The unseasonably warm and dry weather had broken the day before the race but it was still set fair for the third of this year’s races. It is always a bit of drive to get to Hamble on time, with queues forming at the M27 junction but experience had meant everyone arrived early. This was also despite the long walk to the start from the car park – unless you were Richard, who had arrived even earlier and bagged a prime spot.
Strava told me this was the sixth time that I had ran at this venue and I sounded like a grizzled veteran, joining in with others, complaining about the picnic tables at the start and the hill at the end. This ‘local’ knowledge did not make me place any better though.
We had another good Wessex turnout with ten runners but disappointingly one short for a Ladies’ team and a Men’s B team result. Derek was also present for support and photography duty at the end.
A circuit around the grass at the start (avoiding the picnic tables) and then onto a path through the trees (less congestion and perhaps a little wider this year). This then opened out to some clear running towards the river, approaching Manor Farm. A steady climb and then downhill on a track by the river itself. Back up the slope and back towards the trees with a nasty little climb just before the finish and a final sprint for the line. A very enjoyable course and always nice not having to do multiple circuits.
Some great running from Jay placing first for Wessex and Daniel (despite bringing the wrong, too small, shoes) completing the Team A result with a Wessex fifth place. Runners home in the order of Jay (26), Mike (107), Peter (127), Andrew (146), Daniel (175), Nigel (209), Kevin (244), Anthony (261) and Richard (271). For the Ladies a great result for Imy finishing 24th and Katie (165).
Onto Badger Farm (everyone’s favourite) in a couple of weeks and then Ampfield Woods (part hosted by Wessex).
Wessex Road Runners 