Runners are on song after picking up a ticket to Ryde

Also…the Bramley 20 and St Swithun’s Way training run

HRRL Ryde 10

Group of Farnham Runners on what looks like a tropical island standing in front of palm trees before the start of 2023 Ryde 10

Nineteen Farnham Runners enjoyed the annual “overseas” trip to the Isle of Wight to take part in the Ryde 10, organised by Ryde Harriers. The race was held in very pleasant conditions, with no bitter wind or the 48mph gusts of last year. The traditional photo in front of the palm trees (above), in brilliant sunshine, could almost have been taken on a tropical island! The temperature was in fact quite cool but ideal for running.

After an early start to catch the catamaran the runners had a 20 minute walk to race HQ at the hospitable Ryde Rowing club where they met up after the race, some staying for the presentations. They were delighted to find that three had won prizes for being first or second in their category.

Group the Farnham Runners sitting on the sea wall in Ryde enjoying fish and chips after the 2023 Ryde 10

Some rewarded themselves with fish and chips on the way back to the ferry.

The scenic 10 mile route out to St Helens gave some spectacular views of the coast on the return leg. It wasn’t for the faint-hearted as it included four steep, long hills with a total ascent of 674 feet. Some used it as training for the forthcoming London marathon.

First club member back and 2nd M60 was Chris Raby in an impressive time of 1:09:50.

Next came Neil Ambrose in 1:10:29, Ivan Chunnett in 1:12:45 and Tony jones (5th M55) in 1:12:54. This A team placed 9th in the top division of the Hampshire Road League.

Justin Clarke in 1:15:12, James Goodwin in 1:19:40, Paul Keogh in 1:22:21 and Andy Brown in 1:30:57 made up the B team which was 8th in B division 1. Craig Tate-Grimes used the race as a training run, in 1:37:52.

Bella Weetch was 5th senior lady and first back for the Farnham ladies in a personal best1:19:46, Linda Tyler next as 2nd F60 in 1:23:45, Lindsay Bamford 3rd F55 in 1:26:41 and Billy McCulloch 4th F50 in 1:26:50 gave an excellent result of 5th of 10 clubs in A division 1 and they lie 5th after seven of the twelve events.

Bridget Naylor in 1:30:54, Jane Georghiou in 1:31:22 (1st F70), Vicky Goodluck in PB 1:34:39 and Colette Grist in 1:36:29 made up the B team which placed top of 10 clubs in B division 1, boosting the overall position to 6th.

Jane Barry clocked 1:39:15 and Nicola O’Connor 1:58:54.

Bramley 20

Emma Pearson, Sarah Hill and Linda Tyler before the start of the 2023 Bramley 20

The following weekend, in preparation for spring marathons three Farnham Runners completed the Bramley 20 miler. Emma Pearson was 8th F40 in 2:33:41, accompanied by Sarah Hill, 9th F40 in 2:33:43. Linda Tyler after battling injury and in training for the Tokyo marathon was delighted to be 3rd F60 in 2:56:09.

St Swithun’s Way training run

Group of Farnham Runners ready for the off at Alton station for the 2023 run back to Farnham along the St Swithuns Way

On the same day, social secretary Clair Bailey organised a Sunday run back from Alton along St Swithun’s Way, 10.5 miles from Alton station to Farnham Park where hot drinks and snacks were very much deserved.

Again many used it as part of marathon training, some even adding extra miles at the end!

See the Photo Gallery 2023 for further photos from the above events