Henlow 10 Mile Race Report
Race Report from the RAF Road Running Team Manager, Carl Thompson, Flt Lt
The 56th annual Henlow 10 Mile Road Race was held in ideal cool calm and sunny conditions. The course takes runners on an A to B route from the Old Warden Aerodrome back to RAF Henlow. It follows mainly minor roads and takes in a few challenging hills on the way. A total of 223 runners completed the course comprising of mainly RAF personnel, MOD employees and local civilian clubs including Stopsley Striders, Bedford Harriers and Fairland Valley Spartans. It was also pleasing to note that RAF Aldergrove from Northern Ireland and RAF Kinloss had travelled down from Scotland to compete.
With no real pre-race favourite and last years race winner, SAC Matt Blunden from RAF Waddington unavailable this year the race appeared wide open.
The race winner who only secured the race lead within the last half mile was SAC Sam Mitchell 55 min 31 secs - (Waddington) a real prospect at 21 years of age. Second was SAC Ian Bailey (Aldergrove) 55 min 42 sec. Third SAC "Oz Ellis" (Benson) in 56 mins 59 sec.
First veteran (over 40 years) making a welcome return to the RAF and the Road Running scene was Warrant Officer John Siddens (Waddington) 57 min 19 sec. First Veteran over 50 years old was Group Captain John Lawlor (high Wycombe) 11th overall 59 min 55 sec just nipping under the elusive sub 60 min barrier. First veteran over 60 years of age in 22nd place Mr Bob Wells 64 min 16 sec.
The Male team race with four to score saw RAF High Wycombe team clear winners (Flt Lt Tom Bailey 5th- Sqn Ldr Simon Bell 7th - Group Captain John Lawlor -11th and Flt Lt Chris Reeson - 13th. RAF Waddington secured second place.
The ladies race saw SAC Jenny Collins (Waddington) secure victory 67 min 56 sec (39th overall) second Kelda Spratt 68 min 33 sec (Kinloss civilian) and third SAC Helena Smith (Halton & 2nd RAF lady ) 69 min 42 sec. V Jones - Garden City Runners 3rd lady 71 min 08 sec just pipping Sqn Ldr Jo Roe (Wittering 4th lady & 2nd RAF) 71 min 15 sec.
Other participants included Group Captain Richard Gammage ( RAF Halton Station Commander and RAF Athletic Association Chairman) 67 min 37 sec (37th). More senior participants included Mick Thompson representing Scarborough AC (69 yrs young) he secured 150th place and a time of 83 mins 31secs and Mr P Dadson in the over 70 category 197th in 94 min 41 sec.
Many thanks to the Brampton Wyton Henlow Station Commander Group Captain Colin Smith for supporting and hosting the race, Wing Commander Richard Lushington for his starting duties and presenting prizes, Flt Lt Mark Saggers for coordinating the event and acting as the overall Project Officer, Warrant Officer Carol Staton and the Physical Education Staff for their support, the race marshalls from DISC Chicksands and Brampton Wyton Henlow.
PHOTOS BELOW (Spot the Spartans!)
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Picture attached - me