North Herts Road Runners
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The Beast & The Serpent

25/2/2024

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Baldock Beast
There was a strong NHRR turnout at the Baldock Beast half-marathon, with 19 Squirrels running and the Club also supplying many of the marshals and helpers.

NHRR swept the board in the team competitions, winning both the ladies' and men's categories.
Leading the club home was Richard Springall who finished 5th overall in 01:22:52.  Leading the ladies team home was Rachel Arnott in a time of 01:35:14.
James Walsh commented ‘I was delighted to feel strong in my first half-marathon for some years and pushed on from halfway to finish in 1.43.54 - quite a bit faster than I had expected.  A good day out!’. Grace Cleary was also pleased with her result giving thanks to John Auld for shaming her into putting more speed into the last 2 miles and coming home in 01:51.  Ladies' winning team was Rachel Arnott, Rhia Botha, Grace Cleary and Tracy Pitcairn. Men's winning team was Richard Springall, Chris Stokes, Ollie White and Steve Tracey.
 
Everyone said they were grateful to have such a picturesque race so close by and thanked the super-positive marshals and NHRR supporters. "It's a real pleasure to have friends cheering for you around almost every corner."
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​Serpentine Last Friday of the Month
Four squirrels headed down to Hyde Park in London to take part in the Serpentine Last Friday of the Month which attracted a competitive field on a beautiful spring day with the park starting to blossom.
Andrew Leach was first squirrel home and first in his V60 age category in 16:55 and achieved the highest age graded percentage on the day of 94.4% and smashed the NHRR club record by over 2 minutes. He was followed by Shahab Ahmad in 17:59 who was using it as a training run for Cambridge next week, Darren Matussa in 19:16 and Tash Pitman in 20:51 also practicing her pacing! Tash commented " I really recommend this race - friendly atmosphere and if you're working in London it is a good lunch break and only a few pounds to enter!"

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​Brighton Half Marathon
Nick Malpeli headed down to the Brighton Half Marathon and finished in a time of 01:31:18. Nick commented ‘Slower than I'm used to racing, but the best I had after some months out. Luckily it finished before the rain came in’.
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​Fellow squirrel Dervla Downing also ran, finishing in 01:45:18.

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​London Winter 10k
Finally, Dave Braybrook headed into London to take part in the Cancer research Winter 10k.
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Dave finished in 46:49. Also running was Jane Morgan and Julie Taylor who both finished in 01:07:06.

Parkrun Round up
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​Fletcher Moss: Hannah Ridley (27:22)

Henlow Bridge Lakes: Brian Judkins (38:51)

Letchworth: Ian Harvey (24:02), James Dalton (24:47), James Poulton (29:57), Paul Bowal (31:29), Alice Noakes (31:30), Philip Flack (34:30)
Norwich: Ellie Scott (28:52)

Oakhill: Jon Hunt (23:43), Richard Harbon (24:00)

Panshanger: Ian Datlen (20:20), John Auld (21:11), Michael Over (21:12), Mike Phillips (21:20), David Edwards (22:25), Paula Holm (22:34), Natalie Phillips (23:42), Natasha Pitman (23:55), Andrew Robson (29:06)
Harlow: Darren Matussa (22:32)

​Shrewsbury: Nick Walker (30:37)
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Soham Village College: Meyrick Jenkins (30:32)

Stevenage: Tom Barclay (22:37), Chris Stokes (23:43), Andrew Coates (23:55), Daniel Mallett (24:52), Barbara Sayers (25:09), Georgia Barker (30:28), Richard Barker (30:29), Amanda Greig (31:09)

Terry Hershey: Emma Sandham (24:21)

The Old Showfield: James Godfrey (32:25), Frances Stanton (32:25)
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Wet Wales and Sunny Spain

18/2/2024

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The weekend saw a number of North Herts Road Runners venture far and wide to compete in a range of different distance running events.
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A group of squirrels headed to North Wales to take on the ‘Winter Trail Gaeaf’. Over 600 runners completed the 7-mile route which trails through the world-renowned Coed y Brenin Forest Park in Eryri National Park. Using the best of the ancient woodlands challenging terrain, Andy Grudinski described the route as ‘trailing through stunning beauty with waterlogged and marshy singletracks’. 

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There were three substantial climbs totalling 1500 feet and proved even more challenging from the driving rain that miraculously stopped as the runners set off. Michelle Grudzinski put her best foot forward and finished in an outstanding 1:22:47 having just retuned from injury. Alice Noakes stormed in at 1:26:28 having attacked the ‘sting in the tail’ segment. Next in was Andy Grudzinski who enjoyed the rocky, tree root covered downhills and finished in 1:27:40 and Adam Wilson who completed the course in 1:28:02.
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​Further afield, Angeliki Stathopoulou and Julie Toland ran the Seville marathon. Angeliki described it as a beautiful race and a fantastic mediterranean hot day. The crowd support was unbelievable which was something needed as it felt like a tough run.

​They both managed to finish though without injuries and big smiles. Angeliki finished in a fab time of 4:25:35 and Julie in a personal best of 4:41:54. 

Park run round up
Finsbury: Emily Yossarian (50:12)

Letchworth: James Dalton (23:57), Ian Harvey (26:19), Steve Brenton (26:43), Laura Fairbanks (27:31), Philip Flack (35:23), Siobhan Walsh (01:02:33)
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Millennium Country: Meyrick Jenkins (29:50)

Monsal Trail: Chris Stokes (20:19)
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Stevenage:
 Paula Holm (21:05), Michael Over (21:13), Mike Phillips (22:00), Jon Hunt (22:32), Barbara Sayers (26:59), Ellie Scott (26:59), Georgia Barker (31:01)

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Thornham Walks: Andrew Coates (28:35), Amanda Greig (36:39)

Thorp Perrow: Brian Judkins (38:58)
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Valentines: Darren Matussa (23:19)

York: Richard Harbon (22:01), Jo Harbon (29:08)
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Squirrels on the Move: Adventures at Stamford St Valentines 30k & Parkrun

11/2/2024

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As ever, many of members of team NHRR laced their running shoes and took to the trails and roads this weekend, continuing to support and inspire each other on their running journeys. We all know that, whether it's a challenging race or a leisurely Parkrun, every step brings us closer together as a community.
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Stamford St Valentines 30k:  A Heartfelt Adventure
A group of intrepid squirrels embarked on a journey to Stamford to take part in the 30th anniversary of the St Valentines 30k race, and what an adventure it was! It was heart-warming to support this milestone event and witness the dedication of our fellow runners.

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Runners praised the impeccable organization of the race and the outstanding efforts of the marshals who guided everyone along the undulating course. Despite the challenging terrain, the breath-taking scenery and pleasant weather provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable race experience. As our runners tackled each kilometre, they were greeted by heart-shaped markers, each accompanied by witty slogans (such as ‘Don't wish it was easier, wish that you were better’, or the classic ‘It’s all downhill from here, apart from the up hills’ or ‘Pain is just the French for bread’) that provided much-needed motivation and laughter along the way.
 
Special thanks go out to Lucy and Brian for their unwavering support on the course—your encouragement was invaluable!
Here are the results:
Rachel Arnott: 2:14:04
Oliver White: 2:32:28
John Auld: 2:36:19
Laura Fairbanks: 2:42:26
Dave Braybrook: 2:50:07
Anna Gibson: 3:02:30
 
Congratulations to all our runners for conquering the Stamford St Valentines 30k with determination and spirit!
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Ben takes the WIN at the ATW Love Welwyn Garden City 10k
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He described the conditions as perfect, but not a perfect course – uphill for the first km followed by a rolling 8km. Sewell tracked the leader before closing in at 8km and pushing for home. Despite spending the last km slipping and sliding on the mud and gravel around Stanborough Lakes, Sewell managed to finish in first place with a winning time of 35:09.
Parkrun Roundup:  Conquering Challenges, One Parkrun at a Time
In addition to the Stamford adventure, our squirrels have been busy conquering Parkruns across the country. From Arrow Valley to Wimpole Estate, our members have been lacing up their shoes and hitting the trails with gusto.
 
Here are the squirrels who completed Parkruns this week:
Arrow Valley: Rhiannon Brooks (26:30)

Fulbourn Hospital: Meyrick Jenkins (30:06)

Harlow: Darren Matussa (23:13)

Letchworth: Ian Datlen (22:08), Ian Harvey (25:20), Steve Brenton (26:46), Jennie Fraser (28:42), James Poulton (30:04), Alan Hazlehurst (32:48), Andrew Robson (35:33), Philip Flack (36:11)

Milton Country: Brian Judkins (36:46)

Newbury: Aimee Flack (30:59)
Stevenage: Chris Stokes (20:51), Andrew Coates (23:49), Emily Yossarian (28:50), Ellie Scott (29:12), Georgia Barker (30:26), Amanda Greig (30:52), Helen Giffin (31:38)

Teignmouth Promenade: Elwyn Howell (21:14)

Thames Path Woolwich: Richard Harbon (22:17), Jon Hunt (22:19), Jo Harbon (28:25)

Wendover Woods: Lindsay Cook (32:58)
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Wimpole Estate: Michael Over (21:44), Mike Phillips (22:05), Natalie Phillips (24:13)
Bravo to each and every one of them for their dedication and determination in tackling these Parkruns.
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NHRR make history with fifth 3CXC title

4/2/2024

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North Herts Road Runners have made history by becoming the first club to win the Three Counties Cross-country League in five consecutive seasons.

​They clinched the title in the final fixture of the winter season – a demanding 4.8-mile race  at Dunstable Downs, doing just enough just enough on the day to clinch top spot in the 14-club league ahead of close rivals Rugby and Northampton AC.
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​NHRR Joint-Chair and Ladies’ Captain Tash Pitman said ‘Team NRRR won the league! Well done everyone on a superb team effort over the five races with awesome support. Thank you all for making it happen, and especially our awesome coaching team!’
 
She singled out NHRR Cross-country Rep John Auld ‘for doing a brilliant job organising the League and all the encouragement to run!’
 
43 Squirrels completed the hilly course on Sunday and 88 took part in at least one race across the season. John Auld said ‘Well done everyone today. On the day we finished Team 1st, Men 2nd, Women 1st. This meant that we also finished the whole league in the same positions. Team 1st, Men 2nd, Women 1st.’
 
‘We are the first team in league history to win 5 consecutive team championships. We have won the combined team in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2022-23 and 2023-24. There was obviously 2 years missing for COVID. 

‘The ladies retain their championship and are now 4 times consecutive winners. Bedford Harriers actually won this 5 times consecutive from 2010-2014. So we can try to equal this next year!‘
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​There were plenty of individual awards for NHRR:
  • Katie Harbon won the women’s open – winning every one of the five races.
  • Hannah Ridley won the 25-29 category.
  • Rob Jowett won the 30-34 category.
  • Rhia Botha won the 35-39 category.
  • Tash Pitman won the 45-49 category.
  • Caroline Thrussell won the 60-64 category.
  • Matt Sayers 2nd in the 45-49 category.
  • Astrid Mckeown 2nd in the 50-54 category.
  • Vince Wright 3rd in the 45-49 category.
  • Peter Sibbett 3rd in the 60-64 category.
  • Linda Aird 3rd in the 65-69 category.

​NHRR finishers at Dunstable:
5             Sam Coxon
13           Nathan Pask
14           Rob Jowett
17           Vince Wright
19           Katie Harbon
23           Matt Sayers
29           Shahab Ahmad
36           Ed Price
41           Ian Datlen
61           Oliver Parsons
65           Rhia Botha
69           Adrian Sherwood
70           Cameron Geekie
73           James Walsh
​74           Mike Over
​78           Craig Cartier
82           Astrid Mckeown
86           Natasha Pitman
95           Hannah Ridley
96           Michael Philips
131        John Auld
138        Jack Smissaert
163        Peter Sibbett
167        Caroline Thrussell
169        Paula Adams
170        Natalie Philips
188        Laura Fairbanks
197        Richard Harbon
208        Becky Geekie
​229        Georgia Head
235        Anna Gibson
257        Jane Molloy
267        Paul Bowall
272        Helen Ankers
278        Jo Harbon
279        Jillian Tooley-Boys
280        Hannah Keeble
287        Linda Aird
298        Lindsay Cook
301        Helen Cromack
312        Andrew  Robson
334        Miranda Morgan
351        Brian Judkins
Regent’s Park 10k
Jeff Salter ran his first 10k of the year in 58:26 at the Regents Park 10k, organised by Mornington Chasers. Delighted with his time, Jeff said ‘I haven’t broken the hour mark for over a year after lots of injuries and am certain that my training on a Tuesday night has helped.’
First Saturday of the Month
There was a strong turnout for February’s First Saturday of the Month 5k on Norton Common, with even a local football team taking part en masse.
 
Local runner George Lucas was first of the 65 runners across the line in 20:44, with Ben Sewell first home for NHRR in 21:58 and Paula Holm the leading female Squirrel in 23:19.
 
Other NHRR finishers (timing information incomplete):
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​Katie Harbon           23:20
Ian Datlen                  23:21
Daniel Mallett         25:01
Rhia Botha                25:09
Astrid McKeown   25:10
John Auld                   25:10
Richard Harbon      25:13
Tash Pitman              25:14
Natalie Phillips        25:32
Laura Fairbanks      25:34
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James Dalton       
Kat Gourde     
Viv Lucas
Matt Ankers      
​Bibi Delacey-Mould              

Natalie Fiddy         
Grace Cleary        
Jennie Fraser        
Alan Hazelhurst​
​Alice Bates         
Andy Grudzinski
Geoff Davis          
Ian Sutcliffe    
Dawn Power       
Amanda Greig         
Lucia Perez Alonso                  
Philip Flack      
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North Herts Road Runners
Ekhus, Gosmore Road
Hitchin
​Hertfordshire
​SG4 9AT
​North Herts Road Runners

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Norton Way South,
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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Committee
    • Social
    • Club Charity
    • Club Kit
    • Club Records >
      • Male Club Records
      • Female Club Records
      • All Time Ranking
    • Honours Board
    • Club Awards
    • Codes of Conduct and Policies
  • RACES
    • FSOTM - Free 5km Race >
      • FSOTM pre-reg
    • Standalone 10K >
      • 2025 Runners information
      • Course Description
      • A Greener Standalone
      • Training Plans
      • FAQs
      • Road Closures
    • Greenway Challenge >
      • Greenway Challenge - Race Day Information
    • Letchworth 5k >
      • Runners Race Day Information
    • Santa Canta
  • Training
    • Training With Us
    • Meet the Coaches
    • Training Resources
    • SORE League
  • Club Racing
    • Run of the Month
    • Midweek League
    • Cross Country
    • Herts County Champs
    • London and Brighton Marathon Club Places
    • NHRR Standalone 10k team selection
  • News
    • News & Race Reports
    • My Running Story
    • England Athletics News
  • Join Us
    • Membership Benefits
    • Change of Club
    • Payments and Donations
    • Club App Guide