HRRL Ryde 10 miler

There was a good turn out of Farnham Runners men at the Ryde 10 miler the 6th event of the 12-race Hampshire Road League series and they achieved some impressive times. The four fastest from the club all clocked under sixty-three minutes on the hilly course. The weather was kind, sun and little wind, for both the journey to the Isle of Wight and the race.

In just over the hour barrier came Andrew Ellison in 1 hour 4 seconds as 22nd over the line and 5th in the M40 category. Improving with every outing, the enthusiastic James Warren recorded 1-01-30, a new best by 90 seconds (28th, 10th M40). Next Richard Lovejoy clocked 1-02-09, while Ian Carley had to be content as 4th scorer in 1-02-40. This “A” team was first in Division Two (5th overall) in the league and now heading the division at the end of the season, not only a promotional spot looks possible.

Leading the club’s Grand Prix series at present, Matt Dellar led the “B” string with 1-10-05 in his first attempt at the distance. Alistair Hardaway fought off injury for 1-13-45, while Steve Kitney (1-13-56) and Steve Murphy (1-14-11) helped the team to 3rd, aggregate 4th, so again promotion is on the agenda. John Phillips chipped a huge 7 minutes from his previous best in 1-17-16, followed by Chris Beattie in 1-26-42.

There was only a single Farnham lady competitor, Emma Whittaker-Axon who finished in a very creditable 1-17-07 for 11th in the senior lady category. The “A” team still lies 5th on aggregate in Division Two.