Kenilworth Runners men in a league of their own

Twenty-one club members competed in Sphinx AC’s Midsummer 5 mile at the War Memorial Park in Coventry, with four runners featuring in the top ten.

Richard Simkiss finished second in 27:02, some way behind winner Tom Madden (Godiva Harriers), who came home in 25:55.

Connor Carson was fifth in 27:17, with Phil Gould six in 27:20 and Jim Sawle (28.20) completing the top ten.

Additional Kenilworth finishers: Martin Dorrill (29:05); Phil Fusi (29:22); Andy Holbrook (30:38); James Griffiths (31:06); Mick Williams (31:19); Clive Pearce (31:34); Matthew Keal (32:04); Richard Steel (32:23); Martin Lambert (32:56); Dave Ramus (33:27); Rebecca Smith (37:39); Martin Broomfield (38:11); Tom Dable (39:52); Mandy Crust (41:11); Pauline Dable (44:51); Frank Walsh (47:24); Jess Wakeling (47:24).

Seven Leamington C&AC members also competed in Coventry, with three doing so just a day after taking part in the club’s 5000m track championship.

Zara Blower, who was leading the overall women’s standings going into the race, continued her fine form by finishing second senior lady in 32:11.

Leading lady veteran Jenny Jeeves put in a solid effort in a competitive field to come home sixth in her category in 36:42, while Jade Holt ran a creditable 33:52.

For the men, Dave Ashworth was 18th overall (3rd M40) with a personal best 29:31 to put him in contention for the top three in the over-40 category.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury which ruled him out of the next race in the series.

Nick Tawney maintained his fine form to record a time of 30:20 for 28th place and an excellent third over 50.

Brian Miller was the fifth over 50 runner home in 31:00 and he was followed by Graham Garlick (33:09).

Just four days later an even greater number donned the Kenilworth vest for the Stratford Summer Six which set off from Wilmcote.

Kenilworth men dominated the leading positions, with five in the first six places, thought to be an all-time best for the club.

Simkiss again led the team home in a time of 32:16, followed by Gould (32:51), Andrew Siggers (32:56) and Carson (33:01), with Emmerson Combstock of Godiva Harriers edging out Stuart Hopkins (33:54) for fifth place.

Pete Matthews took part in his second race in 24 hours when he travelled to Little Stretton to take part in the Callow Fell Race.

The five-mile route took in 2,500ft of climbs around Long Mynd, including the summits of Ashlet, Yearlet, Grindle, and Callow.

Balmy conditions affected all the competitors with the winner, Steve Cale of Mercia Fell Runners, finishing five minutes down on his time from the previous year.

Matthews completed the course in 1:14:04 to finish inside the top 20.

Solihull ParkRun (Kenilworth Runners): 7, Richard Whiting (19:21); 24, Barry Elkington (22:08); 25, Colin Underhill (22:08). Worcester ParkRun: 7, Glyn Clarke (21:42).