LEIGH on Sea Striders have been out in force at a number of events.

Hare and Tortoise Blackwater Trial Half Marathon

Five Striders took on the Blackwater Trail Half Marathon.

Starting in Chelmsford the race followed the River Chelmer for the 13.1 miles, finishing on the sea wall at Heybridge Basin.

The route was tranquil with winding trails and fantastic scenery, however the recent rain made for plenty of mud and it was slippery and hard going in places.

Elisha Letley was the first Strider back in 23rd place and 2.17.20. Half marathon first timers Carrie Shaw and Angela Rowe were next in 2.29.13 and 2.29.38 respectively. Theresa Philips finished in 2.55.45 a few seconds ahead of Tim Ketterer in 2.56.20.

Carrie Shaw said “It was fantastic to be able to race again and a really enjoyable first half marathon.”

Hare and Tortoise Blackwater Trial Marathon

Meanwhile, David Ward decided to take on the full marathon distance of the event.

It took the same route as the half marathon but at Heybridge Basin, the marathon distance then continued along the Saltmarsh coastal footpath, past Goldhanger, out to the Wick Nature Reserve, Tollesbury, where it finished.

David finished in an impressive 11th place in a time of 4:55:39.

Peterborough Marathon

On Sunday four Striders took part in the Enervit Peterborough Marathon, a beautiful and scenic course around the city of Peterborough, which includes the embankment with the stunning Cathedral backdrop, Nene Park, and a cycle path along the River Nene.

Alex Childs was first back for Leigh in a PB of 2.59.27, and 54th overall. Just behind in 55th place was Peter Kerr in 2.59.37, another PB.

Peter Goldring finished in in 80th place in 3.09.04 and in 84th place was James Burns in another excellent time of 3.10.24, which was also a PB for him.