The Welsh Castles Relay Race Report 9 & 10 Jun

By Flt Lt Carl Thompson

Sometime ago in a Public House in a somewhat sombre mood (the RAF had just suffered the narrowest defeat possible by the Army in the Seniors Men’s Inter-Service Cross Country- that topic deserves a book not a race report) a Welshman mentioned the Welsh Castles Relay. A race from Caernarfon Castle to Cardiff. One weekend, 20 Stages and 20 runners needed. The seed of an idea was firmly planted into my fertile mind and I thought why not enter an RAF Team?

An e-mail to the race organiser revealed that he would welcome our entry (thank-you Mr Richard Brewer) and that he could enter the Royal Air Force in the Business House Category. The teams in this category included South Wales Police, Corus – previously British Steel, Air Products and Net Regs. Another 58 teams were also entered including a Interval 2000 a Spanish Team, the Haarlem Globetrotters –a running team from the Netherlands (not the basketball squad!), Cardiff, Swansea, Thames Hare and Hounds, Team Bath AC, Clevedon and the host club Les Croupiers also from Cardiff. With entries filling fast for the 25th anniversary of the event I would need to be quick to secure a place. I then consulted those awfully nice people from the Royal Air Force Athletic Association and the RAF Sports Board. They wished me luck and provided the entry fee and travel authority for the event. The challenge then begun, with the track boys not fancying the test of running at least 9 miles in Wales- quite right they need their speed for the Inter-Service Athletics, the competition with weekend domestic activities, withdrawals through injury, the now quite usual out of area commitments I eventually at the very last minute managed to muster up a team of 20 runners, most familiar faces, some returning back into RAF competition and some running for the RAF for the first ever time.

With the team assembled, the Royal Air Force Athletic Association made its debut in the 25th Welsh Castles Relay which took place over the weekend of the 9 and 10 Jun 07. This event really is a unique race. Consisting of 20 “A to B” stages varying from 9.1 miles to 13.3 miles in distance. Each stage started “en masse” as the leading runner from the previous stage crosses the line. The race started at Caernarfon Castle at 10.30hrs on 9 Jun 07, and after 10 stages paused at Newtown on Saturday night at about 1900hrs. (It was rumoured that the runners who had already competed could be seen boosting the local economy taking on board much well deserved refreshment in food and liquid form). The organisers thoughtfully provided overnight accommodation and breakfast in the Newtown Leisure Centre, (Sports Hall Floor, Squash Court or Camping). The race then recommenced at 0700 hrs sharp on Sunday morning and finished within the picturesque grounds of Cardiff castle at about 1600 on Sunday afternoon. Each stage is a race in its own right, with prizes for the stage winner, first veteran over 40 and first lady. A total of six stages are designated “Mountain Stages”. These “challenging” stages were the stage race within the stage race with a King of the Mountains, Queen of the Mountains and Monarch of The Mountains (veteran over 40) team prizes.

The logistical challenge of sourcing a total of 20 runners from RAF Stations all over the country, getting them in the correct place at the correct time, with a running number, making provision for them to be reunited with some form of transport actually proved to be possible at first attempt, with no rehearsal largely due to the faith, patience and goodwill of all of the team and the fact at literally the 11th hour Carl Rice persuaded his wife to run 9.2 miles. The mobile phone also helped out rather a lot!

The RAF Team roll of honour, times and positions can be found through the results button below. The highlights included 3 top three finishes. Some of the non-mountain stages might as well have been. Unusually for Wales the weather was glorious - for holiday makers - bathing us in bright shine across the weekend. It was a very hot weekend.

Clevedon secured a fantastic victory their 30th anniversary year. Well done Clevedon. The RAF Team finished in 11th place overall and won the Business House Category. Team results can be found here and the full results are available at www.lynwood31.com/wcrelay/index.html or via the Les Croupiers website www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/.

The support along the route, the friendly competition, welsh hospitality, the scenery, the hills and the camaraderie made it a truly unique experience. The Spaniards in particular were tremendously enthusiastic about the whole thing, creating a real buzz that carried through the entire weekend.

The team of Richard Brewer, Alan Thomas, Paul Stillman and Les Croupiers put on a first class event, including the excellent results service and super presentation. It really was a privilege to take part. We really would love to return in 2008 to defend our Business House title and maybe even secure a stage win or top ten finish.

Results

28th RAF Benevolent Fund Halton Hills Cross Country Race and 5th Annual Ramble - 09 May

By Flt Lt Carl Thompson, Photos by RAF Halton Photographic Section

The 28th consecutive Royal Benevolent Fund Halton Cross-Country Race took place by kind permission of the Station Commander, Group Captain R D Gammage MSc MA RAF, RAF Halton on Wednesday 9 May 07. The event takes entries from Service personnel and MoD employed civilian individuals and teams. For the fifth time the event also incorporated a ramble over the same course. Many teams traveled a considerable distance to compete with Aldergrove, Coningsby and Honington all in attendance.

This demanding yet rewarding event started and finished at the Burnett Gym, RAF Halton and covered the traditional route of some 7.5 miles through the picturesque Wendover Woods. The event is deliberately designed as a challenge and includes a number of steep inclines and steep descents! In short (it isn’t when you run it) 7.5 miles with seven big hills. For the statistically minded amongst you there is an overall ascent of 1200 ft.

The race has much history. Each hill has been commemorated with names such as Cardiac Arrest and Legless Last and of course the infamous Cobley’s Rise; named after the founding father of this race Don Cobley. Don passed away in 1999 but for those not old or “bald”or is it bold? enough to remember him, Don was an RAF Physical Training Instructor, an Olympian at Pentathlon and RAF running legend who inspired many over the years. History lesson now complete, onto the race report.

This year’s race was held in cool conditions on a dry fast surface, no mud this year despite a light drizzle for most of the race. Wing Commander Dave Cole V45 (High Wycombe) led from start to finish to maintain his excellent record in the race, Dave showed age is no barrier to success; he recorded an excellent time of 46 min 20 sec. Cpl Marcus Maxwell (Benson) finished strongly to secure second place in 48 min 55 sec overhauling Cpl Steve Robinson (Honington) the third place finisher in 49 min 15 sec. Pete Golding V50 (Honington) who continues to go strength to strength finished fourth overall in 50 min 46 sec. Plt Off Helen Taylor (High Wycombe) recorded an excellent time of 55 min 55 sec to secure 15th placeamongst the men and victory in the ladies race. Jodie Digby (Halton) was second in 61 min 29 sec. High Wycombe secured victory in the men’s team competition ( Dave Cole 1st , John Lawler 7th ,Brett Edgeworth 16th and Jonnie Johnson 21st ) holding off Southwick Park ( Alistair Ewing 5th, Nige Bostock 6th, Ken Ivory 12th and Bradley 31st). Team honours in the ladies race went to Halton (Jodie Digby 2nd, Bonthrone 3rd and Sue Pugh 5th). The Halton Phys Ed Team won the Don Cobley trophy awarded to the first Halton Section Team to finish. Race results can be found below.

Having been involved in RAF races for 18 years I am also very pleased to report to a new development on the RAF running scene. It is customary to see the Station Commander start a race but Group Captain Richard Gammage has set a precedent by starting, competing and completing the race. Setting a superb example he completed the course along with his pet spaniel dog. Despite a few unscheduled detours they finished 23rd overall in 58 min 16 sec. A mention should also go to someone making a welcome return to the RAF running scene. Group Captain John Lawler V50 (High Wycombe). John showed he has not forgotten how to run a good race by finishing an excellent 7th overall.

Overall the race was fine example of smooth organization and excellent teamwork all round. SAC Dan Parry took a break from his primary duty in the Halton Regiment GDT Section to head up and organize this years Halton Hills support team. Excellent pre and post race administration was the order of the day and special thanks are due to Warrant Officers’ Steve Langley, Eddie Foodstadt, Kev Wright and Andy Tipping, the Physical Education Flight and the SERCO Support Services Team led by Les Coulson. Ian Kevan from Ultra-Sport supported the event by providing additional prizes and the opportunity to buy specialist running kit. The efficient and encouraging race marshals were provided Recruit Development Squadron and Airman Development Squadron. Everyone was particularly impressed with the professional handling of the event.

For those who have yet to experience this unique event I would urge you all to get on the start line in 2008.

Results

INTER SERVICE MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON 22 APR

Report by Flt Lt Carl Thompson

Athletes from the Royal Air Force, Army and Royal Navy joined a record 36,396 starters for the 27th running of the London Marathon. Martin Lel (Ken) regained the Flora London Marathon title with a devastating finishing kick showing that the 26.2mile distance can be as much about speed as it is endurance. Lel won in 2:07:41, three seconds ahead of Abderrahim Goumri (Mar) with last year’s champion, Felix Limo (Ken), third in 2:07:44. Double Olympic track champion, Haille Gebrselassie, one of the sport’s legends, was forced to stop at the 20 mile mark suffering from a stitch when he looked in a good position to make a serious challenge. In the hot conditions (20 Degrees Celcius by midday), there was never going to be the chance of an attempt at the world record of 2:04:55 held by Paul Tergat.

At the business end of the field 100km specialist Brian Cole (Royal Navy) took Inter-Service Honours in 2:35:31. Running tactically the Royal Marine held off Steve Weetman (Army) by just 2 seconds. In third was a new find for the Army - Andy Savery in 2:37:57. The Inter-Service Veterans competition was won by Iain Robert (Royal Navy) in 2:45:03. Simon Bell (RAF) was second in 2:48:52 and third the evergreen Doug Brisco (Army and V50) completed the course in 2:49:10. The ladies title was won by Issy Menzies (Army) in a very respectable 2:56:04, second was Army tri-athlete Lindsey Courage also under 3 hours in 2:59:26 and third was Wendy Scott (Royal Navy and V35) in 3:10:31.

The RAF Championships were won by Greg MacDonald he dipped under 2hr 45 min with 2:44:57, second was Tim Artus making a most welcome return to RAF Road Running with 2:47:51 and third was 2006 title holder and veteran Simon Bell in 2:48:52. Second veteran was Shane Connolly in 2:54:31 and in third was Paul Gittins 3:11:49.

Athletes from all 3 services are to be congratulated on the spirit in which they conducted themselves on the day.

Results

Interservice Half Marathon Championships - 22 Mar

Report by Flt Lt Carl Thompson

Athletes from the Royal Air Force, Army and Royal Navy joined over 2100 other runners in the 26th anniversary of the Fleet Half Marathon. The race serves as a warm up for the London Marathon has also held the Inter-Service Championships for a number of years. The majority of the RAF squad were using the race in their build up to the 2007 London Marathon in April. On their home turf the Army are always strong, and the task for the RAF in the Inter Service Championship Race was not made any easier by a clash with the National Cross Country Championships being held the day before, with some of the elite RAF runners representing their civilian clubs. The race was held in near perfect conditions with the exception of a prevailing headwind around the 9-mile mark.

The race winner Great Britain International was Mark Miles (Belgrave Harriers) setting a new course record of 66 min 05 sec, three minutes faster than last years winning time set by Toby Lambert. Mark broke clear of eventual second finisher Haggai Chepkonwy (Army) with about 8 minutes left to run, Haggai recording 66 min 38 sec to win the Inter Service Title. Third was Elliot Robinson (Aldershot Farnham and District) in 68 min 22 sec. The next service athlete to finish was Brian Cole (Royal Navy) in 6th place – 72 min 04 sec. Third in the Inter Service event was Steve Weetman (Army) - 73 min 40 sec.

The Inter Service Women’s event was won by Cpl Issy Menzies (Army) in 82 min 46 sec. The Inter Service Veteran’s event was won by Rob Payne (RAF). Rob making the journey back from Brunssum in Holland well worthwhile recording a time of 77 min 14 sec.

The fastest RAF man on the day and therefore the RAF Half Marathon Champion for 2007 was Daz Wigmore (RAF Lossiemouth) in 75 min 09 sec. Daz made the long journey well worthwhile to win the RAF half marathon title on his first attempt, this very promising athlete is also preparing for the London marathon. Second was Marcus Maxwell (RAF Benson) 76 min 15 sec and third was Rob Payne. Carrie Ward (RAF Lossiemouth) secured the RAF Ladies title in 100 min 18 sec. The Inter Service Team Competition Results tell their own story. The highlight from the RAF perspective was the Veterans Team’s successful defence of the team title.

Total 2,611 Finishers

Athletes from all 3 services are to be congratulated on the spirit in which they conducted themselves on the day. Full results can be obtained from www.fleethalfmarathon.com.

Teddy Hall Road Relays - 7 Mar

Report by Flt Lt Carl Thompson

The Royal Air Force Road Racing Team returned to make their second ever appearance in the Teddy Hall Relays. This prestigious road relay event is organised by the Oxford University Cross Country Club and is held at the Roger Bannister track, Iffley Road, Oxford. This year the Teddy Hall Relays were the fifth fixture in the University Road Relay series. The starting list included over 150 teams, mens, ladies and mixed teams and a total of over 500 runners. The race consists of 4 x 3.6 mile legs, each starting and finishing on the Bannister track, taking in Magdalen Bridge, a stretch along the Thames towpath past the boathouses, over the Donnington Bridge before returning to Iffley Road to finish on the track. Pre-race favourites included defending champions Oxford University and Loughborough students. Cambridge, Bristol, Birmingham and Nottingham Universities were also out in force. The splendidly named “Hunters Bog Trotters” had also travelled down from Edinburgh. The Royal Air Force had mustered a ladies team, a veterans team and three senior teams, imaginatively titled RAF “A”, “B” and “C”. The Road Racing Team Manager had to contend with the now almost traditional RAF Senior/Veteran selection conundrum. Go for best team regardless of age or go for veteran team success. The team manager (a veteran himself) unselfishly elected to go for veteran success! An update on the validity of the decision will be given later in the report. The race was held in bright sunny calm conditions perfect for runners and spectators alike. As usual one section of the towpath included a water splash section that would not have been out of place in a cross-country race.

The RAF "A" team was led off by Ian Bailey (RAF Marham). The first leg as usual was loaded with team runners aiming for fast times and the usual lightning fast start on the track ensued. Ian prepared for his nightshift later the same day by recording the fastest Air Force time of the day 19 min 02 sec, 9th fastest of the first leg runners and only 5 seconds slower than Martin Whitehouse recorded in 2006. Dan Parry (RAF Halton) set off on leg two, Dan had to cope with the unusual diversion of witnessing a runner trying to avoid the water splash section on the Thames river towpath by jumping off the towpath onto one of the Oxford Boat House floating pontoons, this competitors bid to keep his trainers dry failed miserably as he failed to account for the fact his stride length or long jumping ability would not bridge the gap between the pontoons, all the unfortunate runner did achieve was full immersion in the River Thames! To his credit Dan then put in a massive effort to put some distance between him and his soaked rival. It does have to be reported a very wet runner, unusual on a dry sunny day, eventually caught him. Dan contained his mirth remarkably well to record a very useful time of 20 min 25 sec. Third leg was Steve Robinson (RAF Honington) he sensibly elected to put up with his running shoes getting wet to record 20min 56 sec and the final leg saw Daz Priest (RAF Brampton) get some last minute speed work in before the Fleet half marathon the following Sunday to bring the RAF home in 10th place. Daz was just over the elusive sub 20 min mark recording 20 min 05 sec. He brought the team home in 10th place. 101 (one hundred and one) teams completed the mens team race. Oxford University Cross Country Club ran out clear winners, Bristol University 2nd and Cambridge University were third. Fastest leg of the day was Jon Blackledge (OUCCC) 17 min 29 sec.

The RAF Ladies were making their debut in the Ladies Team event (3 x 3.6 miles). Jo Roe (HQ STC – but nearly always Out of Area) timed her return to the UK well. She led the team off in recording 25 min 22 sec, second leg was Keri Jones (RAF Innsworth) 26 min 18 sec and the final leg was completed by Shirley McCullagh (RAF Innsworth) she sharpened up for her half marathon debut at Fleet the following Sunday with a 26 min 27 sec final leg. Carol Cowley (RAF Innsworth- civilian) also competed on the day in the RAF Mens “C” team. Carol recorded 25 min 57 sec. It was later confirmed that there were no prizes for the three men and a lady team format. The ladies race was won by Oxford University, University of London 2nd and Headington Road Runners 3rd. The RAF ladies were 11th from the 37 finishing teams. Fastest leg was Courtney Birch Oxford -19 min 46 sec. I can confirm the ladies completed the same distance as the men.

The RAF “B” Team consisted off Dave Edwards (RAF Halton), recording a respectable 21min 47 secs, Doug Brisco (DLO Andover- Army Vet 50) 20 min 23 sec. Doug putting in a special guest appearance, Mark Charity (RAF Halton) 22 min 30 sec and Nick Gaulder (RAF Lyneham) recorded 23 min 27 sec bringing the “B” team home in 35th place.

The RAF “C” Team consisted off Craig Metcalf (RAF Northolt) 22min 10 sec- Craig also fitted in the final leg for his civilian club Hillingdon AC. His loyalty to Hillingdon AC was in my opinion misguided he improved to 22 min 05 sec. Tony Paterson (RAF Benson) the Benson 7 Race organiser and RAF Running legend recorded 30 min 03 sec, Carol Cowley (RAF Innsworth) second mention – one run - 25 min 57 sec and Gav Tipple (RAF Innsworth) 24 min 12 sec. Gav has been the RAF Road Relay organiser for many years and continues to make a big contribution to RAF running. Gav brought the team home in 86th place.

The RAF Veterans team was led off by Graham Glynn (RAF Wyton). Graham making a welcome return to the RAF running scene recording 22 min 54 sec, Carl Thompson (RAF Henlow) got round in 21 min 28 sec. The question remaining was would the RAF Honington duo of Al Turnbull and Pete Golding be able to make up the deficit on the other veteran teams? Al recorded an excellent 19 min 28 sec and Pete recorded 20 min 19 sec. This gave the Vets 24th place overall and third vets team. About 3 mins behind what is effectively the Oxford City nationally renowned Vets team masquerading as the Sport Shop “Fit 2 Run” and 17 secs behind the Oxford City Vets “B” team.

Calculations made after the event reveal that selection of Al Turnbull in our senior team would only have improved the senior team to 8th place. This year the National Cross Country Champs were held on the following Saturday 3 days later, understandably some of our best senior runners were unavailable. On balance (I am writing the report!) I think I just about got away with the decision to go for veteran team glory.

Finally I would like to thank those RAF Athletes who took the plunge to try this event and would urge those who missed out to consider competing next year. It really was a great day out and it was good to see the RAF team compete in the relay format. I aim to make it a regular fixture for the Road Racing Team.