Hawtin strides out

On Sunday 24th February, the second race in this year’s Leicestershire Road Running League, the Ashby 5, was organized by South Derbyshire Road Runners so the bulk of the Club’s runners were on marshalling duties. However, this did not prevent Andy Hawtin putting in another superb performance to finish in 48th place overall out of 504 finishers in a chip time of 29.33. Next to finish was Gavin Horton in 33.59 and 167th place. Providing he stays motivated and injury free Horton may yet fulfill the potential he undoubtedly possesses. Jack Leafe, in a break from University, ran well for 35.08 and 218th place just getting the better of Christina Cooper, who finished in 35.34 and a superb 25th place in the women’s race.
Making her debut in Club colours, Laura Storer ran well for 40.46 and 78th place in the women’s race just getting the better of the more experienced Colin Topliss in a chip time of 40.48. Tim Argent completed the finishers with a well earned time of 43.55.
Not far away, Louise Insley put her hard winter training to good use, to return a 32.12 in the Weston 5. This time was good enough to give Insley 36th place overall out of 245 finishers and the 1st WV35 prize.
On Saturday three of the Club’s runners Steve Leafe, Mark Nixon and Rob Belcher were taking on a stiffer and different event, the annual ‘off road’ Belvoir Challenge. Leafe and Nixon opted for the shorter 15 mile challenge while Belcher, who specializes in ultra distance events, tackled the 26 mile option as a prelude to 12 & 24 hour ultra races he has planned later in the year.
While it was very cold all were pleased that the recent weather had firmed up the course and contributed to Belcher finishing 109th out 284 finishers in 4:51.08 and Leafe and Nixon recording 2:01.02 & 2:11.55 for 27th and 61st places out of 684 finishers respectively. Terrific performances all round.