Ingram gave brave runs of 1.54 and 1.59 respectively. Meanwhile the determined Lindsey Bellis started the race having not been well recently, and battled round the first lap of the course, but was unfortunately forced to pull out at five miles with severe stomach cramps.
Don’t forget the club meal at the Red Lion in Northop on Friday 24 February 2012- let Martin know your order if you haven’t already. The 25th will be a welcome rest day before BL5 at Nercwys where conditions currently look excellent, even if the course is going to be far from easy!!
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Race Reports
Border League Race 6- Christleton- 1 April 2012
There was no April-fooling around for the Deestriders as they fielded full teams in warm sunny conditions on this beautiful, undulating and partly off-road 5.7 mile course just outside Chester.
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In the men’s event, Andy Edwards sensibly came to the race by car, having missed the race last year when he got lost en route. Just as well he did as the 20 year old had another top 10 stunner despite being up against other regional- and some international level- athletes, coming 9th in 31.12. Andy is now an impressive 7th senior man, a category that encompasses up to 20 years of experience, in the league. Next man in was Martin Witty who looks almost back to his formidable form of a year ago with a very strong 36.44. Vince Edwards and Mark Williams worked with/ battled each other for a tremendous photo-finish of 39.10 and with a race like that, Mark looks set to break 3.30 at London. A good race from Peter Rooney (42.11) and Kev Burns (44.35) and good luck to Kev for his charity cycle tour to Snowdonia this week. The essential 7th man was Fred Aird, who ran with Bev Goodson in his 100th Border League race. Congratulations Fred you legend, you have done so much for the club and the sport and we wish you all the best!
In the women’s race, Jay Jennions is back at her best as she came fourth in a terrific 36.16, working for much of the way with international Marilyn Kitching. Club debutante Leanne Barlow gave an excellent account of herself with a top 30 finish for 43.01, and the determined Bev Goodson’s 1.02.22 was a marked improvement on her performance at Nercwys just one month ago.
The final event is ours on the evening of Wednesday 25 April- a short flat and fast course with a trip to the bar for the presentation evening- who’s going to say no?
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