Stilton 7 Race Report

Striders at Stilton 7

On a wet and windy Sunday morning a total 54 Stilton Striders went out to brave the elements to run and race in a number of events across the country. The main draw was their own Leicestershire Road Running League Race, the Stilton 7 which was run around a two laps course taking in the steep climbs by Welby Church and also Asfordby Hill. Parts of the course was made  more challenging by deep standing water in places. The highly competitive race saw 445 finishes from clubs across the county with Tom Whitmore from Charnwood AC taking first place in the Men’s section completing the 7 miles in 36:51, with Charlie Nurse, Wigston Phoenix first female in 45:11. First home for Striders was Ian Drage (44:47) with the men’s team consisting of John Robinson (46:11), Mark Stoneley (46:53), Richard Coombs  (48:43) Duncan Greene (49:39), Simon Bottrill (51:19), Ben Pickard (51:43), and Mark Ashmore (51:49). Leading the ladies team in was Michelle Farlow (51:58), followed by Nicola Taylor (52:01), Greeba heard (52:31), Vicki Lowe (53:36), Julie Bass (54:03), and Rachel Wade (55:22). Full results for the remaining runners can be found  at here. A special mention should be made to the newest members who took on this challenging race and did themselves proud, Marie Gray, Alison Sandilands, Melisa Harley-Hotchkins and Danielle Holmes. The success of this race would not have occurred without the guidance and organisational skills of Katie Hateley as Race Director supported by a large team of club members who acted as marshals providing support and encouragement along the course.
A further eight Striders took the roads around Stamford to compete in the rescheduled Valentine 30k (18.3 miles) race with Matt Gayton first Strider home in 2:11:01, followed by Natt Teece (2:14:22), Rebecca Forester (2:39:45), Sarah Lawrence (2:55:45), Matt Daniel (2:56:00), Claire Holmewood ( 3:04:01), and Leigh Pick and her Guide Runner Nick Pryke crossing the line together in 3:27:23).
Over at a wet and very windy Prestwold Hall three members competed in the Leicestershire Half marathon with Martin Taylor-Beeby (1:43:33) leading in Mike Williams (1:46:25) and Sas Palmer (3:03:31).
Travelling to Scunthorpe Alan Thompson completed the Run Your Heart 10k race at Quibell Park in 43:48.
Club Chairman Chris Genes said it was a terrific day all round with around 100 members either racing or helping out in some way at the Stilton 7. “In all my time associated with club I have never seen so many members out on a single day and this demonstrates what a growing all-encompassing inclusive club we have become and should anyone want to join us our club nights are Wednesday’s from Melton Sports Village starting at 7.00pm. New members are always welcome, why not Join our Facebook group, like our Facebook page and send us a message“