The ideal racing conditions produced a personal best time for Peter Benjamin, who was slightly disappointed only to remove two minutes off his best with 1.24.06, but pleased with 40th place .

Malcolm Shutt and Bob Wallace dipped under 90 minutes, with Jim King then producing a 20-minute best for 1.50.13.

Linda Hinshelwood was very pleased with 2.03.33, seven minutes faster than before.

Tim Williams ran the Marlow Half, quite a different course to Harrow in being hilly and picturesque. This fine run deserved more runners, but the desired sub two-hour run was compromised by the hills, and Williams finished in 2.02.52.

Meanwhile, Nick Bird went in search of Paul Emery's fastest 10km this year at the flat Feltham road race, and was pleased to break 40 minutes, though this was a little off Emery's best.

A lack of marshalls sent the leaders on an extra km, leaving Bird one short of the podium in fourth with 39.58.

* Watford Joggers will be staging their Autumn Challenge on Sunday, November 11, a challenging but picturesque five-mile multi-terrain race around Whippendell Woods and Cassiobury Park.

The event starts at 11am and costs £4 for individuals, £3 if a member of an affiliated running club, or £20 for a team of between six and ten.

Sunday's race will incorporate a leg of the Herts Sunday Cross Country League, and a large field is expected, but the slower runner is very welcome and encouraged to participate.

Race headquarters will be at the Sun Postal Sports and Social Club in Bellmont Wood Avenue. There are entries available on the day at £5.

November 6, 2001 16:37