HXCL Overton and HRRL Victory 5

Another double weekend of racing again saw Farnham Runners achieve successful results in both the Hampshire cross-country and road race leagues. Charles Ashby and Angela Epps led in the teams on both occasions.

HXCL – Overton

The Overton cross-country course was soft but not too wet despite recent rain. Charles Ashby, looking stronger with every race, paced well to finish with an impressive sprint to the line. He gained a new personal best position (78th) to clock 34mins18secs over the hilly 3 lap course of 9km.

Despite his characteristic storming finish Bob Brimicombe (97th) could not overtake Andy Eakins (95th) for second club place but he managed to snatch the same time of 35.26. Steve Kitney recorded 36.02 (107th) and admitted to taking things easy to save some in the tank for the next day’s race. Andy Tweed (37.41, 133) completed the scoring team, which was 5th of ten in Division two. They now lie 4th with two matches to go. Dave Armstrong (38.03, 139th) helped the veterans to 5th place and they now lie 4th in the veterans Division two. Tim Cummins (39.51, 160th) held off Alan Froud (39.57, 163rd) who made his debut in this league. Richard Sheppard followed in 47.52 (198th).

The ladies’ took 7th slot and the veterans 4th out all the league clubs. Angela Epps kept overtaking on the second lap of the two lap 6km route for a personal best of 26th (25.07), followed by Jane Georghiou (25.38, 31st) and Lindsay Bamford (27.39, 53rd). Gemma Mitchell (28.49, 64th) and Kim Mepsted (31.28, 75th) ran strongly over the hills to back up their team.

HRRL – Victory 5

The next day rain had cleared in time for the Hampshire Road League Victory five miler in Portsmouth but the wind remained strong and impacted on times. Although helped along by the gusts for the first mile the last mile was a battle, almost lost by some! Charles Ashby and Steve Kitney’s attempts at 6 minute mile pace would otherwise have been successful as their times were 30.26 (66th of 439 men) and 30.44 (71st) respectively. Mark Jones returned to racing with a very useful 31.22 (76th), just sneaking in ahead of Andy Eakins (31.27, 78th). This “A” team were given 4th in the very competitive Division One and the “B” team also did well to place 4th in their division. This team comprised Colin Addison (32.41), Steve Gillingham (32.42), Steve Murphy (33.34) and Andy Tweed (34.02).

The ladies claimed two of the prizes as Angela Epps ran strongly against the wind to finish 2nd in the W40 category (33.38, 14th lady of 247) while Jane Georghiou was 1st W55 (34.04, 15th). A beaming Lisa Smith showed her potential by gaining a team place in her very first race (40.16). Kim Mepsted (40.28), Caroline Freeman (41.17) and Diane Cox (44.13) were never far behind, all in the top half of the ladies field.

Other men’s results: Tim Cummins 34.40, Paul Beesley 34.46, Alan Froud 35.20, Richard Cieslik 36.47, Howard Inns 37.47, Richard Sheppard 39.45, Peter Strange 43.04, Clive Jones 43.17, Bob Brimicombe 44.14.