It’s such a well run event with choice of Marathon / Half / 10k / 5k races plus a woodland walk on offer and plenty for families to do in the race village. A bit of patience and better organisation is needed however, when leaving the car park!!
After the usual enthusiastic warm up from the guys on the stage we set off over the start line in timed groups from around 10.20am – the marathoners had started at 9.30am.
It was warm and humid for the first 7 to 10k and many of the runners started off at a sensible pace in the heat. The organisers had brought in extra water and hydration in anticipation of a hot day.
After around the halfway mark the cooling rain came making the course a little muddy in places but the slight drop in temperature was very welcome.
The New Forest route is beautiful whatever the weather and the terrain is fairly flat and on main forest paths and closed roads.
First home for the red, white and blue was Carolyn herself, just under the 2 hour mark, 7 minutes better than her previous best around the forest.
Our flying Veteran Lucy enjoyed her day, “Enjoyed it, the forest was looking beautiful, the rain kept us cool.”
Also enjoying the trip around the New Forest was Jane Andrew. “We Loved it. Kate, Karen and I ran together. The first three miles were hot and humid but then, thankfully the rain arrived . It poured for the following ten miles which ensured it was a better temperature.
Beautiful running through the trees, plenty of horses.”
Jane, Kate and Karen finished together in 02:11:01.
Well done to our magnificent 7 ladies.
Results:
| Carolyn Littleton | 01:59:23 |
| Jane Andrew | 02:11:01 |
| Karen Phillips | 02:11:01 |
| Kate Paul | 02:11:01 |
| Dawn Moses | 02:13:11 |
| Sue Hunter | 02:30:48 |
| Lucy DeVille | 02:36:07 |
