Results

A dozen intrepid Romsey Road Runners headed west to Pembrokeshire for the penultimate leg of the Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series 2014/15 over the spring bank holiday – the club’s annual weekend away.

The races – ranging from 10k to a 35 mile ultra – began on the slipway in the pretty village of Little Haven. What started as a dull but overcast day soon deteriorated into driving rain and high winds, making the narrow coastal paths tricky to negotiate and obscuring some of the glorious views out over Marloes Sands and the stunning coastline towards St Brides. The headwind facing runners at the disused Second World War airfield, RAF Dale, was especially challenging – though runners agreed it would have been an even greater challenge trying to land a plane in those ferocious gusts.  Even the local kite festival was cancelled!

First off at 8.30am was Toby Burrows in the Ultra. Having run the London Marathon the previous weekend, he finished the 35-mile route in an impressive 6:00:29, 11th man home overall. Becky Tovey and Di Cross set out half an hour later on the 28-mile marathon course. Becky just missed the medals, finishing 5th in the women’s race in 4:50:41, with Di – running her sixth race in the series – finishing an hour later in 5:51:46, 2nd in age category. Lindsey Friedman and Naomi Farrington started 90 minutes later in the half marathon, running together to finish in 3:42:42 and 3:42:46 respectively.

The club was well represented in the 10k, with five runners tackling the linear route from Marloes back to Little Haven. Brenda Topliss was first of the Romsey contingent home in 1:35:06, 1st in the FV60 category, followed by Anna Duignan in 1:36:32 (2nd in Category), Ruth Page in 1:43:53 (3rd in category), Wendy Couper in 1:46:49 and David 
Page 1:57:20 (3rd MV60).

It took some time for the Romsey Road Runners to thaw out and dry off afterwards but all enjoyed the trip to Wales. In common with the other events in this series, the races were well organised and friendly, taking in some glorious stretches of British coastline. Highly recommended for lovers of the great outdoors – and a challenge.

Also, on the same weekend, a 5 RRRs took part in the Harewood Forest 10k at Wherwell. Including Anna Duignan and Wendy Couper, fresh back from Pembrokeshire.

This annual cross country race has a challenging course with several climbs and takes place in the heart of Hampshire’s second largest woodland. First home for Romsey was Alice Lane in 58:02 followed by Julia Abab 1:00:05, Anna Duigan 1:04:41, Derek Kelly 1:05:27 and Wendy Couper 1:17:16.

Marie Duignan completed the Boston Marathon. Marie who had been living in Boston until recently finished the course in a time of 3:28:18, gaining her an automatic place for next year. ‘Considering all interruptions to my training with the moving from America back to the UK, and then Romsey to London, I was really pleased with this time. Not my best, but certainly not my worst!’

Taking part in the 35^th London Marathon last Sunday were 3 Romsey Runners: Toby Burrows, Neil Payne and Tam Ryan. The near perfect conditions favoured all runners, and Romsey preformed well. First home for the club was Tam Ryan in 3:12:52, she was followed by Toby Burrows in 3:27:41 and Neil Payne finished in 4:30:24.

Much closer to home there was an impressive turn out by RRRs at the first ever Southampton 10k/Half Marathon.  This debut event was billed as having something for all. Runners started in Hoglands Park in the city centre, the route

remained flat with the notable exception of its crossing of the Itchen Bridge, where participants were provided with views of the entire city and glimpses of the Isle of Wight.

Mark Stileman was 4th home and 1st in age category in the 10k in a time of 38:51.6.

RRR Results from the Southampton Half Marathon:

• Ian RALPH 1:25:19.5
• Neil JENNINGS 1:25:35.9
• James BATTLE 1:25:43.7
• Steve GEARY 1:31:43.6
• Jonathan WILLIAMS 1:33:41.3
• Stephen REED 1:33:46.6
• Paul BURNAGE 1:34:48.5
• Lee HARRIS 1:35:22.6
• Christopher BROWN 1:36:01.6
• Hannah SHUTT 1:37:40.9
• Joanna WEGUELIN 1:42:30.8
• Andrew ARCHIBALD 1:43:00.0
• Penny JENNINGS 1:46:15.0
• Alice LANE 1:56:21.5
• Jacqueline BAILEY 2:09:26.1
• Julie SHANKER 2:18:19.5
• Linda WEBB 2:18:02.3

There was a big turn out for the Houghton trail events this year, with the added attraction of no mud, dry conditions and sunny to boot! This low key local event caters for walkers, runners and cyclists and offers a gentle undulating series of routes around the village of Houghton. There is something for everyone, with varying distances for all participants. The proceeds raised from the event are donated to the Houghton All Saints Church. This year a record 357 people participated. The tea and supply of cakes was very welcomed at the finish by all those taking part.

RRR finishers:

• 

  Neil Jennings 43:41 Winner of the 11k trail race

• Mark Adams 51:50
• Tony Peelo 56:23
• Penny Jennings 59:37
• Marion Kelly 1:09:11
• Greg Roulston 1:17:56
• Ruth Page 1:20:06
• Wendy Couper 1:23:25
• Steve Edwards cycled the 32k in 1:37:01, finishing 16^th.
• Alice Lane and Beth Downhall did the shorter 5k distance. Beth finishing in 13^th place in 44 mins.

And finally, the best of luck to RRRs Tam Ryan and Neil Payne who are competing in the Virgin London Marathon, this coming Sunday.

One of the series of Endurance Life Events, took place on Saturday 11th April, this time in lovely Exmoor. It is billed as the toughest course in the series and is definitely a grueling test of endurance for even the very hardest trail and fell runners. This didn’t put off a hardy group of RRR who ventured to Devon and enjoyed the pleasing scenery offered by this challenging trail event. The Romsey contingent did well and were rewarded for their efforts. Results were as follows:

In the 10K distance, Lynda Brown finished in 1:14:26 and was placed 3rd in the FV40 category whilst Wendy Couper finished in 2nd place in the FV60 category in a time of 1:49:49. In the Half Marathon, Di Cross finished in 2:45:11.

The ladies were cheered on by two former RRRs: Carol Brunner – who now lives in the Heddon Valley – and Angie Stuckey.

The rain was very light but the wind was really hard work at the Exbury
5 on Sunday for all participants. The distance shortened to 5 miles for the 2^nd year because of damage to the beach path caused last winter is still not repaired.  Despite the blustery conditions, RRR Neil Jennings achieved a personal best and delivered on his objective to get below 30 minutes for the 5 mile course, in 29:38. Penny Jennings finished in 39:19 and Alice Lane was not too far behind in 42:27. The fun run was enjoyed by and Chloe and Bethany who completed the 1.5km run within the grounds of Exbury.

In Surrey, fellow RRR ladies Becky Tovey and Tam Ryan completed in the Cranleigh 15/21 miles respectively. Many were using this as their last long run before a spring marathon. The wind and rain made this event tougher this year as runners completed  either 2 or 3 laps of undulating Surrey countryside. Nevertheless, Tam finished in 2:35:52 and Becky in 1:59:19.

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):

• Ian Ralph 31:33
• Tony King 31:38
• John Quayle 35:12
• Becky Tovey 37:45
• Jane Carter 38:45
• Brenda Topliss 39:41
• Peter Smith 40:27
• Alison Solomon 41:43
• Deborah Rees 46:34
• Julie Shanker 46:53

Festive Marathon for Romsey Road Runners

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.

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.

Ups and Downs in Dorset

Several Romsey Road Runners headed down to Lulworth in Dorset for stage three of Endurance Life’s Coastal Trail Series on 6 December.  Endurance Life specialise in organising tough, challenging races in incredibly beautiful locations. It was a bright but chilly winter’s day – and perfect conditions to enjoy the stunningly course along the Jurassic Coast Path, with a calm, royal blue sea as the backdrop.

Starting with ultra distance was Romsey runner, Duncan Walling. He bravely completed a distance of 45 miles including 10,500 feet of ascent in a time of 10 hours and 57 minutes. He was placed 79th out the 110 finishers. A total of runners 166 started the event and presumably the others are still tackling those hills!

Becks Marriner was the next to start, completing her second marathon of the series; she finished in 5:19:16.

Romsey was then represented by three runners in the half marathon, the extreme-grade course – extending to more than 16 miles – looping from Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door then back to Lulworth and along the beach before leading eastwards on a longer loop through Bindon Hillfort, past Worbarrow Bay and through deserted Tyneham Village and the army ranges back to Lulworth. With an ascent of more than 3,500 feet, it was a testing course. “It’s survival!” said one of the team, faced with stiff climb on the return leg. Jade Rolfe was the first home in 3:22:44, 174th overall, followed by Di Cross in 3:58:57 (first in her age category) and Alice Lane in 3:59:16, who ran together.

In the 10k event, Anna Duigan finished in 1:28:30 and Wendy Couper in 1:31:40.

Away from the Endurance Life, but also in Dorset, on 23rd November, John Quayle completed the Boscombe 10k in a time of 45:12.

Three Romsey Road Runners headed off to the Gower for the second event in Endurance Life’s Coastal Trail series 2014/5 on 15th November. Despite an overcast, chilly start, the sun came out over the glorious South Wales coastline – the first area in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

The course led over bogs and beaches, through sand dunes and up sharp ascents – with more than 2,300ft of climbing in the half marathon alone – with rocky descents. The scenery was stunning, the route crossing Rhossili Down, passing through Llangennith village and with views over Worm’s Head.

It was a successful day for the club, Becks Marriner was the second woman home in the Marathon in a time of 5:05:43. Jo Weguelin was the first Romsey runner home in the Half Marathon – and 175th overall – in 2:24:48, while Di Cross finished in 2:39:37; second in her age category.

‘These are wonderful races taking in some of Britain’s most attractive coastline. Highly recommended,’ said Di.

Closer to home, 4 RRR’s did Gosport Half Marathon on Sunday 16th November. Heavy rain stopped just as runners had to take off their warm clothing and prepare to start the race, luck was on their side!

This year marked a new course for the Gosport Half; consisting of two flat laps along the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent. The outward leg was mainly run on cycle-paths and pavement, the return leg, more exposed along the Esplanade. Plenty of fresh air and views of the sea to enjoy, winds were slight, making for good finishing times.

RRR finishers:

Tamatha Ryan 1:33:09 (PB)
Rio Brookes-Gibbs 1:50:11 (PB)
Brenda Topliss 1:51:00 (1st in age category)
Becky Tovey 1:54:46

The annual Great South Run attracted a total of 6 Romsey Runners amongst the thousands taking part. This large event involves a circular route around Southsea and Portsmouth, finishing with a 2 mile stretch along the sea front, where the winds pick up and drafting behind a statuesque runner is an attractive option!

• Duncan Walling  1:10:54
• Alice Lane  1:28:37
• Jonathan Northy  1:29:17
• Alison Solomon 1:33:14
• Lindsey Dunford  1:43:03
• Linda Webb 1:49:24

This popular event is organised by Lordshill Road Runners and takes place around the lanes and streets of Nursling, Hillyfields, Lee and the Broadlands Estate starting and finishing at 5 Acres, Redbridge Lane, Southampton.

Heavy rain Saturday night made for a very wet course but thankfully for the participants the rain stopped for the race.  Pleasant running conditions were experienced, assisted by the usually mild morning, delivering personal bests for Tam and Alice and ‘best for age’ for Brenda. Well done ladies.

• Tamatha Ryan 1:09:14,  PB
• Brenda Topliss 1:23:56, 1^st in age category
• Alice Lane 1:27:07 PB (speeding up from the GSR by a minute and a half!)

Romsey lady, Tam Ryan completed the Devizes Half Marathon Sunday 19th October in a time of 1:34:39, finishing 1^st in her age category and 2^nd lady overall. “The race was a nice scenic course, described as undulating – although I’d say it was hilly!” said Tam afterwards.

Elsewhere, The New Forest Stinger proved a tempting event for numerous RRRs. This local event is organised by Totton Runners and offers runners 5 and 10 mile routes through the enclosure and open forest. Runners start and finish at Ocknell Enclosure and use gravel tracks and muddy trails to complete their chosen distance.

The weather remained dry and was distinctly warm whilst the ground was soft under foot, but not too muddy. The course, as the name suggests had several ‘stings’ in the tail, as runners negotiated several sharp inclines. The muddy final stretch denied a sprint finish for anyone with too much energy.

RRR Finishers:
17^th Neil Jennings 1:12:32
25^th Jim Wright 1:15:00
58^th Hannah Shutt (3^rd lady) 1:23:56
90^th Penny Jennings 1:30:52
107^th Alice Lane 1:36:52
112^th Di Cross 1:36:38
114^th Mark Adams 1:38:56

Finishing the 5 mile course were:
9^th Stephen Edwards 44:00
43^rd Anna Duignan 56:47
61^st Wendy Couper 1:04:35

Saturday 13^th September marked the annual Test Way Relay event. Runners from a variety of local clubs challenged themselves to be first get from Inkpen Beacon to Totton in a total of 8 legs. Romsey entered a mixed team and was placed 5th out of 14 teams in a total time of 5:50:24. This was despite last minute changes to the team due to injury. Thanks to Alice who stepped in last minute to run the first leg.

The team consisted of: Alice Lane 39:48, Becky Tovey 32:59, Becks Marriner 1:01:30, Wayne Windebank 35:27, Hannah Shutt 40:23, Sarah White 45:45 Christopher Brown 41:39 Daniel Lurcock 52:53.

Two RRRs took part in the 8^th Annual Hursley 10k on Sunday 21^st September. This is a multi-terrain route comprising of a mix of grass tracks and forest roads through the private grounds of Hursley Estate and Ampfield Woods. John Quayle, finished in 87th position in a time of 46:48 and Brenda Topliss, was 228th overall, 2nd in her age category with a time of 53:56.

Elsewhere, a further four Romsey Runners added a swim and cycle before their run to complete the Petersfield Sprint Triathlon. Organised by the Petersfield triathlon club and held in the grounds of Churchers College, Petersfield the triathlon consisted of a 400m pool swim followed by a challenging 25k bike ride and a 5k run to finish. The conditions on the day were blustery and cool to start with and around 300 competitors took part. Alice Lane completed the course in an overall time of 1:44:30 (9:46 swim, 1:04:22 bike, 27:01 run) followed by, Derek Kelly 1:46:05 (9:06 swim, 1:03:19 bike, 30:00 run), Julia Abab 1:55:14 (12:52 swim, 1:08:43 bike, 29:02 run) and finally, Liz Slade 2:05:31 (12:25 swim, 1:16:13 bike, 30:15 run).

And finally, Annie Tomlinson (still not running because of injury) completed the ladies only Cycletta bike event starting and finishing in Beaulieu. Annie finished 5^th in the Macmillan fund raising cycle event in the ‘Challenge’ distance of 72km, in 2:50 and has raised just over £200 pounds for Macmillan Nurses.

Six RRR’s took part in the Broughton Bounder on Sunday morning, in the 4th annual staging of this local running event. The Bounder is a 9 mile trail event held over the undulating landscape of the Test Valley and includes over 300 metres of ascent. Runners start with a stiff climb out of the village before tackling a mix of rolling chalklands and several hills, which afforded long distance views in the clear conditions.

Matt Hammerton, previous winner of the event, just missed out to fellow RRR Peter Baksh. Both runners ran a close race throughout but Peter was able to kick ahead of Matt and hold a lead over the final half mile. At the finish just seconds separated the two. The battling performances of Baksh and Hammerton awarded RRR with the team prize for the 4^th year running.

Individual Results
Peter Baksh 54:36
Matt Hammerton 54:45
Steve Reed 1:11:54
Jo Weguelin 1:22:09
Alice Lane 1:33:35
Charlotte Maslen 1:41:44

The winter CC6 events are about to commence, and anyone interested in taking part is welcomed to join RRR and participate.

Held through the winter, these low-key local cross-country races take place once a month at 9.30am on Sunday mornings, between October and March. Distances are between 4 and 5 miles and are run off-road; expect to get muddy feet! There is no need to enter in advance, just turn up on the day in a RRR club vest and run. Each club takes it in turn to co-host.

CC6 Fixtures
12 October – Fleming Park, Eastleigh
9 November – Dibden Enclosure, New Forest
23 November – Kings Garn Gutter, Stoney Cross (Romsey & Halterworth hosting)
14 December – Janesmoor Pond, Stoney Cross
11 January – Badger Farm, Winchester
15 February – Denny Wood, New Forest
1 March – Wilverley, New Forest

New members are very welcome.

A number of RRRs took part in this season’s Lakeside 5km series. This 5k sprint series is run at Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth on Wednesday evenings, over the summer. The final race took place on 27^th August.

Tam Ryan completed 4 out of the 5 races. “After a frustrating first race and a disastrous final one, I managed to get my time down to 20:34, which is a personal best,” said Tam.

In the fourth race Tam came in as 3rd lady winning her age category in the overall series.

The Lakeside 5k series saw a number of other RRRs participating, with an especially large turn out at the last one.

Completing the final race for Romsey were: Jade Rolfe 20:17, Wayne Windebank 20:57, Paul Burnage 21:06, Tam Ryan 21:22, John Quayle 21:44 and Di Cross 24:39.