Report By Mike Blenkinsop
PREPARE FOR A SCRAP – ‘TIS THE CROFT HANDICAP.
After weeks of drought-like conditions the second race in the 2025 Handicap Series was immediately preceded by an almighty thunderstorm with torrential rain of biblical proportions in north Herefordshire, flooding some of the approach roads. This may well have deterred a few potential competitors but there was still a good turnout as the rain thankfully eased as the race commenced.
“Ne’er cast a clout ’til may be out” sayeth the old proverb. Well, the hawthorn blossom bloomed early and radiantly this spring (any that remained on the trees will have been pummelled to the floor and washed away in the violent downpour) and the Croft runners are matching that display with plenty of clout of their own and a few lightning strikes to match the weather.
Pride of place must go to the majestic Sam Juson. Just 3 weeks after running a sub 2.30 at the London Marathon, Sam stormed around the Leinthall Starkes course to record a breathtaking time of 25.25 – that is almost 5 minute miling on a fairly testing course. Sam is in such red hot form at present that I was fearful of shaking his hand in congratulation without wearing my oven gloves.He set off way behind all the other runners, so most of his assault on the course record was run solo until he started reeling in some others towards the finish. Sam is rapidly engraving his name in large letters in the CARC Hall of Fame. Congratulations Sam – it is a delight to witness your athletic prowess.
Another Sam – Sam Harper was a clear winner on the night, well clear of the opposition. Sam is gradually returning from a lengthy injury lay-off and her beaming face as she cantered across the finish line perfectly illustrated how thrilled she was to be back running properly. I don’t have all the details to hand but I think this may be Sam;s first handicap race victory in all the years that she has been competing. Second across the line, and making her debut on the course, was an elated Sian Stack as she dashed up the finishing straight in full flight with her long pony-tail swaying in the gentle evening breeze. Welcome to the Croft Handicap Sian – there will be more improvement to come. Completing the top 3 was a determined Grant Womack, who overtook 29 runners as he made good use of strength gained from solid Marathon training and a successful P.B. at Manchester. Grant’s P.B. time of 30.35 is creeping close to that magical 30 minute barrier.
These 3 were well clear of the field. Just a little further back we were into the realms of runners who needed eyes in the back of their heads as they were being hunted down like fleeing shoplifters being chased by big burly security guards. This resulted in a few group sprints for the line but, thankfully, no arrests.
A handful of PBs were recorded with the remarkable Janet Hill improving her own FV70 course record by 48 seconds. Other notable P.B.s were set by Alison Benwell and Paul Parker, with the biggest improvement of the night being registered by a speedy Henry Eastman who knocked a huge 2.15 off his best time to record 31.41.
Many thanks to all the helpers who make sure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently. Your efforts are highly appreciated by one and all.
The next handicap race is only a couple of weeks away on Tuesday 3rd June. This will be the final run on the roads, and the last chance this year to set a P.B., this summer before we head to the wide open spaces of Bircher Common to complete the series.
