Sun, sea and cross country!

The race season is really kicking off, with Hadleigh Hares taking part in three different events across the county on 19th October.

Fiona Holland and Nathalie Hooper ran the ever-popular and slightly undulating Wix 5 Mile Road Race. Conditions were perfect, with cool temperatures and no wind. Nathalie finished 1st in her age category, earning free entry to next year’s race.

Not far from Wix, Samantha Tapp, Vicky Tapp and David Miller took on the Clacton Seafront 10k. The weather was again in their favour, and the route—a predominantly flat out-and-back along the seafront—offered fast running conditions. David, one of our more senior runners, has only recently returned to racing after injury and finished with a solid performance.

Meanwhile, Paul Lacey tackled the High Lodge Half Marathon, which winds through the heart of Thetford Forest. This scenic, multi-terrain route is a real test of endurance, and despite battling a heavy cold, Paul was pleased to cross the finish line in 1:48:58.

The first cross country race of the Suffolk Winter League season took place on Sunday 26 October in Framlingham, by the castle. Hadleigh Hares fielded a strong team of 6 senior men — Paul Barton, Paul Lacey, Kev Long, Rob Taylor, James Woolley and Neil Holloway — alongside 3 senior women — Joanne Sargent, Fiona Holland and Anne Herbert — and one U15 junior, Flex Clover.

The event was blessed with sunshine and cool temperatures, perfect for racing. Although a little chilly at the start, everyone soon warmed up by the second lap. The course itself featured a few bottlenecks, some muddy and slippery sections, and even a few steps to test the legs. Despite the challenges, all Hares completed the race in fantastic times, enjoying both the mud and the atmosphere.

The event was well organised by the Framlingham Flyers, with hot drinks provided for the finishers — much appreciated after a tough run!

Meanwhile in Valencia, while the Hares were tackling the mud in Framlingham, Nathalie was racing the Valencia Half Marathon, her second event in the SuperHalf series. With the days leading up to the race hitting 30°C, there were concerns about the heat — but race day brought a welcome surprise: rain! The cooler conditions made for a much more comfortable run.

With 25,000 entrants, the atmosphere was electric. The Spanish crowds didn’t disappoint, offering non-stop support along a stunning route that wound through historic Valencia and the port area.

Remembrance Sunday saw a beautiful sunny day and two very different local events. Club favourite Scenic 7 hosted by Stowmarket Striders was a sell-out, due to its mainly flat, fast paced route around the Suffolk Countryside. Places were tight so we only had 3 Hares taking part. Kevin Long put in a stellar performance, finishing 12^th overall while Crystal Murray and Elaine Turner ran strongly and enjoyed the route and weather.

Over in Brightlingsea, Samamtha Tapp, Vicky Tapp and Jo Sargent were tackling the Hare and Tortoise Remembrance Sunday event. Starting on the Promenade, the runners gathered to hear the Last Post and Reveille played live with a 2-minute silence in between, before a light infantry gun started the race. A multi-lap trail run with a choice of distances, all 3 chose the shorter 10k option. Those partaking in the longer runs awaited the sound of airhorns throughout the course, which signalled 11am and a further 2-minute silence – a chance to take a break from running and reflect. The course was tough in places but thankfully dry, the views were beautiful and there was an abundance of great snacks to be enjoyed on each lap and at the end.