Brands Hatch 10k
Craig Chapman started an impressive set of weekend results by winning the Brands Hatch 10k in 36:39 on Friday evening.
Staplehurst 10k
With only one day off, Craig Chapman, this year’s road race captain was organising the Harriers to continue their push to extend their lead in the standings for the Kent Grand Prix on Sunday 5th June at the Staplehurst 10k.
A team of 26 Harriers (18 men and 8 women) braved the sun and the rising temperatures compared with last week, to take on the flat(ish), fast and PB potential Staplehurst 10K, the fifth Kent Grand Prix (KGP) race of 2016. 488 runners took to the narrow country lanes for this out and back loop which was well organized and marshalled throughout. First home was Peter Tucker (Blackheath and Bromley) in 33:44 and first lady was Maria Heslop (Paddock Wood) in 37:24.
For Team Harriers the first three men were Sam Begg in a PB time of 34:07, followed by Mike King in 36:40 (also a PB) and Craig Chapman in 37:18. For the ladies, Nicola Morris was first in 44:39 followed by Harriet Woolley in 44:54 and Hayley Larkin in 45:14. These great results also meant some silverware was due. Sam Begg placed 3rd in the race so also picked up Senior Male County Bronze Medal. Nicola Morris set a new Age Group PB and earned a Kent Bronze Medal in the F45 category. The men’s team of Sam Begg, Mike King and Craig Chapman won the Race & County Gold Medals. The ladies team of Nicola Morris, Harriet Woolley & Hayley Larkin won the Team Silver in the Kent Champs.
After 5 races in the Kent Grand Prix, the male team extend their lead over Dartford Road Runners and the female team remain fifth, closing the gap to fourth place Orpington Road Runners.
Full results: Sam Begg 34:07 (PB), Mike King 36:40 (PB), Craig Chapman 37:18, Keith Mitchell 37:25, Alex Holmes 40:06, Saul Harris 41:00, Nick Reynolds 41:25, Michael Costain 42:25 (PB), Geoff Turner 42:32, George Harris 43:20, Tom Woolley 43:22, Michael Russell 43:35 (Age PB), Richard Quartermaine 44:22 (PB), Nicola Morris 44:39 (Age PB), Harriette Woolley 44:54, Simon Allford 45:06 (Age PB), Hayley Larkin 45:14, Mike Sharp 47:23, Colin Ricketts 47:33, Jenny Davidson 49:02, Ana-Maria Green 49:53, Gary O’Reilly 50:11 (PB), Jonathan Rickards 50:17, Amanda Paver 52:39 (Age PB), Lucille Joannes 57:01, Rosie Harris 59:31.
Welsh 1000m Peaks
There was an impressive turnout of 8 runners by the Harriers at the Welsh 1000m Peaks race. The race starts at Abergwyngregyn, near the foreshore of Conwy Bay, and finishes on the summit of Snowdon (1085m) and includes the ascent of the five 1000 metre peaks of Snowdonia. From the windswept wilderness of the Carneddau, over the rugged, rocky landscape of the Glyderau and finishing on the tourist paths of Yr Wyddfa steeped in its mining history, the long course covers a distance of about 32 km with 2500 metres of ascent. The long Fell Race is considered to be one of the most arduous events in the UK fell running calendar.
Cathy Gill ran a brilliant race in tough conditions to claim first Harrier home in 5:59:37, shortly followed by Ed Steele (6:01:55) and Alex Jeffreys (6:04:38). They were followed by Mike Staddon (6:42:03), Chris Smith (6:45:04), Andy Joad (6:46:08), Simon Holford (7:39:14) and Jillian Holford (7:39:22).
Shires and Spires Ultra trail 35 mile
Lesley Mercer continued attacking the long distance races last Sunday 5th June with the Shires and Spires Ultra, a 35 mile Ultra-marathon. The race is based at the impressive Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire and follows a 35 mile loop taking in country houses and historical sites as well as Lamport includes Naseby, Althorp Estate and Cottesbrooke, as well some stunning countryside. An 8.30am start in thick fog was unexpected, but kept temperature low for the first half of the race. There was great comaraderie with other runners and it was a stunning course. There were 170 finishers, with Lesley 6th in the F40 category with an impressive time of 6:38:01.
