ENDURANCE athletes from local clubs gave top mainland competitors a good run for their money on day one of the Isle of Wight Fell Series in Ventnor yesterday (Saturday).
The event has become so popular, 275 took part — an increase on last year's figure, say organisers, Ryde Harriers, in association with the Ventnor Fell Running Association.
The first male Islander home in both races — the St Boniface Fell and the longer Ventnor Horseshoe — was Paul Cooke of Ryde Harriers.
He came tenth and eighth respectively, followed closely by Harriers Adam Tuck and Stuart McDonald, who gave the running club a good team placing behind some serious London competition, such as the Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets Athletics Club and the Serpentine Running Club.
The first man to finish the St Boniface Fell, a straight 3.8km dash to the top and back, was Aaron McGrady, of Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets Athletics Club, in 17.05, just outside the record, with club stablemate Rachel Thomas winning the women’s race in 20.19, again, coming very close to the record.
Hayley Baxter, of the Isle of Wight Road Runners, was first Island Woman to finish both races, with Elaine Parry, of Ryde Harriers, second in the Horseshoe.
In the first race, under-18 Isle of Wight runner Tom Timmons, of the Isle of Wight Athletics Club, won in a creditable 21.42, with Ryde Harriers members Jimi Eldridge second in 24.55, and James Button third in 27.47.
Some 224 runners completed the race.
In the eight-mile Ventnor Horseshoe, designed to give longer distance runners more of a chance to 'get going', saw the men's race won by Chris Wright, of the Serpentine Running Club, in 52.47 with again, Rachael Thomas winning the women’s race, in a time of 61.01.
The Ventnor Horseshoe saw 207 finish it.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article