Horndon 10k goes to Batty-coached star (From Thurrock Gazette)

Horndon 10k goes to Batty-coached star

9:13am Friday 3rd July 2009

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In very hot conditions, more than 550 runners set off for the two-lap course round the village for the annual Horndon-on-the Hill 10k. The race was won by Paul Whittaker, of Southend AC, who is coached by Thurrock's ex world record holder Mel Batty.

It was a case of following in father's footsteps as Paul's dad Steve was a winner of this race in the 1980s.

Whittaker won in a time of 32mins.55secs. Thurrock's men were again defeated by Billericay Striders in the team race with the latter club's Crispian Bloomfield for once having to settle for a runners-up spot (32.59).

Thurrock's John Green won the veterans title by finishing in fifth place. John Russell ran well to finish 11th, Martyn Staines toiled in the heat to come 14th, and in form Phil Oatham can be very pleased with his top 20 position of 18th.

Southend’s Peter Binns was first male over-50 in 25th spot with 40.19, while other top seasiders were Dave Hurley (38th 41.12), Kerry Holland (116th 47.42 but fifth female) and Tony Bullock (464th in 70.44 mbut 27th over-60 male). Other Thurrock finishers were: Rob Doyle (26th), Mick Bumstead (37th), David Johnson (41st) and 70-year-old Pat Dobbs in a wonderful 79th place.

The first Horndon residents' prize went to Terry Seward with a time of 43mins.47secs. The ladies' residents prize went to Claire O'Keeffe who finished 182nd in 51.08.

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