Written by Sam Venton
Competing started early this week with a contingent from our Benfleet Youth group travelling to Woodford Green to take part in the track open meeting on Tuesday evening and what a successful trip it was, with PBs all round! Representing the Red and Whites were: Aara Shofiuzzaman (100m & 200m); Abbie Clark (200m); Erin Vernon (800m); Lucia De Cristofano (800m); Marco Burzotta (800m) and James Duffield (800m & 3000m). What track superstars – the futures bright, the futures Red and White!
Wednesday evening and in very wet conditions saw Benfleet R.C. being represented at the June edition of the Crown 2 Crown race at Laindon. Archie Conners, Mandy Cooper, Ciaran Byrne, Ian Caldwell, Terry Spooner and Sarah Norton braved the rain, with Sarah getting a 7 second PB. Well done all!
Saturday morning saw Andy Low complete a 13.1 mile pub crawl (sorry trail Half Marathon!) around the Essex Way and Chelmer Valley, the Ribble Round Half donated all proceeds to Essex Air Ambulance and time bonuses were awarded for consuming beverages in each pub. Andy finished in 1.54.10, coming 1st overall with the top four all being given the same time. Excellent running (and drinking!) Andy!
Staying with the theme of raising money for worthy causes, Ann Reed and her daughter Leigh took part in the Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k at Gloucester Park on Sunday in aid of Cancer Research UK. Well done ladies!
Sean Allison achieved a seasons best on Sunday at the Victoria Park 10k, placing 130th in a time of 51.55. Great work Sean!
Sunday also saw Roy Harwood compete at the Herne Bay Half Marathon. Taking place along the seafront from Herne Bay to Whitstable and back, Roy came back in 70th place in a time of 1.40.22. Excellent running Roy!
A great selection of distances and terrains covered by our members this week, well done to all