The Harwich 5k series started well on Thursday 16th May, with a total of 20 Great Bentley runners taking part. It was a cool evening, with the usual headwind to contend with over the last mile back along the front. Runners were Ray Baggs – 20m 16s, Vicky Presland – 20m 31s, Phil Presland – 21m 24s Brian Telford – 22m 01s, Kevin James – 22m 11s, Scott Young – 22m 28s, Tricia Stacey – 22m 56s, Cherie Hipkins – 23m 40s, Frank Gardiner – 25m 04s, Davina Swindell – 25m 19s, John Gwillim – 25m 43s, Jason Bennett – 25m 59s, Chris Hayes – 26m 22s, Stuart Baggs – 27m 00s, Peter Reeve – 29m 50s, Lesley Fuller – 31m 47s, Lynsey Apps – 31m 47s, Sandra James – 32m 49s, Rita Page – 34m 27s and Dave Nugent – 38m 00s.

Junior male Joe Alexander ran the first race in the Clacton 5k series, winning the race and setting a new course record in just 16m10s. Ray Baggs came in 11th place in 20m34s, while Chris Hayes, running his 2nd 5k race in as many days, finished in 26m15s.

At the Colchester Parkrun, Sam King gained a new PB and came 2nd in his age group with a time of 24m18s. Charlie Keitch, running his first race since last week’s Halstead Marathon took 25m34s and Mark Crittendon 30m05s.

The Baddow 10 mile race on Sunday saw 11 Blue Vests running. The weather was very warm and the course tough, but some excellent results were obtained. First GBRC man home was Chris Warren in 17th place overall in just 1h 01m 31s (PB), then Russ Sharp 1h 03m 09s and Simon Dale just a few seconds later in 1h 03m 33s. Vicky Presland was 7th woman in 1h 11m 01s (PB). Other runners were Clive Thomas 1h 06m 26s, Michael Simmons 1h 06m 33s (PB), Anna Lyon 1h 15m 56s, Phil Presland 1h 16m 50s (PB), Eric Shaw 1h 19m 53s, James Andrew 1h 20m 40s and Janine Simpson 1h 20m 45s.