Report by Mike Blenkinsop
We have reached the halfway stage of the 2025 Bryan Markham Handicap Series, with 3 speedy road races completed and now facing the challenge of 3 runs over the hills, woods and wide open spaces of the Bircher Burnup. The Leinthall Starkes event has been running since way back in 1989 but this latest tester, the 3rd variation of the off-road version, is just in its 4th year.Thankfully the recent strength-sapping heatwave had faded and the runners welcomed fresher and more runner-friendly conditions. Despite a sprinkling of rain during the day, Bircher Common still looked parched and drizeabone. 15th July is, in ancient folklore, the feast day of St Swithin and the auld rhyme goes ” St Swithin’s Day, if it doth rain – for 40 days it will remain”. I don’t think that I will be heading for the bookies to place a wager on that prediction. I do, however, bet that the nimble Mia Davies would welcome an annual repeat of this Groundhog Day equivalent as she stormed around the course to break her own women’s course record, set 3 years ago, by 16 seconds. The fleet-footed midwife was the star of the show this evening as she romped home to deliver the goods in style in a time of 26.36.
The popular winner of the race was one of Croft Ambrey R.C.’s founding members, the evergreen Tom Davies. Tom was first away and, despite being chased by 40 other determined runners, he maintained his lead to win by over a minute. Tom may not be as sprightly these days but he makes up for that with an abundance of commitment and resolve. 2nd across the finish line, looking strong and making his debut was a lively Paul Lewis – more to come from this fella, methinks. Completing the top 3 was birthday girl Steph King, who unleashed her trademark sprint finish and showed no mercy in galloping past newcomer Emma Jones just before the finish line to claim her birthday choccie bar.
There were a number of other outstanding performances on the night headed by a formidable debut performance by the dynamic Kath Hardwick, who set a new FV45 course record and entered the Top 20 female list at an impressive no. 4. The fast-improving Nicola Luscott sliced a huge 2.22 off her personal best to register the biggest PB of the night. A spirited Janet Hill set a breathtaking new FV70 course record. Ingrid Mason carved a massive 1.20 off her previous best. Irina Whitfield knocked 46 secs. off her best. There were 3 additions to the male listings – Grant Womack climbed one place to no. 9. Dave George, after too long an absence, turned back the years to enter at no 16. Jamie Symonds, making his debut, produced a gritty performance to set a new Junior Men’s course record.
11 runners made their debut over this challenging and scenic course. There would have been little time to admire the extensive and attractive views from the upper part of the course or to indulge in any hippy tree-hugging.But, on a day when 2 mindless morons were jailed for the wanton destruction of the iconic and cherished Sycamore Gap tree ( I am so pleased that I visited this prominent landmark whist it stood proudly), we should all feel lucky to have the freedom to enjoy running in such a delightful area.
Many thanks, as always. to the cheerful and enthusiastic gang of helpers for this event.
The penultimate (aaaagh, is the summer flying by so quickly ?) race in the handicap series will be held on Tuesday 19th August.
