First of the dark nights but our intrepid band was suitably equipped with lights and hi-viz and making the most of good running conditions. Despite there being much optimistic chatter at our recent injury clinic there were only a few folks on the comeback trail this evening but we were delighted to have James Moore back with us and straight into the high handicapper role.
It’s not easy to win off the high handicap but James showed fine speed to pass everyone and take the tape. It was a pretty close thing though with 5 runners across the line within 6 secs of James and but for an inexplicable wrong final turn by Sarah Witt it could easily have been quite different. As it was James filled his boots to win, SteveO rather sheepishly shouted Sarah back but kept going to take 2nd whilst Sarah managed to regroup and hold off Sophie to keep her place on the podium. Thrilling stuff and full speed racing!
Another good day for the handicapper with the fun of some swingeing manual adjustments dispensed on the night but still managing to have half the field beating their handicaps and half not doing so. Satisfying that James Moore was our 10th different winner in the 10 events so far this year….the handicappers dream remains alive.
Fastest on the night was the aforementioned James Moore (5’59 cf his 5’50PB from Jan18, stays at #5 in the all time list), Pete Sansome (6’25, cf his 5’45PB from Apr17, stays at #4 in the all time list) and Jack Sansome (6’33, new PB up to #58) were our other sub-7 speedsters. Special mention too for Jonny Herron with a fine new PB of 7’11 great progress and now knocking on that sub-7 door. Amongst the ladies Liz Marshall (7’45) and Sarah Witt (7’46) were our sub-8’s and looking to renew their rivalry at the handicap. Special mention here for Sophie Black, her time of 8’12 was a PB for the event and puts her in sight of the sub-8 ladies honours board.
The overall series for 2025 ?
We’re now 10 events done, 2 to go and still have 6 runners in with a chance of securing one of our coveted 12/12 medals…..unheard of, I’ll have to go shopping!
With 12 races and 4 discards over the season the “part-way” standings are always a bit missleading but as we head into the reporting embargo with 2 races and 1 discard to go the battle of the Sansomes is hotter than ever. Pete the Big Daddy is marginally ahead of Jack the young pretender but don’t go clearing space on the mantelpiece yet there are others in striking distance including Sarah Witt, Jonny Herron and Liz Marshall.
New to this and wondering what it is all about? A monthly handicap race (on the first Thursday of the month) around an urban 1.14-mile loop in the Harestock area of Winchester. That means that the next race in the 2025 series will be on 6th November 2025.
It’s a bit of fun and all are welcome to come along and give it a go,
There is more info here: Harestock Handicap