WHILE observing Government directions Hereford Couriers took part in their first ever ‘virtual’ National Road Relay Championships (VNRRC).
This year’s virtual replacement for the England Running Association national relays had over 5,000 competitors and for the first time, every club in Britain could ‘run’ the National Road Relay using the online platform Strava.
The competition was fierce with many of the UK’s best road runners taking part and Hereford Couriers were flying the flag for Herefordshire.
In the men’s 12-stage relay, the Couriers finished in 92nd place in a time of 3:44.39.
Ben Skinner recorded the quickest time of 17.16.
Skinner was joined by Jake Underhill (17.39), Barry Reynolds (17.42), Dean Jones and Andy Tyler (17.49) who all went under the 18 minute barrier.
Will Maul (18.00), Darren Broady (18.07), Liam Tosh (18.18) and Paul Jones (18.49). Jon Edwards (20.38), Graeme Walker (20.59) and Mark Hookins (21.33) to make the 12-man team.
The Couriers men’s veteran team of Underhill, Reynolds, Tyler, Tosh, Jones and Walker finished in 34th place in a time of 1:51.16.
The women’s six-stage event saw the club’s side finish in 83rd place in an overall time of 2:13:59.
The first Courier was the ever improving Izzy Axford who finished in 21.09.
She was joined by Sheryl Evans (21.50), Izzie Seal (22.01), Kerry Wathen (22.31), Becky Eversham (23.03) and Aisling Freeth (23.25).
Other club members who supported the club and got involved were: Bronwen Tyler-Jones (24.32) Jake Cullum-Hollins (24.51), Paul Gilbert (26.28) & Stephen Hobson (30.15).
The event has raised more than £7,000 for NHS charities and turned out to be a much needed focus for the club’s runners.
The Couriers continue to run their online #keepherefordshirerunning challenge last week which saw 36 runners from all across Herefordshire compete in the 30 minute time trial.
This week the winners were the runners to cover the furthest distance.
In the men’s challenge David Bannister, from Ledbury, covered a fantastic 5.01 miles to take first place.
He was followed by Hereford Couriers’ duo Jake Underhill (4.86) and Ben Skinner (4.77).
In the women’s challenge Laura Tootell (Wye Valley Runners) covered the furthest distance of 4.25 miles.
Second was Hereford & County youngster Eva Tyler (3.72) with Abi Knight (3.66) in third.
