Today Runner Multi-terrain Series

Alton Runners competes with 16 other clubs from around Hampshire in the Today's Runner Cross Country series.

Race Report for Denmead Striders Race 2007

Hi there everyone.

It is ended. The muddy old off-roader shoes can be returned to the cupboard for another 6 months (don't forget to wash 'em first). Or, if you can't face that thought, just sling 'em in the bin.

The season ended with a beautiful warm spring like morning in Havant. See, I told you I'd make it warmer than last year. The numbers were down this year, as the event clashed with some road race in Fleet. So it was a chance for some of us to get higher up on points than we are used to without those fast boys getting in the way. Unfortunately, for us, we only had 4 men, so we were incomplete. But the ladies turned up in full numbers (well done my laydeez). But the same can be said for the other clubs, so our position in the league table should remain unchanged at about midway.

The course was mostly hard stony ground, punctuated by occasional "Soft" bits. But that was more than made up by over a mile of continuous quagmire at about 1/2 distance. This served to sap ones strength just before the slog up the monstrous hill to the finish. And it was my chance to get Barney back for splashing me earlier in the season...Splat, Take that!..ooh beastly!

Anyway, Here's our results:

Men

33rd Doug MacLean

44th Paul Barnett

67th Bruce Humphries

72nd Hugh Bethell

Points = 216 (incomplete team)

Ladies

6th Diane Byrne

8th Julie Humphries

22nd Cathy Stewart

Points = 36

Once again. May I thank everyone who participated in this seasons events. And I hope to see you all again on the start line in October....Until then. that's all from me. have a good Summer seasons road racing and things.

Signing off ...(Boo hoo!)...What am I gonna do for 6 months?

Doug.

PS: I am still looking for volunteers to help with the baggage lorries at the London Marathon. Is anyone out there interested? I have about 4 bodies so far. I require 24. Please let me know ASAP...

Hi there All

The penultimate race of this seasons series has now been run at manor Farm CP. Once again, we did get a men's team (only just). But we were one short in the ladies team. The men's team did quite well, with the first 4 coming in almost within 15 places of each other. The team was lead home by Dave Carter who is still coming back from his long absence, closely followed by Barney, who looked quite strong from my point of view. He put on an extraordinary effort, passing me on two occasions, he did avoid splashing me with mud this time. I attempted to stay in touch despite twisting my my ankle half way, and did make some ground within the last half mile. I had to keep up the struggle as I was being chased and run down by Jon Cooper who is also running strong, and an old associate Tim from Basingstoke. We have been on each others heels all season. Diane Byrne rompt home in 5th position with another good effort. There was a slight change in the course this year, with an extra short climb inside the last mile. But despite this, the leading group appeared to have been sent on the old rough, oops! But it all evened itself out in the end. The last hill never gets any easier.

Here's the results of this mornings race:

Men:

30th Dave Carter

37th Paul Barnett

41st Doug macLean

46th Jon Cooper

80th Hugh Bethell

points: = 234

Ladies:

5th Diane Byrne

25th Cathy Stewart

points: = Incomplete

The last event will be at Staunton CP on 11th March, hosted by Denmead Striders.

Please make sure you have this in your diaries.

Cheers

Doug.

Hi there.

Crikey! What a turnout we had for the Event at Lord Wandsworth college this morning..Must be a record. With a mens team comprising of 11 members.

The course itself was a little gem. A two lap circuit with plenty of unavoidable mud, puddles and a whopping great mountain. Also there was plenty of single track and eclosed bridleway, which made overtaking (for the fast guys caught at the back) quite difficult. Well done to Hart Runners for finding a tough and fun little circuit.

I surprised myself by running quite well, despite suffering a "dinking" cold, and lack of training....It must have been my kind of circuit..

Oh, and look out..Dave Sherwood was armed with his camera again!

So, without much ado, here below are our team results.