Written by MH   

Matt's report on a warm,sunny day in the park.

Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers

Club Championships & Inter Club 5 mile Richmond Park – 26.09.2009 - REPORT

On a decidedly warm and sunny afternoon yesterday the club 5 mile championships took place at Sheen Gate in Richmond Park.

In a pretty good turnout 20 runners took part, and in places the competition was very close making for an exciting afternoon.

In another excellent run Andy Arbour came in first (28:45), retaining the Bert Long Trophy for another year. He was closely pursued by Craig Price (29:11) who looks to be in impressive form, improving on last season's time by well over four minutes! Ant Budarkiewicz then followed in third place (30:18) demonstrating that he is again going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. In an incredibly close battle with Bob McDonough (in which it worked out as there being a 5 second handicap difference overall) Ant claimed the George Harrup Trophy becoming this year's Vets Handicap champion.

Matt Hyett and Michael Huntley then battled for 4th and 5th place respectively in a very close contest and were followed by two runners from Thames Hare and Hounds, Nicholas Gould and Chris Hutber. U20 runner Tom Ratcliff did well in 8th to win the Alec Addis Trophy as U20 champion, and was followed by the first place woman, Maddy Hardwick, who ran an excellent 33:32.

Bob McDonough then followed Maddy, chased by Simon Levy, Richard Holt, Richard Harris, Susanne Dietrich and David Walsh. U20 runner Peter Greenfield, Andy Bache, Liz Richardson, Rowena Hurnshaw and David Barrington completed the field, with David claiming bronze in the Vets championship.

All in all a good afternoon. Thanks to all who attended, and thanks to the Marshalls for their support.

Next key race will be the Men's 1st Surrey League match at West End Common, Esher, on 10th October- would be good to see you there if you can make it.

Matt