The 5th handicap of 2026 was a little depleted as various marathons and centurion races appeared to have thinned the crowd. However our select 11 competitors were met by a beautiful evening sun and bemused voters as the course skirted multiple Harestock polling stations.
The absent handicapper would have been pleased that 6 runners landed within 5 seconds of the sweet spot. The night’s winner was Josiane Wilson yet another new name to receive the Handicap leader award! James Bailey was able shrug off his London marathon exertions to power into second, while young Benjamin Lowy made a long awaited return to claim third. The Lowy and Sansome family conveniently clumped together hogging the 3rd to 7th places. Nice to see families sticking together! Special mention goes to Sophie Black and Steve Goodwin also overcoming any London Marathon strains and pains with formidable performances. It was also nice to note we had two juniors joining us, posting above average times. The fastest time on the night was Pete Sansome posting 6:07 good but not quite good enough to muscle past Mr Lowy (senior) who had the benefit of a slightly more generous handicap, flailing elbows and the kudos of being master of ceremonies on the day. Special mention for our two youngsters, both setting event PB’s…..Jack Sansome moving up to #53 on the honours board with 6’29 and Benjamin Lowy posting a fine new PB of 7’11. Fastest lady was Liz Marshall with 7’46.
In the overall standings it’s still all to play for but Jack Sansome now leads from Sarah Witt and James Bailey and we still have 7 runners in with a chance of completing the fabled 12 out of 12.
Fancy joining in this one a bit mile run, well the next Handicap is on Thursday 4 June just after 7pm in Stoney Lane.
Yours The Erstaz Handicapper
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