A large number of BVAC members took part in the second Petts Wood 10k. The race started with a lap around the rec and then off into the streets with long stretches in the woods. The course is undulating and there are parts where it is quite narrow. Despite the time of year it turned out to be a very warm day too. Overall, fast times were not expected.

100 Marathon Club Centenary Marathon, Thursday 24 July 2008 - Colin Poole

Running from Windsor Castle to the White City site

In 1908 the marathon run on 24 July was the first to set the present recognized distance of 26 miles and 385 yards prior to that marathons varied from 40 to 41 KM in distance and has for the last 100 years been the world wide recognized distance

To celebrate this event the 100 Marathon Club organized a marathon on Thursday 24 July at 1430 hrs  [the exact time 100 years ago] to run from the gates of Windsor Castle and follow the exact route taken100 years previously

The main difference was the increase of buildings, people, traffic, junctions, crossings etc until the finish is reached which is now the BBC building

Running to avoid people, prams, bikes , cars etc etc and only having water at 5 miles and 17 miles on a day that was 28 / 29 ºC and burning pavement heat to warm up the feet was quite a challenge

67 runners finished with the Editor being 58 finisher in a time of 6 hrs 19 mins 45 secs mostly due to the discomfort of the Planter Fascia problem compounded by the heat and lack of water

Lessons learnt from the event

DON’T run with an injury
DON’T run if there is insufficient water on route
DON’T run if the support from the system is lacking

Mind you this was the situation some 100 years ago when Dorando Pietre won the race but was disqualified since he was helped on the track by “kind and helpful marshals“.

Orpington 10k - Sun 23 June 2008

A number of BVAC runners (and affiliates) took part in the annual 10k race put on by Orpington Road Runners. Of course, a number of members who are ORR members were marshalling. The results included:

Clive Walker 48.12
Lynette Walker 49.26
Phil Greenfield 50.58
Ann Unseld 53.17
John Soper 59.40
Tony Unseld 59.44
Anmarie Lafferty 61.50
Tina Northwood 62.09
Pat Morton 69.17
Maureen Farish 71.18
Anne Porritt 72.44
Tracey Cole 53.14
Jane Greenfield 74.19

Becky Pizer ? (Race organisers are making a habit of 'losing' you, Becky, it seems!)

Beckenham road relay - Wed 7 May 2008

Once again we entered teams in the Beckenham road relay. It comprised 3 legs each of 2.6 miles. There was a huge turnout this year with more than 40 teams. We had intended also to field a mixed team but with illnesses and last minute injuries etc we were somewhat understrength.

Representing the ladies, we had:
Karen Samuel
Anne Unseld
Becky Pizer

For the men, we fell short on the day and could only field a two-man outfit:
James Winbourne
Phil Greenfield

London Marathon - Sunday 13 April 2008

BVAC had a somewhat smaller turnout than usual in the London Marathon this year. Though it wasn't entirely for want of trying - all our men who entered had to pull out with one injury or another, broken arm included! A number of BVAC members had helped at the exhibition, giving out race numbers or timing chips etc. A reasonable crowd turned out at Phil and Jane's celebartory party after the event though some of the runners we're quite 'up to it'. As usual we presented a series of cheques to our runners, for their chosen charities, at a ceremony on Tuesday 15 April at Parklangley Club.

Paddock Wood Half Marathon - Sunday 30 March 2008

A hardy bunch ran the Paddock Wood half, many in preparation for the London Marathon.

While not yet a full member, Becky Pizer also ran and finished in 2:11:30

Maureen Fareeeeeesh sprints home
in the Orpington 10k

Becky being paced?

Ashley & Linda enjoying marshalling!

Becky finishing in style in the Beckenham relay
(it wasn't that dark really!)

... and here's where Anne handed over

James, Karen and Anne watch with [coach] Tony

Anmarie receives congratulations and a cheque from the club via Phil, our chairman

Jackie, Martin and Phil
giving out race numbers at the exhibition

Jane, JohnN and Sean
the men doing their best to keep out of the limelight

A busy time at registration

The girls at Paddock Wood
(Oh and Les and John are there somewhere!)