Striders 10K 3rd of November 2002

Thanks to all who entered the Billericay Striders 10k road race on Sunday 3^rd November.  There was a fantastic turn-out of 383 runners, across a range of abilities, speeds and a good representation from local, and not so local clubs.   A special mention to Havering 90 Joggers, who entered some 45 runners, including last year’s female winner, Sue Spong.  Other entries came from Scotland, Manchester and even the Netherlands!

The course is famous for its tendency to flood (it’s not known as the Buttsbury Wash for nothing!).  The relentless and heavy rain on Saturday gave the organisers sleepless nights, but with luck and a few hours drying out, the ford was deemed ‘passable’, with the help of some shingle from the Chairman’s driveway ! 

There were over 120 late entries, giving the girls on the desk a heavy task of dealing swiftly with the anxious runners who always leave it to the last minute!   One of these, being the winner –  Paul Jones from Thurrock Harriers.

With the marshals in place (thanks to their ‘manager’ Dave Sweet), the rape alarm ‘gun’ was triggered.  Here’s a shot of the start line - taken by a very brave photographer!  The stop watches were running …………… 

 I cannot give you’re a race commentary, because we organisers had to rush from the start line over to Linda Gardens – we had to RUN to take our positions to co-ordinate the finishers’ positions, times and, of course, spot the category winners.  

As soon as we were organised, Howard Williams signalled that the front runners were in sight.   Paul Jones turned the corner, closely followed by Robert Pattison who was only 8 seconds behind.  Robert tried but Paul took the tape in a respectable 35.15 secs.  After that I can’t remember much because we were flat out recording 383 finishing times, numbers and order.  Believe me, this is not an easy task.  The finish-line team consisted of 20 marshals – not to mention Dave Wood, back at the hall, still tapping in late entry details into the computer.

 It seems that all the pre-planning had paid off and the Club is thankful to all its members for a successful event.   Results were posted on the web at 6pm – whereupon some of the organisers downed a few beers and slept more soundly Sunday night! 

Thanks to all competitors – We hope to see you next year. 

To see a full list of results click here, alternatively download the full set of results by double clicking on this Icon

Below is a summary of the final results:

 Male

 Female

Male Team Winners – Havering 90 Joggers

Female Team Winners – Havering 90 Joggers