Captain’s Report – March 2022
Captain’s Report – March 2022
March has been a bit of a quiet month for races, following the hive of activity in January & February. But lots of fun was had, at a weekend away at the Larmer Tree races, and running up & down hills in Ventnor.
Results for Spring Larmer Tree Half Marathon (1,654ft of assent) 5th March
(Travel Sponsored by Wightlink)
Trevor McAlister 01:42:22 (3rd Overall)
Sasha Levrier 02:46:30
Elaine Parry 02:46:44
Rosie Eldridge 02:46:44
Samantha Fancourt 02:46:47
Laurie Woodford 02:47:53
Brian Warren 02:49:57
Sam Cleare 02:50:59
Larmer Tree Half Marathon – 3rd Place Overall
Having finished 2nd overall the last time this race was run in 2020 (the weekend before lockdown), I had plans of possibly doing one better this time. I was back up to full fitness again, after a couple of injuries during mid & late 2021. But it would very much depend on the other runners at the front of the race, as much as my fitness.
Based on previous experience, I had expected to need to chase the leaders from the start, so I started off reasonably quick (but not like a rocket as I normally do on road races). But this time the other runners that had toed the line at the start weren’t as quick off the gun, and by 500m I had a 50m lead on 2nd position.
I settled into a comfortable quick pace, and held the lead enterally until around 4-5 miles, with 2nd position sitting 30-50m behind me. Up to mile 7, I switched between 1st & 2nd position a number of times, being slightly quicker on the very steep descents. At 9 miles I dropped into 3rd position, when the guy that was in 3rd position managed to keep jogging up one of the ridiculously steep hills (whereas myself and the guy now in 1st position walked up most of it).
I managed to keep hold of the back of the other two runners, and kept them both within 100-200m for the remaining 4miles of the race. I had hoped to use my downhill advantage on the last hill at 12 miles to real them in again, but they managed to stay away from me. In the final half mile to the finish, there was only 50-80m between each of the runners in 1st, 2nd and me in 3rd. But I had nothing left for a sprint finish, and I don’t think I would have been a match for the guy the won in the end, as he was over 6ft vs my 5ft 5”.
I was pleased with my 3rd place overall (1h 42m 25sec), and the race as a whole, as at least I had 1st & 2nd place in sight at the finish this time. Compared to last time where I got 2nd overall, but the winner was 7minutes ahead of me.
As I hadn’t stopped at any of the feed stations the first time past them, which were well stocked with sweets & shots. I then went for a warm down run back to the last feed station, and a bit further (3m), to then run in with the rest of the Harriers. (Except for Sam, who was still embracing nature)
By Trevor McAlister
Results for Spring Larmer Tree 7m (Canine Cross) 5th March
Claire Campbell 01:17:39
Results for Spring Larmer Tree 20m 5th March
(Travel Sponsored by Wightlink)
Sasha Levrier 04:23:13
Results for Rog Run 20th March
Well supported by Ryde Harriers
