Bognor athletes are in the zone for D-Day and Downs races

The annual Worthing 10k attracted nearly 500 runners. Once again, and for the third year in a row, the Tone Zone runners had the largest team entry. Danny Mahoney finished first for the Tone Zone men in a time of 41min 3sec. He led from the start with son Louis Mahoney, who eventually finished third for the club. Tony Hancock continued to show he was on his way back to his best, finishing second for the men in 41.09. Debbie Ward continued her excellent form, crossing the finish line first for the ladies in 42.08, which also ranked her ninth overall. Experienced runner Stuart Thomson produced a 10k personal best. Even in testing conditions, four of the club’s other runners were rewarded with PBs. New runner Helen Trainer and Debbie Patching proved dedication is paying dividends in their improving times. Paul Coe and Glenn Penfold completed the list of the club runners gaining their best 10k times. The popular South Downs marathon and relay marathon took place from its customary start at Slindon College. The demanding route is always a great test for runners with plenty of steep hills to punish runners’ legs. The route follows the South Downs Way, concluding at the Queen Elizabeth County Park in East Hampshire. The day brought dry, warm clear conditions. Ian Culton was the lone runner for the full marathon finishing in 5.25. Zoe Northeast and Peter Chittenden competed in the half marathon finishing in 2.06 and 2.46 retrospectively. In the relay, the club had three teams of four and there was a ladies-versus-men team battle for the club. All four stages produced varied results but the men took advantage in the first two stages by opening up a lead of five minutes-plus. The ladies hit back in the final two sections, eventually winning the club challenge in 3.39.36 against the men’s 3.39.40s. The mixed team completed the event in 4.07. The D-Day 10k took place from its usual start at Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth. In slightly cooler conditions, Danny Mahoney again finished first for the club and sixth overall for the men. Youngster Jack Penfold continued with his impressive performances, coming in second for the Tone Zone men and second in his category. Veteran runner Roy Webb gained a first in his category with Sarah Baker and Natalie Rowland each gaining personal bests. Tone Zone times Worthing 10k: Danny Mahoney 41.03, Tony Hancock 41.09, Louis Mahoney 41.51, Debbie Ward 42.08, Ian Bayley 45.55, Stuart Thomson 47.35, Jonathan Clayton 47.51, Paul Coe 48.22, Jack Penfold 48.52, Felicity Paton 49.08, Glenn Penfold 50.11, Peter Lomax 51.46, Natalie Tribe 54.05, Helen Trainer 54.36, Paul Stevenson 54.45, Joan Woolley 55.25, Stephen Goddard 56.11, Pat Argent 56.17, Jacqui Salt 56.18, Roy Webb 57.08, Debbie Patching 57.41, Sarah Spurr 58.51, Peter Chittenden 1.02.04, Gemma Turner 1.03.36, Patricia Malone 1.03.36. South Downs Marathon Relay: Team One – Karen Harrison, Felicity Paton, Anna Enes & Louisa Proctor 3.38.36; Team Two – Ian Bayley, Colin Hiscock, Gary Pidgeon & Chris Gallagher 3.38.40; Team Three - Judith Bazeley, Laura Simmonds, Luke Simmonds, & Paul Westwood 4.07.10. Portsmouth D-Day 10k: Danny Mahoney 41.28, Jack Penfold 49.26, Glenn Penfold 50.22, Daniel Hughes 50.58, Grace Natoli 53.15, Roy Webb 55.29, Sarah Baker 55.29, Natalie Rowland 56.18, Jo Langrish 1.04.10, Derek Winslow 1.10.31.