North Herts Road Runners Shine Across Multiple Events

Squirrels Impress at Rain-Soaked Run Around the Garden
This weekend, North Herts Road Runners hosted the annual Run Around the Garden in Letchworth, which attracted a great turnout despite the rainy weather.

Club members put in an outstanding performance across the board. Matthew Sayers led the charge for the club, finishing 3rd overall and 1st in his age category in the 5k race.

​Ian Datlen followed closely, placing 6th and 4th overall and 1st in his age group. For the ladies, Hannah Ridley impressed with a fantastic 2nd place finish overall and 1st in her age group, while Tracy Pitcairn powered through to claim 3rd overall and 2nd in her category. Lucy O’Connor and Joanne Hoare also delivered standout performances, placing 1st and 5th in their respective categories.

Meanwhile, our squirrels were out flying the flag for NHRR at various events across the UK. ​

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Squirrels Conquer Challenging Courses Throughout the Country  
At the Bedford Running Festival, Rob Bell completed the 5km in 29:23 on a warm, humid day. Elwyn Howell ran the Twilight 10k, finishing in 48:58, and followed it up with a half marathon the next day in 1:49:47. Jane Morgan and Julie Taylor also ran the 10k and finished in 1:04:52 and 1:04:55 respectively.

​Richard Barker took on the half marathon, battling injuries and a thunderstorm to finish in 1:46:25, while Rhia Botha secured a brilliant PB in the 20 miler (2:26:09), and Nicola Withington, Andreea Weisl-Shaw and Vanessa Rolfe all ran the 20 miler as well (their times were 3:21:17, 3:33:34 and 4:17:19). 

Elsewhere, Dave Braybrook and Daniel Wrigley both completed the Great North Run with strong performances, finishing in 1:49:45 and 1:50:20 respectively.

Sue Foot took on the Dunstable Downs Marathon Challenge, finishing the self-navigated 27.6 miles in 6:07 after a few extra detours. Finally, Ed Paxton earned a PB at the Run Norwich 10k, finishing in 1:00:24 in his first race for the club.
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Meanwhile, Bev Rimmer tackled one of the toughest ParkRuns in the UK at Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District, featuring a grueling 300m of elevation. Despite the tough course, she completed the run in 37:58, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
 
All in all, our club members faced tough courses and unpredictable weather with grit and determination, and some were delighted to achieve personal bests as well. The NHRR spirit was truly on display this weekend, as everyone battled the elements and their own limits with outstanding results!

Here is the full Parkrun Roundup: ​

Edgbaston Reservoir: Paula Holm (27:13)

Haverfordwest: Dawn Power (29:22)

Henlow Bridge Lakes: Rob Milburn (25:58), Bob Davis (28:42)

Mersea Island: Chris Stokes (21:46)

Norwich: Ellie Scott (27:19)

Panshanger: Frances Stanton (29:41), James Godfrey (29:42)

Pocket: Kris Whitmore (20:14}

Stevenage: Elwyn Howell (22:14), Jon Hunt (25:38), Andreea Weisl-Shaw (28:22), Helen Giffin (29:53), Emily Yossarian (30:10), Richard Barker (30:11), Georgia Barker (31:53)

Storeys Field: Georgina Quayle (25:40)

Wanstead Flats: Darren Matussa (23:54)

Wimpole Estate: Ravina Bachra (35:04)

Workington: Tom Barclay (17:56)

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