Kirk-Smith and Heathside men set the bar high for 2016 in Hyde Park
Many Heathsiders had a busy start to the New Year. Over 40 Heathsides raced on New Year’s Day alone either in Hyde Park or in parkruns. Adam Kirk-Smith and Heathside men were particularly successful in Hyde Park, as were Andy Barnes and Ulla Cartwright-Finch in the Olympic Park 10K. A few Heathsiders also stayed indoors on New Year’s Day to set PBs in Lea Valley.
Serpentine New Year’s Day 10K
Eleven Heathsiders braved the chilly start and brought their New Year’s celebrations to Hyde Park, venue of one of the classic events of the racing calendar, the New Year's Day 10K. With a crowded start, several sharp bends, strong headwinds and an occasional incline, not to mention the distracting New Year celebrations a few hours earlier, you might have expected the finishing times to be slow.
This was not the case. Adam Kirk-Smith led the group home in an inspired run to come in second in 32:37, just 20 seconds short of his PB. His only opponent, finishing in 30:39, happened to be one of England’s future hopefuls and has run for England in cross-country races. Adam was followed soon afterwards by Andrew Brooker (33:47) who also had a great run and by Edward Adams (38:48). The three were justly rewarded with a prize for the first team. You can see Adam, his opponent and other Heathsiders in the following link: http://sussexsportphotography.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/serpentine-nyd-10k-and-3k-2016-gallery.html
Maryam Khosravi (44:35) was the first Heathside woman, followed soon by Jodie Gray (44:41). Caroline White finished well in 47:02, over a minute faster than her time last year,followed by Raymond Watts (47:20), Rebecca Sweet (37:30) and other race regulars Anthony Chin (51:47) and James Taggart (55:18) finishing not long after that. The support along the route from Alan, Julian and Kostas was particularly welcome as were the Wagon Wheels in the goody bag.
Wymondham and Queen Elizabeth Park 10K
Richard Peachment was delighted with his run in the Wymondham 10K on New Year’s day, where he set a new PB (43:08). Meanwhile, Andy Barnes had a memorable day at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10k a day later, which he won comfortably (34:28), followed by Jonathan Powell (40:49). Ula Cartwright-Finch (41:14) continued to show impressive form, coming in 3rd women and first vet.
Parkruns
Numerous Heathsiders had an early start on New Year’s Day to run in parkruns. A few fitted in an extra dose the following day. Congratulations are due to Rebecca Buntin and Daniel Johns for their wins on New Year’s day, and Rebecca Bunting, Andrew Brooker, Jennifer Wing and Cathy Jeremiah for their wins on 2nd January. Daniel Johns deserves a special mention for his dedication to the parkrun movement by apparently running 3 parkruns over the two days.
RESULTS
Lea Valley Open (Indoor), 1st January 2016
400 SX 1
6 - 80.53 - Helene Kehoe
60 SX 1.3
4 - 9.44 - Helene Kehoe PB
60 SX 1.4
2 - 8.97 - Claudia Bioh
60 SX 1.8
4 - 8.61- Alishia Abodunde PB
60 SX 1.18
4 - 7.53 - Jeffrey Rice
5 - 7.55 - Darnell Plummer
60 SX 2.1
2 - 9.42 - Helene Kehoe PB
60 SX 2.3
1 - 8.58 - Alishia Abodunde PB
60 SX 2.12
2 - 7.48 - Darnell Plummer PB
3 - 7.49 - Jeffrey Rice SB
Serpentine New Year’s Day, 10K. Hyde Park 1st January 2016
| Posn | Name | Time | Age-related % |
| 2 | Adam Kirk-Smith | 32:37:00 | 81.90% |
| 6 | Andrew Brooker | 33:47:00 | 79.10% |
| 39 | Edward Adams | 38:38:00 | 69.20% |
| 127 | Maryam Khosravi | 44:35:00 | 68.10% |
| 130 | Jodie Gray | 44:41:00 | 67.90% |
| 131 | Emilia Vynnycky | 44:44:00 | 74.00% |
| 171 | Caroline White | 47:02:00 | 80.50% |
| 178 | Raymond Watts | 47:20:00 | 60.40% |
| 179 | Rebecca Sweet | 47:30:00 | 63.90% |
| 260 | Anthony Chin | 51:27:00 | 62.60% |
| 337 | James Taggart | 55:18:00 | 62.80% |
Wymondham 10K, 1st January 2016
|
Posn |
Name |
Time |
|
|
125 |
Richard Peachment |
43:08 |
Queen Elizabeth park 10K, 2nd January 2016
| Posn | Name | Time | |
| 1 | Andy Barnes | 00:34:28 | |
| 32 | Jonathan Powell | 00:40:59 | |
| 36 | Ula Cartwright-Finch | 00:41:14 | (3rd F, 1st FV35) |