Hatton darts Report for Sunday 10th Feb at Foremark

[JASON TILLEY]

Dear Sir/Madam

Report forthe Red Vested Darts Race on Sunday 10th Feb at Foremark Reservoir

On a dreary February morning 300 budding athletes turned out to race a thoroughly "Tough" 2 lapped 5.2 mile course on the banks of Foremark Reservoir.This being the 4th meet of the year in the Derby Runner XCountry race series.

With the terrain consisting of thick mud, rutted fields,slippery wet off camber grass verges, gravelly paths and tight turns a plenty, the freezing driving rain did nothing to help the runners. However from the off it was clear the red vested Darts meant business.No fewer than 14 men pushed on in a bid to try and retake top place in division one.Youngster Alex Benfield floated on the terrain eventually taking 2nd place, just 1 agonising second behind the eventual winner in a frantic,slippery, dash for the line. Equally young, Corey Parker followed the pack for an outstanding 5th place overall whilst Ashley Hurdman had put in the work,having lead the pack for 4 of the 5 miles just losing out over the final mile for 6th. Gordy Smith was the final top 10 Dart finishing strongly for 9th. Tony Caulton took a more leisurely start to pick off runners one by one, 14th. Jason Tilley was pleased with a solid mid ship 27th whilst Stan Knopik, reminiscing of a broken rib on this course the previous year, did well to stay on his feet,34th. Jim Londesborough, having biked it to the reservoir,ran with determination for final counter in 58th. Joe Allcok continues his rise amongst the darts for his best finish so far, aka 64th. Marc Wrigley ran through the finish tape in 82nd with Richard Nash giving chase all the way for 83rd. Tony Press pushed hard for 116th. 123rd finish token was retrieved by a smiley Jonathan Gregson with Paul Smith running in to 155th.

Four ladies made sure the Team took top honours on the day. Alison Collins ran the course ragged surprising all, including herself with a credible 6th place beating many a quality county runner in her best race to date. Claire Calladine did the Darts proud, racing, despite completing a tough 20 mile off road run the day before as she trains hardcore for her first ultra,15th. Carol Sharratt and Karen Jackson made sure tokens 72 and 84 were collected to ensure the Team took a deserved 1st place overall despite many Darts Ladies taking a sabbatical leave of absence.

 

[Gordy]

well written tilley !!!