Summer Handicap, 25th July 2022
It didn’t really feel like a summer’s evening as it was chilly and damp on the Town Moor, but at least we avoided the torrential rain. The monsoon conditions that afternoon had certainly put off a number of runners and there were only 31 of the expected 40 runners on the start line! The course had to be slightly amended due to another event setting up in the park, but the marshals managed to make sure that everybody got around.
Once again, it was shown that the way to beat the handicapper is to be a relatively unknown quantity, i.e. a new member or guest. In fact, Charlotte Johnston showed the perfect preparation is to:
- Be a new member running your first handicap.
- Not have a parkrun or 5K time to give the handicapper a clue.
- Treat the Monday night runs as an evening’s stroll with your friends!
Charlotte had an impressive run – she not only won the handicap by a country mile but was the fastest lady on the night too. Well done, but it won’t be so easy ever again!
Second and third home were Susan Parker, recently graduated from the Couch to 5K group, running on her first Monday night with the full club, and Shilpa Iyanna, who has been guesting with us for a couple of weeks now. As guests cannot claim a prize, the runners-up biscuits went to Laurie Johnson, with Fred Besse 3rd Claremonter home.
For once, all 4 contestants were there to contest the Summer Cup. Kris Axon sped through the field to claim the trophy, finishing 12 seconds ahead of Anthony Liddle. Kris will have the opportunity to retain the Cup in the autumn when he will, once again, face all-male competition in the form of Dave Roberts, Jamie Harding and Callum Whitehead.
Kris and Anthony were also the fastest 2 runners on the night, with Jonathan Gilroy third. As mentioned above, Charlotte was the fastest female, followed by Izzy Neatrour and Julie Cross.
There was a good attendance for the social and presentation afterwards in the North Terrace pub for drinks, pizza and prize-giving, to conclude a good evening’s entertainment.
As ever, thanks to the marshals and the start and finish time for giving up their time and their own chance to run, and for everyone who took photos. However, special thanks go to Hazel for all her detailed event planning and to Anna for organising the social.
