Ivanhoe Runners hosted their own race in the Burton District Summer League on Tuesday 8th July, the Worthington 5 mile. The race was a new out and back course along the Cloud Trail. As this is predominantly flat, many fast times and Personal Bests were recorded.

First finisher was Alex Benfield from Burton AC in a time of 27m 33s, with Scott Hudspith 2nd (Tamworth AC, 28:29). The Ladies race was won by Louise Insley (South Derbyshire RR, 30:21 and 20th overall), with local Coleorton lady Tracy Hinxman finishing 2nd (32:52 and 53rd overall).

Ivanhoe Runners fielded a very strong men’s team, with Ramzi Sidani again being their first finisher coming home in 15th place with a time of 29:55. Not far behind was Richard Martin, 19th place in 30:17. Third for Ivanhoe, and 2nd in his age category, was Alistair Chambers, 33rd in 31:02. Ian Bolton was returning from an injury, so was very pleased with 42nd place in 31:39, narrowly beating Gerard Eivors, 44th in 31:45. James Cox is proving to be a great addition to the club as he ran another good race, finishing 58th in 33:27. Next home were Kev Wright and Nick Rowles, finishing closely together (67th and 68th, 33:49 and 33:54). After months of marathon and triathlon training, Andy Lindley was delighted with his Personal Best of 34:09 (70th place). Men’s Captain, Martin Yeomans ran bravely despite illness to finish in 35:31 (82nd). Damon Bland was another Ivanhoe Runner to record a Personal Best, 35:36 and 85th place. Tim Sturla is more used to running marathons and ultra runs, so 5 miles was a very short distance for him. He described his 35:39 (86th) as a Personal Pretty Average! Next in came Andy Pawley (36:45, 95th), followed by Ivanhoe’s first lady finisher, and 12th lady overall, Zoe Allery (37:14 and 100th position). Andy Wilkinson was running his first race for Ivanhoe, having recently been bought a club membership for his birthday by his sister Rebecca. He repaid the compliment by beating her in the race! Andy was 106th (37:34) with Rebecca 111th (38:17). Rebecca was also 15th lady overall. Lynda Revill finished 2nd in her age category and 123rd overall (39:07) ahead of a host of Ivanhoe Runners who battled each other all through the race. Finishing positions 129 to 133 were occupied by Duncan Ross (39:19), Ruth Green (39:21), Karen Hartland (39:22), Chris Finney (39:23), and Victoria Smith (39:32). Ruth and Victoria also recorded new Personal Bests – chasing their team mates clearly spurred them on! Fiona McKean and Bev Trilloe then finished in quick succession (150th and 156th, 42:12 and 42:35 respectively). Angela Wheeler beat her previous Personal Best by a massive 6 minutes to record a time of 43:28 (163rd), and Gabby Smith also achieved a 2 minute Personal Best, 43:52 and 168th position. Julie Henfrey was the final finisher of the very large Ivanhoe team, 59:14 in 199th.

The Men’s and Ladies Team prizes went to two local clubs, Hermitage Harriers and South Derbyshire RR respectively, with Ivanhoe’s teams finishing 6th and 4th.

Written by Andy Lindley - last updated on 15/07/2014