On Sunday the veteran men were greeted by weather better suited to ducks. As a result of the torrential rain, some sections of the two lap 6km course were under water, and runners had to take extra care as they negotiated the puddles.
Ealing Southall & Middlesex AC fielded an experienced team in the M50 category, with John Blanchard completing the first leg in 22:32, one of the fastest times of the day. John handed over to steeplechaser Phil York in eighth place. Phil, who only recently joined the M50 ranks, made the most of the downhill stretches and gained one place as he recorded 23:31. James O’Neill (24:31) and Doug Buckeridge (24:46) brought the team home in eighth place with a time of 1:35:20, well ahead of local rivals Hillingdon and Thames Valley Harriers.
With their ages ranging from 50-56, the Ealing quartet plan to stick together and compete in this age group for several more seasons!
In a race where just 49 seconds covered the first five teams, Harrow Athletics Club emerged as winners with a combined time of 1:29:27. The Harrow team included Chris Finill, who recently ran from coast to coast across the USA and has completed every London Marathonin under three hours.
[report for Veterans supplied by Phil York]
The senior men’s team comprising of Will Pinder, Conor Hearne, Mark Cameron, Martin Shelley, Angelo John and Tom Yates finished in 2:15:42 to earn 59th place. The men’s veteran team (mentioned in Phils report above) finished in 23rd place. Results in ThePowerOf10 here. External Results here.