Maidenhead Easter 10 Mile – March 29th
In the 69th running of the popular Good Friday race, James Bolton was first MV50, one place and nearly a minute better than last year. He faced strong competition from across the South-East and described the race as “A breezy and lonely run around the outskirts of White Waltham airfield.”
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
11 | James Bolton (MV50) | 55:19 | First MV50 |
Winning Time: 50:56 Number of Finishers: 859
Geoff Smith Banbury 15 – March 24th
An undulating lolly-pop shaped, rural course, part of the Oxfordshire Grand Prix series. The winner again was Sullivan Smith (Cambridge and Coleridge AC), son of the eponymous Geoff Smith. First FV35 was Sophie Carter (second claim) in 1:47:17.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
12 | Adam Smith (MSen) | 1:36:55 | |
21 | Thomas Preskett (MV40) | 1:40:45 | |
25 | Ed King (MV40) | 1:43:33 | |
27 | David Cantwell (MV50) | 1:43:37 | |
51 | Rob Webster (MV50) | 1:53:14 | |
66 | Alan Harrison (FV50) | 1:56:29 | |
82 | Caroline Johnstone (FV35) | 1:58:57 | |
91 | Robert Earle (MV40) | 2:03:26 | |
131 | Elizabeth Welsh (FSen) | 2:19:32 | |
133 | Liz O’Farrell (FV45) | 2:21:02 |
Winning Time: 1:25:52 Number of Finishers: 168
Club Handicap Competition 2024 Scores for Banbury 15
Name | Time | Time Decimal Minutes | Percentage | Handicap Time Decimal | Handicap Time H:M:S | Points |
Adam Smith | 1:36:55 | 96.917 | 87.5% | 84.802 | 1:24:48 | 24 |
Tom Preskett | 1:40:45 | 100.750 | 87.4% | 88.055 | 1:28:03 | 21 |
Ed King | 1:43:33 | 103.550 | 84.2% | 87.189 | 1:27:11 | 22 |
Dave Cantwell | 1:43:37 | 103.617 | 85.5% | 88.592 | 128:36 | 20 |
Rob Webster | 1:53:14 | 113.233 | 84.1% | 95.228 | 135:14 | 17 |
Alan Harrison | 1:56:29 | 116.483 | 72.3% | 84.217 | 124.13 | 25 |
Caroline Johnstone | 1:58:57 | 118.950 | 75.0% | 89.212 | 129:13 | 19 |
Rob Earle | 2:03:26 | 123.433 | 73.1% | 90.229 | 130:14 | 18 |
Lizzy Welsh | 2:19:32 | 139.533 | 73.2% | 102.138 | 142:08 | 16 |
Liz O’Farrell | 2:21:02 | 141.033 | 60.3% | 85.042 | 125:03 | 23 |
Goring 10k – March 17th
A hilly road and trail race, incorporating this year’s Oxfordshire county championship. James Bolton was third overall and first MV50, setting a new course record for his age group.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
3 | James Bolton (MV50) | 34:44 | 1st MV50 CC |
22 | Thomas Preskett (MV40) | 40:17 | |
28 | Rob Webster (MV50) | 41:11 | |
42 | Simon Tucker (MV40) | 42:04 | |
141 | Alan Harrison (MV50) | 47:59 | |
152 | Caroline Johnstone (FV40) | 48:22 | 3rd FV35 CC |
330 | Nicola Leavesley (FV40) | 55:34 | |
333 | Liz O’Farrell (FV40) | 55:38 |
Winning Time: 33:39 Number of Finishers: 635
Centurion Hundred Hills 50k – March 16th
One hundred hills is rather an exaggeration, a Hundred is actually an area of the Chilterns, but there was 4000 feet of climbing. Based at Stonor Park, it took in two separate loops. Ralf writes “50k of mud and continuous hills. Very well organised event. A testing but not extreme course and would recommend to those who prefer this kind of challenge.”
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
156 | Ralf Arneil (MV50) | 6:11:55 | 24th MV50 |
Winning Time: 3:57:20 Number of Finishers: 385
Dentdale Run 14 – March 9th
Andrew Battye finished 96th in 2:09:23 and 3rd MV65 in this challenging scenic road race in the Yorkshire Dales, which was rather windy on the day.
Winning time: 1:22:12 Number of Finishers: 165
Teddy Hall Relays – March 6th
Organised by Oxford University Cross Country Club, comprising a relay of 4 x 4.35 mile (7km) scenic legs around the centre of Oxford, starting and finishing at the iconic Iffley Road Track, the site of Roger Bannister’s famous first sub-4 minute mile. Woodstock entered two teams and were up against student teams with a variety of creative and anarchic names, including “Drug Runners”, “Theoretical Particle Physics Running Beans”, “Cunning Runts” and “Bullingdon (club?) Harriers”, as well as the RAF, other universities and local clubs.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
21 | Thomas Preskett (26:26), Katherine Jones (28:06), Christian Orr (26:11), David Watkinson (26:50) | 1:47:35 | 15th external team |
33 | Louis Warden (29:23), Elizabeth Welsh (31:42), Rob Webster (27:33), Simon Tucker (27:06) | 1:55:45 | 20th external team |
Winning Time: 1:28:22 Number of Finishers: 81 teams
Oxon XC Race 5 at Henley Showground – March 3rd
Underfoot conditions were much kinder to athletes in this, the last series race, although a few tricky hilly sections meant that concentration was of the essence. We welcomed two new members to the fray with both Katherine Jones and Christian Orr acquitting themselves very well.
We managed to field full men’s and women’s teams this time around with James Bolton leading home our men and newcomer Katherine Jones showing her class to finish just outside the top 20 and earn top Woodstock female spot. Katherine was well supported by Lizzy Welsh and Liz O’Farrell
In the men’s competition the ding-dong battle between Adam Smith and Tom Preskett continued with Adam turning the tables this time in another close finish. David Watkinson carried on his excellent form to hold off Christian Orr whilst Dave Cantwell and James Groves had another close encounter. Both Louis Warden and Phil Horgan can be pleased with their improving form.
Men’s & Women’s Results
Women
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
23 | Katherine Jones (SW) | 37:19 | |
48 | Lizzy Welsh (SW) | 41:29 | |
103 | Liz O’Farrell (W45) | 48:18 |
Winning Time: 32:01 Number of finishers: 128
Men
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
19 | James Bolton (V50) | 29:15 | 1st V50 |
51 | Adam Smith (SM) | 32:02 | |
52 | Tom Preskett (MV45) | 32:14 | |
75 | David Wattkinson (MV55) | 34:14 | |
78 | Christian Orr (MV40) | 34:26 | |
95 | Dave Cantwell (MV55) | 35:41 | |
107 | James Groves (MV40) | 36:03 | |
142 | Louis Warden (MV40) | 38:54 | |
215 | Phil Horgan (MV50) | 46:39 |
Winning Time: 26:47 Number of finishers: 234
Final Men’s and Women’s XC Handicap Results
– following Henley Showground XC including overall positions after 5 races (best 4 races to count)
– victory for David Watkinson with Dave Cantwell second and James Groves third
– no entry to the competition after race 3
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Decimal | Handicap Time | Points | Total Points (No. of Races) |
James Bolton | 29:15 | 29.250 | 100% | 29.250 | 29:25 | 21 | 79(4) |
Tom Preskett | 32:14 | 32.233 | 92,2% | 29.719 | 29:43 | 20 | 76(4) |
Adam Smith | 32:02 | 32,033 | 93,4% | 29.919 | 29:55 | 18 | 69(4) |
David Watkinson | 34:14 | 34.233 | 83.1% | 28.447 | 28:27 | 25 | 100(4) 1st |
Dave Cantwell | 35:41 | 35.683 | 80.3% | 28.653 | 28:39 | 24 | 94(4) 2nd |
Liz O’Farrell | 48:18 | 48.300 | 67.1% | 32.409 | 32:25 | 17 | 62(4) |
Ed King | Xxxxx | xxxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 13(1) |
James Groves | 36:03 | 36.050 | 80.5% | 29,020 | 29:01 | 22 | 88(4) 3rd |
Rob Webster | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 37(2) |
Phil Horgan | 46:39 | 46.650 | 71.0% | 33.121 | 33:07 | 16 | 44(3) |
Neil Preddy | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 25(2) |
Rachel Masser | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 40(2) |
Lizzie Welsh | 41:29 | 41.483 | 72.0% | 29.867 | 29:52 | 19 | 61(4) |
Kirsty Lee | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 20(1) |
Claire Court | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 67(3) |
Monica Azulay | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 24(2) |
Warwick Morris | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 36(2) |
Louis Warden | 38:54 | 38.900 | 73.7% | 28.669 | 28:40 | 23 | 71(3) |
Rob Linnell | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 21(1) |
Sam Edwards | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 22(1) |
Hans Price | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 16(1) |
Jess Ward | Xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxx | xxxxxxxx | xxxxxxxxx | xxxx | 13(1) |
Wokingham Half Marathon – February 25th
Mike Shipway reports “A star-studded field set off on this popular flattish course race, which included two of our leading 50-year-olds, Rob Webster and Dave Cantwell. James Bolton decided not to run on this day on account of a niggling injury. Both men did really well, easily ducking under the anticipated 90-minute mark with Rob pipping Dave by a couple of minutes.”
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
450 | Rob Webster (M50) | 1:25:51 | |
516 | Dave Cantwell (V50) | 1:27:42 | |
2077 | Eileen Doherty (F50) | 2:03:54 | F529 out of 906 |
Winning Time: 1:04:48 Number of Finishers: 2783
Bourton-on-Water 10k – February 25th
Meanwhile in picturesque Cotswoldy Bourton-on-Water, the fast out-and-back course attracted a strong contingent of ten Harriers, with three under 40 minutes, including David Watkinson in second M55 spot. Sarah Kerswell was fourth lady L55.
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
87 | Tom Preskett (M45) | 38:22 | M79 |
101 | David Watkinson (M55) | 39:03 | M91, 2nd MV55 |
105 | Christian Orr (M40) | 39:21 | M94 |
135 | Robert Linnell (M50) | 40:25 | M118 |
149 | Katherine Jones (SL) | 40:36 | F19 |
175 | Louis Warden (M40) | 41:45 | M146 |
264 | Caroline Johnstone (L40) | 44:57 | F51 |
279 | Sarah Kerswell (L55) | 45:24 | F57, 4th LV55 |
295 | Elizabeth Welsh (SL) | 45:49 | F62 |
420 | Claire Court (L45) | 50:20 | F109 |
Winning Time 31:31 Number of Finishers: 642
Oxon XC race 4 – February 4th
There was a rather disappointing Club turnout at Cotswold Farm Park (near Guiting Power) with just 6 athletes taking part in the Senior & Vet Men’s and Women’s races.
In the men’s competition it was “the usual suspects” who battled it out for honours led by James Bolton who was once again first MV50 to finish. Tom Preskett outgunned Adam Smith this time round and David Watkinson and Dave Cantwell both finished well up in the MV55 standings.
Liz O’Farrell fought a lone battle in the Senior Women’s race but still managed to cross the finishing line with a smile.
The last race in the series will be at Henley Showground on the 3rd of March so, hopefully, we can finish with a bang.
Men’s & Women’s Results
Women
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
111 | Liz O’Farrell (W45) | 50:05 |
Winning Time: 33:53 Number of finishers: 146
Men
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
22 | James Bolton (MV50) | 31:12 | 1st MV50 |
56 | Tom Preskett (MV45) | 33:58 | |
65 | Adam Smith (SM) | 34:38 | |
80 | David Watkinson (MV55) | 35:21 | |
103 | Dave Cantwell (MV55) | 36:49 |
Winning Time: 27:48 Number of finishers: 252
Men’s and Women’s XC Handicap Results – Cotswold Farm Park including overall positions after 4 races
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Decimal | Handicap Time | Points | Total Points No. of Races |
James Bolton | 31:12 | 31.200 | 100% | 31.200 | 31:12 | 23 | 74(4) 3 |
Tom Preskett | 33:58 | 33.967 | 92.2 | 31.317 | 31:19 | 22 | 71(4) |
Adam Smith | 34:38 | 34.633 | 93.4% | 32.347 | 32:21 | 21 | 51(3) |
David Watkinson | 35:21 | 35.350 | 83.1% | 29.375 | 29:22 | 25 | 98(4) 1st |
Dave Cantwell | 36:49 | 36.817 | 80.3% | 29.564 | 29:34 | 24 | 91(4) 2 |
Liz O’Farrell | 50:05 | 50.083 | 67.1% | 33.605 | 33:36 | 20 | 45(3) |
Ed King | Xxxxx | 13(1) | |||||
James Groves | Xxxxx | 66(3) | |||||
Rob Webster | Xxxxx | 37(2) | |||||
Phil Horgan | Xxxxx | 28(2) | |||||
Neil Preddy | Xxxxx | 25(2) | |||||
Rachel Masser | Xxxxx | 40(2) | |||||
Lizzie Welsh | Xxxxx | 42(3) | |||||
Kirsty Lee | Xxxxx | 20(1) | |||||
Claire Court | Xxxxx | 67(3) | |||||
Monica Azulay | Xxxxx | 24(2) | |||||
Warwick Morris | Xxxxx | 36(2) | |||||
Louis Warden | Xxxxx | 48(2) | |||||
Rob Linnell | Xxxxx | 21(1) | |||||
Sam Edwards | Xxxxx | 22(1) | |||||
Hans Price | Xxxxx | 16(1) | |||||
Jess Ward | Xxxxx | 13(1) |
Oxon XC race 3 – January 7th
Round three of the Oxon Cross-Country League took place at an extremely soggy Shotover Park (Horspath) due to recent heavy storms. It was run in conjunction with the 2023 Oxon XC Championships. Over 800 athletes competed in all events with over 500 in the two senior races.
James Bolton led home our men again with the returning Adam Smith heading the remaining Harriers just 3 seconds ahead of Tom Preskett who was seeking to overhaul him in the final sticky dash, but just failed.
David Watkinson continued his excellent form to lead home Dave Cantwell and James Groves who continued to act out their own personal battle. Rob Webster did well in his second series run and Phil Horgan found out just what some Cross-Country events can be like with his second steady run. Well done to Chairman Neil for his steadfast grit and determination.
In the women’s race, Rachel Masser shook off her previous XC injury and, as a WV45, took most of the field to the cleaners. Our 2023 Club Handicap Competition winner Lizzie Welsh finished ahead of newcomer Kirsty Lee who had an excellent debut XC run ahead of the improving Claire Court and Liz O’Farrell.
Men’s & Women’s Results
Women
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
19 | Rachel Masser (W45) | 37:40 | 2nd W45 |
75 | Lizzy Welsh (SW) | 44:29 | |
98 | Kirsty Lee (W35) | 46:18 | |
102 | Claire Court (W45) | 46:35 | |
130 | Liz O’Farrell (W45) | 49:27 |
Winning Time: 30:22 Number of finishers: 189
Men
Position | Name | Time | Narrative |
50 | James Bolton (MV50) | 31:50 | 2ndMV50 |
93 | Adam Smith (SM) | 34:07 | |
95 | Tom Preskett (MV45) | 34:10 | |
107 | David Watkinson (MV55) | 34:44 | 2nd MV55 |
124 | Ed King (MV45) | 35:47 | |
138 | Dave Cantwell (MV55) | 36:29 | |
140 | James Groves (MV40) | 36:33 | |
155 | Rob Webster (MV55) | 37:13 | |
285 | Phil Horgan (MV50) | 46:11 | |
308 | Neil Preddy (MV60) | 51:04 |
Winning Time: 27:37 Number of finishers: 324
Men’s and Women’s XC Handicap Results – Shotover Park including overall positions after 3 races
Name | Time | Decimal Time | Handicap % | Handicap Decimal | Handicap Time | Points | Total Points No. of Races |
James Bolton | 31:50 | 31.833 | 100% | 31.833 | 31:50 | 17 | 51(3) |
Adam Smith | 34:07 | 34.117 | 93.4% | 31.865 | 31:52 | 16 | 30(2) |
Tom Preskett | 34:10 | 34.167 | 92.2% | 31.501 | 31:30 | 18 | 49(3) |
David Watkinson | 34:44 | 34.733 | 83.1% | 28.619 | 28:37 | 25 | 73(3) -1st |
Ed King | 35:47 | 35.783 | 91.9% | 32.884 | 32:53 | 13 | 13(1) |
Dave Cantwell | 36:29 | 36.483 | 80.3% | 29.295 | 29:18 | 24 | 67(3)-2= |
James Groves | 36:33 | 36.550 | 80.5% | 29.422 | 29:25 | 23 | 66(3)-4 |
Rob Webster | 37:13 | 37.217 | 84.3% | 31.373 | 31:22 | 19 | 37(2) |
Phil Horgan | 46:11 | 46.183 | 71.0% | 32.789 | 32:47 | 14 | 28(2) |
Neil Preddy | 51:04 | 51.067 | 67.0% | 34.214 | 34:13 | 12 | 25(2) |
Rachel Masser | 37:10 | 37.167 | 80.0% | 29.733 | 29:44 | 21 | 40(2) |
Lizzie Welsh | 44:29 | 44.483 | 72.0% | 32.027 | 32:02 | 15 | 42(3) |
Kirsty Lee | 46:18 | 46.300 | 64.3% | 29.770 | 29:46 | 20 | 20(1) |
Claire Court | 46:25 | 46.417 | 64.2% | 29.692 | 29:42 | 22 | 67(3)-2= |
Liz O’Farrell | 49:27 | 49.450 | 67.1% | 33.180 | 33:11 | 14 | 25(2) |
Monica Azulay | xxxxx | 24(2) | |||||
Warwick Morris | xxxxx | 36(2) | |||||
Louis Warden | xxxxx | 48(2) | |||||
Rob Linnell | xxxxx | 21(1) | |||||
Sam Edwards | xxxxx | 22(1) | |||||
Hans Price | xxxxx | 16(1) | |||||
Jess Ward | xxxxx | 13(1) |