Race Report 23 - 24 March: International action and X-Stream running

Good Evening fans from Race Report HQ, where, once again, we are celebrating a fabulous weekend of racing by Chiltern Harriers AC.

Kicking the weekend off early, Tim Dawson earned himself a PB for the 50k distance in the Running Miles ‘Ricky Races’ lapped event at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, in a great (unofficial) time of 5.18.24.

Meanwhile, on Saturday Alex Hughes and Tom Ford had the well-deserved privilege of representing England in the SIAB Schools' International Cross Country 2024, which brings together the best athletes from Irish, English, Welsh and Scottish schools. Tom ran an excellent race to finish in 10th, and Alex grabbed a spot on the podium behind two other England runners. Well done, boys!​

Somewhat closer to home Fiona Kelleher did brilliantly to come home 3rd lady in the tough Ashridge Boundary Run race - an 18 mile cross-country route round the beautiful Ashridge estate, taking in sections of the Ridgeway (including Ivinghoe Beacon). She clocked a great time of 2.29.04. Caroline Stephens ‘jeffed’ her way along the canal-side route of a half ultra (25k), organised by Camino, in a (strava) time of 2.34.00.

Moving on to yesterday’s parkrun results: Lauren Mayot was first woman at Church Mead in a time of 26.23, while Richard Moss earned a course PB at the wonderfully-named Sunny Hill (21.09). It was great to see Club stalwart Trevor Brawn make a return to parkrun following the accident that knocked him from his bike last year, in a time of 45.29 at Jersey Farm; and, finally, new Club President Neil Thubron made his parkrunning debut at Wendover Woods (27.01).

Mike Turney and Ed Wright were both in action at today’s Hillingdon 20 (mile), doing very well to complete the gruelling road distance in 2.21.47 and 2.50.09, respectively.
And, finally, I’m delighted to say that it was officially the 29th running of my favourite event today. Can I wish you all a Happy Hardwick (XStream) Day! Chiltern Harriers AC were out in force, taking both the mens’ and womens’ team prizes, as well as a plethora of individual trophies: Katie Royals (2nd woman, 49.05); Jenny Bizley (3rd woman, 50.39);  Abi Askey (1st V45, 54.20); Alan Crozier (1st V0, 45.27); Lauren Mayot (1st V40); Ade McCormack (1st V60, 52.46). They were joined by: Frank Gaymond (48.42); Rich Moss (47.01); Ben Hannen (45.57); Neil Bates (53.36) and Glen Martin (51.29). (Note: all times are Strava times.)

IMPORTANT: this week you’ve received two very important emails. Don’t ignore them!

First of those was from Membership Secretary, Tamsin Finch, detailing the process for renewing your Club membership for 2024/25. The process is different this year, so make sure you take a read and contact Tamsin ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

The second was your invitation to book your tickets for this year’s Club Social & Awards Evening, taking place on 18 May. With the return of the epic inflatable assault course, plus brand new catering provider for 2024, it’s going to be a great event! Book your tickets now.

COMING UP LOCALLY: Last Friday of the Month 5k, Maidenhead Easter 10, Beaconsfield 5, Brighton Marathon, the White Horse Half Marathon, Flitwick 10k, Manchester Marathon, Reading Half Marathon, the first Youth Development League and Watford Open Graded matches of 2024 and, of course, the London Marathon. Check out more on these events and others on the Club Calendar.