HXCL Overton and HRRL Victory 5

Farnham Runners’ success at attracting new members (it now a record of 151) was reflected in recent races. The club put out full teams for two races over one weekend with good results for both men and women, A and B teams, seniors and veterans. Newcomer Samantha Pelham lies 11th in the individual ladies table for the Hampshire Road Race League.

HXCL – Overton

At the Hampshire Cross-Country League cross-country at Overton, Dan Smith cruised round the 9km course for a season’s best position of 71st (32.38). Charles Ashby worried him for the first lap but then had to settle to be second Farnham Runner home (93rd, 34.00). Bob Brimicombe almost gained a top 100 slot (108, 34.51) with Andy Tweed (145th, 37.01) and Tim Cummins (155th, 38.34) delighted to make the scoring team that placed 7th in Division One of the Hampshire Cross Country League.

Don Melvin (165, 39.15) and Dave Armstrong (166, 39.29) completed the veterans’ team that came 6th.

The ladies were pleased to place 10th of all the teams and were 5th in the veterans’ section. Jane Georghiou’s time of 24.17 over 6km put her 28th with Jo Edson 48th (26.37), Lindsay Bamford 61st (28.11) and Julie Russ 80th (32.32).

HRRL – Victory 5

Rain held off for the Victory 5 mile Hampshire Road Race but some short sections were under water. A near storm force wind put paid to fast times, though many Farnham Runners recorded personal bests as it was their first 5 miler.

Michael Rix made a welcome appearance to head the team that took 7th in the league (56th of 500 finishers in 29.14). Dan Smith crossed the line exactly one minute behind him (80th, 30.14). Charles Ashby and Ian Carley made up the score (103rd, 31.12 and 120th, 31.49 respectively).

The team that were 7th in the B Division comprised Steve Kitney (32.13), Colin Addison 32.58, Nick Hitchcock 34.47 and Andy Tweed 34.55.

Other Farnham times: Tim Cummins 35.52, Ronan O’Carroll 36.21, Don Melvin 36.58, Richard Cieslik 37.05, Steve Payne 38.02.

Jane Georghiou finished in 34.08 (18th lady, 1st W50) to lead the team that easily took the top slot of Division Two. Sam Pelham completed her 4th race of the season to move up to 11th overall. Her impressive 36.39 placed her 35th of 278 ladies with Gabi Hitchcock also making a superb contribution to the team very close behind her (38th, 36.53). Angela Epps (37.06, 40th), Caroline Freeman (41.32, 94th) and Sarah Jackson (45.04) made the B team that came 3rd.