Ropley 10K

Ropley is about 13 miles east of Winchester. This 10K takes place on traffic free country lanes which were often lined with tall trees. Although there was brilliant sunshine, a chilly breeze made it not too hot.

The 10K was well marshalled and well supported by people in the villages en route. It is a demanding course as it starts with a 50m climb during the first 1.25K and is then undulating for the rest of the course. There is a short sharp climb at 5.5K but you are rewarded with a 40m drop at 7.5K. A final gentle incline at 9K is followed at 9.5K by a gentle decline to the finish.

That didn't stop them at the front from fighting it out. Supporters and onlookers were entertained by the display of a very close finish put on by Toby Lambert (409, Winchester & District AC) and Haggai Chepkwony (397, Bristol & West). Lambert put on a superb display of last minute strength and stamina to take this year's win from Chepkwony right on the finishing line. Both competitors recorded the same time, but Lambert was judged to have finished just ahead of Chepkwony by the referee and officials on the line. The photo also shows Julian Manning (223, Denmead Striders) who came third.

Earlier in the morning, for children, there were 100m and 500m dashes around the Recreation Ground and a 3K Fun Run around the village. All of the events were very well organised. It was one of those days that brings the village to a halt with most of the roads closed.

You could enter teams into the 10K. I saw a team of American Footballers and a team from the army wearing 44lb backpacks and raising money for "Help for Heroes". They were still smiling at the end. If running with a backpack appeals to you, then enter the Paras 10 Run, a 10 mile off-road run that you can do with a bergen weighing 35lb (excluding food and water) and wearing military style boots!