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Marathons April 2007
A total of 12 Utopia Runners competed in Marathons on 22
April 2007, 6were running the London Marathon in unseasonally hot
weather whilst at the other end of the weather scale 6 ran the Lochabar
Marathon at Fort William in cold wet conditions. First home in London
was Adrian Cornford in 3hours 13. Julia Jones was next home with
an outstanding 3hrs 37mins, especially given the heat. This was
Julia's first marathon. Rachael Hornigold finished in a credible
4hr 13 closely followed by Emma Hyland in 4hrs 17. Wayne Covey was
the fifth runner finishing in 6hrs 15 and Kim was the sixth.
Graham West was first back at Fort William with 3hrs 53, followed
by Graham Warner in 4hrs 10. However best performance must go to
Tanya Edmondson finishing in 4hrs 13, being under 4hrs 15 a good
for age result. Whilst the two Graham's finishing can best be described
as a stagger, Tanya was positvely sprinting the last 100 metres.
Credit must also go to Will Blandford who finished in 4hrs 19 in
spite of knee problems hampering both training and the run. Paula
Peters finished in 4hrs 18, but will best be remembered this weekend
for turning up with the largest rucksack known to man, still getting
it through as hand luggage but still being the only person not to
have a spare pair of shoes. The sixth runner was Fluer Blandford
in 4hrs 33.
Tony Filtzgerald started the marathon but had to pull out halfway
with an injury which had been been troubling him over the last 4
weeks, but well done for getting half way. Mention must also be
made of Sarah who came up with our group, had also had injury problems
and said she would run 3 miles and then jog back, actually completed
the distance in 4hrs 14.
Well done to everyone
Cross Country 06/07
The combined Heathfield/Utopia team finished second overall.
An excellant result this gets us into the Plate race at the finals
in Nottingham to race against the second place team from other counties.
Highest finishing individual by category was Fleur Blanford (second
in from left at front) finishing just outside a trophy position
with fourth place in the Ladies 35 category. Well done Fleur. Graham
West managed a top ten finish in the men 40 category with eighth
overall.
Beginners Group
New in 2007 is
a specific beginners Group. We have always catered fro all standards
of runners but for 2007 we have started a specific beginners. The
beginners group tends to split into two, an easier Group who do
an alternating jog/walk session and an intermediate Group who do
straight jog. For further infomation on the beginners Group contact
Janet on 01825 712958 or send an e mail to utopiarunners@tiscali.co.uk.
Plumpton Cross Country Dec 06
The Heathfield/Utopia team took first place at the Plumpton Cross
Country, on a sunny day round a very muddy course. Great effort
from all those who took part from both Heathfield and Utopia. From
Utopia Peter, Tanya, Ray, Fleur, Julia and Graham (not pictured,
taking the photo). Moves the team up to 2nd place with 3 matches
to go.
Awards 2006
As usual at the Christmas party awards were presented for
Highest scoring club member in Sussex Grand Prix and best improved
runner as follows:
1st male Sussex Grand Prix: Adrian Cornford
1st lady Sussex Grand Prix: Julia Jones
John Reddyhoff cup for most improved runner: Julia Jones
John Reddyhoff
On Friday 15 September was a sad fairwell at the Funeral
of John Reddyhoff, who died at the age of 57, far to young an age.
One of the founding members of the club, before being diagnosed
with Motor Neurone Disease (following what was thought to be an
injury that wouldn't go away) he was certainly one of our keener
members. He competed in both the London Marathon (4 times) and New
York Marathons, raising funds for Starlight and Dreams come true
both of which grant wishes for seriously ill children. I recall
he completed the London in 3 hours 22 mins then the fastest time
for any Utopia Runner, I tried my hardest to beat this time myself
but never quite succeeded. I ran many a training run with John,
we would run two laps of the town circuit together in the winter
on the basis if we had made the effort to come out whathever the
weather we might as well make it a worthwhile run. Racing of course
was different, once the gun when off then, like all good runners,
it was a competition to see who could finish first.
When the club first started our colours were blue on a white background,
however some of our many supporters (ie spouses, grilfriends/boufriends
and offspring) complained we were too hard to spot. It was suggested
we should adopt a more conspicious colour. It was John who came
up with the supplier who had some yellow vests with block Panel.
That is how the yellow and black became our colours.
John donated the John Reddfhoff Cup to be presented to the most
improved runner. The members vote on it each year and I have no
doubt we will continue to see members worthy of the award. Notably
the award is not based on the final standard achieved, but the improvement
achieved, a suitable testimony.
Graham West
 J
John presenting the 2004, John Reddyhoff cup for most improved
runner to Emma, Club Christmas function December 2004.
Herstmonceux
Castle Relays Aug 2005: Mens team 4th
It was the turn of the men to perform at the Castle relays
with overall 4th from 9 mens teams. Michael Brown's performance
is worthy of note with a time of 7.46 this was the eventh fastest
time overall. The Lady's team put in a brave effort but with neither
Julia or Emma able to make the team and Liz Wells running in spite
of injury the team was not at full strength, Jenny Cantrell took
a very worthy place in the team but had to run two legs whilst Helen
was suffering from a cold but did still put in a respectable performance.
Buxted Relays
July 2005: Utopia ladies win Relay
The team
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Julia
Jones, Elizabeth Wells, Helen Parsons, Emma Hyland |
Helen
Parsons, first leg |
Closing
sprint from Julia on the last leg |
The Utopia ladies team
beat off stiff competition from the Crowborough Ladies to take victory
in the relay race at Buxted Park on Wednesday 20 July. Through out
the four legs the lead alternated between the two teams, at no time
either having a clear lead, and all the runners giving maximum effort.
This lead to a close final leg with Julia Jones for Utopia starting
just behind Crowborough but took the lead just before the final
hill on the the one and a half mile leg. Reaching the top just ahead
of the Crowborough lady there was no scope to let up over the final
200 metres Julia retaining the lead to bring victory for the team.
An excellant effort from all the runners, Helen Parsons, Elizabeth
Wells, Emma Hyland and Julia Jones. Congratulations to Helen who
was the fastest lady overall. The Utopia mens team (Adrian Cornford,
Michael Brown, Kevin Smith and Graham West) also put in a credible
performance finishing fourth.
Bexhill 5k May
2005
Congratulations
to Adrian Cornford first overall
London Marathon
April 2005
On very
pleasant day for running 7 members ran in the London Marathon in
2005. Congratulations to Helen Parsons who ran a very credible 3hour
20 mins in spite of this being her first marathon. Steve Sharples
takes the prize for endurance (or madness) running London in a respectable
4hours 32 mins in spite of having run the Paris Marathon the previous
weekend.
Cross Country
2004/2005
Excellant
result for the combined Utopia runners/Heathfield Runners Team finishing
first overall. Well done Adrian for winning the men over 40category.
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