Harriers Enjoy Success on Roads

Colchester Harriers athletes put in some strong performances at two of Essex’s big road races over the weekend.

The Halstead and Essex Marathon, in its 27th year and doubling as the Essex Marathon Championships, saw a strong Harriers entry.  Mark McKeown was first home for the club, clocking 2:46:54 to finish fifth overall and be crowned Essex M40 Champion.  Allen Smalls was the next green vest home, crossing the line in 2:59:09 to take the Essex M55 title.  Nate Filer ran 3:22:40, Jake Darkins, in his first marathon for 11 years, ran 3:24:31, Dan Macey clocked 3:53:02, Lily Gilby 3:55:18 and Simon Miller 3:56:22.  Susan Waller-Toyne finished in 4:10:48, so taking the Essex F55 title with Nigel Eden running 4:23:38.

Allen Smalls – Essex V55 Marathon Champion

Meanwhile Lydia Callan led the way at the Colchester 10K, finishing first female in a personal best time of 37:28 and combining with Laura Shewbridge (40:44 – 1st F40) and Fran Norris (44:45 – 1st F60) to take the women’s team title. Katie Gibson clocked 45:21 to finish 1st V50 and Annette Oakman 46:26, Natasha Rice 50:11, and Georgina Horrocks 51:24 all also had strong runs.

Lydia Callan – Colchester 10K Winner

Ram Osman led the way for the men, coming home in 32:05 to take third place.  Jason Gunn ran 34:37 (PB) to finish fifth with Cameron Humphries also making the top ten in 35:15 as the men also swept to the team prize.  Jay Waite ran 36:47, Mark Howard 37:13, whilst Colin Ridley was first M60 in 37:20.  Chris Pugh posted 37:23, Kev Higgins 38:08, Simon Ford 38:10, Keith Marley 38:37, with Austen Mitchell (39:05), Michael Young (39:18) and Gary Licence (39:18) all recording personal bests and Paul Connell running an encouraging 40:48 on his debut for the club.  James Plant 41:46, Chris Aylett 41:51, Duncan Scott 42:30, Paul Clark 43:11, Simon Morgan 43:46, Jonathan West 45:52, Dean Wicks 48:19, Arthur Whiston 49:23, Antony Mcloughlin 49:30, Lee Caulfield 51:44, Adrian Frost 52:58 and Joseph Noack 1:22:24 also all had competitive runs.