GFDR's ladies ready to race

THE wet and slippery conditions underfoot made little difference to Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners’ women’s team as they ran to victory in the latest Mid-Essex Cross Country race.

A combination of overnight rain and a rapid thaw resulted in the tough conditions at Great Notley Country Park on Sunday. But the race, hostsed by Braintree Athletic Club, still attracted 140 runners representing seven local clubs.

Jane Smith, second lady home overall, led the GFDR team to victory. Also scoring points for the team were Jo Kings, Hayley Smith and Natalie Herbert.

With Jo Bisset-Smith having to pull out mid-race due to injury, the team was completed by Gillian Robertson, Angela Thorpe and Sue Harrington.

GFDR’s men finished third, behind Springfield Striders and Leigh-on-Sea Striders.

Alistair Brown was fastest for GFDR’s men, with Kevin Marshall, Geoff Maidment, David Andrews, Ashwin Shah, Dan Reynolds and James Huertas also scoring points. They were followed by Jason Wintin, Stuart Warwick, John Smith, Ian Baines, Lee Prowse, John Hardy, Nigel Richardson, Brendan Whelan and Gavin Foster.

After five races, GFDR’s ladies are in second position behind Leigh-on-Sea Striders. In the men’s competition, Leigh-on-Sea Striders are first, Springfield Striders second and GFDR third.

The penultimate race in the series will be hosted by Leigh-on-Sea Striders on February 17.