Beer and a run – the perfect combo?
Organisers keep faith with loyal entrants as Romsey Beer Race returns
It was a double rollover for the Romsey Road Runners 5 Mile Beer Race on Sunday (5 June). This south coast classic, which combines two of our favourite things (running and beer), had a dry spell in 2020 and 2021 due to you know what so the organisers decided to stay true to those who had paid to enter in 2020 and only allow those to compete this year.
Limited transfers were allowed but generally speaking the 248 finishers had been thirsting for this event for two whole years and were looking forward to the pint of Flack Manor Romsey Brewery real ale at the finish with great anticipation!
This race might be renowned for the beer at the finish but the souvenir pint glass and a slice of cake for all runners are equally appreciated after a brisk run around the quiet lanes of Braishfield – starting from the Newport Inn Cricket Club grounds and finishing on the village Recreation Ground.
This year's race coincided with Braishfield's Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a BBQ and live band for an extra bonus for competitors and their supporters.
The leading men were all from local Hampshire clubs. Southampton AC's Matt Coffey (28:29) and Richard Crawford (28:53) had Ben Pitman (Lordshill Road Runners, 28:47) between them to prevent a Southampton clean sweep.
Alice Burch (Southampton AC, 32:23) led Anna Smith James (Hedge End RC, 33:50) and Antonia Mintoff (Lordshill Road Runners, 34:43) to the women's podium.
Race sponsors were the aforementioned Flack Manor Romsey Brewery; Up & Running and A Plant. Romsey Road Runners posted grateful thanks to Braishfield Parish Council, the Newport Inn Cricket Club, and residents of the village for their continued support for the race and are looking forward to 2023 with renewed confidence.
Race information at Romsey Road Runners here
Previous results are available at runABC South race listing here
We incorrectly affiliated Alice Burch with Totton AC before correcting this to Southampton AC. Apologies to Alice for this error.
Image from 2019 by Ben Sharman for Romsey Road Runners
