Run Report
It has been wonderful to see such big turnouts from Puffers at every MABAC event this season and Tuesday was no exception, with nineteen runners/walkers plus at least three others to give us moral support. This is the fourth year the June run has been held at Denbies vineyard and opinions about the course seem a bit like those for Marmite – some like it for the open terrain and views, others curse the long, understated hill that certainly takes its toll on the unwary. But its location and midweek timing have combined to make it one of the most popular events of the MABAC calendar.
Big turnouts put small clubs like us at a disadvantage as we simply can’t compete in terms of numbers with most of the other clubs. On Tuesday this was all too apparent. There were 378 runners and joggers altogether – 40 more than for the same event last year - so we were going to struggle to make ourselves noticed. But what we may lack in quantity we more than make up for in quality and in the circumstances we recorded another impressive overall result. Once again, it was a welcome mix of old and not so old faces, returnees, regulars and occasionals, and some very welcome youth.
First Puffer home, in 13th place overall and a time of 33 minutes 50 seconds was Warren Gibb in his first run for us since Windsor in February and recording another impressive time. Warren was one of five runners all finishing in a nine second band, suggesting there may have been sone interesting tussles on the course. He was followed by David Ebert, who finished in just under 35.5 minutes. David has been an ever present this season, regularly finishing in the top ten or thereabouts. So his lower place on Tuesday should be seen as an indication of the size and quality of the overall field. Just 80 seconds separated David from our next finisher, Craig Waddle, but nineteen places, another indication of the turnout. Just one place separated Craig from our next finisher, however, who was Ian Turner. Lovers of fun facts may like to know that Craig recorded exactly the same time this year as last – there’s consistency for you! – and last year too, just one place separated Craig and Ian (but Ian was half a minute faster this year). The last of our ‘extra points scoring’ male runners was Will Westlake, just under a minute behind Ian.
After Ian came Aimee Billington, our first lady finisher. Family and work commitments mean we don’t see as much of Aimee at MABACs as we would like, but when she is able to run she always puts in a fine performance. Tuesday was no exception, as she improved on her performance of last year by ten seconds. Our next lady home was Sam Shawyer, running only her third MABAC but seemingly at home in the muggy conditions and unfazed by the long hill, not quite managing a sub-45-minute finish. She was followed a couple of minutes later by Esme Holmes, who seems to take after her mother in being someone who looks as if she actually enjoys running! Our final two ‘extra points scoring’ ladies were Katie Westlake and Barbara Roussouw, whose close finish suggests that they may have changed positions once or twice on the way round.
Once again, however, we were fortunate to have ample support from other runners, all of them scoring valuable points. In order of finishing they were Alfie Day, followed by Oscar Lockyer. This was Oscar’s first MABAC (and his first run over 5km). Elder brother Dylan has turned in superb performances when he has turned out for us and Oscar’s impressive first-time result suggests we could see some sibling rivalry to come if only we can get the two of them on the course together! You were very welcome Oscar; we hope to see you regularly. After Oscar came Ian Holmes, Will Archer-Burton, and Hugo Bell, another first timer, who described it as ‘tough – all the worst parts of endure put together.’ Well done, Hugo, I can assure you that the next one is much easier! Then came Step Lockyer, Oscar’s dad. Step was injured at Reigate, so it was good to see him running again and hopefully fully recovered. And last but not least, two of our long-term regulars, Laurence Flavell and Katherine Sela. Mention must also be made of George James, who completed one lap as a jogger and Katie Wiggins. Katie had put in a great performance at Farnham last month and was going great guns before sadly having to withdraw through injury. We do hope she feels back on form quickly. And finally, thanks to our team of supporters – Chris Nash, and Martin and Winn Rose. Thank you and well done all. Apologies if I have overlooked anyone.
Despite being heavily outnumbered on the night we remain in third place in the league table, which is starting to spread out as the year progresses. Two of the biggest clubs, Epsom and DMV, are battling for the top slot but third place could go to any one of four clubs – Runnymede, Reigate, Wimbledon, and ourselves, so there is everything to run for over the coming months.
MABACs now take a break until Tuesday 4th August on Wimbledon Common. Wimbledon will be out in force for that one, so please put it in your diary, make every effort to come and bring a friend (better still, two!). But before then, it’s the Surrey Slog on 19th July for which we need help with marshalling. If you can help, please let me know
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