Sunday June 8 saw the final race of the Hampshire Road Race League hosted by City of Portsmouth AC. The D Day 10k was celebrating its 25th anniversary and Andover AC road runners attended in force with ten runners competing among the 649 entered at the very scenic Lakeside 1000 venue.

Despite a roasting 23 degrees the athletes enjoyed soaring success. The ladies had a strong team with Kay Noyce (144th) leading the charge with 43:29 and third in the female vet 45 category. Next with a tenacious run was Janey Parker (309th) in 49:47 followed by her training partner Caroline Bennet (393rd) in 52:44. Completing the A team was Janice Cook (547th) with a great time of 60:57.

The men’s team had the talented 17-year old Matt Cook to lead the way, but an injury half way round meant an early retirement, opening the way for Steve Brett (56th) to be first Andover home in a PB of 38:32. Closely behind was Dougie Brisco (72nd) in 39:29, winning the veteran 55 category. Next Tim Bennet (84th) had a cracking race to finish in 40:16 narrowly missing his PB and to bring the A team home was returning to form Rob Cliffe (93rd) in 40:51. Club evergreen John Goulding (491st) was the final Andover man finishing in 57:15 and fifth in the male vet 70 class.

Anyone wishing to join Andover AC Road Runners should ring 01264 324626 or attend training night on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday at 6pm at the Charlton Sports Centre.

Next season’s league starts with the Overton 5 mile race on September 7.