HRRL Ryde 10m

Forecasts of gales and heavy rain did not bode well for the Ryde 10 miler, the sixth race in the Hampshire Road League. The captain of the catamaran warned passengers to remain in their seats for the duration of the crossing to the Isle of Wight due to a “lumpy” sea. Then, once the runners were established in the warm comfortable race headquarters, it took a big effort to head for the start line. Fortunately out on the course the cold breeze eased to leave the hills as the main challenge, with the rain holding off till evening.

Steve Kitney repeated his recent success in the Hampshire cross-country by heading the Farnham contingent. He came in a creditable 32nd of 308 finishers (11th in the veteran’s 40 category) in a time of 1 hour 4 mins 6 secs. Not far behind was Bob Brimicombe in 1.04.32 (34th, 13th V40) while Charles Ashby, who trailed in third, (1.04.50, 36th, 15th V40) was subjected to a detailed analysis of his performance by his jubilant team-mates on the long journey home.

Steve Gillingham led in another trio to complete the “A” team that placed 5th, consolidating a safe position in Division One. Mike Ashworth dipped under 70 minutes (1.09.50) with Steve Murphy cutting it too fine (1.10.00).

Andy Tweed (1.12.41) made up the B team that placed 6th, ahead of Paul Beesley (1.13.43). Howard Inns was disappointed with 1.21.41, Peter Strange came 11th in the V60 category with 1.33.06 and Richard Sheppard bravely completed the course despite sustaining an injury (1.36.42).

Jane Georghiou overtook in the last two miles to finish as 10th lady and smash the W55 course record by over 8 minutes (1.12.08). The reliable Caroline Freeman recorded 1.25.49 while Lisa Smith added to her excellent support of the team (1.29.44). Farnham Runners ladies still place 2nd in the top flight of the league, the day’s result being 7th of the 10 teams.