Kicking the New Year off were Romsey runners, Tam Ryan and Paul Burnage who took part in the popular annual Stubbington 10km road race. Weather conditions were near perfect and both runners put in a sterling performance; Tam Ryan gained a personal best with a time of 42:35 and fellow runner Paul Burnage was hot on Tam’s heels finishing in 43:38.
The Romsey 5 was held on 25th January at Broadlands Estate. The following RRRs took part (these are “gun” times rather than chip times):
The Social team have been making plans for this year’s RRR Weekend Away and we’ve decided to go for the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series event in Pembrokeshire on Saturday, 2nd May.
These are fantastic, friendly, well-organised events held around stretches of scenic coastline – and often taking in stretches not normally open to the public. They also offer a choice of distances: 10k, half marathon, full marathon and ultra.
To find out more, and enter if you plan to come, go to: www.endurancelife.com then click on Events, then CTS 14-15 then Pembrokeshire. James at EL has very kindly given us a discount code, so when you get to the checkout enter rrrp15 in the code box – this gives you 15% off (NB: previous entrants, it will not operate in conjunction with any prize vouchers). The code is valid until 1 March. These events are extremely popular, so please enter soon to avoid disappointment.
I have looked at hotel options and think the Premier Inn at Haverfordwest (North/A40) is our best bet. It is just 8 miles from race HQ and reasonably priced. They will not offer the lowest rates on group bookings, however, so I suggest we book individually and pick the days/rates that suit us best. The number is 0871 527 9546. At time of writing, the cheapest deal is the Premier Saver (no refunds or amends), which offers 1 room for 2 nights (Fri and Sat) for 2 people for £99 (no breakfast); Friday night only is £39. The sooner you book, the cheaper it is (other options are available).
I suggest we go down on Friday afternoon/evening and return on Sunday morning (though please do what is best for you). I will book a (pasta) restaurant for Friday night and another for Saturday (alternatively, there is the EL Afterparty at the Castle Inn), once I know how many people are going. We can also look at lift shares or possibly a minibus, depending on numbers and drivers. I will also look into a walk or run on Sunday, if anyone fancies that.
If you are planning to come, please let me know so I can keep you informed of arrangements. Family members/partners/friends welcome. I will put some flyers out on club nights asap.
Nine Romsey Road Runners decided to burn off a few calories before the Christmas indulgences by tackling the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon on 21st December. The event started along the promenade in Portsmouth and headed along the coast to Hayling Island – the half way point – before heading back to finish at the Pyramid Centre, race HQ.
The 26.2 mile trail event included muddy, grassy stretches, gravel tracks, the promenade and a stretch along the beach. After a dull, mild start, the wind picked up and provided an additional challenge for the final miles. However, the drink stations provided Jaffa Cakes, jellybeans and mulled wine to ease the pain.
Alongside the Father Christmases, snowmen and even a large present, Wendy George was the first Romsey runner home in 4:04:46, followed by Stewart Liesenham in 4:08:05. They were followed by Di Cross in 4:23:16 and Jade Rolfe, who ran to accompany a friend, in 4:25:59. Brenda Topliss followed them in 4:31:26, finishing third in her age category. Jo Weguelin (4:35:58), Becky Tovey (4:41:34) and Alice Lane (4:42:35) came in next, all running their first marathons. Alice and Becky were raising money for the charity that supports quadruple amputee Alex Lewis, who lives locally. They were followed by Lisa Ware in 4:57:09.
Festive Spirits
Fuelled mainly by Christmas cakes and mince pies, Romsey Road Runners kept active during the festive season – and that’s not just the partying.
Lots of mud and a few hills greeted the dozen or so club members who made it to Whiteparish for the Christmas Eve run. A bit of a tradition now, the group ran up to the folly on Pepperbox Hill – now a National Trust site – round it, then back down to Whiteparish for refreshments. A cold but bright morning, the seven-mile route offered impressive views across Salisbury Plains and beyond, with the spire of the cathedral clearly visible.
Then, on New Year’s Day, almost 20 runners (and three dogs) sobered up in time for the annual outing from the Bear & Ragged Staff at Stoneymarsh. Despite a gloomy forecast, the rain held off and the club enjoyed a social seven-mile route out to Kimbridge and Mottisfont, along the Test Way before crossing the A3057 at Brook and heading back past St Mary’s Church in Michelmersh to the pub for lunch.
Di Cross – Portsmouth 2014
Jade Rolfe – Portsmouth 2014
Jo Weguelin – Porstmouth 2014
Alice and Becky – Portsmouth 2014
Christmas Eve 2014
New Year 2015
If your New Year’s Resolution was to get fitter, why not come along to one of our club nights? We’d love to see you.
