Tag Archives: Race Reports

News, Race Reports, Races

Hastings Runners brave tough weekend conditions

If there is one thing we love at Hastings Runners it’s a weekend storm!! This week it was the turn of Storm Ellen with gusts up to 50 mph in exposed parts of the region.

But once again our members put on a brave face, donned their green and black vests and did the club proud.

On Saturday morning Finlay made the long trip up to Nottingham (not on his own I should add) to run in the National Cross Country Championship at Wollaton Park. If you’ve not seen the videos on the HR Facebook group then I suggest checking them out. To suggest conditions were tough and the standard was high would be the biggest understatements of the year.

 

Despite competing against boys a year older, Finlay finished an excellent 11th place in a race with several hundred runners. He made up 10 places on the 2nd lap.

On Sunday, in equally challenging muddy conditions, we had 8 runners competing in the 8K Gunpowder Run in Battle. The results were as follows.

Ben Sallows 43:41, Jo Nevett 45:38, Andy Knight 49:39, Emma Stubbs 58:58, Linda Beddis 64:20, Jess Tanner 72:06, Allison Tanner 72:06, Mary Le Pla 73:24.

The wind played a big role in the Brighton Half Marathon, but remarkably 3 of our 6 runners came home with PB’s. Manami Cheves finished the race in 1:48:58. Susan Rae was close behind in 1:52:04, good enough for 3rd in her age category. I just about managed to keep my feet on the ground and get round in a PB of 1:57:25.

Also braving the testing conditions in Brighton were Stuart Woolford 1:57:00, Matthew Beaver 1:59:07 and Sarah Holmes 2:12:22.

Dan Snellgrove ran in the Wokingham Half Marathon, producing a stunning PB of 1 hour and 25 minutes.

For some of our runners, 13.1 miles isn’t nearly enough as Jacqueline Mannering, Pete Heasman and Elly Swaine were back out conquering the world by completing the Lenham Cross Winter Marathon. Wind, mud, hills. They can’t get enough. Their efforts making them a worthy winner of the photo of the week.

Danny Firth ran an excellent time of 41:06 in the Lostock 6 miler. That was good enough for 76th place in a field of 453 runners.

There was more success in Spain for Helen & Nick Brown. Helen scooped first place in the FV50 category in the El Campelio 5k, whilst Nick stood proudly at the summit of the podium by finishing 1st in the MV60 category. Just ahead of his new nemesis Andy Key.

As always, if I’ve missed a race or not given you a mention, drop me an email at [email protected] and I’ll get you added.

Well done everyone. A fantastic effort this weekend in such challenge conditions (in the UK at least).

Simon Linklater – Communications Officer

News, Race Reports

Shaz grabs the honours in Tenterden 5 miler

No sooner had Ciara skipped her way out of town, had her slightly less aggressive cousin Dennis popped in for a weekend visit of his own.

But we Hastings Runners are made of strong stuff and not even howling winds and persistent downpours can prevent us from taking to the streets and putting in the miles.

It was a quiet weekend on the race front with several events falling foul to “The Menace”, including the eagerly awaited Bodiam X-Country.

We did have a few runners in action. The Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon went ahead after a one hour delay. The conditions were far from ideal. On a normal day, the brutal climb up Spring Hill is a tough enough challenge. Add in the gusty winds and ankle-deep waterlogged sections of the route and it was a real slog.

Emma Stubbs gave her ever-growing Instagram following something to smile about as she completed the course in 2 hours and 18 minutes. Jessica Cull was the only other Hastings Runners to brave the conditions and crossed the line in 2:08.

The Wadham’s were back in action on Sunday, this time taking on the Tenterden 5 miler, which also survived the weather. Likewise, Paul and Sharon both completed the course unscathed. Paul in 43 minutes and 11 seconds, Sharon in 44:55, good enough to scoop first prize in her age category. GO SHAZ!!!

If you took part in a race this weekend or any date in fact, get in touch and I’ll add the details to the website. Fingers crossed Ellen doesn’t come out to play just yet.

News, Race Reports

Mince Pies and Sunshine

It was a quiet weekend on the racing front, with just a handful of Hastings Runners in action, whilst the rest of us put up our Christmas trees and spent even longer getting the perfect photo for our Social Media accounts.

Three wise runners made the short trip to Seaford to take on the Mince Pie 10 Miler, organised by the local Striders club. Terry Kitson was the first home, completing the challenging multi-terrain course in a time of 1 hour 45 minutes and 23 seconds.  Close behind in 1:46:56 was Sarah Marzaioli, with Katherine Hill finishing in 2:07:31.

Nick Brown and Helen Brown both competed in the Turkey & Father Xmas 5K. Nick has only just returned from a serious knee operation and managed to complete the 5.2km course in a fantastic time of 22 minutes dead. Helen came dashing across the finish line in a time of 26 minutes and 24 seconds.

The final Club Championship race is just a few weeks away. The Christmas Pudding Dash at Pett Village Hall. A great opportunity to dress up in your finest Santa or elf costumes and have a bit of fun. Places are still available via the Nice Work website.

The night before is the Xmas Jumpers drinks. We will be meeting at the Albion at 7.30 pm. Everyone in a Christmas jumper is welcome. If you’ve not already booked your place at the Social & Awards Night then make sure you are part of this unforgettable night.