The Pednor 5 Mile road race was added to the ESM Roadrunners Championship this year (writes Mark Kencroft). Set in rural countryside roads around Chesham, we had 12 ESM runners and a few supporters turn out for a May Day evening run. Heavy & frequent showers throughout late afternoon disappeared, and the race itself was blessed with rays of sunshine. After a nervy false start the runners set off down the narrow lanes with the full force of the evening sun blazing into their eyes.
The first two miles of the course was flat, and the race opened up with the leading runners heading off to the BIG hill (note to Fiona: it was NOT flat and then downhill after this one!) First ESMer to reach the hill was Nick Steel, attempting this course for the first time.
At around the 4 mile mark runners were photographed (some more flatteringly than others!) by the ever-present Barry from oxonraces.com. Shortly after that, runners encountered the ESM supporters, Fiona, Philip and Yorkie’s wife Bharati, giving much appreciated encouragement to spur them to the end.
First male home for ESM was Nick Steel, who sped home in 12th place in a time of 29:03, followed by veteran Mark Kencroft, running his favourite race for the third time, and finishing in 19th place a full minute ahead of his previous time. Third ESM male was Marcus Cook in 31:56. First ESM female home was Shona Cowper in 34:37, in 68th place overall but 7th woman. Shona was followed in by Christine Meek and Carol Jones, who was tackling this course for the eighth time.
Highlights of the results, other than Phil York’s attempt to start at the very back and then catch all the ESM women (he managed all but Shona!) was the women’s team finishing just 2 points adrift of overall winners, Tring Running Club.
An enjoyable evening championship race had by everyone.
Full results can be found here
ESM results summary:
2 Nick Steel 29:03; 19 Mark Kencroft 30:14; 33 Marcus Cook 31:56; 67 Shona Cooper 34:37; 95 Phil York 36:19; 105 Christine Meek 36:47; 106 Carol Jones 36:55; 121 Lynn Wilson 38:01; 134 Patricia Thomas 39:19; 138 John Falvey 39:38; 162 Beverley Packwood 41:29; 185 Louise Prince 43:01.