South Of England 5k road races

The Olympic Park in Stratford was used for the first time for these races. Although the weather was dry there was a keen easterly wind plus a lot of turns on the course. So not the quickest of 5k routes.

Although the overall entry was up on last year the turn out was not great. Having said that, the opposition on the day was good.

The Under 15 boys and girls races got away first. Luka Norden (hoping for sub 17 minutes) and Harry Stockill were just off the leading group of four runners. They stuck to the task brilliantly to place 5th (Luka) in 16 mins 54 and Harry 6th in 17 mins 02 secs. Both lads were pleased with their times as they had not broken 20 minutes before. Such is their rapid improvement on limited training to maintain their enthusiasm in the sport. Aidan O’Driscoll also had a very good run. His training is consistent and this has resulted in amother PB for him, with 18 mins 53 for 13th. This meant WGEL won the team prize. Well done to Oliver Brown, 17th in 20 minutes 47 secs.

In the Under 15 girls we had seven Woodettes on the line. Bethan-Rose Davies was with the two leading girls early on before the Chiltern athlete broke away slightly, taking Jersey runner Isla Hall with her. Bethan held on to 3rd to record 18 mins 34 secs, a good time in the conditions. Molly Sherrin was next in. Again on limited training due to her football commitments Molly nabbed a small PB of 20 minutes 21 seconds for 9th place. Following a PB parkrun at Mile End the previous Saturday, Tess Noblet took nearly 30 seconds off that time for 20 mins 59 for 13th place. This enabled WGEL to get silver medals. Summer Maw took nearly a minute off her parkrun PB for 21 minutes 18 for 14th. Anaand Tratt, a new member, did really well for 15th in 21 mins 24 secs. We must  also say well done to Matilda Frith who was 17th in 21 mins 56 secs, and Juliet Taylor 23 mins 44 secs.

In the Under 17 girls race Abigail Reid had a fine run to gain her third South Of England title, running a PB of 17 mins 56 secs for the 5k. Abigail was an excellent 16th in the UK Inter Counties a few weeks back.

In the boys race Nathan Wright went out well and was just off the leading pack at halfway and running sub 16 pace. Unfortunately for Nathan he was unable to maintain it to the end but we hope his positive approach will reap dividends in the future. Reuben Fabian led the team home in 16th in 17 mins 06 secs, followed by Nathan in 17 mins 34 for 22nd. Nate Harding was close at hand, running a small PB in 17 mins 39 secs for 24th, with Godwinner Nkebani on 19 mins 12 secs for 29th.

Up next for the youngsters is the Essex Road Relays on Sunday 16th April at Colchester.