The weekend seems an eternity ago, but not too distant a memory to recollect the wonderful achievements of the awesome Hastings Runners that took part in races.

Closest to home was the latest race in our Club Championship, the seafront 10K. A route that all of us are familiar with. But it’s amazing how much quicker one can run with a tag around your ankle.

That proved the case on Sunday with some superb performances from those representing the Green & Black army. Will Withecombe successfully defended his title from last year, crossing the line in an excellent time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds.

We had 3 runners in the Top 4 with Andrew Shipalov clocking a PB of 39:50, holding off a late charge from Martin Snape who was just 3 seconds behind.

Kevin Blowers wrapped up another MV60 category award. His time of 42:30 would have been substantially quicker, had he not hit the brakes just before the finish line to ensure he came home in 10th place, thus winning a free breakfast.

Andy Knight continued his excellent recent form to land the MV50 1st prize in a time of 43:41. There were PBs for Berenice Consavela (54:34). Craig Weeks (55:56), Adam Holland (57:04) and Jacqueline Scott (57:25).

Also running 10K this weekend were Debra Van Aalst, Choccy Sue and Sue Palmer. Not in Hastings mind you. They were in Bodrum. I think that’s in Turkey, is it? They didn’t travel home empty handed with age category wins for both Debra and Choccy.

There was a small event happening in London on Sunday too. You may have caught a glimpse of the action on your television. We had 9 runners in the capital. Tamsin West was the 1st home in 3 hours and 54 minutes. John Simcox completed the course in 4:21. Sarah Marzaioli broke the 5 hour barrier, again, finishing in 4:50, good enough for 13th place in her age category.

I’ll give a mention to Matleena Elonheimo who has only just rejoined the club. I’m assuming it was purely to get a mention in one of my race reports. So there you go Matleena.

Steven Wood and Ady Hall who are rarely seen running apart were forced to start in different pens. Despite 40,000 participants they somehow found one another en route and normality was restored.

James Graham, Kerry Freeman and Darren Owen were the other three Hastings Runners who created lifetime memories by crossing the finish line at the Mall.

Also happening this Sunday was the Loch Ness Marathon. We had 4 runners north of the border and 3 of them flew home with PBs. Sarah Bendle 3:48, Luke Evans 3:51 and Sarah Holmes 5:06 lit up their EasyJet flights home with huge smiles on their faces. Nina Lambrou was pretty chuffed too as despite almost no training she managed an excellent time of 4:14. A quick mention for Rob Thomas who was due to take part and had put in all the training, only to catch Covid in the lead up. Get well soon Rob.

Yolanda King finished 4th lady in he Lewis 10 Mile Downland Trail Race in a time of 1:18:18.

If I’ve missed you off, or you have more details to add, please get in touch. Charities, first time races, memories, anything you would like me to add to the report, just ping me an email or DM on facebook.

Simon Linklater