Team Squirrel Get Top Results!

​A mix of fine team and individual performances was the order of the day as North Herts Road Runners made the most of the summer road running season.
 
Midweek League
‘It was brilliant running as a team again’ said Ladies’ Captain Tash Pitman after the Squirrels sent a strong contingent of 39 runners and supporters to tackle the hilly 10k course at Trent Park in the fourth and final race in the Summer Midweek League series.
 
A determined set of performances on the night kept the Letchworth-based club clear of the relegation battle as they secured third place in the end-of-season standings. Rhia Botha led the NHRR ladies home in an excellent time of 44:23, with Paula Holm just a few second further back in 44:45. James Fox was the first male Squirrel home, taking third place in a superb 35:03.
 
The Squirrels are now looking forward to the end-of-season ‘Mob Match, which will see teams from all three divisions racing together at Welwyn Garden City.
 
Wales Half-marathon
The week’s individual performances were topped by Vince Wright, who said he was ‘honoured’ to be part of the England Masters V45 team at the Wales Half-marathon in Tenby. ‘The course was brutal’, reported Wright’, ‘It felt we were either going up or down hills, and going down was just as painful as going up’. Wright recorded 1:22:27 for his debut in an England vest – his second-fastest half-marathon ever and placing him 8th in his age category. ‘I am so pleased to have this opportunity and will remember the experience’, he said.
 
Hitchin Triathlon
Closer to home, Sophie Thrussell was the first lady home at the Hitchin Triathlon, completing the 400m swim, 20k bike course and 5k run in an outstanding 1:10:54 to claim top spot on the podium.
 
First Saturday of the Month 5k
47 runners enjoyed the July edition of NHRR’s regular First Saturday of the Month 5k on Norton Common. Matt Sayers was first across the line in 19:42 and Paula Holm was first lady in 21:23. The run is free to enter – just turn up with your barcode or register for one in advance at http://www.nhrr.org.uk/fsotm-pre-reg.html
 
Parkrun
Finally, ultra-marathon specialist Sue Foot turned out for her first-ever Parkrun at Luton’s Wardown Park. Despite ‘not having run 5k for a very long time’, she said she was ‘pleased to finish the three-and-a-half laps in 27:28’ – a new Club record!

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