HXCL Farley Mount

Steve Kitson leads Andy Eakins running at the 2007 HXCL race at Farley Mount

A contingent of nineteen Farnham Runners travelled to Farley Mount near Winchester for the start of the Hampshire cross-country season.

The ladies fielded the most successful team ever for the club in this highly competitive first round, coming 8th out of all the clubs in the league while their veterans’ team placed 4th.

Sarah Edson, improving with every race, gained a splendid position of 20th to finish the 6 km undulating course in 24 minutes 12 seconds. Jane Georghiou (44th, 25.34) and Angela Epps (48th, 25.41) took 2nd and 3rd Farnham places while Lindsay Bamford completed the veterans’ team in 27.25 (74th). Not far behind were Gemma Mitchell (89th, 28.49), Kim Mepsted (98th, 29.54), Caroline Freeman (99th, 29.59) and Victoria Shaw (108th, 31.15).

Looking incredibly sprightly after their Loch Ness marathon only six days before, Dan Smith (90th, 34.06) and Steve Kitney (119th, 35.33) took first and third club places. Veteran Charles Ashby, who seems to have lost none of his fitness despite a lay-off through injury, was sandwiched between them (111th, 35.07). On his cross-country debut Andy Eakins tried to maintain his fast early pace over the 9km three lap course to finish a very useful 134th in 36.04. Terry Steadman (170th, 38.18) battled for the final team place that placed 6th in Division Two.

Tim Cummins improved on his time last year by three minutes (176th, 38.34) and almost got himself into the team. Andy Tweed, not at full strength (181, 38.52), and Dave Armstrong (195th, 39.29) completed the veterans’ team that was 9th of 18 teams in Division Two. Christopher Cramp (258th, 46.11) and Peter Strange (265th, 49.31) made a determined league debut while John Applebee soaked up the views and atmosphere (269th, 49.57).