Saffron Striders battle through dreadful conditions in Cambridge Half Marathon

Tuesday, March 12, 2013
10:53 AM

MORE than a dozen Saffron Striders battled their way though dreadful conditions to score a string of impressive results for the club at one of the region’s biggest races.

The Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday attracted a field of more than 3,300 runners and despite the rain, sleet and even snow, the 13 members of Saffron Walden’s running club dug deep to complete the 13.1 mile course through the city. With several of the club’s entrants gearing up for spring marathons, the race was an important test of current form.

First home for the club was current Strider of the Month Ian Henley, who followed on his superb runs in this years inter-club cross country championships with a powerhouse performance at Cambridge, finishing comfortably under 90 minutes with a 1hr 26 mins run for 123rd place. He was followed three minutes later by Matthew Billis in 192nd and a time of 1hr 29mins.

Stephane Toussenel and Chris Bushell were the next Striders to cross the finish line at Midsummer Common in 258th and 385th positions and times of 1hr 31mins and 1hr 35mins.

Julia Hutchison had an excellent run and was the first female Strider to finish, in 1hr 37mins for 454th, while Tim McMahon was 553rd in 1hr 39mins.

Tony Kelly continued his impressive string of results from 2012 with another first-rate run, taking a huge three minutes off his previous half marathon personal best to finish in 1hr 40mins for 584th out of 3,386 runners.

Next was Barry Taylor in 1hr 42mins for 661st, while just 34 seconds separated Ian Rogers and Steve Inkley, who both finished in 1hr 45mins for 850th and 926th respectively. Robin Capel-Dunn and Gemma Thake also achieved good placings in the race, in 969th and 1,186th positions and finish times of 1hr 46mins and 1hr 50mins.

And finally, Sue Game had much to celebrate after completing her first ever race for the Saffron Striders in a time of 2hrs 43mins for 3,319th.

New members are always welcome at the Saffron Striders. Meet at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre on Tuesdays at 8pm for a group session. Visit saffronstriders.org.uk for more information.