I woke up on race day, opened the bedroom curtains and was greeted by rain like stair rods! Not very promising for an August race.

By the time I left home though the sun was bursting through and once I’d parked the car in Ryde it was a proper summer day!

Very easy number collection and bag drop. Hardly any loo queue and excellent facilities provided in the rowing club.

Met up with my IOWRR club mates for a quick chat and then we were off! It’s an interesting course and lives the lie of being “gently undulating” to perfection.

The mixed terrain element adds some more interest and the views are spectacular. Sponge stations were very welcome on what turned out to be a very warm day.

Excellent water stations too, but another couple would’ve been very welcome on such a hot day.

As ever met new friends and old. Plenty of support and fluid at the finish. Nice medal and a stroll along the sea front to cool down.

As always from Ryde Harriers (the second best running club on the Island 😉) a well organised event and a slightly “cheeky” course.

See you next year! ✅