Weekly Update - 28th Oct. 2026
Cambridge Harriers Club 5 Mile Cross Country, Joydens Wood (Sat. 24th Oct.)
A brief hiatus between two named storms allowed this year's Club 5 to take place in ideal running conditions, reports Clem Dixon. After various shenanigans with path closures last year we were back to our traditional course including the narrow uphill wiggly path that we all know and love, so times can be legitimately compared with those of past years. Kyle Hurst was first home narrowly missing out on a sub 30 time, but his 30:06 places him 11th on the leader-board based on the 30 years for which we have results. Last year's winner James Macdonald was second and Sean Lydon of Dartford Harriers third with Gavin Hows taking the bronze medal as third Cambridge Harrier.
Bert Rogers was club secretary for many years and when he finally retired the club gave him a silver bowl to commemorate his service. On his death his family returned it to the club asking that it be put to good use and it has been decided to award it to the first woman in the Club 5. Its wooden base (a Dave Maynard original) has ample room for winners' names to be inscribed, the first of which will be that of new member Jennifer Torchio, first woman in 38:10. Leanne Bowler of Greenwich Tritons was second with Sophie Floyd and Lesley McCarthy taking the silver and bronze club medals.
Austin Richards - Jennifer Torchio - Kyle Hurst
Sophie was one of two of our U18s throwing themselves into a senior race, the other was Austin Richards who was seemingly unfazed by a step up in distance and finished 8th. Earlier we staged a lowkey race of 2 miles for U16s which was won by Sophie's sister Emily Floyd in 13:42 with Clara Kummutat second.
Sophie and Emily Floyd
Beachy Head Marathon, Eastbourne (Sat. 24th Oct.)
The Beachy Head Marathon, one of the UK’s largest off-road races, is known for its beautiful but demanding course along the South Downs Way, writes Christian Poulton, who took part along with Lucy Hine as the only two Cambridge Harriers in this year’s event.
Storm Boelo brought fierce winds and torrential rain, turning the race into an epic battle against the elements along with the course’s formidable 1,181-metre elevation gain and exposed coastal sections over the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
Despite the punishing conditions, we both completed the race: Christian Poulton in 4:35:52 for 163rd and Lucy Hine with a time of 6:36:14 (683rd).
Frankfurt Marathon (Sun. 25th Oct. 2026)
Mark Crowley had a fantastic run at the Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday, taking an incredible nine minutes off his marathon personal best to finish in 3:03:27.
Dublin Marathon (Sun. 25th Oct. 2026)
Taking on the rolling roads of Ireland’s capital, Alex Griffith-Crowe tackled the challenging course through Phoenix Park, Inchicore and Clonskeagh before the long drag back into the city. He crossed the finish line in a time of 4:14:49.
Valencia Half Marathon (Sun. 25th Oct. 2026)
Nam Bui was also in personal-best form, taking around 30 seconds off his previous half-marathon best to finish in an impressive 1:26:36. James Britton made his debut over the distance, crossing the finish line in a respectable 1:47:43.
Venice Half Marathon (Sun. 25th Oct.)
In the final 3 kilometres, runners faced 14 small bridges crossing Venice’s canals, with wooden ramps installed over the steps to help athletes maintain their pace. Second claimer Charlie Finch secured an excellent 33rd-place finish in a time of 1:23:27.
Abingdon Marathon (Sun. 17th Oct. 2026)
Simon Branch produced an excellent performance, crossing the finish line in an impressive 2:51:14 to secure 51st place. A fantastic achievement over the marathon distance!
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