SUMMER HANDICAP 2010
September 9th 2010
Tuesday September 7th saw the last race in the Summer Handicap series take place. First runner to tackle the course, was the recently retired postman from the Manor Hospital, Martin Gwillam, who set off at 7-00. The rest of the field set off at varying intervals, depending on their personal running ability.
The club welcomes back Bill Marks, who entered the race as a non competing guest runner.
Although the rain held off during the race, the ominous dark clouds overhead, meant the runners finished in the failing light.
The first runner to negotiate the course was John Lawton, accompanied by Bill Marks, followed by Lee Stretch in second place. Third position went to Ian Wood, and Geoff Farmer came in fourth. Neil Stretton was the next Pacer home, followed by Clive Howseman. The final athletes home were Martin Gwillam and Steve Green respectively.
Following Rex’s calculations in the bar, the following overall results were obtained.
First place goes to Richard Hands, in second place is Ian Wood, and equal third are Neil Stretton and Clive Howseman. Congratulations, to both overall and Monthly winners. It is hoped to present the trophies towards the end of September.
Thanks must go to all the members who competed each month. Without them, there would not be any winners.
Thanks to Rex who reluctantly stood down from running in the Handicap series, so he could hold the clip board, and inform Godfrey when to start and stop his watch.
July 17th 2010
Tuesday 13th July was the date of the third event in the summer handicap series. Martin as usual, in pole position on the grid, set off at 7.00. The cold and wet evening did not affect his enthusiasm for tackling the 6 mile course around Chasewater. At varying intervals dependant on the individual performances, eight other athletes set of with the challenging task of catching the Aldridge Arrow, as he sped around the course. Rex and Godfrey then had a well deserved rest after the stress of clock watching to ensure all runners left on time.
First runner to appear round the corner was Craig Watters proving to all that his recent weight loss and training programme had paid off. Second runner home was Geoff Farmer, closely followed by Richard hands. Fourth place went to David Ryder, with Ian Wood and Les Rainbow in 5th and 6th positions. Clive Howseman was next to cross the line, which left Neil Stretton, and Martin Gwillam in 8th and 9th places respectively.
There will not be an event in August, so the final race will be on the second Tuesday in September. Lets hope for better weather then.
June 22nd 2010
A later than normal start(7-30) left the faster runners kicking their heels, as the Aldridge Arrow forged his way around the dried up lake.
Eight members took up the challenge to chase Martin on a warm dry evening which had a refreshing breeze.
The seasons second trophy winner was Richard Hands, second place went to Clive Howseman, closely followed by David Ryder, ( an impressive performance having just returned from South Africa where he competed in and finished a 55 mile run ). Fourth position was taken by Neil Stretton, with Richard Matthews, and Steve Green in fifth and sixth positions respectively. Ian Wood was the next to appear round the corner, followed by Martin Gwillam, and bringing up the rear Geoff Farmer. Well done to all who entered the event which was gave a good result with only four minutes separating first and last positions.
May 13th 2010
May 11th saw the first race in this years Summer Handicap. As this date coincided with the annual Kingsbury Classic 10K, it was agreed that the first handicap event would be incorporated in this well established 2 lapper round Kingsbury Water Park. Fifty percent of the Clubs membership turned out either to run, or to support the athletes who bravely tackled the tough course.
Still wearing his Junior Harrier of the year Crown, Todd Jewkes came in first for the Pacers, with an impressive 5th overall position, and taking First place in his category. After the race, Rex collated the finishing times for the Oak Park runners, and armed with his trusty abacus (sorry calculator) worked out the following positions taking account of the individual handicap times.
First place Todd Jewkes, 2nd Ian Wood, 3rd Richard Hands, 4th Les Rainbow, 5th Neil Stretton, 6th Clive Howseman, 7th Richard Matthews, 8th John Lawton, and 9th Steve Green.
Well done to all who took part as entrants and supporters.
The second race in the series will be on June 8th, and will take the usual course, around the lake ”that was”. Starting from Brownhills School, with the first runner away at 7-00 prompt.
