Events

Having got the Christmas festivities out of the way some club runners got down to the real business – racing. The first event in Biddulph’s calendar was the Four Villages Half Marathon which was hosted by Helsby Running Club on Sunday 20th January. The hilly course which takes runners through the villages of Helsby, Manley, Mouldsworth and Dunham on the Hill was undertaken by 6 club members. They finished in the following times; Carol Bird 1:32:44, Peter Sherratt 1:34:04 (PB), Robert Minton 1:34:27, Rachel Hollins 1:37:48, Rebecca Stringer 1:50:51 and Graham Fisher 1:54:34.

The club is very proud of Carol Bird’s result at the Four Villages Half Marathon as this has put her at the top of the RunBritain national rankings for her age group for half marathons which is an amazing achievement. Well done Carol!

The next big event on Biddulph Running Club’s calendar is the club’s own Knype 5 Charity race - a five mile multi-terrain race and one mile fun run (entries on the day for the fun run) in aid of the Biddulph Mayors charities. The race takes place on Sunday 24th February at 11am (fun run at 10.15am). Further details can be found on the club’s homepage.

GLH

Biddulph Running Club Awards Evening - 5th January 2019

This annual event, held at Knypersley Cricket Club, always combines the club’s Christmas/New Year party with a celebration of members’ efforts and successes from the previous year.

In his speech this year Chairman (Kevin Shufflebottom) highlighted some of the club’s greatest achievements from 2018. These included club members’ participation in the London Marathon, the Long Island Half Marathon (USA), The Gritstone Grind, Thunder Run (team event) plus many more. He thanked the committee for their continued hard work and voiced his hopes and anticipation for the club’s continued good performance in the year ahead. He then awarded the Chairman’s and Championship trophies.

This year the Chairman’s special award was shared between Rebecca Stringer and Peter Sherratt. Both had taken part in countless half marathons (plus other distances including an Ultra) over the year. These were set in a variety of locations and they found themselves battling difficult weather conditions at times and often faced some highly challenging terrain, but Rebecca and Peter maintained consistently high standards of running throughout the year (and always looked happy as they crossed the line at the finish!).

The Club Championship awards which reflect age graded achievements at selected races throughout the year were presented to the following; Men – 1st Simon Hodgkiss, 2nd David Bailey, and 3rd Darren Mottram and Ladies – 1st Carol Bird, 2nd Gill Horne and 3rd Joanne Bailey.

After a pie and pea supper and raffle, members and guests played games, partied and danced the night away.

GLH

Biddulph Running Club Awards Evening - January 2018

Biddulph Running Club held its annual Awards evening last Saturday (6th January) at Knypersley Sports and Social Club. The event was well attended and members welcomed the opportunity to ditch their running gear in favour of party clothes and to let their hair down for the evening!

After a pie and pea supper Chairman Kevin Shufflebottom gave a speech in which he summed up the clubÂ’s successes in 2017. He not only included achievements in marathons, half marathons and other distances but he also reminded the audience of some members participation in even more gruelling races such as the 12 hour Lightening Run, the 24 hour Thunder Run and the hilly 35 mile Gritstone Grind among others. He praised the graduates of the 2017 Â“New to RunningÂ” course and thanked the committee for their support over the past year.

The prize winners (club members who had collected the highest number of points from the club championship races over the year) were: Men; 1st David Maydew, 2nd Jonathan Horne and 3rd Graham Fisher and Ladies; 1st Carol Bird, 2nd Rachel Hollins and 3rd Karen Macintosh. Two members received the ChairmanÂ’s award and these were Ian Fothergill and Gill Horne.

The eveningÂ’s entertainment continued up until midnight with party games and a disco.

The next event on BiddulphÂ’s calendar is the clubÂ’s own race; the Knype Pool Charity race and Fun Run. This exciting 5 mile multi-terrain race and 1 mile fun run, which is in aid of the Biddulph Mayors charities, will be held at Knypersley Pool on 25th February 2018. Places are selling out fast so enter now at the clubs web page (www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk) to avoid disappointment! GLH

Biddulph Running Club goes Christmas Crackers - December 17

More than twenty members of Biddulph Running Club endured freezing temperatures last Sunday (17th) to run the Christmas Cracker race which is hosted every year by Staffordshire Moorlands AC. Starting from the Visitor Centre at Tittesworth Reservoir, the 8 mile run usually takes runners up and across the Roaches. Due to the dangerous conditions this year however the route was changed and the race took place over 5 miles of tracks around Tittesworth Lake itself.

Most of the runners entered into the joyful spirit of Christmas and had turned up for the race in Christmas fancy dress. Biddulph put on a colourful display choosing the Nativity as their theme. There were shepherds, sheep, a king, and some angels and half way around the course BiddulphÂ’s Mary and Joseph (Karen Murphy and Kevin Shufflebottom) were blessed with a child which thankfully turned out to be a boy!

Needless to say the Biddulph group won the team fancy dress trophy for 2017 having had an amusing and enjoyable run.

Biddulph Running Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Biddulph Leisure Centre. New members are always welcome so why not make a New YearÂ’s resolution to join us in 2018.

All About November... - November 17

Conwy half marathon (19th Nov) has always been a favourite race for many Biddulph Running Club members. The gruelling climb up the Great Orme is considered to be well worth the effort in return for the stunning sea views that can be enjoyed from the highest point. This year was no exception and nine valiant souls braved the chilly November weather to run the now familiar 13 mile route which took them from the Quayside in front of historic Conwy Castle, through Llandudno, up and around the Orme then back to the finish line. The Biddulph runners were well supported by friends, family and other club members. These included some past members of the club; Alan Roberts (retired club chairman), Helen Roberts (retired club secretary) and Lynda Moss (retired club treasurer). They displayed a Â“Run Biddulph RunÂ” banner (pictured) and gave the team a huge and much appreciated cheer as they ran past.

The club runners had an enjoyable race and achieved some excellent times; David Maydew (1:31:03), Rachel Hollins (1:37:50), Kevin Shufflebottom (1:42:58), Graham Fisher (1:55:03), Heidi Stanway (1:55:49) Robert Minton (1:55:49), Tracy Shufflebottom (2:11:29), Alison Husbands (2:16:40), Ian Fothergill (2:23:27).

Earlier in the month (4 th November) two club members took on the Cheshire 10k at Arley Hall. The race, which attracted well over 1000 runners, was run around the (muddy) traffic-free rural lanes of the Arley Hall Estate. The course, which is fairly flat, is deemed to be one of the fastest road races in the UK. Rachel Hollins and Gill Horne had a good race (with Horne managing to gain a personal best) and both were very pleased with their results. Their times were; Hollins (43:54) and Horne (54:28).

The Cheddleton 10k Christmas Pudding race and the Wilmslow Festive 10k took place last weekend (25th and 26th November). Karen Macintosh, Graham Fisher and Karen Murphy turned out for the first of these on a freezing cold, snowy, wintery afternoon. CheddletonÂ’s 10k race involved three very hilly laps of the village with runners being entertained half way up the steepest hill by a cheerful performance of bagpipe music. All participants received a delicious Christmas pudding as their prize on finishing. The trio completed their 10k in the following times; Macintosh (57:39), Murphy (55:05), Fisher (57:29).

Not content with one race in a weekend Karen Murphy went on to run the Wilmslow 10k on the Sunday. This was a fast, flat, point to point route which took place in and around the centre of Wilmslow. This time she was joined by club members Nicola Hughes, Helen Quinn, Patricia Bolton, and Kevin Stone. Nicola Hughes is one of the BiddulphÂ’s new runners who only started running this September having taken part in the clubÂ’s Â“New to RunningÂ” course. This was NicolaÂ’s first 10k race, so very special to her, and the club is really very proud of her outstanding achievement. The Biddulph team finished in the following times Murphy (54:12), Hughes (1:23:33), Quinn (1:23:40), Bolton (1:20:26), Stone (50:29).

Biddulph Running Club continues to meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening (6.30pm) at Biddulph Leisure Centre. New members are always welcome. See the club website for further details www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk or simply come along on any club night.

Looking ahead to next year Â– Biddulph Running Club is pleased to announce it will again be hosting its annual eventÂ– the Knype Pool Charity race and Fun Run. This exciting 5 mile multi-terrain race and 1 mile fun run, which is in aid of the Biddulph MayorsÂ’ charities, will be held at Knypersley Pool on 25th February 2018. Enter now to avoid disappointment! GLH

Letter from a N2R runner...

Â“Six weeks ago I could not and had not run more than 100 yards in my adult life (I am 61 years).

My daughter had joined Biddulph Running Club about a year ago and enjoyed the benefits. She was keen to share these benefits with friends and family and signed me up for Â‘new to runningÂ’. Six weeks on I have just run a 5 k in 40 mins.

However there is much more to just running when you join Biddulph Running Club. IÂ’ve found IÂ’m running with a very sociable group of individuals. The established members are really very supportive to new novice runners. The encouragement is amazing. The benefits to oneÂ’s health are outstanding. IÂ’ve just lost an inch from my waist. I feel fitter. After a good run I feel Â‘all is well with the worldÂ’ so a real stress buster. IÂ’d like to say a big thank you to Biddulph Running Club, the individuals who have suggested and encouraged me, Kevin, Jon, Simon and Karen also that daughter of mine - thank you.

IÂ’d encourage anyone and everyone to join a running club. If you live in or around Biddulph and you really want to feel better in yourself, give the six weeks new to running a try and I bet you find a whole new meaning to exercise.Â”

Amd that was October ... - October 17

Ten graduates of Biddulph Running ClubÂ’s 2017 New to Running course assembled at Knypersley Pool last Sunday to complete their 5k celebration challenge. The run marked the end of six weeks of training which took participants from zero up to 5k while they followed a carefully structured training plan with the help of the clubÂ’s qualified run leaders.

The run was started and timed by Running Group Leader Dawn Addison Moss and Club Chairman Kevin Shufflebottom and the route took the runners all the way round the reservoir in a figure of eight. Plenty of club members turned up on the morning to run with the group and to support them along the route. The new runners did themselves proud. All had a really great run. They completed the challenge with no problems and all finished with smiles on their faces. The celebrations continued with a drink and the presentation of certificates and run times.

The times were Stephen Tunstall 32:39, Bev Hamilton 35:32, Kim Carter 35:24, Emma Reay 43:08, Nicola Hughes 37:46, Nicola Walton 37:19, Vanessa Harvey 35:33, Beverley Holding 40:28, Laura Clowes 37:20.

All of the new runners were very happy with what they had achieved and the following comments were just a few of many received as feedback from the course; Â“All abilities will conquer this course, itÂ’s not about speed itÂ’s about reaching your personal goalÂ”, Â“The benefits to oneÂ’s health are outstandingÂ”, Â“I feel fitterÂ” and (running is a) Â“real stress busterÂ”, Â“IÂ’d encourage anyone and everyone to join a running clubÂ”. I Â“didnÂ’t actually think I would ever be able to run 5k!! So pleased I kept coming to the endÂ” (of the course).

The club is delighted with the new runnersÂ’ success and the course is set to run again in 2018.

Over the next few weeks the group will gradually integrate into the usual club training runs which are Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.45 from Biddulph Leisure Centre.

Earlier in October (8th) Andy Eptlett represented Biddulph at the Bournemouth marathon. This race has been billed as Â“running as it should beÂ” with Â“beautiful coastal viewsÂ” and it didnÂ’t disappoint. Andy finished this race in 4:54:50. Another club member, Calum Kidd, completed his first ever marathon last weekend (29th) in Dublin and managed a very creditable time of 03:55:08.

A couple of local races attracted a few more Biddulph runners to don the team colours last month. Peter Sherratt achieved a personal best at Werrington 10k on October 15th (in spite of it being an undulating course) with a time of 47:21. Stephanie Butler and Sarah Cartwright competed in the Manchester half marathon on October 15th where they both did extremely well and had an enjoyable run. Butler (running her first half marathon) finished in an amazingly fast time of 01:49:35 and Cartwright achieved 02:05:00.

The Lakeland Trails series attracted three more club runners to head northwards once again (14-15th October). Rachel Hollins, Jon Horne and Gill Horne braved the inclement weather and tough terrain of the Lake District to run the Helvellyn Trail races on the Saturday. Rachel had put in for the Â“dirty doubleÂ” that weekend so this also included the Ullswater Trail race (another gruelling 15K amid spectacular scenery) on the Sunday as well. The team achieved the following times. Helvellyn; Hollins (15k race) 01:22:41, J. Horne (15k challenge) 1:23:58, G.Horne (10k run) 01:03:15. Ullswater; Hollins (15k race) 01:15:22.

Biddulph Running Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.45pm and at other times and places by arrangement. The winter programme has now started and this involves mainly road routes (of around 10k) but also includes some off road trail runs by torchlight and some track speed-work training sessions at Northwood Stadium. All details may be found on the clubÂ’s homepage at www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk. GLH.

Club Championships 2015

The club have had a successful Club Championship campaign with the below picking up awards on the evening:

Men's Results

1st - David Maydew - 2nd - Steve Jones - 3rd - Sean Greeves

Women's Results

1st - Laura Venables = 2nd - Karen Mackintosh - 3rd - Karen Murphy

Joint Chairman's Award

Rachel Hollins & Shaun Giltrap

AGM - January 2015

This year's AGM carried far more importance to the running club than those of the last few years : After 7 years in the post John Lovatt stepped down from the role of club chairman and, with the same length of service, Christine Andrew stepped down from her role as club secretary. As everyone is aware, without named members in these roles the club is not recognised by England Athletics or indeed other running clubs. BRC would like to thank both John and Christine for all their work during the past seven years - effectively saving the club from folding when it found itself in a similar position in 2008. Stepping up to the task at the AGM were two volunteers ......

Kevin Shufflebottom was elected the new chairman and Rachel Hollins was elected club secretary. BRC would like to thank both of these members for keeping the club a viable entity. Best wishes to you both in your new roles. A full listing of the 2015 committee will be posted shortly on the contact_us page.

Here are a couple of pics from the AGM.

John hands over to Kev Shuff : photo TS, Jan 2015

Christine and John looked pleased with their farewell gifts: Photo TS, Jan 2015

London Marathon 2015 - club place draw: 30 October, Roaring Meg, Biddulph

The club has been given 3 places for next year's London Marathon. Priority is given to those who applied for a

standard ballot place but were unlucky on that draw. Five names went into the proverbial hat : The first 3 names drawn

were :

Niamh R

Christine A

Sean G.

Good Running Everyone - hope it all goes well! Look forward to hearing of

your experience.

Former and Current BRC Chairmen. 10 London Marathons Between them. Photo :TS, at the Roaring Meg.

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Knype Pool 5m Charity Race

& 1m FUN Run

Many thanks to everyone who competed and helped out.

FULL 2014 RESULTS (finalized)

Total Funds Raised

£1383.50!

50/50 Split between the two Mayor's Charities.

Knype Pool Race committee members hand over cheque for £1383.50 to Mayor Linda Deaville for donation

to Donna Louise Trust and Staffs Moorlands Cancer Care (Biddulph Branch). March 2014.

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New to Running - graduation 5k run, March 2014

Well done to all our new runners who attended the latest daytime New2Running. Here are the 7 who completed their 5k celebration run around Knypersley Pool on Saturday 1st March 2014. They worked hard and went from 0 to 5km in 7 weeks.

Running Leader Julie Harris (centre) with Kev ( King of Pacing) Shuff far left.

5k times as follows...

Andrea Bailey 32.58
Sharon Taylor 33.15
Patricia Gibson 35.57
Lisa Lomas 39.57
Nicola Oliver 40.21 (take off 1 minute for slight detour!)
Ellen McMillan 40.21 ( Â“ Â“ Â“ Â“ )
Kerry Williamson 46.57

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