Sunday November 16th saw 20 Halstead Road Runners tackle a new XC course hosted by Springfield Striders at the Wild Forest Outdoor Activity Centre, Brentwood.
Normally used by Nuclear Races for muddy obstacle course races, the venue gave runners a very challenging, muddy & slippy course with ditches to cross, logs to jump & large muddy puddles to get through.
146 men took part in the men’s race.
First home for Halstead was James Withams in 17th position, Wes Atkins was right behind in 18th with Alistair Wilson not far behind in 21st.
Steve May was next home in 46th place followed a few places back in 54th by Luis Betancourt Canas.
Completing the men’s scoring side, somehow in a pair of road shoes, in 65th place was George Wilson.
Perry James was next to cross the line for Halstead in 83rd with Sam Wolton close behind in 89th.
Andy Carter was next in in 115th with Josh Roughan & Dave Clarke bringing HRR home in 129th & 141st respectively.
In the ladies race, a brilliant, strong run by Vikki Suêtt saw her claim the lead in a sprint finish in the final few metres to claim 1st place out of the 76 ladies competing.
Only a few places back in 6th place with an equally strong run was Rachael Roughan.
Anoushka Springett was the final scoring lady home in 31st.
The next 3 ladies finishing in 48th, 49th & 50th respectively were Hannah Whale, Emma Healy & Victoria Metson.
Jessica Thompson was hot on their heels in 52nd with Lorraine Garnham only a few places behind in 56th.
Bringing the Halstead team home in 71st position was Jane Roach.
These results mean Halstead’s men finished 2nd in their Pool B with the ladies finishing in 1st in their Pool B, leaving Halstead in 1st place overall when the results were combined.
Race report credit to Steve May
