HRRL Ryde 10 miles, South of England Cross Country Championships and Chichester 10k

HRRL Ryde 10 miles

Eight Farnham Runners enjoyed a day out at the Ryde Harriers’ ten miler. Renowned for its bitter start, conditions were relatively good but still chilly with a strong breeze. The new course since 2015, from Ryde via St Helen’s and Nettlestone, is hillier than the previous route.

Both men and ladies fielded complete “A” teams for this Hampshire Road Race League event, both squads sitting in the top of three divisions, but not enough runners for the “B” or “C” teams. James Clarke led them in by over six minutes, to finish 27th in one hour 2 minutes 4 seconds. Neil Ambrose added to his tally of personal best times in 1:07:59, while John Phillips and Nick Hill clocked 1:11:32 and 1:17:01 respectively. This gave the men tenth place (aggregate tenth).

The ladies team was pleased to come third in the top division, still lying seventh in the series but now stronger on points. Stalwart of the Farnham contingent, Eloise Stradling didn’t disappoint with 1:14:04, 20th lady and 6th senior lady. Next Jane Georghiou won her age group, just 10 secs from the category record in 1:19:30, quickly followed by Lindsay Bamford in 1:19:57. Linda Tyler, who had completed a tough 16km cross-country the day before had to settle for 1:25:16. Both were fourth in their categories.

South of England Cross Country Championships

For the second time Farnham Runners entered a full team in the South of England Cross Country Championships held at the iconic Parliament Hill fields on Hampstead Heath.

Reversing the positions of last year Kayleigh Copeland (38:06) just pipped Eloise Stradling (38:12) to the line. Emma Pearson (39:08) and Lindsay Bamford (40:59) put in strong performances for the remaining scoring places. They placed 40th of 63 teams.

In support, Jane Georghiou (43:18) kept just ahead of Fiona Carle (43:30) and Linda Tyler (44:20) who both experienced the tough conditions on the Heath for the first time.

Chichester 10k

Mike Anderson flew the flag for Farnham at the Chichester 10k. Having gained a new club 10km record at the recent Stubbington Green 10km, he deducted almost half minute on the new course at Chichester. His time of 38:54 gave him first M60 in a very competitive field.