Belles win gold at South of Thames Championship race, Bels take silver

The club was shown in its very best light at the South of Thames Championship in December, with over 50 Belgravians past and presen either competing or marshalling. The club hosting this event on Wimbledon Common for the first time since 2013. Nearly 300 runners, the largest turnout in this event for some years, were treated to a warm and sunny day. 

The women's team won gold for the fifth successive year, with Emily Bradley a fine bronze just ahead of Ruby Whyte-Wilding who was fourth in a very competitive race. Saron Haileselase was the next finisher in seventh. The men were second to a very strong Tonbridge team. Sam Sommerville had an excellent  run in 4th place, so unlucky to just miss out on a medal. Jonny Neville and Conall McNally finished in the top 20.

Results

Women. 3. E. Bradley 46:43, 4. R. Whyte-Wilding 47:25, 7. S. Haileselase 49:24, 11. E, Hide 51:46, 12. S. Munday 51:53, 13. L. Goodson 52:05, 15. E. Fitz-Hugh 52:19, 17. E. Bowden 53:20, 18. S. Riceman 53:28, 37. S. Ridmy 59:38.

Teams. 1. Belgrave 49, 2. Herne Hill 94, 3. Kent AC 134.

Men. 4. S. Sommerville 40:57, 14. J. Neville 43:28, 18. C. McNally 43:41, 21. A. Johnstone 44:04, 22. O. Garrod 44:08, 26. D. Wolff 44:37, 29. R. Kelly 44:42, 30. J. Preston 44:43, 42. R. Christie 45:54, 43. M. Edgar 46:02, 60. T. Gifford 47:40, 72. P. Robinson 48:35, 111. R. Talfourd-Cook 51:16.

Teams. 6 to score: 1. Tonbridge 51, 2. Belgrave 105, 3. G & G 161.  12 to score: 1. Tonbridge 247, 2. Belgrave 381, 3. G & G 648.