TRXCL Liss (Rogate), HRRL Ryde 10 and HRRL Bramley 20

Two Hampshire Road League races and a Today’s Runner cross-country have kept members of Farnham Runners busy over the last three weeks and helped them to consolidate their positions in the leagues.

TRXCL Liss

A first place in the cross-country at Rogate Common organised by Liss Runners gives them a very strong position at the top of the league with just two races to go.

Ian Carley led in an excellent 3rd place with Charles Ashby on his heels in 6th. Mike Anderson added another top 10 position (9th). An under par Andrew Ellison still recorded 24th and former chairman Steve Parker impressed with 26th as final scorer for the team that came top by 7 places.

Although not making the team this time there were other fine results from Bob Brimicombe (31st), Nick Hitchcock (34th), Dave Armstrong (35th), Tim Cummins (78th) and Phil Masters (122nd).

The reliable trio of Gabi Hitchcock (5th), Jane Georghiou (7th) and Lindsay Bamford (12th) took advantage of the reduced turnout for season’s best placings. Christy Roxburgh (20th), Sue Boxall (22nd), Elaine Ashby (43rd) and Abigail Ashby (44th) were strong in support over the challenging hilly course.

HRRL Ryde 10

Only five made it to the Ryde 10 Mile, the snow in Farnham deterring others. Tim Withers (1-15-11), John Broy (1-21-27) and Peter Strange (1-34-05) were all delighted to make the A team. Jane Georghiou (1-14-48) and Suzanne Munton (1-21-09) contributed to a ladies team.

HRRL Bramley 20

A variety of pacing strategies were tested in the Bramley 20 miler. Martin Billett set off at a quick pace and was amazed to find himself the first Farnham Runner at 15 miles, having smashed his 10km, 10 mile and half marathon personal best times along the way. He fought hard till the end and was over the moon with his time of 2hours 19minutes 59 seconds, an improvement by 16 minutes. By then, however, he had been overtaken four team mates; Charles Ashby who started very conservatively and gradually built up speed till the last half mile when, determined to be the first club member home he overtook Sean Smith and flew to the finish, clocking 2-15-16 with Smith not far back in 2-15-51.

Mike Walberton continues to improve with a 2 minute best of 2-17-35 to place 9th in the M50 category. Steve Kitney paced steadily for 2-19-05 to complete the A team score of 2nd in Division Two. Tim Withers showed no let up in his recent personal best tally adding another distance, this time an improvement of an amazing 14 minutes (2-48-51). Ian Carley accompanied his wife Wendy (2-58-14) and Alistair Wilson made the B team on his debut 20-miler (3-09-05). The C team comprised Leslie Boxall (3-15-52) Mark Beeson (3-16-32), Peter Strange (3-17-30, 5th M65) and Andrew Perrin (3-26-10).

Sue Boxall, first lady Farnham Runner by sixteen minutes, (2-42-07) was delighted with a personal best of 8 minutes to clinch 2nd place in her category. Wendy Carley clocked 2-58-15 followed by Tori Shaw in 3-02-05 for a fine 6th in Division 1. Emma Doven (3-10-13), Emma Drinkwater (3-12-20) and Jessica Page in 3-13-50 on her debut comprised the B team (5th).

After 8 of the total number of 12 Hampshire Road Race League events Farnham Runners A teams lie 3rd in Division 2 (men) and 8th in Division 1 (ladies). Both need some good points in the forthcoming races to ensure they are in the top flight next year.

Other races

After his dedication through a whole year of running most of the Saturday morning Frimley Lodge 5km parkruns in very good times, Tim Cummins was rewarded with a very worthy third place in the men’s points table for 2011-12.

After minimal long run training new member Steve Nicholls ran an impressive marathon at Gloucester in 3-11-02.