Retford runner shows Talents in Worksop event

In dry, but windy conditions, the Retford contingent joined a field of over 2,000 at the event, one of the highest rated and most popular in the country.

The event starts in the town centre, heads out of Worksop towards Clumber Park, takes in a picturesque route through the park and heads back towards Worksop through the grounds of Worksop College before the last downhill mile back to the finish on Newgate Street.

First home for Retford was Peter Tallents who finished in 1:15:25, taking over a minute off his 2012 time and giving him a fantastic finishing position of fifth.

Next home was Ben Harris who after a fantastic run in this year’s Leicester Marathon a fortnight earlier put in a great performance to finish in 1:17:50 and 14th place overall.

Third for Retford was Jonathan Hewitt in 1:23:47 (60th place overall).

Next home was Andy Kinsley finishing in 1:30:53 (177 overall), followed by David Corbett in 1:33:28 (230 overall).

John Sinclair finished someway off his 2012 time in 1:38:34 (405 overall), followed by Lee Ellis who recorded a new personal best time of 1:41:06 (456 overall).

A good warm-up run for Lee ahead of next year’s London Marathon where he will be representing the club having qualified for a club place after a fantastic first full season with the club.

First lady home for Retford was Becky Chadwick, finishing in a time of 1:45:51 (645 overall), who was followed by Garry Whittal who finished in 1:50:24 (827) after struggling with illness.

Great runs from Karen Wilkinson, Lynn Whelan and Jacqui Ferris saw each of them finish in under 2hrs in times of 1:55:56, 1:56:08 and 01:59:14 respectively.

Martin Stanton put in a good performance to finish in 2:02:52 after coming back from injury, and a great run from Erika Tasker saw her take several minutes off her previous personal best, finishing in 2:03:38.

Special thanks also go to Derek Marsh from the club for marshalling.

Well done too to all the Retford AC juniors who took part in the Worksop Half Marathon Fun Run.

The Worksop Half Marathon is the curtain closer half marathon in the Retford club’s Grand Prix competition and attention now turns to the Retford Half Marathon which will take place on 9th March and will start and finish at a new venue at Retford Oaks Academy on Babworth Road.

With almost 100 entrants already signed up, the 2014 event is set to be one of the most popular in the events history.

Further details including links to online and postal entry are on the Retford AC website at www.retfordac.co.uk/retford-half-marathon-c29.html