A good field gathered to hear the starter’s orders for the 5km handicap at Spreyton at Sunday which was run in clear, sunny conditions. With the recent dry weather, it wasn’t even necessary for members to get their feet wet as they made their way through apple and cherry orchards.
The race was a triumph for one of the frontmarkers, Darlene Jacques, who ran right up to recent great form, proving to be uncatchable by the charging field.
Jacques, who “caught the running bug” just four years, took out her first victory in her third year with the Club. Just the day before she had run her fastest time ever for 5km and it was a wonderful effort to back up 24 hours later with such a strong run.
However, she has been working with coaches on her nutrition and training and this has resulted in big improvements with her running.
Pre-race favourite Shaun Batten chased hard and was beaten by just 11 seconds, while first year runners Kendall Buckley and Jackie Reid finished third and fourth.
Others to record promising performances were Ellen Burgess, Terry Watson and Owen Thomas.
Hayden Bishop took fastest time honours for the men with Buckley the quickest of the women.
The Nominated time winners were Libby Crispin, Ashley Fehlberg and Natalie Luttrell.