Category: News

Well done to Paul who started his 7 miles a day for 7 days challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-woodhouse11)

‘An early start was made to head the 70 miles to Stamford.

Following an email from the organisers we opted to park at one of the towns free car parks, this opposed to queuing to enter the grounds and park on the soggy grass.

What a good choice this was as we walked the 1/2 mile into the grounds passing a lengthy queue.

Once in the ground it was only a short distance to the start with ample facilities.

The numbers had been posted with clear instructions to enter the well marked pens for starting waves.

Once the run started it was a short distance through one of the estate gates turning right and heading down hill into Stamford. After crossing the river there was a u turn back across it before turning left along its side.

We then turned right and headed back into the estate grounds passing the 1 mile marker on an incline.

Following the route down to and around the side of the house we left the estate again around 2 miles.

This then continued along a quiet country road with testing hills between 2.5 to 4 miles.

Once tackling these we turned right along another small country road. This appeared to be dead straight and you could see the runners ahead of you for the best part of the next mile.A very testing section as we were faced with a brisk head wind.

At the 5 mile marker we turned back into the estate, continuing for about a mile on fairly flat terrain.

At around 6 miles we were presented with a long steep descent, which was not before time.

As the terrain levelled again crossing the Lion bridge (over the lake) we finished with a short run towards the front of the house.’

Paul

Official Result:
57:13

Cambridge Half Marathon

A chilly day in Cambridge for the HM runners who were all superb and managed a few PBs too!

When asked for comment by the Roving RntS Reporters, they replied:

‘Ouch’ – Shirley
‘It was cold’ – Jenny’s feet
‘I normally do not enjoy large events like this one, but it was so well organised that I would like to enter again. The atmosphere was superb, we had a good team of runners and supporters, which made the experience more enjoyable. I was hoping for a PB and worked hard for it weeks before running it. It seemed like one of my toughest races due to being ultra cold for me. However, I have gained this experience and will be better prepared the next time. I have already learnt so much since joining the RntS and they are responsible for me being able to sustain faster pace over long distances such as this.’ – Ana

Official Results:
David C – 1:23:48 – PB
Ana – 1:40:51 – PB
Rob – 1:43:14
Paula – 1:48:11
Bob L – 1:55:52 – PB
Hayley – 2:03:19 – PB
Michelle – 2:21:07
Nita – 2:22:36
Shirley – 2:30:23 – PB
David S – 2:36:42
Angie – 2:55:24 – PB

Mike Groves 10k
It’s always windy at RAF Coltishall!

Official Results:
Will – 00:53:21.9
Marie – 01:00:07.9

Hunny Bell XC
Wow!  What a difference a day makes!  If today’s weather had been the same as yesterday’s at parkrun, things could have been an awful lot worse!  As it was, the weather at the Hunny Bell XC, held on the Stody Estate at Hunworth was lovely.  In fact, I even took my hat off (the forceast ‘Feels like’ or 2 deg C was a little way out).

Once again, it was the newer (longer) route which was introduced last year (about 1km longer than 2020) which gave us the joyful march up into the woods twice!  And anyone who has done it would be pleased to know the field edge section, where you can see the runners a good km ahead and above you, is still there!

Support from the NNBR was once again, very well received and there were lots of mentions that the must be ‘nobody in Wells today’ and there would be ‘plenty of parking spaces in Wells’ due to the fantastic turn-out by the club.

The club tent (Gazebo) got another outing and served as a great meeting point.

Well done everyone.  It’s one of those events you always say ‘never again’ and then sign up as soon as you can for next year! – Mark

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A team of over 30 runners from Runners-next-the-Sea took on the undulating Hunnybell 5mile Cross Country event, held at Stody Estate on Sunday. A beautiful, yet challenging course over hilly fields and through woodland  pay dividend to the runners as they came home with an array of successful results.  RntS would like to thank the organisers for such a great event, with wonderful marshals and volunteers who give up their time to make these events happen. The club had 5 finishers in the top 20, including first lady overall, Cat Foley-Wray.  First male home for the club was Kyle Hastings in 8^th place in a time of 35.47. Kyle has made a huge amount of progress since joining the club less than a year ago and is a great asset to the strong mens team. Ant Cude was 10^th in 36.30, followed by Liam Dawson, 14^th in 37.07 and Shane Hunt, 19^th in 39.09.

RNTS had 3 ladies in the top 6, a fantastic achievement. Cat Foley Wray was 1^st lady overall, coming home in 17^th place in a time of 38.08. Recently returning to running after a foot operation in January, this sets her up nicely as she continues to improve her fitness in preparation for the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships on 11^th March where she will be representing Norfolk.  Lorraine Hunt was 2^nd lady home for the club (39.50), finishing, 4^th lady and 24^th overall.  Kirsty Daniels was 3rd lady home for the club, her first cross country race in a number of years, achieving 6^th lady and 42^nd overall. RNTS pride themselves of the breadth of runners they have and their inclusivity, along with the many members who come to spectate and offer their support, creating a great team spirit for all. – Cat FW

Official Results:
Kyle – 00:35:47.6
Ant – 00:36:30.6 – 2nd in category
Liam – 00:37:07.8 – 2nd in category
Cat FW -00:38:08.8 – First female finisher
Shane – 00:39:09.6 – 3rd in category
Lorraine – 00:39:50.8 – 2nd in category
Cam – 00:41:40.4
Kirsty – 00:42:07.9
Stuart – 00:42:33.1
Kevin – 00:42:49.9 – 3rd in category
Bob H – 00:43:59.9 – 2nd in category
Sean – 00:44:35.1
Rob – 00:45:11.3
Paul – 00:47:17.6
Luke – 00:47:34.0
Roland – 00:48:08.0
Will – 00:48:37.0
Michael – 00:50:06.6
Ana – 00:50:11.6
Evette – 00:50:13.3 – 2nd in category
Lucy – 00:50:44.9
Laura – 00:50:53.6
Pete -00:51:04.3
Nita – 00:52:50.6
Susannah – 00:54:06.6
Marie – 00:56:11.0
Michelle – 01:00:21.0
Mark – 01:04:28.8
Vikki – 01:04:28.8
Denise – 01:10:18.5 – 3rd in category
Kerrie – 01:10:19.1

National Champtionships
4 races in a day, running for Eastern Masters in the National Championships at Lee Valley today. 4th in the V70 400m, 3rd in both the 60m and 200m and then dropping down a decade to run the V60 200m relay, finishing 5th. The Eastern Masters men’s team won the competition and the combined team was overall winners. – Chris

Brighton HM
The weather conditions were perfect for the Brighton 1/2 this morning but unfortunately my sister has been out of action with a nasty chest infection so I had to run it on my own. I got into my pen nice and early and found the 2 hour pacer and decided to stick as close to him as I could for as long as I could. I had no time in mind, just to cross the line. I hadn’t done my long training runs due to a pulled hamstring but had kept up my fitness by swimming. I fell into a good rhythm and had the pacer just in front of me for most of the race until the road widened and we were in line. I overtook him with 5k to go and went for it! At mile 11, I could really feel the lack of long distance running training but was so close to the end so dug deep! I had my Beyoncé moment as I crossed the line in 1:59:24 and collected my medal! – Cat

Official Result:
1:59:24

Well done to the dynamic duo of Hayley and Mat who dodged the branches as Shouldham Warren this weekend for the Ryston Runners Cross Country Grand Prix 5/6.

Official Results:
Mat – 48:46
Hayley W – 53:08

Write ups from participants of both events today.  Thank you Paul and Kerrie.

Horsford XC R3
Well that was a impromptu run!
Talking Saturday evening to maybe take part as Libby was keen we thought we would make  the final decision Sunday morning.
Not too bad I thought £4 a head Spa treatment courtesy of Norwich Road Runners and the Horsford XC for Libby’s valentines present!!!

Having witnessed several RntS partaking a couple of years ago I must say I was reluctant but gave it a go.
On arrival we met Cam who was already signed in and keen as mustard to get going.  We signed in and made our way to the start,
3 laps for Libby and 4 for Cam and I – 2.7k/ lap

The first half of the lap was ran on wide paths covered recently with small grey shale like stone. This was very loose and not easy to run on.  After this it turned on to a small uneven woodland path heading towards the water crossings.

The approach was littered with tree trunks to negotiate followed by two small ditches which you could jump. This all led up to the two infamous waist deep water crossings and boggy area.

Negotiating the first pretty well I descended into the second, this however didn’t go to plan as I some how ended up on all fours causing quite a shock to the system. Clambering out and through the bog the route continued up an incline to rejoin the path. Following this it meandered through the woods and back to the start/finish and three more laps to endure.

At the finish Libby and Cam had already finished, credit to both of them for their runs.  Somehow Libby had managed to keep her white shirt pretty clean unlike Cam and I.

A well organised event well marshaled by supportive volunteers. Easy to enter on the day but no facilities.

Official Results:
Cam – 1:00:37
Paul – 1:06:48
Libby – 56:25

Marriott’s Way HM
As always Positive Steps Events put on a really good event from start to finish. Before I entered Lucy said you need to do it as you will really enjoy it. She was not wrong. It was such a lovely route and all off road other than a few road crossings.

The marshals as always were friendly and gave lots of encouragement.

I would highly recommend this event to anyone, it was so relaxed and open to all runners and walkers.

Also £5 of each entry goes to the Air Ambulance, with £2000 raised from today’s event

Official Result:
Kerrie – 2:20:18

What was the Valentine’s 10k at Easton like yesterday?  Let’s find out with a run report from Paul:

Love was not really in the air weather wise leading up to this event.

As the alarm went off the wind and rain were rattling on the windows. This was a good start as more effort was needed to get motivated.

However once on our way Libby was greeted with a txt from Angie to say they were right behind us, this led to comments on the weather and being more suited to Ducks.

Once parked up we made our way to registration, this was a good 10min walk but fortunately the rain had abated and wind eased.

Registration was straight forward with ample room in the large hall and no queuing. This is where the race briefing also took place.

Here we met up with more of the RntS members and prepared ourselves for the short walk to the start.

Out at the start we mingled with the rest of the competitors self seeding as Kevin would say.

The start climbs out of Easton College turning left and heading to Easton. The 1st K is a challenging climb, this was followed by around 4K still rising through Easton and then heading towards Colton.

This was made more difficult today with the strong breeze which was mostly head on.

After this the course winds it’s way along country lanes to Marlingford with welcoming downhill recoveries and the breeze now mostly at our back.

Once in Marlingford a left is taken to take you back to the College and finish.

This provides a sting in the tail as the last 1k us mostly uphill with quite a steep finish.

The event was very well organised throughout as usual by Norfolk Gazelles.

The army of marshals were both very supportive and prominent along the whole of the course.

As usual great support for each other amongst the RntS and some gutsy runs.

I think we could say that we all put our hearts into this Valentines race.

We were now ready for the start and what’s more it was still dry.

Official Results:
Cam – 00:44:21.0
Ant – 00:44:34.2
Tara – 00:45:29.3
Paul – 00:47:47.5
Sarah-Jane – 00:54:00.2
Laura W – 00:56:58.2
Libby – 00:58:14.0
Kevin B – 01:07:34.6
Angie – 01:18:37.4

A lovely sunny day for a run around the countryside (and also a couple of dips in a river).  In fact, its so nice, lets do two laps of it!

Well done to the RntS that took part in the Reepham Cross Country this weekend.  Here’s a great report from Lynne:

The sun shone, the mud was very muddy and the water was wet, but what an amazing morning for everyone running the Reepham Cross Country, organised again by Reepham Runners.

Starting and finishing at Whitwell & Reepham Station and running out on Marriott’s Way railway track. Followed by some challenging but hilarious stream crossings, then running through, hilly woodlands, water meadows and open fields.

Lynne, Kerrie and Andy were reassured by the presence of Cam, Kirsty and Hayley who’d raced it before and came back for more, hopefully this was a positive sign of a great race ahead. They weren’t wrong, what an amazing, friendly, supportive race. All the runners shared their morning with a cacophony of encouraging marshals, by every stream and ditch and all around the course. The morning was finished off with scrumptious cake and a cuppa.

Will they all be back next year, certainly will and hopefully with more RntsSwho’d like to put their white shirts to the Persil test.

And following on from that in other news, we have a gold medalist in the club!  Well done Chris P who is officially the 60Mtrs 65+ County Champion!

Reepham Official Results:
Cam – 00:51:19.6
Andy – 01:09:04.4
Lynne – 01:15:10.1
Kerrie – 01:15:10.3
Hayley J – 01:16:10.6
Kirsty – 01:16:12.1

 

60Mtrs 60+ Official Result
Chris – 9.8s – 1st place

Well done to Nur who completed the Peddars Way Ultra yesterday.  Just a small 78km run!!

Top work Nur. 👍

Official Result:
11:35:29

Thank you Lynne for the run report below:

Official Results:
Cam – 20:39
Hayley W – 27:17
Lynne – 29:03

The 4th race in Shouldham Warren Cross Country Series was very well attended even the sun made an appearance.  Ryston Runners do a great job each month, providing this well established, low key, series for the winter running calendar.
Going was soft but not too muddy, although the cake queue was longer than usual.
All in all a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning, definitely to be recommended for anyone considering a foray into Cross Country running.

 

A lovely day for it! (Well, blue skies, and it wasn’t raining – very different to the previous 24hrs!).

Well done to the gang who took part at Earlham park this weekend.

Official Results:
Ant – 43:01.0
Liam – 43:57.0
Kevin – 47:38.9
Amanda – 49:03.3 – 3rd in Class
Paul – 49:40.5
Bob L – 55:33.5
Pete – 56:12.0
Evette – 57:25.7
John – 58:30.7
Andy – 59:07.7
Kerrie – 1:01:55.0
Hayley W – 1:02:06.7
Lynne – 1:05:02.6