|
The weather conditions were perfect for our Annual May Day Fun Run. It w as
sunny and dry, but with a light breeze to cool down the runners as they
completed the 5.2 circuit, commencing at Regatta Meadows.
This was the 26th year that the race had been held and, despite the fact that
notices were late going out this year, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was
as popular as ever, with runners attending from all over the county. One of our
now Patrons, himself a former leading man for HAODS for many years, Piers Carey,
even flew over from the States to join in the fun. However, one could be
forgiven if you thought that this was ground hog day as no fewer than three of
the runners were winners last year too!
First past the post was Liam Proudlock, beating last years time by 36 seconds.
Also winners from last year were brother and sister act Nathan and Lois Meredith
who also stormed home to win the trophies for the under 16 boys and girl
entrants.
 A special mention must go to Archie Clark, who really entered into the
fun spirit of the race and despite being the only one dressed up, ran the race
dressed as a Hawaiian dancer! He won a special prize of a HAODS Sweat shirt.
Well done Archie. As always, HAODS awards a trophy to first past the post for
one of our own members, and this year, beating runners Keith Jeffries, Piers
Carey and Mike Huntington, Nigel Offley reclaimed the title, in a spectacular
come back race.
 A great big thank you must go to all our helpers this year, who
included the stalwarts Big Al Elston on the megaphone (a state of the art little
number that required a handler, thanks go to Sue Brown for the assistance) Neil
Allen for the transportation, John Reeves for car parking duties and the of
course to the registration team of Val Cattlin, Nansi and Phillip and Ann Jenkin,
who were joined this year by our assistant treasurer, Richard Evans.
Our
faithful marshalls must also have a mention, with Jane and Alan Taylor
manning
the lock at Hambledon, with Sandra Moon at Aston Church. Val Jeffries
and Neil
also quenched the thirst of the runners with the water station at The
Flower Pot although I believe Neil also quenched a thirst INSIDE the
flower pot
There was
one helper thoough, our Daisy OHalloran who found the day quite exhausting! My
apologies to anyone I have forgotten in the team on the day.
 However, the
biggest vote of thanks must go to Karen DuPlessis who had to take on the role of
Fun Run Co-ordinator and turn the event around in seven days. Many, many thanks
go to Karen. Oh, and there was me, of course, who had a few sleepless nights
over the whole thing and put up notices all over the town! Next years event
promises to be even more spectacular than this years, as great plans are already
in place to make it a true family day out and beat the record for entries!
This years winners and times:
First Man: Liam Proudlock 28.12
Runner Up: Phil Branston 30.12
First Female: Stella Adie 39.19
Runner Up: Sara Cook 40.20
Under 16 boy: Nathan Meredith 32.05
Under 16 girl: Lois Meredith 43.00
Fancy Dress Prize: Archie Clark First HAODS member: Nigel Offley
Julie Huntington - Chair HAODS
 |
contribution, change an article, perhaps add an update to a show in "past productions" or if you want to submit an entirely new article to the site, then please do so. All you need to do is to send your comments to the editor and we will respond. You send your content directly by email by simply clicking here and it will appear automatically in the blog.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
