Running for Team Squirrel

Second Midweek League 
​For the full results go toDiv1Race2.xlsx https://share.google/UrwuuHLsgpCwArP0p

A fantastic turnout of 72 Squirrels took to the start line for the second Midweek League race, hosted by Royston Runners. The torrential rain relented just before the start and remained dry throughout this scenic, undulating course with a brutal uphill finish. Everyone put in a strong and determined effort, and while we narrowly slipped down the leaderboard there were plenty of impressive performances and great team spirit on display.
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With the next Midweek League event being our own fixture, there’s a brilliant opportunity ahead to build on this momentum. Let’s get everyone involved, bring our energy, and see if we can climb back up the leaderboard on home ground!

Squirrels celebrate First Saturday of the Month17th anniversary
Saturday was the 17th anniversary of our very first First Saturday of the Month (FSOM). 

​Despite the drizzle 77 runners were undeterred and turned out to run 5k around our lovely Norton Common.  For results see (nhrr.org.uk/fsotm---free-5km-race.html)

Hitchin Hard Half Marathon and Tough 10 Miler
True to its name, this is a distinctly “hard” event featuring a number of demanding hills and rolling climbs.  This is not a course for setting PBs but rather a scenic test of endurance.  Starting at Hitchin Priory the route takes runners out through the picturesque North Hertfordshire countryside. The day also hosts the Tough 10 Miler and Fierce 5 miler.  

Six plucky squirrels conquered the Hard Half and one the 10 Miler.  Rhia Botha was third lady home in 1:33:14 and second FV30; Rachel Arnott was fourth lady and won her FV40 age category in 1:42:14. Isaac Matteu Solar who crossed the finish line in 1:32:54 described Heartbreak Hill as a “thing of nightmares”.  Daniele Socci finished in 1:37:57, James Warner Smith in 1:43:21 and Chris Stokes 1:44:12.

​In the Tough 10 Miler James Dalton claimed victory in the MV50 age category in a time of 1:19:05.

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The Flaming 10K (Histon)
This race comes with a recommendation from Greg Rose who ran the Flaming 10k in 54:00. Described as a” modest sized event but with a great atmosphere, lots of support from local residents and well marshalled”.  The course is a mix of tracks and residential roads, pleasant but narrow and a bit bumpy underfoot in places. 

Parkrun Round Up

Bedford parkrun
Emily YOSSARIAN​ 55:24
 
Chilton Fields parkrun
David BREWER​ 21:33

Frank’s Farm parkrun
Philippa HARDCASTLE​ 26:50

Great Denham parkrun
Richard BARKER​ 24:35
Georgia BARKER​ 33:31
 
Henlow Bridge Lakes parkrun
James POULTON​ 27:05
Andrew COATES​ 27:26
Dave BRAYBROOK​ 27:28
Adam WILSON​ 29:53
Bob DAVIS​ 31:40
Elaine CARTWRIGHT​ 40:41
Annette ENGLAND​ 41:53
 
Jersey parkrun
Tom BARCLAY 24:26

Letchworth parkrun
Steve BRENTON​ 32:28

Preston Park parkrun, Brighton
Dervla DOWNING​ 24:15
 
Shipwreck parkrun
Oliver BABIK 18:40
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Stanborough parkrun
Kris WHITMORE​ 18:49
Thomas BUZZARD​ 19:07
Chris POWELL​ 24:47
Craig SNOWDEN​ 24:47
 
Stevenage parkrun 
Chris STOKES​ 21:30
Ian HARVEY 21:43
Steve TRACEY​ 22:52
Sam Bonzo JAMES​ 23:27
Jon HUNT​ 23:36
Ellie SCOTT​ 27:55
 
Valentines parkrun
Darren MATUSSA​ 20:07

West Stow Country parkrun
Joseph BARKER-SHERRY 25:24
Simon HAWES​ 29:23