Sunday 28th June was a hot day on the hilly Horndon roads but runners, organisers, marshals, and spectators were buoyed by it not being as hot as the preceding days.
Always a highlight of the Thurrock Harriers calendar this event, the team had trained hard and had Men's and Women's teams out that we thought could challenge for the title. Even then we didn't expect quite the level of success we had.
The men's team won overall with an almost perfect 11 points from their 4 scorers. They locked out all podium spaces with Harvey Green majestically taking the win in 33.29, he handled the pressure of being 'favourite' exceptionally. Ben Prior was next home, 2nd in 35.25, ending his short season on a high with a controlled run. Alec Finch was 3rd in 35.52. Next was Scott Thrush who ran an absolutely superbly paced race, never having a 10k time under 40 minutes officially, his 38.01 was a huge leap forwards, there was no erratic pacing as he sometimes can do and as ever when it comes to doing his bit for his club, Scott stepped up, he gets clap of the week as final team scorer and 5th male/6th overall.
Eamonn Shelley was next male home in 45.24 as he stormed to the men's 60+ title, a great achievement there. He was backed up by Mr PB Simon Hatcher who was 105th in 47.38 - a PB. Completing the men's side was Henri Willett who ran 55.47 for 231st.
Not to be outdone, the ladies team, who were champions in recent events, were once again a force to be reckoned with as they retained the title with a big team win.
Led home by Kirsty Osborn, who scored another podium finish, in 2nd place and a time of 40.24; the team were well packed into the top 10. Hayley Nye continued her return to form after managing some recent niggles with a very solid 4th in 42.42. The in form Brooke Mensah was next in 6th, finishing strong in 46.47. Not too far behind was final team scorer Leonie Nalcioglu who came a fine 10th in 47.36, she was also delighted to win the 40 plus gold too. Gloria Bullen was next in as she ran 1.01.11 to win the women's 70+ event. Her dancing to 'Gloria' on the podium at the Bell was just as impressive.
Dave Staines would have been proud of the Dave Staines Horndon 10k this year and it was great to see him remembered with a minute's applause with Mick Bumstead after the event. Mick also got a corner of the event named after him (top of Black Bush lane - toughest bit!) which was great to see.
There was a party atmosphere at the Bell and Swan after and everyone very much enjoyed the day as part of the Feast and Fayre. It should be pointed out that where Thurrock Harriers host the event there is a huge debt of thanks owed to organisers and past/present Harriers: Phil Oatham, Kathryn Spring, Nick Trencher, Keith Willett, Leonie Nalcioglu and Bernie Johnson. There were also countless marshals, mostly club runners and friends/family of Thurrock runners who did a great job helping things run smoothly. It's one of the best races in Essex, sells out immediately and it's easy to see why, a huge thanks to everyone who played their part and well done all.