Uttoxeter Half Marathon Atletics report

[Chris Fletcher]

Naomi Warr was the star of the show for Hatton Darts at the Uttoxeter Half Marathon last Sunday, after finishing first lady in a time of one hour twenty eight minutes seventeen seconds. The overall winner was Ben Gamble of Tipton Harriers who crossed the line in an outstanding time of 1:11:09, six minutes ahead of the next competitor.

Hatton Darts were well represented with 13 runners out in a field of 340. The red vests had another successful day with some impressive individual performances and the men's team taking top points for the second fixture in the Burton Summer League.

Runners set off in warm weather with a gentle breeze, on what is regarded as a tough, challenging course around country lanes. 

After 6.5 undulating miles runners faced a real test with a heart-thumping ,uphill climb to Marchington Woodlands. More steady running followed until mile 11 where a gradual hill-climb to sap the legs. At mile 12, a glorious downhill finish took runners onto Uttoxeter racecourse and the finish line. 

First out for for the Darts was Jamie Fletcher, showing no weariness in his legs after his recent debut at the Virgin London Marathon. Fletcher ran superbly till the latter stages where he had to push hard before his customary fast finish to romp over the line in a fine time of 1:21:37,12th place and a personal best time. Next in was triathlete Andy Thornton, who paced himself well for a course best time of 1:23:02, and 18th place.

 Stan Knopik still suffering from a heavy cold gave his all to finish in 1:27:04. Next in was Men's team Captain Mark Slade running a course best time of 1:30:23 (58th), ahead of  Nigel Elson, who ran determinedly  to clock 1:31:32 (64th). 

It was a rare appearance at the distance for Chris Fletcher who ran resolutely to clock 1:37:25, 99th place and final counter for the Men's team.

Jonathan Gregson showed no ill-effects from his London marathon performance to run solidly for a time of 1:44:07 (139th).

Naomi Warr led the Dart's women out, not only taking first place in the ladies' race (43rd overall) but also recording a personal best time. Next in was Claire Calladine, running her 6th Uttoxeter half marathon she performed well to finish in 1:42:53,128th .

 Emma Dyson ran well to cross in 1:55:14,228th ahead of the ever-dependable Carol Sharratt finishing in 2:03:37,269th. Aliison Larwood prefers her off-road running but adapted well to the hilly course finishing in 2:07:14,290th.The final lady home was Jane Wade,pacing herself well to cross in 2:16:00,324th.