The Endurance Life event in Dorset proved to be popular for Romsey Road Runners on the 2nd December. With the ocean as a backdrop to the Jurassic coastal path and starting in the picturesque Lulworth cove, various distances were offered from 10km to Ultra plus 46miles. This challenging race with its mixture of trail and grass is listed as an extreme course but Romsey runners were not to be put off. Mark Stileman had an extremely gutsy sprint finish just missing out on 1st place by 4 seconds! With 175ft of climb Mark came 2nd in a time of 48.32 and 1st in his age category. Regulars at this event Anna Duignan and Wendy Couper finished in 1hr 20mins, 1st in age category and 1hr 40mins, 2nd in age category, respectively. The half marathon was over 16miles with 3559ft climb, Alex Prinsep had a solid run finishing in 2hrs 45mins and 40th out of 450 finishers followed by his mum, Liz Prinsep, in 3hrs 52mins. In the marathon, which is over 27miles and climbs 4910ft, Becky Tovey took a slight detour but still managed to finish in 5hrs 44mins, followed by Remi Francois in 6hrs 29mins. Making their debut at an Ultra distance Julie Shanker, Alice Lane and Jim the dog completed the gruelling 33 plus mile course with 5780ft of climb together in a time of 9hrs 20mins.
Not put off by the hills of Dorset Mark Stileman fought to stay upright through the mud fest that was the Tadley Xmas 10km. Unfortunately, it was Marks turn to take a detour costing him a place but still finishing in a fantastic time of 39.13, 5th overall and 1st in age category.
Personal bests galore were achieved by Romsey Road Runners in Gosport Half Marathon. The fast and flat course includes a section along the seafront promenade with views of the Isle of Wight. In perfect weather conditions ten runners completed the distance: Matt Hammerton on form again was first home in 1.14, followed by Alex Prinsep making his debut at the distance and finishing in an impressive time of 1.26 and Ian Winkworth took a massive chunk off his previous time with a new PB of 1.33. The great performances kept coming with Mark Winkworth 1.38 (PB), Dave Gardner 1.43, Richard Cross 1.45, Liz Prinsep 1.46 (PB), Ben Sharman 1.47 (PB), Alice Lane 1.53 and Caroline Crump 2.37 (PB).
The 25th November saw Tamatha Ryan complete the Centurion Ultra 50 Grand Slam! A series of four fifty mile races throughout the year on some very challenging routes including the North and South Downs. The last race in the series was by far the toughest both mentally & physically composed of five loops of 10 miles around a very technical and hilly wood in the Chiltern hills. With temperatures at zero and the last three hours spent running in the dark it made for a tough challenge. A very relieved Tamatha finished in 11hours 13mins earning her the prestigious Grand Slam medal for completing all four Ultra races in the series this year.
Sunday 26thprovided an array of races. Cliff Reeves earned himself a personal best in the hilly Downton Half finishing in 1.55. Julie Shanker also got a PB in the AVR Wiltshire half marathon in 1.52. Mark and Sue Stileman ran the “Avebury 8 Nine” a 9ish mile trail race in Wiltshire. Mark finished just over the hour coming fourth over all and winning his age category and Sue crossed the line in 1.38. Finally, Anna Duignan and Wendy Couper ran the Meon Valley Reindeer Run 10km finishing in 1.03 and 1.19 respectively. Well done to all!
Close to home, a lovely local race is the Totton Stinger, a multi terrain run through the beautiful New Forest on trails, woodland and heathland. This year three distances were offered to runners, 5 miles, 10 miles and 13.1 miles. Romsey road runners took on all three in impressive style! In the 5 mile distance Sue Stileman finished second in the V40 category in a time of 49:38 whilst Anna Duignan came in second in the V60 category in 55:08. Another win for was had for Mark Stileman in the 10 mile race, who crossed the line first overall in an amazing time of 1:08. Also running 10 miles was Penny Jennings in 1:31, Joanna McKenzie in 1:36 and Mark Adams in 1:58. The remarkable performances continued in the half marathon too, Neil Jennings was second overall in 1:26 and Sue Sleath was 1st Lady (7th Overall) in a fast time of 1:42, Jim Wright was eighth overall in a time of 1:43. The same weekend saw Elizabeth Prinsep run the Exeter’s Great Western Run in fantastic PB of 1:54 coming 12th in her age group.
Last weekend, was the turn of the famous and extremely popular Great South run. This 10 mile road race held in Portsmouth passes landmarks such as HMS Victory and the Spinnaker Tower. Romsey Road Runners put in fabulous performances with all our competitors accomplishing personal bests! Times included Alex Prinsep 1:07:16, Dave Gardner 1:11:36, Ian Winkworth 1:13:11, Mark Winkworth 1:15:46, Liz Prinsep 1:24:40 and Karen Pethick 1:53:56. Meanwhile Mark and Sue Stileman travelled to Woodstock, Oxfordshire to take part in the Blenheim 10k, a mostly flat race but undulating in parts. Mark finished 7th male overall in 38:58 and wife Sue was 29th female overall in 53:42. The remarkable results continued at the Abingdon Marathon a race first held in 1982 that incorporates a number of Championship events. Places on this event fill up early as is a flat fast PB course, and it certainly was for Romsey’s Alice Lane who achieved her personal best of 4:16, followed by Brenda Topliss in 4:44.
Finally, to end this impressive run of results, this weekend saw our runners compete in three races; the inaugural Breamore 10k, the challenging Beachy Head marathon and the Dorset stickler. The Breamore 10k, a completely traffic free course on bridleways and estate tracks takes in the wonderful setting of Breamore House and there’s even tea and cake at the end! Sue Stileman reported the race was hilly but managed a good time of 59:46 and Anna Duignan came 4th in her age category in 1:07.
The Eastbourne Beachy Head marathon is one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. This challenging event, set against the stunning backdrop of the South Downs National Park, sees thousands of runners take part including Romsey’s Tamatha Ryan and Sue Sleath. The scenery is awesome and the clear sunny weather provided great visibility on this beautiful day, Tamatha said “this almost made up for the hideous ups and downs”. Sue and Tamatha both had great times for this tough race, with times of 4:04 and 4:21 respectively.
The Dorset Stickler is a friendly and popular race that takes runners over 1500ft climbing across three peaks of Dorset: Okeford Hill, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. Our runners reported that they had great weather to experience the serious hills and the stunning views, times included Mark Stileman 1:14, Jim Wright 1:26, Abigail Cooke 1:29, Julie Shanker 1:48, Alice Lane and Jim (her dog!) 1:52 and Paul Whitaker in 1:54.
Clarendon Marathon proved to be a winner for Romsey Road Runners this year!
Clarendon 2017
Travelled in the past by ancient Kings and Queens, the picturesque route follows mostly trails & tracks from Salisbury to Winchester but the race was made rather more challenging this year by the recent rain. However, this did not deter Romsey’s Matt Hammerton who appeared in fine form finishing 3rd overall in an impressive time of 3:02. The chasers weren’t far behind him, battling it out Neil Jennings was next to finish in 5th place in 3:13 closely followed by Mark Stileman in 3:15, 6th overall also earning him 1st place in his age group! Ian Ralph had a solid run finishing in 3:30 and 18th place overall. The ladies certainly didn’t disappoint either, Sue Sleath had a fantastic run and was pleasantly surprised to learn she was 1st lady and 29th overall, in a time of 3:45. Tamatha Ryan also had a superb run finishing in 4:16 also winning her age category. Clarendon offers several distances. Penny Jennings consistently runs the half marathon every year, this year she finished in 2:07 followed by Sue Stileman in 2:20 and Bob Gold in 2:41.
Starting in the same city, the Salisbury half proved a good race for Romsey personal bests; Dave Gardner earned himself the first one finishing in a time of 1:37, Mark Winkworth was next in 1:44, another PB, closely followed by his brother Ian Winkworth in 1:45. Jo Blatherwick achieved the next PB in a time of 1:54 and not far behind was Ben Sharman in 2:00 and Alice Lane in 2:41.
Anna Duignan travelled to be on home soil to complete in the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow. Despite the plentiful rain, Anna beat her time from last year coming in 2:05 and fifth in her age group. Her daughter, an ex RRR runner also had a great run in 1:32.
The following weekend saw another great set of results from the Bournemouth marathon festival. On a warmer day than expected several distances were offered, on the Saturday Trevor Bond competed in the 5km finishing in 23:24 gaining a PB and finishing third in age. Ian Winkworth ran the 10km distance with his wife Katy completing in 58:33 and Elaine Bond finished in 1:14. The half marathon provided Matt Hammerton with another impressive run finishing in 1:14, 6th overall and 1st in his age group. Matt has now qualified for a championship place in the London Marathon, all the more impressive only a week after running the Clarendon marathon! Richard Cross was next to complete the half marathon distance in 1:45 and Keith Morris achieved a PB finishing in 1:51. Finally, James Battle completed his very first marathon in a highly commendable time of 3:15 with Alice Lane also taking on the distance and finishing in a great time of 4:52.
Tamatha Ryan ran the Chiltern wonderland 50mile ultra race on the 16th September. A circular route starting in Goring on the popular Thames tow-path, taking in the beautiful Chiltern Hills and picturesque villages made famous by British film and TV. This event is the 3rd of 4 in the 50mile grand slam that Tamatha has now completed finishing this in a time of 9hours 41mins and 6th lady overall. During the weekend Abi Cooke took part in several races on the Isle of Wight. These included: Race 1 St.Boniface Fell 3.8k, Abi finished in 25.20mins Race 2 The Ventnor Horseshoe 12km completed in 1hr 18mins; Race 3 The Wroxall Round 21km which Abi finished in 1hr 58mins gaining her a 16min personal best.
Also that Sunday was the more local Hursley 10km always a popular race for Romsey Road Runners and an especially muddy one this year. Mark Stileman didn’t disappoint finishing in the top ten in a time of 41mins and first in age, Sue Sleath followed in 46.25mins (2nd in age), Ian Winkworth 51.33, Paul Whitaker 51.59, Alice Lane 56.23, Julie Shanker 56.43, Sue Stileman 57.57 and Maria Hartley-Oinn 1 hour.
With races plentiful Mark Winkworth got a great personal best in the Andover food bank 10km finishing in 45.30 and James Battle flew round the Littledown 5mile race in 28.49.
Sunday 24th Sept was host to two popular half marathons and Romsey were keen to take part. The Solent half twists through the New Forest, around Exbury and along the Solent shore at Lepe. Dan Lurcock was first home in a fantastic time of 1.35 followed by Sue Sleath in 1.37 (1st in age). Abi Cooke gained another personal best in 1.41, James Instoe 1.51 and Brenda Topliss 2.10.
Winchester Half Marathon – 2017
Alice Lane chose the Winchester Half marathon to mark her “Big Birthday” and a large group helped her celebrate. Ian Winkworth finished in 1.44 followed by Becky Tovey in 1.47, Mark Winkworth in 1.51, then Richard Cross 1.51, Julie Shanker (PB) 1.55, Fran Hough 1.59, Birthday Girl Alice 2.07 and Anna Duignan 2.18. Meanwhile, Mark Stileman and his wife Sue took part in the Highclere 10km, Sue crossed the line in 52.54 and Mark put in another great performance finishing in 37.29, 7th overall and first in age.
Romsey Road Runners have had a busy summer far and wide. At the end of August Ken West completed the Quebec half marathon in a time of 1hr 58mins while Sue Stileman achieved a personal best by 13 minutes in the Portishead half marathon with a time of 2hrs 2mins. The first weekend in September saw four of our runners brave the elements and complete the race called “The Beast”, a very challenging 12 mile off road route centered around Corfe castle in Dorset with beautiful coastal views, aptly re-named each year to reflect the features of the course; This year’s course entitled “24 Again”. Mark Stileman was first home for Romsey in 1hr 35mins; Sue Sleath was next in 1hr 52mins closely followed by Jim Wright in 1hr 53mins. Sue Stileman toughed it out with an injury finishing in 2hrs 44mins.
Elsewhere, our new member Abby Cooke made her debut for Romsey in one of the Hampshire road league races The Overton 5mile finishing in 37mins 7secs. Whilst it was a big day on Sunday 10th September with the New Forest Marathon team offering an array of distances to challenge competing runners. With a mix of road & trail Sue Sleath, Julie Shanker and Alice Lane completed the marathon distance finishing in some great times Sue in 3hrs 44mins placing her 2nd in her age category, Julie in 4hrs 47mins, and Alice in 4hrs 49mins. In the popular half marathon a stellar performance from James Battle saw him finish in 1hr 20mins earning him a personal best and a place of 11th overall out of 1905 finishers! Keith Morris also accomplishhed a PB completing the half marathon in 1hr 52mins. Finally, Alex Prinsep completed the 10km distance finishing in 41mins 43secs and 16th overall out of 1291 finishers. Other impressive runs were recorded by Richard Cross achieving 51mins 54secs, Elizabeth Prinsep in 54mins 04secs, Anna Duignan 1hr 04mins and Jennifer Willis in 1hr 11mins.
Becky Tovey had been fortunate enough to gain a place in the Great North Run through the ballot entry, and although the journey was long and the sheer volume of runners made the race slightly challenging, the atmosphere was electric. Becky had an enjoyable solid run, realising an ambition, and finishing in 1hr 38mins. Other races last weekend included the friendly Stockbridge 10km which Jo Mckenzie completed in 50mins 31secs, positioning her a commendable 7th lady overall. Also back in Dorset was another of the highly entertaining white star events called “the Bad Cow weekend” offering runners various distances. Peter & Maria Hartley-Oinn completed the half marathon in 2hrs 5mins and 2hrs 24mins respectively.
Becky Tovey recently completed the Snowdonia trail marathon, one of the UK’s most challenging trail races. The course ascends 1,685 metres over 26 miles of iconic trails circumnavigating Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon. Becky finished in 5.48 placing her an unbelievable 163rd out of 660 finishers.
Not content with running the Welsh mountains in the daylight, Becky ventured back to tough terrain to run through the night! This time she was joined by other fellow extreme runners; Dave Gardner, Tamatha Ryan, Mark and Ian Winkworth from Romsey, who joined forces with Hardley runners to do battle with the rolling hills of the South Downs, running the Midnight Marathon. Starting at 9pm at the Queen Elizabeth Country park, head torches were donned and the group set off. Heavy rain made the terrain slippery,
Midnight Marathon 2017
causing several runners to fall over but everyone soldiered on in the light of the full moon. Tamatha Ryan finished in 5.11 closely followed by Becky Tovey and Dave Gardner in 5.20 and then Mark and Ian Winkworth in 5.46. All runners were greeted with a most welcome bowl of warm chilli, medals and t-shirts at the finish.
On Sunday 30th July, three Romsey Road Runners completed the White star running event Dorset invader half marathon, a hilly trail race with a roman theme! Jim Wright was first home for Romsey in 2.07 followed by Ian Winkworth in 2.25 and Maria Hartley-Oinn in 3.09, impressive running by all.
Jurassic Coast 10k and HM 2017
Last, but no means least, Brenda Topliss, Sue and Mark Stileman completed the Bridport Jurassic Coast 10k and Half Marathon. Sue said “this was a great off road race with lots of huge hills and cliffs so we were all pretty pleased with our times”. Brenda finished in a fantastic 10k time of 1:15, Mark and Sue completed the half marathon, Sue in 2:30 and Mark coming 2nd overall in 1:42!
Congratulations to many Romsey Road Runners on some fantastic recent results. Last weekend saw Tamatha Ryan completing the Giants Head Marathon. This race, voted the best UK marathon by Runners’ World, is described as very challenging, hilly but beautiful. The course takes runners through the through the Sydling and Cerne valleys, running around and under the famous Cerne Giant. Tamatha had a solid run finishing in a commendable time of 4:29.
The same weekend produced some great results at the Lordshill 10km; this is a well-marshalled course that weaves its way through the country lanes of Rownhams and Lee on the outskirts of Romsey. First home for Romsey and breaking the elusive 40-minute benchmark was Alex Prinsep giving him a new personal best time of 39:49. Mark Suddaby followed also finishing with a personal best time of 40:55. Other remarkable runners included Rebekah Lurcock 47:14, Paul Whittaker 47:31, Steve Davies 48:19, Elizabeth Prinsep 53:07, Suzanne Gardner 53:43 and Brenda Topliss 54:29.
Meanwhile, Sue Stileman completed her first half marathon entitled “Ridgeway Revenge” in a time of 2:19, Sue said, “I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was rather hilly”. Not put off by these hills, Sue also completed the Sway 5 mile race with her husband Mark Stileman. Mark had an amazing run, winning the race in a fantastic time of 30:23, followed by Sue in 42:57.
There will be a home run from my Ken West’s house in Shootash on Monday, 31 July at 1830. Food and drink after for the usual £2 donation per head. There will be two run routes: one about 75 minutes and one about 45 minutes.
Just a reminder that there is NO RR10 this week. The replacement RR10 race will be held at the University Sports Ground, Wide Lane, Eastleigh on Wednesday, 23rd August at 7pm. Parking there is excellent and the course fast and flat.
If you’ve never heard of Endure24, they say its like Glastonbury for runners, it’s a mad 24-hour running event that is quite unique in the running calendar. This years event saw over 2700 runners take part with free camping and 24 hour catering; it’s a real running party in the woods! Three friends from Romsey Road Runners Becky Tovey, Alice Lane and Julie Shanker set about this challenge last weekend as a relay team. The race consists of a five-mile lap through charming woodland and trail and our devoted runners completed 10 laps each, not leaving much time for sleep! The girls came 7th overall in the ladies small teams category in an amazing time of 24:24:40. But if that wasn’t enough these crazy ladies were at it again this following weekend completing the South Downs trail marathon. The day was seriously hot and the race, which crosses some spectacular scenery, was exposed to full sun in the most part. The girls ran together, linking hands as they crossed the finishing line in a remarkable time of 5:48:27.
Endure24 2017
Meanwhile, Romsey’s Mark Stileman also took on the extreme heat running the Hampshire Hoppit half marathon. This trail race is a single-lap courses that starts and ends at Kingsclere on the Hampshire-Berkshire border reaching some of the highest points in Hampshire with views across the county. Despite the challenging weather and a hilly course, Mark finished in a very respectable 7th place overall with a time of 1:37.
Romsey Road Runners supported the recent Romsey Relay Marathon, a charity event held each spring on the Broadlands Estate, to raise both funds and awareness for local charities. This community event, organized by the Rotary club of Romsey, was originally inspired as part of the Olympic legacy. The relay nature of this marathon gives an opportunity for anyone to take part, as part of a team who collectively run 26 miles and
Romsey Relay Marathon 2017
385 yards. Romsey road runner fielded two teams and a brilliant effort was put in by all 20 runners: Sue Sleath, Alex Prinsep, Jimmy Hunt, Daniel Lurcock, Jo McKenzie, Dave Gardner, Caron Gaisford, Colin Waters, Becca Lurcock, Wayne Windebank, Ken West, Trevor Bond, Karen Pethick, Bridget Wells, Nikki Skeats, Deborah Rees, David Nixon, Elizabeth Prinsep, Alice Lane, Anna Duignan. The teams really appreciated the encouragement from all the other runners and reserves who turned up in support, eagerly cheering the teams on. One of the teams finished a fantastic 3rd place overall in a time of 2:48:24 and other team in 3:47:07 and 56th position.
Also on Saturday 13th May, Tamatha Ryan completed the North Downs Way, a 52-mile feat of endurance running. The ultra run started in Farnham, continuing on the Downs Way national trail passing through Guildford and Reigate hill and finishing in Knockholt pound, Greater London. Tamatha finished in 10 hours 18 minutes and described the route as varied but picturesque with many challenging sections, especially the 274 steps up at Box hill!
Finally, Mark Stileman continued his recent run of impressive performances completing the Lymington Lifeboat 10K in a very respectable time of 37.49, finishing 16th overall out of 1,060 Runners! His good form continued the following weekend at the Netley 10K (38:36) and his wife Sue Stileman, a new Romsey Road Runner, had a fantastic run taking more than a minute off her previous time 10K finishing in 51:04. Mark Suddaby who ran the course for the first time also came in in a great time of 41:45 minutes.
Note: Your running number will NOT be posted to you. Your running number and chip will be available to collect from the start field from 8:30am. Please check the website ahead of race day to look up your number. The entry list will also be displayed on race day by the number collection.
Last weekend saw the talented and experienced runner Sue Sleath take on the Marlborough Downs Challenge. This race is a beautiful yet challenging event, which is mostly off-road along tracks and footpaths with plenty of climbs – over 3000 feet. Sue completed the 20 mile run coming in 4th overall and 2nd in her age category in an amazing time of 2 hours 43 minutes. Sue said “the conditions were lovely, warm, but not too hot and very dry underfoot making it hard work running into the wind on the climbs”.
Also this weekend, Romsey’s Ken West entered the Alton 10 mile, this race encompasses a circuit of undulating countryside and picturesque Hampshire village lanes. Ken finished in a fab time of 1:33:51.
Harewood Forest – 2017
The previous weekend was the turn of the annual Harewood forest 10k and 5k runs. These runs are set in the heart of Hampshire’s second largest ancient woodland and a lively group of Romsey road runners completed the races in some great times and positions. In the 10K, James Battle 40:40 (second place), Mark Stileman 41:10 (fourth place), Julia Abab 1:00:13, Bridget Wells 1:04:26, Anna Duignan 1:05:40, Bob Gold 1:05:57, Derek Kelly 1:07:02, Nikki Skeats 1:08:01, Wendy Couper 1:25:32, and in the 5K, Alice Lane 40:51.
Finally Mark Stileman also recently took on the undulating but very scenic West Wight 3 Hills multi terrain challenge. This run consists of a single lap of 8 miles and takes in Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater, Headon Warren, Alum Bay, Highdown, Tennyson Down and finishes at Freshwater. Mark crossed the line in 54 minutes 26 seconds coming in a very respectable 8th place.
