Big excitement at the November Handicap as they were digging up the pavement all around our normal start/finish point. Some careful recce declared the course usable albeit with a shortened finish straight because nobody fancied hurdling the barriers. All something of a novelty as this was only the second time in 14yrs that we’ve had to alter the course. Anyway the handicapper could still reach the lectern so the start was OK and all important matters were sorted. John Reed was there for his first run of the year and there were 15 runners revved up and ready to go.
It was a bit of a speedy mix so a fairly narrow spread of handicaps which makes for close racing all around the loop. Steve Goodwin was first away and enjoyed the full handicap experience of leading us round all on his own through the darkness for 98% of the run only to be pushed down to third in the last few hundred metres. Ric Pike, freshly back from recent international competition, stormed round to take the win with Christian Brookes a close second and allegedly “robbed” by the shortened finish as Ric faded towards the line.
Running off full handicaps on a shortened course it was no surprise that almost everyone came in under par but importantly Ric Pike was our 11th different winner in the 11 events so far this year….the handicappers dream remains alive.
Fastest on the night was the aforementioned John Reed (5’50 sc) with Pete Sansome (5’58 sc) our other sub 6 speedster. Sorry chaps but sub-7’s were too many to mention and apologies to those who were bombing along at PB pace, better luck next time. Amongst the ladies Sarah Witt (7’21 sc) and Liz Marshall (7’24 sc) continued their rivalry at the sharp end.
The overall series for 2025 ?
We’re now 11 events done and still have 5 runners in with a chance of completing the 12 out of 12, fantastic stuff and a triumph of fitness, commitment and diary management. I’d love to report on the overall standings but we’re now in the closed period when reporting restrictions apply….suffice to say the usual suspects are still in the mix. The overall result will be announced at the Christmas Party so get your tickets if you want to be among the first to know who has won the Harestock Handicap Trophy for 2025. You can still influence the outcome though, come along and run with us on 4th December and you might be the one that pushes a potential winner down a vital place to upset the applecart.
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 final race in the 2025 series will be on 4th December 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