The Common Runner – Week 37, 2014

Herne Hill Harriers’ Simon Coombes cemented his place as one of the country’s leading over-40 runners after racing to double track success on Sunday.

Coombes – who is currently ranked 24th nationally in the M40 list for 10k – won the 1500m and 3000m at the Southern Counties Veterans League Final at Ashford. The 42-year-old, who clocked four minutes, 15 seconds, and 9.06 respectively, will now focus his running plans on representing Harriers in cross-country.

Gary Ironmonger was a victor in the M50 800m, clocking 2.16, while Keith Newton was a runner-up in the 3000m. Lloyd Collier was a further medallist, as he finished third in the M35 800m. Newton also ran a 4.31 season’s best in the B string M35 1500m – a time that places him tenth in the UK M50 rankings.

Harriers’ walkers were also successful, with Valdis Pauzers and Andy Simms winning silver and bronze medals in the M35 and M50 2000m walk respectively. In the field events, Akin Oyediran was a double medallist, claiming a silver in the M35 triple jump and bronze in the M35 long jump. Bob Fraser, meanwhile, celebrated silver in the M60 long jump. Garry Power also ended the weekend with two medals, having won gold in the M50 discus and silver in the M50 hammer.

Herne Hill’s veterans eventually came fifth out of seven teams in the league decider, with Cambridge Harriers emerging as overall winner.

There’s more in this week’s Common Runner

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