The race started outside Dave and Suzy Walker's House in Northney and followed a anti-clockwise route of 26.6 miles which this year took the runners off of Hayling to the Farlington Marshes area.

With 14 teams of three runners from Victory taking part, they were all picked from a hat so they are different every year. A staggered start ensured that slower teams were targets for the later starters.

Setting off up Woodgason Lane turning left and on to the fields via a walk through stile continuing on between the farm buildings back on to the main road then right again to further fields and on to St Peters church.

The race continued following in broad terms the coastal paths but also covering the rural northern part of the Island, avoiding crossing the main road near the bridge by having a hand over on both sides of the road, thanks to our marshal's Alec and Rose Marshall.

Off the Island with three legs using Farlington Marshes and surrounding roads and paths. Back across the bridge then down the Billy trail and on to the Ferry Boat.

With a long run down past the Hayling Golf course and the Fair the change over took place at the Olive Leaf pub.

On to the promenade, which at this time on a Bank Holiday Sunday was busy with holidaymakers strolling in the sun which was now showing after the earlier rain. Passing the RNLI Life Boat station at Sandy Point.

Further trips into unknown territory for some of the runners and it was nice to see you again for others, in the sixth running of the event.

The race was handicapped using the long handicap best times this year such that, in theory the teams would complete the race in the same time after the handicap was taken away.

The weather was very kind to the runners and the venue outstanding.

Once again our thanks to Dave and Suzy for allowing us to use their home. Also thanks to all those who helped on the Saturday before, by erecting the tents and getting the site set up for the race and Sunday preparing the food.

In addition my thanks to Paul Hickman, who supplied an excellent massage service to all of the runners who needed it after the race, collecting money for the charity of £80 at £5 a time.

A total of £325 has been raised and will be donated to the Hayling RNLI.

A great day out and thoroughly enjoyed as the best by far by all those who ran, marshalled or joined us afterwards for the excellent barbecue!

Top Three Results:
1. Richard Bailey, Bob Wheeler, Lesley Hickman. 19m 04sh/cap time 3hrs 09m 54s
2. Zita Hobbs, Richard Mitchell, Howard Wright.27m 14s - h/c time 3hrs 17m 53s
3. Helen Mears, Mark Hull, Sue Gardiner. 17m 43s h/c time 3hrs 18m 57s