News from South London Harriers
May 19th, 2007: Farthing 5k Race Report
Posted by Chris Phelan at 1:08 pmRead Peter Emery’s great report on the Farthing 5k race below. Photos appear on the Farthing 5 page (SLH events):
What would the gods devise? After days of rain and a month late April showers, would the Farthing 5, sponsored by Runathon, be a washout?
With birthday boy Richard Carter at the control tower, it was chocks away shortly after 8am at the Clubhouse. Jake on late entries, Janet and Danke (from Runathon) on stuffing goody bags, Colin on kit and Mark on sorting out the tables and chairs. Everything was going smoothly if one forgets the fact that the pre ordered medals had yet to arrive. They were due to be delivered at 7.30 in the morning by a parcel carrier, and as in wasn’t Parceline, there were serious questions about their arrival!
I call on the mobile from Mrs C. to hubby confirmed they had finally made it, so an advanced guard was dispatched to collect the consignment and unite these momentos with the water and goody bags. Then another cry goes out ‘Can you collect some pins’. Too late, the advanced guard had advanced too far, and Plan B was sprung into action.
It is a strange fact, probably the world over, that experienced runners can turn up on the day with everything they need except safety pins. Probably every runner has a stash of fifty somewhere at home, acquired over the years, accumulated through turning up at starts not fully prepared….
The entries trickled in. The gods had been benign. It was sunny, with a brisk wind, but not wet and neither too hot nor too cold. We would have nearly seventy at the start.
A quick look around before the off. Who would win? Would it be a home triumph or would Belgrave Harriers gain victory through Mark Humphrey, who had forsaken his club strip to wear his Surrey vest?
Around the course, marshals and flags were in place, dog walkers were warned of impending running feet and there was an air (almost) of eager anticipation. Mark Burtwell, ‘official photographer, sponsored by Box Brownie’ was poised to capture the moment of the ‘off’, whilst his bike was held alongside for him to jump on and ride up to the tea-rooms (sic) and capture the crocodile of human exertion at the highest point on the course.
Apparently he only just made it! Either the early pace was strong, or, maybe, Mark is just not much of a cyclist. We have yet to see the product of his work this morning, to determine the quality of this. No doubt the website will soon be awash, and then we can determine if he should stick to cycling!!
There was an early breakaway of three, Humphrey taking it on, flanked by the SLH vests of Mike Airey and Jim Burdett, who came third last Sunday in the East Grinstead Triathlon. A few yards further back it was Andy Davies, then just behind, the first lady, Pippa Major, racing alongside Clive Edgington. The home Club had five out of the top six.
Behind them there was a stream of runners of all shapes, sizes and styles, who had overcome the first hill and were trickling through the stony path taking them from Farthing Downs through to Happy Valley.
But, there had already been drama. As early as the first bend four horse riders had found themselves wanting to cross the course of the race. Two got out of the way, but two stopped, though the balance of power between rider and animal appears to have momentarily switched. Whilst one horse veered towards the runners, fortunately, not coming into any contact with anyone. The other one decided it was the right opportunity to ditch its rider. Whilst the poor equestrian hit the ground unceremoniously, though apparently unhurt, the horse decided to bolt off. Apparently it was making good ground and could have been the overall winner, but he hesitated when it got to the road, half jumped, and went skidding on the tarmac.
It appears that this must have been the chance for recapture.
Now, Andy Collins does have ‘previous’ for marshalling at Club events. He has at least twice got fields to go the wrong way, and on at least one of these occasions he was more than ably assisted by London Pride. This was his chance to make amends. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Whether Andy gave pursuit on foot or on bike, (he is the English Duathlon silver medallist in his age group after all), is not known, but he apprehended the aforementioned beast, only for it to stamp on him. The horseshoe print on his Misuno trainers was being worn with pride, (Pride?), after the race.
But up ahead the race has shaken itself out. Jim Burdett had pulled clear of Mike Airey, who in turn had put some distance in over Mark Humphrey. In the end it was a comfortable win for Jim in 17m 58s, who is now the proud holder of this new course’s record. Mike managed 18m 16s, with Mark coming in third at 18m 37s.
Behind it was Andy Davies, Clive Edgington and then in sixth overall, and first women, so also the new course record holder, Pippa Major. Her time was 20m 25s, and she was also first V35.
Second woman, 19th overall, was Jo Quantrill, also SLH, in 22m 23s. She was first V45. Ceara Joyce, Epsom Oddballs was third woman, and 23rd overall, in 23m 24s. Marketa Martins, again SLH, was first ’senior’ woman home.
The men’s Vets to note were Mike Airey, first V40, in second, and Clive Edgington, 5th, first V50. Clive Beauvais of Ranelagh Harriers, was narrowly first V60, and 17th overall.
There were 69 finishers in total, last being Dierdre MacLeod is a creditable 35m 34s, bearing in mind the terrain.
Whilst there are lots of individual stories to tell, one comes to mind. Natalie Smith had emailed the organisers, concerned about entering. She had only raced once before, and thought she might be last! She also had a sore hip. After a little gentle persuasion, and a white lie about the severity of the hills, she agreed to run. She did. She finished 36th in under 26 minutes, no mean achievement. She asked at the end what time the winning woman had run it in. When the official said he wasn’t sure, put pointed out who Pippa was, Natalie went over to congratulate her and ask for some training tips. Another new recruit to the sport!
So, with the finishers rewarded with their Runathon goody bag, a medal and a bottle of water, it was back to the Clubhouse for showers/tea/results/chat/recovery. (delete as appropriate).
Despite a malfunctioning printer, the ‘ageing’ Mr Carter was able to announce the winners and make the presentations, reminding all of the other forthcoming SLH events this summer, (full details of which were in the goody bag and are on the website).
However, in an enormous faux pas, Richard managed to go through his announcements and thanks to everyone, but forgot to credit the sponsors, Runathon! (Who, as it says on the good bag, are based in Surrey Street, Croydon, and offer a fine range of running and other sports equipment). He remembered almost immediately, and put right his early omission.
So then it was say goodbye, put everything away and lock up. Nine people had taken advantage of the Club’s special offer of joining on the day and getting membership through to September 30th for £5. Reduced race entry for £3, membership for a fiver AND a goody bag. Does this generosity never end?
So Saturday continues. Some had taken their exercise, others prepare themselves for the Cup Final, and the odd horse rider rubs her bruises.
Should we do it all again, sometime?
Peter Emery
Posted in Cross Country
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