HRRL Eastleigh 10k, Cranleigh 21 miles, British Masters 2012 Cross-Country Championships and National Lottery Olympic Park Run

Eastleigh 10k

Although there were so many other races on the same day, including the Fleet half marathon twelve members supported the club in the Eastleigh 10km. This was the tenth of twelve in the series Hampshire Road Race League series and its reputation as being a fast, flat course draws a very competitive field from a wide area.

Getting back to his former standard Andrew Ellison was happy with a fine 36-14 for 86th place in over 2000 finishers and 8th in the M40 section. Mike Walberton was delighted to see the effect of his present rigorous training schedule, taking well over one minute from his personal best (37- 42, 9th M50). Nick Hitchcock also came away beaming having broken 40 minutes for the first time (39-39). Bob Brimicombe was just over in 40-03 to complete the A team which was 6th in Division 2 (aggregate 3rd).

Dave Armstrong was very pleased with 40-46, another PB, with Mike Ashworth following in 41-32. John Broy (46-22, PB) and an under-par Tim Withers (52-53) completed the B team, which were 13th (aggregate 8th).

Laura Boon headed the ladies in an excellent 40-42 in her debut 10km (29th lady). Gabi Hitchcock took 2 minutes from her previous best (42-28) and Suzanne Munton (47-42) completed the scoring for a good 6th in Division One (aggregate 8th). Not far behind Lucy Pritchard provided valuable back-up (49-53).

Cranleigh 21 miles

On the same warm day four members completed the Cranleigh 21 miles: Chris Cramp 2-53-09, Colin Pirie 3-05-26, Emma Doven 3-17-32, Andrew Perrin 3-19-17. Three ran the Cranleigh 15 miles: Ian Exton 2-10-56, Tori Shaw 2-16-50, Shirley Perrett 2-26-02 (3rd in category).

British Masters 2012 Cross-Country Championships

Jane Georghiou represented Farnham Runners in the British Masters 2012 Cross-Country Championships at Bath (at which medals are awarded for each 5- year age category) and came away with a surprise bronze medal.

National Lottery Olympic Park Run

Farnham Runners Steve Gillingham and Nicolette Overy were lucky enough to be among 5,000 participants in the National Lottery Olympic Run on Saturday 31st March. More than 40,000 people applied for the unique privilege of running in a 5 mile race around the Olympic Park and being the first runners to cross the finishing line in the brand new stadium where, in a few months, athletics superstars will compete for Olympic gold.

Although much of the cosmetic work on the park is still in progress, the ribbon of red-T-shirted runners enjoyed the views of the iconic velodrome and the other completed major venues as it threaded its way around the site. Then, at last – through the athletes’ tunnel and out into the arena to the strains of Chariots of Fire – a wonderful encouragement for the last 300 metres around the famous track. Few of the participants will have tickets for the stadium in August, but being part of this event will help to make up for it!