While Barns Green is well known for its wind and rain, it seems that the Brighton 10k is usually bright and sunny. This year was no exception making superb racing conditions.
Of course this wasn't enough for some, with Rob, Rachel and Claire electing to cycle down for the race. Altogether 15 MSTC athletes were running although there may be others who did not enter as MSTC. For the first time more women than men from the club were racing (8 v 7).
Those who have raced here before know that it is quite a boring course but it is pretty flat and therefore quite fast. However now that there are 2700 runners it is getting a bit crowded!
We actually had 2 MSTC athletes right at the front of the field, with both Mark Jordan and Callum Murray riding mountain bikes to keep the road clear for the leading runners, although Mark was having some trouble blowing his whistle and shouting at the same time.
Steve Crocker showed the pace that has been evident on Thursday evenings to be first home in 38.39. He still felt he went off too fast and that he could go faster if he paced himself better. Not a bad effort for his first club race though. Steve Alden was not far behind with his quickest 10k for 6 years in 39.16. Rob Hoodless faded a bit at the end but just crept in under the 40 minutes in 39.58.
Rachel was first lady home from the club with a comfortable PB in 43.48. Second was Tamsin in 47.18 although she felt she could have run faster. She has been training well so I am sure her times will come down.
I didn't see Dave Leadbitter but he ran well to finish in 45.03, comfortably ahead of Colin (46.17) and Steve Mac in 46.38. Peter Clarke completed the men in 49.13.
Julie Williams continued her good form with a PB in 56.08 to finish 3rd lady with Kay Mac in 57.24. A very hot and thirsty Claire finished in 64.23. There are no drinks stations around the course and on a warm day she really suffered. Jules got round in 65.27 nearly a minute behind Emma (64.36) who lost a BAR point by starting too far back. Rose Ryan had a gentle run round in 75.49 encouraging another runner.
Rob and Rachel then cycled home with Callum and Mark but not before stopping in Ditchling for tea and cakes - the best conclusion to a social ride!
MEN WINNER: 29m52s
|
Steve Crocker |
38.39 |
29.44% |
10 points |
|
Steve Alden |
39.16 |
31.48 |
9 |
|
Rob Hoodless |
39.58 |
33.82 |
8 |
|
Dave Leadbitter |
45.03 |
50.87 |
7 |
|
Colin Chambers |
46.17 |
54.99 |
6 |
|
Steve McMenamin |
46.38 |
56.16 |
5 |
|
Peter Clarke |
49.13 |
64.80 |
4 |
WOMEN WINNER: 33m30s
|
Rachel Baker |
43.48 |
30.75% |
10 points |
|
Tamsin Clake |
47.18 |
41.19 |
9 |
|
Julie Williams |
56.08 |
67.55 |
8 |
|
Kay McMenamin |
57.24 |
71.34 |
7 |
|
Claire Cresswell |
64.23 |
92.18 |
6 |
|
Julienne Stuart-Colwill |
65.27 |
95.37 |
5 |
|
Emma Alden |
64.36 |
92.84 |
4 |
|
Rose Ryan |
75.49 |
126.30 |
3 |
*Note: Ant Bliss always writes a good blog on the races he covers view the brooks one here.
Author: Steve Alden