ATHLETICS: THURROCK Harrier runners racked up an incredible series of personal best results at the weekend’s big athletics event.

Stormy overnight weather relented in time for the start of the Chelmsford 10K on Sunday afternoon – and borough runners showed true grit against the region’s best. Six of Thurrock’s 11 athletes bagged personal bests – and the other five ran close to their top performances.

Stars of the weekend came from the women’s team. Individually, Toni Noble clinched her Grand Prix medals, silver in the V35 age group and bronze overall.

These medals are given for the aggregate performance over the 6 road race championships held in the calendar year.

The medals are hotly contested by the road running fraternity.

Noble led in the womens team by finishing in eighth place in 41m14s. Silvia Bognarova-Meredith had her best race for the Harriers, finishing 14th in 43m12s and Victoria Peacock was 24th with a time of 44m57s – chalking up another personal best.

The three were jubilant at winning the women’s team gold medal.

And this week these three supermums will be joined by three more in the shape of Sarah Driver, Sam Tuck and Jodie Farrell when they tackle the Essex Veterans cross country Championships at Claybury. This trio should be able to add to their medal haul.

The men’s section returned several excellent performances. Steve Prosser, back on the road for the first time in many months, finished 17th and was pleased to smash the 35 minute barrier with a time of 34m36s.

David Johnson put his poor cross country form behind him by finishing 42nd with a PB of 36m44s. It was a rewarding performance for this steadily improving athlete.

Two first class performances came next: Antony Tobin shaved 30 seconds from his PB, finishing 59th in 38m34s. Just one place behind him was Justin Renda, also 30 seconds up on his PB with 38m36s. And veterans Jason Syrett and Rob Russell made the first hundred with times of 40m02s and 40m25s. Bernie Johnson, 55, had an excellent special PB of 42m48s. He returned to the sport threeyears ago after many years absence and this was by far his best effort since his return.

Johnson will be part of the mens 50+ team which also go into the Veterans Championships with hopes of medals. For much more athletics see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE