Dirt Half Challenge 18 November 2017
The eighth Dirt Half Challenge took place on Saturday 18 November 2017. Once again, the race was a sell out. Conditions were cold with light rain and mud underfoot in places but some runners achieved personal bests despite the challenging nature of the course, with a killer hill about half way through the race before entering beautiful woodland trails.
The race was won by Billy Mead of Leighton Buzzard Athletics Club in a time of 01:17:48, which is also a new course record. Second runner home was Andy Inchley also from Leighton Buzzard Athletics Club in 01:19:06 followed by Ian Wood of Marshall Milton Keynes AC in 1:19:21. Mens Vet categories were won by: Andy Inchley MV40, Greg Spellman MV50, Kenneth Fancett MV60 and John Strange MV70.
First Lady was Jennifer Sangster from Redway Runners with an impressive time of 1:33:18 followed by Jennifer McBain of Alchester Running Club in 01:34:05 and Rebecca Pearson in 1:36:07. Female Vet prizes were won by: Jen Sangster FV35, Maggie Godfrey FV45, Lynda Hembury FV55 and Diana Braverman FV65.
The team prize went to the Redway Runners: Ben Fairhall, Jamie Farmer, Piers Vallance, Dan Hippey and Simon Read.
Feedback from the runners regarding the course, the support from the marshals and the organisation of the event was once again outstanding with many runners vowing they would be back next year. A word of advice: enter early! https://dirtrunning.org.uk
Ends