Stratford AC's Alex shines again at Sphinx race

STRATFORD AC’s Alex Adams produced another run beyond his years at the Sphinx Summer five-mile race at the War Memorial Park in Coventry.

The 11-year-old took part in the fun run, designed for younger athletes, claiming second place and just 12 seconds behind an under-15 runner.

Alex’s brother, Ollie, was not far behind in an impressive 11th place.

In the main race, a healthy contingent of 17 Stratford runners lined up on the start line, nearly all of who had competed in the Two Castles race just three days earlier.

First to finish for the club, yet again, was Tim Hutchinson (9th, 28.45).

Hutchinson was first in his age category and he broke yet another club record, just three days after breaking the club’s 10k record in the Two Castles race.

Nineteen-year-old Sam Weaving finished in 44th place with a time of 31.26. Weaving was also fourth in the junior male category.

Luke Watkins (141st, 35.52) continued his inspired form with yet another excellent run. He was followed by Peter Sugden (156th, 36.22).

Just 16 seconds separated the next three Stratford runners, with ex-Birchfield Harrier member Jon Mulkeen (174th, 37.01) leading the trio home.

Mulkeen finished strongly, overtaking fellow club member David Jones (176th, 37.12) in the last couple of hundred metres. Jones was third in his age category.

David and Ben Twyman (181st, 37.17) had a battle for pretty much the whole of the race, with them exchanging places regularly.

Lynne Hinson (183rd, 37.28) was the first lady from SAC to finish. Second lady to finish for the club was Emily Adams (209th, 38.38) followed by Phil Marshall (223rd, 39.07).

Marshall had only just arrived back from a lengthy holiday, which is not ideal preparation for a hot five-mile race.

Ruth Calderbank (280th, 42.10) was once again first in her age category, finishing almost eight minutes ahead of her closest rival.

The seemingly ever-present Jan McClure (323rd, 45.22) was next to finish, followed by Nicola Reynolds (367th, 49.42). Gemma Smith (376th, 50.48) was just one second ahead of Tash Watkins (377th, 50.49) with Phillipa Abrams (378th, 51.14) just one place behind.

Finally, Cindy Brittan (408th, 1.03.56) was the fourth member of her family competing on the night, along with daughter Emily and grandsons Ollie and Alex.

411 runners completed the race, which was won by Alistair Smith in a time of 26.07. First lady to finish, in 50th place and a time of 31.43, was Amanda Deavy.

Five races into the Warwickshire Road Race League and several Stratford AC members are occupying top five positions in their respective age categories.

Annie Cox is second in the under-20 women category, Jan McLure third in FV35, Ruth Calderbank first in FV65, with Kate Sergent fifth in the same category.

For the men, Sam Weaving is fourth in under-20 men and David Jones third in MV65.

It is worth noting that not all runners have run the same number of races. If it were not for this fact, then both Tim Hutchinson and Lynne Hinson would also feature in the upper echelons of their respective age category. Final positions are decided on a runner’s best seven races out of a maximum 11.