This in from Tom on behalf of Ryde Harriers. Ed
This hugely popular fixture in the Hampshire Road Race League attracts a sold-out field of 2,000 every year due to its flat course and personnel best-smashing reputation.
A large group from a variety of Island clubs took part, but it was two Island runners who are signed to a mainland club that laid down the noteworthy performances of the day.
Both Joe Wade and Laura Brackely run for Aldershot, Farnham and District, a club with a long history of superb runners, and these two were the first Island athletes across the line with Joe second overall in a time of 30:41 whilst Laura was fourth women in 37:10.
Between them came Paul Cameron from IW Road Runners, who was 13th overall in 33:16. Ryde Harriers took a team of seventeen across with women’s team captain Sarah Kavanagh leading the contingent home in 41:02. Next came Pete Young in 41:31 to take the Vet 65 title and Julie King in 42:45, a great performance to take the Vet 50 crown.
Snowy conditions for Country to Capital Ultra
Meanwhile, Les Cupis completed the 43 miles of the Country to Capital Ultra in 6:39. With falling snow for the first fifteen or so miles, only Les would find the very flat final last five miles along canal paths the main thing to worry about.
Away from racing, the Ryde Harriers Winter series continued with a five mile nominated race from their usual base of Ryde Rowing Club.
Julie King showed almost perfect pacing to take full points as she was only one second away from her stated time of 36:30. Second was Peter Jolliffe, also very close at four second out and third was nomination master Steve Haines. Fastest on the night was Adam Tuck in 30:59 and Sarah Kavanagh for the women in 36:13.
Fixtures
This Sunday sees the first in Ryde Harriers annual cross-country series from Smallbrook Stadium with an 11am start with a £3 entry fee.
The following Sunday is the Ryde 10 Mile Race with online entry via Ryde Harriers website.
