Stevenage Phoenix Running Club
Mid Week League race one – Stevenage
Wednesday 28th May saw the first MWL race for Divisions 2 and 3, which started and finished on Ridlin’s athletics track, in Stevenage. 12 members of Stevenage Phoenix took part and ran under Stevenage North Herts AC. “What a fantastic atmosphere, it was incredible to see all the local clubs in high spirits and supporting each other on the 10k out and back course” (Melissa). It was a good day to be called Andy… as both Andy Liddle and Andy Chapman earned 10k PBs on the night.
Graham Eden 42:51
Conor O’Neill 45:25
Andy Liddle 47:17 – PB
Richard Moore 47:38
Neal Crawley 47:49
Andy Chapman 48:21 – PB
Ken Hall 52:14
Katie Mitham 55:12
Katka Laughton 56:00
Mel Tanti 56:35
John Harris 56:53
Caitlin Evans 56:59
RunThrough relays London
This is not your standard 5km race… The RunThrough Relays sees runners each take on a 5km loop of the QE Olympic park in London, working as a team of three. On Thursday 29th May Simon Burton was runner number two in his team and ran a chip time of 00:28:46.
Saturn Running – Leon’s birthday run
On Friday 30th May, Chris Leigh took part in one of Saturn Running’s Weekday races, which sees runners take on as many laps as they can. The combined distance of all the runners came to 886 miles and Chris was the only one to reach 50km (31.1 miles). Chris ran the 50km in 05:53:45 and remarked that it was a “beautiful route on the trails along the Thames.”
Green Park Reading 10k
The Green Park Reading 10k is a popular event, offering three distances, 1 mile, 3k and 10k. With a start and finish within the closed roads of the park, the event boasts a scenic route with stunning views of the Berkshire Countryside. On Sunday 1st June, Simon Lodge travelled to Reading to try his hand at the 10k. The journey proved to be worthwhile, as Simon achieved his target time of 36:48, finished 1st in his age category and was 39th overall, out of a field of 1300+ runners. To top it off, he also broke his own 10K club record.
Hitchin hard half marathon
The Hitchin half marathon is an undulating and hilly course that takes you out of Hitchin to the country roads to Preston and back. It starts and finishes at the iconic Hitchin Priory on Tilehouse Street, Hitchin. The event is held each year in early June and offers a tough 10 mile option too. On Sunday 1stJune, Ashley Bates took part in the half marathon distance, however luck was not on his side. Ash woke up a mere 25 minutes before the start, had no breakfast and forgot his gels. Despite the circumstances Ash finished in 02:10:26 and has taken the experience as a lesson learned and one to look back on.
LDWA Pick and Mix
The 9th Pick & Mix Challenge Event took place on Sunday 1st June 2025, and Chris Leigh and Jodie Kantas went along for the ride. Participants have a choice of routes ranging from 5-10 miles and can run/walk any combination of routes within a set timeframe. Chris managed to clock 37 miles in 07:20:37. This race brings his run total to 71.2 miles over the last three days. Jodie ran three different routes with Presley the dog, and clocked 19 miles in 03:54:13. Jodie commented that the day was more about getting out and pushing herself with the high elevation and mixture of terrain. “What I love about LDWA is there is no pressure. They always provide great food and are so welcoming. Just a nice bunch of people.”
