The last weekend in October saw the last round in the Accelerate Gritstone series of fell races in and around the peak district ‘grin n bear it’. Nearly 16 miles and over 1900 ft ascent, first back for Striders was Katie Hateley, finishing in 37th place overall and 1st vet 40, 2 hours 48 mins 41, followed by 55th Ian Drage 2.50.48, 81st Paul Geeson 3.05.31, 94th John Houghton 3.15.11.
7 people completed the series of races and 4 of them were Striders – well done to Katie, John, Ian, and Paul. Katie was the overall winner in the ladies category, amazing – well done!
The last weekend in October also saw the first round in the Derby Runner cross country series, the first race was at Launde Farm near Tilton on the Hill. These races also include juniors and for the Striders in the preschool – yr 6 catergory in 10th place William H and in 24th Toby H.
In year 7 – 17 years category, 18th Isabella R, 19th Lucy J, 23rd Georgina W.
In the seniors race on a hilly course with 960 ft ascent over the 5.7 miles (approx) the womens race starts before the men. First home for Striders ladies was in 41st Nikki Wade 51.52, 53. Vicki Lowe 53.28, 66. Nicola Dolphin Rowland 55.15, 90. Sarah Lawrence , 124. Celia Bown 61.57, 134. Steph Nicol 62.42, 146. Kathy Walsh 64.22, 176. Kaye Mead 68.12.
First back for the mens race 56th Alan Thompson 41.33, 86. John Robinson, 93. Mark Stoneley 43,51, 121. Simon Bottrill 45.32, 128. Andy Nicholls 46.20 , 190. Tam Nicol, 234. Dan Valencia 54.19, 237. Chris Genes 54.24. The next race is on the 18th November at Holly Hayes woods near Coalville.
The Leicestershire 10k was held at Prestwold Hall, around the car track. First back for Striders showing he’s coming back to form in 28th position Matt Gayton in 40.20, just behind in 30th and second lady Natalie Teece 40.39. 148 . Mike Williams 48.31, 272. Lynda Harris 53.42