2008 - 2009 XC Season
Scottish Cross Country Relays - 09
Inter Service Cross Country Championships - 09
By Flt Lt Carl Thompson
The Army hosted the 2009 event at Blandford. The races were held in cool calm conditions over an undulating downland course which was firm and fast under foot. With no mud present and a short tarmac section many competitors favoured fell or road racing shoes.
Many of the regular RAF athletes were unavailable ( largely due to out of area operational commitments) and many of our runners competed either carrying or recovering from injuries. Almost the entire RAF ladies team consisted of athletes making their Inter-Service Cross Country debuts. All this considered each RAF team competed at a level above and beyond what was expected. The RAF ran the Army close (3 points) in the Senior Mens Team race and the veterans were also within 3 points of a victory.
Clear RAF highlights on the day were individual medals for SAC Tom Harvey 3rd in the Junior race and Flt Lt Ben Livesey. Ben led from start to finish delivering an outstanding clear victory in the Senior Mens race. Sqn Ldr Jo Roe was awarded the Team Managers trophy at the RAF Athletic Association Annual Dinner later that evening. The Team managers trophy is awarded to the individual who has made the best overall contribution to RAF Cross-Country throughout the season.
Gaining selection to run for the single service teams in the Inter-Service Event is by no means an easy task. Each and every athlete is to be congratulated for participating on the day. The Royal Air Force will be on home ground for next seasons event in late Feb 2010.
RAF Ladies’ Team Report by Sqn Ldr Jo Roe
With non of our usual top runners available due to OOA deployments, maternity leave or holidays, this year saw an almost completely new line up for the ladies’ team; the only exception being A/Team Manager, Sqn Ldr Jo Roe.
All three ladies’ teams set off at an initially steady pace for the 1st few hundred metres, then the Army team and two of the Navy girls picked up the pace and put some distance between them and the RAF girls. The RAF ladies stuck together for the 1st small lap of the field and then the group started to separate.
Jo Roe, and Stacey Kirby, set the tempo, pacing themselves, running neck and neck for the majority of the race; the model of teamwork, supporting each other to overtake the 2nd RN runner on the 2nd and long uphill.
Newcomer, Cpl Wendy Murdoch, set off at an enthusiastically brisk pace, taking the lead from the outset. She managed to maintain this position until the 1st hill when she was passed by Jo and Stacey but clawed her way back on the flat and the downhill, only to be passed again by Jo and Stacey on the 2nd long uphill climb. Cpl Katie Doak kept up the momentum from the start, hard on the heels of Jo and Stacey until the 2nd hill when Fg Off Nikki Harrison, who is showing great potential, passed her around the half-way point. Katie and Angelina dug in hard to keep the other Navy ladies at bay.
The tension increased over the last 3rd of the course with Stacey and Jo pushing each other hard to try and close the gap between them and the Army and the one RN runner. In the last 100m it looked like Stacey was going to challenge Jo’s lead, however, with her usual grit and determination, (etched clearly on her face) Jo held her off to cross the line as first RAF lady in 8th overall place, with Stacey only seconds behind her, in 9th place. Following closely was Nikki as the 3rd RAF counter in 10th place, with Wendy as the 4th counter and 12th overall. Katie and Angelina dug in hard to come in 14th and 15th places respectively, keeping the Navy at bay. All the team finished strongly, giving every ounce of effort all the way.
Overall, the team came a convincing 2nd place with 39 points
The RAF element of the results follow.
Junior Race ( under 20 years) 5.1 km - 4 to score
Team
1. Army 16
2. Royal Air Force 30
3. Royal Navy 37
RAF Team Individual Placings
3. Tom Harvey
4. Mark Elliot
6. Stephen McLachlan
14. Jake Mitchell
Male Veteran Race (Over 40 years ) 10.2 km 4 to score
Team
1. Army 25
2. Royal Navy 26
3. Royal Air Force 28
RAF Team Individual Placings
4. Ronnie McWilliam
5. Mark Prestwood
9. John Siddens
10. Jason Chalk
12. Simon Bell
15. Chris Reeson
Ladies Race 5.1 km - 4 to score
Team
1. Army 16
2. Royal Air Force 39
3. Royal Navy 43
RAF Team Individual Placings
8. Jo Roe
9. Stacey Kirby
10. Nikki Harrison
12. Wendy Murdoch
14. Katie Doak
15. Angelina Littlefield
Male 10.2 km 6 to score
Team
1. Army 41
2. Royal Air Force 44
3. Royal Navy 102
RAF Team Individual Placings
1. Ben Livesey
4 Matt Whitfield.
7. Matt Blunden
9. Lee Athersmith
10. Kieran White
13. Oz Ellis
16. Ian Bailey
17. Matt Pearson
22. Steve Frear
RAF Cross Country Championships - 09
By Sqn Ldr Jo Roe
As usual, the RAF Cross-Country Championships were held at RAF Halton over a slightly shortened course of just over 3 miles for the ladies and 6 for the men. The weather was cold and fresh with 3 inches of snow on the ground which made the course much more challenging than normal.
With nearly all the usual RAF contenders absent due to OOA deployments, maternity leave or other commitments, there only 15 ladies on the start line and many new faces. The ladies and men’s groups set off together, with many of the ladies making an initial first rush. However, they were soon overtaken by the more experienced runners who were sensibly pacing themselves on the tricky terrain.
From the outset, Helena Smith and Jo Roe were favourite contenders but did not rest on their laurels and worked hard to set and maintain their leads with a clear gap in the field between them and the rest of the group. Helena just pipped Jo to the finish line, to take the 1st prize. Jo had to settle for 2nd place and 1st Vet. Third place was taken by Fg Off Nikki Harrison (RAF Leuchars), followed by Cpl Katie Doak (RAF Brize Norton) and Flt Lt Angelina Littlefield (Halton) in 4th and 5th respectively. Cpl Wendy Murdoch (Odiham) and Flt Lt Mary Temple (Wittering) took 6th and 7th places.
In the team results, RAF Halton were first, closely followed by RAF Wittering. To their credit, a team of 3 made the long journey from RAF Boulmer and were rewarded for their efforts by winning 3rd team place.
RAF CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS 04 FEB 09 RAF HALTON
RAF v Police, Fire Services and Oxford University 2009
By Wg Cdr Dave Cole
On the 14 Jan 2009, the RAF Men's and Ladies' Teams faced opposition form the Police, Fire Services and Oxford University at RAF Halton. Conditions on the day were fair and mild, although in places the course was muddy. The men and ladies competed over the longer Halton course making the men's 6.5 miles and the ladies 3.1 miles.
First off were the ladies with 23 athletes taking part. Ensuring that they did not take a wrong turn Sqn Ldr Simon Bell escorted the leaders around in various places of the course. Natalie Cameron of the Police was in commanding form and easily won the ladies' race. Samone Ross of Oxford University was also in good form and just beat the 3rd place runner, Katherine Reeves of the Police. Katherine also took the top Vet's slot. For the RAF, Jo Roe had a great run and just got the better of Helena Smith. Stacey Kirby, Mandy Meechan and Heather Beatie made up the rest of the RAF ladies' team. In the team prize the Police took the honours but the RAF Ladies team did remarkably well, given the absence of key runner on operations, and it was also great to see stalwart, Mandy Meechan, back on the field and to have the new runners, Stacey and Heather.
The men's race had 52 runners taking part. Benedict Whitby of the Police was in imperious form, winning easily by 35 secs, from Marc Hobbs and Martin Williams, also of the Police. The 1st RAF runner home was Steve Frear who took 6th place and was in good form after recently winning the Oxfordshire Cross Country Championships. Kieran White was next in for the RAF in 9th and Dave Cole 10th, appearing to be returning to form after recent illness; Dave was also the 1st veteran. Lee Athersmith took 12th and Ian Bailey 14th; a good performance, especially as he had travelled from Aldergrove. Oz Ellis closed out the men's team in 17th. In the team prize, regrettably, the RAF lost by 1 point to the Police!
Great support from RAF Halton Home For Sport saw the RAF presented in a really good light. Overall, it was a good day for RAF Athletics, which successfully promoted a very good image of our Service.
Results
AIR COMMAND CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS - 3 DEC 2008 - VENUE: RAF HIGH WYCOMBE
BY Wg Cdr DAVE COLE
The Air Command Cross Country Championships were again held at RAF High Wycombe in the woods behind the Headquarters. Although the weather was sunny, the cold snap left the ground and the lying water cold! Approximately 50 men and women lined up at the start where, Clerk of the Course, WO Phil Kafel set the runners off for one lap for the ladies and 2 for the men. Each lap being around 3.5 miles over hilly, muddy and difficult terrain.
It was good to see within the field, as well as runners from the South, Waddington, Wittering, Brampton and Scampton represented.
In the ladies race the in-form Helena Smith (Halton) continued her recent impressive performances, also Jo Roe (Wittering) was also enjoying the challenge of the toughest cross country course that the RAF offers. Crossing the line first Helena was ecstatic to be crowned the Air Command Champion. Jo Roe topped off another superb run claiming 2nd place and 1st veteran. 3rd place was taken by Wendy Murdoch (Odiham). In the ladies team race Halton took the honours.
The men's race began with Marcus Maxwell (Benson) and Carl Thompson (Yeovilton) doing their usual charges in the first mile. Oz Ellis (Benson) and Matt Pearson (High Wycombe) capitalised on the first fast downhill section and took the lead by a fair margin. Meanwhile after a cautious start Kieran White (Benson) began to slowly pull back the leaders. In the end Kieran claimed 1st, Oz 2nd and Matt 3rd place. In the veterans category Simon Bell was revelling in the mud and charging up the hills. He comfortably took the veterans title and afterwards was enthusiastic in views on the course feeling that it should one day host the RAF Championship! The team Prize was easily taken by Benson.
Overall, a great fun day, with winners all round and everyone who completed the course is to be congratulated. Thanks must go the RAFAA officials and a special mention to Phil Kafel for his continued brilliant support.
McCain UK Cross Challenge – Liverpool Saturday 29 November 2008
By Wg Cdr Dave Cole
Venue: Sefton Park Liverpool
The RAF Men’s and Ladies teams were very well represented in this very tough fixture at Sefton Park Liverpool. The course was the usual multi-lap race, but previous day’s rain and the combination of previous races caused the going to be a bit tricky in places.
The ladies race over 8.1km was considerably longer than our ladies were used to running, but nevertheless gutsy performances by the RAF ladies saw them achieve some credible positions in this very top quality race. Acting RAF Ladies Team Manager Jo Roe was again leading from the front backed up by Helena Smith, who this season is performing extremely well and Jen Collins who is the sensational newcomer to RAF ladies running. The results below show that these 3 are so close at the moment leading to very exciting racing and competition between them.
The men’s race was over 9.8km and also a multi-lap event. Matt Whitfield continues to turn in top quality performances and was easily the class athlete in the Combined Services Team. However, new boy Steve Frear continues to rise to the challenge and his policy of selective racing paying dividends with a superb run being the 3rd Combined Services runner over the line. Matt Blunden returning from very recent treatment for an injury made an impressive return finishing just behind Steve. Al Turnbull despite being in his 3rd season as a vet also produced an inspired run to beat many youngsters. Sam Mitchell, Tom Bailey and Oz Ellis rounded off the RAF element of the Combined Services team.
Overall, the RAF Men’s and Ladies teams made the bulk of the Combined Services team and also the rump of the counting runners. Great to see new blood coming through and also our more established runners performing very well or showing the signs of being on the way back.
Womens Results
RAF V OXFORD UNIVERSITY - 15 NOV 08
By Wg Cdr Dave Cole
This annual race took place at the traditional venue - Shotover Park Oxford, albeit at a later date than in previous years. The weather was mild, but recent rain left the course muddy in places. A tough, hilly course over approximately 2.75 miles through woods, for the ladies and 5.25 miles for the men. Watching from the side was Life Vice President Air Cdre John De’Ath continuing with his annual pilgrimage to support the RAF. With Ladies’ Team Manager, Sqn Ldr Pam Wheeler, in the Falklands, acting Team Manager, Sqn Ldr Jo Roe, stepped up to lead the ladies as a manager and athlete. Good to see Jodie Digby looking well with only weeks to go before the birth of her son - she claims she will do a 'Paula' and be back at the RAF Champs in great shape (good luck with the sleepless nights Jodie!). Gp Capt Gammage, RAFAA Chairman, sent his apologies as he was on official duty at Halton that day as he wraps up business there in preparation for his promotion to Air Cdre and posting to 22 Gp HQ Air Cmd.
The RAF ladies’ team had a new runner in Ronnie McWilliams’ 14 year old daughter, Sheridan. As you will see from the results, she did really well and we would like to see her turn out for us again (of course she qualifies because she is in the ATC!). Also running cross-country for the RAF for the first time were Leah Griffin and Heather Beattie, with Mandy Meechan making a welcome return after several months away due to injury. The ladies’ race afforded great exposure to our team for a challenging course and talented opposition. All the ladies performed most creditably, despite Helena Smith and Jo Roe having completed the Henlow 10 (mile) road race only 3 days previously. All the ladies showed true military grit and determination!
Team Results
1. Oxford.
2. RAF
Moving on to the men’s team. Dave Cole arrived with a deck chair, claiming he was not very well, but any thoughts he had of sitting down were squashed as the ladies commandeered the chair for their kit! Forced to run, he was heard coming down the first straight after a couple of minutes like a Norton 500 from the 70's. Dave Cole was not the only one making excuses, as Simon Bell and Jason Chalk had their Henlow 10 excuses on display and Marcus Maxwell was bleating on about his kids waking him up in the night; at least it is not like my wife with her thunderous snoring! Graham Hunt made it all the way from Wittering, which was a victory in itself. Last year Graham drove 50 miles around Oxford before he found the course, after the race had started. This year - no problem and Graham had a great run. Richie Parkin one of other new guys had purchased some new spikes recently, but on seeing the course was reluctant to wear them for fear of getting them dirty. Richie has adopted part of my training regime (as detailed on the web site) and has made great progress and will continue to improve. Ronnie McWilliam ran really well, inspired by his daughter. Lots of other vets, it has to be said, are giving me lots of encouragement to keep training hard (something to do with the Inter-services teams!). The men’s race saw an easy victory for Oxford. Steve Frear continued his recent good from and put in a super performance to finish 4th.
After the race a few of us braved the catering of the university students at the tennis club in Oxford. Satisfied that everywhere looked reasonably clean and scientific experiments were not going on the kitchen table, we were treated to an Oxford tea. The university plans to send a team to the Police and Fire match in Jan next year and will provide tough opposition.
Team Results
1. Oxford.
2. RAF
The 5th Allied Component Command Headquarters Ramstein Cross Country Championships
By Flt Lt Carl Thompson
This year the 5th CC Air Cross Country Championships was hosted by the Polish Air Force. The race took place in Poznan on the 05 Nov. The event which is supported by several European Nations and the European element of the US Air Force is held on an annual basis, with the men’s and women’s teams competing over 10k and 5k cross country courses. This year the race was held on a nearby military training area on a multi lap course, in cool calm overcast conditions. Five laps for the Men and three laps for the Ladies. The route could accurately be described as “challenging”. The lap followed tank tracks, was wet, very muddy, had one significant incline and did not contain more than one single yard of firm level ground. Perhaps the Polish hosts compensated for the demanding route as both courses appeared a little short of the advertised 10 km and 5 km distances. Supporting the RAF was Gp Capt (Ret’d) Ian Atkinson (RAF Sports Board) and the acting men’s team managers Sqn Ldr Simon Bell and Flt Lt Carl Thompson and the ladies team manager Sqn Ldr Pam Wheeler.
First off were the ladies seeking to retain their team title for the third year in succession. After the customary cavalry charge to secure the best racing line the race soon settled down with the individual race winner Maria Czesnik ( Poland ) soon clear of the field. Cheered on by the RAF Team management and the men’s team the RAF ladies adapted well to the mud and uneven ground to produce an outstanding team effort to secure victory. All of the RAF Ladies finished well within the top half of the race field. The scoring team was:
- SAC Jennifer Collins 21 min 20 sec (Waddington) 4th
- SAC Helena Smith 21 min 44 sec (Halton) 5th
- Sqn Ldr Jo Roe 21 min 45 sec (Wittering) 6th
- Flt Lt Jo Johnson 21 min 51 sec (Cranwell) 7th
Backed up by
- Cpl Carrie Ward 22 min 21 sec ( Kinloss) 9th
- Flt Lt Rachael Ellis 22 min 29 sec ( Coningsby) 11th
Ladies Full Results IndividualTeam
The men’s race shortly followed the ladies’ race. The Polish team lined up with a very impressive number of International athletes. Onlookers were predicting a clean sweep for the elite Polish team, but the RAF team were determined not to be overawed, with the aims of securing second team place and getting in amongst the Polish runners.
Flt Lt Ben Livesey coped best with the brutally fast start and the early laps saw Ben up with the leaders. Ben eventually finished fourth just one second short of a third place medal. Also worthy of note was the continued improvement of Cpl Steve Frear (Benson). Making his RAF full team and CC Air debut he battled all the way to secure 14th place. The men finished a clear second in the team race, the Polish as predicted secured the team victory and the individual race winner Hebryck Szost (25 min 00 sec).
The scoring team
- Flt Lt Ben Livesey 25 min 32 sec (Kinloss) 4th
- Flt Lt Matt Whitfield 26 min 04 sec (Boulmer) 7th
- Cpl Steve Frear 27min 07sec(Benson) 14th
- Wg Cdr David Cole 27min 29sec ( Air Command) 16th
- Cpl Dan Lewis 28min 04sec (Marham) 17th
- Sgt Al Turnbull 28min 06sec ( Brampton ) 18th
Backed up by
- Cpl Kieran White 28min 18sec (Benson) 20th
- SAC(T) Oz Ellis 28min 33msec (Benson) 22nd
Mens Full Results IndividualTeam
Overall, this was a superb event extremely well organized with the hosts, the Polish Air Component, looking after everyone extremely well. Honours at the end of the day go to the RAF Ladies team for their brilliant hat trick of team wins, 2008, 2007 & 2006. The other highlights were Ben Livesey (Kinloss) 4th individual and relatively new to the RAF, SAC Jennifer Collins with an excellent 4th place on her CC Air debut. The Royal Air Force will host the 6th 2009 CC Air Cross-Country Championships at RAF Halton.
Gp Capt Gammage, Chairman RAFAA who was unable to attend due to duty commitments offered his congratulations to the ladies on their superb hat trick of victories and to the men in their continued valiant attempts to un-seat the Polish men’s team.
RAFAA v Eastern AA v Cambridge University – 08
By Wg Cdr Dave Cole
The men’s race saw the RAF men field 17 runners, including a number of new boys. Although our top 3 runners were absent the men’s team had a number of strong runners competing. A fast start and the firm ground made this race one for the speed merchants and the first placed runner had plenty of that as you can see from the results. The Eastern Counties runner was also very useful and easily took 2nd. Meanwhile we were packing really well and as the results show had 3 runners in the top 6 and together with the remaining 3 counters finishing high we pulled off the team prize and the 3rd placed individual.
A great day for the men winning, valuable experience for the ladies and great to see so many new faces giving it a go.