*PLEASE BE AWARE WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING ON JUNIOR NEW STARTERS AND THE WAITING LIST IS CLOSED*
A fantastic City of Stoke AC and Endurance Group turnout with 26 toeing the line. It was a blustery day and the threatening storm conditions weren’t far away. It turned out better weather wise than expected though the strong winds did keep times down although 15 of the group recorded PBs so goodness knows what times would have been posted if conditions were calmer.
Jamie Arnold led the way home with an outstanding 4thposition and 1st V45 in 25.20 which ranks him No1 in his Age Group so far this year (would have been 1st last year as well). He was accompanied for over 3 miles by Jordan Thomas who in clocking 25.53 smashed his PB and claimed 12th place. Our next runner was Seb Duffy with a 26.21 time and 17th position giving Stoke 1st men’s team.
James Condlyffe had been holding on to that position but could not hold Seb off, but he was rewarded with a big PB of 26.37. Stoke runners came in thick and fast after this point and it is testament to the strength of the Group that our last male runner was 150th out of a field of 855 finishers.
The Ladies saw Kate Holt maintain consistent splits to be a comfortable winner in 26.46 and placing her No1 in this year’s rankings. Next home came Emma Taylor who only came out of Covid isolation on Friday yet despite fatigue came home 6th Lady and 1st V35 in a 28.55 PB and No1 on this year’s V35 rankings. Making up the Team was Donna Sherwin with a big PB of 29.03 which placed her 7th lady and 1stV40 on the day and again No1 in the UK V40 rankings for this year. The 3 of them saw Stoke replicate the men and claim 1st Team for Stoke.
Our final lady once more showed what strength we have as she came home in 33.19 which was 176th overall and 26thlady.
There were so many fantastic runs and lots of great times and you all should be so proud of yourselves. I have attached a spreadsheet to show just how strong you have all become and reflect that on a calmer day you can go even faster.
Well done everyone and a shout out to Tom Chell who was nearly taken out by an idiotic white van driver at around 3.5 miles.
MEANWHILE VIC HUGHES CAME HOME 2ND LADY AND 1STV45 IN THE STOURBRIDGE STAGGER 10.42 MULTI TERRAIN RACE AND JACK TETLEY WAS 194 IN A VERY DEMANDING, MUDDY BUCS XC CHAMPS.
Kevin Hendricken