James Baker continues remarkable Havant record and closes in on another parkrun milestone

The experienced Chichester Runners member is now within nine events of reaching 250 events.

And to mark parkrun number 241, Baker returned to the familiar surroundings in Havant to maintain a perfect record at the course.

On each of his 55 visits to the event, he has been the first to cross the finish line.

Baker’s opening taste of the Havant course came in July 2012 and he has been returning with great success ever since.

He clocked 16:55 on his latest visit to see him finish well clear of Denmead Striders’ Julian Manning in 18:30.

Meanwhile, Havant first timer Reef Page (Invicta East Kent AC) made up the top three (18:52) and Havant AC’s Alfie Moth was fourth (19:00).

Another Invicta East Kent member, Sarah Hall, had a first visit to Havant to remember – she was the first female to finish in 21:47.

In all, 268 runners completed the run – up on the course average of 207.

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It was nearly first time lucky for Nick Griffiths at the Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun.

The Denmead Striders runner, who was making his maiden appearance in an event, finished second in 19.37 behind Thomas Wallace (19:25).

Harry Harvey, who falls into the 11-14 age group category, has now completed an incredible 188 parkruns.

The Winchester & District AC member was third home at Lakeside in a new pb time of 19:42.

Harriet Burr (Havant AC) was the first female to finish (22:41).

The 195th Lakeside parkrun attracted 209 runners.

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A large field came out for the latest Southsea parkrun.

There were 560 finishers - just under 100 fewer than the course record number of 657.

City of Portsmouth's Mark Ferguson was the highest-placed local to finish in fourth (19.43).

Nicky Whitehead, a Southsea parkrun first-timer, was 19th and the first woman to finish in 20.31.

There was a good run from City of Portsmouth’s J11-14 member Mackenzie Van Laun, who was 25th in 21.07.

Showcasing the fact that parkrun events are for all ages, Ronald Clement – a veteran 80-84 years runner – took part in his fourth parkrun and clocked 45:01.