Chiltern Harriers had a strong presence at this popular pre-Christmas half marathon and many runners posted very good times for the event. The men's team came third whilst the ladies went one better, finishing in 2nd spot.
A field of 1385 finishers completed the fast rural course in wet and windy conditions. At the top of the field Tom Beedell and Matt Bennett had exceptional races to finish sixth and ninth respectively, Tom in 1 hour, 12 minutes, 33 seconds and Matt in 1:13:42. The remaining Chiltern counters also had good runs, Roger Ellerby 88th in 1:26:31 (3rd Vet 50) and Michael Turney 98th in 1:26:57 (16th Vet 40).
This put the team on 201 points, third from 52 complete teams, behind strong teams from Wootton Road Runners and St Albans Striders. Individual race winner was Richard Burgess-Gamble of Barnet & District in a great time of 1:09:56.
In the ladies race, Sandra Reynolds continued her good winter form finishing 7th (2nd Vet 35) in 1:27:22. Isabelle Winter was 43rd (7th Vet 40) in 1:38:48 and Kate Loach completed the team in 53rd (4th Vet 45) in 1:40:28. This gave the ladies 103 points, second behind local club Wootton Road Runners, from 30 complete teams finishing. Also featuring in a category top 10 was Jane Peel, 9th Vet 45 in 1:47:22. The winning lady was Lucy Hasell of Bristol & West AC in 1:17:09.
Other Chiltern positions and times Full results
| Robert Armstrong | 682 | 1:49:30 |
| Richard Abraham | 820 | 1:53:39 |
| David Holmes | 881 | 1:56:12 |
| Reg Gilbert | 926 | 1:58:04 |
Steve Perkin