TRXCL Lord Wandsworth College

Shallow mud, deeper mud, puddles and two ascents of a steep hill, made the fourth round of the Today’s Runner Winter League hosted by Hart Road Runners a memorable event, especially for those unaccustomed to the challenge of these races. Apprehension was not eased much when at the start the assembled throng from seventeen clubs was informed that there were fewer ruts to contend with, than in past years.

Farnham Runners’ Sarah Hill, undaunted by the conditions over the five-mile two-lap course at Lord Wandsworth College course, sped round to a superb victory in the ladies section. Her result helped the ladies team to second place. Gabi Hitchcock, returning to form, put in a splendid sprint finish to snatch 11th place, ahead of Jane Georghiou in 13th. Not far behind these three scorers were Emma Whittaker-Axon (15th), Louise James (17th) and Lindsay Bamford (23rd).

Missing some key players from the Farnham round in December, the men’s team placed 3rd. Two excellent top ten positions were secured by Andrew Ellison in fourth and Ian Carley in 6th, followed by Mike Anderson in 11th. Nick Hitchcock (43rd) and Steve Murphy (50th) were pleased to make the five-strong team just denying Bob Brimicombe (51st) and Colin Addison 53rd.
Slipping from joint first to second on aggregate Farnham Runners will have a battle with Basingstoke and Midhants A.C. in the remaining two races of the series.

All fully deserved the feast of sandwiches and cakes provided by the hosts after the race.

Other Farnham placings

Ladies: Emma Drinkwater 49, Jacqui Lee 53, Emma Doven 57, Tori Shaw 66, Shirley Perrett 68, Helen Cathie 73, Beccy Martin 81.

Men: Dave Armstrong 64, Scott Salmon 77, Tim Cummins 92, Chad Bedard 94, Chris Cramp 103, Tim Withers 116, Simon Brander 119, Leslie Boxall 130, Stefan Klincewicz 144, Howard Inns 153, Peter Strange 165, Richard Sheppard 167.