7
HARWICH Runners showcased their talents at the Ekiden relay in Ipswich, delivering impressive performances despite challenging conditions.
The event, a staple in the running calendar, took place at Ipswich High School on a warm day.
Teams of six tackled a total distance of 26.2 miles, with segments of 5k, 7.2k, and 10k.
Harwich Runners entered four senior teams and one junior team, with runners facing increasing heat as the day progressed.
Ellen Sitton (Image: Harwich Runners)
The final 5k stage proved particularly tough, but Ellen Sitton shone with a time of (22:31), ranking as the 28th fastest runner among 193 teams.
Nick Lawrie also excelled, clocking (20:03) for the final stage after completing the opening 7.2k leg in (28:15), finishing 18th in that segment.
Nick Lawrie (Image: Harwich Runners)
Ian Flook contributed by running the 5k in (19:09) and the 10k in (41:20).
Marie Bonnier made her debut in a team race, finishing the 5k in (26:33).
Other notable performances in the 5k included Graeme Knott with (19:46), Michael Knowles at (21:15), and Chadia Sahili, who faced the heat with a time of (32:24).
Ian Flook (Image: Harwich Runners)
Lissy Standen, Pat O'Dea, Thomas Richardson, and Peter Fraser Hopewell also completed the distance.
In the 10k stages, Robin Brookes finished in (44:00), while Lil O'Dea crossed the line in (49:00).
Nichola Challis at the Brantham 5-mile
Nicola Challis at the Brantham 5-mile (Image: Harwich Runners)
Other participants included Bethany Godfrey, Valentina Burley, Tom Wood, Luke Tynan, and Jon Bliss.
THE 7.2k legs were covered by Simon Day in (32:00), Alison Evans in (40:26), and Clare Richardson with a time of (41:41).
In terms of team results, the Harwich male veterans finished an impressive fourth in their category with a combined time of (3:01:00).
Marie Bonnier (Image: Harwich Runners)
The male open team completed the event in (3:04:00), while the ladies’ team finished in (4:01:00) and the mixed team in (4:03:00).
The junior team, consisting of Leo and Martha Knott and Meabh and Aoibheann O'Dea, ran a one-mile lap in a combined time of (35:27), securing fourth in their age category.
A total of 21 Harwich runners participated in the Brantham Friday 5-mile run, which attracted a record 263 entrants this year.
Simon Day (Image: Harwich Runners)
Nick Lawrie led the Harwich contingent, finishing in (32:09), followed by Harry Young at (33:45) and Nicola Challis with a time of (35:27).
Ellen Sitton continued her strong form, debuting at the event with a time of (36:46), earning second place in the female senior category.
Peter Fraser Hopewell improved his time from last year, finishing in (47:45), while Ian Bolton ran (42:57), 20 seconds faster than his last appearance two years ago.
Other first-time participants included Shaun Tye at (41:02), Jon Bliss at (46:02), and Catie Francis at (44:01).
In the junior race, Alice Flatt and Finn Massey finished together in (6:58), with Beatrix Martin close behind in (7:20), all placing within the top thirty of 87 competitors.