Jacob turns up heat in first-class Hayling Billy 5 race

THE race slotted into the busy calendar just before his final exam of the school year but Jacob O'Hara certainly put in an A-star performance to finish first in the Hayling Billy 5.
Jacob O'Hara moves clear from Julian Manning early in the race. Picture: David BrawnJacob O'Hara moves clear from Julian Manning early in the race. Picture: David Brawn
Jacob O'Hara moves clear from Julian Manning early in the race. Picture: David Brawn

The winning time of 26min 52sec for the flat, trail five-mile course was a great effort, especially given it was very warm on Wednesday evening.

To finish first was also one better than last year for the talented City of Portsmouth under-17 racer.

He said: ‘I did feel a lot better than I thought.

Lucy Mapp chased by Karen AndrewsLucy Mapp chased by Karen Andrews
Lucy Mapp chased by Karen Andrews
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‘This year I ran faster than last year so I’m surprised and happy because it was quite hot. Conditions played a bit of a part and I’ve been a bit stressed with exams.

‘The time was 26.52 so I was about seven seconds faster than last year.

‘It was a comfortable last two kilometres. I did the work just after halfway and got away so I just relaxed.

‘I was second last year so I wanted to try to win it this year.

Lucy Mapp chased by Karen AndrewsLucy Mapp chased by Karen Andrews
Lucy Mapp chased by Karen Andrews
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‘Considering it is trail, it is a pretty fast course, it’s nice.

‘It was quite hot as the race got on because I was getting tired, it definitely sapped you a bit.’

The Victory club hosted the event and it was a spectacular success, having sold out nearly four weeks in advance.

Julian Manning finished second in 27.30 on Wednesday.

He led a strong contingent from Denmead Striders and took the prize for overall senior male winner.

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Matthew Cheyney was third to finish and second male senior with his time of 28.47.

Lucy Mapp finished first lady as she put in a very strong performance in the warm conditions to record a time of 32.30.

Karen Andrews chased hard and she finished 10 seconds back in 32.40 with the heat just proving a bit too much for her challenge.

She said: ‘I was really impressed with the race, I thought the medal and prizes were great, especially when the entry fee was very reasonable.

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‘I enjoyed it but wish I’d been able to push on for the first prize. As it was the heat had got to me and I faded in the last 400m.’

Despite crossing the line first O’Hara had to be content with the junior victory.

Tom Hoskinson also ran well to finish second junior.

It was a great evening for O’Hara, even without the overall prize as he enjoyed the chance to test his speed over five miles against the experienced Manning.

He added: ‘It was good to see Julian turn up and it made the race faster from the start.

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‘Because I saw him at the start line I tried to go out quite hard to try to break him because he is good at holding on to a fast pace. He is a very strong runner.

‘I do enjoy this event and it was a good evening.’

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