Downton Half
ORGANISERS of a south coast running race took the controversial move of disqualifying runners who competed wearing headphones.
Thirteen runners, including a few from affiliated clubs, were disqualified from Sunday's Downton Half Marathon. Their times were recorded, but no finishing places were given for the 13 runners - an almost unprecedented move in south coast races.
There has been increasing pressure from the British Association of Road Races to outlaw the wearing of headphones in events.
Fortunately, Julia Park wasn't one of them. The Stubbington runner was among a field of 303 runners who competed in Wiltshire.
The Downton Half Marathon is based at the Trafalgar School in Downton; an undulating road race from Downton to Woodgreen, Hale, Castle Hill and back.
Julia finished 243rd overall in a time of 2hrs 7min 49sec, for eighth in the Vet 45 age group.
Nick Buis, now running for Southampton Tri Club, won the race without headphones in a time of 1:16.41 and Diane Hier from Warminster Running Club was the leading lady in 39th place overall with a time of 1:33.09.