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Serpie Planner - event reports

Last Friday 5k 2003-03-28

Racing conditions were almost perfect and the race saw a bumper turnout and many good performances. This was by far the largest field the race has seen and more than double the number that ran in March 2002. So it�s timely to say a sincere �thank you� to all the people who volunteered to give up their time to help organise and marshal the race. They certainly had a busy lunch break!!

It�s also timely for me to remind runners that the Royal Park�s event licence specifically prohibits us from taking money in Hyde Park. You can enter in advance by sending a universal entry form (and s.a.e. please) to Malcolm French at 35 Merton Road, Harrow, Middx, HA2 0AA or you can buy race tokens from Run and Become in Palmer Street, Victoria or from Ian Hall at 10 Chilton Street, London, E2 6DZ. The number of runners wanting to pay cash has been increasing over recent months. I am sure you will appreciate that while we are reluctant to turn people away, we have to abide by the Royal Park�s rules or risk losing our race licence. Your co-operation will be appreciated.

Further details about how to enter are on www.serpentine.org.uk/events/friday/index.htm

Last Friday 5k 2003-01-31

The inhospitable winter weather that had brought travel chaos to London reduced the size of the field and kept times down. Parts of the course needed careful negotiation.

I am very grateful to all of the marshals and officials who came out to help on such a cold afternoon.

Last Friday 5k 2003-02-28

Well, what a race. But before commenting on it, I�d like to say a very special �thank you� to one of our marshals, Alan Woodward. Alan was marshalling by the Dell Restaurant when just on 12.30pm who should turn up but London�s Mayor, Ken Livingstone, along with Graham Norton, sundry other celebrities, a couple of TV camera crews, about 20 press photographers and many of the Royal Parks management team! Could they have been using the race to promote London�s Olympic bid? Sadly no: they were there for the press launch of the Gay Pride Festival that�s going to take place in the Park later in the year. Alan had the tricky job of telling them that 200 runners were about to pass by and that they�d have to postpone their photo shoot until the course was clear. Thankfully, they disappeared back into the restaurant and later, on the BBC TV�s London Regional News, we saw Ken being interviewed with all the 5k runners streaming past him. Good work, Alan.

If Ken had glanced over his shoulder he would have seen a fine race, with splendid performances from three very talented young athletes from Gloucester AC who maybe, just maybe, will be competing in a London Olympic Stadium in 2012: it�s always worth dreaming! The quality of their performances speaks for themselves: only Maria Sharp and Annie Emmerson have achieved faster women�s times.

It wasn�t only the youngsters who were running well. Fiona Kennedy knocked a further 6 seconds off her own FV45 course record.

After coming close to the men�s V40 course record on a number of occasions, Andy Thomas finally claimed it for his own, also reducing the previous mark by 6 seconds. And yes, there were really two Andy Thomases in the first two places. That must be some sort of record as well!

Last Friday 5k 2002-12-27

The November race saw some splendid women�s performances and this month it was the turn of the men. There was a storming performance from Huw Lobb who became only the second man to dip under 15 minutes since the series started in late 1992. Both Knut Hegvold and Andy Thomas bettered the year�s best in the V40 age group with Mr Hegvold being only 4 seconds shy of the all time age group record. There were also very good runs from a number of the young athletes.

Of the ladies, Ena Urich (pictured right) had another outstanding run and trimmed a further 6 seconds from the all time FV65 record � and was fourth woman overall!

We were very pleased to welcome groups of runners from Hillingdon AC and London Heathside plus visitors to London from Saudi Arabia, USA, Canada, Norway and New Zealand.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped stage the race: John Walker, Hilary Walker, Tony Leppard, Paul Ingram, Alan Woodward, Anthony Stranger-Jones, David Lipscomb, Martin Garrett, David Knight and Ken Kwok. And to all the other people who have helped during the year.

Finally, thanks to all the runners who have supported the series during 2002. Everyone at Serpentine Running Club would like to wish you all the best for the New Year � and Happy Running in 2003!

Last Friday 5k 2002-11-29

Another excellent race with some particularly good women�s performances. Maria Sharp�s winning time was the second quickest out of the 119 races to date in the series. Barbara Yff, in second place, set a personal best for the distance. Fiona Kennedy set a new course record on the FV45 age group. Wendy Jones set a year�s best for the FV40 category. There was the closest group men�s finish for some time with five runners in contention until the closing meters when Andrew Greenway pulled ahead to add a victory to his second place in April�s race.

We were very pleased to welcome groups from London Underground and Holy Trinity Brompton as well as a large contingent from Ranelagh Harriers. Also to extended a warm welcome Chuck Walt from the New York Road Runners Club.

With such a large turnout of runners, the volunteers who helped with registration, marshalling, timekeeping and recording certainly earned their post race cup of tea!

Finally, a note to everyone who is thinking about entering our New Year�s Day 10k race. Please note that you must enter in advance. There will be no facility whatsoever to enter on the day. You can download an entry form from elsewhere on our website (www.serpentine.org.uk) or enter online at www.runnersworld.co.uk

Last Friday 5k 2010-07-30

Good weather conditions helped ensure that there were some excellent performances, including Sally Musson improving her W55 series record by 13 seconds. However, pride of place must go to Cecilia Morrison, whose time of 22:16 wasn’t simply a W70 series record, but set a new UK Age Group 5k Road Best Performance. Many congratulations, Cecilia!

Last Friday 5k 2002-10-25

A close fought race that saw very late entrant, Keith Newton pull away from Serpentine�s Chris Blackburn and the leading veteran, Andy Thomas in the closing stages. Serpentine�s Elinor Rest headed the ladies with Wendy Jones following up her third place in previous weekend�s Sunday League X/C race with a second place here.

Anna Vergas repeated the third place she achieved in August�s race. Elsewhere in the field, the blustery wind didn�t stop D Thomas from recording 23:15 for a V70 best for the 2002 series. It was good to welcome groups from Imperial College, DLA Oxbridge and Visa International amongst others.

Many thanks to all of the people who helped to stage the race. Several runners commented that it was good to see some additional marshals. And a personal �thank you� to the very kind Norwegian ladies who gave me a sweatshirt as a souvenir of their local race in Norway. That was very kind of you.

Last Friday 5k 2002-09-27

Another record month with 196 finishers 2 up on last month which was a bit surprising with the Southern Road Relays at Aldershot on Saturday and Sunday after the race and a lot, but not all, athletes taking a day off before their event.

In the race itself a win for M. NADGIB, a foreign athlete who has only recently arrived in this country in 16.12 and only 3 seconds covering the first three and in the Ladies race a win for J.COOPER of Garden City Joggers in 18.47 some 40 seconds adrift of the best FV35 time for 2002. In second place was Emma Calderbank, sister of our very own Jane.

In the Men�s race in fifth place was Dave COX of Wooodford Green/Essex Ladies AC in 16.42 which was 5 seconds outside the best time this year for a V45.

Many thanks to all the helpers which were so numerous that I was turfed off the Registration desk and told to act solely as Race Director. First thanks to Sid Wills who started off helping me with registration and then ran the race. Secondly thanks to Phil Harris who along with Rachel Broster put out the signs and brought them in but also managed to fit in the race itself.

Then in no particular order Robin Adams, Martin Garrett, Malcolm French, who after all available as his trial was again postponed- I had better point out that he is a witness in this matter, Alan Woodward, Anthony Stranger-Jones, David Lipscomb,though what he actually did escapes my mind, Tony Leppard, Keith Evans, Tony Gould, Bev Thomas.

There are some excellent photos taken by David Knight on www.dwknight.co.uk

Next month�s race takes place on Friday 25th October and after the publication of the feature on the club and the race in �Metrolife� on Thursday 26th September which was only the night before this month�s race we may have a great influx next month so if can spare a couple of hours for the meager award of a hot drink courtesy of the club please let either myself or Malcolm know in advance so we can plan the tasks.

Last Friday 5k 2002-08-30

There was another record field and a number of outstanding performances, especially from some of our younger runners. 16-year-old Ashley Humphreys (Southend) had a splendid run to finish third, also recording the 2002 best time in the Under 20 age group. Another excellent run came from 13-year-old of Daniel Sheppard (AFD) who finished 22nd, while another 13 year old, L Gruszewski (TVH) also recorded a first class time in finishing 95th. It was a young lady, Caroline Walsh (SB) who headed the women, in a time that only two other ladies have bettered this year.

Elsewhere, Matt Shore�s time equalled the best achieved by a Senior Man this year, while A Jenkins�s long trip down from Northumberland was rewarded with the year�s best by a V50. Having helped register the runners, Hilary Walker then went out and set the year�s best in the FV45 age group. Last, but by no means least, I believe that Joyce Smith is the first FV70 to have ever completed the race, which gives her the record from that age category.

Last Friday 5k 2003-04-25

Another competitive and well-supported race.�At the front of the field, 11 runners bettered 17 minutes compared with 5 for the April 2002 race.�And whatever pace you ran at, John and I hope that you all enjoyed your race.

Please note that the May race will be on Friday, 30th (i.e. the normal last Friday of the month).�Apparently the listing in the May edition of Runner�s World has the wrong date, showing the race as taking place on Wednesday, 28th.

Please also remember that the race limit is just 200 and that places are allocated on a �first come first served� basis.�So please don�t risk disappointment by arriving to register at the last minute.

Last Friday 5k 2002-07-26

Firstly, a big �thank you� to our race sponsors, Runner�s World, who have agreed to continue their generous support of the series for a further 12 months.

There were two records this month. The first was for the largest number of finishers the race has ever seen. Second, we were treated to a new FV65 Course Record: congratulations to Ena Urich on a fine performance. Liz Hartney�s time in finishing as the leading woman was a best for a FV35 during 2002. The first two men also broke the Senior Men�s 2002 best time.

We were delighted to welcome groups of runners from The Third Space, Team Lowe and Alecta Investment Management plus runners from around the UK and overseas, not least one competitor who had flown in from Norway especially to take part in the race.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to stage the race.

The next race will be on Friday, 30 August.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2002-06-28

Another good turn out with significant groups of runners from Fairlands Valley Spartans and London Heathside.

I thought there was a particularly good run from 16-year-old Ashley Humphries (Southend AC).

I hope you all enjoyed the race.

Last Friday 5k 2002-05-31

There was an excellent turnout. This was the largest field seen for 12 months and the quickest winning time so far this year. Congratulations to Les Presland who set a new V60 course record, knocking 1 second off the old time. (You can see the course records here.) Good to see so many ladies running.

Last Friday 5k 2002-04-26

An excellent turnout, especially in view of the unsettled weather and a fine race with the winner only coming through in the last half mile.

Last Friday 5k 2002-03-22

A slightly disappointing turn out for the glorious second day of Spring with ideal condition, a stark comparison to February.

Fast times for both the Men�s Winner Mark Whittaker in 16.15 and the Ladie�s Winner Maria Sharp in 17.12 but they were both eclipsed by Les Presland whose time of 17.47 took 35 seconds of the V60 Age Record which had stood for 2 Years and 11 Months. Well done Les.

Thanks to all the helpers starting with Rachel Broster and Phil Harris who put out all the course markers and then Phil ran and clocked a respectable time of 19.59 starting in the second race and then the two of after refreshments in the Lido caf� went out and retrieved the last couple of markers and gave them to Dave Lipscomb who returned them to Seymour.

Other helpers were in no order Maria Brady, Martin Garrett, Delphine Berenger and from Imperial College Oliver Thwaites who running for his home club City of Bath AC was second in the race in October 2001. No Alan Woodward this month as he had to collect his partner from hospital at 11.30 on Friday. Hope all is well Alan. No Tony Leppard who actually ran the race this month.

Last Friday 5k 2002-01-25

An excellent race that saw a new women�s record as Annie Emmerson reduced her existing mark by 14 seconds. Many congratulations Annie.

We were please to welcome groups from the British Transport Police, the DLA Oxbridge Group, Imperial College and Global Crossing. We hope you all enjoyed the race.

Last Friday 5k 2001-12-28

Special thanks to the management of the Lido Cafe for allowing us to use their premises for registration.

Last Friday 5k 2001-11-30

Another well supported race. We were particularly pleased to welcome a group of runners from Knight Frank, one of the world�s largest firms of property consultants: we hope you enjoyed your run and that we see you again. It was also good to see plenty of runners from Imperial College.

Last Friday 5k 2001-09-28

A beautiful autumn day saw another good turnout. The number of faster runners was somewhat down because of the following weekend\'s South of England Road Relays. Congratulations to Richard Long and Graeme Staddon who both celebrated their birthdays by running.

Last Friday 5k 2001-08-31

Another well supported race, and fortunately the thunder and lightning held off until the event had finished. We were pleased to welcome groups of runners from Hoovers.com, Longview Solutions and Espree. We hope all of you enjoyed your race.

Last Friday 5k 2001-07-27

The race was run in very hot conditions but despite this the times of a number of the leading runners were faster that the previous month. A combination of the weather, along with the onset of the summer holiday period and the change to the entry arrangements, probably accounted for the lower than average number of runners. There was a close race at the front of the field between athletes from Thames Hare and Hounds and Watford Harriers and on this occasion youth didn�t get the upper hand! Congratulations to Angela Murphy on her win in the ladies race. Her time exactly matched that of the leading lady in June�s race.

Last Friday 5k 2001-06-29

Another excellent turnout on what was a rather humid and blustery afternoon. Despite the (rare) absence of John Walker and several other \"regular\" team members, I felt the event went off very well. However, as it�s my first time at producing the results, I trust that I have correctly spotted those runners who were in the \"wrong\" race and whose times had to be adjusted. No doubt I will have my ear bent if there are any errors!!

My thanks to those people who assisted with marshalling, registration and results recording: Ros Young, Monika Mars, David Lipscomb, Alan James, Rudi Mahony, Martin Garrett, Bev Thomas, Nikki Heslin, Leigh Kenney, Phill Harris, Rachel Broster, Kathleen Broekhof, David Knight, Ferri Walsh, and Pete Noble.

I need to remind runners that because of changes to the Royal Parks permit for the race, we are no longer allowed to accept cash on the day. In future you will need to buy tokens for the race in advance, which you hand over at registration in exchange for your race number. The tokens are everlasting and can be used at any time. The best idea for regular runners is to buy a batch. Tokens can be obtained from:-

In person only: Run and Become, 42 Palmer Street, Victoria (just off Victoria Street).

By post: Ian Hall, 10 Chilton Street, London, E2 6DZ. Please enclose SAE.

Alternatively, you can send a standard entry form to Malcolm French at the address below and collect your number on the day.

Cheques payable to Serpentine RC.

The cost remains �2 attached and �3 unattached.

We are sorry for the inconvenience the changes will cause but we are bound by the Royal Parks regulations. We hope you will continue to support the race.

Last Friday 5k 2001-05-25

I must apologise for the late listing of these results but there have been a myriad of reasons for this. The main ones are to do with the race itself. We have two races with times stated and great problems ensue when people enter the wrong race please be sensible about this and enter the correct time scale as it makes my life easier and more so for the next two months when I am not here and others who are not so well versed are having to do the times and places. Also this month for the first time a large group finished almost together which made the recording of times and places a bit frantic. If anyone does have a major gripe about their time or placing please let me know.

Last Friday 5k 2001-04-26

Well a rather disappointing turn out for the 100th Race with a lot of the pre-registered entrants not showing up including our own Jeff Prestridge who had only ran Paris Marathon on April 8th, Sandy 10 on April 15th and London Marathon on April 22nd and wimped out of a speed session. Still never mind: I hope all those who ran enjoyed themselves and anyone who did not get a t-shirt at the finish please contact me ASAP with the size required and I will send one out to your home address.

Now to the race itself. The men�s race was won by Huw Lobb of Bedford County AC in 15.09 (rumour has it he wants to join us second claim). In second place 50 seconds adrift was Adrian McGarva of ESM, boyfriend of our own Monica Kiraly.

The ladies race was won by Serpentine Elinor Rest in 17.27, 8th place overall, a week after London and also celebrating her birthday (and she has bribed me not to disclose which birthday) In second place was Maria Sharp of Belgrave Harriers in 17.44, who held the Ladies Course record for one month last year. In 3rd place our own Dawn Moncrieffe in 18.49.

The most pleasing aspect of the day for me was the number of people who turned out to help and marshal. In no particular order, thanks to everyone who was there to help.

Also vote of thanks to Pat Kearsey for her hard doing the design for the t-shirts and to the printers IMPACT who came up with the goods as promised and at quality that is superb (pay the bill Ian!). These shirts can be purchased at �5 each from me.

After the race it was time to relax with a picnic washed down by lots of red and white wine. It was nice to see a few runners join us and I must apologise to a certain female who I am sorry to tell you that my sums were wrong and you did not quite break 21 mins; perhaps next time.

Last Friday 5k 2001-02-23

Another massive turn out with 182 finishers. The race limit has been upped to 200 but this is the final limit and in future if this target is reached I am afraid you will not be able to take part. Changes in entry procedure will have to be implemented after our latest meeting with the Royal Park�s Authority after the race today. Full details will be published as soon as they have been worked out.

Last Friday 5k 2001-01-26

This month the record number of finishers was blown right out the window with 193 finishers a massive improvement of 42 from last month which is probably down to the article which appeared in "Runner�s World" last month. We were all too busy at registration and at the finish to ask any questions. Nice to see a large contingent from our sponsor turn out and run.


I was glad to see so many people turn out to help despite the fact that we did not anticipate the resultant numbers, also good to see so many Serpies running.

A special mention for Roland Teale from Imperial College who came down to speak to me with regards to Marshals for the Imperial College Relays on 17 February and offered his services when he saw the huge number of runners. So by the way I still need a few more people to help out on that afternoon so if you can spare a couple of hours please contact me.

Advance warning for the 100th running of this event which will be on April 27th which should be a big event. Plans are in hand as to what will happening and will be published as soon as I have finalised them but put the date in your diary anf keep it clear to come along and help. Also by the way you can run but help is more important.

Last Friday 5k 2000-12-29

After a lot of discussion it was decided that the race would be run in spite of the conditions underfoot. The whole course was checked and the problem areas were pin pointed and marshals deployed at other strategic points in addition to the normal marshalling points. At this time a special mention must be made for Tony Leppard who was at the first corner in the race where there was a large sheet of ice and who used his initiative and a "Caution Runners" sign to take sand from the horse ride and grit the offending point. I believe that two or three people fell over and last month�s winner pulled out whether this was to do with the conditions I do not know at this stage.

We were rewarded with a Ladies course record for the second month in a row with A.Emmerson finishing in 6th place overall in a time of 16.56. Though the lady concerned appears in the results as Unattached I am led to believe that she belongs to some obscure Triathlon Club and was on the verge of selection for the Sydney Olympics (Graeme and Gemma take note of the name). In second place in the Ladies race M.Gleason of Oxford Uni. finished in the 3rd fastest ladies time and the first vet S. Spencer-Cusack was not far behind in 19.29. All in all I think that these times prove that we were right to stage the race. Also please ladies come along in a month when the conditions under foot are conducive to fast times so that we can see what you all can do and you never know one of you could win the race outright but if you are going to do so ring me before hand so I can arrange to have extra helpers at the finish.

The men�s times were also up to the usual standard with the first five all under 17 minutes. The race had a international feel to it with runners from Germany, Portugal and the USA all taking part. There were also a lot of runners doing the race for the first time and also some runners doing their first ever race including the last two finishers, twins, who were awarded a small bottle of wine for their efforts. The first man and lady received a normal size bottle in addition to their medals.

Thanks to all those marshals and helpers who turned out on what was a bitterly cold day for standing around. I was so busy with registration that I did nor realise how many of you there were until I was buying the very welcome hot drinks in the Lido Caf� afterwards. Indeed if all those who had promised to be there in "The Tyburn" the previous Saturday had turned up the total would have been enough to put so many people out on the course that we could have provided a cushion for anyone who fell over. Mind you there was a least one wimp from the North who thought the race would not be on and did not turn up no names no pack drills but his initials are B.D. and W.G also deserves a mention for not turning up.

Marshals and helpers were Ros (Sloggi) Young who did a sterling job in making sure that all the runners left the rather packed caf� as soon as they had registered, Malcolm (deep pockets) French who took all the money and tried to keep some of it, Monika Mars who handed out the prizes at the end and who was caught out by the swift ladies but did manage to cope, Martin Garret at the finish along with aforementioned Malcolm. Out on the course Eva& Alan James, Richard Smith, Alan Woodward, Dave Lipscomb, Rachel Broster, and also Tony and Ros.

Seriously a great vote of thanks is due to all those above and also to the runners who took part in the race. Next race is on January 26th and as always help is required. If you can help, contact me ASAP so that I can plan the event.

Last Friday 5k 2000-11-24

Well the limit has been reached with 150 entrants and 2 late starters making it 152 finishers. The largest field in the history of the with thrown in a magnificent ladies record (for the new course) of 17.02 in 9th place overall by Maria Sharp of Belgrave Harriers and a new lady vets Record of 17.59 by Alison Fletcher of Dulwich Runners/Runner�s World.

Thanks to all the helpers as always Eva James, Alan James, Alan Woodward Phill Harris, Paul Ingram and Martin Garrett with special mentions to Malcolm (once a banker always a banker) French who relived all entrants of their cash then was at the finish to shout out the numbers, Tony Leppard who leapt into action to help with the registration as a longer than normal queue developed and Michael Boucher of Imperial College who handed out the medals at the finish and assisted where necessary.

A couple of administrative points for runners and helpers. The caf� staff and patrons do not like people changing in the caf� area which includes changing shoes so I would ask all club members who are there for the race to ensure that this is carried out as we are so busy with registration that we cannot see what is going on. We do notwant to end up out in the cold with winter fast approaching.

From January onwards there will be two registration desks one for sub 22 mins and one for plus 22 mins. Signs will be available. I need a volunteer to help with this task so please let me know if you can help. I have said January as generally December is a quiet month but I do hav a cunning plan up my sleeve in case of large numbers next month.

The next race is on December 29th just three days before the New Year�s Day 10k a busy time for the club so if you can help please turn up on the day but if you can let me know in advance even better.

April 27th 2001 sees the Hundredth running of this event and hopefully this event will be a bit special so put it in your diaries now not just to run but also to help. If any one has any bright ideas to celebrate this milestone please feel free to let me know.

Last Friday 5k 2000-10-27

An overcast and windy day did not deter a record 133 runners participating in October\'s race. The men\'s race saw a dead heat with M. Boucher and A Greenway both recording times of 16 mins 13 secs, whilst the ladies race was won in a quick time of 17mins 40secs by T. Hatt.

Last Friday 5k 2000-09-29

Our largest field of the year so far with 122 starters and 120 finishers and also excellent times recorded vy the Ladies winner in M.STATHAM in 19.21(FV45) and the Mens winner T.WOOD in 15.21(not 13.21 as appeared in the TIMES on Monday 2nd). All the serpies who turned up to run actually managed to run as there were plenty marshals to cope with the all the runners.

Special Mention to Malcolm French for tearing himself away from his personal coverage of the Olympics to put out and collect in (I HOPE) the Kilometre Markers, register two latecomers in the two minutes between race 1 and 2 and then logging all the numbers. Also to Martin Garret for handing out club leaflets after he had run as a member of Sudbury Court RC (his First Claim Club).

Next month\'s race is on October 27th and I will be on an aircraft bound for Tenerife and I believe also that several other regular helpers are not available so it is a case of HELP REQUIRED. If anyone out there can spare an hour or so please let me know ASAP so I can have it all organised before I go so that it all runs smoothly.

A request for all runners from the staff at the Lido Caf�: Please, no changing in the cafe and no shoes on the table. Please oblige, as we don\'t want to be thrown out into the cold with the winter coming up.

Last Friday 5k 2000-08-25

There were 108 finishers in the race with excellent times recorded by both the first man A.Thomas in 15.48 and H.Smethurst the first lady in 19.22..The only problem at the finish is getting the medals to the first 3 men and women as we who are recording cannot do it for fear of missing some one so we could do with extra help at this stage of the race.

Last Friday 5k 2000-07-28

A tremendous downpour between 1145 and 1215 soaked a great deal of competitors, marshals and everyone else in the park who all flooded into the Lido Caf� causing congestion during registration. One entrant was so wet that he could not run and headed off back to Somerset from whence he had come that morning but never mind he said he would be back next month and will be given a free entry.

Marshals by the bucketful even with people in Davos. It was very safe here with no mountain bike accidents! Well done to the normal motley crew of Alan Woodward, Tony Leppard, Bob Davidson, Malcolm French, Martin Garrett, Alan James (assisted by Eva who after the rain on their way to help wisely opted to stay in the caf� and read) and one newcomer to helping, Jane Thompson.

The rain thankfully stayed off for the race with only the odd spot or two which did make us at the finish keep glancing skywards. The turn out was a bit lower than the last few months and this was probably due the rain which was just as people would be thinking of coming along. Two runners from our sponsor \"Runner�s World\" came along to run and so I hope that they reported back favourably. I know that the second and third ladies were very surprised with their medals.

See you all next month on August 25th and all you new club members out there do not be shy come along to help or even come along to run as this a nice race to start with if you have never raced before: it is low key and caters for all fast and slow just like the Summer League so you make it a double with the Summer League in Battersea on Sunday 20th and then this on the Friday also you never know you could win a medal.

Last Friday 5k 2000-06-30

Another successful 5k which was momentous in several ways. Firstly the events officer for the Central Royal Parks, Robert Skeoch, accepted our Honorary Secretary�s invitation to attend the race and assess the impact that the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk which opened earlier in the day would have on our race. When he arrived Ros was out on the course doing her bit, I was busy with the start of the first race so it was left to our Chairman (in one of her last official acts) Hilary to explain everything while SRC�s answer to the Incredible Hulk (our new Honorary Secretary ) ambled off to find Ros. Hilary had to start the race on her own and time herself while Ros and Robert went off to the area of the Peter Pan statue which is the biggest area that both routes overlap.

Meanwhile I did what I do best, did not say a word but got on with the nitty-gritty of managing the finish ably assisted by Malcolm French and Michael Boucher from Imperial College who would appear to spend as much time at college on the last Friday of every month as I do at work. Back to the race itself won by M.CLAFF of Salford who was glancing at his watch all the way to the finish to see if he could break 16 minutes which he just failed to do as his time was rounded up to 16.01. We had 108 legal finishers as we ignored all those without numbers who ran through the finish. We had a family group from USA with 4 U15�s and dad all running. Helpers today apart from those already mentioned were Alan Woodward, Tony Leppard and Paul Ingram.

Now to the future as this was the last race without a sponsor. From next month�s race on July 28th and for an initial period of twelve months \"Runner�s World\" will be our sponsor. They will provide two lots of numbers per month with their Logo and Website address on the BACK of the numbers, medals for the first three Ladies and first three Men and also pay the Fee we have to pay the Royal Parks for the privilege of staging the race. The race will now be known as the \"Serpentine RC/Runner�s World Last Friday of the Month 5k\" both on our Website and in all publicity for the race and when results are published. As I said the next race is on July 28th and all offers of help will accepted. A new era dawns.

Before I close for this month, which report is the longest I have ever put in writing about the race I must mention a couple of other matters. After the race most of the marshals adjourned to the Lido Caf� for a well deserved hot drink(now you know Ian where the race expenses come from) where we were regaled by tales from Hilary re the Comrades Marathon as well as being shown her medal. She was wearing a Tshirt emblazoned with a logo of \"Training for Comrades 2015\" which turned out to be a children�s size as they had ran out of adult�s but this suits Hilary as they fit her better. The idea is that the children will be old enough in 2015 to compete but Hilary will be the oldest at 61!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Hilary had only flown in that morning and had ended up at Victoria Station to find that the taxi queue stretched from there to Pimlico so she decided to struggle onto the 52 Bus with all her luggage but there at least still from old fashioned gentlemen around as one offered to help the lady onto the bus with her luggage mind you the comment from Hilary was \"He was at least 75 if he was a day\". Still never mind he did offer.

Last Friday 5k 2000-05-26

What a miserable day but still 97 Runners finished. There were some very good times with the winner taking nearly 30 seconds off his time last month and an excellent 17.59 was posted by the winner of the ladies race C.Slimmin. There were at least another couple of PBs that I was made aware of, so well done to all the runners.

The conditions were not quite as bad as June 1997, which still holds the course record for bad weather, which is no doubt small consolation for the helpers.

The next race is on Friday 30th June, the day before the July Handicap and the AGM, so be there at 12 Noon at the Lido Caf� if you wish to run or help. Before that on Friday 16th June there is the MEF Triathlon and we are marshalling the 10k Race. If you can help please be at the Lido at 9am for the race which starts at 9.30 in the swimming enclosure.

Last Friday 5k 2000-04-28

A smallish turn out with only 71 finishers, not all of whom had registered, plus two guys who started late, took their own times and did not pass the finish so are not in the results.

Many thanks to Dave Lipscomb and Malcolm French who handled registration as I could not get there on time due to work, Malcolm also came to help at the finish while Dave stood out on the course to help marshal, which did not help the finish team as he had the book with details of the number of runners so all those at the finish were looking at each other and wondering how many more runners were to come. At least Dave did wander over before they all finished and on being asked \"Where have you been and how many runners are there? \", he replied \"Well I looked over and you had at least four at the finish so I knew I was not needed\" after which he delved into the depths of his rucksack (at least he had only one) and produced the requisite figures.

Thanks to Beat Vogt and Michael Boucher (Imperial College) for their help at the finish. Also thanks to all the Marshals - Bob Davidson, Phill Harris, Tony Leppard and Peter Torre (Metros).

Last Friday 5k 2000-03-31

Another magnificent turnout with a high quality run at the front from J. SAPTAKO from the Czech Republic nearly a minute ahead of second and only two seconds shy of last month�s winning time, which was the fastest recorded on this altered course. Behind there was packing with 37 runners under 19 minutes and 74 runners under 22 minutes, which is the cut off time for the first race (75 runners allowed). A quick aside to all those runners out there reading this - please when you register let us know if you anticipate running outside 22 minutes, then we can put you in the second race to make life easier.

Thanks to all the helpers Malcolm French, Beate Vogt, Bob Davidson, Tony Leppard, Ros Young, David Lipscomb, Alan Woodward, Rachel Broster and Ron (Bike) Hagell who seems determined to be the person in the club with the most nicknames. If I have forgotten anyone it is because of the onset of senile dementia and I apologise (I think). Bev Thomas turned up also but am not sure if it was just for a chat, to help or, as seems most likely, just to purloin all the available marshals bibs and also the marshals to help with her run later that day. A very cunning choice of date it would appear. Also Eleanor Rest put in a cameo appearance to return some trophy to Bev, mind you I wish that all trophy winners were that conscientious and we would have fewer problems locating trophies.

I have not yet mentioned the last helper who is not a club member but has helped several times in the past and saved my bacon today. Michael Boucher from Imperial College was having a rest day as he was running in the Southern 12 Stage Relay on Sunday 2nd April, a very sensible and commendable attitude,

And he had popped into the Lido Caf� during registration to say that he would be back to help me. He came to the start with me and said what did I want him to do and I said help record the times as a backup. Well what an inspired choice that proved to be. I did a Ros and pressed the wrong button as the first guy finished and stopped the automatic timer and then had to rely on Michael�s basic stop watch (his words not mine) with me calling the times and Michael writing them down and a wonderful job was done by both of us if I might say, as he also wrote down check numbers which tallied with the number recorders. Thanks once again Michael.

Last Friday 5k 2000-02-25

Another excellent turnout with 112 finishers - which was rather more than had registered, some we know had said they would pay afterwards and one or two did - but I am sure that some people just joined in when they saw there was a race and this did not help with either the timekeepers or the number recorders. But we all agreed with the number of finishers.

I only wish that runners or joggers out for their normal lunchtime run would avoid running through the finish or at least point out, as one lady did, that they are not part of the race. I know we don�t have priority but it is just good manners. Still, enough moaning from me.

All marshals did a marvellous job as usual. One runner missed the start of the first race (75 others did not), one runner got lost! Otherwise no problems with the two starts but if you are a quick runner try to get there early so I can put you in the first race, which also helps me with working out the results which are consolidated on the actual running time from both races.

Enough marshals from Serpentine RC and Imperial College turned out to help that Serpies could run: including our Webmaster, Owen Barder, who should have served a penance as a marshal after his disparaging remark on the web-site regarding the infrequency of the Meal of the Month.

Rudi Mahoney was there after his release from hospital earlier in the week: good to hear that even if most of us did not see you.

Next months race will be on 31st March and by rights we should be back to the normal course. Hope to see you all there.

Before I sign off I would like to point out that the Male Course Record as far as I am concerned is the 14.35 ran by Andy ARRAND of the Army on 29 January 1999. I have been told that some magazines are showing Zola Budd as holding the Record but this was set in an unofficial race organised one Sunday morning during a Fitness Show at Olympia. I was there as I was marshalling that day but the course has been re-measured since then and the above time is the Official Course Record on this course as approved by the SEAA.

Last Friday 5k 2000-01-28

Apology for running out of pins. Sorry to the race leader at the time who went off course as the marshal was not ready, a lesson learned. The big gap in the times is because the automatic timer had a paper jam which I did not notice until too late: if any took their own time and can let me know please do so and I will fill in the gaps.

February�s race will be over the same route as January and after that we should be back onto the old route. However in the future we may have to find an alternative route due to the construction of the Diana Walkway.

Also due to the amount of money we are having to pay the Royal Parks for staging the race it is necessary to increase the Entry Fee to �2 for club runners and �3 for unattached runners. If you are unattached, think about joining a club (at �20 a year subs for our club you would save �12 a year).

Last Friday 5k 1999-12-24

The last 5k of this year took place on Christmas Eve with another good turnout of 65 runners.

Last Friday 5k 1999-11-26

Thanks to Dave Lipscomb who organised the race in my absence as I could not get the time off work (Chairman please note) and he did a marvellous job even with the Armed Forces Awayday. Thanks to all the helpers Beate Vogt, Rachel d, Rudi Mahoney (Best Wishes from All Club Members) and last but by no means least from Imperial College Vicki Sim.

The next race and the last of this Millennium will take place on Christmas Eve, 24th December, as always all offers of help will be taken up. If you can help please let me know ASAP. If you decide at the last minute turn up at the Lido Caf� from 12 Noon onwards.

Last Friday 5k 1999-10-29

Excellent weather which was reflected in the massive turn out for the race with 96 starters and 93 finishers. A very high tech with automatic timer and Dictaphone whish helped to cope with upside down numbers, no numbers and one runner who went off course.

Next month�s race is on November 26th and I will not be there due to pressure of work(So there HILARY proof that I do work and cannot make every race!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Last Friday 5k 1999-09-24

Well another 5K race bites the dust or in this case the mud as the conditions were nearly as bad as the Infamous June 97 race which will live in the memories for ever of those who were helping on that day.

A round of applause to all those runners who turned out to run but put your hands together and loudly clap for all those who turned out to help.

Umbrella Holders Extraordinaire Dave(I am cool about running the Edinburgh Marathon on not enough Training) Lipscomb, Rachel Broster and Beate(Queen of the Round Norfolk Relay) Vogt, Martin (Anorak Coventry City Season Ticket Holder) Garret who coped very well with recording numbers even with those who had no numbers including one Serpie Lady who arrived late, changed behind a tree (not a wise choice)- No Names--No pack drill-Initials MM

Also all the marshals Paul Ingram, Peter Torre, Alan Woodward,Rudi Mahoney, Tony Leppard (sorry I am just used to putting in your name but you were not there as you forgot) and David Street (wait till you see the weather in Leeds!!!!!!!!!!).

45 Unattached runners, swollen by a contingent from De Beers Diamond Company who were running for charity and had planned to have a picnic afterwards and may or may not return. I do not have time to talk to all these people and if anyone can spare the time to come along and hand out flyers about the club it would be most helpful. If you can assist please contact me ASAP.

Last Friday 5k 1999-07-30

Another good turnout with 75 Runners. Thanks to all those who turned out to help. The only slight hiccup being that some runners decided to wear their numbers upside down!!! Martin Garrett despite this coped admirably at the finish taking down numbers in which ever format they appeared.

Thanks to the other marshals Alan James, Rudi Mahoney, Derek Turner and Phill Harris.

Last Friday 5k 1999-05-28

Well yet another great turnout for the race on a Bank Holiday Weekend.

Thanks to all those who turned out to help. The finish crew of Martin Garrett, Beate Vogt, Sue McGinlay and Bev Thomas Plus yours truly coped admirably. Thanks to also the Marshals Rudi Mahoney, Paul Ingram, Alan Woodward and Bob Davidson.

There are a lot of Unattached runners turning up to run and I feel we are missing out on a recruiting opportunity as I and whoever is doing the registration cannot hand out leaflets at the same time so if there is anyone out there who can spare a hour or so just to hand out leaflets about the club and chat to to people it would be a great help, you may have to forfeit your run but this would be for the greater good of the club so please think about it and call me.

Last Friday 5k 1999-03-26

Well numbers were a bit down for this year but still some good performances all round with a great depth with half the field under 20 minutes.A special mention of the first two ladies with the winner S.MORRIS from the Army finishing in 15th place Overall and our own E.REST in 28th place.

Thanks again to all those marshalls on what was not the best of days. Rudi Mahoney, Alan Woodward, Tony Leppard and helping at the finish Martin Garrett. See you all next month on 30 April. Registration at the Lido from 12 Noon onwards. Please all Serpies Pre Register like Dave Lipscomb did.

Last Friday 5k 1999-02-26

Again a massive field. What are we doing right? Again thanks to all the helpers, Alan Woodward, Rudi Mahoney, Paul Ingram, Tony Leppard, Martin Garrett and Rachel Broster. The latter two worked like a well-oiled team even changing pens in mid flow of doing the numbers.

See you all next month 26 March. Remember all help appreciated and all Serpies please pre-register by sending me your details and a cheque made payable to SERPENTINE RC for �1.

Last Friday 5k 2003-05-30

The race was disrupted by the presence of a film crew who were occupying the start and finish area. Although we were able to use the normal start, a new finish had to be arranged on the grass before the tennis courts. With help from the film company, the finishing stretch was remeasured to ensure that the course remained accurate. We are sorry if the unforeseen change spoilt any competitors enjoyment of the race. I'm sure you will join me in thanking the marshals who did an excellent job in guiding the runners through the improvised finish area.
We hope that there will be no repeat of the disruption next month.
Please note that Run and Become will be closed immediately prior to the June race so you are
advised to enter in advance if at all possible.



Note: This may be the first time you are looking at your results on our new database. Although a great deal of time has gone into loading and validating the data there will inevitably be errors (sometimes different first names or initials have been used in different races etc etc). We very much want this to be a valuable source of performances and memories for you so click on Correct a mistake on the left and advise your amendments. Please be sure to let us have your date of birth if we don't have it - this is the best way of avoiding duplicates and lets us give you your age graded results.

Last Friday 5k 2003-08-29

The winning women and men
Kate Symons,Julie Bleasdale,Sally Musson	Keith Newton,Nick Altmann,Mike Boucher

Another well-supported race. My sincere thanks to Runners World for agreeing to support the race for another year. A fine run by Richard Pitcairn-Knowles who yet again broke the V70 course record. Subject to our stats man's confirmation, I believe that Sally Musson's excellent run also set a new course best for her age group. The men's race was won by clear distance by Nick Altman and the ladies' by Julie Bleasdale. I was particularly pleased by the number of ladies who turned up today.

Thanks also to the marshals and helpers for giving up their time on a damp day, especially Owen Barder and John Batchelor (Ilford AC), who both got roped in at the last minute to fulfil the time-keeping roles. Other helpers included: Bev Thomas, David Knight, Bob Cherrie, Anthony Stranger-Jones, Alan Woodward, Charles Lescott, Jerome Nogues, Rob Maslen, Simon Lawrence, Sally Hodge, Martin Garrett, Sid Wills, Lars Menken and Huw Keane.

Last Friday 5k 1998-06-26

Note: Only selection of results available, not full list.

Last Friday 5k 1998-07-31

Note: Only selection of results available - not full list

Last Friday 5k 1998-08-28

Only incomplete results available - not full list.

Last Friday 5k 1998-12-18

Full race results not available, only leaders in each category.

Last Friday 5k 2003-09-26

The winning women and men
Stacey Ward,Annie Emmerson,Kate Symons	Bruce Weber,David Warrington,Dave Cox

It was a beautiful autumn day for this month's race. The perfect running conditions brought out a full field, with the entry limit being reached.

There was a new M50 course record with Dave Cox breaking Liam O'Hare's longstanding mark and also claiming third place overall.

The race winner, Dave Warrington, knocked almost half a minute off his best time for the course.

Annie Emmerson was the leading women in 8th place overall. There was a close contest between Stacey Ward (Basildon) and Kate Symons (Thames Hare and Hounds)for second and third places.

You might like to know that entries for our New Year's Day 10k race are now being taken and you can enter online via the Serpentine website.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2003-10-31

The winning women and men
Malinda Meyers Emma Calderbank,Bernadette Harrod	Nick Altmann Michael Traynor,Robin Copestick

The race was run in almost ideal conditions and no doubt this helped ensure that the event sold out again this month. It was good to see a large group of runners from Imperial College. The best performance of the day came from Dave Cox who knocked a further 9 seconds off of the M50 course record that he set last month. Many congratulations, Dave!
A couple of advance notes: the December race will be one week early, on 19/12. Also entries are now being taken for our New year's Day 10k and the accompanying 3k Fun Run.

Last Friday 5k 2003-11-28

The winning women and men
Annie Emmerson Marguerite Lazell,Jane Laws	Joel Anderson Nick Sasha,Gareth Balch

Another fine day saw a bumper turnout of runners, with our second largest field. So special thanks to all the helpers who made sure that things went smoothly. It was an excellent day for the ladies. Annie Emmerson reinforced her position as the only women to have run under 17 minutes on the course. She was followed by Jane Laws whose excellent time of 18:21 was a W45 course record. Not to be outdone, Sally Musson also trimmed several seconds off her W50 record with her fine run of 19:21.
The winner, Joel Anderson was visiting from the USA. We hope that Joel, and all of the competitors enjoyed the event.

Last Friday 5k 2003-12-19

The winning women and men
Julia Bleasdale Annie Emmerson Faye Fullerton	Lee Merrien Matt Shore Rob Hand

A real (Christmas) cracker of a race. Records galore! Annie Emmerson broke her women's course record but this wasn't enough to beat Julia Bleasdale who set a new mark with her fine run of 16:33. In third place, Great Britain Junior International, Faye Fullerton, broke the FU20 record as well as being only the third lady ever to go under 17 minutes. There were age group records for Jane Laws (W45) and Sally Musson (W50). Debbie Gibbons run gave her the year's best performance for a W40. Lee Merrien's fine run of 15:10 has only been bettered by two men, Andy Arrand and Huw Lobb, and Rob Hand's M40 time has only been bettered by one other man. Dave Gibson set the year's best time for a M60. Congratulations to you all - and to all the runners, marshals and officials who have supported the series during 2003. The next race is on Friday, 30 January (not Sunday, 25 January as shown in one magazine). We'll be starting up a "Last Friday League." Details of the 2003 "shadow" series appear elsewhere on the website.

Last Friday 5k 2004-02-27

The January race had to be cancelled because of icy conditions underfoot.
The cold and windy conditions meant that fast times were at a premium. However, that didn't prevent the race from being one in emphatic style with Barry Stephenson coming home almost a minute ahead of the next man. Jane Laws series of fine "Last Friday" races continued as she headed the women and in a time that was only a little outside her best for the course.

The Management of the Lido Cafe have asked me to remind you that runners are not allowed to change in the Cafe. Three compliants were made by customers using the Cafe and as we don't want to risk the Management's goodwill, I would ask for you to make sure that you change outside or in the toilets in future.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2004-03-26

A very competitive race that saw 7 men finishing inside 16 minutes. However, pride of place must go to the ladies. Jane Laws recorded an amazing age-graded 91% in breaking both her W45 record and adding the W40 and W35 records to her collection as well. No wonder she looked pleased afterwards! Sally Musson broke her own W50 record and Ena Urich was only 3 seconds outside of the W65 record. There was also a new age group record for the men as Keith Newton set a new M40 mark. Dave Cox had another fine run, finishing just 5 seconds outside of the M50 mark.

Last Friday 5k 2004-04-30

The race saw a convincing win for Ben Hope (WG&EL) while in the ladies section Malinda Myers (Headington) was a narrow winner from Juliette Clake (Belgrave). Despite the wet underfoot conditions, there were age group year's bests from Barry Broe (M45), Dave Gibson (M60) and Edmund Simpson (M65).

We were pleased to welcome a group of runners from the National Magazine Company who were running for the National Asthma Campaign. We hope you all enjoyed the race.

Last Friday 5k 2004-06-25

The presence of fencing surrounding an area set aside for a pop concert meant that the opening section of the route had to be changed slightly. It also meant that there were a lot of heavy good vehicles in the Park, something we don't usually encounter. So special thanks go to marshals who did a good job in keeping the runners and lorries safely apart. Although the course remained accurate, the temporary changes added two sharp turns that would have slowed the runners. In the circumstances, the leading men's and women's performances were particularly creditable. However, the only "year's best" performance came from Jim Leith (Hillingdon AC)in the M70 age group. Although this is a "low key" race, it is held under UK Athletics rules and so we would like to remind the runners that pacing (e.g. on bikes) isn't allowed.

John Walker & Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2004-05-28

Usual course not available because of an event in the park and some runners went off the replacement course - some going over distance and some under distance. Therefore offical results not published and results shown here are unofficial.

Last Friday 5k 2004-07-30

LOST PROPERTY

A pair of womens leggings and some unused race vouchers were left at The Bandstand. If they are yours, please contact Malcolm French on 020 8422 3900 or MalcolmFrench@aol.com

The race was run in good conditions. On this occaision the first man past the winning post, Martin Shore, wasn't the quickest runner. David Gitau set off in race two and set the fastest time of the day and, in fact, the fastest time so far seen this year. There was also a 2004 age group best from Edmond Simpson in the M65 category.

Good to see a very competitive women's section where 11 ladies ran under 20 minutes.

As always, my thanks to all the marshals and helpers, without whome there wouldn't be a race.

Last Friday 5k 2004-08-27

Despite the dismal weather, there was a good turnout and a competitive race. The first four men entered the finishing straight close together with David Gitau just keeping ahead and recording a time that was only a little slower than his July one. The first three ladies, Sally Hannah, Malinda Myers and Emma Calderbank, all recorded their best times on the revised course, while Marion Rayner and Pauline Rich both placed highly on an age graded basis.
Special thanks go to all the people who gave up their lunch breaks on such a wet day to help organise and marshal the race.

Last Friday 5k 2004-09-24

Thanks, as always, to the Serpies and our friends from other clubs who kindly turned out to marshal and help organise the race.
Unfortunately, due to an incorrectly positioned marshal (which was entirely my fault), the opening km of the race was c.150m too long. Sorry about this. I hope it didn't spoil your enjoyment of the race too much.
Congratulations to our leading runners, Stacey Ward and Paul Major and to our leading age-graded competitors, Peter Brown (86.5%) and Dave Cox (84.7%). It was also good to see Trevor Jones race walking - and beating a good many runners!

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2004-10-29

Early morning rain cleared and we had an exciting race with the two Thames Hare and Hounds colleagues battling it out right the way to the line. They were followed by two runners who, I think, are from the Norwegian club, Varegg.
There was a fine run from Emily Pidgeon,who set an age-group series record. As far as I can recall, only three ladies of any age (Julia Bleasdale, Annie Emmerson and Faye Fullerton) have ever run quicker.
At the other end of the age spectrum, Les Presland and Tom Everitt ran the best times seen so far this year in their respective age groups.
Thank you, as always, to all the race helpers and marshals, who all have to take time away from their normal "day jobs" to organise the race and who coped splendidly with the large field. Do take a look at David Knight's race photos.
The next race will be on 26 November. The December race will be on New Year's Eve, 31 December at the usual time.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2004-11-26

The next race will be on Friday, 31 December, starting at the normal time of 12.30pm.

Please take a look at David Knight's excellent photos at www.dwknight.co.uk

Another competitive race that saw 2004 bests in three age groups: Joyce Smith (W70), Les Presland (M65) and Tom Everitt (M70). We were pleased to welcome groups of runners from UBS, Imperial College and the British Milers Club.

Note:
You can now get your result sent by text message. Log on at:

http://www.serpentine.org.uk/rdb/welcome.php

and enter your mobile number. We pick up the cost, so there is nothing for you to pay.

This will be a permanent feature for the 5k and all other
future races with the club, we already use it for internal races.

Last Friday 5k 2004-12-31

Many congratulations to Les Presland (AFD) who is the inaugural winner of our LFOTM Championship. Les achieved a fine average age graded score of 86.8% for his best six races in 2004. I see that 47 people ran in 6 or more races this year but only one person, Alistair Jackson, ran in all of them.
Great to see so many marshals, timekeepers, recorders and other helpers. Thank you all for giving up your valuable time. Without your involvement, there wouldn't be a race.
There were several notable performances this month, headed by two "All Time" age-group records. Jo King's time of 17:16 set a W35 record while Richard Holland broke the long-standing M45 record with his time of 16:10.
There were also 2004 fastest times in a number of age-groups by Julia Bleasdale (SL), Richard Mann (MU17), Mumin Geeie (MU20) and Ronald Hale (M75).
We look forward to seeing you in 2005.

Last Friday 5k 2005-01-28

Given the poor conditions, there was a fine winning run from Ewen Malloch who finished well clear of a close group of nine other runners. Generally, the stong wind meant that times were slower than normal, although in winning Bronze, Maureen Noel ran her best time for the series.
We were pleased to welcome a large group of runners from Imperial College and other groups from the Football League's HQ and BNP.
Due to a technical hitch we were not able to send results by SMS text, sorry for this.

Last Friday 5k 2005-02-25

Although conditions were not conducive to fast times, we were treated to a fine race as James Shane, narrowly held off Richard Stannard. In doing so, James set a new MU17 age group record, removing a full 30 seconds from the old mark. James is just 15 and I'm sure he must be the youngest winner of the race. Two weeks later, James was to win his age-group race at the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championship.
In the ladies section, Kelly Crickmore was a convincing winner, finishing in 30th place overall.
We were very pleased to welcome a group of talented young athletes from Basildon AC, who were using the race to help them prepare for the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships. We wish them every success in this event.
Particular thanks to all the marshals and other race helpers for giving up their time on such a cold day.

Please note that the March race will take place on Good Friday.

Last Friday 5k 2005-03-25

This was the 146th race in the series and without doubt our strongest field. As it was Good Friday, the park paths were very busy and I would like to thank all the marshals for ensuring that the race passed off smoothly.
There were a host of year's best times and two very special performances. Julia Bleasdale's winning time of 16:23 set a new women's record for the entire series. Huw Lobb had a great attempt on the long-standing men's record and although he was a little outside this, his time of 14:41 was by far the quickest seen on the current version of the course and the second fastest time for the series. Behind Huw, Ewan Malloch set the fourth fastest time for the series.
Do take a look at the race photos on http://www.dwknight.co.uk

Last Friday 5k 2005-05-27

Property left at The Bandstand - a digital camera. If it is yours, please contact Malcolm French, 020 8422 3900 or MalcolmFrench@aol.com

The BBC reported that this had been the hottest May day in 60 years. This, combined with the strong wind, meant that conditions were tough with most times being slower than usual. So the performance by Nina Griffith, Dave Cox and Ron Hale were particularly noteworthy as they all set year's best times for their age groups.

Last Friday 5k 2005-06-24

The start of the Hyde Park concert season necessitated a change to the opening kilometre of the course as our usual route was blocked. With the concert commencing at 2.00pm there was a major increase in the number of people in the park. I thought that the marshals did an excellent job in challenging circumstances to ensure that the race was completed safely.

Last Friday 5k 2005-07-29

This was our 150th race and we were delighted to be joined by Lyndon Collins (Sevenoaks AC) who was one of the 5 runners who competed in the original race, and of course John Walker, who was Race Director for the first race in October 1992 and continues in this role.

My sincere thanks to all my club colleagues who turned out in force to help organise the race and ensured that the Anniversary event was so successful

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2005-08-26

Another sold out, competitive yet friendly race. Pride of place must go to Joyce Smith who set a new series W75 age group record and in doing so also bettered the W70 best. There were also age group 2005 bests from Helen Smethurst (W40), Les Presland (M65) and John Hayward (M75). My thanks, as always, go to all the volunteers who gave up their lunch breaks to help stage the race. David Knigtht took some excellent pictures that you can see on www.dwknight.co.uk

Last Friday 5k 2005-09-30

The heavens opened just as the race started and all the runners, and everyone else, got a good soaking. So first, many thanks to all the marshals who smiled through the rain and to the recorders who battled with soggy paperwork. Thanks also to Lars Menken, who was putting the results together for the first time and did an excellent job. The weather didn't stop there being plenty of very competitive performances. In particular, there were age group 2005 bests from Cecilia Morrison (W65), Dave Cox (M50) and Les Presland (M65).

Last Friday 5k 2005-10-28

The race saw a new Series Record in the M50 age group. Congratulations to Keith Bateman from Paddington - not Paddington, London but rather Paddington near Sydney in Australia. There were also 2005 year bests from Yasmin Chaudhri (FU17) and Helen Smethurst (F40).

Last Friday 5k 2005-11-25

First, to confirm that the next race will be on Friday, 30 December.
Many thanks to all the marshals and officials for coming along on such a bitterly cold day.
Entries: you might like to know that although there were only 187 finishers, we issued 244 numbers against the race limit of 200. There was a much higher than average number of non-starters.
In view of the high number of postal entries now being received, we have decided to stop having race vouchers on sale from Run & Become. We will, of course, continue to honour those vouchers currently outstanding on the exisitng \"first come, first served\" basis.

Last Friday 5k 2005-12-30

The conditions were not conducive to fast times but despite this Ed Jackson became only the third man to break 15 minutes on the current course, which has been used since May 2004. His time is the second fastest on record. To the best of my recollection, Alistair Moses time is the fourth best on record.
We were very pleased to welcome groups from Basildon AC and Kent AC and their athletes produced some fine performances. But I think that all of the runners and all of the race officials are to be congratulated on turning out on such a foul day. You may be interested to know that we took 244 entries against the race limit of 200 although only 148 runners competed.

Last Friday 5k 2006-01-27

Tom Pollak reports: The first race in the 2006 series got off to a bright and breezy start. The undoubted highlight was the run by the 1962 European 5000m Champion, Bruce Tulloh, who set a new M70 series record, slicing 3 seconds off the previous best set by Sevenoaks\' Richard Pitcairn-Knowles.
Just a couple of weeks after arriving in London from South Africa, Robert Cousens impressively flexed his muscles to head home Belgrave\'s Richard Ward.
A particularly close battle down the field in the M55 section where just two seconds separated the leading three runners.
GB triathlon and half marathon international Annie Emerson was a runaway winner of the women\'s section with her fastest time for some months.

Last Friday 5k 2006-02-24

Another very competitive race although the strong, cold wind would have adversely affected times.

Last Friday 5k 2006-03-31

After foul weather for the last few months� races, it was good to have a mild, if windy day for the March event. No course records this month, but there were convincing wins for both Lucy Hasell and Richard Ward, the later having anchored the Belgrave team to victory at the previous Sunday�s South of England Road Relays.
Given the decent weather, it is a mystery to me why so many of the advance entrants didn�t show up, 73 out of 250 entries, which is far higher than we have ever seen before.

Last Friday 5k 2006-04-28

Good conditions saw year\'s bests in the W35, W60, W65, M50, M55, M60 and M65 age groups. There were also close contests in the M40 and, especially, the M45 age groups. In the later, there was a virtual dead-heat between John Griffin and Paul Sexby.
My thanks to all the marshals and officials who gave up their lunch breaks to stage the race - and don\'t forget to take a look at David Knight\'s race photos on www.dwknight.co.uk

Last Friday 5k 2006-05-26

A very closely contested ladies race with Amy Waterlow narrowly winning from a rapidly closing Rachel Townend. There was an excellent run from Sally Musson, whose W50 time is better than any achieved so far this year by a W40 or W45. June Johnson also set a W60 2006 best. It was very nice to see a party of ladies from Bergen, Norway: I hope you enjoyed the race. The men\'s section was more clear-cut with Robert Cousins pulling away to win from Orlando Edwards.
Please note that there may have to be a slight alteration to the opening 1km of the June race. This is because of the probable erection of concert fencing. However, we will have any alteration accurately measured.

Last Friday 5k 2006-06-30

This was one of the closest races I can recall, with Robert Cousens and Huw Lobb being separated by less than 1 second at the finish. Despite the hot weather, both improved on the previous 2006 series senior men\'s best mark. Peter Fallenius, in third place, also set a best 2006 M40 performance, as did Cecilia Morrison in the W65 age group.

Last Friday 5k 2006-11-24

The race saw first time wins for Kevin Quin and Liz Brathwaite. Liz is better known as a track runner, but put in a good �over distance� performance. I note that the second women home, Claire Imrie, has knocked more than 3 minutes off of her best performance in a little over a year: an impressive improvement.
We were pleased to welcome a group of runners from Rovereto in Italy, as well as several runners visiting London from the USA. We hope you all enjoyed the race.
The next race will be on Friday, 29 December, with the usual 12.30pm start time. I�ve already had about 100 entries; so if you want to take part, please get your entry in early to avoid disappointment! Don�t forget, entries are also open for the Serpentine RC New Year�s Day 10k.

Last Friday 5k 2006-07-28

There was another close finish with Robin Cousins holding on to win despite a spirited finish from Nick Martyn. Nick�s time of 15:38 set a new All-Time Series Record for the M40 age group. Many congratulations, Nick.
There were year age group bests from Cecilia Morrison (W65) and John Hayward (M750) and from 14 year old Jack Klecker (18:41), who was visiting from North Carolina, USA.
We were pleased to welcome a large group of orange shirted runners for Curzon Global who were running in memory of, and to celebrate the life of their late colleague, Remco Mersmann.

Last Friday 5k 2006-08-25

Good race conditions saw some excellent performances and there were age-group year bests from Blue Haywood (the 2006 AAA U17 3000m silver medallist), Gillian Palmer, Valerie Clews, Sally Musson, Cecilia Morrison, Anthony Pinol, Ray Marriott, Charlie Dixon and John Batchelor. Gillian and Blue set the two fastest women\'s times recorded so far in 2006.

Last Friday 5k 2006-09-29

Heavy rain earlier in the morning had cleared in time for the race, which was run in bright but breezy conditions.
The undoubted highlight was the new M65 series record of 18:21 set by John Batchelor (Ilford AC). His time removed from the records the mark of 18:29 set by Ron Higgs (Barnet & District) in January 1999. I believe that John�s time is also the leading UK performance in 2006 for his age group for a 5km on the road.
Cecilia Morrison�s W65 time of 23:27 was also outstanding and I believe it is the third fastest time seen in the UK in 2006.
My thanks, as always, to all my colleagues from Serpentine Running club who gave up their lunch times and came along to stage the race.
Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2006-10-27

Good running conditions. My thanks to all the marshals who gave up their lunch breaks to help stage the race. It was nice to see several people marshalling for the first time. I hope you enjoyed the experience,
We were pleased to welcome back a group of very good young athletes from Basildon AC, with James Shane taking a convincing victory. The women�s section was very competitive, with only 10 seconds separating the first three finishers. Congratulations to Heidi Wilson, from Runner�s World magazine, who was first woman home. I look forward to reading a �how to run a great 5k� article soon!
A special mention must also go to our final finisher, Frank Copping, who�s over 80 and still getting a much enjoyment from running competitively as all of the youngsters.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2006-12-29

We were treated to one of the most competitive men\'s races that I can remember, with 7 men together until the final stages. There was an U17 Series Record for the third place finisher, James Shane (Basildon AC).

Charlotte Moore was a convincing winner of the women\'s section but the next three ladies, headed by the home club�s Helen Mussen, were covered by only 10 seconds with Angela Howe (London Heathside) and Cambridge University X/C Captain, Claire Day, not far behind.

Congratulations to John Batchelor on winning the 2006 Last Friday Championship with an average age-grading of 87.8% for his best 6 races. We�ll be presenting John with his trophy before the January race. Also, well done to Edwin Bartlett, Tom Everitt, John Hanscomb and Alistair Jackson who were �ever presents� during 2006.

I�m sure you would like me to thank all the marshals, officials and everyone else has helped out at the Last Friday races during 2006. Everyone gives freely of his or her time on an unpaid basis. The next race will be on Friday, 26 January 2007.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2007-01-26

As you\'ll see, we\'ve added an M35 age group to the results.

Last Friday 5k 2007-02-23

A heart rate monitor was left at the Bandstand on Friday. If it belongs to you, please contact me on malcolm_french@hotmail.com or MalcolmFrench@aol.com or 020 8422 3900.

Malcolm French

Repairs to the bridge meant that we had to use a different course this month. Hugh Jones kindly provided details of another accurately measured 5k course, which had been used for the 2004 Civil Service Championships. My thanks to all the marshals, who always give so generously of their time, and who made sure that the runners safely negotiated the temporary route.

The winner, Tom Boardman, set an Under-20 series record. Tom was a member of the winning St Mary�s University College team at the 2007 Imperial College Hyde Park relays.

We were treated to a very fine women�s competition with only 15 seconds covering the first four ladies, all of whom recorded excellent times. There was also another outstanding performance from Cecelia Morrison, who for the second month in a row recorded an age-grading of 91.8%

Last Friday 5k 2007-03-30

This month, five of the seven best age-graded performances came from ladies, headed by Cecilia Morrison�s 92.8%. To the best of my recollection, this is the highest age-graded performance seen in the 5k series.

Last Friday 5k 2007-04-27

There were a host of good performances. Sophie Morris became one of a select group of women to have dipped under 17 minutes, while Adrian Marriott�s time was the fastest by a man in 2007. However, the performance of the day undoubtedly belongs to Jane Laws who set a new W50 Series Record to add to her W40 and W45 marks. An outstanding series of performances.

My thanks to Andy Davidson (South London Harriers) for providing a free massage service. He hopes to do the same again at the May race.

Last Friday 5k 2007-05-25

Congratulations to Pam Jones, who set an all-time series record in the W70 age group. My thanks to all the marshals and officials for giving up their lunch breaks to stage the race.

Thanks also to Andy Davidson (South London Harriers) for kindly offering a free sports massage to some lucky runners. Andy hopes to be back next month, but in the meantime he can be contacted on 07815 118887 or andy_davidson_1@yahoo.co.uk

Someone left a very distinctive t-shirt and new sports cap at the Bandstand. If they belong to you, please get in touch with me on MalcolmFrench@aol.com or 020 8422 3900.

Last Friday 5k 2007-06-29

Torrential rain immediately prior to the start gave both runners and marshals a thorough soaking but the sun reappeared as the race commenced. There were Series Records in the 70+ age group by both Pam Jones and Edmund Simpson, while Cecilia Morrison again recorded the best age-graded performance. Serious travel disruption in Central London meant the turnout was much lower than usual and the race had hardly finished before the Police decided to evacuate part of Hyde Park.

Last Friday 5k 2007-07-27

The race was held 5 years to the day before the opening of the 2012 London Olympics.

Last Friday 5k 2007-08-31

IMPORTANT NOTE: a set of keys was found near the finish. If they belong to you, please contact Malcolm French on 020 8422 3900, 07788 167652 or malcolmfrench@aol.com

Huw Lobb set the fastest Senior Men’s time so far for 2007 as three men bettered 16 minutes. The women’s section also was strongly contested with nine ladies breaking 19 minutes. Pam Jones improved the W70 all-time series record to 24:50. There were a number of other notable Masters performances, especially those from Jane Laws, Ros Tabor, Cecilia Morrison, Ray Marriott, Charlie Dickinson and Edmond Simpson.

I know that a number of our regular competitors are heading off to Italy in a few days time to compete in the World Masters Track & Field Championships and I’d like to wish all of them the very best of luck.

Last Friday 5k 2007-09-28

The ladies were the stars of the show on a wet and miserable afternoon. Ten women were under 21 minutes. Jane Georghiou equalled the "All Time" W55 series record of 20:28. There was another W70 series record for Pam Jones, who has improved the mark from 25:08 to 24:49 over the last 5 months.
To the best of my recollection, this is the first time a man from the organising club, Serpentine RC, has won the race.

Last Friday 5k 2007-11-30

Another event taking place along Serpentine Road (Winter Wonderland) meant changes to the course. The start was on Broadwalk, with the finish being on the Parade Ground.

Last Friday 5k 2007-12-28

The 2007 series ended on a high note with Rachel Townend smashing the All-Time women’s record by a massive 33 seconds. She achieved this despite conditions that were cool and windy; hardly conducive to fast times. Her time of 15:56 places her fifth in the 2007 UK Rankings.

Tom Penfold’s winning time was the fastest man’s time for 2007.

Congratulations also to Cecilia Morrison, who won the Age-Graded Championship with an average performance of 93.5%, topped off by a PB in this month’s race. We look forward to presenting her with her trophy at the January race.

Well done, also, to Phil Kelvin and Alistair Jackson, who had the distinction of being the only people to have completed every race in 2007.

Last Friday 5k 2008-02-29

We were pleased to welcome a large group of runners from Sport England: we hope you enjoyed your race.

Last Friday 5k 2008-03-28

Nick Martyn (Highgate Harriers) set a new M40 series record, which was an outstanding performance given the dreadful conditions.

Last Friday 5k 2008-04-25

Congratulations to Sally Musson on setting a new Series Record for the W55 age group.

A lot of people asked me who the very smartly dressed people were by The Bandstand. It turns out that they were the organisers, plus police and Security Service personnel, involved with the forthcoming Cavalry Parade and Memorial Service. If you want to go along and spectate, the Parade will be on Sunday, 11 May at The Bandstand. There's music from 5 military bands from 10.15am, with the march-past at 10.55am and wreath laying at 11.30am. The parade will include the Horse Guards, the Blues and Royals, the Heavy Cavalry, the Light Cavalry and the Royal Yeomanry.

IMPORTANT: JUNE RACE – please note that the June race will be brought forward one week to 20 June. This is because a concert will be taking place in Hyde Park on 27 June, with the gates opening at 12.00, noon.

Last Friday 5k 2008-05-30

Please note that the next race will be on Friday, 20 June (i.e. one week early).

Another good race for the ladies. Lucy Hasell became one of the few women to have bettered 17 minutes, while Sally Musson and Pam Jones both improved the Series Records in their age groups.

We say farewell to “Last Friday 5k” Series Director, John Walker, who will shortly be moving abroad. John has been Series Director since the very first race in October 1992, when there were just 5 runners. The May 2008 race was the 184th Last Friday race he has overseen. I’m sure you’d like to join me in thanking John for all the hard work he has put in over many years to develop the Series into the success it is today and to wish John and Sue every happiness in their new life overseas.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2008-07-25

Congratulations to Dave Cox who equalled the M55 series record, which dates back to 1999.

Last Friday 5k 2008-08-29

Congratulations to Dave Cox on breaking the M55 series record – and by a large margin.

Last Friday 5k 2010-01-29

Many congratulations to Clare Elms who set a new W45 series record, also breaking the W40 record in the process.

Last Friday 5k 2008-11-28

Expansion of the Winter Wonderland site meant that a new 2-lap course in the northwest section of Hyde Park was used.

The next race will be on Friday, 19 December, starting at the normal time of 12.30pm. The start / finish and meeting place will again be the Boat House and we will be using the same 2-lap course as was used in November.

Last Friday 5k 2008-12-19

We again used the 2-lap course in the northeast section of Hyde Park. Congratulations to James Shane on setting a new U20 men’s series record.

Congratulations too go to Cecilia Morrison on winning the Overall age-graded competition, with an average grading of 95.8% and to John Batchelor who was the leading man with an average score of exactly 90%. You’ll find the full championship table on www.serpentine.org.uk/rdb/friday/table.php?year=2008

I anticipate that we will be able to revert to the normal course around the Serpentine for the January race with separate A and B starts (separated at 21 minutes) and using the Bandstand as the meeting point.

Last Friday 5k 2009-05-29

A fine run by Florian Neuschwander, who became one of the few men to run under 15 minutes for the current course. From memory, his time is second only to that of Huw Lobb (14:41 in March 2005).

Please note that the meeting point for the June race will be the Boathouse, not the Bandstand. Also, we will have to use use the two lap course that we used in November and December 2008. This is becase one of the Hardrockcalling concerts will be taking place.

Last Friday 5k 2009-06-26

A concert was taking place later in the day. Therefore the 2-lap course in the northwest section of Hyde Park was used.

Last Friday 5k 2009-09-25

Two series records were set, Sally Musson in the W55 age group and Les Presland, who on his 70th birthday, no less, broke the M70 all-time record. Congratulations to you both.

Last Friday 5k 2009-10-30

November and December races – because of the Winter Wonderland fair, the race meeting point will be the Boathouse, not the Bandstand. The Boathouse is about 600m past the Bandstand, on the same side of the lake.

Last Friday 5k 2009-11-27

The next race will be on 18 December (one week early). The meeting place will again be the Boathouse.

Entries are currently being taken for the Brooks sponsored Serpentine New Year's Day 10k. Closing date, 8 December. Entries via www.entrycentral.com/index.php?festivalID=25

Last Friday 5k 2009-12-18

Congratulations to Cecilia Morrison who won the 2009 Last Friday 5k Championship. Cecilia’s average age grading for her best 6 races was a hugely impressive 97%, with a highest result of 98.4%. In second place was Sally Musson with an average of 90.7% and Paul Lemmon on 86.2% was third. We’ll present Cecilia with her trophy immediately before the January race.

Thank you to all the runners who have supported the races during 2009 and I’m sure that in turn, you would like to thank all the volunteers who take time out of their lunch breaks to organise the races every month.

The January race will revert to the normal course around the lake, with the meeting place returning to the Bandstand. We'll also have the usual A and B races, with the split for the races being 22 minutes.

Malcolm French

Last Friday 5k 2010-04-30

We were pleased to welcome Brent Weigner, Race Director of the Wyoming Marathon. I know some of you like to run abroad, so if you’re travelling to the USA, you might like to know that Brent’s race is on 30 May, see www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon

Congratulations to Nick Torry who has been selected to run for England in the Middlefart (Denmark) Half Marathon on 8th May.

Congratulations also to Sally Musson, who’s a LFOTM5k regular. Sally’s London Marathon time of 3:05:21 was a new UK record for the W55 age group.

Last Friday 5k 2010-05-28

Congratulations to Sally Musson who set a new W55 Series Record, reducing her previous time from 19:53 to 19:45.

IMPORTANT: JUNE RACE - Please note that perimeter fencing around the HardRock concert site will mean that our normal course will be blocked. Therefore, we will use the 2-lap “winter” course, with the meeting point being by the Boathouse (not the Bandstand).

Last Friday 5k 2010-06-25

Congratulations to Sally Musson on improving her own W55 series record.

Concert fencing meant that the 2-lap "Boathouse" course was used.

A key and a ring were found close to the finish area. If either belongs to you, please contact Malcolm French on MalcolmFrench@aol.com

Last Friday 5k 2010-08-27

Congratulations to Sally Musson who reduced her W55 Series record by a further 6 seconds.