After a cold, wet week thank goodness the sun came out for race day on Sunday.

MILTON KEYNES 20 MILE
The Milton Keynes Festival of Running took place on Sunday starting at the Xscape city-centre venue.

Ian Wingrove, currently training for Manchester marathon was making the most of the 20 mile route, a mainly flat, fast course with PB potential. However, conditions were tough with the course flooded in places due to the recent wet weather and participants had to run through ankle deep water several times, not ideal when racing. As usual Ian didn’t disappoint finishing with another PB, in an incredible time of 2:07.27 and coming 18th overall. Phenomenal racing!

STAFFORD HALF MARATHON
Ben Ryder who is also ultimately training for Manchester marathon took on Stafford half marathon on Sunday. Starting in Stafford town centre, the route headed out on traffic-controlled roads, incorporating two steady climbs before returning to the Market Square. Although not his first race for HRR, it was his first time wearing club colours and yellow obviously suits him. The vest worked it’s magic once again with Ben finishing in an awesome time of 1:24.13 securing himself a well deserved PB. Looking forward to seeing what Manchester marathon brings for these two club runners.

BRENTWOOD HALF MARATHON
Making their race debut for HRR, two of our newer club members took on the Brentwood half marathon. The race is a one-loop, undulating road race, starting and finishing in Brentwood, taking runners on a route around the roads north of Brentwood. Mandysu Sarti and Natalie Westcar took on the race with 7 weeks to train. Natalie usually tackles sprint triathlons and Mandysu shorter, faster 5k and 10k distances. Training for 13 miles was new territory for them both but even with shin splint niggles along the way they still enjoyed the training and the race itself. With an uphill finish making it tough, Mandysu crossed the line in 2:31.04 and Natalie in 2:35.08. A fantastic achievement. Well done to both!

RAYNE PRESENTATION TRAIL
A quick change in the weather meant a rather muddy route in pleasant sunshine for Treena Carder and Caroliena Cameron when they took on the presentation trail from Rayne on Sunday. This was a self navigating trail run with the route taking them round Notley Discovery Centre. Both ladies smashed it with Treena opting for the shorter 4.2 mile route and coming 1st place overall in 0:45.49 and Caroliena taking on the longer 6.7mile route and finishing 3rd lady in 1:05.50. Strong running from both ladies once again!!

ST HELENA HOSPICE FUN RUN
It’s not all about the racing! HRR like to have fun time running once in a while as well as the more serious stuff! Charlotte King showcased this brilliantly on Sunday when she took part in the St Helena Hospice fun run at Colchester’s historic Castle Park. This was in support of St Helena Hospice heroes who provide individual care wherever it is needed, every day. Dressed as Batgirl she ran a 5k route with her friend Captain Marvel (otherwise known as Sue). Sue generated nearly £750 sponsorship for the hospice which is close to her heart. Excellent cause ladies and great costumes!!

Well done to all!!