2009 Road Rankings 5km - 5 miles

Last update 07/07/2009

5km

Paul Mannion 15.59 Sale 06/08/2009
Peter Chan 16.58 Manchester 25/06/2009
Scott Christey 18.38 Lymm 20/06/2009
Arnold Melling 18.40 Littleborough 25/03/09

Ladies

Michaela Shaw 22.56 Manchester 25/06/2009

Julie Jenkids 27.53 Manchester 25/06/2009

5 miles

Paul Mannion 28.08 GP5 05/04/2009

Shaun Moran 28.47 Sale 5 28/12/2008
Simon Ford 29.21 GP5 05/04/2009

Peter Chan 29.52 GP5 05/04/2009

Simon Ford 30.18 Sale 5 28/12/2008
Arnold Melling 30.45 GP5 05/04/2009

Craig Bradbury 31.40 Sale 5 28/12/2008
Malc Collins 31.51 GP5 5/04/2009

Paul Bohannon 32.21 Smithills 07/06/2009

Mark Riches 33.14 Smithills 07/06/2009

MarkLysycia 33.49 Horwich 20/05/2009

Rufus Bennett 34.00 GP5 05/04/2009

Scott Christey 34.06 Smithills 07/06/2009

Mark Ruscoe 34.22 Smithills 07/06/2009

Bob Stevens 35.08 Sale 5 28/12/2008

Peter Mulleady 35.17 Smithills 07/06/2009

Steve Coleman 35.23 Smithhills 07/06/2009
Alan Hilton 35.26 GP5 05/04/2009

Garry Baines 35.36 Smithills 07/06/2009

Derek Coop 35.39 Smithills 07/06/2009

Ian Hamilton 36.07 Sale 5 28

Alan Webb 36.35 Smithills 07/06/2009

Terry Gardiner 36.57 Smithills 07/06/2009

Paul Butler 37.47 Smithills 07/06/2009

Dan Reason 39.48 Smithills 07/06/2009

John Lee 41.06 Smithills 07/06/2009

Mark Crowley 41.17 GP5 05/04/2009

Paul Basnett 41.29 GP5 05/04/2009

Ray Taylor 42.36 Smithills 07/06/2009

Paul Lees 43.27 GP5 05/04/2009

Paul Jackson 43.41 Smithills 07/06/2009

Dave Prichard 43.44 Smithills 07/06/2009

Paul Basnett 46.20 Smithills 07/06/2009

Ladies

Mary Anne Aguera 34.35 Smithills 07/06/2009

Michaela Shaw 38.50 Horwich 17/06/2009

Sarah Jackson 41.57 GP5 05/04/2009

Lyndsey Carter 42.44 GP5 05/04/2009

Jodie Wagstaff 43.14 Smithills 07/06/2009

Leanne Grainger 43.26 GP5 05/04/2009

Carole Baines 45.05 Smithills 07/06/2009

Michelle Fairclough 45.10 Smithills 07/06/2009

Venessa Thomson 49.24 Smithills 07/06/2009

Clare Unsworth 50.30 GP5 05/04/2009

Jill McDermott 52.27 GP5 05/04/2009

Jenny Parkinson 53.10 GP5 05/04/2009

Benidorm Pictures

Above - The Benidorm 13 in the Gin Pit



Above - Benidorm Arrival



Dave and Peter trying to find the hand brake in the hire car



Manilow the Parrott (shortly before his bike ride)



Advert for the World Famous Parrott Show




A&T lifting the trophies



Steve Foster in his moment of glory.



On death row..

Our Benidorm Experience - Written by Peter Mulleady

The adventures of Jonah and Pavarotti (the Benidorm trip).

We all arrived at lunchtime on Saturday at Gin Pit. Even the Paparazzi turned up. It turned out one of them had married one of our members, Paula Radcliffe (so called because of her high mileage training). The dirty (bakers) dozen. I suppose alarm bells should have been ringing then at the 13 in our party. A bit of A&T last minute preparation, a few drinks in the bar, and we were on our way to the Airport. We eventually got checked in after a peculiar episode where a lady from Monarch Airlines tried to divert us from the main check in. With hindsight I think she had spotted Jonah and was trying to save the plane. Jonah was a bit nervous as he hadn’t flown for some time, September the 11th 2001 to be precise. Bruce Forsyth managed to check in his hand luggage and was charged a tenner for the privilege. We somehow got through the scanning machines, minus a few belongings and then it was carbo loading time and take advantage of the free coffee refills. Pavarotti decided that the offer was too good to miss and set about emptying the coffee machine. Then it was time to board the plane. Perhaps my sixth sense was kicking in but I asked whether any of us could fly a plane and found out that one of us could, Bear Grylls. Fairly uneventful flight until the plane started to descend and then we had the Jonah effect. There were very strong winds over Spain and the last 15 minutes or so were like a cross between Bungee jumping and the Apollo 13 mission. Somehow we survived and then we picked up the cars to drive to Benidorm. The chauffeur, who shall remain nameless, managed to check out all the local roads apart from the right one (Bruce was well impressed). Anyway eventually the chauffeur got us on the right road via some kerbs using the following navigation skills “as long as the sea is on our right and we don’t end up in it we will get there”. Our next Jonah moment as the wind tried to blow us off the road and down some very big drops either side. Up ahead there was a bright glow on the mountain. As we got closer we realised the mountain was on fire. As we arrived in Benidorm apart from the smoke the wind was blowing up a sand storm. The Benidorm half was looking like it would be the race from hell. Even the traffic lights in Benidorm weren’t working properly, they kept showing red when they should have been green, but this didn’t put off the chauffeur. We got to the hotel and checked in. Apart from the water not working (Jonah) the hotel was good. Jonah liked the shampoo and gel provided so much that he bought some himself from the supermarket the next day. After some food that the hotel had saved for us it was time for the Parrot show. They are so famous that people come from all over the world just to have their pictures taken with them. Even Bruce got in on the act. Their popularity nearly got them killed though as demolition Dora (aka the human recking ball) tried to get their autographs. The stage was completely destroyed as she tripped and the Parrots were all over the place. As they say the show must go on and eventually Manilow and company were up to their tricks. One of them could do calculations with numbers given by the audience and ring a bell with the answer. Pavarotti tried to throw him by shouting out 69. The presenter said too high, he is not a computer, and Bruce promptly helped out by shouting 79, no wonder he no longer does play your cards right. Funnily enough 2 of the other Parrots thought Pavarotti was shouting at them and showed that they had read the Karma Sutra. When the Parrots were gone it was time for the big dance off. In one corner we had Rocky, the pride of France, and in the other the local champion Salvador Dali (aka complete nutter). The tensions were high and Rocky decided Salvador was after his title and the 2 fingers were out (there would have been more but that’s all he had). Rocky had to be dragged away by his partner but spotted Paparazzo on his way out and had a go at him also. Meanwhile Salvador was trying his very best to impress a pillar on the dance floor with his skills. When the pillar didn’t respond to his advances he went off in search of Rocky. The music would go off at times and the lights would flicker but when Jonah went there were no problems. Overnight the power went off and there was someone knocking on doors (I think it was Salvador in search of Rocky) but we generally managed a good nights sleep.

We all got up early the next morning keen to race but on our way to get our numbers another runner told us the race was off. Undaunted we went to the town hall and Paparazzo took our photos with the trophies we would have won. Paula was devastated, all those months of training gone to waste. Yul Brynner even managed to get on the podium with his trophy. We decided to have a run anyway and it looked like most of the other 500 entrants thought likewise. Pavarotti wanted more of a challenge so he decided to include some long jump practice. When we finished laughing we checked he was ok. He was fine and said he had just not quite got the technique right (chin first). Then it was back to the hotel for some more carbo loading before the main event, the drinking. Any bar that sold Guinness was on the menu so naturally the Guinness bar was first. Eventually we staggered back to the hotel for something to eat before we were out again to sample the evening entertainment. In one club the comedian took a shine to Yul. Yul tried not give away who he was by saying he came from a place called Wiganish. Paparazzo also came in for some abuse. We also saw what I would say is the worst act I have ever seen in my life called Shoe Waddy Waddy. Think 3 pillocks picked at random and put on stage with no practice. Well they were even worse. We wandered into KFC for something to eat and eventually got back at 4am.

The next day I decided I wanted to try and get up the mountain you could see from the hotel. Nobody else wanted to come except for Jonah. By now it was clear he was cursed. The previous day he had nearly caused 4 road crashes and had a serious attempt on Yul’s life. I tried my best to lose him by climbing over walls, through undergrowth, under gates, down drainage channels, through the tip and I even tried to divert him by the motorway. But to no avail. Then we both nearly got taken out by a lorry while looking the wrong way. We managed to make base camp of the hill of pain but then headed back. Unfinished business for next time. Back at the hotel another lethal idea from Jonah. Why not have a swim in the outside pool. When my heart started beating again after jumping in I decided it was way too cold. Meanwhile Bear had decided 1 mountain was way too easy and had decided to take on the whole range. 5 hours later he staggered into the hotel gasping for water. That afternoon we had a little drive out to Calpe, a lovely spot just up the coast. In the evening there was some excellent entertainment including the three tenors. Pavarotti was not impressed, as his place had been taken by Jeremy Beadle, so later he decided to show us how it should be done. For some reason Chocolate Salty Balls seemed to clear the Karaoke bar and there was just us left. Most of us had a go but just as Jonah was about to have a go the Karaoke finished. We managed to sign up the Karaoke girl, Sam, to A&T as she was from Manchester. Back to KFC and then back to the hotel for 5am.

By the next day we were all very much the worse for wear. One of us decided to dress up as one of the Blues Bros in tribute to one of the acts the previous night. In the afternoon we had decided to go Go-carting. Chauffeur started with his usual loop of Benidorm before eventually getting in the right area. For some reason there was a no entry sign on the right road so the chauffeur took an executive decision. Bear decided he wanted to keep his licence and went the other way. Half an hour later and by several detours both cars managed to get to the go-carting track. Trouble was they weren’t at the same track. Anyway the €12 track won out v the €25 one. The race was won by the Blues Bro after Pavarotti stopped halfway to catch the bus. We then made our way to the Airport. Jonah decided he needed to get up to date with the news so he bought a 3 day old paper. He very nearly bought the latest copy of Runners World until he realised he couldn’t read Spanish. Then it was the flight to Manchester and minibus back home. We will be back again but probably not as per Jonah’s suggestion that we go by boat.

Chernobyl 10km By Garry Baines

9 A&T runners ventured up the M61 on Sunday to compete in the popular Chernobyl 10km.Conditions were good although a little slippy and wet under foot at some points.All the runners were encouraged and cajoled along the route by John Lee who managed to clock up a fair number of miles himself as part of his comeback training schedule.Shaun Moran continued his good form from Garstang and was first home in 37' 10" narrowly missing out on first place in the V45 category.Next came Craig Bradbury who showed he is getting back to peak condition with a time of 39' 44" -his best 10km effort for some time.Paul Jackson managed a sub 41' run with Mark Ruscoe close behind. John Foulds showed what a valuable addition to the club he will be with 42' 23".Ray Taylor's recent expansive training programme is beginning to pay off as he recorded a PB of 48'17" with greater things to follow during the course of the season.Carole Baines was delighted to finally smashed her long standing PB with an outstanding run of 48' 41". Mark Crowley is still regaining fitness after injury but still ran steadily and can look forward to improved performances in the not too distant future.Jayne Shea then came home in 53' 16" which justifies her positioning in the Championship Division of the Road Championships.All in all a satisfying day with some very encouraging performances at the start of the season.

Benidorm Update Part 2

Another quick update from Benidorm.

Today im typing this very rough after last nights drinking session.

Myself, Steve C, Bacon Mon and Dave Owen stayed out until 1.30am and we saw the likes of Shoe Waddy Waddy, Some Comedian and a camp disco group.

Mad Mulleady and the rest got in at 4am, only Mulleady made it for breakfast.

Living up to his name he is going for a run up some mountain today whilst the rest of us are doing a steady 40 minutes around town.

Benidorm Update

I couldnt resist a blog post from sunny Benidorm.

We have only been here half a day and its all going on, you are missing out on all the fun.

Firstly the race was cancelled due to 14,000 locals being evacuated due to forest fires and a numbers of deaths.
We had no water or electric for most of the night although Steve Foster managed a shower in the dark !
The amazing Parrott show was on and some Spanish woman knocked all the parrotts off their purches whilst taking a picture, amazing to see.
To top it all off a French bloke was kicking off with a Spanish bloke over ballroom dancing.

Brenda said she has never laughed so much in her life.

My Dad and I have just done the tough Benidorm 5.5 miles course whilst most of the others have gone for a easy ten !

We are now off for some dinner before the drinking starts.

Finally anyone who is thinking of coming must come in November, you don´t know what you are missing.

The local temperature is about 20 C and its pretty windy.

No Blog Updates until Wednesday 28th January

Please note there will be no blog updates until at least Wednesday 28th January.

A few of us are going to Benidorm for a couple of quiet relaxing days playing tiddlywinks drinking cups of tea !

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Chernobyl 10km - By Mark Crowley

We will be meeting on Sunday at Atherton Train Station 9.30am for all those competing in the Chernobyl 10km.

See you there.

Road Championship Leagues and Rules

A&T Road Championships 2009

In an attempt to make the championships more interesting and to give more competitors the opportunity to win a prize for their efforts over the season it has been decided to create a 3 divisional competition for both Men and Ladies based on times achieved during the course of the 2008 season.

MEN
Premiership Sub 40’ for 10km

(or equivalent for 5 or 6 miles)

LADIES

Sub 48’ for 10km
(or equivalent for 5 or 6 miles)

MEN

Championship 40’ to sub 45’ for 10km

(or equivalent for 5 or 6 miles)

LADIES

48' to 54’ for 10km
(or equivalent for 5 or 6 miles)

Division 1 All other runners

Rules of the competition
1. Times for ranking must be achieved during an official race or must be independently recorded during a club time trial. New members will be ranked according to past experience

2. Promotion to a higher division can only be attained if the runner achieves the qualifying standard for that division during the course of the season.

3. Relegation to a lower division will only occur if a runner fails to maintain the qualifying standard for the division in which he or she is competing during the course of the season.

All promotion and relegated will happen at the end of the year..no promotions will happen during the year.

4. Qualifying standards can be reviewed at the end of each season if the Road Captain feels it is necessary.

5. Scoring for Premiership and Championship runners is based on BEST 8 races from 12. Runners must complete at least 8 races to qualify for prizes.

6. Scoring for Male 1st Division runners in based on BEST 6 from 12 races

Runners must complete at least 6 races to qualify for prizes.

7. Scoring for Female 1st Division runners is based on BEST 4 from 12 races

Runners must complete at least 4 races to qualify for prizes.

2009 Bonus system in different to 2008:-

11races = 2 bonus points, 12 races = 4 bonus points

1 “Special Bonus Point” will be awarded to any runner who completes a marathon. (N.B. if you do 2 or more marathons you still only receive 1 point)

1st pace 30 points, 2nd place 29points, 3rd place 28 points etc ,etc.

If a championship runner beats a premiership runner, the Championship runner gets more points
6. Perpetual shields given to Premiership and Vets winners only – winners must return each shield at the end of November.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Premiership will receive trophies for keeps.

1st and 2nd place winners in the Championship and Division 1 will receive trophies.

1st 3 vets in the men’s and ladies championships will receive trophies irrespective of which division they compete in and if they also qualify for a divisional prize.

In the event of a draw, additional trophies will be presented.
PRE-ENTRIES ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR MOST EVENTS

Based on the runners who regularly competed in the Championship in 2008 the Leagues will be formed as follows:-

MEN

Premiership

Peter Chan

Shaun Moran

Troy Topping

Simon Ford

Paul Bohannon

John Lee

Mark Riches

Kevin Wright

Steve Coleman

Scott Christie

Malcolm Collins

Peter Mulleady

Gary Stevens

Craig Bradbury

Championship

Craig Little

Steve Eldridge

Steve Foster

Paul Jackson

Mark Ruscoe

Terry Hughes

John Foulds

Terry Gardiner

Alan Hilton

Alan Webb

Garry Baines

Bob Stevens

Paul Butler

1st Division

Ian Hamilton

Mark Crowley

Mike Newall

Ray Taylor

Dave Owen

Dave Pritchard

Dan Reason

Mike Reason

Kisson Doctor

LADIES

Premiership

Mary Anne T-Aguera

Brenda Wane

Joanne Iborra

Liz Haynes

Championship

Amanda Baxendale

Michelle Fairclough

Carole Baines

Jodie Wagstaff

Vanessa Thomson

Jayne Shea

1st Division

Bev Lee

Elaine Mycock

Sonia Gadsby

Sue Mitchenson

Fiona Saunders

Linda Cheetham

Sharon Adair

Debbie Laverick

If any runner strongly objects to their ranking please inform the Road Captain at least one week in advance of the first Championship race when the position can be reviewed.

Any new members who wish to compete in the Championship will be allocated a division based on past experience.

If any current members are missing from the above lists and wish to compete in the Championship, please inform the Road Captain, whereupon a division will be allocated to that member.

2009 Road Fixtures

2009 A&T Road Championship Races

See links for entry forms and online entry

Wednesday 15th July Horwich 5 Miles 7.30pm

Entry Form TBA

Enter Online

Sunday 6th September Rufford 10km 11am

Entry Form TBA

Enter Online TBA

Lancaster Half Marathon - November TBC

Guys 10 - December TBC

Central Lancs Grand Prix AGM - Monday 19th January

The Central Lancs Grand Prix hosted its Annual General Meeting and all clubs in the Grand Prix got invites to join in the fun !

Myself and Garry Baines (who kindly volunteered to attend) arrived at Chorley Golf Club ten minutes early for the meeting. The Golf Club was covered in snow and was like Fort Knox to get in, we pressed the security buzzer at the entrance and made our way through the corridors and up the staircases to the main room to be met by no one ! in the Stevens tradition we had gone to the wrong place! Bob would have been so proud of his son! Chorley Cricket Club was the correct meeting place, always remember to read the invitation correct was today's lesson.

We got back in the car and made our way 10 minutes down the road to the 'Cricket' Club arriving late for the meeting which had already started, not a good start.

The meeting was being Chaired by Peter McDade in his last year as Chairman and featured all the familiar faces you see at the local races.

The meeting was actually very interesting, the main reason why the league is folding is due to lack of interest by the clubs taking part as their members are bored to competing in the same old races year after year which i can agree with however this year there are 2 new races in the calender.

The Central Lancs will fold at the end of 2009 unless someone can come up with idea's and take the league forward. It is a shame because i believe if someone took on the role most of the existing clubs would join with some new clubs replacing clubs that have dropped out.

I am thinking of ways to save the league and have a couple of idea's to put to the clubs.

A trail league was being muted by some clubs which we could obviously be involved.

Myself and Garry then got asked how Astley & Tyldesley had managed to increase its membership base over the past couple of years, i replied by saying that....

1) We are a club not a bunch of individuals
2) No Elitism
3) We cater for all abilities
4) Encouraged to wear club gear at training
5) Warm Up/Cool down as a club and shake every one's hand after the races
6) Cracking social side

We got complimented about how we do things with clubs admitting A&T are setting an example for other clubs to follow.


Minutes from CLGP Meeting at Chorley Cricket Club –

Monday 19th January 2009
CASH IN HAND
Currently £427.77 having spent £400.00 for trophies covering the 2008 season.
Levies for 2009 to follow.
After expenditure of the trophies for 2009 season, the Treasurer expects around £500.00 to be left as a balance when the League wraps up at the end of 2009.

PRIZE LIST AND PRESENTATION FOR 2008
17 trophies in all will be presented:-
4 Team trophies
1st five Men
1st three Ladies
2 Male vets
3 Lady vets

The presentation will take place in the Barmstormers Pub on Lostock Lane after the Lostock 6 race on Sunday 22nd February 2009

RACE CALENDAR FOR 2009

There will be 9 races and 9 competing clubs in all. Burnden Road Runners have re-joined the league. Race dates as follows:-

22nd February: Lostock 6 miles 11.00a.m.
19th April: Radcliffe 10km 10.30a.m.
13th May: Haigh Hall 4 miles 7.30 p.m.
3rd June: Chorley Trail Race 4.4 miles 7.30 p.m.
7th June: Burnden Trail Race 5 miles 10.30 a.m.
(Smithhills serpent)
15th July: Horwich Jubilee 5 miles 7.30 p.m.
6th September: Rufford 10km 11.00 a.m.
27th September: Swinton ½ marathon 8.30 a.m.
11th October: Gin Pit 5 miles 11.00 a.m.

QUALIFICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL/TEAM PRIZES
Runners are required to run 6 out of the 9 races to qualify for individual prizes.
In addition, any runner who completes 6 out of 9 races will receive a commemorative medal or trophy to recognise the final season of CLGP. This will be funded by the expected £500.00 cash balance.
Team prizes will be based on the same number of runners per team as the 2008 season.
On this occasion any club who wins a team trophy will be permitted to keep the trophy as this is the last CLGP season.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Any funds left in the kitty after purchase of all trophies and commemorative medals will be put forward as prize money for a one-off draw at the prize presentation for 2009 season.
Clubs are asked to pay levies for next year promptly
Ideas for a Trail Grand prix for subsequent seasons were put forward by some members.

AGM 1st February - note new date

The Annual General Meeting of Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners will take place at the Miners Welfare on the 1st February commencing 7.30pm. The Agenda is as follows :-

Dr Harland presentation (money raised for Gill Pimblott charity)

Annual reports from the Committee

Review of annual accounts

Set club fees

Review Constitution

Election of officials

Any other business


It is an important meeting so it would be appreciated if all members could try to attend. If you have any issues you would like to raise please let me or any committee member know. We may not have time to cover them at this meeting but they will be addressed as soon as possible after.

Hopefully see you all on the 1st.

Pete

X-Country Worden Park 17th Jan 2009 - Written by Mark Riches

Cross – country Worden Park 17th January 2009

Four A&T ladies lined up with the other 93 brave soles; this was one of the longest races in the Mid Lancs. League at 6380m & there was a double stream crossing! Mary Anne had a great run finishing 11th followed by Brenda Wane, who despite not feeling well completed the course. Jodie Wagstaff, a regular on the cross-country circuit, was next with another good run. Carole Baines finished strongly 2 minutes later.

Next it was the turn of the men; eleven of A&T’s finest lined up in the 240+ field to tackle the 9650m. John Lee led the A&T charge & was pursued by Troy Topping, who had another great run & caught John on the second lap. Next was Peter Mulleady who had an excellent run. The next three A&T runners myself (Mark Riches) Shaun Moran & Craig Bradbury were neck & neck all the way round. Craig set the pace pursued by me & Shaun. I got away from Shaun when we reached the stream & Shaun stopped dead & ushered me past! I then set off after Craig & we took it in turns to lead; I just got away at the end. Shaun got back into his running quickly & finished 9 seconds ahead of Craig. Mark Ruscoe was back to his old self & was just out sprinted at the end by Craig Little. Steve Foster won the ‘battle of the Steves’ finishing 27 seconds in front of Steve Coleman, who was making his Mid Lancs debut. Next was ever present Alan Webb with another solid run.

Another A&T Baby !

Just a note to say that Sue Hopkin has had a 9 pound baby girl and named her 'Eloise Robyn', apparently Sue is loving life as a mother!

Bent N Bongs Beer Bash (Atherton Beer Festival) by Garry Baines

Carole and I are going to the Bent and Bongs Beer Bash on Saturday 31st January with Steve Eldridge and his wife. It's normally a good night with a cracking live band on.Don't know if anybody else fancies coming? Only drawback is you normally have to start queueing early to get in.

See http://www.bentnbongs.com/

David Johnson of Wesham Road Runners

David Johnson who was a member of Wesham Road Runners was killed a couple of weeks ago whilst training.

Astley & Tyldesley offer our condolences to David's family and to Wesham Road Runners.

We would like to reiterate how important that runners wear Hi Viz clothing and are very careful crossing roads especially at night.

This was taken from the Wesham Website.....

It is with great sadness that I wish to inform you of the sudden, and tragic death of Wesham club member, David Johnson. David was involved in an accident on the 8th January whilst out training from which he sadly died.
At work he is frequently referred to as "a gentleman" and that's what he was. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.
I know you will join with me in offering Carol, his two children, Bradley and Louis, and the rest of his family our sincere and heartfelt condolences.
If you do manage to read this Carol be assured that we are all thinking of you at this dreadfully sad time. If there is anything any of us can do to help in any way - we are all here for you.

Club Roles / Gin Pit 5

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for the roles advertised on the blog however i am still looking for someone to assist myself with the organising of the race behind the scenes.

We have had volunteers to help with the marshaling on the day of the races but i am looking for someone who can assist with the computer side of the organisation, inputting entries, registering runners on the day and helping with the presentation.

This person would be free to run the race if they wanted.

This person would ideally need to have basic computer skills, decent head for figures and can cope under pressure.

I am also looking for someone in the club who can produce a map of the Gin Pit 5 course, we get asked on a regular basis for routes and so far i have not be able to produce anything decent.

Please email me if you can assist with any of the above.

Open Night Success

70 (seventy) people turned up for the club open night which is a fantastic turn out by any standards. Over 40 were potential new members for Astley & Tyldesley ranging from potential Monday-Wednesday runners to the walker jogger ! like we say it doesn't matter what standard you are at A&T the most important thing is the keep fit and most of all enjoy running with like minded people.

For all potential members thank you for giving us a try and we hope to see you again soon and for all the volunteers thank you for giving up some of your time to help out.

Winter Duathlon

Brenda Wane made a very impressive debut at the Winter Duathlon in Rainford. With very little cycling training Brenda held her own amongst the other ladies to take a top 5 finish and 44th overall.

Craig Bradbury finished 22nd overall with another solid display.

Unfortunately Bob Stevens pulled out due to a bad cold.

Craig - Run 18.01 / Bike 31.06 / Run 18.13
Brenda Run 20.08 / Bike 35.23 / Run 20.18

Garstang 10km

Four Astley & Tyldesley travelled down the M6 to compete in the very popular Garstang 10km, so popular that for the 3rd year in a row the race was full !

All four runners made very encouraging starts to the year with Shaun Moran 36.24, Stephen Coleman (pictured) 39.11, Mary Anne 41.50 and Alan Webb 41.53

Website and Blog

The new website and blog are now completed, sorry for any inconvenience.

If you study the blog you will now see we have a club shop, roll of honour, club rankings, Shaun's training schedules and members profiles and all the latest Gin Pit 5 information which i think looks much better and is easier to keep updated.

If anyone would like to be on the member profiles please email your answers to the questionnaire and a pic and i will update in due course.

On the homepage we have a road, fell and x-country section which will be updated on a more regular basis if the elected captains email the relevant information.

There is a social section were you will see pictures of nights out, stories etc and any new social events planned for the future.

Malcolm Collins

Name - Malcolm (The Mountain Goat) Collins

Date of Birth - 10th December 1968

Years of Running - 20 years

Year you joined A&T - Spring 2008 after being with Swinton Running Club for over 10 years.

Why did you join A&T - I kept bumping into A & T when I was out running along the canal and trails in Astley and Shaun invited me to join. It seemed a sensible idea.

Running Ambitions - To run sub 3 hours for a Marathon and
to be able to join the 100 Marathon Club as a second claim club.
I love to dream!
To find and compete in hard, hilly and challenging running races (maybe I’m a bit crazy).

Best thing about A&T - A & T members for being such a friendly bunch and for being able to run to the training sessions at the Gin Pit and the track from home.

Worst thing about A&T (if any) - Can’t think of any thing!

Favourite Distance - Marathon Favourite Race - Coniston 14 (and the Snowdon Race if I’m allowed at second)

Sporting Icons - Angelina Jolie – (Only joking!)

2009 Member Profiles

Anyone wishing to be on the 2009 member profiles need to fill in the questionnaire below, we also need one profile display pic, no pic no profile !

I will update in due course.

Name -

Date of Birth -

Years Running -

What year did you join A&T -

What is your running ambition -

What is the best thing about A&T -

How can we improve A&T -

Favourite Distance -

Favourite Race -

Sporting Icon -

Website & Blog

Note the club website and club blog are currently under construction, sorry for any inconvenience.

You might see a few strange things happening over the next few days.

Regards,

Gary Stevens AKA Bill Gates

Gin Pit 5 - Sunday 11th April

Gin Pit 5 - Sunday 11th April

5 Mile Race- Enter Online

2 Mile Fun Run - Enter Online

Entry Form can be downloaded very soon

Central Lancs Grand Prix - AGM

I have been invited to attend on behalf of A&T the Central Lancs Grand Prix AGM next Monday 17th January at 7.30pm.

If anyone would like me to ask any questions on the club's behalf please email me.

I am quite eager not to see 2009 be the last for the CLGP and will try and speak to the other clubs present to see what can be done to save it.

I will blog the minutes of the meeting in due course.

Training Bike Rides

Below are a list of bike rides we are organising, these have been formulated as ideal training routes for our 100 mile bike ride challenge.

They all have elemants of difficulty and will not be easy even for the more experience cyclist but neither is cycling 100 miles in a day!

If you are thinking of doing the 100 mile challenge give these sessions a go to see how you go, remember we cater for all abilities and no one will do the ride on their own. 

You are also more than welcome to take part even if you are not doing the challenge.

Cycling can be a dangerous sport and safety is of upmost importance so you must wear a proper cycling helmet and have cycling gear i/e cycling shorts, hi viz gear, pump and inner tube.

For more information please email stevensgary@hotmail.com or speak to either myself or Craig Bradbury at training or races.

Sunday 7th February -

Belmont Road to M65 round-about and back 35 miles -
'Very undulating'
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3444406

TBA 

Horwich Moors - 35 miles -
'Hilly'
"including probably the toughest climb you will ever do"
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3466790

Sunday 28th March -

Southport and back down A6 through Chorley/Euxton/Croston - 75 miles
Flat
"Chips on the sea front"
 http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3466798

Saturday 3rd April - Note Saturday

Barton Grange Garstang and back (checking the route for the 100 miler) - 60 miles
flat
(Option of Pub Lunch)
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3466805

All distances above are approximate

All routes start from Atherton Train Station and we will be meeting at 8.45am to start 9.00am prompt.

Club Open Day - Tuesday 13th January

We have come up with an idea to achieve a goal of 100 members by the end of 2009. One of the idea's we have come up with is the have a club open day next Tuesday 13th January to attract new members into the club. There hopefully will be articles going in this weeks Journal and Leigh Reporter.

I am not sure what response we will get but at this time of year everyone wants to lose weight / get fitter so now is a good time to do it.

We have tried this a couple of times previously and the first time we had a great response but the second time wasn't that great.

Please spread to word to anyone you know who may be interested.

We have some volunteers from the T/T group who will run with any new runners who may turn up but if any of the M/W group would like to help please feel free to turn up.

The article reads.....

Thinking of getting fit and want an alternative to the gym with a fantastic social side then why not try Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners. The club have over 75 current members of all abilities and everyone is encourage to get fit, improve and most of all enjoy running with like minded people. The club meet at Atherton Train Station Car Park on Tuesday's at 6.30pm for a steady run which is ideal for beginners where the coaches will put you with runners of your ability. The club are hosting a beginners night completely free of charge on Tuesday 13th January so why not come down and give it a try. For more information please ring Bob on 01942 892028 or email astleyrunners@yahoo.co.uk

Subs now due - by Bob Stevens

Please be aware that the 2009 subscriptions are now due.

We need the money by the AGM on Sunday 8th February.

Prices remain at £30.00 if you want the free Adidas training top or £35.00 if you want the Ron Hill Hat and Gloves.

Please could you pay either myself (Bob), Terry Hughes, Mark Riches, Peter Mulleady, Gary Stevens or Shaun Moran.

2009 Annual Awards Winners

2009 Roll of Honour

Award Winners

Male Premiership 2009 Winner: Peter Chan
Male Premiership 2009 Runner-Up: Simon Ford
Male Premiership 2009 3rd place: Shaun Moran


Male Championship 2009 Winner: Mark Ruscoe
Male Championship 2009 Runner-Up: Paul Jackson


Male 1st Division 2009 Winner: Dan Reason
Male 1st Division 2009 Runner-Up: Ian Hamilton


Female Premiership 2009 Winner: Mary-Anne T-A
Female Premiership 2009 Runner-Up: Brenda Wane

Female Championship 2009 Winner: Michelle Fairclough
Female Championship 2009 Runner-Up: Carole Baines


Female 1st Division 2009 Winner: Lyndsay Carter
Female 1st Division 2009 Runner-Up: Julie Jenkins


Male Veteran 2009  Winner: Peter Chan
Male Veteran 2009  Runner-Up: Shaun Moran
Male Veteran 2009  3rd Place: Mark Riches

Female Veteran 2009  Winner: Brenda Wane
Female Veteran 2009  Runner-Up: Carole Baines

Runner of the year - Male

Winner - Simon Ford
Second - Peter Chan
Third - Mark Riches

Runner of the year - Female

Winner - Mary-Anne Tracey-Aguera
Second - Michelle Fairclough
Third - Carole Baines

Most Improved - Male or Female

Winner - Rufus Bennett
Second - Gary Atherton
Third - Lindsay Carter

Performance of the year

Steve Coleman for his 2:57:53 at Blackpool Marathon - knocking 15 minutes off his P.B.

Achievement of the year

Terry Hughes - For his half Iron Man

2110 London Marathon guaranteed places:-

Denise Babynec
Rufus Bennett
Malcolm Collins

Joe Salt New Year's Day Awakener MT 4.5 Miles

Whilst 99% of the population were in bed nursing hangovers 2 of A&T's finest were out in Rochdale competing in the 4.5 mile multi terrain race which is named the New Year's Day Awakener!

Steve Coleman clocked 28.59 to finish 23rd and John Foulds 30.27 to finish 36th.

Afterwards Steve said "The second part of this run was like a fell race with plenty of ice to slide on"

Sounds great!

http://www.ukresults.net/2009/joesalt.html

Astley & Tyldesley Road Runners Club Constitution

Astley & Tyldeslay Roadrunners

Club Constitution

First laid down: January 2001, amended December 2008, February 2010


1. Title
The title of this Club shall be ASTLEY & TYLDESLEY ROAD RUNNERS

2. Objects
The objects of the Club shall be:

a) To promote athletics in the local area.

b) To ensure all members are made welcome and help them achieve their ambitions in running.

c) To organise Races and competitions for the benefit of members and runners in general.

3. Membership
Membership shall be open to persons who are amateurs as defined by UK Athletics. There shall be a minimum age entry of 15 years.

Each applicant for membership must complete the official application form, and must be proposed, seconded and elected at a properly convened meeting of the committee.

Members automatically receive membership of Gin Pit Miners Welfare Club and must abide by their rules when using the facilities.

Members when competing should endeavour to wear appropriate club vests.

All club members should act in the best interests of the club and not do anything which might bring the Club into disrepute or otherwise affect its reputation or standing.

Members are entitled to use the track at Leigh free of charge at scheduled club sessions.

The Club has the power to elect as Honorary Member any person whose services to the Club warrant that distinction. Honorary Members have the same rights to vote and serve as Officers but are not required to pay subscriptions.

4. Management
The management of the Club shall be vested in a Management Committee, which shall consist of Chairman, Club Secretary and Treasurer; who shall be Officers of the Club, together with a committee made up of the following roles ; Coach (Monday/Wednesday), Coach (Tuesday/Thursday), Membership Secretary, Road Captain, Fell Captain, Cross Country Captain, Event Organiser, Race Organiser & Website Manager.

All of the foregoing shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and remain in office until the conclusion of the Annual General meeting of the following year.

The Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies if and when they arise by means of proposing, seconding and majority vote if necessary. In the event of a tie the Chairman has the casting vote. New Committee members elected during the year must be confirmed by the membership at the following meeting.

The Committee shall also have the power to co-opt members for particular projects but co-opted members shall not have a Committee vote.

The following is a summary of the Committee’s responsibilities.

Chairman : To chair Committee and General meetings.

Club Secretary : To deal with all Club correspondence, conveying appropriate information to members and committee.

Treasurer : To keep accurate accounts of the clubs finances. To pay all the club dues. To produce an audited annual statement of the club’s finances.

Coach : To devise and implement appropriate training programmes.

Membership Secretary : To collect all membership subscriptions. To register members with relevant organisations.

Captains : To arrange club championships and enter competitions and races as appropriate.

Event Organiser : To arrange social events throughout the year including an annual awards and Xmas event.

Race Organiser : To take overall responsibility for the Clubs races.

Website Manager : To keep the Club’s website informative, entertaining and up to date.

At all meetings of the Committee Seven shall form a Quorum.

5. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting shall be held on the last Sunday in January or a suitable nearby date.

The purpose of the Annual General Meeting will be:

1) To receive the Annual Reports of the Committee.

2) To receive the audited Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet.

3) To elect the Officers and Committee for the ensuing year.

4) To consider any amendments to the Constitution Rules of which due notice has been given to all members.

The Chairman or Club Secretary must receive any proposed change to any rule contained within this Constitution by a Club member at least 21 days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting in order that all members shall have sufficient notice of the proposal.

At least 14 days notice shall be given to Club members of the date, venue, nominees for Committee positions and agenda items for the Annual general Meeting. Each fully paid up Club member present at the meeting shall have one vote.

6. Affiliation
The Club shall seek to be affiliated to England Athletics in order to carry out the objects of the club.

The Club shall select in which of the five Athletics Disciplines (Cross-Country Running, Fell & Hill Running, Race Walking, Road Running, Track & Field) it wishes to compete in for team competitions, and notify England Athletics annually

7. Subscriptions
Members will pay an annual subscription fee at the commencement of the Club year (payable immediately after the AGM).

The level of fees shall only be determined at an Annual General Meeting.

For new members, a graduated scale of fees will be operated dependant on the time of year that they join the club.

For existing members, the fees shall be fixed and are expected to be paid in a single payment.

The annual subscription must accompany the application for membership.

Members will be registered with England Athletics Membership Scheme.

8. Extraordinary General Meeting
An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called by the Club Secretary or Chairman, within one month of the receipt of a requisition signed by at least eight members stating the purpose of the meeting. At least 14 days notice shall be given to all fully paid up members of the date, venue and purpose of an Extraordinary General meeting. No other business shall be conducted at such a meeting.

9. Constitution Amendments
No Constitution rule may be altered, added to, or deleted except at an Annual General Meeting, or at an Extraordinary General Meeting called for that purpose, and then only by a two thirds majority of those present and voting.