• Press Report 23rd March 2009
     

    Orion Star Burns
    Ilford Athletic Club's Vanessa Burns was amongst a large field of nearly 300 runners who toed the line at the Orion 15 mile trail race held in Epping Forest, Chingford on Saturday. The course is famously characterised by some mercilessly tough climbs and is always very muddy at this time of year despite the recent spell of spring sunshine. Like many other runners, Burns used the race in preparation for next months Flora London marathon and was pleased to come through unscathed in a time of 2hrs 20 minutes and 55 seconds.  This was a good time for the fast improving Ilford athlete, who only took up running last year following the birth of her first child. Commenting afterwards on the tough conditions the Ilford athlete confessed she found the birth of baby Joseph considerably easier. The race was won by Alan Smalls of Colchester Harriers who defeated former winner Richard McCormick of Barnet with a time of 1.32.00.
     
    On the same day 72 year old Pam Jones made the journey to Ruthin near Prestatyn, Denbighshire to compete in the British Masters Cross Country Championships. Despite the venue Jones reported that most of the main protagonists were present and she once again managed to be first home in her over 70's age group beating the top two 65 year olds in the process. In the male 40s race an in form Iain Campbell running for Metropolitan Police managed a very respectable 23rd in a high class field of 87 runners, finishing 6th in the male 45 category.