Thanks to Krissy for this report from the Chilly Hilly challenge. Ed
An abominable snowman and snow flurries weren’t enough to put off Isle of Wight runners as they tackled the very first Chilly Hilly race through Freshwater and Totland on Sunday.
The ten mile cross country race organised by West Wight Sports and Community Centre and Love Running, attracted 126 entrants, with veteran Island runner Paul Cameron first across the line in an impressive time of 1:06:38. The first lady back was Julie King in 1:24:28.
Half marathon reversed
The route, which was a reverse of the popular Needles Half Marathon course, took in Tennyson Down, the Needles Battery, Headon Warren and Golden Hill Fort. The organisers guaranteed a winter feel to the new event with a snow machine at the start line, and a friendly abominable snowman to set the runners off.
There were smiles all round at the finish line, as runners were treated to mulled wine, home-made mince pies and a quirky event memento of a snow globe.
Another great success
Centre Manager, Clare Griffin said,
“It was a brilliant day! The Chilly Hilly was another great success in our ever growing calendar of sports events.
“But it wouldn’t have happened without the support of volunteers such as our amazing team of marshals who gave up their Sunday morning to stand in the cold to make sure our runners got round the course safely and didn’t get lost!
“The Chilly Hilly will be back in 2016 as part of our programme of sports events which will also see the return of the West Wight Triathlon and a new event in the summer for youngsters. We’ll be launching them all on 1st January so stayed tuned to our website or Facebook for more details!”
Image: © Darren Vaughan at Wight Drone
