Romsey Advertiser's Articles

With thoughts of the more conventional and well-known marathons a few months behind us now, some runners are turning to the more unusual marathon challenges to fill their long-distance fix! Both Tamatha Ryan and Alistair Longworth took part in marathon’s with a difference recently, with great results. Alistair travelled to Cheltenham to run the Circular Challenge Marathon – a scenic route taking in the Prestbury racecourse, views of Cheltenham, Leckhampton Hill and down into the Severn valley. The course is also split into four distinct sections for those wanting a shorter race. Alistair ran well finishing the marathon in 4 hours 38 minutes.

The South Downs also provides a picturesque setting for a marathon, with hills aplenty along the route, starting at Slindon College, Arundel, and finishing at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park just south of Petersfield. Tamantha comes into her own with off-road trails and mammoth hills and finished in an excellent time of 4 hours 9 minutes placing her 6th in her age category.

More locally, Copythorne played host to a 5 and 10km race last Wednesday. Three members of the club took part with Steve Davies gaining a personal best time for the 10k in 43:34 and Wendy Couper running well to finish in 57:46. Gill Callous took on the 5k route and also ran well to finish in 29:16. This was also followed the next evening by a Home Run hosted by Hazel Smith at her home in Lockerley, ably assisted by Steve Edwards. Throughout the summer, running takes on a slightly more sociable feel when members of the club host a run from their home, allowing fellow club members to explore a run in a different location, followed by a small feast and time to catch up. The first Home Run of the summer was a great success with a great run, fantastic food and an evening enjoyed by all – well done Hazel and Steve!