25 September 2018

Autumn arrived in dramatic style on the first weekend of racing for the senior boys as the wind and rain beat down over much of the country overnight. Throughout the early morning the 10km course, that snakes along the Thames and ends with a punishing hill just 800m before the finish line, became more slippery and tough going in places. Fortunately the clouds parted and it remained relatively dry for the race. 

Abingdon has enjoyed a strong set of results at Longworth over the years with many past winners and course record holders. This year proved no exception with old Abingdonian Jonty de la Harpe, who holds the junior course record, winning this year's senior race in a time of 38 minutes 28s. Matthew Kunov crossed the line in 8th position as the fastest U18 runner in a time of 43 minutes 31s. Oliver Elly just missed out on a top 10 finish but shows good early season fitness having recently come back from a calf strain. Mr Poon and Yazan Odeh had an excellent battle on the final hill before the finish line, with Mr Poon ending up victorious on this occasion. 

Well done to all those that competed. 

Abingdon Placings

1st: Jonty de la Harpe (OA) – 38.28
2nd: Mr E Birkbeck – 40.46
8th: Matthew Kunov – 43.31
11th: Oliver Elly – 44.03
20th: Kiran Gathani – 45.37
26th: Mr M Poon – 47.30
27th: Yazan Odeh – 47.42
38th: Nathan Hudson – 50. 07

Photo credit: Barry Cornelius

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