The 10th race of the HRRL season took place just across the water in Southampton. The Royal Victoria Country Park was the venue for Southampton Athletic Clubs 10k race.
Adjoining Netley Police College and close to the Hamble River, this race was sold out early, as runners scramble to improve their positions in the league in the last few races.
The runners blasted their way around the winding 3 laps of the Country Park to then muster all they have left for a last 600m dash to the finish line adjacent to the historic chapel.
Cole Pearce was the first Road runner back in a magnificent 36 minutes and 10th overall. Ross Wilkes wasn’t too far behind him in 20th place with Simon Pilcher hot on his heels in 21st. Both lads getting themselves PBs to boot.
“I’m so damn pleased” said Ross “I’ve finally broken the 6 minute mile barrier”
They also managed to take 3rd place men’s team between them, giving themselves a real chance of league promotion with only 2 races left to run.
Stu Backhouse was next home in under 38 minutes grabbing 3rd V45, with Matt Fletcher still managing to defy his double hernia to arrive over the line in just under 40 minutes and Nick Kenney a minute later. Next was a tussle between the self proclaimed Punk rock King of awesomeness Dean Pike and George Butler, who took a staggering 4 minutes off his PB as he just pipped Dean on the line.
Trish lead the girls home to a a victory in the V50 category, with Jodie only a couple of minutes behind. Great running from these two ladies as they are finding their form once more after injury. Lizzie Pilcher was the next lady home (with a tidy PB), to complete the ladies team, giving them a fantastic 5th place overall.
Darren Dollery also secured himself a PB. In his first trip away with the club, he was pleased as punch. Tarnia Eldridge also continued her return to form with a fantastically paced race, followed by Sarah Holmes and 1 second later Zoe Sherwin.
Ladies Captain was next home with a very smiley finish followed by Sarah Sharp and Bridget Keyte. Caroline Curliss finished strongly down the final straight with Claire Jasper and her 18 week baby bump looking fantastic as she crossed the line outside the Chapel.
Great running team
Cole Pearce-36.09
Ross Wilkes- 36.53
Simon Pilcher-37.01
Stu Backhouse-37.40
Matt Fletcher-39.54
Nick Kenney-40.52
George Butler-41.13
Dean Pike- 41.14
Trish Train-42.28
Jodie Wilmott-44.58
Darren Dollery-45.36
Lizzie Pilcher-46.30
Tarnia Eldridge-48.15
Sarah Holmes-48.55
Zoe Sherwin-48.56
Julie Ray-52.27
Sarah Sharp-55.07
Bridget Keyte-1.01.04
Caroline Curliss-1.01.17
Claire Jasper-1.10.28
