Eddy Cooper's latest blog for RunSouthend

Hello readers, apologies for my absence recently, I've been revising for my mock GCSEs... it's been a bit frantic at my house!  

Anyway training's been going really well, I have had a good 5/6 sessions with Ian pike, my coach, over at Little Havens and near the Bluebell 5 race. 

We did a 5k in training and, considering my PB is 18:12, I ran a great time of 17:23- smashed it! I can't wait to do another Parkrun, but next on the agenda is the first few weeks in January- 4th of jan: Essex Champs (me and my team mates at Benfleet (U17s) will be going for a medal!) then on the 11th of jan: Essex League (me and the rest of the team are 2nd- in front of Chelmsford and behind Basildon so we need to do well in this one) and finally on the 18th of Jan: Im running with, my training partner and friend, Adam Foster for southend at the Inter borough competition where the top 8 will be chosen for the Essex team!  I came 8th in the original race to get into the borough team (top 8 qualify) when injured- calf strain, so I will be looking to come around 5/6th in the borough team within this next race! 

I've been running really well in the Essex leagues, finishing in 9th and 16th, heading up the Benfleet group both times and helping us to a remarkable 2nd place- this is our first season as U17s (for 5/7 of us) and we are delighted with our performances that have put us so high up the rankings! 

I also came 12th at the Essex League at Gloucester park. Im looking forward to January!  Hope you've enjoyed following my progress and we'll see what January holds! 

Eddy

Editor's note: Well done Eddy, we look forward to seeing your progression next year! 

COME AND WATCH OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS IN NATIONAL FINAL ACTION!

English Schools Cross Country Cup Final at Southend High School For Girls

Saturday 30th November will see the top Senior School Cross Country runners compete for National titles at Southend High School For Girls! 

The racing kicks off at 1pm with the Intermediate Girls Final so why not pop along and give them some support!

Timetable:

10:30am-12:30 Course open for inspection
12:45pm - Course closed
13:00 Intermediate Girls Final
13:30 Junior Boys Final
14:00 Junior Girls Final
14:20 Intermediate Boys Final
15:15 PRESENTATIONS

Course Map

Intermediate Girls	2 big laps, 3Km	start - ABCDHIJKLMEF - ABCDHIJKLMEFN - finish
Junior Boys	2 big laps, 3Km	start - ABCDHIJKLMEF - ABCDHIJKLMEFN - finish
Junior Girls	1 small lap, 1 big lap, 2.5Km	start - ABCDEF - ABCDHIJKLMEFN - finish
Intermediate Boys	3 big laps, 4Km	start - ABCDHIJKLMEF - ABCDHIJKLMEF - ABCDHIJKLMEFN - finish

Site map

Who's competing:

Cup Final Team Lists

The first 3 teams in each age group from each Region qualified for the Cup Final at Southend High School for Girls (Essex) on Saturday November 30th.

Junior Boys

1 to 6	region EC :	Robert Bloomfield Academy	Shefford
7 to 12	region EC :	Northampton School for Boys	Northampton
13 to 18	region EC :	Dr Challoner's Grammar School	Amersham
19 to 24	region EM :	Loughborough Grammar School	Loughborough
25 to 30	region EM :	Holmfirth High School	Holmfirth
31 to 36	region EM :	Tapton School	Sheffield
37 to 42	region NE :	Dame Allan's	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
43 to 48	region NE :	St John Fisher Catholic High School	Harrogate
49 to 54	region NE :	Ermysted's Grammar School	Skipton
55 to 60	region NT :	St Columba's College	St Albans
61 to 66	region NT :	The Coopers' Company and Coborn School	Upminster
67 to 72	region NT :	Southend High School for Boys	Southend-on-Sea
73 to 78	region NW :	St Anselm's College	Prenton
79 to 84	region NW :	Calday Grange Grammar School	Wirral
85 to 90	region NW :	Altrincham Grammar School for Boys	Altrincham
91 to 96	region SE :	The Judd School	Tonbridge
97 to 102	region SE :	Robert May's School	Hook
103 to 108	region SE :	The Skinners' School	Tunbridge Wells
109 to 114	region SW :	Millfield Preparatory	Glastonbury
115 to 120	region SW :	Truro School	Truro
121 to 126	region SW :	Reading Blue Coat School	Reading
127 to 132	region WC :	Bridgewater High School	Warrington
133 to 138	region WC :	Marling School	Stroud
139 to 144	region WC :	Helsby High School	Frodsham

Intermediate Boys

1 to 6	region EC :	Dr Challoner's Grammar School	Amersham
7 to 12	region EC :	Sharnbrook Upper School and Community College	Bedford
13 to 18	region EC :	The Perse School	Cambridge
19 to 24	region EM :	Loughborough Grammar School	Loughborough
25 to 30	region EM :	South Hunsley School	North Ferriby
31 to 36	region EM :	Bourne Grammar School	Bourne
37 to 42	region NE :	Ermysted's Grammar School	Skipton
43 to 48	region NE :	Ryedale School	York
49 to 54	region NE :	Hummersknott Academy	Darlington
55 to 60	region NT :	Southend High School for Boys	Southend-on-Sea
61 to 66	region NT :	The Eastwood School	Leigh-on-Sea
67 to 72	region NT :	St Albans School	St Albans
73 to 78	region NW :	St Anselm's College	Prenton
79 to 84	region NW :	Sacred Heart Catholic College	Liverpool
85 to 90	region NW :	Calday Grange Grammar School	Wirral
91 to 96	region NW :	The Queen Katherine School	Kendal
97 to 102	region SE :	The Judd School	Tonbridge
103 to 108	region SE :	Dulwich College	London
109 to 114	region SE :	Tomlinscote School and Sixth Form College	Camberley
115 to 120	region SW :	Reading Blue Coat School	Reading
121 to 126	region SW :	Queen's College	Taunton
127 to 132	region SW :	Ivybridge Community College	Ivybridge
133 to 138	region WC :	Thomas Telford School	Telford
139 to 144	region WC :	Shrewsbury School	Shrewsbury
145 to 150	region WC :	Sandbach Boys School	Sandbach

Junior Girls

1 to 6	region EC :	Aylesbury High School	Aylesbury
7 to 12	region EC :	Wycombe High School	High Wycombe
13 to 18	region EC :	Robert Bloomfield Academy	Shefford
19 to 24	region EM :	Holmfirth High School	Holmfirth
25 to 30	region EM :	Grammar School at Leeds	Leeds
31 to 36	region EM :	Toot Hill School	Nottingham
37 to 42	region NE :	Skipton Girls' High School	Skipton
43 to 48	region NE :	Royal Grammar School	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
49 to 54	region NE :	Giggleswick School	Settle
55 to 60	region NT :	St Albans Girls' School	St Albans
61 to 66	region NT :	The Coopers' Company and Coborn School	Upminster
67 to 72	region NT :	Southend High School for Girls	Southend-on-Sea
73 to 78	region NW :	Canon Slade CofE School	Bolton
79 to 84	region NW :	Loreto Grammar School	Altrincham
85 to 90	region NW :	St Julie's Catholic High School	Liverpool
91 to 96	region SE :	James Allen's Girls' School	London
97 to 102	region SE :	Sevenoaks School	Sevenoaks
103 to 108	region SE :	Putney High School	London
109 to 114	region SW :	The Holt School	Wokingham
115 to 120	region SW :	Charters School	Ascot
121 to 126	region SW :	Queen's College	Taunton
127 to 132	region WC :	Shrewsbury High School	Shrewsbury
133 to 138	region WC :	Bridgewater High School	Warrington
139 to 144	region WC :	Fallibroome Academy	Macclesfield

Intermediate Girls

1 to 6	region EC :	The School of St Helen and St Katharine	Abingdon
7 to 12	region EC :	Farlingaye High School	Woodbridge
13 to 18	region EC :	Tudor Hall School	Banbury
19 to 24	region EM :	Loughborough High School	Loughborough
25 to 30	region EM :	Ilkley Grammar School	Ilkley
31 to 36	region EM :	Tapton School	Sheffield
37 to 42	region NE :	Central Newcastle High School	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
43 to 48	region NE :	Carmel College A Catholic Academy	Darlington
49 to 54	region NE :	Royal Grammar School	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
55 to 60	region NT :	The Godolphin and Latymer School	London
61 to 66	region NT :	Southend High School for Girls	Southend-on-Sea
67 to 72	region NT :	St Albans Girls' School	St Albans
73 to 78	region NW :	Loreto Grammar School	Altrincham
79 to 84	region NW :	Queen Elizabeth Grammar School	Penrith
85 to 90	region NW :	St Hilda's Church of England High School	Liverpool
91 to 96	region SE :	Putney High School	London
97 to 102	region SE :	St Catherine's School	Guildford
103 to 108	region SE :	Sevenoaks School	Sevenoaks
109 to 114	region SW :	Parkstone Grammar School	Poole
115 to 120	region SW :	Queen's College	Taunton
121 to 126	region SW :	Charters School	Ascot
127 to 132	region WC :	Lymm High Voluntary Controlled School	Lymm
133 to 138	region WC :	The Cheltenham Ladies' College	Cheltenham
139 to 144	region WC :	Arden School	Solihull

Weekend Round Up 23/24 November

3 Essex Athletes Make Great Britain Cross Country Team!

 Saturday saw three of our local athletes qualify for the Great Britain Cross Country Team for the upcoming European Cross Country Championships held in Serbia next week. The first to earn their place was Chelmsford Athletics Club's Alex Short in the Junior Mens race. Alex ran hard from the start and finished a superb third to earn an automatic spot on the plane to Belgrade. Next up was the Senior Womens race which saw Havering and Mayesbrook Athletics Club's Lauren Deadman run extremely well to finish eight (fifth senior as three in front were U23s) which earnt her one of the two discretionary places the GB selectors can offer. The Senior Mens race was the last one of the day and saw two Southend Athletics Club runners compete in the form of Adam Hickey and Tom Frith. Both runners ran well with Adam improving on his 8th position last year to finish 5th (3rd senior) which automatically earnt him a GB spot, with Frith also running well in his first outing at Liverpool to finish 47th. 

Full results from the European Trials race can be viewed here 

Footage of the Junior Mens race can be viewed here

Footage of the Senior & U23 Mens race can be viewed here

Footage of the Senior & U23 Womens race can be viewed here

An interview with Chelmsford AC's Alex Short can be viewed here

An interview with Southend AC's Adam Hickey can be viewed here

Havering Mayesbrook's Lauren Deadman

New Record set at Southend Parkrun!

Saturday morning saw a big day for our local Southend Parkrun as the 2000th person to set a personal best was recorded by Gwenn Winmill in the 60th running of the local event!

The first 3 males were:

1st: 17:05 Ian Anthony (Havering Mayesbrook AC)

2nd: 18:42 Adam Harley (East Essex Tri Club)

3rd: 18:50 Daniel Harley (East Essex Tri Club)

The first 3 females were:

1st: 23:20 Debra Mangham (Leigh on Sea Striders)

2nd: 24:18 Dawn Foster (Leigh on Sea Striders)

3rd: 24:45 Roxanne George (Unattached)

Well done to everyone that took part, full results can be viewed here

Runners and dogs welcome at the Southend Park Run!

Connor takes Chelmsford 10k Crown

Sunday afternoon saw the annual Chelmsford 10k take place with over 400 runners completing the fast road course. It was Kent AC's James Connor who was first home in 32:17 with local boys Crispian Bloomfield and David Fewell in 2nd and 3rd. 

The first three home on the day were:

1st: 32:17 James Connor (Kent)

2nd: 32:20 Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders)

3rd: 32:36 David Fewell (Chelmsford AC)

The first three females were:

1st: 36:48 June Allen (Springfield)

2nd: 38:51 Rebecca Cole-Rowley (Chelmsford)

3rd: 39:19 Anita Cox (Grange Farm & Dunmow)

Well done to everybody that took part, full results can be viewed here

Weekend Round Up 16th/17th November

A busy weekend of running in South East Essex!

There was a lot happening last weekend around our way with the second round of the Essex League taking place in Basildon on Saturday, the Mid Essex Cross Country League on Sunday at Hadleigh, the South Essex Cross Country League on Sunday also at Basildon as well as our local Southend Parkrun on the Saturday morning!

The team at RunSouthend.com have tried to give a brief account from each of these fixtures so please see below for more info!

Round Two of Essex Cross Country League 

It was a busy weekend for Gloucester Park, Basildon as Saturday saw the second round of the Essex Cross Country League take place on its challenging course. Below are the top three in each age category, full results can be viewed here - well done to everyone that took part!

Senior Men

1st: 26:55 David Fewell (Chelmsford AC)

2nd: 27:02 Frankie Conway (Orion)

3rd: 27:07 David Gibbon (Southend AC)

David Fewell leads Frankie Conway

Senior Women

1st: 29:30 Kerry Holland (Southend AC)

2nd: 30:03 Poppy Blake (Chelmsford)

3rd: 30:12 Margaret Deasy (Colchester & Tendring)

U20 Men:

1st: 27:27 Kieran Wood (Cambridge & Coleridge)

2nd: 27:44 Ross Tennant (Havering Mayesbrook AC)

3rd: Bradley Wattleworth (Ipswich)

U20 Women:

1st: 19:45 Emily Bullis (Basildon) 

2nd: 20:06 Kaylee Dodd (Basildon)

3rd: 20:12 Hayley Lamkin (Southend AC)

U17 Men:

1st: 26:00 Jordan Rowe (Colchester Harriers)

2nd: 26:09 Callum Charleston (Chelmsford)

3rd: 26:58 Timothy Cobden (Cambridge & Coleridge)

U17 Women:

1st: 18:07 Gemma Holloway (Thurrock)

2nd: 18:10 Claire Wilson (Cambridge & Coleridge)

3rd: 18:50 Katie Solis (Chelmsford)

U15 Men:

1st: 15:07 Rob Huckle (Cambridge & Coleridge)

2nd: 15:22 Joseph Patterson (Colchester & Tendring)

3rd: 15:33 Jordan Wood (Cambridge & Coleridge)

U15 Women:

1st: 16:50 Khahisa Mhlanga (Chelmsford)

2nd: 17:02 Alice Newcombe (Cambridge & Coleridge)

3rd: 17:21 Jodie Judd (Chelmsford)

U13 Men:

1st: 14:34 Elliot Cordery (Chelmsford)

2nd: 14:43 Thomas Keen (Cambridge & Coleridge)

3rd: 14:48 Thomas Keevil (Chelmsford)

U13 Women:

1st: 14:41 Kate O'Neill (Havering Mayesbrook)

2nd: 14:45 Eleanor Macintosh (Cambridge & Coleridge)

3rd: 14:51 Molly Bath (Havering Mayesbrook)

37 PBs set at Southend Parkrun

A total of 170 runners took to Shoebury Garrison for Saturday morning's Southend Parkrun with a whopping 37 personal bests being set!

The top three male finishers were:

1st: 18:47 Aaron Paterson

2nd: 18:58 Sol Ahmet

3rd: 19:18 Liam Harvey

The top three female finishers were:

1st: 22:38 Veronique Dorothy

2nd: 23:43 Kealey Wright  

3rd: 23:44 Mia Cann (Southend AC)

A big well done to everyone that completed Saturday's Southend Parkrun, latest results can be viewed here

Runners of all ages enjoying the sea wall route!

Leigh On Sea Striders win Mid Essex Cross Country League

Host club Leigh on Sea Striders swept the board with podium finishers in Sunday's Mid Essex Cross Country League held at the Hadleigh Park Olympic Mountain Bike Course.

Senior Men

1st: Adam Hickey (Southend AC/LOSS)

2nd: Neil Spicer (LOSS)

3rd: Dean Ovel (LOSS)

Senior Women:

1st: Kaye Kirkham (LOSS)

2nd: Marita Neville (LOSS)

3rd: Elisabet Frankenberg (LOSS)

Well done to all those that completed the challenging Olympic course, full results can be viewed here

And they're off! Runners at the start.

Eddy Cooper's latest blog for RunSouthend.com

Hello again readers, 

I'm very happy with last months running. Not only did I get a PB in the Southend 10k, last weekend I ran in the weald park 10k. Unfortunately I wasn't very pleased with how well the race was run. The marshalling wasn't very good, the course was very confusing, but worst of all it was a race run by a private firm which had set the entry fee at an extortionate rate-  so I don't think I'll do it again next year! but anyways I ran really well and came 2nd in a time of 40:25. I was pleased with that as I had bettered my previous year's time and had beaten the guys behind me by over 2and 1/2 minutes! I did enjoy the race, but I went wrong several times (that's probably why I came 2nd!).
Prior to this race I competed in the Cross Country Essex League at Great Knotley in Braintree. IN contrast to weald park I loved this course! My coach said it would be flat, but when we turned up it wasn't flat in any way, shape or form (we don't call him Evil Ian Pike for nothing)! I had a great run finishing in 9th place, in the U17 category where I was the youngest of this category. Suffice to say I was very pleased and our team, Benfleet running club came 2nd overall! We couldn't believe it! WE finished in 9th, 11th, 12th and 18th to cap off an amazing team performance!
At the moment training is going really well, even if it is hard work (and very painful at times), and I'm in the form of my life! I couldn't be happier (unless of course I didn't have to go to school... but that's another matter)! I went to my coach's bootcamp which is a class that works on your core work. Nothing could have prepared me for what I was in for- torture... Although I didn't hurt the day after (lucky me)! Finger's crossed I can continue this form all the way through the cross country season.   

Keep reading and running guys, speak soon, 


Eddy

2nd Place at Weald Park 10km

Enjoying "Boot Camp"!

En route to 9th placed U17 at Great Notley

Weekend Round Up 9th/10th November

157 Runners turn out for Southend Parkrun

Saturday morning saw 45 personal bests set at our local Southend Parkrun in Gunners Park, Shoebury as a total of 157 runners took part in the weekly 5km run.

The top three male finishers were:

1st: Ian Anthony (Havering Mayesbrook AC) 16:53

2nd: Dave Tullett (Chelmsford AC) 17:43. 

3rd: Paul Ruffy (Benfleet RC) 18:11.

The top three female finishers were: 

1st: Charley Jennings (Unattached) 20:28

2nd: Felicity Galbally (Basildon AC) 20:54

3rd: Nicola Bredin (Basildon AC) 21:21

Well done to everyone that took part, the latest results can be viewed here

First across the line, Ian Anthony (Havering Mayesbrook AC)

Bloomfield and Allen take titles at Stebbing Remembrance Day 10

Billericay Strider's Crispian Bloomfield and Springfield Strider's June Allen took the male and female titles in Sunday's Stebbing Remembrance Day 10 mile road race.

Nearly 500 runners completed the sixth event in the Essex Road Running Championship calendar with Bloomfield first across the line in 53:56.

The first 3 male finishers were:

1st: Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders) 53:56
2nd: Nick Shasha (Orion) 54:53
3rd: Jack Stroud (Orion) 54:56

The first 3 female finishers were:


1st: June Allen (Springfield) 61:08
2nd: Nikki Brockbank (Springfield) 66:11
3rd: FIona Halls (Saffron) 67:04


Well done to everybody that took part, full results can be viewed here

Weekend Round Up 2nd/3rd November

New ladies course record at Billericay 10k for Holland

Southend AC's Kerry Holland continued her string of good runs in setting a new female course record in Sunday's Billericay 10k organised by Billericay Striders. Holland ran a superb race in windy conditions to finish in a personal best of 37 minutes which not only placed her 1st female but also 14th overall. 

First place overall went to Sebastian Cirillo of Essex Uni 34:59 with Richard Heath of Havering '90 Joggers second 35:15 and Matt Cops of Benfleet RC third in 35:29. As mentioned first female was Kerry Holland of Southend AC in 37:00 followed by Loretta Sollars of East Essex Tri Club in 39:15 in second and Kate Mills third in 41:02.

Well done to everyone that took part in the race, full results can be viewed here.

43 Personal Bests set at Southend Parkrun

Saturday morning saw a huge 43 personal bests set at our local Parkrun in Gunners Park, Shoeburyness. The front end of the race saw a few battles including Southend AC's Rhys Gillard and Havering Mayesbrook's Ian Anthony who were pushing each other all the way for the first finisher's spot with only 1 second separating them at the end with Ian crossing 1st. Another battle was between Southend AC's Smale brothers David and Pete where only 1 second separated the two at the end with David just edging Pete for the 3rd finishers spot on his outing at the Parkrun.

The top three male finishers were:

1st: Ian Anthony (Havering Mayesbrook AC) 16:44

2nd: Rhys Gillard (Southend AC) 16:45 - PB!

3rd: David Smale (Southend AC) 17:16 -FIRST TIMER!

The top three female finishers were:

1st: Tracy English (Leigh on Sea Striders) 20:20 - PB!

2nd: Jordan Lacey (Southend AC) 21:03

3rd: Joanna Elizabeth Rimmington (Southend AC) 21:03 - PB!

Well done to all of this weeks parkrunners, the latest results can be viewed here.

Ian Anthony and Rhys Gillard battle it out to be first finisher

Weekend Round Up 26th/27th October

33 Personal Bests set at Southend Parkrun despite wind!

Saturday morning saw the weekly Southend Parkrun take place at Shoeburyness Garrison with a total of 152 runners completing the 5km course in windy conditions. This weekend was the 56th running of the Parkrun in Southend and despite the wind, a total of 33 PBs were set - a great result!

The top three male finishers were:

1st: Neil Spicer (Leigh On Sea Striders) 17:13

2nd: David Johnson (Thurrock Harriers) 17:27

3rd: Adam Jordan (Southend AC) 17:41

The top three female finishers were:

1st: Nicki Benham (Rochford RC) 24:37

2nd: Cheryl Macdonald (Pitsea RC) 24:59

3rd: Ella Healey (Southend AC) 25:00

Well done to everyone that completed the 56th Southend Parkrun, the latest results can be found here

Parkrunners of all ages receiving their pre-run briefing 

First finisher - Leigh On Sea Strider's Neil Spicer

South East Essex represented at 1st Round of British Athletics Cross Challenge in Bristol

Southend AC's Adam Hickey improved from 11th last year to finish 2nd in the Senior Mens race, just 7 seconds behind winner Dewi Griffiths (Swansea).

In the Junior Mens race, Basildon AC's Tom Richardson had a fantastic race finishing 2nd to GB Junior International Jonathan Davies.

In the Senior Womens race, last week's Essex Cross Country League winner Lauren Deadman (Havering Mayesbrook) finished 3rd and Basildon AC's Gemma Kersey wasn't too far behind in 7th (first U23) with Colchester Harrier's Nicola Rogers in 12th. 

Full results from the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Bristol can be viewed here

Southend AC's Adam Hickey took 2nd in the Senior Mens Race

Basildon AC's Tom Richardson on his way to silver in the Junior Mens race

Havering Mayesbrook AC's Lauren Deadman (Centre) took 3rd Senior Womens spot

Basildon AC's Gemma Kersey (Blue) on her way to 7th in Senior Womens race

Weekend Round Up 19th/20th October

ESSEX CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE KICKS OFF IN BRAINTREE

The 2013/2014 cross country season got underway at the weekend as round 1 of the Essex Cross Country League took place at Great Notley Country Park, Braintree. Conditions were wet which meant soft ground and plenty of mud around the course as athletes from across the county came to do battle!

The top three in each age group were:

U13 Girls
1st: Molly Bath (Havering Mayesbrook) 12:19
2nd: Kate O'Neill (Havering Mayesbrook) 12:21
3rd: Joanna Elizabeth Rimmington (Southend) 12:26

U15 Girls
1st: Khahisa Mhlanga (Chelmsford) 15:23
2nd: Jodie Judd (Chelmsford) 15:41
3rd: Rachel Broome (Chelmsford) 15:49

U17 Girls
1st: Gemma Holloway (Thurrock) 18:37
2nd: Claire Wilson (Cambridge & Coleridge) 19:02
3rd: Lydia Hallam (Havering Mayesbrook) 19:23

U20 Girls
1st: Alice Perky (Basildon) 18:48
2nd: Emily Bullis (Basildon) 20:37
3rd: Hayley Lamkin (Southend) 20:55

Senior Women
1st: Lauren Deadman (Havering Mayesbrook) 22:00
2nd: Gemma Kersey (Basildon AC) 22:28
3rd: Kerry Holland (Southend AC) 23:06

U13 Boys
1st: Joseph Clark (Orion) 11:20
2nd: Thomas Keen (Cambridge & Coleridge) 11:25
3rd: Mitchell Lawrence (Southend) 11:31

U15 Boys
1st: Joseph Patterson (Colchester & Tendering) 13:51
2nd: Max Jones (Basildon) 13:53
3rd: Jordan Wood (Cambridge & Coleridge) 14:11

U17 Boys
1st: Timothy Cobden (Cambridge & Coleridge) 21:22
2nd: Laurence Willmore (Southend) 21:27
3rd: Adam Houchell (Basildon) 22:06

U20 Boys
1st: Ross Tennant (Ipswich) 27:42
2nd: Bradley Wattleworth (Ipswich) 27:57
3rd: Hoseah Gikundo (Havering Mayesbrook) 28:32

Senior Men
1st: Adam Hickey (Southend AC) 25:49
2nd: Grant Twist (Chelmsford) 27:09
3rd: David Gibbon (Southend) 27:15

Well done to everyone that took part, full results can be viewed here.

Below are the main Cross Country dates for the 2013/2014 season:

RAIN DOESN'T STOP LEIGH ON SEA 10K

 Despite dismal conditions Sunday morning, almost 500 runners turned out for the Leigh On Sea Striders 10k road race.

 First across the line was Billericay Strider's Crispian Bloomfield in 33:24, followed by Southend AC's Rhys Gillard in 2nd in 34:41 (who ran superbly the day before in the Essex League to finish 4th Junior!), and Leigh on Sea Strider's own Neil Spicer finishing 3rd in 37:05.

 On the women's side, Southend AC's Sarah Imbush was first female finisher in 42:09, followed by Rochford RC's Lindsey Colman in 42:53 and Southend AC's Anne Jenkinson third in 43:12.

 Well done to everyone that completed the notoriously hilly 10k course, full results can be viewed on the Leigh On Sea Striders website here.

Weekend Round Up 12th/13th October

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO SOUTHEND PARKRUN!

Saturday morning saw the Southend Parkrun team celebrate their 1st Birthday in style with a record turnout of 271 runners, smashing their previous attendance record by almost 70 runners!

To celebrate their 1st Birthday, Southend Parkrun organisers decided that they would run the route in reverse and despite the predicted rain, runners were lucky to have the sun shining for the run and celebrations afterwards.

The Southend Parkrun is a fantastic event to have in our area so a huge well done to Alex and his team for the hard work they put in each week to make it happen, keep up the good work everyone!

The first 3 male finishers were:

1st: Ian Anthony (Havering Mayesbrook AC) 17:16
2nd: Adam Harley (East Essex Triathlon Club) 18:11
3rd: Sean McFarlane (Flyers Southend) 18:50


The first 3 female finishers were:

1st: Tracy English (Leigh on Sea Striders) 20:29
2nd: Jordan Lacey (Southend on Sea AC) 20:38
3rd: Charley Jennings 20:41

Well done to everyone that took part, latest results can be viewed here.

Runners ready to run the route in reverse!

First finisher of the day Ian Anthony

286 RUNNERS BRAVE WIND & RAIN IN TIPTREE 10

Despite the dreadful wintery conditions on Sunday morning, a total of 286 runners completed the Tiptree 10 mile road race. The overall winner was Blair McWhirter of Ilford AC in 52mins38 with the winning female Nikki Brockbank of Springfield Striders RC in 1:03:51.


The first 3 male finishers were:

1st: Blair McWhirter (Ilford AC) 52:38
2nd: Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders RC) 53:22
3rd: Tom Cammack (Springfield Striders RC) 54:32

The first 3 female finishers were:

1st: Nikki Brockbank (Springfield Striders RC) 1:03:51
2nd: Catherine Stunt (Benfleet RC) 1:08:06
3rd: Fiona Halls (Saffron Striders RC) 1:08:08

Well done to everyone that took part, full results can be viewed here.

RunSouthend.com's New Blogger Eddy Cooper

RunSouthend.com are pleased to announce that we have a new blogger in the form of Benfleet AC's Eddy Cooper. Here is his first blog and his thoughts on his first Southend 10k:

Hello readers, my name is Eddy Cooper and I am a 15 year old runner. Last year I joined Benfleet Running Club and I was at a bit of a low before that as I wasn't enjoying my running. Since coming to BRC I am loving my running! Since joining BRC I have realised why it is that I love running so much. It's the feeling after a run. That sense of achievement. That buzz that makes me want to do it all over again right away. 

Today, the 6th of October, I competed in my first official 10km race at southend. It was a brilliant route, organised by some hardworking individuals from a local club and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The atmosphere was brilliant and so many people turned out along the streets to cheer and clap and shout as all the runners came past. My very first 10km race was at Weald Park, Brentwood. This 10k was 5x 2k laps of a hilly off road circuit and I loved it (I supposed coming 2nd helped!) finishing in a time of 41:40. The year after, last year, I won the the race in a time of 40:32. It's a brilliant race and one I recommend. This year at southend I ran 37:48. A huge Personal Best! 

I first started running at the age of 7, for my primary school in Hockley (Plumberow). After running well throughout primary school, I started to let the nerves get the better of me during secondary school and I was always in and out of running. After transferring from Chelmsford to Benfleet I began to love running again; the banter and the closeness of the club is brilliant and it taught me to enjoy it again.  It's just that that is making me run well again. 

After this race, I am now looking forward to, for the third year running, (see what I did there- "running" ;) )

racing at Brentwood's Weald country park on the 27th of October. I can't wait for it and I would like to run

another sub-40 on a really tough course, and if possible retain my crown :) 

Anyway, I've rambled on long enough so this is Eddy Cooper, 15, signing off of his first blog. Thanks for reading.

Eddy after his first Southend 10k

Weekend Round Up 5th/6th October

Hosts Southend AC take top 3 places in Southend 10k

Sunday morning saw over 1000 runners from across Essex and afar take part in the Southend 10k Classic along Southend Seafront. Conditions were perfect, around 15 degrees with only a slight wind which made it perfect for seasoned athletes or those running their first 10k.

The morning's events kicked off at 10am with the 3k Fun Run which, as with the 10k, headed onto the seafront and out towards Shoebury from the start by Southchurch Park. Host club Southend Athletics Club provided the male and female winners in the 3k in the form of Toby Wright and Natasha May.

At 10:30am the 10k started and over 1000 runners headed up Lifstans Way towards the seafront but it didn't take long until the Southend AC trio of Adam Hickey, Paul Whittaker and Tom Frith hit the front. At the 6km mark, defending champion made a break and held the lead back along the seafront and into Southchurch Park to finish.

The top three males were:

1st: 31:19 Adam Hickey (Southend AC)
2nd: 31:49 Paul Whittaker (Southend AC)
3rd: 32:09 Tom Frith (Southend AC)

The top three females were:


1st: 36:10 Gemma Kersey (Basildon AC)
2nd: 37:20 Kerry Holland (Southend AC)
3rd: 38:20 Sian Thomas (Chiltern Harriers AC)


Well done to everyone that took part, the full results can be viewed here

And they're off! The start of the 2013 Southend10k Classic 

Southend AC's winner Adam Hickey nearing the finish

Female winner Gemma Kersey of Basildon AC on her way to female victory

All photo credits to Peter Smale

Weekend Round Up 28/29th September

Essex Cross Country Relays take place at Hockley

Runners from across the county flocked to Hockley to compete in the Essex Cross Country Relay Championships on Saturday. Conditions were perfect as the racing got underway at 11am with the U13, U15 and U17 girls competing in teams of 3 over a 3km course. They were closely followed by the U13, U15 and U17 boys who also had the 3km course to conquer in their 3 man teams. The Senior Men and Women had 5km course to contend with as teams of 4 runners, setting off at 1pm.

The overall title went to Chelmsford Mens Team, with Southend AC 2nd and Basildon AC 3rd.

The ladies title went to Basildon AC, with Benfleet 2nd and Southend AC 3rd.

U13 Girls:
1st: Havering Mayesbrook A
2nd: Southend AC
3rd: Havering Mayesbrook B


U15 Girls:

1st: Chelmsford A
2nd: Basildon
3rd: Chelmsford B


U17 Girls:

1st: Havering Mayesbrook A
2nd: Chelmsford
3rd: Colchester

U13 Boys:

1st: Chelmsford
2nd: Southend
3rd: Thurrock

U15 Boys:

1st: Orion
2nd: Basildon A
3rd: Basildon B

U17 Boys:

1st: Chelmsford
2nd: Southend
3rd: Orion

Well done to everyone that took part, full results are available here

160 Runners take part in Southend Parkrun

There was another great turnout for our local Southend Parkrun on Saturday as 160 runners ran the 5km course in Shoebury's Gunners Park. The first male finisher was Southend Athletics Club's Lee Taylor whilst Benfleet Running Club's Lorna Garrod was the first woman to finish. 

The first 3 male finishers were:

1st: Lee Taylor (Southend AC) 17:50
2nd: Ged McMillan 18:44
3rd: Oliver Garbas (North Herts RRC) 19:04

The first 3 female finishers were:

1st: Lorna Garrod (Benfleet RC) 21:03
2nd: Charley Jennings 21:26
3rd: Anna Meggitt (East Essex Tri Club) 21:57

Well done to everyone that took part, especially if you were one of the 35 who managed to run a PB! Latest results can be viewed here.

Runners of all ages assemble for their Parkrun briefing

Weekend Round Up 21st/22nd September

Bloomfield and Brockbank take Essex Half Marathon titles at Pleshey Half 

Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders) and Nikki Brockbank (Springfield Striders) were crowned Essex Half Marathon Champions 2013 after winning the Pleshey Half Marathon on Sunday 22nd September organised by Springfield Striders RC. 

Top Three Male Finishers:

1st: Crispian Bloomfield (Billericay Striders) 1:12:01

2nd: Tristan Windley (Springfield Striders RC) 1:12:48

3rd: Mark Newton (Springfield Striders RC) 1:13:01

Top Three Female Finishers:

1st: Nikki Brockbank (Springfield Striders RC) 1:26:02

2nd: Jo Newens (Road Runners Club) 1:27:00

3rd: Catherine Stunt (Benfleet RC) 1:31:15

Well done to everyone that took part in the championships, full results can be found here

George Elliott's latest blog

The track season has now finished for me and I've just been on holiday to rest my legs up all ready for the cross country season ahead. I'll carry on taking it easy in September and begin building up my stamina over the forthcoming weeks. For now its all about easy sessions for and understanding the purpose of each session that is set. 

Once I begin to regain my fitness me and my coach will discuss what my targets are for the year and what sessions that I will have planned. 

I was reasonably pleased with my track season, never satisfied though. I'm looking forward to those muddy fields this winter though!!

George

Note from Editor - The team at Run Southend think George has been pretty modest within his latest blog and would like to congratulate George on running PB's over 400m (51.77s), 800m (1:56.92), 1500m (4:02.82) and the mile (4:23.41) this season which we'd be more than "reasonably pleased with"! 
Great work George from the team at RunSouthend.com

Weekend Round Up 14/15th September

Last weekend was a big one for sport in the UK, with the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in London over both days and the 33rd Great North Run in Tyneside but more locally it was also the 50th Southend Parkrun, the Dedham 10k and the Ingatestone 5mile.

50th running of Southend Parkrun

Saturday morning, 119 runners from across Essex and afar assembled in Shoebury's Gunners Park for the 50th running of the Southend Parkrun. On this occasion there were 14 new timers and a total of 41 personal bests recorded.

First 3 male finishers:
1st: Adam Hickey 14:57 (Southend AC)
2nd: Ian Anthony 16:57 (Havering Mayesbrook AC)
3rd: Neil Spicer 17:22 (Leigh on Sea Striders)

First 3 female finishers:
1st: Tracy English 21:08 (Leigh on Sea Striders)
2nd: Anna Meggitt 22:33 (East Essex Tri)
3rd: Veronique Dorothy 22:36

Well done to everyone that took part, latest results can be viewed here.

 Southend Parkrun's Race Director Keith Passingham gives instructions

Sterling and Holland take the titles at Ingatestone 5

Chelmsford's Scott Sterling made it two wins in two weekends as he took the overall title at Sunday's Ingatestone 5 mile race. Sterling took the win in 25:59 which followed on from his win in the Langham 10k the previous weekend where he ran 33:17. On the women's side, the first female across the line was Southend Athletics Club's Kerry Holland. At present the results haven't been published but when they are we will put up the top three male and females with a link to the full results.

Record turnout for Dedham 10k

Organisers were delighted on Sunday as a record number of runners turned out for the Dedham 10k. A total of 383 runners completed the event, raising funds for Dedham Primary School.

The first 3 males were:

1st: Tom Fairbrother 34:58 (Ipswich Jaffa Runners)

2rd: Steve Hewes 35:33 (Harwich Runners)

3rd: Matthew Hunt 36:13 (Ipswich Jaffa Runners)

The first 3 females were:

1st: Katie Keeble 41:05

2nd: Sandra Roberts 42:04 

3rd: Claudine Tisbury 42:45 (Harwich Runners)

Well done to everyone that took part, full results can be viewed here.

Non Stanford wins ITU World Triathlon Champs & Overall series title in London!

RunSouthend.com couldn't finish our weekend round up without saying a HUUUGE congratulations to Non Stanford for what can only be described as an incredible race in Saturday's ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in London! Despite receiving a time penalty for not placing her wetsuit in her kit box at the end of her swim, Non showed her class, storming through the run to take the World title!

Congratulations Non from the team at RunSouthend.com