MAY was another hugely successful month for Harlow Running & Tri Club, with members achieving club records, county medals, age group awards and personal bests across running and triathlon.

Rob Lowe continued his outstanding marathon season by breaking his own marathon club record at the Halstead & Essex Marathon, just weeks after setting the previous record at the London Marathon. His performance also earned him the Essex Gold Medal in his age category, Paul Dixon also secured the Essex Bronze in his age group.

At Hackney Half Marathon eight members completed their debut half marathon and age-group podium finishes were achieved by Martyn Coulter, Chris Mack, Pasquale Pellecchia, Paul Dixon and Linda Helm-Manley at races including the Stort 10, Colchester Stampede and Keswick Mountain Festival.

One of the month’s standout occasions was the Hatfield Broad Oak 10km, where an incredible 91 Harlow Running & Tri Club members took part, believed to be a record turnout. Despite unusually hot conditions, Carinne Jay claimed victory in her age group while Martin Westley finished second overall.

The club’s triathletes also had an excellent month. Ben Fowler completed Ironman 70.3 Mallorca in challenging conditions and Paige came third overall female at the Big East Maldon Standard Triathlon. At the HSV Triathlon, Ella Wager finished as first female, Louise Kedge came third female and Rob Earthy and Michael Norris won their respective age groups. TJ Rowlands also had a great performance at the Outlaw Half Nottingham, completing the middle-distance event in under six hours.

Further endurance achievements included Megan Ivory’s debut marathon in Edinburgh and Shannon and Tom’s completion of the 62km Fox Trail event.

Parkrun continued to provide plenty of success, with Jochebed Mpanga, Ellie Wiseman, Joe Longman, Ben Fowler, Jason Manning and Sam Nichols all recording personal best performances during the month. 

May also saw the start of the Mid Week League season, with an amazing 76 Harlow Running & Tri Club runners at the opening fixture hosted by Broxbourne Runners. Martin Westley led the way with an overall win, Terri Wiley, Carinne Jay, Sandi Rust, Rob Lowe, George Andreou, Jon Waight and Robin Lozeau all came top three in their age groups. The men’s team finished 1st, the women’s team finished 2nd and the club took 1st place overall.

The month concluded with more age group success as Pasquale won his category at the Newmarket Half Marathon and Louise Cootes finished third in her age group at the Marlow Half Marathon. Louise Kedge also finished third in her age group at the Marlow Aquabike, a World Championship qualifying event,