20th July 2005
The open fields of the Burton Washlands managed yet another successful race. This time in the form of 2.1 mile relays. The ladies race covering three legs, the men four.
With 17 ladies teams and 22 mens the event has grown significantly over the past few years. Along with it has the local talent in the red vests of the Hatton Darts. Hatton managing field an incredible 6 teams in total.
It was Heanor A team who took the overall prize just 40 seconds in front of the fastest local team, Hatton A. Tony Caulton 11 mins 4 seconds, Stan Knopik 11 mins 38 seconds, Richard Peel 11 mins 22 secs and Paul Stewart 11 mins 55 secs. This giving Hatton revenge on last years champions and closest rivals Burton AC who took a close third place.
Such is
the strength of the Hatton men that their B team managed a fantastic 6th
place just 7 seconds adrift of Ivanhoes A team. Jason Tilley got off to
a flyer on leg one in 11 mins 38 secs, Chris Fletcher 11 mins 58 secs,
Nigel Elson 12 mins 29 secs
and Dave Gilman running strong for 11 mins 46 secs.
Hatton Darts C taking 8th
with Ian Stewart 12 mins 30 secs, Jim Londesborough 12 mins 34
secs, Duncan Stewart
running his legs off in 12 mins 3 secs, Malcolm Bennett 12 mins 33 secs.
Hatton D took 12th with Dave Hollick showing some of the more experienced men the way in 12 mins 5 secs, Phil White 15 mins, Neil McBride13 mins 39 secs and Dave Hollick running the 4th leg also in 13 mins 26 secs.
Amazingly enough Hatton 5th and final team took 15th from the 22 teams. Phil Salt 13 mins 49 secs, Tim Knopik 13 mins 45 secs, Geoff Mulcahy 13 mins 37 secs and Kevin 13 mins 31 secs.
Hattons Ladies put in a good effort to claim 6th place with Wendy Freeman 15 mins 7 secs, Cathryn Cormack 15 mins 39 secs and Deb Gilman 14 mins 49 secs.
There seems to be an abundance of local races around Burton at the moment and this can only be good news as the races attract athletes and visitors in ever increasing quantities. Another race that is trying to gain support both locally and from further afield is Hatton Darts own race in the guise of a 10k held on 31st July 2005 from the Belvedere club. Entry forms have gone out far and wide and a high amount of interest has been shown.
Locals of all abilities from Olympic athletes to new beginners are invited to the open race as entries will be accepted on the day. Permits have been applied for with the race beginning at 10.30am with runners being urged to register before 10am at Belvedere Social Club. Any locals wishing to help with marshalling of the race are asked to arrive just after 8.30am.