Hot but not bothered

In the midst of a late May heatwave, dozens of brave souls from NHRR ventured forth this week to compete in a variety of races, both in the UK and on the other side of the world. As always, the relentless dedication of our intrepid runners in tough conditions resulted in some very fine performances indeed.

Midweek League #1: St. Albans
Kicking off the week’s events on Wednesday the 20th was the first race in the 2026 midweek league calendar, in St. Albans. There were over 70 North Herts Road Runners taking part, as well as some super supporters lining the 10k route, which takes in the Alban Way (a disused Railway line) from St. Albans towards Hatfield and back. With a long slow uphill climb on the return leg, the 2nd half of the race was especially challenging in the hot weather. After the first race, our overall position was 5th, with our overall vets ranking 3rd. Well done North Herts, next stop Royston.

London 2 Brighton Ultra Challenge (100km)
On Saturday the 23rd May, Hannah Keeble completed an astonishing Capital to Coast 100km ultra challenge, starting in Richmond on Thames, winding through the North & South Downs and down to Brighton. Hannah finished in 19hrs and 27 minutes, which was an unbelievable achievement in the punishing weather.

The Fox 62k
Proving that the squirrel is tougher than the fox, on Saturday the 23rd, Tim Levitt ran the Fox 62k, which is a Runthrough Trails event around the Foxway, in Surrey. Despite the brutal 32-degree average temperature, Tim crossed the line in a seriously impressive 08:23:10.

Cape Town Marathon
With Table Mountain as a stunning backdrop, Natasha Pitman and Caroline Thrussell competed in the Sanlam Capetown marathon on Sunday the 24th. For Caroline, it was the age group world championships, and she finished in an outstanding 03:42:23, which was another club record. She also scored a 33rd in her age group, and 2nd for the UK, which is seriously impressive given that she had no expectations and simply went out there to enjoy herself. Tash meanwhile, finished in an amazing 03:43:09 and remarked that it was a beautiful undulating course, which she just ran to feel. Afterwards, Caroline, Georgia and Tash celebrated with Castle Lagers all round.

Run the Wade
Described as a feel-good run for everyone, the Run the Wade race took place on Sunday the 24th. With a choice of either 5k or 10k, the route took in Biggleswade Town centre as well as a series of riverside paths and trails. Hannah Ridley was the first lady home in the 5k in an amazing 20:49, whilst Lucy O’Connor came 1st in her FV65 age category in 27:42. For the men, Ian Datlen finished the 10k in an impressive 42:19 and was first in his MV50 age category. Having the fire brigade waiting at the end with sprinklers was absolute bliss in the scorching weather, and the event was described as well organised, with a great vibe. Full results below:

5k event
Matt Hornblow           20:39
Hannah Ridley             20:49
Ian Harvey                   22:45
Emma Turner              23:04
Mollie Smith               23:06
Dave Braybrook          26:14
Lucy O'Connor             27:42
Richard Barker             27:55
Rob Harris                   32:28
Georgia Barker            33:33
Brian Judkins              40:52

10k event
Ian Datlen                   42:19
Philippa Hardcastle    59:33
Meyrick Jenkins          1:06:43

Parkrun Roundup

​Henlow Bridge Lakes
David BREWER                        20:52
John RUSSELL                          25:05
Andrew COATES                      27:40
Lois LACY                                 33:39
James POULTON                      35:50
Helen GIFFIN                           35:54
 
Letchworth
James DALTON                        22:41
Martin JACKSON                     23:55
Jon HUNT                                25:56
Mark LARWOOD                     26:10
Ian HARVEY                             28:10
Dawn POWER                         29:22
Jane CLARKE                           29:38
Paul BOWAL                            30:45
Alice NOAKES                          30:46
Siobhan WALSH                      31:21
Aimee FLACK                           31:48
Helen CROMACK                     37:29
Philip FLACK                            47:53
 
Norwich
Joseph BARKER-SHERRY         26:10
 
Stevenage
Daniel WRIGLEY                      22:26
Verity HAGUE                          24:42
Isabelle ALLEN                        26:40
Andrew COOPER                     32:42
 
Littleport
Paula HOLM                            23:58
 
Jubilee, Bedford
George WRIGHT                      23:07
 
Great Denham
Kris WHITMORE                      18:36
Sam WHITMORE                     20:28
 

Victoria, Glasgow
Georgina QUAYLE                    25:10
Carina QUAYLE                        36:57
 
Dereham
Jillian BOYS                             27:45
 
Ferry Meadows
Tracey PALMER                       44:59
 
Ford
Tracy PITCAIRN                       22:24
 
Coldham’s Common
Chris STOKES                           20:58
 
Huntingdon
Fiona BAKER                           29:42
 
Ludlow
Emily TAIANO                          26:56
 
Ganger Farm
Bev SHONE                              43:36
 
Jersey
Tom BARCLAY                          21:27
Emma SANDHAM                   28:43
 
Kettering
Craig SNOWDEN                     24:22
 
Long Point
Oliver BABIK                            18:26
 
Frimley Lodge
Adrian BARNETT                     31:46