Well done to all those Harriers who made the Harborough 5 one of the biggest turnouts of the season. All we can ask is that everyone does their very best and the answer was a resounding “yes!”
The undulating course is certainly one of the most picturesque in the series, taking in canals and villages in South Leicestershire.
The standout team of the series, the male vets, were second to Rugby and Northampton again. Both teams are locked at 7 points each with one race to go. The senior men were forth. The senior women finished 5th and vet women 4th.
Individual honours, again went to Kerry Munn, 2019 champion, who won the F55 category in 36:50. Ahead of Kerry in the female race were Natasha Martin (6th FS and 35:39) and Elaine Fairbrother (35:56 and 3rd F45). Natasha and Elaine are looking strong in their age groups. Completing the ladies’ effort were Yvonne Mehmet (39:42 and 4th F50), Babs Poncia (41:12 and 7th F50) and Jackie King (44:15 and 9th F55). Babs and Jackie are 2nd and 6th going towards the final race.
Matt Fowler retained his first place standing in the M40 group, taking 3rd place on the night in 29:05. William Howells ran a fantastic PB in 29:28 to finish 14th MS. Steve Thompson will be pleased to continue his run of sub 30 for 5 miles, achieving 5th M50 in 29:50. Luke Myers completed the Kettering senior men’s team in 30:14 and 22nd MS. Again, Rafal Buzuk (31:10 and 11th M40) and Ady King (31:19 and 8th M50) made invaluable contributions to the vet men’s result. Kemal Mehmet continued his great form with a 31:47 and 9th M50. Alistair Mitchell ventured into the grand prix for the first time this season and impressed with 32:45 and 18th M40. Another PB on the night went to Jason English, achieving 15th M50 in 33:15. Well done Jason! Matthew Spearman returned to post a 33:36 and 47th MS. The healthy battle between Steve Chester (33:58 and 19th M50) and Bill Robinson (34:24 and 4th M55) continues with Steve overturning last week’s result. Bruce Whitehead (5th M55) was not far behind in 34:36. Sean Gallagher, consistent over 5 miles this season finished in 35:46 and 60th MS. Steve Geary was a welcome new addition to the team after previously spectating in the pouring rain at Corby (37:27 and 27th M50). Ant Poncia finished in his best 5 mile time of the series (38:36 and 34th M40).
Nothing needs to be said about Milton Keynes on Tuesday 9th July at 7.45pm. We all know how important it is to show our pride in wearing the red hoops. With team and individual prizes hanging in the balance, it’s the same game plan we have followed since Blisworth: turn up and run our hearts out.
See you next week!
