We enjoyed a successful outing south of the river, competing in the first of the five road races which make up the London-based Summer League. Competing against much larger clubs, ESM finished third overall out of the nine teams participating, took second place in both the men’s and women’s race, and won the men’s relay event.
Twenty ESM adults undertook the main 10k race, which comprised three laps of Dulwich Park. Steve Elson, fresh from his first sub-35 minute performance at the recent Bupa 10k, recorded a swift 35:37 to take second place behind Mo Ismail of Serpentine AC. Next to score was in-form M40 veteran Angelo John, taking 7th place in a personal best time of 37:04. Phil Manly proved he is still running competitively at 62, by ducking under 39 minutes for the first time this season to finish 18th. The scoring team was completed by Andy Dodd in 31st, Ciaran Eaton in 37th and Peter Drew in 44th.
For the women, W55 veteran Fiona Kennedy took second place in 39:23 behind Mairead O’Rourke of Mornington Chasers. The scoring team was completed by Patricia Thomas (19th), Gill Morgan (38th), Glenda Sincock (82nd), and blind runner Janice Newman (85th) with her guide Mary Walsh (86th).
ESM juniors Jack McKim and Cameron Thomas took part in the one-mile race which followed the 10k. Both athletes later collected trophies for their 2012 performances in the League, as did many of the club’s adult members.
As usual, the event concluded with a series of light-hearted relays, but the men’s race proved an exciting affair. Angelo John led off for the ESM men, handing over in the lead to Ciaran Eaton. By the time Ciaran handed over, Queens Park Harriers were making a determined effort to close the gap, but Pete Drew narrowly held on. John McKim then stormed round with both Queens Park and Mornington Chasers in hot pursuit. On the penultimate leg, an injured Andy Dodd relinquished the lead to Queens Park by a small margin, but Steve Elson fortunately found the speed to overhaul their runner in the closing stages.
Photos of the event are on our Facebook page.
Next Summer League event is at Headstone Park, Harrow, 16th June at 09:30. Don’t forget to put Sunday 7th July in your diaries for the ESM home fixture. We will need lots of help from friends and family for marshalling, as well as the usual contributions of food from ESM runners.
For further details please contact Andy Dodd on 07960 397785 (mobile), 0208 9979748 (home) or adodd@football-league.co.uk or leave a note on the ESM website message board.