Sunday XC League - Race 5 2011/12: 19th Feb Royston

We hope that you can make it!

There is going to be prize giving after the race for teams and individuals.  We are definitely in the running for 2-3 team prizes and potential awards for Camilla, Sarah, Jen, David, Richard Bruce and perhaps Norman (who sadly can't make it).

Let's try and get some great team photos - we are hoping to get a mention of this in the local rag (with luck) - so bring your best smiley faces

Based on the postcode below will take 50 mins to get there.  Looks like an earlier start to normal - suggest 8:45am for a 9.00am departure from the Amble Inn at the bottom of Station Road.

1) Sarah - flasks for everyone this time please

2) Tarpaulins for kit - just in case of rain

3) Anything else????

Keep an eye on the facebook page for Arrows for futher spot announcements.

Message on here or email me:  simon_speirs@hotmail.com

NOTICE FROM SUNDAY LEAGUE ORGANISERS

This is the final Sunday League race for this season.  The event will be hosted by Royston Runners and will be held on Therfield Heath, Royston.  The Race HQ will be The Heath Sports Centre, Baldock Road, Royston, SG8 5BG.  The Centre has good changing and showering facilities.  It also has a licensed bar that serves food. 

Following the race, we'll have the presentation of the trophies to the leading individuals and clubs. Inevitably, it takes a while to work out 
who's won what, but I hope that as many of you as possible will stay on for the Presentations.

This is a joint race, starting at 10.30am

Both women and men will run about 5.5 miles.  There will be one small lap and two large laps.  The course is mostly across open downland and is very hilly.  It is suitable for spikes, studs or trail shoes.

Please note that all muddy footwear must be removed before entering the sports centre, especially spikes.

The centre management would appreciate it if runners would use the rear entrance, nearest the tennis courts, to access the changing areas. This will enable the reception area to remain clear.

End of season presentation of trophies to the winning clubs and individuals will take place after the race.

Travel: Car – parking is available at the Heath, but is limited due to other sporting activities taking place most weekends; car sharing is recommended.  Train – from King’s Cross to Royston station. The Heath is 15 minutes walk from the station – please check Sunday service before leaving.    

• Baldock Rd, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 5BG
• Park at leisure centre.
• Approx 5.5 miles. 2 laps of grassland. Not normally muddy. Some hills both long and short. May be frosty.
• Showers and café at leisure centre. 10.30 start for men and ladies in one race.

Race Report: Sunday XC League 15th Jan

A great turnout.....

The Wrong Shoes.....

An amazing turn out by everyone - must have been the promise of a 6 mile run, the prospect of hard ground because of low rainfall and frost and a potential flat course.  So false expectations all around then..  There was a short killer hill - I defy anyone not to have walked at least a couple of steps and very slippy and slidy where the sun had melted just the surface mud.  At least the race was SHORTER than forecast!  Definitely, however, a case for trail shoes.  Apologies for calling it wrong and a few following my lead!

A great effort by everyone in the sun!  Hannah made her return and there were a new number of faces including Steph, Jim, David Mo, Tim Munchkin and John with BenK potentially doing his testimonial race in an Aro's vest before leaving to Scotland's hills...(well not quite a testimonial nor in an Aro's vest.)  UltraJ also came to support back from Tring RC to keep score and offer calf amd achilles healing advice.  Sorry to anyone if I miss them out.

Full results will be added to this in due course, but it was a strong show by the men and more ladies than expected meant they could have turned in at least 3 teams - A, B and ladies Vets.  Pity low numbers for them for earlier races in the season mean the ladies B won't score this time - all to play for next season.

One point of note:  a small jibe from the organisers that there was a contingent of people not wearing Harpenden Arrows kit.  (They were put right in terms of us renaming the club, etc. meaning a recent lack of investment in new kit).  So, although not compulsory, probably great if we can make a big show of getting the kit sorted for next season (if not before).

Next stop?  Fred's Huge 10m on Jan 22nd and then the 5th and final XC for the series in Royston on Feb 19th.  Get a longer pass on the 19th - I hear awards are made that day for individuals and clubs.

Photos here
Results here

But a summary for us:

Ladies'
Welwyn Results: 3rd Ladies A and 5th Ladies Masters
Overall results: 3rd Ladies A and 7th ladies vets.

Men's 
Welwyn results: Won A Team, 2nd B team and won Masters
Overall results: Men's A 3rd, Men's B 2nd and Winning Masters

Combined teams: 3rd