Race Entries
RACE entry forms are coming in thick and fast, and judging how quickly races are filling up lately, it pays to be organised and to get in quick.
The New Forest 10 entry forms are available. This popular forest race takes place on Sunday, July 9th at New Park Farm, Brockenhurst. Sensibly, the organisers have given the main race an 11.15am start time as in the past it has begun at 12.45pm in the heat of the midday sun.
Organised by New Forest Runners, this one sells out fast and does not take entries on the day. This is a lovely run through the forest and a good family day out.
New Forest Runners also organise the New Forest Half and Full Marathon. This year's races, which starts and finishes in New Milton, takes place on Sunday, September 17th. Be warned, this race sells out VERY FAST, and inevitably by June the full up signs are being posted.
To enter, you can log onto the Runner's World website http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/ and get your entry that way, or log onto the New Forest Runners' website www.nfma.org.uk/ and they have more details.
Also this autumn, the Clarendon Way Full/Half & Relay Marathon takes place, and at Sunday's Eastleigh 10km race forms were being put on car windscreens. The full relay runs from Winchester to Salisbury, the half from Broughton to Salisbury, and then there is the relay marathon - four runners per team, and mixed teams only. Last year Stubbington fielded two relay teams.
The event takes place on Sunday, October 1st with a 10.30am start for the marathon and relay, and 12pm for the half marathon. For more details log onto www.clarendon-marathon.co.uk
Entry forms for the Gosport Half Marathon were also being dished out at Eastleigh. This is a lovely race, starting and finishing from Bay House School in Gosport. Two-laps, but enjoyable all the same, especially the run down Stokes Bay. Organised by Gosport Road Runners, this year's race takes place on Sunday, November 19th at 11am, and for more details click onto www.gosportroadrunners.org.uk
And if you are looking for a race this weekend, how about the Combe Gibbet to Overton Race or the Two Saints 10km Road Race?
The Combe Gibbet is a 16-mile cross country run organised by Overton Harriers which takes place on Sunday, March 26th at 2pm. Coaches leave the Recreation Centre in Overton at 12.45pm to the start at Combe Gibbet. The route follows the Wayfarers Way to Sydmonton, and then turns south to Overton finishing at the Recreation Centre.
You can enter on the day, but for more information about this Mother's Day treat then log onto the Overton Harriers website at www.overtonharriers.org.uk or email combegibbet@overtonharriers.org.uk
If you fancy something a little shorter on sunday then the 22nd Two Saints 10km Road Race starts at 10am. This course is based around Southampton Common, with changing and storage facilities at Mount Pleasant School. Dubbed the friendliest race in the area, there are entries on the day and for more details visit their website www.twosaints10k.co.uk
Other races being flagged up at the weekend include: May 7th: Marwell Zoo 10km (10.30am) - www.eastleighrunningclub.org.uk May 10th: Portsmouth Promenade 5km (7.30pm) - www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk May 14th: Alton 10 (10.30am) - www.altonrunners.org May 21st: Winchester & District 10km Road Race (10am) - www.wadac.org.uk May 21st: Southampton Running Club 10km @ Royal Victoria Country Park (10.30am) - www.southamptonrc.org.uk May 28th: Ropley 10km Road Race (11am) - www.southamptonrc.freeserve.co.uk or www.hursleyh3.co.uk
June 7th: D-Day 10km @ Portsmouth (7.30pm) - www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk June 11th: Purbrook Ladies 5 (10am) - http://www.pjc.org.uk/ June 25th: Lordshill 10km (10.30am) - www.lordshillroadrunners.org.uk
July 5th: Portsmouth Promenade 5km (7.30pm) - www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk
August 9th: Portsmouth Promenade 5km (7.30pm) - www.portsmouthathletic.co.uk
And finally, Stubbington's only 10km road race already has a provisional date in the calendar - Sunday, January 14th, 2007. This is a week later than usual to avoid clashing with the Hampshire Cross Country Championships. More details later.