RunThrough Victoria Park, Malaga Marathon and Welwyn Festive 5

17.12.19 No cross country this weekend, but plenty of other races to keep people busy. Chris ran a fast five miler at the Welwyn Festive Five, a small group headed to Malaga for some winter sun and a marathon, and there were some PBs at the Christmas Victoria Park 5k, 10k and Half marathon, and a late report from Liam from his Angkor Wat Half where despite the heat he managed a PB.

Malaga Marathon, Spain  16.12.19 (by Jim) 

I headed out to Spain for my final marathon of 2019 with an eye on a sub 3.10 to round off a strong year of running for me. A PB was never an option for my current fitness and i have all my qualifiers (for London 20,21 / Boston21 etc) secured. I was pleased to hear that a couple of other Heathside Warriors were also in attendance, with their own targets in mind. Mark Jefford had his eye on re-qualifying for London and Mike Cockings was looking to add more glitter to his incredible year. 

We all went on to deliver. Mike scalped his PB by a huge 10 mins taking a super speedy 2.47.34. Mark also achieved his target with an impressive 3.14.49 off no way near as much training as one should do for a marathon. For me the race was a good fast race, wonderful cool conditions with winter sun rising up from the ocean. For the first 10 miles we hugged the coast and when we turned the wind was in our face all the way back. I had a few dark thoughts early on of having a first ever DNF, as i was not feeling at all energised with all the Work Xmas Parties in my system. I eased off a little and once i got through half way, i saw the clock and realised i was doing better than i had first thought. I pushed on to the tough miles, and when i reached the top of the hill with a mile and a half to go, i knew i could just slip under 3.10 if i put my foot down. I got through the finish with 17 seconds to spare on the chip.! Result. 3.09.43 for my 26th Marathon.

For the rest of the day i had the pleasure of Mark's company along with other running pals, and we enjoyed the winter sun knocking back nice food and drinks. We ended the day having some sickeningly sweet Churros and some large gins. Merry Christnas All x

.  

Angkor Wat Half, Angkor Wat,Cambodia 10.12.19
Liam ran the Angkor Wat half marathon a week ago, but has only just got back from his travels, so here’s his report: "To round off my sightseeing and yoga trip to Cambodia I decided to add on the 24th International Angkor Wat Half Marathon. Rising at 3 am for a 5:30 start, I joined thousands of other runners in the dark in front of the World Heritage Angkor Wat temple. Temperatures were a surprisingly pleasant 17-18 degrees as we set off. The course was extremely flat with large long straight sections, perfect for maintaining a nice even pace. I attached myself to the shoulder of another visiting runner and was surprised to come away with a new PB of 1:25:35 in 21st place. It was amazing to be running through such a historic site and can definitely recommend if you're ever in that part of the world!".

Christmas Victoria Park 5k, 10k, half marathon 15.12.19
There were a clutch of distances at Victoria Park, with a 5k, a 10K and a half marathon to choose from. Three Heathsiders entered the half, with Paul Beale leading the trio home in a PB of 1.20.15. Evangelista  Divetain came third overall and first woman in the 5K in a time of 19.15.

Welwyn Garden City Festive 5, 15.12.19
Chris took part in the Welwyn 5 achieving a great time of 30.33

Parkruns
The parkrun results can be found here, with Lily Woolcock first lady at Finsbury Park, Seyfu and Eilidh both first at Hackney Marshes, Louisa Poynton first lady at Pymmes Park and Pete Gould first at Ally Pally

RESULTS

Welwyn Garden City Festive Five, Welwyn, 15.12.19
19th Chris Vincent 30:33.

Malaga Marathon, Spain, 15.12.19
Michael Cockings 2:47:34
Jim Connor  3:09:43 
Mark Jefford 3:14:49

Victoria Park 5k, Victoria Park, 15.12.19
3rd Evangelista Divetain - 19:15 (1st woman)

Victoria Park Half, Victoria Park, London, 15.12.19,
17th Paul Beale – 1.20.15 PB Ist V45
91 Costi Stavrianakis -1.31.12 6th V45
210 Glen Taylor - 1:41:59

Compiled by Caroline with thanks to Liam and Paul Beale