ARCHIVE OF WEEKLY UPDATES - 2021

Week Ending December 26

ARC had 38 parkrunners on Christmas Day, with 29 at Walsall Arboretum.  Chasewater remains closed until the New Year.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers:  Adam Smith (1st), Toby Oury (1st) and Lee Harris (10th), also to those who finished in the top 10 of the age-graded table for their event: Toby Oury (2nd), Michael Morley  (3rd), Adam Smith (4th) and Lee Harris (9th).

Congratulations also to Sarah Bishop, who completed her 50th​ parkrun at Walsall this week.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Adam Smith, Lee Harris, Michael Morley, Simon Rhodes, Luke White, Peter Dimbleby, Martin Wall, Harshad Patel, John Pearce, Trevor Harris, Simon Hudson, Simon Brown, Michael Mason, Sarah Baggott, Eamon Lyons, Roxy Babla, Lisa Dimbleby, Helen Hirst, Lynda Elmore, Ian Boneham, Abby Wright, Anita Passmore, Mark Chapman, Jason Vigrass, Lucy Baker, Sarah Bishop, Mandy Brassington-Harris, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons and Jo Yarnall.      
  • Sutton Park: Kevin Attwood, Daniel Ford, Tony Baker and Diane Hammond.      
  • Cannock Chase: Steve Blakemore, Richard Moore.      
  • Warwick Racecourse: Toby Oury.  
  • ​Seaton (Devon): James Whitehouse.      
  • Rogiet (S Wales): Geoff Card.      

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done also to those club members who completed other races over the week:
  • Dudley 5k Track race, Wednesday 22nd: Steve Blakemore, (00:18:51, PB), Matthew Emery, (00:19:46, PB), Marcus Nye, (00:19:58, PB), Tony Dutton, (00:22:15), 
  • Wheaton Aston 10k: Liam Harrold, (00:33:54, 7th, PB), Adam Smith, (00:33:56, 8th), Toby Oury, (00:34:11, 9th PB), Michael Morley, (00:37:18, 1st MV55), Lisa Wakeman, (00:41:46), Steve Hammond, (00:46:35), Trevor Harris, (00:46:47), Karen Kiteley, (00:47:42), Edward Evitt, (00:49:53), Simon Hudson, (00:51:53), Paul Butler, (00:52:32), Leslie Reeves, (00:53:18), Louise Gadd, (00:53:37, PB), Joanna Stephens, (00:53:43), Anne Kelsall, (00:54:42), Claire Crook, (00:56:12), Rebecca Beale, (00:56:52), Wendy Sargeant, (00:57:05, 1st FV65), Sue Desborough, (00:59:20), Nick Benton, (00:59:17), Katrina Wyke, (01:00:13), Roxy Babla, (01:01:25), Mark Chapman, (01:02:12), Abigail Wright, (01:03:30), Lucy Baker, (01:04:43), Sarah Bishop, (01:04:46, PB), Sharon Shirley, (01:06:19), Jo Butler, (01:06:31), Lynda Elmore, (01:07:53), Rebecca Steele, (01:09:23), Anita Passmore, (01:09:44), Stephanie Elcock, (01:11:22), Steve Benzie, (01:14:20), ​

Week Ending December 19

A number of club members enjoyed the second of three coached sessions that have been arranged.  The third and final session will be held on Tuesday 25 January.  These sessions are suitable for members of all abilities who want to learn how to improve their performance.

This week's runs:​
ARC had 52 parkrunners on Saturday 18 December, with 25 at Walsall Arboretum, 6 touring at Long Eaton and 6 at Sutton Park.  Chasewater remains closed until the New Year.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers:  Toby Oury (1st), Amy Johnson (2nd lady), Lorraine Beesley (4th lady), Michael Morley (6th), Laura Kirwan (7th lady), Lisa Wakeman (7th lady), Daniel Day (8th), also to those who finished in the top 10 of the age-graded table for their event: Michael Morley  (2nd), Toby Oury (3rd), Tom Neal (5th), Lorraine Beesley (5th), Phil Brayford (7th).

Well done to Richard Moore, Harshad Patel, Toby Oury, Simon Brown, Henry Simpson, Steve Hammond and Kat Stevenson who gained parkrun PB's this week.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Daniel Day, Tom Neal, Luke White, Brett Antill, Gordon Walker, Mark Shaw, Todd Nash, Michael Davis, Simon Hudson, Victoria O'Connor, Jason Vigrass, Barbara Johnson, Roxy Babla, Helen Hirst, Mark Chapman, Kat Stevenson, Anita Passmore, Stephanie Elcock, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Liam Bradley, Sarah Hinkley, Jo Yarnall, Rebecca Steele, Nicola James and Abby Wright. 
  • Sutton Park: Amy Johnson, Laura Kirwan, Simon Brown, Kevin Attwood, Geoff Card and Tony Baker. 
  • Beacon: Lorraine Beesley, Mandip Thandi and Henry Simpson.   
  • Cannock Chase: Richard Moore.      
  • Sandwell Valley: Les Reeves, Rebecca Beale and Joanna Stephens.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Steve Hammond and Diane Hammond.      
  • Long Eaton (Derbys): Lee Harris, Peter Dimbleby, Philip Brayford, Harshad Patel, Lisa Wakeman and Lisa Dimbleby.      
  • Colby (Pembrokeshire): Toby Oury, Angela Oury.      
  • Hereford: James Whitehouse.      
  • Babbs Mill: Michael Morley.      
  • Alderford Lake (Whitchurch): Robert Foster and Lynda Elmore.      
​
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done also to those club members who completed the Wolves Winter Warmer (formerly Turkey Trot) 5 miler on Sunday 19th, the second in this season's club Grand Prix: Luke White (00:29:19, ​PB), Lee Harris (00:30:25, PB), Kevin Attwood (00:39:49), Stephen McCann (00:40:44).​

Week Ending December 12

Coached session:
On Tuesday 14th December we have our second visit to the club from Uk Athletics coach Chris Hollinshead.
The first session was a huge success with some fantastic feedback . The session included a dynamic warm up ( it was great fun), a small session that he adapted for all abilities followed by a Q&A. This one will be similar, to take place on a small 400m loop so the group will be together at all times.  Please let Toby Oury know if you intend to join the group.

This week's runs:​
ARC had 39 parkrunners on Saturday 11th December, with 25 at Walsall Arboretum and 8 at Sutton Park.  Chasewater remains closed until the New Year.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers:  Toby Oury (4th), who finished in 3rd place on age grade, and Laura Kirwan (5th lady).

Well done to Richard Moore, Harshad Patel and Steve Hammond who gained parkrun PB's this week.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Toby Oury, Simon Rhodes, Lee Harris, Peter Dimbleby, Luke White, Trevor Harris, Michael Mason, Tom Neal, Gordon Walker, Michael Davis, Barbara Johnson, Roxy Babla, Simon Brown, Ian Boneham, Lucy Farrington, Abby  Wright, John Quinn, Katrina Wyke, Terry Hastings, Jason Vigrass, Anita Passmore, Stephanie Elcock, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Gill Hastings and Sarah Bishop.      
    Sandwell Valley: Les Reeves.      
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Kevin Attwood, Geoff Card, Lucy Walters, Tony Baker, Gemma Archer, Emma Preston and Amanda Woolaston.      
  • Beacon: Mark Chapman.      
  • Cannock Chase: Richard Moore.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Steve Hammond.
  • Hackney Marshes: James Whitehouse.      
  • Markeaton (Derby): Harshad Patel.                

​Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races on Sunday 12th December:
  • Telford 10k: Stephen  Marshall (00:40:17), Philip  Brayford (00:41:22, PB), Marcus  Nye (00:47:55), Tony  Dutton (00:48:00), Lynda Elmore (01:03:16), Edward  Evitt, 
  • Sneyd Striders Pudding Run (GP):
    10 mile: Adam Smith, (00:56:24, 5th, PB), Liam Harrold, (00:56:24, 6th), Luke White, (01:02:50), Lee Harris, (01:04:15), Daniel Day, (01:04:18), Peter Dimbleby, (01:05:29), Tom Neal, (01:06:40), Michael Morley, (01:06:56), Simon Rhodes, (01:07:58), Gordon Walker, (01:10:34), Brett Antill, (01:10:45), Henry Simpson, (01:22:27), Simon Hudson, (01:27:57), Lucy Farrington, (01:29:39, PB), Sally Gordon, (01:43:50).
    5 mile: Steve Hammond, (00:36:57), Simon Brown, (00:39:17), John Pearce, (00:39:27), Richard Moore, (00:46:40), Stephen Brookes, (00:48:35), Nick Benton, (00:48:48), Maria Taylor, (00:53:55), Sarah Bishop, (01:06:40), Lucy Baker, (01:06:48), Jo Yarnall, (01:06:48).
  • Draycote Water 10k: Les Reeves (00:54:54), Jo Stephens (00:55:39).

WEEK ENDING DecEMBER 5

​ARC had 40 parkrunners on Saturday 4th December, with 27 at Walsall Arboretum and 6 at Sutton Park.  Chasewater remains closed until the New Year.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers:  Lisa Wakeman (1st lady), Laura Kirwan (3rd lady), Steve Blakemore (4th), James Whitehouse (4th) and Simon Rhodes (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event:.Steve Blakemore (4th) and Lisa Wakeman (7th).

Well done to Richard Moore, Kat Stevenson, Judith Toase, Victoria O'Connor and Lucy Baker who gained parkrun PB's this week, and to Victoria O'Connor, who recorded a personal 5k PB on her first outing to Cannock Chase.  Special congratulations to Eamon Lyons, who completed his 100th parkrun, Lisa Wakeman and Kat Stevenson who both joined the 50 club this week, and to Sarah Baggott, who completed her 50th different tourist parkrun.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Steve Blakemore, Simon Rhodes, Lisa Wakeman, Brett Antill, Gordon Walker, Luke White, Peter Dimbleby, Harshad Patel, John Pearce, Michael Mason, Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Lisa Dimbleby, Michael Davis, Victoria O'Connor, Roxy Babla, Ian Boneham, Lucy Baker, Mark Chapman, Abby Wright, John Quinn, Jason Vigrass, Anita Passmore, Terry Hastings, Jane Quinn, Helen Hirst and Gill Hastings.      
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Tony Baker, Kat Stevenson, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Rebecca Steele and Judith Toase.      
  • Cannock Chase: Richard Moore, Sharon Fern.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Steve Hammond and Tony Dutton.      
  • Dallas Burston Polo Club (Warks): James Whitehouse.     
  • Bushy: Sarah Baggott and Eamon Lyons.      

​Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
​Saturday 4th:
  • Midland Women's Cross Country League Div 2 2021-22, Race 2 (Northampton): 
    'A' Team:     Amy Johnson, (28, 00:27:22), Helen Beecham, (30, 00:27:42), Karen Kiteley, (35, 00:28:34), Joanna Stevens, (94, 00:33:40)
    'B' Team: Wendy Sargeant, (99, 00:34:13), Anne Kelsall, (100, 00:34:16), Rebecca Beale, (107, 00:34:34), Rossella Bigongiari, (117, 00:36:36)
    Masters Team: Helen Beecham (12), Karen Kiteley (17), Joanna Stevens (60), Wendy Sargeant (65)
    Other ARC runners: Claire O'Brien, (133, 00:38:12), Abigail Wright, (137, 00:38:58)
  • Birmingham & District Invitation Cross Country League Div 2 2021-22, Race 2 (Stratford):
    'A' Team, 9th place: Liam Harrold (20, 00:36:49), Toby Oury (22, 00:36:58), Bruce Fanshawe (26, 00:37:26), Michael Morley (69, 39:42), Lee Harris (91, 00:41:06), Dan Williams (93, 00:41:10). 
    'B' Team, 6th place: Luke White (94, 00:41:10), Peter Dimbleby (115, 00:43:01), Stephen Marshall (122, 00:43:17), Daniel Day (124, 00:43:27), Philip Brayford (145, 00:44:37), Harshad Patel (173, (00:46:32)
    Other ARC runners: Scott Davies (200, 00:50:26), Simon Brown (204, 00:50:42), Simon Hudson (215, 00:55:46), Leslie Reeves, (216, 00:56:10), Stephen McCann (219, 00:57:39)
    Both 'A' and 'B' teams moved up one place in the overall league table, to 9th and 6th respectively.  Well done all.
  • Salcey Forest Christmas 10k: Sharon Shirley (01:06:11), Sue Desborough (01:06:12), Emma Desborough (01:06:37)

Week Ending November 28

A good number of club members enjoyed the coaching session run by UKA coach on Tuesday 23 November. The next session, followed by Q&A in the Stick & Wicket, will be on Tuesday 14 December.

Tuesday 21 December will be our annual Christmas Lights Run, followed by a buffet (buffet is ticket-only - please see ARCinTouch for details).
 
Most parkruns planned for Saturday 27th were cancelled due to the sudden wind, snow and ice.  Well done to Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott, who managed to find one, at Shipley Country Park, Ilkeston, and were the sole ARC parkrunners this weekend.

Well done to our two club members who completed races over the weekend:
Saturday 27th:​​
  • Benidorm Half Marathon: Martin Wall (01:41:18)
Sunday 28th:
  • Derby Half Marathon: Dan Williams (01:22:41)

Week Ending November 21

Training opportunity:
Aldridge running club are pleased to announce that we won a competition ran by UK athletics to receive three coached sessions plus Q&A from a UK athletics coach.

Chris Is England Athletics lead Club Run coach, a Level 4 Performance Coach and holds a Masters in Sport & Exercise (Coaching). He has over 25 years of supporting athletes from beginners through to international level. He is a Lead Tutor for the Lirf course and writes and delivers the Run Leader workshop programme.

Chris is a coach at Cannock and Stafford AC and a competing athlete. In recent years he has won medals in both domestic and international competition.

Chris will be running sessions for us on 23/11/21, 14/12/21 & 25/01/22.

This week's session will be a hill session including a dynamic warm up and warm down, followed by Q&A in the club . If you would like to attend please message Toby Oury.

In the two further sessions Chris will be showcasing how training can be done for all levels from beginner to advanced. A booking sheet for these events will go out on an Arc in touch email.

If anyone has any questions for Chris it would be great if you could join us in the club after the session. This is a great opportunity to pick the brains of a very experienced coach/runner.

This week's race news:
​ARC had 58 parkrunners on Saturday 20th November, with 36 at Walsall Arboretum and 8 at Sutton Park.  Chasewater is closed until further notice because of an outbreak of bird flu.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Liam Harrold (1st), Helen Beecham (2nd lady), Lisa Wakeman (3rd lady), Louise Booker (4th lady), James Whitehouse (9th) and Sarah Baggott (9th lady), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Michael Morley (2nd), Liam Harrold (6th) and Tom Neal (6th).

Well done to Liam Harrold, Helen Beecham,Todd Nash, Kat Stevenson, Tony Baker and Les Reeves, who gained parkrun PB's this week.  Congratulations also to Chris Waple, who completed his 100th parkrun.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Michael Morley, Tom Neal, Lee Harris, Daniel Day, Lisa Wakeman, Peter Dimbleby, Harshad Patel, Simon Rhodes, Louise Booker, Trevor Harris, Michael Mason, Ian Jennings, Chris Waple, Luke White, Michael Davis, Lisa Dimbleby, Jason Vigrass, Roxy Babla, Ian Boneham, John Quinn, Katrina Wyke, Abby Wright, Joanna Stephens, Anita Passmore, Mark Chapman, Jane Quinn, Simon Brown, Terry Hastings, Hayley Reid, Stephanie Elcock, Liam Bradley, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Tim Farmer, Joanne Dulson-Cox, Gill Hastings and Karen Waple.  
  • Sutton Park: Liam Harrold, Helen Beecham, Kevin  Attwood, Geoff Card, Lucy Walters, Deborah Hartland, Gemma Archer and Mark O'Rourke.      
  • Beacon: Kat Stevenson and Lucy Baker.  
  • Cannock Chase: Todd Nash, Sharon Fern.  
  • Rosliston: Richard Moore.      
  • Rugby: Josephine Clensy.      
  • Torbay Velopark: Daniel Ford.   
  • Crichton (Dumfries): Les Reeves.      
  • Castlebar (County Mayo): Tony Baker.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Crewe: James Whitehouse.      
  • Dishley (Loughborough): Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott.      
  • Conyngham Hall (Knaresborough, N Yorks): Edward Evitt.     
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
Friday 19th:
  • Dudley 5k: Luke White (17:34, PB, 1st in sub-20m category), Philip Brayford (19:15, new Club MV60 record), Marcus Nye (20:06, PB, 1st in 20-25m category)
Sunday 21st:
  • Action Heart Tuff-un (formerly The Suicide 6): Simon Hudson (126th) and Lynda Elmore (225th)
  • Conwy Half Marathon: Steve Blakemore (01:31:03) and Anne Kelsall (02:04:19)
  • Leicestershire 10k: Victoria O'Connor (00:59:34), Lucy Baker (00:59:54) and Sarah Bishop (01:07:39)
  • Matthew Walker 10k (formerly Heanor pud run): John Pearce (00:51:23)
  • Tissington Trail Marathon: Mandip Thandi (03:37:40), Lorraine Beesley (03:37:41), Laura Kirwan (04:15:27), Henry Simpson (04:39:44), Jo Yarnall (05:28:00) and Maria Taylor (06:24:10).

Week Ending November 14

​ARC had 45 parkrunners on Saturday 13th November, with 27 at Walsall Arboretum and 5 at Sutton Park.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Lisa Wakeman (2nd lady) and Laura Kirwan (6th lady), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: John Pearce (9th) and Lisa Wakeman (10th).

Well done to Eddie Evitt and Mark Chapman who gained parkrun PB's this week, and to Victoria O'Connor, who recorded a personal 5k PB on her first outing to Cannock Chase.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Lisa Wakeman, Tom Neal, Harshad Patel, Lee Harris, Trevor Harris, Todd Nash, Simon Brown, Daniel Ford, Michael Mason, Michael Davis, Chris Waple, Lucy Farrington, Jason Vigrass, John Quinn, Roxy Babla, Ian Boneham, Katrina Wyke, Abby Wright, Anita Passmore, Jo Yarnall, Terry Hastings, Stephanie Elcock, Nicola James, Liam Bradley, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Karen Waple and Gill Hastings.      
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Kevin Attwood, Geoff Card, Deborah Hartland and Diane Hammond.      
  • Beacon: John Pearce and Mark Chapman.
  • Cannock Chase: Victoria O'Connor, Lucy Baker and Sarah Bishop.      
  • ​Norwich: Edward Evitt.      
  • Hanley: Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott, Rob Foster and Lynda Elmore.      
  • Knocknacarra (Galway): Tony Baker.      
  • Haigh Woodland (Wigan): Peter Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby.      
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
​Saturday 13th:
  • Midland Women's Cross Country League, Race 1, Betley (c6k)​: Helen Beecham (29:31), Karen Kiteley (29:59), Lorraine Beesley (30:21), Louise Booker (30:35), Jo Stephens (35:01), Sarah Baggott (35:42), Anne Kelsall (36:16), Rebecca Beale (37:05), Wendy Sargeant (37:12), Jane Quinn (38:39), Claire O'Brien (41:19) and Lynda Elmore (45:36).  Congratulations to Rebecca and Sarah, running their first Cross-Country race and many thanks to Claire Crook, Helen Hirst and Jo Dulson-Cox for providing our club's volunteers.
  • Birmingham & District Invitation Cross Country League (men), Race 1, Betley (c10k): Liam Harrold (34:20), Toby Oury (34:40), Mark Fanning (35:30), Michael Morley (37:23), Lee Harris (38:33), Stephen Marshall (38:53), Peter Dimbleby (39:55), Philip Brayford (40:38), Simon Rhodes (40:56), Daniel Day (41:08), Mark O'Rourke (41:43), Harshad Patel (44:02), Mark Shaw (44:05), Marcus Nye (44:20), Nick Ford (45:47), Stephen McCann (50:13), Simon Hudson (50:49), Eamon Lyons (51:14), Tom Hender (54:43) and Lawrence Hewitt (58:06).  Congratulations to Phil and Nick, running their first Cross-Country race, and to Mark, Mike, Lee, Stephen, Pete, Simon, Harshad, Stephen and Tom, representing Aldridge at a league event for the first time.  Many thanks to Henry Simpson for providing the club's volunteer, a requirement of the league.
  • Run Alton Towers, 10k: James Whitehouse (00:45:13), Jo Dulson-Cox (01:15:50).
  • Endurancelife Gower 'half marathon' (14.3 miles, 1916ft ascent): Jen Hitchcott (& four-legged friend).
Sunday 14th:
  • Derby 10 mile: Louise Gadd (01:28:20, PB), Lucy Baker (01:58:44), Victoria O'Connor (01:58:44, PB), Sarah Bishop (01:58:45)
  • Cannock Chase 10k: Lee Harris (44:39, 5th place)
  • Tamworth 10k: Luke White, (00:37:17, 9th place, beat official PB), Brett Antill, (00:40:34, beat official PB), Matthew Emery, (00:42:32), Mandip Thandi, (00:43:05), Lorraine Beesley, (00:43:05, beat official PB), Amy Johnson, (00:43:58, beat official PB), Sue Desborough, (01:01:04), Sharon Shirley, (01:01:04, beat official PB), Michael Webb, (01:01:21).

The club would also like to thank all those club members who helped marshal the Aldridge Remembrance Parade on Sunday 14th, putting ARC firmly at the centre of the community.

​​WEEK ENDING November 7

ARC had 47 parkrunners on Saturday 6th November, with 23 at Walsall Arboretum and 9 at Sutton Park.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Luke White (2nd), Lisa Wakeman (2nd lady), Helen Beecham (2nd lady), Kat Stevenson (8th lady) and Marcus Nye (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: John Pearce (9th) and Lisa Wakeman (10th).

Well done to Kat Stevenson, Helen Beecham, Tony Dutton and Simon Brown who gained parkrun PB's this week, and to Marcus Nye, who recorded a personal 5k PB on his first outing to East Park.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Brett Antill, Lisa Wakeman, Simon Rhodes, Harshad Patel, Trevor Harris, Martin Wall, Tom Neal, Daniel Day, Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Michael Davis, Barbara Johnson, Mark Chapman, Ian Boneham, Katrina Wyke, Jason Vigrass, Roxy Babla, Anita Passmore, Terry Hastings, Stephanie Elcock, Gill Hastings, Sarah Bishop and Lucy Baker.      
  • Sutton Park: Helen Beecham, Simon Brown, Kevin  Attwood, Geoff Card, Tony Baker, Gemma Archer, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Rebecca Steele and Mark O'Rourke.      
  • Chasewater: John Pearce.      
  • Cannock Chase: Luke White, Richard Moore.      
  • Perry Hall: Kat Stevenson.  
  • East Park: Marcus Nye, Tony Dutton.  
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Nicola James.   
  • Coventry: Jo Yarnall. 
  • Finsbury: Sally Gordon.      
  • Leamington: James Whitehouse.      
  • Markeaton: Eamon Lyons and Sarah Louise Baggott.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Oriam (Edinburgh): Peter Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby.      

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
​Saturday 6th:
  • ECCA National Cross Country Relay Championships (3x3k): Jen Hitchcott (13:27:55), Karen Kiteley (13:41:50) and Abby Wright (18:03:75).​
  • Monsal Trail Half Marathon: Anne Kelsall (02:18:14) and Jane Quinn (02:18:14, 1st FV65).  
  • Monsal Trail 10k: Maria Taylor (01:03:11, 1st race as a new ARC member) and Mandy Brassington (01:28:02, after adding extra scenic section to the 10k!)
Sunday 7th:
  • Ironbridge Half Marathon: Michael Webb (01:42:32)

​​WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 31

At the AGM of 26 October the existing committee members were re-elected, with Sue Benzie and Tony Baker agreeing to continue as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively for another 6 months. Thanks were expressed to Alan Hodson, who has stepped down from the committee and Lynda Elmore and Daniel Day were welcomed as new co-opted committee members.
​
ARC had 33 parkrunners on a very wet Saturday 30th October, with 17 at Walsall Arboretum.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Amy Johnson (1st lady, 10th overall), Lisa Wakeman (1st lady), Adam Smith (4th), Luke White (6th), Tom Neal (7th), Simon Rhodes (7th), Lisa Dimbleby (9th lady) and James Whitehouse (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Adam Smith (3rd), Tom Neal (5th), Lisa Wakeman (7th) and Amy Johnson (8th).

Well done to Harshad Patel, who gained the club's only PB this week whilst completing his 400th parkrun.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Adam Smith, Luke White, Tom Neal, Daniel Day, Lisa Wakeman, Tony Dutton, Ian Jennings, Brett Antill, Jason Vigrass, Chris Waple, Mark Chapman, Roxy Babla, Abby Wright, Helen Hirst, Anita Passmore, Stephanie Elcock and Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons.
  • Conkers: Richard Moore.
  • Torbay Velopark: Kevin Attwood.
  • Arrow Valley: Sarah Baggott and Eamon Lyons.
  • Weymouth: Harshad Patel.
  • Fulham Palace: Daniel Ford.
  • Crosby: Amy Johnson.
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.
  • Erddig (Wrexham): James Whitehouse.
  • Newborough Forest: Simon Hudson, Rob Foster, Lynda Elmore and Jo Yarnall.
  • Alvaston (Derby): Simon Rhodes, Peter Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby.

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
​Saturday 30th
  • British Masters Cross Country Championships: Men's V35 'A' Team (Simon Rhodes, Toby Oury, Lee Harris, Mark Fanning, Mike Morley) 14th, Men's V35 'B' Team (Gordon Walker, Steve Blakemore, Steve McCann, Phil Brayford and Pete Dimbleby (27th), Women V35 (Jo Dulson-Cox, Karen Kiteley and Anne Kelsall) 23rd. There were 30 complete men's team and 25 complete women's teams in this category.​
  • Mallory Park 5k: Marcus Nye (20:39)
​Sunday 31st
  • Run Through Chester Zoo 10k: Pete Dimbleby (00:41:49, 1st MV45), Lisa Dimbleby (00:55:08), Michael Morley​ (01:03:55), Mandy Brassington (01:18:03)
  • Coventry Half Marathon : Rebecca Beale (02:09:43), Jo Stephens (02:09:44), Les Reeves (02:09:45)
  • Coventry 5k: Mandip Thandi (20:35, 4th place), Lorraine Beesley (21:19, 8th place, 3rd lady)

Week Ending October 24.

Archive lost due to technical error

​WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 17

ARC had 56 parkrunners on Saturday 16th October, with 29 at Walsall Arboretum and 12 at Chasewater.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Steve Blakemore (2nd, PB), Lisa Wakeman (2nd lady), Sarah Baggott (3rd lady), Amy Johnson (3rd lady, PB), Lee Harris (7th), Pauline Smith (7th lady), Peter Dimbleby (8th) and James Whitehouse (10th) , also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Pauline Smith (4th), Steve Blakemore (5th), Jane Quinn (6th), Wendy Sargeant (9th), Pete Dimbleby (9th) and Lee Harris (9th).

Well done to Harshad Patel, Matt Emery and Jason Lee, who joined Steve and Amy in gaining a PB at their event. 

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Lee Harris, Harshad Patel, Lisa Wakeman, Luke White, Matt Emery, Simon Rhodes, Trevor Harris, Ian Jennings, Kevin Attwood, Barbara Johnson, Louise Gadd, Roxy Babla, Ian Boneham, Jason Vigrass, Chris Waple, Abby Wright, Mark Chapman, Katrina Wyke, Karen Waple, Terry Hastings, Anita Passmore, Helen Phillips, Stephanie Elcock, Victoria Day, Nicola James, Josephine Clensy, Sarah Hinkley, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Lucy Baker and Sarah Bishop.      
  • Chasewater: Steve Blakemore, Jason Lee, Todd Nash, Pauline Smith, John Quinn, Deborah Hartland, Wendy Sargeant, Jane Quinn, Les Reeves, Rebecca Beale, Joanna Stephens and Diane Hammond.      
  • Sutton Park: Amy Johnson, Lucy Walters, Simon Brown and Tony Baker.  
  • Beacon: Lynsay Boucher.      
  • Cannock Chase: Sharon Fern.    
  • Rosliston: Richard Moore and Mandy Brassington-Harris.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: James Whitehouse and Martin Wall. 
  • Bedworth: Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott.      
  • Heslington: Peter Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby.     
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed races over the weekend:
​Saturday 16th:
  • Ratrace 'Maltese Falcon': Intended as a multi-sport event (look it up), the planned kayaking stages were cancelled, so Tom Hender ran the 42-mile route across the Malta archipelago, starting at 3am and running through the heat of the day. 
Sunday 17th:
  • Lichfield Half Marathon: Liam Harrold (01:15:27, 4th place), Daniel Day (01:27:36, beat official PB), Tom Neal (01:28:01), Luke White (01:31:35, beat official PB), Brett Antill (01:32:11), Duncan Gould (01:32:45, ​First HM), Henry Simpson (01:57:48), 
  • Weston Supermare Half Marathon: Abby Wright (02:17:36)
  • Great South Run (10 miles): Lucy Baker (01:47:35, PB), Gemma Archer (02:03:55, ​PB), Nic Baker​ (02:03:55, ​PB), Michael Davis (02:22:43), Pat Brazier (02:22:44, first 10 miler). 
  • Yorkshire Marathon: Peter Dimbleby (02:58:26), Simon Rhodes (03:15:16), Lisa Dimbleby (05:02:18).
  • Ratrace Ultra Tour of Edinburgh: Jo Dulson-Cox​ (24 miles) 

Week Ending October 10

ARC had 55 parkrunners on Saturday 9th October, with 25 at Walsall Arboretum and 10 at Chasewater.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Luke White (1st), Lorraine Beesley (2nd lady), Toby Oury (3rd), Tom Neal (5th), Karen Kiteley (6th lady, PB), Pauline Smith (6th lady) and Steve Blakemore (7th, PB), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Lorraine Beesley (1st, new Club FV55 5k Record), Pauline Smith (3rd), Toby Oury (3rd), Tom Neal (3rd), Duncan Gould (4th), John Pearce (6th), Steve Blakemore (6th), Geoff Card (7th) and Karen Kiteley (8th).

Well done to Harshad Patel, Simon Brown, Nick Ford, Sharon Shirley and Kat Stevenson, who also gained a PB at their event. Congratulations also to Lucy Walters, who completed her 50th parkrun at Sutton Park this weekend.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Toby Oury, Lee Harris, Daniel Day, Brett Antill, Duncan Gould, Nick Ford, Trevor Harris, Michael Davis, Barbara Johnson, Sue Desborough, Sharon Shirley, Abby Wright, Mark Chapman, Katrina Wyke, Kat Stevenson, Rebecca Steele, Ian Boneham, Terry Hastings, Chris Waple, Anita Passmore, Liam Bradley, Stephanie Elcock, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons, Jo Dulson-Cox and Gill Hastings.
  • Chasewater: Luke White, Michael Mason, John Pearce, Simon Brown, Pauline Smith, Geoff Card, Charlotte Newman, Deborah Hartland, Tony Baker and Tim Farmer.
  • Sutton Park: Anne Kelsall, Lucy Walters, Judith Toase and Gemma Archer.
  • Beacon: Steve Blakemore, Jason Lee.
  • Cannock Chase: Karen Kiteley.
  • Dudley: Eamon Lyons and Sarah Louise Baggott.
  • Telford: Harshad Patel.
  • Rosliston: Richard Moore.
  • Portrush: James Whitehouse.
  • Aberystwyth: Tom Neal.
  • Folkestone: Lorraine Beesley 
  • Wilmslow: Simon Rhodes and Peter Dimbleby.
  • South Manchester: Kevin Attwood.
  • Watermeadows: Rachel Antoine.
  • Jesmond Dene: Jason Vigrass and Helen Phillips.
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed other races on our second consecutive Super Sunday 10th October, with two club records broken:
  • Manchester Marathon: Mark Fanning (02:40:59, PB, new Club Marathon Record), Mark O'Rourke (03:08:45), Philip Brayford (03:18:38, PB, new Club MV60 Marathon Record), Simon Rhodes (03:37:55), Steve Hammond (03:52:53, First Marathon), Lucy Farrington​ (04:11:35, ​First Marathon), Louise Gadd (04:35:59), Kevin Attwood (05:00:10), Roxy Babla (05:48:27), Lucy Baker (05:56:00, First Marathon), Victoria O'Connor (05:56:00, PB).
  • Manchester Half Marathon: Michael Webb (01:37:37)
  • Virtual Boston Marathon: Kevin Galer (07:06)
  • Bournemouth Half Marathon: Wendy Sargeant (02:06:56, new club FV55 HM Record​).
  • Silverstone Half Marathon: Michael Morley (01:25:24, new Club MV55 HM record), Lisa Wakeman (01:31:48), Laura Kirwan (01:45:56, PB), Tony Dutton (01:49:30) and Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons (02:53:05).​

​WEEK ENDING October 3

ARC had 44 parkrunners on Saturday 2nd October, with 26 at Walsall Arboretum and 6 at Sutton Park.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Liam Harrold (2nd), Laura Kirwan (3rd lady), Steve Blakemore (5th), James Whitehouse (7th) and Alex Dicken (8th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Steve Blakemore (4th), Tom Neal (6th), Duncan Gould (7th) and Liam Harrold (9th).

Well done Simon Brown and Laura Kirwan, who gained a PB at their event: .

​Our runners:
  • Worcester Pitchcroft: Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott.      
  • Walsall Arboretum: Liam Harrold, Alex Dicken, Tom Neal, Daniel Day, Gordon Walker, Duncan Gould, Simon Rhodes, Lee Harris, Trevor Harris, Michael Morley, Michael Mason, Simon Brown, Daniel Ford, Todd Nash, Barbara Johnson, Wendy Sargeant, Louise Gadd, Ian Boneham, Abby Wright, Mark Chapman, Katrina Wyke, Mark Johnson, Stephanie Elcock, Anita Passmore, Liam Bradley and Rachel Antoine.      
  • Sutton Park: Mark O'Rourke, Laura Kirwan, Kevin  Attwood, Geoff Card, Lucy Walters and Tony Baker.      
  • Chasewater: Garry Newman, Charlotte Newman and Mandy Brassington-Harris.      
  • Beacon: Harshad Patel.   
  • Cannock Chase: Steve Blakemore, Richard Moore and Sharon Fern.      
  • Rugby: Josephine Clensy.      
  • Crosby: James Whitehouse.      
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Tracey Chadwick.      
        
Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed other races on our Super Sunday 3rd October:
  • Dorney Lake Marathon saw three significant PBs and a new club marathon record, beating Colin Jackson's long-standing record: Toby Oury (02:42:09, 4th, PB, new club record), Adam Smith (02:45:26, 6th, PB) and Marcus Nye (03:36:45. PB. 
  • Chester Marathon: Luke White (03:14:08, First Marathon), Lorraine Beesley (03:36:51, PB, new Club FV55 record), Mandip Thandi (03:36:51), Henry Simpson (04:53:10) and Ian Jennings (04:53:28, First Marathon).
  • London Marathon: Pete Dimbleby (02:58:19), Tom Archer (03:07:38, First Marathon), Matt Emery (03:59:07, , First Official Marathon), Ian Pallett (04:11:20, First Marathon), Anne Kelsall (04:39:25), Roxy Babla (05:39:24), Sarah Bishop (05:58:18, First Marathon), Gemma Archer (06:39:56, First Official Marathon) and Emma Preston (07:20:11).  Remember that the 2022 Ballot is now open!
  • Virtual London Marathon: Martin Wall (04:18:26), Victoria Bird (), Kevin Galer, (07:36:26), Lynda Elmore AKA Minnie Mouse (08:15:21) and Rachel Antoine (08:55:13).  Luke White and Lorraine Beesley also completed this race, at Chester (above).
  • Market Drayton 10k: Harshad Patel (00:41:39, PB), Nick Ford (00:43:40, PB), Edward Evitt (00:48:48, 1st MV60, new Club V65 10k record), Kara Nicholls (00:56:00), David Coleman (00:57:38), Emma Desborough (01:02:51, PB), Sharon Shirley (01:02:51, PB), Rebecca Steele (01:10:32), Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons (01:18:16) and Mandy BrassingtonHarris (01:19:49). 
  • Warwickshire Sprint Triathlon (400m swim - 18K cycle - 5k run): Jane Quinn (01:40:35)

​WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 26

ARC had 43 parkrunners on Saturday 25th September, with 21 at Walsall Arboretum.

Congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Liam Harrold (1st), Laura Kirwan (5th lady), James Whitehouse (6th) and Martin Wall (7th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Liam Harrold (2nd),John Pearce (6th) and Anne Kelsall (8th).

Well done Victoria O'Connor and John Pearce, who gained a PB at their event: .

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Liam Harrold, Harshad Patel, Michael Davis, Chris Waple, Roxy Babla, Lisa Dimbleby, Anne Kelsall, Abigail Victoria Louise Wright, Mark Chapman, Helen Hirst, Anita Passmore, Rebecca Steele, Ian Boneham, Jason Vigrass, Terence Anthony Hastings, Liam Bradley, Nicola James, Sarah Louise Hinkley, Victoria Day, Karen Waple and Gillian Jean Hastings.
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Kevin Attwood, Geoff Card and Victoria O'Connor.
  • Chasewater: Michael Mason, Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott, Lucy Baker and Sarah Bishop.
  • Beacon: John Pearce, Mandy Brassington-Harris.
  • East Park: Martin Wall.
  • Workington: Tony Baker.
  • Bedworth: Simon Hudson, Rob Foster, Jo Yarnall and Lynda Elmore.
  • Milford Waterfront: Richard Moore.
  • Woodgate Valley Country Park: James Whitehouse, Mark O'Rourke, Daniel Ford and Rachel Antoine.

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:

Saturday 25th
  • Midland 6-Stage relays, Sutton Park: ARC fielded one Men's Masters team of Simon Rhodes (23:36), Lee Harris (23:35), Philip Brayford (23:53), Duncan Gould (24:43), Michael Morley ( 21:44) and Peter Dimbleby (22:16). The team came in 11th place overall. Well done to all runners and we hope to be able to field more teams at the next relay event.
  • Tissington Trail Half Marathon: Lisa Wakeman (01:30:54, 1st lady, ​PB), Lorraine Beesley (01:38:39, 3rd lady, PB, new club V55 record) and Mandip Thandi (01:38:41).

Sunday 26th
  • Apley Estate Autumn Challenge 10k: Barbara Johnson.
  • Bournville Leafy 10k: Rachel Antoine (01:14:47)
  • Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon: Sue Desborough (02:23:35), Sharon Shirley (02:24:42) and Emma Desborough (02:25:22).
  • Cathedral to Castle​ (10 miles): Tom Archer (01:05:20), Daniel Day (01:07:00), Gordon Walker (01:07:19), Tom Neal (01:07:41), Todd Nash (01:18:43), Mark Fanning (01:21:38), Carl Nicholls (01:25:49), Kara Nicholls (01:32:01), Simon Hudson (01:32:50), Sarah Baggott (1:33:18), Eamon Lyons (01:33:20), Wendy Sargeant (01:37:35), Jane Quinn (01:43:34), Jo Yarnall (01:58:18), Sally Gordon (02:05:32), Kat Stevenson (02:05:32), Steve Benzie (02:11:53) and Mandy Brassington-Harris (02:20:17).
  • Berlin Marathon: Tom Hender (4.35.27),

Week Ending September 19

ARC had 54 parkrunners on Saturday 18th September, with 25 at Walsall Arboretum.

Special congratulations to Michael Morley, who broke the MV55 club record with his time of 18:08. 

​Well done too, to our top-10 finishers: Liam Harrold (3rd), Lisa Wakeman (5th lady), Rachael Jones (5th lady), Jo Stephens (7th lady), Harshad Patel (8th) and Mark O'Rourke (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Michael Morley (3rd), Geoff Card (8th), Tom Neal (8th) and Liam Harrold (9th).

Congratulations to those who gained a PB at their event: Marcus Nye, Rachael Jones and Tom Hender, also to Louise Berry, who completed her 50th parkrun at Cannock Chase this week.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Liam Harrold, Michael Morley, Tom Neal, Gordon Walker, Daniel Day, Brett Antill, Simon Rhodes, Marcus Nye, Luke White, Lee Harris, Michael Davis, Philip  Beagen, Abigail Wright, Jason Vigrass, Chris Waple, Jane Quinn, Sally Gordon, Ian Boneham, Anita Passmore, Terry Hastings, Karen Waple, Helen Phillips, Stephanie Elcock, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons and Gill Hastings.      
  • Chasewater: Rachael Jones, Jo Stephens, Geoff Card, Simon Brown and Rebecca Beale.      
  • Sutton Park: Tom Hender, Lucy Walters and Michelle Bennett.      
  • Beacon: Martin Wall, Mandy Brassington-Harris and Lynsay Boucher.      
  • Cannock Chase: Sharon Fern, Louise Berry and Emma Preston.      
  • East Park: Kevin Attwood.      
  • Babbs Mill: Harshad Patel.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Lisa Wakeman and Daniel Ford. 
  • Coventry: James Whitehouse.      
  • Nobles (Douglas IoM): Tony Baker.      
  • Medina I.O.W.: Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott.      
  • Newark: Lucy Baker, Sarah Bishop, Lynda Elmore and Jo Yarnall.      
  • Groe (Builth Wells): Mark O'Rourke.      
  • Faskally Forest (Pitlochry): John Pearce.      
  • Colby (Pembrokeshire): Richard Moore.       

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:
  • Equinox 24hr: 
    Solo: Freddie Penrose (7, 25th fastest lap overall), Lynda Elmore (6), Roxy Babla (5), Steve Blakemore (5), Jo Yarnall (5), Victoria O'Connor (4), Lucy Baker (3), Sarah Bishop (3), Liam Bradley (2), Claire Gibbs (2), Helen Peake (1). 
    Pairs: "Aldridge Away Again" - Barbara Johnson (6) and Simon Hudson (4) - (10 laps)
    Teams of 3: "The Three ARCs" - Jo Dulson-Cox (5), Rob Foster (4) and Tim Farmer (3) - 12 laps
Saturday 18th:
  • Purbeck Trail Marathon: Pete Dimbleby (04:37:15)
  • Beyond Badminton Trail Half Marathon (and a bit!): Lorraine Beesley (01:59:49) and Mandip Thandi
Sunday 19th:
  • Stafford Half Marathon: Mark Fanning (01:16:20, 3rd place), Philip Brayford (01:29:30, PB, 2nd MV60, new club MV60 record), Laura Kirwan (01:48:49, PB), Claire Crook (01:51:42, PB), Ian Jennings (01:59:13), Louise Silvester (02:05:24, PB), Hayley Reid (02:23:10), Abigail Wright (02:25:14), Louise Berry (02:26:55), Mark Chapman (02:45:25) and Gemma Archer (03:09:52). 
  • Balsall Common 10k: Kevin Attwood​ (00:51:44)
  • Yabba Dabba Do, Chasewater: Lucy Farrington (HM, 2:02:38), Amy Johnson (10k, 00:48:07, Overall Winner)
  • Derby Sprint Triathlon (400m pool swim, 18k bike, 5k run): Les Reeves (01:25:33, first triathlon)

Week Ending September​ 12

ARC had 50 parkrunners on Saturday 11th September, with 14 at Walsall Arboretum, 5 at Sutton Park, 9 at Chasewater, 9 at Severn Valley, 5 at Edgbaston Reservoir and one international (Kraków).

Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Pete Dimbleby (1st), Alex Dicken (4th), Rachael Jones (4th lady), Lisa Dimbleby (6th lady), Melissa Emery (7th lady), Charlotte Newman (8th lady) and James Whitehouse (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Pete Dimbleby (2nd) and Philip Brayford (6th).

Congratulations to those who gained a PB at their event: Richard Moore, Rachael Jones and Victoria O'Connor.

​Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Philip Brayford, Daniel Day, Luke White, Harshad Patel, Michael Davis, Melissa Emery, Liz Chambers, Barbara Johnson, Abby Wright, Alex Crook, Ian Boneham, Mark Chapman, Helen Hirst and Liam Bradley.
  • Sutton Park: Lucy Baker, Victoria O'Connor, Sally Gordon, Kat Stevenson and Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons.
  • Chasewater: Todd Nash, Les Reeves, Rachael Jones, Charlotte Newman, Geoff Card, Rebecca Beale, Garry Newman, Rebecca Steele and Tim Farmer.
  • Cannock Chase: Steve Blakemore, Richard Moore.
  • Isabel Trail: John Pearce.
  • Severn Valley Country: Pete Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby, Jason Vigrass, Anita Passmore, Helen Phillips and Stephanie Elcock. ​
  • Torbay Velopark: Kevin Attwood.
  • Whitley Bay: Sarah Bishop.
  • Falkirk: James Whitehouse.
  • Huntingdon: Michelle Bennett.
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.
  • Bedworth: Mandy Brassington-Harris.
  • Fleetwood Promenade: Tony Baker.
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Simon Rhodes, Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott, Rob Foster and Lynda Elmore.
  • Kraków: Alex Dicken.

Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.

Well done to all club members who completed other races on Sunday 12th:
  • Great North Run: Tom Neal (01:29:15), Simon Brown (01:57:29, 1st HM), Roxy Babla (02:02:45, PB), Sarah Connor (02:22:01), Louise Berry (02:26:00, PB), Sarah Bishop (02:33:19, PB), Sally Davies (03:23:05, 1st HM)
  • Brighton Marathon: Tom Hender (04:43:10)
  • Black Country Road Run (10k): Gordon Walker (00:40:06), Simon Hudson (00:57:45) and Jo Yarnall (01:08:17).
  • Torbay Half Marathon: Kevin Attwood (02:00:32)
  • Blackpool Half Marathon: Tony Baker (02:29:20, 50th HM)

There was also a significant ARC presence in the Arboretum on the morning of Sunday 12th, as many members completed their last long run before tapering for October marathons. We wish you all the very best.

In other news, the club sends congratulations to Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott, who announced their engagement this week.7

Week Ending September 5

ARC had 54 parkrunners on Saturday 4th September, with 31 at Walsall Arboretum, 4 at Sutton Park and 3 at Chasewater.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Liam Harrold (2nd), Lisa Wakeman (2nd lady), Louise Booker (4th lady), Michael Morley (6th), Peter Dimbleby (7th), Claire Crook (7th lady) and Tom Neal (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Liam Harrold (3rd), Michael Morley (3rd), Tom Neal (6th), Peter Dimbleby (8th) and Wendy Sargeant (10th). Congratulations to others who gained a PB at their event: Harshad Patel and Victoria O'Connor, also to Rachael Antoine, who completed her 50th parkrun at Walsall this week.
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Michael Morley, Peter Dimbleby, Tom Neal, Brett Antill, Simon Rhodes, Luke White, Lisa Wakeman, Harshad Patel, Louise Booker, Claire Crook, Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Lisa Dimbleby, Michael Davis, Sarah Baggott, Eamon Lyons, Melissa Emery, Wendy Sargeant, Victoria O'Connor, Abby Wright, Ian Boneham, Terry Hastings, Anita Passmore, Mark Chapman, Roxy Babla, Rachel Antoine, Jason Vigrass, Stephanie Elcock, Mark Johnson, Gill Hastings and Kevin Galer.      
  • Sutton Park: Kevin Attwood, Lucy Walters, Ian Jennings and Mark O'Rourke.      
  • Chasewater: Les Reeves, Michael Mason and Rachael Jones.      
  • Conkers: Richard Moore.      
  • Sandwell Valley: Tony Baker, Rebecca Steele and Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons.      
  • Perry Hall: John Pearce.      
  • Wyre Forest: Louise Berry.      
  • Babbs Mill: Paul Haworth.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Liam Harrold, Aaron Neath.      
  • Bedfont Lakes, Twickenham: Jo Yarnall.      
  • Worcester Pitchcroft: Lynda Elmore.      
  • Durham: Geoff Card.     
  • Burgess, London: Michelle Bennett.      
  • Pomphrey Hill, Bristol: James Whitehouse.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Storeys Field, Cambridge: Tracey Chadwick.         
           
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the week:
  • Staffs Knot, Wednesday 1st: Harshad Patel (00:34:36, PB)
  • Worcester City 10k, Sunday 5th: Amy Johnson (00:45:07, PB) and Simon Brown (00:51:18, PB)
  • Anglesey Half Marathon: Henry Simpson (02:01:37)
  • Milton Keynes Half Marathon: Lorraine Beesley (01:39:17, PB, 1st FV55 &​ new club V55 record) and  Mandip Thandi (01:39:30)
  • South Cheshire 20: Pete Dimbleby (02:21:11), Marcus Nye (02:53:14, PB), Lucy Farrington (03:13:05 1st 20 miler), Lisa Dimbleby (03:16:58) and Anne Kelsall (03:33:27).
  • Stratford's Big 10k: Jo Yarnall (01:15:43)
  • Wilne 10k: Toby Oury (00:34:44) and Duncan Gould (00:42:37).
  • Shrewsbury Sprint Triathlon (​500m river swim - 23k cycle - 5k run): Simon Hudson (01:27:21), ​Jo Stephens (01:37:02) and Anna Davies (01:40:29).

Week Ending August 29

ARC had 64 parkrunners on Saturday 21st August, with 25 at Walsall Arboretum, 7 at Sutton Park and 8 at Chasewater.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Laura Kirwan (3rd lady), Lisa Wakeman (6th lady, PB), Gordon Walker (10th) and Toby Oury  (10th man), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Philip Brayford (2nd, PB), Gordon Walker (5th), Pauline Smith (7th) and Wendy Sargeant (8th). Congratulations to others who gained a PB at their event: Michelle Bennett and Tony Baker.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Gordon Walker, Philip Brayford, Brett Antill, Simon Rhodes, Laura Kirwan, Thomas Hender, Michael Davis, Melissa Emery, Wendy Sargeant, Michael Mason, Liz Chambers, Jason Vigrass, Abby Wright, Ian Boneham, Mark Chapman, Roxy Babla, Anita Passmore, Marcus Nye, Anne Kelsall, Stephanie Elcock, Victoria Day, Tom Neal, Valda Davies, Nick Ford and Kevin Galer.      
  • Sutton Park: Kevin Attwood, Lucy Walters, Michelle Bennett, Sally Gordon, Kat Stevenson, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons and Amy Johnson.      
  • Chasewater: Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Pauline Smith, Simon Hudson, Rebecca Beale, Terry Hastings, Tony Baker and Gill Hastings.      
  • Beacon: Tony Dutton, John Pearce, Lynsay Boucher.      
  • Cannock Chase: Jason Lee.      
  • Wolverhampton: Nicola James.      
  • Conkers: Richard Moore.      
  • Kingsbury Water: Louise Berry.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Rachel Antoine.      
  • Woodgate Valley Country Park: Harshad Patel.       
  • Bushy: James Whitehouse.      
  • Trelissick: Chris Waple and Karen Waple.      
  • Worcester: Eamon Lyons and Sarah Baggott.      
  • Harrogate: Barbara Johnson.      
  • Poole: Toby Oury, Lisa Wakeman and Angela Oury.      
  • Chester: Sarah Bishop.      
  • Beeston: Mandy Brassington-Harris.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Woolacombe Dunes: Claire Crook.      
  • Ross-on-Wye: Lynda Elmore and Rob Foster.      
           
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the week, with two new club records:
  • Cosford Spitfire 10k: Adam Smith (00:33:46, 4th), Michael Morley (00:37:22, 1st MV55, new club age-group record), Daniel Day (00:40:47, PB), Duncan Gould (00:42:55), Mandip Thandi (00:43:57), Lorraine Beesley (00:43:57, PB, 1st FV55, new club age-group record), Michael Webb (00:48:53, 1st race for ARC), Louise Gadd (00:54:17, PB), Sally Gordon (01:00:34), Gemma Archer (01:09:47, PB), Nicola Baker​ (01:09:47), Nicola James (01:13:01) and Mandy Brassington-Harris (01:23:36). ​
  • Severn Bridge Half Marathon: Anne Kelsall (01:56:43, 1st FV60)​​
  • Run Dorney Half Marathon: Marcus Nye (01:36:21, PB​)

Week Ending August 22

ARC had 67 parkrunners on Saturday 21st August, with 24 at Walsall Arboretum where ARC took the top three places and first lady.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Adam Smith (1st), Lisa Wakeman (1st lady), Liam Harrold (2nd), Daniel Williams (3rd), Toby Oury (4th, PB), Claire Crook (4th lady),  Laura Kirwan (5th lady, PB), Steve Blakemore (7th), Roxy Babla (10th lady) and Pauline Smith (10th lady), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Adam Smith (3rd), Philip Brayford (4th), Daniel Williams (5th), Liam Harrold (7th), Pauline Smith (7th),  Michael Morley (8th) and Steve Blakemore (10th). Congratulations to others who gained a PB at their event: Gemma Archer, Rebecca Steele, Martin Wall and Michelle Bennett, also to Dan Ford, who completed his 50th parkrun at Walsall.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Adam Smith, Liam Harrold, Daniel Williams, Gordon Walker, Philip Brayford, Michael Morley, Simon Rhodes, Daniel Day, Lisa Wakeman, Edward Evitt, Claire Crook, Marcus Nye, Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Roxy Babla, Michael Davis, Jason Vigrass, Mark Chapman, Barbara Johnson, Alex Crook, Ian Boneham, Anita Passmore, Helen Phillips and Stephanie Elcock.      
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Kevin Attwood, Lucy Walters, Tony Baker, Gemma Archer, Michelle Bennett, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons and Joanne Dulson-Cox.      
  • Chasewater: John Pearce, Pauline Smith, Rebecca Beale, Rachael Anne Jones, Rebecca Steele, Deborah Hartland, Louise Berry and Tim Farmer.      
  • Beacon: Martin Wall, Lucy Baker, Sarah Bishop, Nicola James and Emma Preston.      
  • Conkers: Richard Moore.      
  • Kingsbury Water: Henry Simpson.      
  • Cannock Chase: Sharon Fern.      
  • Warwick Racecourse: James Whitehouse.      
  • Edgbaston Reservoir: Aaron Neath, Harshad Patel.      
  • Woodgate Valley Country Park: Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott, Rob Foster and Lynda Elmore.       
  • Rosliston: Mandy Brassington-Harris.      
  • Catton (Norwich): Steve Blakemore.      
  • Town Moor (Newcastle upon Tyne): Josephine Clensy.      
  • Poole: Toby Oury, Angela Oury.      
  • Weymouth: Peter Dimbleby, Lisa Dimbleby.      
  • Lanhydrock (Bodmin): Chris Waple, TerryHastings, Karen Waple and Gill Hastings.  
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
           
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the week, with some superb achievements:
Thursday 19th:
  • Leicestershire Chase the Sun 10k: Alex Dicken (35:41, 4th)
Sunday 22nd:
  • Dalesman Full Distance Triathlon (2.4 mile swim - 112 mile bike - 26.22 mile run): Nick Ford (13:18:39, 4th MV50) and Paul Butler (14:51:35, 3rd​ MV60) making their long-awaited iron-distance debut.  Nick's Swim/bike/run times were 01:14:43, 07:02:31 and 04:46:29 whilst Paul's were 01:25:06, 07:56:23 and 05:11:45.
  • Ashbourne Sprint Triathlon (400m swim, 17k bike, 5k run): Simon Hudson, Jo Stephens, Anna Davies and Jo Yarnall.
  • Lytchett 10 mile, incorporating BMAF championships: Pete Dimbleby (01:05:26. 2nd BMAF V45) and Lisa Dimbleby (01:29:59, BMAF Champion).
  • Shrewsbury 10k: Luke White (38:01, PB).

Week Ending August 15

ARC had 53 parkrunners on Saturday 14th August.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Daniel Williams (3rd, PB), Alex Dicken (4th), Joanna Stephens (4th lady), Laura Kirwan (8th lady, PB), Claire Crook (9th lady), Pauline Smith (9th lady) and Sarah Baggott (9th lady),  also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Daniel Williams (3rd), Michael Morley (6th) and Pauline Smith (7th). Congratulations also to others who gained a PB at their event: Karen Waple, Toby Oury, Simon Brown, Henry Simpson and Tony Baker.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Michael Morley, Peter Dimbleby, Brett Antill, Laura Kirwan, Philip Brayford, Edward Evitt, Tony Dutton, Claire Crook, Simon Brown, Todd Nash, Daniel Ford, Michael Davis, Roxy Babla, John Quinn, Jason Vigrass, Philip James Beagen, Jane Quinn, Mark Chapman, Ian Boneham, Abigail Wright, Alexander Crook, Anita Passmore, Michelle Bennett and Valda Davies.      
  • Sandwell Valley: Victoria O'Connor, Lucy Baker and Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons.      
  • Sutton Park: Kevin Attwood, Kat Stevenson and Amanda Woolaston.      
  • Chasewater: Daniel Williams, Joanna Stephens, John Pearce, Pauline Smith, Rebecca Beale and Tim Farmer.      
  • Beacon: Eamon Lyons, Henry Simpson, Sarah Baggott, Rob Foster, Richard Moore, Tony Baker and Lynda Elmore.
  • Cannock Chase: Sharon Fern, Louise Berry.      
  • Torbay Velopark: Karen Waple, Chris Waple, Terence Anthony Hastings and Gillian Jean Hastings.      
    Poole: Toby Oury.      
  • St Mary’s, Bridport: Alex Dicken.      
  • Alderford Lake, Whitchurch: James Whitehouse.    
  • Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham: Mandy Brassington-Harris.      
           
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:
  • Solihull 10k: Victoria O'Connor (01:01:51, PB)
  • Solihull Half Marathon: Mark O'Rourke (01:29:44), Philip Brayford (01:29:58, PB), Steve Brooks (02:17:42).

Week Ending August 8

ARC had 59 parkrunners on Saturday 8th August.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Lisa Wakeman (3rd lady), Alex Dicken (4th), Karen Kiteley (6th lady, PB), Gordon Walker (8th), Michael Morley (10th) and Brett Antill (10th),  also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Michael Morley (3rd), Gordon Walker (7th), Alex Dicken (9th, PB) and Philip Brayford (10th). . Congratulations also to others who gained a PB at their event: Sally Gordon and Lynda Elmore.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Alex Dicken, Gordon Walker, Michael Morley, Tom Neal, Philip Brayford, Lisa Wakeman, Luke White, Harshad Patel, Edward Evitt, Michael Mason, Marcus Nye, Simon Brown, Laura Kirwan, Melissa Emery, Michael Davis, Roxy Babla, John Quinn, Philip  Beagen, Liz Chambers, Sally Gordon, Jane Quinn, Jason Vigrass, Mark Chapman, Hayley Reid, Ian Boneham, Helen Phillips, Anita Passmore, Stephanie Elcock, Victoria O'Connor and Claire Gibbs.      
  • Sandwell Valley: Rebecca Steele.      
  • Sutton Park: Kevin  Attwood, Geof Card, Lucy Walters, Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons and Amanda Woolaston.      
  • Chasewater: Les Reeves, Jo Stephens, Pauline Smith, Charlotte Newman, Garry Newman, Tim Farmer.
  • Cannock Chase: Karen Kiteley, Henry Simpson, Sarah Baggott, Eamon Lyons, Sharon Fern, Lynda Elmore and Richard Moore.      
  • Wolverhampton: Emma Preston.      
  • Perry Hall: Daniel Ford.   
  • Markeaton: James Whitehouse.      
  • Weymouth: Peter Dimbleby and Karen Waple.       
  • Wyre Forest: Nicola James.      
  • Holkham: Daniel Day and Victoria Day.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Bideford: Brett Antill.           
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:
  • The London Triathlon (olympic distance): Mark Fanning (02:05:25, 3rd place overall, 1st in age category, finishing with a 35:31 10.5k)
  • Canterbury Trails Ultra: Jo Dulson-Cox (60km)
  • Oulton Park Marathon: Steve Blakemore (03:43:14, 2nd in age category)
  • Dorset Ooser Trail Marathon: Pete Dimbleby (03:53:34, 4th​ place overall)

Week Ending August 1

ARC had 59 parkrunners on Saturday 31st July.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Luke White (1st, PB), Liam Harrold (1st & Course Record), Lisa Wakeman (1st lady), Dan Williams (3rd, PB), Simon Rhodes (6th), Steve Blakemore (7th), Charlotte Newman (8th lady), Laura Kirwan (9th lady, PB), Jo Stephens (9th lady) and Peter Dimbleby (10th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Philip Brayford (4th, PB), Dan Williams (5th, PB), Liam Harrold (5th), Michael Morley (7th), Luke White (8th, PB) Peter Dimbleby (9th), Steve Blakemore (9th), Simon Rhodes (10th) and Gordon Walker (10th). Congratulations also to others who gained a PB at their event: Lynda Elmore, Simon Brown, Sarah Baggott and Sarah Connor.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Daniel Williams, Peter Dimbleby, Gordon Walker, Philip Brayford, Michael Morley, Lisa Wakeman, Harshad Patel, Edward Evitt, Laura Kirwan, Trevor Harris, Claire Crook, Roxy Babla, Sarah Connor, John Quinn, Wendy Sargeant, Mark Chapman, Karen Waple, Jason Vigrass, Terry Hastings, Abby Wright, Jo Yarnall, Jane Quinn, Ammar Zia, Helen Phillips, Katrina Wyke, Stephanie Elcock, Rachel Antoine, Kat Stevenson, Anne Kelsall, Gill Hastings and Claire Gibbs.      
  • Sutton Park: Geoffrey Card, Kevin  Attwood, Tony Baker and Michelle Bennett.      
  • Chasewater: Luke White, Eamon Lyons, Simon Hudson, Charlotte Newman, Simon Brown, Garry Newman, Joanna Stephens, Sarah Baggott, Lucy Farrington, Tim Farmer.      
  • Perry Hall: Daniel Ford.      
  • Cannock Chase: Mandip Thandi, Karen Kiteley and Sharon Fern.      
  • Rosliston: Richard Moore, Robert Foster and Lynda Elmore.      
  • Beacon: Steve Blakemore.   
  • Town Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne: Ian Boneham.      
  • Torbay Velopark: Todd Nash.      
  • Ludlow: Richard Lodge.      
  • Bedworth: James Whitehouse.      
  • Ross-on-Wye: Simon Rhodes. 
  • Rothay Park​, Ambleside: Liam Harrold.      
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:
  • Trentham 10k: Tony Dutton (00:51:17)
  • North Wales Half Marathon: Louise Berry
  • London Landmarks Half Marathon: Victoria O'Connor (02:22:00, unofficial PB) Rebecca Steele (02:43:45), Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons (02:43:48), Emma Preston (03:29:33)

The club also sends congratulations to our friend Barry Cheema, who completed 31 marathons in 31 days during the month of July, finishing with support from many ARC members in the Arboretum on Saturday 31st.

Week Ending July 25

44 members celebrated the return of parkrun by taking part on Saturday 24th, with many others volunteering.  Special congratulations to our top-10 finishers: Toby Oury (1st), Amy Johnson (1st lady, PB), Liam Harrold (3rd), Alex Dicken (4th, PB), Michael Morley (6th, new club 5k record), Roxy Babla (7th lady), James Whitehouse (9th) and Tony Dutton (9th), also to those who finished with a top 10 age-grade in their event: Michael Morley (2nd), Tom Neale (6th), Toby Oury (6th), Liam Harrold (7th), Tony Dutton (7th, PB), Gordon Walker (8th) and Alex Dicken (9th).  Congratulations also to others who gained a PB at their event: Sarah Connor, Paul Haworth, Richard Moore and Jo Yarnall.  
Our runners:
  • Walsall Arboretum: Liam Harrold, Alex Dicken, Michael Morley, Gordon Walker, Tom Neal, Daniel Day, Edward Evitt, Michael Mason, Michael Davis, Roxy Babla, Sarah Connor, Philip James Beagen, Mark Chapman, Karen Waple, Terence Anthony Hastings, Ian Boneham, Helen Phillips, Ammar Zia, Jason Vigrass, Nicola James, Victoria Day, Valda Davies, Peter Dimbleby and Simon Rhodes.         
  • Chasewater: Todd Nash and Garry Newman. 
  • Sutton Park: Laura Kirwan, Henry Simpson, Geoffrey Card, Lucy Walters, Michelle Bennett and Mark O'Rourke.        
  • Sandwell Valley: Paul Haworth.   
  • Perry Hall: James Whitehouse.             
  • East Park: Tony Dutton.   
  • Kingsbury Water: Amy Johnson. 
  • Cannock Chase: Jason Lee, Richard Moore.       
  • Rosliston: Lynda Elmore and Jo Yarnall.     
  • Bath Skyline: Sarah Bishop.       
  • Medina I.O.W.: Louise Berry. ​
  • Blickling: Lucy Baker.           
  • Fell Foot, Newby Bridge: Steve Blakemore. 
  • Worthing: Tony Baker.       
  • Exmouth: Toby Oury.   
 Many thanks, as always, to those club members who volunteered in any capacity.        

Well done to all club members who completed other races over the weekend:
  • Thunder Run 24-hr team run: ARC Ultras (Ian Jennings, Eamon Lyons, Sarah Baggott, Trevor Harris, Jo Dulson-Cox, Katrina Wyke, Tim Farmer) 20 laps and 88th place, and Aldridge Running & Drinking Club (Abby Wright, Karen Kiteley, Mike Rogers ('guest'), Jo Yarnall, Lynda Elmore, Rob Foster and Simon Hudson) 19 laps and 110th place.  Well done also to Lee Harris and Harshad Patel​, who ran with other teams  Congratulations to Karen Kiteley, who completed the two fastest laps for the club.
  • Bedford Autodome Running Festival: Pete Dimbleby (marathon, 02:57:49, new club V45 record), Lisa Dimbleby (16 mile, 02:35:15, 1st in age cat)
  • The Age Grader 5 mile: Anne Kelsall (42:44 (real time), 31:48 age adjusted)

Week Ending July 18

Club members have until Sunday 25th to complete the Aldridge 5k and/or 10k route.  

Well done to all club members who completed races in blistering heat over the weekend:
  • Brooksie's Bash 5k trail race: Mandip Thandi (27:05) and Lorraine Beesley (27:06, 1st lady) and Jo Yarnall (44:21).
  • Brooksie's Bash 10 mile trail race: Joanna Stephens (01:50:35), Simon Hudson (01:53:08), Anne Kelsall (02:08:22), Lucy Baker (02:27:11), Victoria Oconnor (02:27:11) and Sarah Bishop (02:27:18).
  • Compton Verney Half Marathon:  Stephen McCann (02:19:14) and Stephen Benzie (03:18:08).​
  • The Wild One, Worcester: Pete DImbleby (22 miles) and Michael Morley/Lisa Dimbleby (team marathon)
  • Staffordshire Ironman 70.3: Mark Fanning (04:37:20, finishing with a HM in 01:23:31), Lizzie Watters (05:55:02, finishing with a HM in 01:56:08) and Nick Benton (07:13:05, finishing with a HM in 02:59:36).
  • Jo Dulson-Cox completed a double over the weekend with the Rat Race group: Man vs Lakes (Morecombe Bay to Coniston, 27 miles and 1378m elevation gain) on Saturday 17th, followed by Sea to Scafell (Seascale to Coniston, 19 miles and 995m elevation gain).

Week Ending July 11

  • ​Well done to Jo Dulson-Cox who managed to complete the Draycote Water 7 at 7 on Wednesday 7th, after her 24-mile challenge just 3 days previously.
  • Congratulations also to those who completed the Leamington Spa Half-marathon on Sunday 11th: Daniel Williams (01:21:10, ​PB), Mandip Thandi (01:34:09) and Henry Simpson (01:58:03).
  • Well done to Simon Hudson and Jo Yarnall, who completed 15.6miles at the Wedding Day run in Dorset on Sunday 11th

Week Ending July 4

  • Well done to Wendy Sargeant and Jane Quinn who completed the 25k virtual “In the Footsteps of our Forces“ run on Wednesday 30th June, Jane's first attempt at greater than half marathon disrance.
  • Well done to Jo Yarnall who completed the Broadmeadow Greenway 'marathon' in Stratford-upon-Avon on Wednesday 30th June in 06:48:39 (27.4 miles), also to Simon Hudson who completed the 'half-marathon' distance of 13.7 miles in 02:20:23.
  • Congratulations to those who completed the Birmingham and Black Country Half Marathon on Saturday 3rd July: Peter Dimbleby (01:30:04), Simon Rhodes (01:32:00), Lorraine Beesley (01:47:56, new club V55 record), Carl Nicholls (01:59:01), Lisa Dimbleby (02:05:58), and Sally Gordon (02:28:00).
  • There was a tremendous ARC presence at the Fradley 10k on Sunday 4th. Well done to all who took part, especially to those who beat their official PBs (as this is not a UKA race it doesn't affect official PBs and it is not possible to know if people have already got a faster unofficial one!): Adam Smith (00:33:25), Liam Harrold (00:34:12, <PB), Mark Fanning (00:34:20), Toby Oury (00:34:41), Daniel Williams (00:36:02, <PB), Luke White (00:39:08), Michael Morley (00:39:14), Mark Shaw (00:39:31), Steve Blakemore (00:39:32), Mark O'Rourke (00:39:36), Gordon Walker (00:39:50), Tom Neal (00:39:57), Philip Brayford (00:40:46, <PB), Daniel Day (00:40:55, <PB), Duncan Gould (00:44:01), Matthew Emery (00:44:50), Amy Johnson (00:46:21), Trevor Harris (00:46:51), Louise Booker (00:47:17), Marcus Nye (00:48:11), Laura Kirwan (00:48:15), Henry Simpson (00:48:19, <PB and new club V65 record), Ian Jennings (00:48:35), Kevin Attwood (00:49:08), Tony Dutton (00:49:26), Claire Crook (00:49:35, <PB), Steve Hammond (00:49:36), Simon Brown (00:51:36, <PB), Roxy Babla (00:53:12, <PB), Kara Nicholls (00:53:18, <PB), Les Reeves (00:54:19), Ammar Zia (00:54:23), Simon Hudson (00:55:55), Anne Kelsall (00:57:09), Stephen Brookes (00:59:50), Hayley Reid (01:02:19), Sue Desborough (01:03:09), Sharon Shirley (01:03:09, <PB), Katrina Wyke (01:03:44), Victoria O'Connor (01:05:01, <PB), Lucy Baker (01:05:13, <PB), Gemma Archer (01:16:56, <PB), Josephine Clensy (01:18:38), Jo Yarnall (01:18:39), Sarah Hinkley (01:18:39), ​Lynda Elmore and Emma Preston (01:27:12).
  • Well done to Jo Dulson Cox who completed the Man vs Coast challenge on Sunday 4th. This was a 24.5-mile route of coastal paths with cliff jumps, sea swims and rock scrambles which Jo completed in around 6.5 hours.

Week ENding JUNE 27

  • Well done to Ian Jennings, who completed the Snickerthon Half Marathon on Saturday 26th in 02:02:05.
  • Congratulations to Michael Morley, who came 5th in the 800m in the Midlands Masters track & field league event on Wednesday 23rd, with a time of 2m33s.
  • Well done to those who completed the Tamworth Gate Gallop on Sunday 27th: Amy Johnson (47:35), Simon Brown (53:01), Leslie Reeves (53:44), Joanna Stephens (54:12) and Rebecca Beale (57:25).
  • Congratulations to Mandip Thandi and Lorraine Beesley, who completed the Milton Keynes Marathon on Sunday 27th in 03:49:57 and 03:49:58, another GFA time for Lorraine.

Week Ending June 20

  • Well done to Chris and Karen Waple, who received their medals this week for completing the RAF Lancaster Challenge ​in memory of Chris’ s dad who flew with 115 Squadron in WW2.  The challenge involved completing a total of 500k by cycling, running and/or walking.
  • Well done to those members who completed the Coventry Chase the Sun events on Wednesday 16th:  Henry Simpson completed the 10k race in 52:06, coming 2nd in his age category, whilst in the 5k race Marcus Nye achieved a PB of 20:23, coming 2nd in his age category and Lisa Wakeman was 3rd lady and 1st in her age category, finishing in 20:50.  Congratulations all!
  • Congratulations to two new members who completed triathlons over the weekend: On Saturday 19th Jen Hitchcock completed the Alderford Olympic distance triathlon (1500m swim, 40k cycle, 10k run) in a total time of 02.36.13, finishing with a run time of 43:02 and taking 8th place.   Mark Fanning completed the Outlaw Half on Sunday 20th in 04:52:31.  This involved a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile cycle and a Half Marathon run (which he completed in 01:19:23).  Well done both on these stunning performances.

Week Ending June 13

  • Congratulations to those members who went to the seaside on Sunday 13th and achieved some stunning results at the Weymouth Half Marathon in the heat: Toby Oury (01:18:57, 4th place), Peter Dimbleby (01:25:47, 2nd in age cat), Michael Morley (01:28:52, 1st in age cat and new club V55 record), Phiilp Brayford (01:30:47, PB, 2nd in age cat) and Lisa Dimbleby (02:08:52).  Well done all.
  • Well done and "thank you", to those members who have returned to junior parkrun volunteering.
  • Well done to Sarah Baggott and Eamon Lyons, who sported their new ARC shirts during their walk of Hadrian's Wall.

Week Ending June 6

  • The club was well represented saying goodbye to Ron Reynolds on Friday 4th June, with many paying respects as the funeral cortege passed the bottom of The Green and others joining the family at Cannock Crematorium and/or at the Stick & Wicket.
  • Congratulations to Dave Ralph, who married Jo on Thursday 3rd. Best wishes to both from all at ARC.
  • Sunday 6th saw the Ultimate Triathlon at Whitchurch, with ARC members Nick Ford (70th place, 05:40:04), Paul Butler (2nd in Age Cat, 06:05:14) and Tim Farmer (07:49:06, 1st 70.3 distance) completing the 1/2 distance - 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run. Congratulations all.
  • Well done to new member Tom Hender, who completed 12 ‘Yards’ at the Suffolk Backyard Ultra on Saturday 5th. Each 'yard' is 4.167 miles, making Tom's magnificent effort just over 50 miles, which he achieved in a time of 09:57:02.

Week Ending May 31st (Bank Holiday)

  • Pete and Lisa Dimbleby were the first members to sport the new club vests at an event.  They completed the Egdon Easy 10k in Weymouth on Saturday 29th. Pete finished in 38:38 and Lisa in 52:52.  Well done both.
  • Congratulations to Lisa Wakeman, 3rd lady in the Dudley 5k on Saturday 29th, with a time of 19:49.
  • Well done to Wendy Sargeant and Jane Quinn, who clocked up their 6th virtual Half Marathon in 6 months on Saturday 29th.
  • The Bank Holiday weekend ended with the Boston (UK) Marathon and Half, which saw some superb performances from ARC Members.  In the marathon: Mandip Thandi and Lorraine Beesley both finished in 03:51:52, nearly 15 minutes within the London Good For Age time for Lorraine, who came 4th in her age category. There were significant PBs all round in the Half Marathon: Liam Harrold (01:14:34 new club HM record), Victoria O'Connor (02:28:04) and Lucy Baker (02:29:09 PB).  It was also great to note that our friend and ex-member Barry Cheema achieved his 4.5 hour goal in the marathon. 

Week Ending May 23rd

Congratulations to our four intrepid runners who competed in the 'Chase the Sun' 5k race at Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire, in windy and rainy conditions on the evening of Thursday 20th: Adam Smith (00:16:28), Liam Harrold (00:16:38), Steve Blakemore (00:19:28) and Marcus Nye (00:20:30, PB).

Week Ending May 16th

Sunday 16th May saw the Spring Birmingham Running Festival, in Sutton Park, with 5k, 10k and HM options.  Well done to 10k finishers Amy Johnson (00:48:15) and Simon Brown (00:53:01), also to Half Marathoner Phil Morris (02:11:01).

Week Ending May 9th

It was with extreme sadness that we had to announce the death of long-standing and much-loved member Ron Reynolds on Friday 7th May.

Ron joined Aldridge Running Club in 1991, serving on the Committee for many years and organising kit sales.  He will also be remembered for the many social walks he organised for the Club, often longer than he said but always scenic and enjoyable!  In recent years he was responsible for reviving the club Handicap competition, painstakingly compiling the records each month during the summer season.  He was the recipient of our most prestigious award - the Paul Sebasatian Cup - in 2012.

Ron was an experienced runner, completing over 100 events at marathon distance or longer, with several over 80 miles.  Once asked what his favourite distance was he replied "the longer the better".  He was a sub-3 hour marathon runner, something that few club members have achieved.  He was also a serious long-distance walker, covering many routes in the UK and abroad, with a West to East Coast of Scotland a favourite.

Ron is remembered by many runners, both within and outside of ARC for always being there with his camera, capturing memories at cross-country events, races, socials and of course our own 10k races.  Known for never deleting or editing photos, some were not as flattering as we would like but we came to love these as much as those that made us look amazing!  Many early photos can be viewed for a limited period on Photobucket and thousands from 2012 onwards can be found on his Flickr page  We will never forget his picture shows at each Presentation Evening.

Ron was a talented footballer and brought these skills to our club football matches.  He was once invited for a trial at Shrewsbury Town but the manager told him that he was too old (at 21), without seeing him play!  He was also a referee.   A keen Walsall supporter he was well known at the Banks' Stadium and was part of the match day groundsman team there.

Ron was also a key part of Walsall Arboretum parkrun, which he attended from its second meeting, first as a runner but increasingly as volunteer photographer, where he captured some fantastic photos over a period of almost eight years, mostly at the Arboretum but also at other venues, both with the club and with his family.  Ron clocked up an impressive 300 parkrun volunteer credits and was well-known by regulars at the Arboretum, be they sub-16 minute speedsters or slow walkers - he was loved by all.

Ron travelled extensively with the club not only running and walking but cycling, with his camera at all times.

To say that Ron will be missed is a serious understatement and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Thanks for everything Ron. Rest In Peace.
In other club news:
  • Congratulations to Lisa Wakeman, who managed to find a race on 9th May and finished the Aintree Half Marathon in 01:31:45, winning her age category and setting a new official PB.

Week ENding April 25th

Congratulations to all members who took part in events over the past week:
  • Lizzie Holt, Wendy Sargeant and Jane Quinn completed the Nice Work Virtual St George's Day Half marathon on Friday 23rd.  Well done all.
  • Sunday 25th saw the Shepperdine Marathon and Half, running in a time-trial format.  Congratulations to half-marathoners Mandip Thandi (01:39:35), Simon Hudson (01:55:49), Jo Stephens (02:00:14), Les Reeves (02:00:18) and Jo Yarnall (02:23:07), also to Anne Kelsall, who completed the marathon in 04:36:51)

The club says "au revoir" to Lizzie Holt at the beginning of May, as she moves to Pastures New in the South West.  We wish you the very best for your new life 'down South' Lizzie.  Liam Bradley penned the following:
The time has come to say "Goodbye"
But we're not ones to stop and cry
(As if I would anyway)
Yet as a few would shed a tear
Memory will stay sharp and clear
Of Lizzie Holt...... "The Aldridge Bolt."

Week Ending April 18th

​Congratulations to all members who took part in events over the past week:
  • ​Eddie Evitt completed the Mallory Park Spring 5K on Saturday 17th in 21:33. Well done Eddie.
  • Louise Berry achieved a significant PB at the Leicestershire Half Marathon on Sunday 18th, with a time of 02:26:48. Congratulations Louise!
  • Congratulations to Adam Smith, who set a new club 10k record of 33:08 in the Mallory Park Spring 10k on Sunday 18th, taking over a minute off his official PB, and to Marcus Nye, who took nearly 3 minutes off his own PB, finishing in 41:36. Also, to recently-transferred member Pete Dimbleby, who set a new club V45 10k record of 37:44
  • Steve Blakemore completed the Dorney Lake Half Marathon on Sunday 18th in 01:27:29 and Marie Roberts finished in a PB time of 02:27:34 on her first race representing ARC. Well done both.
  • Special well done to Adam, Marcus, Steve and Marie, who provided the first two ARC race photos of the year!

Week Ending April 11th

  • Congratulations to Mandy Brassington Harris who completed the Virtual Royal Parks Half Marathon in an unofficial PB time.

Week ENding April 4th

​​Congratulations to all members who took part in events over the past week:
  • Jo Yarnall and Simon Hudson were the first to take part in a post-lockdown race, with Jo completing the Codopoly Marathon and Simon completing the Half Marathon on 30th March. Well done both.
  • a massive 'well done' goes out to Mark O'Rourke and Lisa Wakeman, who both gained significant PBs in the Dorney Lake Marathon on Saturday 3 April, with Mark completing in 03:07:44 and Lisa in 03:12:48. Special congratulations to Lisa, as her time was not only a 30 minute PB but also should qualify her for a championship place at London 2022.
  • Congratulations also, to Louse Berry and Marcus Nye who both ran unofficial Half Marathons in PB times.

Week Ending March 28th

  • Chair's Challenge: To celebrate her 65th birthday on 12th March, Sue challenged club members to commit to running, walking or cycling 65 miles during the month of March 2021. During the last week of the month this challenge was completed by Sarah Ashton, Jo Yarnall, Claire Crook, Claire O'Brien, Chris Sprules, Rebecca Grimshaw, Sarah Hinkley, Josephine Clensy​, Marie Roberts, Ammar Zia, Karen Kiteley, Jason Lee, Nick Ford, Sharon Shirley, Sue Desborough,Trevor Harris and Katrina Wyke. Well done all, and thank you Sue, for the challenge that helped so many club members.​
  • Victoria Bird's "Look After Your Lungs" challenge: individual goals were met this week by Rebecca Grimshaw, Roxy Babla and Mandy Harris. Well done all.
  • We had two special menyiins on Facebook from the Thomas Project, who received some of the funds raised by the Westbrook Avenue Christmas Lights, thanking us for the club donation and for the additional donation from the Women's Cross Country team, donations from the festive December XC event.

Week Ending March 21st

  • Chair's Challenge: To celebrate her 65th birthday on 12th March, Sue challenged club members to commit to running, walking or cycling 65 miles during the month of March 2021. During the third week of the month this challenge was completed by Louise Gadd, Barbara Johnson, Liam Bradley, Steve Blakemore, Victoria Bird, Rob Foster, Louise Berry, Tony Baker, Nicola James and Terry Hastings.​
  • Victoria Bird's Look After Your Lungs challenge (individuals set their own challenges): Completed this week by Louise Gadd and Nicola James​.  Well done both!
  • Congratulations to Paul Haworth, who completed a virtual Half Marathon on Sunday 21st, raising money for the Air Ambulance.  This was Paul's first attempt at the half-marathon distance.​

Week Ending March 14th

  • Chair's Challenge: To celebrate her 65th birthday on 12th March,  Finishing this week, the second week of the month were Lizzie Holt, Wendy Sargeant, Jo Stephens, Kara Nicholls, Lynda Elmore, Anne Kelsall, Marcus Nye, Lisa Wakeman and Les Reeves. This week was the first to include members whose total was made up of just runs.
  • Victoria Bird's Look After Your Lungs challenge (individuals set their own challenges): Completed this week by Jane Quinn (200 miles run, bike & walk in 4 weeks). Well done Jane1
  • Congratulations to Jane Quinn, who completed the Virtual Bath Half Marathon in very windy conditions on Saturday 13th, and to Lizzie Holt and Wendy Sargeant, who completed the Mother's Day Half Marathon on the same day.
  • Congratulations to Lorraine Beesley who took 2nd female and 1st in age category in the Mother's Day 5k.
  • Well done to those members who have been training hard to improve their half-marathon times. The training plan culminated in a time trial over the weekend of 13th/14th by Toby Oury (01:13 UPB), Adam Smith (01:12:35 UPB), Alex Dicken,(01:22:14 1st HM attempt), Dan Day (01:22:49 UPB), Tom Neal (1:25:50 UPB), Steve Blakemore (01:32:31) and Brett Antill (01:38:17). You can see the plan they have been following here. Obviously the sessions can be done at any time by anyone wanting to vary their training and improve performance.

Week Ending March 7th

  • Chair's birthday challenge: 65 miles in March, walking, running and/or cycling.  Congratulations to those members who completed this in the first week: Lorraine Beesley, Pete Kelsall, Jo Stephens, Jane Quinn, Karen Waple and Paul Butler.
  • The reduced club fees of £15 per person, covering UKA membership are now overdue.  Details can be found in your ARCinTouch email.  If you have not received this please email us.
  • Steve Benzie will be applying for this year’s London Marathon club places as soon as they are available and the draw will take place soon afterwards. Please make sure that any rejection letters/emails have been forwarded.  
  • Well done also to Anne Kelsall, who completed the British Masters' Virtual 1 mile challenge in 07:30.

Week ENding February 28th

The Winter Handicap competition, which started on Monday 12th October finished on Sunday 28th February after 18 weeks - the same length as the Spring handicap of 2020.  We are very grateful to Mark O'Rourke for organising this again.  
​
​Results from the all weeks of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Alex Dicken (15:54)
2. Adam Smith (16:07)
3. Gemma Archer (16:14)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Adam Smith (15:59)
2. Toby Oury  (16:34)
3. Alex Dicken (16:41)
Other News:
  • Our club Chair, Sue Benzie, has issued a challenge for March: To celebrate her 65th birthday she would like club members to commit to running, walking or cycling  65 miles during the month of March 2021. This can either be done individually, with your buddy or in teams.  Can you please let Sue have your names when you have completed this.
  • Victoria Bird is also running a “look after your lungs” challenge as part of her fundraising for the British Lung Foundation, where people set themselves an individual challenge.  Well done to Rebecca Beale, who completed her challenge by running more than 100k in February (with days to spare) and to Lorraine Beesley, who completed hers by running 20 miles in one day. 
  • Congratulations also to Lorraine Beesley, who took First Lady in the Virtual Strong as an Ox 5k on February25thm with a time of, 21.56. 
  • Well done also to several members who challenged themselves to a 10k time trial as part of their Half Marathon Improvement training plan (see above) and achieved unofficial PBs: Adam Smith, Toby Oury, Lisa Wakeman and Alex Dicken.

Week Ending February 21st

Results from week 17 of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Henry Simpson (15:06)
2. Matt Emery (15:55)
3. Gemma Archer (16:47)
Top 3, Absolute times:
  1. Steve Blakemore (19:32)
  2. Matt Emery  (20:10)
=3. Henry Simpson & Marcus Nye (23:07)
Congratulations also to Louise Berry, who completed the virtual Deal Half Marathon on Saturday 20th, in a PB time.

Week Ending February 14th

​​Results from week 16 of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Anne Kelsall (16:56)
2. Gemma Archer (17:38)
3. Wendy Sargeant (18:17)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Anne Kelsall (25:51)
2. Claire Crook  (28:11)
3. Wendy Sargeant (28:50)
Other News:
  • Our club Chair, Sue Benzie, has issued a challenge for March: To celebrate her 65th birthday she would like club members to commit to running, walking or cycling  65 miles during the month of March 2021. This can either be done individually, with your buddy or in teams.  Can you please let Sue have your names when you have completed this.
  • Well done to Lynda Elmore and Rob Foster, who completed the Valentine's Gin Run on Sunday 14th, by jointly completing a Half Marathon.
  • Well done to Michael Mason, who gained a ballot place for the 2021 London Marathon

Week ENding February 7th

​​Results from week 15 of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Lisa Wakeman (16:52)
2. Steve Blakemore (17:23)
3. Anne Kelsall (17:24)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Steve Blakemore (19:16)
2. Lisa Wakeman  (19:47)
3. Todd Nash (22:23)
Other News:
  • Well done to Wendy Sargeant, Jane Quinn and Liz Holt, who completed the Virtual Winter Warmer Half Marathon on Saturday 6th February, with Wendy coming 1st in her age category and Jane and Liz following in 2nd and 3rd, also to Lorraine Beesley, who was 3rd lady as well as age category winner in the 5k.

Week Ending January 31st

​​Results from week 14 of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables, noting that those with sub-16 minute adjusted times achieved either a PB or their best time in 12 months:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Marie Roberts (15:16)
2. Gemma Archer (15:43)
3. Sarah Hinkley (15:47)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Eamon Lyons (23:40)
2. Claire Crook  (26:53)
3. Anne Kelsall (26:57)
Other News:
  • It was announced this week that October's Virtual London Marathon has been officially recognised as a World Record for participation numbers, so additional congratulations to all our members who took part (see our London Marathon 2020 page). 
  • It has been decided by the club committee that no fees will be charged this year, except for the £15 EA affiliation fee, which needs to be paid before the beginning of March.  Details can be found in your ARCinTouch email.  If you have not received this please email us.
  • Well done to Louise Berry, who is now an official Run Talk Run leader for Cannock Chase. Whilst opportunities at the moment are limited and group runs not permitted we know that she is an excellent choice.  Congratulations to Louise also, for achieving her 6th medal in the Mash Running "Conquer the Continents" series with a Half Marathon unofficial PB.

Week Ending January 24th

Results from week 13 of the Winter Handicap, which was a 'special' 1-mile challenge, can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Gemma Archer (3:39)
2. Richart Lodge (4:29)
3. Marie Roberts (4:40)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Steve Blakemore (5:48)
2. Eamon Lyons  (6:46)
3. Todd Nash (6:49)

Week ENding January 17th

Results from week 12 of the Winter Handicap, which was a 'special' 10-minute elevation challenge, can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted elevation (feet):
1. Anne Kelsall (474)
2. Steve Blakemore (464)
3. Matt Emery (428)
Top 3, Absolute elevation (feet):
1. Steve Blakemore (385)
2. Matt Emery  (301)
3. Anne Kelsall (251)

Week Ending January 10th

The year began in lockdown, with racing limited to virtual options, including our own weekly handicap organised by Mark O'Rourke, which restarted after a 2-week Christmas break, on January 4th.  Our thanks go to him for his hard work providing welcome motivation.
​Results from week 11 of the Winter Handicap can be found here.  Well done to those who took part, especially to those who topped the tables:
Top 3, Adjusted times:
1. Anne Kelsall (15:58)
2. Marie Roberts (16:24)
3. Gemma Archer (16:31)
Top 3, Absolute times:
1. Todd Nash (23:30)
2. Anne Kelsall  (25:07)
3. Claire Crook (26:45)
Well done also to Anne Kelsall, Jane Quinn, Wendy Sargeant and Liz Holt, who all completed the Phoenix SG-100 run virually on Saturday 9th, each completing a half-marathon distance in order to receive an enormous Stargate-themed medal.