Uttoxeter Half Marathon report

[Chris Fletcher]

Hatton Darts had 12 runners competing in the testing Uttoxeter Half-Marathon -

the second race in the Burton and District Summer League.

Darts' ladies were triumphant,coming 1st in the women's team category, with the

men's team coming 2nd in their category.

Local honours also went to Burton A/C's Cory Parker, who put in an outstanding performance to take 2nd place in 1 hr 15 minutes 27 seconds - just 34 seconds

behind race winner Carl Moulton, of Boalloy Running Club - and Gordy Smith, who

finished in 6th place in 1:21:05, taking the Vet 40 prize.

Over 350 athletes set off in cloudy but warm weather on what is rargarded as a tough course with several significant hill climbs at 7 miles up the lung-bursting Marchington Cliff, and a continuous  climb from mile 10 to 12.

Team Captain Stan Knopik was first finisher for the Darts, taking the hills in his

stride, and showing no ill effects from his efforts at the London marathon, he crossed the line in 12th place (1:24:14). 

Not far behind was new signing Andy Thornton, putting in an eye-catching performance to take 14th place (1:24:44). 

Dart's stalwart Tony Caulton was disappointed with his time of 1:28:39, but his fine

24th place position was pivotal in the men's teams' final placing.

Next in was the ever-improving Mark Slade, running at an even pace till mile 9, he found the the last few energy-sapping miles a struggle but still finished in a creditable 1:35:21 for 57th place.

Jonathan Gregson relishes the tougher races and recorded a personal best time for the distance in 1:40:32 (89th).

Super-vet Tony Press, who has just moved up into the Vet65 category, ran solidly

to cross the line in 1:43:58 (124th), with Paul Smith running determinedly to finish in 1:46:53 (149th).

In the ladies race, Claire Smith put in an impressive performance in her first half marathon, finishing strongly to take 3rd women's place, and a top 50 place overall

(1:34:26).

Next women in was Claire Calladine, who shrugged off a recent foot injury to finish

in a time of 1:43:20, and 116th place.

Helen White was another debutante to the distance, equipping herself well for the distance to finish in 1:53:48.

The final finisher for the red vests was Carol Sharratt, putting in her customary determined run to cross in 2:07:15 (275th).

Chris Fletcher 5/5/13