Club Magazine:-
Published quarterly Feb May Aug Nov
Editor – Peter Graham
Articles & letters for inclusion should be with the Editor two weeks before publication date.

Don Thompson M.B.E. passed away on 4th October 2006 at the age of 73 as the result of a brain aneurysm. Peter Sargeant and Edwin Bartlett represented the 100 Marathon Club at the civil [humanitarian] ceremony to celebrate Don’s life on Wednesday 18^th October 2006 at the Park Crematorium, Aldershot. Many representatives were there from The Centurion Club [people who had walked 100 miles in under 24 hours]. On Don’s coffin were family flowers, his 1960 Olympic Gold Medal, his M.B.E. and a cup given to him in the 1990’s to commemorating walking [and running ] 100,000 miles [apparently he did 30,000 miles since then]. Don completed over 150 Marathons with a personal best of 2hr 51min. Don never joined the 100 Marathon Club but was well known to and hignly regarded by many members.

His claim to fame was winning gold in the 1960 Rome Olympics for race walking. Hardly the most fashionable of sports, but Don was voted the Sports Writers’ Association Sportsman of the Year, the only race walker ever to win the honour.

He had trained for the Olympics in 100-degree heat... in his bathroom. He used heaters and kettles of boiling water to reproduce the conditions he expected to encounter in Rome. Four years earlier he had collapsed three miles from the finish in the Melbourne Games and was determined not to allow the same thing to happen again. His planning worked to perfection. The abiding memory of the 1960 Olympics was the sight of Thompson entering the stadium to win in a then Olympic record time of 4hr 25min 30sec, wearing a peaked cap with a hanky stitched on the back by his mum to protect him from the heat. The Italians dubbed him "Il Topolino" – The Mighty Mouse.

He made another small slice of history in 1991 when - at the age of 58 years and 89 days - he became the oldest athlete to represent Britain, racing in a 200km event in France.

Don walked or ran daily from the 1940’s getting up and going out 4 a.m. In 1983 he broke his collar-bone during the Thanet Marathon. However, he still wanted to do his early morning training but, as could not tie his shoelaces and his wife Maggie objected to getting up at 4a.m. to tie them for him, she allowed him to go to bed with his running shoes on providing he kept them outside the duvet.

One day in September Don did his usual training run, came home, wrote in his training diary [did not mention feeling ill], went into the bathroom and collapsed. He was in Frimley Park Hospital in a coma for four weeks before he passed away.

Those who want a hard copy of the Newsletter please let me know.

Final reminder! The 100 Club AGM Handicap Marathon is on the 17^th December. Everyone has a chance of winning! Over 50 members have already entered so it will be a chance to catch up with those you may not have met recently. Please do not leave it to the last minute to enter. We need time to calculate your handicap start time. For this we need you to give us your last seven road marathon times. Without a handicap time you may run but cannot compete or win!

We also need volunteers to help with marshalling etc.

The marathon will be followed by the AGM due to start at 2.30pm. Two committee members are not standing for re-election. We need volunteers to stand for election to the committee.It’s your Club! Please help take the Club forward in 2007. Fill in the nomination form in the Notice of AGM and send to me. We also need someone to volunteer to take over the sale of kit.

If you are interested in completing the UK and Ireland Counties Lists Peter Burns would be happy to receive them. Those who achieved the initial target of 50 counties will be presented with a certificate at the AGM.

We are not getting much feedback from members on what we should be doing to improve the Club. We would be happy to listen to any suggestions you may have.

Peter Graham: Editor

As we approach the end of the 2^nd year of my Chairmanship, the Club is still gaining strength as more and more enquiries are coming in about membership. Nearly every week I find out about prospective members, who are striving toward, or in some cases have already achieved, that magic 100.

These are the members who broke through the 100 barrier in 2006.

No doubt that Pam & Brian may disagree, but I can’t believe they bettered the celebrations that Linda enjoyed in Munich, including a conga finish of 17 members and friends!

Other milestones achieved in 2006 were:

Directly before the AGM this year we introduce another competition to go with the UK & Ireland Challenge and Photo of the Year, in the guise of the 100 Club AGM Handicap Marathon. See later sections for details of all these activities.

I’m pretty sure that the biggest single factor in getting the Club seen and recognised is the new kit range. Especially important is of course the vest, which is being seen in marathon after marathon. While a lot of us are still 2^nd claim, once we get abroad outside the UK’s jurisdiction, we tend to wear our 100 Club kit, which is so effective. Sweatshirts and Fleeces have recently been introduced to the Club range, and hopefully one day, a jacket.

Trips are now getting so frequent it’s hard to keep track, and certainly apologies go out to anyone who has missed out. In some case there has to be a limit, then it has to be first come, first served. Night of Flanders/Leiden; St Petersburg; Somme; Dutch Double & Kasterlee all got into double figures, as will the forthcoming marathons at Benidorm & Calvia.

Lastly in my opening gambit, if you haven’t already entered the 100 Club AGM Handicap Marathon, there is still time. We can’t stop you leaving straight after, but just remember that the idea was to get a good attendance at the AGM that follows.

This is the thing that takes most of my time, and I really could do with some help. I’ve been lucky to have some time on my hands lately, but that will not always be the case. If you think you can help in anyway, please let me know.

A special thanks to Dave Farthing of the Spartans. He is only a wannabe wannabe, but has done a great job in updating the Photo Gallery. That said, most of the photos are supplied by me, so come on you lot, it’s not that difficult in the age of the Digital camera, so send in the odd photo.

One thing that hasn’t really worked is the Forum. Perhaps this might if someone was prepared to help take this forward. The ‘forum’ can still be accessed from its own button on the left. You will need to key a user-id and passport. To start with this will be the same for all. This is intended to be a members’ only section, so please do not pass on the details to non members. User id: 100Clubber, password: Alaska - both are case sensitive!! Obviously we would appreciate if comments are appropriate, non-offensive and clean!

In overall terms the 2 things I use all the time are the foreign marathon links, accessed via the ‘links’ button, and the UK marathon list, accessed via the ‘events’ button. The foreign marathons are split geographically into 3 regions and kept in date sequence within each region. The UK list includes all the marathons in the competition plus any of the trail marathons that meet the rules. If it’s not on the list, it may not count, so do check with us.

The new 100 Marathon Club Medal

A new 100 Marathon Club medal is now available to all members who attain full membership. This is a package that includes the items below. New members will be expected to purchase the whole package for £25, while existing full members can upgrade and pay according to what they have.

The prices are: £25.00 - New full member package (total of figures below)

£4.50 - New Medal Centre, £8.50 - 87mm medal, £3.50 – ‘100’ Pin **, £5.00 - Medal Box, £3.50 – Engraving.

The standard engraving is: 
"Congratulations
Member Name
100 Marathons
Somewhere Marathon
Date"

We also have pins from ‘200’ thru to ‘600’, which may be purchased at £3.50 (+50p postage if required), but only after a list has been vetted.

Don’t forget that all the contact email addresses have a purpose, so do use them. Using the addresses below gives you a better chance of getting through to the correct person, especially when I’m not around.

As previously stated, in most cases the recipient will reply from his/her personal email, but that’s fine, as you have now made contact with the appropriate person.

Use 'contact us' link on left for email addresses:

The Committee of the 100 Marathon Club would like all members to know that the AGM will be held immediately following the 100 Club AGM Handicap Marathon held in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. Elections will be held for the three Officers and three Committee Members. All three Officers and one Member of the current Committee are standing for re-election.

We would like you to consider whether you would like to serve as an Officer or Committee Member. You may nominate yourself. Nominations must be submitted to me on or before 1 December 2006 in writing. You may submit a brief statement on why you wish to be on the Committee. This will be sent out with the agenda and voting form.

Additional business will be conducted as set forth in the Club Constitution.

Any resolution for consideration at the AGM must be submitted to me in writing on or before 1 December 2006.

Following receipt of nominations for the committee and resolutions for consideration at the AGM an agenda and voting form will be issued. If not attending the meeting in person you will be able to email your vote to "email address" or post to 100 Marathon Club c/o 2 Trinity Court, Trinity Road, London N2 8JH to arrive no later than Friday 15 December.

I, _______________________, would like to stand for election to the committee as _____________________
    Chairman / Secretary / Treasurer / Committee Member

Signed____________________________________

I would like to serve on the committee because: __________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

post to 100 Marathon Club c/o 2 Trinity Court, Trinity Road, London N2 8JH

4. Club Statistics – by Roger Biggs

At the time of going to press I had received lists from 115 members, that’s 30 more than the last publication. Ok, many have not kept their lists up to date, but we are still going in the right direction. We have said it’s not compulsory for previous members, but of course we would prefer that you did. We want to be the UK encyclopaedia of marathon running, and be able to say without contradiction that the figures quoted are correct, so if you can find your way to producing a list, that would be great!

While I will pick up results from the Internet, it is your responsibility to keep me up-to-date after I’ve had the original lists. This is why I encourage spreadsheets, so that you can just add new races on the bottom and re-send. If this is not for you, telephone; text; bits of paper; anything will do.

Robert Tinnyunt is in hospital after collapsing during a run. The 100 Marathon Club wish him a speedy recovery.

Peter Graham was in Mystic Place Connecticut USA adding another US State to his list when he noticed a runner who was NOT wearing a top. It was none other than Leon Moss. He is travelling around the USA in a camper van.

Michael Faraday who has been running Marathons for as long as we can remember has decided to call it a day and will no longer run Marathons.

6. Club Competitions

This perpetual trophy will go to the member who completed the most road marathons in the UK and Ireland during 2006. The winner gets to keep the Shield for one year, and also receives a small trophy to keep, as do the runners-up.

The first 5 in the competition will be recognised, plus 1 extra if all of the 1^st 5 are of the same gender. A reminder of the 2005 winners. Including one Saturday/Sunday double it was possible to complete 24 qualifying marathons. The winner managed 20!

1^st – Colin Longworth (20)
2^nd – Brent Iddles (18)
3^rd= - John Dawson (14)
3^rd= - Steve Edwards (14)
5^th= - Martin Bush (13)
5^th= - Danny Kay (13)
1^st Lady – Selina Da Silva (12)

On a fairly regular basis (there are not enough photos to do this every month) a ‘photo of the Month’ is chosen and posted accordingly on the website. The committee will select a ‘photo of the year’ from these. The winner will receive a framed copy of the winning photo.

One extra stipulation in 2006 is that the photo must have been personally taken by a member, not a bought photo.

While there has been a limited response to this competition which is being overseen by Peter Burns, it was agreed that all members who qualify will be awarded a certificate at the AGM on December 17^th. See below.

All entrants will receive a handicap based on their last 7 road marathons, with the best and worst ignored. The maximum handicap will be 6 hours, with the clock starting at 08:00hrs. eg A person with a handicap of 4:10, will start at 09:50hrs. Yes you guessed it, you are all supposed to finish at 14:00hrs.

The first 3 finishers across the line irrelevant of gender will receive a trophy. The AGM will decide if this was an event we want to repeat and hence purchase a perpetual trophy.

The event headquarters are at Shephall Scout Hut in the Fairlands Valley area of Stevenage. This is the same venue as the popular Fairlands Valley Challenge. The course is a 3km loop around the park, with an out and back loop of 195m to make up the metric equivalent of 42.195km. There will be km markers at 1, 2 & 3km, so it will be like running in Europe! One advantage of a looped course is that there will be drinks available every 3km.

The elevation gain of each lap is somewhere around 25 to 30m. That makes a total between 350 & 420m, which is roughly equivalent to the Luton Marathon. There is however a rather nasty little climb you have to do 14 times!

Thanks to Peter & Leo Sargeant who have volunteered to be lap counters, and anyone else who has already volunteered. To meet the conditions of the park and the permit, we must have sufficient marshals on the course, so we are looking for more volunteers.

Entry Form and Maps attached below

So far only five people have let me have their records and four of those, including myself, are on the Club Committee. Three have achieved the magic 50 figure and so qualify for the special certificate (sample draft shown right) that will be presented at the AGM.

If you have been put off because you are not able to allocate races to counties in the last newsletter I included a table showing the races and their respective counties that were on the calendar in 2002.

Alternatively let me have your list of completed marathons and I will endeavour to allocate these and include you in the league table (see below, as at 5/06). You may be surprised at how many counties you have conquered. I was with my count. So come on, let’s be having you (to quote Delia Smith). 

*Anglesey, Channel Islands (each counts separately), Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Scilly Isles and Western Isles.

7. Forthcoming Events by Roger Biggs

All members (paid up for 2007) who are rejected for the London Marathon will be eligible to enter the ballot for the one Club place.

New Marathons are always of interest. The one we know about in 2007 is the return of a marathon that was last run in 1986. Next year the Windermere Marathon returns on May 20^th.

Stop Press: It has just been announced that the Cork Marathon returns on 4^th June 2007.

Superman is planning to hold his 50^th birthday marathon in Enfield, North London on 27^th May 2007.

If permission is received from the council the marathon (and a half and possibly relay) will take place Sun 27th May (bank holiday weekend) on the Mayor's 10km course starting at Forty Hall, Enfield adjusted to add the extra 2.2km. Described as "a mixture of grass, gravel, rough paths, road and mud over an undulating course".

On Sat 26th May will be a "fancy dress" superheroes fun run, distance not yet determined. John hopes there will be a marquee up overnight if runners want to bring sleeping bag/mat and kip.

UK, Ireland & Foreign Ultras Hyperlink may be website or email

Due to space restrictions to allow the AGM to be properly included, no Foreign Marathon links will be shown in this newsletter. The Website is constantly updated, however if you do not have access and would like a paper copy, please let us know.

8. 100MC Overseas Travel Club by Roger Biggs & Dave Major

The contact in club terms is the co-ordinator only, and cannot be held responsible for race cancellations or travel problems.

Personal insurance is advised.

All communications should commence to (see 'contact us' link on left , although subsequent emails will be to/from the individual co-ordinator.

Race Results by Roger Biggs

Due to space restrictions to allow the AGM to be properly included no Race Results will be shown in this newsletter. The Website is constantly updated, however if you do not have access and would like a paper copy, please let us know.

Eleven 100 Marathon Club members completed the classic Beachy Head / Snowdonia / Dublin triple recently.

Well done to everyone, especially to blind runner Paul Watts.

Times were:

The Triple – October 2006 – by Paul Watts

The final weekend in October found me doing something I had in the past, only dreamed about. For the first and possibly only time I was to set out to do three marathons in three days. I knew the weekend would involve a lot of training and a lot of time on my feet.

My weekend started by staying overnight with Martin Ilott, who was running the first of the three with me at Beachy Head. I pointed out to him that it seemed he did not choose an easy one to do with me, as the previous time I had run with him was at the Isle of Wight. The difference between the two was that Beachy Head is off-road and no problem with traffic and the weather where it had poured down from start to finish at the Isle of Wight.

On the morning of the run we arrived and started with everyone. The first thing we found was a steep grassy hill and from then on it was obvious that it would not be easy. I trotted and walked along and then at one point was running along a grassy bank where my right foot was higher up the bank than my left and it was getting painful. I got to the checkpoint at 12.2 miles and got my foot looked at, and after 10 minutes carried on. Around 14 miles I was asked how it was and I replied there was no problem.

All the way round I felt there was a slight constraint as the organisers had said that they would pull me out if I didn’t make the cut-off times, but I kept ahead of this all the way round. Around 15 miles my guide and I heard the race organiser shout at us, who was saying I would be the first blind runner to complete this event. I finally made it to the finish in 7:26:23. It was not a quick time, but I knew that I had done the hardest of the three races and that it should get easier from then. I had been lucky with the weather, as rain would have made the course very slippery.

After a good meal and a great night’s sleep I set off the following morning for Snowdon with John Dawson. He got me there in plenty of time and I met up with the two people who had arranged to get me round this one.

I started Snowdon almost an hour early since I knew that when we had finished we had to rush to get the ferry. The first people to catch us in the official starters did so around 8 miles, then we kept seeing people all the way. Brent had started with me by guiding me and Syd Wheeler ran along with us in case there was a problem, where it might need two people to get me through any tricky bits.

Although the footing was not always easy it was a lot easier than the previous day. My foot was not hurting at all and the worse bit was the wind, but even that was not as bad as the previous day had been. There was plenty of support at the drinks stations and everyone who passed me wished me luck as they could see from the sign pinned on my back that I was blind. The only really tricky bit in this run came around 22 miles to the finish where there were some very narrow stretches; some loose stones and towards the very end a very steep hill. It seemed that the majority of the hills we had climbed in the previous miles were all crammed into that one descent.

It had been hilly a lot the way round, but again the weather was fairly kind to us and there were some sounds of countryside to take your mind off of what you were doing, and of course other runners who were sometimes slower than us. I finally got to the finish line in 6:40:21 and then knew I had broken the back of the weekend’s attempt.

I met up again with John Dawson, and waited a short time for Brent before getting the Fast Ferry across to Dublin. The crossing was smooth, unlike the weather in previous years, as I had been told, certainly the bad weather of 2005. We got to Dublin and within a couple of hours were at the hotel, showered and ready to head out. A group of us all met up and went out to find food and to socialise and relax before the following days exertions. I finally got to bed around 10:30pm and slept straight through to the following morning when we got up and were out of our room by 7am. The hotel people laid on a light breakfast for us, then we put our bags in storage at reception before we made our way to the start. I was feeling good and knew within myself that nothing was going to stop me doing the three.

I started with the rest of the field, which numbered around 10,000. They said this was the largest field for the Dublin Marathon. All the way round we were passing people and the other runners were often being made aware that I was doing 3 marathons in 3 days and that I was the first blind runner to do it. It was not always me telling them, some of the time it was my guide and also at the beginning it was Superman (JohnWallace) and Supergirl (Pam Storey), as they were just ahead of us for a while.

The course was well lined most of the way with spectators, especially in the park. Although it was windy most of the time, the sun even deigned to make some fleeting appearances. I had been aiming to get under 6 hours for this one, and although John did his best to get me there, we were just outside this target. The further into the race the better I felt. I finally crossed the finish line in 6:01:56, as John let me finish before him, I then knew I had done what I set out to achieve. It was then off to help Pam celebrate her 100^th marathon, before getting a shower and back on the road to home.

The whole weekend went well and was planned really well. It has been the best weekend for some time and in terms of running the only one to top it would be my 100^th marathon back in 1999 at the now defunct Potteries.

Special thanks to my chaperones, Martin Ilott, Brent Iddles, Syd Wheeler & finally John Dawson. Also to Roger Biggs, for sorting some transport issues following the Beachy Head Marathon.

Tour de Mont Blanc – 24th August 2006 – by Mike Gaunt

Crossing the finish line in Chamonix was an experience I will never forget. Met Pam on the outskirts of town, but had no time to stop as sub 23hrs was possible. Charged down the High St, hundreds of people cheering me on, one final push and an almighty roar as I lurched over the line in 22hrs 59min 9 sec. Pre-race plan had a target time of 22:54 for this 86km event with 4600m ascent & descent so on the face of it a job well done without much hassle. Don’t you believe it! This was by far the toughest challenge I have ever undertaken.

Start at noon the previous day in Courmayeur on the Italian side of the Alps was in brilliant sunshine but we were warned to carry some cold weather gear as it had been snowing on Grand Col Ferret the previous night. A really enthusiastic Italian crowd cheered us on with much clonking of cow bells as we passed out of the town and climbed 800m over the next 5km to Refuge Bertone. At this stage everything was going according to plan, I had conservatively allowed 3km/hr for the climbs and reached the summit of Col Ferret at 2537m 40 min ahead of schedule. Here we were above the glaciers, the views were stunning but it was too chilly to hang around. Unfortunately the descent was too steep for me to have a relaxed run, each step demanded so much effort I was only just about making the planned 8 km/hr pace into La Peulaz. From here the next 20km was at a more gentle rate of descent over a variety of delightful mountain and woodland tracks until we crossed the Swiss border at Praz followed by a steady 400m climb using a head torch to Champex. Pam having managed the 3hr drive up hairpin bends on C category roads, was waiting with a change of kit and delighted to report I was a full 60min ahead of schedule.

Took a well earned 30min break, bowl of warm pasta, bread, cake, coke and coffee. The next few km were a delight, round the moonlit lake and down to the base of Bovine. Yes the same Bovine as in Bovine Spongiform Encelphalopathy, BSE, or as it is commonly known Mad Cow Disease, Very aptly named for it drove everyone to the verge of insanity. Not the longest but certainly the steepest ascent so far, crossing over several mountain streams interspersed with stretches of near vertical granite. In the light of day with fresh legs there may have been some way of running up here, but 12 hours into the event in the pitch black it was a case of using arms and legs to haul myself up each one of the 700m of this ascent. Gradually we climbed above the tree line for a fantastic view looking over the valley past Martigny. Then the fun started as the previous days snow had melted and the downhill stretch was a quagmire, every few minutes there was a blood curdling cry as someone lost their footing and went hurtling on their backside over the rocks to smash into the trees. This was a nightmare. The 20 km to checkpoint at Trient took over 5hrs, at 4:00am Pam had been wating for over an hour trying to warm herself by the heat from a raclette machine, watching the carnage arrive – blood, blisters and mud everwhere – many threw the towel in and were waiting for transport back to Chamonix.

Planned to take a 30 min break, but was only just on schedule so 5 min later back out again up another climb to Les Tseppes. As steep and long as Bovine but thankfully the track was dryer. Caught up with a crocodile of Frenchmen and dug in, sweat pouring off as I reached the summit at 1932m. The descent was painful and temperature seemed to drop as we crossed the border into France at Les Esserts. Waddled into checkpoint at Vallorcine and was thankful to leave 1 hr ahead of cut off for the final 15km into Chamonix. This could have been a gentle stroll down the valley but in the spirit of the event whenever it is possible to climb a hill to have a better view of Mont Blanc the organisers feel duty bound to give us the opportunity, so we "enjoyed" several more 200m climbs en route to the finish.

After much thought I have decided this was my last ultra race, there are a couple of reasons:

1.Completing 124 marathons & ultras has shown the brain how to get the body to perform feats it was not designed to achieve. It is one thing to put mind over matter for the last few miles of a marathon, but something else to force the last 10 miles of Chiltern 100, the last 15 mile of Northumberland 100 or indeed for the last 7 hrs it took me to get the 26km from Trient to Chamonix. In each of these cases I have been incredibly tired at the finish but unable to sleep, for as soon as I lie down I start violently shivering. Not sure what the medical term is but it is pretty clear what any member of the medical profession would suggest as a way of avoiding this state.

2. Last year I got from Chamonix to Courmayeur in 17hrs 30min. Even though it has taken 2 years I have completed the full Tour de Mont Blanc in 40hrs 30min. There is no other tougher challenge in the world that I have a hope of finishing!

When recovered enough I look forward to my Wednesday evening runs and hopefully the odd marathon, but this was definitely the last ultra.

Marburg Nachtmarathon und Halbmarathon – 14^th July 2006 – by Peter Burns

It’s hot in the summer, so when do you run? In the early morning or late evening, of course! I’ve never been one for getting up at the crack of dawn, so evening it is for me. And, if you are inclined to run a marathon, the "Nachtmarathon" in Marburg, an attractive university town in Germany,100 Kilometres North of Frankfurt is as good an event as any to try. The Marathon and Half start at seven o’clock in the evening, with a threatened five-hour cut-off time for the Marathon (and the Half as well, if you’re really, really slow). So, like Cinderella, you have to be over the finish line and home by midnight.

We registered on the internet and paid the €20 entry fee at registration. Organisation was efficient and straightforward. Entry was not over expensive but there were no added benefits, no goody bag and T-shirts cost €10.

The ninth running of the event this year was on 14 July. Mary and I travelled with 100 Marathon Clubmate, Tad Lancucki, to Hahn by Ryanair before going onto Frankfurt by bus and completing the last leg of the journey to Marburg by train. The runs start from the quaint Market Square halfway up the hill under the castle. We sampled the heat the World Cup players had to endure (according to the local press the temperature had "sunk" to 26 degrees at the start) and, even with extra time and penalties, the footballers were only out in the sun for a little over two hours!

German 100 Marathon Clubbers were out in force. We passed the time at the start with Jürgen Kuhlmey who, on this occasion, had left his private plane in the hangar and had, instead, travelled to Marburg on his top of the range motorbike. Tad ran most of the way with Heinrich Schütte and, of course, Horst Preisler, running in his thousand and umpteenth marathon, was also there. It goes without saying that Horst won his age category!

Although downhill, the first Kilometre was entirely over cobbles with the occasional step up or down, not an easy start. We then set out on a pleasant countryside loop that took us past the finish line at 11Km. Half Marathoners then had a single 10Km circuit along cycle paths and farm tracks, a route that Marathoners had to go round three times with an additional stretch on each lap to make up the required Kilometrage. Mary and I ran together up until 10Km though she was suffering badly from the heat so, like a good hubby, I left her to it and pressed on! She finished in a creditable 2 hours 19 minutes 44 seconds that meant she was 150^th female finisher and placed 4^th in her age category.

Drinks stations were every 5Km and were well stocked with water, isotonic drink, coke and cold tea. Although running apart it is significant that Tad and I both asked the same question at the first stop – Was there any beer? We both had the same response. One of the helpers produced a bottle from under the table. I politely declined but, predictably, Lancucki had a couple of bottles on the way round!

The sun was less intense from around an hour and half into the run, which took me to the 15 Kilometre mark. I was feeling good and maintained a metronomic 6min/Km pace to go through the half way mark in 2hours 7 minutes. I then kept up a reasonable pace for the next circuit. But, just as I was starting my final lap, I swallowed a fly, which seriously affected my progress. But a much more serious impediment was the approaching darkness, which made life extremely difficult for a visually challenged person like me. On isolated farm tracks I had to keep stopping to ensure I was following the directional arrows that had been so obvious in the daylight but that were now hardly visible in the dark. The fact I had been round the loop twice already was of no help whatsoever. I did come upon the odd German cyclist, invariably riding without lights, and the first I knew anyone was there was when they rang their bell and made me jump.

By the dim light of the moon, and reassured by the sight of the floodlight castle that I could see in the distance on the hill above Marburg, I managed to make it to the end. I came over the line on the University Sports Ground track in a time of 4 hours 34 minutes 41 seconds, the right side of midnight, 124^th overall and 9^th in the M55 category. The medal was distinctive and, with Teutonic efficiency, a detailed printed certificate was available within a couple of minutes of finishing. Now a beer or two was called for and there was enough of it, to wash down the German sausages that were also available.

As we made the short way back to the town I was ready for a hearty meal and had to be reminded that it was now an early hour of the morning and I was unlikely to find anywhere still open. I had to be content with chicken and chips from a take-away.

The Marathon was won by the German Kai-Uwe Bodenstein in a time of 2 hours 49 minutes 46 seconds. First lady was also German, Annette Sattler, who had a finishing time of 3 hours 38 minutes 38 seconds. There were 145 finishers with the last runner coming home in 5 hours 29 minutes 55 seconds, well over the published midnight deadline. 100 marathoners finished in the following times.

Volkmer Henke 3 : 52 : 46 (75^th)
Karl-Ernst Rösner 4 : 14 : 38 (103^rd)
Bernd Gaemlich 4 : 28 : 45 (120^th)
Peter Burns 4 : 34 : 41 (124^th)
Horst Preisler 4 : 43 : 29 (129^th)
Jürgen Kuhlmey 4 : 44 : 22 (130^th)
Tad Lancucki 4 : 49 : 09 (135^th)
Heinrich Schütte 5 : 09 : 03 (141^st)

The run is well organised and recommended and Marburg is an attractive town. Many of the German runners who had not been there before were pleasantly surprised by it. It is cheaper to travel mob-handed as the train ticket we had for three is valid for five people travelling together. There are also camping facilities next to the finish for those who want to avoid hotel costs. 

Fiestas in Cala En Porter Sept 2006 – by Robin Wilson

Another holiday in Cala en Porter, Minorca, my 26^th visit to the smallest of the Balearic Islands. The Bacardi and Coke visit coincided with the local Fiestas. The locals go mad, and much jollification for the three days of the celebration. Gallons of the local gin and bitter lemon, Pomanda, consumed.

The real purpose of my visit was to defend my Cala en Porter Fiestas Balearic Island over 65 Championship. Due to bad planning I arrived a week before the big race which would mean a belly full of Bacardi and Coke plus the odd gallon of local beer. With inner resolution and a plan of structured training sessions every morning I knew I could master the coming of the great racing day.

Sunday arrived, but due to first night drinking the well laid plans were postponed for one day, and on, and on, so to speak.

On the awaking day of Friday I had to do something. My body simply oozed with the degradations of Cala en Porter. On the gritty roads I trained, 7.30am and looking sharp and resplendent in my posing 100 Marathon Club vest. Too hard after 15 minutes, this will do, and I crept in through the back door of my holiday home in disgrace.

I knew it would be all right on the day, if a miracle happened, performed by the saint of Cala en Porter.

The Fiesta race day dawned, minus at least the night before of the dreaded bacardi just simple coke. No filling in of race entry forms on race day. Just by magic laptop Dot.com, forward slashes, have a slash and stuff. It was all very bewildering, when there was my time from previous years. I was bowled over, modern technology in backward Minorca.

My local supporters gathered, plus all the English people I was with and knew. Great things were expected of me after all the various stories I am inclined to tell, you all knew the form.

We all lined up, all the vets from 40 to 80, nodding to my Minorca farmer mate, who I had stripped of the Balearic Championship a few years ago. He was indicating to his Spanish mates that I had barged him out of the way to gain the Championship. Now would I do that?

Bang! And off we went. In a trice I thought I had passed wind or not showered for a week, as I was almost on my own. My Old Spanish rival was away.

Through the streets of my bodily abuse, for 26 reasons, and I was picking a few runners off including the old farmer and at least I had Ken behind me now, or I was being lapped by the leaders on the three lap course. Doing well even after a week of bodybuilding with alcohol injections through the mouth. Then I started retching, burping, gurgling and botty pooping plus other noises. Had to stop for a spew over the local hotel wall – well it needed decorating anyway. That felt better, as I made it through the start at the end of the first lap, my supporters realising I was a sprucer. Not lapped yet, but another decoration over the car park wall. Even after these involuntary stops there were still ten runners behind me, everyone else was out of sight. I hoped they were less than 69 years of age.

Forced myself up off the car park wall. Halfway road the second lap footsteps behind, yes it has happened lapped already. First one, then another and another as I lost count. What a disgrace, as I started the third lap half the field had already finished. I got round the last lap without further need for wall decoration.

Into the finishing straight and over the line in a blaze of colour that can only some marathons in England would have. Yes, plenty of runners still behind me. I wasn’t last. The nail-biting question now, did a 64-69 creep past me, while I was paying great attention to various walls in the village.

The winners were read out through the categories, kids to granddads, and then to a great cheer from my band of supports, Uno – Robbie Wilson! A great big cup and medal heavy enough to put a crick in the neck.

 10. Readers’ Letters

Please write! We want your views and comments! Is there anyone out there reading this newsletter? 

11. Club Kit by Dave Major

Sweatshirts and Fleeces are now available from a new supplier with a much better print.

Fleeces £25 ( Medium, Large, X-Large) Sweatshirts £15 ( Medium, Large , X-Large)

T-shirts and Vests are also available, although stocks are limited until we place the next order.

The price of vests and t-shirts remains at £15..

At the 100 Club AGM Handicap Marathon we hope to have range of kit on sale so please bring some extra money.

 Pins – by Peter Burns 

Following positive soundings from members on the matter, the Club ordered and has now taken delivery of a quantity of ‘PINS’. ‘PINS’ are lapel badges (of honour) that runners can wear with pride (or put on display) to mark their initial achievement of completing 100 marathons and then when they complete 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 marathons respectively. The design mirrors that of a badge already offered by the US 100 Marathon Club but is specific to our own club. The badge is round, with a circumference slightly greater than that of a pound coin. The central motif, on a gold base, depicts a male and female runner alongside the relevant centenary number. The centre on the 100 badge is red, on the 200 blue, on the 300 green, on the 400 gold, on the 500 silver, on the 600 white………. and on the 700, well, the first one to get there chooses. The inscription round the rim reads "100 MARATHON CLUB UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND". 

We have ample stock to supply those who have already expressed an interest and a few more besides, though the number of ‘400’ ‘500’ and ‘600’ badges we have reflects the very few souls who have made it to such a high pinnacle. The Committee has decided that anyone currently a fully paid up member, who has completed 100 marathons, can simply apply for and, after payment, be given the ‘100 badge’ but that for higher denominations the relevant list of marathons must first have been verified if that has not already happened. The Committee has also decided that, in the case of newly qualified runners, the ‘100’ ‘PIN’ will be provided as part of an inclusive commemorative package alongside the prestigious 100 marathon medal in its presentation box. 

A lot of you will know that a loss of weight since Christmas has brought me marathon form I could only previously dream of. While weight loss was the main factor, these ongoing chronicles had Jack & myself running out of skins week after week. I look forward to Jack coming through his current injuries, so we can continue the friendly battle

Roger "Basher" Biggs
(This is not the full version, but you can look at this online from the link on the home page)

I have travelled to many races with Roger "Basher" Biggs. Until 2006 I could generally depend upon beating him, but suddenly he lost weight and gained speed. A series of e-mails to running friends ensued recording the increasing competitiveness between the two of us. The following items comprise the Basher/Dasher Chronicles. Read and despair!

By 17 miles the die was cast and a far from bashful Basher commenced the long descent towards the finish line. When Dasher crossed the line he was intercepted by a beaming Basher and had little doubt where the propulsion for the next morning's hot air balloon ride would originate from. The girls coasted in shortly thereafter.

Basher 3.43 (2nd in age group), Dasher 4.08, The Kid 4.23 (1st in age group), Innit 4.28

16^th & 17^th September 2006: Badger Recumbent at Double Dutch

24^th September 2006: A Revelation for Dasher

So, as Basher tore up the tarmac at the front of the marathon Dasher was breaking new ground at the back of the field (even though he didn't realise this at the time).

30^th September 2006: Life returns to Planet Zog

At arrival in Munich prayers were said for Manic's rucksack as the airline consigned it to that great Departure Lounge in the sky. However, most of the contents were salvaged and it left ample opportunity for a sweepstake to be held on how many many items would make it back to Blighty on the return flight.

It brought a tear to Dasher's eye especially when he realised that his place in the Conga line had been in front of Basher's. All in all Dasher concluded that it had been a memorable day and Linda remains his favourite Spice Girl.

Dasher had slipped United Airlines a tenner to ensure that Basher would have a turbulent outward flight. However, he hadn't anticipated that the over-zealous pilot would also delay Basher's flight for almost 3 hours. Basher joined in the spirit of things by losing his wallet en route and eventually arrived frustrated and pleading poverty. Had this been enough to tip the scales in Dasher's favour for the next 2 races?

Meanwhile in the UK Fast Fu'd managed a spectacular 3.15 at Abingdon Marathon and rumours are now circulating that Burger King are contemplating offering him sponsorship.

The duo's hosts in North Carolina were Rich and Jeanne Holmes. Dasher is grateful to them for putting up with so many English eccentricities with such good humour and for introducing Basher to multiple ice cream opportunities. Unfortunately, ice cream no longer seems to have the deleterious effect on Basher that it did in the past.

Whilst Basher is getting lighter his baggage certainly isn't. It appears that customs in Chicago were so curious about the contents of his case that they decided to keep it in the USA whilst Dasher's small holdall made its flight connection with no trouble at all.

Dasher is now licking his wounds and will see if he can survive the Tough Challenge trail marathon in Wendover Woods on 19th November without further damaging his right leg.