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November 2009 News

Juniors
Our juniors have again had some very good results in the Shropshire Young Athletes League with a good turn-out at Much Wenlock. We had competitors in most of the age groups for both boys and girls. Some outstanding results were:-
U11 Girls - Hattie Jones 1st, Ffion Gilbert 10th, Lucy Fairbanks 11th (first team with 158 points)
U13 Boys - Connor Jones 5th, Jack Perry 12th, Ollie Pope 18th
U13 Girls - Emma Clarke 2nd, Charlotte Westwood 14th
U15 Boys - Seb Pope 6th
U15 Girls - Eilish Gilbert 6th, Heulwen Gilbert 14th
U17 Boys – Guy Gregory 1st, Russell Adams 3rd. Guy is League Champion having won 3 races.
U17 Girls - Shannon Gilbert 5th
At the Shropshire Inter-counties League at Stoke the following week:
Year 7 Girls – Jodie Beddow 50th
Year 7 Boys – Ollie Pope 50th
Year 8/9 Girls – Emma Clarke 41st, Megan Turner 61st
Year 10/11 Boys – Russell Adams 31st, Guy Gregory 49th, Seb Pope 70th.

Seniors
The second race of the Herefordshire Cross-country League at Croft Castle on 15th November had a record number of runners on a mild, sunny day. The course was very muddy after heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, there was another low turn out from our Club, with only 6 men and 3 women. Jamie Shingler had a good run to finish in 6th place and Jon Walden, a new member, was our second scorer in 40th. We had Ann Collins, Shelly Perks and Sharon Clarke competing for the ladies.
At the 3 Peaks Corndon Classic 6 mile race the same day Mick Ligema, Russell Mapp, Phil Clarke and Sue Williams competed.

October 2009 News

Juniors
The juniors took part in the Shropshire Young Athletes League in Oswestry on 18th October.
U/11 Girls Anne Yapp 18th of 27 over 1500m.
U/11 Boys Angus Turner 21st of 35.
U/13 Boys Ollie Pope 10th in 13.03mins. over 3,000m.
U/15 Girls Megan Turner 8th of 19, Katherine Lovejoy 18th.
U/15 Boys Seb Pope 4th of 17 over 4,000m, Tom Lawley 11th.
U/17 Boys Guy Gregory 1st over 5,000m, Russell Adams 3rd.
Guy and Russell won the team prize.

Seniors
The October Championship race was the Waseley Wobbler 8m race near Rubery. There were about 150 runners in the race, with only Russell and Jane Mapp, Mick Ligema and Don Lovejoy taking part from Ludlow.
Four members of the Club took part in the 50mile Long Mynd Hike. Iain Prentice did best in a time of 11hours, 1hr.20mins. faster than last year and finished in 40th position. Terry Davies took 12hr.23mins. and Paul Elliott 12hrs.41mins. Doing the event for the first time, Caroline Prentice walked the route in 18hr.40mins. Conditions started wet and windy, but they had a clear, dry night and a full moon with good visibility.
At the Bells of Pattingham 7 mile race Russell finished 53rd of 744 entries. Jane was our only other runner.
Graham Wood ran the Dublin Marathon on 25th October, finishing in 3hr.50mins. after getting injured at 22 miles and taking over 50 mins. to finish the last 4 miles. Wendy Breakwell was pleased to finish the race in 4hr.10mins. after doing very little training for it.
On the same weekend, Sharon ran in the Great South Run in Portsmouth in 1hr.38mins, after missing a lot of training due to a back injury.
September 2009 News

Juniors
The first cross-country race of the season had some good results for our Ludlow Juniors. We had at least one runner in every race, with several competing for the first time.
U11 Girls – 1st Hattie Jones, 15th Anna Yapp
U11 Boys – 20th Angus Turner
U13 Girls - 3rd Emma Clarke, 9th Chloe Hughes, 15th Charlotte Westward
U13 Boys – 12th Idris Jones, 14th Ollie Pope
U15 Girls – 4th Eilish Gilbert, 11th Megan Turner
U15 Boys – 10th Tom Lawley
U17 Girls – 6th Shannon Gilbert
U17 Boys – 1st Guy Gregory, 2nd Russell Adams

Seniors
The first race of the Maldwyn Harriers winter fell series was the Source of the Severn 9.2mile race, which had an entry of about 60 runners. Colin Lancaster was 7th and Russell Mapp 12th.
The Wistanstow run/walk event on 12th September covered 26mile. Russell, Caroline Prentice and Dan Pavitt took part. Russell was 45mins. quicker than his time last year.
The Seven Bridges 10k in Shrewsbury on 20th September was in our Championship series. There were 290 runners in the race on a very warm, sunny day. Mick Ligema, Don and Richard Lovejoy, Dave Thompson, Sara Jamieson, Maggie Morris, Laura and Ruth Vickers and Ann Cruse all took part. Mick was our first finisher in 36th place in 43.33mins.
On the same day, Graham Wood ran in the Great North Run. His photo appeared on the front page of the Daily Telegraph the next day in front of the Tyne Bridge and the Red Arrows display team, in amongst 54,000 runners taking part! Fame at last!
Iain Prentice took part in the Stretton Skyline fell race over 19miles on a very warm day, finding the conditions very difficult and finishing in just under 4 hours.
At the Ludlow Sprint Triathlon Simon Norwood, Paul Elliott and Mark Warren were amongst about 300 athletes taking part.

August 2009 News
The Tenbury 10k race on 2nd August was very successful, with 229 entries and plenty of help from Club members. A number of Club members also took part in the race.
Malcolm Young again organised the Bent Clees Challenge over 2 alternative routes of 13miles and 22miles. Russell Mapp was first in the 22mile run and Jane Mapp and Jo Sharp took part in the 13mile event. Support this year was better, with around 70 runners and walkers.
In the final race of the summer cross-country series at Shobdon Wood, Ludlow Runners had 2 teams combining ladies and men.
Vaughan Griffiths, Sue Williams and Ann Cruse took part in the Montgomery hill race on 14th August, which was the last race in the Maldwyn Harriers summer series. There were 62 entries in the race on a warm evening. Ann won the over 60 prize and a prize for the series.
Russell and Chris Good took part in the 19mile Brecon fell race on a very hot day. Chris finished in front of Russell due to the heat.
Russell organised a race from the Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton, on 26th August, as the last of the Mercia Fell Runners summer series. There were 99 entries, but only one runner from Ludlow, who was ex-member Adrian Pickles, now living in the North. Thanks to the usual band of helpers from the Club who marshalled the course.
About 15 Club members took part in the Purslow hill race on August Bank Holiday Monday. There were around 60 in the race, probably the most ever. Simon Norwood won the race and as presented with the Whitehead cup. Colin Lancaster was 2nd MV40.

July 2009 News

The Callow fell race from the Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton, had 53 entries on a dry, sunny day. The first runner finished in 56.37mins. and the last took over 2 hours. Russell was 12th in 76.23 mins. Graham Wood finished 48th after staying with Sharon Clarke in her first ever fell race. Thanks to everyone from the Club who helped to marshal on the day. All profits were donated to the Air Ambulance. Vaughan Griffiths collected £50 himself following his use of the Ambulance after his accident.
Only Ann Cruse from the Club ran in the BBQ 5k race at Newtown, finishing 40th of 52 entries in 27.39mins.
At the 3rd of the summer League cross-country races at Westhope Juliet, Sonia, Sharon, Sara, Graham, Iain, Rob Monteith, Dan Pavitt and Jason competed on a very wet, slippery course after heavy rain. Unfortunately, Graham was unable to complete the race.

June 2009 News

At the Newtown Carnival 5k on 12th June Colin Lancaster was 7th in a time of 18.52, Ann Cruse was first LV60 in a time of 29.15mins.
The Hereford 10k on 14th June was part of the Club Championship and had 7 members from the Club taking part on a very hot day over a hilly route. Mick Ligema finished in 16th place in 41.24, Russell Mapp was 24th in 41.59, Jane Rowlands was first LV45 in 42.41, Graham Wood 29th in 43.26, Sharon Clarke 72nd in 55.40, Don Lovejoy 80th in 58.28 and Ann Cruse 88th in 59.39. There were 93 finishers.
The first race of the Herefordshire League summer cross-country race had a good turn-out from the Club over the 5mile course. Jane Rowlands was our first finisher.
Jane Rowlands and Iain Prentice took part in the Malvern Marathon on 20th June, starting with the walkers and finishing in a time of about 5hr.40mins. The runners started an hour later, including Neil and Ann Collins who also finished in about the same time. The route went over Malvern ridge to Ledbury and Eastnor Castle. Participants had to find their own route, but good directions were provided. The event is recommended by Iain, if you like views and hills!

May 2009 News

At the Newtown 10k race on 3rd May there were 77 entries running the route along the river. Ann Cruse was first LV50 and John Lyden was the only other Ludlow runner.
John ran again in the Haughmond Wood handicap race the next day which covers 9miles, mainly off road. There were 156 finishers and Jane Rowlands finished in 56th place and was first LV45 in 65.53mins. John was 67th in 67.46mins.
Don Lovejoy, Sharon Clarke and Maggie Morris ran in the Dudley 10k evening race on 7th May.
John Lyden was the only Ludlow runner at the Sheinton Steeplechase of 93 runners. The race covers 3.25miles of multi-terrain and John was 39th in a time of 25.07mins. In this race, runners have to estimate their finishing time before the start and John was 8secs. within his estimate.
A good number of members went to the Bluebell Run 5 miles, which was a Club Championship race. Mick Ligema was 3rd, Russell 4th and Jane Rowlands was first lady. John Lyden, Graham Wood, Topher, Rob Monteith, Terry Davies, Tony Hewson, James and Gemma and Maggie Morris also ran.
Juliet Wheatley organised a weekend away to run in the Berwyns hills. Unfortunately, this was only supported by Russell and Jane Mapp, Jo Sharp and Graham Wood, but they all had an enjoyable time and would like to thank Juliet for her efforts in arranging everything.
At the Hereford half-marathon on 17th May, Mick Ligema finished in 1hr.33.46mins, Jeremy Bolwell in 1.38.41, Sharon Clarke 2.02.05 and Sue Kerby in 2.05.38. There were 461 finishers in fine conditions.
Neil and Ann Collins won the Clun Challenge 26mile race and John Lyden was first in the 16 mile race.
There were 186 entries in the Magic Roundabout 10k near Hay on Wye. Ludlow Runners were represented by Mick Ligema in 13th place and 1st MV50 in 44.38mins. Jane Rowlands was next in 46.57 in 30th place and 2nd lady. Graham Wood was 52nd in 49.58, John Lyden, running in his 50th race in 12 months, was 58th in 50.48, after injuring his ankle in the last 2km. Juliet was 91st in 55.30, Sharon Clarke 119th in 61.41 and Maggie Morris 154th in 89.01mins. and still smiling at the end!

April 2009 News

Seniors

At the 25mile Radnor Ramble at the beginning of the month, Richard Hornsby was first runner home, followed by Russell Mapp in second place.
The Chocaholics 5k run took place on Good Friday from Newtown Leisure Centre, a new event which attracted about 70 runners. John Lyden was 28th in 21min.15, Anne Thorpe was 34th in 22.18, Dave Thompson 41st in 24.36 and Ann Cruse was 56th and 1st LV60 in 27.42, winning an Easter egg!
The Shobdon 6 mile race in Shobdon Wood attracted 21 runners from Ludlow in a field of over 100. Ann Cruse was again 1st LV60, winning a locally-made pottery mug.
The first 5km race in the Hereford Leisure Centre series had only John Lyden, Dave Thompson and Ann Cruse running from the Club.
Iain Prentice took part in the 52 mile Wye Forest Challenge on 25th April. This had 8,000 ft. of ascent and is organised by the LDWA as a run or walk. It takes place every 3 years in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Iain says the route was fantastic, with a variety of terrain and scenery and in perfect weather. Ian finished in 18th place in 12hrs.42mins. He recommends it – if you like this sort of thing!
Our 4 entries in last Sunday’s London Marathon finished in the following times: Jeremy Bolwell 4hr.18mins., Jane Mapp 4.20, Phil Clarke 4.43 and Rene Francois 4.45.

March 2009 News

Seniors

On 1st March, Penny Priest and Martin Callaghan ran the Wye Ultra-Marathon of 30 miles in 4hr.34mins with over 150 other runners. They finished in 41st and 42nd place, and Penny was 7th lady.
The Cardingmill Canter, the following week, was a fell race of about 4miles with 2,000 feet of ascent and about 100 runners. Mick Ligema was 25th in 53.08mins., Russell was 29th in 53.24, John Lyden was 65th in 1 hour and Vaughan Griffiths was 84th in 1.08.
At the Treat multi-terrain 8 mile race on 22nd March, Jane Rowlands was 27th of 91 finishers and 2nd lady. David Blenkharn was 36th in 1hr.0.20, John Lyden 42nd in 1.0.50 and Ann Cruse was 87th in 1hr.19.14 and 1st LV60.
On the same day, Iain Prentice ran in the Milford 21mile cross-country race at Cannock Chase in 3h.08mins. He reports that the race was mainly on forest tracks and was well-marshalled, but very hilly.
Also that day, Simon Norwood ran the Ironbridge half-marathon in 1hr.24.58mins., 4 minutes faster than last year’s PB on this course. He was 25th of 660 entries. Neil Collins finished in 1.40.47 139th and Ann Collins in 1.42.34 159th.
The Presteigne 10k on 29th March had only 39 runners. Graham Wood finished in 43mins., Ann Cruse in 58.39 and Maggie Morris in 79mins.
The Wrekin fell race over 5 miles on the same day had 89 entries. Mick Ligema was 24th in 48.26mins., Russell 25th in 48.56mins., John Lyden 53rd in 53.58mins. and Vaughan Griffiths 78th in 60.50mins.

February 2009 News

Juniors

Members of our junior squad took part in the Shropshire Schools Cross-country Championships at Bridgnorth during the worst of the snowy weather. Cerian Lancaster (Colin and Anne’s daughter) won the senior girls’ race by over one minute and achieved the distinction of being the first ever Shropshire athlete to win the championship in all four age groups. Her team representing Ludlow College won their first senior girls’ team title, as she was supported by Megan Lloyd and Zara Burford in second and seventh places. Emma Clarke was 6th in the Year 7 girls’ race, followed by Chloe Hughes 11th and Emily Newcombe 23rd. Connor Jones won the Year 7 Boys’ race, with Idris Jones in 5th place. Megan Turner was 6th in the Year 8/9 race. In the Year 10/11 Boys race Russell Adams was 11th and Guy Gregory 13th. All runners who finished in the top 10 were selected for an inter-counties race at Frodsham on 28th February.
At the Midlands Championships at Mansfield, Nottingham, Russell Adams was 45th, Guy Gregory 80th and Cerian Lancaster 12th.
Connor Jones was 3rd and first Shropshire athlete at the inter-counties event at Frodsham. Emma Clarke, Megan Lloyd and Megan Turner also competed.

Seniors

On the weekend of 7/8 February Russell, Neil and Ann Collins took part in the two races which form part of the fell running series. They did the race on Clee Hill, from Cleeton St. Mary on Saturday, and also the Long Mynd Valleys on Sunday. Martin Callaghan and Chris Good also ran in the Sunday race.
At the Stourbridge Stagger race on 8th February Stuart Hendren was 85th in a time of 1.23.10hrs, Jane Thomas and Shelly Perkins were 275 and 276 in 1.42.00. There were 398 finishers in the race. The Ladies Only 6km race had a field of 64 runners. Sharon Clarke was 21st in 43.40mins, Denise Boden 41st in 49.47 and Maggie Morris 50th in 57.38mins.
The Wyre Forest 8 race on 15th February had 9 members of the Club running. Jane Rowlands was 2nd lady vet. John Lyden, Graham Wood, Stuart Hendren, Shelly Perkins, Juliet Wheatley, Rob Monteith, Sharon Clarke and Ann Cruse also ran.
The Ludlow Runners team in the Hereford Cross-country League finished in 7th place for the men and equal 4th for the women. Unfortunately, Simon Norwood has decided to join Croft Ambrey Running Club as first claim, so will not be part of our team next season. He has always run well for the Club and acted as captain for several seasons, so will be sorely missed.
Members of the Club took part in a hash run from Bromyard Leisure Centre organised by Ann and Neil Collins and Juliet. Also taking part were Shelly, Stuart,Sharon, Jane and Russell Mapp.
On Saturday 28th February the South Shropshire Circular walk/run took place over 27.5miles starting and finishing at Newcastle on Clun. The route led over Kerry Ridge and Beacon Hill. Russell and Richard Hornsby ran together and led for much of the race, finally finishing joint 4th, in a time of 4hr.52mins. Iain Prentice beat Simon Norwood, Paul Elliott and Andrew Spreadborough, who ran together. Juliet also ran the course. Jo Sharp and Jane Mapp walked the course, finishing in 8.5hours.

January 2009 News

Juniors

Colin Lancaster and Anne Thorpe took a number of our juniors to the Shropshire Cross-country Championships at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall on 10th January. On a bitterly cold day, the Club fielded teams in all but one age group.
Guy Gregory was 3rd in the U15Boys race, Russell Adams 5th and Harry Collyer 18th to bring the team to equal 1st with Telford AC.
Connor Jones was 3rd in the U13 Boys race, Idris Jones 8th and Craig Harris 29th to secure 3rd place in the team competition.
In her first year in the U13 age group, Emma Clarke finished 4th after a strong race against 2 older girls up the final hill. Megan Turner was 16th, Chloe Hughes 21st and Emily Newcombe 26th to complete the team. Katherine Lovejoy was 20th in the U15 Girls race.
Running for the first time as a Senior, Cerian Lancaster had to compete over 5800m and won a gold medal as first U20 and 7th overall.
A total of 6 athletes from Ludlow Runners have been selected to represent Shropshire at the Inter-counties Cross-country in Nottingham on 7th March.

Seniors

Over 300 runners and walkers took part in the Morning After run on 1st January organised by Terry Davies. Jane Rowlands was 2nd LV40 and Vaughan Griffiths first runner with a dog! Others taking part from the Club were Jane and Russell Mapp, John Lyden and Mick Ligema.
On the same very cold day Sharon Clarke and Paul Elliott ran in the Hereford 10k.

Cross Country League

There was a very disappointing representation for the Club at the 4th race of the season at Monkhall Farm on 11th January. Simon Norwood was unable to attend, so our team consisted of Paul Elliott (20th), Martin Callaghan(27th), Graham Wood(45th) and Vaughan Griffiths(60th). The men’s team dropped to 9th overall. The ladies team consisted only of Sharon Clarke and Sue Williams, and so did not qualify in the league table.
The final race of the League took place at Presteigne on 1st February over a new course. Another depleted team had Simon Norwood in 8th place, followed by Paul Elliott, John Lyden, Graham Wood and Vaughan Griffiths. The ladies’ team consisted on Juliet, Sharon and Sue Williams. At the presentation of season awards following the race, Juliet received a medal as 3rd lady overall.