Ashley’s happy ending
ASHLEY Hurdman led South Derbyshire Road Runners to glory in the Washlands Relays.
After never leading until the final leg, race debutant Hurdman stormed home in the joint fastest time for the 2.1 mile circuit of 10.33 to lead his team to the senior men’s prize.
This was very much a team triumph, with Dan Bower clocking 11.36, Chris Pearson’s managing 10.54, the third fastest leg of the night, and Steve Bullock recording 11.38.
Not to be overshadowed, the club’s veteran women’s team of Kelly Knight (13.30), Katie Dennis (14.12) and Jennie Laing (13.36) secured third place overall and the first veteran women’s team prize.
Also prominent in the men’s race was the team of Seb Van Dijk (12.14), Mark Farrar (12.36), Sam Bassett (12.35) and the willing Dan Bower (12.05), whose combined efforts led to eighth place.
The mixed vets team of Rob Eaton, Sarah Insley, Mark Slade and Andy Hawtin claimed a well-deserved first place in their category and 12th overall with an excellent combined time of 50.26.
The club’s strength in depth was highlighted by the consistency of the team featuring Jacob Edmonds (12.06), Nathan Fagan (13.20), Robbie Cresswell-howe (12.30) and Chris Hanman (13.19), whose combined efforts led to a very creditable 15th place.
The team of Rich Miller (13.10), Mark Harriott (13.55), Matt Clemson (13.04) and, making his racing debut for the club, Richard Nash (13.19) ran well for 18th place.
One of the oldest teams, in terms of combined age, featuring Chris Mason, Colin Mee and Steve Leafe, given a much-needed boost by Rob Eaton, finished 23rd in a combined time of 56.12.
The team of Christina Hawtin (14.53), Kat Compton (15.38) and Emily Atkins (14.31) ran well for eighth place in the women’s race.