The islands only county league race saw another sold out field of 500 take on this famously undulating race. With the usual Baltic breeze blowing a hoolly across the start area, the 55 white red and blue road runners shivered in the freezing gusts as the cream of the county joined them in the bitter wind.
A twist on the route this year saw the much of the old route turned back to front with the addition of a brand new cheeky hill slap bang in the middle.
Despite the chilly start, conditions were unbelievably good out on the course, with blue skies and copious sunshine making the more sheltered areas perfect in temperature.
The new route saw the runners disappear up Westhill Road and along past Appley Manor and down past the Wishing Well and along to Nettlestone. They then went down to the Duver at St Helens for a quick blast from the coastal “breeze” before embarking on the steepest climb of the race through Nodes Point Holiday Park. They continued along to Seaview before a nasty trip up Puckpool Hill at Mile 9 the Runners could then gain pace with a welcome downhill finish to the boating lake.
Michael Douglas was the first Road runner home in 62.35 finishing 23rd overall with Harry Rann close behind him breaking the Junior record. Simon Pilcher was next in just over 63 minutes giving himself a tidy PB, with Pete Wilmott completing the first men’s team and bagging himself the 5th V50 spot.
For the ladies, Trish Train continued her road back from injury with a tidy 70 minute run, securing herself 10th female overall, 1st Island Female and the V50 winners trophy, with Holly Newton next in 15th place, 4th Senior lady in just under 73 minutes. Judy McCabe completed the team in 76 minutes, securing herself 7th place V40 & giving the ladies the 3rd place overall team position.
There were a smattering of PBs over the race with Dean Pike, David Blake, George Butler, Richard Bezer, Jenny Dewing, Calvin Wright, Zoe Sherwin and Dave Wilcock all giving it their all to achieve their fastest times over the distance. There were also some epic battles along the finishing straight.
Also particular mentions for Matt Fletcher for finishing 8th in his age category, Steve Bennett was 5th V60, Lizzie Pilcher for running her debut over the distance and taking 10th Senior lady, Jodie Wilmott was 10th V35, Hayley Baxter was 8th V40, Jenny Dewing was 9th V40, Julie Salter was 5th V50, Jane Andrew was 8th V55 and Lucy Deville was 4th V65.
Michael Douglas- 1.02.35
Harry Rann- 1.02.59
Simon Pilcher- 1.03.09
Peter Wilmott- 1.06.01
Ross Wilkes-1.06.38
Dean Pike- 1.06.39
Matt Fletcher- 1.06.59
Nick Kenney- 1.09.37
David Blake- 1.10.26
Trish Train- 1.10.54
Holly Newton- 1.12.52
Tom Forster- 1.12.54
Michael Coultrup- 1.14.15
Gordon Mucklow- 1.14.24
Mike Kimber- 1.14.34
Richard Bezer- 1.15.02
George Butler- 1.15.06
Judy McCabe- 1.16.41
Steve Bennett- 1.16.42
Elizabeth Pilcher- 1.16.50
Jodie Wilmott- 1.17.02
Hayley Baxter- 1.17.10
Tim Keyte- 1.17.44
Glen Jones- 1.17.52
Kevin Rann- 1.18.06
Jenny Dewing- 1.19.54
Garry Sharp- 1.20.53
Calvin Wright- 1.21.48
Sarah Holmes- 1.22.13
Keith Ruth- 1.22.59
Julie Salter-1.24.25
Zoe Sherwin- 1.24.52
Ian Dyer- 1.24.55
James Shoulder- 1.25.42
Lisa Upstell- 1.26.26
Charlotte Williams- 1.27.11
Kevin Winchcombe- 1.28.14
Kelly Forster- 1.29.40
Peter Dixon- 1.29.48
Dave Wilcock- 1.30.14
Julie Ray- 1.31.10
Sarah Sharp- 1.31.18
Claire Harvey- 1.32.00
Steve Hickman- 1.32.41
Karen Phillips- 1.34.17
Jane Andrew- 1.34.50
Lou Dover- 1.34.50
Laura Holme- 1.35.28
Ian Williams- 1.36.48
Sue Meredith- 1.39.32
Fiona Attwood- 1.39.36
Sally Trotman- 1.40.54
Bridget Keyte- 1.42.57
Lucy Deville- 1.55.53
Tanya Clifford- 1.56.33
Great performance by the entire team, roll on next year.
