3 distances were on offer for this festive seaside event. Unusually the trusty Roadrunners had runners in all 3 races… considering the time of year, with so much else going on, it was great to have representation across all the distances.
A super cold start greeted all the runners but more so for our Ultra runners Ian Russell and Steve Horsey as they set off at 8am.
“The weather itself was spot on, but it was very cold and icy underfoot” said Ian
Half an hour later, our marathon trio of Steve Hickman, Kev Winchcombe and Harry Rann set off. A little splay of youth verses experience with Harry running his 4th marathon and Steve running his 144th.
The course took the runners from the start at the Pyramids Centre on South Parade
Along past the Royal Marines Museum and around Longstone Harbour. A multi terrain course, the runners had to tackle frozen footpaths, mud and shingle beaches, feeling ever harder as they had to face them twice on this out and back course.
9am saw the half runners set out. With Harry Vernon on the start line with Margaret Niland-Murphy and Julie Salter running with friends Gill Bushell and Jo Tuck.
Ian ran brilliantly coming over the line in the 50k with his cherished son Roman
“He ran the last 20 meters with me… it was wicked… but he robbed me of my medal!”
Steve Horsey also completed the 50k course, beaming with pride as it was his first ultra race
“I loved it until I hit the shingle beach, that was hard work underfoot. The last 10k was hard in the rain, but I was delighted to see the finish line”
Harry was first in from the marathon runners, finishing in just over 4.25. He set out well but suffered tummy cramps from halfway onward. But the plucky rookie didn’t give up and still got himself home. Steve Hickman was not too far behind
“As ever I hated it, but I say that every year. The usual mud and beach shingle added to the run with the ice this year really adding to the difficulty. Back next year? Maybe….” Steve quipped on Facebook the next day.
Kev was next to win the battle across the line having suffered cramp in his calf from halfway onward.
“I am pleased I did it. I was running quite nicely and happily with Steve but then cramp set in and didn’t matter how much I rubbed it or stretched etc it wouldn’t go. The distance was more than 26.2. Nearer 27, so all in all I was happy with what i did considering training and the cramp”
The Half runners ran well with Harry Vernon running himself to a PB of 1.45.27 and 6th in his age category. Margaret was not too far behind in just under 1.50 and a cracking 2nd place in her age category. Julie came in, running happy with her friends and completing the course in under 2.28.
Great running by all … nice way to finish the year.
50k
Ian Russell – 4.45.28
Steve Horsey – 5.32.03
Marathon
Harry Rann – 4.25.07
Steve Hickman – 4.27.35
Kev Winchcombe – 4.55.38
Half Marathon
Harry Vernon – 1.45.27
Margaret Niland-Murphy – 1.49.34
Julie Salter – 2.27.22
