HRRL Eastleigh 10k, Fleet Half Marathon, Costa Rica Coastal Challenge and British Masters Cross Country Championships

HRRL Eastleigh 10k

Farnham Runners ladies were pleased to come away from the Eastleigh 10km with fifth team place in the top flight of the Hampshire Road Race League. They still rank seventh of the ten cubs in that division but are now safer on points, with three matches to go.

This race is renowned for its flat course and potential for a personal best, though this year a strong breeze in the latter stages affected times.

First back for Farnham was James Clarke, with a superb new best of 35 minutes 19 seconds, while just over forty minutes was Neil Ambrose in 40:23. John Phillips (41:53) and Terry Copeland (43:31) completed the team that came 10th in Division One. Craig Tate-Grimes was delighted to deduct three minutes from his previous best in 46:55, paced by Ian Carley, 46:57. Douglas Blyth returned to racing in 63:36.

The three ladies were led in by a swift Emma Whittaker-Axon in 43:10, followed by Eloise Stradling in 44:43 and Kay Copeland in 50:08 for ninth in her category.

Fleet Half Marathon

On the same day thirty six Farnham Runners chose to take part in the local Fleet Half marathon. Rob Gilchrist produced a fine new PB of 1:17:02 clinching fourth in the M40 category. A further seven clocked under one hour thirty, with Mike Anderson taking third M60 slot in 1:29:02 in his first race at this distance for ten years. His time took a huge chunk off the Farnham Runners M60 half marathon club record. A smiling Linda Tyler was on the podium as first in her category with a PB 1:40:12, while Chris Jackson is now second on the club M60 record table with 1:42:34. Phil Masters came eighth M65 in his first race at this distance (1:55:05).

Still on the same day eight members completed the Reading Half marathon, Sarah Hill taking the second F40 spot. They included a group of the Absolute Beginners from the “Class of 2016”, Jane Porter, Ali Welch, Carolyn Wickham and Lisa Chadwick, who were delighted to finish their first race at this distance.

Costa Rica Coastal Challenge

Ultra-runner, Susie Chan won the ladies section of the Costa Rica Coastal Challenge adventure category. This was a 155km six day stage race in high humidity and heat and over varied, rough terrain.

British Masters Cross Country Championships

Jane Georghiou represented Farnham Runners in the British Masters Cross Country Championships in Liverpool, placing fifth in her category.