Fifteen Halstead Road Runners completed the penultimate race of the Ellisons Solicitors Cross Country League. Harwich Runners hosted the event using a new venue at Ardleigh car boot sale site and the adjoining quarry! The race should have been 5 miles but was actually exactly 4 miles but nevertheless it was still a tough course.
Leading Halstead’s men home looking very strong in 31st place was Ivan Filchev, followed by seasoned cross country runners Steve May in 42nd and Gav Ripton 52nd. Then came Steve Metson, showing a liking for cross country as he ran well to finish 71st with Don English 109th and Sam Wolton 114th completing the 6 man scoring team. Close behind were Andy Carter 122nd just ahead of Phil Jeffries 124th. There were 164 men competing.
Although scoring separately, the women raced alongside the men and Rachael Roughan once again beat many of them as she recorded her best position of the season in 7th. Competition was fierce for the remaining two team places and it was Emma Healy in 42nd and Wendy Carter in 47th who secured those spots with Anna Bambridge just behind in 48th. Treena Carder 62nd finished ahead of Victoria Metson 64th with Lauren Hutley completing the course in 73rd. Lisa Rodbourn had started but pulled out early on with the recurrence of an ankle injury. There were 86 women competing.
Halstead Road Runners are in Pool B of the Ellisons Solicitors Cross Country League, in which there are five clubs. Our Men’s team came 4th and the Women’s team came 3rd placing Halstead in 4th position overall with one race left in the series.
Adam Buckle completed the Tarpley 20 in very windy conditions finishing in 3:28:00.
