The BMAF 10 Mile Championship was contested on one of the most picturesque areas of England. Portland is an isle connected by a causeway (Chesil Beach) and although very scenic it is very exposed to the English Channel. To complete their ten miles, the runners did a small and then larger lap, as well as an out and back trip to the famous lighthouse at Portland Bill.
Two male athletes commented to me that this was the one of the toughest road races they have ever contested. One of the comments came from Mike Hager, the Tipton athlete, although finishing in second place overall he was exactly four minutes down on his last year’s time competing in the BMAF ten miler. In fact only six runners beat the hour mark. Overall winner was Steven Way (Bournemouth AC) his winning time was 54m -54s.Earning him gold in the o/35 age group.
The only athlete that the wind and terrain did not seem to affect was Angela Copson, claiming her third British Best time on the road this year, she is still in a rich vein of form. Trimming a further 17 seconds off her own held o/60 best finishing in a time of 68m -01 seconds. She is having a phenomenal season.
Most of the age groups were well contested, the o/70 men producing the closest finish with only 22 seconds between Edmond Simpson (Overton Harriers) and first placer Rex Legge (Poole Runners). In the o/50 section Alex Rowe (Wesham RR) held off Peter Thompson (Nene Valley) by 35 seconds for gold.
Jenny Moore (Wells City Harriers) was first lady home, winning the o/45 section in a time of 63mins -13 seconds. Ann Luke (Tamer Trotters) just a minute behind her, taking the o/50 title.
The Team competition was poorly contested, with only the o/50 male section having three medal winning teams. There was no 0/40 finishing teams. It was even sparser in the women’s section with only one team receiving medals.
Although the course was undulating, the feedback from the athletes was very favourable, everybody seemed to enjoy competing there.
My thanks go out to the host club, the Royal Manor of Portland AC and the overall organisers the SWVAC, especially John Perratt for all his hard work and involvement with the event.
Mel James Road Running Secretary