Hutchinson defies the heat in gruelling Arden 9 race

THE heat took its toll on many of the Stratford AC runners in the Arden 9 race at Hampton-in-Arden.

This year’s event was run in intense heat, with temperatures reaching 29C.

Nine SAC members took part in the race, which was part of the club’s own Grand Prix competition and also the local Warwickshire Road Race League.

One Stratford runner to defy the sweltering conditions was the in-form Tim Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is making something of a habit of finishing first for the club of late and he did so again, finishing eighth overall in a time of 53.48.

He was also first in his age category, almost four minutes ahead of his closest rival. Next to finish for the club, and continuing his fine run of form was Luke Watkins (123rd, 69.09).

This fine run was just one second slower than his time in 2014. Possibly the performance of the day was the run of Lynne Hinson (127th, 69.19).

Just ten seconds behind Watkins, this magnificent run also earned Hinson second place in a very competitive age category.

Next to finish was David Jones (168th, 73.38). Jones has got used to just getting the better of Hinson in these races, but this time he was roundly beaten by more than four minutes. He did, however, manage to win his age group.

Someone who did struggle in the heat and also found stepping up from his more traditional 10k distances an added challenge, was Pete Sugden (202nd, 78.18).

Jan McLure (281st, 88.58) narrowly missed out on a PB, which considering the heat was no mean feat.

McLure was followed by Bev Bridgen (291st, 90.41). Only a couple of minutes separated the final three Stratford AC runners, who were led home by Dave Maundrell (335th, 99.57).

Maundrell had only just got over a nasty bout of bronchitis, which is far from ideal preparation for a nine-mile race, let alone one run in such hot conditions.

He commented that towards the end it was just about finishing the race, which to his credit, he managed so to do. The ubiquitous John Butler (341st, 1.41.34) completed yet another race in June.

Butler was just 15 seconds ahead of Tash Watkins (343rd, 1.41.50).

358 runners completed the race, which was won by David Mulvee in a time of 47.52, more than two minutes ahead of the second-placed runner. First lady to finish in 33rd place was Sarah Rose in a time of 58.20.