Stubbington Green Runners

SUNSHINE and very little breeze made for warm conditions at the opening race of the Promenade 5k series.

There was a slight route change due to the construction work that is currently underway at the Mountbatten Sports Centre. The start of the race was relocated to the alleyway off Twyford Avenue, just before the car park entrance, and there was also a smaller final loop upon entering Alexandra Park at the finish.

The rest of the course was the same as usual; with circuit taking the field out along the Stamshaw promenade and around the Hilsea lido, before rejoining the promenade for the final 2k run in to the finish.

Last year’s series winner, Chichester Runner’s James Baker was once again on fine form, taking victory in a time of 15 minutes, 43 seconds, despite going off course at the end and running slightly further than necessary.

On his return to competitive running, following a four month lay-off due to a calf injury, Stubbington’s Mark Le Gassick put in a pleasing performance to take third place in 16 minutes, 4 seconds, just behind Richard Batchelor of Aldershot Farnham & District, who came home in 16 minutes dead.

Jon Henderson, who was running his first 5k managed an excellent 20:47.

There was also a welcome return to racing for Stubbington’s Zac Conaty, who recently had a hernia operation after picking up an injury following last December’s Victory 5. Zac recorded an impressive time of 22 minutes, 48 seconds to finish in 82nd place.

New member, Kevin Warp recorded a time of 26 minutes, 47 seconds for 127th place.

In the ladies race, Karrie Blake, who now runs for City of Portsmouth, having previously represented Denmead Striders, was a clear winner in a time of 17 minutes, 58 seconds (15th place overall).

Southampton RC’s Nicci Blandford was second in 18 minutes, 30 seconds (26th), with Jo Jeffries, of Winchester & District, picking up third spot in 19 minutes, 12 seconds (33rd).

Stubbington’s Susie MacGregor, who last year finished in third place for the overall series, and won the v35 category, picked up from where she left off, finishing comfortably under the 20-minute mark in a time of 19 minutes, 29 seconds, for fifth place (39th overall).

At last year’s final race, in August, Susie recorded a time of 20 minutes, 18 seconds, which was her quickest time of the series. In comparison, at this year’s opening fixture, she was almost a minute quicker; a clear sign that the regular speed endurance sessions are paying off.

There were a total of 165 finishers. Race two of the Promenade 5k series is scheduled for Wednesday July 2, and the third and final race is on August 6.