Thirteen-year-old George Mason (centre) won this year’s Herm Run in 17 minutes and 59 seconds. His brother, Edward, 10, and sister Eliza, seven, also took part. (0821382)
THE 29th annual Herm Run saw 62 runners braving the heat at the weekend for the three-mile event around the circumference of the island.
The overall winner was George Mason, who is only 13 years old. George came in 37 seconds ahead of the second place, a great achievement for such a young runner. The Grammar School pupil finished in 17 minutes and 59 seconds. It was the first time he had done the Herm Run, but he has been running for four years and is a member of the Guernsey Athletics Club.
Also running was George’s 10-year-old brother, Edward.
He finished in 20 minutes and 24 seconds, making him the first under-12 boy and ninth overall.
Sister Eliza, seven, finished in 26 minutes and 35 seconds, making her the first under-12 girl.
The first female across the line was Caroline Creed. She and her family have taken part in the race for the last four years. They stay at the Seagull campsite and make a weekend of it. Caroline finished in 23 minutes and 45 seconds.
She is also a member of the Guernsey Athletics Club, but no longer races as much as she used to.
‘I had an operation a few months ago, so now I just run to keep fit,’ she said. ‘I’m not as competitive as I used to be.’
Caroline is happy to hand down her legacy to children Adam and Jennifer.
First male resident was last year’s winner, Jonathan Bailey. He came third overall in 19 minutes, despite beating his own time from last year. This is the fourth time Jonathan has won this particular trophy.
He was followed closely by residents Matt Nichols and Michael Pretorius.
First female resident was Ina Sattlinger, despite the fact that she only took part in order to accompany a hotel guest who was too young to run alone.
The under-11 resident trophy was taken by Charlie Knight for the second year. He finished in 27 minutes and 40 seconds.
The prize for under-16 boy went to Alex Stewart, who was the first under-12 boy last year.
And there was a special prize for the youngest runner, five-year-old Katy Robinson-Carmichael.
Pete Wickins, who finished sixth, first did the race in 1976, when it was first opened up to non-residents.
He came back this year to run with sons Rich and Rory.
Yet again the volunteer organisers and marshalls did a great job of making sure everything ran smoothly and that everyone, not just the winners, went away happy for another year.
Article posted on 14th August, 2009 - 3.56pm
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