The winter months...

Snake Lane charmers (26-2-06)

Another race in the area that fills up quicker than Dan Isherwood every time he watches Ghost... with good reason. Pocklington Running Club, who promote the event, always put together a good un' - nice one.

The distinctive red Acorn vest was visible no fewer than 10 times in the pack.

Post race analysis of the event suggests the first 5 miles were tough thanks to a prevailing Yorkshire wind. The second 5 miles were tough thanks to the first 5 miles. Naturally, all our lot loved it...

The complete cast list (including times & positions) goes as follows:

53rd Martin Kirby 62-02
57th Dave Lancaster 62-18
125th Jo Ellerton 66-04 (2nd F35)
138th Mike "Sickly" Raynes 66-57
194th Colin Utterson 69-47
221st Dave Elliot 70-51
230th Howard Winzar 71-32
397th Norman Stephens 80-46
531st Sally Hutchinson 90-05
533rd Andy Heppell 90-15

Great work from everybody. Well done.


When Saturday comes... National Cross Country Review (25-2-06)

“The National”, the memories of these occasions have been known to send a shiver down the spine of even the hardest of the York athletic hardcore. Try mentioning the event to likes of Jerry Barnes, Martin Nice or Geoff Binns… eyes glaze over, a smile breaks through that weather worn visage and the voice takes on a hushed tone. The National gets under your skin.

Not only under your skin, but it also finds its way into your shoes, your shorts, your eyes and liberally applies itself to your vest – the mighty green of Rowntrees taking the brunt on this occasion. The National at Parliament Hill - London had mud, lots of mud.

Rumours of the state of the course were exaggerated, sneaky southern tactics designed to catch out the undisciplined Yorkshire mind. It was muddy in key parts, and a good portion of the going was heavy but other sections were “hard and fast” – something for all the Rowntrees family then!

How did we do? Well here’s the story:

All about the experience – York’s young guns

It’s a long way to go for the kids, but those that did get down experienced the most competitive racing they are likely to get this year. Some were disappointed with their performances; some were elated but if they’re all motivated to step up to the plate again next year, job done! Roll of honour:

U13G C Mason 149th
U13G M Mazza 200th
U15G J Parker 217th
U15M I Lynn 37th
U15M K Smith 147th

Junior & U17 ladies

Vicky Needham produced another great performance picking up 23rd place and Charlotte Maxted placed 87th emphasising again that, on track or on turf, Rowntrees the talent coming through. Anna Dew’s work ethic was notable as she came round in 155th, no small effort on this course.

The junior ladies race featured two in the green vest. Sarah Tunstall revelled in the conditions, powering round to 20th place in the process cashing in on the monumental (emphasis on the mental) number of hill reps she’s been putting in recently. Emma Willets made 56th place her own after a battle royale with an athlete from Southend – grit and grace = class. Nice one our lasses.

Senior Men

The lads had known for weeks that the presence of Captain Mike Raynes would be missing from this particular mission. Stepping into his slightly worn out shoes (buy a new pair Raynesy!), Captain of Vice Andy “Words” Hilton was confident that the mob he had assembled would do nothing less than justice to the task… and so it proved. The run down:

85th: Hywel “Heart of Stone” Care showed his rivals no mercy as he applied brutal running science to the art of cross-country. This placing is the best by a York runner in recent memory and in a field acknowledged as “strong”. If you have a cap, doff it when you see him. Good stuff.

112th: Andy “Train travel is mint” Hilton floated round the course on the back of the brain chemical high a journey with GNER always seems to induce in him. Once grounded by Guinness AH declared “3 cheeseburgers & large fries: the perfect recovery meal” – and they put this lad in charge?!

176th: Paul “Guinness Genius” Goble pushed his body to the limit having only returned from a trip to Denmark early the previous morning. A solid run from the veteran (!) who should also be complemented for incredible taxi-hailing skills ensuring the boys got home. Class.

416th: “Streamline” Steve Simpson held his own against the barbarian hoard, evidently disappointed at the lack of the opportunity to revenge the defeat handed to him by Raynes at the Northerns. “The long term mental war is all but won” Simpson was heard to utter, halfway through the second lap apparently.

497th: Andy “Nodded off late on (on the train)” Normandale expressed some difficulty in getting going at this event. Nevertheless, the team result could not have been achieved had the “experienced head” of the unit not worked his socks off to creep under the 500 mark. Good stuff.

625th: Andy “Mud man” Neesam was positively delighted by the state of the course. Andy loves hills and mud in equal measure and his face was the picture of satisfaction when he rejoined the team after the event. As sixth counter, Mr Neesam closed out the team points – a great effort from the man!

926th: Alan “Lethal finish” Lynn was also in a battle further down the field, the results showing he may have been “double-teamed” by a pair of Desford Striders. Despite the experience accrued over many races, Lynn was overcome but still left a further 370 runners fighting for the scraps he left in his wake. Good to see.

The senior men were the only complete team from York and turned in an impressive 25th place. This translated into 2nd Yorkshire club (behind winners & giants Leeds City) and 7th from the North. Another result from the lads.

Thanks to all that ran and represented the club.


Jack-a-nory : Colin Utterson writes... (24-2-06)

Colin "Utterly indestructable" Utterson writes about broken ribs and Toronto marathons in this latest addition to the 'Runners tell a story' section - as much to amuse as to remind us he's still kickin' ass. Check out Rumours & Gossip. Nice one!

It's Lynn up North... and other fantastic tales from Blackburn! (28-1-06)

During the past week rumours had circulated of a course somewhere in the North of England with athlete-eating mud & slopes more brutal than Windmill Lane. A select band of brave souls donned the green and black of Rowntree's AC and swore to tame whatever the foreign shores of Blackburn, Lancashire had to offer.

In fairness the course was tough but "proper", something that the majority of witnesses to Rotheram a couple of weeks ago felt was a quality absent from the Yorkshire XCs. Worth the journey then!

Let's hear it for the kids...

Performance of the day for the club came from U15 prospect Ian Lynn, who placed an incredible 5th in his race. Given the high standard of these championships this is a significant result - all eyes on the National champs in a months time.

Other performances in the less senior catagories were:

Lads..
H Fenny (103rd M U13), Kieron Smith (29th M U15), P Wise (140th M U15), T Keighley (142nd M U15)

Lasses..
S Hunter (37th F U15), J Parker (94th F U15),

U17 & U20's

Vicky Needham swept round the Witton Park course to place a very creditable 15th place in the U17 women's race.

In the U20 version, Sarah Tunstall demonstrated that the form she has been working hard to regain after illness last year is beginning to creep back. The 8th place she ran away was worth sticking around to witness.

Others partook of the fun, they were:

C Maxted (76th F U17), S Batchelor (44th M U17), J Palmer (119th M U17), A Fawcett (83rd M U20)

Senior Citizens!

Clare Duck produced a class-on-the-grass performance to nail 17th place in the senior womens race. The quality of the field certainly makes this run another contender for "best of the day".

Coming in at 35th, Helen Garnham demonstrated that the extra mileage she has wedged into her training schedule is paying dividends. All a base for the track but 800m just won't feel as far after this effort...

For the senior lads, Captain Raynes had assembled a mean company of foot soldiers ready to follow him into battle. After their collective efforts they would come away with a respectable 10th place (only a million points behind winners Leeds City):

"The Hare" Hywel Care ran less like a startled rabbit and more like a hungry pack-hound. A club record 29th from the man who wasn't even targeting this race!!! When he completes another 11 labours (there's a few Summer League races in there) i'll rebrand him "Hercules" - well done that man.

Andy "Master of writing about himself in the 3rd person" Hilton followed him with 46th. Apparently, Andy H was well pleased with the run and told himself as much for the purposes of this article.

Paul "Go-Go dancer" Goble demonstrated his own continuing return to form with 70th. This despite the fact that glasses-less, he couldn't see where he was going and ran round on memory alone. Class.

Slightly further down the field "El Jefe" (the boss in Spanish - I use this quite a bit - not to be confused with a heifer which is of course, a young cow) Mike Raynes fought his war on two fronts - one with brother Andy (one of the Hallamshire hardcore) and the other with compadre "Smooth" Steve Simpson. Raynesy took 187th to Steve's 193rd but lost out to his younger sibling. A military lesson in there somewhere...

Good to see Martin "Class act" Kirby in 241st and Tom Vale "of York" in 256th working hard to put the club above the likes of Liverpool & Clayton in the points - nice one!

Finally, an honourable mention to Alan Lynn who's 427th (out of 579) reflects the work ethic of all the runners who run in the vest.

Thanks to all who attended - a reminder the National XC is on Sat 25th February at the spritual home of mud, guts & glory... Parliament Hill, London. Bring it on!

The Acorn & the Funky Monkey.. (21-1-06)

Blimey, it was cold but as an event the annual York Brass Monkey half marathon was red hot. This superbly organised event (well done Knavesmire Harriers) was made redder still by the presence of the mighty Acorn vest, represented no fewer than 20 times.

Firstly, congratulations to each one of you for being quick enough out of the blocks to actual secure an entry. This event has a reputation for selling out practically before the race is confirmed. Marathon build up, and all that.

So, without further delay, here's the roll of honour (thanks for arriving at suitably regular intervals such that i was able to clap my hands warm...) - in time order but anyone who runs 13 and a bit miles should be well-proud:

Andy Nesom 1:19.44
John Booth 1:22.23
Dawn Gibbs 1:24.02
Jo Ellerton 1:26.37
Karen Wood 1:27.42
Alan Lynn 1:28.11
John McDonnough 1:28.48
Matthew Letham 1:31.29
Howard Winzar 1:34.41
David Bisby 1:35.51
Suzy Grindley 1:42.52
(Mystery man) 1:43.01
John Tatt 1:44.22
Stu Thomas 1:44.33
Michael Tasker 1:44.43
Peter Murray 1:53.07
Ceri Owen 1:54.02
Tony Rouse 1:59.01
Andy Heppell 2:00.06
Sally Hutchinson 2:01.13

Congratulations to Dawn Gibbs on breaking the Acorn record with her run. As a member of the F45 catagory, last year saw Dawn post the 4th fastest UK Marathon, 11th fastest UK half marathon & 8th quickest UK 3km. She's not finished yet neither.. as another assault on the London Marathon is scheduled this year. Thanks to Dave Paver for the stats.

If anyone else out there achieved a PB or has a particular comment on the event, why not share it with me (and anyone else who fanatically follows this website).

Again, well done... and thanks for representing the club!

Rowntrees website update.. (21-1-06)

If you haven't checked out the Rowntree AC website then what are you playin' at?? Click on the link above and have a look. Especially fascinating is the newly introduced forum where all the issues relevant to the club are discussed in detail (with the omission of vowels if you're under 20). It also provides another sanctuary for those with excessive time on their hands... :)

Richard Buck makes the Commonwealth Games for England!!! (21-1-06)

Already a GB representative, Rowntree's Rich has earned a berth in the England squad flying out to Melbourne, Australia (not nr Pocklington) for the Commonwealth games. A truely fantastic achievement for the young 400m specialist - good luck that man!!!

Fancy being on TV??? (21-1-06)

A week or so ago the club received an email from a TV production company asking for volunteers for a running based portion of a new TV programme. I've put a copy of the letter on the Rumours & Gossip section... if you think this could be a third of your 15 mins of fame I can pass on the contact details. Andy H

Acorn make a meal of it (at ASK)!! (19-1-06)

We're all shapely and fit, that much is a gaurantee as soon as we pay our 20 quid subs (due again soon, start saving), but every now again we indulge in pizza or pasta (for a change) as a group.

Thursday evening witnessed one such ritual gathering. Over 30 of Acorn's finest, past & present, had a great time at York's old Assembly Rooms - lager, wine & water flowed and slowly the depleted energy reserves were topped up ready for another Wednesday night.

The clubs thanks must be extended to Janet & Christine, who took on the organisational responsibility and to whom the classicness of the evening is a sure-fire testament. Thanks ladies!!

The highlight of the evening was the presentation to outgoing club President Geoffrey Hope. Geoffs contribution to York Acorn Running Club and to York in general (particularly the Goodricke Appeal for whom he has helped raise a staggering amount of money) means he leaves many friends and admirers in the York area. Chairman John presented Geoff with a Northampton rugby club jersey and an inscribed tankard as a symbol of our collective gratitude. All the very best Geoff.


Performances on the county stage! (14-01-06)

The green of Rowntrees was well represented on Saturday as Rotheram hosted the 2006 Yorkshire cross country championships. A host of good performances from our girls and boys placed the senior womens team 7th overall and the senior men 8th.

Noteable performances:

"The Hare" Hywel Care, a magnificent 18th position being the best placing by a York club runner in recent years. Can he achieve similar record placings at the forthcoming Northern and National events? I'm not going to bet against it...

Paul "The Gobot" Goble, a strong run for 51st which bears all the hallmarks of a systematic build up to the National champs, typical of this athletic automaton.

Helen Garnham & Dawn Gibbs had a monumental tussle for 18th and 19th place overall, Helen just pipping Dawn by two seconds. Dawn picked up the bronze medal in the veterens classification - well done!

A resounding "good effort" to the rest of the chaps and chappettes, roll call below:

Women
63rd Emma Willetts - wraps up the scoring three
79th Aimee Collett - on the comeback trail!

Blokes
81st Andy Normandale - the duracell bunny
84th Steve Simpson - smooth
89th Mike Raynes - a captains innings
92nd Tom Vale - completed the scoring six
102nd Martin Kirby - he just loves his running
113th Colin Hawxby - the du-athlete powers round
142nd Jerry Barnes - the daddy "sees off" another Yorkshires
174th Alan Lynn - nice work
208th Ian Wilcock - the coach keeps his eye in
218th Andy Fawcett - anchors the second scoring six!

... roll on the Northern XC champs, Blackburn's Witton Park hosts on 28th January.

Penty makes the national press (12-01-06)

Check out the Club focus section of Athletic Weekly this week. In full technicolor is a picture of our own Becky Penty in full flow on the indoor boards.

Hang on, you may say, that isn't the mighty Acorn singlet she's sporting in that picture! You're right... well spotted. As the article suggests, this is Becky in the colours of her beloved Exeter University.

With the exception of mega-legend Jerry Barnes getting his head into the "runners start" shot of every National XC since 1875, and ofcourse Rowntree speed merchant Richard Buck deservedly making AW's pages, this is probably the only occasion an Acorn member has achieved the feat.... Camara-magic!!