The Club Championship
The Championship this year was anticipated a little more eagerly than usual. A number of the hounds had shed weight and regained a little of their former glory and a new racing snake had joined the club and had as yet kept his powder dry. Would Bloodless and Shotgun finally be forced to share the trophies with another and would there be more than one contender?
Further back down the pack, individual battles would rage with everyone trying their best to claim the handicap prize, with the handicap committee having a new chair who, it was to be hoped, had brought his scientific prowess to the allocation of the times.
The weather had taken a wintry turn, with a plentiful fall of snow and sub- zero temperatures, so it was a chilly group of 21 that gathered at the entrance to the car park opposite the Boars Head in Higher Poynton. A few had jogged up and down the road to warm up, and then shed some clothes in order to keep the aerodynamic drag to a minimum. Some even resorted to shorts!
Starter Mason sent us on our way and managed to take a photo at the same time. The hounds set off up the track at considerable pace (in some cases) whilst further back a more modest start was undertaken. The ground was hard but surprisingly the grip was good if one avoided the obvious patches of ice. A fitful sun shone briefly but a chill wind encouraged energetic activity and we ran up the long track to the car park at the entrance of the park. It was surprising full, and the route we ran was quite busy, mainly with dog walkers.
The leaders soon outpaced the rest, but then went off trail after dropping into the gully, and briefly lost the lead to a surprised Butler who had given up hope of seeing them again. They didn’t slow to exchange pleasantries as they went past him again. Others also took alternative routes into the gully as the trail was lost for a brief time.
Burston was on duty at the end of the gully, happily greeting everyone as they raced (jogged) past. The three front runners, Shotgun, Bloodless and Jacko were challenging each other, none able to push on and take command. Behind them Blackshaw struggled to get on terms with Stanton, thinking he might get the Plodders Pot but not being aware that Jacko was that age as well. Butler followed them, unable to “get going” and then Eastwood, flying after some seasons of a more modest pace and keeping ahead of Fast Taylor.
Unable to find any local fauna to interfere with, Murray performed well to be just behind and was followed by a lively Potter and a sluggish Norman.
The Younger Ruddock had left his father to run on his own and rushed around the course to good effect, finishing only a few seconds later. A sprightly Park was a few seconds further back but there were bigger gaps between Merciless, Late Ruddock Jon Taylor (Guest), Wells, Whitworth and Bell. Early Taylor had set off, and finished, early while Shippers had decided to cut short the course due to the difficulty he found with the going. JJ taunted runners with his hot coffee as they passed and Ridings walked the course. Howarth ran as a non qualifier and finished after Merciless. Ian Jenkinson ran the course for fun and Riley was there for the meal.
The finish must have been very exciting for those at the finish to witness it. Shotgun prevailed by 1 second from the dark horse Jacko, with Bloodless losing out again in third. The early finishers were getting chilly by the time the less speedy made it back, and soon the changing rooms were filling. Of course the showers can only be used when all of us are ready, so the faster ones who had less to take off had to stand in the altogether as the slower ones peeled of the various layers. The showers were pretty hot.
The pub was nice and warm, and the beer excellent. The food was served somewhat early, just after 4 and was done well considering the awkwardness of the room which was pretty full with some 28 of us and some locals. The food was good, turkey etc and was followed some time later by Christmas Pud and custard.
Shippers dispersed the trophies with some alacrity, although Jacko had already left and he was due the second place glassware and he won the Plodders Pot for the fastest over 50. Steve Ruddocks award of the Handicap trophy had to be accepted by his father as he had also left early. Finally, Adrian West-Samuels returned from the toilet just in time to accept the Championship trophy. The formalities were completed by thanking the Timekeeper Mason, trail Layer Burston and the staff for their efforts.
More beer was consumed by the usual culprits as the numbers dwindled, braving the cold and snow to return home.
Very little comment was made of the handicaps, perhaps because Shippers didn’t give out the detailed times, only promising to email them later.