Stubbington Green Runners

MARCUS LEE made his cross country debut for Stubbington on Sunday as the Today's Runner circuit headed for the wintry wilds of West Sussex.

Marcus, from Titchfield Common and who joined the club last summer, has turned out in a couple of road races for SGR. A regular at the Monday and Thursday night club sessions, he decided to make his muddy boot debut at the fourth round of the Today's Runner at Midhurst.

The race was held at Ambersham Common, a five minute walk from the centre of Midhurst, over a five-mile course of fields, paths and trails.

Because of the wet conditions, the course was changed at the last minute. "That brought audible groans from the runners as they like it wet," said SGR muddy boot guru, Glen Street. "It did mean the face finished up a steep hill, which took its toll."

Marcus found the going tough and finished 101st in his first cross country outing in the Stubbington green.

Ray Gunner continues to improve with every race. A day after running in the Hampshire Cross Country League in Reading, his shoes were barely dry before being tested out in the mud of Midhurst. He finished an impressive third in the race, followed by Mike Laws in 14th . The men's team finished fifth in the rankings on the day.

Watch out for Andy Lee, the man is having some storming runs in 2006. A week after running an impressive 41min 45sec at the Stubbington 10km - his fastest 10km for many years - and someone who has been impressing at Thursday night training, Andy finished 84th at Midhurst. Together with Ray Gunner, Nick Crane (who was 99th ) and John Vose (placed 140th ), they have run all four Today's Runner events.

Caroline Street was the lone Stubbington lady runner, finishing 70th in the women's race. That meant 15th place in the ladies' team standings, and combined with the men's fifth spot, 13th overall.

The next Today's Runner is our own event on January 29th at Manor Farm Country Park near Bursledon. Marshalls are needed and anyone who can help should contact Glen Street at gstreet@gresham-computing.com More importantly, get baking a cake for Di's kitchen!

Individual Results:

Men:

3          Ray Gunner                  
14         Mike Laws
24         Ryan Gunner
39         Graham James
51         Jon Leigh
76         Andy James
84         Andy Lee
90         Dave Hall
99         Nick Crane
101       Marcus Lee
140       John Vose

 Women:

70 Caroline Street