BEN Parkinson was the first Spa Strider home in this weekend’s Leamington Parkrun and in doing so ran a 5km personal best – his first time under the 20-minute barrier in 19:24 as he came 11th overall.
Paul Edwards helped him to his target time, finishing just behind in 19:25. Andrew Roach was 38th in 21:15, closely followed by Nick Varey, 40th, in 21:19.
First Strider lady was Fiona Edwards, finishing second lady in a time of 22:06.
Other Strider results: Justin Mallard (60th) 22:36; Cassie Oury (3rd lady) 23:28; Clare Hinton (4th lady) 23:32; Charlotte Everard (6th lady) 23:54; Rich Sykes (85th) 23:55; Tessa Lukehurst (161st) 26:59; David Evans (170th) 27:50; Ivor Westmore (205th) 29:24; Doug Rattray (300th) 36:52.
CONDITIONS were wet and blustery for this year’s Hooky 6 on Sunday – the 29th running of the event which takes place in the brewery village of Hook Norton in Oxfordshire.
The heavy rain at the start did not put off the 213 runners who took part. Amongst them were several Spa Striders and Will Johnson was the quickest of the Strider contingent, finishing 16th overall in a time of 36:21.
Tim Down also ran strongly to finish just ten places behind, (26th) in 37:19, closely followed by Andrew Graham (30th) in 37:36.
Jo Kirby was one of only two Strider ladies taking part but despite her efforts the third placed lady was too far ahead to close in on the medals. Kirby finished fourth lady overall in a time of 38:47.
Other Strider results: Ben Parkinson (48th) 39:41; Daniel Fleming (80th) 43:25; Bethan Gwynn (83rd) 43:42; Gary Perkins (180th) 53:52 (PB).
