Bishops Waltham Fun Run & 5 mile - 18 Sept 2005
STUBBINGTON'S Ryan Gunner ran superbly to win the Bishops Waltham two-mile Fun Run last Sunday.
As 67 young runners set off, it soon became clear that the talented 15-year old in green was the class of the field. After leading the pack out, Ryan gradually pulled away and extended his lead, finishing an impressive 52 seconds clear of his nearest rival in an excellent time of 10 minutes 23 seconds. Ryan was particularly pleased with his victory having finished as runner up for the previous two years.
A rare performance in green by Ryan's sister, Katrina, saw her finish in 42nd place with in a time of 17 minutes 6 seconds.
There was also success for Stubbington in the five-mile race with Mark Le Gassick finishing a close second behind eventual race winner, Steve Bishop of Denmead Striders.
On a beautiful, early autumn day, conditions for the race were almost perfect with a cloudless blue sky, bright sunshine and cool air temperature. The small, quaint village of Bishops Waltham provided a picturesque backdrop and competitors warmed up to the sound of ringing church bells, as local worshippers made their way to Sunday morning mass.
The race started and finished in front of the village fire station and consisted of a single lap course, passing through the high street before heading out on to twisty country lanes. Just before the halfway point, a long, energy-sapping climb tested the field's stamina, but shortly afterwards their efforts were rewarded with a brisk, narrow downhill section.
It was at this point, that the race leaders came to a grinding halt when the lead police 4x4 vehicle stopped to let three horses that were coming in the opposite direction squeeze past.
Fortunately, the unscheduled stop didn't slow the leaders too much and they were soon back into their running. Steve Bishop crossed the line in 26 minutes 53 seconds with Mark Le Gassick just two seconds behind. Portsmouth AC's Dave Thompson finished in third place and was first veteran with a time of 27 minutes 36 seconds.
Stubbington Green Runners also had a number of other good performances with Gordon Reid finishing in 9th place in a time of 29 minutes 8 seconds and Ryan's dad, Ray Gunner, not too far behind in 14th place clocking 30 minutes 32 seconds.
Paul Hammond 33.28 (26th ), Nick Davies 35.06 (34th ), Steve Wylie 38.40 (65th ), Christine Haskell 41.35 (88th ), John Vose 41.59 (90th ), Helen Kimber 42.24 (96th ), John Randall 43.42 (110th ). There were 154 finishers. Click here for photos.
By Mark Le Gassick.