Benidorm hosts Harriers
Como se puede bailar? Es un escandalo
Como se puede bailar? Es un escandalo
Hamworthy Harriers international squad and support team enjoyed a successful and eventful trip to the Benidorm International Marathon.
We were fortunate in that the weekend of our arrival coincided with the magnificent England Rugby World Cup victory over the Australians, and although a drink or two was taken during the course of the day, it in no way affected the Harriers performances in the next days Marathon and Half marathon.
Ian Edwards heroic run in the marathon in a time of 2:58 put him among the prizewinners. Second Harrier home was John McClelland in 3:47 followed by Kevin Dwyer in 3:54. Juliet Kingsford showed her mettle, finishing in 4:17, a turn of speed only matched by her ability to down the Jack Daniels during happy hour in the Hotel bar.
In the Half marathon Bob Coombes led the Harriers home in a time of 1:34, followed by Mike Hughes in 1:44, with Bob Barnett close behind in 1:46. John Willmott was the next Harrier to cross the line in a time of 1:50, the course must have been very picturesque, as John was seen walking at one stage and later insisted that he was admiring the view. Pete Helyer, wearing a SW Vets vest finished in 1:54 and Pete Wooll just missed the 2 hour mark, we later heard reports that he had tucked in behind a local lady runner, and his mind may not have been focussed on the race. Our first lady home in the Half Marathon was Terri Lewis earning her first international vest as a Harrier. Terri continues to improve and promises to be a force to reckon with over the coming season.
The Post race celebrations proved to be a lively affair. Theresa Coombes being joined by Ros, Pat, Terri and Helen in a display of dancing much admired by the locals, this was topped however by the elegant Jan and Ian "Snake Hips" Barnes performance on the dance floor which resulted in them being offered a cabaret spot for the season. The rest of the week proved eventful with several day trips to places of interest, Pete Wooll managing to outfit himself from head to toe, with no item costing more than 6 Euro. A trip to a gourmet restaurant in Calpe had those choosing to travel by boat enduring conditions that would have been familiar to Jack Hawkins in "The Cruel Sea", the green pallor soon faded and we all enjoyed an excellent meal followed by a train journey back to Benidorm, by which time Pete Helyer's appetite had returned and he headed straight for the local burger bar.
June Launder whose ability to down the best part of a bottle of Champagne with breakfast each morning, led a group of ladies on a shopping and cultural expedition. It was left to Bill and Sandy Travers to discover the bargain of the week, a local bar offering good coffee and a large brandy for 1 Euro! Bill is a devotee of the " Powernap" and on several occasions was seen practising the technique during the day.
All in all an enjoyable outing for the Harriers. Our next expedition is already in the planning stage
We were fortunate in that the weekend of our arrival coincided with the magnificent England Rugby World Cup victory over the Australians, and although a drink or two was taken during the course of the day, it in no way affected the Harriers performances in the next days Marathon and Half marathon.
Ian Edwards heroic run in the marathon in a time of 2:58 put him among the prizewinners. Second Harrier home was John McClelland in 3:47 followed by Kevin Dwyer in 3:54. Juliet Kingsford showed her mettle, finishing in 4:17, a turn of speed only matched by her ability to down the Jack Daniels during happy hour in the Hotel bar.
In the Half marathon Bob Coombes led the Harriers home in a time of 1:34, followed by Mike Hughes in 1:44, with Bob Barnett close behind in 1:46. John Willmott was the next Harrier to cross the line in a time of 1:50, the course must have been very picturesque, as John was seen walking at one stage and later insisted that he was admiring the view. Pete Helyer, wearing a SW Vets vest finished in 1:54 and Pete Wooll just missed the 2 hour mark, we later heard reports that he had tucked in behind a local lady runner, and his mind may not have been focussed on the race. Our first lady home in the Half Marathon was Terri Lewis earning her first international vest as a Harrier. Terri continues to improve and promises to be a force to reckon with over the coming season.
The Post race celebrations proved to be a lively affair. Theresa Coombes being joined by Ros, Pat, Terri and Helen in a display of dancing much admired by the locals, this was topped however by the elegant Jan and Ian "Snake Hips" Barnes performance on the dance floor which resulted in them being offered a cabaret spot for the season. The rest of the week proved eventful with several day trips to places of interest, Pete Wooll managing to outfit himself from head to toe, with no item costing more than 6 Euro. A trip to a gourmet restaurant in Calpe had those choosing to travel by boat enduring conditions that would have been familiar to Jack Hawkins in "The Cruel Sea", the green pallor soon faded and we all enjoyed an excellent meal followed by a train journey back to Benidorm, by which time Pete Helyer's appetite had returned and he headed straight for the local burger bar.
June Launder whose ability to down the best part of a bottle of Champagne with breakfast each morning, led a group of ladies on a shopping and cultural expedition. It was left to Bill and Sandy Travers to discover the bargain of the week, a local bar offering good coffee and a large brandy for 1 Euro! Bill is a devotee of the " Powernap" and on several occasions was seen practising the technique during the day.
All in all an enjoyable outing for the Harriers. Our next expedition is already in the planning stage