Stubbington Green Runners

JUST like the football season starting again, seemingly so quickly after the final matches of the season, so the Hampshire Road Race League is nearly upon us.

The final race of the series was at Brading in June this year which saw our own Mark Le Gassick share the title jointly with Southampton Running Club's Andy Morgan-Lee.

Now the season starts afresh with Brading no longer on the fixture list, but the Ryde 10 in January making up the Isle of Wight fixture. The Lordshill 10 has gone, to be replaced by the Victory 5 in December, and there is the juicy prospect in mid-season of three HRRL races in three weeks with the Gosport Half, Hayling 10 and Victory 5 following in rapid succession.

First off, though is the Overton 5. Just like the Charity Shield or is it the Community Shield, this is the pipeopener to the running season. Two laps round a hilly course in this North Hampshire village, for an event staged alongside the village fair.

It's always bloomin' hot, it's always bloomin' hard, but it is fun, it's a nice day out, and you get a pretty good glass mug at the finish.

This year's race takes place on Saturday, September 2nd with a 3pm start. Road running captain Mike Harper is hoping for a good turnout at the season's opener.

"We are trying to get a really good turnout, in terms of quality, but just as important numbers," he said. "We have often had a slow start to the league, so this year it would be great to see as many green vests as possible at Overton.
"I have entry forms and if anyone needs one just e-mail me theharpers12@hotmail.com and I'll drop a form through your door."

The race is organised by Overton Harrier and it is £6 to enter, or £7 on the day. There is also a junior 2.5 mile fun run with the minimum age of 11, and short sprint races for 7's and over.

"It's a hilly course so no pressure to beat your p.b's," added Mike. "But it would be great to see as many of you who can make it there. I know a few of you have already said you will be there, could anyone who is keen to run please let me know so I'm not chasing for teams too near the date.

"If you are stuck for a lift, let me know and I'm sure that can be sorted."