HXCL Overton, New York and Luton Marathons

HXCL Overton

Morning mist and frost did not deter 235 runners from congregating in the Bourne for the third round of the Today’s Runner cross-country league on Sunday. Farnham Runners hosted the event for the other 16 clubs in the league. As usual, an excellent turnout of helpers offered their support to ensure a successful race.

Race director, Charles Ashby warned of icy puddles before the start of the race. Along with some sections of hard frozen ground they added to the challenge of the notorious hills this year.

Farnham Runners were delighted to claim first place overall on the day, their ladies’ team placing first, the men second. The first men’s team was Liss Runners. Fleet and Crookham AC’s ladies were runners up.

Andy Turner of Liss Runners won the race, followed by Robin Ward of Portsmouth Joggers and Andy Lovell of Portsmouth Triathlon Club. First lady was Polly Keen of Havant, with Penny Abbott of Fleet and Crookham AC 2nd and Jane Georghiou of Farnham Runners 3rd.

Dan Smith led in the male Farnham Runners team with an excellent 7th place. Hard training helped Stuart Morgan to place 18th, while Charles Ashby overcame recent injury worries to finish 20th, just ahead of David Lloyd (21st) who is improving with every race. Steve Murphy completed the scoring team (22nd).

Ladies captain Jane Georghiou was surprised to be 3rd, while Sarah Edson made a superb effort despite recent injury and a cold to cross the line 6th of the 77 lady finishers. New member Angela Epps made a very impressive debut (12th), pushing out Jo Edson (14th) from the team score this time.

As well as the successful scoring teams, Farnham Runners entered 11 more men and 15 more ladies in the Today’s Runner cross-country race in the Bourne.

Men’s positions : Vince Crowley 29, Tim Clover 35, Mark Booton 42, Nick Hill 59, Ronan O’Carroll 80, Tim Cummins 87, Don Melvin 95, Geoff Cloke 118, Stuart Edgoose 139, Tony Alwood 142, John Applebee 158.

Ladies positions: Jo Edson 14, Lindsay Bamford 23, Julie Russ 37, Jo Booton 40, Beth Sergeant 41, Nathalie Garrison 45, Susanna Ching 47, Sally Lawrence 52, Katie Dimmock 56, Kirsty Ellwood 57, Bernita Mayhead 60, Gill Kenny 61, Gill Toogood 66, Michelle Dixon 68.

A couple of marathons

Four Farnham Runners have completed marathons during the last month:

Gemma and Matt Mitchell and Sara Wallace enjoyed the enthusiastic support of 2 million spectators (and 260 million viewers worldwide) in the New York City Marathon. They experienced the thrill of crossing the line in Central Park, Gemma and Matt after 4.48.06 , with Sara not far behind.

Andy Tweed returned to home territory for the Luton Marathon. He completed the 3 lap course in an excellent 3.36.39.