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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
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November 2025
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North Herts Road Runners 26 Lindsell Ave Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 4DQ North Herts Road Runners
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