Club Handicap 2012

[Thu 26th Apr 2012]

The senior 6.5 mile club handicap race was held on Wed 25th April in what can only be described as 'monsoon' conditions. With such atrocious weather it was remarkable that 38 club members turned out to take part in the annual event from Blyth Beach car park to the Delaval Arms pub at Seaton Sluice and back.

The race starters Dave Kitching and Iain Singer set the first runner (newcomer Jane Cassells) away at just after 7:15pm as the remaining runners huddled together in the shelter of the Dave Stephens building to keep warm and dry. One by one runners left their protective shelter, until the remaining pair of Robbie Barkley and Jake Jansen were set away some 25 minutes later. At this point I believe Dave and Iain broke Usain Bolt's 100m record in getting to the shelter of their cars (timing yet to be ratified).

Congratulations go to race winner and new member Jon French who won with a time of 46:05. In second place, 23 seconds later was Mal Darbyshire, with Graeme Stewart third, a further 30 seconds adrift.

Fastest time on the night was recorded by Robbie Barkley with 39:37, and fastest lady was Julie Clark in a time of 45:32. Twelve members took part in the handicap for the first time, and heres hoping that they all keep coming back for more and maybe catch up with Cath Young, who took part in her 20th.

As one of the runners I would like to give my thanks to Iain, Dave and all the helpers/marshals who stood around in such horrendous conditions to ensure that we were able to enjoy ourselves so much, also thanks to race organiser Kevin and his wife Liz for the Mars bars.

The full set of results are available on the Handicap page of the web site.