Posted on: 24 November 2008

Over the past couple of weeks, racing Hogweeds have been scattered thinly; perhaps their trainers are still drying off after the Sodbury Slog.

Richard Powell competed at Cirencester in the off road duathlon, coming home with the 1st MV50 award. This event consisted of two runs and a cycling stage and Richard finished 28th overall, out of a large field, in 1h23m23s.

Harry, the man with the “Minas” touch travelled back to his native Greece for the Athens Classic Marathon. This was a hilly course, including over 9000ft of climbing which attracted runners from South Africa and New Zealand, as well as all over Europe. Unfortunately during the race he was stung by a bee, slipped on a curb and fell, injuring his calf. After quite a bit of walking, he finished in the 1896 Olympic Stadium in 7h30minutes, but is already planning his strategy for 2009.

Posted on: 17 November 2008

For local runners and those from as far afield as Scotland, the Sodbury Slog is an event where early entry is vital, as this race fills up year after year. This year the lakes and rivers had also filled up nicely, the hills were as steep as usual, the rain was persistent and the mud was of a particularly sticky texture. In fact conditions were so challenging and energy sapping that just to finish was a major achievement

First Hogweed home was Justin Littlechild who charged round the course to finish in an impressive 6th position in 1.04.59. Others to come in well up the field included Will Grey 20th in 1.10.41, Chris Martin in 1.17.44 and John Curtis 1.18.11 [3rd MV50]. Our first lady finisher was Pat Curtis in 1.22.32, who was once again among the awards finishing as 1st LV50.

There were fine performances from Richard Powell, Mark Hutchinson, Ian Harrison, Ray Maddock, Ian Rowland, Paul Kent and Stephen Pinker who all finished in under 1h30m. Mandy Spedding was our 2nd lady finishing just ahead of Ronan Conlon, Paul Chard, Bill Smith and Rob Smith. Further down the field there were good performances from some more of our ladies including Ali Ramsey, Michelle Moore, Jenny McCallum, Sandra Killen and a very muddy fairy, Nicola Rushton. Hazel Friis was one of the cleanest runners on show and even had time to pose for photos in the river section.

In all over thirty more Hogweeds finished and were all helped on their way to the finish by the enthusiastic spectators and samba band.

Meanwhile on the other side of the country, Lee Pattison was back in his native county of Kent coming 26th out of 380 runners at the Deal 5 mile in 30:19.

NOTICE is hereby given that the NINTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the HOGWEED TROTTERS Road Running Club will be held at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club, St John’s Way, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos on WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2008 at 7.45 pm

Posted on: 02 November 2008

Some runners will go to extreme lengths to fit in a race; in Pat Hall’s case it was all the way to Auckland in New Zealand, for the half marathon. He finished the course in 1h56m45s, but was strangely not the first Hogweed to compete at this race as Dom Hurford took part several years ago.

Although they didn’t cross any oceans, Ruth and Niall Stewart did cross a river and travelled “Over the Hills” for the popular multi terrain event organised by Avon Valley Runners. This event includes towpaths, woods, fields, some roads and even a river at Iford and is always a challenging race. The recent rain made things interesting, but despite this, Ruth finished 184th in 1h15m29s with Niall in close company, 196th in 1h17m43s.

Dean Masters continued his improved form, setting a new personal best at the most recent round of the Bridge Inn winter 5k series.

The weekend trip on 25 - 26 April 2009 includes:

De-luxe coach from Bristol to London, with pick-up points in central and north Bristol.

Accommodation for one night at the Riverbank Park Plaza, located on the Albert Embankment, within walking distance of the marathon finish and close to Westminster and Vauxhall underground stations.

Early breakfast available including porridge!

Transport to the race start at Greenwich / Blackheath.

Changing facilities and showers available at the hotel after the race.

Fourteen year's experience organising London Marathon trips.

The total price is £98, a deposit of £50 is required to secure a booking. There are limited spaces this year so book early if you have a guaranteed place for the 2009 marathon.

Further details and deposits to:-

Ted Atkins, 123 Woodlands Road, Charfield, Gloucestershire GL12 8LT.

Contact Ted on 01454 260343 or tedatkins2002@yahoo.co.uk

Posted on: 27 October 2008

The words Snowdon and Marathon don’t usually appear in the same sentence, but that didn’t stop a group of Hogweeds from battling 80mph winds and torrential rain in this challenging event. First home was Andy May in 3.40.08 with Dave Wintle also finishing under 4 hours in 3.50.05. Months of hard training paid off for Neil Hopkins 4.11.30, Daryll Davies 4.13.19, Paul Kent 4.25.29, Steve Weeks 4.50.31, Dave Hope 4.59.21 and Ronan Conlon 5.10.21, all finishing safely.

Less fortunate was Justin Littlechild, who was one of the runners in the ill-fated Lake District Mountain Marathon where floods made conditions even worse,

Closer to home, 14 runners raced in the Stroud Half Marathon with Will Gray finishing 82nd in 1.23.25 ahead of Peter Willoughby, producing another fine performance, in 1.27.25. Personal bests were achieved by Dean Masters 1.42.19 and Martin Cook 1.50.17 and others with fast times were Julian Lewis 1.33.40, Mike Froggatt 1.40.31, equalling a time he achieved aged 20, John Clapp 1.47.39 and Susan Leydon 1.50.02. Other club runners included Hazel Friis 1.55.49, Julie Boynes 1.56.08, Dirk van Eeden 1.58.16, Rebecca Dainton 2.03.60, Claire Searle 2.04.30 and Julie Froggatt 2.07.07.

Bill Bretherton was our only entrant at the Tour of Torfaen Half Marathon; he finished at the Cymbran Athletics track in a Pb of 1h53m.

Adrian Pook ran at the extremely tough Beachy Head Marathon, including 3900feet of climbing, where he produced a great performance to finish 42nd of 867 in 3h46m.

At the Horton Winter Bull Run Lee Pattison was 2nd male finisher with, the consistent, Pat Curtis 2nd lady. Others to finish high up were John Curtis, Chris Martin, Nigel Burford and Anthony Febry, with further good performances coming from Dave Mullins, Paul Chard, Jenny McCallum, Neil Paice, Hayley Brock and Nicola Rushton.

Posted on: 19 October 2008

Saturday saw the first running of the Hogweed Muggles, three races in one, over 15miles, 10miles or 5miles, all including beautiful scenery with challenging ascents.

The longest race was won by Rob Hicks [Town and Country Harriers] in 1h55m12s with Kate Wright [Stratford on Avon] first lady in 2h18m6s. First Hogweed was Lee Pattison 4th in 2h4m23s, with Peter Willoughby 2nd MV60 in 2.11.59. Pat Curtis was 2nd lady in 2.21.27 with husband John 2nd MV50 in 2.23.34. Mandy Spedding was 3rd LV40 in 2.33.54 with Duncan McArthur 41st in 3.21.24.

The 10mile race was won by Adrian Pook [Hogweed Trotters] in 1.17.21 with Kate Britten [Clevedon] first lady in 1.29.02. Good performances came from Chris Martin 9th in 1.27.11, Amanda Richardson 2nd lady in 1.29.32, Anthony Febry in 1.30.50 and James Tyack in 1.33.22. Dean Masters 1.42.17, Rob Smith 2nd MV60 in 1.42.22, Neil Paice 1.44.08 and Jenny McCallum 1st LV50 in 1.46.28 finished close together. David Wells and Bill Bretherton enjoyed their chat before finishing in 2.01.38 while Julie Froggatt and Claire Searle after a detour finished in 2.19.14.

The shorter race was memorable for our ladies performances. Hayley Brock was 1st lady in 55.06, Nicola Rushton 2nd in 57.19 and Geraldine Bates 3rd in 59.38. The first finisher was Billy Sheppard [Clevedon] in 38.11 with Alex Alliston Grenier, 4th in 39.50. Other club members included Niall Stewart 57.39, Pete Connors 59.44, Paul Chard 60.29, Mike Green 1st MV60 in 61.36, Rebecca Dainton 61.37, Julie Barlow 62.05, and Margaret Chandler 79.48.

Trinity Booth and Dom Hurford visited Holland for the Amsterdam Marathon, finishing in 3.30.57 and 4.27.40 while Dave Wintle opted for the Abingdon Marathon, ran 8 miles with a nose bleed and finished in 3h36m. Lee Masters completed the off road Mendip Muddle 13mile race in 2.01.50.

Posted on: 12 October 2008

During the past few days Hogweed Trotters have competed at events all over Britain.

Chris Lewis and Rich Hemmings took part in their first marathons at Loch Ness in Scotland. Chris finished 388th in 3h44m51s with Rich 719th in 4h07m40s. Michelle Edgell ran in the 10k race at the same venue and came home in 62minutes.

They enjoyed the scenery, heard the bagpipes, but sadly didn’t spot any monstrous spectators watching from the water.

The Swindon Half Marathon was a little closer to home but also included some challenging, hilly sections. First Hogweed finisher was, the improving, Paul Chard in 1h54.18 with Hazel Friis, just dipping under 2hours, to finish in 1h59m25s. Dirk van Eeden crossed the line, about a minute later, in 2h0m39s, ahead of Tracey Marchant in 2h21m14s.

The Burnham Half Marathon wends its way around Brent Knoll crossing the levels and is traditionally well supported by Hogweeds. Vic Garner was our first finisher in 1h37m26s and there were also personal bests from Rob Smith in 1h43m24s and Kate Hoskins 2h15m4s.

The Marshfield Mudlark is an aptly named multi terrain race, which heads downhill into St Catherine’s valley before climbing back up to Marshfield, including one very steep hill where a waiting St John’s Ambulance helps concentration. Paul Chappell was our first finisher coming 19th in 54.12 ahead of John Curtis in 55.44 and Chris Martin in 57.19. Pat Curtis 58.47 and Jo Wilson 62.21 were the first two lady Hogweeds with Bill Smith 65.42, new member Mark Whitlock 66.09, Neil Paice 66.38 and Paul Clark 77.38 in close attendance.

Simon Spedding travelled north, to home territory in Lincolnshire, to take part in the Brigg Triathlon and his long journey was rewarded by a 9th place, 3rd MV40 and a time of 57.17.

Posted on: 05 October 2008

A small, but select, group of Hogweed Trotters headed up to Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run, probably the most high profile half marathon in the country. First club member home was Pat Hall, who crossed the line in 1h48m26s, a great time considering the large number of other runners. Mark Wolf, for whom this race is a yearly pilgrimage, finished in 2h0m33s. Sam Willumsen and Harry Minas both enjoyed the support from the large crowds along the course and the near perfect running conditions to complete the course in 2h57m21s and 3h17m32s.

Rob Smith ran in the slightly quieter, Burnham on Sea half marathon and recorded a new personal best of 1h43m24s. This achievement is all the more praiseworthy as he is one of our MV60 runners and only started running in his 50s.

Nigel Burford opted for a shorter distance and ran at the latest round of the Bridge Inn 5k Series, recording a quick time of 20m42s.

The Badminton Horseless Challenge is a charity event held around the famous horse trials course at Badminton Estate. The course takes runners over the jumps and through the lake, where the icy water cleans up the runner’s legs and shoes most efficiently! There is a choice of a 5 mile or a two lap, 9 mile route. Fastest Hogweed over the shorter route was Dave Dutton, who was 14th finisher, in 35minutes, followed by other Hogweeds, including Jenny McCallum, Nicola Rushton and Philippa Crocker. Dave Mullins and Sonia Cross both set personal bests for the course while Ray Mardle ran with a group of pupils from his school. Lee Masters, Ali Ramsey and Bill Bretherton opted for the longer option, which included two paddles through the lake and double helpings of mud.

Posted on: 21 September 2008

This week was another successful one for the Hogweed Trotters with our runners at the Slimbridge 11k leading the way. This was a muddy, off road race near the famous Wildlife Trust Headquarters. Due to some missing markers the leaders took in a detour, but this didn’t stop John Curtis from hitting the front, to record his first ever race win. The field also included Julie Froggatt and Pat Curtis, who finished as 1st lady, having led the race for a spell.

Ron White completed his Triathlon season in fine style with impressive results in two events. At South Cerney he finished 47th [2nd MV50] in 69min 24sec ahead of Bill Shackloth, whose time of 75min 41sec won him 1st MV60. This result meant that Ron won the Cotswold MV 50-54 series by the slender margin of 1 second. His second event was at Newent where he finished 15th in a combined time of 59m56s which placed him 3rd MV50. Adrian Tillen also performed well, finishing 25th in 62m04s.

Dave Wintle squeezed in yet another marathon, this time in the New Forest, where despite hot temperatures and hilly terrain he completed the course in 3h18m2s.

Lee Masters and Ali Ramsey took in the 7 mile King Alfred’s Torment race in Wiltshire, where Lee came home in 56.01 and Ali a little way back in 62 minutes. They tested the cakes at the finish and were happy to report that these were not burned.

The next event in the Hogweed calendar is the first running of the multi terrain, Hogweed Muggles at 9.30 on Saturday 18th October. You can expect hills, fine scenery and yet more hills.

Posted on: 14 September 2008

Last weekend a large number of Hogweed Trotters could have been spotted pounded the streets of Bristol and the lanes of Chippenham for the half marathons.

First finisher out of about 50 club members at Bristol was Will Grey in 1.24.32, which was a fine result as he has spent much of the last year on the treatment table. Paul Lockyer was next finisher in 1.26.20 ahead of Emma D’Alton who was our first lady in 1.28.46. Peter Willoughby was 3rd MV60 in 1.29.34. Ulf Bladh and Dave Wintle finished under 1.30 and there were also impressive times recorded by Nick Woodhill, Scott Leonard, Chris Lewis and Gary Weeks who all beat the 1h40m mark.

A large number of club members achieved personal bests including Ronan Conlon and Martin Cook and there were also many proud runners having finished their first half marathon in creditable times.

Over at Chippenham there were slightly fewer runners in the light blue vests but performances were equally as good. First Hogweed, in1:26:04 was Julian Lewis with Andy May only seconds back in1:26:28. Neil Hopkins had a good run to finish in 1:33:33 before Ray Maddock and Vic Garner showed that there are some very fast MV60 out there finishing in 1:33:45 and 1.36.08.

Trinity Booth was the first lady home in 1.36.42 and there was also a good spread of personal bests including Rob Smith in 1.44.02, Dean Masters in 1.44.15 and Paul Chard in 1.52.12.

Despite these fine performances pride of place for this week goes to Ben Bonnick who joined the elite band of Iron Men at the Sherbourne event. Fourteen months before this event he could not swim and he only started running 2 years ago yet he managed to complete this extremely tough event in 15h26m.

Posted on: 07 September 2008

The Oldbury 10 mile race has always been a popular event for Hogweeds, especially those looking for an event to prepare, before the crop of Autumn Half Marathons.

This year was no exception with over 20 lined up at the start before the rural figure of eight course taking in Oldbury and Shepperdine.

Our first home was Lee Pattison who came a fine 31st and finished in 60.54 minutes ahead of Nick Woodhill 62.03, and Dave Dutton 68.45 who also performed well.

First Hogweed lady was Trinity Booth who was 2nd LV45 in 70.28 followed by Matt Worlock 73.34, Chris Lewis 75.10 and Ronan Conlon 78.30, all finishing inside 80minutes.

Other finishers included Tom Worlock 83.17, Susan Leydon 83.47, Nicola Rushton 87.58, Zoe Harley 90.38, and Dirk Van Eeden 91.05. Donna Conlon and Jo Parry finished 3 seconds apart with our contingent completed by Lynette Bonnick, Serena Griffiths, Anthony Griffiths, Kate Hoskins, Su Mundy, Michelle Edgell and finally Harry Minas.

Ron White has had another successful triathlon season and finished as 3rd overall at the South Cerney four race series, which also won him the MV50 category.

Posted on: 03 September 2008

The annual Hogweed Trotters pre Bristol Half Marathon charity run/jog/walk will be held on Sunday 7 September.

All proceeds in aid of the rugby based charity 'PROPS' - (Providing opportunities and support for disadvantaged children & young adults)

There are three choices of route from the Beaufort Arms, Hawkesbury Upton:

WALK 5 miles starting at 10.20am

RUN 7 miles starting at 10.50am

RUN 5 miles starting at 11.10am

and a 10 mile steady run starting from Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club at 10:30.

The usual Kilcott performance fines will apply. There will be a prize for anyone who can provide credible evidence of the Chairman walking any part of the route.

All routes enjoy the Kilcott Valley alighting at the Beaufort for a BBQ and raffle - plus the finest real ales.

Please invite family and friends to join us at this, our annual charity event - either taking part in the 'Experience' or coming along at noonish for a pleasant hour or two.

From our correspondent: t'Whippet       Posted on: 24 August 2008

There is generally very little action over the bank holiday weekend for runners and triathletes from the Hogweed Trotters so for most there was an opportunity to enjoy the closure of the Olympic Games and have a gentle run over the roads, fields and hills around Chipping Sodbury. Ten Hogweeds decided to have a blast at malmesbury triathlon though over a 400m swim, 20km bike and 5k run. “Rocket” Ron White was on fine form yet again showing a clean pair of heels to all the 50 year olds in the event and finishing 27th overall and take another category prize. Also finishing top of his class was Bill Shackcloth in the over 60 category coming in 8th in 1-17’28”, another Hogweed was 2nd in the o/60 category; Peter Willoughby coming home in 1-20’19”. Finishing 2nd in the ladies o/40 was Mandy Spedding who is enjoying a fruitful year. Her time was 1-18’35”. In the o/45 category there were no podium finishes but Hogweeds, Simon Spedding, Paul Chappell and Ian Rowland finished 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. Stuart Wilkie was 40th overall in 1-12’02” and was the fastest Hogweed Runner of the day. Philippa Crocker made up the ten Hogweeds with 1-30’08”.

For those looking for a bit of adventure this autumn get training for the Hogweed Muggles on Saturday 18 October. This is the first running of what promises to be an epic multi-terrain race based at Hawkesbury Upton Village Hall. Distances are available for various degrees of insanity ranging from 5.5 miles, with 10.5 or 15.5 for the true Mugglermaniacs.

From our correspondent: t'Whippet       Posted on: 17 August 2008

10th Aug saw another running of the massively popular London Triathlon over the 1500m swim, 40km bike and 1ok run distances. Producing an outstanding performance was veteran Hogweed Ron White who’s time of 2’19’51” gave him a tremendous 2nd place overall in the over 50 category. Also completing and very chuffed with his time was relative novice Hogweed triathlete Stuart Wilkie. Stuart managed a satisfying 2’31’04” for the course. Meanwhile in drizzly Dorset at the Swanage Triathlon an event of the roughly the same distances as London but somewhat hillier Simon Spedding was quietly content with 51st place in a time of 2’25’11”.

Closer to home at Castle Combe racing the EAS Duathlon over 5k-20k-3k was another relative novice Hogweed multi-sporter - Dean Masters was 38th in a time 1-22’44” , all on a borrowed two-wheeler. Does Chris Hoy have to borrow bike I wonder..

17th Aug saw the Spedding couple in action together at the Conkwell Killer south of Bath. The event is mostly flat but with one very steep descent into the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley before a trundle along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath before a lung-busting climb back up to Conkwell. The Speddings shared the spoils with both taking 2nd vet 40 in the ir categories. Mandy was 47th in 67’30” and Simon 11th overall (despite “bed ridden with back-ache on (Friday!!)

From our correspondent: t'Whippet       Posted on: 10 August 2008

On 27th July Ron White was in action in the Bath triathlon. Ron managed to beat all his rivals to finish 45th and 1st over 50 in a time of time of 2hr 32min 33sec. Hogweed Adrian Tillin was also impressive coming in 77th in a time of 2hr 39min 31sec. While Ron was at Bath Paul Chappell went to Droitwich where he was 28th in 1-09’41”.

On 6th August at Castle Combe Duathlon, Ron White was back in action notching up 53 40” for the event. Star of the night for the Hogweed trotters was Mandy Spedding who came in 57’27” and took the 1st female over 40 prize. Also racing and making his debut at multi-sports was Dan Holland whose 58’01”. Other Hogweeds present were Simon Spedding (49’14”), Paul Chappell (51’43”), Richard Powell (52’52”), Philippa Crocker (65’32”).

On the running front on Sunday 3rd in the hills of Brecon Lee Master conquered the Brecon 10mile in a time of 1:16:02. Later in the week while the triathlete’s were whizzing around Castle Combe the real runners were charging up the cycle track in the Bitton 5k. Fastest Hogweed and close to Hogweed record was Lee Pattison who was 11 in 17:51. Hot on his heels was the 16 18:18 William Gray (16th in 18’18”). Peter Willoughby was 22nd and 1st o/60 in 18’58”, yet more Hogweeds included Matthew Worlock (19’20), Nigel Burford (19’38), and Vic Garner (19’58”). Cracking the 7 minute mile barrier were Jon Phillips (20’13”), Neil Hopkins(20’27”), Alistair Poole (20’35”), Paul Kent (20’37”), (20:39) Stewart Ransmal (20’39”), Chris Lewis (21’04”), and Dean Masters(21’34”), John Perrett (22’01”), Dom Hurford(22’22”), Pat Hall(22’23”), First lady Hogweed was Jenny McCallum in (22’41”) chased home by 7 more Hogweeds; Bill Smith(23’23”), Martin Wood (23’41”),), (24:58) Nichola Rushton (24’58”), Sandra Killen(26’05”, Michelle Edgell (31’56”), Tania Kirtsi (37’04”, and Hogweed super-hero Charilaos “Harry” Minas (39’24”).

From our correspondent: t'Whippet       Posted on: 03 August 2008

The summer holidays are always a relatively quiet time for runners and as some Hogweeds head to the beaches to soak up the summer sun (or shake their brollies) a few Hogweeds remain in action for august.

On 27th 13 Hoggies drove up the A38 to take part in the Gloucester Half Marathon. First home was Lee Pattison in 1.29.05 taking 35th place. Other Hogweeds hot on lee’s heels were Andy May 1.33.31 46th, Dave Dutton 1.33.47 47th, Nick Woodhill 1.35.15 56th and ever improving Trinity Booth in 1.36.47 was 66th.. Other Hogweeds taking part were Chris Lewis 1.53.08 171st, Dom Hurford 1.59.56 240th, Ronan Conlon 2.02.40 251st, Mark Wolf 2.08.47 282nd, Dirk Van Eeden 2.19.03 333rd, Tim Saddler 2.23.06 347th, Anthony Griffiths 2.23.19 348th, and Martin Cook 2.23.49 349th. Whilst 13 travelled to Gloucester Paul Chappell was on his own for the Tidworth triathlon over the distances of 400m swim 20km bike and 8km run. Paul finished 35th in a time of 1 hour 22-37.

July 30th saw midweek action for the Hogweeds was made of Mandy Spedding, Ron White and Simon Spedding who went to Keynes Water park near Cirencester to take part in a short Aquathlon (Swim/run). In sharp contrast to their recent Ironman success Mandy and Simon must have found the 750m swim and 5km run rather short! Simon was first home in 7th place in a time of 29’43”, ahead of Ron in 17th place (32’19”) and Mandy who was 29th and 5th lady in 34’25”.

Posted on: 27 July 2008

As summer finally arrived and temperatures changed from cool to uncomfortably hot, Hogweed action was mainly based around Gloucestershire.

The Devil’s Chimney Chase in the Cotswolds near Cheltenham was made up of 2 miles of climbing, 2 miles of admiring the views, followed by 2 miles of racing back to the finish.

First club member was Lee Masters who finished in 52m46s, with Paul Chard next in 53m55s. Our two ladies were also close together with Ali Ramsey 54m34s ahead of, the improving, Hazel Friis who finished in 55m55s.

The Tintern Trot also features steep climbs and scenic views, along Offa’s Dike, with Amanda Richardson leading the way, coming 44th in 52m41s. Lee Masters 57m13m and Ali Ramsey 59m26s, having their second races of the week, also finished well up the field, in time to enjoy the free pint for all finishers.

Jo Parry followed up her personal best at Frampton by heading up to Nottinghamshire for the Sherwood Pines 10k. This guaranteed her the coveted position of first [and only] Hogweed as she finished in 55m38s.

Stuart Wilkie took in the Great Wales Run 10k in Cardiff and came 77th out of a very large field in a fine time of 38m36s.

Posted on: 20 July 2008

For most couples a camping weekend in the New Forest might consist of a few gentle walks and maybe a visit to a local pub. For Mandy and Simon Spedding it revolved around the Forestman Iron Man triathlon. This is made up of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike section, rounded off nicely with a full marathon run. Simon finished this incredibly challenging event in 8th overall and 2nd MV45 in a combined time of 11hrs 50min 21sec whilst Mandy came in as 1st LV40 in a combined time of 13hrs 43mins 7secs.

Steve Eastaugh Waring also competed in an Iron Man Triathlon but travelled to Zurich in mountainous Switzerland for his event. There were over 2000 competitors in a very high quality field and he completed the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and full marathon in a combined time of 12hrs 19mins and 55sec.

The Frampton on Severn 10k is an event that has always proved popular with the Hogweed Trotters, but this year the men were definitely outnumbered by the ladies.

Trinity Booth was our first finisher, coming 113th [1st LV45] in a time of 42.17 ahead of Mike Froggatt who came home in 44.09. Jenny McCallum recorded a personal best of 48minutes, just holding off Dom Hurford in 48.32. Susan Leydon finished in 50.16, ahead of Rebecca Jones 51.39 with Julie Froggatt 53.08 and Claire Searle 53.20, as usual, finishing close together. Jo Parry crossed the line in 54.13, Sandra Killen in 54.28 with Ruth Conlon 66.29 and Carol Nelson 67.17 completing our 12 runners.

Posted on: 13 July 2008

Ashton Gate in Bristol was the venue and Friday evening was the time for this year’s Mob Match, where the cream of Bristol’s running clubs did battle over a 10k course beside the River Avon. The Hogweed Trotters finished 4th behind Clevedon AC, Westbury Harriers, whose 5 year winning run came to an end and Bitton Road Runners. Amanda Richardson excelled, finishing as 1st lady overall and Stuart Wilkie, who organised the team, was our first finisher, which gave him plenty of time to count off the other runners as they finished. Other Hogweeds running included John and Pat Curtis, Jenny McCallum, Nigel Burford, John Perrett and Chris Lewis with about 30 others proudly wearing the light blue vest.

The River Run is a 5k race along another part of the River Avon at Chippenham and we were represented here by Paul Chard, who took a break from triathlons, to come 82nd in 23.11 and Tracey Marchant who was 162nd in 28.55.

Someone who rarely takes a break from triathlons is Ron White, who competed in Bournemouth. The International Triathlon was severely cut back as 6 foot high waves meant the sea swim was cancelled, gale force winds and rain meant that the cycling was shortened and the run section ended up being across sand, blown from the beach.

Trinity Booth made a rare track appearance at Palmers Park Stadium in Reading where conditions were more summery. She finished the mile race in 6m 25s.

A new event for the Hogweeds was the camping weekend in the Gower Peninsula. Some spectacular runs took place heading to Rhosilli beach and our highly tuned athletes were able to stick to a strict diet, for increased speed and endurance, including cod and chips washed down with lashings of red wine.

Posted on: 06 July 2008

In another week when the Hogweed Trotters took part in races over a range of distances and disciplines Adrian Pook was the first in action. He was pleased to finish 31st out of 270, in the challenging Bourton Hilly Half, in a time of 1.30.28.

Chris Lewis was our only runner at the Nailsea 10k where he recorded a pb of 45m38s. A larger group travelled to Thornbury for the Sunday’s Hill 10k with Chris Martin leading the way, finishing 33rd in 42.49. Next was Nigel Burford, 39th in 43.33 ahead of Chris Lewis in 47.00 and our first lady, Jenny McCallum, [2nd LV55] in 49.10. Mark Wolf finished 88th in 51.32, while Sandra Killen 54.49 [3rd LV50], Sonia Cross 56.10, Ted Atkins. 56.56 and Nicola Paice 57.23 all ran well breaking 60minutes. Jan Hall 60.06 and Michelle Edgell 60.24 finished just before Angie Martin 61.44 to complete our contingent.

Our Triathletes have also been producing good times at local events. At the Castle Combe Monster [2mile run, 10mile bike, 2mile run, 10mile bike and 2mile run] Simon Spedding was 25th in 1h27m47s. Our next three finishers were Stuart Wilkie, 37th in 1h30m22s, Richard Powell 56th in 1h33m58s and Paul Chappell 62nd in 1h34m39s. Paul Chard came home in 1h48m22s to finish 124th ahead of our Iron Lady, Philippa Crocker, 143rd in 2h2m15s.

Ron White headed up to South Cerney for the Aquathlon, consisting of a 750 metre swim followed by a 5km run. He was 1st MV50 finishing in a combined time of 32m50s, which included a 19m17s run.