Race number eight of the season and my favourite race – easy to get to and flat, really flat, with the only ‘hill’ being the up slope after we run through a short underpass. Some say it is a little dull but there were plenty of distractions with other sports on the adjacent pitches – softball, cricket nets and Winchester City playing a pre-season friendly.
The weather again was kind and the prolonged dry spell had made the course rock hard and fast. This race often coincides with the end of school exams / start of school holidays so numbers tend to tail off a little but suddenly there is an influx of (fast) youthful runners.
Another good Wessex turnout, fielding a men’s A and B team but Imy a solo runner for the ladies’ team. It was the usual route, although with a few last minute changes to the course to accommodate the other sports being played, shortening the route by a couple of hundred metres. One lap of the short loop, through the underpass, two long loops and then back under for a final short loop
Runners home in the order : Men’s – Jay (49), Mike (131), Chris (183), Daniel (190), Nigel (199), Gary (202), Kevin (241), David H (255), Anthony (260) and Richard (273). Ladies’ – Imy (33).
Looking through the league tables Daniel and Chris in a good tussle for top spot in Wessex but one more race result should push Jay, Peter or Andrew to the top. The Men’s A team are on track for an excellent finish with regular results this season and great running from Imy, consistently finishing around 30th in every race she has competed in.
However the most improved this season goes to Richard for his tent folding abiliy – becoming like a Japanese master origamist.
Penultimate race of this RR10 season, towards the New Forest, at the Cadland estate, August 6th.
Wessex Road Runners 