Riddlesdown parkrun – Event 103

 
Report by Ange Norris
Photos by Gill Hallson – to view the full set of photos in Flickr, click on the link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/riddlesdown/sets/72157633528803484/

Another day dawns – it’s Saturday, it’s parkrun day!
 

 
If any of the early to arrive volunteers were in danger of being anything less than enthusiastic, and dwelling on the grey clouds that were beginning to leak, we were all put right by the cheerful arrival of Alan O’Gebrselassie, with his optimistic comment that the sun was coming out. The gazebo did go up and was justified for a short time but the day brightened up (as he predicted) to being ‘excellent running weather’. Not quite such ideal conditions for the volunteers though, as many had numb fingers by the time we packed up.
 

 
Despite the fact that a couple of volunteers had to drop out midweek we still had a full roster today. Twins Tessa and Amy Billups, who have both run here in the past, offered to fill in as marshals. Before the start as all runners were gathering around the registration point, there were a couple of volunteers who had not yet arrived. Straight away there were two offers from others to fill the places. Judit Marden who arrived early today for the first time to put out signs, stayed as a marshal and Lloyd O’Connor selflessly said he would help rather than run.
 

 
What wonderful people all volunteering Riddlesdowners are. We thank them before the run each week but they should never be taken for granted – we rely on them for our run to be what it is. When things go smoothly it can be very easy to forget the work involved in ensuring that it does. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes – those who never or almost never run; those who are regularly part of our event as both runners and volunteers, either alternating which they do or taking on a volunteer role that they can do and still enjoy a run, and those who support the event by volunteering whilst injured. One thing they all seem to have in common is their commitment to the smooth running of the event and their exuberance. (I know that’s two things but that’s just being pedantic!)
 

 
There was quite a crowd on the start line, all eager to get started. Since the weather and conditions under foot have improved our numbers have increased. We had 122 runners today, which is our 6th largest field. We’re becoming a bit popular; maybe this running lark will catch on.

PBs
This is another week when Nicki, our quiet and subdued (Who said that??) Event Director, has been proved right. With the drier conditions underfoot more and more runners are achieving pbs. Today 42 took seconds/minutes off their times. With so many of you to mention I shall put you into groups. Hopefully you will agree with the one you’re in, it’s not totally arbitrary. One runner was worthy of slipping into 2 different categories.

Those who just keep on running pbs:-
William Rady – 3 pbs in last 3 appearances – improved by 1:02 minutes and 30 secs today
Jack Lafone-Hill – 6th run here, 4 pbs, total improvement 2:27, 9 seconds today
Julian Dillow – 11 runs here, 6 pbs, improved by 3:10, 5 seconds today
 

 
Michael Wray – 3 pbs in last 3 runs here, improved by 1:03, 7 second pb today
Peter Laurence – 3 pbs in last 3 runs here, improved by 2:08. 21 second pb today
Kerry Straghan - 3 pbs in last 3 runs here, improved by 51 seconds, 42 seconds today
Anne Tarn – 3 pbs in last 3 runs, improved by 1:05, 32 second pb today
Lucy Finch – 12 runs here, 8 pbs with a total improvement of 8:01 since January, 1:06 pb today
Simon Hargrave – 5 runs, 4 pbs, 15:15 total pb, 1:56 pb today – incredible!
Mary Tobin – 6 runs, 5 pbs, (despite running in a onesie for our spotty event) 5 second pb today
Ellie Crawley – 4 runs, 3 pbs, 4 second pb today

Those who have waited a long time for a pb:–
Barb Remfry - she has been heard to say that it’s such a long time since her last pb, (September 2012), that she believed it might never happen again. Isn’t it great to be wrong sometimes Barb! Not only did she take 25 seconds off her time but also she ran sub 25 minutes for the first time, which was her goal for the end of the year.
 

 
Peter Georgiades – his first pb since 09/12, improved by 3 secs
Mick Gibson – a true Riddlesdownite as all of his 47 parkruns have been here. His last pb was 04/12, took 10 seconds off
David Rowlanes – not strictly in this category as he pb-ed last week, but it was for the first time since 09/12, took off 1 second then and 33 seconds today

Those who are relatively new to Riddlesdown and are improving fast:
Oliver Arnold – second run here, 10 second pb
Lewis Sullivan – 2 runs, 37 second pb
George White – 2 runs, 1:21 pb
Tim Rooke – 2 runs here, 49 second pb
Toby Carter – 2 runs, 4:34 pb Despite this incredible pb he still had time to chat. I met Toby going down to the bottom bend on the first lap when he confidently told me he wanted to beat his pb. He certainly did!
 

 
Dave Chiverton – 3 runs, 2 pbs, 2:07 total pb, 35 seconds today
Jenny Hutton – 2 runs, 25 second pb
Joseph Rooke - 2 runs, 9 second pb
Sam Chappell – 2 runs, 1:07 pb
Rume Weeks – 2 runs, 4 second pb
John Diggle – 8 runs here, 2 pbs in a row, 54 second pb today
Ryan Sullivan – 3 runs, 1:06 pb
Adam Downtown – 4 runs, 2 pbs, 1:56 total improvement, 1:49 today
James Dubois – 7 runs, 15 second pb today
Carlyn Moram (returning for the first time post VLM – welcome back!) – 12 runs, 14 second pb
Neill Cooper – 3 runs, 2 pbs, 37 second pb today
Grace Udale – 3 runs, 2 pbs, 1:27 pb today
Alistair Des Moulins – 3 runs, 2 pbs, 1:28 pb today
Simon Masters – 12 runs, 6 pbs, 20 second pb today
Jessica Brewer – 2 runs, first since 12/11, (come again Jessica) 38 second pb
Niamh O’Connor – 3 runs, 2 pbs, 24 second pb today. Will she be challenging her dad soon?
Joanna Altria – 10 runs, 1:42 pb today
Charlotte Biggs – 5 runs, 1:02 pb today
Helen Lomasney – 5 runs, 5:41 pb today, 10:00 pb since 11/12
Jessica Dann – 2 runs, 4:38 pb. Another parent will have to be looking over their shoulder soon.
Arianne Hargrave – 6 runs, 2:12 pb today

Those who are seasoned parkrunners but are still pb-ing:-
Mike Brewer – 189 parkruns in total but still able to knock 2 seconds off
Peter Georgiades – a 3 second pb on his 99th parkrun
 

A last note about pbs.
• 37 out of the 122 runners (30%) were female
• 17 out of 42 pb-ers (40%) were female.
This proves beyond any doubt that female runners are improving more than males. You can’t argue with statistics! (ermmm – I’m not entirely sure about that bit – Ed)
As well as those achieving a pb there were many who were frustratingly close to theirs. Out of the first 9 finishers nobody was more than 7 seconds away from their pb. It may well be their turn next week.
We all know that the ethos of parkrun states that our events are runs and not races. However, many people, whilst challenging themselves to beat their own pb, will try their hardest to gain a higher finish position than previously and ‘beat’ fellow runners. We all have those who are about the same speed as us, or a tad faster, and it’s always satisfying to try to go past. That’s friendly competitiveness. So – within this ethos we need to be fair to our fellow runners and ourselves. I ask that all runners observe the signs out on the course and ensure they go around them all, especially the pole at the start (on the second lap) and the small flag on the bottom corner. This is thankfully easier now the ground is firmer as I appreciate we were all taking the risk of loosing our footing here during the last few months of muddy ground.
 

 
Our two front runners were close but today Daniel Gillett edged ahead to be first over the line in a time of 17:21. In his 11 runs here this was his second fastest time, his second time to be first finisher and his highest age graded run. Following just 9 seconds behind was Alan O’Gebrselassie, (so named due to his ever present smile and enthusiasm for running) in his second fastest run here and his highest age graded run. An impressive 85.62% has taken him up to 4th in the all time Riddlesdown age graded league.
 

 
Third over the line was David Brown in a time of 18:04. Although he runs regularly for Croydon Harriers this was his very first parkrun. Just another 49 runs until he joins the 50 club and earns himself the red t-shirt courtesy of adidas.
The next three finishers were all JM15-19. William Rady ran here for the 14th time and completed his 19th parkrun in total. There was a sprint for the line for 5th position by Dylan Wymer and Matt Yates who were separated by just one second with Dylan hanging on in front.

The women were not far behind. Ange Norris was first female to finish, in 16th position overall. She was followed by Heidi Dann, running well after her marathon last month. This was her second fastest run, the fastest being last week when she ran an impressive pb of 52 seconds. Third lady was Jenny Hutton in her second parkrun in a pb time of 23:46.
 

 
parkrun clubs
There is no easy way to become a member of any of these, you just have to run, run, run again and then come back and run some more.
10 club – 13 young runners who ran today have already joined this club.
50 club – Julie McDonald ran her 50th parkrun today and her 46th at Riddlesdown. She has also run 3 times at Roundshaw and once at Lloyd Park. She joined us on our 8th event in August 2011 and has continued to run regardless of rain, mud or snow. She has achieved 7 pbs taking her time down 3:31. However, as well as her running accomplishments she has become one of the many friendly faces of our event and it is a pleasure for everyone that she runs here. Well done Julie.
 

 
Fourteen other runners here today were already part of the 50 club and six runners were members of the 100 club. Peter Georgiades ran his 99th parkrun. I hope we see him next week for his 100th.
Kevin Burnett, a regular Riddlesdownite, topped the most frequent parkrunner table today having completed 192 runs. It won’t be long until we can whoop him around his 200th. What an incredible achievement. Mike Brewer was not far behind in second place with 189 parkruns. He was here for our inaugural run and has now completed 12 events here but more often runs at Wimbledon Common and other events nearer to his home.
 

 
Andrew Crossley was in third place with 141 parkruns. He normally runs at Roundshaw or Lloyd Park but came here for the first time since June 2012

First timers
We had 15 first timers, 10 of whom were completely new to parkrun. A group who came from Caterham School reported at the end that they had enjoyed the run and will come back again. Lily Dann joined her sister, mum and dad by running today. Karen Macenhill ran her 71st parkrun, ours being her 10th different event. Kim Ford, also of Striders of Croydon, ran for the 82nd time at her 11th event.

Age grading – There is a mathematical formula that standardises each result according to age and time compared to the appropriate world record. Or for the more mature runner when trying to justify finishing behind a younger person, it is not necessary to say ‘I could be their parent’ but can quote the age grading. Over 80% is national standard and this week Barb Remfry achieved this for the first time. Since the beginning of Riddlesdown time, Barb has held the record for her age group VW60-64. Whilst setting a new pb today she set a new age category record. Well done Barb.

Last month’s Sweatshop prizewinner Rob Moulder was absent from this week’s run. The prize is an honour to receive and he was truly appreciative. I quote from …..( I’m struggling to remember who said it to me) ‘To the uninformed, his son’s christening party appeared to be more a celebration of Rob’s running achievements, with his framed certificate proudly on display in the garden.’ We look forward to his return in July when he is going to arrive armed with cakes. At present he is still third in the points competition behind Lloyd and Les who both look unstoppable.

Longest parkrun
A group of us are intending to give it a go. It will take place on 23rd June and consists of 7 parkruns throughout the day with approx one and a half hours between each one. Have a look at the parkrun website to see the details. There is no obligation to complete all seven, it is up to the individual as it is more a fun event to get runners from different events together. Each run is a freedom run so will not count towards a person’s total parkrun count. Riddlesdown parkrun will be the second event and it would be great if many of you could come and run here even if you are unable to run any others. If you want to run come and speak to Nicki or Ange and we will try to coordinate runners and lifts. Also a few of us are going to attempt to cycle between the events so if that sounds like an unmissable challenge to you, again come and let us know.

Riddlesdowners on tour
If anybody is off running elsewhere do let us know so we can add your results to the report. Not only can we whoop at your achievements but it also lets other parkrunners know the variety of events available and inspires us to have a go at other distances.
Last Sunday Francis and Sophie Gibson ran at the Sutton 10k. Francis finished in a time of 51:56, with Sophie Gibson just behind in 53:50. Well done to them both.
 

Last but not least, a plea from the cart. It’s filling up with an increasing amount of lost property. Please check if you have inadvertently left anything and come and claim it.

That’s it for this week. I’ve nothing else to say except, enjoy your week and see you next Saturday.
 

Riddlesdown parkrun – Day of the PB Part 2
 
Report by Heidi Dann
Photos by Richard Carter & Pete Gibson
(to view complete sets of photos in FLickr, click on the following links:)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/riddlesdown/sets/72157633418040898/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/riddlesdown/sets/72157633433820120/
 

 
Those who enjoyed the successful 100th and 101st events at Riddlesdown returned in their droves this Saturday and ensured there was another fab attendance with 106 runners pounding the common. There were also a few Riddlesdown regulars making a welcome return after a long absence. Welcome back to Katie Kell who has been spending the winter training for some 10Ks and a half marathon coming up later this year and also to Monique who came back with a new PB (more on PBs later on).
 

 
Also a special welcome to all the newcomers who chose this week's Riddlesdown to embark on their parkrun journey, especially to my daughter Jessica Dann who I’m proud to say ran the whole way, even after a slight fall on the notoriously tricky stony trail.
 

 
With the sun out so too were the legs, even Mick and Les who prefer to cover up for these events were sporting shorts this weekend. There was a moment of doubt when they may have thought that this may have not been such a wise idea; as Nicki gave us our starter's orders, we felt familiar spots of rain, but this soon stopped and with the signal to “Go” we took the opportunity to run like the wind.
 
With the ground still benefiting from the improved weather of late, there were the familiar signs that this could be another opportunity to improve our times.
And improve we did! The list of PB’s this week was massive:
 

 
* Ben Pearce * Michael Wray * Jamie Alexander Brown * Lindsay Gregory * Ian Watson * Simon Jim Blackburn * Michael Hickson * James Dubois * Zhan Su * Becky Laurence * Paul John Stubbings * Robert Kirk * Mark Cawood * Heidi Dann (had to justify the expense of new trainers!) * Roy Edie * Martin Forrester * Graeme Drysdale * John Nuttal * Dave Chiverton * Celia Caulcott * Julian Dillow * Lloyd Dobbie * Fiona Delaney * Neill Cooper * Nigel Finch * John Cooper * Sophie Gibson * Hillary Ryan * Robert Moulder * Keith Simpson * Russell Green * Monique Estelle Charman * William Harvey-Sparrow * Phillip Mark Trzinski * David Rowlanes * Jenny Carson * Steve Haley * Jamie Alexander Bell * Laureen Stevens * Mary Ann Maksymiw * Matt Downtown * Christina Hubbard * Estelle Gilbody * Linda Lloyd * Helen Garrett * Esther Walker * Judit Marden * Niamh O’Connor * Lucy Lloyd * Nicki Palmer * Morgan Quinn * Joy Rimmel *
 

 
That is an amazing list – well done to you all! Apologies if I’ve missed anyone but there were sooo many! Special mention to Keith Simpson who also managed a new PB today. Great running Keith, the marathon training is paying off – even more impressive since he runs from Caterham all the way to the parkrun.
 

 
Ben Pearce was first across the line with a new PB to boot - This was Ben’s 11th run at Riddlesdown and he completed the course in 17.15 – fantasitic running. Second and third finishers were to Alan O'Connor and Alistair Heaton-Armstrong repsectively, they stormed round the course showing us all how it's done.
 

 
Well done to Ange who was first lady with another great time at 20.48 and also to Helen Garrett who stood shivering at the start of the run and then managed a fantastic time of 21.54 and a new PB. Third lady was hotly contented but was well deserved by Becky Laurence who managed to overtake me on the tricky trail then ensured there was enough distance to ensure I didn’t come close on the final straight.
 

 
A special mention must also to Robert Moulder who was the Sweatshop Monthly prize winner for April. Robert has run a total of 40 runs at Riddlesdown and achieved his best time this year today. Robert has managed to shave nearly four minutes off his time since his first run in 2012 and has put in some fantastic performances he’s also become a vaulable member of the volunteering team helping both before and during the runs. Well done Robert – well deserved. For more details, see the article preceding this one on the News Page.
 

 
As the signs were put away and we contemplated our plans for the Bank Holiday, I noticed a certain Lady, who has unfortunatley been sidelined with injury for some time, jogging home. – Watch out girls, the PB Slayer may well be on her way back – Looking forward to it Paula!
 

STATS

Men's placings:
Ben PEARCE (SM35-39) of South London Harriers, was first over the line in 17:15 - 7th time in 11 appearances.
Alan John O'CONNOR (VM50-54) (Unattached) was second over the line in 17:43 - Has been first to finish on 24 previous occassions.
Alistair HEATON-ARMSTRONG (VM40-44) (Unattached) was third over the line in 18:00 - Has been first to finish on 2 previous occassions.
 
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Lloyd O'CONNOR (Unattached) 4258 pts.
Les HUITSON (Unattached) 3664 pts.
Robert MOULDER (Unattached) 3250 pts.
 
Women's placings:
Ange NORRIS (VW50-54) of Dulwich Runners AC, was first (14th overall) over the line in 20:48 - 41st time in 74 appearances.
Helen GARRETT (VW45-49) of Beckenham RC, was second (24th overall) over the line in 21:54.
Becky LAURENCE (SW30-34) of Striders of Croydon AC, was third (29th overall) over the line in 22:31.
 
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Ange NORRIS (Dulwich Runners AC) 3477 pts.
Barb REMFRY (Oxted Runners) 3272 pts.
Frances GIBSON (Oxted Runners) 3087 pts.
&nbsp
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Alan John O'CONNOR (VM50-54) was graded 84.57 % for the time 17:43 (second overall).
Ange NORRIS (VW50-54) was graded 81.57 % for the time 20:48 (14th overall).
Ben PEARCE (SM35-39) was graded 76.91 % for the time 17:15 (first overall).
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101 spots at the 101st Event

Report by Frances Gibson
 
Photos by Nicki Clark & Pete Gibson
(to view all the photos from Event 101 in Flickr, click on the links below)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/riddlesdown/sets/72157633356866081/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/riddlesdown/sets/72157633402310845/
 

 
After last week’s celebratory event what would we behold at the 101st Event? Lo and behold it was spots, not the squeezy time (I hope) but polka dot spots on tops, onesies, scarfs & maybe even pyjamas!
 

 
It was a slightly chilly Saturday morning but the conditions were still good, even though there had been some rain in the week. The good weather and ground conditions seems to entice the seasonal runners out of hibernation. There was a good turnout this week - bizarrely 101 runners finished. Nicki did you drag anybody off the street to make the numbers up? (Absolutely not – no unwilling victims were utilised to give us 101 finishers! – Ed)
 

 
Ange was this week’s Run Director and went through the prelims with particular mention that as the skylarks are starting to nest on the Downs again, we need to be careful to stick to the paths so as not to disturb their nests in the grass - we are very lucky to have such precious wildlife on our doorstep. After thanking the volunteers, Ange started the 101st Riddlesdown parkrun, and after everyone had gone past, went back to the start line to start her own run.
 

 
First over the line was Ben Pearce of South London Harriers with a time of 17:31, this s Ben’s 6th firs time over the line in first in 10 appearances. Regular Riddlesdown runner and first finisher, Alan O Connor was confined to second place with a time of 17:49. Third finisher was Ian Watson in a time of 18:54.
 

 
For the Ladies, Ange Norris was first in a time of 21:19; this is Ange’s 40th first finish in 73 appearances. Second was Becky Laurence in a time of 23:11 and third was Sylvie Green in a time of 23:39. This was Sylvie’s fastest time since September – that Half Marathon did you good!
 

 
We are in the season of PB’s of which there were 31 this week, long may the mud and puddles remain a distant memory.
 
Notable PB’s were:
 
Sophie Gibson - 4th in a row - new shoes and new legs seem to be making her fly!
 

 
Ben Pearce was not only first finisher today, he finally achieved a PB by 1 second, last achieved in August 2011
 

 
Matt Downtown - 7th PB in 13 appearances
 

 
Becky Laurence - 3rd PB in a row
 

 
MG0713
Kerry Straghan – 7th PB in 20th appearances
 

 
Also, a special mention to regular volunteer Morgan Quinn, who ran his first run at the 100th event last week. Morgan knocked off 52 seconds this week, I think wife Kaye had better watch out, he is coming to catch you!!
 

 
It was good to see Carlos Garcia and David Condon back at Riddlesdown. Carlos did mention that he had forgotten how tough it was - we know!!
 

 
Many of our regulars were taking part in various races on Sunday, notably the Bunny Run at Caterham, the Hogsmill 5 at Ewell and further afield the Hall family went to Blenheim Palace to take part in the 7k event.
 
In the points competition there are strong leaders in the men’s and ladies competition, will there be a change in the position in the remaining weeks?
 
PLEASE NOTE – it is 4th of May next week – Star Wars theme anyone? May the Fourth be With You, and PB’s galore.
 

 
STATS:

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Lloyd O'CONNOR 4173 pts.
Les HUITSON 3578 pts.
Robert MOULDER 3161 pts.
 
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Ange NORRIS (Dulwich Runners AC) 3377 pts.
Barb REMFRY (Oxted Runners) 3272 pts.
Frances GIBSON (Oxted Runners) 3087 pts.