NS Poly Grand Prix, 4th February 2025

Following the disappointment of January’s run being cancelled due to ice making the route too dangerous, it was a relief to find the temperature comfortably above zero, if still a little chilly. There was, though, an enforced change to the route. Due to a gas leak opposite the Waves leisure centre, we ran down and out along the prom, rather than heading to the Spanish City along the road. Despite the darker start, I think most runners actually preferred it!

There was a good turnout from Claremont, and some good performances too. Dave Roberts took advantage of a decent handicap to bag a top 10 finish, and Jenny Roberts’ 20th place meant that she was 5th lady across the line. The Claremont speed merchants had a good night too – Harry Mawdsley was 4th fastest; Mark Anderson 6th, with Roberto Marzo also making the top 20.

We are still doing well in the overall standings too, with True Blood Blues now sitting proudly at the top of the table, having established a good lead over the 2nd placed team. Though some way behind the leaders, Rock’s Stars are doing well in 5th. The Full Claremonty are 11th, while The 3rd Wheelers, down in 29th place, need some oil, and maybe new tyres, if they are to make a late challenge.

Unfortunately Rose Hawkswood, who couldn’t run due to injury, has lost her place at the top of the individual standings, though she is still on the podium in bronze medal position. Rose faces competition from some of her club colleagues, with Zoe Jukes and Eddie Smith hot on her heels in 4th and 6th places respectively. Mark Anderson is also handily placed in 15th position.

My own experience was a bit different to usual. I have been struggling with an injury since Christmas, and, following 2 failed attempts to get back running, it was with some concern that I decided to give it a go. Knowing that trying to go at race pace would be madness, I set off determined to maintain a steady pace (“I kept telling myself “Do nowt daft”) with the view that finishing would be success, and in the full expectation that I would be last,

Fairly quickly I fell behind my fellow starters, and watched the faster runners come past one by one. Finally, about halfway up the ramp from the darkness back to the road (so about halfway around the course), I had only the tail bike for company. He told me that he was confident that I wouldn’t finish last, though I didn’t believe him! As we returned along the prom, I could see that I was closing on some runners ahead, and on the final ascent up the ramp , I pushed on and passed a runner and crossed the line very happy. Second to last felt like a victory! So, imagine my disappointment when the results came out and there was nobody behind me. What happened to the guy I overtook? Don’t tell me that he wasn’t in the race, but just out for an evening jog! Still, I finished – in one piece and only a little pain to show for my efforts. There is always next month …

Position	Team*	Runner	Race Time	Actual Time
10	RS	Dave Roberts	40:44	23:40
20	TBB	Jenny Roberts	41:37	27:33
34	TBB	Niamh Garratt	42:14	29:11
45	TFC	Rachel Hurdman	42:35	28:11
51	T3W	Julie Cross	42:43	26:00
54	TBB	Harry Mawdsley	42:46	19:04
59	RS	Mark Anderson	42:49	19:07
97	TFC	Roberto Marzo	43:28	20:45
101	TBB	Zoe Jukes	43:29	30:07
106	TFC	Alex Harding	43:36	25:32
122	RS	Paul Robinson	43:44	22:41
124	TBB	Ann Smith	43:46	34:43
126	TBB	Dean O’Brien	43:50	26:05
129	RS	Luke O’Neill	43:50	23:09
130	T3W	Jim Crinnion	43:51	25:47
132	TBB	Eddie Smith	43:52	29:07
137	RS	Nina Jensen	43:59	25:16
145	T3W	Anton Mirafsari	44:10	22:07
164	RS	Holly Porter	44:32	24:48
171	TFC	Nicki O’Brien	44:44	26:00
175	T3W	Cate Walker	44:57	27:14
178	T3W	Luke Woodend	45:04	31:00
185	T3W	Aaron Mansell	45:15	27:55
203	RS	Lena Lou	47:22	36:38
204	TFC	Tom Tinsley	47:27	27:23

* TFC=The Full Claremonty, TBB=True Blood Blues, RS=Rock’s Stars, T3W=The 3rd Wheelers