LEINTHALL STARKES 5 – Race 3 – 9th. June 2026
Report by Mike Blenkinsop
The Football (or is it “Soccerball” in America ?) World Cup may be about to kick off in the sweltering conditions on the other side of the Atlantic, but the hot competition was all kicking off in the cooler exotic north Herefordshire resort of Leinthall Starkados. The 3rd, and final, road race in the 6 race 2026 Bryan Markham Handicap Series offered the last chance to set a course PB or score valuable points towards winning the series trophy. Thankfully the predicted heavy rain showers passed by to the south, but it was raining PBs in Leinthall Starkes – 14 were set this evening ! I don’t keep records about such happenings, but I am convinced that this is by far the most ever set in one race and this was the 135th race around this traditional old course since its inception in 1989.
The honour of registering the final victory on the road section of the series went to a back-to-form and galloping Henry Eastman who sped past a remarkable 35 other competitors to set a new PB with a time of 31.16.It must have been like a slalom skiing event as Henry weaved his way past so many runners. Again, no records kept, but that is probably the most overtaking manoeuvres in one race. Second across the line was a hard-working Theresa Jones. Theresa is still searching for that elusive handicap race victory, but this was her 2nd podium finish. A few years ago Theresa had victory snatched away from her as she was cruelly overtaken by 2 other sprinting finishers in the final few strides. Next year ? Completing the top 3 was Rob Wood, who outsprinted a valiant Gary Gunner. Rob was encouraged by his improved performance after suffering during last month’s race. But does he deserve the bragging rights in the Wood household ? Rob’s better half Sue may have overshadowed his achievement by breaking the FV70 course record by an enormous 5 mins 14 secs ! This was, unfortunately, overlooked on the night as I can’t believe that she is a day over 40.
There were so many outstanding performances on the night but, maybe, the prize for the stellar tour de force of the event must go to the meteoric Mia Davies. The young midwife certainly delivered a sensational run as she broke her own PB by a huge 2.11 as she flew past 30 runners on her way to registering the rapid time of 33.36. This superb run means that Mia now features at no. 10 in the all-time fastest female runners over the historic course. Again, even more impressive when one considers that this is the 135th running of the event. Another to reorder the standings was nimble Nina Warmsley, whose new PB of 35.48 now sneaks in at no 18 in the charts – good going in Nina’s first season in the famous sky blue colours.
The one male runner to alter the best times listing was the in-form Andy Davies. Andy set off way behind everyone else and I am sure that the 26 runners that he overtook in the final stages must have been blown sideways by the draft as he swept past. Andy’s new PB of 28.40 sees him climb to no. 14 in the male charts.
There were so many exceptional performances, but some who are worthy of special mention. Steph King not only broke her PB by 2.16 in a time of 40.28, but also improved her best time by 3.45 over the series – all this after having run the course for many years and now in her 60s. Sam Harper is another who has discovered a purple patch of form as she set her 3rd consecutive PB after many years of running in the event. Even at this late stage of proceedings, there were 4 runners making their debuts on the course. They will have a chance to improve their times next year as all of the newcomers have over the course of the 3 races so far this season.
There were a number of family battles and each will claim their own bragging rights with their performances. What about the battle of the Luscotts ? Nicola finished one place and 5 seconds in front of Frank, but Frank’s time was 32 seconds quicker.
So we wave a fond farewell to Leinthall Starkes for another year. It has been an entertaining and well supported series so far with many uplifting performances. Creme de la creme, however, must go to Speedy Sam Juson for his magnificent 24.50 course record set in April to become the GOAT of Leinthall Starkes. I can picture grandad Bryan’s wide smile of pride.
As always a huge thank you to all the course marshals and helpers on the finish line. It got a tad hectic at one stage, but we came through with flying colours – well done all.
We have now reached the halfway stage of the 2026 series and the remaining 3 races will be held over the challenging off-road course on Bircher Common. The first of which will be held on Tuesday 7th July, when handicap start times will be based on a percentage of each runner’s time set this evening.
Admin update – to add that there were two age group records broken in the 2026 LS series – huge congratulations for Sue Wood the FV70 record and Nigel Taylor for the MV60 record. These records can be viewed along with the top 20 male and female all time ranks and age records on the Croft Records page of the website.
