Milland Valley 14
“PLEASE tell me the other Stubbies did not find this an easy race!” groaned Paul Hailwood, after completing the Milland Valley trail race.
Paul was among 359 runners who took part in the 14-mile race organised by Liss Runners.
“Great views and a fantastic route, with a number of tough climbs but highly recommended,” added Paul.
“For us plodders at the back there was a bit of queuing on the first steep hills as most runners took to walking.
“I was doing well until the last killer hill at about 11 miles, and then it was a battle to survive. I need to do more hill training, I guess.” Paul finished in 292nd place with a time of 2hrs 25mins 31secs.
The course was altered this year for a change, but took a long time to mark out and Liss Runners reckon it will be back to the original course next year.
The organisers struggled for marshals and have admitted they will be thinking about shortening the course because they cannot allow for unmanned road crossings.
However Paul was full of praise for Liss Runners. “I have never met such jolly marshals!” he said. “This was very well organised and a friendly atmosphere from all.”
Paul was among a posse of Stubbies who took part in the race which was won by Richard Gregory from Ranelagh Harriers in 1:31.29. Jane Fanning from Serpentine Running Club was the top lady in 47th place overall with 1:47.40.
Darrell Milner was the first Stubbie home in 61st with 1:50.19, making the line just a finishing straight ahead of team-mate Jon Leigh who was 64th in 1:50.27.
Marcus Lee and Nick Kimber ran stride for stride at the finish for 126th and 127th in 2:00.07 and 2:00.08.
Pictured - Jon Leigh.