ONE OF this year’s great success stories in athletics this year, Charlie Metcalfe, was the first Isle of Wight woman to cross the line in the fourth annual — and aptly named — Chilly Hilly on Sunday.
Fastest woman Charlie Metcalfe with a jolly snowman. Photo: Michael Dangerfield
The high winds certainly added to the chill factor for the 225 runners who braved the conditions, let alone a gruelling ten-mile circular route around the West Wight, which began at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre and took in Tennyson Down, The Needles and Headon Warren.
Metcalfe, who represented Ryde Harriers, was the first woman home, in 1hr 9mins 46secs and came sixth overall.
Members of the West Wight Road Runners club who completed the Chilly Hilly on Sunday. Photo: WWRR
The 42 year old, of Lake — the winning woman in the 2018 Needles Half Marathon — said: “I loved the run. It was windy and fun.”
Sponsored by Love Running, the event has become a popular fixture on the Island running calendar.
It sold out almost three weeks in advance — and could have sold out three times over, said organisers.
In a thrilling race to the tape, just 20 seconds separated the first three runners.
Isle of Wight twins Ben and Adam Morgan do the Chilly Hilly together on Sunday. Photo: Michael Dangerfield
The first Islander to finish was Will Trowell, 23, of Shanklin, also of Ryde Harriers, who came third in 1.05.33 — behind winner Chris Lucas, 27, of Reading Road Runners, and runner-up Paul Russhard, 36, from Lymington Triathlon Club.
Fourth was Tim Richards, 26, from Cowes — a member of Crossfit Incursion, in 1.07.34.
The oldest runner, Megan Eggeling, 76, of Freshwater, finished in 1hr 49mins to win her age group and came 163rd.
Jim Kerr enjoying the fourth annual Chilly Hilly. Photo: Michael Dangerfield
Every runner was greeted at the finish line with a reindeer-shaped medal, mince pies, mulled wine and a snowman.
Centre manager Clare Griffin presented the prizes.
During the presentation, she also announced a new addition to the events programme, in partnership with Chessell Pottery Cafe — the Chessell Chase, which has been pencilled in for Sunday, January 27.
Neil Corby and Richard Payne in festive spirit on the road from The Needles to Alum Bay. Photo: Michael Dangerfield
This duathlon will feature a five-mile cross-country run from the café to the West Wight Sports Centre and a mountain bike ride on the way back.
The event is open to teams and individuals. For further details, visit www.westwight.org.uk
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