Halstead Road Runners fielded three ladies’ teams at the Essex County Senior and Veteran Road Relays, which took place on the seafront at Harwich over an officially measured five-kilometre course.

While runners benefitted from the wind on the outward leg, the return was tough. However, the competitive, yet good-spirited, atmosphere resulted in personal bests being set by several runners.

Halstead won the non-championship female category with Rachel Roughan making her unofficial debut for the club in 21mins 59secs.

Team-mates Leigh-Anne Porter (23:56) and Hazel Buist (21:24) both set personal bests.

Halstead RR’s female over-35 veterans’ team finished in seventh position, with Kathryn Bronson setting the bar high at the off with a personal best of 21:38.

Mel Candler (22:47) and Caroliena Cameron (22:04) both put in strong performances in a hotly-contested age category.

Halstead finished fifth in the female over-45 veteran age category. There was not much separating the trio of Lorraine Garnham (24:39), Nicole Smith (PB of 24:38) and Wendy Carter (24:21).

The event was organised by Harwich Runners and Essex AAA.

Elsewhere, personal bests were also set at the 5K Great Notley Parkrun, which was dominated by Halstead Road Runners, who provided all the volunteers for the event as well as some members participating in the run.

Wesley Atkins finished second overall in 18:51, with Andy Owen sixth in 20:01 and Nathan Roulson eighth in 20:18.

Andy Carter made the most of the off-road course in 24:13, with Debbie Cook continuing to improve by finishing in 28:12. Meanwhile, conditions remained extremely windy for the Brentwood Half-Marathon last Sunday.

Caroliena Cameron was first back for Halstead Road Runners in 1hr 45mins, while Treena Harrington was pleased with her time of 2hrs 07mins.

Also last Sunday, Dan Smith completed his third marathon in eight days, by running the final day of ‘The Week at the Knees’ series in Milton Keynes.

Long distance specialist Smith finished the 26.2-mile challenge in 4hrs 57mins.