The final CC6 of the 24/25 season took us back to Itchen Valley for a second event at this site (following Race 5). It was a cracking morning, very Spring like, with blue skies and a still day – perfect for running.
The course was a little different with the start taking place atop a hill, keeping us away from the, often boggy, usual field. It was very aesthetically pleasing with all the club flags on top of the hill in the sunshine, a perfect place to start a race. Although it did seem a little quiet with fewer runners present. Richard and David H had been the first to arrive and had set up camp – literally with the flag and a tent. There were some injuries in the squad with Richard only recently back to running and David H and I carrying a few niggles, so running pretty gently.
A nice, easy, downhill start to begin with and then looping onto some track and the only truly muddy part of the course. Through a wooded section, skirting round Go Ape and all on nice gravel path. Two laps, all fairly benign and short, just over 7Km with a tame uphill towards the finish.
A very enjoyable race and great that the organisers had changed the course so as not to replicate Race 5. Wessex home in the order of Jay, Phil, Imy, Chris, David H, myself and Andy.
Well done to Jay who was the top Wessex finisher in this year’s Championship, 30th out of 145 runners. Followed by Phil, Mike and David H (all finishing at least three races to get a placing).
RR10 not far away – starting Wednesday 23rd of April.
Wessex Road Runners 