Julie pips Laurato Stilton Stridershandicap race title

THE Stilton Striders annual Handicap Race took place around the Hambleton Peninsula at Rutland Water.

On a deceptively tough 5.2-mile off-road course, the slower runners started off first, with the rest setting off at intervals until the fastest runner began last to help to produce a close finish.

This is exactly how it turned out on the night with only 16 seconds separating the first four runners home.

Julie Jaggard was this year’s winner having started first alongside Laura Hatherley and hanging on in a desperate sprint finish to beat Laura by five seconds.

Richard Gray, closing with every stride, was third, only 13 seconds behind the winner. Laura’s brother Jim finished fourth just 16 seconds behind.

Jim also had the run of the evening, completing the course in an impressive 34min 20secs. Making up the top five was in-form Andy Robinson, 30 seconds off the pace.

l Five members of Stilton Striders were among the 80-plus field for the Stathern 10K road race.

The runners enjoyed the friendly race, flat course and ideal running conditions. The first Strider home was Andy Robinson, finishing ninth overall in a time of 39min 27secs.

Next Strider home was Gary Postle, 19th, in 41.58. There was a gap to the next Strider, Rob Szabo who was 37th in 46.31, and he was closely followed by John Houghton, 39th, in a time of 46.50.

Gary Christmas completed the Striders line-up, finishing 47th in 48.48.