The Link Autumn 2019 The Link Oct-Nov 2019 v2 | Page 34

Caterham Rotary Half Marathon & 10k: Records Tumble! very rigorous exercise routines so the runners were well and truly ready for the off. A record number of 600 runners took part in this year’s Caterham Rotary Half Marathon and 10K event on Sunday 21st July sponsored by local independent hospital North Downs Caterham. James Connor won the half marathon in a new course record time of 1 hour 9 minutes and 55 seconds, knocking 69 seconds off the previous course record. Kat Owens was the first lady home in 1 hour 29 minutes 35 seconds. John Herbert won the 10K in a new record time of 33 minute 11 seconds beating the previous record by 108 seconds. The first lady home in the 10k was Nicola Archer in 41 minutes 40 seconds, Nicola also came home first in the 10k in 2018. This year we were nominated by the England Masters Athletics 34 Association as one of two 10K races to prove fitness. Some Elite Masters were running with the aim for fast times to support applications for selection for England in an International Masters Cross Country event in November. The distance of both events was linked to the roads surrounding Redhill Aerodrome including the village of Nutfield and was measured so that the event was approved and timed to count towards athlete’s performance records as required by UK Athletics. Welcome bottles of water were given to every finisher along with a banana and a draw string bag from North Downs Hospital. Runners were encouraged to warm up again this year by Emily Watson of Whoop! Fitness and Wellbeing who provided some Monica Clarke, Hospital Director of North Downs Hospital, who presented the prizes, commented, “North Downs Hospital is delighted and proud to again be the main sponsor of the Caterham Rotary Half Marathon. It was fantastic to see an increase in numbers from the previous year. The runners brought the sunshine with them and the feedback from participants was that they loved the route. We very much look forward to continuing our association with this event in years to come and offering physio, sports injury and orthopedic services to runners.” Organiser of the event Caterham Rotarian Richard York said “More runners over two distances with more supporters enjoying a pleasant morning and loving every minute describes today's Caterham Rotary event perfectly. We were raising funds for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and SERV SSL who provided the lead bikes in full Blood Bike livery. We were To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]