OSCAR BELL, had his best Met League result at Wormwood Scrubs, after improving his 5k track & Road times this year down to 13:45.75/13.52.
The first to lead, after the initial rush, at the start on the grassland near the Scrubs was, the first U20 runner in the race Harris Austin, but then after half way in the first of three laps and, in the muddy woods Tall Bell, moved up to the front. He had a 40m lead after the first of the 3 laps and, was never again headed. Behind Bell. at the finish was Flurry Grierson, taking Highgate Harriers to another team victory with their 12 men in the first 38 home. Victoria Patk & Tower Hamlets were in 2nd place but ahead in the Senior Women’s part of the league. The first over 65 again, was Chris Finill’ ‘The Ever Present London Marathon man’ in 220 and bringing in the field of 374 was first M80 Richard Bloom.
Bell said afterwards ”My coach Andrew Hobdell is very good at bringing his runners on and, advises such runners as Brett Rushman and Luke Dunham that I train with”
Ella Burfitt, whose home was in Cheltenham but now lives near Regents Park, has been with TVH for 4 years now.
She was one of five running together, going through the first of the 3 laps, in the windy conditions. Amongst that group was the first W40 Emma Bunting and previous winner Rebecca Piggot. Burfitt broke away with a lap to go.
She said her favourite running was on the road and, she ran the Manchester marathon in October in 76:57. Jo Singer was first W60 and, in the oldest age group on the day the first W65 was Ruth Miller 152 of the 184 finishers.
In the younger age groups the winner of the under 17’s race was an Under 15 Marni Keam George.
It was interesting to see Luis da Silva be the first Under 13, as a couple of years ago he won the Under 11’s on the same course and, Jesse Geller had his third Met League Under 11 consecutive victory..