Charity Winter Handicap 10k Series:  2011/12

Introduction:   Race Director, John Mackay:

For those of you who have not been fully inducted into to the joys of winter running with the Club, to break up the tedium of running through dark, wet, cold streets, we run a handicap series for a bit of fun (every year since 1990!!) It also gives you the chance to see how training is going because the run is timed.  Instead of going off in all directions in separate groups, we all follow the same route, with slower runners going off first and faster runners held back so that in theory everyone can finish together. 

Any amendments to the official results, please contact John, who will consider to make any changes. Good luck!!

Main Route
From the lamppost, down to Green Street Green, [south on Sevenoaks Road]  past the Rose & Crown, up to Locksbottom lights, [all the way along the A21, turn right, onto Crofton Road] down to the War Memorial, back along Sevenoaks Road. This is pretty close to a 10k route.  ROUTE MAP.   To help close up the handicap a bit, runners who would not expect to finish in 50 minutes have the extra advantage of cutting the corners to make it about 5 miles, with timings adjusted accordingly.  SHORT ROUTE.

November,  Race 1 of 5: Records seem to becoming like busses, you wait 20 years for the fastest time to be broken only for Jason to outdo himself in the next run. His time of 33.29 took 6 seconds off his record set in the last Handicap in March. Congratulations. Not to be over shadowed, Suzy Yates set a new PB with 40.17, getting ever closer to breaking the 40 min barrier that has not been bettered by a woman since 1991. Altogether a good night in dark and dismal conditions. 74 runners completed the course and 48 beat the handicap of 50 mins. Brian Allen who ran despite coming off his bike on Monday and complaining of broken ribs – wait to see what he can do when he is fit!  £52 was raised for our charity collection. Many thanks to the band of helpers without whom it would not be possible to run the event.

December,  Race 2 of 5:  It was good to see a good turnout for the December Handicap as it was dedicated to the memory of John Copley who was a Road Runner for 16 years and an active club runner for 50 years with Blackheath & Bromley.  A number of Heathens took the opportunity to run in recognition of John’s contribution down the years. John was a great character who will be sadly missed for his enthusiasm and ready twinkle in his eye.  We were honoured that Judith and their son Nick were able to join us and Nick took up the challenge and completed the 10k with Glyn Todd. Over half the field completed inside the meantime of 50 mins despite the windy conditions. James Munro returned from Uni and conned the handicapper completely but his card is marked now!  There were good performances at both 10k and on the shorter route from Paul Kemp, Gen Godward and Paul Brooks and an encouraging recovery from Helen Boud.  Kevin Abel improved his PB to 48.12, all those speed sessions are starting to pay off at last.  It was also good to see the return of some older faces, Nigel Beer and Keith Burgess returned after a break of several years. The collection tonight was to support John’s chosen charity, Harris HospisCare and a very generous total of over £200 was donated.  Many thanks to all, runners and marshals, who supported a particularly memorable event. 

January, Race 3 of 5: Blessed by ideal running conditions, 75 runners finished the latest Handicap Race last night.  January is the traditional time for new starts and we had no fewer than 11 runners making a debut in the series as well as a return from long exile from Sarah Ratcliffe, welcome back. There were some fine performances and PBs  from Annette Shrimpton, Kevin Hall, Dave Leal.  Tom Milsom broke his previous best by so far we will need to get the drug testers out.  Gavin Kitchingham was last away and did really well to finish in 9th place with a new PB breaking his previous best by 29 secs.  Many thanks to Jennie, Sheila, Steve and Linda for helping out once again and to Eric for collecting the charity contributions.