What a beautiful day... and the Rushmoor Arena is a stunning place to race. Built in 1922 to host army tattoos, the Arena has been used for 17 years as the venue for the South of England (SEAA) Veteran Road Relays. Inevitably competitors include many famous names from the past 40 years of English Athletics, including this year London Marathon winner Mike Gratton and Bruce Tulloh a European Champion on the track from the 1950s.
The intrepid band from East Devon which comprises the Exmouth Harriers Vet/60 squad made the 300-mile round trip with high expectations. Could they improve on their 4th place in the UK Road Relays in May? Spirits were high as each squad member completed his warm-up routines. 120+ teams (of 4) of Vet/40, 50 & 60 athletes toed the start line... some with serious demeanour, some sharing in the friendly banter between opponents of long standing. Each leg being of 6k.
Our final team results -- 4th Vet/60 team:
Rog Rowe 22:04
Les Turner 26:57
Ray Elston 26:11
John Perratt 24:23
RR won the individual gold for the fastest leg on the day, with JP with 11th fastest. Great to have both Jim Wyatt and Hugh Marsden supporting the team. Well done everyone... just 9 seconds over our forecast time!
Roger R.
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