Weekend Round Up 4th 5th March
A full race report is being loaded onto our Frosty homepage in due course. The Frosty Round Up below is written purely from the context of our Tuff competitors containing some pretty impressive results. It was another packed weekend for Tuff activity with over 100 members gaining kudos below.
FROSTY AQUATHLON
It was fantastic to see so many club members volunteering to ensure the Frosty was another very successful race. However did you know that we had fifty six Tuffs covering all the aspects from lane counting, course marshalling, registration, photography and great work from a meet & greet team in the Wave. The feedback from competitors has been impressive and everyone enjoyed the event, with many commenting on our cheeky cones of Jimbo Brock and Jon Babbage – (above banner shot) . Despite the rather chilly 4 degrees, race conditions were good, which were in in marked contrast to the weather since.
The weekly Round Up is a good forum to concentrate on our own members – a further twenty five club members who competed. First off promptly at 7am was the Frosty – the 800m/10k race. Whilst it was Jon Cassell’s first Frosty no one would have guessed as he punched out a 10k run time of 39:34 to take third position overall. Next home was Chris Robinson, whilst he clinched 10th overall he was just 2 seconds off 9th. It was a very happy Chris who received recognition at prizegiving securing the MSV trophy. There was a gallant performance from Simon Thistlethwaite who despite having not been feeling well, turned up and claimed 14th overall including the 5th fast run split of 40:39. Liane Davids was our next Tuff. Last year she won her age group category; this year missed out retaining her title by just 7 seconds, but it was still a great performance as her 44 minute 10k was rapidly closing the distance. Mark Sole was next who recounted how he was delighted with both his swim and run times. Nick Francis finished next, pleased with an early season event as he looks at further races this year. Jo Meaney & Olivia Morey were 9th and 11th female respectively. Clare Worgan commented she achieved PB’s across both the swim and the run, but neglected to mention this year’s time knocked a whopping 4.5 minutes off last year. It was great to see Jessica Coombes and Callum Kalbfell complete their first Frosty to complete the Tuff presence.
The team race is always keenly fought and Southampton University were the reigning champions for the past three years. This year we had a ‘home win’ with Tuff Fitty winning the team with our team of Jon Cassell, Chris Robinson, Simon Thistlethwaite & Liane Davids regaining the prize we last held in 2016.
The Frosty had traditionally been the larger event for 25 years until last year when the Frostbite saw the most finishers across the 400m 5k course. This year again saw more Frostbite competitors and it was extremely competitive. James Mapley was just 1 second off the quickest 400m swim time emerging from the pool with a swim plus transition time of just 6:23. James followed this up with a 5k run of 19:18 to claim second position overall. Mark Walford was 5th overall, also with a sub 20-minute 5k – there was just 2 minutes between the first five athletes. Barry Davids was next with good swim and run splits finishing as third male vet. Andy Tester gained an award for first MSV & not to be outdone, Katie Young secured first FSV. There were strong performances from a Tuff trio as Esther Fair, Maisie Johnston & Shelley Dodman all crossed the line within 15 seconds of each other. Paul Martin finished and then Will King & Catherine Bellsham-Revell. Carey Woods was close behind and then Nina Tully & Alistair Evans. These were notable performances as Nina shaved exactly four minutes of last years’ time and Al over 5.5 minutes better.
Most of the organistion is undertaken well in advance with risk assessments, planning, seeking permission from partners and organising entries. It is therefore pleasing to report as the 27th Frosty concludes, we have ensured the event is ‘futureproofed’ for next year. This year Jenny & Adrian Oliver joined Clive Harvey on the central team, and their attention to detail and work on signage was really most impressive. Also joining the team as run course directors were Sue & Colin Simpson. Many of our members may be unaware of the vast triathlon experience Colin and Sue have, their history of racing and knowledge with other clubs. We were fortunate to gain them as Tuffs last year following their move to Littlehampton and Colin still remains a life member of Brighton Phoenix for his services to them. Clive Harvey is extremely grateful to Adrian, Jenny, Colin & Sue and also Katie Goddard for impressive pre-race publicity and Tom Gray for being key on the results system. Thank you……………. Sunday 3rd March 2024 for Frosty 28 anyone?
STEYNING STINGER
Whilst there had been four Tuffs scheduled to race the Steyning Stinger unfortunately not everyone made the start line. Pete Littleboy took part in the Half Marathon. Danny Cunnett had entered the full marathon but carrying an injury he decided to play safe after completing 13 miles. This is still a very impressive achievement after the previous week’s Salt mine race. From Steyning the route was out across to Washington, across the A24 up onto the South Downs Way and back across to Chanctonbury Ring. With a choice of half & full marathon together with a 30k route runners then took various route down as far as Findon Valley before climbing back to Steyning. Pete reports on his race as follows:-
“This trail run event over the South Downs always seems to be on the same day as our wonderful club Frosty. However after many many years I thought I would re visit the event and with a sensible 830-9am rolling start from opposite the Steyning Sports Centre. My arrival was well sign posted with plenty of parking and as I was run ready I arrived half hour before my start and had plenty of time to securely drop my bag off and GO. I made my way around a well sign posted run route and apart from the odd aid station /water stop you can be forgiven for forgetting you’re in a race as the scenery of rolling hills are wonderful. Also it being the South Downs it’s always open to the public and horses and cows so not for the faint hearted and so to finish in 1h55 which was 18/161 was very pleasing.
For ever your Tuff
Pete
TUFF FITTY BOWLING EVENING
Friday night was bowling night as 30 Tuffs took part in a social at Worthing tenpin bowling lanes. Organised by Mike Barrett, whilst you might have expected some stiff competition from a bunch of triathletes, the humour and bowling antics across the evening swept everyone along and it proved to be a fantastic evening. Team Alice, Glenn, Michael, Mark and Clive came top in the first game but then Mike’s team of himself, Barry, Jon, Tiff & Tom started to get into their stride and came first in the second game. There was some confusion as to who prevailed across both games, or was it Mike’s embarrassment to own up it was his team, but what became clearer was that Michael Redgrave came top individual completing his session with four consecutive strikes gaining the winners trophy with Mike second and Mark Walford third.
As editor and Chair, Clive Harvey prefers to let the achievements of Tuffs fill the weekly round up’s, but on this occasion, he hopes you will allow him to make an exception and thank everyone in the club for their warm words and congratulations on becoming Triathlon South East Volunteer of the year. Clive now goes forward representing the Southeast Region in the volunteer category at the end of March at the British Triathlon national awards. What he hadn’t expected was to receive a balloon, card & voucher from the club during the bowling. “‘Thank you everyone, it is you lovely people that give me the enthusiasm to hold the role I do”.
Click on the photo below for the team poses:-
ATW DERBYSHIRE DUATHLON – ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Thanks to Steve Feest for reporting in from his weekend trip ‘oop north’ just south of the Peak District National Park for this draft illegal race.
“I took part in the ATW Derbyshire Duathlon, incorporating The English Champs, on Sunday 5th .
I drove up to my B and B, in Matlock, Derbyshire Dales on Saturday.
Early on Sunday morning I drove the 20 mins to “Carsington Water”, (a large reservoir), North West of Derby, for the 8:30 am mass start.
It was quite cold but started with a lovely, 1 lap, 12k undulating run around the reservoir.
Into transition and the gloves and jacket went on for the 41k ish hilly, and cold, bike leg followed by a 4 k, out and back, run to finish.
There were only 86 participants, and the bike leg was bit lonely, although the scenery was interesting; I bet this area is lovely in the Spring/ Summer.
I came 6th in my Age group, (out of 8 in 65-69). Not one of my best races but worth doing.
Totally knackered after, but most importantly … injury free !!!
Bring on the warmer weather and Triathlon season.
Steve
CAMBRIDGESHIRE CLASSIC SPORTIVE
Starting at Huntingdon Racecourse, the Cambridgeshire Classic was in aid of Alzheimer’s Research. With a choice of three routes, Claire Moyle undertook the long route riding into Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire. Thanks to Claire for reporting:-
The Cambridgeshire Classic is a very well organised event on very quiet roads through beautiful countryside although on this occasion it was hard to see as the grey skies and icy winds meant the head start down most of the time. Anyone thinking Cambridge is flat is very much mistaken and I climb 3,500ft over 79 miles. My winter training has been hampered by 2 chest infections and covid so I knew it was going to be tough, but the first 15 miles into head winds and then facing a 10% climb almost ended my ride but just as I was about to quit some chap flew passed saying your got this and that was enough to spur me on and change my mind set. I finished just as they were packing up, but I finished.
I stayed in Cambridgeshire for an extra night so I could ride to St Neots the next day as this is the start of my training for my big ride later in the year. Hoping for warm weather though!!
Claire
CHICHESTER CHALLENGE
Back for the thirty first year the Chichester Corporate Challenge is a series of races around Chichester town centre over a 4.5km course held on each of Weds 1st, 15th and 29th March. To spread the runners there are two groups with the first containing runners who anticipate running below 18 minutes. We had five Tuffs present this week. Mark Walford running for his daughters school was our first Tuff home in just 16:49, with Nathan Bilham entering with his running club achieving a swift 17:31. Also present was Debra Cauchy-Duval running for Felpham CC staff with husband Matthieu. Flying the Tuff Fitty name thanks go to Sue & Colin Simpson with Colin reporting in:-
A chilly run round the streets of Chichester; I managed to pace Sue with my calf strain to 26.58…hoping for better for both of us in 2 weeks…Nathan Bilham was in the results In a swift 17.31… aaah i remember those days !
Colin
PARKRUN ROUND UP
Littlehampton parkrun led the way this week with the most Tuffs on parade. Steve Fryer continues his strong form first Tuff home in 20:19. Next home was Kev Pearson and just 7 seconds later Glenn Parisi crossed the line. Tiff Orton followed 6 seconds afterwards to record a PB over the course. Clive Harvey was next and then Jon Roper. Sue and Colin Simpson were next running with their dog – this was their 395th parkrun between them. To complete the Tuff nine well done to Jenny Oliver.
Worthing parkrun saw Edward Lay as first Tuff home on his 118th parkrun. James Oram followed just 3 seconds later and 5 seconds after that to complete a Tuff cluster was Les Pearce. Next home a quartet flying their running club names, Wendy Kane, Kate Evans, Sheila Bailey & Elaine Rousseau.
Bognor parkrun saw Tony Pearce running. around Hotham Park. Jason Rae was also at his ‘home run’ completing his 129th parkrun.
well done to all eighteen.
