Athletics round-up: Baldock Beast tamed by running clubs

In total there were 251 finishers for the event which starts and finishes at Clothall Green, using multi-terrain on its way through Wallington, Roe Green, Sandon and Redhill.

Fairlands Valley Spartans won the men's team competition thanks to the performance of Simon Fraser, Tony Randfield, John Harris and Marcus Ridley.

Fraser was the first of them to finish, a time of one hour 21 minutes 31 seconds placing him fourth, while Randfield and Harris were in the top 50.

Sam Maidens was the fastest female from the Spartans, beating two hours with 1:59:18, with Linda George the next FVS lady.

Sharon Crowley completed the 13 Spartans in the race, her first time over the course.

Stevenage Phoenix had three involved.

Lewis Green set a course PB of 1:47:00 while it was a PB and club record for Ashley Bates in 1:58:50.

Eleanor Williams took off a full nine minutes off her 2019 time, coming in with 2:36:38.

The North Herts Road Runners contingent numbered 20.

James Dalton was the first Squirrel across the line in 1:35:33 with Rachel Arnott enjoying a super race to finish third lady in 1:36:58.

Lucy O'Connor was running according to her London Marathon training plan and felt strong and happy throughout, finishing in 1:55:54.

That was just three seconds behind team-mate Eve Surridge and there were a further 11 from the club that dipped under the two-hour mark.

Fairlands Valley Spartans' annual presentation evening celebrated the best the club had to offer through 2022.

Held at the Cromwell Hotel, Andrew Patterson and Yuko Gordon took top honours as overall male and female champion, with the former also landing the club champion accolade.

Cathy Craig was voted Spartan of the year while Georgie Hooper and Derek Cornelius were the most improved Spartans.

David Scott, the FVS chairman, presented his award to Vicky Archer and the captains’ awards went to Nick Kleanthous and Jane Wadey for their participation in league events.