Hatch Warren Runners

The last week of April saw lots of Hatchies running yet more marathons. Twelve excited runners lined up at the start of London on a bright and sunny morning. The next best thing to taking part in such events is going along to support your own club runners and, as usual, nothing would stop over 30 Hatchies and their offspring setting off from Basingstoke to set up a strategically positioned cheer-point which meant that we would see all our runners at mile 14 and just after mile 21 too. The roadside became a ‘sea of blue and yellow’ with music, banners, motivational signs and very loud cheering ensuring that each and every runner we recognised (many from other local clubs) were met with the exuberance normally seen at a premiership football ground. Once again there were experienced runners completing their 26.2 miles but some were novices enjoying the whole atmosphere which makes the London event so special.

There is indeed something uniquely special about the sight of so many runners in their club colours, charity vests and the huge array of weird and wonderful fancy dress costumes, some of which are certainly not designed for comfort or speed!

One such person, our very own Rebecca Vincent, wore her Minnie Mouse costume in training throughout the weeks leading up to the race.

We are thrilled to say that Becki sailed into the Guinness Book of Records finishing her marathon in full costume, achieving her official attempt at The Fastest marathon dressed as a cartoon character (female) in a superb time of 3hrs:24:28

On the same day, other equally  enthusiastic runners and supporters also headed to marathons in Southampton and Dover. Having completed the Southampton Marathon earlier in April, Dave Warman also took part in The Toronto Marathon on the 7^th May.

As if this weren’t enough, there is another Hatchie who has spent the past few months preparing for a challenge most of us could never contemplate. Dean Hughes completed 5 marathons in 5 weeks for a charity very close to his heart – C.S.S.E.F.  (Chloe and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund). His efforts have enabled a local school to fully equip a unit for deaf children. We are very proud of ‘Deano’ and send him our warm congratulations.

Also on the 7^th May, the annual Festival Place 5k took place and 85 members took part, achieving some great times and soaking up the atmosphere of a local event that many now rate as their favourite 5k.  The weekly parkrun at War Memorial Park every Saturday morning also remains a firm favourite and has seen a huge leap in numbers since the New Year. May 6^th saw a record 596 runners complete the 5k. This remarkable scene is replicated in over 451 locations throughout the UK as well as in many countries worldwide.

Last piece of very important club news.  HWR Farleigh Wallop Trail Race

This is the second year of Hatch Warren Runners’ own running event and, after the success of last year; we are pleased to confirm that this will take place in the beautiful countryside trails and in woodland in and around the picturesque villages of Farleigh Wallop, Cliddesden and Ellisfield, a stones-throw from Basingstoke. It’s a challenging course, with a mix of undulating terrain including an old railway line, open fields and beautiful woodland.

Last year the race attracted runners from all over Hampshire and further afield and we are so looking forward to another exciting day on September 24^th. Entries are coming in quickly and with only 175 places remaining, there’s no time to waste! There’s another stunning medal for all finishers as well as the obligatory goody-bag, cake and refreshments.  Details if how to enter are on our website: http://www.hwrunners.co.uk/race/

HWR meet on Monday & Wednesday evenings with runs starting at various locations in Hatch Warren, Beggarwood. For more details visit www.hwrunners.co.uk, email hwrunners@sky.com or look for Hatch Warren Runners on Facebook.