Runners were, literally, in hot pursuit at the Jon Ward Hereford 5K & Relays (Sunday 14 August) as they went hard and fast over one or two laps in the extreme heat. Host club Hereford Couriers RC scooped up the male team prize in the inaugural relay races. 

The relays were a new addition to the Jon Ward Hereford 5K and a successful one too, consisting of male/female/mixed teams of three runners who completed a 2.5K lap. Each team ran 3 laps in total or 7.5K and individual splits were recorded as well as the overall time. 

Runners started at 9am followed by the popular Jon Ward Hereford 5K at 10am on a chip timed, quick course comprised mainly of road apart from a short gravel track.  

There was lots of good racing and plenty of action from the relay teams that resulted in wins for the men’s team from Hereford Couriers RC in 25:15 and the women’s team Cheltenham & County Harriers in 30:54. The Tradies were the winning mixed team in 26:19. 

The action continued in the 5K. Dan Owen of Western Tempo RC claimed the crown in 15:31. Malachi Cashmore of Coach Coaction finished eight seconds behind in 15:39 and Eric Apperley of Croft Ambrey RC third in 16:14. 

Lauren Cooper of Parc Bryn Bach RC took top honours in the women’s race, finishing in 17:04. Donna Morris of Builth & District RC was second female in 17:27 and Emma Powell of Western Tempo RC third female in 19:54. 

View the complete set of results via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Profits from both races donated to mental health charity Mind. 

The relays made a winning pass at this memorial event with congratulations to everyone who beat the heat and achieved their goals.

Image courtesy of Croft Ambrey RC.