TEAM 3rd AS ELIOT LIFTS SUMMER TROPHY TO GO WITH THE WINTER ONE
Another golden evening for racing saw the Couriers making hay on the magnificent Blenkinsop estate. Eliot, troubled by fever of the above variety, finished in an unaccustomed 4th spot [out of 121 finishers] on the night [33.29] but his hat- trick of victories in the earlier fixtures had already secured him the title and honour of doing the winter and summer double, a rare achievement.
The team that clinched 3rd place in the Series was completed in this final race as in the previous two by Matt, 5th on the night in 33.54, Dave, who was miles ahead in the V50 Series competition, 9th in 35.14 and Larisa, battling hard with very little training in the legs, 27th [3rd female] in 38.27, which earned her a well-deserved 2nd place female medal for the Series. However, when considering the team event, we should also not forget the contribution of Sheryl, our sole female representative in the first race, whose efforts ensured a continuing interest in the team stakes. Without her, we would have been sunk.
There were several further award winners among the more gristly old Couriers, Russ [24th on the night, 38.09] scooping the V45 medal, Geoff [26th, 38.27] the V60 gong and Steve [22nd 38.00] the V65 prize. Shame Tim or Richard couldn’t make it to fill in the V55 gap, a category each won in individual events.
Ali, 85th on the night in 46.15, completed 3 races and ran with her usual economical style but has been hampered by persistent injuries which have prevented her doing herself justice.
Kev was ever-present, racing to 72nd in 44.32, just 4 days after the Snowdon mountain race. He was seen on film during this event so decided to apply make-up before his Shobdon run.
“There’s nowt wrong in wanting to look yer best, you know,” he explained afterwards,” it was just a bloomin nuisance that my eyeliner ran what with the sweat and all.”
But he denied that he had been wearing blue lipstick, claiming that any discolouration around the mouth was down to the bilbury muffins he had eaten pre-race mixed with his 6 o’clock stubble.
Finally, thanks on behalf of all Reds to Mike, Tony and Clive for yet again orchestrating a fine X-C series. Great courses, immaculate organisation and always a splendid atmosphere. We’re one lucky bunch of runners!
Croft Ambrey Running Club cordially invites members of Hereford Couriers to its annual game shoot on the above mentioned “magnificent Blenkinsop estate”. It is considered that the sluggish movement of the plodding Couriers runners will provide ideal target practice for the novice Croft marksmen. Please wear your red club vests to distinguish you from other innocent estate creatures e.g. tortoises, sloths, snails etc. Survivors will be rewarded with a commemorative t-shirt and a doughnut. Are you game ?