Perhaps the most important event in the
club calendar took place last Friday, in the form of the annual Christmas
Dinner and Presentation evening. The event was well attended and after a
delicious meal, Club Championship awards were presented, with the men's trophy
going, unsurprisingly, to club captain Gary Dunn. Gary has had a superb year,
coming 1st in many local races, and he also received the award for the most
improved male runner. 2nd in the club championship was the consistent
Richard Hall, with Phil Utley, also giving his all with every outing, 3rd.
Angela Hall, just as consistent as her husband, won the ladies' trophy with
Marian Codling 2nd and Pamela Sherlock 3rd. The award for the most improved
lady went to Hester Cox, and Phillip Craig, one of the most regular attender
at all sessions, won the Endeavour award. There has been rather disappointing
support for the Championship this year, and it is to be hoped more people will
become involved in 2008. The first race is the cross-country event at Whitby
on Jan 13th and a mini-bus will take runners to that fixture.
The Loftus Poultry Run, over 7+
undulating miles, on a lovely morning for running, took place on Dec 16th,
with over 500 runners competing for the wonderful array of dressed poultry on
display! Stephen Hepples of Newham and Essex Beagles comfortably won the race
in 41.50. Gavin Coventry had a good race, finishing 159th in an excellent
58.59. Pat Kirby, who was sadly missed off the reults list, and would
otherwise have come 2nd in her age group and collected a turkey, came 316th in
67.31, Fiona Bellas 358th in 69.53, Ian Codling 385th in 71.56, and Marian
Codling 478th, and 2nd in her age-group, did collect a turkey!
Have a good Christmas, and don't
forget the race on Jan 13th!