Clarendon Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Marathon, HXCL Farley Mount, HRRL Solent Half Marathon, New Forest Marathon and Leicester City Marathon

Clarendon Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay Marathon

All Farnham Runners who took part in the Clarendon marathon, half marathon or relay marathon enjoyed a most memorable day and would agree with race organisers who describe the off road route as one of the toughest but most scenic. One Farnham competitor measured the total ascent on a GPS as 5,600feet.

Starting in the morning from Salisbury the marathoners dug deep at halfway to keep up a good pace as they were joined by the fresh-legged half marathoners who started at mid-day. Overcoming the logistics of transport to each leg and having to come up with an original team name, the relay teams comprised four runners (with at least one female) who all covered approximately 10.5km.

There were some excellent results for the local club. Hinting at his true potential after minimal training Graham Russ sped over the challenging full distance route in an amazing 3 hours 3 minutes and 39 seconds to claim second prize. Michael Rix, who won the recent Petworth 10km, finished third in the 13.1mile event in only 1.24.16. He headed the runners up trophy winning quartet of Bob Brimicombe (1.32.26), Steve Kitney (1.33.20), James Ogilvie (1.35.22).

The “Three Blokes and a Bird” team of Charles Ashby, Ian Carley, Angela Epps and Julian Mann finished an excellent 6th of 91 in a total time of 2.58.31 while “Vintage Farnham” (Malcolm Fitzsimmons, Emma Doven, Julie Russ and Suzanna Ching) clocked a very respectable 3.59.50 for 53rd place.

An enthusiast of long distance races Frances Britain represented the Farnham ladies in the marathon in 4.11.23, while Caroline Freeman recorded 2.12.55 in the half marathon, followed by Sally Lawrence in 2.14.06.

Other times: Marathon: Dan Smith 3.32.18, Peter Strange 4.52.22.

Half Marathon: Howard Inns 1.52.39, Tim Cummins 1.55.04, Paul Beesley 1.59.29, Richard Cieslik 2.01.55, Stephen Whatley 2.23.23.

HXCL Farley Mount

The cross-country season kicked off with the Farley Mount Hampshire League race. Newcomer Simon Loughnane showed his mettle by leading in the Farnham team in his first ever off-road race. His time of 35.45 placed him 114th of 278 men over the 9km course. Chairman Dan Smith, still recovering from the previous week’s marathon, took 126th in 36.14. Steve Murphy (38.10, 165th) powered ahead of Tim Cummins (38.12, 166th) near the finish while Nick Hill (39.01, 179th) made up the five-strong team that came 7th in Division Two. Dave Armstrong, who was delighted to place first M50 in a Lake Placid trail run, was next in 41.06 (219th) in front of Andy Tweed (41.27, 224th). Chris Cramp’s 43.19 (242nd) was 3 minutes quicker than last year, helping the B team to 9th while Richard Cieslik (46.21, 263rd) gave valuable back-up.

The ladies were down to the minimum of three but did well to take 16th overall and 7th among the veterans’ teams. Jane Georghiou, who finished 2nd lady in the recent Butser Hill fell race, clocked 26.12 for the 6.0km (53rd), followed by the reliable Lindsay Bamford (29.01, 78th) and Caroline Freeman (32.31, 102nd).

HRRL Solent Half Marathon

The next day in the Solent Half Marathon, the third event of the Hampshire Road Race League, the Farnham Runners men did exceptionally well, the A team coming 3rd and the B team top of their sections of Division One. Three of the runners, Tim Cummins, Lindsay Bamford and Caroline Freeman turned out to contribute to their teams on two consecutive days.

Michael Rix was pleased to finish 9th of 273 in a superb time of 77 minutes 40 seconds. Ian Carley (1.20.11, 18th) was chased by Julian Mann (1.21.04) while Bob Brimicombe (1.25.00) snatched the final A team slot from Steve Kitney (1.25.12). Rene Nevola (1.27.27) made a welcome appearance to stay ahead of Steve Gillingham (1.27.46) and Charles Ashby (1.32.10).
Other mens’ times: Tim Cummins 1.37.20, Howard Inns 1.39.18, Richard Sheppard 2.00.59.

Lindsay Bamford led in the ladies in a fine 1.49.44. Emma Doven gained a new personal best 1.52.20, while stalwart Caroline Freeman (2.01.05) completed the A team (8th in Division One) followed by Helen Cathie (2.05.18).

Other marathons

Emma Pearson ran her first marathon over the undulating New Forest course in an excellent time of 3.46.34.

Experienced runner Sarah Hill chose the Leicester City Marathon as her debut at this distance. She smashed the previous club ladies record by over 8 minutes to take 4th ladies slot in 3.02.00, just 6 seconds off 2nd place.