Update 8 September
In the sixth and final race of the 2023 series we saw another good turnout of 57, including a few taking part for the first time this season. Tommy Dempsey was one of these and put in a very good effort and, with the assistance of a first-time handicap, came in first well-ahead of second home Katie Mottram.
It’s the best 5 races that count and the season’s winner’s are Collete O’Keefe and Paul Robbins. In the runners-up positions are Jan Watson and Angela Hands and Pete Stafford and Chris Smith, both of whom ran all six races.
The season’s best times were Amanda Deavy’s 20:46 in race Race 2, and the 17:55 run by Matthew Hathrell in Race 6 and by Adrian McBride in Race 4.
Update 3 August
A bumper turnout of 68 were on the start list for Race 5 on 1 August, staged under threateningly dark clouds. It was 1-2-3 finish for the women with Rebecca Lewis first home, making her series debut, followed by Angela Hands and Daisy Evans, also in her series debut race. First home for the men was Stuart Clements in 6th place.
After 5 races Pete Stafford has a comfortable 21-point lead at the top of the men’s table, helped by a run of Bonus Points earned through PB’s in the past four races. Chris Smith and Chris Goodman occupy the 2nd and 3rd places.
Yvonne Boyle is maintaining her no 1 spot, With Nicola Glaze and Joanna Hughes not far behind, all three well clear at the moment of the chasing pack. The situation could easily change though after the next race as the current three front runners are the only ones to have run 5 races and it’ll be best 5 after Race 6.
Update 6 July June
A lower turnout than usual with only 43 members and guest vying for points in Race 4.
Guest runner Judith Haley crossed the line just ahead of Northbrook’s Angela Hands who took the women’s 200 points.
Fist man to finish was Dave Halford, pipping Tracey Williams on the line.
After 4 races, Yvonne Boyle is in pole at the top of the women’s table with Nicola Glaze in second place and Tracey Williams in third.
In the men’s table Pete Stafford has picked up bonus points in the last three races to lead Chris Smith and Spencer Davies.
Update 16 June
Delayed by a week due to the Club’s strong participation in the Sphinx Summer 5, the third handicap race of the series attracted 59 members and one guest and was won by Albert McCosker, followed home by Becci Barber in second place and Kevin Coughlan in third.
After 3 races the top three men are Paul Robbins, Mike Cherrington and Pete Stafford who has collected two sets of bonus points to help him on his way. In the women’s table, the top three places are occupied by Allison Smith, Yvonne Boyle and Nicola Glaze.
Update 6 May
The second race saw 57 members and one guest taking their turn to tackle the lumpy 5km circular course and beat their handicap times. It was a one two for the women with Women’s Club Captain Sally Eason getting home first and recently joined member Ruth Hallet following in 2nd place, both making their season’s debut. First man home was 3rd placed Lee Newark, also making his first appearance this season, and winning some valuable PB bonus points.
After two races Colette O’Keefe heads the women’s table, and Craig Webb is leading the men with only 3 points separating the top three.
Update – 21 April
We are now inviting guests to join us for the remainder of the series. Please visit the Summer Handicap page for info.
Update – 8 April
Despite dismal weather conditions the first race attracted 57 runners hoping to score maximum points for a head start on the season. Returning member and holder of several club records Dawn O’Shea proved she has not lost the competitive spirit by coming home first, just ahead of 2nd placed Damian Pharoah.
Results of race 1 will be posted here shortly.
The 2023 Summer Handicap Series kicks off on Wednesday 5 April with a full complement of 6 races, one each month from April to September.
Established members will know what this is all about but for the more recently joined members here’s your chance to engage in some friendly rivalry on a levelled playing field.
New for 2023
Important: This year we will be using the parkrun system for recording results. You MUST therefore bring your parkrun barcode with you. No barcode = no result. If you don’t yet have a parkrun barcode sign up at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
You also have to tell us that you want to take part – it’s no good just turning up on the night. You won’t have an allocated start time.
Fill in the form on the website to let us know that you want to be included. If you ran in the 2022 series the handicapper will use your times from last season to allocate you with a start time. Otherwise give us an estimated finishing time and explain the basis for that time. For example, it could be a recent parkrun or other 5k time.
Remember to bring your parkrun ID barcode with you.
Note these dates:
- Wednesday 5 April
- Wednesday 3 May
- Wednesday 14 June
- Wednesday 5 July
- Wednesday 2 August
- Wednesday 6 September
All races start at 7pm
You must be a paid up member to take part, and we are not able to accommodate guests at this time.
We will again be using the start/finish just off Coundon Wedge Drive as this is a safe location that avoids crossing a busy roundabout. You can find out all about it on the Summer Handicap page.