Fleet Half Marathon

A large and enthusiastic contingent of Farnham Runners converged on Fleet for the 24th Fleet Half Marathon on Sunday. They made up 36 of 2002 finishers in this event, which was extremely well organised by Fleet and Crookham Athletics Club.

The club lifted two age group prizes and some produced personal best performances while others raced this challenging distance for the first time. Many of the club’s runners are in an advanced stage of their London marathon preparations and rigorous training schedules may have impacted on their performances in this race.

The most remarkable competitor was John Applebee who, in his quest to raise money for Leukaemia research and to train for the gruelling 56 mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa, completed the 13.1 mile route twice, the first time starting at 9.15 accompanied by Club chairman Malcolm Fitzsimmons (on his bike). Keeping exactly to schedule, his second half was clocked at just under his two hours target.

First home for Farnham by a margin of five minutes was keen road runner, Mike Anderson who ran an excellent pace to cross the line in 1.22.53 (85th, 11th M45).

A trio of Mark Taylor, Charles Ashby, and Dan Smith ran easily within their capabilities for 1.27.54, 1.28.12, and 1.28.39 respectively in the warm but not difficult conditions.

Jane Georghiou was 14th lady and first W50 in 1.31.57. Sarah Edson ran a 1.35 half marathon a couple of weeks ago but was pleased with her creditable time of 1.39.26 at Fleet, followed by Jo Edson, who overcame injury worries (1.42.30). Fourth Farnham lady, Lindsay Bamford (1.43.54) was delighted to take another 2 minutes 30 seconds from her previous best.

Stuart Edgoose is going from strength to strength and deducted 45 seconds from his excellent result at Gosport in November; he was again a very proud winner of the M70 category with his time of 1.48.31.

Other Farnham times: Richard Baldock 1.33.29, Andy Tweed 1.35.59, Terry Steadman 1.38.08, Vince Crowley 1.38.59, Rob Murdoch 1.39.45, David Ballard 1.43.40, Tim Cummins 1.46.02 PB, Graham Higgins 1.46.34, Charlotte Self 1.47.58, Nicolette Overy 1.49.39, Sara Wallace 1.51.01, Sarah Buckle 1.52. 11, Sara Fitzgerald 1.52.24, Steve Pound 1.52.48, Julie Russ 1.54.34, Melanie Hill 1.59.01 PB, Claire Cantwell 1.59.02 PB, John Applebee 1.59.25, John Andrews 2.05.53, Neil Edson 2.07.36, Nathalie Garrison 2.08.20 (first half marathon), Gill Kenny 2.08.53, Caroline Bark 2.10.21, Helen Scullard 2.11.24 PB, Penny Griffith 2.13.49, Margot Cresswell 2.18.57, Angela Ballard 2.24.51.