The Essex 5 miles was held for the first time at Witham on Mayday and a very good event was staged by Witham Roadrunners. Colchester Harriers took silver medals in the men’s team race and bronzes in the ladies, with the men also winning the team of 4 in the open race. Chris Sellens, only a week after running 2:32 at the London Marathon, was 6^th in 27:40, Colin Ridley was 10^th in 28:00 and also won the gold over 50 medal, and the final Essex team medallist was Mark Harrod 12^th in a personal best 28:24,Harrod also took the individual Bronze medal over 40. Making up the open team of 4 was Jon Nears in 28:42. Good runs came from Paul Rodgers (Pb) 29:00 18^th , Paul Preston 29:46 24^th, and Pete West 29:55 26^th. Best ever times came from Richard Boden 31:04, and Wayne Cook 31:13.

It was bronze medals for the ladies team thanks to Laura Shewbridge 5^th, Rebecca Cooke 10^th, and Annette Oakman 14^th. Fran Norris took the individual bronze over 55, while also finishing well were Toni Wilson, Rachel Rodgers, and Rachel Richardson-Wright.