The last few weeks have been all about Christmas for Biddulph Running Club.
The Cheddleton Pudding Race (25th November) is a lovely three lap race around the quiet local lanes.
The start of each lap is very hilly but the bagpipe music from the piper stationed half way up the hill takes one's mind off the gruelling climbs! The beauty of a hilly start to the course though results in a lovely downhill finish and the three Biddulph runners flew across the line to receive their prize - a delicious Christmas pudding! Karen Murphy, Julie Bradshaw and Karen Macintosh finished in good times of 55:39, 56:34 and 57:07 respectively.
The day after (26th November) was the Wilmslow Festive 10k where Christmas fancy dress is always strongly encouraged.
The race followed the usual route from the centre of Wilmslow and, being flat and traffic free, enabled fast times to be achieved. The club had seven takers for this event finishing in the following times; Barry John 40:20, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 47:15, Helen Clayton 47:54, Rebecca Stringer 47:54, Katie Trace 47:59, Karen Murphy 54:24 and James Trace 55:02.
Last weekend (17th December) was Biddulph Running Club's 2023 racing finale.
This was Staffordshire Moorlands Athletic Club's annual Christmas Cracker 8 mile off-road race over the Roaches near Meerbrook. The twelve participating Biddulph runners turned up in a variety of fancy dress themes from Ali G to shepherds and angels, a nun, and a fair few Santas! Everyone had an enjoyable, sociable run and the following times were achieved: Jack Stewart 1:24:11, Jeremy Brookes 1:24:51, Amy Carney 1:45:06, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 1:45:07, Jonathan Horne 1:45:09, Karen Murphy 1:45:09, Dawn McGovern 1:46:11, Joanne Bailey 1:52:45, Gill Horne 1:52:47, David Bailey 2:08:25, Karen Macintosh 2:08:27 and Sarah Kirkham 2:08:28.
Leading up to the festive season was another club favourite - the Conwy Half Marathon (November 19th).
Starting beneath the shadow of Conwy Castle runners are very soon through the streets of Llandudno taking in the stunning beauty of the Great Orme with far reaching views across the sea. Biddulph had seven runners on the start line. They were David Maydew 1:40:55, Gareth Harries 1:42:56, Helen Clayton 1:50:12, Rebecca Stringer 1:50:12, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 1:56:15, Karen Murphy 2:02:51 and Karen Wynn 2:19:27.
Biddulph Running Club meets on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6.30pm. New members are always welcome.
GLH
The first Sunday in October (October 1st) was a busy one for Biddulph Running Club with fourteen members out sporting the club colours. Ten took part in the Congleton Half Marathon hosted by our good friends and neighbours Congleton Harriers. The race route took in the pleasant country lanes to the North of Congleton and went through Somerford Booths, Marton, Kermincham and Swettenham. The start and finish were in Somerford Lane near to Congleton High School. Despite the wet weather the team had a good morning out and came home happy with the following times: David Maydew 01:41:48, Gareth Harries 01:42:38, Laura Venables 01:43:35, David Bailey 01:57:27, Lisa Cox 01:59:45, Mark Payne 02:05:00, Julie Bradshaw 02:05:01, Amy Carney 02:09:14, Joanne Bailey 02:22:09 and Ian Fothergill 02:40:22.
The same day David Hudson, Mark Parker, Ruth Shepherd-Cole and Rebecca Stringer ran the Knutsford 10k. From the start in Barclays Radbroke campus the route headed out into the country lanes of Over Peover, Snelson and Peover Heath before returning to Radbroke. The fast flat route was perfect for those hoping to chase a personal best record. The Biddulph four achieved the following times: 44:29, 45:14, 47:01 and 48:00 respectively.
Club members have represented Biddulph at a range of other events this autumn.
October 8th saw Barry John at the Werrington 10k (finishing in 42:17)
Darren Mottram in the Shrewsbury Half Marathon (01:40:43) and Mark Parker in the MBNA Chester Marathon (03:54:04 – a personal best time). The following weekend (15th October) Darren Mottram completed the Run for All Yorkshire Marathon in 03:30:48 while Neil Williams and Kevin Burndred completed the Manchester Half Marathon together in just over two hours and six minutes.
Julie Bradshaw and David Hudson were both out the weekend of the 22nd October. Julie finished the Meerbrook 15k in 01:35:18 and David achieved a time of 46:39 in Chester at the Cheshire 10k.
In other news - the club's 2023 "New-2-Running" course has successfully come to an end with the new runners all now running 5k and more very confidently. They are now fully integrated into the running club and are joining the club's training runs on a regular basis. Well done all!
The club meets on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre. New members are always welcome. For details see www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk
GLH
The Wilmslow 10k (July 9th) is always a popular event for Biddulph Running Club. The fast flat road route provides the perfect opportunity for personal best times and the good turnout from other running clubs ensures a buzzing atmosphere throughout the race. This year Biddulph had thirteen members on the start line - all raring to go to give it their best shot and proudly sporting their black and gold club colours. The team had an enjoyable morning and crossed the line in; David Bailey 46:11, Katie Trace 48:45, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 49:30, Rebecca Stringer 49:34, Helen Clayton 49:34, Rebecca Cross 50:41, James Trace 55:16, Karen Murphy 55:29, Claire Shufflebotham 56:45, Amy Carney 57:08, Rachel Platt 57:10 and Karen Wynn 58:52.
The same day saw Barry John and Julie Bradshaw at the Cheadle 4 mile road race. They finished in very good times of 27:28 and 36:22 respectively.
The Peak Skyline (5th August) is a challenging off-road race starting in Buxton and taking in the major peaks of the surrounding area. Constant driving rain and wind on the day put a lot of would-be competitors off but Biddulph fielded a brave team of four who took on the half distance race of 14 miles with steep climbs of nearly 3000ft elevation. The runners had an enjoyable and memorable morning wading through flooded streams and muddy bogs - trail running heaven! Katie Trace and Jon Horne ran together finishing a few seconds apart around 03:08:24. James Trace and Joanne Bailey ran together and finished in 03:58:19.
Julie Bradshaw was the club representative at two more races this summer; the Staffs Knot 5 mile at Cannock Chase (9th July) and the Trentham 10k (6th August). She completed these in 45:23 and 54:38 respectively.
Most recently (28th August) Jeremy Brookes tackled the Barrow Fell Race. This four mile race leaves the show ring of the Barrow-Keswick Show and takes runners over fields and fells with sharp ascents up Stile End and Barrow before the return to a nearby field. Jeremy Brooks finished the gruelling run in a respectable 59:41.
Biddulph Running Club's "New 2 Running" course has started this week (5th September). It is a six week fully supported training plan designed to take new runners carefully up to a distance of 5k. Full details may be found on the club website www.biddulphrunningclub.co.uk and it is not too late to join in.
GLH
The Alderley Edge Bypass 10k drew quite a few Biddulph runners to the start line on Sunday 7th May. This unique race boasts a slightly undulating 10k out and back route along the length of the recently completed Alderley Edge Bypass. Runners can take in the views of the Cheshire countryside as they race along the traffic free tarmac with personal best times there for the taking. The Biddulph team returned to the finish in; Darren Mottram 40:44, Laura Venables 44:55, Gareth Harries 45:10, David Hudson 45:25, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 50:17, Karen Murphy 53:31 and Amy Carney 58:28.
On the same day another group travelled to race the Market Drayton 10k which is always a hugely popular event. Starting at Grove School playing fields runners are treated to a scenic tour of the local town with plenty of support given from the local residents cheering from the roadside. The club was represented by 6 members who crossed the line in the following times; Peter Sherratt 44:27, Helen Clayton 46:58, Rebecca Stringer 46:59, Mark Parker 48:15, Lisa Cox 54:39 and Ian Fothergill 01:13:41.
The Mow Cop Killer Mile often appeals to club members wanting to have a fun evening out - courtesy of Biddulph Running Club's very good neighbours the Mow Cop Runners. The 1 mile race starts at the bottom of the hill in Drumber Lane and as its name suggests - takes runners one mile with 550ft of elevation to finish at the National Trust car park in Top Station Road, Mow Cop. Jack Stewart, Ruth Shepherd-Cole, Karen Murphy, Jeremy Brookes and Ian Fothergill bravely took on the challenge this year finishing in 11:19, 12:58, 13:14, 14:38 and 18:39 respectively. Other club members turned out to support the team and the whole evening was very much enjoyed!
Biddulph runners could be spotted at various other events this May with Rebecca Cross finishing her very first marathon at Leeds (14th May) in a very good time of 04:50:30.
Lisa Cox chose to run the Park Hall 5 on May 17th which she finished in 45:55.
Helen Clayton, Rebecca Stringer and David Hudson ran the Chester Half Marathon in very fast times of 01:44:25, 01:44:25 and 01:44:41 respectively.
The Potters Half Marathon took place on June 11th. It is one of the club's most local half marathons and the good natured support from the people of Stoke on Trent is phenomenal making it a very popular road race with many Biddulph runners. This year saw nine club runners line up outside Hanley's Potteries Centre on a very hot day to complete the event. The race followed the usual testing route which included the infamous Heartbreak Hill on Milton Road. The team did well in spite of the scorching heat and finished in the following times; Darren Mottram 01:39:09, David Maydew 01:43:48, Barry John 01:46:04, Mark Parker 01:50:52, Ruth Shepherd-Cole 02:07:30, Julie Bradshaw 02:14:07, Rebecca Cross 02:19:45, Karen Murphy 02:23:39 and Rachel Platt 02:38:05.
Biddulph Running Club meets for training runs every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30 at Biddulph Leisure Centre. New members are always welcome.
GLH
The London Marathon (sponsored by TCS) returned to its usual April slot this year (April 23rd) with over 45,000 runners waiting on the start lines prepared to take on the challenge.
This, one of the most iconic of all Marathons, took participants on a 26.2 mile flattish route around London taking in a good many sights along the way. The main points of interest included The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, The Thames Embankment and Westminster before the long run along the Mall into the finish in front of Buckingham Palace.
Biddulph Running Club was represented by Darren Mottram this year. Darren had been unsuccessful in the main ballot so went into the club draw with several other members last December to bid for the running club's marathon place. It was Darren's lucky day and he won his chance to take part. Darren has since said he was "really honoured to be representing the club".
Starting on Boxing Day, Darren began his long (and sometimes lonely) 17 week training plan, and put in a lot of hard and serious training leading up to the event to ensure top fitness and to remain injury free for the race. His hard work paid off and he made it to the start line in good shape.
Darren is one of the club's faster road runners and he did the club proud achieving a really good finish time after a superb run. The conditions were a little mixed on the day, but mostly cold and wet! He finished the race in 03:16:39. This was a personal best time for Darren having only run one previous marathon back in 2021.
Reflecting on the event, Darren said "it's an amazing event, and like most runners, it is something that we all want to do, so to get the opportunity was brilliant".
Entries have now closed for the 2024 London Marathon. It remains to be seen how many Biddulph Runners get selected in the ballot for a chance to run next year's race.
GLH
Biddulph Running Club members have made a good start to the 2023 season representing the club at a number of events over the past couple of months.
Two weekends ago (Friday April 7th) Mark Parker claimed a remarkable achievement by completing GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool Ultra event. This 50 mile run follows the Trans-Pennine Trail, the Manchester Ship Canal and the river Mersey from Manchester to Liverpool. Mark had put in some hard training in preparation for this run and it paid off as he finished in 10:12:55 and still managed a smile as he crossed the finish line near Aintree race course in Liverpool!
Sisters Rebecca Stringer and Helen Clayton have been going from strength to strength so far this season knocking seconds off their personal bests each time they take on a race. They both ran the Stafford half marathon in 01:43:54 on March 12th then two weeks later shaved several seconds off their times at the Wilmslow Half Marathon (March 26th) with 01:43:22 and 01:43:23 respectively. Gareth Harries also ran the Stafford half marathon and finished in a good time of 01:49:00.
Julie Bradshaw has proved she can master a range of distances. She put in a great effort at the New Balance Knighton 20 (March 19th) finishing the 20 mile, undulating, three lap race in 03:25:04. Then on 9th April she ran the Crewe 10k, a two lap flat course around the roads near Crewe town centre and finished in 53:07.
Club chair, Tracy Shufflebottom, flew the club flag at the Cheadle Spring 5 race. This pleasant five mile road race takes in the country lanes of Cheadle (5th March) and Tracy finished this in a time of 45:52.
Last weekend (on the Saturday) Julie Bradshaw and Dawn McGovern ran the Newcastle Way marathon. This challenging off-road event starts at Mow Cop and takes in 26 miles of footpaths, lanes and a multitude of stiles to finish at Market Drayton. The weather was kind to them and they both had a good run finishing in 05:46:24 and 07:34:25 respectively with Julie being the race winner.
The same weekend (Sunday) saw Karen Murphy and Mark Payne at the Manchester Marathon. They had both carefully followed strict training plans to ensure their fitness for the event. The route which takes in Old Trafford and the City Centre, Stretford, Sale and Altringham is mostly flat and the roads were closed for the duration. The event had a great atmosphere with DJs providing entertainment and supporters lining the streets cheering the runners on their way. Karen and Mark finished in 04:39:33 and 04:44:45 respectively.
Biddulph Running Club meets for training runs every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30 at Biddulph Leisure Centre. The summer routes are now being followed and these include trails, paths, fields and lanes around the Biddulph area. New members are always welcome. More details may be found at www.biddulph runningclub.co.uk.
GLH
Last month, on Sunday February 26th, Biddulph Running Club hosted its annual event the Knype Pool 5 Mile Multi Terrain Charity race and 1 mile Fun Run. The proceeds of the event, which this year attracted over 180 entrants in the main race, are always given to charities chosen by Biddulph's current town mayor.
This year mayor Councillor Jim Garvey's chosen charities are Alzheimers Research UK, Approach Dementia Support and Biddulph Youth Initiative so the money raised will be going towards these very worthy causes.
Race director Graham Fisher was joined by race co-ordinator Dawn Addison-Moss, Chairperson Tracy Shufflebottom and Treasurer Jon Horne to hand over a cheque for £1558 to Biddulph Mayor Jim Garvey at Biddulph Town Hall on Friday 10th March.
Graham Fisher said of the event "We hope to run it again next year. The event was a success because of the time, effort and support given by a great many people and companies. I think it showcases what a community event raising money for local charities can do."
Sponsorship had kindly been given by Hollinshead Coaches, Sainsburys, Pau Run and Ride, Bryan Dale Photography, Rod Deaville, Biddulph Town Council, Priory Property and Lettings Services and Staffordshire County Council. Support and marshalling of the event was undertaken by members of the Rotary club, the running club, past members, families and friends and members of the community. The club is very grateful to everyone who helped to make the event the resounding success that it was.
The Knype Pool Charity event will return in February 2024.
GLH
Perfect running conditions greeted participants in Biddulph Running Clubs own Knype Pool 5 Mile Multi Terrain Charity race and 1 mile Fun Run last Sunday (February 26th). The day started out cold and dry with the sun peeping out from time to time as the morning progressed. As the runners congregated around the start the town crier provided much amusement in his inimitable style. Then, raring to go, they were more than ready for the town mayors countdown and signal for the off.
Over 180 runners had signed up for the race which followed its usual track around the reservoir, up through the woods and back down the fields, before returning via the visitor centre to the race village. The winners of the mens race were Matthew Basnett from Staffordshire Moorlands Athletics Club (time 31:33), Alex Mason - Runners Next the Sea (in 32:05) and Jack Ross from Staffordshire Moorlands Athletics Club (in 32:35). The winners of the womens race were Jenny Graham from Knutsford Tri Club (in 36:33), Joanne Moss from Sandbach Striders (in 38:04) and Melanie Worthington from Congleton Harriers (in 38:33). All participants received a Biddulph Running Club designer medal (kindly donated by Priory Properties and Lettings Services)!
The race village was buzzing this year and included a charity cake stall (Debra Fothergill), a running accessory stall (PAU Run & Ride) and a hot food and beverage stall manned by the Biddulph Scouts. The town mayor (Jim Garvey) and the town crier were in attendance for the duration and chip timing for the main race was by Andrew Vickerman of AV timing. Hollinshead Coaches provided free transport to and from Sainsbury's car park (the store manager kindly permitting free car parking at Sainsbury for the event). PAU Run & Ride sponsored the race numbers and drone footage of the event was captured courtesy of Biddulph Rotary Club. Medical cover from North staffs Voluntary First Aid Service was on hand just in case!!
The race was superbly marshalled by members of Biddulph Running Club, past club members and friends, and volunteers from Biddulph Rotary Club. Bryan Dale of Bryan Dale racephotos was out on the course all morning taking action shots of all competitors and these are available for free download from his web site racephotos. Henry Ecclestone was also on hand in the midst of the race village and produced some superb photos of the proceedings as the morning progressed. The Rotary club also provided some overhead shots using a drone.
The event was a resounding success with everyone crossing the finish line with a smile on their face. There was plenty of positive feedback being bandied about post-race as competitors compared notes on their Knype Pool experience! The course had been fairly dry compared with other years but there was enough mud to keep even the most hardened trail/fell runners happy!!
Prior to the main race was the 1 mile fun run and this attracted over 20 children. The run started from across the bridge looping around the first part of the reservoir, across the dam and back to the race village. All of the children ran a fantastic circuit and went home happy donning a stylish medal (courtesy of Priory Properties and Lettings Services). The first fun runner across the line finished in just over 6 minutes which is an amazing feat - well done to him from Biddulph Running Club!
All monies generated from the event are to be donated to the Biddulph Town Mayors chosen charities which, this year, are Alzheimers Research UK, Approach Dementia Support and Biddulph Youth Initiative. The totals are yet to be finalised and a cheque will be presented to the mayor Jim Garvey in due course.
The race organisers were Graham Fisher and Dawn Addison-Moss with support from the rest of the running club committee and members.
Graham Fisher had this to say after the race; "We hope to run it next year. The event was a success because of the time, effort and support given by a great many people and companies. I think it showcases what a community event raising money for local charities can do."
The Knype Pool Charity event will return in February 2024. Hope to see you all there again.
GLH
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