The fifth running of The Rog Run in glorious sunshine took place on Sunday. Celebrating the life of Isle of Wight Road Runners long time member Roger Walker-Reed and acknowledging his massive contribution to the club.
Roger’s family have kindly donated some of the running legends old trophies, and boy they are worth winning! they really are some amazing bling!
Those who can guess most accurately how long it will take them to complete the course, (nomination), are those which emerge victorious. Thus making the race wide open.
Following one of Roger’s favourite training routes, the 7ish mile loop strarted on Ventnor seafront, the runners made their way past the the iconic paddling pool and onto the cliff path before embarking upon the routes only climb. Starting at Castle Road, then Gills Cliff Road, the runners made their way up all 800 feet of ascent to the crest of the formidable St Boniface Down where the runners were treated, for their hard work, with 360 degree, resplendent, panoramic views taking in Culver, Tennyson, Portsmouth and beyond. As if that wasn’t reward enough, there was also an aid station full of sweeties and Bucks Fizz!
After a mile or so along the ridge of the high ground they began their descent with gusto. Flying down Cowleaze Hill to the hairpin bend sending them hurtling down Bonchurch Shute. Past the ancient church of St.Boniface, the duck pond and onto the seafront where they dodged the dog walkers and rare cuckoo spotters to return to the point where they started.
First home this year was Simon Riley in a nifty 52 minutes, followed by Trever McAlister a few seconds later to take second and Craig Wilson in 3rd. For the ladies it was Phillipa Daley that returned 1st with Julie King in 2nd Lou Howell and Jenny Dewing to arriving back in unison to take joint 3rd.
However as previously mentioned, the trophy lifters aren’t the first past the post, but those closest to their guestimated times. This year’s winners were
1st man: Simon Riley (12 seconds out)
2nd man: Paul Cameron (25 seconds out)
3rd man: Ian Williams (36 seconds)
1st lady: Margaret Niland-Murphy (3 seconds out)
2nd lady: Lou Howell (20 seconds out)
3rd lady: Alison Butcher (22 seconds out)
Entrants also made up self titled teams of 4 for the final trophy for a combined nominated time.
1st team: Age Concerned – Simon Riley, Paul Cameron, Matt Fletcher, Steve Bennett.
2nd team: The New Descenders – Tracey Dillon, Stephen Lee, Sally Roberts, Brian Warren.
3rd team: Slogging Crocks – Alison Butcher, Fay Tosdevin, Denise Hayley, Chani Jones.
Most importantly, the event is a fundraiser for 2 charities in Roger’s name. Macmillan and SSAFA (providers of lifelong support for our forces and their families)
In total the runners raised nearly £500
