Sutton Park Relays

On 19th September Hermitage Harriers sent a team to the six man road relays at Sutton Park to race the cream of the Midlands clubs. It was a new experience for many on a lovely sunny afternoon but we put up a good account of ourselves, with Ally Watson leading off on leg one of the 5.85km undulating loop around the park. Ally came 20th in 18:56 and handed to Shaun who ran the second fastest leg in 21:25 to leave the team in about 35th position. Darren Wilson and Andy Buck ran legs 3 and 4 with only a second splitting the two in 22:52 and 22:53 respectively.

These were great runs considering Darren had barely run since the Owls 10 due to a calf injury and Andy was shaking off a nasty cold. Matt Dumelow ran his heart and legs literally off on leg 5 in 23:50 to hand to Lee for the anchor leg who managed to make up one place in a time of 22:40 and finished with an impressive sprint. Overall the club came 47th out of 85 teams in 2hrs 12mins 37 secs, which was pleasing. Everyone enjoyed the event and appreciated the support given by Wendy Buck, Colin Brand, Stephen Lee and teammates around the course.

On reflection with the team barely recognisable from last year, many new to the course and with some bad luck with injury and illness there is a genuine feeling that the 2008 team’s 40th position in 2hrs 6mins 43 secs can come under threat next year. We also aim to get a B team out and a Ladies 4 in 2010.

(Ally Watson)