Just outside of Southampton lies Wyvern College, near Fairoak. The HQ for this out and back race organised by Hedge End Running Club.
This event is small but impeccably organised. An athletes village, complete with charity stalls, BBQ and beer tent surround the start area where our Steve Hunt lined up with his son George for a rematch after the youngster beat his dad last year.
This slightly undulating course took the pair from the college grounds downhill on narrow Country lanes toward Horton Heath and then further out along Burnett Lane before a sharp u-turn brought them back the same way they had come culminating in a track finish.
Scorching temperatures made it hard work for the father and son team as the Mercury was hitting 30c
“It was very hot! I’d been out drinking all day watching football on Saturday, so 8 pints of beer was not good preparation, but it seems everyone was struggling with the heat. There were loads of people with hoses cooling people down in the little country roads”
Unfortunately for Steve, the youngster got the better of him again with young George pipping him again in 1.01.52 and Steve coming over the line in 1.05.06
“George ran with me for 7k then he left me for dust…. again! I reckon I’d have beat him if it was cooler! (I wish!)”
Scores on the doors
George -2
Steve – Nil
Looking forward to next year’s rematch fellas!
