Huge turnout for annual Santa Canta

​North Herts Road Runners hosted its annual fund-raising Santa Canta 5km run and 1km children’s fun run on Norton Common on Saturday 3 December.  The festive run saw 235 runners of all ages braving sub-zero temperatures.  The event, which has raised thousands for local charities over the years, saw almost £1000 donated to ‘Young Carers Crew’, an independent charity that provides respite and support to young carers aged between 8-18 living in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire who are the primary or secondary carers for members of their family.  Volunteers turned up with delicious seasonal baked goods and runners turned out in their best festive fancy dress, many accompanied by their canine companions, also in festive attire to run the tough two lap course.  Prizes were awarded for best fancy dress, best children’s fancy dress and best dressed dog.  

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British Masters 5km Championships
Five North Herts Road Runners headed into London on Sunday to take part in the British Masters 5km Championships in a beautiful Battersea Park. They set off in perfect conditions to race round the flat, two and a half lap course and Shahab Ahmad was first squirrel home, finishing sixth in his veteran 40 age category in a personal best time of 16 minutes and 44 seconds, 15 seconds faster than his previous best time. Next back was Mike Over in 18 minutes and 42 seconds, his second best ever 5km time. Then our ladies Jane Clarke and Tash Pitman, were both delighted to dip over the line in 19 minutes and 46 seconds with Jane taking almost a minute off her previous best time. Karen Dodsworth completed the team, well ahead of her target time in 26 minutes and 48 seconds.  Tash Pitman said she “thoroughly recommends Battersea Park if you're looking for a fast, flat course.”

Maverick Adidas Terrex Original Oxfordshire trail race
On Saturday 2nd December Jill Tooley-Boys and her ever faithful canine companion, Lulu, tackled The Maverick Adidas Terrex Original Oxfordshire trail race. Over 13 miles of treacherous, icy terrain and freezing fog added to the challenge, which also included relentless steep climbs and technical downhill sections. The duo completed the race in 2 hours 38 minutes and commented that “It was absolutely freezing in -3 degree conditions but the cake was worth it at the end!“
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Exeter Santa Fun
Meanwhile down in Devon Elwyn Howell donned his Santa outfit to run the Exeter Santa Fun run in a time of 20:42.

​​ParkRun Roundup

Brockwell: James Laing (26:52)
Cardiff: Aimee Flack (28:46)
Letchworth: Steve Brenton (25:27), Lucy Hurley (31:09)
Porthcawl: Joanne Sopala (34:23)

Sharpham Estate: Danielle Lister (31:51)
Stevenage: David Edwards (20:15)
Teignmouth Promenade: Elwyn Howell (34:22)
Wendover Woods: Kris Whitmore (20:16)