Race Results February 2008

FVS TRI men were victorious in both A and B team races at the final Sunday Cross Country League fixture over 5 miles in Watford’s Cassiobury Park. For the final event of the series the women also raced over the same course with the veterans team performing strongly to finish first on the day.  Steve Harrison sealed his 2^nd place overall in the series with a 2^nd on the day with Simon Hall 1^st vet for the club in 13^th.  Brian White took overall MV50 Gold for the series finishing 4^th for the club on the day in 21^st overall.  In the women’s race  Paula Adams was first home in 8^th  with the ever improving Gemma Sargent rewarded with a top 10 finish and a consistent 5^th overall in the senior series.  Lesley Dutton won the WV45 silver medal for the series returning from holiday to race the last event to secure the medal.  Consistent Mark Robertson was rewarded with a 6^th for the series in the senior event and along with Pete Eames and Gemma Sargent was one of  only three members to complete all five races, which is some feat considering winter illness and injury issues which have dogged the club.  First time club appearances for Pete Ryan, Pete Hodgson and David Parsley who all enjoyed the experience on a great course and in super cold but bright conditions, ideal for cross country. First and last appearance for Naomi Woodland who is now moving to London and leaves FVS TRI this month. 

FVS TRI retained their 2^nd overall for the third year in succession, only beaten by specialist run club Garden City Runners. In the men’s competition, both A and B teams retained 2^nd with the vets slipping to 5^th this year, reflecting the younger profile of the club. In the women’s series, FVS TRI retained 2^nd overall in open and veteran competitions.

MEN	Watford XC	XC SERIES
A Team	1st	2nd
B Team	1st	2nd
Vets	2nd	5th
WOMEN
A Team	3rd	2nd
Vets	1st	2nd
COMBINED		2nd

Despite being a triathlon club, FVS TRI had one of the largest turnouts for the cross country league with 43 men and 18 women having competed at least once during the 5 race series from October through February. FVS TRI hope to challenge the dominant Garden City Runners next year with the gap narrowing year on year!

Brian White was 3^rd Vet 50 and first home for FVS TRI in the Watford Half Marathon which was held in very cold and windy conditions. In a competitive field, Brian’s time of 1:20:26 was good enough for 36^th overall from 1954 finishers. Mark Racher was 75^th in 1:24:11with Kerri Renshaw 133^rd and 11^th female in 1:27:37. Mark Robertson completed his first half marathon in 1:33:03 with David Hamill finishing in 2:02::04 

Brenda Bozwood Davies completed the Wellingborough 5K Multi Terrain event in 28:43 to finish 36^th overall

Pete Bardell proved himself in the 2008 Tough Guy Event finishing an incredible 40^th overall from 2869 finishers. The event promotes itself as the ultimate adventure race and it is does not disappoint with its special forces style obstacle course, fire and water challenges as well as having to run an off road endurance test before the final assault course to finish. The event received a lot of media coverage this year as athletes go the extra mile to seek out the ultimate test. Marc Trussell and veteran Tough Guy Chris Suckling from FVS TRI finished in 315^th and 443^rd respectively