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The Gosport Half Marathon Sunday 18th November 2001

What a grey day !!! But that didn't dampen the WVR spirits ! Chris Peppiatt , Kerrie & Colin Woods, Richard Sherlock and myself were the team today . The race started on the sea front and a very misty view of the Isle of Wight ( I think!) We then had a 2 mile loop to do and ended back where we started- to start the run proper - if you see what I mean. The course took us away from the seafront and inland through country roads and housing estates where there seemed to be loads of traffic . At one point a police van took the lead of a very slow line of cars through a narrow country lane- presumably to stop people speeding past the runners . Then we were back on the sea front and had to do it all again ! Yes it was a two lap course .

The marshalling was excellent- in most places on route -and the facilities at the school at the Start and finish were excellent . It was a lovely flat course and there was plenty of support from some very friendly people --But I don't think I would do it again; there is nothing worse than passing the finish line knowing you have got to do it all again !! The traffic in parts was also very heavy and I must admit Chris and I had expected the run to be much more along the coast than it was .

The weather was very kind , despite being grey and miserable it wasn't too cold .

So how did we do? The official results will be on the web but Colin and Richard were the first home followed by Kerrie - well done Kerrie great time ? 1hr 42 ? . Chris completed in yet another PB 1hr 45- !! There is no stopping this women well done Chris . Then there was me - yes last again BUT I have to say I really enjoyed it-- my time 1hr 54mins! I am really chuffed cos I had a good steady run and even managed a little surge at the end ( cheers Chris for making me move !) and as I sit writing this I don't ache anywhere - does that mean I didn't push myself hard enough I wonder ???
I may try the Marlow next year - a lot harder but apparently much more rural, quiet and picturesque.
Pam Berriman Ladies Captain

Samaritans 10k Sunday 7th October 2001

Just a few lines to let you know how the first Sam 10k went.

The run was held in the grounds of Wellington College, mostly off-road with lots of muddy bits, but relatively flat throughout.

It was two 5k laps, very well organised with lots of marshals en-route, and plenty of supporters (thank you Wendy for yours!).

At the finish we were all given very welcome orange/water and a Mars bar. On the whole we all agreed it was a good race, however there was some dispute on whether we would tackle it again (mainly because it was so muddy and there were many hazardous obstacles such as tree roots) - still we all finished before the torrential rain started - in this sequence - First was Keith, then Chris L, then Michael, apologies if I got this wrong, men) - then the ladies ,Linda (congrats on 1st 10K - in under 50minutes, too!), Chris P, Mary, Ginni and (yes, I know) me last of all.

We are now looking forward (?) to next Sunday's Great South - it should be nice and windy again!

cheers from your captain,

Pam

River Relay Sunday Sept 9th 2001

The weather was kind to us that Sunday but was a bit windy so leg times may dictate. Both teams got off to a great time as Wendy and Rob kick started both teams into a fairly commanding lead
There were a few diversions on course that we had been told about prior to the start but did not present a problem. I have to say that we encountered a small crisis a day before as Roy Bell had to drop out due to an illness but ex army Tony Crilly stepped in at the last moment to save the day. The only problem was that we don’t think Tony had been studying his maps as he took a very minor detour on route and extended his leg for about one minute. We have decided to send him back to his old Barracks for a bit of Topography lessons and Reconnaissance tuition. I’m sure he won’t mind. I believe it’s only a 7-week course!
There was only a little over 6-minute difference between teams and to be placed 9^th and 13th respectively was I think quite commendable. Well done all

Results

Great South Run Sunday Sept 15th 2001

Hi all!

Just a few lines to let you know how the run went today--- for once it was a good day for running – very mild, very summery and quite muggy at the start. Which was a good job as due to the huge amount of entries this year the start was delayed by 15 minutes. It took us 2hrs to get there, most of the time stuck in Portsmouth traffic jams! There was also a lot of road works, which I am sure added to the congestion. But best of all there was no wind -- well only a little from about 8 miles.
Kerry and Colin woods won’t be doing it next year- as it took Kerry 17 minutes to complete her first mile! I am sure they made up their times Kerry looked very strong as she passed me! The organisers do need to look at the congestion problem though- before next year.
Anyway despite the delay it all went very smoothly with a medal, t- shirt and cup of hot soup and a whole garlic baguette (unfortunately needed cooking – much to Mary’s dismay!!)—for everyone who completed.
I do not know everyone’s time but this was the turn out for the club:
Wendy -a big congratulations to Wendy who did a PB—64 minutes & 50 secs!!
Michael and Colin. Mary, Kerry, Ginni, and Karen.
Another big congrats to Chris P. Who also did a PB ---80 minutes !
Mike - big hello to Mike Blake who was wearing a Windle vest nice to see you
Running again Mike! Come back soon!
And last but not least me again--- 92 minutes- keep plodding on!
Despite the huge jam to get out of Portsmouth us girls thought it was well worth it ---however we may let the train take the strain next year!
That’s all folks
Pam ( Ladies captain)