The weekend before last saw the latest instalment of the ESSXCL at Heathfield Park. Matt Edmonds continued his excellent form by adding win number 3 of the X-Country season in a fantastic time of 32 minutes and 10 seconds.

Darren Barzee came home in 11th place in 35:19, whilst Martin Noakes finished 22nd in 36:50.  Jane Coles was the first female Hastings Runner across the line in a time of 45:46. Jo Nevett 48:43 and Emily Allchurch 49:18 were 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the junior race, there was yet more success for Finlay Goodman, who took 1st place.

It was certainly an eventful day with runners halted en route by a herd of deer crossing their path. Poor Bérénice was stranded as she plotted her safe route across the stream. In the end, she was left with no choice but to jump in and pull herself out the other side. That’s dedication folks.

This weekend we had 9 runners in action at Bedgebury. Simon Newstead was the first home in the 10 miler, completing the course in a fantastic time of 1 hour and 16 minutes.  Emily Allchurch (1:30), Adrian Barratt (1:34), Victoria Sims (1:36), Elly Swaine (1:38), Steven Slater (1:39) and Jennifer Milnes (1:43) also took part.

Victoria Harding (51:31) and Mary Le Pla (1:04:56) both completed the Bedgebury 5 Miler.

The Wadham’s were in action at the Nonsuch 10k with Paul recording an excellent time of 51:37 in his first race wearing club colours. Somewhat unimpressed by her husband leaving her behind, Sharon came home in 53:38.

Sarah Marzaioli clocked up Marathon number 97 at Ranscombe Farm Reserve as she closes in on the magical 100 club.

Pete Heasman, tired from his recent exploits, decided to take it easy this weekend and only ran the Southcoast 50. It actually turned out to be 52km, which Pete ambled round in a comfortable 6 hours 36 minutes.  Come on Pete, make an effort!

Meanwhile in South Africa Susan Rae ran the Hout Bay parkrun, a sandy trail run, in a time of 26:57, setting a new age category record and finishing as the 1st lady.