Too many with no number - for whatever reason. I wrote this in 2006 but applies to 2007. I have managed to place about ten "no number" runners by reviewing various videos but it took a long time. There is a safety aspect to this as well as making the results look rather incomplete. Hopefully those had entered and paid. We want our efforts rewarded! We need to try and solve the no number situation a little. 811 crossed the line. Very near to our record of 2004.
Unfortunately there was shortfall of medals. Since they are dated it is no good being left with them. Numbers were based on last year but we got about 120 more runners this year. If you weren't able to go to the presentation evening the missing medals are available from "behind the bar" at the Castle Hotel. Quite a few have been claimed so far. The run had a good spread in the Folkestone Herald and also the Kent Messenger. They both came out two days after the run. Excellent coverage, which considering the time-scale was great.
Please revisit this website. I will offer something new by the end of every month. All (or nearly all) will be revealed. The first episode will be about the organisers, which is why I am not mentioning them here.
Click here for final results 2006.

Report.

440 entered in advance.
Still a hassle entering on the Green, despite well-coordinated Rotary men.
The orchard path has been re-surfaced and some overtaking possible. Hippo Swamp and the tree roots weren't so bad. Sorry if you prefer it really dire.
Weather forecast for thick cloud, 4 degrees C and light wind from Dover direction was correct, with some mist. Course was pliable and a fast time was on the cards. John Creane became a record nine-times winner though the course record wasn't endangered. A very pleasing outcome was the return to health, fitness and the Boxing Day of Andy Welsh. Under 18 Robert Dennis, who has only started running recently, was in the lead up to the woodland section. He couldn't see the kissing gate and that was all John Creane needed to take over first spot (new photo, right, shows the battle). Rob was overtaken by the rapid and (to Rob) unexpected sprint of Andy Welch. (See Photo Gallery below)
First Female was debutant Pannett Meredith looked mightily strong in a fast finish with 15 year-old Grace Nichols showing extreme promise by being second. The first four females were under the 20 minute mark!!! Rona Loubser came third. 3 times winner Helen Wheeler wasn't running. Slipping down a bit this year was Janine Brown, who first won as a 14 years old. Janine obviously needs to catch some faster criminals on her policing patch - it's no good to her if they just give themselves up! (She had a cold, actually!!) Ironically Matilde Heaton missed out on the chance of an incredible 8th second place.
In the junior sections two outstanding new winners were Max Nichols and Philippa Hemphrey.
The "retired" fancy dress team did only so much to improve the image of James Bond with their Casino Royale box-wood and tissue display and raked-out "posh" suits. 14th year, lads and lasses? Great! Retire? Load of bull. Now, that might give them an idea for next year.
Paul Champion once more maintained his unique record of running in the first and last / most recent runs.
John Munn, once more beat all-comers in the over 60's bus-pass class, without needing it. He didn't need a pint afterwards either, since he doesn't drink! On that subject David, who was honourary starter for the run this year, seemed to cope admirably with the thirsty human deluge. He probably wonders if some you can return on, say, a quiet Tuesday night.
We have lost our (not so) coveted "most Improved" prize. It would have been won by Elvis (Jason Wallace) who seemed to have cut down on his peanut butter sandwich diet! That surely was "most improved", not to mention his resurection!

First three female, Grace Nichols, Pannett Meredith and Rona Loubser. KM picture, permission applied for reproduction

Results service.

We aimed to be quicker this year. Better system but still painstaking to do for Brian Butcher. We have come by three more video sources to deal with mis-placings. If you are a "no number" or there are further protests / omissions I'll deal with them up to end of Jan 3rd 2007. Protest mildly to me!
The Presentation Evening on the 4th Jan, at the Castle Hotel was very well attended and all but a handful of prizes were given out.
Photo shows Tim Morphy bdr, Jim West MNDA, Peter Sprinks Rotary, Stuart Collins bdr, crouching Greg Boarman bdr. 3000 pounds was presented to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and to this was added 250 pounds from the Rotary Club of the Channel.
Quite a large number of internet entries have not sent me a cheque as requested. It may be that they gave someone a cheque on the day, or passed the money on. If you are still to pay please do, if you have please let me know. email me with comments
About 120 people were snapped by Cliff Woodward's camera. Look up the results and see if you were. Request via email and I will send you the pic.
That's it this year. We will endeavor to make an even better run for 2007 - hope to see you there. Stuart Collins

Early photos from the run. Thanks to Ludlow family.
More appear below and many more will be available via email.
"You can't take this away from me" Gwen ludlow | Debbie Burton, Vicki Ludlow & Evie Burton running in newly introduced rodent class.
Rob Inches and Geoff Ludlow | George looking like a Cheshire cat, watch out mice!
Rob Inches. Being Tasmanian and a Shane Warne look-alike could have been a bad idea on another Ashes drubbing day | Rodents attack at Kesby Corner

Photos by Danny Rhodes - thanks to him.
More appear below and many more will be available via email.
Former winner Simon Griffiths | Leading woman Pannett Meredith | 15 year-old Grace Nichols (2nd fem).
Ashford Vet. Candy Hawkins | 1st Supervet Paul Hollands | Janine Brown & Rona Loubser battle it out
Clear evidence here of cheating - look at those guilty faces! | An extremely relaxed group.

More photos from the run. Taken by Cliff Woodward.
These and many more will be available via email.
John Creane earns his number, ninth win! | "He's behind you!!!". Andy about to take Rob for 2nd.
Mathilde Heaton chases youth (Rona and Grace) | Max Nichols winning the Under 13's
Johan Ter Horst looks good | John Munn looks knackered
Casino Royale having problems - but bet they finish! Beer awaits!
Ken Crampton 60+ & Joshua Reynolds under 10 | Govind Kanegaonka - Late Mick Wire's Surgeon

Presentation.

Having read my own comments below I give you advance notice of the Prizegiving evening. It is to be the 4th January starting at 8pm in the Castle Hotel, Saltwood. Youngsters are presented first, so that they can get home to do their homework (oh yer?)
If you win a prize please try to come. We don't want to be like the Brit Awards where the common refrain is "so and so could not make it tonight.....".
It is a jolly evening and a speech by Tim Morphy has to heard to be believed! (and you never know you might get presented with a prize you didn't win)

Obituary - Don Thompson.

Sadly, no year seems to pass without the race for life ending for one of our valued runners. Don Thompson was a complete enigma - a 5' 3" walker. He won the 1960 Olympic 50Km walk against all odds and expectations. He trained for this by exercising in a steamy bathroom with parafin heaters to simulate the humidity expected in Rome. The main, but unintended, "benefit" was getting his lungs full of fumes.
He lived in Batholomews Lane, in the village, for several years where he continued his lifetimes' habit of going for a jog at 4am, to the second. Upon his return he rang his commuting neighbour's bell. Who needs an alarm clock? He then did a days digging and gardening. He supposedly only missed training one day. He ran the BDR once. I will try to work out which year it was, but here is a picture of him doing it.

The 2005 run.

More people pre-entered this year (and a few used the internet - new idea) so there was less fuss before the midday deadline. The Rotary Club of the Channel team efficiently coped with the entries on the day. Louise, the daughter of late Micky Wire started the run - and then chased off and did the run herself. Now Michael Howard didn't do that!
John Crean used "plan A" and sought to lead from the onset. He was closely pursued by Sam Rigby. Near the top gate I have Christened Cow-pat gate there occured a momentous event. John ascribes it to "knowing the course" which is short-hand for avoiding the aformentioned cow-pats. Sam alas took a "direct line" and lost much time digging his shoe out. By Slaybrook Sam was again breathing down John's neck. Picture Perhaps Sam's effort catching up was too great and John pulled away on the ascent to the 92 metre summit just before the Hayne Barn bridle path.
Mathilde Heaton had Janine Brown in her sights throughout but the margin of 6 seconds was enough despite it being the closest Women's run of all time. The outcome was Mathilde being second for the 7th time, never having won.
Outstanding performances from younsters included Ben Ross, Adrian Ross, Andrew Cope, Leah and Kelsey Howard, Catriona Hards and Lauren Fawke. At a slightly older level David Weekes, a previous winner but now a vet, came 7th but was beaten by another vet, Michael Scott. A new mega-sized cup, generously donated by Ali and Malcolm was won by John Munn. John lamented his winning the ultra-vets so easily but without realising that to be running at all at the age of 67 is not something achieved by many!
Micky must have arranged the weather, the firm conditions and the day - all went fairly smoothly. The medals given to commemorate Micky were to his specification and the run would have made him proud. Just under 700 finishers was down on last year but left the organisers less stressed!
Brian Barnes led the marshalling and registration team manned by the Rotary Club of the Channel. Their publicity has the event described as a "fun run". All those years of selling the run as an exercise of masochism and a muddy hell and it gets described as funny! Worst of all there is evidence of son Nick Barnes enjoying himself. He should be ashamed of himself! Jamie Kirkwood , meanwhile, showed how to suffer properly. (as he will do when he sees this picture).
Thanks to sponsors, the Rotary team, Stewart the announcer plus all who helped. Also David Greenwood for enabling folk to have a drink after the event. We have had the presentation night. It was not well attended and we now realise we have to publicise this better.

Results of 2005 run

Click here for final Results, they are "permanent" but mistakes can still be rectified.
A young girl runner with number 547, and runner 404, probably finished. Please get in touch.
below are some wonderful photos by Cliff Woodward and Duncan Hopkin.
A 131 runners were caught on camera at Slaybrook. If you access the results for 2005 you can see if you are one of those. If so I will send you an emailed attached copy of the photo upon request.

Problems posed by the Slaybrook fence
The magical levitation technique.	The "I might regret this" method. David Smyth	"OK unless it snaps" master-plan	The "come on rover, through this gap" poser.
Or ... there is a gate!

Amazing shot of John Crean, chased by Sam Rigby.

Slaybrook pictures
A pack of juniors attack!	Daniel Green in 4th place.	Two ladies.

before the run.
Debbie and Evie Burton.	Registration is taped.	Dangerous liason?

Start and usual outcome
Louise is flagging.	Ready for the off	Janine Brown and John Creane. Winners!

Photos from presentation

Cheque support from Rotary Club of the Channel
Men champions of 2006
Women champions of the future!
Alison presents monster cup to John Munn, supervet
Most improved runner L.Howard

Quite a few more pictures linking from the Results. Pictures available of 131 runners (via email, by request) again from the results page. Also, if you're new to the site, there are results and pictures from 2001 onwards.
Rumour has it that a CD or DVD will come out for next years' event and the long-promised book before then.
You'll read about it here!

Last, but not at all least. I understand that Rotary Club team-leader Peter Godden and former run-winner Andy Welch have not had the best of health. I wish them well, on the road to recovery.
All enquiries to Stuart Collins (0115) 9119793 or stu_collins@ntlworld.com

Organiser Micky Wire dies [Posted 24th November 2005]

on the 8th May 2005 the death occured of Micky Wire. He lost his fight with Cancer. A small tribute has been paid on this site. A bigger one will follow. It is almost unthinkable to anticipate a Boxing Day with no Micky. His ashes were sprinkled on the Boxing Day course on the 20th November 2005.

	Louise Berry. Daughter of Micky Wire who started the 2005 run.
	Micky's memorial plaque. On an oak tree just off the Boxing Day course.

30th Anniversary Dinner.

Unbeknown to me, as I was typing the invitation list for this, Mickey was dying. He was on the list when I printed it and emailed it off. The dinner was held on the 19th May 2005. There were 31 people including 8 former winners and 8 of the original 15 who ran in 1975. It seemed to be enjoyed by all. The pictures were taken late and are dire. What could have been a profoundly sad occasion was was put into perpective in realising that Micky would have been there in spirit.

	All the attenders. Runners from all eras. Estimated 500 boxing day runs between them!
	The 1975 runners Surprizingly little increase in girth but considerable loss of hair - and grey where it still exists.
	The all-time mega-winners Left to right. Helen Wheeler 3 times womens Janine Brown 5 times womens John Creane 7 times mens Barry Watson Ultra/Supervet winner Stuart Collins 4 times mens Martin Beagley 8 times mens John Munn multiple Vet winner Tim Morphy 1 win and 5 2nds.

Rather Archive stuff

Michael Howard started the 30th anniversary Run!

The Rt.Hon Michael Howard Q.C., M.P. started the run which got going at 12:07. He seemed to enjoy himself and our run will surely have been a nice lull before the election storm. He kindly, and repeatedly, declined my invitation to participate. The picture, left, shows good running form a while back on Folkestone beach. Admire now because I will remove the picture in a few days time. I will be replacing it with lots of photos of the run (all of which can be sent by request, in larger size).
John Creane failed to be up with the early leaders and foes of recent times, Mark Whittaker and Andy Welch. He caught them by Slaybrook and soon decided to test the pair out by going past and picking up the pace. His hopes were realised when he put some distance between them and him. The great steel shown over 6 previous victories kicked in and was utterly determined to win. He was so pleased and counted it as one of the greatest wins of his lengthy career. We feel as honoured as John was.
Janine Brown ran extremely strongly to come 17th overall. Matilde Heaton had a nasty fall which probably cost her a seventh successive second place. Briony Segal overtook Matilde near to the finish.
The Howard sisters (no relation to Michael) Leah and Kelsey came first and second in their age groups.
A longer and more thorough report will be published soon (after I painfully complete the final results, 800 entry forms have been delivered to my door in Nottingham!).
.There were 829 entries and 719 finishers. We don't have an idea of whether someone who has entered has actually run. They might have failed to start (for a variety of reasons), failed to finish or, at the end, preferred the attentions of family and friends, rather than going down the finish tunnel. Or we might have made a mistake. If so please let me know. If Manchester United can get away with that "goal", anything can happen. (apart from "Sir Alex" admitting it, of course)
Almost a quarter of the finishers were under 18. Also 18 was the number of over-60's. They were headed by Barry Watson, who was lamenting not being able to recapture his youth. Which youth it was isn't clear (weedy Nottingham "joke"). 31 youngsters of under 10 finished. Think about it, that is special!
The last couple finished canoudling, with child and push-chair. They seemed alone in not wanting to get to the finish. Well done to all - it was muddy out there.
Thanks are due, once more, to the legions of the Rotary Club of the Channel for so much of the work-force which keeps us coping with ever-more increasing numbers. Lastly, Stuart Weller, who supplies the sound system on a valuntary basis and makes announcements himself.
We have had some nice comments and we hope that everyone had a good run in the mud. Of course the terrible events elsewhere on Boxing Day rather put everything else into perspective.

click here for final results of 2004 run.

click here for picture of winning trio.
click here for top woman with top man, Janine Brown and John Creane
click here for Michael Howard plus some of organisers
click here for prizewinners at the presentation Dec 2004.
click here for lull before the storm.
click here for ready, steady, no hang on.

South African Saltwood Boxing Day Run 2003.

For this story click on the crocodile   

The Future of this site.

I intend to publish articles about or by some of the famous runners who have performed at Saltwood. These will hopefully include

• Barry Watson - number one British marathon runner at the Montreal Olympics.
• Mike Gratton - first winner of the London Marathon.
• Steve Heard - several international appearances, European indoor 800m record breaker.
• Sarah Rowell - top British lady finisher in the London Marathon.
• Don Thompson - Olympic 50Km walk winner at the 1960 games in Rome. Died in 2006
• John Creane - Irish International cross-country man. Now nine-times winner.
• Helen Wheeler - International and Kent County runner and winner at Saltwood form three succesive years.
• Martin Beagley - "The flying postman". Winner for the Boxing Day for an incredible 8 times.
• Andy Welch - 2nd, 1st and 3rd.
• Janine Brown - Won the ladies race at 14 years of age and five times since.
• The organisers Tim Morphy, the late Micky Wire, Ross Samson, Greg Boarman, Brian Butcher and Stuart Collins.
  Click for photos of the organisers

Presentation

The run held its' presentation on the 30th of December 2004 at the Castle Hotel. It was pleasing that most of the prize-winners as well as lots of other supporters were there. It was a risk and a late decision to hold it so soon after the event. An amount of £2500+ for the Motor Neurone Association is looking likely. Rotary Club of the Channel added more to the fund and did a great job with the race organisation. Tim Morphy did his usually award-winning compere job. When he gets in flow there is a risk of his getting his guitar out and giving a rendition of be-bop-a-loo-la. He didn't, but he did reflect on 30 years of a run which started almost by accident.

This website

At last this site is being visited (by you if you're reading this!!). Could you pass the word on?? It is neccessary to type in the website address (URL) into the top of the screen and not into Google, Alta-Vista, Hotbot or whatever. I hope a web-crawler gets us soon. Perhaps if you could email friends with a link embedded within it it would help to get the site known and used more. Thanks.

Tim Morphy gets animated at the presentation.
(slow to load)

Ever

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