Friday evening marked the 8th race in the 2022 Hastings Runners Club Championship. As the field gathered on the start line it was clear that Black & Green was the colour of fashion at the Robertsbridge 10K (apart from one lost sheep who rocked up in orange, but we won’t mention him).
We eagerly awaited the starting pistol. Bouncing up and down raring to go. Excited to get those legs moving and the blood pumping. No sooner had we dashed from the start line, we found ourselves once again huddled in a group, laughing and nattering as the narrow course saw runners come to a standstill (bear that in mind when looking at times folks).
It was pretty much single file until we reached the hill of doom. Was that path created purely for this race? The length of the grass certainly suggested that was the case and a few eager & brave souls ventured into the long stuff to gain a place or two.
As we entered Darvell Community the field began to spread out as the unforgiving elevation saw runners gasping for air. Support was on hand around the course and gratefully received. Although I do suggest a new club rule that states “taking photos at the top of any hill is forbidden”.
As we finally descended through the high street it was back round for lap number 2. Jacqueline Scott was our only female representative in the 5K or as she put it “The Hastings Runners Robertsbridge 5K Female Champion of 2022”, completing the course in a shade over 32 minutes.
A somewhat more modest Trevor Briggs was the first (and only) male in the 5k in a time of 24:26.
In the 10K race the on form Adam Weller produced a fine display to cross the finish line in 3rd place and a time of 41:54. Martin Snape also landed a Top 10 finish, coming home in 6th place in 42:56.
Claire Thomas swooped the 1st Female Prize in 46:51, encouraged along by good friend Kevin Blowers (1st MV60 in 46:53). Although I believe the key moment was when my good self sacrificed at least 2 seconds of my own time by kindly holding a gate open midway through the 2nd lap (you’re welcome).
There were also age category wins for Ruth Spiller (FV55), Sarah Marzaioli (FV70), Yockie Richards (FV75) and Irene Kitson (FV65).
2 days later Ben Sallows (52:26), Kerry Freeman (1:05:19), Adam Holland (1:11:16) and Andrew Clubb (1:13:04) and all completed the Hawkhurst 10k.
James Graham and Catherine Catterway made the long trip along the coast to Torbay to tackle the half marathon. Both put in stellar performances to complete the course in 2:25 and 3:10 respectively.
Sarah Marzaioli was back in action at the 30K North Downs Run, which included some gruelling hills and stunning descents. Sarah completed the course in 3:49:36 and claimed the British Masters Gold Medal for the V70 Age Category. Go Sarah!!!
I heard rumours that Jacqueline Mannering and Darren Kilby were considering a week off. They turned out to be false as alongside Annette Fry they completed the Brighton Trail Marathon. The highlight being the 817 foot climb up to Ditchling Beacon. Ouch.
As always if I I’ve missed you out, please drop me a message or comment below and I will update the report.
Robertsbridge Results
5K
Trevor Briggs 24:26
Jacqueline Scott: 32:18
10K
Adam Weller 41:54
Martin Snape 42:56
Keiran Price 44:41
Patrick Bermingham 45:36
Simon Linklater 46:12
Claire Thomas 46:51
Kevin Blowers 46:53
Graeme Grass 47:49
Andy Knight 48:52
Matthew Millar 50:12
David Harding 52:11
Charles Bowley 52:18
Simon Weatherley 53:57
Roland Baines 54:07
Jamie Hitchman 54:10
Ruth Spiller 56:04
Jon Smalldon 57:07
Marie Crawford 59:12
Keith Goodsell 59:14
Susan Wilkinson 1:00:11
Jo Nevett 1:00:35
Craig Weeks 1:03:08
Joe French 1:03:30
Louise Cavill 1:04:53
Adam Holland 1:04:59
Sarah Marzaioli 1:06:37
Yockie Richardson 1:07:19
Krista Barzee 1:09:01
Tracy Ratnarajah 1:09:49
Chris White 1:11:03
Irene Kitson 1:12:39
Henry Worthington 1:32:07