HRRL Overton 5 and HRRL Victory 5

Farnham Runners’ men and ladies’ teams held their own in the first two races of the Hampshire Road Race League. The men are currently 8th and the ladies 7th, both in the top Divisions.

Overton 5m

The first of the twelve races was the undulating Overton 5 miler. It was no surprise that the determined Michael Rix (28.47, 31st) led them in, followed by the still improving Julian Mann (29.36, 50th). Mike Anderson had to settle for 8th in the M50 category but in an impressive 30.07 (64th). Bob Brimicombe managed to repeat his 2008 personal best to the second (31.52).

Other men’s times: Steve Kitney 32.11, Tim Cummins 32.48, Dan Smith 33.01, Paul Beesley 33.47, Nick Hill 34.04, Charles Ashby 34.16, Mike Walberton 34.38, Chris Cramp 35.39, Scott Salmon 35.58.

Star performer for the ladies was Louise James (35.03, 17th lady) in Farnham colours for the first time. She ran strongly to hold on to her position from a chasing Jane Georghiou (35.08, 18th lady, 1st F55). Caroline Freeman (40.57, 16th F40) made up the team that finished 7th in Division One, with Ali Lowes in 43.14 lacking anyone to back her up and form a B team.

Victory 5

The flat Victory Five mile course, moved to September from its previous December slot, attracted a competitive field from a wide area. Julian Mann (51st, 29.18, 8th M40) and Mike Anderson (56th, 29.29, 4th M50) paced at under 6 minute miling, while Bob Brimicombe (31.09) and Steve Kitney (31.17) made up the club’s A team (8th in Div 1). All striving to return to full fitness Charles Ashby (32.14), Dan Smith (32.19), Mike Walberton (33.18) and Scott Salmon (35.42) comprised the 7th placed B team, with Richard Cieslik 37.38 in support.

This race attracted a full contingent of ladies, with more than enough for a B team. Jane Georghiou came 24th (1st W55) in 34.15 ahead of an under par Louise James (48th, 37.11). Emma Doven was pleased with her 40.24 to help the team to 7th. Caroline Freeman (41.19), Wendy Carley (42.06) and Helen Cathie (43.09) made up a very useful B team that came 4th. Diane Cox (48.04), Elaine Ashby (51.48) and Lisa Smith (52.13) provided further back-up.