Andy’s out in front!

Andy Hawtin tightened his grip on the 2013 South Derbyshire Road Runner’s Club Championship as he led the Club’s runners home in the final race of this year’s Leicestershire Road Running League, the West End 8. In good running conditions, over a rural course most of the Club’s runners were tackling the unusual distance of 8 miles for the first time. Andy’s 51.33 was good enough for 57^th place out of 391 finishers to round off a superb debut season in the League. Not far behind was Chris Mason who continued his good form and dominance in the MV60 class to record 52.01 for 67^th place overall. There was then a close race between Andy Orme and Roger Matthews. Andy, fresh from being selected as Parkrun runner of the month, edged out the improving Roger on this occasion with times of 54.16 and 54.26 and finishing places of 90^th and 93^rd respectively.  Still hampered by a lingering virus Colin Mee put in his usual battling performance to record a chip time of 54.42 for 98^th place.
Finishing behind Colin but with a much improved performance was Gavin Horton who was much happier than of late with his 56.10 and 124^th place. This performance gave Gavin maximum points in the Division 2 title race. Putting in his usual gritty performance, Ray Udall was next to finish in 57.35 ahead of Christina Cooper who ran really well for 61.07 and 19^th place in the women’s race. Gary Price, the early pacesetter in Division 3, and Trevor Rickman were next to finish in 63.25 and 69.52 respectively with Carolyn Ife completing the finishers for the Club with a hard run 76.30. Carolyn, providing she keeps clear of injuries, looks an early favourite to secure the Division 4 title.
The previous weekend Carolyn and Cath Johnston represented the Club in the Wymeswold Waddle 5. Carolyn’s official time was 45.36 in 180^th place an improvement of 9 minutes on her previous 5 mile race time a few months ago. Cath, after a good run, finished in 53.28 for 224^th place. The course was two and a half miles up hill and two and a half miles back down.