Stubbington Green Runners & AC

Mark Le Gassick has set a new club record of 20 minutes 43 seconds in the four-mile time trial.

Until Tuesday, the time trial record was held by former club member, Dave Perry, whose time of 20 minutes 54 seconds was set 11 years ago in 1994.

"I've been running some consistent times this year in the time trial and was very pleased with a personal best of 21 minutes 12 seconds in September," said Mark.

"However, I didn't expect to run a quick time tonight and couldn't believe it when I looked at my watch to see that I'd broken twenty-one minutes for the first time and by a considerable margin."

Traditionally, Stubbington Green Runners & AC's time trial season runs from May to September but this year it was decided to extend the popular series to include October.

Due to the rapidly fading light at this time of year, the start time for the inaugural October time trial was brought forward by fifteen minutes to 6.30pm .

However, the lack of sunshine, a cool air temperature and virtually no wind at any point on the course provided perfect conditions that were conducive to quick times.

And, afterwards, there was at least one happy club member who agreed that the October time trial should definitely be made a permanent fixture in the future!