Race Report

After 3 to 4 weeks of recruiting. changing and finalising our teams of 6, SAC managed to line up two men's teams and one ladies teams for this year's Emsworth to Basingstoke Charity Relay (formerly known as the Wayfarers). This year's realy was in support of the charity 'Home Start'.

The event is mainly run along sections of waymarked footpaths including the Wayfarer's Walk, Sussex Border Path and Hanger's Way. Each runner runs 3 legs of 1.5 to 3.5 miles. As well as running slowly, steadily, fast or very fast , it is just as important to run along the correct route which means that most of the legs need to be reccied beforehand in order to avoid minor or even major disasters. This does not let the team drivers off the hook either Ð it has not been unknown for them to drive off route and even leave runners behind at changeovers. A certain degree of patience and logic along with a few bucket loads of humour is vital.
Most years the relay is run in warm or hot conditions, not so this time as drizzle set in early and steady rain continued for two thirds of the route which probably encouraged teams to move on more quickly than normal form chats/changovers.

This year our ladies, with two new runners Elaine and Claire, held onto their title won last year. The mens' A team with only Mike and Keith from last year's winning team, also just held by 2 minutes on after a close battle with a well organised Basingstoke mixed team of 16 to 18 year olds. This was in stark contrast to last year's neck and neck battle with a Basingtoke team comprising mainly vets. The mens B team finished very well in 10th overall showing good pace judgement over the 45 mile course.

Am glad to report that of our 18 runners, 6 were first timers this year - Claire, Elaine, Neil, Paul, Tim and Cirian - we hope you enjoyed the fun and will return next year.

Results

1st o/a and 1st mens team Southampton Mens A - Mike Read, Tim Sherman, Nick Willson, Keith Hollis, Cirian O'Sullivan, Malcolm Riddle

10th o/a Southampton Mens B - Neil Puttock, Dave Roots, Dave Adams, Richie Pearson, Paul Harvey, John Cork

1st ladies team and 11th o/a Southampton Ladies - Nicci Blandford, Hannah Coombs, Elaine Goode, Claire Gallant, Sally Diaper, Mirella Spalluto

Many thanks to John Cork for his continued commitment to promoting this event within the club.
Thanks also to Sallys family, Frankie and Hannah for driving the tortuous lanes.
For full results refer to HYPERLINK www.emsworthrelay.org.uk

Some photos of the day here: Photos

Please Note:
Any mistakes with names/times/positions etc then please e-mail me boardsbikes@yahoo.co.uk