Report by Mike Blenkinsop
After the devastating and heartbreaking loss of Tom Davies during the final event in the 2025 series, I have decided, temporarily, to abandon my usual irreverent style of reporting. I am certain, though, that Tom would have wholeheartedly wished for it to be a case of “business as usual” for his beloved running club.
There were a number of outstanding performances that are worthy of mention :
* Mia Davies produced a phenomenal performance to knock a colossal 1.19 0ff her own women’s course record. New record = 25.17.
* A first victory and an excellent PB for Emma Jones Jnr.
* Steph King setting a new FV60 course record and now featuring at no. 16 in the rankings.
* Emma Jones snr setting a new FV50 course record, holding onto her 9th place in the rankings.
* Grant Womack setting a new MV40 course record and climbing to 7th place in the rankings.
* Henry Eastman’s speedy PB raises him to no 5 in the listing.
* Sue Wood breaking her own FV65 course record.
* Natalie Covill’s remarkable consistency – 2 x runs around the course recording the exact same time on each occasion.
* Eric Apperley improving his already impressive PB to cement his place at no. 2.
* Excellent PBs from Ireland Lawrence (now ranking at no.11), Paul Lewis, Miles Davis (in at no.16), Dawn Hargadon, Rachel Thomas and Mike Bending.
* Slender PBs for Frank Luscott and Hayley Colebatch – both after having raced around the course many times over the last few years.
Series Results
The Bryan Markham Trophy was the reward for the series winner, based on the best 5 finishing positions in the 6 races. Congratulations to Steph King after a sparkling performance resulted in her being crowned the 2025 Handicap Series Champion, with Henry Eastman in 2nd place and Grant Womack 3rd. It was fitting that all 3 set PBs on the night.
20 runners competed in enough races to qualify, with 7 completing all 6 races.
Bragging rights have been put on hold in the Luscott household with the father/daughter pairing remarkably finishing on equal points at the end of the series.
We now know Ali Benwell’s lucky numbers – she ran in 5 races, finishing 14th on 3 occasions and 37th twice !
Well done to all the runners who competed throughout the series. Tom would have been proud of all of you and your achievements.
Edit – club records page will be updated in due course.