It was a quieter than usual weekend for Gade Valley Harriers as recent rainy conditions gave way to searing heat and record breaking temperatures.
On Sunday, Peter Tucker travelled to Warwickshire to take part in the Compton Verney Half Marathon, which is based on the 120 acres of stunning parkland and lakes which surround an historic manor, before heading along country roads and through scenic villages. Tucker had to attack a tough hill after 11.5 miles, on his way to completing the 13.1 mile course in 2:29:11.
Meanwhile, Rossiana Mee stayed closer to home and participated in the inaugural Forestry Commision Wendover Woods 10k. The challenging off-road route is set entirely within one of the hilliest parts of the Chiltern Hills and started with a 4km decline, making for a tough latter section. She crossed the line in 56:33.
On Saturday the focus was on 5k events. David Goodman continued his recent good form by finishing as first Male Vet 40+ at the Lee Valley Velodrome 5k. The day of racing around the velodrome – which was used for the indoor cycling events at the 2012 London Olympic Games – has events from 5k all the way up to half marathon distance. Goodman finished in fourth place overall, in a time of 20:07.
As usual the club had large numbers of runners taking part in ParkRuns around the country, but three Harrier ladies put particularly impressive performances into the free, timed 5k events.
Tracey Cotton was first female at Sunny Hill in North London, completing the course in 24:15. Sam Sparks picked up a personal best at the Rickmansworth event with a time of 28:41, and Mary McCluskey managed the same feat at Milton Keynes with a time of 26:05
