Mud, sun, run

ESSEX LEAGUE QUAGMIRE

Saturday 10th Feb saw the final race of the Essex Cross Country League and Halstead Road Runners had 11 athletes in action. The venue was Hainault Forest and after the heavy rain of the past few weeks and particularly the previous couple of days, this popular course was as wet and muddy as anyone could remember. In the senior women’s race of just over three and a half miles there were 114 finishers. With another fine performance, Rachael Roughan was first home for HRR in 29:23 and 35th position, Noush Springett was next, continuing her good form with 61st in 32:27, closely followed by the ever improving Emma Healy 64th in 33:00. Wendy Carter in her first run of any kind since 3rd January was next, 74th in 34:36 with Lorraine Garnham in her first appearance of the season 93rd in 38:56 just ahead of Jody Smith battling the difficult terrain to complete the course in 94th with 39:28. Unfortunately Victoria Metson felt unable to continue after pulling up early on with a muscle strain.    The men’s race measured 4.85 miles and saw 228 finishers. Bob Langley unfortunately pulled up with a calf strain in the first 100 metres and had to pull out but the remaining three HRR members completed the race. Bradley Doe, despite two “swallow dive” falls in liquid mud, ran hard to make up for it and recorded a great time and position, 84th in 35:09. Andy Carter revelled in the conditions and was really pleased to record 198th in 45:38 with Darren Powell a little further back in 209th and 47:35     Team results and end of season age group placings will be available in due course.