Heathside Women Retain South of England V50 crown

London Heathside’s V50 women retained their South of England Masters cross-country title in Oxford on Saturday, while the V50 men came second for the second year. Meanwhile, in the U-13 boys’ event, our Ruari McGonagle was the second fastest Middlesex runner in the Inter-Counties event.

There were also strong performances in the Middlesex vest from Rose Garrett (u-13), Ella Waldman and Rebecca Bunting. Meanwhile, Dan McKeown won the Greenwich Park 10k, there was a promising performance from Esa Valtanen in the Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon, while a dog-walking veteran Paul Mercer was drafted in to run the Chingford League at Ally Pally, coming 28th out of 202, followed three places behind by 19-year-old William Griffiths.

South of England Masters and Inter-Countries Championships, Horspath, Oxford, Saturday December 10

Here’s the report of our Chris Hartley, who was the first V50 man home:

‘On one of those dreary December days when it never seems to get properly light, and the rain falls with more persistence as the day gives up, a hardy group of fifteen knock-kneed Heathside codgers (plus the fresh-faced Ella Waldman and Rebecca Bunting) made their way to Oxford to take part in the 2016 Southern Counties Masters and Inter-Counties competitions, as did uner-13s Rose Garrett and Ruari McGonagle. The course had a bit of everything the veteran runner could wish for - some playing fields, hills, woods, mud, wild open spaces, and a cafe serving tea and hot chocolate. Happily, the St John’s Ambulance crew were not needed, although at one point it looked like they might be called on to treat Captain Jake’s shredded vocal chords, after a long day of characteristically enthusiastic Heathside rabbling.

‘The morning started with excellent performances from two of our juniors, representing Middlesex. Rose Garrett came 34th out of 90 and Ruari McGonagle came 18th out of 98 – the second fastest Middlesex runner.

‘The first senior race of the day was the Men’s V50 and V60 race, held over slightly less than the official 10km. Desperate to improve on a second place finish in last year’s team competition, Chris Hartley led home a three-to score team also including Dave Browne, and Mark Jefford, who had the run of his season so far. John Flahive, Gavin Evans, and Tony Killilea made up a worthy Heathside B-team with some excellent running all round, as all six runners finished comfortably in the top half of the race.

‘Frustratingly, (for Chris, at least), last year’s champions Herne Hill successfully defended their title again this year, so Heathside had to settle for silver once more, from 22 clubs fielding a full team. Extra silver - in the form of cloud-lining - came from the fact that we beat H*ghgate’s V50s into third place. 

‘Better luck for Heathside came in the women’s V40 and V50 race (c6km), where the formidable Louise Le Ray, Jackie Wastell, and Ruth Miller once again won the team competition, with some determined and graceful running. As sole club representative in the V40 competition, Emilia Vynnycky was two club mates short of a team but ran as if club bragging rights were at stake all the same. 

‘The oldies club championships paused for some Women’s inter-counties racing at lunchtime, with Heathside whippersnappers Ella Waldman and Rebecca Bunting selected to run for Middlesex on the strength of excellent outings for the club at various competitions this season. The standard at the inter-counties level is very high indeed, which made for a great race. Ella and Rebecca both did their club and county proud, with third and fourth placings for Middlesex, who finished fourth in the counties competition. Heathside can feel honoured to have coached two of the six women selected for Middlesex this season.

‘The last race of the day saw the V40 men complete the c10km course in steady rain and failing light. The front end of the race was extremely competitive - Dan Madams, who spoke of a top ten finish before the race, had to settle for a nonetheless credible 24th spot. Following Dan, Matt Cockerill and Ed Garrett made up the scorers in a Heathside team that finished 10th from 19 clubs participating. Jonathan Litchfield and Francois Barou both had solid runs, although how Francois had the front to wear his chosen shorts and long socks combo is anyone’s guess. I suspect that it was an act of kindness designed to distract attention from Dan Madams’ arm warmers.

‘Great racing from Heathside in what is always a tough competition with remarkably high standards. Which just goes to show - cross-country really is jolly good for you. Many thanks to the dedicated Captain Jake, who made sure we were all looked after, and spent the day getting drenched and shouting his support.’

Chingford League, Alexandra Palace, Sunday, December 11

A turnout of just two men (and no women) at the Chingford League on Sunday. And it would have been one had it not been for a chance spotting of Paul Mercer, walking his new guide dog Labrador in the park. Here’s Paul’s report:

‘Unable to make the trip over to Oxford for the Masters due to dog sitting duties, imagine my glee while out walking said hound in Ally Pally park on Saturday lunchtime, when I stumbled across Ivor Wiggett no less, marking out my next-door park for a Chingford league match. £2 later and I’m entered and hot footing it back home to get my spikes and a chew (to keep the dog gainfully employed while I was out), all ready for a swift three laps. Admittedly I did take time to wonder what the hell I was doing choosing this fate as I ascended the hill for the final time, but well worth it in the end! I finished 28th/157 and was accompanied by fellow wandering Heathsider William Griffiths, who ran a sterling race to chalk 31st place. Many thanks to William’s supporters for the COYH cheering on the way around. I was home in time to see the end of the chew being devoured and a well-deserved cup of tea (I thought so anyway!). You’ve got to love cross country.’

Greenwich Park 10k, Sunday December 11

Dan McKeown beat 174 runners to win the Greenwich Park 10k in a time of 36:59, which put him a massive 43 seconds ahead of the second runner.

Milton Keynes Half Marathon, Sunday December 11

Several of our runners took part in a muddy Milton Keynes Half. Here’s Jonathan Litchfield’s report:

‘As far as I can tell, eight Heathsiders ran the largely flat - kilometres 16 and 17 aside - Milton Keynes Winter Half.  However, overnight rain had flooded the lowest part of the course, so everyone ran with sodden socks and shoes from kilometre 8 onwards.  I went so far as to muddy and bloody myself with a tumble into the water.

‘Of the 1,766 runners, Esa Valtanen was the first Heathsider home, 38th in 1:21.26, while Josie Hinton was the quickest female Heathsider in 1:31.48.  Chloe Alder ran a huge PB, while Daniel Wrapson and Louisa Pointon came very close to theirs, with Louisa running her race as part of a longer run for the morning.

 ‘PS Josie does not have a quicker HM time listed on Po10, but as she's a 3:03 marathoner, I would be surprised if this was a PB.
‘PPS In case you aren't familiar with the name, Paul has just joined us.’

Parkruns

A grand total of 37 of our runners took part in 13 Parkruns on Saturday, with two wins. Nathalie Shoham was the first woman home in Ally Pally in 22:13, while Adam Kirk-Smith, still running in a Heathside vest, was first in Wanstead Flats in 16.31. Here are the results: http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2017&eventdate=2016-12-10

Results

South of England Masters & Inter-Countries Championships, Horspath, Oxford, Saturday December 10

Men’s V50 Race - 10km, 169 finishers.

9. Chris Hartley 35.22

19. Dave Browne 36.18

23. Mark Jefford 36.55

26. John Flahive 37.03

42. Gavin Evans 38.04

48. Tony Killilea 38.33

Women’s V40 and V50 Race - 6km, 94 finishers

44. Louise Le Ray 27.08

47. Jackie Wastell 27.21

51. Emilia Vynnycky 27.45

57. Ruth Miller 28.30

Men’s V40 Race - 10km, 88 finishers

24. Dan Madams 34.32

52. Matt Cockerill 36.39

54. Ed Garrett 37.00

57. Jonathan Litchfield 37.23

69. Francois Barou 39.28

 U-13 Girls Southern Inter-Counties – 90 finishers

34th Rose Garrett 12.57

U13 Boys Southern Inter-Counties – 98 finishers

18th Ruari McGonagle 11.35

Senior Women Southern Inter-Counties - 6km, 62 finishers

19. Ella Waldman 22.29

31. Rebecca Bunting 23.07

Chingford League, Alexandra Palace, Sunday, December 11 (202 finishers)

28th Paul Mercer (V40) – 29.07

31st William Griffiths (U20) – 29.11

Greenwich Park 10k, Sunday December 11 (175 finishers)

1st. Dan McKeown – 36.59

Milton Keynes Half Marathon, Sunday December 11 (1,766 finishers)

38 1:21:26 Esa Valtanen
66 1:25:23 Jonathan Litchfield
74 1:25:52 Paul Kelland (2nd V50)
151 1:31:48 Josie Hinton
307 1:39:20 Daniel Wrapson
309 1:39:49 Louisa Pointon
481 1:45:29 Chloe Alder (PB)
625 1:47:47 Jessica Vinluan