Ingatestone 5

 

Some exceptionally fine weather greeted runners from Ilford Athletic Club as 16 runners lined up to celebrate the 25th running of the Ingatestone 5 mile road race on a glorious Sunday morning. On the tough undulating course renown for some long climbs towards the finish Darren Bottrill 29.01, Iain Macdonald 29.43 and Neil Crisp 29.58, closed the men's squad to a respectable postion against some tough opposition.  The women fared a little better taking 3rd prize behind Benfleet and Springfield Striders. Bree Nordin led the squad home in 33.43 also taking 3rd spot in the over 45 category ably supported by Lindsey Barker 35.06 and Nicola Hopkinson 36.50. Pam Jones won the over 55 womens category in 40.22. At the presentation afterwards Race Organiser and Ilford Life member, Howard Williams, thanked everybody for their support and in an emotive speech looked forward to the next 25 years.   

 

Other Ilford Runners taking part were Andy Catton 32.12, Steve Parker 33.29, Tony Partridge 35.37, Martin Clarke 37.06, Chris Evans 38.05, Gerry Pells 45.38, Dianne Crisp 38.25, Vanessa Appss 39.44 and Sally Gillam 41.06.  

 

Windsor half 

 

Elsewhere harrier Sue Rowley competed in her debut half marathon at Windsor finishing the course in 2hours and 20minute.

 

Meanwhile Race organisers Martin Clarke and Joe Browne have been busy putting the final touches to preparations for next Sunday's (September 28th) Valentines Park 5k. Entries are now pouring in for this major charity event jointly organised by the Harriers section of Ilford AC together with the Cardinal Heenan Centre in Ilford. There is a brand new and accurately measured fast and flat course awaiting participants held over two traffic free loops on paths completely within the perimeter of the park. The serious competition will start with at 10am adjacent to Melbourne field and will take the form of a competitive race . A large field has already been put together from local clubs including both runners and racewalkers alike. Entries include many international and ex-international stars representing all generations of running from 24 up to the age of 72. Martin Clarke warns "Dont be fooled by some of their ages though - they are all still extremely fit and fast". A less serious charity fun run / walk will begin 1 hour later at 11am in which local MPs Mike Gapes and Lee Scott are both planning to take part.  The event promises to be a great day with many local dignatories including the Mayor, Cllr Loraine Sladden booked to attend. Those taking part will be raising money for 10 charities including the Mayors own charities, The Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Grren and Dream Factory, which grants wishes to terminally ill youngsters.