London Marathon 23rd April 2006

The 26th London Marathon took place on Sunday 23rd April and seven Richmond and Zetland Harriers were on the start line, with different stories to tell, as they covered the 26.2 miles around central London, from Greenwich Park to The Mall. First home was Jon Orange in a fantastic time of 2.36, gaining him no less than 140th place overall and yet another Men’s Elite AAA Championship start next year. He was pleased with his time on the day and glad that everything went to plan, as marathons can be quite unpredictable.

The RZH London Marathon Runners

Shaun Purkiss lowered his time from last year by a staggering 11 minutes, to cross the line in 2.50, having felt comfortable all the way around the course. This put him in 567th place overall and guarantees him another “Good For Age” start in the 2007 race. Top lady on the day was Rachel Ross-Russell, who overcame several injuries in training to make it to the start line. Having missed valuable, final weeks from her schedule, Rachel was unsure as to how the race would unfold on the day, but finished in a magnificent time of 3.08 and was promptly interviewed by the Daily Telegraph. This is not only a personal best, but ensures she will again be at the Women’s Elite start next year. Next home was Tony Hewson, who although a little disappointed to have slowed in the later miles and finish slightly down on last year’s time, ran a solid and respectable time of 3.28. This places him firmly inside the top 4,400 competitors; a great achievement and an excellent base to build from.

Sarah Gregory was another who had suffered injuries almost all the way through her training and was also pleased to simply make it to the start. Weeks of training were also lost, but a steady and consistent run on the day saw her finish in 3.41 and well inside the top 1,000 women. Although slightly disappointed with her time, it is a personal best and guarantees her an automatic entry to the London Marathon in 2007. Ian Hepworth ran as the ever-popular Fred Flintstone and entertained the crowds on this way around the course, raising money for the Richmond Station Restoration Fund in the process. Not only was he popular, but speedy too, as he completed the 26.2 miles in 3.55, giving him a great position in the top third of all the runners. Louise Foster was running her first marathon and despite a few set backs in training, was ready to tackle the race and remained very determined. This paid off dividends, as she crossed the line in a fabulous time of 4.16, ahead of her expectations and well within the top 50% of competitors. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will be back for more next year.

Gateshead Harriers Open Event 22nd April 2006

The same weekend saw some shorter races taking place at the Gateshead Harriers Open Medal Meet, where eight athletes competed strongly. Nick Outhwaite had an extremely productive afternoon, taking part in his first Pole Vault competition of the season and promptly winning the Under 17 boys category with a height of 2.70m. This not only breaks his old club record by 5cm and counts as a grade four vault, but is also a sensational start to the season, with surely more to come from this talented athlete.

The athletes were in flying form in the sprints, with Ruth Hill once again coming through to take the joint fastest time of the day in the Under 15 Girls 100m race with a time of 13.1, Brogan Fraser also finishing strongly in 2nd place in her race and Hollie Ann Carrick also running well, in addition to finish 3rd in the Shot Putt. In the 200m Ruth took the fastest time of the day, winning her race in 27.0, while Brogan finished strongly in 28.8. In the Under 17 Women’s races, Leanne Shaw won her 100m race convincingly in 13.1, while Sophie Broadway is returning to form, finishing in 13.9. Over 200m the same pair finished in 3rd and 4th places respectively; Leanne clocking 27.4 and Sophie 28.5. Jack Johnson had a busy afternoon, finishing 5th in the Under 15 Boys 100m in 13.2, 5th in the 200m in 27.1 and a well deserved 4th in the Long Jump with 4m29.

RZH Results: Under 15 Boys – Jack Johnson 5th 100m 13.2, 5th 200m 27.1 & 4th Long Jump 4.29m. Under 15 Girls – Ruth Hill 2nd 100m 13.1 & 1st 200m 27.0, Brogan Fraser 2nd 100m 13.5 & 4th 200m 28.8, Hollie Ann Carrick 6th 100m 14.3 & 3rd Shot Putt 8.34m. Under 17 Women – Leanne Shaw 1st 100m 13.1 & 3rd 200m 27.4, Sophie Broadway 5th 100m 13.9 & 4th 200m 28.5. Under 17 Men – Nick Outhwaite 1st Pole Vault 2.70m (new Club Record)