The first weekend of September. It heralds the end of Summer and the beginning of the new Hampshire Road Racing League calendar. Hosted by Overton Harriers, the season kicked off in glorious sunshine as the blue skies returned from their little siesta to bathe the 500 runners in 25c heat.
Amongst them were 15 of our very own, taking the journey over the water and up to the top of the County for the unusually late 2pm start.
Following country lanes, mostly closed to traffic, the course begins at Berrydown toward Quidhampton and then out toward Ashe Warren before returning back on itself and splitting at Quidhampton to return to the Race HQ at Overton Recreation Centre.
First in for the Roadrunners was Ben Douglas making his league debut for the club. And boy what a debut it was! He only went and came 2nd in a super speedy 26 and a bit minutes knocking a whopping 2 minutes off an already previous best. Ross Wilkes was next home for the IWRR continuing his upward trajectory by also achieving a new pb by taking over a minute off his previous time to come in just over 30 minutes. Bens brother Michael was next home in just over 31 minutes.
Trish Train was the next home, leading the women’s team home in style in a fantastic 10th place female and 2nd V50. She was followed a minute later by Steve Bennett who treated himself to a 80 second Pb, giving himself 5th V60. Mike Kimber was the next roadrunner home, followed closely by Jodie Wilmott and then Kev Rann. Zoe Sherwin completed the First Ladies team giving herself yet another Pb in the process and 7th V40. Judy McCabe came home next followed by Steve Horsey, James Shoulder, Keith Ruth, Bridget Keyte and finally club stalwart Lyn Snow.
Great way to open the batting for the IWRR for the coming season in the league so well done gang!
Ben Douglas – 26.13
Ross Wilkes – 30.28
Michael Douglas – 31.07
Trish Train – 33.39
Steve Bennett – 34.39
Mike Kimber – 36.56
Jodie Wilmott – 37.07
Kevin Rann – 37.23
Zoe Sherwin – 38.25
Judy McCabe – 41.37
Steve Horsey – 41.52
James Shoulder – 42.32
Keith Ruth – 44.40
Dave Wilcock – 45.09
Bridget Keyte – 50.09
Lyn Snow – 1.02.04
