Report by Mike Blenkinsop
Following the excitement of the recent celestial spectacle 40 keen Croft runners lined up to try to eclipse their fastest times, and their fellow club mates, on the testing Bircher Common course. More favourable running conditions greeted the competitors for the 5th, and penultimate, race in the 2026 handicap series. Underfoot conditions on the sunbaked and parched Common were rock-hard and unforgiving after the recent heatwave, but the cooler weather inspired the runners to record a series of excellent times. An outstanding 15 PBs were set on the night plus 3 age-group records.
Bronwyn Preece led the inspired brigade as she stormed around the course 6 minutes quicker than last month and nearly 2 minutes clear of the pursuing field to register an emphatic victory. Bron romped down the final hill like a frolicking young filly wearing a beaming smile that extended into the next postcode, and it may still be worn for a few days hence. Next across the finish line was an equally delighted Christina La Monica, who carved a colossal 4.17 off last month’s debut run – a clear indication of training paying dividends. Completing the top 3 was another runner thrilled to re-discover better form : Nicola Luscott revelled in the milder conditions to record a time that was 3 minutes faster than July’s effort.
Maybe the star performance of the night was delivered by nifty Natalie “the Cyclone” Covill with a phenomenal 28.09 finishing time. Not only did Natalie overtake 21 other runners en route, but she set a new FV50 course record and her speedy time of 28.09 places her 2nd only to Mia Davies in the women’s rankings. The club’s female runners are competing with the recent sweltering weather by presenting a rich vein of hot form. Natalie’s new FV50 record overhauled Sam ‘The Harpoon”Harper’s short-lived reign with that title even though Sam herself, who seems to set a PB every time she runs at present, sliced a whole minute off her previous best to climb to equal 6th in the rankings.
Liza Austin, running on familiar terrain, is another who has discovered a new lease of life as she broke the FV60 course record. Sue Wood, who often seems to sneak unnoticed under the radar, again found the cooler conditions more to her liking and set a new FV70 course record by chopping over a minute off the existing record. Reachel Kenny, full of enthusiasm and determination, is another who is enjoying a purple patch and, on this occasion, demolished her best time by over 2 minutes.
One little intriguing friendly family battle is developing within the club with a father and son tussle for supremacy. The introduction of the speedy young Max George to the club has inspired father Dave George to start setting PBs just to stay ahead of the young upstart.
Just to prove that it ain’t solely a woman’s world of success, good old Nigel ‘The Tornado” Taylor lowered his own MV60 course record by 40 seconds.
There were lots of close finishes as the runners charged down the slope from Oaker Coppice followed by the short sprint to the finish line. This certainly tested the recorders and judges on the line. I think that we just about dealt with the onslaught.
The runners made the most of the cooler conditions but there is still no sign of rain to restore a bit of health and natural colour to the landscape. I am led to believe that Oli has been commissioned by Defra to perform a Morris Rain Dance. Not a Morris Minor result but a major rainstorm, we hope. Oli certainly looked in the mood to make things happen – he was another to record an impressive PB this evening.
Many thanks to all the helpers and marshals for their devoted assistance – your efforts are highly appreciated by everyone.
The 6th, and final, race in the 2026 handicap series will be upon us before we know it – just 2 weeks away on Tuesday 1st September. Who will win the Bryan Markham trophy ? There are a number of runners in contention and it can all change on the final evening.
