Lynn Wilson reports:
Focus Race for the Month of May – Langley Park 5k
Having introduced a focus race of the month for the road runners, our first outing was to Langley Park for the first of a three-race series. Not only were we graced with the beauty of trail running in the evening sun the rhododendrons were also out in in full bloom.
Fifteen of us ESM runners were on the start line in amongst a field of 87 eagerly waiting for the off, most of us not knowing what to anticipate as we hadn’t ventured that far before on a Wednesday evening. Carol Jones, a stalwart on this course having completed the series for many years, did however brief us a little about what we were in for – undulating, and prepare yourself for the slog uphill to the finish line!
This was a trail run which didn’t disappoint, with lots of friendly volunteers, marshals and photographers. Our first runner home was the much improved and in-form Mark Kencroft (M50) coming in third with a time of 19:02, followed by Sean Hanrahan (SM) in fourth with 19:44. First female and first ESM woman was our new road running captain Sarah Gerrie (W35) in a time of 20:13.
We then had notable performances from two of our recent London marathon men Martin Daoud (M50) 20:20 and Malcolm Woolsey (M40) 20:25, where the times would suggest that a little battle was going on there. Next ESM runner home was Shona Cowper (SW) who was second female of the race in a time of 21:19.
Back row: Martin, Liam, Malcolm, Carol, Pat, Louise & Philip. Front row: Mark & Lynn
The remaining nine of us all followed through: Liam Kencroft (SM) 23:08, Patricia Thomas (W45) 23:58, Lynn Wilson (W55) 24:11, Louise Prince (W45) 25:16. Carol Jones (W55), who battled it out with two others in her age category, came in on 25:24. Bill Lonsdale (M60) 25:34, Catherine Gunnewicht (W45) 27:46 who was being chased down by Philip Prince (M60) but just managed to pip him to the post as he crossed the line in 27:47 and then to round the ESM team of runners off Annick Hooge (W65) finished 76th overall in 33:54.
Note: the age categories are only to the nearest 10 years. They reflect which category runners were competing in, for the purposes of the series awards.
A few ESM members were also there behind the scenes: Fiona Kennedy as Race Director, Tony Randall as Race Referee and John Falvey as Lead Bike.
The full set of results, lots more photos, and further details of the last two races in the series can be found at:
https://www.bucksvoice.net/langley-park-races/
Shona, Sean, Louise, Carol, Pat (behind), Lynn, Malcolm (behind), Cath, Annick, Philip (behind), Bill & Sarah