HY Runners shine across busy weekend of racing
Saturday and Sunday saw the half-marathon season continue in strong fashion as HY athletes competed across events in Kent, Sussex and Nottingham, producing a series of impressive performances and personal bests.
The Paddock Wood Half Marathon attracted almost 2,500 athletes to one of the fastest and flattest courses in the country, winding through the Kent countryside in near-perfect conditions.
Leading the HY performances was William Carey, who finished 73rd in a strong 1:14.18. Close behind him was Barry Buchanan, placing 87th in 1:14.49 and securing a new personal best. Benji Symes also celebrated a PB, finishing 226th in 1:20.01. Further down the field, Ivy Buckland crossed the line in 587th place in 1:30.11, while Rachel Wigmore followed closely in 596th with another personal best of 1:30.53. Benjamin Jones also claimed a PB, finishing 643rd in 1:32.31. Other HY finishers included Sonni Pine (930th, 1:39.57), John Waterhouse (1103rd, 1:43.48) and Susan Dunn, who achieved a personal best in 1:52.49 to place 1401st. Holly Wigmore crossed the line in 1416th in 1:53.11, followed by Deb Read in 1625th with 1:58.38. Jason Johnstone completed the course in 2:04.18, while Jo Harrod rounded off the HY results in 2149th with 2:16.27.
Over in Sussex, the HY team were out in force at the Eastbourne Half Marathon, which attracted nearly 1,000 runners. The scenic course starts in Princes Park before heading along the seafront promenade, where runners were supported by enthusiastic crowds. David Mayes led the HY charge, finishing 21st overall in 1:21.30. David Holland followed in excellent form, finishing 27th in 1:22.15 and achieving a new personal best. Matthew Harmer placed 123rd in 1:36.15, while Tom Brampton finished 232nd in 1:44.20. Karl James also ran strongly to finish 256th in 1:45.02, and Kiki Prince completed the race in 485th place in 1:57.43. In the accompanying Eastbourne 10K, Melanie Irwin produced an impressive performance, finishing 15th out of 102 runners and placing 5th woman overall.
HY athletes were also competing on the national stage as the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships continued in Nottingham. In the senior women’s 8km race, Imogen Matthews delivered a strong run to finish 23rd out of 280 runners in 29:06. In the senior men’s 10km event, David Ervine placed 125th out of 293 runners, finishing in 34:03. The highlight of the day came in the U15 girls’ 4km race, which featured a huge field of 313 runners. Isabella Buchanan produced a superb performance to claim 2nd place in 14:57, an outstanding achievement at national level. Amelia Skelton also ran well in the same race,
finishing 149th in 17:21. HY Head Coach Terry Skelton praised the team’s efforts, saying ‘Another amazing day at the Inter Counties. All runners had solid races and I’m so pleased with how they are training’. In the U13 girls’ 3km race, Tera Buckland finished 109th out of 316 runners, crossing the line in 13:19.
With podium finishes, personal bests and strong performances across multiple events, it proved to be another successful and encouraging weekend for HY athletes.
Inspired to see your name in the paper after a local running event? The club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities. Training sessions take place, Mondays at 5pm and Wednesdays at 5.30pm at the William Parker Running Track, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.15pm at various locations around Hastings and Weekend sessions typically begin around 8am. For more information, contact Head Coach Terry Skelton on 07711 777363. Thanks to the club’s generous sponsors, children can train free of charge.