Super Soggy Silverstone

It’s been a busy week for Hermitage Harriers with not one, but two races! The first of which was Silverstone 10k on Wednesday 6th May.

Thirteen Harriers headed south to take part in the 10k race around the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix track. Runners had to battle strong winds in places during the first lap but otherwise, conditions were near perfect. Sadly, it was not to last and about 25 minutes after the start of the race the weather took a turn for the worst. The rain began, the wind strength increased and, at points, runners even had to contend with hail! Despite these torrential conditions every Harrier who started the race, finished it too.

First Harrier over the line was Jason Williams who sped around the track in 33 minutes and 19 seconds finishing in second place overall and claimed pole position in the veteran category. He was joined by teammate Ryan Twigg, who zoomed around the circuit in 36.34 which bagged him a 40 second PB. Third Harrier home and first lady for the club was Katie Wright who was delighted with her time of 49.04 in what she called “horrendous conditions”.

Colin Mayes came in next in a time of 49.24 after aiming to run a sub 50 minute race and claimed 14th in his age category. The next two Harriers came in with just 12 seconds between them, Matt Green and Sarah Kendrick clocked up in 52.21 and 52.33 respectively. Kelly Garrigan-Cooper was the next Harrier home in a time of 56.52 which gave her a new PB, shaving over a minute off her previous best.

Teresa Bradshaw, who joined the Harriers earlier this year, delivered an impressive performance to cross the finishing mat in 61.59. She was quickly joined by Tracey Hegarty who was taking part in her first race after returning from injury and finished in a very respectable 63.24. From that point on the Harriers seemed to cross the line two by two, Craig Cooper and Abi Crane finished together having both ran a time of 70.56. They were joined by Hermitage Harriers extended family; Claire Twigg, who ran her first 10k race alongside the Harriers team and enjoyed every moment. We have a feeling it won’t be long before she is sporting a silver vest alongside husband Ryan. The final duo over the line, Jane Tebbatt and Tina Hazelwood, were separated by just 2 seconds with times of 70.58 and 71.00 respectively.

The local club was also well represented at Bosworth Half Marathon on Sunday 10th May. Matt Adcock was back on top form after his recent impressive performance at the London Marathon as he claimed 3rd place with a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 31 seconds. Hermitage ladies also delivered fantastic performances with Bonita Robinson claiming 5th female finisher in 1.35.39 and Vicky Macqueen taking 6th lady with her time of 1.35.53.

Further notable performances were delivered by Lewis Smart, who is in the process of transferring to Hermitage Harriers, and ran a time of 1.22.25 and Tom Hinds who finished in 1.39.00. Su Garner and Trev Hope also delivered impressive races and finished in 2.12.55 and 2.13.10 respectively.

Hermitage Harriers will be looking to field a strong team for the final fixture of the winter road racing league calendar this coming Sunday at West End 8.