NHRR Report

The North Hert Road Runners were out in force last Wednesday for the final Fairlands Valley Spartans midweek 5k of the series. Astrid McKeown had already done enough to clinch first place in the ladies' series and so opted out. Her combined times in the first two races put her at the top of the leader board with a total time of 35.23. Melissa Winters secured her place in the top three overall posting a time of 19.39 for fourth place in the race. Her combined times over her best two races were enough for a spot on the podium.

Gary Cook was the first NHRR athlete across the line finishing the third race in 23rd place and a time of 17.29. He took 29th place in the overall men's standings. Oliver Saville was the next to complete the course in slippery conditions in a time of 17.46 for 31st position in the race and 34th in the series. Peter Scrowther and Adrian Sherwood finished the final race in times of 18.06 and 18.47 respectively. Suzy Trott was the next lady home crossing the line in 22.07 with Anna Priestley not far behind in 23.02. Rachel Annetts finished in 24.58 whilst Lindsay Cook came home in 27.29 and Christine Sharp in 28.21.

Oliver Saville of the North Herts Road Runners was also in action at the Andy Reading 10k last Sunday. His new personal best time of 37.35 secured him 18th place from around 430 athletes. The race takes in RAF Weston on the Green and is run annually in memory of Alchester running club member Andy Reading.

The annual Bedford half marathon was held on 14th December and heralded a strong return to form for former Herts county athlete Peter Sibbett. Peter has been carefully reabilitating following a running injury and his time of 1.24.14, the fastest NHRR time, around the Bedford course sets a strong marker for the forthcoming 2009 season. The next NHRR runners home were Adrian Sherwood and Dave Frampton in times of 1.25.37 and 1.25.52 with Richard Thackerey in 1.28.25. Jo Summers broke the tape as first NHRR lady in 1.43.28 and Sharon Gregson followed in 1.45.06.

Other results: John Russell 1.34.00, Paul Bowal 1.50.8, Jo Harbon 1.54.02, Rachel Annetts 1.57.22, Gillian Hopkins 2.07.18.

The North Herts Road Runners meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Letchworth Corner Sports Club on Whitethorn Lane, Letchworth at between 7 and 7.30pm. To minimise the affects of the impending yuletide food and alcohol consumption all new runners are very welcome on any Tuesday or Thursday.