Weathering the Storm at Victory 5 Mile
The 78th annual Victory 5 Mile race took place on Sunday 1st December at Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth. Despite the dreary weather, 28 dedicated Alton Runners made quite a splash in this fifth fixture of the Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL). The event featured a very high-class field, including athletes who have represented their country at European and Commonwealth levels.
Renowned for its flat and fast, albeit not particularly scenic course, the Victory 5 Mile saw the Alton Runners braving the elements. The forecast had promised a dry spell, but the rain had other plans, transforming the race into a decidedly wet affair.
Dylan Poulton was the first Alton Runner to cross the finish line, securing 25th place overall. Rachel Walsh led the Alton females, finishing as the 17th fastest woman of the day. Every participant received a medal and certificate, to evidence their perseverance through the downpour.
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Sarah Dugdale reflected on the challenge: “It took an enormous amount of willpower travelling down to Portsmouth in the wind and rain in the hope it would dry up and we would complete the race without getting soaked through. Sadly, it wasn’t to be and running along the A27 with the wind and rain beating in my face I did wonder what I was doing… until I reached the finish line. The encouragement and support from my fellow team members is exactly why I compete!”
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Steph Erskine shared her soggy sentiments: “I don’t like rain or cold - we had both! I loved the course, flat is what it’s about! So proud to be a member of Alton Runners, everyone welcomes me with open arms.”
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Patrick Tuite was thrilled to report a personal best, shaving nearly a minute off his 5-mile record. Meanwhile, Kathryn Powell and her daughter Lola enjoyed their first Victory 5 race together. Kathryn beamed, “Loved being able to take part in a race with Lola now she’s old enough, she came in five minutes before me and in her words - ‘that was awesome, and I can’t wait to do it again!’ Thank you to everyone who cheered her on as well. Best race ever, can’t get lost and no hills!”
As the rain poured down, so did the achievements of the Alton Runners, proving that neither wind nor water could dampen their spirits. The next HRRL fixture is the popular Stubbington 10km in the new year, where 27 Alton Runners have already secured their spots. It promises to be another exciting event for the team in yellow.
Article by Lydia Andrews
Photos by Richard Scrase
07/12/2024