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Report by Dave Birch
Striders continued what has become their traditional appearance at these Championships with the required six male runners ensuring a placing in the team event. Unfortunately the placing achieved was 19th from 19 complete teams. There were, however, mitigating circumstances. Despite the presence of Ben Beattie, the average age of the team was probably one of the oldest in what is, after all, an Open event. In addition, Ian Stinson ran despite being at the end of a period of illness, and so placed lower than may otherwise have been the case. The female team only required three to count, but sadly only the duo of Carole Beattie and Alison Barrett toed the line, so no place was secured in the team event. Nevertheless, all eight gave their all, and flew the green & yellow flag with gusto.
The Men's race was over 11.2 K, consisting of 5 undulating laps of heavy going, in windy conditions. 5 laps meant, of course, that the likes of the Striders team were lapped by the leaders flying past. The standard can be judged by the fact that Martin Broadhead of Hallamshire, who won the Bridlington Half Marathon in October, placed 44th !
The women's race was approx. 5.5km, and Alison and Carole were in fine fettle. Indeed, Alison had the great distinction of placing one position and four seconds ahead of Veronique Marot, winner in 2:25 of the 1989 London Marathon! Well done Alison. 101 finished in the womens race and 182 in the mens race. |
