Race Reports 2014
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8 runners from Wallasey AC completed the Conwy Half Marathon. First home for the club was Mike Green in 01:23:16 for 42nd place, an impressive time on a hilly course. The start and finish is on the quayside in front of the 700+ year old Conwy Castle. Over 2,300 runners take part in the race. The route runs along the road adjacent to the Conwy River as it proceeds towards Deganwy beach and the West Shore Llandudno, from there it goes along church Walks towards Llandudno Pier, then around the Great Orme taking in views of the Isle of Anglesey, Puffin Island and the surrounding North Wales coastline, then back to Conwy and the finish line.
Penmaenmawr Fell Race - 10 miles - Saturday 22/11/2014 Jez Fellick led the Wallasey runners home at the Penmaenmawr Fell Race, completing the 10 mile course with nearly 2,000 ft of ascent in 01:20:59 for 14th place. This year was the 40th anniversary of what is one of the most popular fell races in Wales. 223 runners were set off by local town mayor.
Martin Connell crossed the line at the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k in 40:06.
Nick Holt and Richard Webster completed the 2 lap course of 46 miles in the Brecon Beacons Ultra, crossing the finish line in 09:27:16 for joint 50th place. Sallie Holt completed one lap in 07:30.
Richard Webster took 5
minutes off his personal best at the Nice Marathon. The French Riviera
Marathon from Nice to Cannes provides views of the sea, palm trees and
snow-covered mountains. A great run from Richard completing the course
in 02:45:14 coming 40th overall.
Chris Bowers and Sallie Holt completed the Newsar Clwydian Fell Race, Sallie finished in 01:43:06 for 82nd place and Chris in 01:44:18 for 84th place. The 15km race with 3,000ft of ascent, over the Clwydian hills, including the summit of Moel Famau.
Cheshire 10k - Sunday 02/11/2014
6 runners from Wallasey AC headed off to Arley for the Cheshire 10k and 4 came back with personal bests. Richard Webster had a storming run coming home in 34:57 (pb) for 28th place, he was followed by Tony Barbat in 36:25 (First V55), Mike Green 36:30 (pb), John Armstrong 36:31, Martin Connell 39:47 (pb) and Sarah Wooliscroft who was over the moon with her personal best of 58:13 which was her first time under the hour. Photos
Sarah Wooliscroft Photo courtesy of Dave Pinnington
Bryan Stevenson completed the Dublin Marathon in 03:43, unfortunately Bryan suffered an injury after being tripped at mile 14, his half marathon time was 01:35.
Halloween Hell raiser - 8 Mile Multi Terrain - Sunday 27/10/2014
Martin Connell headed of to Nantwich for the Halloween Hell raiser 8 Mile Multi Terrain race. Martin finished in 01:09:53 for 17th place and picked up a prize for 3rd in his age category.
Martin Connell (Photo courtesy of Bryan Dale)
Richard Webster had a marvellous run at the Snowdonia Marathon, Rich completed the testing course in sub 3 hours a great achievement on a far from easy course. Jess Lovell finished in 04:02 and Andrew Thomas in 04:18.
Richard Webster finished in 9th place in the Farndon 10k completing the course in 37:07.
Wirral Half Marathon - Sunday 12/10/2014
Wallasey AC runners were out in force in the second Wirral Half Marathon. Greg Jones had a storming run coming home in 6th place in01:15:34. Hot on his heels were Phil Walton 01:17:16 and Richard Webster 01:17:31 (personal best and age category winner). Photos
David Engwall completing his first half marathon.
Wallasey AC had 10 runners in the second Wirral 10k. First home for the club was Joe Boden in 35:25 for 11th place. Tony Barbat and Dave Wilson picked up age category wins. Photos
Alison Engle headed to Portugal for the Lisbon Half Marathon, Alison completed the course in 02:23:54.
Rachel Saunders completed the inaugural Grand 10k at Aintree Racecourse in 50:55 for 245th place out of over 900 runners.
Mike Green completed the LadeyBower 50 mile ultra in 08:35 for 14th place. The race involves three and a bit laps of the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs in Derbyshire.
Hoylake 10k - Sunday 14/09/2014
Wallasey AC had a one two at the Hoylake 10k as Phil Walton and Greg Jones went toe to toe in the battle for first place. Phil just edged Greg by 5 seconds with Phil returning in 34:12 and Greg 34:18. Not far behind them were Richard Webster 35:36 (5th) and Jez Fellick 36:02 (7th), great running. Photos courtesy of Steve at Flickr
Phil Walton and Greg Jones
Dave McAlister and Alison Engle headed to Wales for the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon. Dave finished in 01:34 for 203rd place and Alison in 02:10.
Rachel Saunders and Lisa Carney ran the Salford 10k, finishing in 50:32 and 50:58 respectively.
Dave McAlister ran in the Deestriders Multi Terrain race and finished in 33:42 for 27th place. This result gave Dave 3rd place in his age category M55 for the series.
Phil Walton produced an amazing performance in the Vichy Ironman, Phil finished 43rd overall and completed the swim in 01:09, the bike in 05:15 and the run in 03:20 making a total including transition of 09:52:52, a great effort.
Longford Marathon - Sunday 24/08/2014
The Longford Marathon is described as the "Friendly Marathon in the Heart of Ireland". Sallie Holt travelled across the Irish Sea to compete on the flat course. Sallie finished the race as 7th lady in 03:34:42.
Sallie at 17 miles
Tony Barbat and Dave McAlister ran in the Capenhurst 5k. Tony finished in 17:48 (42nd) and Dave in 20:31 (109th).
5 of Wallasey AC's athletes went to south-east Sweden for the Kalmar triathlon. The swim course was in the Baltic Sea, the bike course was over the 6 km long bridge to the touristic island Öland and the run course went through central parts of Kalmar with the finish line located on the main square. Dave Walton had a storming race finishing second in his age category. Photos
Greg Jones won the Wirral Endurance track 5000m in an impressive time of 16:40. He was closely followed in third place by Joe Boden who recorded a personal best of 16:54. Richard Webster also recorded a personal best of 18:06.
Tony Barbat and Dave McAlister ran in the Wavertree Mystery 5k, the race consists of 3 laps around the park in front of Liverpool Harries stadium. Tony finished in 18:28 and Dave in 21:22.
Dave McAlister competed in the Blackpool Air Show 10k. Dave was forced to battle against the remnants of Hurricane Bertha, returning home in 44:16 for 79th place.
Tony Barbat and Dave McAlister ran in the Deestriders Multi Terrain race. Tony finished in 29:16 (11th) and Dave in 33:13 (31st).
On a hot and sultry day in Sefton Park, Liverpool women gathered to take on a fast and picturesque course that consisted of two laps around the perimeter of the leafy park. Sheila Rae had a great run coming in4th overall in a time of 46:31.
Martin Connell, Deb Connell and Mike Griffiths formed part of one team and Steve Armstrong another, that competed in the Adidas Thunder Run. The race starts at noon on the Saturday and finishes at noon on the Sunday with the team members taking turns to run the 10k cross country loop.
Greg Jones was second in the the July Wirral Seaside Run in a time of 16:19. Photos
Penny Lane Striders 10k - Sunday 20/07/2014
Andy Rogerson and Rolf Westrum completed the Penny Lane Striders 10k, Andy was first back in 44:43 and Rolf in 58:55.
Andy Rogerson - photos courtesy of Dave Pinnington
Wallasey AC grabbed the first 3 places in the Wirral Endurance Series 10k at Bebington Oval. Greg Jones, Joe Boden and Richard Webster crossing the line before any other runners.
6 Wallasey AC athletes competed in the Sefton Park 5 miler. The course consisted of 2 laps within the park and the sun shone on the runners. First home was Bryan Stevenson in 30:09 for 35th place. Photos.
Tour of Merseyside - Sunday 06/07/2014- Saturday 12/07/2014
Steve Armstrong competed in the Tour of Merseyside which consists of 6 races in 7 days totalling 52 miles a double marathon. Each of the six races is designed to test the strength, stamina and speed of everyone who takes part with a relentless mix of terrain and varying distance over the full week. Steve's total time was 06:46 and he finished in 48th place.
Over 2100 runners finished the 2014 Marathon Du Mont Blanc. Steve Smith and Jess Lovell were amongst the competitors and finished in 05:09 and 05:41 respectively. The race involved over 2000m of climbing and starting in Chamonix took in the peaks of Argentière, Col des Montets, Col des Possettes, Aiguilles des Possettes, Charlanon comb and Planpraz taking in some breathtaking panoramas of the Mont Blanc range.
Greg Jones won the June Wirral Seaside Run by nearly a minute in 16:53, this was Greg's 8th Seaside victory.
Mike Green completed the oldest half marathon in the country at Freckleton in 01:50.
Welsh Trail Marathon - Saturday 21/06/2014
The Welsh Trail Marathon race routes in the stunning trails and tracks of the world-renowned Coed y Brenin Forest Park in the Snowdonia National Park. The course takes in fully marked trail single track, forest roads and paths in some of the most stunning forestry and heath land in the UK. Richard Webster and Nick Holt completed the course in 03:48 and 04:53 respectively.
Nick Holt
Wallasey AC had some success at the Sport in the Port 5k, an excellent run by Joe Boden saw him finish in second place in 16:52 and Dave McAlister was first V55 in 10th place.
Richard Webster set a personal best at the Sport in the Port 10k, Richard completed the course in 35:47 for 5th place.
Wallasey AC won the men's team event in the Tunnel 10k beating Penny Lane Striders by 3 seconds. The 4 counters were Greg Jones, setting a personal best, 35:09 (4th), Joe Boden 36:06 (9th) and Rich Webster 36:14 (11th). Richard Webster and Sheila Rae also won their age categories. Photos
Jez Fellick completed the Big Welsh
Trail Marathon in 01:37:44 for 5th place. The Big Welsh Trail is runat
at Coed Llandegla and takes in some stunning and awe inspiring trails
through the 650 hectares of the forest. Runners were able to explore
stunning forest trails, paths and single tracks.
Dave McAlister ran the Deestriders off road race in 33:33 for 31st place.
Richard Webster was first home for the club in the Birkenhead Park 5 mile race, Richard completed the 3 lap course in 28:58 and was 2nd in his age category. Jon Armstrong ran a sub 30 minutes for 17th place.
Comrades Marathon - 56.1 miles - Sunday 01/06/2014
The Comrades Marathon is the world's oldest and largest ultra marathon, it's run over a distance of approximately 90 km / 56.1 miles between the capital of the Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Pietermaritzburg, and the coastal city of Durban. Martin Connell made the 12,000 mile round trip to compete and despite calf problems finished the course in 10:46:16. Martin described the race as "Very inspiring". Read Martin's race report here.
Martin Connell with his bronze medal given to Comrades marathon novices
Duathlon World Championships - Sunday 01/06/2014
Cat Jennings finished in 8th place in her age category in the Duathlon World Championships . The race took place in Pontevedra in Spain and the sprint race consisted of a 5k run, 20k bike and 2.5k run. Cat finished in 01:12:21 a great achievement .
The runners faced a headwind all the way in the May Wirral Seaside Run. Greg Jones came in4th place in 17:52 and was followed by Richard Webster 18:39 in 5th.
John Armstrong was first Wallasey athlete home in the Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. John finished in 03:14. Jess Lovell ran well and returned in 03:25 for 12th lady. Jessikha and Sandra Ellison completed their first marathons in 05:05 and 05:37 respectively. Richard Webster (3:14), Mike Green (03:29), Bryan Stevenson (04:16), Mike Griffiths (03:57) and Sallie Holt (03:57). Wallasey AC helpers also provided marshalls and manned a water station. Photos courtesy of Owen at Flickr
Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - Sunday 25/05/2014
10 runners from Wallasey AC competed in the inaugural Liverpool Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Phil Walton had a great run finishing 5th overall and first in his age category, Phil completed the course in an impressive 01:17:41. Kim McEneany also ran well to finish in 01:36:24.
Phil Walton - photo courtesy of Owen at Flickr
Dave McAlister came 75th in the Walton Hall Park 5 mile race, Dave recorded a time of 34:42 and was second V55.
Bob and Anne Brimage have been presented with received awards for being involved in athletics for 25 years .The photo has Bob and Anne with their awards along with other officials. Without officials like these there would be no races and the members are grateful for all there support, advice and motivation over the years.
3 runners from Wallasey AC had to toil through the heat in the Chester Half Marathon. Sheila Rae was first finisher for the club in 01:44:19.
A strong performance from Karl Pickstock at the Great Manchester Run meant Karl was able to finish in 79th place in a timer of 35:13.
Apocalypse 100 mile - Saturday 17/05/2014
Any 100 mile race is a personal challenge, a chance to test your limits. The Apocalypse 100 miler was no exception. The 100 mile race features almost 5 kilometres of vertical ascent and descent. The course was a single complete circle, but with independent 10 mile loops at each compass point featuring the names of the four riders of the Apocalypse; Conquest, Famine, War and Death. Nick Holt completed the race in 32 hours 12 minutes for 10th place, only 29% of the runners completed the course, well done Nick.
Nick Holt (right)
3 Wallasey AC runners took part in the Chester Half Marathon. Sheila Rae returned first in 01:44:19.
7 Wallasey AC athletes headed to Thurstaston for the Multi-Terrain Challenge. Richard Webster was first runner home for the club in 8th place, Richard completed the 6 mile course in 36:46.
Joe Boden led 11 Wallasey AC athletes home in the Port Sunlight 10k. On a course with many twists and turns Joe crossed the line in an excellent 35:22 for 13th place. John Armstrong wasn't far behind him in 19th and 36:33. Sheila Rae was the first lady for Wallasey AC in 44:28 winning her age category. Over 1200 runners completed the race. Photos
Ironman 70.3 Majorca - 1.9km swim/90.1km bike/21.1km run - Saturday 10/05/2014 3 of Wallasey ACs athletes went to Majorca for the Alcudia Triathlon. The race is advertised as a Race in paradise: a holiday-friendly island that features a tough, scenic course. The race involved a 1.9km swim, a hilly 90km bike ride and a half marathon all under the heat of the Mediterranean sun. Dave Walton had a good race finishing 8 minutes faster than last year for 5th place in his age category. Phil Cuthbert also conquered the three disciplines, Ian Cannings was unfortunately knocked off his bike and was unable to finish.
Marlborough Running Club in Wilshire organised the Marlborough Downs Challenge, the course consisted of a scenic one lap route of 33 miles, across the Wiltshire Downs, along Wansdyke and through Avebury Stone Circle. Steve Smith and Jessica Lovell ran together and finished in 6 hours which gave Jess the accolade of second lady.
Excalibur Marathon - Saturday 10/05/2014
Excalibur Marathon is an off-road event organised by Claire House Children’s Hospice, participants faced a tough and extreme challenge, whilst experiencing the beauty and spectacular views of the Clwydian Range of North Wales. Sallie Holt took the race in her stride and came out winner of the ladies race, a great achievement.
Sallie with her trophy after the race
Dave McAlister travelled all the way to Kings Lynn for the Great East Anglia Run. Dave took 42:41 to finish the 10k course.
Liverpool Spring 10k - Sunday 04/05/2014
John Armstrong had a strong run at the Liverpool Spring 10k completing the course in 37:02 for 28th place. The race took place in Sefton Park and had a live drumming band playing.
John Armstrong - photo courtesy of Owen at Flickr
Greg Jones overcame a headwind to finish 2nd in the Wirral Seaside run in a time of 17:15. Elliot Foley had a top ten finish coming home in 19:21. Photos
Dave McAlister competed in the Llandudno Easter 5k Dash, Dave completed the course in 20:35 for 24th place.
Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 13/04/2014
12 Wallasey AC runners competed in the Virgin London Marathon. On an extremely warm day for April some of the runners suffered in the heat. Richard Webster and Jez Fellick overcame the conditions to complete sub 3 hour marathons.
Dave McAlister competed in the Helen Tipping 10k in Wrexham, Dave completed the course in 43:20 for 61st place.
14 runners from Wallasey AC competed in the Liverpool Half Marathon. First home was Phil Walton in 01:21:35, closely followed by Pete Bird 01:22:54 and Jez Fellick in 01:23:50. Photos
Wirral Seaside Run - 5k - Sunday 23/03/2014
Elliot Foley came 6th in the Wirral Seaside run in 19:16.
Stafford 20 miler - Sunday 09/03/2014
Bryan Stevenson and Sallie Holt headed to Stafford for a 20 mile road race. Bryan finished 130th in 02:35:44 and Sallie 162nd in 02:24:01.
Bryan and Sallie - photo courtesy of Bryan at http://www.racephotos.org.uk/
Three runners from Wallasey AC completed the Bolton Hilly Marathon which is described as One of the toughest in the UK. The Bolton Hill Marathon route follows some of the most beautiful trails and Country Roads on the West Pennine Moors taking you up and over Winter Hill, past White Coppice and along the famous Anglezarke Reservoir, past Rivington Pike and Barn, through Barrow Bridge village and down the famous miners 63 steps on a stunning 26.2 mile journey. Richard Webster had a storming run to finish in 6th place in a time of 03:22:12. Nick Holt was 61st in 04:15:12 and Martin Connell 96th in 04:33:28. Not satisfied with this Martin return the next day to run the course again in 04:44:53!
Bryan Stevenson and Sallie Holt headed to Stafford for a 20 mile road race. Bryan finished 130th in 02:35:44 and Sallie 162nd in 02:24:01.
Martin C onnell flew to Malta for the Virgin Malta Marathon. Martin completed the course in 03:24:41 for 83rd place. The route started outside the bastions of Malta’s old capital Mdina and passes the Gzira waterfront to the finish in Sliema.
Deb Connell took part in the Virgin Malta Half Marathon. Deb completed the course in 02:08:32 for a personal best.
The Nick Beer 10k starts on the promenade in Llandudno and follows Marine Drive around the scenic Great Orme , before returning to the promenade and finishing opposite Venue Cymru. The windy conditions didn't deter Richard Webster who completed the course in 37:24 for 14th place and first in his age category.
Nearly 1800 runners competed in the Mad Dog 10k in Southport. Jane Vick had to battle against the wind to complete the course in 57:49.
Helsby Half Marathon - Sunday 19/01/2014
Wallasey AC's athletes headed to Cheshire for the Helsby Half Marathon. Over 1800 runners completed the race including 9 from the club. Mike Green was first home in 69th place in an excellent 01:20:50. Not far behind were John Thelwell 01:21:29 (80th) and John Armstrong 01:22:49 (98th).
Mike Griffiths coming into the finish Photo courtesy of Steve at Run Helsby
Richard Webster completed the EnduranceLife Ultra Marathon (34.1 miles) in 05:20:52 and finished in an excellent third place. Nick Holt ran well to cross the line in 07:02:18 for 35th place.
Sallie Holt completed the EnduranceLife Half Marathon (15.5 miles) in Anglesey in 02:43:38 for 60th place, conditions out on the course were very tough.
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