Race Report: Southern & National road relays 2022

The annual Southern and National Road Relay events showcase the best athletics clubs across the grass roots level. VPH&THAC were able to field a women’s team in the 4-stage race, and two men’s teams in the 6-stage race for 2022.

The women’s team kicked off the relay weekend at Crystal Palace with a hard fought podium position in 3rd in a time of 1hr12m59s. Alongside Cambridge Harriers (1st – 1hr11m22s), Belgrave (2nd – 1hr11m33s): Hannah Somani (18:23.25); Laura Kaye (17:36.15); Sophie Allen (18:30.35) and Laura Thompson (18:29.30). A very impressive team effort assembling athletes from the club based from around the UK!

The men’s A and B team competed at the Southern relays event at Crystal Palace, with other prominent clubs also racing at Aldershot on the same day. Our A team, coming 1st at the Crystal Palace event, running a total time of 1hr51m00s was made up of: Alex Lawrence (17:20.40), Adam Millbery (18:09.70), Jack Bibbings (18:35.75), James Hotham (18:49.15), Matt Stevens (19:11.20) and Greg Divall (18:54.6) to win our clubs’ biggest relay title to date. The B team placed 7th with a time of 1hr55m46s, featuring: Dom Howarth, Dom Baxter, Scott Yule, Liam Vandamme, Joe Walker and Nick Sharp. Qualification to the National Road Relay was secured, with the race taking place on Sat 8th October at Sutton Park. The women’s team unfortunately were not able to compete due to last minute calendar clashes.

A very strong roster of 74 mens teams competed, with Aldershot Farnham & District taking the win in 1hr43m37s. The mens team raced well to place 44th in a combined time of 1hr53m55s: Adam Millbery (18:17); Jack Bibbings (18:25); James Hotham (18:50); Greg Divall (19:24); Jamie Cornuaud (19:21) and Nick Sharp (19:38). Fantastic achievement for all involved and a big milestone for the club to be competitive in such a high quality field!