Virtual Spring Handicap, 27th April 2020
As we have had to leave the Town Moor cows grazing on the hills in peace, this year’s Spring Handicap has been a virtual affair. The protocol was to run 5K on a course that had as much up as down and submit your time. Amazingly, 46 runners took part, running in a variety of locations. A few ran on or around the Town Moor, but I don’t think anybody attempted the hills – can’t think why! Three chose to run the Leazes parkrun route, which is probably hillier than most of our runs.
There were be no trophies on offer and no cup competitions (no biscuits either!), just the honour and glory of being crowned Claremont Handicap winner … and that honour goes to Dana Murray.
Dana won by 38 seconds, but it was a very close call for 2nd, 3rd and 4th with Elizabeth O’Mahony just edging out Alasdair Wilson Craw, who is showing signs of a return to form. Alasdair just held off handicap debutant Gill Milne by 4 seconds (though I think Gill prefers marshaling!).
It was no surprise to see Kris Axon record the fastest time of the night in a super-speedy 16:17. Jason Hall was second in an impressive 17:31 with Jonathan Gilroy being 3rd fastest in 19:20. It was nice that Jason could take part despite having moved to Leeds.
For the ladies, Catherine Young was quickest (again no surprise) in 19:54. Sarah Kerr and Maddie Day were next quickest in 20:34 and 22:13 respectively.
Not quite the same as being at Don Vito’s as we had to supply our own food and drink, but it was nice to get together via Zoom. Terry Welsh supplied a quiz for the entertainment – Jonathan Gilroy was the clear winner with 32 out of 40 correct.
