SQUIRRELS STORM THE START LINES: PODIUMS, PBs & RECORDS FOR NHRR

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.

61. Kris Whitmore — 30:38 / 30:32
90. Greg Smith — 32:08 / 31:55
91. Rhia Botha — 32:10 / 31:56
114. Mike Phillips — 32:56 / 32:40
116. David Edwards — 32:58 / 32:43
122. Tracy Pitcairn — 33:16 / 33:02
150. Sam Whitmore — 34:03 / 33:46
203. Michael Over — 35:53 / 35:38
234. Steve Tracey — 36:57 / 36:25
250. Caroline Thrussell — 37:23 / 36:53
261. Richard Weber — 37:42 / 37:03
268. Natalie Phillips — 38:10 / 37:39
380. Lucy O’Connor — 41:25 / 40:42
385. Mel Flynn — 41:37 / 40:54
427. Greg Rose — 42:51 / 40:41
552. Linda Aird — 46:12 / 45:11
629. Sue Vaughan — 48:52 / 47:54
696. Lindsay Cook — 51:23 / 49:35
779. Tracey McCreath — 56:21 / 53:49
855. Brian Judkins — 1:01:54 / 1:00:08
862. Sheila Leavy — 1:03:40 / 1:02:15

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.