November 2013 - Romsey Road Runners

Results Roundup

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:

Lynda Brown – Ladies’ Pentathlon
Hannah White – Romsey Road Runner of the Year
Di Cross – Veterans’ Pentathlon
Liz Slade – Chairman’s Award
Christopher Brown – Winter Cross Country
Paul Bradley – presented with a tankard, he is standing down after 6 years as the club chairman
Wayne Windebank – Men’s Pentathlon
Derek Jennings (on behalf of Neil Jennings) – Sally Sillence Trophy
Tamatha Ryan – Ladies’ RR10
Matt Hammerton – Men’s RR10

Results Roundup

Results

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.

Results Roundup

Results

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.