ATHLETICS: Six Harriers competed in Basildon’s first ever park run. Park runs are always 5k and this one was held on a tricky course in Northlands Park.

Grays based Toni Noble finished 23rd overall and was the winner of the women’s race. Her time was 20m31s.

For the past year Toni has been plagued with knee injuries but in recent weeks has gradually worked her way back to best form. The Club’s Jodi Farrell was the 2nd lady to finish.

She was 33rd overall with a time of 21m33s. The 5th placed lady was Amy Trencher and her time was 21m41s.

All 3 of these runners are based on Grays and if they stay injury free can do battle for Essex team and individual medals in the forthcoming months. An interesting feature of these events is the rating of performances as a percentage of the world record for any particular age.

At the top of the pile at the weekend was Mick Bumstead, holder of multiple County titles. The 62 year old from Corringham’s time of 19m28s was 83.82% of the world best for his age.

It also earned him 10th place. Only the winner of the race Ilford’s Malcolm Muir was close to this percentage.

The other Thurrock performances were John Russell (V40) 15th in 19m45s, Bernie Johnson (V55) 28th in 21m19s and West Thurrock’s Chris Reed (V60) 40th in 22m28s.

For the full story and more Thurrock athletics see the Thurrock Gazette on Thursday