Handicap 2024 Race 6 Preview

The final handicap race of the year is just around the corner, and for sure you’ve all had a look at the standings to see how you are doing. However, with only your best 5 races counting, it isn’t always that obvious what the standings actually mean. Given that most runners will use their race 6 score, it’s almost better to look at the standings with just 4 of the first 5 races counting, then you can see who you have to beat, and by how much to gain those crucial places.
To save everyone from doing the work themselves, those standings have been calculated for you.

So, how is it all looking? Who is still in with a chance at hearing their name called on awards night? Let’s break down the runners and riders, starting with the women’s competition.

The top 9 women still mathematically have a chance of a top 3 finish. Anything can happen, but, in all likelihood, the fight for the medals will come down to just 4.
Sally-Anne Tully has been in the lead ever since race 1. 3 PBs along the way, and the bonus points that come with them, mean that she still has a solid gap at the top. However, a more average performance in race 5 means that that lead is not insurmountable, and another lower score in race 6 could even see her drop off the podium.

Currently tied for 2nd place are Lara Kog and Angela Hands. Lara started the year poorly, but has had a brilliant last 3 races, finishing as first female in all 3, and a PB in the most recent race for a perfect score. On the other hand, Angela has been the model of consistency for the last 4 races, finishing in the top 10 women in each of them.

Whilst you might think that tie makes it a straight race for the silver, Claire Messenger, in 4th in these standings, has been even more consistent than Angela, and already has a good 5th score. Her PB in race 5 leaves her in a great position, even if she doesn’t improve. If Lara and Angela fail to score enough, then their race to the line could see the winner finish in 3rd overall behind Claire.

That might all sounds quite similar to the published standings, because, well, it is. Sometimes things do work out that way. The men’s side, however, is a lot different from what we see on the current leaderboard.

The first thing to note on the men’s standings, is that nobody has had a particularly good year. 8 women currently have more points than any of the men. (It’s a good thing this is split by gender, eh boys? Although the, er, administrative errors in race 3 may have hurt some of those involved in the discussion today.) As such, the race for the top spot is still wide open, with 17 men still mathematically able to claim gold. As with the women, let’s just focus on those likely to be there at the end, the top 7, but it genuinely wouldn’t be a surprise if someone further down the list caused an upset.

With 4 marginal PBs from his 4 appearances so far, the current leader on the men’s table is Chris Smith. However, the gap below is very tight, with 5 other runners within just 8 points.

Currently in 2nd, 2 points behind Chris, is probably the most consistent performer of the year so far, Andy Barrett. With so many involved in the battle, will consistency be enough in the final race?

A further 2 points back in 3rd with 2 sets of bonus points and solid scoring is Matt Hathrell. Can he fight his way through all the way from the back to claim the win?

Anthony Grace started the year out in fantastic fashion, with a perfect score in race 1 and more bonus points in race 2. However, missing race 3 and a low score in race 5 leaves him right in the dogfight in 4th.

In equal 5th, 8 points off the lead, we have Dave Halford and Austin Wade. Dave has scored well in every race since the first, steadily improving his times, without a really high finish, whereas Austin made a big improvement to be first male in race 4, but has been further down the finishers in the rest of the races. Will Dave be able to make that big improvement in the final race? Will that improved handicap make it hard for Austin to get the points he needs?
Those paying the closest attention will probably notice that mention has yet to be made of the current overall leader in the men’s competition. That’s because, when only considering 4 scores, Rob Halford slips all the way down to 7th place, 13 points off the lead. Unlike Claire on the women’s side, his 5th score is unlikely to be good enough to hold his position, so we’ll have to see if Rob can muster up another strong race to keep his hands on that top spot.

While that is it for the handicap medals, remember there is a lot more to run for on Wednesday. It’s the last chance of the year to grab some points in this category for the race championships, and for anyone who hasn’t done a handicap race at all this year, it is also the last chance to set your time that will be used in the winter handicap during the cross-country season. Most of all though, we’re all just out to have a good run and enjoy ourselves, and burn off a few calories so we can add them back in the bar afterwards. See you all there.

Contributed by A N Onymous