ISLE of Wight athlete Joe Wade has made the annual Ryde 10-Mile Road Race his own after making it a hat-trick of outright wins.
Sunday’s race, organised by Ryde Harriers as part of the Hampshire Road Race League, featured a record entry of 484 runners take on the challenging and hilly course around Ryde, Seaview, St Helens and Nettlestone.
The two fastest Islanders, Gary Marshall (in green) and Joe Wade (in blue), got the Ryde 10 off to a flyer at Appley. Photo: Peter Billington
Joe, 30, of Ryde, who was representing the Isle of Wight Athletic Club (IWAC), made it three wins from his last five outings in the Ryde 10 in a time of 54.34 — some 39 seconds clear of his nearest challenger, Joe Croft, of the South London Harriers.
All of the South Coast’s major affiliated running and athletics clubs were represented in the event, which is the Island's only one in the Hampshire Road Race League programme.
Some of the 484 runners who started the Ryde 10 on Ryde seafront on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Cooper
The top six runners coming in under the hour mark, with last year’s Isle of Wight Marathon winner Gary Marshall, of the Wootton Bridge Runners, the second fastest Islander to finish and sixth overall, crossing the line in 59.50.
The ex-soldier said of his effort: “I loved every minute of it.”
Gary Marshall running well as he passes through Seaview. Photo: Dave Samuel
Paul Cameron, of the Isle of Wight Road Runners (IWRR) — a winner of the first event in 2006 and in 2009 — took the honours in the men’s Vet-45 category.
The fastest Island woman was Hayley Baxter, also a member of the IWRR, who completed the course in 1.14.18.
She said: “I was very happy — and surprised — to be first Island woman to finish and 11th woman overall. I really enjoyed the course and felt strong all the way round.”
Hayley Baxter was the first Island woman home. Photo: Peter Billington
IWRR athlete Holly Newton was the second quickest Isle of Wight woman home in 1.14.24, while fellow IWRR member Jodie Wilmott crossed the line in 1.18.12.
Some records were broken by Islanders along the way.
Flynn Powell (IWAC) was the fastest junior runner, sailing home in 1.01.13 to smash the junior record, which had stood at 1.03.02.
There were miles of smiles in this year's Ryde 10. Photo: Andrew Cooper
Abigail Keyte (IWRR) set a new record in the junior women section with her time of 1.26.47.
In the men’s Vet-55 category, Les Cupis, of Niton, shaved a healthy 16 seconds off the course record in the age group with his time of 1.03.40.
Remarkable retired teacher, Megan Eggeling, of Freshwater Bay, set a new record in the women’s Vet-75 age group with her time of 1.41.53.
Les Cupis, of Ryde Harriers, who broke an age group record. Photo: Peter Billington
The first Ryde Harriers home by gender were Dave Hunt (1.01.16) and Catherine Young (1.20.43).
Afterwards, race director and organiser, Chris Lewis, of Ryde Harriers, said: “This was our biggest field yet for the Ryde 10 and the weather conditions were very much in our favour.
“Our main concern was the potential for unseen ice patches on some of the more covered roads, but our marshals were well briefed and did an outstanding job of keeping everyone safe.
Gruelling for some in this year’s Ryde 10 road race on Sunday morning. Photo: Andrew Cooper
“We were pleased to report no major accidents and a thank you to Wightlink discounting travel for mainland runners, which made for a large turnout.”
For the full set of results, go to: http://www.rydeharriers.co.uk/ryde-10miles-results-2019/
ISLAND RESULTS
Top ten Island men: 1 Joe Wade (IW Athletic Club) 54.34, 2 Gary Marshall (unattached) 59.50, 3 Paul Cameron (IW Road Runners) 1.00.15.
Top ten Island women: 1 Hayley Baxter (IW Road Runners) 1.14.18, 2 Holly Newton (IW Road Runners) 1.14.36, 3 Jodie Wilmott (IW Road Runners) 1.18.24.
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