As always the runners in the Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon in Nottingham at the weekend were treated to hot weather and the usual undulating course, but again as always the Viking Striders laughed in the face of adversity and came away with some cracking performances.  These were both at the front of the field and some more towards the back, but the front runners will be mentioned first in order to feed their enormous egos.  

Giles Harris is rapidly becoming one of the Striders’ best ever marathon men with yet another sub three hour performance.  In his third race at the distance this year Giles was 29^th overall out of more than 1000 finishers, which in such a quality field including several African internationals, was a bit special.  In the Half Marathon, Simon Griffin’s position was even more impressive.  It wasn’t a personal best by any means, but nevertheless Simon was 44^th out of over 6500, which again is quite brilliant.  

Mike Harvey chose a difficult venue for his half marathon debut but passed his test with colours if not flying at least fluttering, he has the talent to do much better than this as his stamina increases.  Sandra Brooks had a very good half marathon debut with more to come. Debbie Andrew made successful comebacks from injury, particularly deserving a medal for her courage in tackling the distance after being in plaster not so long ago.  

All these performances were eclipsed however by Jo Mouncey.  Jo may not be the fastest runner in the world but is certainly not the slowest, and her personal best by nearly ten minutes in these conditions was a magnificent achievement.  

Marathon times:  Giles Harris 2.59.36, Dave Pullman 4.33.16 (probably a personal worst, but Dave is well past worrying about such things!).  

Half Marathon times:  Simon Griffin 80.38, Martin Booth 91.43, Julie Masterman 94.49, Keith Wilson 106.52, Richard Anness 113.56, Alison Hoggarth 121.13, Jo Mouncey 125.36, Mike Harvey 127.04, Dot Pullman 128.47, Debbie Andrew 134.37.