Andy Reading 10K & Hooky Christmas Canter Results
Andy Reading 10K (Sunday December 13th): 353 finishers
“It’s the best conditions we’ve had in ten years” was the pre-race motivation from one of Alchester’s top runners.
Which isn’t to say that the airfield didn’t still have a fairly sturdy headwind for a mile or so, but generally it was an ideal day for running. Although not one of Eynsham’s club league runs this year, the Andy Reading 10K has seen some good times for ERRs over recent years, and this proved to be the case again.
Benedict lowered his PB by a hefty 1 min 43 seconds, putting into perspective his disappointment at the Eynsham 10K a few weeks ago (37:07). Next home was Dafydd, missing his PB by only 3 tiny seconds, which bodes well indeed for upcoming races at XC and into 2016. Mark Creasey was just 25 seconds outside his own MV60 club record, followed home next by Al Graham, who also narrowly missed a PB. More good news for Tess Evans, who significantly lowered her own PB and Kate Williamson who took home the VL65 category, although for some reason there was no prize category awarded … one to be addressed by the host club perhaps?
All in all, a very successful day for the small ERR delegation, in a race highly recommended to club members … I gather on the grapevine that it may be back in the club league fixtures in 2016?
Well done all, and thanks to Alchester Running Club for hosting such a smooth event, which was very well-marshalled and supported. It’s always nice to get a named shout-out from an unknown marshal !
| Gun Position | Name | Time | Also |
| 14 | Benedict Pollard | 35:23 | PB |
| 29 | Dafydd Warburton | 37:03 | |
| 84 | Mark Creasey | 42:16 | |
| 121 | Alastair Graham | 45:36 | |
| 124 | Tess Evans | 45:50 | PB |
| 151 | Kate Williamson | 47:01 | 1st VL65 (but no category prize available !) |
Hooky Christmas Canter (Sunday December 20th): 241 finishers
c. 7 miles, multi-terrain (hills both on tarmac & cross country, with a medley of farmers’ fields, grassy slopes, muddy tracks, beech woodland, a slippery rickety old bridge, a kissing gate and a couple of stiles)
A very mild and sunny mid-December day greeted 9 ERRs at Hook Norton on Sunday for the Hooky Christmas Canter. The hosts were delighted with a record turnout for the event, and we were welcomed by an assortment of Santa hats, elves, characters from Alice in Wonderland, tinsel, bells and an air of general merriment. I don’t know how Eynsham didn’t win the fancy dress prize (which went to Banbury Harriers), as we were mostly sporting our very smart ERR competition vests!
We had a strong field too, with Benedict taking home 3rd place overall after pushing forwards from about 30th place at the end of mile 1. Hannah ran very well to claim 2nd senior lady, the only quicker runner apparently being on some sort of sports scholarship at a US University! Jacky and Kate both won their respective categories, showing the breadth of talent in the club. Tristan and Tess continued their impressive steady improvement, showing us all how that’s done.
So, well done to all who took part … and thanks to the rain deities for arranging the torrential downpour during prize-giving, not during the race.
Thanks to Hook Norton Harriers Running Club for organising another fine and well-marshalled event.
| Position | Name | Time | Also |
| 3 | Benedict Pollard | 46:06 | 3rd place overall |
| 26 | Hannah Hale | 51:43 | 2nd SL |
| 70 | Tristan Hale | 56:56 | |
| 78 | Mark Creasey | 58:03 | |
| 87 | Tess Evans | 60:06 | |
| 99 | Jacky Pinnock | 61:55 | 1st VL55 |
| 100 | Derek Breaker | 62:01 | |
| 112 | Kate Williamson | 63:46 | 1st VL65 |
| 162 | Maria Kempson | 70:55 |
BP
