Although membership had fallen over the last two years club finances were now stable with an
excess of income over expenditure of £696, largely due to a profit on the WPM, as a result of
Dave Newton’s raffle and the existing stock of mugs and T-shirts.
In an improved field of over 100 we had a third club win by JamesArnold in 2.45,
nine minutes clear of the field.
Sara Butcher was a valuable new asset, finishing 3rd lady in 4.02.
The decision to persevere with the race had been right, but the incorporation of a half marathon in
2004, with all the extra help needed from members, would be piloted.
The evening away runs were well established, followed by refreshments for those who could stay,
but runners often took no notice of the routes planned from Sherwood.
Rob Atkin set up a website which was good for publicity and news for members, but from this point
on, the printed newsletter, edited until now by Richard Bradbury, began to run down making
the keeping of club records harder.
Ricky’s Race was rejuvenated on a tough longer course with two climbs up Clough Wood and One
Tree Hill and promised to attract the tough guys of the FRA.
We had a peak year in the High Peak Relay ; A team 1st, Vets 3rd, B team 12th, and we had the
second team place in the LARA midweek 5k.
A good number of vests were awarded in the County cross country and Polly Veazey-French
ran for England on the fells in September. Clive Russell became county vet 60 champ.
The Mead’s sleeping bag was put to good use again when they won the Mourne Mountains
Marathon vets section. They would achieve this a couple of times.
It was the year of the triathlon with Nathalie Thorneycroft and Caroline Higgins 2nd and 3rd in the
E.Mids. Junior, Karl Webster 2nd in the Police Triathlon with Chris Howard 1st.
The club marshalled the run in ae MARS Triathlon, with top positions again from the law enforcers,
and Mick Kuszynski lowering the tone somewhat in his leopardskin trunks.
Ray Foley won the Wirksworth Incline and Chris Howard had wins at Winter Hill, Charnwood and
Lads Leap (English Champion).
Clive Rusell was beginning to win everything in sight as a vet 60, including sub-40 minute 10ks as routine.
Clive Russell inaugurated a new away run from Parwich over a mind-bending course but followed
by superb refreshments at the farm.
Clive Russell had to be appointed club professional cowpuncher to accompany Tessa Veazey
and Dave Furness when they both developed acute bovine phobia on cross country runs.
