Biggleswade athletes shine at Fairlands Valley 3k relays

As ever the atmosphere was buzzing with a great local club turnout. Rich Bevan and Paul Davies were on fire for the men’s team, yet again.

The ladies race saw a return to road racing for Fi Wynde and Zoë Luscombe after injuries, and a warm welcome to new runners Dorothy Elsey, Mel Wilkinson, Helen Hope and Gary Baldwin.

Several stalwarts of the club – both runners and supporters - turned out to support this great team event.

Biggleswade AC ‘A’: 29 Katy Burns 14:10; 17 Fi Wynde 12:43 17; Zoe Luscombe 13:00.

Biggleswade AC ‘B’: 42 Dorothy Elsey 16:10; 36 Jan Blake 15:28; 37 Julia Mackay (2) 15:16.

Biggleswade AC ‘C’: 36 Julia Mackay 15:14; 45 Mel Wilkinson 17:50; 44 Helen Hope 16:06.

Biggleswade AC ‘D’: 41 Elaine Stead 16:07; 47 Rachel Kenyon-Muir 17:46; 46 Lesley Novis 17:55

Biggleswade AC ‘C’: 30 David Sabey 11:03; 25 Rob Morgan 11:02; 28 Damien Pitts 11:47; 21 Rich Bevan 10:04, 29 Gary Baldwin 12:39.

Biggleswade AC ‘B’: 22 Paul Davies 10:29; 24 John Haines 11:32; 31 Richard Gray 12:35; 31 Rob

Hemming 12:08; 31 Andrew Bruce 12:15.

Biggleswade AC ‘A’: 39 David Brown 11:52; 48 Nigel Bush 13:57; 49 Steve Atkins 13:26; 48 Robin Wynde 13:22; 53 Colin Harries 15:56.

Parkrun (Bedford) on Saturday, July 23: David Sabey 19:26, Gary Baldwin 22:26 (PB), Lesley Novis 30:33, Geraldine Mason 38:19.  

The Biggleswade AC ladies could not have wished for more glorious weather as ten of them ran the 10K Race for Life at Bedford on Sunday. Dressed in the customary glittery t-shirts and pink tutus the ‘fairies’ thoroughly enjoyed the scenic route along the footpaths around the river and the Priory Park, which culminated in a circuit of Russell Park to the cheers of thousands of supporters and those gathering for the 5K event.

The star of the day had to be Deb Clayton (aka Fairy Dust) who’s tutu appeared to move to different parts of her body as she made her way around the course, much to the amusement of onlookers. Taking advantage of the good weather a ‘pinknic’ then ensued, with a variety of pink coloured food and drink.

Biggleswade AC ladies would like to thank everyone who gave them a big cheer on Sunday and also those who made a donation via their fundraising page (details below, and if you didn’t it’s still not too late). We had a great day and have, so far, raised over £150 for a great cause.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/BiggleswadeAC-Fairies/

A number of Biggleswade AC runners joined club chairman, Nigel Bush, in the annual Kingfisher Way training run last Sunday. For those not familiar with the Kingfisher Way, it is a 20 mile footpath that follows the River Ivel from Baldock to Tempsford, where the river joins the Great Ouse. It passes through the towns and villages of Stotfold, Astwick, Arlesey, Henlow, Langford, Broom, Biggleswade, Sandy and Blunham, providing many opportunities for those not wanting to complete the whole 20 miles.

With military precision seven members were deposited at Baldock early morning to begin their run. After a fairly uneventful 1½hrs the group reached Langford Mill, but the temperature was slowly rising. At this point the group decided to continue along the picturesque river bank, heading for Jordan’s Mill (a route they have always taken in the past) instead of taking the ‘official’ detour via the road. However, they soon regretted this decision as their route was blocked by head-high nettles and thistles.

Not wanting to retrace their steps they agreed to struggle on, but with the continuous bombardment of stings from the nettles Damo, Paul and Steve thought they would try crossing an extremely muddy, deep ditch to avoid them. Unfortunately this resulted in Paul’s shoes becoming full of a wet, black goo which, unknown to him at the time, was to cause enormous blister problems later.

At Jordan’s Mill the group were joined by Ian, and then by JK and James at Biggleswade.Damo and Steve retired at Biggleswade, and the remainder carried on to Sandy. At Biggleswade Common the ‘black goo’ blisters finally put paid to Paul’s efforts and he decided to call it a day.

Ahead of the main group, Andy, Ian and John were crossing a field as they approached Sandy Mill. Suddenly the sound of around 50 bullocks was heard from behind. Everyone in the trailing group agreed that they had never seem any of the lads run that fast over a 100 metres before. A new training technique for the club’s coaches perhaps!

Whether it was the fear of being chased by a herd of bullocks, or the sight of the lads sprinting, Zoe and Katy decided they had had their fill of the English countryside for one day and departed, as the remainder headed off in the direction of Tempsford.

Apart from Andy being attacked by a dog near Blunham, the last stage of the run was fairly uneventful and after four hours of running the two grandads, Nigel and Andy, were particularly pleased to finally make it to The Wheatsheaf pub at Tempsford.

Biggleswade Athletics Club is a friendly, supportive club that caters for athletes of all ages and abilities.  If you would like to become a member, or find out more about us, please visit our website at www.biggleswadeac.org.uk.  You can also keep up to date with our exploits via Facebook and Twitter @BiggleswadeAC