Squirrels Lead the XC League!

This weekend saw the fourth and penultimate race in the Three Counties XC, with North Herts hoping to continue their strong showing across the current seasion. The league was returning to Wing for its first race there since 2019, where there was a new course across challenging terrain. Due to the recent weather the course was tough with the thick mud and tufty grass on undulating hills with some technical sections to navigate. 

Runners were met with beautiful sunshine; a chill in the air and the frost on the ground. But the mud and water on the ground were to make for the perfect conditions for cross country racing.

A total of 32 squirrels ran and a strong supporting contingent was on hand too. In what turned out to a great day for North Herts Road Runners, the mens team won, beating close rivals Bedford Harriers. The women were 2nd to Rugby and Northampton AC in a very close race but beat Olney Runners who were 3rd. The combined team won the race ahead of Bedford Harriers and Rugby and Northampton.

Scoring for the North Herts women were Rhia Botha, Hannah Ridley, Paula Adams and Natalie Phillips.  Whilst the men were represented in the scoring by Ben Hadman, Travis Kruger, Darren Sunter, Matt Sayers, James Warner-Smith, Vince Wright, Shahab Ahmad and Ian Datlen.

With a 4th combined team victory, North Herts Road Runners have won every race so far accumulating a lead of 4 points going into the final race.  The women are leading the league on score difference narrowly ahead of Rugby and Northampton AC, whilst the men are winning by a single point ahead of Bedford Harriers.

Going into the final race of the season on 16th February, North Herts are aiming for the treble championship of men, woman and combined team events.

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First Saturday of the Month
A small but dedicated group turned out to run North Herts Road Runners fabulous First Saturday of the Month on the very muddy Norton Common! Finishers were as follows; 

​Tooley-Boys Jillian 00:22:48
Rose Stephen 00:22:54
Dalton James 00:23:06
Boulstridge Ian 00:23:22
McKeown Steve 00:24:24
Auld John 00:25:04
Braybrook Dave 00:25:09
Sherwood Adrain 00:25:10
​Pitcairn Tracy 00:25:20
Over Michael 00:25:20

Fairbanks Laura 00:25:41
Datlen Ian 00:25:43
Oldham Derek 00:25:50
Ingram Rosie 00:29:02
Saxby Ellen 00:29:31
Fiona Baker 00:30:00
Fraser Jennie 00:30:16
Saxby Daniel 00:30:17
​Power Dawn 00:30:24
Coates Andrew 00:30:24

Robson Andrew 00:30:32
Grudzinski Andy 00:30:51
Grudzinski Michelle 00:30:56
Bowal Paul 00:30:56
Sutcliffe Ian 00:33:21
Flack Philip 00:38:19
Howitt David 00:38:20
Hooley Clare 00:50:33
Keogh James 00:50:33

Parkrun Roundup

Birchall playing fields: Joseph Barker-sherry (27:56)

Cockermouth Greenway: Tom Barclay (18:05), Emma Sandham (23:41)

Coldhams Common: Georgina Quayle (29:34)

Eastbourne: Daniel Wrigley (21:47)

Gunpowd​er: Darren Matussa (21:46)

Letchworth: John O'gorman (31:07), Emily Yossarian (56:49)

Norwich: Ellie Scott (27:01)

Oaklands college: Chris Stokes (24:41), Matt Ankers (25:09), Jon Hunt (26:33), Richard Harbon (27:14), Lucy Hurley (29:43), Helen Harbon (35:55), Jo Harbon (35:55)

Panshanger: Anna Greetham (27:24), Matt Roberts (27:25)

Pymmes: Kris Whitmore (19:25)
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Rothay Park: Sue Vaughan (30:39)