The 2014/2015 Hampshire Road Race League season started on Sunday with Andover AC travelling to Overton for a 5 mile race.
Hosted by Overton the sun came out to celebrate their 40th anniversary and 26th year of the race. The course is a challenging 2 lap route around the town incorporating a 1 lap fun run.
Despite dwindling numbers Andover AC men produced a solid display, first home in 28:06 and 18th overall was speedy Chris Neil, followed closely by 800m specialist Archie McKellar in his debut road race appearance, securing a superb 31st place in 29:36.
Third home was metronomic Chris Dewey in 39th place (9th male veteran 40) in 30:00, perfect 6 minute mile pace. Rounding up the A team was Steve Brett in 52nd place (16th MV40) in 30:29, a new PB. The B team was lead home by Rob Cliffe in 63rd place (6th MV50) in 30:45, a course PB, followed by club regulars Kelvin Mason in 264th place (6th MV60) in 37:54 and Ian Oldacre in 325th place (12th MV60) in 40:41.
The strong A team performance sees them top the HRRL A-Division 2 whist the B team sit 6th in B-Division 2
The Ladies team struggled for numbers; Kay Noyce continued showing good form despite a recent bike crash to claim 3rd FV45 and 188th overall in 35:09. Caroline Bennett had a great run finishing in 359th place (21st FV45) in 42:17.
Even with 2 racers lacking the ladies efforts see them in 8th position in A-Division 2.
The fun run featured Sarah Brett in her first road race, competing as a junior girl she wore the Andover colours with pride, finishing 3rd in her age group and 9th overall in 18:07.
Also competing was young George Bennett, showing great promise in the children’s 80m sprint finishing 4th with a big smile….watch out dad!
Sunday brings the fast and flat HRRL Victory 5 in Portsmouth, where a good turnout of Andover athletes is hoped.
Future HRRL www.hrrl.org.uk races;
28th Sept – Solent half marathon
02nd Nov – Lordshill 10 mile
16th Nov – Gosport half marathon
Find out more about Andover Athletic Club at their website: www.andover-athletic.co.uk