Matlock Athletic Club
Welcome
Formed in 1976, Matlock Athletic Club provides competition for runners of all ages and abilities from the recreational runner to the competitive athlete. Based at the Arc Leisure Centre in Matlock with the beautiful Derbyshire scenery on our doorstep, training nights are Mondays at 6.00pm and Thursdays at 6.30pm. The club also hosts the popular White Peak Marathon and Half Marathon, two annual fell races and a triathlon and gives practical support to a number of other local races. Enjoy our website and feel free to get in touch.
News
2012 WHITE PEAK MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON
FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND ENTRY FORMS
FOR THE 2012 WHITE PEAK MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON
SEE EVENTS
County cross country & Shining Cliff
It’s been a busy weekend for some of Matlock AC’s athletes. Saturday involved a trip down to Markeaton Park to take on the county’s runners in the Derbyshire cross-country championships. The recent heavy rain had left the usually well-drained parkland course soft and heavy going at times.
The first race – the under 11 girls over 1500m – brought the club’s only individual gold medal of the championships courtesy of Hope Hanby’s fine performance, edging out the competition by a single second. A great run by a promising young athlete.
The under 11 boys’ race had Rueben Orr taking on boys a whole year older than him and excelled himself, finishing just out of the medals in 4th.
Emily Croft was the club’s only runner in the under 13 girls’ race having only just moved up into that age group. Some tough competition saw her finish in 9th place but, having only recently turned 11, it was a commendable show.
In the under 13 boys’ race Matlock AC had enough lads to make up the required number for a full team. Led by Cameron Orr who took 3rd place overall, the support from John Webster in 14th and Sam Allen in 17th earned Cameron a double bronze with the team podium place, only beaten by the considerably bigger clubs of Derby and Amber Valley.
The ladies’ race over 8km was a tough run for Christine Howard who finished 7th against some youthful competition, although the age-related reward of the silver medal in the 40-49 age group shows her continuing determination. Nicky Dick, taking 3rd place in the 40-49 category in her first county championship, provided the back-up along with Julie Goodwin to secure the silver team medal for that age group.
Finally, the club’s men lined up to do battle over 10km. A welcome return to Matlock AC by Josh Moody showed he is well on the way back to fitness taking 4th in the under 20s category. The rest were all veterans, or masters as the new euphemism goes, except for young Simon Flitter who finished 15th senior. The masters’ team title was taken by Andy Whittaker, Karl Webster, Simon Croft and John Hurley. Mick Moorhouse, John Birch and Rob Allen were the other runners along with Clive Russell taking 2nd over 60, only a month short of is 70th birthday.
The next day it was the first of 2012’s Shining Cliff fell races. Almost 150 turned out for a very muddy experience on the woodland slopes between Alderwasley and Ambergate. The clear winner over the 7km was Peter Hodkinson of Erewash Valley RC.
First Matlock runner home was birthday boy Mick Moorhouse expecting that his new-found 11 hour old status in the over 60 category would bring the dividends associated with the diminishing benefits of ageing. However, much cursing could be heard as it became apparent that only 11 seconds ahead of him was a man of equal age and similarly youthful looks. These old men, eh!
Next it was Christine Howard taking the 2nd lady’s position before John Birch and Nicky Dick, all pinning on their numbers for the second consecutive day, and Mick Kuszynski.
In the junior race which provided the supporting event, John Webster took 2nd place, his sister Elizabeth was 1st girl and Marianna Kuszynski was 3rd girl.
Beetroot Race
BOXING DAY FELL RACE
The record turnout of 28 runners in Matlock AC’s Boxing Day fell race was due to the exceptionally mild conditions but perhaps also reflected the growth in membership since they relocated their headquarters to the new sports centre.
Limited to members and guests, the race was won yet again by Esmond Tresidder who clocked 25 minutes 23 seconds for the two mile climb to the Bole Hill summit plus the same route back to High Peak Junction.
At the Black Rocks car park Richard Bradbury was looking good in second place but he had to settle for third as the long striding Karl Webster clawed back the lead on the Sheep Pasture descent. Christine Howard was first lady in 8th place.
In the Junior category Sam Allen and John Webster finished equal first in 14.25, and Emily Croft was first girl .
For full results read more
Read more...Lee Jones
The sad news has been revealed that the 19 year old who tragically passed away on Scafell at the weekend was Lee Jones.
Many members will remember Lee as one of our very talented junior members when in his early to mid teens who indeed, as a protege of Randell, held a place in the England fell running squad and represented the country here and overseas.
He was recognised as a determined competitor and, with the bit between his teeth, no-one around him could be assured a place ahead of him. His short powerful stature coupled with his lively personality earned him the affectionate nickname Jumping Bean and his cheerful disposition was always welcomed by everyone who trained and raced with him.
Eventually, Lee's running gave way to other interests, most notably gym work, but he was often seen around at our training venues (Fitness Forum and the Lido) working out with his mates. He threatened a time or two to resume his running career and start thrashing us all which was probably not entirely in jest. He even ran the London Marathon last year for fun.
As a club we offer our condolences to Lee's family and friends and remember with fondness his all too short life.
Please see the forum for further details.
Clowne Half Marathon
The 26th Clowne Half Marathon took place on Sunday 27th November 2011, which was also a Derbyshire County Championship race. Fortunately the rain had stopped giving way to bright, cool but chilly weather conditions, with a strong wind. Matlock Athletic Club had a good day considerinfg the windy conditions. Christine Howard won 1st Lady Vet O/35 and 3rd Lady home in a time of 1.30.08. Jan Forrester came home as 2nd Lady Vet O/55 in the championships in a time of 1.54.25. Male Runners James Thorneycroft (1.33.20), Richard W Bradbury (1.26.20) and Alan Pickering (1.24.57) winning the Clowne Road Runners Club Half Marathon Veteran Team Trophy and Shield (a first for Matlock AC). Alan also collected a 2nd place medal in the championships.
