The 141st edition of the Street 5km road races saw the Harriers Jon James and Charlotte Baker win for the men and the women on the coldest night so far in the series this autumn & winter. There was also some great running by the Juniors: Harriers swept the board with Rachel Packard and William Carr winning the 1km race; and Alex Williams and Connie Little winning the 2km race.
Jon's winning time was a nippy 16.01, whilst 2nd placed Kieran Young (Bristol & West) was within 10 seconds of his pb with his 16.13 clocking. 3rd overall was Harrier junior Philip Bridge who ran exactly the same time as in November with his 17.09. For the women/girls, second on the night was Lucy Baldwin in 20.19, and 3rd was another Harrier junior Esme Sheridan in 21.32, within a whisker of her personal best.
Jon was 1st V40, with Steve Masters 1st v50 in 18.25, 1st v60 Clive Harwood in 19.28, and 1st v70 Brian Clark (Langport) in 25.26. Did you know that Brian's time places him 81st in the rankings for V70s nationally over 5k in 2012? That's some effort.
Teresa King (Weston AC) was 1st F35 in 21.48, whilst Charlie Spencer (Maiden Newton Runners) was 1st F45 in 24.22 and Lesley Nesbitt (Yeovil Town RR) was 1st F55 in 24.33. Actually, Lesley is far too modest to mention that she currently ranks 33rd nationally for the F60s over 5km but now everyone knows (or at least those who read this).
Despite the conditions there were a number of pbs on the night, including young Joe Heath 20.11 for 18th place. A few of the Harriers squad in training for London Marathon were also out competing with Paul Maskell home in 17.18 and Robert Moore back in 22.43. Marathon runners everywhere (in Somerset) should note that Adrian Marriott is intending to run the Marathon Masterclass on Friday Jan 25th at Frome Rugby Club 7pm & the Marathon training practical on Sunday Feb 17th morning. Get in touch with Adrian if you want to book for either of these or if you want to know more.
Full results of the 5km and junior races will be shown to the right when confirmed.