Mike B’s race report.
With signs of a very premature autumn surrounding us and the local swallows already lining up to prepare for their long emigration flight, the Croft Ambrey swallows were thankful to be just requesting “a day return to Oaker Coppice please” as they toed the start line for the penultimate race in the 2025 Bryan Markham Handicap Series. The runners were also pleased that the recent sweltering weather conditions, that would have made even Prince Andrew sweat like a one legged man in an arse kicking contest, had eased to a more runner-friendly state of affairs, which resulted in a number of outstanding performances.
It turned out to be an exciting action-packed race with the final result in question until the last few strides. Sam (the Harpoon) Harper was thrilled to continue her improvement after her injury layoff and she managed to overtake 13 runners en route to victory by the slender margin of just 4 seconds – by the skin of her teeth, dare I say ? Sam was doing her best impression of London buses having waited years to record a win, this was the 2nd for her this season. Sam’s final scalp, as the runners hurtled down the last hill, was a spirited Hayley Colebatch, who must have been daring to dream of glory until the Harpoon struck. No time for her to dwell on that, though, as Hayley was now involved in an intense battle with the fast-finishing Paul Lewis. Hayley dug deep to just hold off her pursuer by a single second. Great entertainment for the watching spectators. The rapidly improving Paul knocked a huge 2.34 off his previous best. Next across the line was a gallant Tom Davies who, despite his own health issues, has bettered his performances with each successive run in this season’s series.
There were several superb displays worthy of mention. The 2 fastest flyers of the night were the speedy AppleJuse boys with Sam Juson’s express 20.28 being just 9 seconds shy of his own course record and Eric Apperley’s rapid 21.25 being a mere 3 seconds short of his best. Henry Eastman illustrated that he is progressing well as he carved an enormous 2.06 off his PB and slotted himself in at no. 6 on the fastest times list.Jamie Symonds, in only his 2nd handicap race, broke his own Junior Men’s record by 50 seconds. The evergreen Guy Whitmarsh went within 12 seconds of his own MV80 course record, Simon (the Narwhal) Norwood probably was unaware that he was just 14 seconds off his old mate Nigel (Tinker) Taylor’s MV55 record – next time ?
Irina Whitfield, inspired by her recent altitude trip to the Alps, was a meagre one second slower than Kelly Bowen’s FV35 course record – did you know you were that close, Irina ? You do have the consolation, however, of climbing one place to no. 7 on the fastest times list. There was an impressive debut from Natalie Covill and her time of 30.49 shoots her straight into the Top 20 at no. 10. Ireland Lawrence converted her ultra -distance talents to the shorter distance with a massive PB by 2.17. Rachel Tyrrell, running only her 2nd race, finished with a time just outside the Top 20 – another target for next month ?
2 guest runners looked very accomplished as they cruised around the challenging course and Nina Walmsley’s lively display would have placed her as high as no. 2 on the fastest listings ! Time to sign up to the sky blue brigade ?
The evening’s entertainment continued to the very end as the final 2 runners, on this occasion, were embroiled in a determined sprint finish that was almost impossible to judge. We need VAR’s assistance.
The summer season is swiftly drawing to a close and the final race in the series will be held on Bircher Common just two weeks hence on Tuesday 2nd September. The end of the 6 race series will feature the award of the newly named Bryan Markham Trophy. This will be won by the runner who has recorded the lowest points total (based on finishing positions) in their best 5 out of 6 races. At present,on paper, there are 22 runners (some with a much better chance than others) still in contention to win this highly coveted prize.
Finally, many thanks, as always to the merry band of helpers who assist in making this event so successful.
