Race Report 25 - 26 September: Autumn Marathons in full throttle

Well, possibly for the first time ever in my memory there is not a single parkrun PB, milestone or position to report. I like to think that is because everyone had too good a time at Friday’s Social event (although I do also concede that marathon-ing: be it racing or tapering may also be having an impact!)

We’ll kick things off in Valencia, sunny Spain, where Nick and Maddie Hughes were racing in the age category events at the European Triathlon Championships. Maddie was 1st in her sprint distance event, in a time of 1.08.58, whilst Nick came home in total time of 2.23.08 (over a 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10k run). Well done to both our international Harrier Hugheses! ​

Grant Whitaker was also on the Iberian peninsula, taking part in the Rock ’n’ Roll Madrid Marathon today, Sunday 26 September, earning himself a PB of 3.36.51. Further to the north and the east, Jennifer Webb and Tom Wright were also rewarded with PBs in European marathon efforts, clocking times of 4.08.23 and 3.34.16, respectively, in the fabulous Berlin Marathon. Evidently, it’s a great marathoning day for a surname beginning with W!

Grant 'Madrid ice bath' Whitaker

Jen 'Vorsprung durch Technik' Webb

Tom 'Reichstag picnic' Wright

Somewhat closer to home, Natalie Hallas was 1st in her category and 3rd overall in the Windsor Women’s 10k (keeping the W theme, you note) on Saturday 25 September, in 41.25. Meanwhile in the Windsor Half, today, Stuart Clarke was first Harrier home in 1.38.27, joined by Cath Holloway - 1.44.18 (second in age category). Adam Shute earned himself an absolutely awesome half marathon PB in Ealing - 1.19.27. Well done to all the road runners - neep neep.​

And finally, a number of Harriers were in action in XNRG’s Tring Humanity Direct Ultra (50k) yesterday. Jonny Stoddern was the first of those home, in a time of 4.28.28 (2nd in age category). He was joined swiftly by: Paul McCarthy (4.52.44); Annelize Colquhoun (5.13.02 - a great course PB after an extended absence from the sport); and Dave Williams (5.30.31 in his first ever ultra). Tim Dawson joined wife Alison for her first ever ultra-distanced event, walking the course in a total time of 8.03.42. Tim Dutfield and Neil Cooper finished in times of 9.53.17 and 9.53.24, respectively.

COMING UP LOCALLY: Southern Athletics League Cross Country relay Championships, Burford Bolt 10k, Henley Half Marathon & 10k and the first Chiltern League Cross Country match. Check out the Club Calendar for details of these events and more.