This year’s Romsey 5 took place for the very first time in the grounds of Broadlands Estate.  The scenic new route took in three laps of beautiful parkland and countryside and made a welcome change from the well-established road route.

Taking place on their home territory and attracting a range of club members, the Romsey 5 is always a favourite in the Harrier racing calendar.  With 19 members running the race and 2 running it for the first time, personal bests were guaranteed and many of the regular racers also put in excellent performances.

The club’s many supporters cheered Michael Tanner as the first Harrier home in just 28.42, taking over 2 minutes off his personal best (and finishing 14^th place overall and fourth in his category), closely followed by Mark Sills (30mins, fourth in his category)and Jon Tilt. First woman home was Ann Bartholomew, running it in just 36.11 (and coming first in her category), with Rachel Shimell (37:17, fourth in category), Jane Heyer (37.26, second in her category) completing the women’s ‘A’ team, which came 2^nd overall. Carol Anderson (38:17, third in her category) following close behind.  And there were loud cheers for newcomer to the Romsey 5, Eleanor Wilde, who was celebrating her birthday and running as a birthday treat!

Said Richard Jordan-Baker, Director of Estates at Broadlands; 'Sunday's race was a huge success.  We had over 400 runners enjoying the new route and it was a real pleasure to welcome them to the Estate. Hopefully they appreciated the hill-free course and beautiful setting!  We very much hope to host the race again next year.'

And Eleanor Wilde, running for the Harriers for the first time (and on her birthday, too!) ‘I really enjoyed the race and the great support from the Harrier spectators and fellow runners really spurred me on. Running with the Halterworth Harriers is marvellous and has proved to me that you can and improve at your own rate and really feel good. The club has given me huge encouragement.’