Claremont RR Summer Handicap, 23rd July 2018
It was a sticky, warm evening on the Town Moor with little of the usual wind to cool us down but at least we avoided the rain which affected other parts of the city. Although the number of club members was down on the usual handicap attendance, we were swelled by a lot of guests. In particular we welcomed a large contingent from Newcastle University’s Wednesday lunchtime running group.
As ever, it can be difficult to handicap guests, and the first two home were both from the University – Holly Wheeler and Cameron Robertson. That meant that congratulations go to Marga Burke-Lowe as the first Claremonter home and winner of the coveted trophy and even more coveted packet of chocolate biscuits! Charlotte Baston and the ever-improving Matt Diment filled the other podium places.
In the Summer Cup, Cath Robson was rewarded for her consistent performances and steady improvement by taking first place and the shield ahead of Dave Kear and Lucy Dunbar. Cath will have the chance to defend her title in October when the challengers will be Hazel Juggins, Richard Slack and Luke Woodend.
There were some excellent times recorded, especially by Dave Hartis, a guest from Newcastle Uni, who came home in an impressive 18:00. Three sky blues managed sub-20 minute runs – John Lea-Wilson, Paul Robinson and Matt Diment in 19:36, 19:41 and 19:54 respectively.
For the women, fastest was also a visitor from the Uni with Sarah Hill finishing in 20:58. Charlotte Baston led the way for the Claremont ladies in 22:34 followed by Clare McKitterick (24:20) and Nina Jensen (24:57).
As ever, thanks to all the marshals for making sure everybody got around, the start and finish team for excellent organisation and to Dave Manners and Mungai for the photos.
