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Hatfield 5: Podiums Galore for the Squirrels A crisp, bright morning greeted the twenty-one North Herts Road Runners who toed the line at the Hatfield 5 Mile, and the squirrels rose to the challenge with podiums, PBs, and standout age-category wins. Kris Whitmore led the charge, finishing 61st overall and first squirrel home in a storming new PB of 30:32. The early winter sunshine and cool air proved perfect racing conditions, and Kris’s performance set the tone for a day of exceptional results. Close behind came Rhia Botha, who delivered one of the morning’s most impressive runs. Rhia not only claimed first lady squirrel, but also won her VW35 age category, crossing the line in an outstanding 31:56. The Whitmore household doubled up on success as Sam Whitmore completed his first ever 5-mile race in 33:46. Racing in the MU20 category, Sam placed second — and made club history as the first U20 squirrel to race this distance, earning an NHRR club record in the process. In the VW60 category, Caroline Thrussell powered to a superb first place in 36:53, with Lucy O’Connor joining her on the podium in third place with 40:42. Their combined strength highlighted another excellent day for the club’s women. Adding personal colour to the event, Richard Weber completed his first 5-mile race in over four years, clocking 37:03, just nine seconds from his PB. Reflecting on the day, he praised the race’s organisation: “Despite the early confusion around the start time in the weeks leading up to the event, everything ran smoothly on the day. The sun was out, the turnout was great, and it’s a race I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good local 5 miler.” A full roster of squirrel runners delivered determined and impressive efforts, from tightly-run PB attempts to first-time milestones — showcasing the depth and spirit of the club.
 Bass Belle 10 Mile: Big Efforts and Breakthroughs A number of squirrels also headed to the Bass Belle 10 Mile, a race known for its rolling scenery, supportive marshals, and challenging second half. Chris Button excelled in the cool, clear conditions, racing to a brilliant personal best of 1:13:50. His strong pacing and powerful finish reflected weeks of consistent training paying off. Further up the course, Lucy Robertson took on the distance for the first time — and made it a debut to remember. She crossed the line in 1:27:59, earning the title of first junior female and completing the longest race of her running journey so far. Lucy’s achievement marks another exciting milestone in the club’s thriving junior development. Lisbon Lights Up: PBs Abroad
Flying the NHRR flag abroad, Mark Larwood journeyed to Portugal to take part in the Discoveries Half Marathon in Lisbon. Racing through the historic riverfront streets under bright skies, Mark clocked a superb new PB of 1:33:47 — a brilliant result on international soil and a fitting highlight on a weekend packed with squirrel success.
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Silverstone Half Marathon Daniel Wrigley smashed his personal best at the iconic Silverstone Half Marathon, crossing the finish line in 1:46:28! After a soggy start to the day, the rain cleared just in time, leaving runners to enjoy the race under sunshine. Daniel joked that it was a relief the course wasn’t 500m short this year. Father-Daughter Duo at Norwich Half Marathon The Norwich Half Marathon marked a special comeback for Viv Lucas, tackling his first half marathon in seven years alongside his daughter Chloe, a former NHRR and Norwich local. Conditions were cold and wet for the first couple of miles and there was plenty of standing water after an overnight downpour, but the skies brightened and there was even a little sunshine toward the finish. Chloe crossed the finish line in a PB time of 1:38:58, while Viv finished in a strong 2:07:26, a great father-daughter triumph. Parkrun Roundup
  3 Counties Cross Country Race #2 27 squirrels ran the 2nd event in the three counties cross country league in Delapre Park, Northampton. The weather was kind - with no rain and mild temperatures. The recent rain did make the technical section in the woods quite interesting. There was plenty of mud about - just the way we like it! On the day - NHRR were 3rd all round. The combined team were 3rd behind Wellingborough and District AC and Bedford Harriers. The women’s team were 3rd behind Wellingborough and District AC and Bedford Harriers. The men’s team were also 3rd behind Wootton Road Runners and Bedford Harriers. Scoring for the women were Astrid Mckeown, Sarah Hartley, Helen Nutall and Laura Fairbanks. Scoring for the men was Shahab Ahmad, James Warner-smith, Matt Sayers, Nick Malpeli, Craig Cartier, Alberto Angurel, Steve Mckeown and Ian Datlen. The league standings after two events are that NHRR men are 5th. The women are 2nd behind Bedford Harriers and level on points with Stopsley Striders. The combined team is 4th behind Wellingborough and District AC, Rugby and Northampton AC and Bedford Harriers. Others finishing were Mike Phillips, Ben Snowden, Chris Button, Mark Larwood, Richard Weber, Andrew Coates, Natalie Phillips, Joanne Hoare, Lucy O’Connor, John Auld, Victoria Markham, Dawn Power, Linda Aird, Lindsay Cook and Brian Judkins. On a personal note… This was my 100th league race for the club including 48 Midweek leagues and 47 3cxc and 5 Sunday League XC races. I haven’t missed a single XC since I joined the club. I love it. Running with team mates is the best. I really enjoy racing for the club in both leagues because there is always fabulous camaraderie amongst all clubs and team spirit from North Herts Road Runners. I love travelling with team mates and sharing stories on the way home. I have finished in all sorts of positions including the top end in the scoring team, back up team pushing back and also just trying to make it round - aka today. Everybody matters - that’s all the matters. I enjoyed them all because of the team mates I run with. Sharing the same mud, and everybody works hard for the club - because we love it. Squirrels run best when they run for each other. I also enjoy the competitive edge - so let’s all try and make the next race and try to win our home race. #BELIEVE #TeamNHRR
 Verona Marathon Also on Sunday morning, Rhia Botha took part in the Verona Marathon in Italy, and finished in an outstanding 3:08:47.Rhia had been on track for a finishing time 3:05 until the last 5km, when the heavy rain combined with numb feet and stiff calves made for a gruelling final stretch. Rhia was delighted to be 11th female overall and was awarded a huge box of pasta and a bundle of official marathon merchandise as a prize. Also running in Verona but opting for the half marathon was Tash Pitman, finishing in an impressive 1:44:1. Tash was relieved to have selected the shorter option given that the combination of rain, cobblestones and marble paving had made conditions underfoot somewhat dicey. Sundon Saunter At 8am Sunday morning, Anna Gibson took on the Sundon Saunter challenge event. Starting at Barton-le-Clay Village Hall, the route takes in the lovely countryside around Eversholt, Woburn, Toddington before finishing back in Barton-le-Clay. The event is organised by the Beds Bucks and Northants LDA group and takes place every 3 years with a variety of distances available - 27 and 18 miles (for walkers and runners) and 13 miles (for walkers only). Anna completed the 27-mile route in an excellent 5:44:55, which was especially impressive given the 612-meter elevation. Parkrun Roundup
 New York Marathon Three squirrels tackled the challenging Abbott’s World Major New York course. Chris Button was first across the line in 3:35:58 followed by Grace Cleary who smashed the 4 hour mark with a 3:55:08. Nicola Withington gained her 5th World Major Medal commenting that it was her toughest marathon yet with so many uphills and bridges but she loved the energy and had a blast on the course. Flapjacks, pumpkins and more at Halloween First Saturday 5k 46 runners, marshals and helpers enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning for the Halloween edition of the First Saturday of the Month 5k on Norton Common. The monthly event featured Halloween decorations of pumpkins, skeletons and spiders, plus some participants in Halloween-themed fancy dress. There were flapjacks all round at the finish! Steve McKeown was first across the line in a time of 20:40, while Katie Harbon made it a double success for the Squirrels as first lady in 21:48. Other NHRR finishers: Mike Phillips (21:22); Adrian Sherwood (21:53); James Dalton (24:42); Astrid McKeown (24:46); (Kat Burr (24:59); Joanne Hoare (25:20); Caroline Thrussell (25:29); Paula Holm (26:06); Andrew Coates (26:08); Andrew Robson (26:53); Natalie Phillips (28:01); Jane Clarke (28:02); Sophie Prior (28:18); Lucy O’Connor (28:23); Paul Bowal (28:37); Chris Cope (28:46); Adam Wilson (28:55); Dawn Power (29:10); John Auld (30:11); Geoff Davis (32:02); Sue Vaughan (33:04); Alan Hazelhurst (34:17); Ian Sutcliffe (34:40); Philip Flack 35:09). Hertfordshire Half-marathon Chris Stokes recorded an excellent time of 1:36:26 at the Hertfordshire Half-marathon. The 13.1-mile course started and finished at Knebworth House and was rated by Stokes as ‘challenging’. Parkrun Round-up
 Squirrels head to the jungle! Mother and son Paula and Jonah Holm travelled to Bo, Sierra Leone at the weekend, to participate in the Sierra Leone Street Child Marathon—an event that combines endurance with purpose. In the days leading up to the race, they visited schools, small businesses, and community projects funded by the charity, witnessing firsthand the impact of its work. The marathon began at 6am in intense humidity and rising temperatures. The route took runners through vibrant villages and rugged terrain, where locals cheered, children joined in, and aid stations offered coconuts, bananas, and honey. Paula paced her youngest son, Jonah, to complete his first half marathon in an impressive 1:59 before continuing solo for the second lap, supported by the local army for safety, and crossed the finish line in 4:05—becoming the first international runner to complete the course. She described the experience as the most extraordinary, challenging, and rewarding event she has ever undertaken.  Cross Country Season Opener Twenty North Herts Road Runners (NHRR) took part in the first race of the new Three Counties Cross Country season under glorious sunshine, which added to the vibrant atmosphere of the event village. The NHRR women’s team placed 4th, while the men’s team finished 8th. The combined team secured an impressive 4th place overall, behind Stopsley Striders, Rugby & Northampton Academy, and Bedford Harriers. Ben Hadman led the team with a strong 2nd place finish, followed by Wayne Bell in 8Th, Vince Wright 48th, Steve Mckeown 52nd, Matt Sayers 67th, Mike Phillips 68th, Pete Sibbett 92nd and Dave Weston 150th. Also pushing other clubs runners down the pecking order were Richard Webber 178th, John Auld 259th, and Brian Judkins 380th. The women’s scoring team featured standout performances from Hannah Ridley, Astrid McKeown, Natalie Phillips, and Emily Taiano and good races from Lucy O’connor 247th, Mel Flynn 285th, Victoria Markham 299th, Clair Power 300th and Linda Aird 308th. Cross country secretary and men’s team captain John Auld thanked all who turned out for the club.  Marathon Eryri – Britain’s Toughest Road Marathon Several hardy North Herts Road Runners braved the elements to take on Marathon Eryri, widely regarded as the UK’s toughest road marathon. Covering 26.2 miles and over 2,500 feet of ascent and descent, this year’s race was made even more memorable by freezing temperatures, hail, rain, and high winds. Despite the brutal conditions, the squirrels delivered strong performances with Caroline Thrussell – 4:32 (a few minutes faster than last year), Richard Barker – 4:52 and Gregor Bowie – 5:13 (just six days after completing the Abingdon Marathon)!
She was one of 60 runners to descend 1,120 metres below sea level to run 26.2 miles which comprised 11x1.92k out and back repeats in darkness! Sarah said she finished in a 'humbling 4.42 and that mine tunnels aren't flat so it was a brutal 2% incline and 550m of elevation!' She had to wear a protective hard hat with a torch to light up the tunnel!  Stroud Half Marathon and 10k The family trend continued in Stroud where father and son, Kris and Sam travelled to Gloucestershire for Kris's annual half marathon visit to run the 43rd edition and Sam took the opportunity to run in a new 10k edition. Kris reported, 'A challenging course around the Stroud valleys with a few cheeky hills out was my first half marathon race since injury and only the second time doing the distance when in training since the same event last year. Not really knowing what I was capable of, I went out gung ho and held on for a course best of 82:41. Sam in the 10k also chose assertiveness at the start (clearly the Whitmore way) coming in 13th place overall in another consecutive personal best time of 43:01.' Frankfurt Marathon
Rochelle Smith headed to Frankfurt for her debut marathon and reported a great time of 5:35! Stevenage Half Marathon This past weekend was the Stevenage Half Marathon, which took place on Sunday. A few squirrels were present for the race with some excellent results and universal praise for the organisers Fairland Valley Spartans. Sue Foot came first in her age category in 2:16:07, David Brewer came home in a time of 1:35:57 and Mark Larwood clocked a 1:38:23. Sue said of the race, “A really good event along the ups and downs of the Stevenage cycle paths!”. Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon Elsewhere Laurie Scott took on a tough run at the Toronto waterfront half marathon. Clocking 1.57.58 on a windy humid day. Laurie commented “Although not the time I hoped for and I kinda crashed after 10k I managed to hang on ! Lovely well supported race and finished in top 40% for age, gender and overall so not too disappointed”. One Mile at a time! A pair of Whitmores (Kris & Sam) took on the Welwyn Garden City invitation 1 mile time trial at the Gosling track on Thursday night. It was a competitive night under the lights, with Kris and Sam the only squirrels among mostly Garden City Runners and everyone managed under nine minutes. Both ran in the second race Kris coming 10th in 5:33 and Sam 11th 5:43. Looks like the family rivalry is heating up, with Sam ready to usurp Kris and gain the familial bragging rights!  Parkrun Action Richard and Georgia Barker headed to Stanborough parkrun in Welwyn Garden City to celebrate Georgia’s 150th parkrun. Amanda Greig and Andrew Coates were also there, they all shared the obligatory coffee and cake afterwards in Old Welwyn! Georgia said “despite being only Stanborough’s 3rd event but it was well organised with a waterproof mat area to store bags, jackets, etc and friendly support. It’s a 3 lap off road course with a hill at the start that you encounter 3 times and may get muddy in wetter months unless they have a winter course planned but I would definitely revisit.” Ripe for more squirrels to pay a trip to support the new event.
Great Eastern Half, Peterborough With a record turnout of nearly 6,500 runners and a revamped, fast and flat course, our club runners brought the heat to the Great Eastern Half Marathon, and the results speak for themselves!
 Manchester Half Marathon Taking part in the largest half marathon in the northwest, our runners joined a record-breaking 28,000 participants on Manchester’s famously fast and flat course and delivered some truly superb performances! Mike Roberts stormed home in a phenomenal 1:10:05 Rob Jowett followed with a brilliant 1:15:57 Dave Edwards powered through to finish in a strong 1:34:17 Oxford Half Marathon Thousands of runners took to the streets for Oxford’s largest-ever half marathon, soaking up the energy of a buzzing crowd and a stunning new route. The updated course treated runners to views of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks including the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and the Bridge of Sighs, all under glorious autumn skies. Adrian Barnett powered through in 2:15:59 saying that the streets lined with supporters kept the motivation high and the entertainment flowing all the way to the finish line. Royal Parks Half Marathon And last, but by no means least, a huge shoutout to Steve Tracey who took on the stunning Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society and crossed the finish line in a brilliant 1:50:45 Parkrun Roundup
 The 38th Standalone 10K filled the Hertfordshire countryside on Sunday as 1,325 runners took on one of the region’s most popular autumn races. The event is created and delivered entirely by North Herts Road Runners (NHRR) — from course planning to marshalling, registration, results and refreshments — and once again showed why the Squirrels have a reputation for staging a first-class race. Race Director Mike Phillips said the club was “blessed by beautiful sunny weather after the wind and rain of the previous couple of days” and loved seeing “so many smiling faces on the course and around Standalone Farm afterwards.He thanked the 100+ marshals, the race committee and event sponsors — Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, Sigma Sports, Vutie Beets, E H Crouch, Pinehill Hospital and Lane & Bennetts — for making the day possible and said the incredible feedback from runners captured “what the race is all about.” Almost the whole club was on duty, volunteering at every stage. Only a select group of NHRR’s fastest were invited to run, while the rest ensured a safe, brilliantly organised day. This year’s race shirts turned the field into a striking wave of electric orange, brightening even the breezy bypass. Matt Sayers, who combined racing with helping promote the event, reflected that the bypass “must be brutal for marshals” but said runners felt “kept safe” thanks to their effort. Fellow Squirrel Kris Whitmore added that although it was “bloody windy up the bypass,” the sight of so many teammates out supporting “gave a massive boost and helped make the event safe and fun,” even as athletes produced “blistering times despite the wind” and the club celebrated “a magnificent set of results in the county championships.”
 Racing at the sharp end On the men’s side, Benjamin Hadman led the Squirrels home in 33:25 for 4th place overall, followed closely by Sam Coxon (33:44, 5th) and Thomas Barclay (34:17, 7th). Up front the podium was taken by Oluwatosin Adedeji (Newham & Essex Beagles AC) in 32:04, Mohammed Elbayan (Luton AC) 32:13 and Michael Waddington (Ware Joggers) 32:25. For the women, Freya Weddell (St Albans Striders) took the win, with NHRR’s Katie Harbon a strong 2nd in 36:32, and Stacey Ormerod (St Albans Striders) 3rd with 37:27. The club’s masters impressed too: Andrew Leach and Shahab Ahmad dominated the MV60 field with 35:48 and 35:49, both age-grading over 92%. Matthew Sayers was 2nd MV50 in 36:49 and Kris Whitmore 4th MV50 in 38:49. A special highlight came from Rhia Botha, who ran the 10K at the end of a long training run yet still managed a two-second personal best, finishing 5th woman overall in 39:49. She said it was hard not to give it your all when you have the power of the whole NHRR club behind you, and the superb support along the course helped her PB and powered the NHRR women’s team to silver in the Herts Senior County Championships, while the men’s team claimed both gold and bronze.  Community spirit and charity Post-race, Jo from The Studio, Letchworth provided sports massages for donations to NHRR’s charity of the year, GRIT – Growing Resilience in Teens. Greg Rose, one of the few club members running rather than volunteering, described the Standalone as “a well-organised, fun and friendly event as always,” although he ruefully admitted he “realised too late” he might have broken 55 minutes after finishing in 55:03. Celebrity surprise Adding a touch of showbiz sparkle, EastEnders stars Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) and Jake Wood (Max Branning) joined the field and both dipped under the hour — Woodyatt in 58:55and Wood in 59:31 — delighting runners and spectators. A race built by volunteers The Standalone 10K isn’t just about fast times — it’s a celebration of teamwork and community. From the first road sign to the last results upload, NHRR members create a safe, welcoming and brilliantly run event year after year. Here’s to another year of Standalone magic — and to every volunteer who made the 2025 edition, with its sea of electric-orange T-shirts, truly unforgettable. Squirrels on marathon duty in Chester
While most members were busy hosting Standalone, several Squirrels headed north for longer challenges: Metric Marathon (26.2 km):
Full Chester Marathon (42.2 km):
 Vitality 10k Daniel Wrigley ran the flat and fast Vitality 10K in London taking in sights such as the Mall, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. Daniel said the event had a great atmosphere with 20,000 runners and plenty of support on the route! He managed a 10k PB of 45:57, beating his time for the same event last year by 2 minutes. Baxters Loch Ness Marathon Richard Webber, Lucy O'Connor and Mel Flynn travelled North, across the border, to take on the awesome Baxters Loch Ness Marathon. They described it as a truly beautiful course, with an amazing backdrop, but a series of challenging undulations and hills which pushed them to their limit. Richard was delighted with his time of 3:55:39 (not quite a PB but very close to his other 2 marathons from 2022). Lucy finished in an impressive 4:07:18 while Mel, running her first marathon for over a decade, finished in an excellent 4:44:37 (a 43 minute PB!). They all highly recommend the event agreeing it was one of the best races they have ever done, despite being rather sore afterwards.  River Ness 10k Whilst not matching the challenge facing the Loch Ness marathoners, Brian Judkins and Linda Aird took part in the River Ness 10k today. In brilliant highland sunshine, and with stunning views of the surrounding hills, this well organised and supported point-to-point race started from Inverness Royal Academy - an initial uphill had them wondering if more was in store, but the route proved to be a fast one, with lots of lovely downhill running, and a largely flat second half as we headed back into Inverness along the beautiful River Ness. Linda commented that as value for money goes, this race delivers with a very nice t-shirt, medal (with lovely tartan ribbon) and a full goody bag with Baxter's soups, Erdinger beer, Taylors coffee bags and fruit. She was pleased to finish in her fastest 10k time for this year in 58:01. Brian also had an enjoyable run, clocking 1:16:34.  Hitchin 5k Twelve squirrels stayed local, taking on the twists and turns of the Hitchin town centre 5k in good running conditions. Saskia Thompson finished first in the F20 Age category and fourth overall with a time of 21:08 while in the team competition Ben Snowden (20:11), Ian Harvey (21:11) and James Dalton (21:12) placed third while Steve McKeown (19:53), Sam Whitmore (20:03) and Darren Matussa (20:09) came second. Sam Whitmore's 20:03 was a personal best by some margin and also a club record in the MU19 category. Lindsay Cook was one of those who took part in Hitchin 5km today, despite being beaten by all 3 of her children, she was pleased with her fastest 5km since 2016 of 28:33.
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November 2025
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