Following last weekends frantic fixture list, this week Ivanhoe Runners concentrated on the Leicestershire Road Running League and the Kibworth Six Miler, a  tough event with more than its fair share of hills. Despite the Mother’s Day clash, the club still fielded a 29 strong team in the race, showing the current strength in depth of the club.

First home was the ever enthusiastic Craig Hinds, finishing 56th male in 38.21, well over a minute ahead of second man home and men’s captain Nick Rowles, who has a great run to finish 78th in 39.50, an excellent time only just outside his personal best. Martin Yeomans was next home on the road, 134th in 42.58, although Louis Barnes clocking 42.41 actually ran faster but was 136th. Andy Jeyes continued his rich vein of form, clocking 44.03 in 158th to finish second in his age category, just ahead of Mark Parker 168th in 44.22. Andy Lindley ran his fastest time on this course in finishing 171st in 44.38, with a gap then to Matt Joyce 195th in 46.26, Matt completing the scoring eight for the team.

The next men home all played their role though in pushing back other teams counting runners. Damon Bland continued his comeback, clocking 47.05 (201st), ahead of gaggle of Ivanhoe Runners including Alan Edwards 47.31 (208th), Kev Wright 47.44 (209th), and Mark Eydman 47.51 (211th). First Ivanhoe lady home was hot on their heels, Karen Hartland clocking 47.50 to finish 46th female. Emily Partridge was 55th female in 48.36, ahead of Carolyn Osborne 72nd in 50.16, Anne Newbury in 49.57, Ruth Green in 89th (51.52) and Sally Jeyes 97th and second in her category (52.46).

Christine Ridley ran well for 112th place (55.14), just ahead of Karen Edwards 114th (55.26), while ex-beginner Sandra Lawless had a great run for 138th place in a time of 58.36. Fiona McKean returned from altitude and clocked 59.39 for 145th place, the last Ivanhoe Runner to crack the hour barrier. Chrissy Betteridge continues to impress, and she finished with a time of 65.12 (176th), just ahead of new Ivanhoe Runners Kerry O’Hagan in her first race for the club, clocking 66.14 (180th) and running in with Angela Wheeler (66.16, 181st). Helen Thurogood ran 70.51 (188th), before the final group came home including Julie Henfrey (190th, 71.29), Lucy Allsop (191st, 71.28) and the impressive newcomer Sonia Hoult (192nd, 72.00).

A great team performance before the club go back to the cross-country on 13th March at Foremark Reservoir.

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 07/03/2016