Athletics: Clubs delighted with PBs at Herts Half and 10k

The Hertfordshire Half and 10k was as well attended as ever with Stevenage Phoenix among those clubs with a big turnout.

Seven took on the shorter distance while 11 tackled the half over the lumpy country roads round the house.

Vicky Lang was first Phoenician home in the 10k with a time of 57:34, followed by Simona Leadbetter in 59:21, who was seven seconds ahead of Martin Wasley, clocking a PB of 59:28.

Kerry Cunnane (59:28) and John Harris (59:37) also dipped under the hour mark while Joanna Heasman finished in 1:01:20 and David Poulter in a PB of 1:04:03.

There were PBs too in the half.

Ian Young finished in 1:40:34, Martin Harris got 1:43:13 and Conor O’Neill 1:43:20.

Neal Crawley first half marathon ended in a time of 1:47:22 and Katka Laughton was the first woman home in a PB time of 1:51:57, breaking her second club record of the week.

Nick West also managed to get a PB as he went under two hours with 1:59:19.

Stevenage Striders were also on board the PB train.

Of the eight who tackled the half marathon, six managed a PB with another one getting a course best time.

Andrew Manning lead the Striders in with 1:35:11, followed by Kevin Fisher (1:39:35), Keith Dennis (1:44:30) and Steven Dennis (1:45:08).

Neil McKinnon (1:56:56) and Kevyn Hopkins-Hall (1:58:49) were the others with PB while Steve Kinsella claimed a course PB of 2:00:35.

Teresa Sutherill's 2:17:00 completed the Striders line-up, although they did have another five in the 10k.

James Cahuzac (49:55) and Veronica Castello-Vooght (1:11:39) both got PBs while Claire Skellon finished her first 10k in 1:17:44.

Georgia Clarke (1:12:17) and Sarah Skene (1:12:58) were the others involved.

Penny Schenkel and Jim Brown of Fairlands Valley Spartans with their medals at Knebworth. Picture: FVS (Image: Fairlands Valley Spartans) There were six from Fairlands Valley Spartans in the half, and they got one in the top 10 with Kristian Atanasov finishing ninth in 1:20:33.

Mark Collins (1:33:47), Chris Watling (1:53:45), Jim Brown (2:03:16), Claire Emmerson (2:15:05) and Penny Schenkel (2:31:55) were the others.

North Herts Road Runners at the anniversary running of the First Saturday of the Month 5k. Picture: NHRR  (Image: North Herts Road Runners) Frazana Bhatti of North Herts Road Runners took part in the half marathon, finishing in 3:25:09, but for most of the club, the big attraction this week was the 15th anniversary running of their First Saturday of the Month 5k.

As recognition of this milestone and with gratitude for the use of the beautiful Norton Common on the first Saturday of every month for these past 15 years, an award of £500 was presented to the 'Friends of Norton Common' - a volunteer group who works to preserve the precious habitat of the Common.

Graham Frost from the group expressed his appreciation and says that the donation will be used to plant some trees by the Letchworth Outdoor Pool.

A total of 25 Squirrels took part with Steve McKeown first in 19:57, ahead of Mike Phillips.

Helen Nuttall was the first female in 22:32.