SXCL Lord Wandsworth College and Portsmouth Coastal Marathon

SXCL Lord Wandsworth College

Thirty eight Farnham Runners flocked to the mud fest that was the fourth round of the Southern Cross-Country League, 2019-20. Hosted by Hart Road Runners it is held each year at Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton.

Some remember it in a muddier state but not by much. A few drier days had made little difference and runners were advised to make sure their shoes were securely fastened. To plough through the deep puddles or to skirt round them and stay on one’s feet was the difficult choice. Slippery tree roots had to be negotiated and a steep hill on each of the two laps favoured those who could continue running or were able to power walk. As the runners tackled the last incline to the finish over a stony field, they were spurred on by team mates of the 24 clubs in the league. After hosing down legs and shoes totally caked in mud, they enjoyed a huge spread of sandwiches and cakes provided by the host club.

Farnham Runners were pleased when they found out the team results and, as so often, consistency between their men’s and ladies’ teams was key. Both placed fifth to give an excellent overall tally of third out of the 24 clubs in the league.

James Clarke in an excellent 17th place finished just ahead of Matt Morgan in 19th. Charlie Hill-Venning in 46th just got the better of Harvey Wickham, 47th, while Colin Addison was the final scorer for Farnham in 72nd. Neil Ambrose in 78th and men’s captain John Phillips in 95th were in the top 100.

For the ladies, Louise Granell equalled her highest ever placing, in an impressive 7th. Just one week after completing a marathon, Linda Tyler put in an amazing performance for her best so far, 27th. The improving Sue Taylor was delighted to make the team for the first time, again in a best placing of 32nd. Lindsay Bamford, who also ran at Portsmouth, 48th, Jane Georghiou 53rd and Tori Shaw 62nd made the top 100.

Other placings:

Men: Mike Taylor 109, Terry Copeland 115, Darren Carins 118, Tim Cummins 127, John Hill-Venning 129, Tim Farrant 133, Alan Oliver (debut) 164, Justin Clarke 171, Adam Harrison 174, Craig Tate-Grimes 188, Richard Denby 189, James Goodwin 194, Paul Mackie 215, Geoff Brown 228.

Ladies: Amanda Muir 103, Jane Allen 110, Penny Schnabel 114, Kathy Brown 122, Pauline Hamilton 125, Clair Bailey 127, Helen Bracey 129, Jacquie Browne 144, Julia Tagg 145, Carolyn Wickham 160, Jackie Wilkinson161.

Portsmouth Coastal Marathon

The previous weekend five Farnham Runners completed the Portsmouth Coastal marathon. Although flat, puddles throughout and a strong head wind over the last two miles, made conditions difficult.

Ladies course record holder Sarah Hill had to setttle for an enviable 3 hours 11 minutes 7 seconds this year as second lady. Mike Taylor clocked 3:55:28 while Linda Tyler (4:26:07) paced Craig Tate-Grimes to a new personal best of 4:26:08. Lindsay Bamford recorded 4:28:09.