We were pleased to welcome nine London-based running clubs to the third Summer League road race on Sunday 7th July. On a bright and sunny day, over 200 adults turned out for the main 5-mile race, but it was clear the heat was going to be a challenge by the time it got under way at 11am.
Despite this, we had a successful day, finishing second out of the nine teams, and closing the gap significantly on League leaders Mornington Chasers. We took second place in both the men’s and women’s races, and won all three of the relay events we contested.
Twenty-eight of our adult members completed the 5-mile race, which comprised two laps through Perivale Park and surrounding roads. Former member Mo Ismail, now running for Serpentine RC, set off at a speedy 5-minute mile pace, with Nick Landeau in hot pursuit. Nick faded towards the end of the first lap, leaving Jamie Taylor-Caldwell to take up the chase. No-one managed to stay with Mo, who finished in 27:37 but it was Steve Elson who stayed the course best for ESM, finishing just half a minute behind.
Club members flowed across the line thereafter in rapid succession, including seven of our talented under 23 squad: Jamie Taylor-Caldwell in third and Luke Nicholas in sixth (both under 23), Nick Landeau in 12th (under 20), Mukhtar Farah in 13th (under 17), Ben Waterman in 21st (under 23), Chris Hepworth in 22nd (under 23) and Sam McGonigle in 24th (under 17).
At the other end of the age spectrum, Phil Manly once again dominated the over 60 category, finishing 28th overall in 31.48. With his age category bonus, he equalled Steve’s score.
Other ESM men finishing in the top quarter of the field included seventh-placed Jon Ellis, M40 veteran Angelo John in 14th, M50 veteran Rob Brown in 25th, and M40 James Steel in 29th.
Several key members were missing from the women’s team, but W55 veteran Fiona Kennedy took second place behind Grace Wu of Serpentine RC. She was followed by Sarah Gerrie in eighth, showing a rapid return to form only months after having her first baby. Other club members in the top quarter of the field were W45 Jane Ruhland in 13th, and W55 Lynn Wilson in 21st. Beverley Packwood, Glenda Swain, Janice Newman and Dorothy Johnstone were also welcome additions to ESM’s women’s team (which managed to outscore local rivals Ealing Eagles, despite being out numbered three to one!)