Hastings ace Jack is far from the Madden crowd

As tea time approached last Thursday, the first eager runners arrived at the foot of Galley Hill for the second Hastings Runners club-only race of the season.

Race organiser Alan Croucher was on hand to deliver instructions for the marshalls for a race to Cooden Beach Hotel and back.

Cool temperatures offered perfect running conditions, only hampered slightly by the moderate northerly wind. Combined with minimal elevation, this was a recipe for fast times and PBs.

A spectacle of a 10k race developed at the front of the field. Defending champion Jack Madden was back and his confidence was high.

Some of the Hastings Runners at the club-only race

But newcomer Will Withecombe, who has been mopping up race titles all summer, was keen to add to his collection, alongside Colin White, who had taken nearly 30 seconds off his 5k PB recently. The trio arrived at the turnaround point together.

With only with 300m to the finish line Madden was able to pull away, completing the course in 36:05.

Withecombe was seconds behind. White added to his 5k PB in 36:49, landing the vet’s prize.

The female race was won by Claire Thomas who ensured she took the Barry Richards Shield home for another 12 months. She finished in 44:48, running much of the course with her good friend Susan Rae.

Rae was first female vet. Her time of 45:53 was another PB.

Also landing 10k PBs, Martin Snape ran a sub 40 for the first time, Simon Linklater sneaked a top 10 finish in 41:5,. Kevin Blowers let out a roar as he set his 10k record in 42:30.