Chichester Runners and AC stalwart James Baker shows no signs of letting up when it comes to winning races. Just weeks after crossing the line in first place in the city’s 2019 half marathon for the ninth time, Baker dug deep in to his vast reservoirs of energy and experience and worked his magic once more in another event — this time finishing first in a race in Devon.
Baker secured a memorable victory in the Drogo 10-miler, which starts and ends at the historic Drogo Castle. The fleet-of-foot Baker — well known throughout the south and beyond for his grit and determination when it comes to getting over the line — coped well with a gloopy course, along the Teign Valley, which had been subject to more than its fair share of downpours before the event.
It was another fine success for the popular Baker who now must surely be eyeing an incredible TENTH victory in the Chichester half marathon this time next year. Can he win it? Can he set another record? What’s not even in doubt is that Baker will use every ounce of effort to match or better his time last time of asking of one hours 15 minutes and 28 seconds.
Meanwhile, another key figure in the running scene in the area is Keith Hardwell, who is a well-known and extremely popular running coach at the Tone Zone Runners.
And with recruitment in mind, Keith has been speaking about the club’s desire to attract new members for some winter training with a view to adding participants to events that will start to come up once again in the spring.
To that end Keith says the club, based in Bognor Regis but with members throughout West Sussex, is starting sessions for beginners with the aim to take part in the town’s prom race in May of next year.
He said:
“We will once again be looking for runners of any abilities on their joining night on Tuesday January 7th at 6pm. If you are a complete beginner we will be offering a structured run/walk program with the aim for you to run the Bognor Prom 10k in May.
“If you are able to run a few miles but looking to improve your mileage or times then please do feel free to come along also. We are a very friendly club and we have more than 200 members, so there is always someone with whom you can run. With 12 fully qualified UKA coaches that can help runners or beginners of all abilities. What are you waiting for? We look forward to seeing you soon.”
