Five Romsey Road Runners took part in the 8 Mile George Skeates run on Sunday,
9th of January. The event was established in 1986 by a friend of George, a
Champion British sidecar racer who suffered a spinal injury in a motorsport accident
in 1985, and it is staged in aid of the George Skeates Benevolent Fund which
benefits the spinal injury charity INSPIRE, Wessex Heartbeat and Horacio’s Garden.
As well as the longer running course, there are also walking, a shorter run and
cycling options.
It’s a friendly, low key event that takes in the fantastic countryside around
Stockbridge, and although this year’s run was boggy in stretches, the sunny weather
made for some stunning views on the higher parts of the course.
While not being a race as such, Liz Slade and Sue Sylvester were awarded joint 3rd
lady, finishing in 1:21; Julia Abab timed her run as 1:24; Anna Duignan 1:27 and
birthday boy Derek Kelly crossed the line to a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ in 1:31.
Refreshments, including homemade cakes, and a raffle at the end made for a
thoroughly enjoyable morning and it was a great way to kick-start the New Year. The
run has always been well supported by Romsey Road Runners, especially when
there’s no clash with other races this early in the year.