Voted the third best race in the UK for November by Runners World Readers, this year’s Dirt Half Challenge did not disappoint. A sell out months in advance once again, this ever popular event challenged runners with wetter, muddier conditions than usual this year but the rain stayed away and the sun even managed a brief appearance. Despite the wetter conditions underfoot many runners managed a personal best and some fantastic performances were achieved.
For the third year running the race was won by course record holder Greg Spellman of Rugby & Northampton AC in 1:20:23, followed by Darren Cornish in 1:25:06 and Steven Horton from Bedford Harriers in 1:27:20. First Lady was Fiona Wise with an impressive time of 1:34:50 followed by Sally Hale, David Lloyd Redway Runners in 1:34:59 and Cheylynn Ormston in 1:35:12. Female Vet prizes were won by Nicola Shannon, FV35, Lesley Jenkinson Thorne, FV45 and Dian Sandover FV55. Mens Vet categories were won by Greg Spellman, MV40, Nigel Sheppard MV50 and Kenneth Fancett, MV60.
The team prize was won by David Lloyd Redway Runners from Milton Keynes, Stephen Patey, Tony Daglish, Nigel Sheppard, Simon Read and Sally Hale.
Feedback from the runners regarding the course, the support from the marshals and the organisation of the event was once again outstanding with many runners vowing they would be back next year. A word of advice: enter early! www.dirtrunning.co.uk.
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