Autumn Handicap, 28th October 2019

Congratulations to Michael Teasdale and Clare McKitterick for winning the Handicap race and the Autumn Cup respectively.

On a cold, but dry night without much in the way of wind, 36 runners assembled at the Copthorne for the quarterly handicap.  Michael Teasdale took full advantage of his generous handicap as he stormed past Alison Smullen to take the prize, with the fast-improving Tara Hipwood in 3rd place.

Fastest on the night was Kris Axon who made his way from the back of the field to 4th place in a time of 21:50.  Roberto Marzo was second fastest male in 23:38 with Paul Robinson next in 24:53.

Splitting the fast lads to be fastest lady and 3rd fastest overall was Catherine Young.  Catherine’s time of 24:50 puts her 2nd in the all-time rankings for women on this course – very well done!  Narrowly missing a place on the all-time podium (by 2 seconds) was Sarah Kerr in a time of 25:42, with Maddie Day 3rd fastest lady in 27:27.

Clare McKitterick claimed the Autumn Cup with a fairly comfortable lead from Sarah Kerr, Hazel Juggins and Kenny McCormick.

Clare won’t be able to defend her title in January, but the other 3 finalists will all be able to try again.  Some dodgy handicapping has allowed the handicapper (Tom Tinsley) to join them in the next final.

Thanks to all the marshals and the start and finish team for looking after us, and to Marie for organising teh post-run social and presentation at Don Vito’s even though she couldn’t join us.

Full results can be found here.

Thanks to Dave Manners for the race photos and, as ever, Mungai for the photos from Don Vito’s (including the inevitable selfies):