The sixth and final fixture of the Arkwright/Turners 5K Summer League took place at Hinxton, organised by Cambridge & Coleridge AC (C&C) on a lovely, sunny evening. It was a fast, winding, 3-lap course, over hard path and around the closed service roads of the Genome Campus, which is an exciting new research development, close to Hinxton Hall. Among a total of 413 runners, from 8 participating clubs, Newmarket Joggers (NJ) fielded 53 runners, including 20 women and 33 men.

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As expected, the strong C&C team came away emphatic winners of the league for women, men and for combined women’s and men’s teams. Good news for us that the NJ women’s team deservedly managed to hold onto their 2nd place position, which they have maintained since the 3rd fixture, despite Royston Runners’ women’s team coming with an unexpected late surge to finish 2nd on the night. It is believed to be the best performance in this league by our women’s team for many years. In the 4th fixture the NJ women’s team finished first team overall, just ahead of C&C; surely the first time that’s happened too.

NJ men’s team put in a spirited effort to finish 3rd on the night and 4thin the league. The NJ combined women’s and men’s team finished equal 2nd with Ely Runners, so plenty to feel pleased about for the Joggers.

First five high-scorers for NJ women’s team: Sarah Osborne 19:12, 7th F of 159 overall; Cerys Bithell 19:49, 9th F; Carol Cienna Carter 20:47, 17th F ; Olivia Carter 21:46, 26th F; Helen Hilario 22:47, 47th F. For the men’s team: Mark Hayward 16:45, 14th M of 254 overall; James Smith 17:15, 19th M; Sam Sadler 17:44, 29th M; Jonathan Pye 17:50, 32nd M; Jack Imrie 17:57, 37th M. Well done all those high flyers and the rest of the team for their vital support in achieving the best possible result.

   

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The prize giving and awards were given out soon after the race, with the C&C organisers working double quick to turn around the results in time. NJ Andy Fryatt received the revered trophy for ‘Good Egg’ of the series, which was based on nominations by each club for their most deserving member. Andy had two strokes last year and an operation to repair a ‘hole’ in the heart early this year; yet he has come right back from it all to perform near his best in the 5k League series. Never once did he consider giving up his favourite sport.

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Also nominated by NJ, and receiving prizes for the club on the night, were Kirsty McDermott and Steve Edwards. Kirsty didn’t join NJ until after the first fixture. She then finished first female overall in 3 out of her 4 races in the league. It is believed to be the first time that any female Jogger has been a first finisher, let alone three times. This was so encouraging for the women’s team and for everyone in the club. Steve Edwards was nominated for achieving the highest standard of the relatively few Joggers who have run in every fixture of the series. Well done to them both.