Champion Debuts for Newcomer Squirrels

Natalie Lawrence

​All eyes were on Croyland Park, Wellingborough as the Squirrels set out to defend their early lead in the Three Counties Cross Country League.

31 hardy squirrels faced the course that was described by Jillian Boys as a “very hilly and loopy course with a couple of river crossings thrown in for good measure!” Captain John Auld was delighted to see the Ladies finish the race in 2nd position and the Men in 3rd –giving a combined overall victory on the day and maintaining their lead in the league.  After the race he said “we had some great individual and team performances on a tough, strength sapping course and some ice cold water.” Wayne Bell and Natalie Lawrence made impressive debuts for North Herts Road Runners, both making it onto the scoring teams with Lawrence first lady and Bell finishing in 11th position. For the ladies, the remaining scoring team was Paula Adams, Jane Clarke and Ellie Webb. Scoring for the men were Tom Webb, Darren Sunter, Bell, Matt Sayers, Ed Price, Darren Mattussa, Nick Malpeli and Vince Wright.

Fifteen squirrels chose to stick closer to home – taking on the Hatfield 5 Miles. Tackling the distance for the first time and first home for the club, Stewart Overton declared he was “pleased with his time of 28:37”. Ian Sutcliffe took the trophy for Vet 70 in an inspirational 42:52. Another squirrel making their debut in a Road Runners vest was Elwyn Howell with an impressive 43:23. Other finishers were, Stuart Cocks, Lucy O’Connor, Lorna Chambers, Brian Judkins, Helen Marson-Smith, Shani Fielding, Hayley Cocks, Kelly Hanlon, Jo Kenlin, Jo Sopala, Clare Hooley and Lindsay Lucas. Hooley reported that it was “the perfect antidote to a hilly cross country, because as much as they make us stronger, hills also exhaust some of us. We were all thrilled to make it in under an hour.”

Vanessa Rolfe was the only squirrel to travel to Cambridgeshire for the Bassingbourn Belle 10 Miler - Rolfe was relieved to finish in 1:41:44 (and on her feet!) stating “this was the first run since I fell flat on my face!”

Jo Summers returned to the Colworth Hare and Tortoise taking on the 5 laps of a 5.25 mile off-road route and scored herself a course personal best in a time of 4:01. Further afield, Steven Peel travelled, with his family in tow, to Florence to take on the marathon distance. He completed the “amazingly beautiful course” in a fantastic 4:02:23​