The merit leagues were nearing their conclusion with the Bannerman as race 12 of 14. There was some competition at the top of the table in both leagues, and plenty of reason to give your all on a sunny night in Dawsholm Park.
The fact that it was a handicap style race meant that I actually had a chance against some of the faster runners at the club. Having never run the race and having just flown back from holiday, I had no expectations.
It’s a fun albeit difficult route around the park, with hills, mud and just as you catch a rhythm, some awkwardly sized steps to destroy it. The kind of steps that confuse the brain and make you look like you’ve forgotten how to walk.
As we waited to find out our order for setting off, the mood was good, although that might have been the weather and the selection of cakes that were on the table waiting at the finish. The handicap times are below:
Caroline (00:00)
Linda (04:30)
Kenny & Alisdair (06:30)
Claire (08:30)
Ben (08:40)
Heather (08:50)
Natalie (09:30)
Meredith (09:50)
Andrew (10:00)
Scott (14:00)
With the order revealed and the arguing about the times out of the way, the first runners set off to applause.
As I set off, I took the same approach as usual in Handicap races: look for the person in front until there is no one else. It’s a tough run, but for the first time the “strategy” was actually working. As I passed on the first lap, I had overtaken a few people, but on the second lap I was told I was in the lead with only the final 600m or so to go. I just kept pushing, and to my surprise it was enough. I suppose the lesson is that races are as much mental as they are physical.
Thanks to everyone who prepared the race, from the handicap timings, the flour arrows, the timekeepers, the merit league and the bakers! The times were good for everyone on what was a hot night:
1. Ben — 33:16
2. Meredith — 34:04
3. Andrew — 34:17
4. Alisdair — 34:53
5. Kenny — 35:01
6. Heather — 35:10
7. Natalie — 35:28
8. Scott — 35:34
9. Linda — 36:06
10. Claire — 36:09
11. Caroline — 38:08
