Sunday 17th March was the Salisbury 10 Mile, hosted by the City of Salisbury Athletics & Running Club.
Despite an early hiccup with Keith Ruth’s car not starting in the Red Funnel terminal carpark, all 20 Isle of Wight Road Runners travelled over on the 7.30am ferry to Salisbury. Once there, it was straight to registration and a quick change before heading out to the start line. The rain was threatening to dampen spirits all morning, but luckily remained dry for the entirety of the run.
The course took us through the gently undulating Woodford Valley, following the banks of the River Avon. On the return, the views of the beautiful cathedral spire reminded us that we were nearly back at the finish line, with Gareth Driscoll poised to cheer us all in!
All finishers who opted for them, received a commemorative t-shirt, although no medal this year. The first few runners across the line received one of last year’s remaining medals.
Josh Price was the first Road Runner home in 6th place!! and another PB in an impressive 57:13. Well done Josh. Josh was followed by Sean Williams (although, unfortunately, his affiliation was not live for this run), Jon Bye, Matt Wiper and John Newsham. Hayley Baxter was our first female Road Runner home in 01:16:48, with Sarah Ward, Carolyn Littleton and Charlotte Dollery making up our first ladies’ team. Well done to Carolyn who was also 4th in her age category. During the event, several PB’s were achieved by Sarah Ward, Charlotte Dollery and Peter Hudson. It’s great to hear everyone’s accomplishments, whether it’s Sarah Sharp returning to running after illness, Garry Sharp celebrating an injury-free run or Amy Webster thoroughly enjoying her run with Bridget Keyte. These away days become even more special when we share in each other’s successes. As if the early car trouble wasn’t enough, only 1 car didn’t manage to make the earlier 1.30pm ferry on the way home, but we waved our fellow Road Runners off, and waited for our booked 3pm. Despite the hiccups, we conquered the distance and challenge. PB’s were achieved, we soaked in the lovely scenery, and we shared laughs and some cake along the way!
Results:- Josh Price 57:13, Sean Williams 01:04:45, Jon Bye 01:08:05, Matt Wiper 01:13:58, John Newsham 01:14:52, Hayley Baxter 01:16:48, Steve Apsey 01:19:55, Sarah Ward 01:20:02 (PB), Tim Keyte 01:20:10, Garry Sharp 01:20:16, Carolyn Littleton 01:22:38, James Shoulder 01:29:19, Charlotte Dollery 01:29:31 (PB), Keith Ruth 01:30:33, Sarah Sharp 01:38:53, Amy Webster 01:47:36, Tanya Clifford 01:47:56, Bridget Keyte 01:48:20, Peter Hudson 01:53:15 (PB).
