HARLOW based members of both Latton Runners and Newham Essex Beagles put in some top performances at the Retreat 5k trial race at Chigwell Row.

A clean sweep for the ladies saw Jackie Socas (20min 30sec), Leah Brookes (20min 48sec) and Ravenna Brown (21min 53sec) claim the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

Further success came in the shape of Elaine Ochiltree who finished first in the veterans category in 25min 4sec.

Overall race winner, after a close battle between three runners, was Ben Hellmers who recorded a superb 17min 14sec.

16-year-old Ben Stewart again proved his potential by taking sixth in 19min 51sec. The junior event over a 2800m course saw a very strong run from Phillipa Haines, 14, who was the first girl home in 10min 29sec and was hotly pursued by Kathrine Foy in second place in 10min 56sec.

Sam Hellmers took silver in the boys race with a time of 10min 29sec, while Ben Stewart again showed promise finishing in 13min 16sec.

June 27, 2002 10:30