Lee Valley New Year's Indoor Open
This meeting offers the chance to put yourself top of the UK rankings for a short while, whilst everyone else is waiting till later in the month to start their indoor campaign, writes Mick Bond. Ten club members braved the Blackwall Tunnel to make the journey to Lee Valley and were rewarded with some good times. Elijah Olaleye continued his successful indoor season with a 300m PB of 40.63s. Rhys Joyeux set a PB of 25.97s over 200m whilst Ciara McGinty was just outside her PB with 27.44s. The undulating track was re-laid over the summer but the ups and downs and tight bends still make personal bests difficult and Keziah Olaleye, Gabby Noyce and Janaii Coote were all about a second outside their best.
Under 15 Emily Cadman had a frustrating day with a nervous start in the 60m meaning no PB this time whilst an error by the photo finish team meant no time at all over 200m.
At the other end of the age group Wole Odele showed a return to form after an injury ridden summer with his best 400m time for two years (59.05s).
Sunday sees the next Sutcliffe Indoor 60’s meeting organised by the club. The event sold out a week before the closing date and Sunday should see 180 sprinters toe the line with thirty-eight of them being from the club. First race is at 1.30pm and spectators are welcome.
Serpentine Runners Last Friday of the Month 5k, Hyde Park
The Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5k is open to everyone. It is run on the last Friday of each month. The race starts at 12.30pm, sharp by the Boat House.
Six club members took part in the December 30 race with James Macdonald the first Harrier home in 5th place.
Ian McCarthy
Results: 5 James Macdonald 16:38, 120 Paul Ford 23:39, 136 Ian McCarthy 24:57, 152 Angela Ford 26:19, 159 Maria Macdonald 27:47, 177 Stephanie Dungate 31:22.
Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k, Hyde Park
The NYD10k starts in Hyde Park and is run on entirely traffic free paths through Hyde Park, with the majority of the race taking place in Kensington Gardens. Runners complete two short laps in Kensington Gardens before returning to Hyde Park, finishing on the north side of the Serpentine by the Boat House.
The course takes in many iconic landmarks including Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens and the Henry Moore statue.
Christian Poulton clocked a finishing time of 38:09 for 59th place.