The Great Adderbury Swim

The Three Spires Challenge and 10K is a lovely jaunt through the Oxfordshire countryside which is around 60% off road and takes in some picturesque villages en-route.  Heavy rain the night before meant organisers had to adopt a plan B approach and alter the route slightly as an early stretch in the opening mile was described as only being accessible by canoe.

Prior to the off, a long race briefing by the organisers, the event began.  The 10K runners headed straight out of the field whilst the half marathoners did a lap before criss-crossing out the same exit.  A trip through a churchyard was followed by a road route from Adderbury towards Banbury before turning onto a narrow canal towpath.  There was no overtaking for a few miles and the only sounds heard was the splish-splashing of runners through the puddles.

A long climb on the road followed before a jaunt along a farm track and another huge climb at 6 miles where the half and 10K route met in the opposite direction.  Runners from both events waved and shouted encouragement and walkers were passed from their earlier set off time of 8:30am.  

The final road stretch went through the village of Bloxham before heading off road onto soggy fields for the toughest part of the race from nine miles.  Stiles, mud and sodden grass greeted runners before a tough climb at 11 miles and then a muddy narrow corn field pass before the icing on the cake!  at 12.5 miles, the course was flooded knee deep giving tired legs a challenge for the final stretch back into Adderbury village.  The course clocked at 13.7 mile giving great value for money and a medal, t-shirt and doughnut were on offer to the mud spatter smiling competitors at the end.
Northampton Road Runners dominated the lines ups with nine completing the half marathon, seven the 10K and two walkers. 

Andy Blaize finished 9th overall in the half marathon event, flying round the course in 1:33:57.  John Fleming also enjoyed a good run finishing 24th in 1:46:08 and Martin Andrews finished strongly in 1:48:06 taking 30th spot.  Mark Kennedy seconds behind in 1:48:11 and just ahead of Mark Garrett 1:48:21.  Penny Andrews crossed the line in 1:51:10 before the Baldwins, Darren and Suzanne in 1:52:00 and 2:09:07 respectively.  Martin Rowe completed the half field for NRR in 2:14:01.
 
Rosanna Andrews ditched her brolly at the start to break the course record for the ladies finishing in 47:33 and taking the prize yet again.  Cross country fan Tom Sullivan finished in 57:30 with Mary Sullivan in 1:04:13.  Jim Anderson returned from injury to record a pleasing 1:06:22 and Richard Rose crossed the line in 1:09:31.  Sally Garrett and Karen Townsend both finished in 1:40:24.

Elaine Palmer and Jules Kennedy both represented the club at the Adderbury Half Walk and completed the route in 3:56:00.

See http://www.theracephotographer.com/2012/AddHalf/index.htm for some great pictures.

Results for the Adderbury Half Run - approx 13.1 miles

9 Andy Blaize 1:33:57
24 John Fleming 1:46:08
30 Martin Andrews 1:48:06
31 Mark Kennedy 1:48:11
33 Mark Garrett 1:48:21
37 Penny Andrews 1:51:10
40 Darren Baldwin 1:52:00
105 Suzanne Baldwin 2:09:07
112 Martin Rowe 2:14:01

Results for the Adderbury Ten Run - approx 10 kilometres

3 Rosanna Andrews 47:33
14 Tom Sullivan 57:30
35 Mary Kingsnorth 1:04:13
44 Jim Anderson 1:06:22
56 Richard Rose 1:09:31
85 Sally Garrett 1:40:24
85 Karen Townsend 1:40:24

Results for the Adderbury Half Marathon Walk - approx. 13.1 miles

5 Elaine Palmer 3:56:00
5 Jules Kennedy 3:56:00