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News
Updates/News
To everybody who helped marshal, direct, cheer on, set up tables, fill cups, hand out drinks etc etc on last Wednesdays RR10 event at Janesmoor Pond. Have already had some great feed back from some runners with the event running very smoothly!
There are now over 1600 pictures posted on our new Flikr site, ranging from the recent RR10 at Janesmoor Pond, right back to that nostalgic Bluebell run held in 2005! There are pictures of races, social events, RR10's, CC6's and many more, so if you haven't checked it then why not!! Just click on the "PHOTOS" button - there is NO logging in or accounts to set up so head on over!
Romsey Road Runners could be seen at
several local races over the last week, with great success. First
off was the Southampton 5km, a two lap, relatively flat course finishing
at the David Lloyd leisure centre. The steady incline at the start
of each lap was deceptive on this fast course. Jimmy Hunt was first
back for the club in a time of 17:23 earning him 3rd place, whilst
Paul Slaughter and Paul Cross finished in times of 22:48 and 26:02
respectively. Hannah White finished under 23 minutes and claimed her
highest placing of 2nd lady overall, whilst Liz Slade put in a time
of 25:35. An Island Walk (Isle of Wight) Saturday 7th August 2010 Meet at Wight link Lymington to catch the 9.25am ferry as foot passengers. The usual offer of 2 for 1 is available on the web site. This is the usual walk around the western tip of the Island. Having caught the ferry over to Yarmouth we will walk towards the Needles along the coast path. Our first stop is at Totland Bay for a short break, and to admire the scenery. We will then proceed west to the Needles before turning east to walk along Tennyson Down Ridge to the monument where we will have a lunch stop. Packed lunch is recommended. After lunch we will proceed down to Freshwater Bay for a dip and/or a cream tea. The final stage of the walk is back along the old railway line to Yarmouth to catch the ferry back to Lymington. This is a varied coastal walk of approx 11 miles. Everyone welcome! Keith and Lesley Stone
Being a member of Romsey Road Runners
is not just about training and racing, there is a significant social
element too. Lynda Brown, Tam Ryan, Steve Reed and Paul Bradley hosted
a Home Run from Paul and Kitty’s house in Wellow last Thursday
with help from their families. In perfect conditions, Steve led a
longish run around Canada Common, with Paul Willis managing to find
the only bog in the area that had not dried out. Tam and Lynda led
a shorter run in the same area, however everyone returned with dry
feet from their group. Meanwhile Nicki, Kitty, Scott and Paul stayed
behind to sort out the food, drink and children. They were joined
by the returning runners and club members who just came along for
the socialising, enjoying some fantastic food.
Pictures taken at the highly successful "Home Run" held at Paul and Kitty's abode, as well as the latest RR10 event at Eastleigh can now be perused at the RRR Flikr web site!! Just click on the "PHOTOS" button on the left to access the Flikr Page.
Twenty-six runners made the trek to the home of the Eastleigh 10k to take part in race seven of the season, held at the old municipal golf course at the rear of the Fleming Park Leisure Centre. The grass may still be long on the fairway but this didn't daunt our competitors to go out and try to figure what the course would be in advance....epic fail!! With so many twists and turns and with a slight variation from last year, boasting seven inclines and enough switchbacks to warrant careful positioning during the race, it was a challenge to begin to try and guess the route. The start again was set back on the main field to thin the crowd out prior to the first tight left bend and then across the wooden bridge. It was then two loops of the course with an added bit on, minus the trek through the wooded section at the far end. Totaling just over four miles it was flat out from the start to gain and try and keep that all important position.
Romsey Road Runners could be found competing in the Mile of Miles Relay last Wednesday. This annual event for local running clubs again took place on Southampton’s athletic track and involved teams of ten each running four laps of the track (approximately 1 mile each). Romsey fielded two teams again this year, both of which did well with the A team completing in 57 minutes 17 and finishing in the top 3, whilst the B team were close behind in a cumulative time of 1:08:00. The lap times produced saw many of the club’s runners finishing in under 6 minutes. Julia Abab and Derek Kelly have been continuing with the multi-discipline theme of late, competing in the recent New Forest Duathlon. The event saw competitors complete a 2.5 mile run followed by a 14 mile cycle and finishing with a further 2.5 mile run. Abab and Kelly both thoroughly enjoyed the event, completing in respective times of 1:33:32 and 1:34:42. Back to the single discipline of running,
Paul Slaughter competed in the Lordshill 10k in hot conditions finishing
in 49:52, whilst David Nixon took on the challenge of the Tanners
Marathon – a 20 mile off-road and hilly race which he completed
in 5 hours 16.
Tam, Lynda, Steve and Paul are hosting a home run at 6.30 pm on 8th July instead of the track session. There will be a short (3-4 miles) route and a longer (5-6 mile) route. Meet at Paul & Kitty’s house for a 6.30 start. Food will be provided after the run,
please bring a £2 contribution.
A few new pictures have been uploaded to the Flikr website showing the recent Mile of Miles Relay and also nearly 300 pictures taken at our very successful Beer Race!! Just click on the "PHOTOS" button on the left to access the Flikr Page.
The evening was young as the blue and yellow vests of Romsey seemed to amass well in advance of other Clubs and so take the rear bleachers in the stadium, marking their territory and donning their kit. With the weather a little cooler than last year and the air not so dry there was a slight breeze that allowed cooling but had the disadvantage of blowing right down the finishing straight. With Nick Berryman furiously writing in names, shuffling start positions and negotiating who may have to run twice the final order was finalised and so a few laps of the track were undertaken to warm those muscles. Soon a small shout echoed around the field for the runners of the first leg to line up for the start, and so Jimmy Hunt and Paul Bradley took their places amongst the other competitors. New Forest runners took an early lead but after a few laps our dynamo Jimmy managed to pick off a few places before those all important change over's took place. With no repeat of last years "Pat A Cake" routine the hand over's between runners went well, and it also became apparent that the late but nether less all important showing of Tam and Lynda meant that a full A and B team could be fielded this year and no-one would have to run twice. Soon the positions of which team were ahead had started to rage but it soon became apparent that Hardley had taken the Cup - but only by a marginal 19 seconds in front of Romsey A. A HUGE well done to all those that came down for the evening to represent the Club, and the cake produced by Nick and Ali I think was all gratefully received! Individual times can be seen below.
In a week when Matt Hammerton of Romsey Road Runners finished first at the latest fixture of the RR10 series, he then went on to conquer the Forestman Triathlon – an endurance event of epic proportions. The Forestman event, consisting of a 3.8km swim followed by a 180km cycle finishing with a marathon distance run, certainly tested the strength and determination of its competitors and was made all the more challenging by the grueling heat of the hottest day of the year. Hammerton put in a tremendous performance to finish in a cumulative time of 11 hours 23 minutes, placing him 13th out of 130 finishers. Romsey Road Runners could also be seen competing at the recent AXLR8 Triathlon at Wellington College which involved a 200m pool swim, 17km cycle and a 5km run to finish. A team of 13 members from Romsey took part in the event, with several achieving personal best times including Chris Lane, Derek Kelly, Julia Abab and Ruth Page. Idris Owen was fastest of the club completing in an overall time of 56 minutes, with Paul Burnage, Nick Berryman, Lane and Kelly all finishing within 70 minutes. With a strong running background to base their training on, this event has whet their appetite for more cross-discipline events. Gill Callus also achieved a personal
best at the recent Martock 10k in Somerset, finishing in 60:04 whilst
Steve Davies completed the undulating course in 47:21. Ali Longworth
took four minutes off his time at the Cheltenham Circular Challenge
Trail Marathon to finish in 4:34:54 and had also completed the South
Downs Trail Marathon in 4:04:42 just a week before, both in very hot
conditions, whilst Wendy Couper and Charlotte Maslen both competed
in the Sheactive Women’s Duathlon at Buckler’s Hard recently.
Maslen completed the Novice distance (2.5k bike/10k run/2.5k bike)
in a time of 1:59:05, whilst Couper took on the Challenge distance
(5k bike/20k run/5k bike) winning her age category.
Hammerton takes 1st!! It was a large field of 25 runners from Romsey that gathered under the welcome foliage at the Manor Farm Country Park near Hedge End for Race 6 of the RR10 series. The hot humid evening denoted that plenty of fluids were needed before race start, as well as careful reconnoitering of the infamous pot-holed path that is at the start and end of the race. A quick check of the route board showed a slight addition bringing the total distance to 4.75 miles. With a fast start along the grass, ensuring you didn't trip over the mounds and more holes, it was a loop around the swings and things and then back on your self and down into the woods. As overtaking at this stage had several dire warnings attached to it, as described in the pre-race brief, it wasn't until you broke through onto the gravel track that you could start thinking about picking off places. With the recent hot weather it was "chewing grit" through the dust, but soon the course looped back into wooded areas and giving the field an extremely hard challenge of not tripping over the tree roots etc. Breaking out into the large field at the far section of the course it was once back into the sunshine, but soon into the dreaded long drawn out hill on the back straight. Through posts (ensuring a slight turn was required to squeeze through), it was soon across the last open section and back along the wooded track. With a sharp turn right, it was the time to put on the speed (if you had any left!) to gain for last few crucial places. A massive well done to Matt Hammerton for getting his first ever win in the series.. and on that note..... A Family Affair.....?
Matt with his sister Louise and father Bill.
A few new pictures have been uploaded to the Flikr website showing how some of our Club members got on at the recent AXLR8 Triathlon, held at Wellington College at Crowthorne in Berkshire. Just click on the "PHOTOS" button on the left to access the Flikr Page.
A record 250 runners completed Romsey Road Runners’ annual 5 Mile Beer Race on Sunday, held around the picturesque lanes of Braishfield village. The warm sunshine and beautiful surroundings set the scene for the event, and runners were joined at the start line by local Councilor and ex Mayor of Romsey, Mark Cooper, who set the entrants off and was there at the finish to cheer the runners back in and present the prizes. First home in an amazingly fast time for the course and conditions was James Baker of Chichester Runners and Athletics Club in a time of 25 minutes and 51 seconds, over a minute faster than last year’s front runner, Mike Grist of Poole Runners, who this year had to settle for second place but who managed to finish in exactly the same time two year’s running! Wayne Ewens of Stubbington Green Runners was third place man in 27:56 First of the ladies and in 20th place overall was Valaria Sesto in a time of 31 minutes and 30 seconds, beating her second place finish from 2009. Sesto was followed in by Paula Moseley of Hereford Triathlon Club and Sarah Hazell of BTF. As the name suggests, this increasingly popular event is completed with a pint of Fullers beer and a bottle of Hildon Water for all finishers, both of which are kindly donated by the respective companies. Local pub, The Old House at Home also helped by setting up the bar, ensuring the beer was just right for serving, and local running shop, Up and Running, provided the spot prizes and continues to help and support running events in the area. The race committee were also extremely well supported by the members of Romsey Road Runners, who all celebrated a successful day with a fantastic bbq afterwards! As if the Beer Race wasn't enough,
Ali Longworth competed at the South Downs Trail Marathon on Saturday,
completing the course in extremely hot conditions in a time of 4:04:42,
whilst Wendy Couper and Charlotte Maslen competed in the Sheactive
Women’s Duathlon at Buckler’s Hard. Maslen completed the
Novice distance (2.5k bike/10k run/2.5k bike) in a time of 1:59:05,
whilst Couper took on the Challenge distance (5k bike/20k run/5k bike)
winning her age category.
The Start!!
Mens Winner - James Baker
Winning Ladies - 1st Valaria Sesto (middle) 2nd Paula Moseley 3rd Sarah Hazell Full results of all runners for the Braishfield Beer Race 2010 can now be found by clicking;
The standard jokes and memories of last years RR10 race, held at Blackfield were soon being passed around as the twenty-two runners from the Club met up at Tom's Down for Race five of the series. However, after seeing the small army of marshals disappearing into the distance in three separate directions, the chances of this years field being sent the wrong way were going to be slim to nil. With all the other Club's amalgamating in a small area, it was time for warming up and finding out where the large puddles were at the start in order to get a good line and not get too wet or lose places trying to dodge them. It was a fast start for this one as the race began, with it being one of the longer ones at 4.75 miles. At times opportunity to pass were limited with parts being on narrow track way, but boasted several types of terrain including gravel tracks, grass and rutted pathways. Well done to everybody who finished, but special mention to Heidi and Jane, who both picked up injuries through one way or another, but battled on and completed the race for the Club! I am sure you join me in wishing them both a speedy recovery. All placing's are now on the "RR10/PEN" page.
Photographs for Romsey Road Runners are now hosted with Flikr which is a web based program. Things are in the early stages, but all you have to do is head over to the "PHOTOS" link then press the button, which will lead you to a web page displaying the different collections and sets that have so far been uploaded. Keep checking regularly for new content, and if you have any problems/queries, feel free to email the webmaster by clicking here. Braishfield 5M 2010- Marshals Just a last minute reminder, Beer Race this Sunday. Can you please arrive for 9:30 at Braishfield Village Hall car park. Share cars where possible! Thanks, Nick
The perennial favourite, the Test Way Relay is on Saturday 11th September. The Test Way is a footpath following the River Test, for 44 miles from Inkpen Beacon in Berkshire, to Southampton Water in Eling. The relay race is split into 9 legs. The race isn't marshaled, so it is up to the individual / team to make sure they know the way! If you would are interested in running a leg of this race, please contact Nick at, rrr.fixtures@berryweb.org.uk
Romsey have been invited to enter the 'Miles of miles' relay at the Sports Centre in Southampton (by the ski slope) on Wednesday 30th June. The event is a relay event for 10 people, each running 4 laps of a 400m track, more-or-less a mile. Hopefully with enough volunteers, we'll be able to get two or three teams entered. Cake will be brought along as incentive :o) If you would like to participate in
this event, please let Nick know at, rrr.fixtures@berryweb.org.uk
UPDATE!! In case you were not aware, Malcolm Price has negotiated with Hampshire County Council for a lump sum fee of £120 for parking at Manor Farm Country Park on June 23rd rather than drivers each having to put £2 in the meter as reported earlier. This charge will be shared by the clubs in the same way as other RR10 expenses, so no one needs to pay any money on the night.
Please note at Stubbington's event on Wednesday 23rd June, car parking charges of £2 per car will need to be paid. This conforms with the recent introduction of a Pay-And_display parking policy installed at Manor Farm Country Park, effective whenever the park is open. Stubbington have tried to obtain free parking, however this has been unsuccessful and if you have a full car, it's only 50p per person after all!
Race four of the RR10 series and compared to two weeks ago the field of Romsey runners that arrived was huge in comparison to when the Club came to the same start point a month previous with twenty-eight competitors. The conditions were perfect with bright sunshine and little wind, with the original course of 4.5 miles on offer, as last year the route had to be altered due to local wildlife concerns. With the two smaller Clubs of the league organising the event, the crowd that assembled at the start was massive with a total of 358 runners. The the wilting horn to signal the start it was a mad sprint down the main pathway, then a sharp right into the wooded area consisting mostly of graveled tracks, but there were a few places that were slightly soggy underfoot that needed a keen eye and some careful negotiation. With numerous turns and switchbacks, knowing exactly were the start/finish was became a challenge, but once exiting the wooded area back onto the main inclosure it was easy to get ones bearings. Viewing the course was advantageous as the was the small loop tacked onto the end that lead back to the finish line and welcome drinks. Well done to everyone who took part, especially those who were on their first race of the series, the next one being at Blackfield on the 9th of June.
Romsey Road Runners can often be found competing at both local and distant races, but it was Exmoor National Park that played host to over 30 members a fortnight ago for the club’s now annual weekend away. Continuing the theme of last year, the trip was organised around one of the Coastal Trail Series events run by Endurance Life. Exmoor provided the location for the final event weekend of the series which gave runners the option of a 10km, half marathon or full marathon to compete in. Given that it was the hottest weekend of the year so far, everyone was pleased to have chosen either the 10km or the half marathon over the full marathon distance. As the name suggest, these coastal events are more about endurance and enjoyment of the scenery than fast times and personal bests, however a host of age category placings were achieved by the Romsey competitors including Paul Bradley, Bruce Maddick and Wendy Couper coming first in their age groups in the 10km and Flo Hearn and Karen Keane placing second in theirs, whilst Paul Burnage and Ruth Page placed second in their age groups in the half marathon and Lynne Whittaker, Joanna Curtis, Janet Burnage and Julia Abab took the top four places in their age group. Jimmy Hunt came 10th overall in the half marathon in a time of 1:54:07 and Nick Berryman came 29th in a time of 2:03:21. Despite the sore and achy legs, a good crowd managed to make the early morning run before breakfast the next day, and the trip was rounded off with a 5 mile walk and a pub lunch before heading home. In the meantime, several of this year’s marathon runners competed at a new local event the Minstead Stinger, organised by Totton Running Club, a 9 mile forest track and road race starting at Minstead village hall. Jim Wright was first to finish for Romsey in a time of 1:06:52, whilst Paul Slaughter finished in 1:22:49, with Heidi Williams, Liz Slade and Charlotte Maslen all completing within minutes of each other. Penny Jennings was also out competing
at the Marwell 10k finishing in 49:07 and Jimmy Hunt and Hannah White
competed in the Plymouth Half Marathon last weekend, completing in
1 hour 24 and 1 hour 59 respectively.
The Braishfield 5M course is now available for perusal via Google Earth !!
Our intrepid Editor Matt Hammerton has been hard at work again and the latest edition of the Club's Newsletter is now available for viewing on the web, as well as copies available at Club nights. Just click here.
Call For Marshalls!!!! Call for all club members to marshall! Please make every effort to help out
at our club's own race.
It appears that by all accounts the the recent Club away weekend to Exmoor was a fantastic success with the weather fine and two great races ran of the 10km and Half Marathon with the Club performing very well, with special mention going to Paul Bradley, first MV50 in the 10km, Bruce Maddick, first MV60 in the 10km, Wendy Couper, first FV60 in the 10km,Gill Callus first FV55 in the 10km, and Lynne Whittaker, first FV50 in the half marathon. A summary of the results can be found by clicking here, with the official result web site being found here.
A perfect evening of cool temperatures and little wind greeted the 22 runners from Romsey who met at the far reaches of the New Forest at Wilverley Plain for race 3 of the season. The Romsey flag took pride of place amongst the other lesser Clubs as the warming up competitors scrutinised the new direction of the course and the forthcoming 4.75'ish miles ahead. The start of the race soon gave a welcome gradual downhill slope to get a fast pace going and to try and grab a few places....however this resulted in with the main bulk being in reverse then the hills were sharper and more plentiful. With careful treading in certain sections due to the narrow ruts and paths, and with the constant dust to chew on our runners battled bravely. With some new faces and other runners making this their first run of the season, special mention should go to the top three men coming in at 4th, 6th and 10th places. For the full results and to see the rankings just click over to the "RR10/PEN" button.
The Hampshire Road Race League came to an end on Sunday at its final fixture, the Netley 10km, held at the Royal Victoria Country Park. Romsey Road Runners’ Lynne Whittaker and Janet Burnage both competed finishing in 42:12 and 46:20 respectively, achieving 2nd and 6th places in their age group. The final league positions have been totted up with Whittaker finishing 3rd place lady overall with Burnage 23rd lady overall. In the team results, the Ladies A team finished 3rd in Division 2 whilst the Ladies B team finished 4th in Division 2.
Ali Longworth competed at the Portsmouth Promenade 5km completing the course in 18 minutes 33, whilst eight other Romsey Road Runners took part in the Harewood Forest 11km, held in Wherwell. Steve Davies led the club home finishing in 55:05 whilst Julia Abab and Heidi Williams were the first of the ladies to finish in 57:05 and 57:57 respectively. Anna Duignan put in another strong run to finish in 62 minutes with Karen Keane following shortly after in 66 minutes. Gill Callus and Wendy Couper recorded identical times of 72:10 and all enjoyed the local fun run.
Matt Hammerton and Jimmy Hunt were
also in competition on Sunday at the Salisbury Fast Twitch Triathlon.
The event consisted of a 400m swim followed by a 19 mile cycle and
finishing with a 5 mile run. Both competed well with Hammerton finishing
3rd overall in a total time of 1:21:34 and winning his age category
whilst Hunt, who was competing in his first triathlon, came 6th in
the same category in a total time of 1:34:31.
What more incentive do you need to help out marshalling the forth coming Beer Race then a top quality BBQ for all helpers at a paltry cost of just £3 per person payable on the day!! Christine Saunders will soon be distributing forms for those wishing to partake in this culinary fest. The event will take place on the playing field in Braishfield, and there will also be a game of rounders afterwards for those that wish to burn off the recently added calories. Everyone can pay on the day but numbers will be needed beforehand - do you need a better reason to sign up as a Marshall to help out?!?!
The new training Summer schedule is now on the web, incorporating the Braishfield efforts and the Mounbatten School for the regular Thursday track session's. Also are the regular Braishfield 5km time trials. Just click on the "Training" button on the left to get there.
Jane our session leader has just updated her latest report for the forthcoming summer months, which can be found by clicking the "Session" button at the top of this page.
The 2010 RR10 series is well underway
now with two races gone and Romsey Road Runners enjoying a good turnout
and results at each so far. The league, a series of ten off-road races
open to members of the clubs involved only, has been growing in size
and popularity over the years, and 2010 is already looking set to
be a bumper year with more women than ever competing. Last weeks race
was held at Longdown Inclosure and comprised of a course which zig-zagged
its way through a mixture of woodland and open terrain. It was mostly
dry underfoot, apart from one boggy puddle that was just a little
too wide to jump across, resulting in some very muddy legs and even
a lost shoe! Jimmy Hunt was first man home for the club, finishing
12th, with Idris Owen and Ali Longworth not far behind. Newer members
Irene Schaafsma and Claire Harris both had good runs, whilst Penny
Jennings lead the Romsey ladies home in 37th place. Alistair Longworth also inadvertantly completed his first Ultra race by not reading the Three Forts Challenge entry form correctly and seeing later that is was 27.2 miles long. Known as "The Tough One", this was a trail race starting from Worthing and taking in the beautiful South Downs. With rain, wind, mud and advertised with 3450 feet of climb, Alistair completed it in 4 hours, 12 minutes and 36 seconds coming 30th out of 169 runners.
The latest details of local races from May to August have now been compiled by Nick and can be seen by clicking the "RACES" button on the right. There are events ranging from our own RR10 league, 5km, 10km, half marathons, right up to the Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 -5km to 42km! so head over and see if anything takes your fancy as many of these events are local and very friendly.
It was a slightly depleted field that met at the Longdown Enclosure this last Wednesday for round two of the current RR10 race, with holiday commitments and niggling injuries/colds for some of the regular runners. Getting there early was the name of the game with continued problems with the barrier not staying up but luckily out intrepid representatives made it to the start. The course was the same as last year at just around 4.4 miles and memories of the biting insects from last year. The briefing at the start assured us of the course being predominantly dry with a "few wet patches" however this was going to possibly prove to be slightly poetic licence. The start saw an en masse charge for the first right turn onto a series of twisting forest tracks that allowed elbow room only and a need to get a good place at the start. With a series of switchbacks through the forested section it was then out into the open heath land, where it soon became apparent that if those "wet patches" weren't identified and avoided then the loss of a shoe was very much a risk as our very own Paul Bradley found out and losing a few valuable places. I don't think any runner that night escaped muddy shoes (unless you were of the orienteering breed), with some from other Clubs completing half the race with just one shoe attached. Our runners however did very well with some gaining higher places than last year, notable Chris BROWN up 62 places, Alistair LONGWORTH up 44, Greg ROULSTON up 27, Jimmy HUNT up 8, and finally Penny JENNINGS gaining one up from last year. Well done also to those taking part in their first or second ever race. All results are now in and can be found on the "RR10/PEN" page, and don't forget the next one is at Wilverley Inclosure at Sway on the 19th of May at 7.30pm!
Ever wondered who makes the Club run smoothly and who spends a huge amount of their free time behind the scenes? Just click the link below to see who's who!
Some of you may have heard about the Park Run series that has evolved across the UK, whereby at numerous locations there is the opportunity to take part in low key 5km runs in lovely locations every Saturday morning. There is no entry fee, and all you need to do is register on the web site and then just turn up with a pre-printed bar-code. All results go on a comprehensive web site (with age-grading) so you can monitor your fitness and hopefully improvements over time. To date the nearest has been in Basingstoke but now one is starting at the Eastleigh Lakeside Country Park at 9am. The 2-lap course with the organisers this morning, and it's good: paths and short grass, mostly flat with a few very short sharp inclines, and a few tight turns and crossings of the mini-railway (not operating at 9am) to slow you down a little. Not a PB course, but a very pleasant lakeside training run. With luck, the railway cafe will be open afterwards. For full details head to http://parkrun.com/home.aspx
Romsey Road Runners proudly welcomed home its London Marathon runners on Monday night. Ten members of the club competed in the 2010 event with a mixture of places through the ballot, club, charities and good for age places. Nick Berryman, completing his first marathon, lead the club’s runners home finishing in a fantastic time of 3:19:58 despite having picked up an injury late on in training. Jane Carter broke her own club record, which she previously set in 1998, continuing to reign as the club’s fastest female marathoner in a time of 3:31:26. She was closely followed by Angela Burkinell and Tamatha Ryan who achieved 3:35:02 and 3:36:35 respectively. Having completed much of their training together for their first marathon experience, Heidi Williams (4:24:14), Liz Slade (4:27:35) and Paul Slaughter (4:28:53) were not far apart when crossing the finishing line, whilst Ken West and Charlotte Maslen completed the line up in 4:39:52 and 4:50:40 respectively. A massive well done to all our runners and to those whose fundraising efforts will benefit so many.
Another contingent of Romsey Road Runners were also competing on Sunday a little closer to home at the Houghton 11km. This local trail run takes in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area with the last leg run along the Test Way and Clarendon Way and a couple of long uphill drags to test stamina. The event was well supported by Romsey Road Runners who were very pleased to see Jimmy Hunt and Ali Longworth place second and third overall and some excellent times achieved despite the rough terrain. All other results can be found at http://www.houghton-trail-event.org.uk/show_results.php?event=11k_run
It was a cool evening that greeted the nineteen Romsey runners who collected on the picturesque grounds of the Royal Victoria Country Park situated just outside Netley Abbey and fronting the Southampton Water. This being the first of the 2010 series there was an anticipated buzz in the air, with most competitors checking the route board and seeing that the course was slightly varied from previous years but with roughly the same total distance. Although numbers down on last year, this didn't quell the enthusiasm of our runners who lined up on the gravel track outside the Chapel for the start. A single lap to spread the runners out and then the course followed its usual route. The only other difference being that the short out and back section on the second lap included an off-road bit so the ritual greeting/cheering on/abuse of other runners was not possible. After the results were in and the runners had finally located the drinks tables on the horizon, for the men on last years results five were up on their positions, with the ladies three showing an improvement. The next race in he series is at Longdown Inclosure, Ashurst in two weeks time on May 5th (7:15pm). Full results are available on the RR10 website http://www.rr10.hampshire.org.uk/, and the placing's for our runners http://www.romseyroadrunners.co.uk/pages/rr10.html.
Romsey Road Runners is proud to have
no less than 8 of its members taking part in the Virgin London Marathon
on Sunday. With months of preparation and hundreds of miles under
their feet, the Romsey Eight are looking forward to the event and
for some it will be their first undertaking of a marathon. To celebrate
their training and wish them well with the race, Romsey Road Runners
held its annual Pasta Party on Tuesday evening at Annie's Restaurant
at Kimbridge with a quiz to follow.
On the 25th April 2010 Southampton
University is hosting the Southampton Marrowthon. It is a day of running
events taking place on Southampton Common with the aim of raising
much needed funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. www.anthonynolan.org.uk/southamptonmarrowthon More details of the event can be found
on the Runners World website, the above website or our facebook group.
All entrants get a free event shirt, medal and event goody bag. Prizes
are available for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each race; for the fastest team;
best fancy dress and most amount raised.
With the lighter evenings now here, Romsey Road Runners are heading into their summer programme and the club’s London Marathoners are tapering down their training towards the main event but not without one final long race under their feet, the Cranleigh 21 mile race. Jane Carter and Tamatha Ryan both finished under 2 hours 50 minutes, with Carter leading the way, whilst Heidi Williams, Liz Slade and Paul Slaughter all proved their training has been successful finishing in 3:21:55, 3:34:18 and 3:34:19 respectively. The Eastleigh 10k also saw a good turn out from the club at the end of March with Ali Longworth setting a course personal best of 39 minutes 7 seconds. Lynne Whitaker finished in 41 minutes with Steve Reed 54 seconds after. Lynda Brown (45:40), Janet Burnage (45:52), Derek Kelly (54:50) and Sarah Thorn (55:48) also all enjoyed the race. Since then, Ali Longworth has been
on a racing roll, traveling to compete at the Compton 20 Mile, which
he completed in 2 hours 56, and the Combe Gibbet to Overton 16 Mile
where he set another personal best time of 1:59:19. Also setting a
further personal best was Jimmy Hunt who raced at the Reading Half
Marathon, finishing in 1:22:03.
For all interested runners Thank you for those who attended last year. If you club is interested in coming this year for a large group with a block booking I can organize a good rate per person. i.e. over 15 people £6 per adult either 5k or 10k. If you have any queries please do not
hesitate to contact me. The entry form can be printed by clicking the link below.
Please read below a request from a student carrying out a survey regarding the behaviours and beliefs of male runners..... I am conducting research into the exercise
behaviours and beliefs of male runners as part of a post-graduate
diploma in psychology at London Metropolitan University. I am looking
for male amateur runners to participate in an anonymous, online survey
and would be very grateful if you would be willing to pass on the
link to my survey to your members. The research is being conducted
under the research rules of the British Psychological Society and
is being supervised by qualified sports psychologist Dr Jeremy Adams. Thanks for your interest. Calling male runners to participate in psychology research on exercise behaviours and beliefs being conducted by a post-graduate student at London Metropolitan University. Please use the link below to complete a short, anonymous survey on your running history and activities. As a thank you, you may optionally leave an email address to receive personalised feedback on your exercise belief responses: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/runners The research is being conducted under the research rules of the British Psychological Society and is being supervised by qualified sports psychologist Dr Jeremy Adams.
It was a sad day when the Totton 10km road race was cancelled for evermore, however Totton Running Club are proud to present their latest event - the Minstead Stinger. To be held 23rd May 2010 at 10am starting
and ending in Minstead, near Lyndhurst in the New Forest.
Club Secretary, Lynne Whitaker travelled to Northern Ireland to compete in the British Masters Cross Country Championships. The race consisted of 3 laps of the grounds of Stormont making a total distance of 6km which Whitaker completed in 24 minutes 56, finishing 4th place in her age group.
(l-r Wendy Couper, Gill Callus, Steve Davies, Penny Jennings) Closer to home, five Romsey runners competed at the Exbury 10k race, a scenic run starting from the gardens and taking in views of the Solent from Lepe beach. Chris Brown was first back to the gardens for the club in a time of 41:58, whilst Steve Davies and Penny Jennings finished within seconds of each other in 48:35 and 48:50 respectively. Gill Callus achieved a personal best time of 62:22 and Wendy Couper finished in 64:48, her second competition since coming back from injury. Jimmy Hunt and Hannah White also achieved personal best times at half marathon distance when they competed at the Silverstone half marathon. The novelty of running on the race track was distraction enough from the strong winds which made for difficult conditions. Both Hunt and White took 3 minutes off their previous best times at this distance, finishing in 1 hour 22 (17th overall) and 1 hour 53 respectively.
(l-r Liz Slade, Paul Slaughter, Charlotte Maslen, Heidi Williams Meanwhile, marathon preparations were taking place at the Mad March Pukka 20, with all three Romsey runners there bettering their times over 20 miles. Paul Slaughter achieved a ten minute personal best finishing in 2 hours 58, with Heidi Williams shortly after in 2 hours 59 and Liz Slade and Charlotte Maslen completing confidently in 3 hours 09 and 3 hours 16. Other recent results include: Salisbury 10 mile – Two runners achieved personal best times for ten miles, these being Nick Berryman in 62:26, and Alistair Longworth in 66:47. Other runners were Lyne Whitaker 67:20 (2nd V45) and Janet Burnage 76:03. Mad March Triathlon - Wendy Couper completed a 250m swim, 10 mile cycle and 5km run in 88 minutes. Meon Valley Plod – Alistair Longworth 3 hours 41, Jane Carter and Tamatha Ryan both 3 hours 42. The Terminator – Steve Reed 1
hour 42 and Lynda Brown 1 hour 59.
This years second Committee meeting was recently held, and the minutes can be found by clicking here.
This years Pasta Party will be on Tuesday 20th of April at Annie's Restaurant, Kimbridge. The price is £9.95 per person and will include a selection of pasta dishes, salads and garlic bread. There will also be a quiz so dust off your Trivial Pursuit board game in preparation...there will be prizes for the winning team! I need final numbers by Monday 12th of April. Booking sheets are available on club nights and will also be available to download from clicking the logo below.
There is an organised cycle ride that
will take place on 2nd May 2010 - the IOW Randonnee. Details on this website http://www.cycleisland.co.uk/ However being Bank Holiday weekend
you WILL need to organise ferry crossings in ADVANCE.
Matt Hammerton has been busy again and has now released this quarters RRR very own Newsletter "Relay" If you have been unable to secure a copy then no fear, just click below.....
Runners are always on the lookout for fast, well organised races and if the Portsmouth series are to go by then this will not disappoint. Hampshire 10km Road Race 3rd May 2010 Mountbatten Centre Portsmouth An entry form in PDF format can be found by clicking here.
(Mike Elmes of Totton and Michael Tanner of Halterworth taking 1st and 2nd place) The fifth race of the CC6 series was run on Sunday at Stoney Cross, hosted by Romsey Road Runners with help from Winchester. A band of cheerful marshals turned out to ensure a safe event and thanks go to Matt Hammerton and Steve Reed who were co-race directors. The race was run over two laps of a route around the Kings Inclosure, which was particularly muddy after the recent rains. This did not deter a healthy turn out of just under a hundred competitors and if any came back with less than calf-high mud spatters it was clear they had not run hard enough! Mike Elmes of Totton won the men’s
race with Michael Tanner of Halterworth Harriers taking second place.
Sonia Rushby of Eastleigh won the ladies race with a comfortable lead
which also earned her the overall series win. The series concludes
at Manor Farm Country Park in a month's time.
Two more events for this year have been confirmed which are the, Mile Of Miles Relay - Wednesday 30th June 2010 - Southampton Running Track - 7.00pm Test Way Relay - Saturday 11th September 2010
Yes it's that time of year again with the weather hopefully turning warmer and longer daylight hours meaning the approach of this years RR10 events. For anybody new to these, these events are fantastic for getting that mid-week training run in as well as a chance to represent the Club. We had a fantastic season last year and a great turnout at the first one as evidenced here. They involve a short (ish) run of between 4-6 miles usually on a mixture of track, grass, concrete hosted by all the local running Clubs with the results being tabulated in a league. RRR had a great season last year with our best results, so just head over to the "RR10/PEN" page and make a note of those dates. Further information re car sharing etc will be released nearer the time. SEE YOU THERE!! Also look out for a great article by David Nixon in the recent March Newsletter covering the history of the RR10 series.
With just over two months until the London Marathon, Romsey’s marathon runners have been putting their training to the test. Again this year, several members of Romsey Road Runners will be taking part in this year’s marathon so there was an atmosphere of camaraderie when they met at the Bramley 20/10 on Valentines Day. Paul Cutbill competed in the 10 mile
race finishing in an excellent 1:19:07, whilst eight others took part
in the 20 mile race, several experiencing their first run, let alone
race, at this distance. Nick Berryman sustained an average pace of
under 7 minutes per mile to finish in 2:17:44, whilst Ali Longworth
achieved a personal best by 11 minutes finishing in 2:28:40. Tam Ryan
and Jane Carter were next to finish, both well under the 2 hour 40
minute mark. Heidi Williams, Paul Slaughter and Liz Slade, all training
for their first half marathons, were very pleased with their times,
all just over 3 hours, and the strength of their running to complete
the distance, whilst Charlotte Maslen came in shortly after in 3:19:03.
The new training Spring schedule is now on the web, incorporating a few gentle speed sessions along Lee and Crampmoor Lane, then onto the Braishfield efforts and a return to the Mounbatten School for the regular Thursday track session's. Just click on the "Training" button on the left to get there.
Jane our session leader has just updated her latest report, which can be found by clicking the "Session" button at the top of this page.
If you are looking for any events /races in the next few months then the latest Race Diary has been compiled, again by Nick in both webpage and word format. Just click on the "Races" button, again on the left to get there!
Nick Berryman has collated the latest CC6 results, which can be found by clicking the "CC6/XC" button on the left.
Competing at the Blackmore Vale half marathon, Linda Brown and Tamatha Ryan both set personal best times. Despite the course being particularly hilly, Brown managed to knock 3 minutes off her previous best half marathon time finishing in 1:45:26, whilst Ryan set a course PB of 1:40:20. Meanwhile, Jimmy Hunt and Hannah White travelled to West Sussex to compete in the Chichester Priory 10k. This road race is mostly flat with just 3 inclines and a good downhill stretch to the finish. Both Hunt and White set personal bests once again, with Hunt finishing in 36:56 and White also taking 3 minutes off her previous best time in 47:27. Finally, Matt Hammerton was in winning
form as he took on the Dynamic Adventure Racing Challenge in the New
Forest. Entering either as a solo or in a team of 2 or 3, the race
is a stage and score event challenging you to navigate your way around
the course, first on foot, then on bike with the final stage of night
navigation on foot again, visiting as many checkpoints along the way
as possible. Points are accumulated at each checkpoint and Hammerton
won the event with a comfortable lead of over 280 points from the
second place solo and third place pair.
The AXLR8 triathlon is being held at
Wellington College, Crowthorne , Berkshire on Sunday 20th June 2010. I have spoken with the organisers and
the event this year is filling fast so I am taking this opportunity
to find out who is interested in competing so that I can send a block
entry and ensure that we all start around the same time and can therefore
encourage/support each other on the day. I will hopefully bring a
form to club but in the mean time if you could let me know asap and
before the end of this month so that I can start putting things in
place. Finally, Chris Lane has the possibility of obtaining a large
van (with driver) which could transport several bikes at a small cost
pro rata/ no. bikes (eg 10 bikes -£5 per bike) This would reduce
the No. of car bike racks and allow us to share car transport. Please
let me know if you would like to take up this option.I would appreciate
your early response. Derek
Halterworth Harriers are hiring a coach to take runners and supporters to the London Marathon and have invited us to join them on the basis that there more of us there are, the cheaper it will be. If we can fill a 49-seater the cost will be about £12 per head. I don't know the details yet but I would expect the coach to leave Romsey at about 5.00am in order to get to Charing Cross by about 7.00am. Any takers?
The sub-zero temperatures were back again at the weekend, but once again Romsey Road Runner’s were not put off their form. Competing at the Heartbreak Half in the New Forest were ten of the club’s runners, several of whom were using it as a training run for their London marathon preparations. The weather had got the better of the course, with ice causing the route to be shortened from its usual over-long 14 mile distance to just 10 miles. Nick Berryman put his training to the test, finishing in 4th place in a time of 1:07:16 while Steve Reed finished in 1:16:48. Jane Carter completed the course in 1:20:47 with Janet Burnage (1:25:29) and Heidi Williams (1:34:30) soon after. A second group of 7 Romsey runners
met at the Stonehenge Stomp, with a choice of distance races to compete
in. Most opted for the 20km, with David Page, Julia Abab and Ruth
Page all finishing within a minute of each other and Diane Cross and
Wendy George shortly after, whilst Tamatha Ryan and Amanda Hull chose
to complete the 30km course.
Please see below an offer sent to the Club pf an available charity place in the above event. For further information feel free to contact them direct. Would you know any Romsey road runners
who are up for doing the first ever Brighton Marathon? Our charity
still has places for runners. Hope you can help,
It was a flurry of personal bests and age group positions for Romsey Road Runners on Sunday as 14 of the club’s members took part in the local Romsey 5 mile road race. Conditions were fair for this year’s race, attracting a large field of competitors to take part in the race, which despite a few inclines produced fast times for many runners. Jimmy Hunt (29:28), Hannah White (38:19), Greg Roulston (38:31) and Derek Kelly (39:51) all achieved personal best times, with Kelly breaking 40 minutes for the first time and achieving 4th position in his age group. Hunt was first club runner home with new member Idris Owen close behind in 29:57. Amanda Hull had a good race, finishing 5th lady in 31:51, with Janet Burnage (36:46) and Julia Abab (38:58) finishing 2nd and 4th respectively in their age group. The race was made all the more enjoyable by all the support and encouragement given by those who came out to watch. Fresh from finishing first at the Stockbridge fun run the week before, Lynne Whitaker also found success at the South West Veterans Cross Country Championships in Devon on Saturday. The meeting took place at The Byes in Sidmouth and consisted of a 4 mile cross country course for the female competitors which Whitaker completed in 30:30, finishing 2nd in her age group and forth competitor overall.
This years first Committee Meeting was held on the 25th...for the minutes just click here or use the AGM button at the top of this page.
Romsey Road Runners were out to support the Stockbridge Cross Country Fun Run on Sunday, a fundraising event now in its 23rd year. The 8 mile course is open to runners, mountain bikers, joggers and walkers alike and offers a tough off-road course on a mixture of grassy, muddy and rutted terrain, with the odd section of respite on tarmac. Penny Jennings, Julia Abab and Derek Kelly all competed for the club, finishing within 4 minutes of each other. Jennings was first back in 1 hour 10, followed by Abab, 1 hour 12, and Kelly achieving a course PB of 2 minutes in 1 hour 14. The forth round of the CC6 series also
took place on Sunday at Badger Farm. Despite the recent snow and ice,
the course was deemed safe to go ahead and received a good turn out
of 117 runners. Jane Carter and Nick Berryman led the club’s
runners home, finishing 3rd female and 5th male respectively. The
fifth round moves to Stony Cross in the New Forest in February, hosted
by Romsey Road Runners.
The above event has also fallen foul of the weather and has had to be cancelled.
The above event has also fallen foul of the weather and has had to be cancelled.
Due to the snow and ice above Club night is cancelled. Keep visiting the web site for other updates for Thursday closer the time!
Have you ever tried to calculate the different minute/pace rate you should be running for those easy, tempo, or speed sessions? If you have a clear idea of the time you have run over a set distance then again Runner's World provides a neat little calculator to predict what these different paces should be. Just click below for the page, and both these training tools with be permanently added to the "Training Page" on the left hand side for ease of use.
Have you ever decided to try and go for a new distance race but have no idea what time to try for? Having done a 10km race you decide to go for that half marathon but have no concept of how long it will take? Fear not, as Runner's World has a nifty little race time predictor on their site. All you have to do is navigate to their page and then just enter the race time of what you have achieved at a set distance and it will calculate the predicted time at another distance! This of course is assuming you have done the training for that new distance. Just click below.
Welcome to the first results round up of the year covering a couple of races that were held over the festive period as compiled by Hannah White. "The Christmas celebrations were the perfect motivator for Romsey’s Road Runners taking part in races over the festive season. Blowing away the Christmas cobwebs on Boxing Day morning, Ali Longworth took part in the Round the Lakes 10k in Poole, a flat, four lap course of the lakes in Poole Park. Alistair enjoyed the cool conditions to achieve a personal best, shaving 45 seconds off his previous best time for the distance and finishing in 38:43. Setting a great start to the new year, Jane Carter and Paul Cutbill competed at the Somerley 10k on Sunday. The race, organised by the Wessex Autistic Society, took place within the scenic grounds of the Somerley estate on the outskirts of Ringwood and provided excellent conditions for both runners with Jane finishing 4th lady overall in a time of 44:18 and Paul achieving 48:03." For a short "Race Report"
covering the Poole Round The Lakes 10km, just click here.
STUBBINGTON 10KM ROUGH N TUMBLE Due to the recent "adverse" weather conditions, both the above forthcoming races have been cancelled.
Welcome to the brand new news pages for 2010!! 2009 have been archived and can be found by clicking the link on the right for those memorable snippets and pictures of 2009. I know that many people treat their running year starting and finishing at different times throughout the twelve month period, however if you are one of those who uses the obvious, as of today, then good luck to your running efforts for 2010. Whether it be striving for a new race distance, achieving a new PB or just looking to getting fitter, then myself and the Committee at the Club you wish the very best in the forth coming year, and hope Romsey Road Runners can facilitate this!! The Webmaster A word from our session leaders Jane Field........ Summer 2010 Summer is with us now and we find ourselves back to routine of Monday evenings at Braishfield and Thursday evenings at Mountbatten track. At Braishfield all three routes and the first 5km time trial have now been run. The 5km time trial will be run monthly until 6th September when runners compete in a pursuit race for the shield. The job of organising the pursuit times has been getting harder every year and I anticipate a tough time again this year. To date nobody has won the trophy more than once but this could be the year for a past winner, bribes not accepted! Track sessions are well under way with differing distances
and types of sessions. I continue to be pleased with the numbers and
the enthusiasm that these sessions have been greeted with, by existing
and newer members alike. Sessions have been run individually, in pairs
and with the occasional threesome! I plan to run the bleep test on
a few dry sessions as a warm-up. The club organises circuit training on Friday evenings at Romsey School at 6.30pm; this is a fun and enjoyable way to cross train and add some core work to your training, and a great way to start your weekend. Please come along for a go. Remember that the Beer Race is on 13th June and this
is our chance to watch other people enjoying their racing! Could you organise a Home Run? Do you have a favourite run that you would like to
share with club members? A home run is a gentle, social run from a member’s home or other suitable local venue (such as pub or forest car park). Routes are normally 6 miles, with a shorter option available, and a leader and sweeper will be needed. The run is followed by refreshments organised by the host (usually sandwiches, cakes and squash) for which members pay £2. These could be organised instead of a Monday or Thursday session, or at a weekend. In the past we have had a home run every month between May to September and they are a great way for members to socialise, run and explore a different running area. The club will provide a minimum of £50 in advance for the host to spend. On the night a committee member will collect the £2 from each member and the host keeps any monies above the £50 already provided. If there is anybody who might consider hosting a home run please contact myself or another committee member. Keep Running. NO UPDATES RECEIVED When I agreed to take on the role of club chairman a year ago, (or was I possibly conned in the nicest possible way by Jane) I really was not sure what I was letting myself in for. What has impressed me is how hard the committee has worked to help others enjoy our club, their running and achieve their goals. They are a very talented and hard working team that the entire club benefits from, many thanks to all of them. Also thanks to the many club members who are prepared to help out in general, although even more would be even better! The club has had an incredibly successful year thanks to its enthusiastic members and a great committee. Whichever way you measure success I think we have achieved it. Our membership is well up and should have grown to about 120 by the end of this year; which I think is the highest ever. Well done to Steve Davies for his efforts though out the year. I must admit I thought there would be a peak of work for Steve at the start of the year and quiet for the rest but it seems to have been manic for most of the time. Possibly the most impressive success has been the sheer number of runners that regularly attend our training sessions on Mondays and Thursdays. A couple of weeks ago I counted 54, with over 40 being the norm for a Monday and over 30 for Thursdays. We might not be the biggest club in Hampshire but few can have such a high percentage turnout for regular training sessions. Credit for this must go to Jane Carter for her fantastic achievements in this area. Few will realise how much effort Jane puts into the coaching, creating sessions to cater for all abilities, helping improve performance while keeping an eye on safety the whole time. A victim of her own success, trying to get 40+ runners out and back safely is quite a challenge. I am not sure who it was but someone said it was like herding cats, an excellent analogy in my opinion. People like turning up at the club and running without having to think too much, sometimes neglecting pedestrians and road users. I would like to encourage everyone to take responsibility for their own and others safety, it is completely unrealistic and unreasonable to expect Jane to do everything. Also thanks to Wendy Couper, Gill Callus and Chris Lane for helping out on a regular basis. In the next year we are having a big push to get more people qualified as coaches which should help considerably. Many aspects of the running of the club the average member does not know happen. Lynne Whitaker is our club secretary and as well as organising and minuting committee meetings and the AGM, also acts as our main interface to the rest of the running world. This includes registering members with England Athletics, obtaining our club London Marathon places and negotiations. You will soon hear from Liz Slade how healthy the club finances are. We are not profit making and want to use the money in the best way for the club. Liz has been able to keep on top of our spending and projected finances which have enabled us to pay for additional coaches to be trained and provide a subsidy for social events as well as many minor expenses. Sadly even running revolves round money and many thanks to Liz that others don’t have to worry about it. Christine Saunders has done a great job organising social events this year with really good turn outs, particularly for the presentation evening barn dance and hog roast last week, the pasta party at the Old House at Home and the post beer race BBQ. We are definitely more than just a running club and I think the social aspects add considerably to our popularity. In addition we had some great home runs and club walks which add variety and everyone looks forward to. There was also the club trip to Cornwall that Nick Berryman organised which was tremendous fun, I am looking forward to the next one in Exmoor in May. While Nick Berryman is our fixtures secretary, he has done so much more this year. Well done for being voted Romsey Road Runner of the Year, very well deserved in my opinion and obviously many others. Over the last year there has been very high turn outs at races for the club, with many members enjoying the competitive part of running. It has been so nice to turn up at RR10s and CC6s and see a mass of blue and gold vests from our club. I did initially start to list the outstanding individual performances at this point but it soon became apparent that there were just too many to mention Hannah White continues to get us good coverage in the local press although frequently the size of the headline and supporting picture bear no relationship to the achievements of our runners. It was a little frustrating that the CC6 that we hosted last winter filled the entire back page of the Romsey Advertiser but there was no mention that it was organised by the Romsey Road Runners who also provided the pictures for the article. Never mind, it raised the profile for running in the area which is good. While it is always nice to read about our achievements there is also the important aspect that this publicity encourages others into joining the club. Well done Hannah for this weekly write up. Kit secretary Greg Roulston is another of the team who does a great job. Not only does Greg purchase the kit and bring it along to the club for members but he also has spent time investigating possible changes to the range. He has also provided memorable moments by modeling selected items occasionally. Heidi Williams joined the Committee with no specific role and helped out whenever she could, covering when other members were not available. More recently she has taken on the race book, keeping it updated with entry forms and bringing it to club nights. Matt Hammerton is another who has been helping out the Committee and has been increasing his involvement with the club The newsletter has been a bit variable this year due to personal time constraints. Thanks in anticipation to Matt Hammerton for offering to take over the Press Secretary role. The Braishfield Beer Race was another great success with many members of the club helping out. Thanks must go to Jeremy Hartley the race director and Nick Berryman, Derek Kelly and Jan Burnage who made up the race committee. We are particularly grateful to Fullers for their primary sponsorship of the event; well done to Derek for negotiating that and thanks also for agreeing to take over as race director. Once again Mark Adams took circuit training at the Romsey School on Fridays which is very popular with those that participate. If you have not been to one of these sessions I suggest you try it. Good all round condition helps reduce injuries and is good cross training. Ali Longworth has put a lot of effort into the web site this year and it is one of the primary ways that new members hear about the club. A good web site needs to be regularly updated and Ali does just that for the club. In addition Ali writes many of the articles himself in a very entertaining style which adds to the interest considerably. Complementing the press articles, newsletter and the web site for communications is the Romsey Road Runners Google Groups. Thanks to David Page for maintaining this with regular updates to members. David is going to do a sales pitch for this later in the meeting and I strongly encourage more people to join in and contribute. The more people involved, the more useful it becomes. While there have been many excellent results from our runners there has been one notable, high profile, failure – the football match against Halterworth Harriers. It was apparently closer than the score would suggest! Thanks to Chris Lane for organising this event. It is great that a town the size of Romsey can support two thriving running clubs, long may the friendly rivalry continue. There have been many issues over the last year but there is one that is probably getting worse due to the success of the club; that is the parking at the Woodley Village Hall. On a Monday evening there are other users of the hall that have a start time after ours and have on occasions found there to be no parking spaces left when they arrive. We must respect that others have as much right to the car park as members of our club and I encourage people to walk, jog or car share as much as possible to reduce the problem. As I mentioned earlier, with our success has come new members. Let’s make a real effort to keep our reputation as a friendly club and make sure that we welcome all, whatever their ability or age. It can be quite intimidating for some new members who don’t know anyone at the club and/or lack confidence in their abilities. If you see someone you don’t know, make an effort to talk with them and make them welcome. It has been noticed that we throw complete beginners straight in with the normal training. Gill Callus has volunteered to help inexperienced people, or those getting back into running, to build their fitness so that they are not pushed too hard initially and can enjoy their training with us. There is always scope for improvements, if anyone has any ideas, please pass them on to a committee member or even better join in and help make it happen. I would like to finish off by thanking everyone for making it such an enjoyable year at the club for me and to apologise for not being able to mention everyone who has helped support me and the club.
This years AGM is set for the above date, again at the Crosfield Hall in Romsey.
Many many thanks to all the members who came to this years Annual General Meeting held at Crosfield Hall. If you weren't able to make it then you can still catch up on what was decided by viewing the minutes by clicking below.
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HUGE Thank you.......
The Ever Expanding Flikr Site!!!
Home Run
Braishfield
5M 2010!!
Latest
Edition of "Relay" Now Available
March Committee Minutes Published
