On a bright sunny morning on Sunday, the Herbert's Hole Challenge, sponsored by Ink Link Lithographic Printers, Fox's Outdoors Adventure Clothing and Equipment, and Gil-Lec Electrical Wholesalers, attracted a strong field of over 350 finishers. The recent rain had softened up the course to be at its most challenging muddy condition.
A new, slightly altered, route was used this year and Eddie O'Gorman of Chiltern Harriers was the winner in 37.59, over a minute ahead of his previous years' winning time on the old course.
In second place was Chiltern teammate Fabian Downs in 39.10 and third was Tring Running Club's Paul Allen in 39.45. First Vet 40 was Chris Bedford of Abingdon Amblers in 40.03 and Vet 50 winner was Jon Burgess of Alchester Running Club in 42.47. The Vet 60 prize went to Leonard Smith in 47.23. The winner of the Junior men's award was Chiltern's Alex Watson, fifth overall in 40.18.
Winner of the women's race was Ealing, Southall and Middlesex's Fiona Kennedy, repeating her win of last year in a time of 43.59. In second place was her Ealing teammate Alison Hopkins in 44.11 and third was Nicola Gomm of Witney Road Runners in 44.57. Winner of the women's Vet 35 prize was Chiltern's Ali Young in 45.00, the Vet 45 prize went to Gillian Morgan of Ealing in 48.04, and the Vet 55 winner was Chiltern Harriers' Barbara Ralph in 50.19. Leading junior woman was Jade Nettleton of Hillingdon AC in 59.00.
Chiltern Harriers won the men's team prize with Eddie O'Gorman, Fabian Downs, Alex Watson and Alister Mellor being the scoring four. Second team were Tring Running Club with Bearbrook Joggers in third. The women's team prize went to Ealing, Southall and Middlesex (Fiona Kennedy, Alison Hopkins, Gillian Morgan and Patricia Thomas) with Chiltern Harriers second and Bearbrook Joggers third. The Fun Team prize was won by the foursome from Harrow College.