Race Report by Jed Turner

On 4th July Chris Ireland set a new club record of 19.20 at the Donfaster 5k. I clocked 19.55.
We both assumed that the next Donfaster 5k on October 3rd would be the rematch, but
circumstances meant the rematch was brought forward to the 6th September for the No
Walk in the Park 5k in sunny Chesterfield. To be honest I had assumed 19.20 was probably
beyond me, but nonetheless I was hoping for a quick time.

Jed explaining how to execute a sprint finish

I set off behind Chris with the tactic of trying to stay with him as long as possible, but just
after 2k his strength told and he started to pull away, forging a lead of around 50 metres. I
dug in and realised that from 3k to 4k the gap had not grown, and I started to wonder if it
was possible to close the gap. I waited until we got over the hill and started the descent to
increase my speed and very quickly closed the gap passing Chris with about 600m to go.

Shortly after I suddenly slowed, realising I had overcooked it, and Chris was coming back
again, but as we turned the bend and the finish line in sight, I kicked again, finishing in
19.19.6, with Chris clocking 19.26.4.

I had equaled the club record. It would be nice to share this record with Chris.

Striders Results: