It's a marathon mission for the Gade Valley Harriers

There were no big club runs for the Gade Valley Harriers at the weekend, with a number of athletes instead turning their attention to marathon training runs.
Hundreds of runners flocked to the Gade Valley Harriers' first marathon training run of the yearHundreds of runners flocked to the Gade Valley Harriers' first marathon training run of the year
Hundreds of runners flocked to the Gade Valley Harriers' first marathon training run of the year

Their club’s 17-mile open run takes place this Sunday, with an expected turnout of 400-500 runners travelling from across the country to take part.

The route is open to all runners and is geared up to help people training for a spring marathon.

The cost to take part is just £5 per person, payable on the morning, with the group meeting at the GVH clubhouse at Boxmoor Cricket Club, St. John’s Road, Hemel Hempstead for a 9.30am start. Full details can be found at www.gadevalleyharriers.co.uk/london-marathon-training-runs

Meanwhile, the Harriers had 10 runners taking part in seven of the weekly parkruns at the weekend.

Cassiobury Park saw Rich Coles, Anthony James and Anthony Willcox in the GVH colours; Coles storming back first for the team in fourth place overall in 17:15. Hot on Coles’ heels was James, setting a new PB of 17:29, and Willcox in 20:36.

Mark Crabtree was in fine form again at the Panshanger parkrun in Welwyn Garden City, taking second place in 18:09.

James Thomson cruised home in 21:30 at St Albans parkrun, while Vince Ellerby put in a solid time of 19:55 at Black Park.

Heading south to Poole in Dorset, Andy Norton completed their parkrun in 24:39, with Tom North and Tracey Cotton tackling the mud and hills of Tring. North took sixth overall place in 22:17, and team-mate Cotton crossed the line in 26:14.

Harrier Paul Reilly completed the Gadebridge Park route in 24:41.