Ekiden Relays
Harriers dominate Marathon Relay
Ipswich Jaffa stage one of the most popular races in the calendar the Ekiden 6 stage Marathon relay with 200 teams on the start line running on a 2.5km circuit around the grounds of Woodbridge School.
As normal the event was full of action ups and downs and confusion and culminated in the results being unable to be given out as the chip timing completely failed.
Colchester Harriers (although obviously still awaiting the official results) had a great day winning 4 of the 6 available categories.
The senior ladies were far too good for the opposition and won by a mile with Laura Shewbridge having a great first 7.2km leg to set up the green vests for victory, Sarah Ivory 5km and Emma Burgess 10km gave Harriers a good league which was extended by Ellie Mayne 5km, Sarah Stradling 10km, and anchor girl Andrea James 5km. Harriers won this category last year.The veteran ladies over 35 were also winners with Annette Oakman, Denise Morley, Lyn Higgs, Debbie Cattermole, Marie Shirley, and Kate Sandercock looking far to powerful for the other teams and easily won their category.
Harriers over 40 men strode home for another victory with Paul Preston getting the ball rolling on the first leg, and then came strong runs by Rob Gibby, Allen Smalls, Sean Ketteridge, Mark Harrod, and David Wright.
The super veterans retained their title with team captain Pete West having a fine first leg, as did 2nd leg runner Simon Smith, Colin Ridley ran a super fast 10km, leaving Richard Boden, Marthy Clarke, and Kevin McAlinden to bring the team to the tape as victors again.
The senior men were robbed of a lot of the best runners by the Essex inter counties championship, but brave running by the team gave them 3rd place , thanks to Carwyn Jones, Paul Rodgers, Richard Heath, Jon Nears, Daz Farrugi, and Tim Ballard.
The two mixed teams were both in the top 6 , with Darren McGill, Rachel Richardson –Wright, Chris Manby, Fay Smalls, Arthur Whiston, and Mark Penson, all doing well as did Pat Marsh, debut girl Becky Bjotter, and Dan Wilkinson.
V40 winning runners Allan Smalls, Rob Gibby, and Sean Ketteridge, along with far right Carwyn Jones who led the senior men to 3rd place.
Laura Shewbridge ran superbly to lead Harriers ladies to overall victory. Chris Manby ran a fine 10km leg for the mixed team
Mark Harrod (part of V40 winning team), Becky Bjotter made her debut for the mixed team and had an excellent run
Sarah Stradling and Sarah Ivory celebrate their team victory
Runners from Colchester Harriers and Harwich road runners celebrate their success