Half Marathon Relay 2006 Sunday afternoon saw the inaugural Saffron Striders’ Cross Country Relay. It was more of a social event than a race, open to Saffron Striders’ members. Teams of three were chosen based on their anticipated times, with the aim that all of the teams crossed the finish line at the same time. The predictions by John Howe & Nigel Coates proved to be pretty accurate with all of the teams finishing within a couple of minutes of each other. Striders’ veteran John Howe had plotted a testing half-marathon course, yet designed it in such a way to be suitable for members of all abilities. The runners had to navigate the route for themselves using a map, directions and sheet of photos detailing key turning points. Geoff Suckling, Janet Lipski, Paul Waters, Kathy Gunn and Paul Burgess ran the first legs for their respective teams on a cross country route from the Lord Butler Leisure Centre to Debden. The second leg stretched from Debden to Wimbish Church with John James, Robert Woodward, Nick Mahoney and Clare Parry taking the baton. Unfortunately, Paul Burgess’ second runner failed to show so Paul had to continue. Running two consecutive legs was even more impressive, when you consider that earlier that morning, Paul had competed in the tough 12 mile Fairlands Valley Challenge in Stevenage. The final leg from Wimbish Church back to the Lord Butler Leisure Centre was run by Margit Wendelberger-James, Carole Wigley, Gavin Long, Andy Bryant and John Howe. After a quick shower and change, the 20+ striders and their families relaxed at a summer BBQ late into the evening Gavin Long