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Runnymede Relay         Saturday June 2nd 2011

After parking at Bishops Gate Car Park, I arrived a little late for the start but was fortunate to catch the first batch of runners past the 1 ml mark. I got a shot of Danny who was running the first leg. This was the first of the short legs 2.75mls. He looked fairly comfortable at this stage and I had placed him at around 8^th or 9^th in his group.

After a few cheers and yelling I headed off to the start. On my arrival I hooked up with the other members of the team, chomping at the preverbal bit. Next, it was Pete Jones to take the baton for 5.25 ml run. Most of the course was off road and had a good couple of inclines. Parts were shaded thankfully, as it became a very hot day, with temperatures around 26 degrees. Next to the handover came Peter Mannion. He had taken plenty of liquid beforehand and looked in good shape. Again, his leg was the longer one and Pete Jones had maintained his position at this stage.

The sun still shone and the heat haze came rising over the recently mowed lawns. Spirits were high now as we had maintained our position overall. Pete Hansen took the baton next for a short leg. I know he would be doing a good time, like many of the Park Runs in times of just over 20 mins for a 5K. 

Laura Hales came next to the handover where a close Woking runner was on the tail of Pete. The exchange went well, followed closely by the next Woking competitor, who happened to be another lady. The race had really hotted up by this time as everyone was eagerly looking out for their next club runner.

 Laura had picked the short straw for this race, as she had the long run in front of her. The sun was taking its toll by now and water being consumed at a fast rate of knots by all competitors. Rob Batchelor had hand stretched out for the next hand over. Laura stormed in at a cracking pace handing the baton over to Rob for the last of the legs.

Rob’s mind firmly in race mode, set off at a scorching pace. A few of us at this stage decided to give a little moral support. Keith Hull Pete Jones and I crossed over the fields to the halfway mark, on the shorter course. Rob ploughed through at this point looking very focused and strong. We were able to return to the finish to watch Rob fly through the line at a cracking pace.

A resounding victory for the Windle Six who came 8^th out of a field of 52 teams.