The first daylight Harestock Handicap proved a scorcher when it came to times in near perfect conditions. The spring heat had dissipated by the time our 18 athletes lined up at the bus stop start. Whether it was the benefit of being able to see the pavement course in daylight or the Winchester Running Club’s wise coaching , everyone improved on their March times. We had 6 sub 7 minute net times, with Ryan Gresty posting the swiftest time.
Gill Goodwin’s massive improvement this month meant that she trounced the field costing into a comfortable first place. Paul Oxley was able to hold off a fast improving Kevin Frisby, coming second and third respectively. We had plenty of newcomers and some long absentees returning which meant the erstatz handicapper had to make some hasty estimates for their handicaps. I would like to say Will Hadley ran the perfect race coming within a second of the sweet spot perfect time (Steve is good, but Stephen is not bad either). 6 other runners came within 10 seconds of their estimated finishing time, no doubt making our absent handicapper in chief content (the cheap Czech Pilsner might be helping too). We also welcomed 3 newcomers Sarah Dennison, James White and Felix Freemanbaum to the Harestock, Felix was in good company with our regular junior, Jack Sansome, who again beat his dad!
The undulating mile and a bit course circuit will be revisited on May Day, so show your class(y) solidarity and come and join us at 7:30 on Stoney Lane for a bit of fun.