A new RR10 season kicked off at Fleming Park. Clearly there was early enthusiasm with a huge turnout of runners from all Clubs attending. The total number of runners competing turned out to be a whopping 534, I certainly don’t remember a race having more than 500 recently.
Even better was a great turnout from Wessex with 15 runners taking part (and support / photography from Derek). It is also the first time I have been able to document a women’s Team result (Imy pointing out that three individual results is sufficient). We had two, very welcome, Wessex debutants at the race, Gary (who has joined us on social Monday runs) and Daniel (who was dragged along by his Dad). It was great to see David S out of hibernation and making a return for Summer running. We almost had 16 but our old colleague Phil has moved out of Winchester and for geographical reasons was running for Eastleigh (good luck to him).
The course was identical to last year with two loops around the old golf course / Eastleigh parkrun course. Weather had been dry in the days before and the course was in pretty good shape, with only one spot of mud / standing water. It was a nice wide start, running along beside the leisure centre and then turning onto the course proper. With so many runners it wasn’t surprising there were a few pinch points, with congestion worst at the top of one of the climbs. However the field soon spread out and this became less of a problem as the race went on. One final climb, followed by a downhill section and then a sprint (if possible) on the flat to the finish.
In the Men’s individual, runners home in the order Jay (36), Mike (113), Peter (129), Andrew (156), Gary (218), Chris (219), Nigel (248), Daniel (250), David S (277), Anthony (287), David H (295) and Richard (297). Giving a strong Wessex team result and a B team result too.
In the Ladies’ individual, runners home in the order Imy (33), Katie (183) and Kavitha (213). Giving a team result and placing Wessex 48th (out of 73 teams). Long may this continue.
A great start to the season by the team with an excellent turnout. Hopefully this will continue and we will have some further Team results. The next event is at Itchen Valley in two week’s time.
Wessex Road Runners 