Tight packing strengthens Runners’ road race standings

The eighth race in the 11-race series was won by Rory Grant of Birchfield Harriers in 15min 33sec and Birchfield were also the first team in the men’s competition, with four runners in the first six.

However, Kenilworth also performed strongly with their first fourth counters - Andrew Siggers (16:20), Phil Gould (16:33), Stephen Page (16:41) and Peter Hawkins (16:58) - in the top 12 to help them retain top spot in the league.

In the ladies’ competition, BRAT finished first team, with Daisy Wilson leading the way in 18:57, but again Kenilworth performed well to finish second and retain their overall lead.

Imogen Peace ran a new PB (and club record) 19:24 to finish fourth lady, with Laura Pettifer (20:37) clocking a new best for ninth lady and Louise Andrews (21:08) 15th.

Chris Hitchman (19:34) was the first Leamington C&AC runner home, closely followed by Paul Okey (19:42).

Spa Striders’ men’s captain Will Johnson led his team home, coming in 18th overall in 17:18 to narrowly miss out on a PB.

There were plenty of bests for his male clubmates, however, including Paul Edwards (18:02), Chris McKeown (18:28), Luca Tomaselli (18:40) and Tom Gotts (18:41).

For Striders’ ladies, Carolyn Wilkinson clocked 19:40) to clinch first F45 (7th female).

There was also a PB for female captain Bethan Gwynn (21:20).