Days getting longer, warmer weather, leaves on trees, birds nesting, the first RR10 race of the year are all signs of Spring. There was clearly some new season enthusiasm amongst Wessex Road Runners with a strong turnout of 12 runners making it to the starting line – enough for a Men’s A and B Team result. The first time since 2009 I believe. David H amongst them, following his London marathon efforts only a few days previously and new member, Anthony, making his debut.
Not unsurprisingly, being the first race of the season, it was busy with a large turnout of 489 runners. The previous problems with parking / traffic didn’t seem such an issue this year and all Wessex runners made it to the start line in good time. As Phil and I lined up we met another runner from a different club, clearly confused by our new kit asking who we were? For those familiar with YouTube it was a very ‘Ronnie Pickering’ moment.
It was a fairly open start (passing Peter cheering us on) with a flat section prior to some twists, turns and climbs onto the old golf course / Eastleigh Parkrun course. Despite seemingly constant rain in the past few months the course was very dry, indeed with some hard, rutted parts – difficult to see with the low, Spring, evening sun at some points. We did find some standing water at some point but it was fleeting and easily avoided. Two loops of the course and then a nice flat and fast section to finish.
All Wessex runners home safely with Jay leading us home and (in the absence of an injured Mike) giving Phil some strong competition. Finishers in the order Jay, Phil, Andrew, myself, Anthony, Kevin, David S, Chris, David H, Derek and Richard. Katie being the solo Ladies finisher for Wessex.
It was great to see Derek and David S running and hopefully the strong start to the season will continue. The next race is in two weeks’ time at Itchen Valley.
Wessex Road Runners 