Double incentive at Arden 9 - The Stratford Observer

Double incentive at Arden 9

Stratford Editorial 27th Jun, 2017 Updated: 27th Jun, 2017   0

THE POPULAR Arden 9 attracted nine Stratford Athletic Club runners keen to impress in the club’s own Grand Prix competition and also the Warwickshire Road Race League.

It is fair to say the heat took its toll on several of these runners but not Tim Hutchinson (8th – 53.48) who is in hugely impressive form at the moment and making a habit of finishing first for the club. He was also first in his age category, almost four minutes ahead of his closest rival.

Next to finish for the club and continuing his fine run of form was Luke Watkins (123rd – 69.09) whose fine run was just one second slower than his time in 2014.

Possibly the performance of the day was the run of Lynne Hinson (127th – 69.19). Just ten seconds behind Luke, this magnificent run also earned her second place in a very competitive age category.




Next to finish was David Jones (168th – 73.38) who has got used to just getting the better of Lynne in these races, but this time he was roundly beaten by more than four minutes.

He did, however, manage to win his age group.


Someone who did struggle in the heat and also found stepping up from his more traditional 10k distances an added challenge was Pete Sugden (202nd – 78.18).

Jan McLure (281st – 88.58) narrowly missed out on a PB, which considering the heat was no mean feat. Jan was followed by Bev Bridgen (291st – 90.41).

Only a couple of minutes separated the final three SAC runners, who were led home by Dave Maundrell (335th – 99.57).

John Butler (341st – 1:41.34) completed yet another race in June. John was just 15 seconds ahead of Tash Watkins (343rd – 1:41.50).

THE SHERBOURNE Fun Run is a challenging 3km out and back course set in the glorious Cotswolds and just two of the 87 competitors were from SAC, but they both finished in the top five.

First home was Alex Adams, who led the field from start to finish, winning in a superb time of 9.10, some 25 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

Brother Ollie also had a magnificent run, finishing fifth in 9.34.

SAC member Philippa Knights travelled to Iceland with her husband to compete in the Reykjavik Midnight Sun Half Marathon.

The race began at 9pm with 51 nationalities taking part. The weather was light rain and approx 42 degrees.

The race began at Reykjavík Sports Centre and took in a few local roads before cycle paths and along the river, with superb views of waterfalls and wild flowers.

On returning to the sports centre at the end of the race, runners were able to take advantage of the thermal pools, in which they enjoyed a soak in these heated outdoor pools.

By this time, it was nearly 1am and still light!

Although not a PB, Philippa was delighted with her time of 2:38 and is considering a return trip to the event.

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