Solent Half Marathon #HRRL2

A soggy start was on the cards as our team of runners lined up for the second league race of the season.

Hosted by Hardley Runners, the 13.1 miles began at Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Blackfield.

A beautifully scenic course stretched out before them, taking in winding country lanes. The first few miles took them toward the edge of the New Forest, (complete with wild ponies wandering around)

Onward the runners went heading toward Exbury then down to the shoreline at Lepe where the runners turned for home. Wiggling back through more country lanes, the course took them out to Fawley before they negotiated the only inclines of the course as they finally returned to the recreation centre.

It was Pb central as the warriors in white emerged onto the field at Gang Warily. Ross Wilkes was the first across the line, continuing his upward trajectory, smashing 3.5 minutes off his previous Pb.Jodie was next in, like Ross, continuing her fantastic return to form with another Pb and grabbing the 5th V35 spot. Harry Vernon was next to emerge on to the field at Gang Warily also with a pb, a whopping 9 minute Pb! Zoe Sherwin was close behind him giving herself her 2nd half marathon Pb in as many weeks. Kev Rann was next, giving his usual consistent 100% performance. Ian Dyer also ran his way to a tidy 6 minute Pb. Dave Wilcock had unfinished business at this race as he sacrificed last year’s outing to help tend to a girl that had collapsed last year. No drama for him this year, as he took a minute off his previous time. Then came Keith Ruth who ran with a friend to help her get a good time.Last but by no means least for the team was the formidable Bridget Keyte, who, as always, gave it everything as she battled up the last hill.

“It was a very successful day for the club” Keith beams afterwards “Even the rain wasn’t as bad as they had forecast”

Another great performance by the IWRR in the league competition, maintaining their already great start.