Thanks to Tom for sharing details of this latest news from Ryde Harriers. Ed
One of the best aspects of track racing is a closely contested race and this year’s summer series from Ryde Harriers has seen plenty of excellent battles between runners.
3km races
The latest event was no let down either, as twenty three runners lined up in two different 3km races.
The first heat was won comfortably by Pete Carr in 12.24, but behind him Andy Leal’s superior finishing strength just held off a late challenge from Samantha Fancourt, who had come from around eighth place with four laps to go, with a finely-paced attempt to finish in 12:59, three seconds behind Leal.
Further back in the same race, Jonathan Norton was grateful of his fast start as he just beat fellow Vet 70 Steve Lee, Norton in 14.37 and Lee in 14.44.
New Harrier offers challenge
The early running in the second race was made by Isle of Wight Road Runner Stuart Backhouse, but the final lap saw him challenged by Tom Blackwell and new Harrier Jake Brougham.
Blackwell broke for home early and looked to have gone too soon as Brougham bore down on him in the home straight, but this early surge provided enough of a gap to secure the win, with Blackwell finishing in 10.37, Brougham 10.37.8 and Backhouse 10.38.9.
Next was Sarah Kavanagh who finished fourth overall in 11.39 after a battle to stay ahead of Sam Cleare, fifth in 11.41 and Justin Fitzgerald in 11.44.
Next meet
The final track race of the year is the club mile championship on 8th September at Fairway Track, starting at 7:30pm with guests welcome.
