Surrey Spitfire 20 13th March 2011
WHERE: Dunsfold Aerodrome, Guildford
WHEN: Sunday, 13th March 2011
THE RACE.
Starting and finishing at the aerodrome. Two laps of an accurately measures 10 mile course, going out of the aerodrome on to surrounding countryside B roads. Undulating course, ideal training for spring marathons. The Tempest 10 is one lap.
RUNNERS. Total finishers 663
FIRST MAN: John McFarlane 1-50:39
FIRST WOMAN Nicola Groom 2-16:19
Slowest finishing time 4-43:31
STUBBIES: 24TH Tony Smith 2-13:10
405th John Fairhurst 3-04:50
622nd Michael Edey 3-44:17
FORMER STUBBY: Roger Fairhurst 67th 2-26:57
Comment
Looking round at the start in the wet (the forecast being dry later) optimists in tee shirts and shorts stood out from the pessimists in waterproof tops and longs. Across the chip timing mat and we were off – about 3 miles on the track at the aerodrome and then out on the local B roads with some surprisingly sapping undulations (especially on the second lap). The 3 water stations per lap had plenty of people handing out gels, jelly babies and water. Out on the course too were many friendly marshals providing ample directions.
This enjoyable race was well organised and I met several runners using it as marathon training for Brighton, Paris and London.
John Fairhurst