Early morning sunshine quite quickly changed to an overcast day with the threat of rain ever present for the 2011 edition of Wye Valley runners 13.1 mile road run in support of Saint Michael’s Hospice. This year’s event attracted over 850 runners with a total of 723 completing the individual half marathon with those who took part in the relay adding to the entry.
Even though rain threatened, the race was held in dry conditions although runners faced a stiff headwind in some of the more exposed areas of the route.
The men’s race was won by Tim Iveson of Builth and District in 1:17:09 with Croft Ambreys’ Stacey finishing a strong second in 1:17:30 and of course first Herefordshire runner to finish! Jon Barnes of WVR finished an impressive 3rd in 1:17:41.
The ladies were led home by Elena James in 1:26:07 who won by a massive margin from Paula Adams who recorded 1:34:45 with Sally Bliss (Hereford Couriers) claiming 3rd spot in 1:32:08(?)
Croft Ambrey runners didn’t turn out in the numbers one would expect as it was one of our club championship races this year and there were some notable absentees. Stacey was first home and 2nd Dave A. was 16th in 1:25:31, Dave R. jnr 26th (1:26:45), Simon N. 27th (1:26:54) following a 40 mile cycle ride!! Gavin was next up in what I’m sure was his first Half Marathon finishing 57th in 1:31:52, then came Jimmy C 87th (1:35:36) followed by our best female finisher Suzanne who also completed a half marathon for the first time in a very respectable 1:38:16 118th and 11th lady home! Frank was next up in a PB time of 1:39:33 and 138th. Ian P. followed in 145th (1:40:00) Martin didn’t run at his best but still finished 158th in 1:41:01, Dave R. snr was 214th in 1:44:36, Daren struggled after he too completed a 40 mile cycle ride (some warm up by anyone’s standards!) finishing 378th in 1:53:34, Karen finished 485th in 2:00:43 after her foray in the London Marathon!
Unfortunately there were Croft Runners listed in the results as unattached so please accept my apologies if I’ve missed anyone out.