*** HALSTEAD MARATHON 2006 - Female Course Record Broken! ***

Sarah Tucker of Springfield Striders broke the course record at the 12th Halstead Marathon on Sunday 14th May. As the 26th runner home, Sarah shaved almost a minute off the record with a time of 3:09:04 and received a £100 prize for her efforts.

296 runners started the race under overcast skies and in slightly cooler than predicted temperatures of around 15 degrees – good conditions for the time of year.

At the midpoint of the race, the male course record also looked like it would be beaten, but Alan Smalls of Colchester Harriers was unable to hold his pace and dropped a minute and a half from the record – still an outstanding time of 2:39:25.

Hundreds turned out to watch the race in the picturesque lanes between Halstead, Twinstead and Pebmarsh.

The event is organized by Halstead Road Runners. The club had ten runners with Phil Davies first home in 3:04:57 and in 20th place – a great result for Phil who has struggled with injuries over the last year and with few races under his belt.

First lady home for the club was the young and upcoming Rebecca Adams (just 20 years old), who finished in 3:40:46 and 15th lady, and in only her second marathon.

Gavin Allen was unable to repeat his fine London form (even considering the hills) and finished in 3:13:58.

Peri Collins completed her first marathon in 4:13:25, beating her target by 4 minutes. At 20 miles she was on for a sub four-hour marathon but had to battle the last 6 miles home - a valiant effort.

Once again the Halstead marathon included the Essex County Championships and the Road Runners Club Championships, highlighting the prestige of what is a small but well organized marathon.

Last year, over £1500 was raised for the Essex County Hospital Cancer Unit in Colchester. The club hopes to raise even more from this year's event.

Halstead's new Mayor, Helen Catley, was on hand to assist with the prize giving in her first civic event.

Halstead Road Runners would like to thank Martin Elms of Ben Shaws Anglia for sponsorship, the 1163 Colne Valley Squadron Air Training Core and 1st Halstead Scouts for their valuable support on the day, St. John's Ambulance, Halstead Town Council and importantly, all the marshals and volunteers that made the event possible and cheered the runners on.

Pictures and full results are available at www.HalsteadMarathon.co.uk

Full HRR Results:

Pos.	Time	Name
20	3:04:57	DAVIES, Phil
37	3:13:58	ALLEN, Gavin
69	3:26:25	WILMOT, Andrew
87	3:32:23	RIVERS, Terry
89	3:32:44	BIGGIN, Matt
121	3:40:46	ADAMS, Rebecca
143	3:50:33	MAJAKWARA, Eleanor
144	3:50:47	WARD, Paul
195	4:07:15	GREALY, Mike
209	4:13:25	COLLINS, Peri