Weather affected race

It was another storm affected weekend in Winchester. There were frequent email updates throughout the week before, warning of possible cancellation or route changes. With Riverpark (where the race was due to finish) flooded, ultimately some adjustments to the route were made – which would cause chaos later.
The race started off just outside the Guildhall, under the watchful eye of the King Alfred statue. It was packed, proving what a popular local event this is. Unfortunately it was too windy to put up the starting arch but at least is was dry and fairly mild. Four Wessex runners started – David H (although running for WADAC), Doug, Nigel and Phil.


The course started off in the City, headed out towards Kingsworthy, before looping back in via the Andover Rd. It was undulating to say the least with a steady climb back into the City but rewarded with a downhill stretch to the finish.


Unfortunately the change of route caused confusion and the leading groups went the wrong way (Phil!) adding an extra 600 metres to their race. The adjusted finish was a little narrow and there were a few grumblings from the wrongly directed runners but the ‘goody’ bag at the end was a nice surprise.
All Wessex runners home safe in the order – Nigel, Phil, David H and Doug.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3124343145/embed/7e2095c3e2396b2606ea9168993442bfa6c2c177