Mens Results

Position	Name	Time	Cat Posn	Cat
2	Owen Harries	1:06:04	1	MV40
8	Emyr Morgan	1:09:22	5	MSNR
16	James Allen	1:13:21	8	MSNR
87	Kevin Gilbert	1:23:47	35	MV40
109	Derek House	1:28:19	50	MSNR

165 Finishers

Womens Results

Position	Name	Time	Cat Posn	Cat
7	Sally Gilbert	1:15:31	2	FV45
22	Becky Mulley	1:23:47	8	FSNR

85 Finishers

Race report by Owen Harries
This race was originally billed as the Heartbreak Half marathon but due to the recent freezing conditions and large areas of ice covering the ground the course needed to be amended. The new course was shorter at 10.6 miles but was still predominately off road and hilly, as we were told at the race briefing 'you can all run harder and faster to make up for the lack of miles'.
Early morning temperatures while driving out to the New Forest were hovering around the -6 to -7 deg level but reached a balmy -3 by the start time. The course starts and finishes at Sandy Balls holiday camp near Fordingbridge. After a race briefing we were all walked down the hill to the start. The first 2 miles are all uphill, starting on woodland paths before feeding us out onto a short road section. From the top of (that) hill we turn right onto the forest tracks which lead via a few more hills (theme developing here) onto Hampton ridge. The original course would have been a loop via Fritham and Frogham but for today it was an out and back section along the ridge to Frogham. Trails were mostly gravel or frozen sand so firm to run on but you did have to be careful of the frequent icy patches.
The advantage of an out and back route was that you got to see your teammates and rivals. In my case I could tell the leader was pulling away from me and I needed to be aware of the chasing group behind! Lots of support and encouragement was given to runners coming towards you.
Two more big hills and a stream crossing later and we are returned back onto the road. All downhill from here to a finish outside the Bistro at Sandy Balls. By this point IÕve lost sight of the leader and am trying hard not to look behind. At the finish a medal, hot soup and a roll are well received by all the finishers.
There was a good turnout of TS runners, some using the race as a build up to the London marathon. The only unfortunate incident of the race was Marc (Cole) twisting his ankle and needing to get a lift back in the ambulance, hope the swelling has gone down and the recovery is swift.
Many thanks to the organisers RaceNewForest for a great race and of course all the marshals and helpers. Also thanks to the TS supporters Saz, Trev, Kerrry, Neil & Karen who came out on such a cold morning to cheer us on.

Please Note:
Any mistakes with names/times/positions etc then please e-mail me boardsbikes@yahoo.co.uk