Club History
Club History - Founded May 1982 - An overview to Spring 2013
In the late 70s and early 80s there was a noted local race-walker called Roger Mills, who was a member of Ilford AC. He raced in the Tokyo Olympics where he finished in 10th place. He was a regular member of the UK squad. He won a Bronze medal in European Championships in Rome in 1974.
1974 European Championships Rome, Italy 3rd 20 km
1980 Olympic Games Moscow, Soviet Union 10th 20 km
1983 World Championships Helsinki, Finland 37th 20 km
About this time a "jogging" boom was turning into a "running" boom. Starting in the USA it quickly spread to the UK. The New York marathon was imitated by the London Marathon which started in 1981. In May 1982 Roger opened a running/sports shop in Wanstead High Street called....Athletic East. There was a well-known chain of shops in the USA called Athletic West, so we guess that this was East London's/the UK's answer. Roger's first shop was a tiny, narrow shop in the little parade just by the George Public house. It was from this shop, in 1982, that a group would meet on a Wednesday evening to go for a run and East London Runners was born, organised by Roger. The popularity grew so much that we moved to Wanstead Leisure Centre in about 1983/4, where we have been ever since.
The early to mid 1990's saw the Club at it's peak in terms of numbers with over 200 active members and 104 runners one Wednesday evening when the pre run meeting had to take place in the Centre's Gymnasium.
Today the membership is around 150 active members with an average of 50/70 running each Wednesday.September 1st 2010 saw 65 runners at the Club night with 49 then attending the Curry Night at a local Indian restaurant at 9pm following the Club run. Wednesday 5th January 2011 increased this number to 72 with 10 of this number trying out the Club for the first time. Numbers have continued to remain high with a total membership exceeding 180 as at 31st March 2012. Similar numbers have been experienced to 31st March 2013.
The Curtis Shield
Apart from 1984, when the Shield was first presented for the best performance by an East London Runner, when it was won by Lee Richardson, the Curtis Shield has always been awarded to the Club Person of the past year. In 1985 the award went to Trevor Cornell the Club's then Chairman. In 1986 it was awarded to Dick Pleasance for help that he gave to others, especially new members. In 1987 it was awarded to Steve Knott, who at the time was Club President. In 1988 it went to Mike Matcham who was responsible for getting the Social side of ELR going. In 1989 Peter Cowup who was also Social Secretary won the award. The award went to Trevor Jason in 1990 for his work as Coach at Walthamstow Track. Trevor was the first to also win the Most Improved Runner award.In 1991 John White won the Shield for his work as Editor of the Club Magazine Runaround. John was Editor for abour 8 years.In 1992 Peter Cowup became the first person to win the Curtis Shield twice, this time as Club President. The award went to Simon Morgan in 1993, the Club's Chairman and youngest winner of the award at that time.
Winners
2013 - Grant Conway
2012 - Ciaran Canavan
2011 - Derek Wright
2010 - Frank Brownlie
2009 - Mike Wilson
2008 - John Atkinson
2007 - Jim Bird
2006 - Kirk Johnson
2005 -
2004 -
2003 - Mike Wilson
2002 -
2001 - Don Bennett
2000 -
1999 - Clive Jackson
1998 - John McCarthy
1997 - Lesley Morgan
1996 - Don Bennett
1995 - Jim Bird
1994 - Doug Mansell
1993 - Simon Morgan
1992 - Peter Cowup
1991 - John White
1990 - Trevor Jason
1989 - Peter Cowup
1988 - Mike Matcham
1987 - Steve Knott
1986 - Dick Pleasance
1985 - Trevor Cornell
1984 - Lee Richardson
The Early Years - 1982 to 1986
Early Club records show that a special Meeting was called for Wednesday 20th February 1985. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the future of East London Runners.
SPECIAL MEETING
Since the beginning in May 1982 the Club has been "run" by Roger. However, a number of Club members have expressed a wish to take a greater role in Club affairs.This has come at a time when Roger is anxious to make the most of what is left of his career as an International Athlete. Whilst Roger wishes to remain greatly involved with the Club, increased training and competition will make their own demands. Various topics have been pencilled in for discussion and you are welcome to make suggestions on the night.
1. Aims of the Club.
2. Money - What we do with existing Club funds etc.
3. Do we become affiliated to the A.A.A? - for and against.
4. Positions within the Club.
5. Any other business.
This meeting notice was published together with the January 1985 edition of the East London Runners Newsletter. Included in the Newsletter were the following additional topics.
1. Discussion on cost of Coach hire to races.
2. London Marathon - Rejected runners. ELR issued a special limited edition T-Shirt through Roger. Grey shirt with special London Marathon logo and a big red "REJECT" stamp, all for only £4.75.
3. Race reports - Bedford Boxing Day 10 - Epsom Motorway 10 - New York Marathon - Chelmsford Half Marathon.
4. Club colours discussion - looking to agree on a specific colour for future use.
5. Donations to Charity including £200 to Bone Marrow Hospital, £300 to London Hospital Body Scanner Appeal, £950 to the Deaf. All donations totalled £1,943.
The 1990's
..........to follow
2000 to 2009
.............to follow
2010
Club Newsletters 2010.
elrNEWSLETTERS
January 2010 - First Edition
-Short History of East London Runners
- Annual General Meeting (AGM, Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.15pm
- Benfleet 15 Results
February 2010
- History of East London Runners, Founded 1982 - to date.
- Roding Valley Half Marathon, Sunday 28th February 2010 - 9am.
- February 2010 Fixtures.
- Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM), Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.15pm.
- Benfleet 15, Results.
March 2010
-Membership Renewals, For Year 1 st April 2010 to 31st March 2011
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010, Minibus for Runners - Water Station (20 mile Feed Station) helpers needed!
-Social Nights, An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010.
-Publicity, Potential Press Releases.
-ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES 2010, East London Runners now a Full Partner in the East London 5 Interclub Series.
-Valentines Park 5k, Provisional date - Sunday 26th September 2010.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011, Online entries and East London Rules for Club places.
-Jurassic Coast Challenge - 27th/28th and 29th March 2010 - 78.6 miles in 3 days, Good luck to East London Runner Roberto Bruni in his big challenge!
-Runners Shorts! By Long Legs.
April 2010
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010. Water Station (20 mile Feed Station - Helpers required!
-Virgin London Marathon Exhibition 2010, Excel - 21st to 24th April 2010
-CHANGES TO THE 2011 VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON PUBLIC BALLOT SYSTEM, Virgin London Marathon - Sunday April 17th 2011.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011, Rules for Club places.
-Social Nights, An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010.
-Flickr, East London Runners join Flickr!
-Jurassic Coast Chall enge - 27th/28th and 29th March 2010 - 78.6 miles in 3 days. Well done Roberto in completing this Challenge!
-Runners Shorts! By Long Legs
May 2010
-Virgin London Marathon - Sunday 25th April 2010, East London Runners - Results!
-Target Races - Summer 2010. A selection of East London Runners favourites!
-Club Social Nights. An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010
-Runners Shorts!by Long Legs.
June 2010
-ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES 2010, East London Runners now a Full Partner in the East London 5 Interclub Series.
-ELVIS Races - Summer 2010, East London 5 Interclub Series.
-Newman Hilly Off Road 5 Miles Race - Wednesday 21st July 2010 - 7.30pm. Replaces the Wednesday night Club run!
-Race Reports, Comments by East London Runners members after completing a recent race.
-Club Social Nights. An informal get together after the Club Run on the first Wednesday of each month Starting April 2010
-Summer Training Sessions, The Glade Hills.
-Tip of the Month. How can I prevent blisters?
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
July 2010
-East London Runners get married in their running shoes! Congratulations to Magda Socha and Rob Heppell on their marriage.
-Newman Hilly 5 Results - Wednesday 21st July 2010. Second leg of the ELVIS Grand Prix Series.
-Havering 90 Results - 5 mile race - Sunday 11th July 2010. First leg of the ELVIS Grand Prix Series.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 2 on 21st July 2010.East London Ladies and Mens Teams are both in 2nd place after two races!
-Remaining ELVIS Races - Summer 2010
-Essex Way Relay Race - Sunday 5th September 2010.East London Runners competing and supporting again in 2010.
-Valentines Park 5k. Sunday 26th September 2010 - 10.30am.
-Race Reports. Orion Fell race.
-Tip of the Month. Can you drink too much? Not related to the Great British Beer Festival outing!
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
August 2010
-Triathlon Results - Olympic Distances - August 2010. East London Runners had 7 members compete in Triathlons in recent weeks.
-Triathlon Results - Sprint Distances - August 2010. Swim 750m, Bike 20k, Run 5k!
-From the Wanstead & Woodford Guardian - Friday 13th August 2010
East London Runner Tom Lawrence is running for Charity in the Great North Run.
-Orion Forest 5 - ELVIS Race 3 of 6 - Saturday 7th August 2010. Individual results for East London Runners.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 3 on 7th August 2010. East London Ladies and Mens Teams are both in 2nd place after three races, unofficial results!
-Remaining ELVIS Races - Summer 2010.
-Club Social Nights.
-Valentines Park 5k - Volunteers Required! Sunday 26th September 2010 - 10.30am.
-Essex Way Relay Race - Sunday 5th September 2010.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
September 2010
-ELR SPOTLIGHT ...........on Jimmy Hartwell. The trials and tribulations of a long distance runner!
-Dagenham 88 - 5 mile'sh - ELVIS race 5 of 6 - Sunday 19th September 2010.
Results from the above race.
-Barking 5k - ELVIS Race 4 of 6 - Monday 30th August 2010. Individual results for East London Runners.
-ELVIS Team Standings after race 5 of 6 on Sunday 19th September 2010. East London Ladies and Mens Teams both remain in 2nd place after five races.
-Sikh Marathon Relay - Redbridge, Sunday 29th August 2010.
-Essex Way Relay Race Results - Sunday 5th September 2010.
-Cross Country Season 2010/11. East London Runners are competing again in t he Cross Country League.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. East London Runners - Rules for Club places.
-Tip of the Month. Improving with Age.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
October 2010
-ELVIS Has Left The Building! Final ELVIS Results for 2010.
-Cross Country. The Cross Country season is upon us!
-Essex Vets Cross Country 4th December 2010. Closing Date for Entries - Saturday 6th November.
-Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, Sunday 10th 10th 2010. Results and report.
-Improving with Age. Run Britain Rankings - Handicaps Launched.
-Tip of the Month. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
-Christmas Dinner Wednesday 15th December 2010, Venue: Upstairs at the George.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. Club Ballot Early December - Rules for Club places.
-Runners Shorts! by Short Legs
November 2010
-Spotlight on.........Ian Horritt. Ian heads West to new running trails!
-Race Results - Cross Country League Fixtures. Results from Cheshunt and Chicksands.
-Target Races - Winter 2010/Spring 2011. Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
-Virgin London Marathon 2011. Club Ballot 1st December - Rules for Club places.
-Christmas Dinner Wednesday 15th December 2010. Venue: Upstairs at the George.
-Tip of the Month. Cross Country Footwear.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
December 2010
-Season's Greetings! Merry Chris tmas and a Happy New Year.
-Target Races - Winter 2010/Spring 2011. Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
-Sunday Cross Country League - Race 3 Digswell - 12th December 2010
Results from the latest Cross Country race.
-Results - Essex Vets Cross Country Championships. Hainault Forest, Chigwell Row on Saturday 4th December 2010.
-Weekend runs - January 2011. Proposed runs for the New Year.
-Race reports - Bedford Half Marathon - Angkor Wat, Cambodia - Half Marathon.
-Tip of the Month. Running in cold weather.
-Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
2011
January 2011.
YELLOW PAGES - EAST LONDON - Just released the new edition of the Yellow Pages East London edition featuring 26 great ways to get the most from your area. At No 20 East London Runners feature and the Wanstead Park group photo.
May 2011.
Clubwatch - Running Fitness Magazine. Out on Friday 6th May is the June issue of Running Fitness magazine, priced £4.30. Page 17 is the Clubwatch features East London Runners in an article written by Katherine Jones and featuring 3 photo's.
Photo 1 Eight of our ladies at the end of the Roding Valley.
Photo 2 John Atkinson at the Benfleet mud.
Photo 3 Four of our men at the Orion 15.
Available at WH Smith's
June 2011.
The ELR Committee recently discussed, researched and agreed to buy two Blade Feathers/Wind Sails. Ciaran Canavan took this project on board and took delivery, on behalf of the Club, of the Blades recently.
Their first use was at the ELVIS Race 1 in Raphael Park, Romford where Ciaran put them together and they became a focal meeting point for the club members running that evening.
Tricia O'Neill and Jimmy Hartwell with the new blade feathers
December 2011.
NEW TO OUR WEBSITE - Runners' Profiles was suggested by Grant Conway and made possible by our Webmaster, Derek Wright. The Profiles show the Race Results, including Times, Places and Locations, for all of our current membership over distances ranging from 5k to Marathon plus Cross Country, Ultras, Duathlon, Triathlon and other related events over the past 6 years or so.
You can have a short biography added to your page with or without a photograph by sending the information to the Webmaster via the usual e.mail address. Publication may be subject to editorial amendment/ agreement!
Club Newsletters 2011.
elrNEWSLETTERS
January 2011
- Benfleet 15, Sunday 23rd January 2011, Results, pictures and report.
- VLM April 2011 - Training Logs of Karen, Grant and Frank.
- Ilford AC 10 mile Cross Country - Sunday 2nd January 2011 - Results,pictures and report.
- London Borough of Redbridge - Launch of a parkrun series of 5k weekly races.
- Cross Country League fixture Watford, Sunday 16th January 2011, Results, pictures and report.
- Tip of the Month! Common running injury - Achilles Tendonitis.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
February 2011
- Cross Country League - Royston - Sunday 13th February 2011. Results, pictures and report.
- Annual General Meeting - 7.30pm - Monday 28th February 2011
Formal Notice of Meeting was sent to all Members by e.mail on 7th February 2011.
- Running a Marathon in 2011? Marathon Questionnaire.
- Race Report Coastal Trail Series - South Devon - Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Latest news from East London Runners.
- Training and Challenge Holidays - Embrace Sports, by new ELR member Lucy Jarvis.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
- Tip of the Month! Dealing with running blisters.
March 2011
- ORION 15 - Saturday 19th March 2011, Results, pictures and reports.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Coach transfer.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011, Volunteers required to man the 20 mile Water Feed Station.
- Post Marathon Curry Night - Wednesday 20th April 2011.
- Roding Valley Half Marathon - Sunday 27th February 2011, Results, pictures and reports.
- East London Runners Membership Renewal 2011/12, Annual Club membership fee of £18 due from 1st April 2011.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011, Rules, Prizes and races.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
April 2011
- elrNEWSLETTER - April 2011 - Marathon Special.
- Virgin London Marathon 2011 - Sunday 17th April 2011, Results, pictures and reports from Club Members.
- Marathon results from around the Globe. Results, pictures and reports from Brighton, Paris, Milan and Boston Marathons.
- Virgin London Marathon 2012 - Sunday 22nd April 2012. Public ballot entries open on Tuesday 26th April 2011.
- East London Runners Membership Renewal 2011/12. Annual Club membership fee of £18 due from 1st April 2011.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Race Dates!
May 2011
- Race Results. Some recent race r esults for East London Runners. Prague Marathon, Halstead and Essex Marathon, Shakespeare Marathon and the Orpington Half and Full Marathon.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Race Dates!
- Ultra Running update, Jimmy Hartwell heads for the Highlands! Result, pictures and report from the 53 mile Highland Fling.
- Running - Top 10 Films, As recommended and reviewed by ELR's Rob Heppell.
- Media and Public Relations. ELR Committee members Katherine Jones and Sarah Burns.
- England Athletics - New Coaching and Leadership Courses. Interested in coaching your fellow runners?
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
June 2011
- ELVIS Race 1 - Havering 90 Midweek 5 Miles. East London Runners win individual and Team prizes - Tuesday 21st June 2011. Reults, photos and reports.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011
East London 5's Interclub Series - Remaining Race Dates! Message to all East London Runners from ELR Elvis Captains Karen Levison and Grant Conway!
- Blade Feathers. East London Runners purchase two Blade Feathers.
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League. East London Runners has joined the Chingford League!
- Running - Top 10 Books. As reviewed and recommended by ELR's Rob Heppell.
- OnTrack Sports Therapy - South Woodford. DISCOUNTED sports massage, injury assessment and treatment.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
July 2011
- ELVIS Race 3 - Newman Hilly 5 - Wednesday 20th July 2011. East London Runners remain top of both Ladies and Mens League. Results, photos and report.
- ELVIS Race 2 - Eton Manor 5k - Sunday July 10th 2011. East London Runners win both Ladies and Mens Team Events! Results, photos and reports.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2011. East London 5's Interclub Series - Remaining Race Dates!
- Ultra Running update - South Downs Way - 103 miles. Jimmy Hartwell's latest venture! Result, photos and report.
- Essex Way Relay Race 2011 - Epping to Harwich 82 miles - Sunday September 4th 2011. Can you run a leg for one of the East London Runner Teams?
- Redbridge 10k - Sunday 24th July 2011. ELR runners compete in inaugural local event! Results, photos and reports.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
August 2011
September 2011
- Elvis Winners 2011
- Elvis 7 - Valentines Park 5k - Report and results
- Elvis 6 - Dagenham 88 5 mile'sh - Report and results
- Elvis 5- Barking 5k - Report and results
- VLM 2012 - Club ballot rules
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League
- Sikh Relay Marathon - Report and Results
- Essex Way Teram Relay - Report
- Runners Shorts by Long Legs
October 2011
- Sunday Cross Country League - Race 1 Cheshunt - 23rd October 2011.
- Social Events, 10 Pin Bowling in November and Xmas Dinner in December.
- Virgin London Marathon - April 22nd 2012, The public ballot results are now known!
- Essex Vets Cross Country Championship Races - Chigwell Row - Saturday 3rd December 2011.
- Fast Girls! New Feature Film about running!
- Chingford League, remaining fixtures.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
November 2011
- Sunday Cross Country League - Race 2 - Trent Park, Cockfosters, 20th November 2011
- FAST GIRLS - The Movie - Mystery ELR member plays leading supporting role in new movie!
- Dublin Marathon - Monday 31st October 2010
Sub 3 hour Marathon time for East London Runner, Ciaran Canavan!
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League - Remaining Fixtures for 2011/12
- Virgin London Marathon - April 22nd 2012 - Club draw on 30th November 2011
- Target Races - Winter 2011/Spring 2012 = Some favourite races in which members of East London Runners compete.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs
Christmas 2011
- Season's Greetings, Best wishes for Olympic Year 2012!
- Farewell to Maz! Amanda Mazza Lovegrove is emigrating to Australia!
- Recent Cross Country Results, Sunday League at Watford and Essex Vets at Hainault Forest
- VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON - April 22nd 2012. Results of Club Ballot
- Bedford Half Marathon - Sunday 11th December 2011. ELR well represented in this popular race.
- ELR 2011 Marathon results by Age Grading. From Worldwide Marathon races - Congratulations to all!
- parkrun and Running Clubs. From the parkrun weekly newsletter 15th December 2011...by Paul of parkrun
- Chingford League and Sunday Cross Country League. Remaining Fixtures for 2011/12
- East London Triathletes - Dragonslayer Duathlon - Sunday 29th April 2012!
Looking for both Competitors and Marshalls at Hainault Cycle Centre!
- Target Races - Winter 2011/Spring 2012
Some favourite races for Marathon Training in which members of East London Runners compete.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs
East London Runners – Annual General Meeting – Monday February 28th 2011
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Committee Meetings . We held 6 meetings during the year with Frank , Don, Derek and Jim at all 6. Mike, John (part) and Ciaran 5, Kirsty and Jaime 4, Julie 3 and Sarah 2 as a guest and Katherine and Miguel 1. Kirk none.
I would like to propose a vote of thanks to all committee members for their efforts on behalf of the membership throughout the year. I will return to comment on individual efforts further in this report.
Membership. This was a very successful year in terms of increasing numbers and participation. Numbers rose from 90 at 31/3/10 to 161 as at 28/02/11. From renewal on 1st April 2010 to 19/5 was 85. Then 96 at 14/7 to 112 at 22/9 and 130 on 8/12 to 150 on 2nd February 2011. Don Bennett and Frank Brownlie now look after the membership records with Don updating the database and Frank issuing welcome e/mails to new members.
The paper/excel versions of the membership were converted by webmaster Derek Wright to a hidden website database. Derek also set up the IT framework for the whole of the website and for the monthly e.Newsletter from March 2010 with Frank providing most of the content with Ciaran’s help on occasions! Derek continues to assist with all IT matters at no cost to the Club and is doing an invaluable job. A vote of thanks to Derek on behalf of the membership was proposed and seconded and approved unanimously.
VLM 2010 – Don and Pam continued to do sterling work providing food and drink for not only all the feed station helpers but in addition numerous other helpers/marshals etc. Don also organised the minibus to Island Gardens. We received 8 places for our ballot in 2010. 6 from LFB for feed station/special drinks and 2 from UK Athletics. For VLM2011 we received a total of 10, 7 from LFB and 3 from UKA.
Social – The monthly social at the George didn’t take off except for the post marathon one. A successful curry night with 50 attendees was held in early September 2010 and was very well organised by Jaime Towns in the main. Mike Wilson also helped as did John Atkinson on the night. Don again organised a successful Xmas dinner at the George in mid December. Other smaller events were the post marathon drink at the George after the Wednesday Club run and the visit by 16 members to the Great British Beer Festival.
Media and PR – Thanks to Katherine Jones and Sarah Burns fort their efforts. Jim Bird’s marathon story was in the local paper and website as was Tom Lawrence’s Gt North run story. Yellow Pages are also to feature the Club in their introduction at no cost.
Jim Bird looks after Club Kit with Kirsty Weston assisting in orders. Jim has also attended every Wednesday Club night and committee Meeting and also various races throughout the year in support of club runners.
Wednesday night club runs - Chosen and announced by Doug Mansell or Mike Wilson with Doug throwing in varied sessions throughout the year. Thanks also to Don for his ever present attendance and organisational skills and back marking. Also to all other club members who assist and look after newer runners each week. We were surprised that we were not given any notice or warning by the School/Sports Centre of the works,carried out over the Summer of 2010, affecting access to our usual meeting room. We tried various different rooms within the building and have found one large and reasonably suitable enough to accommodate us now. The Centre has also been flexible with space for the additional runs that we have been having recently, mainly on Tuesday nights.
Races – Many members competed at all distances including Triathlons and in various locations around the world. It was good that they were keen to have both their results and race reports published on our website and/or Newsletter.
ELVIS – To Don, Mike and Rachel for attending the meetings and helping publicise the ELVIS series within the Club. For helping on the day together with Jaime Towns and all other members who marshalled at Val Park 5k on the day. To Don for organising the discounted entries for the Hilly 5. Congratulations to Karen Levison who in addition to winning most of the races she entered was also leading lady overall. Both the Ladies and Men’s Teams we re 2nd overall in the team competition with the ladies not being that far behind winners Ilford.
Essex Way – to Edward Barnard and Don Bennett for organising before and on the day what is a very successful event.
Cross Country – To Derek Wright, cross country captain for his enthusiasm and attendance at each of the 5 league and the additional ad hoc races throughout the winter. Regret5ably the numbers diminished somewhat through the series. Disappointing that we only had 3 ladies running in the league although there was greater representation in the local ones.
Finally – To anyone that I have left out – apologies. To all members who attended Club nights, races, social nights, meetings and any other occasions, thank you.
The focus throughout the year, has been in communicating quickly and electronically in a friendly manner through the Website, Facebook , Newsletter, e.mail and then face to face at Club Nights. Races and Meetings.
The Club is in rude health and with everyone’s positive attitude and help it will continue to be so.
I therefore propose a vote of thanks to all the Committee members for their work throughout the year and to all members for what they have done also.
2012
March 2012.
1st March 2012 - Ilford Recorder.
Check out today's Ilford Recorder, page 45, Sports Section. Report and pictures from both the Roding Valley HM and the Hotelympia 10k. Headline - Ciaran picks himself up, dusts himself off to take the silver. Photo of Ciaran with Steve Cram plus one of Thomas Grimes. Manjit Bedi and Patrick Brown with their medals. Name check for all ELR's who finished the Roding plus Grant! Thanks to Jim Bird for going that extra mile to get this article and photos in the paper!
Ciaran received his prizes from GB 400m Athlete Nigel Levine and
legendary GB Olympian Steve Cram.
National Lottery Olympic Park and Stadium run - 2pm Sat 31st March 2012 - 5 miles.
5707 finishers.
The East London Runners Marshal Team!
A cool and cloudy day welcomed over 5,000 Runners, 10,000 Spectators and numerous Marshalls and other Organisers to the Olympic Park on Saturday. East
London Runners were well represented by 20 participants, 40 Spectators and 9
Marshalls all of whom enjoyed their day in history!
After passing through the Security checks it was easy to proceed to the Olympic
Stadium and it's surroundings including the pens for the race start. A cold wind
welcomed the runners who were glad and excited when the first wave of runners
was set off by Princess Beatrice at 2pm, who then joined the race at the start of the second wave some 12 minutes later. A further two waves subsequently followed.
A stylish Mark Boulton sprints home!
The 5 mile course passed by all of the iconic Olympic stadia including the
Veledrome, Basketball and other buildings. Twisting and turning throughout the
course ended at the main Olympic Stadium with the final 300 metres on the
running track with the finish line at the end of the 100 metre straight. For most runners this was the most thrilling part, entering the stadium to the strains of Chariots of Fire belting out of the loudspeakers and the roars of the crowd cheering you to the finish.
East London Runners Thomas Grimes had a fantastic time and finished in 10th
place overall with Mark Boulton joining him in the top 100. However for Tom and
Mark and the rest of us following in their wake it was the thrill and joy of
taking part and finishing in the Stadium which was the most important aspect of
the whole day. Picking up our Goody Bags which included a quality race medal was
an added bonus.
ELR' Don Bennett in party mood!
It was also great to see the many smiles on everyone's faces whether they were
Runners, Marshall or Spectators.
Julie Creffieldsaid - "ELR marshals did a fab job today, as did the
runners...the club got a great mention just before the pink group went off. An
amazing event!!!" I've written a post about the race on my blog.
wp.me/p13GvN-52
August 2012.
East London Runners has been recognised as an approved Running Club by Virgin London Marathon, with a link to our Club details and Logo on their website.
Only a limited number of Clubs have become partners. Aimed at helping first time marathon runners of whom ELR have many running in the marathon each year. Sometimes Clubs are overlooked because of their perceived reputation of being only interested in fast runners. Many first time marathon runners will train by themselves not knowing that help is close at hand.
East London Runners will continue to man a Special Drinks Station at the Virgin London Marathon plus together with the London Fire Brigade will also man the 20 mile Water Station in Polar High Street.
www.virginlondonmarathon.com/training-centre/search-running-club/running-clubs/
Jimmy Hartwell completes the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc 2012 - 103k Race in the French Alps!
Jimmy's report.
Jimmy in full race togs!
A bit of déjà vu again this year for the UTMB, a day before flying out to the
Alps, the race organisers were already sending out texts about heavy snow and
wind chill of -10 at 2000m. Further texts said the weather was deteriorating and
that competitors had to start the race with a minimum of four layers.
On race day, there were reports of 60 km per hour winds and heavy snow at high
altitude mountain passes to Italy and Switzerland which could constitute serious
risk to the competitors. Fortunately the race wasn’t cancelled ( like the 2010
edition) or a nearly cancelled like the previous year which started off five
hours late and had major last minute route changes and deviations as high
altitude sections became impassable as the race progressed.
This year the classic 170km loop around Mont Blanc was shortened to a 103km
course restricted to the French Alps with climbs only approaching 2000m. The
race organiser Catherine Poletti still gleefully informed everybody that the
race would be very difficult with the usual insane upward & downward climbs and
a total upward ascent of 6850m.
On Friday the 31st August 2012, at roughly 7:10pm the race eventually kicked off
from Chamonix centre to the deafening sound of Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis.
I let the rest of the team to speed off to the front. I wasn’t race fit; the
last few months I had been plagued with injuries, so my sole intention was to
plod slowly around the course and just complete it. (It just meant I would only
have time to stop off at checkpoints for a max of 15 or 20 minutes.)
After 7 hours of continual rain and fog, it was now sleeting sideways as I
gingerly plodded through the 1800 metre snow capped mountain trail of the La
Balme. Previous descents had turned into a total mud fest and once again I had
twisted my ankle (it hadn’t fully recovered from the South Downs Ultra earlier
in the year).
Weather conditions were tough higher up in the mountains! Training in Epping Forest in the summer was of little help!
Saturday 9:15pm caked in mud and with very sore feet I jogged into the finish at
Chamonix where this madness had started 26 hours earlier to be greeted by loopy
French people ringing cow bells, my partner, the rest of the team and friends.
All in all a very well organised race bearing in mind the changes that had to be
made at short notice because of the extreme weather. Ok it was an abridged
version of the race however I was happy to come in 2117 place and now possess
the coveted race finisher’s fleece gilet.
www.ultratrailmb.com
Jimmy with the rest of his running team in Chamonix!
October 2012.
East London Runners is pleased to announce that Clive Jackson and Doug Mansell have recently (Oct 2012) been appointed as Life Members for their loyalty and services to the Club.
Club Newsletters 2012.
elrNEWSLETTERS
January 2012
- Benfleet 15 - Sunday 22nd January 2012. Results and report from this tough 15 mile race.
- VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON - April 22nd 2012. Training updates from successful ELR Club ballot winners.
- Essex Cross Country Championships - Gloucester Park, Basildon - Saturday 7th January 2012 - Results and report!
- The 2,012 in 2012 Challenge!
Join in with other ELR Members in this tough challenge for Olympic Year 2012.
- Charity Entries for Future Races - Includes Marathons, Half Marathons and 10k's!
- East London Triathletes - Dragonslayer Duathlon - Sunday 29th April 2012!
Looking for both Competitors and Marshalls at Hainault Cycle Centre!
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
February 2012
- Roding Valley Half Marathon - 27/2/12 - Results and reports.
- Annual General Meeting - New Committee and Subscription change.
- National Lottery Olympic Park Run - Volunteer Marshals - Saturday 31st March 2012 - Can you volunteer on behalf of the Club?
- VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON - April 22nd 2012 - Travel and help required at the Water Feed Station.
- Hotelympia 10k - Docklands - Great run by Ciaran on Sunday 27th February 2012.
- The 2,012 in 2012 Challenge! Join in with other ELR Members in this tough challenge for Olympic Year 2012.
- ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES - Summer 2012. ELVIS (East London 5m/5k Interclub Series) - Race Dates and Rules.
- East London Triathletes - Dragonslayer Duathlon - Sunday 29th April 2012!
Looking for both Competitors and Marshalls at Hainault Cycle Centre!
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
March 2012
- Orion races - Mercury 10 and Orion 15 - Reports and results and photos.
- National Lottery Olympic Park Run - Saturday 31st March 2012
At 2pm a 5 mile race through the Olympic Park finishing in the Olympic Stadium.
East London Runners will be participating in the above event in three capacities.
- VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON - April 22nd 2012
Travel and help required at the Water Feed Station.
- Home Run London
Home Run is a series of guided group runs home from Central London…they even carry your bag!
- East London Runners Membership Renewal 2012/13
Annual Club membership fee of £20 due from 1st April 2012
- Runners Shorts!
by Long Legs
Marathon Special - May 2012
- Virgin London Marathon -Sunday 22nd April 2012 - Race Results and Reports and photos.
- Milton Keynes Marathon - Sunday 29th April 2012 - Results and reports from ELR participants.
- ELVIS is Coming. ELVIS GRAND PRIX SERIES 2012 - Race dates and Your Club needs you!
- Sweatshop - Olympic Offer to East London Runners - Week commencing Monday 14th May 2012.
- Kirsty Weston, Thank you and Good Luck!
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs
August 2012
- 70th Birthday Club run for ELR John Atkinson - Wednesday 22nd August 2012
Both runners and non runners are welcome!
- ELVIS UPDATE, Full turnout required from ELR in the two remaining races!
- Sikh Marathon Relay - Redbridge - Sunday 26th August 2012. Runners required to form ELR Team.
- Essex Way Relay Team Event 2012- Epping to Harwich 82 miles - Sunday September 2nd 2012. Can you run a leg for one of t he East London Runner Teams?
- ELVIS 7 - Valentines Park 5k - Volunteers Required!! Sunday 30th September 2012 - 10.00am.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
September 2012
- ELVIS 7 - Valentines Park 5k - Volunteers (and runners) Required!!
Sunday 30th September 2012 - 10.00am.
- ELVIS Presentation Ni ght 2012
Friday 5th October 2012 at 7.30/8pm.
- Virgin London Marat hon - Sunday April 21st 2013
Club draw will take place on Wednesday 7th November 2012 at 6.50pm.
- Chingford League 2012/13 and Sunday Cross Country League - Provisional Fixtures. Race entry in both Leagues is FREE to all ELR Club Members.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
Christmas 2012- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Seasons greetings from East London Runners.
- Club Runs during the Festive Period. Runs at Christmas and New Year.
- Training for a Spring Marathon in 2013. Suggested races and training runs.
- FREE Marathon Seminar/Workshop - Monday 21st January 2013, 6.00-7.30pm. Held by and at Runnersworld, Riverside House 2 Chadwell Heath Lane Romford, Essex RM6 4LS.
- Sunday Cross Country League and Chingford League. Remaining Fixtures 2012/13.
- Runners Shorts! by Long Legs.
2013
January 2013.
Here's the Financial Times article mentioning ELR that Frank Brownlie mentioned before the Club run (Over 70 runners)last night.
www.ft.com/cms/s/2/feb2d40e-50dc-11e2-b287-00144feab49a.html
Journalist Jonathan Thompson is the East London Runner who wrote it.
Extract -
I am far from peak fitness but I have completed 10K races and a couple of half marathons before, even if my times are not going to give Mo Farah sleepless nights. Plus, I am becoming a genuine convert to trail running, having just joined a local club, East London Runners, making weekly forays into Epping Forest.
He is currently absent whilst he travels the USA for MSN, you can read about his travels here!
www.AA.com/UnitedStatesofAdventure
March 2013.
At The Annual General Meeting held in Wanstead High School on Monday 4th March 2013 at 8.00pm the following Committee was elected for the coming year.
Chair - Frank Brownlie 07763 590454
Secretary - Mike Wilson
Treasurer - Don Bennett
Webmaster - Derek Wright
Media and PR - Katherine Jones and Sarah Burns
Kit - Jim Bird
Member - Ciaran Canavan
Member - John White
Member - Ninette Fernandes
Congratulations to Grant Conway for winning the Curtis Shield at the Annual General Meeting on Monday 4th March 2013.
