Gade Valley Harriers head to Vitality 10K

Starting and finishing in The Mall in St James’ Park, the course took the runners on a clockwise course around the City of Westminster and the City of London, passing many iconic landmark, such as Admiralty Arch, Nelson’s Column, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mansion Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In a host of new PB’s, Anthony Willcox crossed the line in 40:46 (PB), followed by Simon Geary in 41:21 (PB), Robert Bowler in 43:15 (PB), Jaqui Sampson 53:33, and Gary Mullery 1:09:21.

In the Hatfield Broad Oak 10K in Bishops Stortford, Essex, Steve Newing from GVH dug deep to finish in 40:19.

Dylan Wendleken from the Gade Valley Tri team tested his mettle at the Olympic Distance Herts Triathlon on Sunday, May 29.

In Welwyn Garden City’s Stanborough Lakes, Wendleken completed the 1.5K open water swim in 23:42, the 40K bike ride in 1:26:10 and the 10K run in 41:08, giving a total time of 2:33:33, earning himself 5th place in his category.

Fellow Gade Valley Tri Triathlete Susie Ivin upped the stakes on Sunday 29th May, when she completed the Outlaw Half Ironman Triathlon in Nottingham. Ivin completed the 1.2 mile open water swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run in a total time of 6:52:20, setting a new PB.

Sian Hibbs was also in triathlon action at the Arctic One Sprint Triathlon in Eaton Dorney. Hibbs excelled herself claiming first female place in all three disciplines. She completed the 750m swim in 11:02, the 29K bike ride in 36:11 and the 5K run in 21:00 – a total time of 1:09:58.

At the parkruns this week the Harriers fielded 23 runners at nine of the timed 5K runs.

The local Gadebridge parkrun had seven Harriers representing their club, with Andy Wells first back for the team in 20:02, claiming eighth place and a new PB.

Following Wells was Tom Langdown 21:46, Russ Bailey 25:20, Paul Buxton 28:53 (PB), Angeline Cottrill 30:26, Natalie Cloy 30:31 and Emma Nash 30:37.

Four entrants at Black Park parkrun saw Mikey Ferris taking second overall place in a speedy 18:29, with teammate John Lawler right behind him in 18:48. Vince Ellerby posted a respectable 19:58 and Niki Swan clocking a new PB of 33:40.

St Albans parkrun had three Harriers in attendance, William Terry first home for the team in 29:13, hotly followed by mum Helen Terry 29:15 and Joanna Kidd 29:16.

Again another three Harriers at the Watford’s Cassiobury Park this week where Steve Newing claimed first Harrier home in a quick 19:29, followed by Paula Cook 25:12 and Claire Newing 36:11.

The Kesgrave parkrun in Ipswich had Anthony Willcox representing GVH, posting a new PB of 19:26.

On the South Coast, Phil Robbins enjoyed the sun and sea air during the Eastbourne parkrun, where he pushed hard to take fifth place in 19:11, whilst at the other end of the country Helen Heathcote flew the GVH colours at the St. Andrews parkrun in fife, Scotland, setting a time of 29:50.

Closer to home was James Thomson at the Bushey parkrun where he battled tough competition to post a time of 19:23.

Fellow team mates Tom North and Tracey Cotton took on the hills of the Tring parkrun, North claiming 6th place in 21:00, Cotton setting a new PB on the tough course in 24:02.