HRRL Netley 10K, Marlborough Downs Challenge and The Predictor

Netley 10K

An outstanding performance from three Farnham Runners gave them first team place at the Netley 10km near Southampton. A sub 36-minute time from leader Michael Rix in eighth (35 minutes 50 seconds) spurred on Julian Mann to continue his meteoric improvement since joining the club just eight months ago for 36.20 (14th, 5th V40). Not far behind Mike Anderson was second in the M50 category in 36.32 (17th).

In the Hampshire Road Race League the first four runners counted and Farnham Runners reversed positions with Winchester AC, placing 2nd in Division One. Steve Kitney completed the team in a fine 38.27 (39th of 309 male finishers, 12th V40).

The B team also had an impressive result, topping the first B division. The team comprised Bob Brimicombe (38.43), Dan Smith (39.31), James Ogilvie (39.44) and Mike Walberton (40.48)

This was the final event of the series and helped the men secure high positions in both A and B streams – 4th and 3rd respectively, both out of ten teams.

Other men’s times: Tim Cummins 41.01, Paul Beesley 41.52, Scott Salmon 43.38, Steve Payne 47.23, Peter Strange 52.22.

The ladies finished the series a very respectable 5th in their top division, having placed 4th at Netley. Angela Epps came 8th of 202 ladies and 1st F40 with an excellent 41.53, followed by Jane Georghiou in 43.51 (20th, 4th W50) and Caroline Freeman (52.09, 27th F40). Newcomer Suzanne Munton showed her potential with 54.58 while Diane Cox (57.48) and Jo Baker (58.00) made up the B stream that placed 10th (series result also 10th).

In the series individual charts Farnham Runners had, for the first time, three in the first ten; Michael Rix came 8th in the very competitive men’s section while Angela Epps and Jane Georghiou placed 5th and 6th respectively among the ladies.

Marlborough Downs Challenge

Meanwhile Frances Britain, just three weeks after the Shakespeare Marathon, put her endurance training to good use by completing the 33 mile Marlborough Downs Challenge and came in a very respectable 10th of 26 ladies.

“The Predictor”

Instead of the normal Wednesday evening training a new club event, “The Predictor”, attracted fifty-four members. With all timepieces removed, runners tried to run at their predicted time over a five-mile woodland course. The prize, a bottle of champagne kindly donated by social secretary and event organiser Peter Strange, was awarded to Julian Mann.