January 31st - Slaughterford 9
On a cold but bright sunny morning a number of MAC members again took up the challenge of the Slaughterford 9 in the scenic countryside near Chippenham in Wiltshire. The course comprises a whole mixture of road, track, woodland, open fields, some very sticky mud and even a short stream section, with an overall emphasis on 'hilly'. First for the club was David Ross (1:17.37) followed closely by Gerry Killen (1:18.14), with further support from Carolyn Lockett (1:22.28) and John Rickman (1:32.11). However, Adam Killen (Gerry's 17 year-old son) actually led home the Maidenhead contingent in an excellent time of 1:16.41.

February 13th - Wokingham Half Marathon
Maidenhead AC had a good attendance at this year’s event with 21 runners taking part. It was almost perfect conditions, a morning with an ideal temperature for running albeit damp and windy, which lead to 9 MAC runners attaining PBs. Five Maidenhead A.C. athletes picked up Berkshire Road Running Championship medals at the Wokingham Half Marathon. Matt Davenport (Senior Men), Corinne Abraham (Senior Women) and Kelly Burwood (FV35) claimed gold, while Leonard Richardson (MV40) and Dave Waterman (MV60) took bronze. Times for Maidenhead Runners were: Michael Hiscott (1:13:53 PB),Matthew Davenport (1:14:17 PB), Laurence Miles (1:14:32 PB), Will Burkitt (1:18:24 PB), Robert McEwen (1:20:03 PB), Corinne Abraham (1:30:31), Leonard Richardson (1:25:48), Kelly Burwood (1:27:47 PB), Mark O'Gara (1:29:24), Andrew Pusey (1:29:24), Martin Tomkins (1:30:48 PB), Sayeed Islam (01:34:56), David Ross (1:41:19), Jason Cort (1:42:56), Neil Bennet (1:43:48 PB), David Pearce (1:44:05 PB), Simon Young (1:52:06), Dave Waterman (1:57:17), Alison Attard (2:07:07), Simon Emsley (2:14:35) and Francoise Rogoszewski (2:19:12).

February 20th - Bramley 20 mile
Six Maidenhead Athletic Club members took on the Bramley 20 mile road race as part of their preparations for the various spring marathons. First home was Leonard Richardson in a time of 2 hours 13 minutes and 18 seconds, followed by; Corinne Abraham (2:19:30), Andrew Pusey (2:29:11), Mark O'Gara (2:29:12), Sayeed Islam (2:29:54) and Laura Macgregor (2:37:37).

February 27th - Meon Valley Plod
The Meon Valley Plod is a 20 mile multi terrain race with strength sapping hills and an abundance of mud making this a punishing cross-country, whose obstacles are agreeably offset by its beautiful location. This year the weather started off quite warm and cloudy but descended into cold rain and winds in the second half. Maidenheads Laurence Miles ran a magnificent race to finish in fourth place overall, with a time of 2:31:36. The full Maidenhead results were: 4th Laurence Miles 2:31:36, 112th Gerry Killen 3:21:35, 147th Paul Passey 3:31:11 and a jet lagged David Ross finished his 8th consecutive plod in 215th place with a time of 3:46:17.

February 27th - Black Park 5k
In wet and tricky underfoot conditions, a total of 21 Maidenhead Athletic Club athletes competed in the weekend’s Black Park 5k Parkrun. Leonard Richardson led the team home in a time of 19 minutes 51 seconds, while Ross Arthur claimed the first junior overall place with a time of 20:09. Other MAC times were; Jeremy Lockett (21:15), Alex Keys (21:49), James Griffiths (23:09), Sam Goldfinch (23:43), Carolyn Lockett (24:13), John Rickman (24:36), Samuel Lowe (25:14), Pauline Siddons (26:59), Josh Bradshaw (27:18), Tim Williams (27:22), Polly Batstone (28:03), Eliza Harding (28:03), Kieran Evans (29:48), Grace Goldfinch (30:08), Dave Dando (30:55), Peter Ison (32:22), Toni Dibley (34:44), Jessica Williams (35:04 and Dawn Goldfinch (35:08).

February 27th - Maxifuel Duathlon
Maidenhead’s Martin Tomkins competed in the F3 Maxifuel Duathlon at Dorney Lake on Sunday over a 5k/20k/5k distance, (run, bike, run), in 1:16:43 finishing a very credible 17th overall.

March 6th - Bath Half Marathon
It was quite chilly at the start to Sunday’s Bath half marathon, but this didn’t stop Maidenhead’s Leonard Richardson finishing in a time of 1:25:18. Also competing was Simon Emsley, who is gradually clawing his way back to fitness, finished in a time of 02:00:45.

March 6th - Steyning Stinger
Making an early start, three Maidenhead AC runners headed for the South Downs between Horsham and Worthing to compete in the Steyning Stinger over an off-road Half-Marathon course. The dry weather meant that the conditions were good, so even the really muddy bits weren't too difficult. Wearing an extra layer proved beneficial, however, as runners were exposed to a cold easterly wind on much of the route. The climbs were manageable with superb views on the high points of the chalk downland. Times on the day were Jeremy Lockett 1:58.21, Carolyn Lockett 2:05.22 and John Rickman 2:19.09.

March 7th - The Grizzly
In this weekend’s Grizzly, a twentyish mile, muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy race of the most multi-terrain running experience, Maidenhead’s Gerry Killen finished with a time of 03:38:49. Jeremy and Carolyn Lockett switched to The Cub Race their times were Carolyn 01:34:38 Jeremy 01:34:39.

March 7th - Cliveden Cross Country
At this event, rearranged to be run at Black Park, Maidenhead AC fielded 4 runners. Simon Allison came 5th overall in a time of 00:35:23. Nigel Patterson posted a time of 00:43:18 closely followed by Neil Bennet finishing in 00:44:21. Anushka Howell finished in 00:57:36.

March 12th - Reading St Patrick's 5 Mile Scurry
Maidenhead AC’s Alison Attard ran this race on Saturday, a small race over a varied course around the lake and sports fields at Reading University. In spring-like weather Alison finished in a time of 46.31.

March 20th - Reading Half Marathon
In this weekend’s Reading Half Marathon, in ideal running conditions, Maidenhead’s Leonard Richardson led the club home in a time of 1:24:38 followed a few minutes later by Andrew Pusey, (1:27:21). The full Maidenhead AC results were: Leonard Richardson 01:24:38 Andrew Pusey 01:27:21 Martin Tomkins 01:33:57 Sayeed Islam 01:38:17 Chris Ellis 01:38:12 Paul Bradshaw 01:38:51 Nigel Patterson 01:39:33 Ravi Bansal 01:43:34 Simon Young 01:52:28 Alicia Hickey 01:59:45 Simon Milford 02:08:05

March 20th - Hastings Half Marathon
On a partially overcast day with some sun and little wind, Maidenhead’s Simon Emsley finished in a time of 2:13:38.

March 27th - Water of Life 10K
Last Sunday Maidenhead’s Ravinder Siherra and Pauline Siddons ran the Water of Life 10k at Bisham Abbey. The weather was ideal and so was the course. Mainly flat tow path going as far as Hurley and back. There were a few bridges to cross on the way. Pauline finished in 56.03 and was 1st over 60 lady, Ravinder finished closely behind in a time of 59.13.

March 27th - Kingston 8.2 mile breakfast run
Maidenhead’s Ravi Bansal ran this event in 0:58:45 and achieved a respectable 65th out of 1200 competitors.

April 10th - Brighton Marathon
On Sunday in very hot conditions, Maidenhead AC’s Mark O’Gara completed the Brighton marathon in 3.09.05 finishing in 88th place out of around 8,000 runners.

April 10th - Wilmslow Half Marathon
Clyde and Penny McCrabbe ran the Wilmslow half marathon up in Cheshire last weekend finishing in 1:34:19 seconds and 1:46:50 seconds respectively.

April 17th - London Marathon
Seven Maidenhead AC runners took on the challenge of this weekend’s London Marathon. In warmer than expected conditions, Leonard Richardson lead the team home in a personal best time of 3:02:36, closely followed by Will Burkitt, (3:02:48) and Andrew Pusey, (3:32:54). The full Maidenhead Result was; Leonard Richardson 03:02:36 Will Burkitt 03:02:48 Andrew Pusey 03:32:54 Tim Holt 04:01:20 David Pearce 04:11:45 Jason Cort 05:15:10 Richard Barratt 05:26:36

April 17th - Zurich Marathon
Maidenhead’s Simon Emsley had a leisurely run around the Zurich marathon course, it really is a good run, and a little more interesting being at 430m above sea level, It was a gloriously sunny day and Simon finished in 4:30:34; not quite as fast as he would like but the requirement was to finish the build up to the Two ceans 56k race in South Africa next weekend.

April 17th - London Marathon
Seven Maidenhead AC runners took on the challenge of this weekend’s London Marathon. In warmer than expected conditions, Leonard Richardson lead the team home in a personal best time of 3:02:36, closely followed by Will Burkitt, (3:02:48) and Andrew Pusey, (3:32:54). The full Maidenhead Result was; Leonard Richardson 03:02:36 Will Burkitt 03:02:48 Andrew Pusey 03:32:54 Tim Holt 04:01:20 David Pearce 04:11:45 Jason Cort 05:15:10 Richard Barratt 05:26:36

April 23rd - Two Oceans Marathon
Last week Maidenhead AC’s Simon Emsley ran the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town where there was good running weather for this challenging 35 mile race. He finished with a time of 6:03:34. He was aiming to finish in less than 6 hours but this was a good result for Simon on his come back from injury.

May 2nd - 3 Forts Marathon
Sunday 2 May was a windy sunny day on the South Downs as the runners tackled the 3 Forts Marathon. It is a 27 mile race with 4,000 foot of climbing and for most of the first half the runners battled into the head wind. Maidenhead’s Simon Emsley finished in a time of 5:35:24.

May 2nd - Shinfield 10k
It was such a nice weekend that Simon topped it off with a sprint and ran the Shinfield 10k which he completed in a time of 53:01.

May 2nd - Thames Turbo Sprint triathlon
In her second triathlon, Maidenhead’s Ellen Goldsmith competed in Thames Turbo Sprint triathlon. She improved her previous time by 15 minutes finishing in 1:24:00. Ellen was “Very chuffed and pleased to say that the running section was still by far the best”

May 8th - Bracknell Half Marathon
On a warm blustery day Maidenhead AC’s Alison Attard achieved her goal of sub-2 hours, finishing in 1:59:28. It was another well organised race with plenty of marshals, water stations and support around the course.

May 8th - Shakespeare Marathon (Stratford Upon Avon)
In Sunday’s Shakespeare Marathon, on a strength sapping, undulating course and in hot weather, MAC’s Linda Fox was happy with a time of 5:00:36.

May 8th - Marlow 5
MAC had a good turnout at the Marlow 5 on Sunday 8th May. The route was flat and fast with good support from locals so, together with the good weather, conditions were ideal for some quick times. Rich Taylor was the first MAC runner home, finishing in 36th place in 30.54, a good performance in his first race in over 6 months. Rich was closely followed by Leonard Richardson in 31.23 and Kelly Burwood, 32.13 (4th lady). Other notable performances were from Joy Noad, 3rd V50 lady and Pauline Siddons, 4th V60 lady. Full MAC results: Richard Taylor 00:30:54 Leonard Richardson 00:31:23 Kelly Burwood 00:32:13 Alan Russell 00:35:01 Joy Noad 00:35:46 Neil Bennet 00:36:08 Martin Palethorpe 00:35:58 Sara Palethorpe 00:39:19 John Smith 00:40:36 Ian McKenzie 00:43:19 Pauline Siddons 00:43:51 Benita Scaife 00:50:46 John Scaife 00:50:46 Sheena Barnett 00:50:55 Susan Maskell 00:53:28

May 15th - Eton Super Sprint Triathlon
Maidenhead’s Martin Tomkins competed in the Eton Super Sprint Triathlon (400m swim/20k Bike/5k Run) on Saturday 14th May finishing in a time of 1:07:20, 94th overall (out of approx 850) and 13th in his wave.

May 15th - Helpers Handicap
Following the success of Maidenhead AC’s Easter Ten, the marshalls got their chance to run the course by competing in the Helpers Handicap. This is a club competition based on recent race times with the runners starting at staggered intervals. The first to cross the line is the winner. On Sunday this year’s winners were Michael Fursedon and Sarah

May 15th - Woodley 10k
On a breezy morning in last week’s Woodley 10k Maidenhead AC’s Ian Crabtree ran a PB of 39:09.

May 14th - Marlborough Downs Challenge
On Saturday 14 May Maidenhead AC’s Simon ‘Endurance’ Emsley ran the Marlborough Downs Challenge, a 33-mile Trail Race. It was a good sunny day with gentle breezes, although, some not so gentle. He completed the course in a time of 6:53:30 over a minute faster than last year, although still a slow time.

May 15th - Staines 10k
As a cool down Simon ran the Staines 10k on the Sunday in similar climatic conditions completing the course in 55:11.

May 29th - Comrades Marathon
On Sunday, 29 May Maidenhead AC’s Simon Emsley travelled to South Africa to run the Comrades, an endurance race run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg (52 miles). having completed the Comrades Marathon in a time of 11:07 by my watch and 11:13 gun time. On a good day for running, not getting hot although the sun shone for the duration of the race; there were cross winds. Emsley finished in a time of 11:13:37 and now has 5 medals from this event.

May 22nd - Aberdeen 10k
Laurence Miles ran the Baker Hughes Aberdeen 10k at the weekend and in very breezy but decent conditions, finished 8th in 34:37. Laurence was pleased with that especially having recently recovered from an injury.

June 12th - Wargrave 10k
In unseasonably wet conditions, 15 Maidenhead A.C. runners completed the Wargrave 10k road race. Matt Davenport was first home, taking third place overall with a time of 34 minutes 42 seconds, while Penny McCrabbe took the 3rd placed lady prize in 40:27. Other MAC times were: Robert McEwen (37:11), Leonard Richardson (39:29), Ian Crabtree (39:43), Richard Talyor (39:51), Kelly Burwood (41:01), Chris McEwen (41:08), Mark O'Gara (41:44), Sayeed Islam (43:38), Clyde Mccrabbe (45:12), Kam Kaur (48:12), Nigel Patterson (48:56), Dave Waterman (49:10) and David Pearce (49:41). In the Berkshire Road Running Championships, Davenport & Burwood took Gold in the Senior Male and FV35 categories respectively, while Penny McCrabbe claimed Silver in the Senior Female. With three of four races completed, Davenport , Burwood & Waterman all head their categories in the quest to become 2011 Berkshire Champions.

June 12th - Windsor Triathlon
Martin Tomkins of Maidenhead AC took part in the Windsor Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday, (1500m swim/40k Bike/10k run), finishing in a time of 2:28:28. The event started in glorious sunshine at 07.30am which soon deteriorated into wet conditions in which all competitors suffered. Tomkins finished 255th overall and 56th in his age group, (male 35-39), out of approximately 1625 finishers.

June 14th - Thames Valley 5k Summer Series
There was more success for Maidenhead A.C. athletes in the Summer 5k series Marlow race. Matt Davenport again took first place overall, while Kelly Burwood was first lady home. There were category wins also for: Polly Batstone (Female Junior), Ross Arthur (Male Junior) and Joy Noad (FV50). In both junior categories, MAC athletes took the first three positions. MAC times were: Matt Davenport (16:51); Robert McEwen (17:38); Will Burkitt (18:00); Richard Taylor (18:29); Ian Crabtree (18:59); Kelly Burwood (19:11); Chris McEwen (19:25); Ross Arthur (19:30); Leonard Richardson (19:31); Colin Symons (19:40); Paul Passey (20:00); Jacob Tinson (20:06); David Burrow-Newton (20:18); Julien Guay (20:20); Gerry Killen (20:25); Sayeed Islam (20:54); Ashley Spivey (21:00); Clyde McCrabbe (21:08); Alex Keys (21:09); Neil Bennett (21:11); Paul Bradshaw (21:14); Greg Smith (21:35); Joy Noad (21:52); Sam Goldfinch (21:53); Polly Batstone (22:00); James Griffiths (22:08); Sam Lowe (22:28); David Pearce (22:48); Louise Croxson (23:04); Kam Kaur (23:05); Mick Fursedon (23:06); Will Smith (23:44); John Rickman (23:53); Sue McEwen (24:04); Bruce McEwen (24:20); Grace Goldfinch (25:08); Gervase Foley (25:32); Carolyn Lockett (25:41); Pauline Siddons (25:54); Josh Bradshaw (26:00); Alison Attard (26:37); Steve Tinson (27:12); Jeanette Sanderson (27:20); Ian McKenzie (27:28); Simon Goldfinch (27:29); Sarah Fogg (27:39); Anushka Howell (28:00); Peter Green (28:22); Ravinder Sihera (28:22); Bethany Sumner (28:46); Alan Kirby (31:06); Dave Dando (31:21); Alex Fogg (32:17); Grant Oliver (32:22) and Cheryl Slater (32:24).

June 19th - North Downs Run
In this weekend’s North Downs Run, 30K of Kent’s finest off road running hosted by Istead & Ifield Harriers, Maidenhead AC’s Gerry Killen finished in a time of 02:48:49.

June 3rd - Princes Risborough 10k
On Sunday Maidenhead AC’s Clyde and Penny McCrabbe ran in the Princes Risborough 10k. On a very warm day on an undulating course, Clyde finished in a time of 46.05 and was placed 79th overall. Penny completed the course in 40.30 and was 2nd lady.

June 29th - Summer 5k Series
Maidenhead AC hosted the 4th race in the Summer 5K Series at Braywick sports ground on Wednesday 29th June. Aside from a brief shower, the weather was kind to both runners and the numerous MAC helpers who, as always, ensured the event was a success. With plenty of local encouragement, Laurence Miles put in an impressive sprint finish to ensure a home win for the host club, finishing in 16mins 56 seconds. Next home for MAC was Ross Arthur in a personal best time of 19 minutes (1st junior), closely followed with another best ever time by Chris McEwen (19.12). The outstanding MAC performance of the evening came from Polly Batstone who ran 20.45 to finish 1st junior girl - a time that many seniors would be proud of and showing great promise for the future. Full MAC results: 1st Laurence Miles 16.56 15th Ross Arthur (1st junior boy) 19.00 17th Chris McEwen 19.12 21st David Burrow-Newton (2nd junior boy) 19.19 23rd Martin Tomkins 19.22 28th Alex Keys (3rd junior boy) 19.40 49th Laurence Young 20.35 53rd Polly Batstone (1st junior girl) 20.45 55th Jacob Tinson 20.50 61st James Griffiths 21.09 82nd Sam Goldfinch 22.15 135th Josh Bradshaw 24.22 157th Alex Thompson 25.55 162nd Steve Tinson 26.14 168th Bethany Sumner 26.51 (2nd junior girl)

July 3rd - Sam 10km
Running among a slow field in the Sam 10km on Sunday 3rd July, Maidenhead AC’s Joy Noad finished with a time of 46:13 to come 2nd female and 1st over 50

July 10th - New Forest 10
On Sunday 10th of July Maidenhead AC’s Sayeed Islam and Leonard Richardson ran the New Forest 10 mile hosted by the New Forest Runners at New Park Farm, Brockenhurst, Hampshire. Richardson finished in 1:05:05, while Islam ran a time of 1:12:15.

July 18th - Wycombe Half Marathon
At the Wycombe half marathon in drizzly conditions Andrew Pusey was first home for the club in a time of 1:36:15. Jeremy Lockett finished with a time of 1:44:31 just ahead of his wife Carolyn (1:46:21). Simon Emsley finished in 1:55:49 his fastest of the season.

July 19th - Datchet 5k
The rain held off for the last race of the 2011 summer 5K series and MAC runners again put out some fine performances around the Datchet course. Michael Hiscott dominated the race from start to finish and was in a class of his own, winning the event by more than a minute. Michael's time of 16.12 was also the fastest recorded time of the whole series, an excellent performance. Ross Arthur (Junior Boy), Bethany Sumner (Junior Girl) and Joy Noad (FV50) also claimed 1st place for MAC in their categories. Others also managed to finish the series with a flourish, recording their fastest times of the year: Greg Smith (20.56), Jeremy Lockett (21.24), Martin Palethorpe (22.23), Sarah Fogg (27.09), Alan Kirby (29.57) and Pete Ison (33.06).

July 24th - Down Tow Up Flow Half Marathon
Maidenhead AC’s Penny McCrabbe ran the Down tow up flow half marathon on Sunday. It is mainly off road and goes from Marlow to Windsor. It is a very scenic event and flat all the way but was still quite tough due to the terrain and the heat. Penny finished in less than 1:30:00 finishing in 1:29:47 and was 2nd lady home.

July 30th - Dorney Dash
Maidenhead AC fielded 16 athletes in Sunday’s Dorney Dash. Michael Hiscott and Mathew Davenport lead the club home in 3rd 4th place with times of 0:33:23 and 0:34:13 respectively. First lady home for the club was Kelly Burwood finishing in 68th place with a time of 0:40:21(3rd FV35). Pauline Siddons was first in her age group (FV65) in 0:54:38. The full results for Maidenhead AC were: Michael Hiscott 0:33:23 Matthew Davenport 0:34:13 Leonard Richardson 0:38:46 Richard Taylor 0:38:47 Kelly Burwood 0:40:21 Justin Coombs 0:40:55 Ross Arthur 0:42:48 Tim Bland 0:43:15 Sayeed Islam 0:43:48 David Burrow-Newton 0:43:53 Alan Russell 0:44:01 Emma Coombs 0:51:16 David Ridley 0:51:46 Pauline Siddons 0:54:38 Ravinder Sihera 0:58:26 Francoise Rogoszweski 1:03:26

July 31st - San Francisco Marathon
Simon Emsley ran the San Francisco marathon on 31 July, it was not as hilly as he thought it might be or as people feared. Emsley finished in a pedestrian 4:42, a nice scenic course over the Golden Gate Bridge returning to the start finish area through Golden Gate Park.

August 7th - Milland Valley Trail Race
On Sunday Liss Runners hosted the 13 mile Milland Valley Trail Race. It was a varied course through tracks, paths and quiet lanes in the beautiful countryside around the Hampshire village of Milland. Maidenhead AC’s Gerry Killen came home in a time of 01:54:20.

August 10th - 220 Triathlon Series Race 4
On Wednesday evening Maidenhead AC's Martin Tomkins competed in the 220 Triathlon Series Race 4 at Dorney and finished in a time of 1h10:20 for the 750m swim/20k bike/5k run fnishing 26th overall.

August 24th - Englefield 10K Run
Extended from last year's inaugural 8K distance, this charity-based event provides a looped course mainly on grass round the parkland grounds of the prestigious Englefield Estate near Theale. Despite the excellent weather conditions, the various uphill sections proved a real test for the runners. Six Maidenhead AC members took part led home by Jeremy Lockett (47.24), followed by Carolyn Lockett (51.56), John Rickman (52.09), Tom Murphy (61.48), Pauline Siddons (61.59) and Ravinder Sihera (65.21).

September 3rd - Le Touquet 10k
Maidenhead A C runners revived a modern tradition by returning to Le Touquet after a gap of 6 years. In searing heat seven MAC members took on the French challenge through the sand dunes and beautiful forest lanes. Coming out on top was Martin Palethorpe, running the race for the first time and recording a time of 48 mins 58 secs. Next was John Rickman in 50.38, with Will Smith coming back after injury with 52.07. Liz Kendall-Jones was also returning to competition and she ran a strong 66.47. Peter Hitching was next in clocking 70.25, just ahead of Pete Ison, who ran 70.42. Completing the seven-strong Maidenhead contingent was Zaf Alam in 80.07.

September 4th - Maidenhead Half Marathon
Maidenhead AC fielded a team of 13 runners in the inaugural Maidenhead half marathon. The race started in overcast and dry conditions which deteriorated to torrential rain by the time the race finished. First home for MAC was Penny McCrabbe in a time of 1:29:24 while first MAC man was Sayeed Islam in 1:34:40. Full MAC results are: Penny McCrabbe 1:29:24 Sayeed Islam 1:34:40 Martin Palethorpe 1:42:46 Clyde McCrabbe 1:43:22 Simon Young 1:46:43 Ellen Goldsmith 1:47:10 Nigel Patterson 1:47:51 Jeremy Lockett 1:49:41 Carolyn Lockett 1:49:42 Sarah Fogg 2:03:26 John Smith 2:08:30 Darryll Bressington 2:08:43 Thomas Murphy 2:14:11.

September 4th - Peppard 10K
Located in the Oxfordshire countryside west of Henley, the Peppard 10k run is a true multi-terrain event comprising footpaths, tracks, woodland, ploughed fields and short stretches of road, and an excellent course for those who favour mainly off-road events. A steady drizzle arrived just as the runners lined up for the start and persisted throughout, turning to much heavier rain for the slower competitors. Finishing in 32nd place in a field of 100, John Rickman was very satisfied with his time of 52.02.

September 4th - Newbury Triathlon
Maidenhead AC’s Simon Milford completed the Newbury triathlon in near monsoon conditions, and finished in 1:24:01, which took nearly 4 minutes off his personal best for that course.

September 11th - Wooburn Park 10K
There was success for Maidenhead AC runners at the Wooburn Park 10k, with Ross Arthur leading the team home and claiming first place in the junior men’s category, in a time of 44 minutes 26 seconds. Not to be outdone, Bethany Sumner was the first junior lady home in a time of 62:05. There were good performances also from Pauline Siddons and Tamara Harrison with times of 56:36 & 62:02 respectively.

September 11th - Reading Olympic Triathlon
Ellen Goldsmith of Maidenhead AC completed her first Olympic triathlon in Reading in the wind, with muddy and wet conditions. It was a 1500m swim in a lake with a crossing between 2 lakes at the end, followed by a 45km bike and then a 10km cross country run which was a bit hazardous. On was a slow but tricky course Goldsmith finished in a time of 03:23:17. Ellen finished 22nd in her category raising £200 for Kingston Women’s Centre.

September 11th - Chiltern Marathon challenge
On Sunday 11th, three intrepid MAC ladies, Alison Attard, Linda Fox and Anushka Howell set out to walk the 26.7 mile Chiltern marathon course. The weather was favourable, only 2 or 3 heavy showers, and they completed the "undulating" course, with 1006m of ascent and descent, in 8 hours 50min. One blister and some sore legs to report, but otherwise a most enjoyable day.

September 11th - Helford River Swim
MAC’s Nick Toeman completed the 4-mile Helford River swim without getting ill. His time was 2hrs 21mins (Nick was hoping for about 2;10) but it was a race with mostly young athletes (130 swimmers). He finished well down the field (I mean up the river) but probably first in his age group - and last for that matter! It was a lovely sunny day although windy, (choppy water), with no net tide assistance.

September 18th - Great North Run
On Sunday Maidenhead AC’s Leonard Richardson finished the Great North in a PB of 1:23:20.

September 18th - Medmenham 10
In ideal weather conditions, three Maidenhead AC members tackled the multi-terrain Medmenham 10-mile event alongside the Thames and up around the Hambleden valley, with constant changes of surface and gradient presenting a real challenge for the runners. The MAC contingents were all happy with their performances, led home by Jeremy Lockett in 1:22.06 with Carolyn Lockett and John Rickman finishing together in 1:29.29.

September 18th - Palace to Palace
In the annual cycling event which starts at Buckingham Palace, takes in the Embankment, Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park to finish close to Windsor Castle. Maidenhead AC’s Judi Jeffries completed the 45 mile course in a PB time of 3:57:33.

September 25th - Women’s 8K
Windsor Great Park Maidenhead AC’s Tamara Harrison and Pauline Siddons ran the race at the weekend finishing together in a time of 47.08. It was a warm and enjoyable day, despite the hills.

September 25th - Windsor Half Marathon
On a very warm day, Leonard Richardson lead Maidenhead AC home in a time of 1:26:33 followed closely by Will Burkett, who finished in 1:27:42. The Full MAC result was; Leonard Richardson 1:26:33 Will Burkett 1:27:42 Ian Crabtree 1:34:07 Sayeed Islam 1:37:58 Ravi Bansal 1:39:20 Andrew Pusey 1:45:08 Nigel Patterson 1:51:25 Stuart Cardono 1:58:07 Giovanni Fester 1:57:58 Lidia Fester 2:04:00.

October 2nd - Basingstoke Half Marathon
On 2 October Maidenhead Athletic Club’s Alison Attard ran consistent 10 minute miles to complete her 35th half marathon in 2:11:00 on a very hot day. The course was hilly with very few flat sections, but very scenic, through the villages of north Hampshire. The organisation was faultless, the support from the villagers amazing and the hosepipes very welcome!

October 2nd - South Bucks 10K
Pauline Siddons ran the South Bucks 10k race at Black Park on Sunday. The race finished in Black Park, but it was a two lap course on roads. Really nice course and luckily most of the race was in the shade, so it didn’t get too hot. Siddons finished in a time of 54.29; first in the women’s over 65 category.

October 8th - Chiltern League Race 1, Wigmore Valley, Luton
MAC had a good turnout for the first Chiltern League Cross Country fixture at Wigmore Valley, Luton on Saturday 8th October ’11 in more seasonable conditions than the scorching temperatures enjoyed the previous weekend! The course was fairly flat with minimal inclines and so eased some of the new recruits to the team gently into off-road racing. The juniors were well represented, particularly in the under 13 girls age group with Polly Batstone being the first MAC runner home in 9th position. Polly was supported by Eliza Barding 25th, Grace Goldfinch 32nd and Toni Dibley 36th. The girls’ team finished 5th overall. Abbie Jones and Jessica Dibley battled round in the under 11 girls race to finish 14th and 52nd respectively (combined division 1 and 2), both promising performances. The junior boys also started the series well with Alex Keys (22nd) and Sam Goldfinch (23rd) in the under 17 men’s race and Lawrence Young (28th) in the under 15 boys age group. Rob McEwen was first MAC member home in the Senior Men’s race, finishing in 17th place overall (13th Senior). Rob was joined by a few new faces in the team including Will Ganley (18th Senior), Julien Gray (30th Senior), David Burrow-Newton (7th Under 20) and Michael Hill (6th M50). Chris McEwen also made a good start to the season finishing 29th Senior with Justin Coombs chasing close behind in 33rd. The men’s team were 6th in division 2. The Senior Ladies also fielded a full team with Kelly Burwood coming home in 6th place overall (2nd V35), Laura MacGregor making her debut in 25th (9th Senior), Sue McEwen following closely in 28th (2nd V55) and Emma Coombs completing the team in 35th (13th Senior). The ladies team was 4th, a promising start to the season.

October 9th - Henley Half Marathon
Three Maidenhead AC runners took part in the Henley Half Marathon at the weekend. Simon Young finished in a time of 1:50:46, 5 minutes outside his PB. The full MAC result was; Justin Coombs 1:39:54 Greg Marsh 1:43:52 Simon Young 1:50:46.

October 9th - Chester Marathon
It was the first Chester Marathon to be held on the new course, starting out from Chester Racecourse and heading into North Wales along the course of the River Dee through stunning countryside. The course proved to be mostly flat, with just a few undulations to keep the runners on their toes. The weather gave near perfect running conditions and only a short section heading into the wind at the halfway point. Sayeed Islam ran a superb race to finish with a pb of 3:36:21 while David Pearce finished in 4:20:00.

October 9th - Chicago Marathon
MAC’s Leonard Richardson ran the Chicago marathon on Sunday. After running a strong first half of the race the heat got the better of him and he finished in 3:10:19. It was a great event with enthusiastic crowds and 45000 runners but even on a fairly flat course the severe hot weather conditions were not ideal.

October 29th - Snowdon Marathon
On Saturday Maidenhead AC’s Sayeed Islam and David Pearce ran the Snowdon Marathon. It was a beautiful course but brutal conditions - torrential rain and gale force winds from start to finish, which made an already daunting challenge even harder. With a total ascent of nearly 3,000 feet it was tough going up, but also equally hard on the way down - at mile 24 there is a 1,000 foot descent in little over half a mile on rocky paths. Sayeed finished in 4hrs 4mins, and David in 4hrs 36mins.

October 30th - Great South Run
On Sunday, Leonard Richardson of Maidenhead AC completed the Great South Run in 1:04:02.

November 6th - Marlow Half Marathon
The weekend’s weather was perfect for running and first home for Maidenhead AC was Penny McCrabbe in 01:31:24. First male home for MAC was Matt Sinnott in a time of 01:33:02. The full Maidenhead result was: Penny McCrabbe 01:31:24, Matt Sinnott 01:33:02, Gerald Killen 01:42:33, Sayeed Islam 01:43:04, Nigel Patterson 01:45:16, David Pearce 01:46:15, Neil Bennet 01:46:36, Greg Marsh 01:47:05, Gareth Ralphs 01:48:24, Jeremy Lockett 01:48:42, Carolyn Lockett 01:49:28, David Waugh 01:57:59, Cheryl Slater 02:26:14.

November 12th - Chiltern Cross Country League
18 MAC members travelled to Cassiobury Park, Watford on Saturday 12th November for the second race of the Chiltern Cross Country League series. Although the weather was kind, the course was tough and full of long, slow inclines and sometimes steep descents. MAC runners performed well in this league which is of a high standard and seems to be indicating resurgence in off-road events - the league organisers reported a record 160 competitors in the ladies race (combined divisions 1 and 2) and the men’s race was similarly well-supported with its highest number of finishers since 1988. Two of the junior girls squad were shining examples of positive mental and physical toughness with excellent performances in their races. Polly Batstone finished in 8th place in the U13 girls race and Abbie Jones had a storming run in the U11 event, finishing 16th out of 71 finishers. Jonathan Otun was 27th in the U13 boys race and Ross Arthur, Sam Goldfinch and Alex Keys battled round the 6.5K U17 event, finishing 20th, 22nd and 23rd respectively. MAC had full teams out in both senior races with the ladies team finishing 5th overall and the men coming in 6th. Louise Coxon made her Cross Country debut for MAC and finished a creditable 13th (6th V35). Louise was joined by Kelly Burwood who again finished 6th (1st V35), Sue McEwen 31st (3rd V55) and Emma Coombs 36th (12th Senior). Rob McEwen was first home for MAC in the men’s race in 21st (15th Senior), followed by Will Burkitt 31st (21st Senior), Chris McEwen 41st (29th Senior), Justin Coombs 50th (32nd Senior), Leonard Richardson 62nd (14th V40), Martin Tomkins 63rd (36th Senior), Michael Hill 76th (7th V50) and Simon Goldfinch 111th (25th M40). After 2 races, MAC is 7th team overall in division 2 out of 19 teams.

November 13th - Thames Valley Cross Country League
Seven MAC runners took part in the Thames Valley Cross Country League on Sunday 14th November at Datchet. The course was partly tarmac paths and partly field tracks, and altogether almost dry - the weather was glorious for the traditional Remembrance Sunday event. Laurence Miles was first home for MAC, finishing in an excellent 6th place overall. Laurence was followed by Chris Taylor in 33rd, Paul Bradshaw 118th, John Rickman 189th, Gervase Foley 304th, Pauline Siddons 311th and Hayley Jewell 314th.

November 20th - Rugged Radnage 10k
The Chiltern village of Radnage hosted a multi-terrain 10K event organised by the local School PTA. The weather which greeted the runners was damp patchy fog, but this cleared and generally good conditions were experienced over a course comprising minor roads, extensive woodland paths and open field tracks with a couple of stiff hill climbs included. Whilst the MAC contingent was led home by Jeremy Lockett in 49.24, Helen Tozer showed her strength over the final uphill section to finish in a time of 52.38 followed by Carolyn Lockett in 53.16 (2nd FV50) and John Rickman in 54.11.


November 27th - Eynsham 10k
There was a good showing of Maidenhead AC athletes at Sundays Eynsham 10k race. It was run in sunny but windy conditions on a mainly flat course. First home for Maidenhead was Robert McEwen in a time of 36:32 followed by his brother Christopher in 40:28. Sam Goldfinch, one of MAC’s juniors, ran his first race at this distance finishing in an impressive 46:08 and was third home for the club. Another junior, Bethany Sumner posted a pb of 58:47, there was also a pb for Tamara Harrison of 56:51. The full Maidenhead results were: Robert McEwen 36:32, Christopher McEwen 40:28, Sam Goldfinch 46:08, Susan McEwen 49:02, Bruce McEwen 51:44, Simon Goldfinch 52:55, Ian McKenzie 54:50, Pauline Siddons 56:33, Tamara Harrison 56:51, Bethany Sumner 58:47.

November 27th - Thames Valley Cross Country
The third event in the winter series took place at Hawley Common hosted by Sandhurst Joggers. The course over heathland was not only dry but mostly flat, and bathed in sunshine. For MAC, Laurence Miles ran superbly again to finish 7th and was followed in the men's team by Paul Bradshaw (95th), Jeremy Lockett (107th) and John Rickman (147th). Carolyn Lockett was the lone lady member taking 32nd place.

December 3rd - Chiltern Cross Country
The MAC team was hit by illness, Christmas/wedding festivities and parking problems on Saturday 3rd December but was well-represented by those that made it to the start line for the third Chiltern League Cross Country event of the season. The course was challenging with long inclines and a fair amount of mud underfoot which, together with the blustery wind, gave all competing plenty to think about. First off for MAC was the quietly determined Abbie Jones in the Under 11 girls race. Abbie, who is running consistently well in this league, battled round the 1500m course to finish in a fine 17th position overall. The only other female representative for the club was Toni Dibley in the Under 13 event. Toni did not let the conditions dampen her enthusiasm and came home strongly in 34th. Toby Ralphs did really well to complete his race after struggling with illness this week; Toby finished 49th in the Under 11 boys event. Also running for the juniors was Lawrence Young in the Under 15 boys race. Lawrence put in a good performance to finish in 24th place. In the senior men's race, Justin Coombs and Simon Young ran strongly over the 9km course. Justin finished a fine 42nd overall (21st senior) and Simon followed in 90th (32nd V40), a promising start for Simon in his first cross country event.

December 11th - Thames Valley Cross Country League
Three MAC stalwarts rose to the challenge of the toughest Sunday League cross-country event hosted by Handy Cross Runners. Taking place in Bradenham Woods near Naphill, the course comprises a succession of hilly ups and downs but this year without the usual quantity of mud due to the recent drier weather. Paul Bradshaw (42.51) took the honours in 84th place, followed by Nigel Patterson (45.02) 103rd and John Rickman (47.01) 127th. With just 3 men present and no ladies, MAC again occupied the last team position.

December 18th - Thames Valley Cross Country League
On a cold but sunny morning 7 MAC runners were at the start line for the 5th TVXC Sunday League event at Bearwood College near Sindlesham over a 2-lap course comprising woodland and open playing fields. Laurence Miles led the men's team home in 11th place (1st Vet) in a time of 37.30 with support from Paul Passey 75th (43.41), Nigel Patterson 119th (46.59), Jeremy Lockett 122nd (47.09) and John Rickman 148th (49.48). In the ladies' team were Carolyn Lockett 50th (52.47) and Alison Attard 94th (62.30).

December 18th - Portsmouth Marathon
Three MAC runners completed the 2nd running of the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon yesterday. Sayeed Islam and Andrew Pusey ran strongly to finish together in 3.36, with David Pearce finishing in 4.16. The course was flat, but challenging underfoot, with most of the route taking in a mixture of grass, shingle and mud based trails going from Portsmouth seafront around Langstone Harbour to Hayling Island and back. With temperatures barely above freezing for the duration of the run all three were pleased with their times.

December 17th - Black Park 5k park run
A total of 19 Maidenhead Athletic Club junior & senior athletes competed in the weekend’s Black Park 5k Parkrun. Star performance came from 12 year old Polly Batstone who led the MAC contingent home and claimed second female place over all with a personal best time of under 21 minutes. Whilst 9 year old Abbie Jones likewise claimed a pb with a magnificent sub 24 minute finish. Keeping it in the Goldfinch family, Father Simon, son Sam and daughter Grace all achieved personal bests as did 11 year old Jessica Williams. Times for all MAC athletes were: Polly Batstone (20:58), Nigel Patterson (21:46), Sam Goldfinch (22:01), James Griffiths (22:15), Jeremy Lockett (23:17), John Rickman(23:23), Carolyn Lockett (23:47), Abbie Jones (23:57), Will Burkitt (24:59), Grace Goldfinch (25:09), Simon Goldfinch (25:21), Eliza Harding (26:40), Pauline Siddons (28:06),Antonia Dibley (28:48), Jessica Williams (28:59), Tamara Harrison (29:01), Ravinder Sihera (29:12), Megan Williams (37:40) and Timothy Williams (37:41).