South Downs ultra, cross country and a 10K in Ally Pally and some virtual races

This week’s highlights include a great return to ultra running from Lenny Martin, an informal 3000m cross-country for the juniors, and 10Ks in Ally Pally and Dorney Lake.

 Invitational XC Relays, Chelmsford
Simon Baker sent in the following cross-country report:

“This week was to have seen the return of Official Cross Country racing for the club with a series of XC Relay races from U13 to Seniors Planned by Chelmsford AC.  There was an exceptional high quality field with clubs from across SE England and the organisers had meticulously planned the race.  However a Covid-19 outbreak at the host venue Whittle College led to the race having to be cancelled.  As this was one of the pilot events for the return to racing not a great start.  Other events are due to be held next weekend at Loughborough and Merchant Taylors after which hopefully organisers will hopefully start to arrange races.  Fingers Crossed.
Ruth and the coaches arranged an informal session at Ally Pally for some of the disappointed Juniors with a 3,000m course around the bottom field at the Park.  Ivor Joslin was first home in 11:23 closely followed by Ben Redland and Ruby Walls a little ahead of a group including Thomas Conley, Friedo Lawrence, Anna Pritchard, Mia Manttan. Axel Cohen and Fabienne Weston completed the group.  Great runs from all given it was the first run for many for a long time.
As for future the South of England AA have yet to announce if they will be holding their XC Relays rescheduled for November.  Middlesex AA are looking at options for their Championships in January which may need to be re-located to private land and require chip timing.”

3000m time trial, Ally Pally, 18.01.2020
1st Ivor Joslin (U15B) 11:23
2nd Ben Redland (U13B) 11:29
3rd Ruby Walls (U15G) 11:32
4th Thomas Conley (U13B) 12:22
5th Friedo Lawrence (U11B) 12:42
6th Anna Pritchard (U15G) 12:49
7th Mia Manttan (U17W) 13:01
8th Axel Cohen (U11B) 13:42
9th Fabienne Weston (U17W) 15:51

The South Downs Way ultra

Congratulations are due to Lenny for his ultra run in awful conditions in the South Downs last Sunday. He reports: “I was on the south coast on Sunday for the South Downs Way 50, a 50 mile race from Worthing to Eastbourne. The weather was pretty horrible with torrential rain showers and strong winds, and a slight lack of endurance training in recent months meant I was a little outside of my target time, but still finished in 8:13 for 27th place out of a field of just over 300.”

 
Middlesex Virtual Club Race, 17th October to 1st November 2020
Simon Baker reports on the virtual race scene:

“This virtual race is “in progress” with performances recorded until midnight 1st November eligible.  The Club’s juniors have been busy recording times at Finsbury Park.  72 Juniors took part on the 18th October and a further 12 on Thursday 22nd.  Of the many notable performances were Friedo Lawrence (U11B) recording 5:49 and Caitlin Roberts (U11G) 6:08.   In the U13’s the girls rule the rost with fastest with Tara Sweetman (U13G) 5:46”

RunThrough 10k, Ally Pally, 25th October 2020
A few Heathsiders decided to take on what was probably the toughest 10K in London last weekend – the Ally Pally 10K, comprising some steep hills in a three lap course of Ally Pally park, made more memorable by the rain from half way through. It was well-organised, with 2 waves to keep everyone socially-distanced and runners starting in batches of 4 at regular intervals.

Valentin Valeanu was first in for Heathside, finishing in 42:04, with Maura Bellio coming in as first Heathside woman (48:38), followed by Emilia, who was happy to finish in less than an hour, given the course.  At least two other Heathsiders took part, but couldn’t be found in the results.

RunThrough, Alexandra Palace, 25.10.2020
1st Joe Dale VPH&TH 37:23
8th Valentin Valeanu  42:04

63rd Maura Bellio 48:38 (6th female)
161st Emilia Vynnycky 57:40

Dorney Lake Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, 25.10.2020

Simon Baker reports: “In Berkshire Evangelista Divetain was the 1st female home in the 10k race.”

Dorney Lake 10k, Elton, 25.10.2020
1st K Gibson (Thames Hare & Hounds) 31:34
7th Evangelista Divetain 38:07 (1st Female)

Compiled by Emilia, with thanks to Ruth Miller, Simon Baker, Lenny Martin

Please send any comments to reports@londonheathside.org.uk

Lenny going strong in the South Downs Way ultra