Toonie Express Event Reviews 2010 July - Dec 
LADR South Common XC - December
We had 7 members at this years South Common charity cross country. The entry fee is a Teddy Bear or similar which is donated to charity for childrens christmas presents, we just could not stay away despite the minus seven degree temperature.
Hereward Relay - November 2010
The Hereward relay is a four stage race from Peterborough to Ely covering 38 miles of varied terrains stage one was 6.1 miles from Peterborough to Whittlesey, stage two 10.5 miles from Whittlesey to March, stage three 10.3 miles from March to Welney and finally stage four 10.4 miles from Welney to Ely. On the day we entered 3 teams of 3, Saxons, Romans and Vikings the race started at 9.00am and the temperature was a cool -7 degrees Richard, Adrian and Jill ran the first stage as they were also doing the final stage so they had a couple of hours rest inbetween even if it was just to defrost themselves when the race began the rest of us took to our cars one for each team and drove to the next takeover point where Paul, Chris and Diana took over their teams stages, I was doing stage 3 with David and Dave which was along the riverbank and across some open fields and tracks and then a small road section towards the takeover point for the final stage where Richard, Adrian and Jill brought their teams home, this was a extremely well organised event with very clear marked routes and great support at takeover points and finish,a great event to get toonie guys together roll on thunder run.
Saxons - Richard, Paul, Neil 35th 4:45:31
Romans - Adrian, Chris, Dave 52nd 5:01:19
Vikings -Jill, Diana, David 79th 5:30:54
103 teams total.
Guts & Glory - November 2010
Guts and Glory 13k
13k of mud water and hills is the best description of this amazing event from mucky races, from the start its a downhill then uphill circuit of the field this opened up the field of runners before reaching the first muddy stage a couple of runners ahead were searching for their trainers in the mud luckily I had put tape around mine as I was worried that might happen as we continued along the tracks it was all my effort to keep upright as the ground was extremely slippery after a few minutes we entered the first part of the quarry which contained loads of brown, smelly mud, combined with large areas of freezing water splashes (yeah) then back onto tracks towards the hills of doom which was a field roped off in a zig zag pattern comprising 3 hill climbs and 3 hill descent this was very hard going through the grass. After that you continued on through a wooded area of track then out onto a small uphill then longer downhill section of road before entering the gravel pit once again, this section was more extreme than the first with tougher muddy climbs and descents and alot deeper water, it was luck of the draw how deep the water was, as one step it was waist deep then your next step you could be up to your shoulders as we scrambled up the final hill it was onto the second lap which was even tougher than the first as the course had been rucked up by everyone else on lap one, I had to make use of some of the ropes that were provided to climb up some of the slopes they were that tricky one descent I actually slid down, the course also had a couple of extra obstacles added just to make it even harder some tyres to climb over a rope web to get through and a net to crawl under, after crossing the finish line we received a t shirt, energy drink and gel, I was freezing but a great event well worth it not to be missed.
results
Neil Handley 31st 1.17.30
Chris Smith 52nd 1.21.22
Dave Raynes 104th 1.28.29
Cat Simpson 252nd 2.02.55
Marathon Alpes-Maritime - November 2010
Toonies on Tour hit the South of France for the 3rd running of the Marathon Alpes-Maritime. Starting in Nice and following the coastal road to Cannes. Not being able to speak a word of French didn't hinder me what so ever. I felt like an elite runner as my name was printed on my number! Starting on the beach at Nice we followed the coast along the most stunning scenery of the Cote d'Azur on a perfect day, slightly overcast and 19 degrees; ideal racing weather. The support along the way was good with some of the locals even trying to pronounce Jill. Every 5k there was a 'feed station' with water, coke, energy drinks, gels, dried fruit, bananas and oranges; a veritible feast! The course was mostly flat with a small hill at 21 miles but the views were stunning looking back at the fort and the old town of Antibes. This is the most scenic race I've ever done with a stunning finish at Cannes. A printed backpack, medal, technical t-shirt and the most delicious bready, fruity, chocolately thing which didn't even touch the sides awaited me at the finish. Then 2 pints of shandy whilst watching the final Grand Prix of the season in a bar on the front in Cannes. Life don't get much better than this. Cheers, Jill 
Editor - What Jill did not say is that she finished in 4:03 taking 39 minutes off her Marathon PB, very well done!
Seagrave Wolds Challenge - November 2010
This race is off road through the Leicestershire Wolds around 15.7 miles in length taking in some wonderful countryside you also pass through the villages of Walton on the Wolds, Burton on the Wolds, Wymeswold and Seagrave. The race was open to runners and walkers we all began at the same time from Seagrave memorial hall. We began on some country roads but we were soon onto the trails the first few miles were nice and easy as they were mostly flat and downhill however that quickly changed as the ground became rather muddy and very wet, one guy left his trainer behind in one very muddy bit, between miles 2 and 6 it was very undulating and I was worried that I had gone to fast at the start. At 7 mile we reached the first waterstation, I made sure I had plenty of water and a few jelly babies that were also on offer, miles 7 to 10 were mainly flat but at the same time quite difficult under foot, after another checkpoint of water and jellybabies we had to cross a small stream on stepping stones then back out onto to tracks, the gradient than began to change which began to slow me down especially with the occasional gate to go through by the final checkpoint my legs were beginning to become heavy and had to really dig deep to keep my pace up and keep the runner in front of me in my sight. The last couple of miles were through farmers fields and seemed endless as it was field then stile repeatedly until we reached seagrave, at last the final run in to the finish even managed a bit of a sprint after checking in at the hall the best arrived tomato soup and bread rolls followed by apple pie and custard wicked also received a certificate with my name and finishing time on ,great race furtherest ran without getting cramp (result) finished 72nd out of 321 in 2.11
David foster 130th in 2.30
HellRunner Up North - November 2010
Cop Hill Fell Race - November 2010
This was a 7 mile fell race in Meltham near Huddersfield. Nearly all the runners belonged to clubs and looked the part, this was going to be hard! the race began from the local Cricket Club and after about 10 metres we were on tracks then through a couple of stiles and gates then the climb began through the first field it was hard going as the ground was soft, out of the field we climbed slowly on a country road then onto another track where it flattened out. Then a downhill section through fields and wooded area then the hardest part the climb up the hill it was hard but not as bad as I expected as we got to the top the ground was very uneven and slippy after running along the top for a while I had to navigate down a very steep descent very gingerly then back on mud filled tracks this was a gradual downhill stretch which was very welcome. We continued on through a small wood and fields this completed the first lap, I had to do it all again but this time I knew what was coming so I gave it a go and started catching a few runners as they were walking up the hills the 2nd lap seemed easier than the first so gained some places towards the finish.
This race was very enjoyable with different terrain's to deal with great encouraging marshalls and great support from the other runners when crossing the finish line. Well recommended only £4.00 entry fee came 48th out of 97 in 50.06
Steeplechase - October 2010
Chris,Catherine, Jill, Adrian and Neil travelled to Blackwater farm near Norwich to take place in the Mucky Races Steeplechase. We were told just beforehand there would be 40 horse jumps oh dear i thought sounds tough. The 5k and the 10k started together and within yards we were jumping over the first horse jumps, some of them in the woods were rather high and and some of us needed a shove up. After a short road section we then took to the fields which although were muddy were not too bad. After a while i could hear the screams Ah the water must be coming up soon. I jumped in and found it quite refreshing being only 5ft 2 it was getting above my waist and rising. We travelled up the river and then over a few more jumps in and out of the water , making some of the wooden surfaces slippery and rather tricky. We then moved towards the finish but lots of jumps lay ahead and it was just a case of taking each one as it appeared. At last I could here Neil shouting and I knew I was getting near. A short uphill and another last fence and it was the run in to hear clubmates cheering which is always nice. Heck that was hard but very enjoyable. We received a nice T shirt and goodie bag, there was also hot drinks and cakes available.
Results - Neil Handley 48:15 18th place out of 155, Chris Smith 50, Adrian Carder 53:53, Jill McIntyre, Catherine Simpson
Skeleton Run - October 2010
Chris, Jill and myself travelled to Beacon Hill Park on Friday to take part in the Skeleton Run. This consisted of a 5 mile route in the dark around what is probably a very pretty place when you can see it. We had to rush a little to get to this but it was well worth it everyone really got into the spirit of the Halloween theme by dressing up as all sorts of gouls,skeleton and ghosts etc. We started on time and the course was signed by glow rings and the odd marshall also dressed accordingly, we went straight up a long long hill and then down again on trails and tracks with a bit of mud for good measure it didnt matter though as you couldnt see any of it. A nice long down hill and almost back up again for another mile finishing back at the car park area down hill again. A really good skull and cross bones medal, banana, toffee apples and a trick or treat goodie made it very good value.
Results - Chris Smith 22nd 37:57, Jill McIntyre 87th 45:53, Catherine Simpson 182nd 57:28
Spires & Steeples - October 2010
Salomon Turbo X - October 2010
A beautiful crisp morning for the Saloman Turbo X in Wharncliffe Woods (Sheffield). The first task of the day was to register as this was a chip timed event, then to the start after a quick briefing we were off across a farmers field and into the woods on tracks, after about a couple of miles the first quarter of the field got sent the wrong way including myself by the time we had realised and got back on the correct path we were all at the back of the race, I felt sorry for the leaders as they were well adrift. I continued on gradually making back the ground lost the course at this stage was very undulating but the tracks were wide enough to get past other runners, the elite athletes by this time were also moving back through the field, then we veered off onto very thin muddy and uneven tracks which was a nightmare to overtake the slower runners because if you went off course it was more slippery however if you went through the water bits it wasn't as bad and not many runners wanted to go through it (weirdos) so plenty of places were made up. The woods had been recently been felled in places so their were plenty of sharp twigs and branches around I think thats what caused all my scratches and cuts on my legs. As the race progressed there were 2 major climbs which you couldn't run up they were that steep and slippery at times you resorted to all fours just to keep your footing the downhill parts were just as difficult as the surface was very uneven, then to the turbo zone which is about 7 miles into the course it is a separately timed part, it contains much more water and much more mud, plenty of support from the spectators during this bit but deep down I think they really want to see you fall flat on your face in the water and mud however I just about managed to stay on my feet after that it was a long drag up the hill then onto a track through the forest that led you back to the farmers field which seemed to take a age to get through as it was uphill then through the finish line in a time of 1.49.58 I came 46th out of 274 and received a great goody bag with 1 Salomon tech t shirt (that fits) 2 gels, 2 cereal bars, 2 moisturiser sachets, a pen, a mini sanex spray, cereal toppings and a couple of candys not too shabby. Very enjoyable recommended.
Neil Handley 
Bestwood Park 10k - October 2010
A warm day in Arnold (Nottingham) for the Bestwood Park 10k trail race it was also the debut for my new Toonie Express running vest and spangly yellow trail trainers. This race is a tale of two halves from the start you run up a grassy bank and straight into the woods the terrain rises and falls as you progress along the tracks for about 3 miles, then out the park on a small section of road before re-entering the park again, just time to take on water before the next 2 miles of hills which were quite challenging but what goes up must come down so the downward sections were a welcome break. The last section is flat though and eases you back to the finish with a lap around the field. We received another swim / gym bag! I finished 20th out of181 in 43:41
Ducks & Drakes - October 2010
Chris, Cat & Dave in the new club racing vests
Evil Sheriff Duathlon - October 2010
Robin Hood 10k - October 2010
Cat at 10k turn round point
Start of 10k race
Leicester Half Marathon - October 2010
I did the Leicester Half Marathon, should be called the Heinz 57 Variety Half really. You start off at the Uni/park, then through industrial estates, housing estates, down the riverside, country parks, car parks, an underpass, dual carriage way, flyovers, shopping precincts, and finishing in the park! Bit of everything. As ever, very well organised, fab weather, good marshalling and a nana at the finish. I knocked 5 minutes off my pb to finish in 1.52:25 - good day!
Jill McIntyre 
Survival of the Fittest - October 2010
An overcast day in nottingham. I arrived early as I have not entered the embankment area from the west before. I was in Wave 3 and started about 10:30hrs.Most of the obstacles were good fun though I found the walls difficult. Working with those around you helps. The running was easy and I overtook many in this 10K that was about 7.23 miles. Some of the obstacles had high drops to the ground and there were a few injured participants about. I began to picture the 8ft wall ( the last obstacle) as I was going around getting more tired. The river crossing was excellent and the slide down was very quick curtesy of the fire brigade and their hoses. Usual mix of obstacle courses, cargo nets, balance beams and climbing frames amongst others. As I do not do any upper body work I came out with bruised muscles in my neck, rib cage and both hands. Some inevitable scratches and bruises to my legs and arms. Thoroughly enjoyed this and it was a good feeling to have completed. More than happy with my time of 1hr 11min. I found this harder than the adventure 10K near Derby the other week. I also think this has a higher risk of injury. But doesn't that make it the more exhilarating!
Report by Adrian 
David's Review
A last minute decision to enter this event ensured entry into final wave of the day (1.15pm). A road accident en route left us 10 minutes to spare when we arrived, so it really was a case of hitting the course running. The running in fact was the easy bit. I tripped and fell on the second obstacle before having to scale a six foot wall which I didn’t think I would ever get over. Many of the other obstacles were really imaginative and fun to attempt. My personal favourites were the urban jungle – really big drops – and of course the swim which was really invigorating. The final wall was easy when you have two people giving you a leg up and staggering over the line, in a time of 1 hour 6 minutes, was a great feeling. Probably the best goody bag ever received at the end a race but I guess the price of the event enabled this. Overall this was a fantastic experience in my first proper adventure race.
Diana's Review
Yeeehah! Nearly missed the race because of an accident on the A52, so that got the blood pumping before we even started. Charged round the course giggling in a state of disbelief that a) I was doing this at all and yes I was still upright and functioning and b) that I’d paid for the privilege. Thoroughly enjoyed the water slide, though I think I took a couple of the competition out on hitting the water. All in all, exhilarating and challenging and I have some spectacular bruises but no idea how I got them. Pretty proud of myself really!
Harewood 10m Trail Race - October 2010
A very very wet and misty day for this trail event in the grounds of Harewood House near leeds. This is a great race which turned into a better one if you like running in the rain and through water and mud. From the start you run on footpaths and bridleways including parts of the Leeds Country Way, Dales Way and Ebor Way then onto a small section of tarmac road which takes you to the Eccup Reservoir. You run half way around the esevoir on footpaths, and then past the Emmerdale Village then back towards Harewood on tracks, then a difficult downhill section through woods which by this time had turned into mini rivers of water which were rolling off the fields. The last mile was hard work as its a up hill stretch on tarmac road which leads you back to the finish in the house grounds, I received a bottle of Harewood Ale at the finish but what I really wanted was hot cup of tea and hot water bottle, great fun though and I came 75 out of 364 in 76:05
..................Thanks for the Ale Neil, I love people that don't drink!! - Chris
Neil Handley 
Rother Valley 6m Trail Run - October 2010
A peaceful setting for this trail race at Rother Valley only broken up by all the ducks begging for bread, a small field of 79 made it to the start line. It starts out with nearly a lap around the large lake on tracks then you go out on a narrow trail then you climb very gradually but continuous which is quite a strain on the legs when you reach the top the way down is much steeper and over more quickly than going up. A small road section follows than back onto tracks and then onto grass as you run around the nature reserve lake and through to the finish, the memento was a water bottle.
I finished 12 out of 79 in 43.20 good training event.
Neil Handley
Mablethorpe Half & Full Marathon - October 2010
A wet and windy day revealed itself for this race. Excellent conditions for running, though somewhat exposed in parts. A very flat course. All my previous Mablethorpe's have been hot and sunny so this was in stark contrast. Water stations were numerous and one had a sports drink. I has my own supply of Gel sachets and had drunk elete laden fluids prior to the start. As usual quite interesting running past the finish area to loop round. I kept a good pace up to 23 miles but was getting tired for the last 3 miles. Very happy with my PB of 3hrs 48mins. ( 6 min. quicker)
Report by Adrian
Viking Challenge - October 2010
A very very wet day which followed a very wet night. The 2010 Viking Challenge 50k bike race was not going to be easy! I started from the Redmile school HQ at 9:30 and after one lane way into some real mud with many off the bikes already. I have done the race before and love mud so off I went with the rain coming down. Sadly the race was spoiled by the contractors who cut the hawthorn hedges at the side of Grantham Canal and left thorns all over miles of paths, sadly nearly all competitors got punctures here. I got 5 punctures in the rear tube and suffered tyre damage so a tube change. I have never seen so many upside down bikes having tubes changed. Off we go and a happy dozen miles or so then another tyre/puncture repair. Just before the Croxton my rear tube blew out instantly, due to tyre damage so with no spares left I had to get a lift back in a white van (Big thanks to the fleet, they were working very hard) That was the end of my day well except for changing in rain at the side of the road. The bike and kit is still in the car! not at all looking forward to sorting that out.
Chris 
Toronto Half Marathon - September 2010
Chris Smith and Catherine Simpson travelled to Toronto Canada for a weeks holiday and yes it was arranged around a race. We attended the Expo and registration on the Friday enjoying all the stands gathering the usual and the not so usual freebies ( an egg cooker ! )
The morning of the race was cooler at last and I found myself in the second to last start pen, strange I thought didn’t think I was that slow then spied the 2.15 pacer next to me. It was going to be a fast race! Many runners using the flat race to qualify for the Olympics and for the Boston Marathon.
It took ages to get over the start line and then with a short downhill section we were onto the shore of Lake Ontario . All along the route they had cheering and music sections all trying to out do each other this made very enjoyable race and time flew by. I saw Chris on his way back, he was well ahead in the field and then turned for the finish back in front of the City Hall. The whole route was flat apart from the cruel uphill finish but the crowds were cheering and I realised I could get under the 2.15 I was hoping for if I pushed.
I finished in 2.14 and Chris 1.35 much faster than expected as this is the first road run we have done for some time. At the finish we received a very nice medal and an empty carrier bag ! Ok a bit strange! We were then led through a marquee and given biscuits fruit drinks , bagels etc coming out with a full bag of stuff now I got it!
Catherine 
Crossdale 10k - September 2010
A cold 10 degrees welcomed the 188 runners in the Crossdale 10k, the course was over tracks, fields and a bit of road. It was a downhill start which meant it would be a up hill finish which would be a bit of a worry later on. the race began over fields and farm tracks then onto some hard stuff after 5k it's the turning point where you meet the runners coming the other way so I couldn't help count how many were in front of me, only 20 whoops I must be going to fast? a quick shout out to Jill then back onto some hard stuff, the wind was in our faces so made it hard going until I turned the corner back the way had came on tracks and over fields towards the uphill finish which wasn't as bad as I had expected had a good cheer through the tape. I received a crossdale swim/gym bag, gel bar, crisps and fruit bar. The event is very family based as 195 did the fun run. I finished 22/188 in 43.38 not too shabby!
Neil Handley 0:43:38
Jill McIntyre 1st Lady Vet35 0:50:11
Neil Handley
Ponton Plod - September 2010
Club Results
11m - 7th David Foster 1:44, 27th Catherine Simpson 2:22
17m - 2nd Chris Smith 2:27
27m - 2nd Paul Rushworth 4:03, 5th Adrian Carder 4:57, 6th Dave Raynes 5:02
I did the 11.5 mile event which actually measured closer to 12.5 miles on the Garmin. Despite overnight rain, the course itself was firm underfoot with a real variety of surfaces and terrain. After the 9.30am start the field soon spread out and it was advisable to keep your eyes on the runners in front as the route markers were sometimes slightly ambiguous (there were occasional meetings of runners deciding on the which way to go). This said, the organisers had clearly spend much time on the route and there was an excellent atmosphere between runners, walkers and volunteers alike (lots of encouragement and friendly banter). I was really pleased with my time (1 hour 44 minutes) which was identical to my time in the Robin Hood half the week before. The food at the end was exceptional - with the biggest slice of post event apple pie I’ve ever consumed! Immediately after consuming this monster I realised that I had lost my car keys en route and was considering another plod – this time home. Fortunately they had been handed in by another runner at a checkpoint and were safely returned. I went home with the elation of finishing a hard run, full of apple pie, and feeling very, very lucky to be in my car!
David Foster
The Beast - September 2010
Paul 18th 1:13:25
Neil 23rd 1:14:40
After a rainy morning in Lincoln I arrived at Aylesford Equine Cross Country Course proudly flying the flag for Toonie Express, just as the sun came out. This was my first time at this event which was a 5 / 10 mile double or quit race. The course began with a couple of small log jumps and a nice downhill section followed by the first of the water (only knee deep and not as cold as I expected) After this the jumps came thick and fast (32 in total per lap) and got higher the largest being a DUCK about waist height carved out of wood, a strange sight that made me smile. The smiling didn't last long when the second water crossing came, this was groin high and seemed a lot colder. After this a series of up and down hills, more jumps, water and more hills came the the finish ( if your quitting ) needless to say i didn't quit and put myself through another 5 miles of jumps, water and hills.
I loved it and finished a respectable 18th with a time of 1:13:25
Paul Barnes 
The beast is a 2 lap race of 5 miles per lap, with option of quiting after the first lap if you want to wimp out. The terrain was mostly over grassy fields with the odd steep hill to contend with not to mention over 30 obstacles to jump over and a couple of water splashes.
On the day the weather was dry and warm, the field of runners was alot less than the race in Feb, after a quick briefing it was off to the start. After a gently first mile containing a couple of low logged jumps and a water splash the terrain began to get alot more undulating and the hurdles more varied in size and shape including a giant wooden duck (dont ask). The main water obstacle was about half way around, we had to wade through 2 foot of water and out the other side it was pretty cold, then the hills started to appear over the second part of the lap which zapped my energy. The second water obstacle which is usually waist deep was no more than a puddle due to the time of year which made that bit easier however the final hill was still waiting to test me and the uphill drag to finish the lap was a struggle.
Then the big decision double or quit? no backing out now so I continued on, the only difference on the second lap instead of jumping the hurdles it was more of a climb over them, the finish line was a welcome sight and the supporters and organisers gave us a good cheer, received a good fitting tee shirt and goody bag containing energy drink, gel bar, pasta sauce, sports wash sachet, 3 fruit bars and a rosette not a bad haul enjoyed the race very much, well recommended see you in Feb. I finished 23rd in 1:14:40
Neil Handley
Great North Run - September 2010
Had an eventful weekend! Head gasket went on arrival in Gateshead on Sat morning. Took the wrong shoes (blisters to prove it). But....... finished in 2.06.24 !
Looks like the Tuesday sessions are working – my previous best was 2.34 – before the heart problem 9 years ago.
Paul Durrant 
Para 10 - September 2010
Jill on a Mission!
Months of hard training came to fruition on Sunday for my ‘heels and handbag’ race, the Para’s 10 Mile Endurance Race. After a delayed start of half an hour due to the 14.5 miles of road works on the A1 (didn’t affect me as I was there at 8am!) I was off with my 35lb Bergen in my army boots with the other 1,176 that were attempting the P Company Challenge, 531 others completed the race in trainers. 53 women did the P Coy Challenge this year. The route was through the training ground at Catterick which is only open to the public on this one day. Very undulating, a couple of hills that make Steep Hill in Lincoln look like a speed bump, some very scary downhill’s, muddy water hazards (which I attacked with Toonie attitude), some casualties by the wayside and the odd random sheep made it a challenging race. Hugely rewarding to do, amazing camaraderie amongst everyone, inspiration marshalling (they all called me M’am!) and a cracking finish with the crowd cheering you on. This is the second time I’ve done this unique race and I’ll be there on the start line again next year. I took over 9 minutes off last year’s time finishing in 1.52:37 (the qualifying time for the Parachute Regiment is 1.50) and coming 9th woman (8th vet woman).
Jill McIntyre 
Yorkshire Off Road Half & Full Marathon - September 2010
A long long drive up to West Yorkshire, good job Adrian was driving! Adrian took part in the full marathon while I did the half, he set off earlier than me so I enjoyed watching the start (on cobbles and down hill) all to soon was my start and after 10 yards we were into hills, lots of hills that continued for the whole 17mile race (yes that's a Yorkshire half). We ran over all terrain including bogs arround a wind farm, those windmills must have deep foundations! it was very breezy up there. A nice down hill that did not last and long riverside section back into the town with a finish up hill on cobbles and back to the school for soup, cakes and coffee. This was a great race in the classic style, I loved it and will be back.
Adrian managed 4:58:28
Chris finished in 2:24:33
Both were quite happy with the race and enjoyed the long drive home.
LOG Lincoln City Race L2 - August 2010
Chris and Paul B took part in the LOG Lincoln City Race, this event uses various routes. Paul ran route A and had 30 checkpoints, Chris ran route B and had 25 checkpoints. The organisers have a sence of humour and had us running up and down the hills and hiding the checkpoints quite well, who knew there was a hidden vinyard in the middle of Lincoln at the Bishop's Palace. I made a mistake there costing me 5 mins and had a problem at the maze finding my checkpoint which was not where the map said. All in all it was really good fun and quite challenging.
Results Paul Barnes route A 7th in 51:48 (1st in class) Chris Smith route B 36th in 54:05 (9th in class)
Grimsthorpe Castle 10k - August 2010
Five members of Toonie Express attended the ever popular 10k trail race at Grimsthorpe Castle. The event is part of the Family fun day held every Bank holiday Monday and is always well attended. We arrived early in bright sunshine and enjoyed the usual attractions. The main 10k race started at 11:00am with a fast downhill dash across grass to the track by the side of the lake and then up hill on farm roads and then onto tarmac. After another hill and drink station we headed off road onto a grassy track which was quite hard going. We then headed back towards the Castle on tarmac and back around the lake, all that was left now was the dreaded uphill grass finish. A nice blue t-shirt and water awaited us but sadly no Cranberry juice this year. We will probably do it all again next year as it is fairly local but would welcome some different attractions for the rest of the family.
Team Results -
Paul Barnes 43:04
Chris Smith 44:40
Jill McIntyre 52:10 Running as Notfast
Dave Raynes 59:35
Catherine Simpson 1:06:20
Chesterfield Spire 10 - August 2010
Adrian ran this challenging hilly 10mile race with "changeable" weather in 1:20:20 finishing 143rd out of 330
Belper 30k - July 2010
Chris and Adrian took part in the 30k (18.6mile) Belper Rugby Rover trail race. The day was warm, the course was well odd! Run to a roundabout then back towards other runners, to a bridge stop and wait, walk under bridge wait, run a field to stile wait, run to next stile wait etc... The course was hilly which can be good but not in this case. The course took in lots of cow fields which came with thousands of flies and of which follow sweaty runners, not at all nice. The white t-shirt was nice to wear on the way home but that's the only time I will wear it.
Thunder Run TR24 - July 2010
2010 Thunder Run Teams
Toonie Express win 3rd Male Team of 5 with 30x 10k laps in 24 hours. Yes it hurt and there was a lot of hard work in there.
Very well done to both teams. Biggest thanks ever to Patrick Adams and Chris (Mrs Patrick) for putting on such a unique and exciting event, we were in at the start in 2009 and aim to be there every year. The next race in the series is the 12 hour Lightning Run in March we will be there!
This is not your normal event, it's a 24hour solo or team relay on a very fine trail 10k course. We arrived Friday night and took advanteage of the free camping, hot showers and lovely toilets. We set up several tents, the gazebo and got some sleep. Saturday morning the site really cam to life as the 1,100 competitors arrived and set up camp, there was a real buzz with people exploring the trade stands, walking the course and testing shoes out. The race started at 2pm with a mass start, this really is the beginning! as the afternoon wore on all runners had don their first lap and were getting ready for food and the night laps. Running through the night is much more fun that you may think especially if you have a good headlight! I had a monster light so people were moving out of my way, they must have thought I was a pro ha ha! I loved the night stages. As the day dawned people were getting very tired and looking at the clock waiting for 24 hours to click by. Our first team were very close to winning 3rd male team of five so we sent Mark and Dave T out on a mission and when Mark came in at 24:01 he sealed our win! Our second team (a mixed 5) mad a great time and came half way up the board, a very strong performance. The only disaster we had was Andy badly twisting his ankle in a rabbit hole and having to stop running in the middle of the night, at least it was not a badger hole! We cleared up and waited for the persentations, first all getting a very nice custom medal to go with the classic goody bag we got before the race, lots of food mainly from SiS, custom printed Hot Mug and much more oh yes including Adidas shower gel which cm in very useful. Our 3rd place trophies were made by Hope and are the size of dinner plates and we got one each, how good is that! We cleared the camp and set off home drinking caffine drinks to stay awake! From Sunday night I have been on the internet talking to other runners on Facebook and Runners World adn everyone loved this race, it was big this year but is going to be massive next year and one thing is for sure, team Toonie Express will be there, well about three or four teams. Very big thanks to Patrick Adams, wife Chris and all the team that made this event, also thanks to Adidas who sponsored the race this is the best money you guys will ever spend. If when you come to enter next year you think £40 is a bit much for a run then just look at what you get! 24hour indoor catering, hot showers, nice toilets, free camping, as many 10k runs as you can do on a perfect trail course, marshalls everywhere! I don't know how Patrick does it for the money.
See you there.
Big thanks to Emma of Lucozade Sports Science who supported the team with energy gels and recovery bars to keep us going.
Elete was used by the team and we think it really adds an extra level to hydration at this type of event, thanks guys.
Love Life Love Running 10k & 6 Hour Endurance Race - July 2010
Sherwood Pines 10k Trail Race - July 2010
A really nice local 10k trail race using the excellent facilities of Sherwood Pines. Chris & Catherine are regulars at this event, this year joined bu Adrian & Jill. Chris was tired from running 4x10k yesterday in training for the Thunder Run. Chris finished in 47mins first followed by Adrian in 48mins then Jill and Catherine in 1:04 We all very much enjoyed this well presented race and were pleased to see Emma of Lucozade who gave us some advice on nutrition for the Thunder Run.
Report by Chris.
7 Lakes Xtreme Cross Challenge - July 2010
This was the first running of this very strange race, like a small version of the HellRunner. The race was short, a 2 lap 5 mile course. Just after the start was a double height bale wall followed by 3 more! in total there were 15 bale jumps per lap. There were several water crossings, one ankle deep, the next waist deep mucky water, the next crossing was waist deep stinky sinky mud real hard going! the second lap this mud was chest deep on me and neck deep on Catherine :) It was also just after this that Dave passed me which is not normal so I put it down to training and longer legs, or maybee not.
Our first home was Paul followed by Dave, Chris, Adrian, Jill and Catherine. Not bad at all when we can get 6 members to a new race 50 miles away.
Report by Chris
Yorkshire 3 Peaks - July 2010
I undertook the yorkshire 3 peaks challeng on Sat. 3rd July. It was the sponsored walk for Marie Curie so had difficulty getting past the scores of walkers trekking off. My first view of Pen-y-Ghent was from the car park and the top was covered in cloud and mist. I have attached some photo's but I am no David Bailey. Once the incline was too much I was walking. It is a steep climb to the top. At the summit, 694 metres, I had my card stamped. but could not see much as it was still cloud and mist covered. Once I was heading downwards I was able to run and had an exhilarating run/jog down to the checkpoint at Ribblehead. The next stage was up past the Ribblehead viaduct with views ahead of Whernside. To my left over the railway I could see Ingleborough in the distance. It was a gentle incline at first up whernside and the top was covered in cloud which cleared before I reached the summit. What spectacular views at 736 metres. The descent here was very steep but stepped and I really had to watch where I was putting my feet. Once I was on a better path I was able to jog down to the Philpin snack bar and the 5th checkpoint.
I drank 500mls of water straight down and jogged off looking ahead to Ingleborough. The early climb is pleasant and I was able to jog for a bit then I walked alomg stone flags as I got nearer to a really steep climb. I was sweating buckets at this point and found the climb tireing but I persevered to the top at 723 metres. I then had to retrace my steps off the summit to pick up the path back to Horton. If it is misty it is really easy to get lost but luckily it was a clear day and I had a compass with me just in case. The descent was quite steep at first and with the scattered rocks and boulders I walked this part. Once the trail evened out I was able to keep up a steady pace all the way back to the finish and a welcome soup. I was wearing my Toonie Express gear. This took me about 6hrs and 10 min. though this is not really about times. I feel very pleased to have undertaken this. I had magic drops in my camelbak and that made a big difference to how I felt.I did consume about 3 litres of fluid during this. Once I got back to the car I realised that the back of my heel on my trail shoes was almost sheered off probably due to the pounding and sharp rocks....they did the job though. The only thing to add is that the pub ( Maypole Inn, Long Preston) I was staying at had Moorhouse's premium bitter,Timothy Taylor's Landlord and excellent food. I was very happy on the saturday night. The three peaks is something to experience and I am going to have to do this again.
Report by Adrian
--------- Looks like one I should do, remind me next year - Chris
Sleaford Town Orienteering - July 2010
Chris, Catherine and Paul took part in this high speed run round Sleaford's urban centre. With the checkpoints hidden well some were challenging as was the route choice.
Paul was 2nd in the Tech course in 32:54 Chris was 5th on the Tech course in 37:12
Catherine did the Long course in 73:32
Report by Chris