NHRR Report

The second race of the Fairlands Valley Spartans' Stevenage 5k series took place last Wednesday evening. Mild weather welcomed the 24 North Herts Road Runners who made the short journey to Stevenage to race.

Astrid McKeown recoreded yet another victory in the Ladies' race. She finished in a time of 17.45 almost two minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Catherine Perry of Barnet & District AC. Melissa Winters, also of the North Herts Road Runners, came home in third place and a time of 19.39.

The NHRR Ladies' team currently stand in joint third place in the series tied with hosts the Fairlands Valley Spartans and chasing series leaders Barnet & District AC. Karen Dodsworth, Lindsay Cook and Christine Sharp were also running for the Squirrels. Karen made up the scoring team crossin the line in 23.50, Lindsay recorded a time of 25.36 and Christine finished in 28.30.

In the men's race Gary Cook was the first NHRR athlete home. Whilst more used to longer distances following his recent sub-3 hour New York marathon, Gary finished the 5k course in 26th place and a time of 17.27. He was pushed all the way to the line by fellow Squirrel Oliver Saville who finished in a new personal best time of 17.34. Peter Scrowther came home in 18.02 with Peter Sibbett following in 18.33. Peter Northover recorded a time of 18.58 whilst Stewart Bryant finished in 19.09 and Stewart Smither in 20.02. The two Stewarts both posted extremely high age graded scores for the race, indicating excellent performances.

Meanwhile, Chris Preistley of the North Herts Road Runners still stands in the top 20 in the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5k series age graded championship. Chris dropped two places from 15th to 17th coming 61st over a new course in Hyde Park. His time: 20.54. Lindsay Cook was the sole female member of NHRR in this month's race, her time was 25.27.

Several NHRR members were in action at the Wolverton 5k on Sunday near Milton Keynes. A very strong field turned out for the two lap race around Willen Lake. Oliver Saville posted another personal best to be the first Squirrel to break the tape in 29.20 for 54th place. Peter Scrowther broke the club record for 45 to 50 year old men over 5 miles finishing in 29.21 whilst Peter Sibbet, also a V45, came back in 29.57. Peter Scrowther was 3rd male in the v45 category with Peter Sibbett in 5th.

Anna Priestley represented the NHRR ladies, also setting a new club record to come home 38.09. She took 7th place in the ladies' v50 category. Chris Priestley was also in action and finished alongside wife Anna.