MAC History 2017

January 2017

The Derbyshire XC Championships at Wollaton Park Nottingham saw Elsbeth Grant win the U15 girls title and the Ladies Vet team of Andrea Atkinson, Christine Howard, Nicky Dick and Alison Pye were also victorious.   The U13 girls team of Matilda Maciejewski-Spencer, Lucy Kuszynski and Isabelle Lester did well and Olivia Allen and Freya Lester secured 2^nd and 3^rd places respectively in the U11 girls’ race.  The boys did well too with the U11s team of Alex Currie, Oscar Atkinson and Matthew Foreman claiming 2^nd place.  Birtie West in the U17s was 13^th and Eddie Unsworth and James Briggs put in solid performances in the U13s and Same Thompson and Charlie Unsworth did well in the U15s.  In the senior womens race Christine Howard was 8^th.  In the Senior Men’s race Mick Moorhouse was 3^rd O60 despite an old injury.  Micke Blair was 24^th and Andy Sheldon 25^th.  Colin Davenport, Scott Thompson, Simon Croft, Craig Allen and Bob Foreman did well and finished 5^th in the team event.

5k Parkruns continue to be popular, members taking part regularly in the weekly Markeaton Park run, in particularly Gerry White O75 having completed 105 runs.  Richard Bradbury regularly takes on the Saturday morning Sheffield Hallam event and the monthly No Walk in the Park 5k at Queens Park Chesterfield has seen great results from Elsbeth Grant and Hayley Gill, in particular.

The first monthly Whitworth Thread had a good turnout of 114 with Whitworth Centre Manager and new MAC member, Mike Blair winning in 18.50.  The ever-improving Hayley Gill was first lady in 21.04.  The juniors also had a good turnout and performances, notably Alfie Clarke and Olivia Allen.

It was the final round of the North Mids XC League at Wollaton Pk too this month and, although not as popular as recent years with MAC, the youngsters put in some good results.  Elsbeth Grant and Joe Currie have completed all 4 events in the series.

In the 4^th BDL race series of 5 at Trent Meadows Long Eaton, MAC had a good turnout and although the ladies came 2^nd they gained another point to be 5 points ahead in the team result.   A record turnout of 32 with Jade Stone claimed an unassailable lead in the individual ladies champs coming 2^nd to Ilkeston.  There were some good results in the other age group categories and the men’s team came 2^nd behind Ripley.  All to play for in the 5^th and final race at Holmesbrook Valley Park, Chestefield in February.

The juniors put in some fine displays at the Derbyshire Rural Schools XC Champs at Moorways Derby.  Whilst Simon Croft, Rupert and Ava Holden continue to do well in the Dark and White Peak Trail Running Series.

The MAC 10k handicap is proving popular with the 4^th January event hosting 18 runners and with 2 events to go.

In the Senior GP -Tigger Tor fell race saw 4 ladies and 8 men take part and with the last BDL being the last race in the GP, this race will result in the winners being announced.

In the Junior GP, there is still two races to go – the NWIP 5k in February and the MAC Club XC race at Darley Bridge.

February 2017

The White Peak Marathon and Half entries opened on 1^st February and by the end of the month the half was 3 places off being full and 161 places of the 250 of the marathon had been taken.

The final and 5th BDL race at Holmesbrook Valley Park, Chesterfield saw the ladies win the team title for the first time by 4 points from Ilkeston 2^nd followed by Heanor and Jade Stone won the ladies race taking the ladies title for the series.  11 ladies and 19 men took part. This is an amazing feat for the Ladies as just 3 years ago MAC could hardly get enough ladies for a team of 3.  At one BDL race this year 12 turned out.  The men finished 5^th in the series.

This was also the last race in the Senior GP and confirmed Andy Sheldon Men’s winner on 226 points, Peter Wilmot 2^nd on 171 and Andy Mellor 3^rd on 169.  In the Ladies Andrea Atkinson was 1^st on 162 points, Alison Pye 2^nd on 150 and Jan Forrester 3^rd on 136.

The junior GP will be decided after the Club XC at Darley Bridge on 4^th March.

The English National XC Champs took place at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham.  MAC had representation in the U13 girls – Lucy Kuszinski, U15 girls – Elsbeth Grant and Lizzie Webster, U17 men – Birtie West, Senior ladies – Jade Stone, Hayley Gill, Christine Howard, Alison Pye and Jan Forrester and in the Men’s – Colin Davenport, Zak Hodgkinson, Mike Blair, Peter Wilmot, Antony Lester, Ian Watson and Mick Moorhouse.  Elsbeth had an amazing run to finish in 5^th place and Jade Stone finished in 52rd in the Senior ladies from a cast of 788.

The duathlon season started and Jan Forrester kicked off her first race in the LV65-69 category at Anglia Water Duathlon and had a great race.  Matt Haywood took on the Help for Heroes Duathlon at Rother Valley.

6 ladies – Christine Howard, Andrea Atkinson, Emma Phillips, Michelle Lester, Helen Emmerson and Laurie Croft – took on the first race in the Dark and White Trail Series 15.5k of trails and lanes starting from the Whitworth Centre.

The 10k handicap monthly on Thursdays from the Arc to the Pav in Matlock Bath and back via Hall Leys Park has proved popular and after the February race 49 members had taken part.  With just one race to go in the series of 6 races Mike Blair is leading on 87 points.

March 2017

The annual Junior and Senior Club XC took place at Darley Bridge with sunny but very muddy conditions.  A huge turnout all enjoying the event. The Senior race of 3 laps was also the first race in the 2017/18 Senior Grand Prix and was won by Mike Blair taking 20 points and leading lady was Elsbeth Grant also taking 20 points. For the Juniors Alex Currie was 1^st boy and Freya Lester first girl in the U10s. In the U12s Oscar Atkinson was 1^st boy and Sophie Hopkinson 1^st girl.  In the U16s Joe Currie was 1^st boy and Elizabeth Webster 1^st girl. Afterwards a presentation party was held at the Whitworth Centre.   Karl presented prizes to the XC winners and 2^nd and 3^rd in each category and also the winners of the season’s Junior GP.  U12 boy winner was Eddie Unsworth and girl Freya Lester.  In the U16s Joe Currie was the boy winner and Michaela Dick the girl winner.  The juniors enjoyed food and drink and music.

Mick Moorhouse continues to enjoy taking part in the MV65 category in cross country.  He took on the 10k Yorkshire Veterans AC XC Champs incorporating the Northern Masters AC XC Champs at Doncaster coming 5^th in his age group.  This month he also took part in the BMAF Open XC in Liverpool on a cold wet day.  He was 69^th overall.

Christine Howard was part of the Derbyshire Ladies Team taking part in British Athletics XC Champs at Loughborough.  Elsbeth Grant, Michaela Dick and Lizzie Webster also took part.

Jan Forrester took on Oulton Park Standard Duathlon in awful sleety, cold conditions and Clumber Park Duathlon in her preparations for the World Championships in Canada in August.  Matt Haywood also took part at Clumber and had a good race to finish in 85^th overall.

Preparations are under way for the White Peak Marathon with the half already being full.

After some deliberation due to lack of numbers last season, it was decided to give the BDL Summer League another shot with the first race taking place at Teversal on 12 April and initial interest seems favourable.

A few worries about our base at Arc Leisure as there is a move to outsource the management of 4 local leisure centres as a package to a new provider.  We will watch the outcome with interest.

The annual 21 mile Grindleford Gallop took place with regular Martin Lea taking part.  Also Rupert Holden, Simon Croft, Greg Woodward, David Clough and Mark Pollak.

Alison Pye and Emma Phillips took on the Anglesey Half Marathon in pretty unfavourable conditions but really enjoyed the experience.  Dennis Belbin tackled Llanelli Half, Rosie Shaan took on Silverstone Half and John Thorpe Northumberland Half.

Wolf’s Pit fell race (9.2k/467m) was the 2^nd race in the Senior GP with Daniel Haworth taking 1^st place with loads of MAC juniors taking on the junior races.

Jim Thorneycroft hopes to complete 60 races for his 60^th year.  Some races he has completed so far are Newtons Fraction Half, Ashby 20  2^nd vet 60 and  Monsal Trail Half  1^st MV60.

The final race in the MAC 10k handicap took place with Mike Blair taking the win and the overall series win.  1^st lady in the series was Tessa Jackson.   Zak Hodgkinson had the fastest time of the evening in sub 36 minutes.  39 MACs took part in the series.

Les Thurston continues to take part in as many fell races as he can in the MV65 category and also took on the English Fell Champs first race at Long Mynd Valley, Church Stretton.  Bradley Stone also enjoys the long fell races and took on Edale Skyline (34k/1,373m) finishing in 85^th place.

Whilst in the Junior English Fell Champs Joe and Alex Currie are flying the flag for MAC.

Joe Currie won the U13 Boys trial at Leicester qualifying him to run in the London Marathon race over the last 3 miles of the course on race day ahead of the full marathon.  This is also the British Athletics 3 mile road champs.

Steve Holt took part in his 26^th Coniston 14 and John Thorpe and Charlie Whittaker also ran.

Karl’s Peaklife Sport Derwent Duathlon continues to thrive.  This year Elsbeth Grant annihilated the women’s record and Matt Hallam took first place in the men’s race.

The first away run of the season took place, as always, from Calton Lees car park at Chatsworth and was very well attended in ideal running conditions, followed by food at the Grouse, Darley Dale.

April 2017

The Seniors had a great celebration presentation evening at the Red Lion at Birchover with 40 members attending the event.  Prizes were awarded for the Senior GP – Andy Sheldon was the Men’s winner and Andrea Atkinson the Ladies’ winner.  Peter Wilmot 2^nd and Andy Mellor 3^rd.  In the Ladies Alison Pye was 2^nd and Jan Forrester 3^rd.  There were also awards for the Club 10k handicap with the winner being Mike Blair and Jade Stone was feted for her triumphs in the BDL winning individual ladies’ prize.  Andy Whittaker and Ian Milne were given lifetime awards for their considerable contributions to the club over many years and Andy was presented with a gift for his coaching work.

Junior Alex Currie had a brilliant performance to finish 4^th in the U11s 2^nd round of the English Junior Fell Running Champs in Yorkshire whilst brother, Joe took on the East Midlands Mini-Marathon Trial in Leicester and won the U13 boys race to qualify for the mini-London Marathon where the kids take on the first 3 miles of the course before the full marathon begins.

Jade Stone continues her outstanding success when she and Kelly Thorneycroft took on the Derby 10k taking 3^rd place to Kelly’s 2^nd with 2 seconds between them.

Hayley Gill and John Thorpe have been taking PBs all season and continue to have some great runs in 10ks and John in half marathons also.

In the April Whitworth Thread Colin Davenport beat the course record in a timer of 16.45.

Jan Forrester the British Duathlon Standard Distance Championship title to her European Gold and Bronze in the Worlds last year.

Christine Howard continues to do well in triathlons and duathlons and is setting her sights on long distance duathlon particularly this year.

The first BDL Summer series race at Teversal produced some good results and the ladies team took first place and Men 7^th.

London Marathon saw great results from Colin Davenport 111^th in 2.33.25, Andy Hall 3.09.46, Craig Allen 3.10.53, Simon Croft 3.11.31, Scott Thompson 3.18.17, Jim Thorneycroft 3.24.13, Peter Wilmot 3.30.46 and Rosie Croft 4.07.29.

Richard Bradbury and Bradley Stone took on the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks race, 24 miles taking in Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 6 hours.  Loads of runners were timed out or DNF but Richard finished in 3.38.17 and Bradley 4.11.22.

May 2017

David Denton’s Peat Pit Woods Fell Race was the setting for race 4 in the Junior GP with 31 juniors taking part.  In the standings so far William Croft leads in the U12 with Alex Currie 2^nd and Jacob Rifkin 3^rd. For the girls Harriet Limb is 1^st, Olivia Allen 2^nd and Sophie Hopkinson 3^rd.  In the U16s Birtie West is 1^st, Charlie Unsworth 2^nd and Eddie Unsworth 3^rd.  For the Girls Lizzie Webster is 1^st, Michaela Dick 2^nd and Matilda Maciejewski-Spencer is 3^rd.

In Race 2 of the Summer BDL series at Ilkeston 30 runners turned out and the ladies took a team 2^nd place to keep them in 1^st place so far.  The men’s team are 7^th.  After the event there was a Presentation in the Rugby Club in Ilkeston for the Winter XC League with prizes awarded by Mr Louis Booth who sponsors the league.  The ladies’ team took the team prize for the first time.  Other notable wins Colin Davenport 4^th overall in the SM, Mick Moorhouse 2^nd MV60 and Clive Russell 1^st MV70.  Ava Holden 2^nd JL, Jade Stone 1^st SL, Hayley Gill 3^rd LV40, Nicky Dick 3^rd LV50, Karen Morely 3^rd LV55, Jan Forrester 1^st LV60 and Tessa Jackson 3^rd LV60.

Holymoorside 10k saw a good turnout with Hayley Gill taking 1^st LV40 and 2^nd place overall.  Matt Haywood, Jason Turner and Andy Hodkin all had good runs and Katie Haywood enjoyed her return to competition.  Club Captain, Colin Davenport took the win.

Club Chairman, Craig Allen and Peter Wilmot travelled to Selkirk in the Scottish Borders for the first Ultra 44k marathon and put their London Marathon training to good use to record 4.43.12.

On Thursday 17^th May MACs travelled to Wirksworth for a social away run.  This was made up of 6 groups of varying abilities each with a leader and all enjoyed a challenging run over Middleton Moor taking in plenty of hills, technical descents and mud.

The Annual White Peak Marathon and Half was a great success even though the heavens opened and it rained all day.  There were 162 runners in the Full Marathon and this was won by James Scott-Buccleuch of Stockport Harriers in 2.43.33.  1^st lady was Rachel Lawrance of Macclesfield Harriers in 3.21.43.  Several MACs had good runs including Chris Hallas, Charlie Whittaker, Christine Howard (1^st LV40), Andy Mellor in his first marathon and Kathryn Berrisford.   In the Swift Half the winner was Patrick Brown of East London Runners in 1.13.41 with MACs Mike Blair 2^nd in 1.16.33 and Ricky Wood 3^rd in 1.21.17.  1^st lady was Leonie Shipley of Derby AC in 1.25.28.  Other MACS – John Thorpe, Simon Flitter, Antony Lester, Ozzie Unsworth, Jason Turner, Jon Burch and Abi Waterfall.  There were 306 runners.

On 26^th May it was the Tour of Derwent Valley series of 4 races over the Bank Holiday Weekend.  The first race on Friday was at Duffield and 4.4mile road race which was also in the Senior GP.  11 MACs took part with Mike Blair taking the 20 GP points.  MAC positions – Andy Sheldon, Matt Haywood, John Thorpe, Bob Foreman, Andy Mellor, Jim Thorneycroft, Dan Ashcroft, Dennis Holmes.  For the ladies Kathryn Berrisford took the 20 points in the Ladies’ GP and Laurie Croft 19 points.  Final 4 mile race 4 in the TODV was on Bank Holiday Monday starting in Rowsley. 118 different runners took part over the series and 47 completed all races. Overall for MAC John Thorpe finished 8th, Andy Mellor 12th and Jim Thorneycroft 19th and 1st MV60.  In the Senior GP standings so far Kathryn Berrisford leads with Nicky Dick 2^nd and Helen Emmerson 3^rd.  In the Men’s Mike Blair is 1^st, Bob Foreman 2^nd and John Thorpe 3^rd.

June 2017

The Junior Section of the club, dominant at Monday evening training at the Arc continues to thrive with a waiting list.  There is now a register in place and lots of trained coaches on hand and also a list of volunteer parents to ensure all is safe and legal.  Michelle Lester has come on board as Junior rep and ensures parents are aware of up and coming races for the juniors as well as helping out with reporting.  John Brennan as Web Tech has set up a Junior Tab on the website and there are Events, GP Results, Timetables etc.

Mike Blair continues to do well in races and won the Calver Fell Race.  His new shop Run Forest in Matlock now sponsors some races by providing prize vouchers and race numbers.  Ricky Wood, founder of Ricky’s Race, has now rejoined the Club and was 5th in Wirksworth RCs Tunnels and Trails 10k Race.  Scott Thompson and son, Sam, continue their spree of park runs, especially in Cornwall and took 3rd and 5th respetively at Cromford Killer Fell Race.  Les Thurston and Mick Moorhouse (MV65+) continue to thrive in the fells, Les taking on the Tebay Fell Race (13k/914m) in Cumbria in the English Fell Running Champs and Mick 1st MV60 in the Peter Brinsley Bosley Rose Queen FR (7.5k/250m).  Dan Haworth, first claim Keswick AC has joined MAC as 2nd claim and makes top 3 in trhe fell races, such as Tideswell.  New member Bradley Stone also doing well in the fells coming in 1st MV40 in the Riber Run, organised by MACs Richard Bradbury.

Nicky Dick 2nd in AG in the British Aquathlon Champs.   Andrea Atkinson and 3 of her children – Oscar, Max and Hugo took part in Alfreton Community 5k park run.  Daughter Myla also runs.

In the annual Hairy Helmet Relays at Darley Park MAC entered 12 junior and senior teams with wins in 3 categories with nearly 60 runners taking part.

Christine Howard took on one of  the toughest X tri in the World at Wasdale.  17,000 ft and 144 miles.  3.8 km swim in Lake Windermere, 112 bike ride taking in the infamous Fred Whitton Ride and a full marathon up Scafell Pike and back.  She completed as 2nd lady in 18 hours 33 minutes. Gareth Ferguston took on the Ironman Austria.  2 juniors, Elsbeth Grant and Lizzie Webster will represent East Midlands at the Inter-Regional Triathlon champs in July.

July 2017

Chesterfield Spire 10  was in the Club GP and Mike Blair gained further points and made a good showing again to finish 4^th in 1.02.23.  John Thorpe, Scott Thompson, Matt Haywood, Jim Thorneycroft 1^st MV60, James Fox, John Brennan, Jason Turner, Les Thurston, Mark Chimley, Kathryn Berrisford, Roseanna Croft and Katie Haywood all had good runs.

The popular Winster Hill Race had terrible cold and rainy weather but there was a great turnout of 126.  Dan Haworth (2^nd claim from Keswick AC) finished 2^nd with Colin Davenpofrt 6.  Elsbeth Grant was 1^st U16 girl and 8^th overall.  Karl Webster, Simon Brister 1^st MV60, Hay Gill 1^st LV40 and Mick Moorhouse 2^nd MV60 all ran well.

Bradley Stone took on the gruelling Kinder Trog 25.7k finishing in 20^th of 168 in 2.21.16.

Two MAC girls will represent East Midlands at the Inter-Regional Triatlon Champs next month – Elsbeth Grant and Lizzie Webster.

Matt Haywood tackled the Legerman half Ironman in Doncaster and the BDL 4^th race at Carsington saw Elsbeth Grant make her debut and storm first home for the ladies and 22^nd overall.  Jade Stone was 2^nd lady.  25 MACs took part meaning the Ladies’ Team is 1^st in the series with one race to go and the Men’s Team 3^rd.

MACs Black Rocks race had a record turnout of 205 with Harry Holmes of Wirksworth RC taking top spot in 34.55 and Lucy Taylor of Ripley RC 1^st lady.  There was a good MAC turnout with Ben Cartwright, making a welcome return.

Ricky Wood has now joined the Club and is putting in some fine individual and team performances and will start his race – Ricky’s Race – next month and present the prizes.

Les Thurston continues to do well on the fells and took on the International Snow Race starting in Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back.

Not to be outdone Bradley Stone and Martin Lea took part in the Snowdon Marathon with good results and Mike Blair did the Half.

Bonsall Hill Race had a bumper turnout of 32 young MACs as this was a Junior GP race.

August 2017

The BDL series of 5 races came to end in dramatic style at Shipley Park Heanor in torrential rain.  Despite this it was a good turnout of MACs and the ladies’ finished top with 11.5 point margin.  The men did well too to make it 2^nd in the combined competition.  Great and to think we nearly pulled out of the Summer League due to lack of interest last year.  Notable results Colin Davenport 5^th overall in series, Martin Lea 11^th in VM50, Bob Foreman 2^nd in MV55, Jim Thorneycroft 1^st in MV60, Jade Stone 1^st in SL, and Laura Bassett 10^th,  Hayley Gill 1^st in LV40, Kathryn Berrisford 3^rd in LV45, Tessa Jackson 3^rd in LV65.

Ricky’s Race celebrated it’s 20^th running with originator Ricky starting the race and presenting the prizes.  However, someone moved tape on the course and several runners took the wrong route.  However, we did not let it dampen spirits and the awards and beer at the 3 Stags Heads, Darley Bridge after the event was a merry affair.  Obviously lessons will be learnt and the race will come back next year with improved security on marshalling.

Jan Forrester again represented GBR in the World Multisport Festival in Penticton, BC, Canada on 21^st August in the Standard (10k run, 40k bike, 5k run) in the LV65-69 and bettered last year’s bronze by taking Silver.

September 2017

Club Secretary Dennis Belbin enjoys The Great North Run but is yet to beat Mo Farah although he did record a PB of 1.40.55.  John Thorpe also had a PB in 1.26.31.  New boy James Fox also took part and Dan Ashcroft.

In the Ilam Fell Race Simon Brister was 1^st MV65 in 53.07 with Billy Cartwright coming home in 2^nd in 40.20 and John Brennan 36^th in 54.18.  There was also the Longnor Fell Race which attracted loads of MAC juniors being a GP race.  It was a bit of mudbath but the kids enjoyed it.  Stanage Struggle FR was in the Senior GP and attracted 13 MACs.  Mike Blair and Kathryn Berrisford seem on track to the take the GP titles this year.

MACs continue to thrive in Triathlons and in the Absolute TRI at Harvey Hadden Sports Village in Notts, Tom Burch, Michaela Dick, Izzy Lester, Matthew Foreman, Lauren Lindridge, Jess Lindridge, Callum Burch, Freya Lester, Rory Burch and Will Croft all had good performances.  Whilst at the Vitruvian Tri at Rutland Water Matt Haywood clocked up 4 hours 49.34 for the 1,900m swim, 85k bike and 21k run.

Team Gladioli made up of several MACs in the line up of 8 won the Great Kinder Barrel Race and in Lantern Pike FR Jan Forrester was 1^st LV65 after a lay off from the fells of 8 months.

Nicky Dick took on the World Triathlon Sprint Distance Champs in Rotterdam and finished 22^nd from 53 in her AG LV55-59.

Christine Howard continues to take on the toughies and took part in the Sandman Tri in Wales which is two events in two days completing the total in 2^nd lady place.

Club Chairman, Craig Allen took on the Berlin Marathon in awful weather and completed in 3.16.06.

Whilst Karl and Chris continued their international adventure races by taking on the Cameco Cowboy Tough race in Wyoming USA,  They finished the event in 29^th place from 59 teams.

Matlock Tri took place had a good turnout with Michael Beech taking 1^st place and Michelle Wilcocks 1^st lady.  £350 was donated to their chosen charities of Aquabox and Ileostomy Soc respectively.  MACs Andy Sheldon won 1^st novice prize with Ava Holden 1^st U20 lady and Chris Howard 3^rd L overall.

The 6^th Malt Shovel Relay was a success with a record 71 teams taking part, 13 of these from MAC with Country-themed team names.  MACs first team was Great Britain in 11^th place – John Thorpe, Andy Sheldon and Bradley Stone).  The winner was One man and his Tash – Harry Holmes of Wirksworth RC who ran all 3 legs.

Wilne 10k was ran by 13 MACs with Mike Blair (PB) was first MAC home in 35.31.  Other MACs were Jade Stone 6^th lady overall, Matt Haywood, John Thorpe, Simon Flitter, Jim Thorneycroft, Hayley Gill, Andy Mellor, Dan Ashcroft, Katie Haywood (PB), Mark Chimley, Kathryn Berrisford and Tessa Jackson.

October 2017

Husband and wife, Matt and Katie Haywood took on Lincoln Half Marathon with Matt coming home in 29^th 1.27.31 and Katie 1.48.38 from a field of 1,561.  It was also Chesterfield Half Marathon this month and Matt finished 5^th this time in 1.23.17.

The BDL Winter XC League Race 1 at Shipley Park, Heanor met with 30 MACs, Colin Davenport and Mike Blair first MACs home and first ladies Jade Stone and Christine Howard.

Colin Davenport won No Walk in the Park 5k Chesterfield in 16.43 with Simon Croft 3^rd and he is closing in on victory in the MV50+ race.  Simon Brister made a rare appearance from the fells to 1^st in MV65 in 20.28.  Jim Thorneycroft 22.57.  At Poolsbrook Park Run Mike Blair was 1^st in 17.47 and John Thorpe in a new PB in 18.16.  Hayley Gull ran with daughter Jess and still achieved 28.33.

The Nottingham Goose Fair is still going strong and new member, Geoff Cooper took on the 10k run and finished 26^th from 252 runners in 44.28.

This month also saw the Tissington Trail half marathon.  Andy Hodkin clocked a PB in 1.35.46, Jason Turner 1.34.47 and Jim Thorneycroft 1.29.56 and 1^st MV60.

To ward off the winter blues a strong contingent of 15 MACs took off to Majorca for the Palma Marathon and Half marathon.  In hot conditions Colin Davenport was 9^th home in the marathon in 2.49.42.  Antony Lester also did the Marathon.  There were some good times in the half too with John Thorpe first MAC home in 1.26.36.

MAC had one team in the British Fell  Running Relay at Llanberis and did really well to come hom in 29^th from 176 finishers.

Jim Thorneycroft ticked off race 40 in his quest for 60 races in his 60^th year in the Bridlington Half Marathon in 1.37.17.

Christine Howard continues to take on the toughiews finishing 6^th lady in the Kielder Marathon in Northumberland.

It was the first of the Winter 10k handicaps from the Arc to the Pav at Matlock Bath via Hall Leys Park.  Mike Blair was first home in 36.32 and Kathryn Berrisford broke the women’s record 46.39.  Bob Foreman took the age graded win with 82.46% in 40.08.

It was the BMAF XC Relays at Long Eaton and the LV65+ team of Tessa Jackson, Ann Armistead and Jan Forrester beat the only other team, Hastings to take gold.  Jan also took gold for the fastest leg time.  There were 3 other teams – LV45+, MV55+ and MV65+.

November 2017

The AGM was well attended and Craig Allen, Chairman, Emma Phillips, Treasurer both stood down.  They were thanked for their contribution to the Club.  Andy Mellor was voted Chairman and Becky Owen Treasurer.  Jim Thorneycroft stayed on as Vice Chairman.  Other members – Colin Davenport Men’s Captain, Alison Pye Ladies’ Captain, Jan Forrester, Publicity, Karl Webster – Junior Co-ordinator, John Brennan Webmaster.  Michelle Lester and Jacki Simmons Junior Welfare officers.

Senior GP race at Worksop Halloween Half Marathon encouraged 28  MACS with Ian Phillips coming home 2^nd overall in 1.14.21.  Mike Blair was 14^th overall in 1.19.20 taking the 20 GP points and Hayley Gill 1^st lady taking the 20 points in the Ladies’ GP.  Several members took on Clowne Half which is also part of the Derbyshire County Champs.  Emma Turner secured gold in LV45 category, Alaina Bond 2^nd in SL and Jim Thorneycroft 1^st in MV60.

The Dovedale Dash saw Elsbeth Grant take first lady place in 32.13 whilst Alex Currie took the U10s Junior race by storm and Dan Haworth came close to winning just being pipped by Alastair Campbell of Buxton AC.  Clive Russell (MV75) competed in 51^st dash.

MAC had two teams in the English XC Relay Champs at Berry Pk, Mansfield.   U13s girls Lizzie Webster, Michaela Dick and Charlotte Bradshaw came 36^th from 101 teams.  The Senior Men – Matt Haywood, Carl Dyke, Geoff Cooper and Mike Blair finished in 119^th from 130 teams.

Junior MACs continue to shine in the triathlons and it was Burntwood Aquathon which tempted them.  Caitlin McCloy finished 1^st MAC girl in her first aquathon with Freya Lester 2^nd.  Isabelle Lester, Jess and Lauren Lindridge and Matthew Foreman all had good races.

28 MACs took on the 2^nd BDL race XC race at Chaddesden and the ladies dominated with Elsbeth Grant 1^st lady and Lizzie Webster and Michaela Dick helping the ladies’ team to take 1^st place in their first BDL race.  The men did well too with Colin Davenport being 1^st MAC home.  After the race there was a presentation of the trophies for the winners in the Summer League.  MAC ladies were 1^st and there were also age category silverware for Bradley Stone, Jim Thorneycroft, Hayley Gill and Bob Foreman.

The 2^nd MAC 10k Handicap race took place from the Arc to the Pav in Matlock Bath and back taking in Hall Leys Park.  Mike Blair was 1^st and Kathryn Berrisford broke her ladies’ course record.

DECEMBER 2017

Snow stopped play for the weekend of 9^th/10^th December when Bolsover 10k (also in the senior GP) was postponed til 14^th January.

The juniors continue to thrive in the XC season and many took part in the Derbyshire Athletics XC mini league at Moorways Stadium, Derby with Freya Lester, Caitlin McCloy and Millie Davenport performing well in the U11s.  For the boys, Alex Currie, Matthew Foreman and Arthur Limb did well.

In the U13 girls, Olivia Allen put in a sprint finish and Jessica Lindridge and Isabelle Lester had good runs.  In the U13 boys Sam Sargeant ran.  Freya, Millie, Alex and Matthew were congratulated on completing the whole series.  Freya won a silver medal for finishing 2^nd in the league for the U11 girls.

Simon Brister was 1^st in the MV65 category in the Christmas Cracker Race at Meerbrook.  The course was scaled down because of the adverse weather conditions but was still very slippery.  Jim Thorneycroft, Nicky Dick and Mark Jackson also took part.

Following on from the AGM, it had been agreed to set up a new beginners’ running group as some people are put off with the idea of a ‘running club’.  It was discovered that two members, Rachel West and Naomi Barraclough already had a similar group, Sole Mates, in place.  So it was decided to support them with some finance and training so that they could offer this facility for free under the umbrella of MAC.  This is part of the idea to raise MACs profile in the community.

The annual Fancy Dress Run took place as usual with 40 members enjoying the run starting from the Arc and finishing up at the Red Lion at Matlock Green for food and more drink.  The annual Christmas Eve run also took place as usual at 12 noon at Carsington water with 20 runners and cyclists taking part.  The Beetroot run was also well attended on Boxing Day and it was also the last race in the MAC Junior GP.  The winner of the Boys U16 competition was Bertie West with 79 points, 2^nd Joe Currie 59 and 3^rd Charlie Unsworth 56.  In the Girls U16 Lizzie Webster was 1^st on 71. 2^nd Michaela Dick 66 and 3^rd Matilda Maciejewski-Spencer on 53.

In the MAC Junior U12 competition the winner for the Boys was Alex Currie on 132 points, 2^nd Will Croft on 124 and 3^rd Sam Sargeant on 114.  In the Girls U12 Freya Lester was 1^st on 129 points, 2^nd Olivia Allen on 102 and 3^rd Sophie Hopkinson on 90.

The presentation will take place at the party following the MAC XC at Darley Bridge in March (venue and date tbc).