Sandy 10

by Bob Dickinson

 

After three years away, the Sandy 10 returned this weekend – and with it, the fourth race in this year’s LBAC Road Club Championship series.

Covering the 10-mile distance through the streets and outskirts of the town of Sandy, the course itself is an interesting one. After easing you in gently, the second mile is pretty much ALL uphill, so it can take a while to get find your race pace. It plateaus at the top, and from that point, there are six miles of flat country roads before you can really enjoy the finish with a rapid finish coming back down the hill you started with (if you have recovered by then!).

A small but competitive contingent from LBAC was in force, with 3 men and 3 ladies representing the club. Apparently, the total number of runners at the event was slightly down in general from previous years (due to several factors). But at the start line, there were still many competitors from clubs across the county and beyond, all of which partaking in a moment’s silence for the passing of the queen which was observed impeccably.

Onto the runners, and some excellent times and PBs were recorded (we think!). Leading the way was Andy Inchley who not only come first in terms of the Club Championship but also recorded a new 10 Mile PB with an incredible time of 58:20. An amazing effort up the hill, and lightning last mile both contributed to a superb result. Along with Andy, Jo Sharples (1:02:44) and Ruth Mitchell (1:08:41) also scored brand new 10 Mile PBs with cracking times on this tricky course – with Ruth recording very consistent split times and a very speedy final mile.

Sam Dear (1:02:36) and Jo Sharples (1:02:44) both put in very strong showings, resulting in great times. They appeared to either be pacing each other or racing each other, each of them ahead of the other at various points, but Sam pipped it in the last mile when coming down the hill. Jo was also in an entertaining battle with another club runner, with her rival just pulling away in the last mile to leave Jo achieving a brilliant result as Overall Second Lady in a strong field.

Following close behind was Bob Dickinson (1:03:06) who despite his best efforts, couldn’t quite keep up with Jo and Sam’s pace midway through the race. And Amy Farnfield (1:14:16) completed the LBAC finishers with a very impressive time and performance.

Unfortunately, due to some teething issues with Biggleswade AC’s new chip timing equipment, the full results and placings have not yet been published so all times are currently based on what everyone recorded on their watches. But despite this minor issue, it was a great event, well marshaled and supported – with some great photos thanks to one very eager volunteer hanging out of a moving car window with his camera, papping away!

 

Ed: the results are out! The 3 LBAC ladies picked up the women’s team prize. Full results can be found here, with prize winners here.