EXPERIENCE won the day as Margaret Deasy and David Miller won their respective races at the annual Langham 10K, staged last Sunday.Super veteran Deasy, of Colchester & Tendring AC, was ninth overall as she powered to the ladies' title in 37mins 25secs.

By Carl Marston

EXPERIENCE won the day as Margaret Deasy and David Miller won their respective races at the annual Langham 10K, staged last Sunday.

Super veteran Deasy, of Colchester & Tendring AC, was ninth overall as she powered to the ladies' title in 37mins 25secs.

Her training colleague Grace Harvey, who runs first claim for Woodford Green & Essex Ladies, was her closest challenger with 40.31 in second spot.

Colchester Harriers AC's Charlotte Smith clocked 41.46 in third position, followed by Amanda Henry, who spearheaded a strong challenge from Sudbury Joggers with 42.35 in fourth. The Sudbury club were well represented on the day.

In addition to the all-conquering Deasy, Colchester & Tendring AC scooped several other awards. Lynn Tanner was first over-50 veteran in 45.00, while club-mate Islaa Sharpe was the first under-18 finisher with a time of just under the hour mark. Further down the field, there were also personal bests for CATs members Kim Coltart (59.09) Shirley Hillyard (68.43).

There was no stopping Miller in the men's race. The Woodbridge Shuffler continued his winning run in 34.23, finishing well clear of a field of 150. It was win No. 166 of his career, and his 16th success of this year.

David Gibbon won an exciting tussle for second place. The CATs youngster stopped the clock at 35.05, just one second ahead of third-placed David Green, from Great Bentley Running Club.

Harriers' Chris Sellens was fourth, while Mark Armitage, from Halstead Road Runners, topped the over-40 veteran category with 35.59 in fifth. Halstead club-mate Ian Sutcliffe won the over-50 age group.

The event was organised by the “Friends of Langham School,” and staged over a one-lap 10km course that included a few gradual slopes.

Witham Running Club used the event as one of their Summer Championship Series races. Steven Clarke was first home for the black-and-gold vests in 38.48. He was also the second junior behind Gibbon.

There were also top 30 finishes for the Witham duo of Simon Mennell and Martyn Byford, while Brigid Wallen picked up a prize in her over-40 age category. She was fifth lady in 43.20.