Hampshire Cross Country League sees runners of all ages get into their stride

ON Saturday Hardley Runners hosted the final event of the Hampshire Cross Country League at Dibden Inclosure.

Over 700 runners, from under 11 to over 70 took part over 10 age group races.

Hardley Runners were represented by four women and eight men with the men taking second place in Division 2 and finishing fourth overall amongst ten clubs.

Hardley’s Chris Harris was first in the women’s 65 years category and Mick Anglim was the top man in the 70 years event, which meant he finished top M70 for the season.

Senior Hardley results. Women (6K): 85, Hannah Du Preez, 30:51; 120, Chris Harris, 36:09; 123, Sally Harbut, 36:46; 141, Claire Aplin, 43:51. Men (10K): 51, Jappas Du Preez, 38:13; 115, Dan Latham, 42:53; 134, Paddy Butler, 44:38; 150, Simon Ibbotson, 45:18; 151, Graham Robbins, 45:32; 171, Mick Anglim, 49:23; 182, Roger Morgan, 53:14; 194, Rob Wells (sweeper), 72:54.

Ryde 10-mile road race

EARLIER this month Hardley Runners competed in the Ryde 10-mile road race, part of the Hampshire Road Race League.

Although runners awoke to freezing temperatures, the morning was sunny, fresh and had minimal wind — basically, perfect race conditions.

Just four intrepid Hardley Runners made the journey across the water, to line up with near 500 other runners, ready to brave the hills.

The race is not for the faint hearted, with over 700 feet of elevation, but the scenery definitely makes it worthwhile. Runners pass cute cottages, beach huts, rolling hills, stunning beaches, and relaxed pubs, before a quick last downhill kilometre to the finish.

Hardley were led in by Dan Latham in a highly respectable 1:11:32 for 92nd place, followed by Hardley’s road race captain Vicki Clarke, in 1:14:58 and 14th female.

Mick Anglim had a strong run to come first in his M70 age group (for the second consecutive year) in 1:20:29, and the ever-smiling Mark Lee rounded off Hardley’s entrants, crossing the line in 1:26:39.