The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

admin · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:23 am Post subject: ESSEX WAY RELAY 2009

6th September 2009

This race covers the 82 miles of the Essex way from Epping Station to Harwich Old Lighthouse in 10 stages. The route is mostly cross country and can be difficult through crops and across ploughed fields. Nevertheless it is a very enjoyable day out in the most attractive rural parts of Essex (with an excellent fish and chip shop and pubs waiting for you at Harwich). The course is NOT marked and it is essential for all competitors to have reconnoitred their section before the day to avoid getting lost.

The 'spirit' of the race is low-key, friendly and cooperative, all competitors should try to support other runners and call them back if they are going off-route and all supporters should assist members of other teams if necessary. If this ethos appeals to you and you would like to enter a team then check back here frequently for information on this years event.

APPROXIMATE DISTANCES AND START TIMES
STAGE 1 EPPING - CHIPPING ONGAR 7.5 miles 8am
STAGE 2 CHIPPING ONGAR - GOOD EASTER 9.5 miles 9am
STAGE 3 GOOD EASTER - LITTLE LEIGHS 9.5 miles 10.15am
STAGE 4 LITTLE LEIGHS - CRESSING 10.1 miles 11.30am
STAGE 5 CRESSING - GREAT TEY 9.4 miles 12.45pm
STAGE 6 GREAT TEY - WEST BERGHOLT 5.7 miles 2pm
STAGE 7 WEST BERGHOLT - DEDHAM 11.2 miles 2.40pm
STAGE 8 DEDHAM - BRADFIELD 8.0 miles 4.15pm
STAGE 9 BRADFIELD - RAMSAY 5.3 miles 5.15pm
STAGE 10 RAMSAY - HARWICH LIGHTHOUSE 5.5 miles 6pm
Finish Approximately 6.45pm, total distance - 82 miles (approximately)

Runners to be at their starting points at least 15 minutes before estimated start times. Circumstances on the day will decide actual start times.

Please park responsibly and follow the countryside code

gmike · #2 Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 259 Location: Benfleet

I'm in.

Stage 7 again good for me but would be up for a different stage if needed

rgds

Mike

bobby · #2 Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 257

Most annoyed, bad planning means we will be on holiday for this date which means I will miss the fish and chips at the end, the main reason for my doing this.

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Up for my usual leg please coach. This year I wont indulge in an all night drinking session till 5:30am at Bakers Bar and turn up smashed! I want that Springfield scalp - bring it on.

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

I'd like to do this one again please - Did Stage 1 last year so if I can do that again, that would be fab

mikey · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:17 am Post subject:

Hi Coach

I'm happy to do my usual leg ....
Been racing one guy for over 10 years now !!!

He goes off like a startled rabbit ... But I always reel him in

However, will do any leg if required

Mikey

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

Mike G, Graham, Toni & Mikey all booked in for the legs you request, thanks for volunteering. I'm sorry you're away Bobby but rest assured we'll eat your fish and chips for you !

Anyone else available please pst here or put your name down on the sheet at the club on Tuesday & Thursday.

Thanks in advance.

Steffan · #4 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 588 Location: Basildon

Stage two again please and i'll be doing reccy runs for it!

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

Stage 2 is yours Steff. Stevie is on that leg too and I'll let you know the others soon as I can so that you can all go and practice together, rain or no rain !!!

erasedcitizen · #1 Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Benfleet

Hey, I'm on for last leg (Snakes permitting) if ok!

will keep my eye out for the nasty creatures....

david thomson · #2 Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 264 Location: thundersley

snakes yikes. im down for the last leg aswell i seem to have some sort of magnet for animals lately so that should be fun.going up there this weekend to walk around so ill keep my eyes open.

MikeBriggs · #1 Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Making my debut in the relay this year and doing stage 8. Quite likely to get lost, any tips from past runners of the route?

Jez · #2 Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 291 Location: Eastwood

Mike............. Yep, dont get lost!
_________________
Jez

www.justjez.co.uk

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Snakes. WTF? Rampaging cows I can deal with...but snakes. Uh-uh. Although I guess it might make run quicker!

Scariest film ever made - Indian Jones. Period.

david thomson · #2 Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 264 Location: thundersley

was that the bollywood version ?
you should never go over the downs then graham ive often seen adders right in the middle of the paths and ive seen 2 massive grass snakes on thundersley common

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Mike stage 8 is my past leg. I am the resident teacher of this leg having been taught by the master John Butcher. Ask Nick and Dean I taught them last year. If you want a practice and can put up with running slow I'll show the route. Talk to me at club.

MikeBriggs · #1 Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Awesome, thanks Deb, i'm more than happy to be schooled. I wont be down the club till next week now. Jez, thanks for the words of wisdom!

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

I will email you Mike. And ignore Jez's words of wisdom. I watched the relay in 2002 and Jez got lost!! He also managed to finish 1st though! Git!!

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

A few of us will be running Leg 5, Cressing to Great Tey on Thursday Evening. Leaving the Barge Pub in Battlesbridge at 18:00.

Keiron let me know if you can make it.

If anyone else would like to join us just for a training run please let me know, I will try to sort out transport etc.
Cheers
Andy

Stevie · #3 Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Benfleet

I'll be running leg 2 CHIPPING ONGAR - GOOD EASTER on either Sunday 16th or Sunday 23rd or maybe both. Will be aiming to start no later than 9am if anybody fancies it.

Steff do you still want a practice run so you dont get lost this year ?

Co-Skipper · #1 Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 67

Andy - thanks for your message, I've only just seen it.

I won't be able to make it tonight for this route - but do let me know when you next plan to cover it and I will be along.

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Hi Keiron
I am planning another run on Thursday 20th Aug Evening and will also try to get out and run it one weekend. I will let you know when.
Cheers
Andy

Co-Skipper · #1 Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 67

Thursday 20th should be good - look forward to it.

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

Here's an update for everyone so you know who is on each leg so far. If you want to practice a specific leg and need contact details for someone on the same leg let me know and I'll try and assist.

Leg 1 - Tony Mead, Mark Williams, Dave Spain, Catherine Stunt, Toni Balaam
Leg 2 - Steff Cohen, Steve Dear, Bob MacMillan, Julia Binstead
Leg 3 - Andy Morris, Graham Crockett, Andy Kennedy, Vanessa Dodds, Val Sparks
Leg 4 - Graham Booty, Andy Hibbins, Graeme Moore, Sharon Garrard, Sarah Grabowski
Leg 5 - Keiron McGill, Andy Frith, Mike Mason, Debbie Slack, Lorraine Peters
Leg 6 - Kevin Steed, Matt Cops, Clive Hopkins, Jacqui Watson, Claire Hibbins
Leg 7 - Colin Rothwell, Ernie Jewson, Mike Grout, Gail Dawson, Jo Burtenshaw
Leg 8 - Mike Briggs, Nick Rankine, Pete Watson, Charlotte Peppiatt, Sarah Belaon
Leg 9 - Stuart Watson, Steve Ward, Mike Jordan, Karen Goode, Sue Ward
Leg 10 - David Thomson, Ian Pike, Stacey Ward, Caroline Maguire

Any questions just ask!

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Just browsing the team list - that is a seriously strong girls team there. Us boys will have to get a wiggle on or we face getting beat! If anyone get's lost we've had it....geez Colin's got previous on a marshalled course.

MikeBriggs · #1 Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Being the novice to the relay I can only guess how well we'll do based on previous results, but it doesn't need Sue Barker to work out the girls will kick a$$!.

As for the gents, Jez is a big loss obviously but i'm remaining optimistic. Great to see Stu out of retirement, i'm sure he'll be bang up for a good performance. Dave and Keiron ran strongly on Sunday which is very encouraging, and we all know how well Colin is going (When in the right direction!). Big G must be a good shout to take maximum points, although I have heard the stories of last year (Disco dancing till 5am full of WKD Blue). Track kings Tony and Kevin will have to lace up their trainers for this one, but no doubt they'll know what they are doing. Andy had a good performance at the Crown2Crown last month, showing form. Not seen Steff around recently so not sure how he's going, but anyone with a marathon time like his is gonna do a job.

As for me, i'll feel a bit more confident once Debbie shows me round the route. I'm very much looking forward to this one...

boabmac1 · #1 Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 131

Leg 2 of the Essex way relay.

A beautiful sunny bank holiday Monday. Team Macmillan went to check out the 9.5 mile leg. Very dry compared to last year- let's hope there is no significant rain this week.

The team were cajoled for most of the way with a promise of a pub lunch and cool drink at Good Easter having parked up at Chipping Ongar. The course is much better and easier to run for being dry. However, the last part up to the church is through a non-existant public footpath across a ploughed field- there is no track! No real problem unless it rains!

Unfortunately no pub or indeed signs of civilisation in Good Easter. My plan to have a pub meal and phone a taxi to ship us back to Chipping Ongar were fading as fast as the wife's patience. After 7 miles of the kids asking 'How far now?' my call for deliverance at Good Easter church was answered when a man appeared from a large house. Before my wife could throttle me I asked him how to get to the nearest pub. Unfortunately he was now living in it!

Thankfully, he offered to drive us 4 miles towards chipping Ongar and the nearest pub. We accepted and had a lovely meal in a pub called the Black Bull.

A great day out.

Looking forward to next week but I plan to do a there and back from Chipping Ongar in preparation for the Berlin marathon.

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

STAGE 1 – Tony Mead Mark Williams Dave Spain

STAGE 2 – Steffan Cohen Steve Dear Bob MacMillan

STAGE 3 – Andy Morris Graham Crocket Andy Kennedy

STAGE 4 – Graham Booty Andy Hibbins Graeme Moore

STAGE 5 – Keiron McGill Andy Frith John Hood

STAGE 6 – Matt Cops Kevin Steed George Watts

STAGE 7 – Colin Rothwell Ernie Jewson Mike Grout

STAGE 8 – Mike Briggs Nick Rankin Pete Watson snr

STAGE 9 – Stuart Watson Steve Ward Bob Chapman

STAGE 10 – Adam Chapman Ian Pike Mike Jordan

STAGE 1 – Catherine Stunt Toni Balaam

STAGE 2 – Tracy Swindell Julia Binstead

STAGE 3 – Vanessa Dodds Val Sparks

STAGE 4 – Sharon Garrard Sarah Grabowski

STAGE 5 – Debbie Slack Lorraine Peters

STAGE 6 – Jacqui Watson Claire Hibbins

STAGE 7 – Gail Dawson Jo Burtenshaw

STAGE 8 – Charlotte Peppiatt Sarah Belaon

STAGE 9 – Karen Goode Sue Ward

STAGE 10 – Dominique Ballard Caroline Maguire

Co-Skipper · #1 Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 67

Dear Coach,

Since Monday, I have felt very unwell and actually spent the last 2 days in bed with a high temperature and cold/flu virus. I hope that I can recover before Sunday and make the race but it is very touch and go at the moment. I just wanted to warn you in advance so that you might have time to make alternative arrangements for the team if needed.

I still want to make it and have researched the route repeatedly online! I will be able to let you know for definite on Saturday if that is acceptable to you. I obviously won't be at training tonight but if you want to contact me anytime the number is 07957 176137.

Thanks.

Stevie · #3 Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Benfleet

I would get in contact with Ian as he might not check the forum that often.
Hope you get well soon mate.

Co-Skipper · #1 Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 67

Cheers Steve. I don't have Ian's number - I will ring him directly if anyone has it. If not, then hopefully I can make it anyway.

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

Hi Keiron,

Sorry to hear you're not well at the moment, at least that explains your run at Mersea on Sunday!

I will ask at club tonight if there's anyone who can step in at the last moment to replace you on leg 5.

Also if anyone reads this and fancies running the leg please let me know ASAP. You won't have to run in the A team as I can move the others runners to accomodate you.

I will PM you with my mobile number so that you can contact me with your health update! Fingers crossed you feel better by Sunday though.

Just had to replace a lady runner as well, anyone got some nurofen, I can feel a headache coming......

Stevie · #3 Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Benfleet

just pm you Ians number mate

Stevie · #3 Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Benfleet

lol Coach beat me to the reply but I beat you coach at sending the PM

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

You'll have to be faster than that on Sunday Stevie

Stevie · #3 Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 452 Location: Benfleet

I'll try my best, training is going well at the moment and weather conditions look good for Sunday

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

My little brother is at a loose end on Sat and now wants me to go do some serious drinking with him. I hope that I can recover before Sunday and make the race but it is very touch and go at the moment. I just wanted to warn you in advance so that you might have time to make alternative arrangements for the team if needed.

I still want to make it and have researched the route repeatedly with Sharon! (She's going for the hatrick of getting lost this year btw) I will be able to let you know for definite on Sunday morning if that is acceptable to you.

Ho ho ho!!

PS - Get well soon Kieron - you're needed! And you Junior.

Coach · #1 Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 65 Location: Daws Heath

Graham you're such a funny guy!!!!!!!!!

After last years episode the night/early morning before I fail to see that a heavy drinking session detracts from your running ability, however as last night I managed to get 3 reserves to step in for the 3 runners that dropped out yesterday I would prefer you to wrap yourself in cotton wool indoors all day watching TV so that I can count on you turning up........well it was a thought :sleepy4:

erasedcitizen · #1 Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Benfleet

Any news? Hope the fish and chips were up to scratch

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Well as ever I stayed to the end. Just as well really as I was the only lady there and Clive told me 2 years ago they refused to give him the trophy as there were no ladies there to collect it! So although I wasn't in the Ladies A team I picked up the trophy for the winners - Benfleet's Ladies A team. Well done ladies. They were winners by miles over Springfield.

The Mens A team was a really impressive 4th. Very well done in a highly competitive field. The Ladies B team was 5th out of 9 teams competing and the Mens B team was 12th. Not sure on the C team.

The Ladies A team was 9th overall so that was really impressive with Tracy, Vanessa, Gail Charlotte and Karen all taking top 10 places.

Notable for the men Graham Booty 2nd and Graham Crocket 3rd after a last minute promotion to the A team. Awesome Graham.

Overall best leg has to be leg 7 - in a very high standard leg Colin was 5th, Gail 6th and Ernie 7th.

Ian had a real nightmare this year with runners dropping out last minute and some not turning up. He did a brilliant job and the final positions the teams took are as a much a credit to Ian as the runners themselves.

Well done to all who competed.

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Well done girls. Must be getting boring for you now?

Have to add to Debbies praise for Ian. Sterling effort coach. Few more grey hairs this morning? And Clive and Vic present throughout picking up admin, ferrying cars round (mine included, sorry I left the Ferrari in the garage) and supporting eveyone in a Benfleet vest. As ever all the efforts very much appreciated.

On a personal note.....2nd Place G Booty, 3rd Adam Hickey. Ho ho. OK, he was decent enough to give the field a big old head start as he turned up late, and I think his navigation was pretty woeful, but shhh, lets just look smugly at the results sheet and forget about all that other stuff.

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Yeah Graham we did chuckle as we all saw the said Mr Hickey as we were going back to our cars in the car park - he was running across it at the time asking "which way??" It was tempting to point him in the direction of Epping... :blackeye:

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Well done to everyone yesterday, some great performances. Thanks to John Hood for dragging me along the last few miles of Leg 5, I went off a tad too quick and was flagging towards the end. Fortunatley we managed to overtake one more strider and hold off the chasing pack.

Looks like results are on tiptrees site here
http://www.tiptreeroadrunners.co.uk/Essex%20Way%202009%20Results.xls

Thanks to all the supporters and to Ian for all the organisation.

erasedcitizen · #1 Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Benfleet

Haha yeah excellent scalp on Adam Hickey Graham other stuff does not matter!

I don't know how Ian managed to get so many teams together after all the drop outs, well done - and to all other runners/drivers/supporters.

Roll on cross country

boabmac1 · #1 Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 131

What a great morning to run through the countryside! No snakes on this route only squirrells.

I enjoyed running out and back. Thanks to Vic and Clive for looking after my drink I don't think I would have got back to Chipping Ongar without it.

Thanks to steffan for the sweets they helped to give me a timely boost.

Just the buzz I needed to kick start my training.

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Okay I think this is correct - Benfleet results -

1 2 Tot 3 Tot 4 Tot 5 Tot 6 Tot 7 Tot 8 Tot 9 Tot 10 Tot
L Benfleet 1 11 16 27 8 35 20 55 19 74 22 96 6 102 5 107 7 114 18 132 1st LADIES
L Benfleet 2 40 48 88 15 103 28 131 34 165 27 192 22 214 17 231 16 247 26 273 5th LADIES
Benfleet 1 6 6 12 3 15 2 17 8 25 13 38 5 43 8 51 4 55 4 59 4th
Benfleet 2 27 31 58 7 65 18 83 8 91 14 105 7 112 9 121 28 149 24 173 10th
Benfleet 3 41 44 85 48 133 23 156 20 176 37 213 19 232 35 267 48 315 35 350 32nd

STAGE 1 - Tony Mead 6th Dave Spain 27th Chris Williams 41st

STAGE 2 - Steffan Cohen 6th Steve Dear 31st Bob MacMillan 44th

STAGE 3 - Graham Crocket 3rd Andy Kennedy 7th (no runner)

STAGE 4 - Graham Booty 2nd Andy Hibbins 18th Graeme Moore 23rd

STAGE 5 - Andy Frith 8th John Hood 8th Mark Williams 20th

STAGE 6 - Matt Cops 13th Kevin Steed 14th Vic McCloud 37th

STAGE 7 - Colin Rothwell 5th Ernie Jewson 7th Mike Grout 19th

STAGE 8 - Mike Briggs 8th Nick Rankin 9th Pete Watson snr 35th

STAGE 9 - Stuart Watson 4th Bob Chapman 28th (no runner)

STAGE 10 - Adam Chapman 4th Ian Pike 24th Mike Jordan 35th

STAGE 1 - Catherine Stunt 11th (1st lady) Toni Balaam 40th (8th lady)

STAGE 2 - Tracy Swindell 16th (1st lady) (no runner)

STAGE 3 - Vanessa Dodds 8th (1st lady) Val Sparks 15th (4th lady)

STAGE 4 - Sharon Garrard 20th (2nd lady) Sarah Grabowski 28th (4th lady)

STAGE 5 - Debbie Slack 19th (3rd lady) Lorraine Peters 34th (8th lady)

STAGE 6 - Jacqui Watson 22nd (2nd lady) Claire Hibbins 27th (4th lady)

STAGE 7 - Gail Dawson 6th (1st lady) Jo Burtonshaw 22nd (4th lady)

STAGE 8 - Charlotte Peppiatt 5th (1st lady) Debbie Gibbins 17th (3rd lady)

STAGE 9 - Karen Goode 7th (1st lady) Sarah Belaon 16th (3rd lady)

STAGE 10 - Dominique Ballard 18th (3rd lady) Katie Wilkinson 26th (4th lady)

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Thanks Debs. We were only 5 points of joint second. How annoying, half a place per person and we could have got the silver. Extra couple of efforts tacked on the end for all the boys tonight methinks!

Karl C · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:47 am Post subject:

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/essexway.htm

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Karl I have added Chris's surname to my post and yes it was Vic on leg 6 so I took the ? off. I thought they split the ladies from the mixed teams so our B team is 11th if you include the ladies or 10th if you don't. It moves the C team down quite a bit if you add the ladies but with 2 missing runners they still did really well.

And yes Graham work those boys tonight! In the defence of Mike Briggs though he had a foot injury and was in agony at 3 miles in Manningtree he carried on to finish a very respectable 8th. Colin was carrying a tendon injury in his foot too and had 2 lots of physio last week and told his Physio he would do an easy 5 miler Sunday - ooo you little liar Col !! Hope you are resting now and get that foot better soon

Yes you were so close to a 2nd place. At one point Benfleet was joint 2nd I believe. All to aim for next year boys!

MikeBriggs · #1 Joined: 26 Feb 2009 Posts: 45

Sorry lads, I was gutted I wasn't 100% for this one but I wanted to do my bit still. I was 3rd after about 2 miles or so and my foot was managable which was a suprise as I hadn't run at all in over a week. But then I took a wrong turning and ran an extra 300 metres or so until 4th place went the right way. Turned around and ended up about 12th or something like that. I could see Charlotte in the distance and thought I could catch up if I kept going like I had through the 1st 2 miles. Got up to 8th with Nick but it started to get hilly and my foot started getting sore so I just had to nurse it round. The field was very spread out in the last mile so I knew I could take it easy and nurse my foot as best a possible and not lose a place. Nick was way in front of my by now but after stopping for a minute to wait for the guy behind me which way to go to finish the race I saw Nick waiting for me to pick up the extra point for the A team, true gentleman. And I got some free dental care after the race! Would I have finished 3rd if I didnt take a wrong turning? (which would've taken us to 2nd place!!!) Maybe I would've ran injury into the ground to hold it and it seemed to have a significant lead on 4th, but after losing so much ground it was a damage limitation exercise. I'll be out for a week or 2 now and hopefully have a good race in Southend and I'll make up to the team in the cross country!