Tone Zone members' put in a marathon effort

Thirteen Tone Zone runners braved windswept conditions to take part in the 30th New Forest half marathon and marathon.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2012, 11:51 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:19 BST

The large field suffered heavy prolonged downpours and cold temperatures.

Deborah Hall was the first Tone Zoner over the half marathon line in a time of 1hr 35min, followed by Melvyn Bird, just one second behind.

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Jim Simmons took several minutes off his previous best time for a new high of 1.37. Simmons recorded consistent mile split timing over the 13-mile undulating route.

Chris Gallagher, returning from injury, ran a perfect comeback race slightly ahead of fellow club runner Louisa Proctor. Personal bests were set by Gallagher and Amanda Worne.

Veteran runner Roy Webb (79) again proved age was no boundary running a time of two hours and claiming the first prize in the over-70s category.

Natalie Rowland, competing in her first half-marathon, finished in an impressive time, just behind Sarah Baker.

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David Butler was the only Tone Zoner in the full marathon, completing the course for the fifth time in a remarkable time of 3.57, a course personal best.

The 30th Barns Green half marathon finished the September race calendar. Five Tone Zone runners participated.

Keith Hardwell made a strong start among the 1,500-plus runners and quickly pulled away from fellow club runners Ian Bayley and Gary Pidgeon.

Bayley caught Hardwell at ten miles and finished first for the club. Hardwell was just behind and Pidgeon was third Tone Zone member home. Sarah Santer was next in, slightly ahead of Jason Rae.

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Luke Simmonds competed in the Spanish mountain marathon, des Fiancés, in the Haute Pyrenees region of the Spanish/ French border. Simmons was one of only three British runners in a field of 116 and his finishing time was 4.43.

In other races, Tony Hancock made the long journey to Scotland to take part the Loch Ness marathon in 4.10 while Peter Chittenden finished first in the over-70s at the Bexhill 10k, his 50th race of the year.

The next big race for the club is the first Chichester Half Marathon on Sunday week.

TONE ZONE TIMES: New Forrest Half Marathon – Deborah Hall 1.35.04; Melvyn Bird 1.35.05; James Simmons 1.37.02; Chris Gallagher 1.43.35; Louisa Proctor 1.44.35; Stuart Thompson 1.51.24; Amanda Worne 1.52.46; Roy Webb 2.00.45; Grace Natoli 2.00.47; Paul Stevenson 2.05.37; Sarah Baker 2.09.54; Natalie Rowland 2.10.51.

Barns Green Half Marathon – Ian Bayley 1.42.25;, Keith Hardwell 1.42.58; Gary Pidgeon 1.43.50; Sarah Santer 1.54.09; Jason Rae 1.54.11.

Related topics:New Forest