Club announcements
Yateley 10K races: A big thank you from Roger, Alurie and Jenny to all the volunteers for the three Yateley 10K races, as always you did an excellent job, despite unprecedented difficulties this year.
We are always amazed how so many of you turn up year after year, when asked, to carry out your duties with enthusiasm, good-humour and efficiency, even when asked to cover the most mundane jobs! It is due to you all that the Series has such a good reputation and is enjoyed by so many runners.
Book swap: Please remember that Sandhurst Joggers has a running library for all your running and coaching needs. You can borrow from this library or you can lend. Please contact Alison Jones if you would like any books added onto the book swap list or if you would like to borrow one.
Events from the past week:
Following the last weekly run down, there have been so many events going on for Sandhurst Joggers members including Endure 24, Yateley 10k races and London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Endure 24:
Well done to Jane Bannister, Sharon Burfield, Alison Jones, Andrea Hadfield, Lina Johnson, Ian Watson, Colin Carpenter, Teresa Milroy, Jim Casey, Beanie Watson, Alan Kirby, Polly Harris, Sophie White, Dave Ayling, Richard Boese and Dave Bartlett who completed the Endure 24 event, which for this year was not in its usual Reading location but Henley-on-Thames. I spoke with some of the runners to get their thoughts on how they found it.
Beanie said ‘It was my first race in a long time (years) and absolutely loved being the one in our team to take the first lap. Very emotional after so long without events. Hilarious memories of a guy doing it solo. Singing Charlie & the Chocolate factory at 4am – I truly think he was starting to lose it. Put it this way, if I met him anywhere else I’d have crossed the street but in the spirit of Endure I thanked him for his (terrible) singing and kept pace with him all the way round. Having set out to run 2 laps and running 4 was a real achievement and one only made possible by the encouragement from Jim, Phil and of course my Dad. As always, proud to be with the SJ’s and be blessed with such great company’.
Teresa said ‘I have always wanted to do an endurance event but I wasn’t keen on camping as I’ve never done it before… However giving the past few months we’ve had and that SJ needed runners for Endure 24 I decided to go for it. I had been running regularly and knew I could manage 4 or 5 laps so I decided to give it a go…. I was teamed with my dad (Colin), Jane, Polly and Richard. It was a fantastic event and thoroughly enjoyable. Jane did a fantastic job in organising the team and there was no pressure to complete any amount of laps. You just did what you wanted and the support was fantastic. It was a brilliant atmosphere and support from everyone. All the SJs rallied around and looked after each other.
It was nice being back to a bit of normality and chatting with people who love running. It was fun working out when it was best to eat, rest and shower in between the runs and the facilities were very good. The best bit on the course for me was that you never knew what the people were doing around you. Were they fresh and part of a large team and only done a couple of laps? Or were they part of a pair and done several laps? Then there are the solos who did all the laps… it was amazing to be surrounded by so many inspiring people. Endure 24 was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. You left feeling tired but accomplished and I would do it all again in a heartbeat… Thank you Sandhurst Joggers for making it possible and for the adventure. I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else’.
Ian said ‘This year’s Endure24 was different from normal years. A new location (Temple Meadows, Henley) had a lot more flat running, mostly beside the Thames but with a sneaky and challenging hill in there to mix it up but also provide some lovely views of the surrounding countryside and the river. With 5 in each of two teams this year and a motley collection of the recently-injured, the under-trained and runners new to the format, the SJ goals – certainly in our team were set more realistically, with each runner doing exactly what they wanted and no team expectations. We certainly didn’t expect to do a full 24hrs of running, but the late addition of Phil Beard, whose partner in a 2-person team had to pull out, meant we were able to do more than expected. Phil obviously didn’t expect to sleep, which was just as well as his teeny tent appeared to have come from Early Learning Centre. We all got to do runs in the dark with head-torches.
I think that’s a positive, since surely that’s the point of doing a 24-hr event? It’s where the magic happens! We all had a jolly time. Phil could fill his boots with as many 5-mile laps as he wanted to run, Jim Casey decided to run some and walk a few more with no rush, Beanie Watson and Sophie White, convinced they might manage 2 laps at a push, got right into the way of it and did 4 and 5 respectively, and I resisted the temptation to do any more than 3 to try and not re-injure myself – this event was me “easing myself in” (!) with my first running since my knee exploded in April. Different from the previous years though it was, Endure24 once again a well-organised event, and just as enjoyable as ever. The highlight for me was to be doing it with daughter Beanie – a very rare treat – and to see her share the joy that the event has given me. Now at least she’ll know what I’m talking about when I bore her with the details of my experiences next year’.
Alison said ‘Well here we were, Endure 24, in Henley on Thames who would have predicted that! When the
word got out that the usual venue of Wasing Park in Reading was not available we all had to
have a rethink. I had entered the original event as a member of a Sandhurst Joggers team of 8 runners, but as
the time went on, more and more seemed to drop out, so it looked like we would struggle to
get enough people to field a couple of teams. As it happened my Amigo’s and I ran the Race to the King, a few weeks before, and having done the Race to the Stones, the year before, we had upgraded to “Glamping” but this was not available at Race to the King, so after spending a night in a 2 man tent, on a slope, I decided this was not for me! Running 100K was fine, but sleeping in a tent, on an incline was not funny. I noticed that the company I “glamped with” was at Endure 24, the rest was a no brainer! We entered as solo runners, so that we could run together, but I did not forget my loyalty to Sandhurst Joggers, even though I did not have a tent to erect (thank God) so I arrived early to help the hardy souls who had done the same. With me I brought tape, flags and poles, so off I headed to mark our territory, which was most of Oxfordshire, who knew! Ian Watson asked if we were starting a homestead, when I said the sheep were in the car, he looked worried!
So Andrea and I being Social Secretaries, were all ready to host the Endure 24 Welcome party, but only Sharon, Andrea and I were there! So we decided to have our own party, then Jim Casey arrived followed by Richard Boese and his son, only Jim was staying overnight. I decided to take a walk over to the SJ camp, just after dinner to see if anyone else had turned up? And I found one of gazebos sailing down the road, so with the help of some fellow campmates we managed to get It back to where it had come from. Dinner was Chilli, wraps and cheese, what is not to like, early morning start (12.00) Bacon rolls and tea, we included our only other SJ member Jim Casey, so all was good. After a good nights sleep, off we set for our laps for today! 6 laps on Saturday (approx 30 Miles) finished at around 7pm, food then back to the “wigwam” for Cheese, Biscuits and Wine, followed by a great nights sleep and another 2 laps in the morning. This is the way to go folks, running, but not as they know it!’.
Yateley 10K Races:
The annual Yateley 10K races went ahead this year with all three races taking place within a short amount of time and in very hot weather conditions (and an England football game included!). Overall the comments from both SJ members and runners from other running clubs was positive, with plenty of well-deserved praise for all the volunteers and in particular the Yateley 10K committee, who have worked so hard to put all three races together and ensure they are covid-19 safe. Well done to all the runners because without you, there would be no Yateley 10K!
London Landmarks Half Marathon:
On the 1st August, a group of Sandhurst Joggers members travelled over to London to complete the London Landmarks Half Marathon which due to covid-19, had been rescheduled more than once. After the bus set off at 8am and dropped us near Hyde Park, we all walked over to our start points and after a bit of a wait, the race was underway. The weather for the day was overcast and sunny at points but humid also so the water stations were well needed! We all finished the race in great times and headed back to the bus (with some who finished earlier on detouring to a local Pizza Express) and raised over £13,000 which will go to the Guide Dogs charity.
Parkrun is back, including our local event at Sandhurst Memorial Park! If you would like to volunteer to help at Parkrun, please email sandhurstmemorial@parkrun.com. Well done to all the club runners with runs taking place all around the country.
Bedfont Lakes:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 12 | Stuart OVERHILL | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:22:26 |
| 61 | 20 | Alison WINDERS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:29:54 |
Frimley Lodge:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 16 | Jon PAYNE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:20:43 |
| 72 | 4 | Sharon FIELDS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:24:22 |
| 169 | 121 | Jim HAFFEY | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:29:50 |
| 204 | 63 | Janet VENABLES | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:32:18 |
| 235 | 81 | Alurie Maye DUTTON | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:36:33 |
Eastleigh:
Bracknell:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 36 | Paul SLIWINSKI | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:24:16 |
| 200 | 122 | Bill PARKER | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:38:10 |
Houghton Hall:
Weymouth:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 4 | Sarah HYATT | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:22:15 |
| 259 | 189 | Neil HYATT | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:29:37 |
Fountains Abbey:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | 161 | Richard BOESE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:31:31 |
Rushmoor:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 33 | Nick METCALFE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:21:56 |
| 90 | 10 | Elin LOFTESNES | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:25:37 |
| 105 | 90 | Martin GOULD | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:26:29 |
| 130 | 106 | John KING | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:27:41 |
| 187 | 37 | Janet FORD | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:30:38 |
Dinton Pastures:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 57 | Chris COLE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:27:39 |
| 96 | 78 | Iain FINDLAY | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:28:59 |
| 98 | 16 | Mo WILLCOX | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:29:14 |
| 102 | 19 | Jo FRASER | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:29:23 |
Woolacombe Dunes:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 40 | Liz UJSZASZI EVANS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:36:36 |
| 152 | 87 | Nigel EVANS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:36:37 |
Sandhurst Memorial Park:
| Position | Gender Position | parkrunner | Club | Run Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 8 | Ellie WATSON | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:27:38 |
| 52 | 33 | Simon WHILLIS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:31:07 |
| 54 | 34 | Colin CARPENTER | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:31:59 |
| 57 | 21 | Helen DAVEY | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:32:10 |
| 59 | 37 | Roger HALLIWELL | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:33:35 |
| 65 | 27 | Catriona WICKHAM | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:34:14 |
| 73 | 34 | Alison BONE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:36:31 |
| 79 | 43 | Mark NEVE | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:40:09 |
| 83 | 44 | Graeme LAFFERTY | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:42:11 |
| 90 | 42 | Jackie ROBERTS | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:50:07 |
| 95 | 45 | Sam GOODALL | Sandhurst Joggers | 00:50:54 |
Here is the latest leaderboard for SJ on Strava, to take part in this just create a free Strava account and link it to the club in your profile. Well done everyone, keep up the good work!
Club Events for the week ahead…
Monday:
Patrick Wadsworth will be taking the Monday Club run from Sandhurst Sports Centre leaving at 7:30 for 6 miles in an hour (distances and duration are Monday miles and minutes and bear passing resemblance to those in use at other times).
Tuesday:
The biggest club run of the week will as always offer multiple groups to cater for all abilities from beginners through to faster and more experienced runners. It’s perfect for novices and those coming back from injury or a long lay-off because you can start with an easy group and work your way upwards. The start time is 6:30pm as always this week from the regular start at Sandhurst Memorial Park.
Tuesday Intervals:
Alongside the Tuesday group runs is intervals and the venue varies but most weeks we meet at the Tythings, Yateley or at the Morgan Rec (where the handicap is), Crowthorne. The session can support with helping you get faster, building up endurance with the session being for all abilities and no-one is left behind.
Wednesday Day Run:
If you are struggling to run in the evenings, there is now a run from the Sandhurst Memorial Park at 12:30pm. Anyone of any ability can go and enjoy a run and a chat with a variety of routes.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is a club run with Andrea Vincent and Sharon Burfield. The session is for an hour which is full of friendly chat and no-one is left behind with everyone welcome.
Thursday:
A run with Erol will contain hills, laughs, and a couple of wrong turns (normally), but you can guarantee you’ll end up at the car park eventually, and with a smile at the end of it all! Meet at Sandhurst Sports Centre at 7:30pm and lights and high vis clothing will be required. The run is a great way to improve fitness by running as a group at a slightly harder intensity.
Friday:
Friday night is track night with 3 of our experienced coaches James, Carl and Newton and the venue varies depending on where the coaches are leading the session from and the focus on the sessions. These sessions are for anyone who wants to improve their speed and endurance for running and no-one is left behind.
Saturday:
Lots of members will be enjoying their weekly Parkrun fix at 9am on Saturday morning, if you’re thinking of going somewhere new then post on the Facebook page as there may be other members planning on running at the same place as you! Wherever you are parkrunning – Don’t forget your barcode!
Sunday:
Come along and give the The Sunday Lookout run a try with Dick Newman and Emy Circuit. They say its the best run of the week but might be a bit biased! It’s a flexible run leaving from The Lookout at 9 am with different groups to suit a wide range of abilities. The three ‘Cs’ of Coffee, cake and chat are enjoyed in the cafe post-run.
Thanks for reading the Run Down, have a safe week of running and I’ll see you next week!
Please do let me know if you are doing any events, I can only report what I see on Strava and Facebook and I hope you appreciate there may be things I miss!
Ping me a message over the weekend and I will include it so others can see what we are doing and may be inspired to try a different event.
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