06/12/2009 Grim 2009
Harriers conquer the Grim and Grime in style.
If the 'Grim challenge' involved horses it would have been banned
years ago. Instead, since it involves mere humans, it goes from
strength to strength, as 2279 entrants, boosted by 15 Halterworth
Harriers, sacrificed their Sunday morning lie-in to take on the
Army tank testing course in Aldershot.
This year's 8 mile event was the wettest ever (not surprising considering
the recent deluges); the smallest puddles had turned into ponds,
the ponds into lakes. Whilst the yellow sand that covered most of
the course had turned into a viscous gloop that successfully covered
most of the athletes from head to foot. Eternal optimist, Peter
Haig, was heard to say 'At least it's not icy', referring to last
year's outing when a man with a sledgehammer was sent ahead of the
runners to break the ice.
Despite warnings from the enthusiastic race announcer, first timer
Mark Sills found himself submerged in only the second water hazard
of the race. Fortunately this didn't dampen his spirits as he went
on to lead one of the Harrier squads home to a very creditable 11th
place.
The promised sand dune did not materialise (it was probably levelled
by Saturday's downpour) but the course did not disappoint, with
the highlight being a 50 metre waddle through what seemed like quicksand,
followed by a wade through a waist deep ravine. The crowd that gathered
would have felt more at home in The Coliseum as they bayed for the
intrepid athletes to slip under the freezing water. Hopefully most
of them will find something better to do with their Sunday mornings
by next year.
Despite its reputation, the Grim Challenge is essentially a fun
run and more than one seasoned Harrier did a double take as they
were passed by fairies with pink wings and super heroes in full
costume. Jane Vennik, Gill Southam and Simone Arnott were traumatised
at having to follow a group of bare-chested young men for most of
the race, unable to pass them how ever hard they tried.
Michael Tanner was the first Harrier home, finishing 56th overall,
but his achievement was eclipsed by the women's team of Jane Heyer,
Abi Batholemew and Rachel Shimell. They won the women's team event
which must go down as the outstanding Harrier performance of day.
Finally, Sara Kenyon continues to move up the ranking each year
and made it back before the rest of the Harriers had devoured her
exceedingly good home made 'high energy biscuits'.
Halterworth Harriers - The Grim Challenge (6th December 2009)
27/4/2009 Double marathon success for Halterworth Harriers
Despite training through the coldest winter in a decade, breaking the
ice in puddles and snapping the tops off frozen grass as they ran the
four Halterworth Harriers in two different marathons last weekend suffered
varying degrees of disappointment in their results, slowed but not defeated
by the glorious conditions on the day. Ian Lochray, Frances Ter Haar and
Martin Rosell came back from the last Flora London Marathon to compare
notes with Barrie Roberts who had competed in Stratford’s Shakespeare
Marathon.
With temperatures soaring as high as 20 degrees dehydration became a
major danger for all four runners with the additional fun of Cramp and
nausea thrown in for good measure, a combination of factors that made
all of the Harriers determined never to put on a pair of running shoes
again once they’d finished. A determination that lasted all the
way until Monday when the ballot for the 2010 Virgin London marathon opened
and at least 2 of the intrepid foursome had their names on the list.
Ian was quickest home in 3.31.51, followed by Frances in 4.13 with Martin
5 minutes behind her, Barrie finished the Shakespeare marathon in 4.25,
however the spirits of all runners were lifted when they realised that
they had at least all beaten Peter Andre and Jordan by nearly 3 hours,
and managed to stay ahead of Elvis, Lara Croft and assorted Wombles, Rhinos
and Mister Men, although Martin’s spirit was crushed when he couldn’t
catch the 2 metre tall Beer Bottle at mile 22 (although that may have
been a hallucination by that stage)
22/3/2009
Halterworth Harrier takes on the Marwell challenge
Whilst others were pampering their Mums or being pampered by their families
on Mothers’ Day, Southampton resident, Jean Parker (61 yrs), flew
the flag for the Harriers in the Marwell 10 km. Jean, who has regularly
cycled with CTC Southampton for 24 years has only recently started running
and, having missed this event last year because of injury, was determined
to run this time.
Marwell Zoo was buzzing with anticipation from children entering the
fun run and the large field of runners entering the 10 km. It was a delight
to see the animals enjoying the spring sunshine on the walk through the
zoo to the start line. Families and friends cheered the runners through
the first kilometre in the zoo grounds. The race then headed uphill to
Owslebury before turning back to finish by Marwell Hall. Although, by
the standards of most of the field, Jean’s time was not so fast,
coming through the finish line at 1:07:01, but she was faster than she
had expected. “I knew from cycling that the hill to Owslebury was
tough and I should run the first 4 km steadily. Then it seemed like downhill
all the way so I made up some time”.
Although Jean lives in Southampton she runs with the Romsey based Halterworth
Harriers because her running partner lives in Romsey. She says “they
are a small friendly club who have been so encouraging and motivating
for me, despite being a late-starter to running.’
15/3/2009 Harriers put in double the effort in weekend of spring sunshine
Two races provided excellent races this weekend for the Halterworth Harriers,
in what proved to be fantastic early season weather.
Exbury 10k puts a spring in Harrier steps
5 Halterworth Harriers enjoyed an early Spring floral display –
and great running conditions – at the Exbury 10k. The famous daffodils
were out, providing an early promise of the colour to come later in the
season. Good times were had by all – in particular Simone Arnott
and Tony Kendrick, who were several minutes faster than their last 10k
times. Jean Parker, Sara Kenyon and Thelma Dowling all ran in smiling,
putting in good performances in their respective classes.
The course was kind, wide enough to avoid congestion in the early stages,
gently sloping down to the sea. As the runners stretched out along the
shingle foreshore, the Isle of Wight formed a magnificent backdrop in
the sea mist. Back up along leafy lanes past Foresters’ cottages,
spurred on by the excellent marshals, the Harriers suddenly found themselves
back in the Gardens for the last stage, threading their way through the
bushes and trees and families out enjoying the Spring day. After the race
the Harriers were treated to goody bags courtesy of the race organisers
and Sara Kenyon’s legendary banana cake and muffins!
All in all a great race, and one to be repeated next year in the Harrier
racing calendar.
Harriers prove Fleet of foot
Meanwhile, 6 intrepid Halterworth Harriers took on the challenge of the
Fleet Half Marathon as their colleagues ran the Exbury 10k.
Conditions were ideal with plenty of warm sunshine and a cooling breeze,
especially in the shade. The warm weather proved perfect for spectators,
many of whom lined the streets in the residential areas and gave much
appreciated encouragement. Others relaxed in deckchairs on the verges
outside their homes along country lanes, soaking up the rays and no doubt
wondering what on earth possesses people to go out and run 13 miles on
a day like Sunday!
Three of the harriers were using the race as continued preparation for
forthcoming marathons. Frances Ter Haar consolidated her impressive progress
towards London Marathon success with a well judged 1 hour 45 mins. Training
for the same event, Ian Lochray proved what fine shape he is in, with
a new personal best of 1 hour 23 mins. Barrie Roberts, preparing for the
Shakespeare marathon on the same day, ran with great assurance to achieve
his target of 1 hour 40 mins – also a personal best.
Michael Tanner continued his fine recent form, coming home in 1 hour
27 mins. Dave Kenyon also achieved an excellent 1 hour 33 mins. And Mark
Sills recorded 1 hour 37 mins in his second half marathon.
Afterwards the team were rejuvenated by the very same banana cake as
the Exbury-ites, thanks to Sara Kenyon, before setting off home, pleased
with another good day’s adventure.
26/01/2009 Halterworth Harriers Sports Personalities of the Year
The Halterworth Harriers held their most important meeting of
the year this Sunday – their AGM at Woodley Village Hall -
with its biggest attendance ever of just under 30 members, many
of whom had recently joined the running club. During the evening
Martin Rosell gave his last address as President, as did Jon Tilt
as Club Coach. Some new committee members were elected, bringing
fresh ideas to a rapidly growing running club.
2 special people received the club’s annual trophies –
Debbie Sims received the Award for ‘Most Improved Harrier’
and Jon Tilt the ‘Club Member of the Year.’ The former
is awarded by the Club Coach for the Harrier who has shown the most
determination and improvement – at any level.
Coach Jon Tilt said of Debbie’s award; ‘For Debbie
it’s been a two year journey that has taken her from just
about being able to run 5 miles to confidently completing a half
marathon. In that time she has completed the Crewkerne 9 twice,
knocked 6 minutes off her 10k time, competed in the notorious Grim
Challenge and successfully run a half marathon in just over 2 hours.’
Jon Tilt was voted by the members as the ‘Club Member of
the Year’ for having given group coaching and individual advice
to all members over the year.
Says Debbie at receiving her Award; ‘'I was shocked but delighted
to receive the award. I feel that I have only been able to make
such improvements through the support and encouragement of the coaches
and the whole club who have helped me throughout the last year.
‘
22/1/2009 Halterworth Harriers’ Tim Triumphs at Manor Farm
Tim Parker of Halterworth Harriers delivered an outstanding performance
to claim victory in the final CC6 of the season at Manor Farm Country
Park. In a closely fought race, Tim proved too strong in the final 200
metres and finished 10 yards ahead of his nearest rival.
The race was run on a delightful Spring morning in the beautiful surroundings
of the Manor Farm Country Park in Bursledon. Whereas the previous race
in the series had been run in almost Arctic conditions, the weather for
this event couldn’t have been better. The sun was shining through
the trees on a still morning as the runners raced over a challenging but
picturesque course through the woods. Some steep inclines and treacherous
mud made the going difficult but the race was thoroughly enjoyed by all
of the competitiors.
In the men’s team event, Harriers Rob Finch and Michael Tanner
joined Tim with top 10 finishes, followed by Jon Tilt, Ian Lochray, Dave
Kenyon, Jon Vamplew and Tony Kendrick. The team finished in second position
in the race and this cemented their place as second overall in the CC6
series for 2008 – 2009, the club’s best performance in their
five year history.
In the ladies’ race, the Harriers were represented by Abi Bartholomew
and Simone Arnott, with both putting in excellent performances. This was
Abi’s first competitive race for the Harriers, having only joined
the club last week.
The race was very well organised and marshalled by Eastleigh running
club.
10/1/2009 Halterworth Harriers double their efforts!
This Sunday saw Halterworth Harriers dividing themselves into two groups
and supporting both the Romsey 5 and the Stockbridge Cross Country Fun
Run.
The annual 5 mile Romsey Road race is always well attended by the Halterworth
Harriers. Being the club’s local race it is also the venue at which
many Harriers have set their PBs and is a great opportunity to test how
much impact the Christmas festivities have had on their fitness levels
and for those already focused on longer events in the spring it serves
as a useful milestone to benchmark their progress. This year the 12 Harriers
who took part were relieved that the sub-zero temperatures had abated
and the sunny sky and (almost) frost-free roads meant that conditions
were perfect. They were led home by Tim Parker, running his first Romsey
5 for the club and finishing in an impressive time of under 31 minutes.
Not far behind were Jon Tilt and Mark Sills (PB), with Dave Kenyon, Barrie
Roberts and Tony Kendrick (PB) completing the men's lineup. Frances Ter
Haar led the ladies home in impressive style, demonstrating that her training
for the Flora London Marathon is well on track. Liz Tilt also ran a great
race and was elated to lower her PB. Jane Vickery, Simone Arnott, Sara
Kenyon and Thelma Dowling completed the ladies lineup. During the post
race celebrations (at the Luzborough House) there was unanimous agreement
that the race would have been ruined by the proposed route of 5.5 laps
of the industrial estate and the club would like to thank all those who
stepped in at the last minute to re-instate the race to the roads.
At the same time as the Romsey 5 was being run, a group of Harriers were
supporting the Stockbridge Fun Run, also a real favourite in the sporting
calendar.
A reduced party made the long journey into the frozen wastelands of Stockbridge
where they split into teams of 8milers and 3milers. The latter being the
larger and more successful team with Sophie Shimell finishing second overall
and first lady home, closely followed by Joe Baverstock-Poppy who despite
making a navigational error at the first corner still managed to catch
up and finish third overall and first male junior proving that the future
for the harriers remains bright. Other 3milers were Joe’s mother
Jenny, Judy Cutbill and son Harry and Andy Smale. Judy and Andy clearly
have ambitions beyond the 3 mile circuit because after a reviving cup
of tea and piece of cake went out to run the course again.
The other team of Ian Lochray, Andy Reid, Martin Rosell and Rachel Shimell
tackled the longer course, grateful for the improvement in conditions
which saw semi-tropical temperatures approaching 8 degrees at one point.
The well laid out and challenging course took the field of 200 or so runners
on a long loop of mainly tracks and footpaths with a minimal amount of
road work and following a long cold and dry spell considerably less mud
than has been evident in recent years, even the now infamous “Gumboot
Gulley” was little more than soft underfoot.
The other members of the Harriers party were Andy Reid’s wife Kate
and their five year old daughter Immy, who undertook the 3 mile circuit
as walkers and official support crew for the rest of the club.
Following successful outings at both events the two groups met at the
Luzborough house to re-hydrate on Guinness and Ringwood Best, drinks we
are assured by someone who once met Paula Radcliffe that are in fact Isotonic,
and to swap experiences of the day.
7/12/008 Harriers Laugh in the face of The Grim Challenge
“Run, wade and crawl, 8 miles of off-road challenge on a course
designed to stretch military vehicles to the limit – Have you got
what it takes?”
This was the taunt sent out to the Halterworth Harriers by the organisers
of The 2008 Grim Challenge.
Without hesitation 14 Harriers signed up to take on the hills, the camouflage
netting, the ravines and the puddle strewn paths, but that was way back
in the summer, would the intrepid athletes be so keen on the coldest morning
of the year?
As the squad departed Romsey at 8.30am on Sunday the temperature was
rising to
-3 degree Celsius, but fortunately the promised fog had not materialised
and the sky was clear and bright – perfect Grim weather.
Lining up at the start with nearly 2000 other athletes, the Harriers
were heartened to hear from the announcer that someone had been sent out
on the course with a sledgehammer to ensure the worst of the ice had been
broken on some of the larger ponds.
The early part of the race eased the runners into a false sense of security,
with just a few gentle hills and a relatively flat path. This allowed
the 4 Harrier teams to set their own pace, with Ian Lochray and Tim Parker
leading the way. However, at the half way point, with limbs just beginning
to tire, the real battle of wits began.
A fiendish, mile long stretch of ravines and gulleys, carved by years
of pounding from tank tracks and now filled with either ice cold water
or a glutinous yellow mud.
Peter Haig, ignoring medical advice, won the award for most muddied athlete
following his swallow dive into one of the stickier, knee deep patches
on the course.
After 8 miles of action packed slipping and sliding the Harriers triumphantly
waded through the final lake before the finish line. Tim and Ian smashed
through the one hour barrier with Dave Kenyon not far behind. Dave Arnott
led the next Harrier team home, along with the singlet wearing Paul Garland
and club president Martin Rosell, but their performances were eclipsed
by Jane Heyer’s outstanding time of 73 minutes, which gained her
first place in her age category. Rachel Shimell rounded off a fine effort
from the Harriers third team. They managed a creditable 20th place in
the mixed team event, finishing well ahead of the popular ‘Snow
white and the seven muddy dwarfs’ team.
Possibly the most bizarre run of the day came from Sara Kenyon who managed
to knock 8 minutes off last years time despite helping push an ambulance
out of the mud half way round the course!
Reflecting on the race, Simone Arnott noted that she now understood the
therapeutic benefits of an ice cold bath, (as championed by Paula Radcliffe)
although in future she will be saving it until after the race rather than
half way round.
Liz Tilt and Debbie Sims, both competing for the first time, finished
one second inside their target times – an excellent 89 minutes 59
seconds.
After crossing the final lake, arms aloft, Debbie summed up the whole
event saying: “That was one of the most fantastically awful, but
brilliant races I have ever done!”