Berlin Marathon: Bishop's Stortford Running Club quintet chase world record holder Eliud Kipchoge
Five members of Bishop’s Stortford Running Club chased world record holder Eliud Kipchoge all the way to the Brandenburg Gate in Sunday's Berlin Marathon.
While the elite Kenyan was lowering his world record in the 2018 version of the German event by 30 seconds to 2:01:09, Jason Hasty was lowering his personal best by over five minutes to 3:07:25, as he was first over the line for team green and gold.
He was followed by Chris Chew in 3:22:05, Richard Eddershaw in 3:44:37, John Dodsworth in 4:40:05 and Michelle Hasty in 5:32:27.
For husband and wife Jason and Michelle, Sunday's race was their fourth of the six world marathon majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. They have their sights set on completing the full series, which earns them the coveted six-star medal.
Jason took the opportunity to fundraise for Get Kids Going!, a charity which helps disabled children take part in sport by providing specialist wheelchairs, grants and year-round support. He has raised £550 towards his £600 target. You can donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jason-Hasty5.
There was success at national level for Jonathan Haynes at the weekend. He was a member of the England team in the English & Welsh Masters 10k Team International, run as part of the Great Bristol 10k.
John finished in 38:37 and was second M65 in the overall race and first in the M65 team competition.
Emma Nixon travelled to the far side of Essex to compete in the Dedham 10k, which she finished in 55:50.
Representing Stortford Tri, Will Hunt Vincent ventured to Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire for the Outlaw X middle distance triathlon. He finished in 5:16:47 after a fraught event.
The cold air and water temperatures meant a shortened swim of 750 metres. Will got off to a flying start with a strong swim once he had caught his breath from the cold.
After tripping with his bike on the way to start the ride, he lost a few minutes fixing his chain, but redeemed himself with a solid 56-mile ride in just over three hours, a smooth second transition and a 1:49 half-marathon run to finish on the iconic orange carpet.
