Stubbington Green Runners

THE serene surroundings of the New Forest. Ponies strolling along the side of the roads, acres upon acres of picturesque woods, heathland and small lakes....the perfect setting for a gentle and pleasant race. You've got to be kidding!

Round eight of the RR10 was hellish. If Mark Le Gassick says he found the course tough, then you know this was one race which left you sore afterwards.

Janesmoor Pond near Fritham was the setting for the latest midweek race. Organisers Wessex Road Runners and Romsey Road Runners were forced to move the start of the race to a new starting place because of a severely rutted downhill track.

And once the race got under way, it was a short sprint to a track, turn left, and the first of many, many hills. In fact, it is hard to think of too many flat parts of the two-lap course. It may have only been 4.1 miles long, but this was one toughie. The hills went on and on, and you could hardly relax into your stride before coming across a climb.

The hot weather that day had cooled somewhat by racetime. Although it was noticeable that as you made the final climb of the race, up a tough rutted hill, once out into the open suddenly the breeze hit your face and you realise what a hothouse the forest had been.

Once again, Stubbington had a good turn-out for the race, with 19 runners taking part. Mark Le Gassick came a cropper when his dark glasses failed to readjust to spot a small ditch and he soaked his running shoes. Mark came home in fifth place behind winner Andy Morgan-Lee from Southampton Running Club. That was Mark's second successive fifth placing, and he currently heads the overall RR10 standings.

Ray Gunner was once again in the mix in 17th, and Andy Simpson, despite claiming to be tired from all his travelling this week, ran impressively for 27th, pulling ahead of 36th placed Mike Harper. Tim Crumpton completed the Stubbington scoring in 50th place.

The men's team finished fifth on the night, with Southampton Running Club top dogs, to lie sixth overall. The B team came 20th and sit 22nd equal with Hardley Runners.

Ben Whittaker had his first foray into RR10 territory and ran well for 58th place, followed by Ryan Gunner who, after a good start, struggled somewhat towards the end and finished with Nick Kimber. Ryan was 95th, Nick was 97th, and Dave King just behind in 102nd, despite disgracefully being pipped on the line by two runners!

Marcus Lee and Simon Holford kept pace together around the forest for 105th and 106th places, and Gary Littlecott, in his fifth outing of the season was 143rd and puffing at the end!

For the women, Lucy Simmons is running extremely well lately. She was 25th at Itchen Valley Country Park in round 7, last Wednesday she came home 24th. Lauren Coates, sporting a natty new pair of blue running shoes, was 33rd, and Rachel Whittaker in 49th as the first ladies team finished 10th, and lie 13th overall, which is a great result. The B team were 22nd at Janesmoor Pond.

Chris Haskell and Sarah White ran well together in 60th and 61st, with Donna Shaw not far behind in 74th. Liz Hall, despite almost missing where the finish line was and careering towards where the assembled Stubbington Green Runners were gathered, managed to get a bearings right at the last minute for 79th.

A total of 260 runners took part in the race.

The penultimate round of the RR10 takes place on Wednesday, August 2nd, at Stoke Park Wood in Bishopstoke near Eastleigh. The race start is 7.30pm.

Here's the details:

RR10 Series Race 9
Hosted by Lordshill Road Runners

DATE: Wednesday August 2nd

VENUE: Stoke Park Woods, Bishopstoke. Take the road from Eastleigh towards Fair Oak. Continue pass the River Inn and turn left into Underwood Road. Parking will be signed and is in the grounds of Stoke Park Junior School on the right. Race start is just within the woods off Underwood Road.

START TIME: 7.30pm

COURSE: The 2 lap course (approximately 4.5 miles) is on woodland tracks over undulating ground. Please note - there are areas where tree roots could be a hazard.

Depending on weather conditions, the surface can be soft in places so off-road shoes or studs are recommended.

CAR PARKING: We have kind permission of nearby Stoke Park Junior School to use their playground for parking. Please respect this permission by leaving as found. The school, in Underwood Road, is a 2 minute walk to the race start.

CHANGING etc.: As with most RR10’s there are no changing or toilet facilities.

POST-RACING DRINKING: The nearby ‘River Inn’ (Bishopstoke Road) has been selected as the post-race watering-hole.

If you want to take part, can you please let either Dave King at peekay63@aol.com or Mark Le Gassick at mlegass2003@yahoo.co.uk know your availability.