So today was all about what HRR does best…. Being part of the TEAM! We had the road relay team over at Northern Gateway in Colchester. We had the Manchester marathon team at the start line in Manchester, and we had two slightly smaller teams at the Boston Uk marathon and Little Bromley 10k. The sun was shining, the conditions were great, what a brilliant day to run!!

ESSEX RELAYS
The Essex relays is exactly that! A 5k relay event for teams of 3 or in the case of the OPEN men, teams of 4. Each runner runs 3 x 1 mile laps, one after the other. As one runner finishes the next is sent out…! It’s a great team event and we had 21 HRR giving it their best shot! The teams were as follows.

OPEN LADIES:
Jody Smith
Bec Gilroy
Jenny Smith

Hannah Ervine
Sarah Waddington
Lisa Clark

Rachel Rising
Vikki Suett
Karen Pickering

V40 LADIES:
Charlotte king
Emma Healy
Maryann Sycamore

V50 LADIES:
Jane Roach
Lorraine Garnham
Sandy Maloy

OPEN MEN:
Steve May
Tom Pease
Gav Ripton
Nathan Roulson

V60 MEN:
Ian Sutcliffe
Bob Langley

The course is predominantly flat with a very short, slight incline at one end. Finish times and pace were super speedy from all and I think it’s fair to say everyone enjoyed it.
Rachel, Vikki and Karen had a fantastic team run finishing in a combined time of 54:31. They came 3rd overall in their age category (OPEN) and got themselves a shiny new medal for their efforts. Brilliant running ladies!

LITTLE BROMLEY 10k
HRR had 3 runners over at Little Bromley 10k which is known for its PB potential. Tom Puncher was first home for Halstead in an incredible PB time of 35:32. Training hard for it, Chris Lloyd also achieved a PB of 36:39, a superb run from him. It was great to see Jenn Langley back racing. This was her first race in a very long time and training has been tough. However, Jenn finished strong in 1:05.31 and was pleased with consistent splits.

BOSTON UK
Two roadrunners took on the Boston UK marathon, known to be the flattest marathon in the country.
All the hard work paid off for Reece Hearn and he was first home for Halstead in a sub 3 hour time of 2:59.07. He was incredibly happy with that. We have been pleased to welcome Tracy English to the club in recent weeks. Making her debut for Halstead roadrunners she finished in a fantastic time of 3:08.42 and came 1st in her age category. Brilliant result Tracy and welcome to the team.

MANCHESTER MARATHON
The 4th largest marathon in Europe and known for its PB potential, we had 13 runners taking on Manchester marathon.
Great to finally see all the hard work paying off for the marathon team. There have been races and PBs along the way but the ultimate goal has always been Manchester marathon.

Ian Wingrove ran an incredible race and was first home for Halstead in 2:52.11. Stephen Metson claimed another sub 3 marathon time getting himself a new PB of 2:58.42. An 11 minute course PB and 1 minute marathon PB. Ben Ryder had a superb race and finished with a PB of 3:03.34. Mike smith also achieved a fantastic PB of 7 minutes 20 seconds finishing in 3:04.55 and achieving his goal of a sub 3:05 marathon. Perry James can’t stop smiling after finishing with a 26 minute PB. Aiming for sub 4 hours, Perry was ecstatic to cross the line in 3:47.45. Ross Kemble finished in 4:10.36. Noush Springett had a strong race and paced herself well to finish in a brilliant time of 4:13.32. A new 22 minute PB for her. Aidan Kelly was running for the ‘London retired police dogs trust’. Although hoping to get closer to 4 hours he suffered with cramp and tired legs for the last 8 miles but was happy with his time of 4.15.42. There were some great photos of Sam Wolton along the way and he crossed the line in 4:20.30. Next to finish was Mandy Humm. Mandy had a good race until Mile 21 where she started to suffer, she ran/walked the last 5 miles and still finished in a great time of 4:28.08. Ian Stokoe had some setbacks in training but didn’t let them hold him back! He crossed the line in 4:36.52. It was Dan Roughan’s first marathon and having trained hard he deserved a great race. Dan finished smiling in a brilliant time of 4:58.41. Joe Slee was also there running the relay option with his girlfriend. They finished in a combined time of 4.20. Fantastic running all round! Well done to everyone.