Marwell 10k
RUNNERS arrived at Marwell Zoo on Sunday in a thunderstorm and with the prospect of running a tough 10km with over 1,000 feet of climb. They must have wondered what had they let themselves in for - apart from a family day out at the zoo.
Fortunately, the rain eased come race time for the popular 10km event which starts and finishes at the Colden Common-based zoo and takes runners on an undulating run around the lanes which includes a stinker of a climb up Owslebury Hill.
Organised by Eastleigh Running Club, the race proved to be another success as Alasdair Ewing led home the Stubbington contingent whose men's and women's team fared well. Alasdair was seventh overall and third in the Vet 40 category with a time of 36min 54sec. Chichester Runners' James Baker won the race in 32.32.
Stubbington's men finished fifth in the team rankings with Eastleigh top on the day. Mike Tinney was 48th in 42.47 (V40, 11th), followed by Tim Crumpton in 58th with 43.36 (V50, 11th).
For Stubby member, John Blake, this was only his second ever race and he was left recovering afterwards. "Despite the thunderstorm just before the start, the rain held off for a pleasant run up and down some of the surrounding hills," said John, who was cheered on by his wife.
"This was my first race with hills and only my second 10K, but I still managed 48.25 (suspect the official timing will be slightly longer due to the walk across the start line to get going), which was a massive six minutes off of my previous run and I guess a PB!"
Bev Hards finished third in the women's race as Stubby ladies placed second equal in the team standings with Southampton Running Club, and just a point behind winners Romsey Road Runners. Bev was first in the Vet 45 age group with a time of 40.47, having earlier seen daughter Ella-May compete in the Marwell fun run. Bev Lavery was eighth in 43.21 and second in the Vet 35 category, while Gill Rose, fresh from her marathon exploits, was the third Stubby scored in 47th place with 51.10 (V35, 15th). A total of 829 runners took part.
Men -
84th Robert Blackmore 44.32 (V40, 24th).
145th Richard Snell 47.11 (V40, 44th).
182nd John Blake 48.47.
248th Derek Balsdon 51.05 (V60, 13th).
395th Martyn Banner 58.02 (V40, 127th).
Women -
82nd Verity Wright 54.13 (V35, 29th).
104th Amanda Jones 56.17 (V35, 39th).
131st Julia Park 57.44 (V45, 24th).
142nd Jane Heywood 58.22 (V35, 51st).
177th Eunice Hoare 1hr 00min 55sec (V35, 68th).
Click here for photos.