The ever-popular Stubbington 10k, widely regarded as the flattest and fastest 10k on the south coast, once again delivered top-class racing as a strong field of 1,868 finishers took to the roads around Stubbington Green. While conditions were far from benign – a stiff wind making itself felt on several exposed sections of the course – that didn’t stop a sizeable Bournemouth AC contingent from producing an excellent set of performances, including a glut of personal bests.

Although the race frustratingly did not form part of the Hampshire Road Race League this season, the quality of BAC’s showing certainly bodes well for future fixtures.

Tag flies the flag

At the sharp end of proceedings for Bournemouth AC was Rob McTaggart, who finished 7th overall in 32:56, holding off a late challenge from Gary Marshall of Ryde Harriers, who crossed the line just a couple of seconds adrift. In addition to his impressive overall placing, Tag was 2nd Male Vet, only beaten in that category by James Copeland of Southern Counties Vets, who finished 4th overall in 31:19.

Up front, former Bournemouth AC runner Harry Smith showed his class to take the win in 30:50, with Jaymee Domoney of City of Salisbury fending off the advances of Matthew Port of Winchester Running Club in a sprint finish for the runner up spot in 31:15.

PBs aplenty in the chasing pack

Just behind Rob, Stu Nicholas enjoyed a landmark race, finishing 15th in a personal best of 33:20. This was particularly notable as it marked the first time Stu had ever donned a pair of super shoes – and they certainly seemed to do the trick, helping him shave 15 seconds off his previous best, which had also been set at Stubbington two years ago.

On a sadder note, it meant the last shred of integrity that the sport of road running had was finally gone. Stu had finally moved over to the dark side and given into the temptation to do what virtually every other runner had done many years ago. Up until that point, he’d always resisted the lure of carbon plated footwear, despite the obvious advantage it was giving other runners around him.

The PB theme continued with Luke De-Benedictis, who finished 19th in 33:47, knocking a remarkable over a minute off his previous best from the Boscombe 10k in November. Luke’s progress over the shorter road distances is becoming increasingly evident.

Further back, Jake Mowat and Jack Davis ran stride for stride to produce two of the standout performances of the day. Jake finished 49th in a huge PB of 35:14, with Jack immediately behind in 50th in a stunning PB of 35:15 – both results reflecting excellent winter preparation despite the blustery conditions.

Former Bournemouth AC member Trev Elkins showed he still has plenty of pace, finishing 55th in 35:37 and claiming 3rd place in the Male Vet 45 category.

Mid-pack grit and determination

Finishing 72nd in 36:23, Rich Brawn which was 19 seconds quicker than last year, though still some way shy of his best from the previous season. Close behind, James Hulbert crossed the line 73rd in 36:27, around 1 minute 18 slower than his best, which had come at last year’s Stubbington 10k race.

Jack Barwick followed in 74th in 36:28, around 45 seconds outside his PB. Jack deserves particular credit for even making the start line, having been battling a heavy cold and recent IT band issues in the build-up.

A special mention goes to Barry Dolman, who finished 86th in a PB of 36:49 – no mean feat given he had already run a half marathon earlier that morning as part of his marathon training! Barry’s effort was rewarded with 1st place in the Male Vet 55 category, rounding off an extraordinary day of running.

Strong showing from the women

In the women’s race, Cassie Thorp of City of Portsmouth took top honours, finishing 1st female and 44th overall in 35:05, followed by Fenella Langridge of Good Vibes Only and Erin Willmers of Winchester Running Club in second and third respectively.

Leading the Bournemouth AC women home was Katie Gunn, who finished 162nd overall and 13th female in 38:59, just over a minute slower than her Stubbington time from two years ago. Katie finished just behind Stacey Dickinson, who was 159th in 38:54.

Sophie Read crossed the line 291st and 33rd female in 41:46, around 1 minute 41 seconds outside her PB from last year, while Neil Smith finished 379th in 43:36.

Further back, Anna Trehane, wife of Stu Nicholas, enjoyed a great run to finish 602nd and 107th female in 47:35. She recorded a 30-second PB and placed 20th out of 109 in the Female Vet 35 category.

Veteran honours were well represented by Jud Kirk, who finished 662nd in 48:28, placing 19th out of 63 in the Male Vet 65 category and improving on his Boscombe 10k time by 1 minute 42 seconds. Rich Nelson was the penultimate BAC member over the line in 828th in 51:02, just 39 seconds slower than last year’s run.

The final Bournemouth AC to reach the finish was Nikki McTaggart, who produced a solid and well-controlled run to finish in 52:41, placing 980th overall and 261st female out of 839. Nikki’s effort was rewarded with a 41st place finish in the competitive Female Vet 35 category, rounding off a positive day for the squad and adding further depth to BAC’s representation across the results.

Looking ahead

Despite the wind playing its part and the race’s absence from the league calendar, the Stubbington 10k once again proved why it is such a favourite among road runners. The depth of performance across the Bournemouth AC squad and hard-earned PBs from some of them was hugely encouraging.

If this is a sign of what’s to come, the yellow and blue army will be a force to be reckoned with in future league races this season.