Derby's xc charges took to the muddy fields of Sefton Park for the UK Challenge / Euro XC trials. In the Under 17 event Ben Connor finished a fine 8th place, just 25 secs behind the leader. In the Senior Men's race, doubling as the trial for the Euro XC, being held this weekend in Dublin, there was a great turnout for Derby. Jonny Gilby finished 34th in perhaps the deepest XC field he is likely to meet all season, Rich Weir worked his way through the field in quagmire conditions; not his favourite terain, to finish 45th (20 secs behind Gilby). Rich did well to track down Dave Westbury, who was in the top 10 for half a lap, eventually finishing 51st, 17 secs behind Weir.
This years championships will be held at Markeaton Park, Derby on Saturday the 9th January 2010. Closing date for all entries will be Friday 11th December 2009.
Warm Weather Training 15-21st Feb 2010; Fuengirola, Spain
Cost: £240-£300 (depending on variable cost of flights, group size, airport parking and choice of hotel – this will definitely be 3*+ half board). This year we will be taking a non-refundable deposit of £50 (cash or cheque) by 26th Nov for those who are interested. Deadline for full payment 3rd December.
Travel: We shall fly to Malaga and then catch a train from the airport to Fuengirola. The flights take 3.00hrs and the train journey will be around 30min.
Facilities: Feungirola is blessed with excellent running trails and also has a large number of man-made golf courses. There are also 2 synthetic athletic tracks in the area with on site gym facilities.
Hotel: Las Rampas and Torreblanca are the two hotels we are currently considering and currently cost £97.54 (3*) and £109.75 (4*) based on 3 sharing a room for 6nights at half board.
Last year myself, Alex and many others benefited from training together in a warmer climate and would like to open this opportunity to all middle & long distance runners from Derby AC so that we can continue our progress on the track, road and cross.
For more info contact me (Rich Weir) on 07855905203,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or Alex on
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Here's a taste of what the group got up to last time:
N Mids Corby Roundup
Thursday, 19 November 2009 22:20
Dave Westbury took individual honours in the North Mids Senior Mens race at Corby, leading from gun to tape. Despite his effors, the lack of team depth meant Notts extended their lead in the team race. Niall MaGuire followed suit in the Under 17 men's race, winning by an astounding 38 secs. In the Under 11 age group, Hugo Milner looks like a potential talent for the Junior ranks.
The annual Derby AC Christmas "pub quiz" and buffet will take place at the clubhouse, Moorways, on saturday 5th of December at 7.30pm.
There will be prizes, a buffet and the bar will be open (so over 18s only).
Tickets are on sale at the bar for £6.
Please buy your ticket by thursday 26th November so we know how much food and drink to order.
Phil Harries
Senior Men Finish Fine Fifth in National XC Relays
Monday, 02 November 2009 23:22
Derby's Senior Men finished a brave 5th place in the National XC Relays @ Mansfield. With the reliable Jonny Gilby leading off in 10th, sticking close to the leaders, Luke Gunn rallied hard to pull the team to 4th, with a team best of 15:18. Dave Westbury then ran an aggressive leg, leading at one stage and getting the crowd excited about the emerging team, handing over in 2nd to Rich Weir. Weir had some of the fastest guys on his leg and fought hard over the two lap course. Despite a brave effort the team were overhauled to 5th, just 5 seconds outside the medals. The fact that the team were 7 secs from silver shows how close it was on the final leg. Despite this, the team look positively ahead, knowing that they can mix it with the best in the country, on the road and the country.
In the younger ages, an illness hit Under 17 Team finished 8th, coming off the back of a National road silver medal.
