Bob Houghton’s news update: Since my last news bulletin we have had four new members join as well as the time trial and Aldridge 10K.
1. New Members
So I would first like to welcome Barney Delaney, Gareth Stubbs, Paul Thomas and Sam Bourne to the club. We hope that you have an enjoyable and successful membership and take part in the training, races and social events over the coming months.
2. Time Trial
See: Time trial table
On June 4th we had the third time trial of the year and 18 runners turned out. The star of the night was Emma Gaffney, who beat her previous time by over two minutes. That moves her into third place in the series and as it is the five best improvements to count it puts her in a strong position to contend for the title. Sam Maunand is the one setting the pace this year and will take some catching with 83 out of a possible 90 points already.
It is good to see the interest in the time trials again with 28 people already taken part this year.
3. Aldridge 10K
Last Sunday was the Aldridge 10K and as usual for this event it was a hot day. I ran it for the first time in several years and wish I hadn’t. It was easily my PW for a 10k in 66 minutes. The heat and hills affected everyone, but we had a good turn out with 18 club runners.
Apart from my effort the star of the day was Matt in 40 min 51 sec. He was the first club runner home and keeps up his challenge for the club championship for the third year in a row. I have checked through the club records and the three in a row has never been achieved in the club history. Bill Howes was the nearest with three times in four years. So keep up the efforts Matt. The closest challenge comes from Lawrence and Martin, but Patrick and Nigel still have a good chance. Don’t forget that it is the best six events to count and there are still five events to go.
The women’s trophy looks like going to Sam again as she has only dropped 1 point in her first five outings, but with five events to go Sarah Jemmett and Lorraine can still give her a chase.
Also taking part in the Aldridge was Matt Pinfield. Matt joined as an associate member to support his wife, so it was good to see him taking part on Sunday. Unfortunately the only view I had of him was from behind, but maybe one day I will not be at the back. Two of the club new members, Barney Delaney and Gareth Stubbs, took part and Samantha Bourne ran the race and has since joined the club.
4. Shugborough Relays
Next Wednesday is the Shugborough relays. It is very unlikely that anyone will be at King Edwards that night as nearly everyone will be at Shugborough. If you haven’t got your entry in yet then you must contact Lorraine quickly as she is putting the teams in this weekend. It is one of the best club nights of the year and its only a two mile leg so it is not beyond any of you. I am running a leg and hoping to beat 20 minutes.
5. Club membership cards
By now most of you should have had your club membership cards. I still have some left and I will be bringing them along to Shugborough. If you have not received one then please let me know.
Over the last couple of weeks England Athletics have allowed us access to the club membership on their database. We have delayed printing the membership cards to try to include their membership numbers, but we gave up and so most of you will have cards without that detail. All the cards that I still have now includes the numbers. I will send out a complete list of the numbers with my next news bulletin.
Most of the details on the EA database are correct but there are many errors. I have amended most of them, but I do not have access to your personal details. So I would ask you all to look at their web site and check your details. The most common mistake is getting the first name and surname mixed up. EA should have already sent you the passwords etc to access your details.
So see you all on Wednesday and good running