Hard Half, Tough Ten: North Herts Road Runners Rise to the Challenge

This Sunday saw the return of the legendary Hitchin Hard Half and the equally formidable Hitchin Tough 10 Miler - races that are as notorious for their punishing hills as they are for their stunning countryside views. Undeterred by the challenge, eight fearless Squirrels tackled the Hard Half, while three more took on the Tough 10 Miler, proving that grit and determination run deep.

In the Hard Half, Rhia Botha powered across the finish line in 1:35:58, securing a podium spot as the 3rd lady and claiming 2nd place in her F30 age category. Close behind, Ian Datlen finished in 1:36:59, taking 4th in the M50 category. Rachel Arnott followed as the 4th lady home, earning 1st place in the F40 age group with a time of 1:37:19.

James Warner Smith crossed the line in 1:37:21, followed by Daniel Socci (1:44:15), Tom Bennett Makin (1:44:49), and Katrina Slisane, who clocked 1:47:16 to secure 4th place in the F40 category and 9th lady overall. Adrian Barnett rounded out the squad with a solid 2:12:15 finish.

Hitchin Tough 10 Miler, James Dalton led the Squirrels home, taking 2nd in the M50 category with an impressive 1:21:14. David Weston followed with a strong 1:25:43 finish, securing 3rd in the M40 category. Meanwhile, Joanne Hoare returned to racing after breaking her ankle seven months ago, delivering an impressive performance to finish 3rd in the F40 category in 1:36:01.

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Milton Keynes Marathon Masters Qualifier
Congratulations to Claire Fiske who qualified for her Masters England vest at the Milton Keynes Marathon on 5th May by coming 3rd in her Masters age category.  In 3:43:59.

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Ben’s Yard, Ely
Joseph BARKER-SHERRY   30:29
 
Fire Service College
Tracey PALMER          32:38

Great Denham
Georgia BARKER   32:31    
Richard BARKER     32:33  
 
Henlow Bridge Lakes
Daniel MALLETT        23:14
Rob MILBURN     26:21       
Jillian BOYS       29:29         
Bob DAVIS     44:18
 
Holyrood
Emily YOSSARIAN                  31:28
 
Letchworth
Thomas BUZZARD    21:43
James DALTON       23:24
Richard HARBON     24:21
Andrew GRUDZINSKI    29:25
Adam WILSON          29:27
Paul BOWAL       29:30
Philip FLACK     31:00
Gregor BOWIE      45:56     
 
Linwood
Georgina QUAYLE    43:00
 
Luton Wardown
Julia TOFFA        31:57
 
Mersea Island
Chris STOKES        21:22     
 ​

Mile End
Hannah BLOOMFIELD       33:32    
 
Millenium Country
Lucy O'CONNOR      25:05
Brian JUDKINS           38:16
 
Newbury
Jon HUNT       23:41
 
Norwich
Ellie SCOTT      28:18
 
Pocket
Kris WHITMORE      18:53      
Sam WHITMORE      22:02  
 
Pont y Bala
Andrew COATES       26:36 
 
Queen Elizabeth
David BREWER          22:22
 
Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve
Dawn POWER          28:40                
 
Weymouth
Joe DIXON          25:06
Vanessa ROLFE (new age category)     38:05
 
Wimpole Estate
Philippa HARDCASTLE         29:25
 
Worcester Pitchcroft
Mike PHILLIPS           19:20
Anna GREETHAM       27:54 
Matt ROBERTS              27:54
Natalie PHILLIPS        27:55