Beverley AC Celebrate Their Achievements

Members of Beverley Athletic Club gathered at Tickton Grange Hotel last Saturday to celebrate their achievements in 2009.

In an Oscar style presentation ceremony trophies were awarded to runners in recognition of success, improvement, dedication and commitment.

Well-respected local athlete and former Beverley AC member Darran Bilton presented the prizes.

The coveted Runner of the Year trophy was won by James Pearson, Beverley AC’s current star male runner.  Since joining the club 2 years ago, Pearson has enjoyed considerable success.  He has been the first Beverley runner to finish in numerous road races and has achieved a series of personal best times.  He has also represented his club in the English, National and County cross-country championships and has been a reliable and consistent member of the cross-country team in the East Yorkshire Cross-Country League.  His award was richly deserved.

Julie Donald was runner-up in this category.  She won all four distance trophies as the fastest lady over 10 km, 10 miles, half and full marathon distances.  This is the first time that all four titles have been held by one person and is a fantastic achievement for Julie who is a longstanding club member.

Darren Williams, James Pearson, Jonathan Leskiewicz and Ian Boardley were awarded trophies as the fastest men at these distances.

Competition for the male performance of the year trophy was very strong.  Nominations included Mike Blamires who had completed the Marathon des Sables, a 151-mile endurance event spread over 6 days in the Sahara Desert, and Charlie Culpan who completed the Paras 10-mile challenge carrying a 35lb bergen.  However the award went to Pete Watkinson who ran an amazing 105 miles in the Hull 24-hour race at Costello Stadium.

Jayne Dale received the trophy for the best female performance of the year for her excellent run in Pocklington’s Snake Lane 10.  She covered the 10 mile course in 1 hour 17 and finished in a commendable 5th position in her age group.

The prize for the best female performance in a marathon went to Tanwen Gray.  Only seven months after giving birth and competing in her very first marathon, Gray finished the Edinburgh Marathon in an excellent time of 3 hours 47 minutes.

Club veterans Kay Farrow and Steve Peacock took the titles for most improved runners and Peacock also won the male marathon performance award for running the Abingdon Marathon in 2hours 52 minutes.

Lucy Stamford and Andy Johnson were voted the most promising new members.

In the club handicap series Kay Farrow was the winner and Sam Allen and Andy Grainger were awarded trophies for second and third positions.

Seven members were recognised for winning individual handicap races.  Steve Peacock, Kay Farrow and Tim Simpson all won two handicap races and Tina Wardropper, Elaine Julian, James Pearson and Steve Hadley each won one.

Popular club member Steve Hadley also won the club 10k handicap prize and Andy Johnson and Elaine Julian were second and third.

Special awards were presented to Helen Storr and Rob Reid for their commitment and dedication to leading speed training sessions for club members.

Sam Allen’s dedication as a runner and as a highly efficient kit secretary were rewarded with the Club Member of the Year Trophy.

After a year in which he had improved significantly and come close to winning a number of categories, Pete McNally was awarded the wooden spoon.

After the more serious prize categories members were entertained by a number of amusing special awards.

Steve Hadley’s vocal support to club mates at the end of races was rewarded with a special award of Club Midwife of the Year.  In recognition of his encouraging shouts of “Push, come on, push!” he was presented with a pair of rubber gloves.

Olly Johnson who had run the Beverley Fun Run and 10K dressed in a Bertie the Beaver costume was presented with a cuddly beaver in recognition of his achievement.

Tim Simpson received the award for the best excuse.  After ignoring advice on the best route to take to a cross-country race, Simpson got stuck in deep snow in a dip at Fridaythorpe and had to be towed out by a tractor.  He missed the race and everybody had a laugh at his expense as he was presented with a toy tractor.

The Early Bath Award went to John Boardley who slipped on stones crossing the river in the Langdale End cross-country race and fell in.  His prize was a towel.

The very enjoyable evening was rounded off with dancing to Sean Finch and the Street Band.

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