This year’s 3.5 mile race was held on a fine balmy evening, so Pitshanger Park was full of people strolling, walking the dog, cycling, and using the tennis courts. There were even plenty of other runners (mostly taking things at a much more relaxed pace).
The first person across the line was a guest: Louise Nicholson from Ealing Eagles. She gets the glory but sadly no trophy, as this is reserved for club members. The first eligible woman to cross the line was Carol Jones, winning the event for the first time. The first man across the line was Alan Keeler, winning for the second year in succession, and knocking half a minute off last year’s time. Rob Brown was the fastest overall, while Fiona Kennedy was the fastest female, both also clocking faster times than last year. Alison Hopkins was less than a minute behind Fiona, however, showing a rapid return to form after a long injury lay-off.
As ever, there were complaints from some quarters that the handicapper had been too harsh on them. However, with only two minutes and 44 seconds separating the first finisher from the last, this is the tightest finish in the last three years, so John’s predictions weren’t bad on the whole.
Thanks also to Tony, Val and Peter for timekeeping and recording. Glenda, Martin and Pat for marshalling. And Jack, for minding Gina while Janice was racing.
Full results: Yacht Handicap results 2013