Thanks to Tom for this latest running report.
Roger, who was a member of Isle of Wight Road Runners and South West Vets Athletics club, was a well-known and well-loved runner who relished running the hills of his home town of Ventnor and so it was that over seventy runners met at Ventnor Winter Gardens to trace the seven or so miles of Roger’s favourite route.
Starting on Ventnor seafront the course then wiggled it’s way up to the summit of St. Boniface Down and into a gale-force wind that first boosted and then buffeted runners as they followed the horseshoe of the down’s top before descending to the main road. The mile back along the seafront from Bonchurch saw everyone struggling in the comical headwind.
Trophies supplied by Roger
Roger’s great friend Cherry Shannon had organised the run with Roger’s guidance and the man himself had supplied three trophies for the winners of the nominated run. Nearest to their nominated times were Stuart Backhouse and Julie Ray whilst the team combined prize went to Team Broken comprising Dave Cass, Andrew Tapsell, Jodie Gifford and Claire Campbell.
It’s hoped that this will become an annual event with monies going to charity from the competitors donations.
A benefit to the town
Last words should really go to Roger who stated,
“This is not so people remember me, but Ventnor is such a beautiful place and I think an annual race like this would benefit the town and with the success of the Fell Running Weekend put Ventnor on the sporting map of the UK.”
