Stubbington Green Runners

There were a record 250 finishers for the Romsey Road Runners annual beer race held round the picturesque village of Braishfield, just north of Romsey. 

On a hot and humid morning, for many runners it was the morning after the night before, having watched England being held to a draw in the World Cup. What makes this race a little unusual is the pint of Fullers London Pride beer to refresh the finishers at the finish. This usually acts as an incentive, but for some Stubbies it was to be a “Hare of the Dog”.  

First to the bar this year was the ever speedy James Baker of Chichester Runners and Athletics Club in a time of 25minutes and 51 seconds.  Followed over a minute later by Mike Grist of Poole Runners and a further minute back was our very own Wayne Ewens in a time of 27:56. After the excursions of the South Downs last weekend, and an Olympic distance Triathlon on Saturday it was a brilliant effort from Wayne to take third spot, especially when he thought he was 5th!

Further down the Stubby field of 13 runners (unlucky for some) it was a close run race, with the Greens trying not to look as embarrassed as Robert the night before. But there were shocks in store aplenty as the race unfolded over the two lap course. As usual Andy set off at a decent enough pace, whilst Mike Harper & I took things more steady. We were commenting to each other how nice it was to race with no pressure, with no team events or club places to worry about in this race,  when we came a upon a struggling Andy Simpson at the 2 mile marker. Knowing how competitive he is, suddenly the pressure was back on!

Slightly surprised we encouraged him to tag on to us as we made our past, this he duly did. Being the competitive type Andy asked me my PB time as he tried to reassert his lead over us. Mike and I just held our pace. Back through the village to complete the first long lap, and three miles, there was a slightly surprised look on the faces of the “Team Simpson” supporters as Andy took on water in an effort to rehydrate for the final two miles. Clearly Capello’s men had a lot to answer for, having interrupted his usual Zen like hydration preparation the night before.

Off on the second and shorter lap we continued at the same pace as we each focussed on our individual races. Mike dropped slightly as Andy held on. Back in to the village and overtaking the back markers, there was just a lap of the sloping football pitch to negotiate for an historic moment. With Andy piling on the pressure, and verbally encouraging me to race until the line, I managed to hang on to 10th place, just ahead of Andy and Mike in 13th. A little shocked and surprised, I did so enjoy the best free pint of the year, whilst Andy went to freshen up.

Next across the line for Stubbington, within touching distance of 7 min/miles, was Philip Martin, who seems to be enjoying his running after he recent trip to China. From the photographic evidence he was clearly enjoying his pint and piece of cake too, whilst waiting for Sarah to finish.

“Birthday Boy”  Andy Lee finished 22nd in the V50 category out of 50 V50’s, whilst Peter Rawlins finished 15th out of 21 V60’s. It must be the beer that makes this one popular with the older generation. Mathew and Gordon were both well inside 8 min/mile, whilst  Andy Tomlinson was well supported by “Team Tomlinson”. There to witness daddy enjoy a pint and piece of cake, and a 5 mile run too.

In the “Stubbettes” ladies race Julia ran well after her holiday, and Sarah looked so “cool” as she crossed the line in 50 minutes, having given Phil enough time to finish his first pint and piece of cake. Jennie enjoyed the race, and crossed the line wearing a big smile.

Overall, it was once again, a great race, with a nice atmosphere, which turned out to be a UB40 event, I was the one in ten, and Andy tried to forget the Red Red Wine. :-)

Stubbington Results

Position	Time	Name	LastName	Category
3	00:27:56	Wayne	Ewens	M
10	00:30:13	Graham	Bell	MV40
11	00:30:20	Andy	Simpson	M
13	00:30:36	Mike	Harper	MV40
67	00:35:16	Philip	Martin	MV40
81	00:36:10	Andy	Lee	MV50
82	00:36:13	Matthew	Abbott	M
85	00:36:37	Gordon	Westley	MV40
167	00:44:30	Andy	Tomlinson	MV40
177	00:45:30	Peter	Rawlins	MV60
183	00:45:58	Julia	Haskell	F
227	00:50:16	Sarah	Martin	FV40
237	00:54:04	Jennie	Lee	FV50

Graham Bell

Photos here - Tracy Bell | Annie Tomlinson