AAA Women's 4-Stage Road Relay, Sutton Park, Full result

Belles record their second fastest run at Sutton Park

Catherine Eastham writes:- There was a bit of nervous tension before the women’s race as despite this being one of the Belles strongest teams for years, and Heidi Cayzer being ready and available to race as travelling reserve (with the prospect of having to dash down to Dorking straight after for a wedding), there was a call from the proposed first leg runner, Sarah Murphy, to say she was stuck in road works on the M6 and might be a bit late. Team captain, Juliette Clark, as calm and composed as ever accepted the challenge of moving from fourth to first leg in a straight swap with Sarah, and in near perfect racing conditions the race was soon underway.

Stage 1

A women’s race this might be – but it isn’t a dainty affair for the ladies. First leg runners need to be aggressive, confident and most importantly have sharp elbows! One hundred and two runners set off at the stroke of midday with Juliette Clark tucked in amongst the middle of the pack. Preston’s Helen Clitheroe led the front runners home in 14:07 while Jules was expected 2 minutes later in the late 30’s. Ever reliable and in great form at present, Juliette did indeed bring the Belles home in 35th place – a perfect start.

1 H Clitheroe (Preston H) 14:07; 2 K Ramsey (Charnwood) 14:15; 3 H Dean (Hallam) 14:17; 35 J Clark (Belgrave H) 15.52.

Stage 2

Tilly Heaton has been a regular at the Nationals over the years and knows the course well. Tasked with pulling the Belles up a few places Tilly worked hard throughout the 4kms. Unfortunately suffering from a stomach cramp during the run it was harder for Tilly than anticipated. Still, she moved the Belles up to 32nd and recorded a time only 11 seconds slower than her course best. At the front Shaftesbury had a 44 second lead whilst Faye Fullerton (Havering M) and Lucy Elliott (Winchester) had pulled their clubs into top three contention.

1 J Wright (Shaftesbury) 14:32 28:58 (+3); 2 F Fullerton (Havering M) 14:32 29:42 (+17); 3 L Elliott (Winchester) 14:37 29:48 (+17); 32 M Heaton (Belgrave H) 16:14 32:06 (+3).

Stage 3

Despite being keen to do a fast first leg Birhan proved herself an outstanding team player by setting off on 3rd stage with the mission of catching as many ahead as possible. Birhan’s goal was to bring the Belles close to 20th position whilst also earning a fast enough time to get selected for the Ekiden Relays. The former she achieved and more, gaining 20 places for the Belles and pulling them into 12th spot. The latter she also achieved in style as, 7th fastest runner overall on the day, Birhan finally got the recognition from selectors she has been striving for all year. Shaftesbury maintained their lead up front whilst Dorchie Lee pulled Bristol up 3 places to feature in a medals position.

1 R Felton (Shaftesbury) 15:30 44:28 (0); 2 E Patel (Winchester) 15:31 45:19 (+1); 3 D Lee (Bristol & W) 15:21 45:20 (+3); 12 B Dagne (Belgrave H) 14:24 46:30 (+20).

Stage 4

With the Belles less than 2 minutes off the leaders and tough as nails Sarah Murphy fully warmed up and ready for the glory leg, the team manager could finally relax, confident that the team would feature in the top 15. Sarah’s grit and determination saw her dig deep into reserves, ignoring Hayley Yelling flying past in a last ditch challenge. With her family cheering on in support Sarah held off the challenge from Salford’s Bev Jenkins and maintained the team’s 12th position and helped to record the Belles 2nd fastest National’s time to date. A great finish and a great result for the Belles with the team finishing ahead of some big and local rivals. Well done girls and thanks to the many supporters along the course who helped cheer the team to such a good position.

Bristol’s Kate Reed had to clock the fastest leg of the day to bring Bristol into the lead and retain their gold medals. Despite missing Paula Radcliffe due to a late withdrawal from a cold, Bedford had a strong run to still claim bronze, with Shaftesbury just holding on for silver.

1 K Reed (Bristol & W) 13:56 59:16 (+2); 2 G Turtle (Shaftesbury) 14:57 59:25 (-1); 3 L Yelling (Bedford & Co) 14:09 59:29 (+1); 12 S Murphy (Belgrave H) 16:06 62:36 (0).

Fastest overall: 1 K Reed (Bristol & West AC, stage 4); 13:56; 2 H Clitheroe (Preston Harriers, stage 1) 14:07; 3 L Yelling (Bedford & County, stage 4) 14:09; 7 B Dagne (Belgrave H, stage 3) 14:24.

Restored from the club's earlier website, belgraveharriers.com, and published here as originally written.