Following a fun filled week of running activities hosted by the Islands running community, this weekend heralded a crescendo or activity as West Wight Sports Centre kicked off their weekend or racing. From a junior fun run, 5k, 10k and the scenic half marathon, there was an event to suit everyone.
Saturday saw the 5 and 10k races take place. Both courses twisting and turning around the footpaths of the Freshwater countryside.
The promised hot weather arrived as cloudless blue skies prevailed over the first of our eager runners lined up to tackle the Farringford 5k race. With just one runner in the race, it was all team IWRR needed as our rocket Ross Wilkes smashed his way around the route, giving the race his signature 110% effort, to emerge back at the Sports Centre in Pole Position claiming the win.
“I gave that my all, I’m very pleased! Especially as I wasn’t even in the country less than 24 hours ago!”
Another fantastic performance as he continues to go from strength to strength.
An hour later and there were more white, red and blue vests were on the startline, this time for the Tapnell 10k. The sun higher in the sky by now and the temperatures nudging toward 25c.
Wiggling through ploughed fields, peppered with roots and rabbit holes and hip high wheat crops it is no easy trot.
It proved no obstacle for Matt Fletcher and Holly Newton though. Matt powered his way around to finish in a triumphant 3rd place overall with Holly close behind taking a superb 2nd in the ladies race and 7th overall.
“That was hard!” said Holly “I’m happy with that though. I haven’t run a speedy race for a while, so I’m pleased with how it went”
“That was brutal, but I went for it from the start which is unusual for me. I was spent by the time I got to mile 5, but I’d worked my way to 3rd and there was no way I was letting go” beamed Matt.
Charlotte Dollery was the next Roadrunner home in a magnificent club debut in just over the hour. Carolyn Littleton and Sue Hunter ran excellent races to finish 3rd in their age categories. Nick Carter and Julie Salter smiled their way around as usual, with Lucy Deville not too far behind
“That was not to be sneezed at” said Lucy “It was so hot and dusty!”
Penny Downer completed the bidding for team IWRR, finalising the day’s racing.
5k
Ross Wilkes – 17.57.19
10k
Matt Fletcher – 43.05
Holly Newton – 46.01
Charlotte Dollery – 1.02.50
Sue Hunter – 1.05.05
Carolyn Littleton – 1.07.03
Nick Carter – 1.11.04
Julie Salter – 1.11.04
Lucy Deville – 1.14.25
Penny Downer – 1.22.53
