CBN article

FOUR-MIDABLE

Local running club Costa Blanca Striders added another four prizes to their already overflowing trophy cabinet at the XX Volta A Peu A Xàbia on Saturday. Paul Fletcher, running is his first event of the 2009 series, was runner-up in the Men’s Vets B category in 38:34, not to be outdone, his wife Amanda also took second spot in the Ladies’ Vets B class in 45:53. Carol Hoare improved last week’s third spot in Teulada, by taking second place in the Vets C group in 57:22 and in the Men’s Vets C category, Jeff Whittington finally managed a win coming home in 42:24. In the five races thus far, the Striders have now taken home a dozen trophies, which is pretty impressive, is it not?

Another expat, David Edwards, also picked up an award by finishing third in the Men’s Vets C class in a time of 46:28. The other Striders who both manfully and womanfully completed the comparatively flat but taxing 10K race, run in extremely hot and sticky conditions, were Brian Boobier (47:06), Paul Elliott (48:03), Louise Ambler (49:53), Phil Welch (50:25) and Ron Hoare (55:45).

There was a new name on the winner’s list this week; C A Franc Beneyto’s Mounir Hourma was first past the post in the men’s race, winning in a splendid time 32:36. He was closely followed by Juan Ramon Pous Perez of C T Prodesport (33:30) in second and third was Juan José Martinez Diaz (33:39).

It was three wins in a row for Maxine McKinnon  of C A Dianium, who finished 34th overall in a time of 37:43. Patricia Lopez Vicedo of C A Xeresa, who has achieved a top three place in of each of the five races, was second in 39:30 and third home for the ladies was Sandra Diaz Hernandez of C A Runnersworld (39:41). For more information, and a complete list of all the finishers, visit the Som Esport website at www.somesport.com.

Whilst the 1,000 runners were ‘pootling’ around Xàbia, all in under 75 minutes, a couple of thousand miles away in the Canary Islands, another C B Strider was on the last leg, the marathon, of the 2009 Lanzarote Ironman triathlon. Former fire-fighter Jim Stanners swam, cycled and ran the demanding 140.6 mile (226 km) course in an incredible time of 13 hours 26 minutes and 21 seconds. Fifty-three-year-old Jim, taking part in an Ironman competition for the first time, completed the 2.4 mile (3.8 km) sea swim in one hour 20 minutes, then, despite suffering two punctures he spent the next seven and a quarter hours in the saddle for the 112 mile (180 km) bike segment, finishing up with the 26.6 mile (42.2k km) marathon in four and a half hours. What an achievement, congratulations Jim on a superhuman performance, take it easy for a few days, you deserve it.

The next race in the series takes place in the Costa Blanca’s ‘wickerwork’ capital, Gata de Gorgos. The youngsters start at 17.00, and the old stagers at 19.00.

Costa Blanca News article

CAROL’S CUP RUNNETH OVER

Carol Hoare, one of the Costa Blanca Striders’ newest recruits, went home pretty pleased after the latest race in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta series at Teulada on Saturday, by managing third place in her category. Vets C Carol crossed the finish line alongside husband Ron in 1:06:59.

Around 910 other competitors took on the tough, hilly 11 kilometre race around the town and the previous week’s winner, C A Dianium’s Emilio Vizcaya Gregorio (37:13) once again came out on top in the men’s race. He was followed home by Juan Ramon Pous Perez of C T Prodesport Gandia (38:48) in second and Juan Antonio Mas Leyda of C A Cametes (39:24), who took third spot. Despite suffering from the after-effects of a cold Maxine McKinnon, also running in a C A Dianium vest, won the ladies’ race in 43:48, Sandra Diaz Hernandez of C A Runnersworld Alzira (45:31) was runner-up and Patricia Lopez Vicedo of C A Xeresa (46:07) third.

Carol was joined on the winners’ podium by two other C B Striders, Amanda Fletcher (52:17) won her fourth consecutive trophy when she came second in the ladies’ Vets B class and Jeff Whittington (47:59), who was literally pipped at the post by just two seconds by Norberto de Wulf of C A Pindaro (47:57) in the Men’s Vets C category. Not to be outdone by his mum, Amanda’s young son Morgan also went home with a locals’ trophy from the junior races.

The other hardy C B Striders who completed the arduous, undulating course in very warm conditions were: Brian Boobier (54:38), Paul Elliott (55:32), Louise Ambler (57:17), Phil Welch (58:16), Steve Waller (1:01:25) and Bianca van Londen (1:01:31).

It’s off to the seaside for the next race on Saturday (23), when Xàbia (Javea) plays host to the next event in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta. The youngsters’ races start at 17:00 followed at 19:00 by the adults. For more information visit the Som Esport website at www.somesport.com.

All the members of the Costa Blanca Striders would like to send their very best wishes to fellow Strider Jim Stanners, who is taking part in the Lanzarote Iron Man Triathlon competition this weekend. For the initiated, an Iron Man Triathlon means that former fire-fighter Jim will have to swim 3.86 kilometres (2.4 miles), cycle 180.25 km (112 miles) and then run a marathon (42.195 km, 26 miles 385 yards), in that order and without a break, the very best of luck Jim.

MAXINE SHOWS HER CLASS

Despite the grey skies and an afternoon of drizzling rain, the third race in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta series, the Volta A Peu El Verger (Vergel) 10 kilometre run went ahead last Saturday and, once again, over 1,000 hardy souls took part. Being relatively cool, the conditions were near perfect for the event, and the Costa Blanca’s top female athlete, Maxine McKinnon of C A Dianium, took full advantage and romped home in first place in the ladies’ race, in a tremendous time of 37.35. It was Maxine’s first appearance in the nine-race series and she left the rest of the ladies in her wake, finishing almost two minutes in front of Patricia Lopez Vicedo of C A Xeresa (39:20) in second and over four minutes ahead of third placed Olivia Peiró Sabater of C A Safor (41:40).

Emilio Vizcaya Gregorio (30:47), also of C A Dianium, took the honours in the men’s race. Like Maxine, finishing around two minutes faster than his nearest rivals, Mounir Hourma, running for C A Franc Beneyto (32:54) and Juan Ramon Pous Perez of C T Prodesport (33:00).

Unfortunately Amanda Fletcher of Costa Blanca Striders couldn’t quite make it three in a row, after her successes in Pedreguer and Pego, coming third in the Women’s Vet B class in 45:37. Club mate Jeff Whittington (41:04), managed second place in the Men’s Vets C class. The other C B Striders who finished the race were Paul Elliott (46:11), Brian Boobier (46:37), Bianca van Londen (47:55). Louise Ambler (49:08), Phil Welch (49:40) and Steve Waller (51:20). If you would like to join the Moraira-based C B Striders, then visit their blog spot at http://costablancastriders.blogspot.com for all the details.

The fourth race in the series takes place in Teulada next Saturday (May 16), starting at 19.00, why not come along and join in the fun. For more information visit the Som Esport website at www.somesport.com.

PEGO RACE, 2ND MAY 2009

Another successful race meeting for the Striders. Well done to all of you.
No pics this week I'm afraid but check below for results.

In Vet B - Amanda, 1st (hoorah) with a time of 46.55; Louise 4th in 48.59; Bianca 5th in 50.16.
In Vet C, Carol came 7th in 58.13.

Now the lads. In Vet B - Steve 43rd with 51.02 and Phil 57th in 52.59. Ron came 16th in Vet C in 55.12.

We're off to El Verger next Saturday, a good flat race. Hopefully it won't be too hot.
Watch this space!