Hatfield Broad Oak 10k
26th May 2008

With memories still fresh from the heat when running the Eye 10k just over 2 weeks ago, Lynee Greenard, Fiona and I (with support from Keith Lakin) set out for Essex under leaden skies.  There was a tantalising glimpse of sunshine as we passed Baldock, but as soon as we arrived at Hatfield Broad Oak the wind increased and the rain poured down, and we sat in the car in the quagmire of a car park and summoned up the courage to emerge.  The village, a very attractive little place, was holding a flower festival and fete, and it was such a shame that the weather was ruining the event.  There was a little paddock proclaiming 'pony rides' but I think that the ponies had not learned how to swim and had been led back to their warm stables.

The race itself is large for a small village, with over a 1000 participants. The atmosphere is is warm and friendly, and the event is chip timed.  The course is a figure of 8 centred on the village, so supporters are able to encourage the runners without venturing too far away from the centre.  The route is flattish and picturesque and we would very much recommend other Harriers to try it in future years.

As for the race itself, despite the wind and the rain, Lynne achieved both a pb and a club best time, chip time 51.20. She hates the heat and doesn't mind the cold and wet!  Fiona got back into her stride in this race and achieved 1.00.29. My hopes for a pb were dashed as a result of having to tie my shoe laces not once, not twice, but three times (idiot), and despite a strong finish I couldn't get below 48 minutes.

Keith stood with his brother and family and shouted encouragement, and resisted the temptation top consume hamburgers.  I think the water trickling down his neck dampened his appetite.  But we made up for it afterwards with a fine Italian meal in Bishops Stortford, and toasted Lynne's great achievement.  She's going to have a good year....if it's not too hot.

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