Costa Blanca News article

CAROL’S CUP RUNNETH OVER

Carol Hoare, one of the Costa Blanca Striders’ newest recruits, went home pretty pleased after the latest race in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta series at Teulada on Saturday, by managing third place in her category. Vets C Carol crossed the finish line alongside husband Ron in 1:06:59.

Around 910 other competitors took on the tough, hilly 11 kilometre race around the town and the previous week’s winner, C A Dianium’s Emilio Vizcaya Gregorio (37:13) once again came out on top in the men’s race. He was followed home by Juan Ramon Pous Perez of C T Prodesport Gandia (38:48) in second and Juan Antonio Mas Leyda of C A Cametes (39:24), who took third spot. Despite suffering from the after-effects of a cold Maxine McKinnon, also running in a C A Dianium vest, won the ladies’ race in 43:48, Sandra Diaz Hernandez of C A Runnersworld Alzira (45:31) was runner-up and Patricia Lopez Vicedo of C A Xeresa (46:07) third.

Carol was joined on the winners’ podium by two other C B Striders, Amanda Fletcher (52:17) won her fourth consecutive trophy when she came second in the ladies’ Vets B class and Jeff Whittington (47:59), who was literally pipped at the post by just two seconds by Norberto de Wulf of C A Pindaro (47:57) in the Men’s Vets C category. Not to be outdone by his mum, Amanda’s young son Morgan also went home with a locals’ trophy from the junior races.

The other hardy C B Striders who completed the arduous, undulating course in very warm conditions were: Brian Boobier (54:38), Paul Elliott (55:32), Louise Ambler (57:17), Phil Welch (58:16), Steve Waller (1:01:25) and Bianca van Londen (1:01:31).

It’s off to the seaside for the next race on Saturday (23), when Xàbia (Javea) plays host to the next event in the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta. The youngsters’ races start at 17:00 followed at 19:00 by the adults. For more information visit the Som Esport website at www.somesport.com.

All the members of the Costa Blanca Striders would like to send their very best wishes to fellow Strider Jim Stanners, who is taking part in the Lanzarote Iron Man Triathlon competition this weekend. For the initiated, an Iron Man Triathlon means that former fire-fighter Jim will have to swim 3.86 kilometres (2.4 miles), cycle 180.25 km (112 miles) and then run a marathon (42.195 km, 26 miles 385 yards), in that order and without a break, the very best of luck Jim.