Gold rush for the Haywards Heath Harriers in Mid Sussex Marathon

The Harriers joined hundreds of others over the early May Bank Holiday weekend for three challenging, undulating and multi-terrain races – two 10 milers in East Grinstead and Haywards Heath and a 10 km race in Burgess Hill. The three races combined covered the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The events were organised by Nice Work and supported by local councils.

Excellent performances from Phil Payne, Jason Russell and Michael Burke contributed to the Harriers winning the men’s team title across the three races. The Harriers also picked up team wins across the races for both males and females.

If that wasn’t enough - Paul Tomlinson (58:52) cruised to victory in the Haywards Heath 10 mile race - a Sussex Grand Prix event. Kim Lo (1:09.55) took the ladies’ title, holding off the second placed female despite falling in the last 2km. Her victory came only hours after landing from holiday in Dubai where she also took the time to win the ASICS Super Series 12k, finishing in 49 minutes - some achievement in temperatures topping 30 degrees.

Poor weather didn’t deter the runners although it did arguably impact times. Harrier Glen Driver (1:00.16) was second, Tom Mullen (1:02.26) fourth and and Siobhan Amer (1:13.28) fifth lady with ten Harriers finishing in the top 30 and several Harriers also contributing to the event by marshalling.

At East Grinstead, the Harriers had three men in the top 12 and three in the top 16 at Burgess Hill.

Ann Sinnett picked an age category win in the East Grinstead race, repeating the feat at Burgess Hill alongside Jason Russell.

Full results

East Grinstead

Phil Payne (1:08.22), Jason Russell (1:09.55), Michael Burke (1:09.58), Stuart Auson (1:18.27), Carl Bicknell (1:20.23), Ann Sinnett (1:21.50), Richard Neale (1:25.09), Matt Quinton (1:35.54), Chris Glanfield (1:37.56), Peter Cobbett (1:40.50).

Haywards Heath

Steve Dallman (1:07.23), Jack Chivers (1:07.44), Jason Russell (1:08.47), Michael Burke (1:08.53), Phil Payne (1:09.02), Ben Adams (1:09.39), Rob Coomber (1:09.42), Richard Haynes (1:13.01), Howard Booth (1:14.47), Kat Barrett (1:14.56), Phil Scott (1:16.16), Maresa Pitt (1:17.36), Richard Cole (1:18.24), Graham Jenner (1:18.55), Carl Bicknell (1:19.07), Amanda Soper (1:21.03), Katherine Buckeridge (1:22.41), Richard Neale (1:23.19), Graham Lyall (1:25.59), Marion Hemsworth (1:26.56), Gary Johnston (1:28.58), Matt Quinton (1:32.38), Shelagh Robinson (1:33.11), Hoss Davies (1:36.32), Michelle Holdstock (1:38.49), Chris Glanfield (1:39.40), Julie Cotterell (1:42.54), Peter Cobbett (1:45.15), Jenny Denyer (2:15.34).

Burgess Hill

Michael Burke (41:41), Phil Payne (41.54), Jason Russell (41:57), Barry Tullett (42:13), Ann Sinnett (48:43), Carl Bicknell (48:50), Graham Lyall (53:54), Richard Neale (54:05), Matt Quinton (58:20), Linda Tullett (1:03.48), Peter Cobbett (1:05.29).