St Neots Half Marathon 20 November 2011 Alistair Cooke reports: The striders were well represented in 2 long distance events this weekend, however the contrast between the two could not have been greater. Whilst the fast guys were enjoying the sun, sea, sand and soreness of running the Nice Marathon in France, the hardcore element of the Saffron Striders in Gemma, Simon and Al were to be seen (just about due to the fog) toughing it out with the St Neots half marathon. Weather conditions for this fast half-marathon course were ideal for the competitors (i.e. cold (9 to 10 degrees), not a drop of breeze (let alone wind), and enough of a pea-souper that it was hard to judge exactly where the next mile marker, crest of a hill or where the finish line was). Added to the fact this course enjoys pretty much a flat (mile 10 to 11) and then gradual downhill hill to the finish, it meant for some fast times. So with conditions and the course such as they were the Striders were not to be found wanting this day in St Neots. So we're pleased to report not 1, not even 2 but a veritable hattrick of Personal Bests with each of us knocking at least 2 minutes off our previous bests. A fantastic result all round and great to see Gemma appear in the top 6 of her age category!!!!