London Marathon - 22nd April 2007

The much-anticipated London Marathon took place on Sunday 22nd April and five Richmond and Zetland Harriers were on the start line in Greenwich Park for the hottest race on record, which affected everyone from the elite field downwards, as most were outside their aspired target times. Despite the drama of a lost timing chip, Jon Orange was first across the finish line on The Mall, where he then spoke to race officials and was awarded his time of 2.37. Once again he had a magnificent run on the day and was part of the men’s elite AAA Championship race, showing that he has true stamina to run an evenly paced race over 26.2 miles, as well as being treated for some minor dehydration at the end.

Jon Orange

Hydration was a factor for everyone and Shaun Purkiss felt the heat over the last 5 miles, finishing only a minute slower than last year in a fantastic time of 2.53, which easily qualifies him for next year’s event. This also earned him 457th place overall, as well as some fantastic form going into the Summer season on the track and roads. Tony Hewson was another affected by the unseasonably warm day and started to feel as though things weren’t going according to plan at 18 miles, when he would have liked to have pushed on and finished further up the ranks. He was pleased to inadvertently meet up with team mate Sarah Gregory at the 25 mile point, having seen the red and white club vest making its way along the Embankment. Sarah’s race was not quite going according to plan either, however, both athletes spurred each other on and covered the last 1.2 miles with gusto, both crossing the line in 3.42, with Tony a few seconds ahead. This earns Sarah another qualifying time for next year and no doubt Tony will be back for his annual outing around the London Marathon course.

Ian Hepworth made a welcome return as Fred Flintstone, entertaining spectators on his way around central London and enjoying the carnival atmosphere, which is an important part of the day; boosted this year by crowds enjoying the weather. He ran very consistently and felt good around the whole course to finish in a fabulous time of 3.57, only marginally slower than last year’s clocking, run in much cooler conditions. Darren Cox unfortunately had to withdraw at the eleventh hour due to an ankle injury, but hopes to return next year fighting fit.

"Bunny Run" Fell Race - 17th April 2007

Marc Scott, has been on his travels again, finishing off the “Bunny Run” fell race series on a high note. On Tuesday 17th April he made his regular journey over to Haworth, to take on the now-familiar course, which incorporates a sharp ascent of 300 feet over a 3 mile circuit of Pennistone Hill. On this occasion, Mark finished as 2nd U14 boy and 27th overall from 212 competitors in a time of 17.21. Not to be outdone, he returned the following week for the final event and this time finished as 1st U14 boy and 15th overall in a time of 16.58, setting a new course record for his age group and taking the U14 boys title for the series, rounding off a highly successful month.