Harriers Festive Handicap

Fifteen Harriers donned the fancy dress this morning to compete in the Harriers' annual festive handicap over a distance of 4 miles. Each Harrier was assigned a time handicap and were set off individually with the intention that everyone should finish the five lap course at almost the same time if the handicapper has done a good job. First off today was Andy Henderson, a founding member of the Harriers 40 years ago, still running strong at 70 years old and who was ably assisted and accompanied on his run by Jim Mearns. Last off was Kai Wheeler, one of the youngest members now running for the senior Harriers and a long-term member of our junior section. 

With enthusiastic cheering from the supporting Harriers, the handicap gradually unwound with each passing lap. By the last lap, all the runners were on the same lap and we waited expectantly to see who would appear in the lead. And it was first timer at the handicap, Claire McSorley, who came flying through into the lead on the very last part of the last lap crossing the line without needing to use her witch's broom, in 29:45. A few seconds later Andy and Jim finished in 44:50 in what qualifies as a close finish by handicap standards!

Fastest time of the day went to Kai Wheeler in an impressive 24:55, especially as Kai had been competing on a very tough course in the West XC League at Linn Park the day before. Second and third were separated by only 2 seconds with Stephen Phimister just pipping last year's winner, junior Harrier, Francis Santangeli in 27:15 and 27:17 respectively.

Fastest lady was Rachel McPhillips in 27:51, the first of three from the McPhillips family competing. Second fastest was handicap winner Claire McSorley in an excellent 29:45, despite battling with a costume that was not well suited to the blustery conditions. Club president, Alison Lessells was third fastest in 32:21, a very strong run following a fine run in the West XC League the day before.

Thanks to all who participated and supported the event and to John McIntyre for taking many, many photos which will appear in the EK News sometime in the coming weeks.

Full results (scratch times) are here.

Alan

(a West XC League report will follow when the official league results are updated and published, which should be in the next few days).