Running: Watson makes the Park grade (From Gazette & Herald)

Running: Watson makes the Park grade

2:40pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Sport

STEVE WATSON scored the highest “age grading” of the 18 Pickering Running Club members that took part in the weekly five-kilometre Park Run on Knavesmire in York.

These gradings, which takes a runner’s age and gender into account for an overall rating, are provided at Park Runs and Watson scored 78 per cent, proving he is coping very well with his advancing years.

Both he and Jayson Cavill, as expected, made sure they were part of the leading group in the 173-strong field.

Cavill maintained his pace well to pick off places late on and claim third place overall in a cracking time of 17 minutes 29 seconds. Watson continued his good form and also came through strongly for an excellent fifth in 18-03.

This race was designated a Club League Championship event, so the Pickering runners were racing each other for points.

Mike Wilson and Richard Todd set a fast pace from the start with several club-mates in hot pursuit. Andy Harvey reeled in the pace-setters in the middle part of the race and strode on to a good time of 20-40. Todd (20-47) and Wilson (20-59) stayed on well, although they were nearly caught in the closing stages by an impressive late surge from Kim England (21-04).

Brian Reed (22-29) oozed confidence, Tess Roebuck (22-49) sprinted for the line, and Steve Hampshire (22-50) was close behind in his vibrant shorts.

Sue Slack moved well, although there was some dispute about her finish time. She was awarded 25-00 in the final reckoning. Rebecca Bruce (25-48) averaged a good pace, Philly Hare (26-07) coped well on her least favoured surface, and Sally Brown (27-19) performed well. More suited to a longer course, Hilary Turner clocked 31-20.

Pickering's Park Race veterans finished close to each other – Stephanie Fahey in 29-03, Sally Raines looking comfortable in 30-05, Marian Bets in 31-39, and Ailish Lilley in 32-24.