Saturday was a busy day for Running2London athletes. In Wollongong, Jeff Hunt, James Nipperess and Emma Rilen all competed for their clubs at the annual NSW road relays, while Bridey Delaney competed overseas at the KBC Night of Athletics in Belgium.
In the open mens relay, James led the field on the first leg of the four leg relay. James ran confidently at the front, pulling away from the field at the beginning of the second lap and never looked like being caught. He produced what is expected to be one of the fastest times of the day, clocking an estimated 11:20 to continue his great form this winter. James' club, Sydney University, went on to claim the bronze medal after dropping out of medal contention, then clawing their way back onto the podium.
For the second time this season, Jeff has anchored the Randwick Botany Harriers team to a commanding victory. At the start of the final leg, Jeff had an unassaible lead of close to a minute, and was able to race to victory unopposed. Jeff's estimated split was 11:20 and it was enough to extend Randwick Botany's lead at the finish to one minute and 48 seconds. (note: official mens splits have yet to be confirmed by Athletics NSW)
In a welcome return to competition, Emma showed she still has what it takes to be a great distance runner. Running very strongly on the first leg in the open womens relay, Emma pushed the pace to record one of her fastest times ever on the course (13:19). She led the field in a fantastic front-running performance, indicative of her talent as a tough competitor. Hopefully, we will see Emma producing the same form she had in the 2005/06 track season, where she recorded 15:49.25 and 15:45.46 and just missed selection in the 2006 Commonwealth Games team.
Overseas, at the KBC Night of Athletics, Bridey competed over 1500m posting a 4:16.26 to finish 12th. Bridey will be racing next over 800m in Liege, Belgium on 13 July.
