Press Releases

Below are copies of race reports and other press releases submitted to the media. Please bear in mind what is actually printed or broadcast may bear no resemblance to what is actually submitted.

Grantham AC staged it's annual handicap championships at Long Bennington on Thursday evening in almost perfect running conditions. Arthur Short again set the trail ablaze with the fastest time of the night over the 10k course. Tony Madge produced a sterling performance despite not training for nearly 8 weeks due to injury problems producing the second fastest time of the evening. Guests, Karl Hunt knocked 4 minutes off his pb, while Wendy Tremain and Bindi Brook showed us a bit of what is yet to come.
Club HC champions this year are: Helen Brown after a blistering run and the 5th fastest time of the night and Keith Measures putting in a performance like he was 10 years younger.

Results (name; actual time; inside or outside HC):
Karl Hunt 0:54:09 +05:47, Wendy Tremain 1:07:24 +02:33, Helen Brown 0:44:39 +01:19, Keith Measures 0:49:08 +00:35, Robert McArdle 0:44:58 +00:34, Bindi Brook 0:55:35 +00:23, Phil Hall 0:47:01 +00:23, Jan Anderson 0:49:12 +00:16, Karin Eckard 0:53:02 -00:04, Jez Page 0:44:41 -00:43, Catherine Payne 0:46:54 -00:56, Chris Armstrong 0:45:17 -01:14, Arthur Short 0:37:50 -01:15, Tony Madge 0:40:46 -01:21, Mark Hillson 0:43:25 -01:30, Phil Garner 0:57:35 -02:12, Ben Hatherley 0:44:21 -02:21, Mark Toms 0:45:00 -03:00, Shelly Dalhaug 0:57:32 -03:04, Sophie Townsend 0:54:10 -08:12

Welbourn Castle 10k: Grantham AC had three of it's most prolific runners out for this local off road 10k.
Results: 11 Arthur Short 42:05, 66 Phil Hall 51:40, 103 Keith Measures 55:57

Grimsthorpe Castle 10k: This popular Bank Holiday race attracted over 500 runners to compete over a tough 10k course. Arthur Short was in fine form again heading up the Grantham AC team of eight in 25th position.
Results: 25 Arthur Short 40:04, 126 Mark Tucker 48:06, 127 Catherine Payne 48:08, 129 Helen Brown 48:10, 156 Phil Hall 49:42, 214 Keith Measures 52:38, 238 Imogen Brooks 53:48, 297 Feena Machin 57:38

Probably August wouldn't be the best time to stage a 1/2 marathon because of the high temperatures, but that didn't stop 3 Grantham AC members achieving respectable times in the Newark race last weekend.
Results: 55 Arthur Short 1:25:51, 114 Alan Hayes 1:30:59, 367 Phil Hall 1:46:58

The timing for the Bassingham Bash 5 miler a day earlier wasn't much better either with a 2:30pm start and the race taking place in the heat of the day.
Results: 34 Robert McArdle 35:45, 54 John Bainbridge 39:43

If start time is an issue, you wouldn't plan a race on Friday evenings at 7 o'clock in Nottingham. Grantham AC's Stuart Sinclair was 5 minutes late getting to the start of the Jagermeister 10k after getting caught up in the cities rush hour traffic. It didn't stop him and his partner Hayley, entering the race and posting credible times.
Results: 226 Stuart Sinclair 51:47, 341 Hayley Clark 66:35

Grantham Beginners jogging group are pleased to announce they have started a daytime session on Friday mornings at 10:15. The 10 sessions will take place until 8th October. The new venture compliments the already successful Monday evening (6:30) sessions and is ideally timed for anyone wanting to take part in the Cancer Research Run 10k in Lincoln on 10 October. If there is sufficient demand, the Friday daytime sessions could become a permanent fixture.

Both groups meet in the outer foyer of the Meres Leisure centre.

The Beginners sessions, which are totally free on both days, are aimed at people that can only jog/walk a couple of hundred meters to those that can already run 2 or 3 miles. No one is expected to run all the way and sessions are tailor made for those that turn up. All the Jog leaders are fully trained and CRB checked.

Further information www.granthamac.com/road/beginners.htm or ring Robert on 0788 7796 991

A team of eight Grantham AC members took part in the 24 hour ThunderRun at Catton park, Burton-on-Trent at the weekend. This off road event started at 2pm on the Saturday afternoon and didn't finish until 2pm on the Sunday. The runners all took it in-turns of running the hilly and challenging 10k course in a relay fashion. During the hours of darkness the runners had to wear head torches to navigate the course. Sleep deprivation and fatique took it's toll on the runners but they all completed their planned 3 or 4 legs. The team only signed up for the event five days before the start and went on to finish in 10th place out of the 28 finishing teams in a total time of 24 hours 40 minutes and 42 seconds. They completed 29 laps which equates to 290km or 180 miles in just over 24 hours.

Results: Paul Davidson 43:09, 43:45, 47:26, 44:40 total 2:59:00; Arthur Short 42:29, 49:09, 50:57, 42:44 total 3:05:19; Stuart Sinclair 44:26, 46:32, 50:50, 47:11 total 3:08:59; Sophie Stanley 58:19, 1:00:38, 1:00:11 total 2:59:08; Catherine Payne 50:45, 56:42, 52:34, 51:55 total 3:31:56; Helen Brown 49:03, 51:39, 51:31, 51:45 total 3:23:58; Phil Hall 51:11, 1:04:13, 54:17 total 2:49:41; Becki Shallard 51:06, 56:14, 55:21 total 2:42:41

Please find attached photo L to R: Phil Hall, Catherine Payne, Paul Davidson, Helen Brown, Arthur Short, Stuart Sinclair, Becki Shallard, Sophie Stanley

Grantham Beginners jogging group are pleased to announce they are starting a daytime session on Friday mornings at 10:15. Commencing on 6 August the inaugural sessions will run for 10 weeks. The new venture compliments the already successful Monday evening (6:30) sessions and is ideally timed for anyone wanting to take part in the Cancer Research Run 10k in Lincoln on 10 October. Both groups meet in the outer foyer of the Meres Leisure centre.

The Beginners sessions, which are totally free, are aimed at people that can only jog/walk a couple of hundred meters to those that can already run 2 or 3 miles. No one is expected to run all the way and sessions are tailor made for those that turn up. All the Jog leaders are fully trained and CRB checked.

Further information www.granthamac.com/road/beginners.htm

Sherwood Pine 10k Trail Race: Sophie Stanley had her first experience of off-road racing with this picturesque route through Sherwood Forest completing the course in a satisfying 55 minutes and 8 seconds.

St Ives 10k - Road Race: Despite windy conditions on an otherwise warm day Becki Shellard was able to knock 2:54 off her previous personal best to come home in 51:10

Whissendine 6 - Road Race: Grantham A. C. had four runners competing over this hilly course, Mark Hillson was first of the quartet home in 42:41. Robert McArdle 43:32, Helen Brown 45:10 and Catherine Payne 45:54 all posted PB's for this course.

Stathern 10k
Seven Grantham AC members started the Stathern 10k race on Sunday. Unfortunately on the final run in, Catherine Payne took a nasty tumble seeing her chances of posting a fast time ruined.
Results: 7 Arthur Short 35:42, 32 Mark Hillson 42:09, 37 Robert McArdle 42:53, 47 Helen Brown 44:00, 66 Phil Hall 46:42, 77 Keith Measures 48:27, Catherine Payne DNF.

North Downs Run
James Kmieciak took part in the North Downs Run at the weekend. The scenic but challenging 30k off road race is ranked as the 4th best in the country.
Results: 287 James Kmieciak 3:03:50

Three runners from Grantham Athletic Club competed in the 39th running of the Nott's 10 at the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont on Friday evening, although the runners were helped by windless conditions at this normally gusty venue the temperature was quite a bit higher than they would have liked. Tony Madge led the trio home in 68:41 whilst Robert McArdle and James Kmieciak both set personal bests at 74:06 and 81:29 respectively.

Almost 1,000 runners completed this year's Woodhall Spa 10km Road Race and amongst them were four from Grantham Athletics Club, the evergreen Keith Measures continued to enjoy a good season with another sub-50 minute performance clocking 49:50. The ladies team finished in close order with Becki Shallard (51:50) in front of Nicky Lucas (52:17) and Tracey Sharp (53:53)

Despite the ferocious heat Sophie Stanley was able to complete the Coventry Half Marathon in a time of 2:08:38 bringing her home as 116th senior woman. This was Sophie's first time at the distance and she ran it to raise money for the Allington and Sedgebrook Preschool.

Further afield GAC's Becki Shallard had her first attempt at the ten miles distance in Bruggen completing the race in 82:14 which she hopes will set her up for her first sprint triathlon this weekend.

"Grantham Athletics' Start Sinclair made the long trip back home to compete in this year's Balmoral 10k, his finishing time of 41 minutes 50 seconds earned him a highly creditable 66th place in a field of more that 2,000 runners. Although the race's sponsors were offering a prize for the first man over the line wearing the kilt Stuart eschewed this chance of a prize as the blue and green of the Sinclair Hunting tartan military kilt would clash with the red of his club vest"

Langtoft 10km - Three Grantham AC athletes competed in the Langtoft 10k at the weekend.
Results: 8 Arthur Short 37:14, 58 Chris Armstrong 44:05, 100 Phil Hall 47:26.

GRANTHAM Athletic Club’s open 10km trail race was won by club cross country coach Adam Madge. Run in conjunction with Belton Horse Trials in the grounds of the stately home, the Grantham Cup event attracted 130 athletes from all over the East Midlands. Any illusions the entrants might have had that the course might be a typically flat Lincolnshire one would have been shattered with the appearance of Bellmount Tower through the mist at race half-distance. Following the climb up to the tower, athletes also had to plunge through the ‘water jump’ at the 8km point. Adam eased home comfortably in 38min 9sec and team-mate Arthur Short continued his recent run of form to pick up prizes for first veteran and third overall. Eighth-placed Stuart Sinclair ensured that the Grantham club also took the team prize.

Grantham AC results: 1 Adam Madge 38.09, 3 Arthur Short 38.43, 8 Stuart Sinclair 41.49, 41 Catherine Payne 47.37, 49 Phillip Hall 48.38, 59 James Kmieciak 50.49, 69 Becki Shallard 52.25.

l If you are interested in running and would like to train with Grantham AC, pop along to The Meres stadium on Monday evenings at 6.45pm. Also visit www.granthamac.com/road

Grantham 10k Trail Run - The early morning mist in the grounds of Belton House added a spine tingling eeriness and apprehension to the 130 athletes who had gathered to warm-up for the inaugural running of the Grantham Cup. The men and women who had travelled from all over the East Midlands, some perhaps under an illusion that Lincolnshire is flat. were able to look up and see Bellmount Tower emerge in the distance. Then they realised that the water station situated underneath the tower was only the halfway point of their morning's efforts. There was, however, relief that the sun was getting strong enough to melt the ice as they knew that the water jump at 8 km going to be cold as they plunged through it knee deep.

The decidedly uncivilised early start was to ensure that the last runner was clear of the cross country course they shared with the International Class event horses before the four legged Olympic hopefuls had their run out. The event was organised by our local Grantham Athletic Club who, in the men's competition, took full home advantage with the club's cross country coach, Adam Madge, easing home comfortably in front of the rest of the field to win in 38:03. Veteran Arthur Short continued his recent impressive run of form picking up the prize for first male vet and third overall. Stuart Sinclair completed the trio that ensured the men's team prize was not travelling far this year. The Ladies prizes were grabbed by winner Kate Morison of Mansfield Harriers in 43:09 with the girls from Stamford Striders winning the ladies team prize.

In order to help the competitor's relax round the show with their family's post-race the Horse Trial's organisers added a beer voucher to the usual goody bag.

Full Grantham A.C. Results: 1 0:38:09 MADGE, Adam SM, 3 0:38:43 SHORT, Arthur MV, 8 0:41:49 SINCLAIR, Stuart SM, 41 0:47:37 PAYNE, Catherine FV, 49 0:48:38 HALL, Phillip MV, 59 0:50:49 KMIECIAK, James SM, 69 0:52:25 SHALLARD, Becki SW

Five Grantham AC athletes were among the 284 runners that competed in the recent Notts AC Easter 10k. The scenic, but testing course was set in the grounds of Wollaton Park.

Becki Shallard was the only Grantham AC member to make the journey to Windsor to compete in the Dorney Lakes 10k posting a 54:04 time despite the extremely windy conditions.

Nine club members competed in the Belvoir 1/2 marathon at Hose on Sunday. The ideal running conditions saw at least 5 personal bests and 3 season's bests achieved. Run of the day though, goes to Tony Madge, smashing through the 80% (National Class) age grade barrier with an 81.76 performance.

Results: 35 Arthur Short 1:21:55, 48 Tony Madge 1:23:18 sb, 148 Mark Hillson 1:33:16 pb, 203 Robert McArdle 1:37:19 pb, 216 Helen Brown 1:38:11 pb, 220 Catherine Payne 1:38:22 pb, 282 Hannah Whitney 1:43:17 pb, 317 Phil Hall 1:45:17 sb, 408 Lora Redman 1:53:10 sb.

Keith Measures opted for the shorter 13 mile course in years Caythorpe Canter and recorded a time of 2hr 7min on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Thorney 10km
On a flat Fenland windswept course, 3 Grantham AC athletes were more than pleased with their performances at the 10k distance, especially Tony Madge who picked up the vet 50 prize.
Results: 17 Tony Madge 39:27, 80 Robert McArdle 45:59, 81 Catherine Payne 46:00

Lincoln 10k
Five Grantham AC members were part of the 4000 plus field of runners in the Lincoln 10k on Sunday.
Results: 59 Adam Madge 35:55, 192 Stuart Sinclair 40:48, 768 Mark Gray 45:47, 1369 Keith Measures 50:16, 1525 Mark Donnellan 51:04.

Ashby 20 mile
GAC club members were also out at Ashby using the 20 mile road race as part of their spring marathon preparations.
Results: 138 Mark Hillson 2:30:38, 191 Geoff Collier 2:37:04, 250 Robert McArdle 2:41:55, 290 Helen Brown 2:44:33

Sleaford 1/2 marathon
Results: 26 Tony Madge 1:26:18, 84 Stuart Sinclair 1:34:00, 106 Mark Hillson 1:36:51, 119 Robert McArdle 1:38:19, 159 Helen Brown 1:41:50, 178 Catherine Payne 1:43:42, 182 Dave Eldridge 1:44:18

Five Grantham AC runners took part in the Belvoir Challenge at the weekend. With all the recent wet and wintry weather, the 15 mile off-road route saw the muddiest conditions for many years.

Results:
Men - 142 Mark Hillson 2:46:47, 176 Keith Measures 3:08:44, 344 Simon Mason 5:52:31.
Ladies - 51 Julie Stewart 2:59:54, 52 Trudy Hanson 3:00:06

Newton's Fraction
Grantham AC stage their annual Newton's Fraction 1/2 marathon and Little Apple 3k fun run on Sunday.

The main race sets off from outside the SK Sports Stadium at 10:30 and heads along Trent Road and into the country side. The Fun Run starts 20 minutes later inside the stadium and follows a local route on the pavement. Both races have a stadium finish and with this year having so many runners taking part, will be quite a spectators event as well.

Entries for both races can be made on the day from 8:30 am onwards.

Further details can be found online www.granthamac.com/road

Grantham AC stage their annual Newton's Fraction 1/2 marathon and Little Apple 3k fun run this Sunday at the SK Sports stadium.

There are over 320 already entered for the Fraction which is a record in the club's history of staging the event. Also confirmed as running this year, are last year's male and female winners, Aaron Scott of Lincoln and Kate Nelson of York. With possibly a high number of entries on the day, the organisers are hoping to approach the race limit of 500 this year. With 75% of the entries coming from outside the area and many bringing their families with them, it is also a tourist boost for the town.

The race which boasts an extensive prize list, T Shirt and Goody bag to all finishers is boosted this year with a bottle Newton's Fraction ale supplied Oldershaws Brewery for the first twelve male and females. Other attractions on the day are a visit by specialists sports retailer Lincolnshire Runner and Food stalls.

The Fun Run which is only 3km, can be tackled by most healthy people and is attracting a lot of interest from school and family teams. It is also set to have a bit of a carnival atmosphere this year with a team from Gravity FM taking part. The local radio station will also be doing a live outside broadcast on the day. Station manager Alan Walters, along with a team of young presenters will also be running. There is an unofficial challenge for them to beat Gavin the station mascot. All finishers in the Fun Run will be awarded with a medal and a Mars bar for their effort.

All the proceeds from the Fun Run and any sponsorship money raised will be split between the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance and Lincs St Johns Ambulance.

Both races can be entered on the day from 8:30 onwards.
The main race sets off from outside the SK Sports Stadium at 10:30 and heads along Trent Road and into the country side. The Fun Run starts 20 minutes later inside the stadium and follows a local route on the pavement. Both races have a stadium finish and with this year having so many runners taking part, will be quite a spectators event as well.

Further details can be found online www.granthamac.com/road

Stamford Valentines Day 30k
47 Arthur Short 2:04:11, 233 Mark Hillson 2:24:45, 260 Robert McArdle 2:26:58, 341 Catherine Payne 2:33:11, 342 Helen Brown 2:33:14, 423 Phil Hall 2:41:59

Ropsley Raid
6 mile: 1st Adam Madge 40:52, 6 Keith Cooper 54:51, Keith Measures 58:44
13 mile race: 23 John Ellerby 2:00:34

Newton's Fraction update
It's just over 2 weeks now until Grantham AC stage their annual Newton's Fraction 1/2 marathon and Little Apple 3k fun run on Sunday 7 March.
There are over 200 already entered for the Fraction which is well up on previous races and include last year's male and female winners, Aaron Scott of Lincoln and Kate Nelson of York. Organisers are hoping to approach the race limit of 500 this year. With 75% of the entries coming from outside the area and many bringing their families with them, it is also a tourist boost for the town.
The race which boasts an extensive prize list, T Shirt and Goody bag to all finishers is boosted this year with a bottle Newtons Fraction ale supplied Oldershaws Brewery for the first twelve male and females. Other attractions on the day are a visit by specialists sports retailer Lincolnshire Runner and Food stalls.
The Fun Run which is only 3km can be tackled by most healthy people is attracting a lot of interest from school and family teams. It is also set to have a bit of a carnival atmosphere this year with a team from Gravity FM taking part. The local radio station will also be doing a live outside broadcast on the day.
All the proceeds from the Fun Run and any sponsorship money raised will be split between the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance and Lincs St Johns Ambulance.
Further details can be found online www.granthamac.com/road
Entry and sponsor forms can also be collected from the Journal office.

New race - The Grantham Cup
Grantham AC in conjunction with BEDE Equestrian Events are staging a brand new event at the Belton Horse trials on Sunday 18 April. The 10k trial race is being staged in the the grounds and deer park of the National Trust's Belton House. This race starts from the main gardens, goes through the deer park, uphill to the folly, round the woodland before joining the horse's cross country course. There are toilets, full catering, free parking and full medical backup on site.
Race entry includes free entry to the horse trials. Further details and entry forms can be found online www.granthamac.com/road or from Feena on 01778 441137

Ropsley Raid
6 mile: 1st Adam Madge 40:52, 6 Keith Cooper 54:51, Keith Measures 58:44
13 mile race: 23 John Ellerby 2:00:34

Newton's Fraction update
It's just over 3 weeks now until Grantham AC stage their annual Newton's Fraction 1/2 marathon and Little Apple 3k fun run on Sunday 7 March.
Entries for the Fraction are well up on previous races and already confirmed are last year's male and female winners, Aaron Scott of Lincoln and Kate Nelson of York. Organisers are hoping to approach the race limit of 500 this year. With 75% of the entries coming from outside the area and many bringing their families with them, it is also a tourist boost for the town.

All the proceeds from the Fun Run and any sponsorship money raised will be split between the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance and Lincs St Johns Ambulance.
Gravity FM have a team in the Fun Run and will be doing an outside broadcast on the day.

Further details can be found online www.granthamac.com/road
Entry and sponsor forms can also be collected from the Journal office.

New race - The Grantham Cup
Grantham AC in conjunction with BEDE Equestrian Events are staging a brand new event at the Belton Horse trials on Sunday 18 April. The 10k trial race is being staged in the the grounds and deer park of the National Trust's Belton House. This race starts from the main gardens, goes through the deer park, uphill to the folly, round the woodland before joining the horse's cross country course. There are toilets, full catering, free parking and full medical backup on site.
Race entry includes free entry to the horse trials. Further details and entry forms can be found online www.granthamac.com/road or from Feena on 01778 441137

Sixteen Grantham AC members took part in their club's annual Christmas eve run. Starting in Barrowby, the group took 3 hours to cover the snow and ice covered 14 mile off road route to the Marquis of Granby at Waltham on the Wolds.
Please see attached photo

Brothers Neil and Gavin Dowsett took part in the Steeples & Spires Marathon recently. The mainly off road 26.8 miles race started from Lincoln Castle and ended in Sleaford. The accomplished tri-athletes ran together both finishing in a time of 3hr 48 mins.

Five Grantham AC athletes tackled the flat fast Nene Valley 10 mile race at Peterborough on Sunday. Arthur Short demonstrated that being a vet wasn't going to stop him going under the hour for the distance, whilst Tony Madge achieved a staggering 79.48 % age graded performance and Robert McArdle knocked 4 minutes off his PB.
Results: 15 Arthur Short 59:43, 35 Tony Madge 1:04:23, 113 Robert McArdle 1:14:34, 183 John Bainbridge 1:22:12, 185 Phil Hall 1:22:26

Two Grantham AC athletes travelled up north on Sunday to compete in the Barnsley 10k.
Arthur Short came 31st in a time of 37:27 and Phil Hall ran 48:57 finishing in 410th position out of a field of 882 runners.

Steve Gould of Grantham AC competed in the Hell Up North extreme trail race at the weekend. He completed the 12 mile course through the Delamere forest in a time of 1:26:47 finishing in an impressive 6th place out of a field of 1500.

26/10/09

Grantham AC's Scott Griffin completed the Great Eastern Fun Run in a time of 17:07 finishing in 24th place. Whilst club mate Zoe Nobbs completed the half marathon in a time of 2:02:01 finishing 1732nd.

Three Grantham AC athletes competed in the undulating Worksop half marathon which included a stretch through Clumber Park. The tough, scenic course didn't prevent fast times though, with Tony Madge recording an age graded 78.72% and Helen Brown setting the bar high for her first half.
Results: 65 Tony Madge 1:26:31, 445 Robert McArdle 1:41:54, 457 Helen Brown 1:42:12

10/10/09

Three members of Grantham AC took part in the Help the Heroes 10k at Honington which incorporated the inter-forces championships. Robert McArdle managed to get a personal best in the last race of the current road season. Results: 30 Mark Byrne 36:50, 71 Stuart Sinclair 40:57, 144 Robert McArdle 45:35

Grantham AC had two athletes compete in the Burnham-on-Sea half marathon. Janice Anderson stepped up to the longer distance and was rewarded by winning the Vet55 category. Results: 43 Paul Davidson 1:28:05, 142 Janice Anderson 1:47:40

Despite being laid up with a virus for a week before the Merrill 10k in Derby, it didn't stop Mark Hillson running his second faster ever race in a time of 41:57 finishing in 82nd place.

Fast times are always a possibility on the flat city centre centre half marathon at Peterborough. So the four Grantham AC athletes weren't disappointed. Robert McArdle gaining a PB and Jez Page posting a time that he hasn't run since 2001.
Results: 47 Arthur Short 1:20:30, 301 Jez Page 1:33:36, 426 Robert McArdle 1:37:21, 883 Phil Hall 1:45:39

In the potentially last race of Grantham AC's 'road' competition year, 13 athletes competed in the Spalding Tri 10k. First home for the club, and in 8th position was Mark Byrne in a time of 36:23. The un-seasonally warm conditions did slow quite a few runners down but didn't stop Mark Hillson and Helen Brown gaining pb's.
Results: 8 Mark Byrne 36:23, 13 Arthur Short 37:56, 21 Paul Davidson 39:23, 31 Mark Hillson 40:54, 51 Jez Page 42:37, 59 John Ellerby 43:32, 82 Jan Anderson 45:48, 95 Helen Brown 47:18, 108 Phil Hall 48:24, 109 John Bainbridge 48:36, 162 Tina Summers (guest) 57:25, 168 Phil Garner 57:54, 169 Caryn Garner 57:54

Jez Page was the only Grantham AC athlete to compete in the Great North run on Sunday. The 13.1 mile road race, which starts in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields attracted over 54,000 competitions and is the biggest half marathon in the world.
Results:
1789 Jez Page 1:38:18

If anyone wants to take up the challenge of a fun run or an event like the Great North run Grantham AC in conjunction with RuninEngland has started a ‘Beginners’ night.
The sessions are on Monday and start at the Meres Leisure centre at 6:30pm and are free. See www.granthamac.com/road/beginners.htm

Two Grantham AC athletes were in action at the Esendex Last Minute Triathlon at Southwell on Sunday. The event which attracted nearly 500 competitors consisted of a 400m swim, a 19.3km cycle and a 5km run.
Results (swim,T1,cycle,T2,run):
39 Neil Dowsett 8:18, 0:48, 31:31, 0:51, 18:32 = 1:00:03
104 Gavin Dowsett 8:27, 1:12, 33:38, 0:47, 19:52 = 1:03:57

Three Grantham AC athletes were in the huge field of 6645 runners in the Robin Hood half marathon, Nottingham on Sunday. Jez Page achieved a seasons best whilst Hannah Whitney and Marijke De Groot were rewarded with PB's.

Just 2 weeks after completing the Grantham Sprint Triathlon, Grantham AC's Neil Dowsett stepped up a massive knotch and took part in the Vitruvian (Half Ironman) event on Saturday completing the Swim 1.9km / Bike 85km and Run 21km in 5hrs 20mins 11sec.
This is the toughest physical and mental challenge Neil has undertaken to date.

Flying Scotsman Despite recently turning 50, it hasn't slowed Robert McArdle down. In fact the Scotsman is flying, knocking over six minutes off his PB in the Wissey half marathon, Norfolk, at the weekend.
Results: 41 Paul Davidson 1:29:40, 84 Robert McArdle 1:39:58

Grantham Athletic Club staged it's annual Road Race championships on Thursday evening. The handicapped race was held over a 5 mile course starting and finishing at the Green in Barrowby and included the infamous Casthorpe Hill. Winners of this years race were Phil Garner and Fiona Vaughan (see www.granthamac.com/road/handicap.htm for full HC'd results).

Results (actual times):
Arthur Short 28:57, Adam Madge 30:26, Tony Madge 31:46, Mark Hillson 32:35, Jez Page 33:36, John Ellerby 35:04, Robert McArdle 35:18, Steve Twigg 35:26, Mark Gray 36:04, Martin Neal 36:15, Jan Anderson 36:40 , Scott Griffin 36:48, Helen Brown 37:31, Dave Eldridge 38:05, Phil Hall 38:21, Julie Stewart 39:55, Marijke DeGroot 40:30, Grace Plant 43:16, Tina Summers (guest), 44:41, Phil Garner 45:32, Fiona Vaughan 46:06.

01/09/09

Thirteen Grantham AC athletes competed in the Grimsthorpe 10k on Bank Holiday Monday. Arthur Short, who has competed in every race at Grimsthorpe since it's inception, was the first GAC athlete across the finish line in 18th position out of the huge field of 475 finishers. Jez Page managed to find a bit more energy from somewhere finishing 90th despite competing in the Grantham Triathlon the day before.
Results:
18 Arthur Short 39:46, 71 Mark Hillson 45:00, 90 Jez Page 46:33, 126 John Ellerby 48:34, 127 Robert McArdle 48:36, 154 Mark Tucker 49:54, 168 Helen Brown 50:27, 182 Caryn Garner 51:14, 217 Jan Anderson 52:52, 223 Phil Hall 53:12, 335 Grace Plant 1:01:18, 387 Fiona Vaughan 1:06:57, 388 Phil Garner 1:07:01
Fun Run (3k):
6 Jake Hornby 2 (F) Sophia Tucker.
Please find the Grimsthorpe squad photo

Grantham AC veteran Jez Page took part in the Newstead Abbey Dash – a 3 mile race on paths in the grounds of Lord Byron’s home.
He recorded a time of 19 minutes 45 seconds to finish 42nd out of a field of 159 and 15th in the male 40-49 category.

Jez was again in action on Sunday, making his triathlon debut in the Grantham Sprint Triathlon.
Of the 63 competitors who completed the event, his 400m swim in the pool at The Meres leisure centre was 27th fastest (8 minutes 12 seconds). He was 50th over the 24km cycle section which comprised 3 laps of a route around Barrowby and Harlaxton with a time of 55 minutes 15 seconds. Finally he completed the 5 km run on footpaths surrounding The Meres in 22 minutes 13 seconds to record the 21st fastest time for that section. Overall he finished 40th with a time of 1:25:40 and was 9th in the male 40-49 category.

10km Results: 6 Arthur Short MV40 41:07, 17 Matthew Smith MU21 44:51, 51 Caryn Garner FV45 52:04, 66 Phil Hall MV50 54:25, 121 Phil Garner MV45 1:09:17.

Stuart Sinclair was the only Grantham AC runner to take part in the London Pride 10k race on Saturday. His time of 39:32 (pb) rewarded him with a 46th position out of the 704 competitors.

In a huge field of 1047 runners in the Newark half marathon on Sunday, Tony Madge (V50) of Grantham AC finished a very credible 171. Results: 171 Tony Madge 1:34:11, 738 John Bainbridge 2:02:51

On Friday night Grantham AC's Jez Page took part in the Nottingham 5 mile road road. He competed the course in 33:24 finishing 51^st overall out of 160 and 7^th MV45.

The following day Grantham AC had 8 members competing at the Heckington show in the 10 mile race. Marijke's mum also joined the squad and picked up £20 for her efforts by winning the vet 60 category (she must have felt at home on the flat course).

Results:

18 Arthur Short 1:02:06, 27 Paul Davidson 1:05:34, 58 John Ellerby 1:11:49, 72 Jez Page 1:13:37, 114 Robert McArdle 1:18:15, 121 Scott Griffin 1:19:22, 147 Jan Anderson 1:24:53, 200 Marijke De Groot 1:39:14, 201 Thea De Groot 1:39:15.

On Sunday Grantham AC veteran Jez Page took part in the Sherwood Pines 10K – a trail race over a hilly course through Sherwood Pines Country Park . Jez finished 54^th overall out of a field of 641 and was 9^th veteran home in a time of 42 minutes 29 seconds.

Steve Gould was the only Grantham AC member to travel up to the north west to compete in the Burthonwood 5 mile road race on Saturday. He finished in 5th place overall in a time of 28:04 and picked up the prize for 1st vet 40.

Despite being a mid week evening run the Whissendine 6ix attracted a 256 strong field. Grantham AC were well represented with 11 athletes taking part. These were joined by 2 newcomers that have been attending Grantham AC's 'Beginners night' on Mondays.

Results:

26 Neil Dowsett 39:03, 35 Jez Page 41:00, 37 Mark Hillson 41:12, 38 Gavin Dowsett 41:13, 51 John Ellerby 42:12, 85 Hannah Whitney 45:01, 102 Tom Laycock 46:02, 106 Robert McArdle 46:32, 123 Helen Brown 47:40, 176 Feena Machin 52:32, 202 Phil Garner 55:04. Beginners 224 Tina Summers 57:31, 237 Fiona Vaughan 1:00:55.

If anybody is interested in joining the 'Beginners' group they run from the Meres Leisure centre at 6:30pm on Mondays - see www.granthamac.com/road for more details.

Five Grantham AC members competed in the Notfast Open 10k on Sunday and they all came away with season's best times.

Fastest on the day was up and coming star, 15 year old Matthew Smith in a time of 38:17. Not to be out done Janice Anderson picked up the prize for the quickest F55 vet category.

Results:

13 Matthew Smith 38:17, 34 Paul Davidson 41:06, 90 Robert McArdle 47:35, 114 Janice Anderson 49:07, 144 Marijke DeGroot 52:22

Despite getting to the start line late last Sunday, Grantham AC athletes Arthur Short and Phil Hall both posted season's best times in the Mansfield Half Marathon.

Grantham AC had two athletes running in the Holme Pierrpont Heritage Grand Priz recently. The race series comprised of a 10k at the National Watersports centre, a 4 miler at Rushcliffe Country Park, a 5k at Wollaton Park and finally a 5 miler at Colwick Park. Tony Madge finished the series in 4th V50 position and Jez Page V40 finished in 15th out of the 185 competitors.

Friday night Grantham AC had 8 athletes out competing in the Ron Hindley memorial 10 Mile race at Ropsley. Star of the night was Catherine Payne who won the ladies race supported by Hannah Whitney who finished in 2nd place. Meanwhile in the men's race Arthur Short had to be content with 2nd place as well.

2 Arthur Short 1:04:26, 10 Mark Hillson 1:11:50, 13 Mark Gray 1:13:29, 18 Catherine Payne 1:15:25, 23 Hannah Whitney 1:18:20, 28 Robert McArdle 1:22:41, 29 Helen Brown 1:23:03, 39 Phil Hall 1:31:40

On Sunday members of the Grantham AC squad were also out at the Thurlby 10k. Catherine Payne came 2nd in the ladies race despite running and winning the Ropsley 10 mile two days earlier.

Three Grantham AC athletes took part in the Stathern Festival 10K road race on Sunday. In hot conditions, Arthur Short was the first of the team home in a time of 37 minutes. Jez Page was not far behind and recorded another seasons best at the distance. Results: 8 Arthur Short 37:00, 30 Jez Page 41:18, 70 Phil Hall 48:14

Please find below the road race reports for Grantham AC athletes over the past week.

Seven Grantham AC athletes took part in theWoodhall Spa 10K road race on Sunday. First home was Arthur Short (36:57), closely followed by 15 year old Matt Smith (37:07) who produced a brilliant run in his first 10K. Other finishers were Jez Page (41:22), John Bainbridge (47:18), Caryn Garner (47:26), Andrew Payne (52:43) and Phil Garner (53:48).

The previous Sunday, Arthur Short again led the Grantham AC athletes home – this time at the Bourne 5 mile run. He finished 5th overall in a time of 30:08. Also competing were Jez Page (34:19), Scott Griffith (40:04) and Gill Cooper (1:10:39).

On Wednesday evening, Grantham AC had a strong turnout at the Ropsley 6 mile run with 15 club members taking part. Steve Gould (33:58), Adam Madge (34:38) and Arthur Short (35:24) finished 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. The remaining runners were Jez Page (40:18), Mark Hillson (40:22), Mark Gray (41:35), Joe Madge (42:38), Catherine Payne (42:41), Scott Griffin (43:43), Mark Tucker (44:31), Susan Britten (49:00), Helen Brown (49:01), Polly Atherton (49:02), Andrew Payne (52:57) and Keith Measures (53:49).

Finally, on Friday evening, Grantham AC veterans Tony Madge and Jez Page took part on the Notts 10 mile road race at the National Watersports Centre. Tony finished 80th in a time of 1:05:52 and Jez was 120th in 1:10:33.

Up and coming Grantham lady runner Marijke De Groot recently competed in the Burton 10 mile road race. She came home in 196 position with a time of 1:33:25

Sleaford 10km: 33 Jez Page 43:09, 41 Mark Gray 44:18, 45 Catherine Payne 44:37, 52 Hannah Whitney 45:31, 84 Keith Measures 49:24

Three Grantham AC athletes competed in the Langtoft 10K road race on Sunday. In windy conditions, the first home was Arthur Short. He finished 15^th out of 239 runners in a time of 37 minutes 13 seconds. Results 15 Arthur Short 37:13, 49 Jez Page 43:00, 100 Phil Hall 47:29

Grantham AC veteran Jez Page competed in the Anthony Nolan Trust Marrow 10K at Wollaton Park , Nottingham on Sunday. He completed the undulating parkland course in a season’s best time of 41 minutes 40 seconds.

Dave Eldridge MV60 3.55.35, Arthur Short MV40 3:14.22, Algi Audas MV50 3:15.26, Alison Marvel WV45 4:23.56

Dave Eldridge was pleased with his 3.55.35 as his target was 4 hrs!! He said "It was hard to get into the stride for the first five miles due to volume of runners and in narrow stretches around Greenwich but the crowds were fantastic, largest I have ever seen for the London Marathon".

Algie Audas commented "Phew that was hot and tough ,but i am really chuffed as i wanted to run 3:15 to get a good for my age automatic entry next year ,once again the day was brilliant and the crowd seems to get bigger than ever each year.well done to all the others".

Grantham AC had five runners in the Belvoir Half Marathon at Hose on Sunday. Catherine Payne continued moving the bar higher setting a 3rd consecutive personal best at the 13.1 mile distance. Hannah Whitney also returned a pb and Jez Page racing over the shorter distances this year achieved a season's best along with Keith Measures.

Results: Jez Page 1:35:12 (141^st), Catherine Payne 1:40:21 pb (213^th), Hannah Whitney 1:47:13 pb (309^th), Keith Measures 1:50:16 (350^th), Maria Grundy 1:50:33 (353^rd).

Dave Eldridge who is competing in the Flora London Marathon on 26 April, opted for the flat Friskney Half Marathon. Dave, completing the course in 1:36:29 gained a season's best and came 2nd in the Veteran 60 class and 50th overall.

Arthur Short, Neil Martin and Algi Audas will also be running for Grantham in the London marathon next Sunday.

Keith Measures competed in the Caythorpe Canter at the weekend. He completed the 13 mile option, which is all off road in a time of 2:03.

Grantham AC had 11 members competing in this high class city centre road race on Sunday. The race organised by Lincoln City Council had over 4100 finishers.

Results: 38 Adam Madge 35:16, 58 Arthur Short 36:17, 463 Catherine Payne 43:47, 573 Mark Gray 44:11, 762 Hannah Whitney 45:48, 800 Scott Griffin 47:00, 886 Julie Stewart 47:41, 931 John Bainbridge 46:45, 1522 Trudy Hanson 52:40, 2340 Kingsley Shaw 54:48, 4051 Gill Cooper 1:30:45

Grantham Athletic Club would like to announce they have introduced a ‘Beginners Night’ for road runners. The sessions are for people that are new to running, for those who are going to compete in a charity Fun Run or simply for those wanting to get fit. The training runs for 18 year olds and upwards are structured to accommodate all abilities from the slowest person that can’t run a mile to those that want to run a marathon. The group meet at the Meres Leisure Centre (in the foyer) at 6:30pm on Monday nights. There isn’t a charge.

For further information contact Robert McArdle 01476 577671 or visit the ‘Beginners’ page at www.granthamac.com/road

Arthur Short finished a very creditable sixth place in the 140 strong field on Sunday. GAC Results: 6 Arthur Short 34:45, 95 Phil Hall 49:28

We had a record turnout – with over 316 finishers in the main race. As most of the Grantham AC members were marshalling we only had a small number of club members in the race. The winner was Aaron Scott (Woodbridge Shufflers) a Lincoln based athlete in 1:14:54 who wasn’t slowed down by the infamous Woolsthorpe and Casthorpe hills 2nd was Ian Day and 3rd was Stephen Pettit both of Ely Runners 1st lady was Kate Nelson from York Knavesmire Harriers in 1:25:41. Second lady was Christine Costiff from South London Harriers in 1:34:19 and 3rd was Joanne Diffey of Lakeside Lincoln.

GAC runners were: 4 Adam Madge 1:20:09, 48 Nigel Kettle 1:33:58, 93 Alan Carley 1:39:39, 111 Catherine Payne, 1:42:24, 126 Geoff Collier 1:44:10, 169 Mark Tucker 1:49:10, Full results can be found at http://www.granthamac.com/road/

The fun run attracted over 100 runners with the proceeds going to the Air Ambulance. Please find attached photos

Grantham Athletic Club. Picture nf7 shows start line of main race (runner 1063 is the winner Aaron Scott) on Trent Road outside the stadium. Picture 09 016 is fun run start in stadium. Picture 09 018 is fun run warm up in stadium