Top finishes for the Harriers in Brighton Half Marathon

The Haywards Heath Harriers continue to impress and this weekend did so on the big stage at the Brighton Half Marathon where they recorded some great times and top finishes.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Mar 2016, 10:49 BST

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Michael Burke, Tom Mullen, James Bennett, Ben Adams, Jack Chivers, Kat Barrett, Barry Tullett and Marcus KimminsMichael Burke, Tom Mullen, James Bennett, Ben Adams, Jack Chivers, Kat Barrett, Barry Tullett and Marcus Kimmins
Michael Burke, Tom Mullen, James Bennett, Ben Adams, Jack Chivers, Kat Barrett, Barry Tullett and Marcus Kimmins

From its roots in 1990, this was the 26th year of the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon and with over 8,000 runners, it’s one of the most popular races in the UK.

Leading the way for the Harriers was Tom Mullen (1:17.00) who was an impressive 39th in a class field. Also in the top 50 was Marcus Kimmins who finished in an excellent time of 1:17.54 in 47th.

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A number of the Harriers are well into their marathon training schedules and on this form, they are set for a bumper year.

Verity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4VzVerity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4Vz
Verity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4Vz

In near perfect conditions, Matt Cook (1:21.37) and Barry Tullett (1:22.27) ran quickly from the outset, pacing each other extremely evenly. Cook finished the stronger but Tullett was delighted with a new PB of over two minutes. Ben Adams took four minutes off his previous best to clock 1:24.46.

Starting and finishing on Madeira Drive, the race took runners on a seafront route past some of Brighton & Hove’s most famous landmarks and amazing crowd support meant for a memorable day.

Michael Burke and James Bennett both recorded best times in 1:28.33 and 1:29.22 along with Richard Cole (1:33.03) and Kat Barrett (1:35.11). Kat Buckeridge (1:42.00) and Verity Coombes (1:42.12) beat their previous bests by seven and eight minutes respectively with Coombes’ result particularly impressive having only gained a spot through a competition a few days ahead of the race.

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Carl Bicknell (1:42.23) used the race as part of a 16.5 mile training run ahead of the Brighton marathon as he returns from injury.

Verity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4VzVerity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4Vz
Verity Coombes, Carl Bicknell and Kat Buckeridge Ko85jQlGaz7B9YnrQ4Vz

Mark Davies (1:25.21) went well despite other commitments keeping him away from training and Steve Dallman (1:27.15) and Jack Chivers (1:32.35) were frustrated to be below their best due to illness and injury.

Full results

Graham Jenner 1:40:39, Robert Clare 1:43:23, Stuart Austin 1:47:45, Chris Glanfield 1:49:09, Shelagh Robinson 1:52:17, Natalie Chivers 2:01:20, Linda Tullett 2:14:43.

Clair parkrun

In the Clair parkrun this weekend, Russ Mullen showed his form to take the victory in 17.59. The ever impressive Paul Cousins equaled his best in 18.17. George Adams recorded a brilliant new personal best in 19:12 as did Will Herbert in 19:34. New Harrier Ben Duncan in his first ever parkrun clocked an impressive 19:58 for this hilly circuit. Lily Bliss-Tomlinson was second female in 23:51.

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Related topics:Mark Davies