Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon
THE showers failed to materialise as the Fitness First Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon was bathed in sunshine.
A total of 1,074 runners took part in the event which was blessed with perfect running conditions – there was even a café on route which was serving full English breakfasts to any competitors brave enough to accept the challenge.
There were a number of Stubbies who headed to Dorset for the race including John Flynn who came home in 123rd position with a chip time of 1hr 34min 58sec. Keith Whittaker was just half a mile down on John crossing the finish line in 1:38.21 and 179th, with Gordon Westley running a solid eight-minute-mile half in 1:43.18 for 279th.
Not far behind Gordon was Elly Joyce, running her first half marathon. Previously, Elly's only other race was the Stubbington 10km, yet she ran superbly in Dorset with a time of 1:46.37 for 357th place. "It was a great day out and the weather was fantastic," said husband Tom, who is about to join Stubbington Green himself.
The race was won by Jonathan Hamblen from Walton AC in Surrey in 1:14.37, while the leading lady was 28th-placed Jane Finch from Warwickshire Ladies in 1:26.24.
The race started at Pier Approach and took runners on a scenic and sometimes hilly route which took in some beautiful scenery in Durley, Middle and Alum Chines before a long stretch along the promenade, next to the golden sands.
Half an hour earlier, 851 runners took part in the Fitness First Bournemouth Bay 10km, with Zippy Grice finishing third in 34min 52sec. It was a close finish with Pete Mosley from Votwo winning in a time of 34.33 and the second placed runner clocking 34.41. Fellow Stubbie Matt Abbott, who has newly joined the club, was 87th in 45.10.
The ladies race was won by A Bailey from Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers in 39.32 for 17th place.