The core of the club were out on Sunday competing in the latest round of the Leicestershire Road Running League, the Stilton Seven run on a hilly course from Asfordby Hill. Ian Bolton led the team home in 39th place in 43.27, under a minute ahead of Craig Hinds 49th in 44.22. Osian Flowers just gt the better of skipper Nick Rowles, Osian 60th in 45.21 to Nick’s 63rd in 45.31. James Cubitt made a welcome race appearance for Ivanhoe, finishing 105th in 47.39, while Martin Yeomans found the start line this time and ran well for 119th in 48.40. New member Matt Freeman was 161st (50.36) before Damon Bland continued his comeback from injury with an excellent 170th place in 51.22. Andy Jeyes showed no ill effects from the rigours of the Belvoir 15 the day before to finish 179th in 51.50, similarly Andy Lindley shrugged off the “Nationals” legs to clock 53.23 in 212th. Shane Stanton made a welcome return, racing in 270th in 56.27.

Ivanhoe ladies were fittingly led home by captain Victoria Smith, another running really well despite doing Belvoir the day before. Victoria was 53rd lady in 56.15. New member Sophie Cooper ran in with Ruth Enion, Sophie finishing 57th lady in 56.39 to Ruth’s 58th just 7 seconds behind. Sarah Malone had a great run, 60.25 in 88th, ahead of Sally Jeyes who cracked another standard time and her PB in clocking 60.48 in 90th. Ruth Green was 94th and Anne Newbury 95th (61.20 and 61.50), while Rebecca Wilkinson continued her comeback from injury with a time of 70.11 (138th). Helen Thurogood was 167th in 75.15, followed by newcomers Chrissy Betteridge and Francesca Brierley 175th and 176th, Chrissy clocking 80.32 and Francesca 80.34 in her first race for Ivanhoe Runners. Julie Henfrey was 182nd in 82.14 and one of the biggest cheers of the day went to Sonia Hoult who has graduated from Ivanhoe’s beginners programme to do her first race for the club, finishing 183rd in 82.23.

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 29/02/2016