Craig Allen, the new Chairman, has implemented bi-monthly committee meetings which it is hoped will ensure that proposals are fully followed through and acted upon. The first meeting on 7th January 2016 implemented a calendar to be displayed on website, noticeboard and FB to ensure members know what is going on and important notices. MAC advertised for new treasurer, webmaster and more coaches.
This is MACs 40th Anniversary year and lots of events are to be organised including a family social after the XC in for the juniors on 28th February and a Senior 40th party after relay races in the day on 25th June. Also on Monday 21st March there is to be a Club photo. Mark Duffy, Sports Editor of Matlock Mercury is to publish 2 page spread about the celebrations including history and forthcoming events for the year in a February issue. The newly founded WPM committee headed by Andy Lessiter continue to meet to ensure all strategies are in place and for the first time the event will be online entries starting on 1st February.
The Derbyshire XC champs took place on Saturday 9th January in even muddier conditions than usual with a fantastic turnout of juniors and seniors in every category and an impressive array of medals. In the juniors U11 girls Olivia Allen – bronze, U13 Michaela Dick – bronze, U15 Elsbeth Grant – bronze, U17 boys Joe Hallas – silver. In the seniors LV50 Nicky Dick – gold, LV60 Jan Forrester – gold, MV60 John Hurley – gold, Anthony Marchington – silver, Mick Moorhouse – bronze. In the teams U13 girls Michaela, Ellie Wilson, Lizzie Webster – silver, U15 girls Elsbeth, Ava Holden and Lily Phillips – silver, MV40+ Rupert Holden, Andy Lessiter, Scott Thompson, Simon Croft – bronze.
The first race of the monthy Whitworth Thread took place on 9th and continues to be very popular.
Simon Brister retained his MV65 title in a time of 27.03 for the 6k race in the Midland Masters AC Cross Country Champs at Aldersley Park, Wolverhampton on Sunday 10th.
On Saturday 16th the final race of 4 in the North Mids XC series took place. This has lost some popularity with MACs in recent years but John Hurley and Mick Moorhouse continue to represent the club at this event in the seniors. Elsbeth Grant U15 girls, Lizzie Webster U13 girls, Joe Currie U13 boys represented the juniors. Whilst these members were slogging round the mud in Nottingham, Nicky Dick in her capacity as AG Director for British Triathlon attended a conference in Paris and Billy Cartwright was to be found competing in Asia in the Columbia Trail Masters in Chonburi, Thailand. Richard Bradbury and Ben Cartwright continue to take on the fells.
On Saturday 23rd the Derbyshire Secondary School Games took place at Tupton Hall School, Chesterfield. This is a legacy programme linked to the London 2012 Olympic games and is at the core of the Government’s investment in school sport. Several MAC youngsters representing their school took part – Elsbeth Grant, Joe Currie, Joe Hallas, Jacob Cousins, Toby Gill, Ella, Lily Phillips, Michaela Dick, Lizzie Webster.
On 24th January the 4th race in the Booths Decorators League took place at Trent Meadows, Long Eaton. MAC Ladies finished 2nd and move up to 3rd overall with the Men finishing a healthy 4th and are also 3rd overall. That gives MAC 2nd place on combined on the day and overall. Colin Davenport 4th, 32.04, newcomer Bertie White 23rd, 1st JM, 35.46, Rupert Holden, 3rd MV45, 35.50, Craig Allen 35.57, Scott Thompson 36.35, Kelly Thorneycroft 2nd Lady, 37.51, John Webster 3rd JM 38.04, John Hurley 1st MV60 38.39, Andy Whittaker 3rd MV55 39.21, Charlie Whittaker 39.28, Simon Brister 1st MV65 40.14, Antony Lester 40.19, Anthony Marchington 2nd MV60, 40.30, Dan Ashcroft 40.43, Mick Moorhouse 3rd MV60, 40.58, Ava Holden 2nd JL 41.45, Alison Pye 41.55, Karl Webster 42.44, Dennis Belbin 43.02, Andrew Hall 43.13, Gavin Simmons 43.44, Jan Forrester 1st LV60 47.49, Katie Haywood 48.37, Laurie Croft 48.56 and Emma Phillips 53.59. There were 244 runners. With one race to go at Holmesbrook Valley Park, Chesterfield, there is all to play for.
The 3rd race in the newly introduced MAC 10k handicap took place on a wet night on 28th January and with 2 races to go, Peter Wilmot is leading the pack. Tessa Brough is leading the ladies. Jan Forrester claimed race victory with an 80.2% age graded performance.
Tigger Tor Fell race took place on Sunday 31st and with only 1 more race in the Senior GP for the season, Peter Wilmot extended his unassailable lead and Sian Mead, gaining 17 points, ensured she will take the ladies’ title.
On 7th February the 5th and final race in the BDL League took place and MAC enjoyed another brilliant season by finishing 2nd overall in the combined team category and the men’s team moved up to 2nd overall after a hugely impressive display to finish 2nd behind Sutton on the day but importantly in front of the team from Ilkeston. Agonisingly close for the ladies’ team who just lost out on 3rd spot to Ripley, but they made a massive contribution to a great season and to that 2nd place combined team medal.
Here are the 26 MAC individual results for the BDL –
Colin Davenport 3rd 32.16, Joe Hallas 1st JM 4th overall 32.21, Rupert Holden 3rd MV45 34.52, Bertie West 3rd JM 35.29, Scott Thompson 36.21, Craig Allen 36.26, Simon Croft 2nd MV50 36.46, Kelly Thorneycroft 3rd SL 37.47, John Hurley 1st MV60 38.30, Charlie Whittaker 38.43, Chris Hallas 39.09, Mick Moorhouse 2nd MV60, 39.45, Anthony Marchington 3rd MV60 39.53, Dan Ashcroft 40.17, Martin Lea 40.49, Ava Holden 2nd JL 41.18, Antony Lester 41.20, Ted Phillips 41.43, Alison Pye, 3rd LV35 42.09, Dennis Belbin 43.36, Andy Hall 43.40, Lily Phillips 3rd JL 46.27, Clive Russell 1st MV70 47.16, Jan Forrester 1st LV60 47.26, Laurie Croft 49.45 and Emma Phillips 56.13.
Age group medal winners – Bronze – Kelly Thorneycroft, Alison Pye, Laurie Croft, Scott Thompson, Rupert Holden, Mick Moorhouse, Silver – Ava Holden, Joe Hallas, Anthony Marchington. Gold – Jan Forrester, Andy Whittaker, John Hurley, Clive Russell.
On 27th February the English National XC Champs took place at Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby. with 7,850 athletes entered representing 538 affiliated athletic clubs, the competition was keen.
Joe Currie took part in the U13 Boys 3k and completed in a time of 14.03. He was 73rd in a field of 420 runners. The winner was Tommy Dawson of Leeds City AC in 12.19. Joe Hallas took part in the U17 Men 6k and finished in 21.52 in 79th place. There were 243 runners and the winner was Isaac Akers of Corby AC in 19.28
In the Senior GP 2015/2016 Peter Wilmot was 1st, Simon Croft 2nd and Craig Allen 3rd. In the Ladies Sian Mead was 1st, Alison Pye 2nd and Laurie Croft 3rd. In the Junior GP U16 John Webster for the Boys and Elsbeth Grant for the Girls. Spencer Whittle and Lily Phillips are the runners up and in 3rd spot Jacob Cousins and Ella Ingram. In the U12s the winners are Joe Currie and Olivia Allen, runners up Toby Gill and Michaela Dick and in 3rd place William Croft and Freya Lester.
The GP races for 2016/2017 are to be announced soon and the first race of the new season was the annual XC at Darley Bridge on Sunday 28th February, which was very popular, followed by the Junior Presentation at St Helen’s Church Hall, Darley Dale with a talk by Eleanor Robinson, World Ultra-Marathon which was well received by seniors and juniors alike. Chairman, Craig Allen thanked the committee and Pam Pickering took photos.
On Saturday 5th March Jan Forrester travelled to the Dambuster Duathlon Rutland Water for the World Championship Duathlon and qualified in the Standard event (10k run, 42k bike, 5k run) in the LV60 age group to be held in Spain on 4th June.
The juniors continue to do well representing their schools in the English Schools Athletic Association (ESAA) Cross Country Championships at Wollaton Park with Joe Hallas and Elspeth Grant.
Others have done well in aquathons, such as the Burntwood Spring Aquathon, nr. Litchfield. The Lesters, Lindridges and Burches putting on fine performances.
8 MACs represented Derbyshire at the Inter-Counties XC event at Cofton Park, Birmingham. Colin Davenport, Nicky Dick put in particularly fine performances.
For the girls Elsbeth Grant, Lizzie Webster, Michaela Dick, Eleanor Wilson and Bronwyn Lessiter all had good runs as did Joe Currie for the boys.
In the 14th March edition of the Matlock Mercury the long-awaited 40th Anniversary full page article was printed with input from members old and young, with particular thanks for Brian Howitt (81) who was one of the founding members and who is still a font of information on the club past and present. (See press cutting).
On 20th March it was Karl’s Peak Life Sport Derwent Duathlon which this year incorporated the Police Sport UK Duathlon Champs. There were 123 finishers and for once the weather was kind.
The monthly 10k handicap ended on 24th March. Organised by Jim Thorneycroft there have been 30+ members taking part over the 5 races with Peter Wilmot winning the series on 122 points, Andy Lessiter 2nd on 118 and Greg Woodward 3rd on 102. First lady was Tessa Brough on 83 points and 4th overall, Emma Machin 2nd on 26 and Jan Forrester 3rd on 25. Jan achieved the best age graded place of 80.2%. The handicap will be back later in the year.
Mid-March saw the introduction of the MAC twitter stream. This is proving popular and includes lots of links to local races with dietary and injury advice and keeps MAC firmly up to date with all the techie whizzes out there.
Thursday 31st March, as the lighter nights are now with us, was the first away run, as usual from Chatsworth Calton Lees car park.
Encouraging team participation is particularly important to the club now that we have expanded so much and Alsion Pye and Jim Thorneycroft (Captains) tried to get teams together for the Midland Road Relays but there was not enough interest. However, have 3 teams to participate in the BMAF Road Relays 5k at Sutton Park, nr Birmingham on 14th May.
On 12th April the Summer series of the BDL Trail runs started at Teversal and a good turnout of 19 runners left us in combined position of 8th and 2 age group category wins – Ian Phillips (MV40) and Simon Brister (MV65).
Jan Forrester and Andy Lessiter represented Great Britain in age group category races in the European Duathlon Championships in Kalkar in Germany. Jan in the Standard distance and Andy in the Sprint. Jan came away with a Gold medal (2.42.50) up against International long distance triathlete, Edith Kowalski. Andy had a mechanical but still finished in 1.08.59. Jan will go on to represent GBR and MAC on 3rd June in Aviles, Spain in the Worlds.
Marathon time is upon us and Dennis Belbin (4.00.53) and Kelly Lynn (3.35.38) took on Brighton Marathon on 17th April, now the 2nd largest in Britain.
It was London Marathon on 24th April and fortunately the forecast wind and snow did not materialise and 4 MACs took it on this year. Colin Davenport 2.44.40, Craig Allen 3.02.02, Peter Wilmot 3.11.16, 2nd claim Dennis Holmes 3.24.50 and Mark Pollak 3.56.
The 2nd race in the junior GP also took place on 24th – the Wirksworth Incline Race which included a 2.16 miler and 0.5 miler and there were some great MAC results.
In the 2.16 mile race Joe Currie was 1st in 14.24 and Sam Thompson 2nd in 14.57, Birtie West was 4th in 16.02 and Michaela Dick 2nd girl in 16.35. Eddie Unsworth 16.55, Matilda Maciejewski 18.44, Lilian Phillips 19.00.
In the 0.5 miler Oscar Atkinson was 1st in 5.56, Lauren Lindridge 2nd girl in 6.09, Alex Currie was 4th in 6.24, Freya Lester 6.39, Gessica Lindridge 6.48, Eva Currie 6.54, Caitlin McCloy 15th 7.16, Lucy Kuszynski 7.27. Great running by all!!
On Tuesday 26th the 2nd race in the Senior GP took place – Masson Hill Fell Race with Billy Cartwright (30.12) not only winning and securing 20 GP points, but running a new course record in difficult snowy conditions. Brother, Ben was 3rd in 31.02. Richard Bradbury 20th 35.09 (2nd MV40), Andrew Sheldon 37.11, Simon Brister 39.56 (1st MV65), Jonathan Edwards 41.06, Mick Moorhouse 41.14 (1st MV60), Andy Neath 41.51, Alison Pye 45.13, Andrew Hodkin 45.16, Dennis Belbin 45.42, Nick Harrison 45.58, Andrea Atkinson 51.43, Emma Phillips 56.53 and Christine Middleton 1.01.59. There were 157 runners.
Joe Hallas made his season debut on the track at Loughborough on Weds. 27th in the Charnwood AC. Open meeting. Running the 3000m at 8.30p.m. on a cold April evening was not conducive to running fast times.
Joe put his hard winter work, under the coaching of Andy Whittaker, to good use finishing a creditable 3rd in this open race and smashing his PB by 17s in a time of 9min 15s . This gives Joe a current ranking of 15 in the uk u/17’s. Fantastic start Joe.
The club are still having problems collecting in subs from members and there have been discussions about changing to online membership. This is still ongoing but as Dennis Belbin, Secretary needs to send in the UKA membership fees soon, this needs to be rectified as soon as possible.
7th May saw Race 2, Up The Nab (6.4k/365m) in the English Fell Running Championships take place at Charlesworth, Nr. Glossop. This was also the Derbyshire Championships. National races always bring out the fell running big guns and Simon Bailey of Mercia FR took top spot in 34.04 with Billy Cartwright taking 23rd place in 36.30 beating Derbyshire legend Stuart Bond by 4 secs. This puts Billy in 15th place in the Men’s Open Championship with 59 points after Black Combe and Up the Nab.
Online payments for subs has finally been introduced this month and hopefully this will encourage more people to pay on time.
On Tuesday evening 10th May the 2nd race in the BDL took place at Ilkeston. We do not get such a good turnout as the Winter League, however Colin Davenport led the MACs home in 8th place 29.54, Scott Thompson 32.17, Andrew Sheldon 32.41, Craig Allen 34.06, Peter Wilmot 34.31, Simon Brister 2nd MV65 35.25, Charlie Whittaker 35.42, Dan Ashcroft 35.56, Alison Pye was first MAC lady in 37.33, Andrea Atkinson in her first BDL race put in a fine performance 42.21, Jan Forrester 1st LV60 44.13 and Emma Phillips 46.10.
There was a presentation after the event in the Rugby Club of the trophies from the Winter League and MAC had quite a haul of combined team and individual wins.
The BMAF Road 5k Relays at Sutton Park, Nr Birmingham took place on 14th May and these are always a bit of a leveller as the competition is always very fierce. The LV45 team of Christine Howard, Tessa Whittaker, Karen Morley were 18th, the MV55 team of Simon Brister, Steve Holt and Jim Thorneycroft were 28th and the MV35 team of Craig Allen, Scott Thompson and Peter Wilmot were 27th.
On the same day it was the Whitworth Thread 5k and this was in the Junior GP so attracted a great number of MAC juniors vying for GP points.
White Peak Marathon and Swift Half Marathon took place on Saturday 21st May.
Report from WPM Race Director, Andy Lessiter
This year’s White Peak Marathon and Swift Half Marathon is in the same year that Matlock Athletic Club celebrate its 40th birthday so the event felt a little more special this year. Or maybe it was because it was the first time that MAC used electronic entry and electronic timing for this event. Whatever the reason, the predicted rain throughout the day would have to be equally special to dampen the spirits of the competitors who turned up to take up the challenge of competing in what has been described as one the most beautiful courses and best value running events in the country.
The 2016 Half Marathon winner, Luke Beresford running for Ripley Running Club, crossed the finish line in 1:16:15, 1 minute and 22 seconds clear of Craig Muress who came in 2nd place at 1:17:37. In 3rd place, in at 01:17:46 came Dean Taylor of Ripley Running Club. First Lady (in 9th place overall) was Lindsy James of Kimberworth Striders, 6 minutes and 9 seconds ahead of Lucy Taylor (so not a bad day for the Taylor household) of Ripley Running Club who finished in 2nd place in 01:29:09 and nearly 3 minutes ahead of 3rd place Lady, Helen Shulver (one place down on last year’s 2nd place) of Team Trisports in 25th place at 01:31:53.
For MAC, Scott Thompson had a brilliant race and was pleased with 10th position in a time of 1:24:25.
The rest of the competitors representing Matlock Athletic Club were:
Position First name Surname Age Cat. Time
46 John Brennan Open 01:37:34
47 Antony Lester Open 01:37:42
53 Andy Neath V40 01:38:29
58 Pete Bush V50 01:39:29
90 Rosie Croft Open 01:48:42
101 Gavin Simmons V40 01:51:06
102 Mark Jackson V50 01:51:24
116 Laurie Croft V40 01:53:04
120 Rachel Spencer V40 01:53:53
181 Tessa Brough V60 02:06:56
238 Jakki Simmons V40 02:31:12
The Vet Category Prize winners were as follows:
Category 1st name 2nd name Club Time
1st MV 40 Matthew Nutt Formula One Circuit Crew 01:20:39
2nd MV 40 Ian Bryson Harpenden Arrows 01:21:29
1st MV 50 Ian McMillan Unattached 01:30:35
1st MV60 Patrick Rooney Kimberworth Striders 01:31:50
1st LV 40 Joanne Bolton Kimberworth Striders 01:32:48
2nd LV 40 Louise Lowe Clowne Road Running Club 01:33:12
1st LV 50 Mary Green Bingley Harriers and AC 01:42:36
1st LV 60 Rachel Singer Unattached 01:54:11
Ripley Running Club were the Half Marathon Team Winners and there were 249 competitors in the Swift Half Marathon.
For the Marathon, some more impressive times were achieved.
Last year’s Marathon winner Kevin Doyle of Kimberworth Striders came in again as this year’s winner in 2:55:04. In 2nd place was Michael Sprot of Hallamshire Harriers Sheffield in 2:59:26 with 3rd place going to Paul Reaney of Killamarsh Kestrels in 3:06:20
First lady was Claire Howard from Totley AC in 21st position in 3:24:21. 2nd Lady was Jennifer Ansell of East London Runners in 37th position in 3:35:38 and 3rd Lady was Rachel Burton of North Derbyshire Running Club in 46th position in 3:41:29
For MAC, David Unsworth came home in 32th position in 3:32:28 and Kate Bellerby finished in 135th Position in 4:28:34.
The Vet Category Prize winners were as follows:
Category 1st name 2nd name Club Time
1st MV 40 Nigel Roberts Rugby & Northampton AC 03:09:47
2nd MV 40 Mark Yates Kinstone Runners Barnsley 03:11:27
1st MV 50 Peter Bates Bury AC 03:12:57
1st MV60 Andy Watts Wilmslow 03:31:23
1st LV 40 Beth Taylor-Jones 100 Marathon Club 03:47:48
2nd LV 40 Lara Beardsley Unattached 03:50:43
1st LV 50 Jo Summers North Herts Road Runners 03:45:40
1st LV 60 Kate Waddicor Sheffield Running Clun 04:16:55
Kingstone Runners Barnsley were the Marathon Team winners and there were 171 finishers in the Marathon.
Matlock Athletic Club would like to thank the Following for their help and support without which the White Peak Events could not take place.
Peak District National Park, Derbyshire County Council (Economy, Transport and Environment), “The Friends of Cromford Canal”, Keys Estates and Land Agents representative Gary Kirk BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV, Slacks Coaches, Jayne and her fantastic Ambulance Team of Peakmedicare, Land Tenant Robert Marshall, and support from Water Bailiff John Pass. Car Parking Management (Total Parking Solutions), Mark Packard for use of the Rugby Club House and facilities, Karen Morley and Team for Catering, Dave Newton for providing the Goody Bags, All the Volunteers of MAC and Friends of MAC who Marshaled the Water Stations, Car Park and Event Logistics as well as the Course Set up team and last but not least All the Runners who made the events such a success.
A ’Meet the New Member’ questionnaire was introduced this month as a feature for new members to tell us a bit about themselves. John Brennan was victim No. 1. Me, Me, Me Interviews continue to be very popular and Andy Hodkin was Mr May being the 27th person to take part.
The 40th Anniversary celebration preparations throughout the year are gathering momentum with Black Rocks Fell Race on Wednesday 13th July being a focus for getting as many MACs out running as possible with a presentation and cake to Brian Howitt for all his work at the club over the years. Also the Race the Train is going to go ahead probably in August. Preparations for the 55mile Relay and Senior Party on Saturday 25th June are going well too.
Nicky Dick represented MAC and Gt Britain in Lisbon for the ITU European Triathlon Championships on 27th May, in the Sprint and was 15th out of 25 in the LV50-54 category.
On May Bank Holiday weekend David Denton’s Tour of Derwent Valley (TODV) took place 4 races over 4 days and Race 4 on Monday 30th May from Rowsley was also in the Senior GP.
Jim Thorneycroft took the 20 GP points.
Emma Phillips achieved a PB of 1.59 in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Daughter Lily took part in the 5k race.
On Sunday 29th May Nicky Dick represented MAC and GBR in the ETU 2016 European Triathlon Champs in Lisbon and had a great race in the sprint to finish 15th in the highly competitive LV50-54 age group only 7 minutes of the winner in a field of 25.
Jan Forrester followed up her age group European Gold medal with a Bronze in the ITU 2016 World Duathlon Champs in Aviles, Spain on 5th June.
The fell race season really took off this month and Tansley Hill Race, which is always popular with MACs had a great turnout of 26 which was also in the Senior GP. Billy Cartwright pipped Ben into 2nd place to take the 20 points. It was disappointing that no ladies took part in this event. After Tansley Andy Sheldon is leading the Senior GP with 52 points and Alison Pye leads the ladies with 59 points. Barry Moseley, stepped down as race director after the race and it is hoped a replacement will be found for next year so that the race can continue.
It was also disappointing to note that in the 3rd race in the Summer League of the BDL MAC failed to have enough men or ladies and therefore incurred penalty points and dropped in the league standings.
On the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday 11th June the Whitworth Thread reached over £3000 in donations since it’s commencement 3 years ago.
MAC had a great night at the Hairy Helmet Relays in Darley Park, Derby with 10 teams of 4 taking part in the 2.2 mile leg relay. The rain held off and it was a fun night of picnicking, beer and running with great team spirit. MAC won 6 team events but did not hold on the Hairy Helmet this year; the winning teams were Buxton AC and Derby AC.
The MAC teams were Grange Hill Harriers – Scott Thompson, Andrew Sheldon, Andrew Lessiter, Colin Davenport; Magic Roundabout Massive – John Webster, Birtie West, Ted Phillips, Sam Thompson; Trumpton Chasers – Rupert Holden, Karl Webster, Chris Halls, Simon Croft; Isle of Sodor Steamers – Andy Mellor, Dennis Belbin, Antony Lester, Martin Lea; Thunder Birds are Go – Jade Stone, Kelly Lynn, Alison Pye, Christine Howard; Farthing Wood Foxes – Michaela Dick, Lizzie Webster, Lilly Phillips, Ava Holden; Byker Grove Gallopers – Dan Ashcroft, Roseanna Croft, Nichola Dick, Dennis Holmes; Sesame Street Striders – Kathryn Berrisford, Laurie Croft, Emma Phillips, Rachel Spencer; Camberwick Green AC – Mark Jackson, Tessa Brough, Judith Goodall, Jim Thorneycroft; Trotting Teletubbies – Katie Haywood, Karen Morley, Tessa Whittaker, Jan Forrester.
Peak Life Sports, aka Karl Webster’s Wildcat Aquathon was a success with MACs taking part in the 1500m and 9k run and 500m and 4.5k run for individuals and relays.
Joe Hallas under the coaching of Andy Whittaker continued with his run of success on Saturday 18th June and competed in the Mason Trophy Inter Counties Schools Champs at Alexander Stadium Birmingham in the 3000m and finished in 6th place in a field of 18.
It was time to vote for new junior captains on Monday 20th and candidates submitted manifestoes of why they should takeover of the role from Ed Hoon and Elsbeth Grant, who had both put in great performances in the role. The winners, after the juniors voted, were Michaela Dick and James Briggs.
The Riber Run on 21st June was as tough as ever and MACs Richard Bradbury took on the role of Race Organiser from Trevor Milner, who retired due to ill health.
Thursday evening 22nd June saw the annual visit to Slate House, Parwich to Clive’s for the 9 mile run on the High Peak Trail, taking in Dovedale on a lovely evening. Then back to Clive’s for chip butties, tea and cake – a lovely spread put on by Clive’s wife, Margaret and neighbour Rosemary.
Saturday 25th June was the 88km Relay, first run in 1976 and resurrected in celebration of MACs 40th Anniversary this year. There were 7 legs – Leg 1 Matlock Bridge to Hell Bank Plantation – Nick Harrison, Dennis Belbin, Zak Hodgkinson; Leg 2 Hell Bank Plantation to Calver Crossroads – Peter Wilmot and John Brennan; Leg 3 Calver Crossroads to White Lodge (A6) – Laurie Croft, Roseanna Croft, Paul Keetley, Bill Willis; Leg 4 White Lodge to Alport – Mark Jackson, Tessa Brough, Karl Webster and Charlie the Dog; Leg 5 Alport to Longcliffe – Andy and Tess Whittaker, Alan Pickering, Jude Goodall, Karen Morley; Leg 6 Longcliffe to High Peak Junction – Jan Forrester, John Birch, Gavin and Jakki Simmons, Kathryn and Mae Berrisford; Leg 7 High Peak Junction to Matlock Bridge – Mick Moorhouse, Ray Foley, Simon Flitter, Matt and Katie Haywood.
The weather was mixed from basking sunshine to torrential rain, but all completed the relay in good spirits.
In the evening it was the Senior 40th Anniversary MAC Party and Presentation at Matlock Rugby Club, Cromford. There was a disco, pie and pea supper and presentation of the 2015-2016 GP award to Peter Wilmot by Club Chairman, Craig Allen. Sian Mead won the Ladies’ award.
Andy Hall took on the NoMad 50 mile ultra marathon from Breaston on Saturday 25th June whilst Christine Howard completed the World’s toughest iron-distance tri in the Lakes in just over 17 hours to claim 2nd lady overall and 1st LV40.
On Sunday 26th June it was the annual Great Bakewell Pudding Race which was also in the Junior GP. Lily Phillips won the Girls’ Blue Route and brother, Ted, was 3rd in the Boy’s race.
On Thursday 30th Winster Hill Race took place which is always popular with MACs and is organised by MAC Robin Eyre. This year it was in the Senior and the Junior U16 GPs. 35 MACs took part and Ian Phillips was 1st male and Elsbeth Grant 1st lady.
It was important that MAC turned out in good numbers for Round 4 of the BDL at Carsington Water on the evening of 5th July as the club are at the bottom of the league tables. An excellent turnout of 19 helped to improve the club’s positions to 7th for the Men and 9th for the Ladies. With one race to go at Shipley Park.
Derwent River Relays took place on 9th July and after the wet weather, the course had to be slightly shortened. 4 of the 6 teams scooped age category victories. The Likely Lads (John Webster, Birtie West, Joe Hallas, Sam Thompson) were 1st junior team and 5th overall. The Dad’s Army Dynamos (Chris Hallas, Andy Mellor, Jim Thorneycroft, Simon Croft) 1st male supervet team and 11th overall. Allo Allo Athletics (Peter Wilmot, Kelly Lynn, Alison Pye, Scott Thompson) 1st mixed team and 17th place. Hi De Hi Harriers (Charlie Whittaker, Kathryn Berrisford, Rachel Spencer, Alan Pickering were 36th, Birds of a Feather Striders (Rose Croft, Laurie Croft, Hayley Gill, Katie Haywood) next and 1st ladies supervet team and 63rd overall Absolutely Fabulous Frolickers (Tessa Whittaker, Tessa Brough, Karen Morley, Jude Goodall).
Billy Cartwright continues his great performances on the Fells and took part in the English Fell Running Championship race at Sedbergh on 9th July to finish 58th. New member Les Thurston (MV60) has also taken part in a lot of races and also took on the Lakeland challenge. Les also took on the notoriously tough International Snowdon Mountain Race (10 miles) on 16th July.
Martin Lea took on two Lakes Trail Marathons – Coniston and Scafell Pike. He also completed one in Wales this month – the Snowdonia Trail Marathon. He finished in 77th place out of 410 finishers.
Whitworth Thread 5k monly park run continues to go from strength to strength. Now in it’s 3rd year and regularly sees a turnout of over 100 runners.
Black Rocks Fell Race took on significant importance this month as it was first conceived by found member, Brian Howitt, in this, the club’s 40th anniversary year. The weather was perfect and there was a record entry of 188.
Crich Monument Race – an 11.3k mix of fell, road and trail with some tough climbs was tackled for the first time by new member Hayley Gill, who took 1st local prize with Matt Smith, Andy Mellor and Christine Howard also taking part.
Sheldon Fell Race was in the Senior GP and a good turnout of 11 runners took part in a strong National field with Jack Ross of Staffs Moorlands taking 1st place, but Billy Cartwright finished strongly in 6th place. Other MAC positions – Andrew Sheldon, Peter Wilmot, Scott Thompson, Jim Thorneycroft, Andy Hodkin, Mick Moorhouse, Pete Bush, Hayley Gill, Jan Forrester and Roseanna Shann.
Many congratulations to Gerry White who completed 100 Darley Park Runs (5k) on his 75th birthday.
It is triathlon season and Elsbeth Grant continues to dominate being first overall with a new course record of 17 minutes in the Future Outlaw Tri at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. Other youngsters taking on tris on a regular basis – Lizzie Webster, Michaela Dick, Freya and Isabelle Lester amongst others). Whilst at the Outlaw Tri the following day Rupert Holden completed in 11.09.51 (151st out of 988) and Gareth Ferguson (13.10.32). Matt Haywood continues his run of duathlon and triathlon races and was 25th in the Standard Distance Blithfield Tri on 31st July.
The formidable Ben Cartwright took on Ironman UK in Bolton on 17th July to finish in 25th out of 1,603 in 10.02.12. He is well on target for Ironman Hawaii later in the year.
Colin Davenport took on ‘Grim up North’ at Masham, Yorks on Sunday 31st July runners completing as many 3.3 mile laps as they can in 6 hours. Colin came in 1st having covered 43 miles in 5 hours 39 minutes.
August 2016
On Monday 1st August Bonsall Carnival Race took place. A popular race with MACS this is also in the Junior GP. MACs took the first 5 places. Elsbeth Grant was 1st overall in 24.52, Matt Smith 2nd, Joe Currie 3rd, Scott Thompson 4th and Simon Croft 5th.
Elsbeth continued her amazing run of results by coming 1st lady and 5th overall in the No Walk in the Park 5k at Queens Park, Chesterfield. Toby Gill finished just ahead of Jim Thorneycroft (1st MV55-59), Hayley Gill was 1st LV40.
It was race 4 of 6 in the English Fell Running Champs on 6th August – The Borrowdale Fell Race (27k/2000m) – a long, tough race taking in Bessy Boot, Scafell Pike and Dalehead summits. Billy Cartwright finished in 3.33.17.
The final race in the BDL took place at Shipley Park with 9 MACs taking part. Colin Davenport finished in 14th in 31.15 for the 5.2 mile course. Jan Forrester and Simon Brister clinched age group win categories in the Vet 60s. However, there have been disappointing turnouts of MACs in this Summer Series, so Jim Thorneycroft is considering whether to just take part in the Winter Series, which sees much higher numbers of MACs taking part.
Ricky’s Race had a record entry of 208 runners on 11th August.
18th saw the Thursday evening Social Away Run from Middleton Top with a buddying option to encourage more ladies and slower runners to participate. 30 runners turned up and the buddying system worked very well. So more of this in the future. The snap afterwards at the Boat Inn, Cromford was popular too. The next and final away run being on 15th September, traditionally the Chatsworth Run.
23rd was Ripley RC Away Run with MAC at Cromford Meadows. 30 runners from Ripley RC, Belper Harriers and MAC took part. Again this proved enjoyable with snap afterwards at the Boat Inn.
25th saw the Malt Shovel Relay organised by David Denton and MAC had a good turnout of 9 teams take part in the 3 x 2 mile relay. Each team had an Olympic theme name and the winning MAC team was Team Farah -Anthony Marchington, Andy Sheldon, Scott Thompson who came 10th. Team Kenny (Ozzie Unsworth, Simon Flitter, Andy Mellor) were 12th, Team Bolt 13th (Charlie Unsworth, Eddie Unsworth, Sam Thompson – who recorded the fastest time of the MACs of the evening – 12.23), Team Peaty 19th (Greg Woodward, Steve Goodall, Alan Pickering), Team Cavendish 22nd (Paul Harvey, Dennis Belbin, Jonathan Lake), Team Whitlock 29th (Elizabeth Webster, Elle Goodall, Christine Howard – with a broken elbow!), Team Ennis-Hill 32nd (Karl Webster, Jude Goodall, Karen Morley), Team Trott 34th (Andrea Atkinson, Roseanna Shaan, Kathryn Berrrisford) and Team Brownlee 42nd (Tessa Brough, Jan Forrester, Steve Holt). There were 44 teams – a record, the winners being North Derbyshire RC.
On 28th the 20th and final Bradbourne Fell Race Senior GP took place with Andy Sheldon taking the 20 GP points for the men and Christine Howard for the ladies. Andy Mellor and Les Thurston also ran and Oscar, Max, Myla and Hugo Atkinson as well as Rhys Lessiter ran in the junior races.
29th Bank Holiday Monday Matlock Tri was a great success with good weather for once. Pete Shuttleworth won again in 56.24 and 1st lady was Michelle Willcocks in 61.50 but only 26 seconds ahead of Elsbeth Grant. £700 was raised to share between the British Heart Foundation and Notts and Derby Ileostomy Society with a profit also going to MAC, Matlock Cycling Club and Swimming Club. Rupert Holden was 15th, Charlie Whittaker 25th, Gavin Simmons 38th, Neil Webster 41st, Paul Brailsford 45th, Alison Pye 68th, Ozzy Unsworth 70th, Simon Brister 74th, Nick Harrison 77th, Tom Burch 83rd, Charlie Unsworth 87th, Peter Bush 96th, Eddie Unsworth 111th, Lucy Kuszynski 122nd, Luke Berrisford 139th and Mae Berrisford. There were also some good team results from the Foremans and Lessiters.
Joe Hallas has suffered with injury, but became Derbyshire Schools and County Champion over 3000m and made the Overall UK Ranking List for 1500m and 3000m.
Preparations for Race the Train on 18th September are coming on well with the carriage reserved for runners filled and just a few places left for supporters.
The fell running season continued with the Barrel Inn race at Eyam and Great Longstone Chase where lots of juniors took part. Including Joe Currie setting a new course record. Longshaw Estate Sheepdog Trials Fell Race saw the rains return after a spell of warm, dry weather and Billy Cartwright was 5th in 43.59 and new member, John Brennan also taking part and completing in 54.08. The Exterminator (25.7k/1,290m) organised by Totley AC and the last race in their Totley series was taken on by Christine Howard who finished in 3.16.59.
The park runs are becoming ever popular nationwide and Chesterfield’s Queens Park, No Walk in the Park is a favourite with MACS. The September event saw young Sam Thompson take 8th place taking 44 seconds off his previous PB. There were 6 other MACS taking part too. There is a junior 1500 metres too, in which Megan Thompson gained 4th place.
The Wilne 10k attracted a field of 926 runners and was part of the Derbyshire Athletics Championships and Midland Masters Athletic Championships. In the Derbyshire Champs there were medals for Peter Wilmot, Jim Thorneycroft and Jan Forrester.
New member Jude Goodall took on her first half marathon- the Stockport Hatters and recorded 1.57.26. Karen Morley ran 1.59.57 and Charlie Whittaker 1.33.34.
Two MACS took on the South Cheshire 20 – Dan Ashcroft and Andy Hodkin. This was in readiness for their first marathon attempts at the Chester Marathon in October.
MACs Whitworth Thread continues to attract around 100 runners each month and Elsbeth Grant was 1st lady and 2nd overall in the September event in a time of 18.58. New member Hayley Gill continues to run well and finished 2nd lady in 21.43.
Not such great results in the Great Kinder Beer Barrel Challenge this year. Teams of 8 hump the barrel across Kinder Scout from the Snake Pass Inn and finish at the Nag’s Head at Edale. This year MACs team, Gladioli, finished in 7th place out of 14 teams. Hoping for a better placing next year and possibly entering a Ladies’ Team too.
Matt Haywood continues to take on the triathlons and this time it was the Vitruvian Trial at Rutland Water. This was his first go at the middle distance – 1,900m swim, 85k bike and 21k run. Matt finished in 150th place from 775 in 4.49.24.
The Great North Run saw Mo Farah claim his 3rd victory in a row and for MAC Patrick Quinn, Andrew Dinsdale, Club Secretary, Dennis Belbin and Charles Bennet took it on.
The main event of the month was a continuation of the 40th Anniversary Celebrations for MAC – Peak Rail Runner – v – train 5k. This at last came to fruition thanks to months of negotiations led by Jim Thorneycroft with Peak Rail, Derbyshire County Council and the Pedal Peak Project. On the day the weather could not have been better and 60 MAC runners took on the train. The initial disappointment that the steam train was out of action was soon forgotten when Diesel D8 ‘Penyghent’ was the target of the race. The diesel train was faster than the predicted 22 minutes for the steam and the only runner to beat the train was young Joe Hallas who recorded a time of 17.41. First lady was Elsbeth Grant who didn’t do quite enough to beat the train but it was an impressive run. It is hoped that the event will become an annual event and will be open to many more runners, especially once the improved trail will be completed.
Rosie Shaan had a good run in the Robin Hood Half Marathon at Nottingham finishing in 1.49.11.
As the triathlon season comes to a close, the duathlon season starts and Jan Forrester, Christine Howard and Zak Hodgkinson (both qualifiers for the World and Europeans respectively in 2017) are poised to take on the challenges.
Joe Hallas was 1st MAC back and 1st JM (31.47) in the 1st BDL of the Winter Series at Shipley Park, Heanor. A great turnout of 23 and 12 ladies – a record. Jade Stone was 1st lady in 35.00. Andy Sheldon 33.11, Ted Phillips 34.05, Scott Thompson 34.50, Birtie West 36.15, Chris Hallas 37.20, Ava Holden 39.31, 3rd JL, Hayley Gill 39.45, Nicky Dick 41.17, 1st FV50, Anthony Marchington 41.18, 2nd MV60, Mick Moorhouse 41.18, 3rd MV60, Steve Goodall 41.43, Dennis Belbin 42.28, Clive Russell 43.49, 1st MV70, Lily Phillips 44.25, Andrea Atkinson 44.46, Jude Goodall 47.06, Helen Emmerson 47.08, Karen Morley 47.13, 3rd FV55, Laurie Croft 48.14 and Emma Phillips 48.21.
The Chester Marathon saw 4,000 runners taking part including 2 MAC debut marathon runners – Charlie Whittaker 3.27.15 and Andy Hodkin 3.59.12.
More than 40 MACs took on the monthly Whitworth Thread and this was part of the senior and junior GP. Joe Currie took the 20 points and was 1st home in 18.24. Hayley Gill was 1st lady in 21.17 gaining the 20 senior GP points.
Whilst in the No Walk in the Park 5k, Chesterfield Elsbeth Grant was 1st lady in 18.38 and is on course to win the trophy for the first female overall if she completes one more race to take her total to 6 races.
The Curbar Commotion Fell Race saw Billy Cartwright taking 3rd overall in 1.03.37. Scott Thompson 1.15.35, John Brennan 1.22.20 and Christine Howard 1.24.58.
Whilst in the Langdale Horseshoe fell race from the Old Dungeon Ghyll in the Lakes was the last race in the English Fell Running Champs. Les Thurston finished in 4.38.11. Billy Cartwright claimed 46th place from 131 in the Men’s Open and Les was 9th from 36 in the O65 champs with 41 points.
Dan Ashcroft took on the Yorkshire Marathon and completed in a very respectably 3.33.08.
Ironman Hawaii saw 2,000 athletes take part from all over the world. Ben Cartwright completed this amazing event in 10.35.42. His marathon time was 3.25.42.
The first N. Mids XC took place at Markeaton Pk, Derby and Colin Davenport had his first experience of this event. He was 43rd in 36.42, Mick Moorhouse 230th in 46.13. There was good representation in the U15 girls and Christine Howard was in the Senior Ladies.
Jan Forrester took on her first ever 5k – the Poolsbrook Country Park 5k, near Chesterfield. She was 1st LV60 in 24.53, Steve Goodall 22.48 and Jude Goodall 24.51 and 1st LV40 and 3rd lady overall.
Other events – Clumber Park off Road Duathlon with Zak Hodgkinson, Manchester Half Marathon Wingerworth Wobbler, Dark and White Trail Series 10.1 mile course from Bakewell, Worksop Half, Snowdonia Marathon, 1st race in the Derbyshire XC Mini League and the 1st 10k club handicap from Arc to Matlock Bath, Trust 10k Longshaw Estate which was also in the Junior GP.
Simon Croft won the London Marathon place in the ballot of 4.
The XC Relay season started with MACs taking on the Northerns at Graves Park, Sheffield. A real leveller as some very stiff competition. MACs had teams in the U17s Men, U11s Girls, U15s Girls, 2 teams in the Senior Mens and 2 teams in the Senior Ladies.
John Brennan has taken on Webmaster role and has been tidying up the website and has created a Junior Section which should be really useful. Jan has taken on the responsibility of keeping the Noticeboard tidy and up to date. With the AGM set for 10th November there will be changes in the Committee with Chairman, Men’s Captain and Treasurer standing down.
The AGM 0n 12th November followed a trial of the Racetek timing system, a session to train up more members to be able to use the system efficiently.
Emma Phillips was voted in as the new Treasurer and thanks and a gift voucher were given to Ian Milne for his 20 years of service.
Jim Thorneycroft stood down as Men’s Captain and Colin Davenport with the help of Andrew Sheldon and Alison Pye were voted on to the Committee.
Craig Allen stated he wished to stand down as Chairman due to lack of time due to work commitments, but as no other candidate he referred this decision until December Committee meeting.
Jim Thorneycroft was voted on as Vice Chairman and the rest of the committee agreed to stay on for another year.
English National XC Relays at Mansfield – 2 ladies teams. Senior team Nicky Dick, Jan Forrester and Alison Pye 90th from 123 teams. Junior team Lizzie Webster, Ellie Wilson and Michaela Dick were 71st from 91 teams.
The Dovedale Dash saw Clive Russell take on his 51st race!
The 2nd race in the BDL series at Chaddesden Pk, Derby proved significant as the ladies’ team are now top of the leader board by 2 points. The men had a much better showing too. The Presentation for the Summer League took place after the race, Colin Davenport achieved an award for 5th place male over the series, Simon Brister 1st MV65 and Jan Forrester 1st FV60.
Also had teams in the BMAF XC Relays at Long Eaton
Clowne Half Marathon also hosted the Derbyshire County Champs. In the Derbyshire Champs Alison 1st LV35, Colin Davenport took silver, Jim Thorneycroft bronze in MV50 category and Scott Thompson and Andy Sheldon also took bronze medals.
Members raced internationally this month too – Matt and Katie Haywood took on Las Vegas Marathon, Karl Webster and Christine Howard the World Champ Adventure Race in Australia and a few MACs braved the Benidorm Half Marathon.
The 2nd MAC 10k Handicap took place from the ARC to Matlock Bath and back and this time there were ladies in the mix. Jan Forrester took the age category win with 83.17% (49.57), Billy Cartwright increased the CR with a time of 35.13, Andrea Atkinson holds ladies’ record of 49.23 and Joe Hallas JR of 38.13.
It was MACs turn to host the BDL race at Bakewell Showground and thanks to a Winter Wonderland event the week before the ground was more waterlogged and muddy than usual. Took a lot of effort to get it into shape for the XC race and this year the race was run in reverse. The Ladies’ team increased their lead over Heanor RC and the Men were 6th overall, giving a combined score of 4th with 2 races to go. Some good individual results also.
There were 3 Junior GP races this month – Whitworth Thread, Kedleston Hall Tinsel Trail Run which proved to be rather unsuitable as it was organised by Run Derbyshire and was not about racing, making it difficult to get positions at the end, but Karl somehow managed to sort this out. The kids were amused by the aerobics at the start of the run as a warm-up. The Beetroot run on Boxing Day saw a record turnout with a new twist where the runners had to guess their finishing time.
Bolsover 10k saw a good MAC turnout which was also in the Senior GP, with 11 men and 13 ladies. Jade Stone was first lady, Colin Davenport was 6th overall. Christine Howard was 2nd LV45 and Jan Forrester 1st LV60.
In the December 10k Handicap from Arc to Matlock Bath via Hall Leys Park and back Zak Hodgkinson took the cap in a time of 37.38. Jan Forrester was 1st in the age graded rankings with 80.90% to gain the 25 points, Scott Thompson 2nd and Bradley Stone 3rd. After 3 races Mark Jackson is in the lead with Jan Forrester 2nd. There are 2 races to go, one in January and one in February.
In the Junior GP U12s Eddie Unsworth is in the lead on 159, Alex Currie 2nd on 146 and William Croft on 134. Freya Lester leads the girls on 129, Matilda Maciejewski-Spencer 2nde on 126 and Olivia Allen 3d on 120. In the U16 – Joe Currie is 1st on 176, Charlie Unsworth 2nd on 138 and Sam Thompson 3rd on 128. In the girls – Michaela Dick 1st on 143, Elsbeth Grant 2nd on 96 and Elizabeth Webster 3rd on 95. The next and last race is the February 2017 event of NWIP 5k and 1,500m at Chesterfield.
In the Senior GP Andrea Atkinson has a good lead of 144 over Alison Pye 2nd on 133 and Jan Forrester 3rd on 105. In the Men’s Andy Sheldon cannot be caught on 224 with Peter Wilmot, last year’s winner, on 155 and 3rd Andy Mellor on 143. Next race is Tigger Tor Fell Race in January 2017.
The MAC Fancy Dress run also saw a record turnout of at least 30 runners who took the train from Matlock to Matlock Bath station as a nod to Race the Train in September where they gathered for the first drink of the evening at the Fishpond. A pub crawl took place ending up at the Thorn Tree for more drink and sandwiches.
The annual Family Run round Carsington Water saw a good turnout of 30 with most running but a good few cycling round too. Some then retired to the Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton.
Craig Allen is staying on as Chairman for the time being, but this may change as there is discussion of the Arc and other leisure centres going into private hands and this could affect his position as he works in this industry.
Craig Allen organised two 8 mile social runs over the Christmas period one at Rowsley and one at Crich. Karl Webster ensured we will all be ready for the XC races coming up by arranging runs for juniors and seniors over the Xmas period
