HRRL Overton 5, Pilgrim Half and Full Marathons, training and upcoming races

HRRL Overton 5

Farnham Runners group asssemble before the 2022 Overton 5

The season of Hampshire Road League races began as usual with the Overton 5, organised by Overton Harriers and Athletics Club.

This year conditions were much cooler than the hot afternoon last year, though still quite humid, and the sun came out to make it warmer towards the end for those who took more than 30 minutes. The course was unchanged, so it was just as hilly, with three long ascents around the scenic country lanes.

It was held the same day as the Farnham Pilgrim marathon and half marathon so the number of Farnham Runners competitors was down on last year but both the men’s and ladies’ A team scored very useful results in the top divisions.

There were some new faces in the teams, with James Robinson, Sam Angell and Frances Lethbridge all running their first race in Farnham colours as well as their first attempt at the distance. For Julia Jones and Alison Lamb it was also their first 5 mile road race and their first Hampshire League event.

James Clarke led them in with a fine 28:48 for 23rd place, while James Robinson was less than a minute back in 29:32. Sam Angell with 33:58 and Chris Raby (5th M60) with 34:22 in his first 5 miler helped to secure a fine 6th place for the A team. Richard Denby ran a personal best 36:42, followed by Tim Farrant in 38:05.

Jane Georghiou strides home at the 2022 Overton 5 Julia Jones enjoys her first Hampshire road race at the 2022 Overton 5 Frances Lethbridge in her first race for Farnham Runners at the 2022 Overton 5

Louise Granell had an excellent run in a personal best time of 33:58 for 3rd F35 and 15th ladies place. Next came the indefatigable Linda Tyler in 37:32 as 3rd F60. Third in the A team was Jane Georghiou in 42:07 which placed her first in her new age category, while Frances Lethbridge was final scorer in 44:54.

This A team came 5th of the 10 clubs in the top division. Julia Jones and Alison Lamb both ran a strong first 5 miler to clock 46:49 and 47:44 respectively.

Farnham Half and Full Pilgrim marathons

Four of the Farnham Runners Pilgrims marathoners recover after the 2022 race

Six Farnham Runners completed the full Farnham Pilgrim marathon distance over the challenging hilly terrain, while seven ran the half marathon, all with good times.

Stuart Taylor clocked 4:02:16 as 24th finisher, while Emma Pearson and Sarah Hill were the first two Farnham ladies back in 4:15:20/21 (2nd and 3rd F45). Emma Dawson and Mark Maxwell finished in 4:29:43/44. For Mark it served as a long training run before the London Marathon in October. No stranger to long distances, Kate Townsend was timed at 4:54:21 (3rd F50).

New members Laura Butchart and Henrietta Holderness were first from the club in the 13.1 miler, both with splendid performances of 1:47:46, and 1:55:12 respectively as 4th and 7th ladies and as 3rd F40 for Laura and 1st senior lady for Henrietta.

Paul Mackie also finished under 2 hours in 1:59:51. Sue Taylor, first in the F50 category, and Bridget Naylor, 4th F55, recorded 2:03:10 and 2:09:01 followed by Sally Lawrence in 2:39:51 and Catherine Wernham in 2:56:33.

A number of Farnham Runners had also volunteered their time to help with manning water stations and other tasks.

Shane Benzie training course

Shane Benzie instructs the morning group during his course in September 2022

In September we were treated to another visit from Shane Benzie, arranged by former men’s captain, Ali Hardaway. Eleven members attended their first training camp with Shane in the morning; this was followed by a more advanced session in the afternoon for ten members – including three of the club’s coaches – who had already completed at least one training camp.

Shane Benzie teaching the afternoon group during his course in September 2022

Everyone benefited from Shane’s expertise in the field of body movement, focusing on the body’s fascia system. With video analysis we were able to see how we run, giving us an insight in how to improve our running technique. By the end of each session, everyone was able to see an improvement.

Other training and upcoming races

Farnham Runners are now looking forward to taking part in the other 11 Hampshire Road Race League races, as well as the Southern League Cross Country League that is due to begin in October.

Our regular Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday training sessions continue. Recently members enjoyed another of the monthly “Roving Runs” at Caesar’s Camp with leaders taking a variety of distances and paces.

A very successful Hash run has also been held at Hankley Common, delayed from July because of the heatwave. Social secretary Clair Bailey organised the event with the assistance of James Goodwin who sorted out the route and other “hares” Chris Raby, and Richard Denby to help lay the course.