Run annually since 1924, the Ealing, Southall & Middlesex AC Boxing Day handicap once again took pride of place in the club’s Christmas calendar.
Run over a unique distance of 4.15 miles, on a road course which takes in parts of Perivale & Greenford, this year’s race, run in cold, still dry conditions saw 30 athletes and a number of familiar faces return to blow away the Christmas cobwebs with hard sustained efforts.
First over the line was Robert Wilson in a winning time of 21.45. Wilson had been pushed earlier by under 20 Archie Allen-Jones but in the end sustained a winning gap of over 2 minutes. Archie held on for 2nd place in 24 minutes dead.
First woman home was Bristol based Hannah Pollak recording 26 minutes & 32 seconds.
Steve Plested was first 60+ male home in 27.33, a performance that would be envied by many younger athletes.
First under 13 girl home (over the junior distance of approximately 2 miles), was Anisa Ibrahim in 14.39, followed by Leah Kelly & Sarah Freegard. Tim Wallace finished 1st under 13 boy in 15.44.
In the under 15 category, Laura Stewart led the way for the girls in 12.47 followed by Aydarus Ibrahim for the boys in 13.42 & Elliot Stewart in 14.18.
Erica Wallace (u15) competed in the senior race, and did very well, finishing in 28.04, 8th place (4th after the handicap).
The time applied handicap saw prizes awarded to 1st place Gary Stringer, 2nd Christine Meek & 3rd placed to the rapidly improving Andy Leung.
Report by Martin Wilson. Results by Tony Randall: ESM_Boxing_Day_Races_2013
Thanks also to Lynn Wilson for the photo and Armen Kanikanian for organising the race, along with all those who ran or helped out on the day. Also see the album of Lynn’s pictures on ESM’s Facebook page.