East London Runners enjoy various challenges home and abroad

The first 5k race of the winter Chingford League cross-country was held at Stratford’s Velopark, comprising three laps of the outdoor cycle circuit, and was well attended by clubs across north London.

First home for East London Runners in the women’s race was Rachel Bailey (20.28) in 19th place, with Betty Bohane (22.07) in 35th and Jane Burton (22.14) 37th.

Ryan Friel was the first member home in the men’s race in 16.07, sixth overall, with Jose Rodriguez ninth in 16.33 and Daniel O’Donoghue (17.42) in 45th overall.

John O’Brien clocked 4:54.21 at the Galway Bay marathon to take 17 minutes off his personal best and said: “The course was two short laps followed by four longer ones.

“It was enjoyable for about 18 miles or so then the reality set in that I still had more than one lap to go and then I said to myself ‘why didn’t I enter the half marathon?’

“It was too late so I had to crack on. I was a lot more comfortable in finishing, which I just about managed to do in under five hours which was my aim.”

Club secretary, Michael Wilson, completed his 44th marathon and sixth at Eindhoven in 4:52.41, adding: “I did very little training, but decided to run the marathon nonetheless. I started very slowly, hoping it would preserve energy for later in the race, however by halfway my legs were already feeling very tired.

“After the halfway point, the sign at every kilometre counts down the distance left, with a different motivational message each time. This way I managed to count down 21kms to the finish line.

“The crowd are great as well, calling out runners names and giving encouragement. I was not amused, though, by one lady who called out ‘come on Michael’, followed by ‘senior’.

“In the last 2km you enter the town centre precinct and the packed crowds were incredible. I finished in 4:52.41 which is my personal worst for a road marathon. I don’t mind, I was happy for this ‘senior’ to complete it in under five hours!”

Meanwhile, Kasia Stachowiak ran the Chicago marathon in 3:46.45, while the Royal Parks half marathon closer to home in central London included 10 club members.

Husband and wife Danny and Ava Lee finished in 1:21.57 and 1:30.30 respectively, ahead of Jakub Czeczotka (1:33.32), Peter Hatley (1:40.27), Mark Moir (1:43.21), Imran Mustak (1:57.07), John Healy (1:57.03), Kathryn Hertzberg (1:59.00) and Jess Trayler-Moore (2:20.23).

Sarah Lockley ran 2:47.00 and raised £2,734 for Maggie’s St Barts.