Purbrook Ladies 5 Mile
It was the hottest day of the year, but that didn’t deter 16 brave Stubbettes from taking part in an all-women event in Portsmouth on Sunday June 27th.
The sun was beating down on Purbrook , and temperatures topped 30 degrees during the morning. This, coupled with the undulating five mile course that wound its way through the heath meant we all had to work extra hard to get around the course.
Our first lady in was Susie McGregor in a great time of 33.40, placing her fourth. I followed in 11th in 35.27 and Penny Forse had a fantastic run to be the third SGR lady in, coming 12th in 35.37. Penny also was first in her age category. Sally McGrath managed to run a PB despite the heat, finishing in 15th in 35.46. Lucy May, who applied fake tan so we didn’t think there was a vampire running through Purbrook Heath, finished in 28th place. Marina Odey also ran a PB, 42.07 (41st) as did Donna Mitchell, who finished in 43.07 (51st).
Andrea Charlson put in a great effort up the last hill to finish in 45.54, followed quickly by Eunice Hoare in 46.18. Julia Ashman just dipped under 50 minutes finishing in 49.46, just out-sprinting Rowena Dodds to the line (49.55). Sarah Martin (51.24) also had a strong finish and placed well in the field despite her early worries; Sarah is obviously enjoying her races more and more! Sue Robinson managed a fantastic sprint to the line, and said after the race: “It was certainly hot but what a lovely race – the course was so pretty and not too hilly, the marshals were really supportive and I would love to do it again but perhaps a few degrees cooler.” Sandie McIntosh and Sarah Boddy both finished in 54.44. Sarah later blamed too much Pimms the night before the race for struggling in the heat. Geraldine May also put in a good effort to the line, finishing in 57.25.
Kath Bailey (Winchester & District AC) won in a time of 31.18.
Portsmouth Joggers organise a really great race at Purbrook, followed by a lovely presentation ceremony, and there’s something special about running in a women’s only race. Hopefully SGR will have just as a good a turnout next year.
Tina Chantrey.
Photos here.