Bishops Waltham 5 - 1st October 2006
WHAT a difference a year makes! Last year, at the Bishops Waltham 5, runners and spectators enjoyed almost perfect conditions - a clear, blue sky, pleasant early autumn sunshine and a cool air temperature. This year, however, it was business as usual - grey, overcast, with brief sunny interludes and a number of heavy, squally showers thrown in for good measure.
Luckily, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the 176 runners who took part in the local charity race, which is organised by the Bishops Waltham Rotary Club.
The 5-mile road race starts and finishes outside the fire station in Lower Lane, Bishops Waltham and heads out of the village and around the narrow country lanes of Swanmore, Dundridge and Northbrook. A strategically placed water station is on hand to reward gasping runners following the long climb up Hampton Hill, at around the 2-mile mark.
Stubbington’s Mark Le Gassick improved a place on last year’s result, winning the race in a time of 27 minutes, 14 seconds, and finishing well clear of second placed Phil Guest, of Portsmouth Joggers, who clocked 29 minutes, 42 seconds. The 50-year old was also the first veteran to finish. 16-year old Matthew Davidson of Winchester District & AC was third in 31 minutes, 9 seconds.
Stubbington Green’s Roderick Nairn ran well, finishing in 10th position in a time of 33 minutes, 30 seconds. Also running in green was David Eland who clocked 43 minutes, 6 seconds for 56th place.
Top honours in the ladies’ race went to unattached Sharon Colborn, who finished in a time of 37 minutes, 49 seconds (20th overall). In second place, Patricia Daas of Eastleigh Running Club, was the first veteran lady home in a time of 37 minutes, 58 seconds (22nd overall). Third place went to Emma Killick in 41 minutes, 7 seconds (42nd overall). There were 107 finishers.
In the ‘two-mile’ fun run, Ryan Gunner finished 3rd in 11 minutes, 16 seconds, with sister Katrina, finishing in 22nd place in a time of 15 minutes, 6 seconds. Team Southampton’s, Calum Steward, won the race was in 10 minutes 42 seconds, with Eleanor Selby winning the girl’s race, clocking 11 minutes, 53 seconds, and finishing in 4th place overall. There were 69 finishers.
Photo from last year's race.