It was so good to see HRR were out in force this weekend at a variety of events.
EKIDEN RELAYS
This is the first time that HRR have taken part in the Ekiden relays. Thanks to Team Captain James North for getting a team together at the last minute. The 26.2 mile race is run by teams of six as a relay. Legs: 1 x 7.2km, 3 x 5km and 2 x 10km. Adam Hampton was first to run the 7.2K leg, he finished in 29:07. Next up was Simon Ford running 5K in 19:44. Taking on the 10K was Luis Bettancourt Canas in 42:38. Simon Miller ran the next 5K leg in 24:52. Wes Atkins took on the second 10k leg in 37:22. Bringing the team home with the last 5k was James North in 20:19. What a Team! Their overall position was 28th out of 205 teams and 13th in the Men’s Open catergory. In a total time of 02:54:04. Absolutely brilliant! Well done Team Ekiden!
HIGHWAYMAN TRAIL
Ross Kemble took part in the Highwayman Trail marathon on Sunday. A narrative trail race where you follow written instructionson a route around the villages of Thaxted, Great Sampford and Hempstead all associated with Dick Turpin.
Despite getting lost several times, Ross finished in 2nd place overall in 5 hours 5 minutes. Great training and confidence boost for his upcoming SVP Ultra.
MITRE 10k
Dad and daughter team Aidan and Brenna Kelly were at the Mitre 10k, Bishop’s Stortford. This community fundraising event is run on traffic-free roads through local villages.
Aidan finished in 47:34 and Brenna in 59:25.
CAROLINE COASTAL TRAIL
Treena Carder and Phil Jeffries were in Maldon taking on this 10k trail run which started at Maldon Promenade Park. They ran together finishing in 1:08. Well done to all.
SPITFIRE 2025
Another absolutely brilliant weekend was had at the Spitfire Scramble. For those that don’t know, you can enter as a solo runner or in teams from two up to eight members. The aim is to complete as many 5.75 mile laps as possible between midday on Saturday and midday on Sunday. The entire course is set within the confines of Hornchurch Country Park, the former home of RAF Hornchurch. It’s a superb event to be part of.
HRR had 4 solo runners this year and watching them complete the laps was incredible. Steve May completed 14 laps a total of 80 miles. Nathan Roulson and Bec Gilroy 13 laps, a total of 74 miles. Matt Biggin completed 11, a total of 63 miles. They were EPIC to watch! Huge well done to all four of them!
The HRR mixed team of 6 was made up of Dan Roughan, Sam Hillyard, Sam Wolton, Axel Voigt and friends of the club Rob Briggs and Aaron Eason. Together they completed a fantastic 25 laps.
HRR ladies team of 7 was made up of Rachael Roughan, Noush Springett, Victoria Metson, Emma Healy, Mandy Humm, Sarah Waddington and Laura Smith. Together they completed a whopping 27 laps and placed 2nd in their category.
A special mention goes to Joby Humm who crewed for us all this weekend. Our official photographer, tea/coffee maker and who kept people company on their laps when the going was getting tough! Joby you were brilliant!
Nathan summed up the experience perfectly….
Another fabulous Spitfire weekend.
Fatigue and sore feet.
Goals achieved or smashed.
Community and camaraderie.
Friendships forged and cemented.
Memories made for life.
Few other events bring out the best in people quite like Spitfire.
Thank you all for sharing the 2025 edition.
Bring on 2026!
