Annual Fairy's Run - 23rd December 2006
Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year's Fairy Run. A new record
of 31 people (29 runners and two on bikes) took part in the handicap run. The
handicap run is getting a closer finish each year, but this year Rich was the
first one back followed by Helen Middleton. The quickest runner around the
course was David Brown.
Results are as follows;
Cassie Prior - 31.38
Bedford Harriers Half Marathon - 10th December 2006
Biggleswade AC were well represented with 13 runners in the Beds Harriers Half Marathon last Sunday morning, and they were joined
by over 1300 runners from all parts of England in this popular winter race. Weather conditions were cold, and the strong southerly
breeze would make the undulating course even more testing in the mid section of the course, as it winds it way through quiet roads
to the north and west of Wootton. The race is used as Biggleswade AC’s half marathon club championship, and so everyone was keen
to run their best.
It was no surprise, however, when super-vet Ian Skerratt led home the Biggleswade runners in 1h 28m 58s, to claim the men’s club
trophy, and finish as 5th over 55 male in the race. This came just one week after his superb 3h 02m performance in the Luton Marathon,
proving his remarkable powers of recovery. Next home for the club was the fast improving Debs Bryant in 1h 32m 43s, to claim the
lady’s club trophy. This knocked a huge 3 minutes off her personal best set just 5 weeks earlier at the Stevenage Half, and
indicates her future potential. Just one minute behind Debs was new member Rob Morgan who is one to watch for the future having
shown major improvements since joining the club. Alan Goodman proved that you can run a half marathon in a good time despite
spending 2 weeks every month on oil rig off the coast of Holland. And Andy Bruce, who should have run close to 1h 30m, proved that
you shouldn’t run a half marathon so soon after finishing a course of antibiotics. Simon Fawcett, who is capable of running 20
minutes faster, used the race as a training run and to help spur on his Biggleswade AC compatriots.
** Beds Harriers Half Marathon Results Available Here**
The Long 4 Mile Handicap Run (5.5 Mile) - 14th November 2006
Results are as follows;
Martyn - 35mins 40secs
Leighton Buzzard 10M - 24th September 2006
** Leighton Buzzard 10M Results Available Here**
Annual Round Grafham Relay - 9th September 2006
Five teams this year contested the Biggleswade Athletic Club Round Grafham Relay on Saturday 9th September. The weather stayed
fine as teams of eight athletes competes to be the fastest round the perimeter of this 9 mile reservoir. When then gun went
Gavin Elliott of the Reservoir Jogs took the early lead with Andy Bruce of the Biggleswade Zimmers hot on his heals,
closely followed by Biggleswade AC Juniors (A). While it was neck and neck between Rebecca Tibbett of Julie's Miniature Hero's
and the Juniors of (B) team. By the third stage the Junior (A) team had passed the Zimmers (who's average age was 56)
and were in hot pursuit of the Reservoir Jogs. The Juniors showed a lot of grit and determination and by Stage 4 they were in the
lead by about 15 metres. The Reservoir Jogs baton was then passed on to Damien Pits who's experience told on the very undulating
course and he retook the lead once again. From then on the Reservoir Jogs were in control as they were brought home by Lindsey
Morgan on the last leg to finish in first place. 2nd were Biggleswade AC Juniors (A) and 3rd were Biggleswade Zimmers.
Thanks must go to all organisers, outriders of the teams and all marshals who ensured a safe and fun event.
Results are as follows;
1st Reservoir Jogs - 54mins 29secs
Annual Rounders Match - 22nd August 2006
Biggleswade AC Juniors- 10 - Biggleswade AC Seniors- 7 1/2
On Tuesday 22nd August the annual Rounders Match took place between the Juniors and the Seniors of Biggleswade Athletic Club to
celebrate the achievements of the track & field athletes over the summer months. After three years of consecutive wins the
Seniors entered the field of play with a spring in their step hoping that the game would go the same but the game did not go to
the script.
The juniors were put into bat and were soon making the seniors scamper all over the field. As hard as the bowler
(Tim "Hans" Huxtable) tried the juniors soon where collecting rounders due to some very shameful fielding by Damien Pitts and
Debbie Bryant. Substitute Lins Morgan was brought in the shore up the fielding and slowly the seniors luck changed with
Damien finally catching superbly and Debbie actually stumping someone out. The seniors finally went into bat but due to some
very tactical play by Megan Day, some very early catches leading to a first ball dismissal of Paula Dawson the seniors crumbled.
Results are as follows;
Gavin Elliott - 18mins 19secs (23rd)
Fairland Valley Relay's - 25th July 2006
Results are as follows;
Womens + Juniors (3x3k)
Mitchell Beard - 11min 14sec
Mens(5x3k)
Results are as follows;
Simon Fawcett - 18mins 24secs
Cranfield 2K Fun Run
Miles Elliott - 32mins 08secs (PB) - Age 1year 11 months
Blunham Handicap Run - 20th June 2006
Results are as follows;
Julie Dowse - 24mins 18secs
Colworth Challenge - Friday 16th - Sunday 18th June 2006
Greensand Ridge Relay - Saturday 17th June 2006
June 17th saw Biggleswade AC's debut in the Greensand Ridge Relay, an off-road orienteering style handicap race, run by South
Midlands Orienteering Club since 1987. The route follows the Greensand Ridge Way from Leighton Buzzard as far as Northill, and
includes sections passing along the Grand Union Canal, through Woburn Abbey's Deer Park and the Warden Woods.
Biggleswade's team entered into a record field of 19, and was one of 5 teams competing for the Mixed Team trophy in the
blisteringly hot conditions. Leading the team out was super-fast Simon Fawcett who completed his leg in under his handicap time,
despite being unfamiliar with the course. The baton was then taken up by Nigel Bush, club chairman, who shaved over 10% off his
handicap time. Damien Pitts followed, running the longest and probably most exposed leg of the course in intense midday sunshine,
making good time to hand over to Natalie Darlow. Natalie was looking strong and confident throughout her leg and arrived at
Maulden Woods ahead of schedule. Rebecca Tippett ran well in now oppressive heat and was supported by Gavin Elliott who appeared
from behind a hedge with much-needed water partway through. Debs Bryant brought the team back home to Northill where the team
and support crew was waiting to welcome her back. Throughout the race the team was supported at every stage by members of B.A.C.
supplying water, encouragement and monitoring their progress.
Overall, the Club came 12th in the handicap, just ahead of South Midlands Orienteering Club, but was 2nd in its target Mixed
Team competition. This is an impressive result in a field of strong teams, especially when one of the other teams making a debut
failed to finish at all, owing to navigational errors. Most importantly, the race was a great team event and was enormously
enjoyed by the team and the supporters alike.
** Greensand Ridge Relay Results Available Here **
Everton 5-a-side Football Tournament - Saturday 3rd June 2006
This year’s annual Everton Village Fete took on a new angle for Biggleswade Athletic Club who entered a team in the village
football tournament. Everyone played brilliantly especially Tim "Hans" Huxtable in goal, with the team looking like professionals
in full blue and white kit. The boys did us proud. Biggleswade Athletic Club won all of their qualifying games and breezed
through to the final showing class with some spectacular ball control and magnificent goals, funny celebrations and a small bit
of show boating with only conceding one goal ourselves throughout the whole tournament. Although Biggleswade were clearly the
best team on the pitch they were let down by conceding a sloppy goal in the final which took the tie into extra time and the
dreaded penalty shoot out which the club lost out in. The club will be back next year in even better fitness and are adamant
they will put in more thorough training to right this wrong.
Biggleswade AC Team:
Scott Elliott (C)
Everton Fun Run - 3rd June 2006
On a blazing June morning, nearly 60 runners started the 3 Mile Everton Fun Run, part of the Everton Fun day celebrations.
Many runners from Biggleswade AC and Riverside Runners took part, but an exceptional run by Louisa Tanner from Beds & County AC
led the field home in an impressive 17m 41s. Louisa was closely followed by husband Alex to make it a clean sweep for the Tanner
family, with Biggleswade AC’s Gavin Elliott in 3rd place. In 5th place overall was Tom Stead of Riverside Runners who won the
Junior Male trophy in 19m 13s, a quite outstanding time for a 9 year old runner. Not far behind was fellow Riverside runner
Emma Ritchie who successfully defended her Junior Female trophy with a time of 21m 15s. Further down the field, "Roary" Buttery,
running in a Lion suit for the Family Matters Institute (Moggerhanger), sweated his way round the course in 44m 02s.
In the 1 mile fun run, thirteen youngsters aged from 3 to 12 all ran their socks off to complete the course, with many of them
leaving their protective parents struggling to keep up!
** Everton 3 Mile Fun Run 2006 Results Available Here**
** Everton 1 Mile Fun Run 2006 Results Available Here**
White Rose Duathlon, York – Monday 29th May 2006
Fantastic Biggleswade AC club duathlon competitor, Jan Forrester took part in this year’s White Rose Duathlon in York on Monday
29th May in what proved to be very difficult conditions. It was very wet and windy making both the cycling and running events
strenuous and challenging. The event involved an initial 10K which Jan completed in an outstanding 49 mins and 7 seconds. This was
then followed by a 40K cycle which Jan finished in 1 hour 24 minutes and 57 seconds, and subsequently a 5K run which the athlete
completed in 30 mins and 22 seconds. Jan’s final finishing time was a brilliant 2 hours, 44 minutes and 26 seconds which placed
her as the first lady veteran in the 50-54 category.
Results are as follows;
10K run - 49mins 07secs
Total - 2hrs 44mins 26secs
Bentley Charles 10K - 21st May 2006
Results are as follows;
Simon Fawcett - 8th - 37mins 48secs
Results are as follows;
Simon Fawcett - 29th - 37mins 56secs
Schools Track Relays - 3rd May 2006
** Track Relay Results Available Here**
Silverstone 10K - 2nd May 2006
Results are as follows;
Simon Fawcett - 86th - 38mins 09secs
Langtoft 10K - 30th April 2006
Results are as follows;
Simon Fawcett - 9th - 37mins 46secs (PB)
Cambridge Duathlon - 30th April 2006
Biggleswade AC’s duathlon competitor, Jan Forrester was at it again last weekend when she competed alongside some really strong
competitors in the annual Cambridge Duathlon on Sunday 30th April. This event incorporated a 7K run, 35K bike ride and another 7K
run. Jan came third in the vet 50-54 female category this time beating the ex-international Hilary Walker by 30 seconds. Her final
time for completing the event was 2 hours, 17 minutes and 8 seconds.
Results are as follows;
7K run - 32mins 25secs
Total - 2hrs 17mins 08secs
London Marathon - 23rd April 2006
Sunday 23rd April gave rise to a very dramatic and exciting 26.2 mile London Marathon for Biggleswade Athletic Club with 2 new
club records and 5 first ever marathon runs for club members. Supporters from the club waited anxiously in the electric atmosphere
at the 6 mile marker at the Cutty Sark close to London's Greenwich foot tunnel from early in the morning. Eagerly they observed
not only the elite runners passing over the wet slippy cobbles, two of whom tumbled over each other to the ground in the difficult
conditions, but also a number of celebrities including Gordon Ramsey and James Cracknell.
The rain fell lightly through the morning however, making it ideal weather conditions for running but not so great for spectators.
Despite this the Biggleswade AC supporters were in full form when the first Biggleswade AC runner, Clark Skerratt passed the ship
very early on in the race, only to be shortly followed by marathon-virgin Damien Pitts putting on an outstanding performance.
Just less than ten minutes behind Damien was Chris Watson and Zoe Dawson who both looked strong at this 6 mile mark with smiles
on their faces with little signs of concern about the remainder of the race. Ray Dowse and Kevin White were also absorbing the
atmosphere at this stage waving as they passed. Mark Peacock and Julie Dowse were also seen at the Cutty Sark looking fresh and
ready for the remaining 20 miles.
The supporters moved to the 20 mile marker then to see if the situation had changed with the club members, however, some runners
were outperforming all expectations. Clark Skerratt was still steaming ahead with little evidence of fatigue, only to be followed
by Damien Pitts still putting on a magnificent race for his first marathon attempt. Zoe Dawson was seen next still smiling and
still looking strong and with plenty of potential for breaking the club's female marathon record. Chris Watson followed within
seconds of Zoe again looking extremely promising for a first marathon attempt. Ray Dowse and Kevin White were still together at the
20 mile mark supporting each other all the way and ensuring that motivation was kept to maximum level. Just under 40 minutes behind
the duo were Mark Peacock and Kat Draper both showing grit and determination in their first marathon attempts, as were David Lindsay
and Julie Dowse who also followed.
The finish line saw much glory for all the club runners. The fastest of the Biggleswade competitors, Clark Skerratt finished in
3 hours and 25 seconds with a new club record for the male 50 category. Damien Pitts also ran an amazing race to finish his first
London Marathon in 3 hours and 17 minutes, a race he is unlikely to forget for a long time. Chris Watson ran a remarkable first
marathon finishing in 3 hours 25 seconds, only 38 seconds ahead of Biggleswade's first lady home Zoe Dawson. Zoe demonstrated the
value of hard training and knocked almost 30 minutes off of the previous female marathon club record to set a new time of 3 hours
25 minutes and 58 seconds, a time that is unlikely to be beaten without significant effort. Kevin White, Mark Peacock and Kat Draper
also finished in awe-inspiring times for their first marathon attempts.
Results are as follows;
Clark Skerratt - 3hrs 00mins 25secs
Watford Track & Field - 22nd April 2006
Biggleswade AC Ladies opened their league account of the 2006 season at Watford 22nd April with some promising results. With some
members competing in the London Marathon on the Sunday some of the clubs principal distance runners were missing from the league
action. All competed with many club records being set especially in the throws. Also a club record was the 4 x 100 m quartet
knocking over 6 seconds off the club record, and this is going to be improved upon even more as the season goes on. In the
400m Alice Middleton probably had the race of the day. Alice drawn in lane started steadily and kept the opposition in her
sights for the first 150m and then steadily changed up a gear and coming off the bend there were 2 athletes sprinting hard
for the finish, Alice and an athlete from Chelmsford. Over the final 10m Alice’s strength held on and at the line was a
stride in front to win her first ever 400m race in an English Schools Qualifying time and a new Club Record.
There were also new senior club records for Frankie Birch in the Hammer, and age club records for Frankie in the Discus,
Jo Goodyear in the Javelin and the Shot and Alice in the 800m.
In the U15 age group all of the young girls had moved up from U13’s last year and took the higher standard in their stride,
with new PB’s in the Javelin for Helen Brown and Georgia Brawn, and Chelsea McKenzie in the Discus. Helen also produced a life
time best in the long jump, missing out on victory by 1cm but another PB.
Results are as follows
1st - Watford Harriers (149 points)
Sandy Track and Field Open - 15th April 2006
15th April saw the opening event of the season at the new track and field facility at Sandy Sports Centre. The promotion was a
joint venture between Bedford & Cnty AC, Biggleswade AC and DeMontfort University. From Biggleswade AC there were some very
promising results and the first event for Molly McKenzie as a Biggleswade athlete. Molly competed in the 500 m for U11 girls and
won by quite a large margin in a new club record.
In the U15 Girls Biggleswade AC had Jasmine Coughtry, and Katie Bland in the throws and despite moving up an age group and
weight this year showed their potential, by being victorious in the shot for Jasmine with a new personal best, as did Katie in the
Discus. Jasmine also competed in the 200 m and finished 12th and Katie competed in the 100 m and finished 11th. Sammy Harris also
competed in the 100 m nd finished 1 place in front in 10th. Sammy also competed in the Long jump and finished in 7th place.
In the U20 age group Frankie Birch also in a new age group also showed she is not afraid of the new challenges by winning the
Shot, Discus and Hammer all with new club records and a new Personal Best in the Hammer. Also running as an U20 was Alice Middleton
who competed in the 200 m and won in a new personal best, just outside the club record and won the 800 m in a comfortable margin.
In the male category in the U11's George and Oliver Harris had a very close competition with Oliver beating his brother in the
long jump by 10 cm and was quicker over 75 m and 150 m by only half a second in both races.
In the U15 boys Jake Ovenden, Carl Gorden and Harry Holmes moving up to U15's this season found the going tough but still make
good progress. In the race of 100 m was the UK's number 1, DJ Tobais who won both the 100 m and 200 m. Jake was 4th Harry 6th
and Carl 8th but they all showed they could mix it with the best. Carl made up for his disappointment by taking 2nd place in the
javelin with a new Personal best.
In the U20 mens events Craig Morse competing outside for the first time this season won the 100 m and in the long jump was
against the U17's AAA champion of 2005 and beat him, Craig also won the Triple Jump with a new Club Record.
** Sandy Track & Field Open Full Results Available Here**
Biggleswade AC Annual Pentathlon - 11th April 2006
A huge thanks to Ken, Dave, Kim and the rest of the helpers at this years Pentathlon. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Results are as follows;
Sunday 9th April saw 9 members of Biggleswade AC compete in this year’s club championship 10K race at Flitwick.
Flitwick is known to be a hilly course consisting of constant inclines and descents with little flat. Despite this all nine club
members performed outstandingly. Clark Skerratt came home first for the club in 68th place overall and a very fast time of 39mins
and 31secs. Karen Worrall also had a particularly strong race heading up the Biggleswade AC women’s contingent by coming in
177th place in a superb time of 44mins and 16secs. Debbie Bryant and Lindsey Morgan also ran times to make the club proud coming
in 298th and 323rd place overall, only to be shortly followed by Colin Harries in 361st. Mark Stead and Sarah Geeson-Orsgood came
in next within 25 seconds of each other, both achieving personal best times in the 10K event. Julie Dowse also had a good run
up to her 2nd ever London Marathon by finishing in 595th place in a time of 58mins and 52secs. An injured Sam Grist also
showed determination by competing in this event, finishing in 59mins and 19sec.
Results are as follows;
Clark Skerratt - 68th - 39mins 31sec
Ashbourne Duathlon - 8th April 2006
Dedicated Biggleswade AC club member Jan Forrester showed that you can excel in more than one sport at this year’s
Ashbourne Duathlon on Saturday 8th April. Duathlons are notoriously difficult and this one involved a 12K run, 40K bike ride and
then a further 4K run. Jan Forrester was the only club member competing in this event. She finished the initial 12K run in a
fantastic time of 1hro 07mins and 07secs, the 40K bike ride in 1hr 37mins and the 4K run in 22mins and 01secs. Jan’s total time
for the duathlon was 3hrs 06mins and 08secs which made her the 2nd female veteran competitor over the finish line in the
50-54 category, only 5 minutes behind Great Britain’s ex-international ultra distance runner, Hilary Walker.
This was a staggering personal best time for Jan knocking 1 minute and 8 seconds off of her time from last year.
Results are as follows;
12K Run - 1hr 07mins 07secs
Total - 3hrs 06mins 08secs
On Sunday 2 April, 9 members of Biggleswade Athletic Club took part in the Oakley 20 mile race, with 654 runners taking part in the
race. This was the last long run for 7 of runners before this year’s London Marathon.
The open and rolling countryside around Oakley did not help stop the wind for the runners, with head wind for long sections of the
race. The conditions of the race did take their toll on two runners from the club, that had to pull out of the race. First home for
the club was Andy Bruce in 2hrs 30mins 55 secs (116 position), followed by Zoe Dawson in 2hrs 45mins 11secs (241). The next two
team mates ran the whole course together until the last ten metres when Kevin White sprinted across the line first in
2hrs 51mins 58secs (315) with Ray Dowse just behind in 2hrs 52mins 01secs (317).
The next home for the club was Mark Peacock in 3hrs 36mins 50secs (605) with Jennifer Hutchings close behind in 3hrs 48mins 21secs.
Damien Pitts decided not to do the full 20 miles in preparation for the marathon, so instead completed the first 12 miles of the
race in 1hr 20mins and 20secs.
Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon - 19th March 2006
A cold and windy race with over 5100 runners taking part.
Results are as follows;
Damien Pitts - 1hr 29mins 54secs (PB) - 240th
Schools' Cross Country Relays - 9th March 2006
Anyone venturing into Rowney Warren last Thursday will have wondered what all the noise was as 300 + school children contested the
Cross-Country Relay event organised by Biggleswade Athletic Club. 22 Teams took part in the first race for Year 5 & 6 boys.
As usual, Lincroft School from Oakley dominated the race, leading from the gun, never to be challenged. Such was their dominance
that they had the two fastest teams and five out of the six quickest legs were run by Lincroft athletes, the fastest of which was
R.Stamp. Robert Bloomfield school were third.
In the girls race for the same age group, Dame Alice Harpur had the temerity to briefly take the lead on the second leg but were
soon hauled back by two Lincroft girls on the final leg and had to settle for third. The fastest lap was by Lincroft’s A. Dalton.
Lincroft turned the screw even further in the boy’s year 7 & 8 race with the first four teams home. M. Bersin set them off to a
flying start with a very quick 3:35 1km lap that was the quickest of the day. Etonbury were the first Mid-Beds school to finish in
5th place. Lincroft completed the series, winning the girls year 7 & 8 race, though they only had one team in this one. They did
not have the fastest runner this time either. A storming final leg by Robert Bloomfield’s Chelsea McKenzie took them past Etonbury
into second place. It was the only girls’ leg of the day under 4 minutes. It also ensured that Robert Bloomfield won the Mid-Beds
District Council sponsored trophy for the best Mid-Bedfordshire middle school.
The senior schools’ races were over a 1.5 km course and Redborne continued their winning ways in this event but it was a very
close run thing. Samuel Whitbread’s Ryan Parker had a 1 minute 27 second deficit to make up on the last leg – and was only 4 seconds
away from doing it. In a race where only two runners got under 6 minutes, Ryan got under 5 minutes. It showed what staggering form
he was in and it was no surprise that he finished 2nd in the televised Inter-Counties event at Nottingham 2 days later. Redborne
also finished third with Sandy Upper fourth, helped by Alex Bellew’s 5:53 second leg.
It was a similar picture in the girls’ race too. Redborne girls were first but only managed to overhaul Samuel Whitbread on the
last leg after Samantha Cutler had given them over a minute lead on the first leg. Dame Alice Harpur school were third. Redborne
won the boys year 11 and 6th form race though they had to run down Biddenham to do it after S Wallbank had given them a 15 second
lead on the first lap. Biddenham held on to finish second with Sandy Upper third. Redborne were denied a clean sweep in the upper
school age group by Sandy’s Natasha Peters. Short of runners, Natasha ran legs one and three and had the two fastest lap times. Helped
by Emily Aust on leg two, this was enough to relegate Redborne to second place with Samuel Whitbread third.
The races were co-sponsored by Forest Enterprise, Jordan’s Cereals and the makers of V8 fruit drinks so all the children were
able to go home with something healthy to eat and drink.
Full Schools' XC Relay Results
V02 Max Results - 7th March 2006
** V02 Max Results available Here**
National AAA Championships - 4th/5th March 2006
At the weekend 4/5th March, members of Biggleswade Athletic Club competed in the AAA U20/17/15 Indoor Champs in the NIA Birmingham.
Although English AAA’s, teams from Ireland (EIRE), Scotland, Wales and Slovakia were competing, against the best individuals in the
English club scene.
Alice Middleton in her first year as an U20 competed in the 800m and reached the final on her first attempt. The final was very
tactical and slow over the first 2 laps and then a sprint for the finish on the last 2. The race was quite rough with lots of elbows
and bumps. Alice found herself in the middle of the field for the first ½ of the race and was surprised when the sudden sprint for
home came and found herself isolated at the back. Alice held her nerve and fought back slowly and had a tussle with the athlete
who came 6th but was not strong enough to take 6th place. Alice was 7th just outside her PB from the 8 finalist's which was won by
GB’s European Junior champion Carolyn Plateau of Radley Ladies in Oxford. There were 4 internationals in the field.
Craig Morse competed in the U20 men’s Long Jump and finished 14th from 15 a disastrous day at the office with only 1 valid jump
from his allotted 3. But this jump although below his best was only 40cm behind the AAA outdoors U17 champion of last year
(now U20 also) and English Schools Champion is also 1st year U20! This was also a new CR for indoor U20 men’s Long Jump.
Craig is also a first year U20.
Jorden Best U17 men’s Hurdles although was restricted with a hamstring tightness over the last 3 weeks, Jorden was 4th in his heat
in a new PB and Club Record of 8.96secs. Jorden did not get into the final but this ranks him top 15 in the UK indoor season.
His time on the day was 14th fastest. Jorden is also 1st year U17.
The surprise result of the weekend for Biggleswade AC was Conner Best in the U15 boy’s 60m hurdles. With a massive Personal Best
(PB) and this got him into the final as the 7th quickest. Conner surprised himself and was too relaxed for the final
(not a bad thing) although did not run quicker in the final where he finished 8th, Conner shows what is possible for him.
Conner is also 1st year U15.
The outstanding performance for the club was Jake Ovenden in the 200m U15 boys race (1st year U15 also) who knocked nearly 2 seconds
off the club record (which was set by club member Josh Cornick last year at these championships) in 25.40secs and was 4th in his
heat. Not good enough to proceed but a very promising prospect with plenty to come. This was the first time Jake has competed
on an indoor 200m track, with its tight bends, banks and boards. Unfortunately Jake became ill overnight and was unable to compete
in the 60m sprint on the Sunday, which was probably his favorite event.
A hilly 20 mile race around the countryside with a head wind for the last 10 miles. A total of 368 runners took part in the race.
Results are as follows;
Damien Pitts - 50th - 2.26.04(PB)
English National Cross Country Championships - 25th February 2006
Nine Biggleswade AC runners braved the icy Arctic wind at Parliament Hill last Saturday to compete in the prestigious English
National Cross Country Championships. On a sunny, but cold afternoon, Parliament Hill offered superb views across London from the
City skyscrapers to the London Eye, but the runners had just one thing on their mind - conquer the hills and deep mud and finish
the gruelling course.
Well over 2500 runners gathered from all over England to contest the races, and first off for Biggleswade was 11 year old Laura
Gilbert from Potton, running in the Under 13 Girls race over 3000m. Laura ran a superb race against older girls to finish well up
the field in 232nd place. Next off for Biggleswade were Zoe Dawson and Kath Brasier, competing in the Senior Women’s race over
8 kilometres. Two years ago, these two runners contested the London Marathon course, with Kath finishing ahead of Zoe. But this
time Zoe’s recent speed training program paid dividends and she turned the tables to finish in 228th place, with Kath not far
behind in 320th position.
In the final race over 12 kilometres of energy sapping hills and mud, over 1300 senior men set off up the first steep incline.
The pressure was on the six Biggleswade men to all finish the race, in order to complete a scoring team of six. With many of the
"younger" senior men in the club either injured or training for the London Marathon, or "not too keen" on the fearful course,
Biggleswade’s veterans stepped in to face the challenge. The combined age of the six team members was 313 years! – including one
over 50, two over 55 and one over 60 (including two Granddads), but this did not deter the intrepid sextet. First home was new
member Lee Welham in a superb 575th position. Lee was followed by super-vet Ken Prior (no he’s not a Granddad yet) in 848th place.
Club Treasurer Chris Clarke was the only one to really enjoy the hills, and he finished in 923rd place, followed by Steve in 1110th
and Club Chairman Nigel Bush in 1130th position (yes, he is a Granddad). The final club finisher was Club Secretary (and Granddad)
Stuart Galloway in 1208th place. This was a gutsy and brave run by Stuart following a long lay off from racing after a series of
injuries. This was the first time that Biggleswade AC’s senior men had finished a complete team in the English National Cross
Country Championships in many years, finishing in 96th position.
Results are as follows;
U13 Girls (3000m)
Senior Women (8K)
Senior Men (12K)
Senior Mens Team Biggleswade 96th
Midland Open Indoor Meeting - 25th February 2006
Alice Middleton U20 W competed in the Midland Open Indoor meeting at the NIA Birmingham on 25th February 2006 in preparation for the
AAA indoor championships. Alice ran in the 800m and finished 3rd in a quality field won by GB international Rebecca Hall of
Kettering. Alice's time of 2 mins 20.73 seconds is a pb and indoor club record.
Woburn 10K - 19th February 2006
Seven brave members of Biggleswade Athletic Club took on the challenge of the SIS Woburn 10k on Sunday 19th February.
This was an extremely tough yet scenic route round the Woburn Safari Park which takes runners past several of the
animal enclosures, including a very close start to the camels. The course is known for its challenging inclines and the openess
made these even more difficult in the bitter wind of an early February morning. Despite the start being slow, with an initial
delay of 10 minutes, none of the Biggleswade AC competitors seemed phased with a high number achieving personal bests on a course
that is not renound for its PB potential.
New club member, Geoff Muskett was first home in a fantastic time of 44 mins and 50 seconds, shortly followed by Ray Dowse in his
first ever 10k at a time of 45 mins and 24 seconds. Natalie Darlow was Biggleswade's first lady home just over a minute after
Ray in 46 mins 47 seconds. Rebecca Tippett and Tanya Tatchley finished within 6 seconds of each other with times of 52 mins 24 and
52 mins 30 respectively. The ever-improving Sam Grist finished next in 56 mins 33 seconds knocking nearly 4 minutes off of her
personal best time, and Julie Dowse followed shortly after Sam in 57 minutes 42 seconds, again in her first ever 10k.
Results are as follows;
Geoff Muskett - 44mins 50secs
Balancing Blues 5K Series - January/February 2006
Three 5km races were held in January and February around Bedford Embankment. The races were held on 04 & 11 January and 15
February, with field totals of 102, 111 and 106 respectively.
Results are as follows;
Damien Pitts
14th in the series overall.
Ken Prior
18th in the series overall.
Stamford 30K - 12th February 2006
Results are as follows;
Andy Bruce - 2hrs 16mins 46secs - 153rd
A total of 565 finished the race, Biggleswade was the 3rd all VET team to finish.
Asics Watford 1/2 Marathon - 5th February 2006
On Sunday 5th February 6 members of Biggleswade AC bravely took on the challenge of the Asics Watford half marathon.
It was perfect weather conditions for running this distance, 6°C and the sun was shining. This was a very scenic rural course
although there were also 5 - 6 nasty hills to contend with so the potential for the team to achieve personal bests was
unfortunately low. For Ray and Julie Dowse this was an excellent build up to the 'London Marathon' which they are both running
in April. Elaine Stead also completed her first ever half Marathon, with husband Mark Stead finishing his first half-marathon
in 10 years. Both Sarah Geeson-Orsgood and Samantha Grist also improved on their times compared to previous races.
Results to follow;
Folksworth 15 - 22nd January 2006
Results are as follows;
Damien Pitts - 1hr 45mins 04secs (PB) - 89th
Total field of 442
Annual Club Dinner & Awards Evening - 20th January 2006
Winners of the 2005 Club Awards;
10K Champions - Karen Worrall and Steve Chalk
For Further Results, click here.
Anne Lincoln - 30.31
Julie Dowse - 27.54
Elaine Stead - 27.50
Sam Grist - 26.11
Julia Mackay - 25.17
Tanya Tatchley - 25.10
Mark Stead - 25.07
Helen Middleton - 25.03
Colin Harris - 23.58
Paula Dawson - 23.57
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 23.27
Stuart Galloway - 22.43
Rich - 22.39
Lins Morgan - 22.00
Ray Dowse - 21.10
Roger - 21.03
Alan Goodman - 20.52
Damien Pitts - 20.32
Chris Clark - 20.25
Nigel Bush - 20.12
Ken Prior - 20.01
Ed Clark - 19.49
Alice Middleton - 19.43
Neil Gregory - 19.31
Debbie Bryant - 19.07
Gavin Elliott - 18.06
Lee Welham - 17.29
David Brown - 16.59
Zoe (Bike) - 16.38
Pat (Bike) - 16.03
Mark Flash - 39mins 28secs
Ray Dowse - 39mins 49secs
Ian - 42mins 17secs
Kev - 42mins 24secs
David - 43mins 51secs
Mark Peacock - 45mins 55secs (1st)
Sarah - 46mins 05secs (3rd)
Chris - 46mins 12secs
Gary - 46mins 14secs (2nd)
Jules - 50mins 01secs
Elaine - 50mins 24secs
Mark Stead - 51mins 20secs
Little Legs - 51mins 58secs
Lorna - 52mins 20secs
Anne - 58mins 14secs
2nd Biggleswade AC Juniors (A) - 55mins 45secs
3rd Biggleswade Zimmers - 58mins 12secs
4th Biggleswade AC Juniors (B) - 1hr 2mins 28secs
5th Julie's Miniature Heroes - 1hr 5mins 00secs
Simon Fawcett - 18mins 39secs (26th)
Nigel Bush - 21mins 35secs (79th)
Natalie Darlow - 23mins 19secs (118th)
Karen Worrall - 12mins 38sec
Debs Bryant - 13min 29sec
Zoe Dawson - 12min 37sec
Total Time and Position 38min 44sec (12th)
Holly Welham - 14min 17sec
Kieran Shaw-Glack - 11min 30sec
Total Time and Position 37min 01sec (8th)
Gavin Elliott - 10min 48sec
Damien Pitts - 11min 13sec
Martyn Cole - 11min 27sec
Nigel Bush - 12min 29sec
David Brown - 11min 04sec
Total Time and Position 57min 01sec (26th)
Damien Pitts - 19mins 38secs
Rob Morgan - 20mins 24secs
Kevin White - 22mins 08secs (PB)
Natalie Darlow - 22mins 36secs (PB) - 28 seconds outside club record
Paula Dawson - 23mins 36sec (PB)
Elaine Stead - 22mins 56secs
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 21mins 04secs
Mark Stead - 20mins 55secs
Sharon - 20mins 48secs
David Lindsey - 20mins 34secs
Karen Worrell - 18mins 53secs
Natalie Darlow - 18mins 34secs
Val Kemp - 18mins 13secs
Phil - 18mins 08secs
Ray Dowse - 18mins 08secs
Damien Pitts - 17mins 55secs
Roger - 17mins 30secs
Gavin Elliott - 16mins 16secs
Race
Lee Welham
Gav Elliott
5 Mile
30mins 02secs
5th30mins 36secs
9th
8.1 Mile
55mins 48secs
11th
1/2 Marathon
1hr 33mins 47secs
17th
Total
3hrs 00mins 11secs
10th
Gavin Elliott
Ben Bryan
Mark Ford
Paul Williamson
Tim "Hans" Huxtable (GK)
40K bike - 1hr 24mins 57secs
5K run - 30mins 22secs
Neil Gregory - 179th - 41mins 26secs
Chris Clarke - 294th - 43mins 22secs
Penny Fletcher - 853rd - 56mins 46secs (181st female)
35K bike - 1hr 08mins 41secs
7K run - 36mins 00secs
Damien Pitts - 3hrs 17mins 16secs
Chris Watson - 3hrs 25mins 20secs
Zoe Dawson - 3hrs 25mins 58secs
Ray Dowse - 4hrs 06mins 31secs
Kevin White - 4hrs 06mins 31secs
Mark Peacock - 4hrs 42mins 57secs
Kathryn Draper - 4hrs 43mins 23secs
David Lindsay - 5hrs 08mins 03secs
Julie Dowse - 5hrs 48mins 29secs
2nd - West Suffolk (147 points)
3rd - Biggleswade (63 points)
4th - Kinston (55 points)
Karen Worrall - 177th - 44mins 16secs
Debbie Bryant - 298th - 48mins 10secs
Lindsey Morgan - 323rd - 48mins 41secs
Colin Harries - 361st - 49mins 37secs
Mark Stead - 485th - 54mins 01secs PB
Sarah Geeson-Orsgood - 494th - 54mins 25secs
Julie Dowse - 595th - 58mins 52secs
Sam Grist - 605th - 59mins 19escs.
40K Bike - 1hr 37mins 00secs
4K Run - 22mins 01secs
Raw Dowse - 1hr 40mins 24secs - 780th
Geoff Muskett - 1hr 51mins 18secs - 1841th
Mark Peacock - 2hrs 00mins 15secs - 2877th
Jennifer Hutchings - 2hrs 07mins 40secs - 3427th
Julie Dowse - 2hrs 09mins 51secs - 3592th
Boys Year 5 & 6
Girls Year 5 & 6
Boys Year 7 & 8
Girls Year 7 & 8
Year 9 & 10
Year 11 & 6th Form
Tony Haymes - 177th - 2.53.40
Paul Batson - 200th - 2.57.35
Laura Gilbert - 232nd - 15:45
Zoe Dawson - 228th - 43:25
Kath Brasier - 320th - 47:05
Lee Welham - 575th - 52.17
Ken Prior - 848th - 56:41
Chris Clarke - 923rd - 58:18
Steve - 1110th - 62:35
Nigel Bush - 1130th - 63:01
Stuart Galloway - 1208th - 67:05
Ray Dowse - 45mins 24secs (PB)
Natalie Darlow - 46mins 47secs (PB)
Rebecca Tippett - 52mins 24secs (PB)
Tanya Tatchley - 52mins 30secs (PB)
Samantha Grist - 56mins 33secs (PB)
Julie Dowse - 57mins 42secs (PB)
19mins 45secs - 26th
19mins 44secs - 27th
19mins 02secs - 22nd
20mins 24secs - 34th
20mins 54secs - 38th
20mins 32secs - 34th
Chris Clarke - 2hrs 23mins 38secs - 209th
Paul Batson - 2hrs 38mins 28secs - 343rd
Tony Haymes - 2hrs 39mins 14secs - 350th
Tony Haymes - 1hr 59mins 34secs - 229th
Paul Batson - 2hrs 00mins 22secs - 235th
Kevin White - 2hrs 03mins 40secs - 254th
10 Mile Champions - No female winner and Nigel Bush
Half Marathon Champions - Jan Forrester and Nigel Bush
Ultra Distance Champion - Chris Clarke
Best Improved Senior Athlete - Zoe Dawson
Club Person - Tim Huxtable
Special Award for his coaching efforts throughout the year - Steve Worrall
Most Improved Female Junior Athlete - Jasmin Coughtry
Most Improved Male Junior Athlete - Billy Ballaam
Performance of the year Female Junior athlete - Alice Middleton
Performance of the year Male Junior Athlete - Jorden Best