A magnificent third place for the senior men’s team in the Southern six stage relay meant the club’s year of success continued. Prior to the race there was optimism that we would have a top ten finish or possibly equal the club’s best ever fifth position. As things turned out, though, expectations were exceeded and our six runners were the first to ever to come away with a medal in this prestigious race.

John Gilbert led off the team as he did last year, and as we have come to expect, delivered the goods finishing just behind the stage leaders. John was very competitive and only fell away from the leaders towards the end of the second lap. He handed over to newcomer to the race Chris Greenwood who confirmed the tremendous progress he’s made this year. Chris was surrounded by some class runners but was not fazed and came home in a highly creditable time. He handed over to Paul Pollock who proceeded to have a tremendous run, posting the fastest lap of the day as he sped past the runners ahead of him and into the lead.

So it was another first for the club as we actually headed the field in this historic race and we were to be at front of the field for quite some while. Next up was James Connor who didn’t disappoint. He started in the lead and held it throughout the stage. Appropriately described by AW as club stalwart, James showed his maturity by leading the race throughout his leg and virtually running the same time as he did last year. He handed on to Jim Savage who had the unenviable task of leading the field in a top race when coming back from injury. Although run down by runners from Newham and Aldershot, spectators could see the effort that Jim was putting in. His strong willed run meant we were still in third when Jermaine set off on the last leg.

If Jermaine was at his optimum best he might have been able run down the Aldershot runner in second. However on a recent diet of steady running overhauling the second runner was going to be beyond him on the day. Nevertheless, a solid run saw him hold on to third and anchor the club to their best ever race position, 3rd and bronze medallists. So we have another fine achievement to add to the growing list of success the club has had this year.

Team Result
1. Newham & Essex Beagles
2. Aldershot Farnham & District
3. Kent AC (John Gilbert 18.21.Chris Greenwood 19.20. Paul Pollock 17.37. James Connor 18.16. Jermaine Mays 18.42