ESSEX COUNTY TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP
James Smith warmed up for the Halstead marathon by popping along to the Essex county track championships held at Melbourne stadium. He took part in the masters category (35+) in the 3,000 metres; in a fairly tactical race he was leading the other vets going into the last lap but got out-sprinted from there to end up 3rd for a Essex Masters bronze with a time 10:03.
HALSTEAD MARATHON
Sunday started with a clear blue sky ready for the 25th Halstead Marathon to take place. Conditions were warm for the 400 runners whilst the sun was out but the cloud built up and offered some reprieve for them. Halstead marathon is a testing course with many hills so always offers a challenge to runners.
The winner was Crispin Bloomfield of Billericay Striders, followed by Pete Robinson, Springfield Striders in second place and Nate Filer, Colchester Harriers in third position. Nate had completed the Ipswich Twilight 5k the evening before with a PB. The first lady home was Jackie Stretton, Springfield Striders, coming first lady for the second year in a row. Fiona Halls, Saffron Striders was second lady and Philippa Robinson of Grange Farm was third lady.
Halstead Road Runners were well represented in the race;
Gavin Allen was first home for Halstead in 2:53:35.
James Smith completed in 2:58:00.
Tom Porter completed in 3:12:00.
The three of them won the Essex County Championship Team Bronze medal.
Stuart Ashworth completed in 3:26:00 knocking 40 minutes off his previous marathon time.
Bob Langley completed in 3:34:00. He was first V60 home and won an Essex Gold medal.
Ian Chandler came home in 4:10:00, followed by Sam Hillyard in 4:13:00 and Sam Wolton in 4:33:03.
Andy Wilmot completed in 4:18:00 which placed him in the top three of the V70 category, obtaining another Essex medal.
Adam Buckle completed in 5:03:00.
Darren Powell completed his first marathon in 5:06:46 followed by John Warne in 5:12:38.
Halstead Road Runners would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to help out at the marathon including Trinity Explorer Scouts who helped out for the first time.
