Ranelagh Harriers men’s team raced to victory at the Elmbridge 10km race earlier this month to set up a tense finale in the Surrey Road League.
The Surrey Road League is contested over seven fixtures and the most recent race, held annually at Walton-on-Thames and hosted by Elmbridge Road Runners, was the sixth of the season.
The men’s victory draws them level in the series with Reigate Priory AC who were leading, and with both teams matched on 173 points it ensures the final event – the Wimbledon 5km on August 13 – will be a winner-takes-all finale.
It could end up being a double celebration with Ranelagh women’s team leading their league despite a second place finish in Elmbridge on July 22.
Ranelagh Harriers men’s road captain Jonathan Smith said: “Considering it’s not our main focus a men’s and women’s double would be a great achievement.”
Ladies captain Becky Curtis-Hall added: “We are hopeful of doing the double.
“The men’s race looks like it will be close as well.”
The Elmbridge course is fast and flat with the majority run on the Thames towpath, and the recent rain ensured slightly slippery conditions underfoot for more than 600 runners taking part.
The winning Ranelagh Harriers men’s team at the race consisted of Jake Waldron, Nick Impey, Carl Selya-Hammer, Ted Mockett, Chris Bundhun and Seiko Angelo with the first three named runners scoring in the league competition.
The individual winner of the men’s race was Phil Wicks from Belgrave Harriers in 30 minutes 37 seconds, breaking his own course record by one second.
The winner of the women’s race was Georgie Bruinvels of Aldershot Farnham and District AC in 35:21.
Other age category winners were Matt Atkins, who was seventh overall and first MV40-49 in 33:56, Andy Tindall first MV50-59 in 34:57, David Brewin first MV60-69 in 43:23, Lesley Locks first FV35-44 in 36:48, Michelle Oldham first FV45-54 in 40:16, Maggie Statham first FV55-64 in 45:31 and Jane Davies first FV65+ in 47:36.
Probably the most outstanding performance of the day came from Peter Giles of Hercules Wimbledon AC who won the MV70 category in an incredible time of 41:17, with the best age graded result of 91.67%.
Woking AC won the women’s race ahead of Ranelagh Harriers women in second place but the Ranelagh ladies have a healthy lead in the table.
The Surrey Road League is open to all members of Surrey affiliated clubs, with the best five scores across the seven races counting.
Ranelagh Harriers are based in Ham and train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Visit www.ranelagh-harriers.com for more details.
