Elkins and Simpson in pole position for Gosport race

Jen Elkins, running alongside James Sawyer in the Bayside 5k Series. Picture: David Brawn

Both runners are hoping to complete all five events if work and other commitments allow.

They have each recorded two wins from two going into tonight.

Stubbington’s Simpson has really enjoyed the series so far.

He won the second race in 16min 59sec last month and that was with a difficult wind making it a battle on the return leg of the 5k.

Victory’s Paul Mitchinson finished second 17.22 as he just managed to kick away from third-placed Pete Collins (17.27) of Portsmouth Joggers.

Elkins has run 18.15 and 17.53 in the series so far.

Nikki Moxham, of Gosport Road Runners, was second lady in race two (19.22).

Clubs like Stubbington Green Runners, Gosport Road Runners, Fareham Crusaders, Victory, and Portsmouth Joggers have all been well represented in the races.

The series is organised by Nick Carter, of Absolute Running, in Gosport, with great support from the Bayside Cabin Cafe.

Carter is hoping City of Portsmouth athlete Lachlan Wellington might be racing tonight.

He has been in outstanding form in the Lakeside 5k Series in Portsmouth so far this summer.

But it all depends on how he has recovered from his English Schools’ Championship 3,000m fourth place in Gateshead.

Tony Ryan is also expected back to race in his popular fancy dress gorilla outfit.

The children’s 1k race starts at 7.15pm tonight with the senior 5k race at 7.30pm.

The event takes place from Stokes Bay Road, close to the Bayside Cabin Cafe, PO12 2QT.