Marston Forest 5K

2007

Race Directors Report

On Friday, 22 June 2007 Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers proudly hosted the 3rd annual Marston Forest 5K.

Race officials gathered to finalise the detail and on-line entries closed at 274; a new record. There was a detectable feeling of anticipation and thankfully a grim weather forecast wasn't realised.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Marston Forest 5K is the way that it appeals to a very broad spectrum of people. For 2007, these included:

•  almost 50% unattached

•  established club and county athletes who are capable of scorching the distance and, in the case of Jane Preen (MKAC; 17:35), setting a new Ladies Course Record.

•  ladies who are more familiar with "Race For Life" events

•  over 90% of entrants attended, which is exceptionally high

•  a shed load of family and friends

Also, having gathered breath and cheered their pals many grabbed the opportunity to chill at the BBQ, enjoy a beer and swap stories until dusk.

Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers wish to thank the Forest Centre for their continued interest and support, and in particular Guy Lambourne and Alexis Pym.  Also, we very much appreciate the contribution of our partners, ARO Sports and Infinite Images, who made it so much easier to deliver a quality event.

Last but not least, our thanks goes out to everyone, and in particular the marshals, backroom staff and county officials, who gave their time and grabbed the opportunity to stage an excellent evening. The feedback on Runner's World is much appreciated and thank you for the kind words about the marshals - we aim to please.

We hope that you, the athletes enjoyed the race and achieved your goals, and we look forward to seeing you at the Flyers next offering, the Ampthill Trophy, which is on Sunday, 21 October.

Stephen Hartley

Race Director

ps the course is due to be completely re-surfaced which will make the 2008 Marston Forest 5K even quicker. One for a Pb me thinks!

Race Report

On Friday 22nd June, despite the threat of dark cloud from above, the rain held off in honour of a myriad of runners from elite to the beginner for the 3rd Annual Marston Forest 5K.

At 7.15pm the road to the Forest Centre was closed to allow full access to the throng of 374 runners that would be making their way all jostling to get a prime race position. At 7.30pm Andy Atherton Start Director, called everyone to order and the race commenced. Guided by lead bikes, the leaders took an early fast pace given the flat course. As families and friends gave cheers of encouragement in the first kilometre, all runners gave a salute as they passed what would be the finish line in just 4 kilometres.

Course record holder of 15:01 Matt Janes (Bedford & County) jostled with co-club runner James Lawler for prime position and ultimately won coming in at a time of 15:07 with James at his heels coming in at 15:24. Combining their first and second position, with that of Matt Raw also from Bedford & County saw the Men's Team Prize well and truly taken. Putting in a sterling finish in third position was Peter Benedickter, running for Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers with a time of 16:01 just shy of sub 16 minutes giving him a U17 course record.

In the ladies race Jane Preen of Marshall Milton Keynes AC came in at 17:35, slicing 15 seconds off the course record originally set in 2005.

Followed shortly after by Phillippa Prescott (18:29) of Bedford and County and Carla Fisher (19:11) of Bedford Harriers. Joined by the rest of her team mates, Deb Orvington and Julie Dalzell, Marshall Milton Keynes AC claimed the Ladies Team Prize.

In its third year, the Marston Forest 5K, continues to be a 5K which brings value to both the novice and the professional runner.