MAXINE SHOWS HER CLASS

Despite the grey skies and an afternoon of drizzling rain, the third race in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta series, the Volta A Peu El Verger (Vergel) 10 kilometre run went ahead last Saturday and, once again, over 1,000 hardy souls took part. Being relatively cool, the conditions were near perfect for the event, and the Costa Blanca’s top female athlete, Maxine McKinnon of C A Dianium, took full advantage and romped home in first place in the ladies’ race, in a tremendous time of 37.35. It was Maxine’s first appearance in the nine-race series and she left the rest of the ladies in her wake, finishing almost two minutes in front of Patricia Lopez Vicedo of C A Xeresa (39:20) in second and over four minutes ahead of third placed Olivia Peiró Sabater of C A Safor (41:40).

Emilio Vizcaya Gregorio (30:47), also of C A Dianium, took the honours in the men’s race. Like Maxine, finishing around two minutes faster than his nearest rivals, Mounir Hourma, running for C A Franc Beneyto (32:54) and Juan Ramon Pous Perez of C T Prodesport (33:00).

Unfortunately Amanda Fletcher of Costa Blanca Striders couldn’t quite make it three in a row, after her successes in Pedreguer and Pego, coming third in the Women’s Vet B class in 45:37. Club mate Jeff Whittington (41:04), managed second place in the Men’s Vets C class. The other C B Striders who finished the race were Paul Elliott (46:11), Brian Boobier (46:37), Bianca van Londen (47:55). Louise Ambler (49:08), Phil Welch (49:40) and Steve Waller (51:20). If you would like to join the Moraira-based C B Striders, then visit their blog spot at http://costablancastriders.blogspot.com for all the details.

The fourth race in the series takes place in Teulada next Saturday (May 16), starting at 19.00, why not come along and join in the fun. For more information visit the Som Esport website at www.somesport.com.