Heathside Vets in Met League triumph
London Heathside rounded up the Met League part of its cross-country season in impressive style last weekend with the women’s veterans A-team taking first place, and the men’s veterans A-team, second place, while Sarah Swinhoe walked off with a cool £250 after taking fourth place in the women’s ranking for the year.
It is worth remembering that for mysterious reasons, women are considered by whoever runs British cross-country to reach the veteran stage of life at 35 while men remain in youthful bloom until 40 (although this is no less mysterious than their antediluvian assumption that men can run 8km but women are capable of a mere 6). Time for someone to coax them into the 21st century?
Anyway….the final muddy event, in Wormwood Scrubs, saw Sarah canter off to sixth place (out of 150) and she was also the first veteran (V35 or otherwise). Also impressive were the rapidly-returning Sue Rust, in her first outing as a V35, in 12th place and Clare Miller, in a rare break from her medical rounds, in 15th. Among the men, once again Tom Aldred stood out, coming 16th out of 262 while the best performance among the juniors belonged to Liam Garrett who came fifth out of 50 (just 18 seconds behind the winner).
From all of us who enjoyed our Saturday’s in the rain, the mud and the tri-colour bobble hats, a huge thanks to our captains, Chris and Sarah. In the nicest possible way they lured record numbers of us into the cross-country fold, here enticing, there cajoling, but always with a twinkle in the eye: basically, all carrot and no stick, and it worked a treat.
So then, here is Captain Chris’s final Met League Report…..
It's the Vet League! Heathside Old Guard Take No Prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs
Alas and alack! The last Met League race report of the season already. Almost time to put away the cross-country spikes and start thinking about the road again. But not before we've laughed in the face of the mud one last time, not before we've basked in the glory of a successful season, and not before we've reminded ourselves again what a wonderful club Heathside is.
Here's the running order of the report today: 1. Thanks, 2. The Race itself, 3. Titles and Honours, 4. Some thoughts looking forward.
1. On behalf of Sarah Swinhoe, Tom Aldred and myself, I would like to thank all Heathside runners, coaches, marshals, and supporters for making this a memorable Met League season. Over 70 Juniors, and 150 Senior members took part in one or more Met League races. Surely that's some sort of record. Our coaches - especially Kabir, Zac, and Jacob, have done a fantastic job getting us all into shape. Support out on the course has been easily the largest and noisiest of any club taking part. And we've had some great evenings in the pub afterwards. I think everyone involved can take a bow. Who would have thought that cross-country could be such good fun?
2. To business. The Met League organisers made a couple of last minute changes to the course at Wormwood Scrubs, in order to avoid sections that were so waterlogged they were not safe to run. Nonetheless, the course was a little moist, to say the least. At least the rain held-off, and a stiff breeze was all we had to contend with. Once again, Heathside responded to the call with a huge turnout, and some fantastic racing. No less than 91 Heathsiders took part (17 Juniors, 19 Senior Women, and 55 Senior Men); an excellent and committed turnout.
In the Junior races, Liam Garrett once again outlined his promise, with a 5th place finish from 50 competitors in the Under-13 Boys race. Meg Naylor was the pick of a 5-strong team in the Under-13 Girls, placing 8th from 48 finishers, ahead of the ever-dependable Phoebe Crockford in 18th. Johnny Naylor led a team of 6 Heathsiders in the Under-17 Men's race, with a 15th place finish from 64 competitors, whilst Lily Beckford continued her excellent season, finishing 21st from 44 in the Under-17 Women. Genevieve Weston finished 27th.
In the Senior Women's race (150 finishers), Sarah Swinhoe completed a clean-sweep of 5 first place finishes amongst the 19 Heathsiders taking part, finishing 6th overall, and, as usual, first Vet. Sarah's season has been nothing short of a triumph this year, and she rounded it off with a speedy glide over the mud at the Scrubs. Sue Rust is threatening to come back from injury even stronger than before, as she eased to 12th place. Rub your eyes everyone, because Clare Miller (usually too busy playing with drugs to attend the Met League - she's a Doctor, you see) roared past a disbelieving audience to finish 15th, ahead of the ever-quickening Cathy Jeremiah, and nippy pre-Marathon des Sables heroine, Claire Morrissey.
It was a delight to see Jackie Wastell out on the course, having battled back from injury to finish a ridiculously strong 71st. Nice one, Jackie. Margherita Maserati, ever dependable, and always a pleasure to see out on the course, continues to have the coolest name in the Met League.
On the day, the Senior Women's A-team scored a fantastic second place finish in Division One, whilst the B-team placed fourth in Division Two. The C-team were seventh, also in Division Two. In the Vets competition, Heathside's A-team placed first in Division One, and the B-team finished third in Division One. Yes, you read that correctly: Heathside's Vets finished FIRST and THIRD in Division One. Amazing.
On to the Senior Men, where Tom Aldred continued his fantastic form this season with a 17th place finish from a field of 362, ofwhom no less than 55 were in the blue, gold and red. Congratulations also to the ever-consistent George Stewart (56th), Andrew Brooker (60th), and Dan McKeown (61st). Great runs from Brent Atkins, Tom Livermore, Dave 'Mad Professor' Hellard, Mark Anderson, Chris Burn, new boy Peter Northall, John Driscoll, and Sergio Di Noto, made up the 12 A-team finishers. A special mention to Peter Northall - so new that Barbara delivered his club vest to him on the day - who will be strong-armed into turning up regularly next season after his great debut.
Further back down the field, congratulations go to Martin Potter, back from injury and straight into the thick of things with an epic race alongside me for the coveted 107th spot (Martin won). It was a pleasure for me to see (and beat) Julian Ferraro (139th), and Ash Abraham (144th). Does my bum look big in these shorts, lads? Anthony Hall drove all the way from Bristol to take part, coming back from injury with a very solid 185th place finish. That's what I call commitment to the cause...The ever-dependable, and generally wonderful Bob Gould made up the back of the Heathside pack, with a 356th place finish.
The Senior Men's A-team finished a creditable fourth on the day in Division One. The B-team placed a superb third in Division Two, whilst the C-team finished a cracking second in Division Three.
Amongst the Vets, our A-team finished second on the day (it would have been first if Steve 'Where's-he-gone' Monaghan had turned-up). Word has it that Steve was feeling a little delicate after a hard night's race preparation. Meanwhile, the Vet's B-team finished fifth in Division One, whilst the C-team placed ninth (also in Division One).
An impressive day's racing, I reckon, made better by some outstandingly noisy rabbling, and a colourful procession of Mrs Hall's wonderful, envied, and popular, Heathside bobble hats.
3. Titles and Honours.
Senior Women: The A-team finished the season in fourth place, from 10 teams in Division One, missing out on a podium place by the agonisingly slim margin of 2 points (Shaftesbury Barnet, in third, scored 1481 points, compared with Heathside's 1479 points). If only Rebecca Bunting had raced on Saturday. If only... Meanwhile, the B-team finished in second place in Division Two and are therefore PROMOTED to join the A-team in Division One next season. Many, many congratulations ladies. That was some season. The C-team held on to Division Two status, finishing 7th overall.
The Senior Women's Vets A-team are the new Met League CHAMPIONS! This is one of the big titles of the entire league, and a real credit to those who regularly scored. Take a bow Sarah Swinhoe, Bridgit Napleton, Karen Levene, newbies Sue Rust and Claire Morrissey, and others who scored during the season. Cherish that trophy, and give your aching limbs a rest (before the National Champs on 22nd Feb. Ha!)
Senior Men: The A-team ended the season in fifth place from ten teams in Division One. Some club called H*ghgate won, apparently. Not that they made a noise about it. Of course not. Meanwhile, the B-team finished fourth in Division Two. The C-team completed a fabulous season by becoming Division Three CHAMPIONS. This is testimony not only to those who scored for the C-team, but for the many, many others who scored ahead of our competition, and shut them out in the process. Huge thanks to regulars Gavin Evans, Dom Jackson, Joe McKeown, Phil Bentley, Brian Boyle, Patrick Waldron, Nick de Sausmarez, Ollie Pound, Jesper Lycke, Tim Sander, others too many to mention, and 'Captain Bob' Gould.
In the Men's Vets competition, despite Steve Where's-he-gone being indisposed, the A-team were once again crowned CHAMPIONS. The B-team finished fourth in Division One, whilst the C-team finished eighth. Heathside has three Vets teams in the top flight. No other club even has two. That's how much Heathside Vets RULE. Huge congratulations to all our creaking, wheezing old farts. You are an honour to run with (if not behind).
Individual Honours: In the Women's competition, Sarah Swinhoe finished in 4th place overall, winning cash to boot. Also in the top 60 were Sue Rust (11th), Bridgit Napleton (18th), Cathy Jeremiah (20th), Claire Morrissey (22nd), Jane Higgins (48th =), Karen Levene (48th =), Tamella Platt (60th). In the Men's Competition Tom Aldred finished an excellent 10th, with George Stuart (38th), Dan McKeown (51st), and Andrew Brooker (53rd) also in the top 60.
Heathside Honours for completing all 5 Met League Fixtures this season go to the following 16 amazing athletes:
Sarah Swinhoe, Cathy Jeremiah, Claire Morrissey, Bridgit Napleton, Caroline Boyle, Jane Higgins, Edyta Szot, Margherita Maserati.
George Stewart, Andrew Brooker, Dan McKeown, Dave Hellard, Chris Hartley, Joe McKeown, Nick De Sausmarez, Russell Weston.
4. Some thoughts. We have made progress as a club this season, thanks to our huge turnouts, and the hard effort of many really committed athletes. We can all feel proud of what we have achieved. To win the Men's and Women's Vets titles is truly a credit to the club. Two further promotions this season (one for the women, one for the men) shows that we are a club on the up.
As team managers, Sarah Swinhoe and I are both really grateful for all the support and commitment the club has shown all season. There is little doubt that we are the close to becoming the biggest club (in terms of turnout) and the best supported club in the entire Met League. That we have managed this whilst keeping the friendly and enjoyable spirit for which Heathside is renowned, is a credit to us all. It feels like we are a club on the move, and that is all thanks to you.
Having said that, here's a checklist of ambitions for next season:
Senior Women: Top three for the A-team. Survival in a very competitive Division One for the B-team, and for the C-team in Division Two. Vets, you simply have to retain that title!
Senior Men: Top four for the A-team. Promotion from Div Two must be the aim of our ever-improving B-team, whilst the C-team must successfully adjust to life in Div Two. The Vets have no other aim than to finish one and two in Division One, whilst the C-team retains its prestigious Division One berth.
Finally (phew!), I'd like to thank Anthony Hall's mother for the fantastic bobble hats many of us have been wearing this season, and I'd like to wish everyone a happy and successful spring and summer running season. The next Met League is at the end of October. Who's up for it!?
Results:
Under-13 Boys (3km, 50 finishers)
5 Liam Garrett 9.36
Under-13 Girls (3km, 48 finishers)
8 Meg Naylor 10.58
18 Phoebe Crockford 11.39
29 Silvia Allan 12.20
30 Rachel Finke 12.22
35 Ella Conlon 12.39
Under-17 Men/Under-15 Boys (4km, 64 finishers)
15 Johnny Naylor 14.16
37 William Griffiths 15.25
40 Jacob Phillips 15.39
43 Jake Teynolds 15.46
45 Luke Gray 15.51
63 Connor Napleton 18.24
Under-17 Women/Under-15 Girls (4km, 44 finishers)
21 Lily Beckford 16.57
27 Genevieve Weston 17.21
30 Ottavia Laidler 17.51
40 Molly Harrison 19.38
44 Naomi Conlon 21.38
Senior Women (6km, 150 finishers)
6 Sarah Swinhoe 26.33
12 Sue Rust 27.01
15 Clare Miller 27.20
27 Cathy Jeremiah 28.23
30 Claire Morrissey 28.36
42 Bridgit Napleton 29.40
55 Karen Levene 30.40
59 Eilidh Wagstaff 30.49
71 Jackie Wastell 31.35
78 Caroline Boyle 32.03
83 Katherine Vinnicombe 32.27
89 Jane Higgins 33.01
94 Ruth Miller 33.07
107 Sara Guy 34.46
114 Edyta Szot 35.06
115 Agi Palanki 35.07
130 Claire Sliwerski 38.04
132 Margherita Maserati 38.30
145 Alison Harrow 43.05
Senior Men (8km, 362 finishers)
17 Tom Aldred 25.52
56 George Stewart 28.09
60 Andrew Brooker 28.13
61 Dan McKeown 28.15
66 Brent Atkins 28.35
72 Tom Livermore 28.49
80 Dave Hellard 29.09
88 Mark Anderson 29.18
90 Chris Burn 29.20
92 Peter Northall 29.21
93 John Driscoll 29.23
102 Sergio Di Noto 29.45
107 Martin Potter 29.58
108 Chris Hartley 29.58
109 Richard Macaulay 29.59
110 Jonathan Hopkin 30.00
114 Paul Mercer 30.06
121 Howard Gold 30.20
128 Tony Killilea 30.26
138 Tom Fancett 30.54
139 Julian Ferraro 30.55
141 Gavin Evans 30.57
144 Ash Abraham 31.04
157 Daniel Szajna 31.18
163 Chris Shipley 31.27
168 Dom Jackson 31.36
168 Andrew Dunderdale 31.37
177 Joe McKeown 31.49
178 Phil Bentley 31.50
184 Asa Cusack 32.06
185 Anthony Hall 32.07
192 Tim Marshall 32.25
199 Alex Sweet 32.33
211 Phil Hogg 33.04
218 Andrew Johnson 33.18
229 Costi Stavrianakis 33.40
231 Carl Heap 33.43
232 Will Whitaker 33.45
237 Brian Boyle 33.50
247 Patrick Waldron 34.03
251 James Lynch 34.15
254 Nick De Sausmarez 34.20
258 Mark George 34.29
259 Jacob Howe 34.30
275 Chip Hamer 35.27
281 Oliver Pound 35.56
288 Charles Redfern 36.28
294 Gavin Parish 36.45
302 Ian Whisson 37.07
317 Russell Weston 38.15
320 Jesper Lycke 38.21
330 Tim Sander 39.13
334 Neil Davies 39.47
348 Ken Townson 42.44
356 Bob Gould 44.21
Park Runs
A sparser turn-out than normal, thanks mainly to final Met League. The most impressive results were Stuart Meiklejohn’s 17.39 to give him seventh place out of 479 in Edinburgh and Alex Weatherill’s 18:07 for fifth place out of 80 in Hackney Marshes.
Ally Pally (68 participants)
4 Richard BUDD 00:20:4627 Howard MONK 00:24:42Edinburgh (471 participants)7 Stuart MEIKLEJOHN 00:17:39188 Julie KHAN 00:23:33Finsbury Park (199 participants)126 James PARKER 00:26:01166 Terry VICKERS 00:29:15Hackney Marshes (80 participants)5 Alex WEATHERILL 00:18:07Highbury Fields (97 participants)47 Ben CLARKE-JANSSEN 00:24:01