Super Sam runs the race of her life for the Harriers

Haywards Heath Harriers’ Sam Ridley ran the race of her life at the at the Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday, October 17.

She finished in a stunning time of 3:13:55.

She was the second veteran lady (V55 age group) in the race which was part of the British Masters event.

Sam’s time also was a new women’s age 55 club record for Haywards Heath Harriers,

beating the previous record by just over 30 minutes.

Sam has trained hard for this event. She not only did the required long runs to build up huge endurance but she also followed a plan that included running at the marathon pace so that her body got used to it.

The Beachy Head Half Marathon was held on the same day, starting out from

Eastbourne taking in the beautiful South Downs.

The race started at St Bede’s Preparatory School, Eastbourne.

Harriers running this event were James Moffat, Tim Miller, James Bennett and Greg Hilton.

The race results were: sixth, James Moffat (1:36:54), 15th, Tim Miller (1:44:45), 29th James Bennett (1:48:37), 34th, Greg Hilton (1:49:37).

The first cross country league race at Goodwood on October 16 followed on from the Sussex Cross Country relays held two weeks before at the same venue.

Races started with the under-11s and went through the age groups for boys and girls, culminating with the senior women’s and then the senior men’s races.

This year there were quite a number in the Harriers teams that were taking their first steps into cross country racing and all that it entails.

At Goodwood, the challenges included were the hills that the runners had to climb and descend and also the trails they had to negotiate with winding paths and rough ground.

The Harriers ladies celebrated as they ‘outdid the men’ by having more female runners competing than the men.

Cross country is not just about racing, but is also about enjoying the beautiful countryside we have around us and the appreciating the great outdoors.

If you’re interested in running then please get in contact with Haywards Heath Harriers.