National Women’s Road Relays

Sutton Park Sat. 22nd Oct. 2005

Race Report

Much was made of the fact that Paula Radcliffe was about to rewrite the course record, however she duly pulled out with a cold. More importantly for us Amanda Wright pulled out properly ill, much to her distress.

However the remaining girls, after being shuffled upwards, did exceptionally well to finish 9th in a time of 1:01:49, some 32secs. quicker than their time in the Midlands relays.

We fielded the maximum number of teams allowed us, with the B team finishing 46th, and the C team 82nd.  

A team.

Josie Grey, despite having to lay off training for several days due to a niggle, ran 8secs. up on her Mid. time  and came back in 29th on a very fierce 1st leg.

Becky Sanders, also made a big improvement of 17secs. to come back in 23rd.

Cathy Mutwa, is our not so secret weapon, she flew round in the 9th fastest time of the day having the pleasure of overtaking 17 runners on the way to a fine 6th place. She returns to Kenya and Army duties on Monday. She will compete in the Army XC champs within the week.

Juliette Oldfield, keeps getting the rotten job of trying to hold our position on the last leg.

She hung on womanfully to a fine 9th place.

Times

Josie Grey 15:36. Becky Sanders 15:41. Cathy Mutwa 14:27. Juliette Oldfield 16:05

B team

Clare Grice, Frankfurt Marathon bound next weekend, 37th place.

Cath Mijovic, ran quicker than at the midlands, gained 3 places up to 34th.

Michelle Tanner, promoted at the last minute,  came back in 45th, then had to drive all the way to Exeter.

Faye Manger, improved  also, and finished the team in 46th.

Times.

Clare Grice 15:52. Cath Mijovic 16:20, Michelle Tanner 18:38. Faye Manger 17:20

C  Team

Haylee Radburn,  suddenly found herself on 1st leg and ran a massive 29 secs. quicker than a month ago came back in 96th.

Tabbi Sloper, gained 7 places up to 89th.

Emily Evans, complete with new hair cut, gained 6 places up to 83rd

Samara Booth, drafted in at the 11th hour also gained 1 place to 82nd.

Times.

Haylee Radburn 21:06. Tabbi Sloper 20:49. Emily Evans 20:55. Samara Booth 20:46

Thank you again for all the enthusiasm being shown at present,

Eddie Cockayne.

Women’s Team Manager.