January 7th - Woodcote 10K
 

January 8th - Woodcote 10K

There was a small turn-out from Maidenhead runners at the recent Woodcote 10k on a chilly morning in this small village. Mike Trees from Maidenhead was not bothered at all by the conditions as he followed up his victory at Cliveden with a comfortable win. His time of 34 mins 55secs kept him 30 seconds ahead of the second placed Craig Taylor. Clyde McCrabbe was next for MAC in 45:20, and Reiko Trees kept it in the family as first MAC lady in 46:10. Alison Attard was next in 56:31, while Pete Hitching clocked 57:10. Ken Ison, in his lone race of the year, ran a creditable 57:45, but son Stuart was a bit swifter in 48:38.

February 4th - Southern Vet Cross Country Championship

4 members competed in the Southern Vet Cross Country Champs at Ruislip. Claire Donald was 13th overall and 3rd vet 45, with Alison Brownhill close behind in 15th position and 6th vet 40. Mark Walker and Paul Bradley competed in the vet 40 race.

February 5th - Chichester 10K (Inc. AAA National Championships)

Sunday, 5th February was an absolutely perfect day for the staging of the 15th Chichester Priory 10km road race. After the previous cold, gloomy week, the weather was more like a Spring day in April than February. Claire Donald put in a fine run of 38 mins 38 secs, to take 24th place, but significantly third place in the Ladies over 40 category. Hayley Yelling took overall first place with a super run of 32:31. Maidenhead's Laurence Miles also ran strongly to record a personal best of 33:53 on the day and 48th place in a top quality field. David Ridley recorded a personal best time of 42 minutes.

February 11th - Chiltern League

Last Saturday Maidenhead Athletic Club competed in the last Chiltern League meeting of the season at Wing. The team has found the going tough in the first division, competing against top clubs including Bedford & County and Marshall Milton Keynes. Along with Tring, Maidenhead will be competing in the second division again next year. The ladies team was depleted by sickness and injury, but Alison Brownhill, Steph James and Sue McEwen had great runs and ended up in 6th position. The men had a full team of 10. Simon Allison led the team home in 36:03 with Miles Bennett following in 37:14. Liam Bark ran with the men and had a good run in 39:37, Paul Bradley ran in 39:55, supported by Nigel Patterson in 42:11, Pete Bark 44:01, Alan Church 45:18, Will Smith 45:32, Simon Emsley in 45:48 and Dave Waterman in 46:18.

There were some excellent individual results for the season, Steph James was 6th lady overall in the first division, with Alison Brownhill 10th. Alison also won the bronze medal in the Vet 35 category. Sue McEwen was fifth in the vet 45, competing against top veteran athletes. Dave Waterman picked up silver in the vet 60 category. In the men’s vet 40 Paul Bradley was 30th overall, Pete Bark 38th and Simon Emsley 40th. Alan Church was 25th in the vet 50s.

February 12th - Wokingham Half Marathon

Maidenhead Athletic Club runners made light of atrocious weather conditions on Sunday, by achieving a number of notable performances, including several personal best times.

At the ever popular Wokingham Half Marathon, 40 Maidonians took part. Andy Macaskill led the team home in a time of 1 hour 14 minutes 8 seconds. Mark Hollands (1:15:38) was next, knocking a massive 2 minutes 45 seconds off his personal best and taking second place in the Male 40+ category. Romano D'Aversa (1:23:35) put in a solid run, followed by Jim Tarrant (1:25:33), Alison Brownhill (1:25:50), Paul Bradley (1:28:38), Mark Ashworth (1:29:20), Stephanie James (1:29:28), David Ridley (1:31:35), Chris Owen (1:32:30), Matt Sinnott (1:34:09), Cavan Butler (1:35:45), Keith Greenough (1:38:48), Darrell Bressington (1:39:49), Mike Park (1:42:17), Tim Holt (1:43:13), Katie Worth (1:45:00), Derek Clark (1:45:17), Chris Wharton (1:47:40), Dave Waterman (1:48:32), Sayeed Islam (1:49:08), Linda Vinton (1:53:16), Alison Attard (1:55:04 - PB), Lesley Kernaghan (2:01:28), Mark Williams (2:01:32), Phillipa Phelps (2:02:29 - First Half-Marathon), Helen Sutton (2:02:58), Linda Fox (2:03:30), Gill Evans (2:03:46), Anushka Howell (2:06:04), John Shepherd (2:07:42 - PB), Samantha Turner (2:08:34 - First Half-Marathon), Jill Smith (2:10:20), Heather Penny (2:14:34 - First Half-Marathon), Ravinder Sihera (2:16:10), Bruce McEwen (2:18:39), Val Toeman (2:18:40), Judi Jeffries (2:25:57), Sandra Briggs (2:32:38) and Sally Hardick (2:34:02).

February 12th - Chessington Valentine’s 10k

At the Chessington Valentine’s 10k, Club President Pete Ison shook off a couple of injury plagued years to record an excellent 54 minutes 50 seconds. Also taking part in recovery mode were Anne Sloan (61:40), Dave Dando (64:20) and Zaf Alam (67:11).

February 12th - Meon Valley Plod

Five self proclaimed ‘nutters’ took on the notorious Meon Valley Plod. A 19:5 mile trail run taking in the picturesque rolling hills and wooded valleys of rural Hampshire, near Portsmouth and featuring, amongst other challenges, a quagmire of knee-deep mud and a near-vertical hill! First Maidenhead runner to finish was Jon Kew, in a time of 2 hours 45 minutes. Followed by David Ross (3:12:15), Carolyn Lockett (3:14:40), Jeremy Lockett (3:19:32) and Simon Emsley (3:58:43)

February 19th - Bramley 20/10

Those who finished later at Bramley had to contend with atrocious conditions, with driving wind and rain. The fortunate ones who ran the one-lap ten mile race missed all this, and Claire Donald took full advantage of the better conditions. She finished in an excellent 64 mins 08secs to take the first prize in the ladies over 40 category. In the 20-miler newcomer Andy Macaskill made light of the conditions as he ran a superb I hr 57 mins 57 secs, to finish 11th overall. Alison Brownhill ran 2:19:20 to take 6th spot in the over 40s category. Back in the 10-miler Stuart Mannering showed improvement with a very swift 61:36 to bring him 19th spot. Stephanie James rang strongly for 67:12 and 7th place in her category. Bruce McEwen completed the complement at this distance for 78:41. The twenty mile was also sprinkled with fine MAC performances. Jim Tarrant rang a strong 2:28:10, followed by Matt Sinnott in 2:36:51. Darrell Bressington and Gerry Killen were neck and neck, recording 2:43:26 and 2:43:27 respectively. Simon Emsley was next home in 3:08:07, with Gill Evans preparing for the London Marathon with 3:24:42. Justine Tooms also had to contend with the worsening conditions as she ran 3:31:10.

February 25th – National Cross Country Championships

Three Maidenhead ladies took part in the National Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hills. Leading the ladies home was Claire Donald in 127th spot with a time of 39 mins 36 secs. Steph James was close in a time of 39:59 (137th), very closely followed by Alison Brownhill in 40:03 (139th).

February 26th – Terminator 10

Then came the crazy gang, tackling the appropriately named Terminator. The course is around eleven miles with four energy sapping hills. Then there is plenty of wading through water and quagmire sections to test the hardy souls. If you've got the time there are nice views to take in. Literally taking the plunge this year were Jon Kew in 1 hr 26 mins 45 secs, followed by Jeremy Lockett (1:34:48) and Nigel Patterson in 1:37:31.David Ross took 1:41:18 and the lone lady, Carolyn Lockett managed a very creditable 1:47:21.

March 6th – Bideford Half Marathon

Darrell Bressington took part in this event on a cold and blustery day down in deepest Devon. At halfway he was looking at a possible personal best, but the second half was into the biting wind. Despite this he was near his time of last year and crossed the line in 1.36.48.

March 5th - Dunsfold 10k

At the Dunsfold 10k, Claire Donald continued her excellent season by coming home as 1st woman, in a time of 39 minutes 4 seconds, whilst Mark Walker took second place in the MV40 category, with a time of 37:58.

March 12th - Hastings Half Marathon

At the Hastings half marathon, Alison Brownhill battled her way to second place in the FV40 category, with a time of 1 hour 26 minutes 28 seconds. Simon Emsley following in 1:43:30.

March 12th - Milton Keynes Half Marathon

MAC was ably represented at the Milton Keynes half marathon by Mark Ashworth, finishing in a time of 1:29:33, Matt Sinnott (1:30:30) and Nigel Patterson with a personal best time of 1:32:03.

March 12th - Finchley 20

Darrell Bressington and Derek Clark progressed their preparation for the London Marathon by competing in the Finchley 20 mile road race. Darrell finished in 2 hours 36 minutes, with Derek just behind in 2:49.

March 19th - Fleet Half Marathon

Maidenhead Athletic Club fielded seven runners at the Fleet Half Marathon on Sunday. Leading the team home to claim 3rd Male Veteran prize in 30th place overall was Mark Hollands in a time of 01:16:45. Mark Walker & Matt Sinnott both claimed personal bests, with times of 01:24:21 & 01:29:49 respectively, whilst Claire Donald as ever took the leading lady role by claiming 1st place in the FV45 category, with a time of 01:24:46. Other MAC times were; Stephanie James (01:34:22), David Ross (01:34:36) and Clyde McCrabbe (01:53:50).

March 20th – Compton Bare-Bones 20

Three Maidenhead A C runners made their way to Compton in Berkshire for the 20-mile Bare-Bones Run. Victorious is the men's race was Maidenhead's Andy Macaskill with a superb time of 2 hrs 12 mins 53 secs. Run over rolling Berkshire countryside the course is mainly run on footpaths, tracks and brdleways and gives the competitors a bit of work to do with 2,200 feet of uphills. Adding backing up for Andy were Carolyn and Jeremy Lockett, who claimed to be a modest hour or so behind the race winner.

March 26th – Rome Marathon

David Ridley travelled to the Eternal city of Rome to race in warm and sunny conditions, also having to cope with miles of cobbled streets. His time was a very creditable 3 hrs 29 mins 10 secs, excellent so early in the year.

April 2nd – Taunton Marathon

Simon Emsley was racing closer to home at the Taunton Marathon, this time fighting strong cold headwinds, but still managing a personal best time of 3:47:17. He also managed his first ever 'negative split', which pleased him even more. For those not acquainted with running, this means running the second half of the race quicker that the first. That's no mean achievement after already having run a half-marathon. It augers well for his big races in April and June.

April 2nd - Kingston Breakfast Run for Elite Women

Alison Brownhill again took the accolades, coming in as 2nd woman vet in the 16 mile Kingston Breakfast Run for Elite Women, with a time of 1:49:28.

April 9th - Thames Towpath 10

Maidenhead AC's Alison Brownhill excelled at Sunday's Thames Towpath 10 mile road race, finishing as 1st woman vet and 3rd lady overall in a personal best time of 1 hour 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Also achieving personal bests were David Ross with April 9th - Thames Towpath 10 a time of 1:09:42, Darrell Bressington (1:11:13) and Peter Bark (1:11:58). Other MAC times were: Philip Long (1:16:01), Tim Long (01:19:12), Linda Vinton (1:26:31) and Lesley Kernaghan (01:29:30).

April 9th - Reading Half Marathon

Leading the MAC team home at the Reading Half Marathon was Andy Macaskill with a time of 1:15:21. Following Andy were; Stuart Mannering (1:19:59), Paul Bradley (1:28:17), Joy Noad (1:35:13), Mark Williams (1:38:00), Clyde McCrabbe (1:39:33), Chris Wharton (1:41:14), Sayeed Islam (1:45:15), Tim Holt (1:44:33), Gareth Ralphs (1:46:42), Katherine Read (2:06:40), Linda Fox (2:04:22), John Kelly (2:08:50) and Jayne Holt (2:34:10).

April 15th - Asthma UK 10k

Asthma UK 10km Dorney Lake race, David Ross took a mere 24 hours to shake off the Maidenhead Easter 10 race director's burden and achieve a personal best time of 41 minutes 4 seconds. Other times were: Jon Kew (35:42), Keith Greenough (41:01), John Scaife (43:44), Glynne Greenough (47:24), Dave Waterman (48:07), Tom Quigley (50:01), Jackie Cadman (51:52), Heather Penny (57:25), Katharine Durham (01:02:33) and Anne Sloan (01:03:11).

April 17th – Two Oceans

In 29 degrees of South African heat, Simon Emsley completed the Two Oceans 'Ultra' 56km race in 5 hours 32 minutes, knocking a cool ten minutes off his previous best.

April 23rd – Flora London Marathon

Maidenhead Athletic Club athletes returned from the Flora London Marathon with the club's best results for many a year. Andy Mackaskill, Mark Hollands and Laurence Miles all achieved sub 2:45 finishes, whilst Alison Brownhill and Joy Noad fully justified their inclusion in the elite women's category with excellent runs. There were also a number of personal bests and a significant amount of money raised for the various charities. Finishing times were: Andy Mackaskill (2:35:27), Mark Hollands (2:39:52), Laurence. Miles (2:41:10), Alison. Brownhill (3:03:24), Jon Kew (3:11:53), Jim Tarrant (3:17:04), Joy Noad (3:25:47), Darrell Bressington (3:41:30), John Smith (4:08:02), Cavan Butler (4:17:10), Derek Clark (4:25:36) and Helen Sutton (4:30:24).

May 7th – Shakespeare Marathon

At the Shakespeare Marathon, David Ross ran superbly to finish in 3 hours, 25 minutes & 29 seconds, taking a massive 16 minutes off his previous personal best. Sayeed Islam & Leo Botha completed the difficult course in 4:42:03, whilst Linda Fox achieved a creditable 4:59:35.

May 7th – Marlow 5

In the Marlow 5, Claire Donald took a familiar role in leading the MAC contingent home with a time of 30:38, whilst Anne Sloan took the plaudits with a personal best of 48:05. Also competing at Marlow were Jim Tarrant (31:18), Joy Noad (34:32), Dave Dando (53:25) and Zaf Alam (54:02).

May 28th – Canterbury Half Marathon

Simon Emsley tackled the Canterbury Half Marathon, a tough course with a good breeze blowing. At eleven miles he had to tackle the biggest hill, but still managed a very creditable 1 hr 44 mins 15 secs.

May 30th – Burnham 5K

In the Burnham 5k, Maidenhead's Mike Tress was first across the line, with a time of 16 minutes 16 seconds. A total of 62 MAC runners took part with an impressive seven claiming category firsts: Mike Trees (Male Vet 40), Claire Donald (Female Vet 40), Liam Bark (Male Junior), Leo Botha (Male Vet 60), Sue McEwen (Female Vet 50), Katherine Leigh (Female Junior) and Pete Hitching (Male Vet 70). The prize for most original 'warm down' must also go to Mike Trees, who chased and apprehended a thief responsible for breaking into a competitor's car over a multi terrain escape route.

June 3rd - Dartmoor Discovery 32 mile Ultramarathon

Two MAC runners took part in the Dartmoor Discovery 32 mile Ultramarathon on Saturday June3rd. Temperatures were a sweltering 22 deg.C!!! Carolyn Lockett was 67th in 5hrs 41mins (2nd LV45) and David Ridley was 76th in 5:50. Out of 168 starters, there were 154 finishers. For the uninitiated, the race starts and finishes at Princetown (home of the infamous prison) and includes 4000 feet of ascent and descent. A 32 single lap mile road race must be something of an oddity nowadays, but it was a really well organised event. For your average club runner, it involves quite a bit of walking on 10-20% gradient uphills; when I asked the race winner whether he found it easy to run up such hills, he replied "is there any other way". Rather took the wind out of my sails.

June 4th - One Ball Run

Maidenhead's Pete Ison took part in the inaugural One Ball Run at Victoria Park, Hackney, in aid of Everyman, raising awareness of Mens' cancers. There were only around 170 runners, with the winner clocking 17 mins 23 secs for the two circuit 5K. Pete managed a much more modest 28:09 in very warm conditions. In the process he raised around £175 for research into prostate and testicular cancer.

June 4th - Bedford Harriers’ Harrold 10k

Simon Emsley ran the Bedford Harriers’ Harrold 10k in 47 mins 29 secs – a totally rural run on an undulating scenic route with two sharp inclines.

June 4th - Thames Trail Challenge Walk

Trying something completely different, MAC ladies Linda Fox, Anushka Howell and Alison Attard took part in the 13.5 mile Thames Trail Challenge Walk coming home as 3rd team.

June 7th - Yateley Summer 10k series

In the first race of the Yateley Summer 10k series, Sue McEwen took 3rd place in the FV45 category with a time of 45 minutes 44 seconds. Also running for MAC were; Mark Hollands (35:42), Jon Kew (36:42), Stuart Mannering (36:50), Bruce McEwen (47:51) and Justine Tooms (57:04).

June 11th – Wargrave 10K

Maidenhead Athletic Club's Liam Bark confirmed his tremendous potential by winning the under 18 category in Sunday's Wargrave 10k, with a time of 40 minutes 45 seconds. As in previous years, hot weather and a tough course made it hard going for the twenty-four MAC runners taking part, but excellent performances were also recorded by Simon Alison, taking second male vets' place in a time of 36:28 and Claire Donald, finishing as second lady overall in 39:15. Other MAC times were: Jon Kew (37:31), Jim Tarrant (40:14), Alison Brownhill (41:00), Chris Donald (42:16), Cavan Butler (45:43), Gerry Killen (45:47), John Scaife (46:10), Tim Holt (46:28), Will Smith (47:02), Peter Bark (49:57), Dave Waterman (50:37), Bruce McEwen (51:02), Liam Mifsud (51:53), Christine Thompson (52:09), Alison Attard (52:40), Sarah Strachan (53:12), Peter Hitching (56:20), Pete Ison (57:47), Neil Scott (58:52), Heather Penny (61:47) & Jill Smith (61:52).

June 11th – South Downs Challenge

Gerry Killen ran the South Downs Challenge and finished in a very repectable time of 2 hrs 41 mins 03 secs.

June 16th – Comrades Marathon

On June 16th Simon Emsley ran the 87.5km Comrades Marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in 9:52:10. After the start at the traditional cock crow followed by a cannon (which made all the birds in the trees fly up into the air and set off several car alarms). he then concentrated on running a constant pace and saving energy up the hills, He had just crossed the line when he was greeted by an official who shook him by the hand and said “welcome home” then said “You are only a proper Comrades runner if you run it in both directions”. Just what you need 5 seconds after finishing.

June 25th – Thame 10K

Nearer to home in Thame, Joy Noad picked up second spot in the Supervet Ladies section at the Thame 10K with a time of 43 mins 57 secs. Also taking part was Will Smith, who crossed the line in 46.35.

July 2nd – Dorney Dash

Maidenhead Athletic Club's men took the 1st male team prize at the Dorney Dash 10k race. Simon Allison was first home, in sixth place overall, in a time of 36 minutes 21 seconds. Jim Tarrant in 40:01 and Paul Bradley (40:26) taking the other scoring positions. For the MAC ladies, Louise Walker overcame the energy sapping heat to record a personal best time of 42:48. Other Maidenhead times were: Mark Ashworth (42:57), Clyde McCrabbe (43:11), Amanda Linturn (43:18), John Scaife (44:57), Tim Holt (45:48), Kate Hunt (48:25), Sayeed Islam (49:01), Brian Roles (49:36), Sue McEwan (49:55), Stephanie James (49:56), Ezio Sakamoto (51:32), Richard Coleman (51:33), Katie Worth (51:50), Sarah Strachan (57:19), Peter Ison (58:26), Jill Smith (61:05), Bruce McEwan (61:07), Elena Fischer (63:25) and Rosie Pompermaier (73:07).

July 5th - Yateley 10k

After the torrential rain in June, conditions were far kinder for the 6 Maidenhead AC runners who ran the July Yateley 10k race. First home for the club was Mark Hollands (35:13), followed by Jon Kew (36:26). First Maidenhead lady was Joy Noad (44:27), followed by Sue McEwen (44:42) and husband Bruce (47:49). Rosie Pompermaier (1:04:18) completed the contingent. Hollands' performance gained him his first win as a veteran, and left him leading the MV40 category by 1 point, with just one race left in the 3 race series. Noad was placed 3rd in her category (FV45), and McEwen's 5th place (FV45) left her 2nd overall in the category, a single point ahead of her 3rd placed rival.

July 9th - Wycombe Half Marathon

As ever, a good contingent of MAC runners took on the undulating Wycombe Half Marathon. Leading the team home in a time of 1 hour 27 minutes 34 seconds was Jim Tarrant, followed by; Paul Bradley (1:30:00), Stephanie James (1:33:08), Clyde McCrabbe (1:36:08), Jeremy Lockett (1:37:57), Greg Marsh (1:38:51), Sue McEwen (1:43:04), John Scaife (1:44:19), Cavan Butler (1:45:14), Carolyn Lockett (1:45:33), Simon Emsley (1:46:29), Darrell Bressington (1:47:26), Dave Waterman (1:51:58), Lucy Brown (1:51:59), John Smith (1:55:27) and Dawn Wrigley (2:01:14).

July 9th - New Forest 10

To the south, MAC's Gerry Killen completed the New Forest 10 mile race in a time of 1 hour 13 minutes 31 seconds.

July 30th - Luton 10K

Ultra runner Simon Emsley decided on a much shorter distance recently, when he tackled the Luton 10K. On a three lap totally traffic free course he managed a relaxed time of 46.37.

August 2nd - Yately 10K Series

The big guns were out at the last of the Yateley 10k series, the culmination of three races held in June, July & August. Toby Lambert set his sights on the course record of 29:47. Unfortunately, a moderate wind curtailed the Alton athlete's ambitions as he settled for the second fastest time ever seen on the course of 30:11. Maidenhead AC's members had slightly lesser ambitions, but Mark Hollands' 34:46 was good enough for 12th place overall and first in his age category (MV40) for the second month in a row. That, combined with his fourth place in June was good enough to win the MV40 series trophy by 2 points. Also picking up a Vet's prizes was Sue McEwen, 3rd FV45 (44:26), which secured her second place for the series in her category, proving Sue’s consistently good running for the club. Stuart Mannering (37:48), Bruce McEwen (47.45), Justine Tooms (54.57) and Rosie Pompermaier (63:26) completed the Maidenhead line-up. Justine managed to knock a whole 2 minutes of her previous best time for the distance.

August 6th - Milland Valley 21K Trail Race

Simon Emsley and David Ross tackled the Milland Valley 21K Trail Race on a hot and humid day last Sunday. Not for the feint-hearted, this proved a tough and hilly course, with some soft sandy tracks, a long set of steps at around 5K and just for fun a steep descent at around 16K. David Ross clocked 1:53:22 and Simon 1.59.19, excellent performances by both men.

August 13th - Bearbrook 10K

What a difference a week makes. The previous Sunday Maidenhead runners were sweltering on a training run in Windsor Great Park and last Sunday they were in a wet and windy Aylesbury for the Bearbrook 10K. This didn't dampen spirits as Sarah Strachan and Pete Bark produced personal best runs, Sarah clocking 51 mins 19 secs and Pete 43:15. There were also season best runs for Simon Emsley (45:17) and Pete Ison, whose 53:51 represented his best effort for 2 years! At the 'sharp' end of the race Simon Alison ran 35:54 to claim 19^th place and Jon Kew 36:47 and 28^th spot. Also producing good runs after the deluge were Tim Holt (45:20), Will Smith (47:08), Dave Waterman (48:30) and John Rickman, home in 53:55.

August 20th - Burnham Half Marathon

It was a welcome return for the Burnham Beeches Half Marathon, and Maidenhead A C runners turned out in numbers on what started out as a wet morning. Conditions improved, but it was quite a humid day to tackle a fairly tough course. Andy Macaskill was first home for MAC in a great 6^th place, improving considerably his time for the race and placing five places better that his previous 'Burnham' in 1 hr 15 mins 53 secs. First for the ladies was Claire Donald, preparing for the Berlin Marathon and running a canny race to produce 1:28:05. It placed her second in the over 40 category, and Alison Brownhill claimed 3^rd spot with 1:32:.55.Paul Bradley put in another strong performance with 1:29:41 and Clyde McCrabbe judged the run well with 1:35:01. Amanda Linturn is proving a welcome addition to the Club's ranks with 1:35:38. Greg Marsh found the second circuit a little more taxing, but run 1:37:43, and David Ross crossed the line in 1:40:06.Gerry Killen put in a solid run of 1:40:26, followed by Tim Holt (1:44:30) & Jon Kew (1:44:31). Simon Emsley followed in 1:45:23, then came Sue McEwen with 1:50:29 and Darrell Bressington in 1:51:50. Linda Vinton was pleased with her 1:58:17, while the Maidenhead performances were completed with Peter Slater in 2:00:30 and Lesley Kernaghan in 2:04:55. Ex-Maidenhead club member Simon Newton travelled down from Leeds to run 1:20:52.

September 2nd - Chalfont St Giles 10k Multi-Terrain Run

At the Chalfont St Giles 10k Multi-Terrain Run, Simon Allison took the male veterans' prize with a time of 38:00. Following Simon were Jeremy Lockett (45:08) and Carolyn Lockett (50:26).

September 3rd - The Beast

Preferring the more challenging of courses, MAC's Gerry Killen travelled to Corfe Castle in Dorset to tackle the aptly named Beast, a 14 mile off road race. In 'pea soup' fog conditions, Gerry finished in 1 hour 49 minutes and 6 seconds.

September 3rd - O2O 10K

Sue McEwen came home first in the FV50 category at the o2o 10k, in a time of 47 minutes 44 seconds. Also competing for MAC at Reading were Alan Russell (42:00), John Scaife (45:56) Jeanette Sanderson (52:31) Christine Thompson (54:20) Gill Evans (55:26) Jackie Hearne (65:19) and Rosie Pompermaier (70:28 ).

September 3rd - Hydro Active Women's Challenge

Cathy Ison continued her recovery from a serious knee problem by joining the celebrities in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge run around Hyde Park. In completing the course, Cathy raised in the region of £300 for 'Heads Up', a Head & Neck Cancer Research organisation based at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford.

September 10th - Grunty Fen Half Marathon

Temperatures soaring into the high 20's (80 degF) made the Grunty Fen Half Marathon every bit as arduous as its name implies. The relatively flat and open landscape offered little shade, and a stiff breeze made the race harder still as Maidenhead AC's Mark Hollands discovered on Sunday. Hollands struggled in the heat as he dropped from 9th to 19th place over the second half of the race to finish in 1:21:36, his slowest half for over 2 years, but still good enough to finish 4th in his age category.

September 17th – Dunstable 20 Mile Challenge

Simon Alison produced a fine run at the Dunstable 20 mile off-road challenge, finishing second in a time of 2.23:07. Backing up Simon in 37th spot was Carolyn Lockett in 3:05.30 and husband Jeremy (41st) with 3:06:06.

September 17th – Bristol Half Marathon

Four MAC seniors travelled to Bristol to tackle the Half Marathon. First home was Laurence Miles with a personal best time of 1 hour 16 minutes 22 seconds, followed by Matt Sinnott (1:27:46 pb), David Ridley (1:36:16) and Simon Emsley (1:39:04 pb).

September 17th – Stansted Slog

Paul Bradley & David Ross meanwhile took on the challenging Stansted Slog, a 13.1 mile trail race over some rough and hilly terrain in Hampshire. Paul completed the course in 1:41:49 and David in 1:48:06.

September 24th – Berlin Marathon

Claire Donald at last broke the 3 hour mark at Berlin, with a superb run of 2 hrs 59 mins 27 secs, to produce a clearly elite run. The Berlin course has a reputation for producing fast times, and with the usual enthusiastic crowds Claire was urged on to a personal best time.

September 24th – Windsor Half Marathon

At the Windsor Half Marathon conditions were warm and sunny and the course is tough, so many fell by the wayside. However, Maidenhead runners fared well. Alison Attard produced her best time for the circuit, with 1.57.44. First home for MAC was Martin Ilott in 1.51.30. Sarah Strachan returned to Windsor to clock 2:04.54, while Anushka Howell produced a solid time of 2.10.40. Linda Fox was happy to get around in a very respectable 2.18:04.

October 1st – Jersey Challenge

MAC's Jackie Cadman & Lesley Kernaghan travelled to Jersey at the weekend to compete in the 'Jersey Challenge'. This event comprises a 1 mile kayak across St. Catherine's Bay, a 40 mile cycle along the north coast of the Island and then an eight mile trail run. Despite a force 5 gusting to force 6 wind that almost caused the cancellation of the kayaking, the MAC ladies completed the challenge in 5hrs & 15mins to take first place in the Female Veteran team category.

October 1st – Great North Run

Several members of Maidenhead Athletic Club made their way northeast to join the cast of thousands at the Great North Run. In the Junior races, Alisdair Clark completed the 3.3km run for 10-12 year olds, in 25 minutes 53 seconds, whilst in the 4.5km 13-16 group race Katherine Leigh & Caitlin Clark recorded 21:28 and 30:25 respectively. In the half-marathon, both Clyde McCrabbe & Simon Emsley recorded personal bests for the distance. Quite a feat in a race where the sheer mass of bodies make it virtually impossible to move at much above snail's pace for the first mile or so! MAC times were: Clyde McCrabbe (1:31:35), Dave Rosewell (1:36:22), Simon Emsley (1:36:56), Gerry Killen (1:39:09), Mick Furseden (1:45:53), Derek Clark (1:51:37) and Adele Murdock, in her first half marathon of the year, (2:08:36).

October 1st – Kerridge 10K

Sue McEwen and Pete Bark made the shorter trip to Highclere Castle for the Kerridge 10k. The race was billed as 'multi-terrain', but the recent rain turned the course into something more challenging, with calf deep puddles in places. McEwen managed a creditable time of 52:05, with Bark just behind in 52:52.

October 8th - Henley Half Marathon

At the Henley Half Marathon, Mike Trees took first place In the Veteran Men's section, finishing in second place overall. Joy Noad then made it a MAC veteran's double, by taking the Ladies prize. Times were Mike Trees (01:16:44), Jim Tarrant (01:27:48), Paul Bradley (01:28:31), Rieko Trees (01:32:09), Joe Middleton (01:32:59), Joy Noad (01:33:51), Greg Marsh (01:36:32), Brian Roles (01:50:52), Mike Park (01:51:05), Linda Vinton (01:57:49) and Lesley Kernaghan (01:58:16). Meanwhile, in the fun run, Kate Durham made an encouraging return to racing by completing the six mile course in 58:22.

October 8th - SiS Woburn Safari 10K

Few races can boast a drive past bison, elephants and giraffes on route to the start, but that was what greeted Maidenhead's Mark Hollands, John Kew and Anne Sloan at the SiS Woburn Safari 10k on Sunday. As deer crossed the undulating course close to the leading runners, Hollands achieved his best ever 10k placing finishing as 5th overall and first veteran in a time of 35 minutes 2 seconds. Snapping at his heels, Kew finished in 8th position in 37:09, whilst Sloan posted a season's best 1:01:53.

October 15th - Chiltern League Division 2 Cross Country

After the disappointment of relegation last season, Maidenhead bounced back in the first fixture of the Chiltern League Division 2 Cross Country match at Watford last Saturday. The mens' team edged out Handy Cross, with four finishing in the first ten places. Mike Trees was first in 29 mins 43 secs, followed by Andy Macaskill (3rd), Laurence Miles (6th), and Mark Hollands in 10th spot. They were ably backed up by quality runs from David Crossland, team captain Stuart Mannering, Miles Bennett and Chris Donald. Also competing well were Liam Mifsud, David Hearn and Dave Waterman. The ladies fared well, and despite low numbers they grabbed second spot. For once, Steph James headed Claire Donald in 3rd spot, while Claire had to be content with 5th place. Reiko Trees consolidated the strong running with 8th place. The team was completed with solid runs by Sue McEwen and Jackie Cadman.

October 15th - Amsterdam Marathon

Meanwhile, Simon Emsley gathered with other runners in the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam on a cold and windy Sunday. It was worth the wait as he completed yet another marathon in a superb time of 3 hrs 38 mins 01 secs. This was a personal best by a staggering 9 mins and 16 secs, and 28 minutes faster than he achieved last year.

October 15th - Cabbage Patch 10

Nearer home, at the Cabbage patch 10-miler Maidenhead were not as well represented as usual, but there were some good runs, notably from Jim Tarrant who claimed a PB time of 64:52 and beat the 65 minute mark for the first time. Ably supporting was Paul Bradley who recorded an identical time. Amanda Linturn impressed with 70:09, followed by David Ross with 71:42. Completing the MAC line-up were training partners Sally Hardick and Sandra Briggs, crossing the line in 1:51:28 & 1:51:56 respectively.

October 15th - Cardiff Marathon

At Cardiff last week the incentive of a Millennium Stadium finish saw MAC's Gerry Killen complete the Cardiff Marathon in a very respectable time of 3:33:49.

October 22nd - Buckingham 10K

MAC's Anne Sloan & Jon Kew took on the hilly multi-terrain Buckingham 10K fun run. Kew finished 4th overall, with a time of 36:35 and Sloan completed the challenge in 62:50.

October 22nd - Abingdon Marathon

Five members of Maidenhead AC toed the line for the Abingdon Marathon on Sunday, with three picking up Berkshire County Championship medals. First to cross the line for Maidenhead was Matt Sinnott, taking a massive 12 minutes off his personal best time to come home in 3 hours 3 minutes and 15 seconds and claim silver in the MV40 category. Dave Ridley was next in 3:23:38, improving his time at Rome earlier in the year by over 5 minutes, and also earning a silver in the MV50 category. Not content with blasting over nine minutes off his personal best time at the Amsterdam Marathon only a week earlier, Simon Emsley lowered the mark by nearly 2 minutes more, finishing in 3:36:10. Completing the Maidenhead 26.2 contingent was Gill Evans recording 4:36:21 and also picking up a silver Berkshire medal in the FV50 category. MAC's Mark Hollands used part of the race as a training run, completing 18 miles in 1:49:01. Handy Cross runner Trevor Hunter, was awarded overall victory, in a time of 2:37:05 after the first across the line was disqualified for running under another runner's number.

October 22nd - Chicago Marathon

Over in what really was the windy city, with a chill factor of -3C, David Ross put in an excellent performance at the Chicago Marathon to record a personal best time of 3:24:31.

October 21st - Ironman Triathlon World Championships

Having qualified through the worldwide eliminators to claim a place as one of the world's best 52 triathletes in the 55-59 age group, MAC's Keith Greenhough travelled to Hawaii to complete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, on October 21. This race involved a 2.4 mile sea swim in rough conditions followed by a 112 mile bike ride on roads through hot and desolate lava fields and a 26.2 mile marathon run.Greenhough was delighted to finish the race in an impressive 13th place in his age group, in a time of 12 hours and 2 minutes. In addition to attaining world elite status, Keith used the event to raise money for the Burnham Beeches Rotary 'KidsOut' children's charity. So far he has collected around £2500 and is looking to increase this to over £3000.

October 29th - Auckland Marathon

In the middle of an Antipodean family holiday and with precious little training, top MAC runner Andy Macaskill completed the Auckland marathon in an excellent time of 2 hours 49 minutes.

October 22nd - Niagara Falls International 5km

The Ralphs family travelled west to have the colours represented at the Niagara Falls International 5km race. A wet and cool autumnal morning greeted them, but Gareth and wife Suzy challenged the elements to record times of 22:26 and 32:19 respectively, cheered on by son & MAC junior Sam. The race started and finished at the famous Niagara Falls, taking in the Niagara Park that runs alongside the river. Gareth took the MAC vest over the finish line as the first placed Britain and 3rd in his category.

November 3rd - Florida Ironman

Maidenhead Athletic Club member Laurence Miles recently returned from Clearwater, Florida where he competed in the inaugural Ford Ironman 70.3 Triathlon World Championship. The Ironman 70.3 event represents half the full Ironman distance, with the race comprising a 1.2-mile sea swim, followed by a 56-mile bike and finally a 13.1-mile (half marathon) run. Laurence's training at the Maidenhead club paid off where, in good clear conditions, he finished with a strong run in a time of 1:28:46 to complete the course in a little over 4 hours 32 minutes, placing in a very respectable 74th / 228 in his age group and within the top quarter of the overall field of around 1360 competitors. In addition to the result, Laurence is very pleased to have raised around £1150 for Breast Cancer Research and would like to thank everyone who supported him.

November 5th - Marlow Half Marathon

One of the most demanding of local Half-Marathons, the Marlow race still attracts a good entry and 22 from Maidenhead AC took on the challenge last Sunday. Mike Trees continues his good form, and he took top place with a time of 1 hr 15 mins 21 secs. Also figuring in the top fifty home were Jon Kew (27th) in 1:27:24, Joe Middleton (41st) 1:30:22, Paul Bradley (45th) 1:30:56 and Jim Tarrant (46th) also in 1:30:56. There were plenty of other good runs from Jeremy Lockett (1:35:14), Joy Noad (1:36:00), newcomer Derek Tippell (1:38:52) and Clare Marsh (1:40:39). David Ross clocked 1:41:06, while Gerry Killen ran a fine 1:42:19 after his recent marathon effort in Cardiff. Liam Mifsud recorded 1:43:01, Carolyn Lockett 1:46:20 and Tim Holt 1:46:24. Although chilly to start conditions were good and Glynne Greenough made it home in 1:47:12. Other maidenhead times were Chris Ellis 1:47:25, Simon Emsley 1:49:24, Michael Park 1:51:47, Dave Waterman 1:51:55, Sayeed Islam 1:53:18, Brian Roles 1:54:54 and David Hearne 1:58:50.

November 11th - Chiltern League - Luton

Beset by injuries and missing some of the big guns, Maidenhead AC had to fight hard in the 2nd race of the Chiltern League series to stay in contention for promotion. Nevertheless, valiant efforts from some of the newer team members helped to secure 4th place on the day and to stay 2nd in the division. Simon Allison bought the men's team home, and Steph James the ladies. In the men's race, determined sprint finishes from Chris Donald, Clyde Mccrabbe and Miles Bennett helped to gain valuable points, and an impressive debut by Chris Paine at 17th overall ensured that when back to full strength MAC have a real chance to top the division. In the ladies events newcomers Val Toeman and Judi Jeffries helped collect valuable points to ensure we are only a few points adrift of the current league leaders, Silson Joggers. A great team effort from all.

November 12th – Monaco Marathon

Linda Vinton and Lesley Kernaghan took on the beautiful but hilly Monaco Marathon, finishing in 4 hours 20 minutes and 4 hours 35 minutes respectively.

November 26th - Florence Marathon

Glynne Greenough competed in the Florence Marathon, on a course that passes many of Italy's most famous monuments and squares. In a time of 3 hours 46 minutes, Glynne finished in the top 20% of the women's field in the race.

November 26th - Eynsham 10K

Fortunately the rain relented for Maidenhead runners taking part in the two-lap 10k course around the attractive Oxfordshire village of Eynsham. Sixteenth spot was taken by Simon Allison as he came home in 35 mins 31 secs, ahead of team-mate Jon Kew in 36:48. Chris Paine did a massive personal best to finish in 37:16, with Jim Tarrant (40:05) and Gerry Killen (43:19) also having good runs. Sue McEwen was the first of the ladies home in 46:13, but husband Bruce was not far behind with 47:00. Alison Attard continued her run of PBs with 50:21 and the MAC contingent was completed by Sam Turner (60:20) and Anne Sloan (64:01).

December 3rd - Luton Marathon

Simon Emsley and Carolyn Lockett tackled the three-lap Luton Marathon in wet and very windy conditions. Although well down on his last marathon time, Simon produced a time of 3:54:23, a full 22 mins faster that last year. Carolyn fared very well, with a time of 3:48:00. and 6 minutes quicker than last year.

 

December 3rd - Grim 8

The previous week Maidenhead had fielded two teams in the suitably named 'Grim 8'. The team of Andy Macaskill, Laurence Miles and Matt Sinott, quaintly named 'My wife can't wrestle…' grabbed second place in the mens' team event. Andy was 5th, Laurence 7th and Matt 46th. The other MAC team named 'Meat and 2 veg' were a vegetable short, so Steph James (136th) and Clyde McCrabbe weren't placed in the team event, but like all 1500 runners had a great muddy time.

December 10th – Hogs Back

The Hogs back race near Guildford is one of the classic Road Races in the South of England. It was very satifying for Stephanie James to come home as 5th lady in a time of 52 mins 19 secs. In the mens' race there was an 8th spot for Andy Macaskill (44:46) and 15th for Laurence Miles (45:52). Backing up these times were David Ridley in 52:19, Keith Greenough 59:05 and Simon Emsley 60:44. Also taking part were Dave Waterman (62:50), Glynne Greenough (63:44) Jackie Cadman (68:28) and Rosie Pompermaier in 88:01. The mens and ladies teams gained creditable placings of 8th and 11th places respectively.

December 10th - Bedford Half Marathon

Gerry Killen tackled the Bedford Half Marathon and ran a superb 1 hr 37 mins 40 secs.

December 18th - Berkshire Cross Country Championships

Fine weather greeted the assembled runners at the Berkshire Cross Country Championships on Sunday, at Burchetts Green. Maidenhead Athletic Club's Sue Blackett continued her fine cross-country form as she overhauled the third place runner on the final lap of the ladies 6km race to win a County Bronze medal. The performance also guaranteed her a place on the Berkshire County team for the Inter-Counties Chamionships to be held at Nottingham in February. In the men's race, Mark Hollands finished 11th, missing county selection by around 10 seconds. He must now wait as second reserve to see if he gets called up. David Ridley was the only other Maidenhead AC runner, completing the challenging 12km course in just under an hour.

December 26th - Aylesbury 5K

Whilst many people were bargain-hunting in the Boxing Day sales, Maidenhead AC's Hollands family were medal-hunting in Aylesbury. Starting the chase in her first road race was 10-year old Bryony, completing 4 laps of the sloping Market Square in 4:08 - just 7 seconds behind the winner of the under-11 girls competition. Her father, Mark, completed the undulating 5k course in 17:22, finishing 10th overall, and winning the Male Veterans 40 category.

December 31st - Cliveden Cross-Country
 

January 25th - Southern Championships

Saturday 25th January saw members of Maidenhead AC's cross country squad make the long trip down to Bicton College near Exmouth in Devon to compete in the South of England championships. In perfect conditions for fast racing, the hilly course provided a demanding test. At stake as well as the championships was the battle for Maidenhead's own 10 mile cross country trophy traditionally awarded to the first team member home in this event. Chris Donald's experience in the big championship races stood him in good stead as he came home 418th in 49 minutes 38 seconds to retain the trophy for the 3rd year in succession. Paul Mee pushed him hard but faded in the closing stages finishing 430th (49:50) whilst new comer Matt McCabe, who continues to improve with each race was 502nd in 52:06. These two will no doubt be putting in the miles over the coming 12 months aiming to knock Chris off his pedestal next time around.

Wokingham Half Marathon really marks the beginning of the local road racing year and the race has grown in stature and numbers over it's