Over 300 runners contested last Sunday’s Haltemprice 10k, following an undulating course through the leafy suburbs of West Hull.  This was a surprisingly large number in view of the fact that the organiser doesn’t advertise the event because he doesn’t want too many people turning up!  The field included 21 Viking Striders all of whom finished comfortably within the hour, well almost comfortably.
Giles Harris led by example with 13^th place overall and a new personal best by nearly half a minute.  He was joined on the PB list by Michaela Shepherd, Carol Bugg and Caroline Walker, not quite so far up the field but putting in just as much effort.
Julie Masterman and Nigel Warner won their age categories, and Patsy Fenelon was 3^rd in hers, but the biggest smile of the day was worn by Dave Pullman, who sneaked in almost unnoticed with a season’s best performance to bag a quite magnificent trophy for 3^rd in his group.
Yet according to a runner from Nafferton, Dave was not the only hero of the day.  Tim Booth had been trying to break 50 minutes for a 10k for years, but last Sunday he met up with the Striders’ own Jed Stone.  Tim writes, “To my astonishment he picked up the challenge and picked up the pace to help me through.  My lungs were fit to burst with 1k to go and I felt the energy disappearing from my legs.  We rounded the corner for the final straight with 500m to go, with shouts of “Go for it!” to push me along I dug deep and found the energy to push myself through the line to record 48.39!  I would like to convey my sincere thanks to this guy who provided the support and encouragement to help me achieve something I was beginning to feel would never be.  This has also convinced me that I should join a club, and that with the right attitude anything is possible.” 

So well done Jed, whose entertaining company has spurred many a runner to go as fast as possible.
Striders’ times:
Giles Harris 37.01, Alan Bexon 40.30, Nigel Warner 40.59, Mark Thompson 41.45, Julie Masterman 42.29, Ray Smith 46.32, Dave Pullman 48.19, Richard Anness 48.37, Jed Stone 48.51, Graham Walker 49.31, Patsy Fenelon 49.48, Mick Fenelon 51.31, Karen Mitchell 53.21, Steve Mallinder 53.59, Dot Pullman 54.25, Debbie Andrew 54.55, Michaela Shepherd 55.06, Carol Bugg 55.08, Marina Booth 55.34, Jo Mouncey 57.26, Caroline Walker 59.56.