County Medals for Witham in Essex Marathon Championships

THE Halstead Marathon, which forms part of the Essex Road Running Championships, saw Witham Running Club members taking home county medals in age-group and team categories.

The course is notoriously undulating, which is not usually conducive to fast times, but it is continuously voted as one of the UK's top five marathons.

The winner of this year's event was Tristan Stead, who set a new course record of two hours 34 minutes 56 seconds.

Witham’s first runner home was Leo Cole in a superb time of 3h 7m 4s, which earned him the County Bronze medal for the M50 category.

Not far behind was Giles Sowerby with another strong performance in endurance running, crossing the line in 3h 20m 7s. First home for Witham's ladies was Tracey Denby, with an impressive 4h 53m 30s, closely followed by a great run from Becky Grimwood in 4h 56m 1s and rounding up the ladies with another fine run was Penny Clarke in 5h 37m 11s.

The ladies' performances earned Witham a bronze medal in the ladies team event and puts the club top of the Essex Team Road Race Championship table.

Earlier in the week, Witham held the first race in the John Roberts Summer 5km series at the Angel in Kelvedon.

A total of 37 club members took part and first home in each category were: Male - James Crisp (18m 7s), Lady - Liz Stuckey (20m 43s), Junior - Jamie Thrupp (21m 49s).

Witham's Leo Cole claimed a County Bronze medal at the Halstead Marathon.

(from left) Penny Clarke, Tracey Denby and Becky Grimwood earned Witham ladies team bronze at the Halstead Marathon.