Ekiden Marathon Relay – Woodbridge School
Fantastic results from Harriers
On a hot day 180 teams lined up for the Ekiden Marathon relay held at Woodbridge school on a grassed 2.5km circuit. Colchester Harriers were aiming to battle for all the titles against tough opposition. 60 Harriers competed in this popular event which see 6 in a team running legs of 7.2km, 5km, 10km, 5km, 10km and 5km.
As expected the senior men’s race was close with Harriers having to settle for 2nd place a couple of minutes behind winners and rivals Ipswich Jaffa. The men clocked a superb time of 2:26:07. Ramadam Osman was the fastest 5km leg on the day clocking 16:35, Adrian Mussett was 3rd fastest 10km man in 33:03, debut men youngsters Cameron Humpfries and Adam Sawyer had superb times. The B team led by Ged McMillan were a fine 9th, with Danny Millward 17:52 and Max Caulfield 19:01 having excellent 5km legs
Colchester Harriers lady veterans led by Sarah Stradling swept to victory knocking 8 minutes off the course record in 2:59:09, while Harriers Super-vet men captained by Martyn Clarke also were champions passing rivals Jaffa on the last leg to clock 2:46:41 and also set a new age group record by 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
Harriers over 40 men’s team led by Keith Marley made it a hat trick of victories with a 4 minute victory over Newmarket runners in 2:37:40, with Richard Heath running a superb last leg in 17:35.
The senior ladies ran a good race and were pleased with 4th spot in 3:07:01 with Becky Cooke 42:28 for 10km and Sophie Stephenson 22:20 5km both running well in the hot and humid conditions.
Harriers had 4 teams in the mixed category which boasted 72 teams, Colchester finished 9th, 14th, 17th and 20th, with the bonus of Andrew Dagges team busting the 3 hour barrier in 2:59:17.
For photos of the event please following this link posted by Mark Harrod. Ekiden Relay Photos 2016
Full Harriers results
Senior elite men 2:26:07 2nd, Chris Sellens 7.2 km 25:15, Ramadam Osman 5km 16:35, Adrian Musset 10km 33:03, Cameron Humpfries 5km 17:32, Angus Holford 10km 35:39, Adam Sawyer 5km 18:01.
Senior men B team 2:43:37 9th. Ged McMillan 26:56, Danny Millward 17:52, Chris Manby 39:59, James Waterson 19:28, John Fryer 40:18, Max Caulfield 19:01.
Super-vet men 2:46:41 (course record) 1st, Martyn Clarke 28:15, Dan Foster 19:24, Simon Smith 40:30, Paul Spowage 18:51, Clive Thomas 39:47, David Wright 19:42.
Lady Veterans over 35 2:59:09 (Course Record) 1st, Sarah Stradling 27:17, Annette Oakman 21:21, Amanda Henry 43:41, Helen Bloomfield 21:54, Marie Shirley 44:09, Denise Morley 20:43.
Men Veterans over 40 2:37:40 1st, Keith Marley 28:31, Paul Preston 18:32, Allen Smalls 36:29, Paul Rodgers 18:44, Mark Harrod 37:46, Richard Heath 17:35.
Ladies seniors open 3:07:01 4th, Rachel Taylor 33:14, Angela Isherwood 22:29, Rachel Dale 44:27, Heidi Steele 21:55, Becky Cooke 42:28, Sophie Stephenson 22:20.
Mixed team A 2:59:17 9th. Andrew Dagge 28:29, Debbie Cattermole 23:20, Craig Mitchell 40:55, Fran Norris 23:34, Allen Smalls 40:10, Beth Francis 22:44.
Mixed team B 3:22:31 20th. Richard Millward 29:59, Becky Bjotter 27:24, Craig Harley 44:28, Anita Mussett 25:03, Dan Wilkinson 44:38, Caitlin Symons 30:56
Mixed Team C 3:18:41 17th, Wayne Cook 29:18, Rachel Rodgers 30:27, Mellissa Dowell 46:03, Steph Horner 23:11, Arthur Whiston 45:11, Dave Gayor 23:44.
Mixed Team D 3:14:16 14th, Pat Marsh 32:58, Joe Boden 20:09, Ady Frost 43:42, Sharon frost 26:59, Darren Horner 45:10, Joanna Martin 25:15.