West Wight Three Hills

There is something about us modern humans…..we just can’t get enough of free stuff! We’re never happier than when we’ve found something in the sale or got a great 3 for 2 deal or a buy one get one free offer.
To keep modern runner types happy, the Ryde Harriers have carefully crafted us a race. You get free stuff. “You do?” I hear you all cry…but I’m not talking a medal, a mug, non alcoholic beer, fudge or a coaster!
Nooooo..……this clever ploy promises 3 but actually gives you 5.……sounds like a good deal right?
Well it would be if the item in question wasn’t in the shape of a hill.

The West Wight 3 Hills race, promises 3 but actually delivers you 5 of the little beauts. And it’s not 5 slopes either. It’s 5 brutal, unadulterated climbs of 900ft over the 8 mile distance.

Held every Easter Monday since the early 80s this challenging course has become a firm favourite of the spring time races on the island. It was originally marshalled by local Boy Scouts. And what a fantastic idea it was to hold a race of this length on Easter Monday. It weirdly will burn off almost the exact amount of calories contained in an average size Easter Egg. WIN! No wonder 199 runners signed up to face the challenge.

Glorious Spring sunshine bathed the eager runners on the start line at the West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater. Great turnout from not just the local clubs, but plenty of mainland runners too. Obviously making the most of an Easter jaunt to the sunny Isle of Wight.

Starting at the Sports Centre the course went straight into the first little hill through to Norton and then back down into Freshwater. Then off up to Golden Hill Fort and continuing up, (Yes, still going up!) to Headon Warren. A little bit of downhill relief as they made their way along to Alum Bay, bracing themselves for the hill that no-one can run all the way up…….Highdown.

By this time, the poor runners are heavy legged and they still have the longest climb to go. But up they went! All the way up to the glorious Tennyson Monument to be rewarded with a whole mile of downhill to pick up their pace and get themselves back to the finish at the Sports Centre.

First back was our rocket, Ross Wilkes, in a speedy 51:54, and winner winner chicken dinner, he only went and came first…….in the whole race!!! There really is no stopping this guy! Ross was shortly followed by Sean Williams, only a couple of minutes behind him, and despite taking a tumble on the course, he still went on to finish in 5th overall position! Steve Apsey ran another great race to cross the line next in 59.08 thus securing silver medals for our gents taking the prizes for second Men’s Team on the day.

First Lady home was Carolyn Littleton in a fantastic 1.16:35. Great performance from her, especially after her run on Saturday in the Newport to Ryde race. The girls, one by one, and some running together continued to bring it home for our team, with Sue Hunter in next and Chani Jones hot on her heels to take the third ladies team prizes and bronze medals for our triumphant trio.

5 Road Runners secured a top 3 position in their age categories. Particular well done to Ross Wilkes and Sean Williams for coming Numero Uno in theirs, Sue Hunter for taking the 2nd spot in hers and Carolyn Littleton and Lucy Deville for securing the third spot on the podium in theirs.