Newsletter – March 2000

With the London marathon fast approaching the three of us decided this was a good chance to get a competitive 20 miler in over the country. Compton is only situated 10 miles from Newbury so the early (9am) start was not a problem. The route followed the first half of what was a 40 mile ultra event that was held in conjunction. Being part of an ultra race meant that control points replaced drink stations and in addition to your normal water or squash they were stocked with hot drinks plus a variety of food such as bananas, sandwhiches, cake and choccie bars. Unfortunatley some of the leading runners arrived before some of the control points were properly set up which did cause some problems.
The course followed a variety of footpaths, RUPPS, and very quiet country roads. A large part of the route followed the Ridgeway and was one of the more scenic events of this type, the course was surprisingly dry and road shoes were a perfect choice. The first 10 miles were undulating but not too severe but over the next 5 miles there were three hills that bought most of the field to a walk. Dave had missed alot of training since his fall along the lynch and had only recorded a long run of an hour in the previous week. He started the fastest of our group and ran a superb race despite feeling the distance over the last few miles. His 7th place just missed out on the 3rd senior mans prize.
Nick was feeling a little flat due to his heavy mileage and the aftereffects of a cold. Like me he found the hills after 10 miles difficult but ran well to beat 2hours 30. I hadn’t trained for a week due to a cold that seemed to defy everything the local chemist’s shop could throw at it. The first few miles seemed as if my nose was running better than my legs and I seriously considered dropping out. However after reaching the 2nd control point I felt alot better and decided to continue, I rounded the next corner to see the first big hill and discover that some bugger had nicked the cable car.
The next few miles were a real slog but I managed to rally over the last five miles to anchor the team home in a very pleasing 3rd place. We were well looked after following the race and enjoyed a hot meal. Apart from the problem with the late-opening controls the event was well organised and we all agreed it would be worth doing again.

In perfect conditions fifteen harriers turned out to race in what must be one of the best 10k’s in the country. With over 1000 finishers this event has grown to become a top class race with several runners clocking sub 29m 30sec.

In perfect conditions fifteen harriers turned out to race in what must be one of the best 10k’s in the country. With over 1000 finishers this event has grown to become a top class race with several runners clocking sub 29m 30sec.
Winner of the club championship was young Mike Bliss who is in good form to run near 32 minutes and take the overall vets. prize. Next home was Ian who ran strongly but is capable of a faster time. Completing the A team was myself who scraped a PB by one second. As everyone knows I don’t race to my full potential but I’m determined to improve during this year. Keith Clark obviously had me in his sights as he ran an excellent 35:36. It is great to have another senior man who is at least still fertile and with a full head of hair.
PC Mills ran his 2nd race of the weekend and is showing a great return to form to clock 38:02. I think he ought to run sub 3 hours easily in London. After a recent illness Gavin ran 38:17 and will certainly go faster later in the year. A slightly below par Cath was next to finish 10th lady and 3rd vet.35. Running his fastest 10k in donkeys years was Eric who blitzed 38:46. What is he on? Obviously a lethal combination of nandrolene and real ale has had a devastating effect on ET’s fast twitch fibres.The clubs other finishers were Dave Vosser, Nick “arse” Dalton, Audra (going sub 40 ), Dave Henery, JT and finally Liz who finished 3rd O/45 Vet. I was very sorry to hear of young Nicky taking a tumble at 8k. With some great XC performances behind her she could run seriously well on the roads.

What an opportunity many of our club members missed in not turning out for this splendid event, with good weather and almost completley flat course. In addition, all the roads were closed to traffic which must give us all some hope that road races on the open highway will not disappear beacause they will be deemed to be too dangerous under legislation being fashoned by the government.
It was wonderful to see so many runners filling the road, very similar to the London marathon. Only six of us took up the challenge in our own club championships and were led home by Paul in 37th place. He took some satisfaction from his time of 76:48, for a distance which he considers too long. Ruth took 4th lady position, probably way below her best, and Nick recorded a splendid PB which was ample reward for his dedicated marathon training this winter.
Eric took the vets. championship, somewhat disappointed with the way he faded in the latter stages of the race and, probably somewhat aprehensive that JT and Dave Henery would be snapping at his heels. As things turned out he didn’t need to worry but JT was pleased with his run, taking Daves scalp who had(as usual) arrived late and wound up at the back of the field at the start.

 
1527 finishers.