HY Runners put on a show at Ardingly

Some of the region’s finest athletes were present for this prestigious annual event, and HY Runners produced some incredible times.

First up for the red arrows in the mile junior event were two girls that coach Terry Skelton has described as the two best youngsters for their age he has ever coached who, aged nine, are producing unbelievable times.

Isabella Buchanan wqas second girl and fifth overall, just 22 seconds off first place, with both the male and female junior winners four years her senior. Hot on her heels was clubmate Meghan Hopkins Parry with an equally impressive 6:18.

Leading the way for HY Runners in the 5k adult event was 19-year-old William Carey with a 20-second PB of 16:33, while another great prospect, David Ervine, 18, produced an impressive 16:57, close to another PB.

Shannon Hopkins Parry faced treacherous wind and rain in her wave and came in with 18:55.

She is just 17 and is getting faster every time she competes particularly at the shorter events and she showed real grit and determination on the final straight to accelarate past more experienced runners.

The last athlete of the day to run was another 17-year-old and Alfie Johnstone produced a huge PB of 20:10 beating his previous best by 45 seconds.

A couple of months ago he was averaging 22:30 for 5k.

“It is fantastic for our club that so many young athletes are showing such great potential and producing some excellent times” said coach Terry Skelton. “They have worked hard and are getting results.”

On the same day, John Ralph won his category of male vet 40 plus in the New Romney 10k.

Ralph is running well and producing fantastic times. He is a credit to himself and the club.

All at HY Runners were thrilled with the results but emphasise it is the athletes that deserve the praise as they are all working to maximum level every session.

Meanwhile HY Runners shone at the 15th annual Christmas Pudding Dash on Saturday. It was staged by event organisers Nice Work at Pickering Farm, Watermill Lane, Pett.

This five-mile Christmas themed cross country race has become increasingly popular and there were 120 entrants. It is a fun event but a race is a race and athletes as ever were doing what comes naturally in trying to record as quick a time as they could.

In muddy conditions HY runners stormed to victory gaining the top three places for the men – first was William Carey (31:48), second his twin Oliver Carey (33:18 ) and third (David Ervine (34:06).

The club took the top two places for the women; first was Shannon Hopkins Parry (37:38), second Sophie McGoldrick (38:32).

They also had the top three male vet 40s: Andy Edmonds (35:20), Dan Isted (35:41) and Paul Bennett (36:58). Lisa Buchanan (50:47) was second female vet 35 and Kerrie Tolley-Cloke (51:19)was third in the same category.

Runners were sent out in waves to ensure social distancing and comply with Covid regulations set by the government and athletics bosses and therefore it really is a race against the clock.

HY Runners were only formed last January but recent results are proving they have well and truly arrived on the running scene.

With tier 4 lockdown competitive racing and group training will come to a temporary end but coach Terry Skelton will set the runners virtual challenges, so everyone gets to stay involved and stay fit.

If you are interested in joining the club and improving yourself as a runner, whether you have running experience or not, you should contact 07711 777363.