Race Reports

Two members tackled these challenging races on the South Downs on a very cold Saturday 27th November.

Zoe Rocholl raced in the morning in the short distance event with 169m of elevation and 8km length finishing 5th in her age group and 14th female overall in 43.38.

Zoe commented that although the race had a steep climb at the start, it finished with a lovely downhill slope at the end. However she was pleased to finish because it was so cold it felt like her nose was going to freeze up.

Joan Murphy took on the challenging long distance and dark version of the event which started at 5pm in darkness and really cold conditions. This race included 357m of elevation within the 23km route. Joan finished 3rd in her age group and 10th female overall in 1.50.08.

Saturday 18th September

Swim Serpentine 2 mile swim

Five members went up to Hyde Park on a lovely sunny morning to take part in this event in the Serpentine Lake. The event is very popular and is run in waves which start between 0815 and 1620. Steve McMenamin completed the 2 miles in just under an hour in 59.23, saying that he had to weave through lots of swimmers and then encountered the earlier wave. Steve was followed closely by Caroline Ray in 1.00.07 and Carl Clarke in 1.04.00. Kay McMenamin finished in 1.14.33 and Sally Gardner in 1.23.45. Sally was delighted with her time as she could hardly swim a 25m length in the pool 9 months ago.

Chiltern Wonderland Ultra Run

Doug Mac Taggart, the club's Ultra Marathon enthusiast, tackled this tough 50 mile scenic run which involves 5500ft of climb, in warm temperatures. Doug was pleased to  finish in 12.13.56.

Sunday 19th September

National Aquathlon Championships

On arrival at the Worthing Sailing Club venue Adam Bryant commented that there were some very fast looking people at the start. Despite this Adam relished competing with ITU athletes, completing a tactical roll at the buoy, which he was proud of,  finishing the 750m swim in 17.23 and the 5km run in 21.15, and placing 12th out of 13 in the 45-49 age group.

Run Reigate 10k

Zoe Deeley was very pleased to complete her 10k run in a net time of 1.11.00, placing 64th in her FV50 age group.

There was a good turnout at The Steyning Stinger by members of the Mid Sussex Triathlon Club.

Six members tackled the Half Marathon with Pete Harris 1.58.51 and Rob Hoodless 1.59.17 coming 2nd & 3rd in the 55-59 age group and 27th and 28th overall. Rachael Baker 2.17.59 was 7th in her age group and 88th overall. Amanda Durrant 3.00.53 and Sam Drake 3.17.42 also competed. Simon Hodge initially started the marathon but switched to the Half.

Four members were in the marathon with Chris Dawson being the 1st member to finish in 4.46.38 followed by Doug MacTaggart 5.53.12, Jean Fish and Sarah Hinton, both in 6.43.30. 

Sam Drake commented that the event was amazing, despite the mud, with terrific volunteer marshals and a well marked route.

Photo of Doug MacTaggart, Sarah Hinton, Jean Fish & Simon Hodge.

A large contingent from the Mid Sussex Triathalon Club took part in the popular and friendly Balcombe Bull Run which attracted 88 runners on Sunday morning.

The Run is organised by Matt Record of the Balcombe C of E Primary School PTA and comprises a challenging 7.1km run on lanes, footpaths and tracks starting and finishing at the school.

Triathalon Club members James Dear 30.10.09, Mike Jaffe 31.06.03 and Graham Bond 31.21.02 claimed the top 3 places followed by Jo Fleming 31.35.03 and Neil Giles 32.02.03 in 5th and 6th positions.

Lucy Williams was the 2nd lady home in a very credible time of 35.12.09.