An excellent report contributed by Carolyn Littleton for the 1st HRRL race of the new season…
It felt quite strange to board such a late morning ferry for a League race on the ‘Big Island’ but as the first race of the the season, the Overton 5, didn’t start until 2.00 pm there was no need to set an alarm!
This was the first time at this race for Amy Webster, Matt Wiper and myself and as the day wore on we realised it was going to be a warm one!
There was a 20 minute walk from the race village to the starting area so we had a chance to chat to other runners about the route and terrain and do a warm-up.
After a cramped start on a tree lined lane the route headed downhill for a fast start but then came the first quite long uphill followed then by an undulating course which felt a bit challenging due to the heat. By about 3 miles in many runners were feeling the effects of the hot sun and – unusually for club runners on such a short course – a few started to walk. The marshals were very supportive throughout and a welcome water station was placed half way round. Many runners at the finish commented that they’d found it really tough going in the heat.
The course was a bit of an out and back with a loop at the furthest point and then finishing back at the race village in the centre of Overton.
No race memento as the money put aside for this was given to the Andover and Basingstoke food bank.
No PBs for any of us but still some fairly decent times considering the weather and Amy still managed a fantastic sprint finish!
Race results:
| Matthew Wiper | 00:37:17 |
| Carolyn Littleton | 00:43:22 |
| Amy Webster | 00:56:18 |
