HRRL Totton 10K, Taunton Marathon and HRRL Eastleigh 10km

HRRL Totton 10K

Farnham Runners men and ladies both put out strong teams on Sunday for the 8th race of this season’s Hampshire Road Race League, the 25th Totton 10km organised by Totton Runners.

Michael Rix used the race as a final tune up before the Paris marathon on April 9th. He came home in 34th place among a very high quality field in an excellent time of 34.59. This followed his PB of 1.17.19 in the recent Silverstone half marathon.

Mark Taylor was only just over one minute behind (36.17, 51st) with Dan Smith following in 37.24 (71st). Andy Tweed (42.20, 180th) was fourth in the team that placed 8th in the league Division One. Steve Payne produced a personal best time of 49.25 while Paul Blacknell raced in Farnham colours for the first time (53.45).

All three ladies were delighted with their team place of 3rd, which put them top of Division Two of the Hampshire League for this race.

Jane Georghiou ran her first sub 41-minute 10km for a couple of years (40.37, 10th lady).

After her encouraging performance in the Terminator Ten, a tough multi terrain event where she finished second senior lady, Sarah Edson ran an excellent race and showed her potential finishing in a splendid personal best time of 40.56 (12th lady and 2nd in the Junior category in this race). Jo Edson finished comfortably within 45 minutes (44.08, 34th lady of 210).

Taunton Marathon

On the same day five Farnham Runners travelled to Somerset for the undulating Taunton Marathon. All enjoyed the challenge despite a fight against strong winds reported to be up to 20 mph, especially during the second lap.

Lindsay Bamford, Frances Britain and Tim Cummins remarkably still achieved personal best times. Don Melvin led in the club with an amazing time of 3.48.06 in the conditions and was 11th in the M50 category. He was well on target to beat his personal best of 3.35 at the half way mark before the wind took its toll. Lindsay Bamford was delighted to take 15 minutes from her previous best (3.54.44, 5th W40) with Frances Britain finishing not far behind her in another personal best performance by 6 minutes (3.55.18, 6th W35). John Applebee crossed the line in 4.16.44, just 2 weeks after his 3 laps of the Fleet half Marathon course. This time will qualify him for the Comrades Marathon in South Africa in June. Tim Cummins produced a PB by 16 minutes with a time of 4.33.33 after minimal training! His longest run in preparation was * miles (ask him!)

HRRL Eastleigh 10K

In the Eastleigh 10km on 19th March Mike Anderson gained a new M45 club record with his 36.24 (99th). Andy Tweed maintained a pace well under 7 minute mile pace (42.52), while the improving Don Melvin gained a personal best with 44.02, followed by Frances Britain in 46.14.