The popular Great Bentley Half Marathon took place on Sunday. Run mainly on country lanes it’s a fast, flat course, perfect for chasing PB’s. HRR had a brilliant turnout of 22 runners making up the team. With spring marathons on the way, Bentley is often used as a training run for many. Although a flat course, strong wind made for a tougher run. First home for Halstead was Ben Ryder in 1:19.34, taking 1 minute 17 seconds off his previous half marathon PB. Ben is currently in training for Edinburgh marathon in May. Next home was Reece Hearn with a 2 minute PB in 1:20.26. Matt Thomas crossed the line next in 1:21.02. Training for Manchester marathon, Mike Smith finished in 1:25.21. HRR’s first lady home was Hayley Lamkin. She took 6th place overall for the ladies in 1:26.24. Rachel Rising was very close behind taking 7th place in 1:26.38. Karen Pickering was next to cross the line and pleased to get a PB of 1:28.53. Tracy English finished in 1:32.44. Next home was James North in 1:34.08. Paul Hinsley finished in 1:42.14. Gav Ripton was next in 1:50.55 with Gareth Dyball, sticking to his  Manchester training plan, seconds behind him in 1:51.01.  Also on plan for Manchester marathon, Ross Kemble finished in 1:52.39. Sam Wolton was the much appreciated unofficial pacer for 3 of the team. He finished in 1:53.39 and paced Noush Springett, Luis Bettancourt and Mandy Humm. Noush has been training hard for her upcoming London marathon and it’s certainly paying off. She took just under a minute off her half marathon PB finishing in 1:53.39. This was Luis’ first half marathon and debut race in club colours. He had a brilliant race finishing in 1:54.03. Aidan Kelly was next in 1:55.11 and Mandy Humm also in training for Manchester marathon was close behind in 1:55.37. Next home was Caroliena Cameron in 1:57.49 and Ian Stokoe right behind her in 1:58.02. Recovering from injury and using it as part of her Manchester marathon training plan was Jenny Smith in 2:14.53. Bringing Halstead home was Jody Smith in 2:18.43.
BLICKLING HALF MARATHON
Starting and finishing in Aylsham, this half marathon takes runners through the surrounding villages around Aylsham and Blickling. Postoned from October last year,
Maryann Sycamore finally got her medal. She finished in 2:13.42.
LAVENHAM 10k
We also had one roadrunner over In Lavenham running the 10k race. This mixed terrain route took runners along the old disused railway line. Sandy Maloy finished in 1:13.27.