MAC History 2018

January 2018

On New Year’s Day 84 turned out in the annual Hangover 5 mile road race starting from the Malt Shovel Inn at Wash Green organised by David Denton.  Hayley Gill continues to shine as 1^st lady with the ever-improving Lizzie Webster 2^nd lady.  John Thorpe was 9^th with Karl Webster, Jim Thorneycroft, Jack Cummins, Martin Lea and Les Thurston in the mix.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire XC Champs took place at Shipley Pk, Heanor and it really was a mud bath.  MAC amassed 7 individual medals and 5 team medals. The U11 girls’ won Gold, U11 boys’ Silver, U13 boys’ Silver, U13 girls’ Silver and SM Gold.  Individual medals – Freya Lester U11 Bronze, Nicky Dick LV55 Gold, Jan Forrester LV65 Gold, Jim Thorneycroft MV60 Silver, Mick Moorhouse MV60 Bronze, Elsbeth Grant LU17 Gold and Lizzie Webster LU15 Gold.

It was the inaugural weekly Bakewell 5k Parkrun – straight out and back on the Monsal Trail starting at Hassop Station.  Simon Brister MV65 was 1^st MAC home.   Weekly Saturday parkruns are proving popular with MACs and the Bakewell run has seen many MACs taking part in a parkrun for the first time.  Other popular ones are Poolsbrook Country Park, the site of the former Ireland Colliery which has been transformed into a popular park with lake.  Gerry White MV75 regularly runs the Markeaton Parkrun and has completed over 165.  Monthly parkruns include No Walk in the Park 5k Queens Pk, Chestefield and our own Whitworth Thread which regularly attracts over 100 runners each month.

Bolsover 10k took place in January postponed from December 2017 because of icy conditions.  Mike Blair took 9^th place from 671 runners.  New member Paddy Wright was 13^th, John Thorpe (PB) 38.44.  Hayley Gill was 4^th lady overall and 1^st LV40.  Les Thurston was 2^nd MV65 and Jan Forrester 1^st LV65.  It was good to see Ann Armistead LV65 taking part too.

Geoff Cooper enjoys the long races and took on Trigger Fell Race and Christine Howard still competes in the tough long races tackling Cannock Chase Trig Points race coming home 3^rd lady.  Billy and Ben Cartwright are proving to be real kings of the hills.  With Billy taking 2^nd and Ben 4^th place at Lamb’s Longer Leg, Tigger Tor and 2^nd and 5^th respectively at the Mickleden Straddle FR.    Richard Bradbury still does well on the hills too and at Tigger Tor the trio took the Team prize too.

In Race 4 of the series of 5 BDLs XC, 27 MACs took part with the ladies extending their lead to, hopefully, take the crown again following the last race at Holmesbrook Valley Park, Chesterfield in February.  So MAC are hoping for a bumper turnout of members to gain as many individual prizes as well as making a good showing in the  table of 12 local teams. It was a welcome return to the series for Ava Holden and Ricky Wood.

Even thought here is still one race to go in the Senior GP, Mike Blair and Kathryn Berrisford have done enough to take the crowns and the Senior Presentation will take place in March.

Simon Brister (MV65) was the lone MAC in  the Midlands Masters XC Champs at Wolverhampton.  He won a silver medal in the 6k race.

For the first time in many years MAC had representatives at the Northern Area Association XC Champs at Harewood House, Leeds.  Competition was hot with MACs evenly spread through the field.  Those taking part – Lucy Kuszinski U13s, Lizzie Webster and Michaela Dick U15s, Nicky Dick SL, Colin Davenport, Carl Dyke, Paddy Wright and John Thorpe SM.

In the Club 10k age graded handicap, Jan Forrester is in the lead from 4 of the 6 races, with 5 to count.  Hayley Gill now holds the Ladies’ Course Record.  February and March to go.

MAC extended their pledge to do more community work by having a collection for the local Foodbank Jigsaw.  Loads of foodstuffs and other goodies were collected which the juniors sorted and this was gratefully received by Dave, Jigsaw’s representative.

Jim Thorneycroft completed his 60 races in his 60^th year this month.  He competed in the Marrakech Half Marathon for his last race of the 60.

February 2018

The last Senior GP of the year was the NWIP 5k at Queens Park, Chesterfield and just a few MACs turned out (probably because the standings are already decided with Mike Blair and Kathryn Berrisford taking the crowns).  Simon Croft was 6^th and Dan Ashcroft 18^th.  For the ladies Lisa Jones took the 20 GP points.  In the 1,500m race William Croft and Jacob Jones were given the same time of 5.44 minutes and Logan Fairey 6.12.  Lots of parkrun activity as usual with the Bakewell park run attracting 7 senior and junior MACs.

The Dark and White Spring Trail Series started with the first event from the Whitworth Centre. John Thorpe, Hayley Gill, Shelley Fairey, Helen Emmerson, Laurie Croft, Emma Phillips, Joanne Nuttall, Michelle Lester all took part.

MAC ladies were triumphant once again in the Winter XC BDL League Series of 5 races, this race being at the notoriously muddy venue of Holmebrook Valley Park, Chesterfield.   The men’s team finished 3^rd in the series and the combined team were 2^nd.   Lots of individual medals too Jan Forrester 1^st LV65, Nicky Dick 1^st LV55, Elsbeth Grant 1^st JL, Jim Thorneycroft 1^st MV60, Bob Foreman 1^st MV55.  Lizzie Webster 3^rd JL, Mick Moorhouse 3^rd MV65 and Mike Blair and Alison Pye 4^th in the SM and SL respectively.

Jan Forrester started the duathlon season well finishing 1^st LV65 at the Anglian Water Duathlon at Grafham Water, Cambs on a cold day.  She was 5 minutes quicker than last year’s time and has pre-qualified for the World Champs in Denmark in July 2018.

The MAC age graded 10k handicap race 5 took place and Jan Forrester took the 30 points putting her in an unassailable position winning the competition.   The last race in March will deterimine the 2^nd and 3^rd places with Kathryn Berrisford, John Thorpe and Simon Flitter all in contention.

Carsington Water Half Marathon and 10k took place on 2 occasions at the weekend of 24/25^th February.  Several MACs took part with Carly Spear completing the 10k on Saturday and Jim Thorneycroft (1^st MV60) and Rachel West the half marathon.  Several Sole Mates took part in the 10k and half.  On Sunday Alison Pye (4^th lady) and Tessa Jackson, back from injury, 1^st LV65 and James Fox, John Thorpe, Andy Mellor and Alaina Bond took part in the half.

Youngster Sam Thompson completed his first marathon distance race at the Belvoir off road Challenge.  Dad, Scott, John Thorpe, Simon Croft, Peter Wilmot and Christine Howard took part too.  Mark Jackson completed the 15 mile challenge.

A few MACs made the journey to London for the English National XC Champs at Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath.  Elsbeth Grant 37^th in the UI17 Women’s was the best result but all had good runs – Lizzie Webster, Lucy Kuszinski, Michaela and Nicky Dick, Paddy Wright and Carl Dyke.

March

Early March was blighted with snow and loads of events were cancelled or postponed including MACs annual XC at Darley Bridge, NWIP 5k Chesterfiled, High Peak Marathon, Ashbourne 10.

The annual Senior Presentation Party took place on 11^th March and was attended by over 40 at the Red Lion, Matlock Green. Prizes were awarded for the Senior GP winners Mike Blair and Kathryn Berrisford, 2^nd John Thorpe and Hayley Gill and 3^rd Bob Foreman and Katie Haywood.

Edale Skyline 34k fell race saw Billy Cartwright have an amazing run to finish in 9^th place overall ahead of some internationally renowned fell runners. Bob Foreman and Mark Jackson travelled to the Wrekin for a 5.5 mile, 1,700ft ascent fell race which was very hilly. Bob was 32^nd on 51.22 and Mark 87^th on 1.08.22.

Snow came again bringing cancellation, however Grindleford Gallop 21 miler, 3,000 ft of ascent still went ahead and Rupert Holden, Simon Croft, Scott Thompson, Kelly Lynn, John Thorpe, Christine Howard, Martin Lea, David Clough and Mark Pollak all had good runs. Dan Haworth MAC 2^nd claim was 1^st in 2.31.53.

Les Thurston went to Devon for the Grizzly a notoriously tough fell race but because of conditions it was cut from 20 miles to 9. Les was 428^th from 1,266 finishers.

Monsal Trail Half Marathon took place over Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th March with some great MAC results. Mike Blair (1.15.20) broke the course record on Sunday and 2^nd claim Kelly Thorneycroft (1.21.30) won the ladies’ race. Dan Ashcroft was 1^st MV40 on Saturday 1.32.41. MACs results from Sunday – Geoff Cooper 1.32.35, Andy Mellor 1.33.01 also winning the Men’s Team prize. Alaina Bond 1.37.16 and Alison Pye 1.43.30 winning the Ladies’ prize. Dennis Belbin 1.35.17, Rachel West 1.50.21.

The annual Coniston 14 always attracts a lot of MACs, Steve Holt going yet again. Andy Sheldon was 1^st MAC home in 1.28.36, John Thorpe 1.28.58 PB, Simon Croft 1.31.38, Ian Watson 1.39.29, Jack Cummins 1.49.55, Mark Jackson 2.05.57m, Helen Emmerson 2.14.25, Antony Lester 2.14.56, Laurie Croft 2.15.19, Emma Phillips 1.15.19, Steve Holt 2. 16.20, Tessa Jackson 2.30.11, Michelle Lester 2.47.51. The Men’s team of Sheldon, Thorpe, Croft and Watson were 2^nd in team standings.

In the Club 10k handicap age graded series of 6 races. It was the final race on a Thursday evening. Jan Forrester won the series with an age graded performance of 82.66% in 51.00. Zak Hodgkinson had the fastest time of the evening 36.15. John Thorpe was 2^nd and Kathryn Berrisford 3^rd in the series.

Elsbeth Grant was 1^st in the Female Elite Youth category at the British Duathlon Champs at Bedford Autodrome.

Karl Webster’s Peaklife Sport’s Derwent Duathlon had 76 finishers with Christine Howard taking 4^th lady overall and 1^st LV40.

17 junior MACs travelled to Loughborough for the National XC Champs. All had good runs – Jasmine Blunt, Alex Currie, Arthur Limb, Fergus Turner, Sam Green, Thomas Walton, Caitlin McCloy, Charlie Ross, Matthew Foreman, Sophie Hopkinson, Olivia Allen, Lucy Newbury, Poppy Lynn, Amelia Gerrelli. Eva Currie, Oliver Blunt and Sam Sargeant.

The annual first away run of the Spring was at Chatsworth as usual. The weather was very wet and cold but 25 runners braved the evening with 4 groups taking part. It was then back to the Grouse at Darley Dale for food and the presentation of the prizes for the 10k handicap.

April 2018

The highlight of this month must be MACs first running of Peak Rail 7 miles Runner-v-Steam event on Easter Monday 2^nd April. However, due to overnight snow, the event was very nearly called off. Many competitors struggled to arrive but it went ahead in challenging conditions with slush, floods, snow and extreme cold. It was a resounding success with £250 going to Sole Mates, Greenaway Workshop, Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health and the Air Ambulance.

Les Thurston took on the White Horse Half Marathon in Oxfordshire in preparation for London Marathon on 22^nd April. However, he picked up a knee injury which meant he had to defer his London place until next year. However, Dennis Belbin, took up the Club place and finished in a creditable 4 hours 5 mins, given the extremely hot weather.

Andy Hall took on the Kielder Forest 50k Ultramarathon in Northumberland and Richard Bradbury and Geoff Cooper undertook the Kinder Downfall 15.4k in good weather conditions.

The MAC Senior and Junior XC took place as usual from the Three Stags Head at Darley Bridge on Monday evening 9^th after being postponed because of snow in March. There was a good turnout despite the very wet conditions and the Junior Prize presentation took place before training at Arc the following Monday. 1^st U12 Oliver Blunt and Caitlin McCloy. 1^st U16 Bertie Elphick and Lizzie Webster. 1^st Seniors Mike Blair and Helen Emmerson. The GP winners were also awarded prizes -1st U12 Alex Currie and Freya Lester. 1^st U16 Birtie West and Lizzie Webster.

It was the first BDL Summer League event at Teversal in April with a good MAC turnout. Dan Haworth secured the first ever MAC male win and the Men claimed 2^nd place in the competition. The ladies finished in 4^th place.

The new Bakewell Parkrun goes from strength to strength with Zak Hodgkinson taking 1^st place on 21^st in a time of 16.53.

Wirksworth Incline FR (6.4k/208m) was in the Senior and Junior GP and there were nearly 40 MAC runners taking part.

May 2018

On 4^th May Ian Milne died due to a stroke. He had been out running the day before it happened. Ian was a much respected member of the Club for many years and was Club Treasurer for many years as well as the organiser of the White Peak Marathon and Swift Half. His funeral was well attended by Club members. £100 was donated from the Club to the Stroke Association as per Lyn’s wishes.

The White Peak Marathon took place on 19^th May and the it was re-named The Ian Milne White Peak Marathon in Ian’s honour with a commemorative shield presented to the winner Ty Farrer of Huntingdon AC in 2.42.27. MACs Zak Hodgkinson was 2^nd in 2.58.37.  1^st lady was Juliette Howard in 3.22.11.   There were 145 runners. The winner of the Half was Greg Hopkinson of Beeston AC in 1.16.25. 1^st lady MACs Hayley Gill in 1.33.35. There were 292 runners. Fine weather greeted the runners and there were 6 MAC runners in the half and 6 MAC runners in the full marathon. The Club also held a commemorative Thursday evening away run taking in High Tor which 30 members attended.

Race 2 of 5 of the BDL took place at Ilkeston the men stand in 8^th place from 12 after the 2 races and the ladies, not doing as well as last year so far, 6^th.   Combined MAC stand in 7^th place.

Peter Wilmot and Craig Allen continued to take on Ultras and took part in the Transvulcania on the island of La Palma, considered to be the hardest mountain marathon in the Canary Islands. Tess and Mark Jackson took on the half distance.

Alan Pickering made a welcome return to racing after many months injured and took on the Hathersage Hurtle a 20 mile off road run. He finished in 2.53.53 and 2^nd MV50. Andy Hall also took part in 3.46.37.

Tansley Hill Race was a great success with good weather a races for juniors too. The race was also in the Senior GP.

The monthly Buxton Pavilion Gardens 5k organised by Buxton AC was in the Junior GP and attracted lots of MAC juniors.

Donations were made from the Race the Train to local charities which were decided by the members. £250 to Sole Mates, £250 to Derbyshire For Mental Health, £250 for Greenaway Workshop and £250 Air Ambulance.

The Alan Kirk Lad’s Leap FR (9.5k/528m) from Crowden Campsite incorporated the UK Senior Inter-Counties FR Champs and the Derbyshire team of Harry Holmes, Dan Haworth (2^nd Claim MAC) and our own Billy Cartwright were 3^rd. 1^st place Yorkshire and 2^nd place Cumbria.

The Tour of Derwent Valley 4 race series over the Bank Holiday weekend, organised by David Denton attracted a lot of MAC interest with John Thorpe 8^th, Scott Thompson 10^th, Jack Cummins 16^th, John Hurley 20^th, Andy Hodkin 26^th and Kathryn Berrisford 36^th after completing all 4 races.

Christine Howard tackled the Exeter Marathon this month and Rosie Croft Edinburgh Marathon.

June 2018

Derby Half Marathon saw Colin Davenport finish 9^th in 1.18.22, Paddy Wright 1.23.50, John Thorpe 1.28.29, Simon Flitter 1.31.38, James Fox 1.31.50, Ian Watson 1.32.52. Hayley Gill 2^nd LV35 and 6th overall, Alaina Bond 1.41.56 and Carly Spear 1.53.35. Dan Ashcroft 1.35.08, Jason Turner 1.37.02, Jack Cummins 1.39.45, Andy Hodkin with son Jake 1.43.51 and John Brennan, back from injury, 1.49.11.

Karl Webster, Christine Howard, Chris Hallas and Charlie Whittaker took on the toughest Triathlon X Ironman in Ambleside. In torrential rain for the whole event, Karl finished in 15 hours 21 minutes, Chris Hallas 15 hours 48 minutes, Charlie 15 hours 50 minutes and Christine Howard 16 hours 16 minutes and 1^st LV40.

The juniors continue to excel at all types of races with Aquathlons, Triathlons, Duathlons, as well as fell and road races.

Matt Haywood continues with his ultra distances and took part in the Chester Deva Triathlon Middle Distance finishing 36^th in 4.42.45. Keswick Mountain Festival Weekend he undertook the 50k Ultra.

The Whitworth Thread continues to attract good numbers each month and the June monthly Thread raised £111 for the Stroke Association in memory of Ian Milne.

The popular Edale Country Fair Fell Race attracted lots of senior and junior MACs with Ian Phillips 2^nd place, Andy Shelton, Craig Allen, Peter Wilmot, Simon Croft. Ian Phillips was also 2^nd at the Calver Peak Fell race with Ben Cartwright, Richard Bradbury, Scott Thompson and Oliver Brocklehurst all putting in good performances. It was also Boar’s Head, Castleton Fell Race, Bosley Fete Fell Race, Blackamoor. 26 MACs took on the Tunnels and Trails Race starting at Middleton Top.

New member Matt Nichols loves the fells and took on the notoriously difficult Duddon Valley Short fell race finishing in 4^th place overall. Whilst Zak Hodgkinson took 2^nd place at the Passing Clouds Fell race at Tittesworth Reservoir. John Thorpe, Ricky Wood, Bob Foreman, Paddy Wright, Jason Turner, Dan Ashcroft, Jack Cummins, Shelley Fairey, Gavin Simmons, Alaina Bond, Mark and Tessa Jackson too.

In the 3^rd race in the BDL Summer series at Denby MAC had over 30 taking part with Zak Hodgkinson 9^th overall and Colin Davenport 10^th. Oliver Lloyd was 1^st MAC junior, Jim Thorneycroft 2^nd MV60, Jo Grant was 2^nd LV45, Jan Forrester 1^st LV65 and Tessa Jackson 3^rd LV65.

At the annual Hairy Helmet relays MAC finished 1^st Male Open team (Mike Blair, Zak Hodgkinson, Colin Davenport and Dan Haworth) with Dan also winning the Gladiator helmet for the fastest individual time. MAC had 14 teams of 4 and also won the Men 200 category, Mixed 200 and Men 160.

Winster Hill Race was well supported with 24 MACs taking part. This was a Senior GP race. Mike Blair was 3^rd overall and Elsbeth Grant was 1^st lady and Shelley Fairey was 3^rd lady

Billy and Ben Cartwright continue racing in the fells and with Geoff Cooper and Matt Nichols took on the Snowdon Twilight race in preparation for the Snowdon Mountain race in July. This involves running to the summit of Snowdon. Billy was 9^th, Ben 15^th, Matt 30^th and Geoff 78th.

July 2018

The hot Summer just went on and on and the juniors enjoyed some great races at Great Bakwell Pudding Race, Great Hucklow Fell Race, Whitworth Thread which was in the junior GP and it was the last running of the Alfreton Community Park 5k organised by Ripley RC. Logan Fairey had attended almost every race and was rewarded with a special medal. Bonsall Run also attracted lots of juniors for the 1 lap (U12s) and 2 laps (U16), also in the junior GP.

The 4^th BDL race had a good turnoutof 241 at Carsington Water for the 5.3 mile course, despite the World Cup being on the TV, with Colin Davenport 2^nd. Jo Grant has already claimed 1^st place in the series in the LV45 category.

Jan Forrester represented GBR in the World Multisport Champs in Odense Denmark in the LV65-69 category. Jan was 4^th, 2.5 minutes behind the current world champ in 3^rd and 2 new Brits to the category took 1 and 2. So Brits were 1,2,3,4 out of 12.

Derwent River Relays in Belper were well supported with several teams and MAC had 24 runners taking part with Dopeys Delights taking the win – Mike Blair, Hayley Gill, Shelley Fairey and Matt Haywood in the mixed team.

Dan Ashcroft continues his marathon training taking on the Dambuster 10 miler on a Saturday and the Spire 10 miler on Sunday.

A bus load of MACs travelled to Wales for the Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon. Zak Hodgkinson was 2^nd overall in just under 2 hours. All MACs performed well and have vowed to take on the challenge again next year. Christine Howard was the only MAC to tackle the marathon and was 3^rd in the LV45 category.

MACs own Black Rocks Fell Race was held on the day England were playing in the World Cup so numbers were significantly down on last year – 205 to 72 – but the race went well with Ben Cartwright 2^nd.

History was made on 8 July when the long-standing Bob Graham Round record, set by Billy Bland and held since 1982 was broken by Kilian Jornet, the world trail running champion from Catalonia by just over 1 hour in a time of 12 hours 52 minutes. The race sees 42 peaks, 66 miles and 27,000’ of climb starting in Keswick and MACs Richard Bradbury, Billy Cartwright and 2^nd claim member Dan Haworth assist with navigation and support.

It was the International Snowdon Mountain Race and Ben Cartwright was in fine form again coming home in 38^th from a field of 600. Bradley Stone and Geoff Cooper also took on the challenge.

Captain, Colin Davenport took on Italy’s Gran Trail Orobie (44 miles, 14,000’) mountain running through the Alps within a time limit of 24 hours. He took on the challenge to raise funds for Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale specialising in care for dementia patients. Anthony Marchington, a MAC member, is there as he developed early onset dementia. The money raised will go towards trainers and exercise equipment for patients.  Colin had also taken on the Welsh Marathon in Tenby taking 2^nd place.

The senior GP races have been well supported with this month seeing Warslow Beer Festival FR and Brassington Fell Race take place.

August 2018

The final BDL race in the series of 5 took place at Shipley Pk, Heanor which was also a Senior GP race. Not such good results for the Ladies’ team as last year (1^st), they finished 5^th and the Men’s Team finished 3^rd.  In the Combined MAC were 5^th of the 12.  Jo Grant 1^st LV45, Jim Thorneycroft 2^nd MV60 and Oliver Lloyd 3^rd JM.

John Thorpe continues to impress with a 4^th place and PB time of 17.33 in Bakewell Parkrun.

Ricky’s Race went off without a hitch this year, from the new Headquarters at the Square and Compass, Darley Bridge.  Parking was much easier and having the Registration just across the road at the pub proved a good move.

Nicky Dick continues to take on the Euro and World triathlons at Sprint distance and finished 26^th in LV55 age group at the Euro Champs in Glasgow.

Mike Blair wins triple crown; the challenge comprises Hardwick Hall 10k, Holymoorside 10k and Spire 10 miles.  Ricky Wood was 4^th, Dennis Belbin 9^th, Jason Turner 10^th, Dan Maskrey 14^th, David Greatorex 18^th, Shelley Fairey 1^st MAC lady and 3^rd lady overall, Andy Hodkin 22^nd, Emma Turner 7^th lady, Craig Cantrill 37^th.  109 runners completed all 3 races.

Ben and Billy Cartwright and Ian Phillips continue to conquer the fells and Ian had a great race at Borrowdale (27k/2,000m) 22^nd.  Billy is on target to get a top 5 finish in the English Fell Running Champs.  Billy Cartwright and Geoff Cooper took on the Ben Nevis Hill Race, part of the British Fell Running Champs with Billy 21^st and Geoff smashed his PB time for the race by 25 minutes.

17 MACs ran the Limestone Way from Castleton to Matlock in hot conditions to raise funds for dementia patients living at Meadow View, Matlock to buy exercise equipment.  Fellow MAC Anthony Marchington lives at Meadow View.  £1,250 was raised.

David Denton staged a new relay at Alport Heights to replace the Malt Shovel Relays.  It was the same format of 3 runners per team each running 2 miles.  MAC fielded 12 teams and the team of Simon Flitter, John Thorpe and Colin Davenport finished 2^nd behind the Ripley Rams.

Wilne 10k doubled as Derbyshire 10k Championships and was also in the MAC senior GP.  Mike Blair took bronze in MV40 and Pete Wilmot Silver in the MV50 category.

Matlock Triathlon took place as normal on Bank Holiday Monday with 150 entrants.  It was double victory for the Grants – Eugene 1^st home and daughter Elsbeth 1^st lady.  Mum Jo also took part.

September 2018

The warm weather continued into September and the Longnor Races doubled as the Junior GP and 16 set off on the dirt track before a steep ascent to the hillside and the steep descent through the brook back to the start.

The Great Longstone Chase, the last of the local evening fell races attracted a record number of 205 runners and 3 MACs took it on – Billy Cartwright 2^nd, Paddy Wright and Carly Spear with MACs 2^nd claim Dan Haworth in his 1^st claim Keswick strip took trhe win in a record time of 27.01.

Stanage Struggle FR (9.9k/355m) saw Bob Foreman have a great run, now in the MV60 category after a recent birthday and Jan Forrester took the 1^st LV60 prize.  Ben Cartwright 4^th, Matt Nichols 6^th, Les Thurston also ran.

2 MACs, Matt Nichols and Geoff Cooper, took on the Salomon Skyline VK (Vertical Kilometre) following a marked course gaining 1,000m of height in less than 5k.

The inaugural Hindersitch Up Trial Hill Climb Race took place at Whatstandwell finishing in Crich with MACs Hayley Gill taking 1^st lady and 1^st junior male was James Briggs with Olivia Allen 1^st junior girl.

Mansfield 10k saw 5 MACs line up at the start, Geoff Cooper missed out due to car breaking down. Mike Blair 4^th, Paddy Wright 20^th, Jim Thorneycroft 59^th and 1^st MV60, Andy Hodkin and Craig Cantrill.

There was success for MAC in the National fell running champs, Billy finishing 7^th overall in the English Champs and 12^th in the British.  In the English Dan Haworth finished 5^th and newly joined as 2^nd claim member, Harry Holmes, Pudsey and Bramley 1^st claim, finished joint 8^th.  In the British Dan 8^th and Harry 10^th.

Alaina Bond continues to up the distances and claimed her first ever trophy in the Ladybower Ultra 35 mile race at Fairholmes, finishing in 4^th place.

Andy Hall also enjoys the longer distances and was 1^st in the 100k Peak District Challenge race running through the night.

Zak Hodgkinson was 21^st in the Nottingham Half, Jack Cummins smashed his PB to 1.34.49, Dan Ashcroft, Jim Thorneycroft, Kate O’Connor-Parker, Molly Gorman.

Junior MACs did well the Accelerate Gritty Series of fell races with Joe Currie winning the U16 Boys, Sophie Hopkinson U14 girls, Will Croft U10 boys and Caitlin McCloy U12 girls.

Nicky Dick continued an impressive round of triathlons this year and was 5^th Brit in AG 55-59 from 66 competitors in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Sprint Duathlon on Australia’s Gold Coast.

October 2018

Mike Blair (43k/2,000m) there were only 200 finishers from 500 and he came 49^th.  Paddy Wright and Carly Spear (16k/520m) took on the Bassano del Grappa Mountain race in Northern Italy.

Another contingent of 16 MACs set off for Palma for the Marathon and Half with great success and this seems to be an annual outing.  Meanwhile back home, it was hoped that there would be good turnout for Race 1 in the BDL XC Series which was also in the Senior GP.  Not to have worried as 24 MACs took part and the ladies won the team event.  Looking good for the next race at Chaddesden in November.

The juniors took on the first in the Derbyshire Mini League XC Series at Buxton in snow!  The Seniors travelled to Long Eaton for the British Masters XC Relay Champs.  There was a LV35 team of Carly Spear, Alison Pye and Chris Howard, LV45 – Penny McCloy, Andrea Joy Priestley and Kathryn Berrisford.  MV35 team Dennis Belbin, John Thorpe, Ian Phillips, Colin Davenport and Ricky Wood.  MV45 Andy Mellor, Greg Woodward, Geoff Cooper, Peter Wilmot and Karl Webster.  MV55 Andy Hodkin, John Hurley, Chris Hallas, John Birch.  Unfortunately the MV65+ and LV65+ teams both had to pull out through injuries, so the ladies were unable to defend their title from last year.

The 1^st race in the N. Mids XC League took place at Markeaton Pk, Derby and attracted several juniors and a few seniors.

2 teams took on the British Fell Running Champs in Grasmere on a very misty, murky day.  The A team of Zak Hodgkinson, Billy and Ben Cartwright, Richard Bradbury, Matt Nichols and Ian Phillips finished in 12^th place and the B team of Les Thurston, John Thorpe, Geoff Cooper, Christine Howard, Jon Curtis and Jan Forrester finished 238^th.

It was the start of the Winter age graded 10k handicap and Clive Russell took the lead.

 November 2018

The 62^nd Dovedale Dash saw MAC Dan Haworth 1^st in a new course record of 25.41 and Elsbeth Grant 1^st lady in 31.42.  There were 1, 363 runners with many MACs taking part.

MACs enjoyed some good running at the English XC Relays at Berry Hill, Mansfield.  U13 Boys, U13 Girls and Senior races for Men and Ladies.

Race 2 at Chaddesden in the BDL Series with the ladies triumphing again.  Harry Holmes was 1^st overall and Elsbeth Grant 1^st lady, 2^nd Jade Stone.  29 MACs took part.

Alex Currie  was 1^st in the Derbyshire Dales Schools XC with Jacob Jones 3^rd with Arthur Limb putting in a great run to nearly catch Alex.

Lots of fell running successes in The Roaches (24.1k/1,128m) with Billy Cartwright 2^nd and Zak Hodgkinson 6^th, Bradley Stone, Matt Nichols, Rupert Holden, Mark Pollak, Scott Thompson and Mark Chimley also took part.  MAC finished 4^th in the team category.  In Grin and Bear It (25.5k/758m) at Langsett Matt Nichols was 2^nd.  Rupert Holden, Christine Howard and Jan Forrester also had good runs.

Clown Half was in the Senior and GP and Derbyshire County Championships.  15 MACs took part.  Nick Holland was 3^rd overall claiming a Silver medal in the champs.  John Thorpe, Ricky Wood, James Fox, Shelley Fairey (Silver) Hayley Gill (Gold in LV40), Jack Cummins, Peter Wilmot (Silver MV50), Jason Turner, Dan Maskrey, David Greatorex, Andy Hodkin, Andy Mellor, Emma Turner (Bronze LV35), Craig Cantrill.

The Derbyshire Mini League Race 2 was a disappointing turnout of MAC juniors so are hoping for a good turnout on 15^th December at final race at Moorways, Derby.

It was the AGM in November with 30 MACs attending.  It had been a good year with some great results and the first outing of Race the Train in April, despite the snowy weather raised £1,000 for local charities.  Dan Ashcroft was awarded the Chairman’s trophy for outstanding contribution to the Club when he went to the aid of a fellow runner in distress in a race on Mt Snowdon.  Mick Moorhouse and Steve Holt were awarded life time membership of the Club.  The committee were voted en masse apart from Men’s Captain, Colin Davenport, who stood down and John Thorpe was voted on.  Andy Hodkin was awarded the London Marathon place by ballot.

December 2018

The MAC organised race of BDL Bakewell Showground went ahead without a hitch and for  the first time MAC lead the Men’s, Ladies’ and Combined in the standings.  All to play for in the next race which will be at Bramcote Hills, Ilkeston instead of the usual Trent Meadows, Long Eaton, as part of the land has been sold.

The popular Bolsover 10k was also in the Senior Gp with Ricky Wood pulling further away from the Men and in the Ladies Emma Turner is in the lead with just one race to go.  Mike Blair was 1^st MAC home in a PB of 35.09 and 9^th overall, John Thorpe also got a PB in 36.32 in 17^th.  Shelley Fairey was first MAC lady home in a new PB of 41.50 and 3^rd senior lady.  22 MACs took part in the race with 832 runners.

In the 3^rd race of the Winter evening 10k handicap, it was Mick Moorhouse who took first place with John Thorpe recording the fastest time of the evening.  The overall series is lead by Clive Russell with Emma Turner first lady.

Oliver Brocklehurst continues his fine form to finish 2^nd with a PB of 18.16 at Bakewell 5k parkrun and it is welcome return from injury for the ever-improving David Davidson in the MV70-74 category.

It was the last race of 3 in the Derbyshire XC Mini League for juniors at Moorways, Derby.  With only Ellen Corke, Georgia Belbin, Alex Currie, Jacob Jones, Olivia Allen, Caitlin McCloy, Sam Sargeant, Matthew Foreman and Amelia Corke taking part, it was difficult to make inroads into the Derby AC attach who won all team competitions overall, although all MACs won well.  If MAC can field a larger team next year, it is hoped for better results.

The annual Christmas Fancy Dress Run had about 35 MACs enjoying the run from Arc Leisure, Matlock to visit several pubs before finishing up at the Red Lion, Matlock Green for drinks and refreshments.  15 MACs met at Carsington Water Sheepwash Carpark for the annual walk, cycle and run round the reservoir.

Whilst the Beetroot Race was well attended as it was in the Junior GP too.  Jim Titterton took the beetroot for the last runner in the race.

This race concluded the Junior GP and the winners are – U16 Girls – Amelia Corke, U16 Boys – Oliver Lloyd, U12 Girls – Sophie Hopkinson and U12 Boys – Jacob Jones.  The awards will be presented at the Junior Presentation Party in March – date tbc.

Due to another new race in the Race Calendar – The Tissington Marathon taking place in April 2019 3 weeks before the Ian Milne White Peak Marathon, it was decided to open entries early and to date this is filling up well.  It was decided to push again on 1^st February when entries are usually open.

The Peak Rail Runner – v -Steam 7 mile run was full within hours when entries opened in December.