HRRL Eastleigh 10K

Ideal conditions at the Eastleigh 10km, the tenth of the twelve-race Hampshire Road League series, helped many Farnham Runners to impressive times. Mike Anderson claimed another M50 club record to add to his recent 5km record of 17.19, while Julian Mann and Mike Walberton recorded their third personal best performance in just twenty-two days.

Michael Rix flew round in 34 mins 50 secs to take 70th place of almost 1600 finishers in this very competitive race. Anderson’s personal best 35.12 (76th), placed 3rd in his category, his “gun time” of 35.14 ranking him 10th in UK tables for the year so far. Julian Mann deducted a massive two minutes from his last attempt at the distance (36.37, 119th) followed by Charles Ashby, disappointed at just missing a 36 minute time (37.00, 131st). These four counted for the teams’ A score that gave them 4th in the top flight of the league, their aggregate only one point a drift from third.

After a 22-mile marathon-training session the previous day Steve Kitney was happy with 38.15 and Dan Smith with 39.05, the pair split by Bob Brimicombe in 38.21. Mike Walberton came next in 39.26 for the B team’s 5th place (aggregate 4th).

Other men’s times: Steve Gillingham 39.37, Tim Cummins 40.22 (pb), Dave Armstrong 43.57, Steve Payne 46.12, Howard Inns 48.46.

The ladies also fielded complete A and B teams. For the first time under 42 minutes Angela Epps was 32nd lady in 41.42 (9th F40). Jane Georghiou (42.15, 3rd F50) and Lindsay Bamford 46.30 contributed to the A team’s 6th in Division One. Although now 8th the ladies look safe from relegation and are only 6 points away from 3rd place, so a good position is still available from the last two events. Catherine Bradley led in the B team with a creditable 47.59 while Suzanne Munton made a strong debut in 55.01 and Elaine Ashby improved on her time last year (63.27). (All times given are chip times).