H&EM 2012 Press report Sunday 13th May 2012

[Ranson]

The sun shone for the 18th Halstead and Essex Marathon. This is the showpiece event of the year for the organisers, running club Halstead Road Runners (HRR). Once again the event was expertly managed by Race Director and HRR Chairman Keith Thorogood.

This is a significant event for the town of Halstead and its surrounding villages as competitors and supporters descend for the day from all over the country and overseas. They experience warm and friendly North Essex hospitality. The event also raises funds directly into the local community. Last year as an example, HRR donated more than £8,000 to local Schools and Charities.

The race got underway from Halstead Leisure Centre at 10am with more than 630 runners ready to sample the delightful rolling Essex countryside. The lanes of Halstead, Colne Engaine, Pebmarsh and Twinstead awaited, filled with support and cheer!

The race was won by local runner Allen Smalls of Colchester Harriers. Allen crossed the line with a broad smile and more than 14 minutes ahead of the next runner. A significant margin! Allen recorded a time of 2:35:39

Another local man finished in 2nd place, Lee Martin of Springfield Striders. Lee stopped the clock at 2:49:39. The fact that Springfield Striders men finished 2nd, 18th and 35th meant that they took the team trophy on the day! Third place overall went to Richard Watkinson in 2:49:55. More than 11 runners enjoyed the glory of a sub 3 hour Marathon time including the first women June Allen.

June from Springfield Striders was very pleased with a time of 2:59:27. Next home for the women was her club team mate Nikki Brockbank in 3:10:25. These two results plus the performance of Donna Hall-Fremont giving Springfield Striders further trophies for 1st Womens team! So Springfield Striders cleaned up in both male and female team categories! Third home for the women was Helen Mulhall from Bearbrook running club.

The host club HRR entered a few athletes and were expertly led home by Halstead man Gavin Allen. Gavin clocked 3:07:40 and 24th place overall. Next in for HRR was Phil Davies in 3:30:08 and 85th place. A result which gave Phil an Essex County Championship medal as 3rd in Vets 50 category. Full HRR results:

Name, time, place overall
Gavin Allen 3:07:41 24th
Phil Davies 3:30:09 85th
Sam Wolton 3:48:34 183rd
Andy Wilmot 4:32:16 438th
Matt Biggin 4:33:24 441st
Kate Allen 4:33:07 446th
Nathan Roulson 4:49:52 508th
Daniel Smith 5:06:10 555th

HRR were very pleased to have Halstead Mayor David Hume on hand at the finishing line to give out medals and for the presentation ceremony. Please see presentation photographs attached taken by HRR Press and Publicity Officer Matthew Ranson.

Special thanks to Anita Morris and the Halstead Leisure Centre team, Ramsey College led by Paul Taylor, Gosfield School led by HRR Phil Davies, 1163 Squadron Air Cadets, St John Ambulance, Halstead Hospital League of Friends, Halstead in Bloom, Grange Farm and Dunmow runners, Tiptree Runners, Witham running club, Havering 90 Joggers, Billericay Striders, Gt Bentley RC and the Halstead Residents Association. Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support - Lambert Chapman, Sainsburys, Holmes & Hills Solicitors, Spice Zone, Halstead Glass, Halstead Physiotherapy, Halstead Town Council, MTM Plant & Tool Hire, Woodlands Gym, Eat Natural, Halstead Tyre and Exhaust centre, Dale Hire and Runners World

Professional photographers MyEventPhoto recorded the event. Pictures available on the following link:
http://www.myeventphoto.co.uk/event/6541/index.htm

The race has already had mountains of positive feedback from the runners. The continuous message is how friendly and supportive they found the people of North Essex. Members of the public handing out jelly babies and jaffa cake! People dancing on the lanes with pom poms! The runners loved the bountiful goody bag and the organisation delivered by HRR Keith Thorogood and his professional team.

Halstead Road Runners is a club for everybody from our Junior section, 8 to 15 year olds, to our Senior section 16 year olds upwards. For people that want to run for pleasure in friendly company and those that want to train with a specific goal in mind.

For senior membership enquiries please call Club Captain Wayne Kern 07801 722794 and for juniors (8-15 year olds) please contact Peri Collins 01787 223150.

Thanks
Matthew Ranson
HRR Press and Publicity Officer