Ryde Harriers :

Everything to race for in finale track event

Thanks to Tom for this latest report from the Ryde Harriers. Ed


This popular event has seen many different winners over the years with the Furmidge brothers hogging a lot of space on the cup in particular. This year’s race, run on a hot but breezy night at Sandown, had a field of 17 runners with a selection of Harriers along with representatives from Wight Tri and IWAC.

First home and claiming the men’s trophy was Tom Blackwell in 5:09 with Simon Newman setting a new mile PB in 5:28 for second place. Steve Gratton came next in 5:46, he was first vet runner home. Andy Keehn showed some returning form to duck under six minutes with his time of 5:56 whilst Ben Timmons was the first junior in a time of 6:09. Emily Wildon won the women’s race to take her first ever club trophy in a time of 6:42 with Sam Fancourt second in 7:06 and Abi Cooke third in 7:15.

Hampshire Road Race League
With the fell runs in Ventnor over the weekend (report to follow) another small team of Harriers made the short hop over the water for the second Hampshire Road Race League fixture in Portsmouth, the flat and fast Victory 5 mile race.

First home for the club was super-vet Peter Young in 32:42, easily fast enough to take first Vet 65. Pete Still followed with another PB of 33:33 followed by Andy Lewis who also set a personnel best of 35:13. Steve Lee completed the men’s team finishing in 43:38 whilst the women had a sole representative in Bridget Lewis who, like her husband Andy, also set a PB in 41:11.

Sign up for the IW Marathon
It is the IW Marathon on Sunday 12th October with entries still open.

The prize fund has been substantially increased this year and more information, as always, is available from www.rydeharriers.co.uk or come from the club run on a Tuesday night at Ryde Running Club.

Annual club awards dinner and dance
The following weekend is the annual club awards dinner and dance, taking place this year at Yelf’s Hotel.

Tickets available now with friends, family, formers members and guests all very welcome.