Congratulations to Heidi Tregenza, Nikki Sandell and Gemma Bragg on their team win in the ladies’ competition in the Littledown 5 (mile) race on Sunday 13 September, and in particular to Heidi who was the first lady to cross the line. As this event was part of the 2015 Dorset Road Race League, the win helps the BAC Ladies’ team to a top place in Division 1 of the League for the year, although, as Poole AC Ladies were second at Littledown, there is no room for error in the remaining three League races.  Of BAC‘s men, well done to Rob McTaggart for finishing second overall, and to Tom Paskins, Paul Consani, Simon Hearn and Tony Hunt for their PBs.  The DRRL team, consisting of Rob, Tom, Paul, Chris O’Brien and Ben Walliman, finished, in the League (subject to confirmation) second to Poole Runners, which means that, as Poole AC‘s Mens’ team were third, BAC is just hanging on to the top Division 1 spot, but good results at the remaining three fixtures, Weymouth 10 (18 October), Gilly Hilly (1 November) and Boscombe 10k (22 November) are needed to stay at the top.  Another good win at Littledown was Sebastian Hearn‘s finish as first U17.  Results (BAC): 2. Rob McTaggart 27.39;  17. Tom Paskins 29.29;  15. Paul Consani 30.16;  32. Heidi Tregenza 30.46; 33. Chris O’Brien 30.53;  40. Ben Walliman 31.31;  45. Simon Hearn 31.53;  55. Nikki Sandell 32.33;  57. Tony Hunt 32.42;  58. Jud Kirk 32.46;  59. Gemma Bragg 32.47;  65. Ian White 33.05;  71. Simon Hunt 33.19;  78. Steve Cox 34.07;  82. Seb Hearn 34.19;  114. Dave Parsons 37.00;  127. Louise Price 38.02;  225. Sam Laws 48.28. There was a total of 258 finishers.

The involvement of BAC athletes in the Littledown 5 probably explains the reduced participation in the Parkruns on Saturday 12 September.  In Kings Park, Damian Boyle was 4th at the Bournemouth Parkrun, Rob McTaggart 10th, and in 19th position, and first lady, was Alison Humphrey.  Also amongst the 321 finishers were Jud Kirk, and Louis Baldry – Louis is JM10, and it’s tremendous to see BAC‘s youngsters competing.  Jez Bragg was third of the 97 runners at the Blandford Parkrun, and, in the Weymouth Parkrun, Simon Munro was 6th of a total of 222.  Further afield, Helen Ambrosen ran in the Clumber Park Parkrun, Nottinghamshire, and it was intriguing to see ‘Bournemouth AC‘ in the results alongside Retford, Newark and Worksop running clubs.  Helen, who was described as a ‘First-Timer’ (little do they know!) was 56th of the 148 who took part.

Whilst 18 of BAC‘s athletes were competing at Littledown, further down the coast Paul Chapman was taking part in ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships at Weymouth.  This consisted of a 1.9k swim in the sea, which Paul completed in 1 hr 18 mins, a 180k bike ride (6.39.22), and a marathon run (42.2k completed by Paul in 4.11.00).  So, including transition times, Paul‘s total time was 12.13.55, and he was 203rd of a total of almost 400, and 35th in the 35-39 age category.  Quite an achievement – well done Paul!

Whilst on the topic of long distance events, spare a thought for Steve Way who, although passing 50k in the 100k World Championships in the Netherlands on Saturday 12 September in 3.10.6, within sight of the leaders, subsequently had to pull out with a right glute problem.  Although very disappointing for Steve, the decision not to continue was exactly the right decision, avoiding any long term injury, and we all send our best wishes to Steve for a rapid recovery, and we look forward to his return to training, and the inspiration he brings with him, very soon.

Now for some items about which we are definitely lacking information………………………………………………

It appears that Jacek Cieluszecki took part in an Ultra Distance race, probably a mountain race, as all we know is that Jacek completed it in 10 hr 35 mins, and it involved an elevation of 4500m.  Also, we know it was won in 9 hr 11 mins, so we’re not quite sure how pleased Jacek is with his run.  It would be interesting to know a little more……………..

Another event about which more information would be welcome is a race (solely a cycle race?) which Caroline Rowley completed in 5 hr 2 mins on the continent, finishing at Calais.  All we know is that it was “tough, nasty hills and pouring rain”!  Perhaps it’s a case of the least said the better!

Back to Heidi Tregenza, who has been selected as part of the AYP Trail Running Team – not quite sure what this is, but AYP means At-Your-Pace which Heidi describes as “a great little shop, stocked with quality kit, in the depths of Cornwall”.  According to the shop website, Heidi was first lady in the Mudcrew RAT over the weekend 5/6 September, so this sounds a completely different type of race from the one in which Heidi was first lady the following week!