Race Report: A day of many half marathons

Welcome, Race Report fans, to a weekend of half marathons! There really were loads of you pounding the pavements and the paths this weekend. However, before we talk about this weekend's results, a quick hark back to last weekend and a couple of races that I missed. Firstly, Grace Birch battled hail, wind and sand to complete the Northumberland Coastal Trail Series marathon event, on Saturday 22 February, taking in 27 miles of coastline to Bamburgh Castle in a time of 5.18.40. On 23 February Joanna Warfield completed her first ever half marathon around (and around) Dorney Lake in 1.55.28.

​Moving on to this weekend, Miriam Kempson and Jennifer Webb decided to spice things up a bit by running 10k in the pitch black during Datchet Dashers 'Dash in the Dark' 10k last night (Saturday 29 February). Jennifer clocked a time of 57.14 and Miriam - 1.37.44 (both strava times). Meanwhile, in considerably more pleasant conditions (i.e. not muddy, cold, wet etc.) Tim Dawson completed the first of his 'three Bs' for the charity 'Liberty's Legacy'- the Benidorm Half Marathon - in a time of 1.47.10.

No less than 18 Harriers completed half marathons today, Sunday 1 March. Ben Hetherington was in off-road action at the Wendover Woods Spring Festival of Running. Ben came home in 1st place in an impressive 1.30.41 on the challenging course. Robert Gill completed the 10k event, finishing 1st V70 in 1.03.51. 

In Berkhamsted, Mike Turney was the first Harrier home in a time of 1.24.25 (and 2nd V50). He was joined by: Katie Royals - 1.44.22 (her fastest half marathon time in 5 years); Ed Wright - 1.43.41; Patrick Barrett (1.41.49); Alex Paull (1.31.15); Ian Lawson (1.30.40); Rik Edwards (1.50.03); Katherine Day (2.04.08) and Trevor Brawn (2.04.33). Jon Taylor completed the 5 mile event in 31.45.[All strava times.]

And finally, there were half marathon PBs for Aran Davidson (1.10.57) and Sylvia Moss (1.41.45) in the Vitality 'Big Half' in London, today. There were also great runs by: Richard Moss (1.31.28); Matt Channer (1.38.59); Grant Whitaker (1.40.33); Beth Lang (1.47.29); Tamsin Finch (1.57.21) and Belinda Chassebi (1.57.48). Well done all!

COMING UP LOCALLY: Hillingdon 20, Goring 10k, Ashridge Boundary Run and the next (and final) Gade Valley Harriers Marathon training runs. Check out the Club Calendar for more details.

SAVE THE DATE: With apologies for the delay, we are pleased to announce that the annual Club Awards & Social event will take place on 4 July at Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club. More details to follow soon.