Here are the boys...

SEAA Veterans Road Relays - V60 race
Saturday, 23rd September 2006

Rushmoor Arena in Aldershot was constructed in 1923 for Army Tattoos, and over the years has seen many thousands of folk congregating in its spacious setting. Over the past 20 years, in the early autumn of the year, it has been the venue for the South of England AA Road Relays. The role of honour of the event is long and distinguished, with medals in the past being won by British Olympic, European and Commonwealth athletes.

After a 4th place in the 2005 event, the Exmouth Harriers Vet/60 squad travelled to this year's event in anticipation of a hard-fought battle for the 2006 medals.

A hot (23.5 degrees) and very humid day in the Rushmoor bowl caused some furrowed brows... but heck, it's the same for everyone, although the times suffered as a result.

Roger Rowe was, as usual, running the first leg for the Harriers, and completed the two-lap, 6k course in 23:02 to finish in 1st place, 1 minute and 9 seconds clear of the second placed athlete in what turned out to be the 3rd fastest leg of the day. Handing over to Ray Elston.

Ray ran a storming leg in 26:26 to finish extending the Harriers lead to 1 minute and 20 seconds over eventual winners Oxford City AC.

New member John Bryant was the Harriers third leg runner, running his first race in the blue and gold. John has been out of the sport for some years after an illustrious Vet/40 & 50 career, but ran well to complete in 27:08 but dropping one place to hand over to anchor leg runner John Perratt some 2 minutes and 20 seconds adrift of Oxford City AC. The big 'mover' on this leg was Clive Rutland of Oxford who took over 3 minutes out of John in 6 kilometers!

John Perratt was as usual our 'anchor' athlete, but found the pressure from fast-finishing Hugh Arnold from Thames Hare and Hounds too hot to handle, so losing another place on his leg, but bringing the Harriers home in good heart in Bronze medal position well clear of Herts Phoenix AC in 4th place. Oxford's Gareth Jones running the fastest leg of the day bringing Oxford home in first place.

Final Results and Positions:
Gold - Oxford United 1:37:04
Silver - Thames Hare & Hounds 1:41:15
Bronze - Little old Exmouth Harriers, up against all these 'big guns' 1:42:25

Harriers Leg Times:
1st leg - Rog Rowe 23:02
2nd leg - Ray Elston 26:26
3rd Leg - John Bryant 27:08
Anchor - John Perratt 25:49

Fastest Individual Times:
Gold - Gareth Jones (Oxford United) 22:48
Silver - Hugh Arnold (Thames Hare & Hounds) 22:53
Bronze - Rog Rowe (Exmouth Harriers) 23:02

Gareth also won the BMAF 10k in Swansea the day after the Rushmoor relays - a notable double.

It was really great too, to have Jim Wyatt in attendance acting as reserve, team manager and chief supporter! Thanks Jim...

Roger R.