Twenty eight Heanor runners making up a total of seven teams turned out for the annual Derwent River Relays hosted by Belper Harriers at the weekend.

In addition to those competing along the three mile river route, we also had a number of future prospects taking part in the fun run prior to the main event.

The sun was at its scorching best to provide a real test for all involved. Our sole ladies team, comprising Rita Fisher (24:36), Carla Fox (29:28(, Laura Anne Robinson (22:49) and Karen O’Hanlon (29:10) finished 6th (and 55th overall).

English Schools-bound Lily Winfield took fastest female honours with a time of 19:11 before handing over to Danielle Smith (22:22), Harriet Bull (30:12) and Mollie O’Hanlon (21:44), who anchored the junior team home to top-spot.

Our men’s “A” team took the senior honours – finishing 2nd overall behind Clowne Road Rnners – as Tim Hollings (17:13), Ben O’Connell (17:21), Dean Taylor (17:45) and Steve Ashmore (18:15) all ran within sixty or so seconds of each other on the off-road riverside course.

A strong showing by our “B” team saw Matt Govan (19:30), Ian Duffin (18:32), Tony Weatherson (18:34) and Andy Parkin (19:10) secure a top-6 position. Ed Godber (20:33), Carl Hughes (20:24), Rob Page (20:08) and Ryan Ball (20:44) clocked super-consistent times to bring the “D” team home 14th.

Our “C” quartet managed a 41st-place finish despite an unfortunate tumble on the final leg. Myles O’Hanlon (21:25), Mark Wigman Scott (22:09), Steve Wardle (23:57) and Jeff Everett (26:43) soldiered on to a solid showing out of 59 complete teams.

Full results HERE