The results from the CC6 at Janesmoor Pond were as follows.
| CC6 Finishers | |
| Women | Men |
| 11th Tam Ryan | 24th Christopher Brown |
| 16th Lynda Brown | 33rd Neil Jennings |
| 19th Becky Tovey | 49th Duncan Walling |
| 26th Jo Weguelin | 57th John Quayle |
| 32nd Penny Jennings | 95th Derek Kelly |
| 37th Julia Abab | 98th David Nixon |
As the festive season approaches, the Keyworth Turkey Trot, half marathon took place last weekend, organised by the local Scouts. The race you imagine is a gentle affair by the name, however, the course is a single circuit, all on road, starting and finishing in the village of Keyworth, South Nottinghamshire. Runners pass through the undulating rural scenery and villages of the Wolds, in what was described as a challenging event. Romsey’s Matt Hammerton finished in 5th place in a time of 1hr 16m 15secs.
A trio of Romsey ladies: Wendy Couper, Anna Duignan, Gill Gallus participated in the 10K Endurance Life event from Lulworth Cove, Dorset, last weekend. The event was graded as “extreme” and according to 3 RRR, that was a ‘very good description’. ‘The Jurassic Coast path is amazing to run along and very undulating’, said Couper afterwards. The 10k stage of this event takes runners up 1200 feet of ascent, offering some stunning views of the fabulous Jurassic coast.
The trio performed stonkingly very well, claiming the first 3 places in the FV60 category. First back was Anna Duignan in 1.25.23, followed by Wendy Couper in 1.30.44 and Gill Gallus 1.35.40 3rd FV60. The winning trio put their fine performance down to the conditions on the day, which were very good underfoot and the weather was extremely kind, staying dry.
Duncan Walling ran the longer distance in the Dorset Coastal trail coming 171st with a time of 03:27:03 saying, ‘That was tough!’
Hello to all fellow Romsey Road Runners! It is a pleasure and a privilege to become Chair of such a fantastic club. I’ve been a member for nearly five years since moving to Romsey and it was a great way to learn about all the back streets and surrounds of Romsey. And still is as our new Abbotswood run proved the other week! Romsey Road Runners is my first running club, although I ran for a number of years before moving here, and like many others I was a little daunted about the prospect of joining a running club. I needn’t have worried. All the people were really friendly from that first Thursday evening right through to today. It’s one of the things that makes this club special – that runners camaraderie we have no matter what your running motivation or ability.
I need to say thank you to Paul Bradley who has been a fantastic Chair for the club for the past six years. I hope I can live up to this tough act to follow. I look forward to working with you all and the committee to keep this club as the vibrant, exciting, friendly and ambitious club that it is.
Tony King
The latest issue of Relay, our club newsletter, is now available! You can view Relay online, or for those who have opted to receive a paper copy they will be ready for collection at club sessions, those unable to collect with have their copy posted.
Sunday 24th November saw the Boscombe 10k take place. A total 543 runners completed the popular 10k route organised by Bournemouth Joggers, a ladies only running club. The route is essentially a flat urban run in Bournemouth, ideal for mixed abilities. The Romsey finishers were John Quayle 46:02 and Charlotte Maslen 59:58.
Romsey Road Runner Di Cross headed to 1000 Lakeside last Sunday for the first race in City of Portsmouth Athletic Club’s popular Lakeside 5k Series. Conditions for the Prologue – an additional three-lap race held for the first time this season in aid of Hilsea Lido, the race’s HQ – were good: chilly but dry with little wind. Di finished in 23:05, just short of a PB, in 69th place overall, 13th woman home and first in category.
The overall winner was James Baker of Chichester Runners, who finished in an inspirational 15:33. Subsequent races in the six-race series will be held on Wednesday evenings, starting in April.
Sunday 1st December saw the 3rd of the series of seven local winter cross country races, held at Badger Farm, Winchester. This event was organised by the Winchester, Southampton AC and Southampton Running Sisters clubs.
The route took runners from Whiteshute Ridge out to a loop of Oliver’s Battery and back. Conditions were dry and going was good to firm under foot with the lack of recent rain.
Congratulations to the Romsey women who won the event!
| CC6 Finishers | |
| Women | Men |
| 3rd Shantha Dickinson | 22nd Christopher Brown |
| 7th Tam Ryan | 30th Neil Jennings |
| 12th Lynda Brown | 38th Steve Reed |
| 15th Becky Tovey | 42nd Jim Wright |
| 20th Jo Weguelin | 53rd John Quayle |
| 29th Penny Jennings | 92nd Derek Kelly |
| 33rd Julia Abab | |
| 63rd Deborah Rees |
Sunday 17th November saw the annual Gosport Half Marathon starting along Browndown Road, near to Bay House School, Gosport. A total of 1,700 runners circumnavigated the former HMS Daedaelus Airfield – not once but twice before being buffeted along the sea front at Lee on Solent for 2 miles before heading inland for the home straight along Portsmouth Road towards the finish.
The race has a reputation for delivering personal bests as it is flat as a dab; however, offshore sea breezes can always put pay just before runners turn inland for the final mile and a half. Romsey finishers were:- Christopher Stocks 1.40.06, Joanna Weguelin 1.48.13, Alison Soloman 2.02.33, June Bromyard 2.13.07, Lisa Ashdown 2.13.23 and Wendy Yelland 2.17.24.
Christopher Stocks also saw action on the 5th November, completing a 5km parkrun in 21.14 to secure a personal best.
Finally, Romsey Runners turned out in force at a social event on Friday 15th November at the annual awards evening, held at Ampfield Golf Club. Prizes and accolades were haled upon those displaying determination, talent and commitment to the club and fellow runners. Food, fun and a decent amount of dancing also took place.
Pictured:
This weeks racing highlight for Romsey Road Runners was the organising and supporting of the second cross country race of the CC6 series at Kings Enclosure, Stoney Cross with fellow Halterworth Harriers.
A total of 77 ladies and 117 men turned up on a bright sunny Sunday morning to complete two laps of a gravel and forest track course looping through the enclosure. Rain during the week and heavy down pours on the preceding day had made conditions muddy underfoot, adding to the fun and excitement of completing the undulating 6.5 km course. All runners were cheered on by the many marshals from both clubs who stood at strategic positions along the route to avoid anyone getting lost.
The race was won by Tottons, Nick Buis and first lady home was Valeria Sesto from New Forest Runners. Romsey fielded a ladies and mens team and stand in 7th position after the second race.
RRR Ladies: Shantha Dickinson 5th, Tam Ryan 14th, Lynda Brown 17th, Becky Tovey 19th. RR Men: Ian Nixon 3rd, Toby Burrows, 14th, Christopher Brown 24th, Neil Jennings 39th and Steve Reed 54th.
A pair of Romsey Road Runners braved mud and high winds to complete The Stickler – aka the Dorset 3 Peaks Challenge on Sunday 27th October. Overnight rain cleared giving runners a sunny but breezy start. The wonderfully scenic 10-mile route, which starts at Shillingstone near Blandford Forum, takes in some glorious countryside, a hill fort, and three steep climbs. The highest, less than a mile from the start, involved a 800ft climb, and is followed by Hod Hill at about 500ft and Hambledon at just over 600ft.
With a cut-off time of 21/2 hours, the field was pursued by the terrifying spectacle of the Grim Sweeper, who turned back those who didn’t reach the halfway point in 75 minutes. Mark Adams and Di Cross avoided his attentions, finishing in 1hr 31mins and 1hr 45mins respectively. This was the second time Di has completed the course, shaving 13mins off her 2010 time.
Just under 30,000 people took to the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea to participate in the Bupa Great South Run, on Sunday 27th October. There was a strong contingent of RRR, 9 in total. They battled against the strong winds, especially throughout the last 2 miles of the course which took runners alongside the sea front. Thankfully, the weather remained dry.
First home was Christopher Stocks in a time of 1:16:13 and first Romsey lady was Becky Tovey, finishing in 1:22:00. They were followed by Andrew Archibald 1:22:48, Stuart Mullen 1:21:17, Sarah White 1:23:00, Colin Wood 1:30:46, Alison Solomon 1:46:09, Lindsey Dunford 1:47:38 and Wayne Windebank, in just under the 2 hour mark (1:59:25).
And finally, the duo of Paul Burnage and Frank Ourique completed the Lordshill 10 mile road race last Sunday. A flat course set in southern Test Valley is now well established, attracting 500 or so local runners. The route is pleasant and well organised, consisting of distinct parts, taking in part of the Broadlands Estate but also includes a lap around the Nursling Industrial Estate. Runners finish on muddy grass of 5 Acres, Redbridge Lane, cheered on by family and friends. Paul Burnage finished in 1:15:13 and Frank Ourique in 1.28.26.
The club will be holding its AGM on Wednesday 6 November 2013, 7.30pm at Crosfield Hall. All members are invited to attend and have their say on Club matters, as well as vote in new members of the Committee. The draw for the Club’s London Marathon places will also take place at the AGM, and the evening will round off with tea and pizza!
The rain stayed away during the Minstead Stinger on Sunday. This local event organised by Totton Running Club starts at Ocknell Campsite, Stoney Cross in the New Forest. The undulating route takes runners on a 10 mile course made up of forest trail and track and throws in a stream crossing near the finish, guaranteeing wet feet all round.
Finishing in 3rd place overall and 1st Senior Male was Toby Burrows, he was followed by Neil Jennings 1:13:56, Stuart Cripps 1:28:48, Joanna Weguelin 1:29:01, Penny Jennings 1:31:53 and finally in little over 2 hours, Naomi Farrington.
Slightly further afield, Stuart Liesnham completed the Abingdon Marathon in a time of 4:13:39. Starting and finishing on the track at Tilsey Park, runners were greeted by a number of spectators in the stand alongside the track raising sprits as runners completed the last 400 metres, making up for the intermittent rainy conditions. Many runners were cheered on and were awarded with a personal best.
Mark Stileman took part in the first Hampshire Cross Country League race of the season. The race was held at Reading and Mark finished 10th M40, 72nd overall.
And finally, 3 RRR’s participated in the Thruxton Mass Attack Duathlon. The event took place on the Thruxton race track and comprised of a 5km run, 35km bike ride and final 5km bike ride using the wide, smooth tarmac track – free of all motorised traffic, just those on foot and bike to be negotiated. Tamatha Ryan 1hr 42mins, Chris Stocks 1hr 44mins and Becky Tovey 1hr 45mins.
Tam Ryan and Wayne Windebank recently competed in the Ferndown Sprint Triathlon, consisting of a 400m pool swim, a 11.5 mile bike ride on an out and back road course and finishing with a 5k run made up of 4 laps around the sports field and multi surface pitches at the Ferndown Leisure Centre.
It was Wayne’s first triathlon and only Tam’s second yet she finished 9th lady in a time of 1:55:22. A total of 161 competed in what must be one of the last triathlons of the year, with the winter duathlon season about to start.
Elsewhere, Hardley Runners organised the Solent Half Marathon. This is a picturesque single lap road race starting from Gang Warily Community Centre. It takes runners out towards Beaulieu and then to Exbury and the coast at Lepe, where runners are greeted by crisp sea breezes before heading inland via Fawley and back to Gang Warily. Romsey’s Stuart Cripps finished in 1:48:23.
The club has two entries for the London Marathon next year. If you are unsuccessful with your ballot entry and want to be considered for one of the club places, please drop Amanda an email and hand in your rejection slip to one of the Committee members. Please note in the email or mark on the slip whether you have run the London Marathon before.
The draw to allocate these places will take pace at the AGM on 6th November.
The last week has been a busy one for Romsey Runners, a mix of triathons, half marathons and full marathons scattered all over the place. First, Tam Ryan completed in her first triathlon and won her age category, in 1.16.23 seconds. The Southampton Fast Twitch Triathlon, is a sprint tri consisting of a 400m pool swim, 12.78 mile bike ride and 3 mile run out and back from Applemore Leisure Centre in the New Forest. Also finishing was fellow club member, Jo Weguelin in 1:24:03.
The Clarendon Way half and full marathon took on Sunday 6th October and was unusually dry underfoot. Starting from Salisbury for the full marathon and Broughton for the half participants follow the Clarenden Way cross country to Winchester. The route is undulating but rewarded with stunning views.
First home was Neil Jennings in 1:41:13, followed by Penny Jennings 1:58:23, Hannah Richardson 2:05:29, Ken West 2:07:29, Alice Lane 2:15:25, Robert Gold 2:41:11. Mark Stileman completed the marathon distance,coming in 3rd place overall in a very impressive 3:11:05.
The Great Scottish Run Half Marathon attracted 29,000 runners including Romsey’s own Anna Duignan. Starting in George Square in the centre of Glasglow, runners headed out and crossed the Clyde before heading back to Glasgow Green. Competitors past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Riverside Museum, Finnieston Crane, Clyde Arc, the new Hydro venue, and Bellahouston Park. Anna finished in 2:10:47 and raising money in support of Cancer UK.
And finally, 6 RRR’s took part in the Wiggle New Forest Sportive 70 Mile Cycle Ride. Riders could chose routes of 41, 70 and 102-miles around the New Forest National Park. Around 6,000 cyclists signed up for the Hampshire event, selling it out well in advance of the day. Ian Ralph completed the 70 mile distance in 4 hrs 22 mins, Paul Cutbill, Hannah White, Tam Ryan, Becky Tovey and Sarah White all finished together in 4 hrs 43 mins, whilst Jimmy Hunt completed the 100 mile distance in 5 hours 28mins.
The Test Way Relay took place on 14th September. Organised by Totton Runners and transcending the Test Way, this off road event is very popular with local running clubs. A total of 8 runners; male, female or a mix team complete 8 legs of distances varying between 7.1 km to 11.2 km. The event starts at Inkpen Beacon early in the morning and runners head south, finishing leg 8 in Totton.
The Romsey mixed team finished 3rd in a total time of 5 hours 40 minutes and 59 secs; behind Stubbington finishing 2nd and Totton who were the winners.
Taking part in the New Forest half marathon a week later were Christopher Stocks, completing the course in 1:49:33 and Max Dawson in 2:21:34. Finishing the full marathon was Elaine Armstrong in just over the 4 hour mark in 4:06:51. The weather was warm and humid; with little breeze, perfect for a long Sunday run with friends through the picturesque New Forest. This undulating route starts and finishes from New Milton with loops out to Sway and Burley on-route.
Lynda Brown ran the Eton Man 10k – a fast flat course around Dorney Lake, at the Eton Rowing Club in a personal best. Lynda finished in 44:12, securing her in 3rd place lady and 1st in age category.
Also out competing, Jimmy Hunt finished the New Forest Middle Distance Triathlon (half Ironman) in 4 hrs 55 minutes, finishing 19th in a field of 230. Hunt completed a 1.9km open water swim, followed by 56miles on 2 lap route around the northern part of the New Forest, taking in Fordingbridge, Rockbourne and Sandleheath and ended with a tough and undulating out-and-back run of 13.9 miles on bridleways.
Kick off those trainers and peel off the Lycra, it’s nearly time to don dancing shoes and party gear for our Annual Awards Night. This year, we’ll be teeing-off at …Ampfield Golf and Country Club Winchester Road, Ampfield, Romsey SO51 9BQ, Friday 15 November at 7pm (for 7.30pm).
Ticket price will be £25 per person (partners welcome), which will include a three-course meal in the club’s restaurant. See the booking form for menu choices and the Social Events page for further details.
Five Romsey Road Runners headed to Portsmouth last Sunday for the Victory 5, hosted by Portsmouth Athletics Club. Arriving in sunshine, the sky had clouded over before runners started the five mile race with a lap of the running track at Mountbatten Leisure Centre. From here, the course headed out alongside the lake before looping round and then heading back, by which time runners faced a strong head wind. The course finished as it began, with a 400m lap of the running track.
Chris Stocks was the first Romsey runner to finish, placed 189th overall and 19th in category (MV45) in a time of 35:22. Lynda Brown came in next in 35:38, a personal best, 197th overall and 13th in category (Senior Female). Mark Adams, still recovering from injury – and not helped by a collision with a bike in the final mile – came in alongside Lynda in 198th (35:36). They were followed by Di Cross, who ran a personal best in 38:33 and was pleased to be placed 2nd in category (FV50). The final finisher for the club was new member Kirsty Saxton, who had a good run to finish in 41:44.
In contrast to the smooth surfaces of Portsmouth, The Bounder sees runners scurry across the undulations of the lovely Test Valley and is described as ‘challenging’. This nine mile trail race, organised by the Broughton Bounders Running Club, is now in its third year and attracts a good many local runners including four from Romsey.
Matt ‘The Bounder’ Hammerton won the race for a third consecutive year, finishing in 54:12, a little outside the course record which he set in 2012. Fellow Romsey runner, Toby Burrows, finished in second place in 59:58. Becky Tovey and Naomi Farrington completed the Romsey contingent in 1 hour 21 and 1 hour 50 respectively.
Finally, Chris Stocks was on a roll this the weekend, completing the Eastleigh Park Run (5km) on Saturday in a personal best of 21:51, using it as a warm up for the Victory 5 miler.
On Sunday 8 September, Six Romsey Road Runners entered the local Valley Leisure Triathlon (VLT), stretching the length of the Test Valley and organised by Valley Leisure. Participants completed 3 disciplines, including a 600m indoor swim at Andover Leisure Centre, a 30km cycle ride down the Valley of the River Test from Andover to The Rapids in Romsey, and a final run to the Knightwood Leisure Centre totalling 7.5 km.
The cycle ride was undulating following quiet lanes to the west of the river and the run was largely flat and on road, taking runners along Botley Road, through North Baddesley and onto Castle Lane. There was an unusually cold start to the day, with a downpour of rain on the undulating cycle ride making riding conditions difficult for some through the standing water, however the sun did appear on occasions for later riders.
First home for Romsey Road Runners and achieving first overall place in the Woman’s category was Becky Tovey in a time of 1:51:05. Chris Stocks was the first Romsey man in a time of 2:03:55, which included the time taken for the extra 4 swim lengths he swam by mistake! He was followed by Alice Lane 2:07:48, Joanna Weguelin 2:09:46, Derek Kelly 2:11:06 and Julia Abab 2:21:40.
Jimmy Hunt was also competing but in Henley-on-Thames, taking on Challenge Henley – an ‘Ironman’ distance triathlon. Hunt, competing in his first Ironman, finished in a remarkable time of 10:45:45, finishing in 39th place out of a field of 356 competitors.
The triathlon consisted of a 3.8 km swim, a 112 mile bike ride and finished off with a run of marathon distance, 26.2 miles. Hunt’s split times were impressive; the swim was completed in 1.21.50, followed by a cycle ride lasting nearly 6 hours (5.51.56) and to cap it off, Jimmy completed the marathon in 3:19:50. The marathon time alone is impressive, but as this followed two other disciplines back to back it showed great endurance.
The latest issue of Relay, our club newsletter, is hot off the press! You can view Relay online, or for those who have opted to receive a paper copy they will be ready for collection at club sessions until 12 September, after which any remaining will be posted. Happy reading!
A total of 13 Romsey Road Runners travelled to Catton Park, Staffordshire, for the Thunder Run 24 hour event on the weekend of 27th July and 28th July.
The TR24 course is a 10km cross-country circuit set in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside. The track twists and turns across varied terrain from bogs and forests to steep hills and open fields. Individuals or teams run laps over a 24 hour period to see just how many they can complete – demonstrating endurance or just plain madness?
RRR entered a mixed team of 5 consisting of Toby Burrows, Matt Hammerton, Jimmy Hunt, Ian Ralph and Tam Ryan. All finishing 6 laps (60km) except Burrows who did 70km, starting and finishing for the team. A live leader board was discovered early on, showing the Romsey team of 5 in the lead; the pressure was then on to stay there for the duration.
The race started at 12 midday when the weather was really hot and sunny, but by early evening the heavens opened and a monsoon coupled with thunder and lightening ensued until dawn. Continue reading
Members can keep up to date with club matters, informal sessions such as Saturday runs, social events and car shares to races by using the club Google Group. Once you are approved as a member of the Group you can post your own club-related messages and receive emails when new messages have been posted. Find out how to join the RRR Google Group.