Winner Paul Cameron stops his watch. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
HALF MARATHON
NOT even a cow was going to stop Paul Cameron comfortably winning the Needles cross-country half-marathon.
Struggling to see in the thick fog which covered Tennyson Down during Sunday’s race, IW Road Runner, Paul, 40, ran into a cow.
Both Paul and the cow were no worse for wear and the Newport runner went on to win the race in 1.20.15, setting a new record for the veteran 40s, although it was six seconds short of his own course record.
Paul, who was unable to take part in last year’s event due to an Achilles injury, said: "I could not see a thing on Tennyson and it was a bit of shock running into the cow.
"It was a hard run but it was lovely to be back and I’m well pleased."
It was a good day all round for the IW Road Runners, with Simon Randall and Pete Wilmott fifth and sixth respectively, in times of 1.29.22 and 1.29.36.
More than 240 competitors, many from the mainland, took part in the race, organised by West Wight Road Runners.
From the club, first home was Paul Judge in a PB time of 1.39.04, with Sarah Smith the top club woman in 2.06.46.
Leicestershire’s Wreake runner, Sally Newman, 51, was the first woman to finish, in 1.33.33. Sally was taking part in her first Needles cross-country half-marathon and said she was delighted, despite taking a wrong turn.
She said: "I missed the sign at 12 miles but luckily a cyclist caught up with me to tell me to turn around.
"I am happy to be first lady and happy to be the first over 50s finisher."
Ryde Harrier, Mary Norman, 49, was the first Island woman to finish, in 1.44.
Mary said: "It was harder than when I ran it three years ago.
"It was so hot in places, then there was the fog and I could not see anything."
Next year the event will be organised by West Wight Sports Centre with assistance from the club.