This fixture has developed over the last ten years into a significant festival of 5000m racing, timed perfectly for those aiming to contest the upcoming road relays. More than 70 athletes gathered on an unseasonally warm and humid Thursday night in South East London.
There was expert pace making from internationals John Gilbert and Nick Torry, for the C and B races, and A race respectively.
Five Herne Hill Harriers raced, with Mike Cummings smashing his PB with an excellent 15.16.4 for third place in the A race. Mike was never far off Nick Torry’s pace making, and finished with his customary flurry in the final 100m to overtake two runners. His 1.55 (also a PB this year) 800 pace paying dividends to cap another very good season for Mike, who continues to be one of our very best racers on all surfaces.
Next quickest HHH was Alex Hobley who also smashed his PB with a >10 seconds improvement; Alex finished an excellent second in the B race running 16.22.7, to follow on from a recent 3000m PB. Sean Fitzpatrick ran 16.23.1, and Simon Messenger ran 17.15.0.
The fifth HHH representative was U17W Ella Newton, making her debut at this over-distance event prior to contesting the upcoming relays. The U17W is potentially one of our strongest teams this winter, and they are aiming to secure regional and potentially national medals. Ella made an excellent debut picking off one or two runners as the race went on, and finishing with 18.17.2.
Well done to all on an enjoyable night of racing, and big thanks to our friends at Kent AC for hosting yet another successful ‘night of the 5000s’.
Keith Newton, 18 September 2016