The final race of the 2016/2017 Hampshire Road Race League.
From September to the end of June the league Races cover all corners of the county and some 96 competitive miles between them.
For this last race, perfect conditions greeted the runners as they assembled at the Ordinance Survey Building, just north of Southampton for the 9.30 start.
A single lap course of mainly road saw our Roadrunners rocket around the Industrial Estate before heading up toward Lee Manor Farm and back through Nursling before heading head to where they started.
Pete Sexton continued his consistent form and was the first team member home in just over 40 minutes with Matt Fletcher close behind him bagging himself a tidy PB. Next over the line was Simon Riley. Great to see a strong race from him after a lengthy illness. Garry Sharp was next in followed by the first of the girls Abigail Farwell. Glen Jones followed to shave 2 and a half minutes of his previous best time. James Shoulder ran a great race despite having a niggley knee. Next in were our Ladies Captain Julie Ray and Vice Chair Sarah Sharp followed by Nick Scott-Denness
“I started off taking it pretty easy” said Sarah “but as the race progressed I felt good. I got to the last mile and realised I was close to my PB. That’s where Darren’s track sessions kicked in and I really used what I’ve learnt there to keep me powering to the line”
And power home she did securing herself another pb. But that wasn’t the main cause for Sarah’s celebrations yesterday. She became one of only 6 females in Hampshire to complete all 12 of this seasons races. A massive achievement for her made all the more poignant by her string of injuries.
Belinda Rockall was also reaping the benefits of her track sessions as she smashed her PB.
“I am actually a 9 minute miler!!” She beamed “I can’t believe it, I’ve never run that fast”
Next home was Steve Hunt also securing himself a personal best
“It was my first away day as a roadrunner and I had a great time. Everyone has been so friendly and supportive over the last few weeks since I joined and that’s led to me get another PB. Thanks again, you’re a fantastic bunch!”
Great to hear he is enjoying clublife and being rewarded for the effort his is putting in to improving. Treasurer Bridget Keyte was next in, sneaking in under the hour with Tanya Clifford putting her injuries to bed and bringing the team home in style.
What a successful way to end this years Hampshire League. Thank you and congratulations to every single club member that has participated in any of the races over the course of the season. Your blood sweat and tears scores points for our wonderful club every time you cross that finish line -so well done to you all #teamIWRR
Pete Sexton-40.05
Matt Fletcher-40.12
Simon Riley-41.06
Garry Sharp-42.35
Abi Farwell-45.00
Glen Jones-46.26
James Shoulder-49.58
Julie Ray-52.29
Sarah Sharp-53.00
Nick Scott-Denness-53.09
Belinda Rockall-56.21
Steve Hunt-57.04
Bridget Keyte-58.46
Tanya Clifford-67.00
