CROFT WOODS HANDICAP – Race 6
The final handicap event of the season always heralds the rapid approach of autumn, but we were blessed with a warm bright evening for this climax to the 2013 series. 17 runners toed the dusty start line with many of them still in contention for the winner’s trophy.
Neil Taylor, having competed last month just a couple of days after a challenging hilly triathlon in north Yorkshire, was always a favourite to improve his performance and so it proved as he romped to victory in a time much more reflective of his ability. Dave A., beginning to show some of his true form, crossed the line in second place followed by Jon B. in third, despite having competed in the tough Hay Hillraiser just 2 days previously.
Irina was next home, showing excellent late season form and registering a big PB., which consolidated her position as the 7th fastest female over the course. Mark L. again proved to be in a purple patch of good form with a new PB which took him to 2nd in the overall rankings, overtaking Simon and now lying just 30 secs. adrift of Stacey’s course record set in this equivalent race 9 years ago. Mark also showed remarkable powers of recovery as he, too, had raced at Hay on Sunday morning. Another who had contested that same testing race was the all new sleek and slimline Martin who is in the form of his life and set a course PB for the second successive race at the age of 45. Another vet. In fine form is Dave G., who also improved his course record for the second consecutive race and climbed to no. 17 in the overall listings leapfrogging Dave A. Now there’s a challenge already brewing for next summer’s series. The final PB of the night was set by Joshua as he managed to negotiate the woodland course without following a false trail.
17 runners ran the requisite 5 races during the summer to qualify for the Handicap Series Trophy and a new name will now be engraved on the award as Rob was rewarded for some consistent performances over all 6 events and was crowned the champion for 2013. Congratulations Rob.
Also see the updated club records.