Fast times at the March Harestock Handicap as the course was dry and a pleasure to run on. We even used the start/finish lectern for the first time this year. Hi-Viz and torches still very much the order of the day but we’re all eagerly anticipating the clock change and giving it full beans in the daylight!
Steve Goodwin was a clear winner on the night with a handicap busting 9’21 gross (8’07 net) and finishing well ahead of a tight finish between Pete Savill 9’43 gross (8’38 net) and Mikaela Price 9’44 gross (7’53 net). Times were in general better than of late and most athletes were a tad better than handicap.
Fastest on the night was Pete Sansome (6’18) with Andy Costello (6’52) and Jack Sansome (6’54) our other sub-7 speedies. Liz Marshall (7’41) was our fastest lady with Sarah Witt (7’48) and Mikaela Price (7’53) the other sub-8 speedies.
The overall series for 2026 ?
Still early days and anyone could win it (even someone who turned up for the first time for the April event) but it is the ladies who are making the early running with Sarah Witt, Louise Snook and Liz Marshall leading the way. Over the season competing regularly and consistently generally pays off so the overall winner is likely to be one of the 13 ever-presents who still have a chance of completing the fabled Harestock Handicap 12 out of 12 challenge in 2026.
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. The next event will be on Thursday 5th February. 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