News
Blackcap Handicap Summer 2024
(August 01, 2024)After a postponement from our usual date close to midsummer, and with great support from JnM runners, we got 33 runners out on the Downs for our 5 mile handicap trial.
Start preparations were hindered by a large herd of cows deciding that our Start was the location of the best grass. Some looked nervous but fearless cowhands got to work and they were soon shooed away. 94 weather and lighning tracker apps were consulted and in spite of the evening feeling more and more like thunderstorms everything said they would pass north of us.
Lizzie led off followed at various intervals by other runners. At some point our turn marshall rocketted off to wait at Blackcap (thanks Chris). Mike Priest looked increasingly uneasy as the flying ants came out and he was still to start 33 mins after Lizzie. Lightning flashed away to the north and finally Martin & I were left to wait alone....and then Marion arrived having got lost climbing from the bottom Car Park.
19:49 was the expected finish but some 3 minutes early we spied Siobahn Amer surging past Aron Willis in the final 400m to take the line honours and the newly rediscovered Trophy. There was then quite a surge of finishers which quite overwhelmed the capacity of the Officials to deal with noting down numbers in the correct order. (we think our efforts at the Bull sorted everything out - apologies if not). And finally Chris appeared escorting the final runner home - Jac was last years winner and was duly set the toughest handicap of all!
Mike Priest was fastest male "over the ground" in 30:57 and Siobahn fastest female in 37:36. Lizzie took the Sportsmanship act of the day by ensuring Tracey stayed on the correct course!
After a short prize-giving we packed up without getting wet or struck by lightning and adjourned to the Bull where JnM, under Potts leadership, showed superior staying power compared HHH runners.
Full results are here