TVH runners transcend an early start in the Sri Chinmoy Mid Summer 10k
It was certainly an eyebrow raiser to see a weekend 8:30 Central London start on the Ron Hopcroft Endurance Cup schedule. Nonetheless, five Thames Valley Harriers athletes got themselves out of bed in time and showed up bright eyed and bushy tailed, or at least physically present and conscious, for the race.
For anyone who wants to know more about Sri Chinmoy races, look no further than their website (https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/about). They stage regular 5Ks and 10Ks in Battersea Park. The firm, flat course allows you to really have a go at your PB. The 10K involves four laps of the southern part of the Park, essentially around the lake. These events are very well organised, allowing you a clear run despite the event sharing the space with other members of the public.
 | uk.srichinmoyraces.org Sri Chinmoy was a spiritual Teacher, who was also a keen runner and saw running as part of his philosophy of ‘Self-Transcendence’. “Running helps us considerably. | |
First Valley athlete home was Paul Woodgate, finishing 25th out of 140 in 39:33, claiming the full 20 Endurance Cup points. Next in from TVH was Richard Hooley, the Club’s leading v50, in 40:11. In 32nd overall, he narrowly missed out on a v50 prize but can content himself with nineteen points. Third finisher for the Valley was David Ford, getting 72nd place in 45:16. Eighteen points are his just reward. 93rd in 50:49 and first TVH woman was Kirstie Tew. That’s another 20 points as she edges closer to Endurance Cup honours! Completing the Club’s contingent was Rizwan Rauf, claiming 115th in a hard fought 56:21. Another seventeen points for Riz as he continues to climb the rankings!
Overall, another enjoyable event. If you fancy a piece of the Endurance Cup action, it’s not too late. There are another four events this season, check out the TVH website (for those who place a high importance on their Power of Ten/RunBritain profiles, you should be warned that it does not appear that the Gunnersbury Park 10k has a UKA Licence). Until July as the race for honours gathers pace…