Thanks to Tom for this latest report from the Ryde Harriers. Ed
A record field of 86 runners lined up in near-perfect conditions with a gentle breeze and rare January sunshine lulling the uninitiated into thinking it would be a relaxing jog in the countryside.
A proper country course awaited the athletes with styles, gates, fences, woods and fields to battle with along with mud, mud and more mud.
With this race being the Ryde Harriers championship, there were only prizes for club members, but in the women’s race there were no need to discount other runners as RH team captain Sarah Kavanagh cruised home nearly four minutes ahead of her nearest rivals to take the trophy for the third year in a row, in a time of 39:56 for the five mile course.
There was a battle royal for the silver, with Tracey Dillon just managing to out-kick Mary Norman in the final stages to take second place. Tracey also took the Vet 35 title and Mary the Vet 45 crown. The other Vet winner for the women was Kath Levrier who won the Vet 55 category.
The first two men home were not Ryde Harriers, with unattached runner Mark Threlfall leading home the field in 47:28 followed by Jack Grundy from Wight Tri in 50 minutes exactly.
Winning the championship trophy for the men was Adam Tuck with a time of 50:54 with Tom Blackwell in second a minute and a half behind, with Bryan Jones third and 35 seconds behind Tom. Bryan was 1st Vet 40 whilst Les Cupis took the Vet 50 title and Graham Maitland Vet 60 winner.
Next meet
The next cross-country race is on Sunday 22nd February, once again from Samllbrook Stadium with the race starting at 11am. This is the IW Championship, open to all runners 17 years and older for a fee of £3. Please arrive by 10.30am to register. Before that though it’s back to the road with the annual Ryde 10 Mile Road Race this Sunday.
If you want to register on the day please arrive with plenty of time as places are limited. More details from Ryde Harriers website.
