Essex 20 draws some great performances from Harriers (From Thurrock Gazette)

Busy weekend for Thurrock Harriers

5:03pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

ATHLETICS: THURROCK’S endurance runners – particularly the veterans – were busy over the weekend. Thurrock Harriers had six athletes in the Essex 20 event which wound its way round an attractive rural course at Langham in the north of Essex.

Leading performer was former goalkeeper Jason Syrett who finished in 67th place in 2h22m51s. This was a personal best for the runner and indicates that he may well produce another personal best in the London Marathon in April. He was accompanied for much of the race by Justin Renda who finished 137th in a time of 2h38m34s. Justin suffered badly in the last two miles of the demanding course. Gary Rowlatt ran steadily to record 2h45m43s which was well inside his personal best. Pat Dobbs took silver medal in the 70+ section with 3h0m58s. Dobbs has been out of action for six months. But this run will encourage him to continue his ‘ever present’ starter status in the London Marathon. In spite of injury problems, Dobbs should still get close to four hours in next month’s big event. Other finisher, John Arthur, recorded a time of 3h5m50s.

A great run came from Louise Brass who was ninth in the Essex Championships for women with a time of 2h38m34s. She is targetting 3h15m time in the London Marathon which will give her a guaranteed start in next year’s race.

Don Lawless competed in the Veterans AC Championship where he was fifth overall and won his 45+ category. Don is having his best winter for some years.

And he is targeting a medal in the National Track and Field Championships for veterans.

In the Roding Valley half marathon stalwart John Green recorded 80m40s to finish well up in the 700 strong field. The runner will rejoin the club this year after a year’s absence.

For more athletics see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE